On Sunday 26th January 2020, members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community hosted a dinner at Nasir Mosque in Bibra Lake, Perth, to commemorate Australia Day. The event was attended by 50 members and guests from the local community including the Mayor of the City of Cockburn, Logan K Howlett JP, Deputy Mayor Cr Lara Kirkwood, Councillor Philip Eva JP and Councillor Chontelle Stone.
The annual Australia Day dinner is an important event in the calendar of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in which members of the community gather at their mosque to show love and loyalty to one's country of residence.
The event began with hoisting of the Australian flag followed by speeches delivered by the Mayor of the City of Cockburn, Logan K Howlett JP, and Imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Western Australia, Imam Kamran Tahir.
Mayor of the City of Cockburn, Logan Howlett JP, spoke about the importance of Australia Day. He praised the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for its efforts in bringing people of all walks of life together to celebrate the occasion.
In his speech, Imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Western Australia, Imam Kamran Tahir outlined the reasons why Muslims celebrate Australia Day. He said,
"We are celebrating Australia Day because our faith teaches us to show love and to be loyal to the country that we live in. As fellow Australians, this day is an opportunity for us to be thankful to the people of Australia for accepting us in this peaceful and beautiful country. We call upon all Australians to join us in celebrating this greatness together."
Reflecting on the recent unprecedented bushfires that affected many parts of Australia, Imam Kamran Tahir said,
"We need to truly cherish what we have. We cannot be ignorant about the environment that we live in anymore. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community came forward when it came time to help all those affected by the bushfire. It brings me great pride to say that the Community dug deep into their pockets to contribute $30,000 to all those affected by the bushfires."
Imam Kamran urged all those who were gathered to pray for the prosperity and success of Australia. He said,
"For us, as true Australians, we should first and foremost pray for the prosperity, success and progression of this beautiful country in which we live in. So much so that I would never hold back to say that this is a 'heaven on earth' that we live in. And we should try our outmost best to become civilians who show through your actions that you truly wish the best for Australia by helping wherever you can, in whichever way you can. I pray that may God Almighty bless this beautiful country which we live in."
At the end of the event, Imam Kamran Tahir thanked all guests for their participation and led a silent prayer.
~ End of press release
About Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a peaceful, law abiding, and loving community. Founded in 1889, the Community spans more than 200 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the leading Islamic organisation to categorically reject terrorism in any form. Similarly, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organisation to endorse a separation of mosque and state. Today, it continues to be an advocate for universal human rights and protection for religious and other minorities. It champions the empowerment and education of women. Its members are among the most law-abiding, educated, and engaged Muslims in the world.
