Australia: Adelaide's Ahmadiyya Muslim community celebrates Australia Day after fleeing violence overseas

---

"Now we're in this country, we can have our own mosque, we can practise our own religion the way we like it. We are very thankful."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: ABC News
By ABC News | January 26, 2014

A small Muslim community in South Australia has joined public Australia Day celebrations, taking part in traditional rituals including the barbeque lunch.

Adelaide's Ahmadiyya community has about 550 members from countries including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana and Sierra Leone.

Many have fled discrimination and violence in Pakistan, where Ahmadis have been declared non-Muslims and have faced rising attacks.

The Ahmadiyya branch is close to Sunni Islam and was founded in the late 19th century.

Today, Adelaide Ahmadis gathered at their mosque at Beverley for a day of festivities.

A recitation of Islamic prayers was followed by a children's choir singing Advance Australia Fair.

President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, Imam Inam Kauser, was among those forced to leave Pakistan.

Members of Adelaide's Ahmadiyya Muslim community, including the girls choir
that sang the national anthem at the Beverley mosque. (ABC News: Nicola Gage)

He said while times had been testing in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo attack, he was proud to belong to both the Muslim and the wider Australian communities.

"This is high time we should understand each other," he said.

"Australia Day is a sign of freedom actually, equality, love and respect ... we are very happy we are part of this community.

"Now we're in this country, we can have our own mosque, we can practise our own religion the way we like it. We are very thankful."

The event at Beverley was one of about 130 Australia Day celebrations held across the state.

More than 1,500 people became Australian citizens at official ceremonies.


Read original post here: Adelaide's Ahmadiyya Muslim community celebrates Australia Day after fleeing violence overseas


This content-post is archived for backup and to keep archived records of any news Islam Ahmadiyya. The views expressed by the author and source of this news archive do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of Ahmadiyya Times.