USQ Islamic Centre opens its doors

Members of the local community will have the opportunity to learn more about the Islamic faith, when the 

University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Islamic Centre opens its doors to the community on Saturday 9 September 2006.

Sponsored by the Queensland Government the Open Day is the first of its kind and is part of a wider initiative to promote harmony and understanding in the community.

As part of the day the Centre has arranged a number of activities including Quran recitation and Mosque tours. The public will also be invited to view Islamic worshipping and listen to the performance of traditional Islamic songs.

Throughout the day people are invited to view displays of traditional art and architecture and attend brief presentations.

Event facilitator, Mr Tarek Omar, said the day will provide the community with an insight in to the Islamic faith, and hopefully promote acceptance and understanding.

The Centre will host special guest speaker, Professor Akhtar Kalam, from Victoria University in Melbourne. Professor Kalam will discuss Islam and the Muslim life and will also be available to answer questions from the community.

"Muslims are now about one quarter of the world's population. Our religion, Islam, is subject to many misconceptions. This can be attributed to ignorance, misinformation about Islam and Muslims.

"This is where we need an exchange of information and interactions to deal with the stereotypes and narrow views that have the potential to harm the relationship between people living in Toowoomba."

The Open Day will commence at 10am and is open to people of all faiths. Childcare will be provided during the day for parents wishing to attend.

WHAT: USQ Islamic Centre Open Day
WHEN: Saturday 9 September 2006, 10.00am-3.00pm (AEST)
WHERE: USQ Islamic Centre, behind the Baker Street Tennis Courts and the Steel Rudd Residential College

Media Contact:  Connie-Louise Alexander, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977 or 0439 760106