The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Victoria attended the ANZAC services on Thursday 25th April 2024 at High Street Berwick RSL and RSL Dandenong to pay tribute to the soldiers and honour their sacrifice. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community laid wreaths to commemorate the soldier's sacrifices. The members of the community planned many events across Victoria to promote the message of peace and love. The event was attended by more than 4000 people where community members walked in the parade with messages of Peace and Love for this country.
The Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Muslims are obliged to be loyal to the country in which they live. Honouring those who fought to defend and safeguard one's country is an important principle of Islam and in fact is an important principle of peace – especially when it is carried out with a sincere heart and for the sake of winning God's pleasure.
Our community is proud to count among our numbers both former and current members of the Australian Defence Force. Their involvement in ANZAC Day services across the country is a testament to our collective memory and respect for those who served. Few heroes from the history worth celebrating their contribution in divided society.
Subedar Khudadad Khan, at the Battle of Hollebeke, Belgium, in 1914, despite severe injuries and being heavily outnumbered, Khudadad Khan managed his machine gun with such resilience that it significantly delayed the German advance. For his gallantry, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, becoming the first Indian and Muslim recipient of this honour.
Flight Sargeant Moheddeen Abdul Ghias Howsan, known affectionately as Bob, was member of the 405 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII. His last act was to steer his doomed aircraft away from the French village of Marly-le-Roi to avoid civilian casualties, sacrificing his own life in the process. The village later honoured him and his crew with a memorial.
Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, serving as a Veterinary Assistant in the British Army during WWI, he was awarded the 1914 Star for his services in France. His dedication exemplifies the broader contributions of Indian medics and support staff during the wars.
Additionally, our community member, Ibrahim Malik, actively participates in the Sunnybank Sub-Branch of RSL Queensland and is a member of the Australians of Indian Heritage War Memorial Committee. His father's ultimate sacrifice is a poignant reminder of our shared history and dedication.
The National President & Missionary In-charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia, Mr. I. H. Kauser said: "ANZAC day is a significant day that brings our nation together to reflect upon the great sacrifices our servicemen and women make to protect us and our country. It is a day of great importance and a day when we as a nation should reiterate our pledge of loyalty and service to the country. In times of war and peace, this day reminds us that we as a nation must unite and honour those who sacrifice their lives for us all."
Nationwide The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community members have participated in ANZAC services to pay tribute to the soldiers and their families. This event provided a valuable opportunity for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to engage with the local community, promote the values of peace and love, and raise awareness of the contributions made by Muslim soldiers. There was "Rid for Peace", cycling event held across Victoria & nationwide by the elder's auxiliary wing of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to spread the message of peace, love and sacrifice for this country and remembering the heroes.
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About the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a very peaceful, law-abiding, nonviolent 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 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.
