The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Canberra held their annual Australia Day celebrations on 26th January 2025 at Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Centre, bringing together 150 political leaders, religious leaders, community groups and public from different backgrounds.
The program held by Ahmadi Muslims began with recitation of verses from the Holy Qu'ran focusing on justice, societal peace and leading a nation to prosperity, followed by the National Anthem led by Ahmadi Muslim youth.
As the first speaker of the event, Honourable Dr Andrew Leigh, Federal MP for Fraser ACT, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury and Assistant Minister for Employment, highlighted the need to reflect and learn from the past while also focusing on the strength in diversity that we have in Australia.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community ACT presented an Achievement Award for promoting wellbeing and security in the community and the country to the Humans Rights Commission ACT. The award was received by President of the Human Rights Commission ACT, Dr Penelope Mathew.
Ahmed Nadeem, Local Imam and President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community ACT, provided concluding remarks and led a silent prayer for the prosperity and peace of Australia. He said,
''Celebrating Australia Day is part of our guidelines of faith as the Holy Prophet taught us that to love and show loyalty to your country of residence is part of faith. In Australia, we are grateful for the peace and diversity found in Australia. True patriotism is about how much you can serve and give back to your country and enhance the nation.''
A number of ACT's leaders spoke to the gathering including:
- Michael Pettersson MLA
- Chiaka Barry MLA
- Deputy Commissioner Scott Lee, Chief Police Officer ACT
- His Excellency Ajay Bhai Amrit, High Commissioner of Fiji to Australia
- Father Mick Mac Andrew, Parish Priest from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, North Belconnen
- Nadi Ahmed, Ahmadi Muslim Youth
- Alia Khan, Ahmadi Muslim Youth
About us:
About us: The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community ACT is currently building a new mosque in Narrabundah for which the foundations tone was laid in 2021. Currently a prayer centre in Fyshwick serves as the hub for the local chapter of the International Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, established in 1889, by His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who claimed to be the Messiah of the Age. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community spans more than 200 countries and exceeds tens of millions in membership. Currently the fifth Ahmadiyya Caliph, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, leads the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, advocating for peace and harmony across the globe. Distinguished for its endorsement of separation of religion and state, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community stands apart in the Islamic world. Today, it remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for universal human rights and safeguarding religious and other minority groups. Moreover, it champions the empowerment and education of women. Members of the community are renowned for their adherence to the law, educational pursuits and active engagement in societal issues, making them exemplary citizens within the global community.
