The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association hosted a successful Interfaith Symposium and Iftar Dinner on Sunday, March 17th, 2024, at the Mahmood Mosque in Adelaide. The event drew nearly 400 attendees, reaching capacity and demonstrating a strong community interest in interfaith dialogue.
The gathering was graced by the presence of numerous dignitaries, including Hon Mira El Dannawi MLC, Hon. Jing Lee MLC, Mayor Angela Evans, Cr Edgar Agius, Cr Quin Tran, Cr Senthil Chidambaranathan, and Cr Surender Pal.
Representatives from various religious backgrounds, including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, also participated.
The symposium featured a thought-provoking discussion on the practice of fasting within different faiths. Esteemed speakers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Anglican Parish of St John the Evangelist, Beit Shalom Synagogue, the Tibetan Buddhist Institute, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association itself offered insightful perspectives on this spiritual practice.
The event concluded with a delightful Iftar dinner, where guests from diverse backgrounds came together to break bread and foster understanding.
Comments from guests echoed the event's success. Anthony G Saint, a Catholic attendee, highlighted the warm welcome and the unifying message experienced. Jonathan Schwerzel, a first-time mosque attendee, underscored the welcoming atmosphere and the event's significance in fostering interfaith connections.
This event demonstrably achieved its goal of bringing together Muslims from various denominations, Sikhs, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians from various denominations, and Jews for an evening of shared experience and understanding. This successful event serves as a model for fostering interfaith dialogue and building bridges within the broader Adelaide community.
