The Salaam Centre Gala Dinner

Celebrating our community, building the future

SPONSORED BY THE LADY FATEMAH (A.S.) CHARITABLE TRUST

WEMBLEY STADIUM

OCTOBER 7 • 5PM

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The Salaam Centre team welcomes you to its second fundraising and networking Gala Dinner at another one of London’s iconic venues - Wembley Stadium. The evening, sponsored by The Lady Fatemah (A.S.) Charitable Trust, promises to be one of fantastic food and exciting live entertainment.

Tonight is your chance to experience what The Salaam Centre is all about and to help us to raise funds. We’re here to show you what has driven our vision and inspired us to create a truly unique type of centre.

Integral to The Salaam Centre are people like you; individuals with goodwill, energy and passion coming together to make the societies and communities in which they live, flourish and develop. If our vision inspires you and you would like to become a part of making it a reality, please come and speak to a member of our dedicated team of volunteers to see how we can work together.

Nabil Abdulrashid

Nabil Abdulrashid is an award-winning comedian and writer. His TV career is flourishing, with appearances on shows including: Live at the Apollo (BBC Two), Celebrity Masterchef (BBC One), Have I Got News for You (BBC Two), 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (C4), House of Games (BBC Two), The Big Narstie Show (C4) and will soon be seen on QI (BBC Two).

A practising Muslim, Nabil was also a ‘pilgrim’ on BBC Two’s faith-based show Pilgrimage. Nabil is an acclaimed stand up who has performed comedy all over the UK, and across the world and is recognised for his “sardonic intelligence and sharp eye for the absurdities of racial discourse” (The Guardian).

In his last tour show, entitled N.A.B.I.L (Nobody Actually Believed I’d Last), he shared hilarious stories about his experiences of the school system in Nigeria, his return to England, how he spent a short time in prison and started performing comedy upon his release. The show was declared “moving and captivating as well as split-your-sides funny” (Evening Standard) and Nabil was praised for his “genuine humanity… an easy comic to like even before he holds you rapt with his various misadventures” (Chortle).

In August 2023, Nabil made his debut appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with his new show “The Purple Pill” and is headed on a UK wide tour from Autumn 2023 and into early 2024.

Programme of Events

17.00 - DOORS OPEN

17.30 - DRINKS RECEPTION

VIEW THE FA CUP AND CHAT WITH JOHN BARNES

18.36 - MAGHRIB SALAAH

19.15 - QUR’AN RECITATION BY SAYED JALAL MASOOMI

SALAAM CENTRE VIDEO

19.30 - VIDEO MESSAGE BY SADIQ KHAN, MAYOR OF LONDON

KEYNOTE SPEECH BY NAZ SHAH MP

19.35 - SPEECH BY ZARA MOHAMMED, MCB

19.40 - NASHEED BY THE WHITE MOON ENSEMBLE

19.50 - BUILDING THE FUTURE - THE SALAAM CENTRE TALK

20.00 - DUA BY SYED MILANI

FUNDRAISING PLEDGES

20.15 - STARTERS

SALAAM CENTRE VIDEO

20.55 - COMEDY BY NABIL ABDULRASHID

SALAAM CENTRE VIDEO

21.20 - AUCTION

21.40 - MAIN COURSE

22.20 - RAFFLE FOLLOWED BY DESSERT AND TEA

TONIGHT’S MC: HAYDER AL-KAZAZ

Introducing your host for tonight’s Gala Dinner - Hayder Al-Kazaz.

Hayder is a trailblazer in the world of finance, and has embarked on an impressive journey in business intelligence, currently holding the position of Business Development Director.

He’s also a seasoned public speaker, with a string of accolades under his belt from award ceremonies to community events. Over the past 12 years, Hayder has lent his captivating voice to various media streams through voice-overs and has charmed audiences as a host and presenter at a variety of events.

His commitment to the community shines brightly as he imparts Islamic wisdom to children through enlightening lectures and channels his creativity as a poet for Shia eulogies. Hayder is also the co-founder of the remarkable community service initiative Al-Haraka Al-Hussainiya.

Get ready for an evening of inspiration and empowerment with Hayder as our MC.

SAYED JALAL MASOOMI

Sayed Jalal Masoomi is originally from Afghanistan, and is now a resident of the UK. He is a world renowned Qur’an Reciter, public figure and judge of international competition and talent shows.

He has a Masters in Diplomacy and International Relations from the Diplomatic University of Madrid, and is a candidate of a Professional Doctorate at Middlesex University of London.

He has been a lecturer at The Islamic College of London. He is the founder of Al-Furqan Dar Al-Qur’an in London. He works as a Producer, Director and Composer in private TV stations in London.

He was the first person in the UK who won at the International Qur’an Competition.

THE WHITE MOON ENSEMBLE

Tonight, in celebration of the birth of the Prophet, we are honoured to have a rendition of Tala‘ al-Badru ‘Alayna by the wonderful group The White Moon Ensemble.

This is the oldest nasheed recorded in the Islamic tradition. It is a beautiful expression of love and yearning for the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) as people welcomed him to the city of Medina following his migration.

Hassen Rasool

Hassen is the Creative Director and Producer of the White Moon Ensemble. What drives Hassen is the desire to reconnect with the divine, and create heavenly harmony and experiences here and now with the gift of his voice and creativity.

Waseelah Smedley

Waseelah is a classically trained musician and the Co-Producer of the White Ensemble. Classically trained and grounding her practice in musicology, Waseelah aligns the past and present, between traditional and technological. She is dedicated to transforming how we understand the essence of music itself, building soundscapes with an emotionally charged voice that resonates to the core.

Kansia Pritchard and Elena Martinez

A supremely gifted duo of composers and instrument makers who are deeply connected to nature, offering authentic cultural melodies that will take you back in time.

Abdullah Mufa

Abdullah is a Percussionist, Drummer and Ney Blower. He has performed at the Glastonbury Festival with Naqshbandi whirling dervishes in 2003 and 2005. He also has recorded a session on the Bombay Dub Orchestra album “3 Cities” and appeared on the main stage at the Big Chill Festival in 2008.

Sayed Jalal Masoomi

Sayed Jalal Masoomi is originally from Afghanistan. He is a world renowned Qur’an Reciter, master vocalist, public figure and judge of international competition and talent shows.

Meet our Keynote Speakers

Naz Shah

Naz Shah is the Shadow Minister for Crime Prevention in the Home Office. She was previously the chair of a mental health charity, worked as a carer for disabled people, as an NHS Commissioner and a director for a regional association supporting local councils.
In April 2020 Naz was appointed Shadow Minister for Community Cohesion, having previously served as Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities and served on the Home Affairs Select Committee. Naz is Co-Chair of the All Parliamentary Party Group on Muslim Women and also sits on APPGs for Bangladesh, British Muslims, Consular Services and Assistance, Domestic Violence and Abuse, Hajj and Umrah, Islamic Finance, Race and Community, Religion in the Media.
John Barnes

A legend of English football, John Barnes graced the football field, cementing his place in history during his years as an iconic winger at Watford and Liverpool. The Jamaican-born dribbler was the first Black player to win the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award in 1988, paving the way for future stars from underrepresented groups. He won two league titles and two cup finals with Liverpool, and earned 79 international caps for England.
Since hanging up his boots, he has continued to make an impact by continuing to speak out as an advocate of racial equality and the importance of diversity. His book ‘The Uncomfortable Trust about Racism,’ in which he discussed the prejudice he has faced thoughout his life, has influenced the global conversation around intolerance that’s seen on the football pitch and beyond.
Zara Mohammed

Zara Mohammed was elected as the youngest and first female Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain. She has served on the executive team of the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) and was elected as its first female President in 2016.
Zara has contributed to public consultations including Muslim women and employment, and Islamophobia. She is passionate about empowering young people and supporting women in her community.

Auction

We have an exciting and exclusive collection of auction items available, don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!

5 of our most exclusive items will only be available to bid on at the event to our esteemed gala dinner guests! However, we also have an exciting collection of items available at our silent auction which anyone can participate in, make sure you check them out, and share them with your nearest and dearest.

Silent Auction

Khabib Nurmagomedov is a former mixed martial artist. Hailing from Dagestan, he was the Lightweight UFC champion holding the longest undefeated streak in MMA history with 29 wins before retiring in March 2021. He was also the first Muslim to win a UFC title.

The official UFC glove, signed by Khabib, is similar to the ones he wore in the Octagon. It comes with a certificate of authenticity and is framed.

This beautiful Zulfikar Sword is made from the marble of Imam Ali’s (as) shrine in Najaf, Iraq, presented in anornate decorative frame.

Size: 32cm by 52.5cm

An exclusive chance to relax and enjoy a sumptuous four course halal dining experience preceded with a mocktail reception and canapés at 8 Waterloo Place, St James’s. You and 11 of your chosen guests will enjoy a private lunch or dinner along with two 1762 RBC Brewin Dolphin directors.

*Subject to availability. To be taken by April 30th April 2024. Lunch reservations (Monday – Friday), dinner reservations (Monday – Thursday). Booking is for you and up to 11 guests plus two 1762 RBC Brewin Dolphin directors (total of 14 guests).

Kindly donated by 1762 RBC Brewin Dolphin.

The “Shajarul Haya” carpet also known as “The Trees of Life” is an authentic hand woven rug, knotted on a wooden hand loom in the ancient historical city of Esfehan, some 440 km south of Tehran, Iran. This intricate rug took two master weavers approximately nine months to create and comes with a guarantee of authenticity.

The warp, weft and fringe are pure natural silk and the pile is pure wool with pure natural silk highlights throughout the motifs. The dyes are all natural vegetable dyes taken from saffron, henna , barks of wood, walnuts skins, bay leaves and pomegranates.

“The trees of Life” which symbolise life, fertility, and growth, is a 16th Century Persian design from the great “Arts & Crafts Rennaisance” era of the Safavid Dynasty.

Size : 2.07m x 1.32m (6ft 9 inch x 4ft 4inch), knot density of over 500,000 knots per square metre

Kindly donated by The Imam Hussein Foundation.

This latest addition to the artist’s acclaimed series is inspired by the Ummah’s diversity and their shared spiritual journey. This painting depicts the rich cultural tapestry and the unbreakable bond that unites them through their collective spiritual journey with colourful brush strokes. This artwork beautifully celebrates the Ummah’s diversity while also reflecting the unity found in their common quest for spiritual enlightenment.

Raffle

Secret Garden Afternoon Tea at Kona for 2, and overnight stay at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites with breakfast and a spa treatment at J Wellness Circle

Donated by TNV