Perth Voice Interactive

MORE than 300 people are expected to attend one of WA’s biggest multicultural dinners at the Nasir Mosque in Bibra Lake on Sunday.

At the Iftar – an evening meal where people gather during Ramadan to break their fast – people from the local community will rub shoulders with mayors, MPs, faith leaders, academics and journalists in a celebration of diversity.

Speakers will reflect on Ramadan – a holy month of fasting, prayer and reflection in the Muslim faith – and how it relates to sacrifice, service and solidarity.

For many, the event provides their first glimpse into Islamic life with mosque tours and prayers for global peace.

“The massive interest shown by the public to attend the Iftar dinner is a testament to the power of openness,” says Imam Syed Wadood from Nasir Mosque.

“As we foster dialogue and dismantle barriers, we build bridges between communities and that is our mission.”

Situated on Barrington Street, the Nasir Mosque is home to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a persecuted sect of Islam.

The Community believe their founder Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) is the promised messiah and Imam Mahdi prophesied in the religious scriptures.

They are treated as heretics by mainstream Muslims, who are still awaiting the coming of the Messiah and Mahdi.

The Nasir mosque has more than 200 worshippers and throughout the year encourages the community to explore Islam through peace symposiums, food drives and Christmas appeals, Quran exhibitions, and stalls in Perth’s CBD and at the Royal Show.

Founded in 1889, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has become a popular revivalist movement in Islam, and now spans more than 200 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. 

The annual Iftar dinner will be held at 5pm on Sunday March 16 at the Nasir Mosque.

It is organised by volunteers and funded through community donations.

To find out more about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community see facebook.com/AhmadiyyaWA.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK