Two buses filled with Canberra residents, visited the Canberra Islamic Centre on Saturday 9 November 2013, as part of the Harmony Day Bus Tour celebrating the city’s 100th Birthday. The event was organised by the Centenary of Canberra, together with the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum Inc. (CMCF) in collaboration with the Canberra Islamic Centre (CIC).
The two tours took over 200 guests on a two hour cultural journey throughout Canberra to mark the 100th birthday of the city.
The Northside tour visited the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre, The Sakyamuni Buddhist Centre/Van Hanh Monastery and The Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre in Florey.
Meanwhile, the Southside tour visited the National Jewish Memorial Centre, St John the Baptist Parish of the Russian Orthodox Church and School, the Hellenic Club of Canberra and the Canberra Islamic Centre.
Imam Adama Konda (right) chats with tour guest
During the visit to the Canberra Islamic Centre guests were welcomed by CIC President Mrs Azra Khan followed by a short and inspiring talk by the Imam, Adama Konda. The Imam’s talk was followed by a tour of the CIC complex including the prayer areas for men and women, library, kitchen, court yard and proposed mosque site under construction.
Addressing the guests, Imam Konda cited a verse in the Islamic Holy Book, the Quran, where Allah (God) says that He (Allah) has created mankind from different gender, nations and tribes but for one reason and that is to come to know each other, to share, and to exchange what is good. The Imam said “One thing we should note as humans is that we do not have any credit in our colour, blood, tribe or nationality”.
Tour guests looking at the Islamic Literature
A guest asked the Imam to explain about the meanings of the Islamic call to prayer (Adhaan). Another asked whether the two Muslim sects; Sunni and Shi’a are allowed to pray at the centre. In his response, the Imam said Sunnis, Shi’as, Jews, Christians and non-believers are all welcome at the CIC. A third guest asked about the direction Muslims face to pray. The imam said it’s a form of discipline for Muslims to face the Qiblah, the direction to the Holy Ka’aba in Makkah, in present day Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In Australia the direction of the Qibla is towards the West, the imam said.
Sister Diana Rahman, Deputy Chair of Canberra Multicultural Communities Forum described the Harmony Bus tour as an opportunity for the broader community to interact, meet and to visit places of religious and cultural significance.
