Kamran Mubashar, Missionary, Australia
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Western Australia held its first ever Religious Founders’ Day Symposium on 29 February 2020, at Nasir Mosque in Perth, Australia.
This unique interfaith event was one in which the Jamaat once again worked on its interfaith relationship to show the true and peaceful teachings of Islam.
The theme of the event was “Our founders’ teachings about service to mankind” in which each speaker highlighted the teachings that their respected founders taught in terms of service to mankind.
I took this opportunity to highlight the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in relation to his dealings with fellow beings, whether it be of religious tolerance or love taught to your fellow creation.
The event started with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a translation in English. Secretary External Affairs, Mirza Yasser Ahmad Sahib, warmly welcomed all guests and gave a brief introduction about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s past efforts in bringing people of different faiths together to such interfaith events.
Representatives from the Hindu Association of Western Australia, the Sikh Community and the Christian Church presented teachings from their respective founders about the need for serving humanity.
Several dignitaries attended the event including the Mayor of City Cockburn and several senior representatives from the Western Australian Police Force, Department of Home Affairs and RSL (Returned and Services League).
All attendees left with a great impression with many highlighting the fact that the motto of the Jamaat “Love for all hated for none” is something that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community does not only preach but practice through such events.
In his speech, the Mayor of the City of Cockburn, Mayor Logan K Howlett, JP, said:
“When I was looking at today’s speech, and the fact that we are looking at Religious Founders’ Day, when I went on to the website, and I found that the Muslim community hold these events all over the world. It is quite amazing how in different parts of the world, in bringing together members of different faith groups and sharing their knowledge and understandings, which I think is very good for all of us.”
I also had the opportunity to speak and explained that “As we are all gathered here today, let us remember that to show compassion to the whole of humanity is a universal teaching of every religion. Every prophet of God provided care, comfort and support to the poor and needy. Similarly, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa displayed compassion to all people in a perfect manner because God appointed him as a mercy for all of humanity. Today, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community revives these pristine Islamic teachings as taught by the Holy Prophet by raising thousands of dollars for local charities, and providing clean water, education and health care in developing countries.”
In the end, all guests and event organisers were thanked for making the symposium a success which was then followed by a prayer. A total of 30 guests attended the event and stayed for dinner.