A grand fundraising event was held on Sunday 10 November 2024 at the Diamond Venue Group Hall in Punchbowl by the Indian Muslim Association of Australia (IMAA) to support the purchase of an Islamic Centre at 220 Lakemba Street, Lakemba bringing together community leaders and supporters to contribute towards a shared vision of a new centre that will serve the Muslim community in the area.
The event commenced with a soulful recitation from Surah Al-Ahzab by Hafiz Mohammed Affan Pasha, setting a spiritually uplifting tone.
The evening was MCed by Mr Ali Kadri, CEO of the Islamic College of Brisbane, who kept the audience engaged throughout with his thoughtful insights and smooth transitions between segments.
Mr Mohammed Arshad, founding and executive member of IMAA spoke about the history and formation of IMAA in 2007 highlighting the struggles faced by the Indian Muslim community and the persistence that led to the establishment of this respected organisation.
Guest speaker Sheikh Ahmed Hussain Mujaddidi, Imam of Al Madinah Masjid, praised IMAA’s efforts in fostering unity and commended the organisation’s engagement with other Muslim communities.
Maghreb Salah Was Offered during a break from the formal program.
Guest speaker, Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman, President of the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), addressed the significance of unity among Muslims, especially in the current climate of Islamophobia, and urged all Muslim organisations to actively work together in overcoming these challenges.
Mr Syed Siraj Patel, a founding member of IMAA, emphasised the importance of the new Islamic Centre in Lakemba, noting that it was a historic moment as it will be the first Islamic Centre and Mosque established in Australia by the Indian Muslim community.
He also called for breaking down walls of distrust and building bridges with both Muslim and non-Muslim communities to promote love, peace and prosperity.
The final guest speaker, Sheikh Omar el Banna, Imam of Masjid Al Noor and motivational speaker, inspired attendees with his reflections on the importance of staying connected to Islamic values, developing Taqwa (piety), and actively participating in community service.
During a lively signature session, Mr Hussin Goss, Chairman of Gold Coast Masjid, conducted an auction to raise further funds.
Additionally, Mr Mohammed Sharfuddin, the current President and founding member of IMAA, honoured the guests with shawl draping.
The IMAA executive members, including Mr Omer Bin Hawel, Sheikh Javeed, Aijaz Mohammed, Qasim Sharfi, Mohammed Amer, Mohsin Qurmoshi, Abdullah Ballasqua, Mohammed Imran, and Mohammed Wahab, warmly welcomed the guests and audience members, creating an atmosphere of warmth and community spirit.
A delicious dinner was served during the event.
All speakers passionately appealed to attendees for generous donations towards this significant cause resulting in a total of $1.1 million being raised so far, leaving $1.2 million still needed by Friday 13 December 2024 in order to fully realise the vision for thec establishment of the Islamic Centre.
Your support will help achieve this milestone for the community and ensure the establishment of an Islamic Centre that will serve generations to come. Please contribute to this noble cause:
- • Account Name: Muslims Relief Fund
- • BSB: 062191
- • Account Number: 11113047
- • PayID: 63500525924
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