Latest News

On Friday August 16th, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (Victoria) held an interfaith Eid Festival dinner in Langwarrin to build bridges in the community.

Mr. Javed Safdar Choudhary presenting a shield to Cr. Roz Blades (City of Greater Dandenong)

It was an honour for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to host a number of dignitaries including Mr Neale Burgess (Member of Parliament), Mr Jude Perera (Member of Parliament), Cr. Sandra Mayer (Mayor City of Frankston), Cr. Colin Hampton (Deputy Mayor City of Frankston), Cr. Roz Blades (City of Greater Dandenong), Cr. Rosalie Crestani (City of Casey), Cr. Collin Ross (City of Cardinia), Cr. James Dooley (City of Frankston), Mr. Dennis Hovenden (Chief Executive officer City of Frankston), plus various faith & community groups, academics, government officials, members of police department, media representatives and most importantly our community’s beloved neighbours.

As stated by one of the councillors, the event was remarkable in bringing councillors from four different councils together (City of Frankston, City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey and City of Cardinia).

The program commenced at 6:00pm with the recitation of Holy Quran followed by the English translation by Mr. Mansoor Durrani. After the welcome note given by the Secretary of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Mr. Usman Mati, a brief presentation was presented by Mr. Aziz Omer on the significance of Ramadhan and Eid ul Fitr. This presentation was not only informative but interesting for guests as they came to know more about this Holy month and the celebration of Eid ul Fitr right after Ramadhan. 

One of the community member's discussed the importantance of fasting: “The institution of fasting is extremely important because it cultivates the believer in almost every area of his spiritual life. Among other things, he learns through personal experience about what hunger, poverty, loneliness and discomforts mean to the less fortunate sections of society".

After a short informative presentation, Mr Javed Safdar Choudhary, President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Victoria gave a brief introduction about Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Mr. Safdar spoke about the contributions of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community globally towards peace and harmony under the divine guidance of their beloved leader His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba).

“Following the traditions of other chapters, Ahmadiyya Community in Victoria has been on front foot for promoting the message of peace, harmony, loyalty and tolerance through the active participation on Victorian and national levels", said President Mr. Javed Safdar Choudhary.

The purpose of the event was not only to share the celebrations of Eid ul Fitr with community friends and guests but to announce exciting news about the coming of the Supreme Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad to Australia in October 2013. His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad is currently based in UK and is a world leading Muslim figure promoting peace and inter-religious harmony.

At the end of the programme Mr. Javed Safdar Choudhary presented a shield to Cr. Roz Blades (City of Greater Dandenong) in acknowledgement of her contributions to the City of Greater Dandenong and its community. The program concluded with a silent prayer.

Traditional food was then served for dinner including Lamb Curry (Lamb Korma), Chick Peas Curry, Mixed Vegetables, Peas Rice (Pallao) and Chicken Roast along with special dessert items Trifle and Jalebi (traditional dessert). The dinner was especially liked by the guests as stated in the guest book remarks.

The event was indeed a great success with more than 130 guests from all walks of life coming together to share the ambience of Muslims Holy Event Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Victoria.

Reported by Usman Mati
Secretary Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Victoria