Yesterday people from all  backgrounds came together at an anti-racism celebration in Preston at the same time as an English Defence  League(EDL) March.

Many aspects of the day were so special, so unique an so unprecedented that mere words fail to do justice to the scale and magnitude of the experience.

I have been inundated with text, calls and messages from those who were fortunate to have been part of this special day and historic event.

Saturday 20th February was the day chosen by the EDL to have their national demonstration in Preston.  However, the EDL's chosen date, became the date Preston became 'ONE' and unified in a way never before seen.  

On this day each and every Masaajid  and Madaaris of Preston, regardless of difference, unified for the 'One Preston, One Community' Celebration - Alhamdulillah.  

This in itself was a unique and unprecedented event worthy of celebration in itself.  We were finally all brothers and sisters who were united in our deen of Islam, to promote, celebrate and advocate the true meaning of Islam in a way never seen before in the UK.  

The Muslim community of Preston was being publicly slurred and attacked on this day, however the response from the community was just one of love, peace, harmony and a display of selfless generosity which brought tears to my eyes and many non-Muslims who witnessed it. 

What is our religion - if it is not one of peace, mercy and compassion to all our fellow humanity.

In fact, the Muslim generosity was not restricted to a select few.

At one point during the celebration three members of the EDL decided to wander over to our 'Celebration' side.  The ring of police promptly prevented them from coming too close.  However, a representative from Noor Masjid told the police to allow them in. 

The three promptly walked into the 'Celebration', where they were served food of their choice, ate and then calmly walked back over to their side.  However, before walking back, one of the three EDL hugged and thanked the Noor Masjid representative.  So - the EDL came, the EDL ate and Islam conquered.  Alhamdulillah - how wonderful, amazing and breathtakingly beautiful is the religion Islam.  

I truly believe that the 'One Preston One Community' event was a great event and more importantly the Muslims of Preston did our community proud in a show of complete selfless generosity.

The EDL were marginalised into becoming an irrelevant insignificance on the day.  In fact, many a times people, me included, forgot that the EDL were there.

We started this journey with the sole aim of wanting to re-write the narrative for when the far-right visit a town or city in the UK.  It honestly makes me proud to say that Preston re-wrote the narrative 'big time'.  In fact, we have set the benchmark so high, I really cannot see other towns and cities being able to emulate us.

It goes without saying, that this was a collective effort from the Muslim community of Preston.  Hence, Jazakallah to all the Masaajid, Maadaris, ulema, brothers, sisters and little children that helped to make this event what it has been.  It truly would not have been possible without everyone's help. 

Some of us get all the credit due to being in the limelight, however may Allah shower his blessings on all the unsung heroes who:

- cooked the food;
- prepared the desserts;
- made and served the refreshments:
- prepared the beautiful roses;
- wrapped the sweets;
- baked the cakes;
- blew up the balloons;
- stewarded the event;
- provided the Caligraphy;
- made the videos;

And so much more.

This was a truly, remarkable and unique event, because no one did this anticipating a financial reward or any status in the eyes of this world.

They did this for the sake of their beautiful deen.  And as such, the reward for their efforts can only come  from their Creator.

May Allah make the reward, the best of recompense for all their hard work and efforts.


(Mukhtar Master 'One Preston One Community')