THE Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Victoria hosted 25 Cardinia Shire residents at its Bait-ul Salam (House of Peace) mosque in Langwarrin on Saturday 19 November. The tour, which was organised by the Cardinia Interfaith Network, aims to give residents an opportunity to visit places of worship of local faith communities.
Imam S. Wadood Janud, Imam of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Victoria and Tasmania, greeted and welcomed the visitors. On his brief introduction of the tour, Imam Janud talked about the history of the Baitul Salam building. He said that the maintenance of the mosque and running of programs were managed entirely by volunteers.
Visitors proceeded to the prayer area of the mosque where Imam Janud delivered a talk on the basic teachings of Islam. He began by explaining the meaning of Islam, which literally means obedience and peace. He said that the followers of Islam were called Muslims.
The study of Islam is divided into two broad categories, namely, the articles of faith and acts of worship. Imam Janud began by discussing the six basic beliefs of Muslims: unity of God, His Angels, His Books, His Prophets, The Last Day and Divine Decree.
Imam Janud spoke on the five fundamental duties to be performed by Muslims, that is, declaration of faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting and pilgrimage to the Kaabah at Mecca.
He said that these practices were intended to purify the soul and body of a Muslim. Visitors had the opportunity to observe how a Muslim prays in a mosque.
At the end of the talk, visitors asked Imam Janud various questions about Islam. Why Muslims pray facing the Kaaba? Why do Muslims have to pray five times a day? Why do Muslim men wear hats in the mosque? What is the concept of fasting in Islam? These questions showed the keen interest the visitors had in learning about Islam.
An exhibition was on display, showcasing the teachings of the Quran on a wide range of topics including science, environment, interfaith, humanity and women’s rights. Visitors had a unique opportunity to see sample copies of the Quran in different languages. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has translated the Quran into over 70 major languages of the world.
Guests were served a delicious lunch while also having ample opportunity to interact with members of the community.
Thanking the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for its hospitality, Ms Glenda George, Cultural Diversity facilitator of the Cardinia Shire Council said:
“I just want to say a big thank you to Tahir (secretary for Outreach Programs). I think everyone had a fabulous time. The hospitality, everytime I come here, is always spectacular. Your food is superb. And I can only say we all walk away with a big smile on our faces. Thank you so much.”
Speaking about how impressed he was with Imam Janud’s presentation, Mr Vinod Mishra, a Pakenham resident said:
“I was very impressed the way he talked about his presentation about Islam and Muslims. He didn’t mention the word Ahmadiyya, Shia or Sunni. This is really good. I really like the fact that he focuses more on the core values rather than what separates them.”
Another resident, Ms Leah Ritchie, also had a few nice words to say about Imam Janud’s presentation. She said:
“His presentation was fantastic. It was easy to understand. He is really a good speaker. Very engaging. I could have listened for another two hours. He is brilliant.”
