A Morning of Community and Reflection at the Compass Learning Centre

As the dawn breaks on Eid, the air at the Compass Learning Centre fills with more than just the early morning chill — it buzzes with anticipation, unity, and the spirit of community. Eid morning has a special kind of magic at the Compass Learning Centre, where the dawn brings more than just the sun—it brings the community together in a celebration that starts with prayers and continues over breakfast. It’s not formally titled an initiative; it’s simply what happens when hearts and hands come together to share in the joy of the day.

It’s an initiative that has been nurtured with love and dedication by the volunteers from the surrounding community, transforming a meal into a bridge between hearts, fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness.

Speaking with Mufti Fuad, one of the founders and trustee of the Compass Learning Centre, it was clear that the initiative is an endeavour of love and vision. “Our aim was always to create a space where everyone, especially those without family nearby, can come and enjoy the first meal of the day as a community,” Mufti Fuad explained. The inspiration, he revealed, comes from the Sunnah, emphasising making Eid a happy day for those less fortunate through acts of brotherhood, sharing, and empathy.

“Our aim was always to create a space where everyone, especially those without family nearby, can come and enjoy the first meal of the day as a community,” – Mufti Fuad

In the spirit of Eid, the act of giving Fitra, an obligatory charity, is a profound practice that embodies the principles of empathy, generosity, and community support. This tradition, deeply rooted in our religion, ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can participate in the joy and celebration of Eid. Inspired by this beautiful aspect of the Sunnah, the Compass Learning Centre’s eid breakfast gathering seeks to extend the essence of Fitra beyond monetary aid, nurturing a community where care, compassion, and connection are shared abundantly. Just as Fitra allows every individual to contribute to the well-being of the less fortunate, our initiative invites everyone to partake in a communal celebration that starts with a shared meal, reinforcing the ties of brotherhood and mutual support, Mufti Fuad explained.  This practice is a reminder of the importance of looking out for one another, especially on such a blessed day, ensuring that the joy of Eid is multiplied and experienced collectively, in accordance with the Sunnah’s emphasis on communal care and happiness.

This year, the initiative welcomed 400 worshippers, and despite a brief hiccup when the food momentarily ran out due to many attendees not registering their interest, the incredible dedication of our volunteers shone brightly. They had sacrificed sleep and family time, working tirelessly throughout the night to ensure everything was prepared. Their relentless spirit quickly got the event back on track, resuming cooking and serving a diverse menu that blended cultures with both traditional and English dishes. Their hard work and selflessness are a testament to the community spirit that fuels this initiative.

Yet, the heart of the initiative beats beyond the food. “It’s about the people, the smiles, the chatter, and the community,” Mufti Fuad reflected. This sentiment echoed through the halls, reminding me of the unseen threads of brotherhood that bind us. The initiative serves as an emotional reminder of our shared humanity, highlighting the importance of empathy and community spirit.

One of the most moving moments of this year’s gathering was the sermon delivered by Maulana Akmal, that resonated deeply with all present. He reminded us of the bravery, resilience, patience, and Taqwa of the people of Palestine. Reflecting upon their characteristics, he suggested, is a way we can better ourselves and, in doing so, extend our blessings, support, and prayers to them. He recounted the moving story of a Palestinian mother speaking to a European journalist. Despite living in conditions akin to a prison, conditions that moved the journalist to tears, the mother urged her not to cry. They viewed their trials as blessings, opportunities to draw closer to Allah—a powerful reminder of the essence of Taqwa.

The impact of the Eid breakfast initiative is heartwarming, fostering a deeper sense of unity and belonging. “We’ve seen it over the years,” Mufti Fuad noted. “People have come up to me, expressing how much they’ve enjoyed the event and wishing for it to be replicated in other areas and communities.”

Mufti Fuad’s vision is clear: “We would like other organisations to emulate this initiative, if not better it. We want every community, especially those that are resource-poor, to have such facilities on Eid.”

“We would like other organisations to emulate this initiative, if not better it. We want every community, especially those that are resource-poor, to have such facilities on Eid.” – Mufti Fuad

Reflecting on my experience and the insights shared by Mufti Fuad, the Eid breakfast initiative at Compass Learning Centre is more than an event; it’s a blueprint for building stronger, more empathetic communities. It’s a call to action for all organisations to create spaces that celebrate our shared humanity, not just on Eid but every day.

As we look forward to future Eids and similar initiatives, let’s carry forward the lessons of brotherhood, empathy, and community spirit. The Eid breakfast initiative is not just a celebration of a religious milestone; it’s a celebration of what it means to be part of a community—a reminder that together, we can make every day a happy day for everyone.