Athar Sadiq, Nazim Tabligh, MKA Melbourne West, Australia
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Melbourne West, Australia, hosted a Peace Symposium on 18 February 2024, at the Burnside Children’s & Community Centre. The event was part of the global “Voices for Peace” campaign launched by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to promote peace and end conflicts.
A total of 65 members participated, and 21 external attendees were also present from various sectors of society, including representatives from the State Government, local councillors, members of the Victoria Police, and religious leaders from different faiths.
The event hosted an exhibition of the Holy Quran, showcasing translations of the Holy Quran in 24 different languages, and a Tabligh Stall offering a variety of literature. We also conducted interviews with external guests, providing an opportunity for dialogue and exchange of ideas.
In an effort to reach a wider audience, we distributed pamphlets to all external members and neighbouring houses during and after the event. In total, we distributed over 400 pamphlets, spreading the message of peace.
The programme began with a warm welcome to the guests and an acknowledgement of the traditional owners of the land. After outlining the housekeeping rules, the formal proceedings started with the recitation of the Holy Quran with its English translation.
The introduction to the event was followed by a series of speeches by esteemed speakers, including Waqas Bajwa Sahib, the local president; Evan Mulholland, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and a Member of the Northern Metropolitan Region; Gilbert Menezes, a religious education teacher at Tarneit’s Thomas Carr Catholic College; Rabbi Ralph Genende, Interfaith and Community Liaison for the Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council; Raewyn, a spiritual leader from Brahma Kumaris; and David Cowan, President of the Melton Interfaith Community Network.
Atif Ahmed Zahid Sahib, a missionary, delivered a speech in which he presented the beautiful teachings of Islam essential for the establishment of peace.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks and gift bags for each of our speakers, followed by a silent prayer.