JEDDAH: The Islamic Education Foundation women’s section yesterday organized a 12-hour bazaar, an oriental buffet and a documentary film and exhibition concerning the life of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) and his impact on women’s lives.

Lamya Shaheen, one of those responsible for Dawa for non-Arabic speakers in the foundation’s women’s section, Al-Hamra branch, said that this event was designed to appeal to non-Arabic speakers who live in the Kingdom as well as Muslims who do not speak Arabic.

“We want expatriates and Muslims who don’t speak Arabic to come and get introduced to information about Islam. We have an art gallery, a bazaar and a buffet. We made it like a market day,” Shaheen told Arab News.

In the entry, large posters with information about the moral standards and character of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) were on the walls. “We have also put large posters on the roof with information about his influence on women in general,” Shaheen explained.

“The idea is to introduce Islam and convey the message to people who have lived here for years but haven’t been exposed to any tradition or the genuine religion of Islam,” she added.

The center teaches Islam to whoever is interested and of course to those who were born Muslim but need more information about their religion or who need to practice Islam in a better way.

“We invited American and the British women’s groups. We also invited nurses from hospitals and compounds where we try to spread Islam,” Shaheen said.

“We felt that this was a great way to get people to come and see that Muslims do have art, manners and ethics. Also, Mohammed (pbuh) really helped women which is not what many non-Muslims think based on what is in the media.”

Twenty-seven artists, both men and women, exhibited work in the art gallery. The documentary film concerns the Prophet (pbuh), and according to Shaheen, “The film is meant to tell the story of the Prophet (pbuh), his mission and the revelations he experienced. It’s a very informative film and people need to know these things,” Shaheen added.

Um Ameen, an American who is married to a Saudi and who converted to Islam 17 years ago, was among those at the market day. “I learned about the center from a Muslim British friend because I was new to Jeddah,” said Um Ameen.

“I think the paintings and the Islamic art are wonderful. Also, seeing Arab products and spices - I think it’s nice to support women, especially that the bazaar proceeds will go to those who need it,” she added. Antonella, an Italian woman in the Kingdom with her husband, commented on the documentary film. “I’ve only been here for 15 months and I found the film very interesting. I knew a bit about the history of Islam but the film dealt with things in depth and was very informative.”