Baraka’s Open House
BKF Project
Baraka’s Open House is a monthly gathering of individuals who share a passion for discussing and exploring important topics, current events, wisdom, and poetry. The event was established in memory of Baraka Khan, a beloved individual passionate about inspiring others through meaningful conversations and discussions. Her wish was to create a space where people could come together, share their perspectives and leave feeling uplifted and inspired.
Baraka’s Open House is a unique opportunity for individuals from all walks of life to come together and engage in meaningful discussions. It’s a place where people can share their thoughts, opinions and experiences with one another in a respectful and inclusive environment. The topics discussed at Baraka’s Open House are diverse and cover various subjects, from current events to wisdom and poetry. Participants are encouraged to bring their own perspectives and experiences to the table, making each gathering a truly unique experience.
In addition to providing a space for discussion and growth, Baraka’s Open House also serves as a way to celebrate the life and legacy of Baraka Khan. Her spirit of compassion, wisdom and generosity lives on through the conversations and interactions at each gathering. The event is a testament to her passion for bringing people together and inspiring them to impact the world positively.
Baraka’s Open House, 27th August 2016
On this occasion,Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad (Professor T.J Winter), gave a short talk. He shared reflections on the metaphysical elements of life, beginning with a verse from a recording by Baraka of Surah Naba (78:39): “Let him who wills take the place of return to his Lord.” The Quran often mentions the place that we are heading for as a place of “return”. Our traditions say that what is in the next world is not the same as this world, but better. When we think of where we are going and where our loved ones have gone ahead of us, we are all on the same path of a return to God. To the believer in the confidence of the last justice and mercy of God, this return marks the end of all suffering and separation.
As always, we were blessed with the plentiful attendance of Baraka’s family and friends, remembering Baraka and the good work she did, and continues to do to this day. It is truly wonderful to continue to be surrounded by so much generosity, good will and support on a monthly basis.
Until next time
Shaista & Iqbal Khan
The Baraka Khan Foundation
Baraka’s Open House, 30th July 2016
During her talk Lynda shared the launch of a new powerful campaign from Macmillan, revealing that every day 889 people will be told they have cancer in the UK. The campaign emphasises how no one should have to face cancer alone. For Baraka this sentiment was very important, choosing to fundraise for the charity, as on the day of her diagnosis a Macmillan nurse was on-hand for emotional support. During treatment she stocked up on leaflets on how to cope with fatigue and eating problems. Fortunately, she always had the support of her family and friends, but realising that not everyone is equally fortunate, she hoped nobody would ever be alone in their fight with cancer. Baraka was always grateful for the friends and family that stood by her, for all the doctors and nurses who helped her, and for what independence she was able to have until the end.
Mr Yousuf, in turn, discussed the lasting impact Baraka had on the life of so many, inspiring everyone around her to do good in the world. He also remembered how emotional it was to complete the marathon in her honour, and how Baraka ran her own marathon every day with grace and humility, inspiring him on a daily basis, and having promised to be there for him at the finishing line when he completed the marathon.
The family was touched and honoured to have both Lynda and Mr. Yaqub at the event that saw many in attendance, not least as Baraka was so committed to the cause of Macmillan. We trust that the event inspired many to continue to support important causes such as Macmillan in ensuring that nobody faces cancer alone.
We are thrilled that we can continue the good work she did in her lifetime for the cause, celebrating the legacy she left behind. The day was also blessed by the presence of Mr Sanjiv Mehta and Mrs Mehta, Ustadh Moustafa and his wife Silma, as well as Atilla Kurama and his wife Nehad, along with Baraka’s dear Aunty Yasmin and her husband Armoghan, who all spoke kind words of Baraka on the day.
Please note that the next Baraka’s Open House Event will be held on 27th August, celebrating her 25th Birthday, with the esteemed Professor Tim Winters speaking on the occasion.
We will leave you with the poem that Lynda shared with us on the day, ‘You’ll never walk alone’ and look forward to seeing you next time.
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‘You’ll never walk alone’:
When you walk through the storm
Hold your head up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm
There’s a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of the lark
Walk on, through the wind
Walk on, through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone
You’ll never walk alone
*********
Yours sincerely
Shaista and Iqbal Khan
Baraka’s Open House, 4th June 2016
Yours sincerely
Shaista and Iqbal Khan
Baraka’s Open House, 30th April 2016
We would like to offer our heartfelt thank you to those of you in attendance on Saturday and to those who were there in thoughts and prayers.
We look forward to celebrating the legacy of Baraka with you on the next occasion.
Yours sincerely
Shaista and Iqbal Khan
Baraka’s Open House, 26th March 2016
The event was further honoured by the first guest speaker, CEO of National Zakat Foundation Mr Iqbal Nasim. Mr Nasim gave a truly inspiring speech on the topic of Zakat, highlighting the ways in which all of us can do further good in our communities by giving back. It was commonly agreed that the topic of Zakat was close to Baraka’s heart, as was showcased in the way in which she fundraised for many a valuable cause, including the Cambridge Eco Mosque project and Macmillan Cancer Support. Providing further insight into how fitting the opening speech was, the audience was moved to learn that the word ‘Zakat’ is repeated in the Qur’an 32 times and the number of repetitions of the word “blessing” (Barakah) is also 32, each word also meaning the other. To find out more about the good work the National Zakat Foundation does, and to support their efforts, kindly refer to http://www.nzf.org.uk/.
During the Open House, family and friends also shared their stories of Baraka and the memories they shared with her, reminding us of how she touched and had a positive impact on so many lives. The occasion received wonderful support over the past few weeks, and we hope and pray it continues to do so in the future, inspiring us to do good in Baraka’s honour.
We look forward to seeing you during the next Open House which will take place on April 30th.
With heartfelt gratitude for all the kindness and support, we would like to assure you of our continued best wishes and prayers.
Until next time.
Yours sincerely
Shaista and Iqbal Khan
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