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Women’s workshop held in Kyiv region was educational for both the students and the teachers.

“We take many elementary things for granted, and never really pay much attention to them — so the vivid interest other people had for them made us look on what has been our daily life for many years from a different perspective. It was an unforgettable experience of self-observation for us. We came here to teach our new sisters in faith some elementary things, but this trip taught us even more.”

It bears reminding that the workshop held on October 30 — November 3 at a recreational camp in Kyiv region brought 35 new Muslimahs from all over Ukraine together to listen to 5 teachers from the AUASO “Alraid”. Participants from Vinnytsya, Kharkiv, Sumy, Odessa, Zaporizhzhya, Dnipropetrovsk and even Donetsk will not only have rest in one of the Ukraine’s picturesque places, but also learn the necessities, such as basis of Islam, Ghusl and Wudu, praying, and have an overview of a Muslimah’s wardrobe, Islamic ethics, the concept of “golden mean”, importance of repenting and constant self-improving, ethics of interpersonal communication.

The women showed their great interest in the fields of allowed and forbidden actions in dealing with the opposite sex in and out of wedlock, and some topical issues of the family life. They found out that most of their knowledge of the topic was just a set of common stereotypes having nothing to do with Islam as such. Practicing Psychologist Ms.Tanzilya Issa never limited herself with theory and gave some practical advice of building a strong and healthy family ties that last over the long time, despite all the life hardships.

And, of course, beautiful nature, new friends, life stories, walks in the forest, joint tea-parties and photosets made the whole thing not only useful, but joyful as well. The main surprise (a copy of Ukrainian translation of the meanings of the Holy Qur’an as a present for each participant), however, had to be revealed early, for the women kept asking questions where they could buy that book. Besides the Qur’an, every participant was presented with “Maryam”-branded teacup with “Don’t forget to say “Bismillah” before you drink!” reminder on the other side, so the hot tea and good memories will give them warmth in the cold season coming.