The reality of a masjid at the Canberra Islamic Centre (CIC) complex in Monash, ACT, took a giant leap forward in April when a landmark agreement was reached with the Australian Embassy of Kuwait to donate $1.4m towards the completion of the project.
The project to build the masjid was initiated in 2010 and construction commenced in earnest in 2014, funded largely through community donations and fundraising initiatives. To date the carpark, foundation for the masjid, plumbing, hydraulics and the timber frame are well advanced. The donation will see to the completion of the work, originally estimated at $2.2 million.
According to Azra Khan, President of CIC, this will provide the Muslim community with a modern Masjid of a capacity of 1,000 people and an educational facility for the learning of Quran and Islamic Studies.
“In recognition of this donation, the Masjid Project will be named Sabah Al Ahmed Masjid and Islamic Education Centre,” she said.
Also according to Ms Khan, this agreement will have no impact of the governance of CIC. The current governance structure and constitution will remain with a subcommittee to manage the day to day affairs of masjid and Islamic Education Centre being formed. This subcommittee will be chaired by a CIC Executive Committee member and have a representative from the Kuwaiti Embassy.
An official event to mark the signing of the funding agreement was held on Tuesday 12 April 2016.
Congratulations to all those who made it possible. Such effort where there is no material gain for the individual deserve the collective gratitude of the community. Perhaps the next step would be a continous dissemination of tolerance of sectarian differences. A House of God where Peace and Knowledge takes precedence over a mere label of piety for any one particular sect.
Yes the Friday Khutba emanating from this mosque could set the standard for genuine spirituality. Amen !