1) Get there early.
The early bird gets the worm is not just a cliche. It’s the truth. Getting to the convention early means you can register immediately and avoid the last minute rush of attendees. In addition, by coming early, you can find out what arrangements are available on site for first aid, babysitting, etc.
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2) Know and follow conference rules.
These are made to make everyone’s visit pleasant and comfortable, as well as to make the job of conference organizers easier. Obeying the rules could mean keeping your children’s name tags on them at all times during the conference or following a certain procedure to register on site. Whatever the case may be, remember the rules were made for your benefit.
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3) Be patient.
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
"Whenever a Muslim is afflicted by any hardship, whether it be chronic sickness, anxiety, grief, harm, a disaster, or even a thorn-prick, Allah wipes out some of his minor sins" (Bukhari, Muslim).
Patience must be practiced because you will most probably be with hundreds, if not thousands of people from different places and different backgrounds. You will need this patience in the dining halls, getting to and fro in hallways, and with people who talk and disturb others during sessions, for example. Use this as an opportunity to train for the patience you'll need at Hajj.
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4) Come early to prayer.
During solat time, coming early will ensure you have a place to pray. Put your shoes where designated by organizers, or if there is no such arrangement, bring a plastic bag for them and keep them with you during prayers.
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5) Be on time for sessions.
You will benefit by catching the full lecture, getting the handouts, if any, so you can follow along with the speaker, and you also get the best choice of seats. Not to mention that punctuality is part of good Muslim manners.
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6) Take notes during sessions.
Save questions for the Q&A session at the end of each day’s activities. If you need to leave for any reason, leave as quietly as possible during lectures so as not to disrupt the speaker or the audience. Avoid pushing back chairs, shuffling papers and slamming doors loudly so that others are not distracted or disturbed.
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7) Assist those who need help.
The Prophet said: "A Muslim is a Muslim's brother: he should not wrong him, nor hand him over to his enemy. He who relieves the need of a Muslim will find that Allah relieves his own needs. And he who eases the trouble of a Muslim will find that Allah relieves his own needs. And he who eases the trouble of a Muslim will have one of his troubles eased by Allah on the Day of Arising" (Bukhari, Muslim).
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8) Offering assistance can mean different things.
For example, help a brother or sister who is disabled get around if they are having difficulty; assist a mom bring her stroller-bound child down the stairs; offer seats to the elderly. And don’t forget to give them priority in elevators and/or escalators.
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9) Observe Islamic male-female etiquette AT ALL TIMES.
That means, for example, men should stick to one side of the hallway, while women move to the other, and using only gender specific and designated common areas, so neither sex feels uncomfortable.
One rule to follow is outlined in this Hadith in Masnad: "Graceful is that man who walks with dignity, keeps his eyes down, keeps his voice low, does not look here and there (as bad manner) all these are parts of gracefulness and respectability".
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10) In emergency situations, it could also mean contacting first aid on site.
Or it could simply mean holding doors for others or offering a seat to someone who needs it more than you.
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11) Say Salam.
This applies to all Muslims, as the Prophet has said, "You should provide food, and greet both those you know and those you do not" (Bukhari, Muslim).
There are also specific manners for this, as the Prophet described in a Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, "a young person should greet someone who is older, a pedestrian should greet someone who is sitting down, and a small group should greet a large one" (Bukhari, Muslim).
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12) Be considerate.
Try to make things easier for others. For example, if you are living next door to the event venue, consider making wudhu or using the convenience in your house Mobile toilets shall be provided. Also, turn cell phones and pagers OFF during lectures.
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13) Observe general rules of modesty.
"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is aware of what they do" (Quran 24:30).
"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms…" (Quran 24:31).
With regards to looking at the opposite sex, the Prophet advised: "Do not look for a second time, for while you are not to blame for the first glance you have no right to the second" (Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud).
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14) Dress comfortably.
Dress for the occasion: comfortably, and taking into account your environment and the purpose of your attendance at the convention- for the sake of Allah.
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15) Thank speakers and organizers.
The Prophet said: "Whoever fails to thank a person who does a favor to him, (actually) fails to thank Allah" (Ahmad, Tirmidhi).
Thanking speakers and organizers will provide them the encouragement and support, as well as assurance that their hard work was worth it. Too often, Muslims are busy cutting each other down instead of appreciating the good work being done by many brothers and sisters.
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16) Make Dawah.
Non-Muslims will be attending the convention, and this presents a unique chance for us to exemplify the unique Islamic values of dealing with others.
Use this opportunity to make Dawah. Bring some Dawah pamphlets from home. Or if that is not possible, on the first day (see, another advantage of coming early) check out the booths already set up. You can probably find Islamic literature to buy and pass others.
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17) Recognize and treat local Muslims well.
In bigger cities, don’t be surprised to see Muslim cab driver, bus boys, receptionists, etc. Greet these fellow Muslims appropriately, and spread the warmth.
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18) Welcome non-Muslims.
While most of the MPAC convention attendees will be Muslim, there will be some non-Muslims attending as well. Go out of your way to welcome them, treat them with the same courtesy and respect you’d treat fellow Muslims, and be available to answer questions if you are asked. If you do not have knowledge about what questions are being asked, direct them to other Muslims you feel are knowledgeable enough to help.
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19) Be an Ambassador for Muslim unity.
When you meet a Muslim leader at the convention, go out of your way to say Salam, thank them for their hard work, and ask them what they are doing for the cause of Muslim unity. Also, make Dua for unity during the daily prayers, which you should try to attend in congregation at the convention.
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20) Visit the Stalls.
Muslim businesses spend thousands of naira to display their wares and offer you a fantastic selection of books, videos, DVDs, CDs, gifts, clothes and much more. Visit the stalls to support these businesses and stock up on gifts for Eid, as well as new selections for your library.
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