The Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times were given exclusive access to attend the UK Ijtima at Shrubland Park in Barham on Saturday evening.
Ijtima, which translates to gathering, took place over four days and those attending arrived to attend and prayer together and teachings.
Three venues had been shortlisted to host the event, including the London ExCel, NEC Birmingham and Shrubland Estate, with agreements not reached at the larger city venues.
The event had been described by the Shrubland Estate as a “spiritual development and community values, not a political event or protest”.
Ipswich Star reporter Oli Picton was invited to the event (Image: Oli Picton)
Large tents were built on the site to provide both an area for people camping at the event, but also an area for people to pray out of the sun.
The tents provided sleeping quarters, prayer spaces, eating areas and stages for the lectures (Image: Supplied)
A Mid Suffolk Council spokeswoman had previously confirmed no activities at the event required a licence.
People of all ages and nationalities were present at the event (Image: Oli Picton)
Ipswich councillor Ruman Muhith who has assisted organisers said: “I had the opportunity to attend the UK Ijtima at Shrubland Estate on both Friday and Saturday, and I was pleased to see first-hand a well-organised, peaceful and professionally managed event.
“Throughout my time at the gathering, I observed a strong emphasis on community, respect and good order. The arrangements for attendees, welfare, stewarding and the overall operation of the event were of a very high standard, and it was evident that a considerable amount of planning had gone into ensuring everything ran smoothly.
Councillor Ruman Muhith said attendees did so in a respectful and orderly manner. (Image: Shrubland Estate)
“The thousands of people who attended did so in a respectful and orderly manner, and during my visit I witnessed no issues of concern. The atmosphere was welcoming, family-oriented and centred on faith, reflection and positive community values.
“Events such as these demonstrate the positive contribution that faith communities continue to make to our society. They bring people together, promote understanding and encourage values of compassion, service and mutual respect, which benefit the wider community.”
Organisers addressed pressing questions that had arisen on social media regarding the organisation behind the Ijtima.
The missionary group Nizam Uddin is banned by some Middle Eastern nations like Saudi Arabia, this is due to political fears that large gatherings teaching fundamental Islamic principles such as democracy could stir up resentment against regimes.
Islamic Relief, which is one of the largest charities in the world, is also banned in the region with autocratic governments not wanting to be seen in a poor light, but has led some to believe that there are links to terrorism.
Crowds and traffic were managed all day, with most people keeping themselves to themselves (Image: Oli Picton)
What our reporter saw:
Event organisers were onsite throughout the four days to communicate with the local council, police and visistors (Image: Oli Picton)
I attended the event on a Saturday evening, which was the busiest day of the four and was welcomed by everyone there.
I wore a Thawb, a traditional, ankle-length, loose-fitting robe worn primarily by men. I was not required to do so but wished to ensure I was appropriately dressed.
Arriving in the evening, the event was well managed, and there were trained security and high-viz marshals across the entire site managing both crowds and traffic.
Shrubland Estate which is privately owned, allowed for a space where Muslims of all ages, could come together, sharing stories and listening to lectures.
Calls to prayer were spoken through speakers, which inside the estate appeared to be at a level for those attending not to disturb the wider community.
The event had been blessed with great weather after a gloomy start to the day (Image: Oli Picton)
Alongside the tents there were food vendors, ice cream and market stalls.
Litter and rubbish were collected in bags and stacked together, and litter picks were carried out by volunteers from the various groups at the event all helping to keep the park clean.
Officers from Suffolk Police were stationed nearby in the grounds, to both aid with road closures but also to provide security.
Cllr Muhith added: “I would like to commend the organisers, volunteers and everyone who worked behind the scenes to deliver such a successful event. Their professionalism and dedication were evident throughout, and they deserve recognition for the care and commitment they demonstrated over many months of planning.
“I also wish to thank Suffolk Police, the emergency services, Mid Suffolk District Council and all partner agencies for their work in supporting the event and helping to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
