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Participants reflect on the Rumble in Westminster

Zahra from Young Muslims Leaders reviews this interesting and innovative event with Tariq Ramadan, Ammar Nakhshawani, Adam Deen and Jeff Mirza as panelists.

Raza interrupts the debate as a show-stoppping heckler

The event was not a boring debate between two scholars but a challenging task that had to be carried by four brave student participants who made their case in front of an enthusiastic audience and distinguished panelists. They were arguing the topic chosen by the audience: ‘Obama: A New Beginning for Western World – Muslim World relations?’

While each participant was presenting their point of view, professional hecklers were challenging them.

The audience had fun while the hecklers were interrupting the speakers, but they could also feel and understand the pressure the participants were put under.

The audience gave positive feedback, and many said they would be interested in being a participant next time if the event is run. Others requested to have a similar event in their university.

Many highlighted that it is important to give students a platform to form and articulate their opinions, as it was mentioned by the panelists, the substance is as important as the way the argument is presented.

Mira, the first participant to speak, said: ‘I think the event was extremely illuminating and instructive. The format of the event particularly was very well planned and constructed. The panellists were, MashAllah very high profile and their criticisms were not only perceptive but also polite and precise. I feel that I learned a lot in terms of public speaking methods and I achieved a clear idea of how to build upon their advice as it was practical and well put; however at the same time it was communicated entirely respectfully.’

Hayder, who won the debate, said: ‘It was a great event and the huge turnout indicates there is a real thirst for such events organized and run by students for students. The feedback and criticism from the panelists was extremely productive and fun at the same time. Everyone in the room benefited from their advice because everyone could identify with, or at least appreciate, the pressure the participants were under.’

Many students highlighted the importance of having similar events regularly in universities across the UK and the importance of students being involved as it ‘helps build up confidence and improve communication skills.’

Thank you to all who attended this event and for any question, please don’t hesitate to contact Young Muslim Leaders.

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Comment received by email: Congratulations for this innovative idea! As Tariq Ramadan said, this is what the Muslim Community should be doing. We have all the ideas, talents, tools and means at our disposal Alhamdullillah. Please carry on! I was really happy to attend although, because of the interesting debate, I found the event TOO SHORT!!!!!!!!

Nafeesa, one of the four participants, tells us about her experience in participating in the Rumble in Westminster event: In the Name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful, Seeing as this was my first debate of any kind, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was honoured to have met the four esteemed panellists, of whose criticisms I was humbled by. The level of debate and enthusiasm demonstrated by the audience was a positive invitation for Campusalam and Young Muslim Leaders to continue hosting such events in future. I loved being heckled, surprisingly! I admit the brother with a beard was a bit of handful, and at times I didn't always know how to respond, but all in all he made the event! 'Audhubillah sister! You can't say that!' Very comical! Furthermore, I believe it is imperative to give young Muslims like myself a platform to speak from- it goes to show how important our views, feelings and sentiments are. It is only us, who can encourage debate and dialogue, or we can hinder it. I generally wouldn't have the confidence to do such things, but after having done it, I can look back and see ways in which I can improve my performance for future events and also have the right skills for dealing in this kind of situations in life. I'd like to thank the two brothers I worked with during our 10 minute prep - they were very sincere in giving me the opportunity to speak- which I do appreciate! There was a real sense of camaraderie from the sisters in the crowd- which I felt after the debate, so thank you to them also. Lastly, how can I forget Jeff Mirza? He really livened up the evening, where at times it was difficult to know whether he was joking or being serious! A true comedian there! So yes, I'm proud to have been dubbed Obama's girl - must mean I did a good job in defending him. Not!

Brilliant event. Keep it up Campusalam!

Forgive me, but i can't quite come to terms with the reviewer's remark in the opening sentence, saying 'The event was not a boring debate between two scholars...'. I agree the event was innovative, interesting and entertaining, but to say that debates between scholars are boring is surely taking it a bit too far.