“Riding A Dream” is a short documentary on the story of Khadijah Mellah, 18, who made made it to global headlines this summer by becoming the first hijab-wearing woman to win a horse race in the UK.
Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, joined Mellah on Monday, October 28th, on the red carpet for the launch of the film documenting her unprecedented achievement, Belfast Telegraph reported.
“I’m just glad there’s a Muslim role model out there… and it’s a positive story,” Khadijah Mellah, from Peckham, south London, said.
The film documents the teenager’s journey from the Ebony Horse Club charity to competing against professional riders at the Magnolia Cup during the Glorious Goodwood festival where she made her historic win.
“I never thought I would ever get to this stage in general, I didn’t know I would get into racing, I didn’t know that I would end up getting into the race and winning the race.”
Support
Mellah went on to say she was “grateful” to Ebony Horse Club for the opportunity.
The duchess, who invited the former Sydenham High School student to a reception at Clarence House a few weeks before her victory and personally wrote to her afterward, told the young rider how proud she was of her.
Tonight The Duchess of Cornwall attended the premiere of ‘Riding A Dream’, a new documentary about Khadijah Mellah, the first British Muslim women to win a horse race in the UK.
Khadijah learnt to ride at @EbonyHorseClub in Brixton, of which HRH is President. pic.twitter.com/irI3gytRfh
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) October 28, 2019
Asked how she feels about Camilla’s support she said: “It is incredible that the royal family are so supportive and so in touch with Ebony and my story and I can’t believe how heartwarming and receptive they’ve been to my involvement in the racing industry and I love the fact they’ve got involved.”
Islam & Sport
Muslims are urged to teach their kids riding horses.
In a statement many Muslim scholars attributed to Umar Ibn El-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, he says, “Teach your children swimming, archery and horse riding.”
Islam encourages anything that promotes refreshing minds or revitalizing the body provided it does not lead to or involve sin, cause harm, or hamper or delay religious obligations.
The traditions of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, undoubtedly encourage involvement in sporting activities as a way to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage brotherly love and family togetherness.