A Shadow Play On Prophet Muhammad’s Birth

Holding events during the holy month of Rabi-al-Awwal both for children and adults became traditional in the life of Ukrainian Muslim Community. But how can one verify edifying for an annual event? Kyiv Islamic cultural Centre teenage activists decided to surprise their little brothers and sisters in faith by a shadow play.

It was a success. they announced the children’s event without giving a concrete programme, so the children hushed once the lights went down, expecting a fairytale to come alive.

Shadows on the screen, depicting the birth of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and some of the earlier events held audience, both children and their parents, spellbound. Soundtracks with voices of animals, footsteps, crowd and city noise made the impression even brighter.

The children were invited for sweets and interesting games after the play; all the games were tributed to some events of the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) life. Children bathed in a “river” made of blue plastic bags and some ropes (to illustrate the hadith that prayers purifies one’s heart as well as bathing purifies one’s body), sent mounted messengers to bring the message of Islam to ancient kings, and broke free from the spider’s net.