Imam and Volunteers Leave Jobs Behind to Foster Understanding in Remote Communities
Alice Springs, NT – In an extraordinary display of commitment to social harmony, members of Perth's Ahmadiyya Muslim Community are making the 3,000km journey to set up an outreach stall at the 66th Annual Alice Springs Show on July 4-5.
The group, including Imam Syed Wadood Janud of Perth's Nasir Mosque (WA's largest mosque) and several volunteers taking leave from their regular jobs, will feature a unique bookstall showcasing the Quran and literature promoting absolute justice in modern society.
"This isn't just about books," explains Imam Janud, who will be making the epic journey. "It's about building bridges in one of Australia's most iconic outback communities. When we heard about local Aboriginal Muslims wanting to connect with remote communities, we knew we had to be part of this."
"This journey embodies what it means to be Australian," says Imam Janud. "Different cultures coming together not just to coexist, but to actively learn from and support one another."
The initiative holds special significance as the Perth volunteers will join forces with local Aboriginal Muslims to visit remote communities surrounding Alice Springs. Together, they'll share Islam's message of peace and justice while learning about Indigenous culture.
Among the volunteers is Mr Soofi Abdul Hakim who is a medical screener and homeopathic physician by profession and helped organize this trip. "As an Australian Muslim, I believe we grow stronger by understanding each other," he says. "Travelling such distances, driving around many hours locally to meet people who might never have spoken with a Muslim before - that's how real connections are made."
The bookstall will feature:
Copies of the Quran with various translations, including English
Books addressing contemporary social issues through Islamic teachings
Free literature on interfaith harmony
Media Opportunities:
Interview Imam Janud and volunteers at the Show
Accompany the group on visits to remote communities
Film the unique intercultural exchanges at the bookstall
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Pictures of volunteers interacting with public at a similar stall at the Royal Perth Show 2024
About us:
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a global organization dedicated to promoting peace, interfaith dialogue, and service to humanity. The Nasir Mosque, which is the largest in the state, operated by Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Perth serves as a cornerstone of WA's multicultural landscape. They regularly host open houses, charity drives, and educational programs to foster unity.
