A Day to Remember: Kiswa Arts & Culture Gallery at Islamic Education Trust, Cumbernauld
Saturday 24 January 2026
Saturday the 24th of January 2026 marked a truly memorable milestone for Kismat Arts and Culture Gallery, as we were honoured to host a full-day cultural and educational event at the Islamic Education Trust in Cumbria. From the early morning hours until the evening, the day was filled with learning, reflection, creativity, and community spirit — an event that will remain etched in our hearts for a long time to come
A Thoughtfully Structured Day
The programme began at approximately 9:30am, welcoming attendees and setting the tone for a day rooted in knowledge, heritage, and shared experience
From 10:30am to around 2:30pm, we held a dedicated women’s session, creating a focused and welcoming space for learning and engagement
This was followed by the men’s session from 2:30pm onwards, continuing the exploration of Islamic art, history, and scholarship
The day culminated in a beautiful family gathering between 5:00pm and 6:00pm, where parents, children, and elders came together — reinforcing the very essence of community that this event aimed to promote
Art, History, and Living Heritage
Throughout the day, Kismat Arts and Culture Gallery proudly showcased a curated selection of artefacts, each telling its own story. Visitors were taken on a journey through time, learning about:
- The origins of the artefacts
- Their craftsmanship and materials
- Their historical age
- And which caliphs or sultans commissioned them during their respective eras
- Special attention was given to locking mechanisms and intricate design features, offering rare educational insight into Islamic engineering and artistry
Alongside the artefacts, we delivered Qur’an Tafsir sessions, carefully explaining selected ayahs of the Holy Qur’an and connecting divine revelation with history, ethics, and lived tradition.
Inspiring the Next Generation
One of the most joyful elements of the day was seeing children actively engaged in Islamic calligraphy workshops. These hands-on sessions allowed young minds to connect with their heritage through creativity, art, and expression — planting seeds for future appreciation of Islamic culture and scholarship
A Truly National Gathering
The scale of support was deeply humbling. Approximately 1,300 attendees joined us over the course of the day, with people travelling from far and wide — including Rochdale, Manchester, Bolton, and even Glasgow. The presence of attendees from Scotland was particularly meaningful, leaving a lasting imprint and affirming that Kismat Arts and Culture Gallery is here to stay
The atmosphere throughout the day was filled with love, unity, and encouragement, reflecting the strength and generosity of the local community and beyond.
Gratitude and Acknowledgements
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Brother Parvaiz, Molana Abu Bakr, and their wider team and family for their unwavering support and venue space. Their contribution — from networking to sponsorship — played a vital role in making this event possible
Special appreciation is also due to the Latif family, particularly Irfan Latif and his wife Asha Latif, along with their sons Ehsaan Latif & Sameer Latif and the wider family, whose commitment and support were instrumental in bringing this vision to life
Moving Forward
This event was more than an exhibition — it was a celebration of art, culture, history, heritage, and faith. It demonstrated what is possible when communities come together with sincerity and purpose
We thank every single person who attended, supported, travelled, volunteered, and believed in this journey
