All faiths invited to Islamic Centre Open Day

People of all faiths are invited to mix and talk with local Muslims and find out more about the followers of Islam and Prophet Muhammed as part of the USQ Islamic Centre Open Day on Saturday 18 August 2007.

President of the Islamic Society of Toowoomba Inc. Shahjahan Khan said the day was a good opportunity for the community to visit the Islamic Centre and experience the rituals of Muslim worshipping.

'In a global context it is important for the Muslim community to open their doors and show people what we are about,' Associate Professor Khan said.

'The open day is a way of achieving objectives of living in harmony and understanding each other within the Australian society.'

USQ Vice Chancellor Professor Bill Lovegrove will formally open the event and address guests.

Director of Studies for the Forum on Australia’s Islamic Relations (FAIR), Gary Lee Edwards is the guest speaker for the day and will speak about Islam as a Universal Faith.

Mr Edwards has been a lecturer in the United States, Canada and Great Britain and was the founder of the Al-Kawthar Institute, a local effort to establish a centre of traditional Islamic education in southwest America.

During his time in Tucson Mr Edwards was also instrumental in co-founding the International Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, a multi-faith initiative to develop multicultural understanding and working for peace initiatives in relationships between various faith groups, most notably Muslims and Jews.

Islamic Centre Open Days held in the past have been quite popular, Dr Khan said. The events have been supported by the USQ Multicultural Centre and Multicultural Affairs Queensland.

'They have been very successful. We had quite a few people turn up and observe the workings of the centre and interact with members of the community.'

Islamic arts and crafts, mosque tours, traditional Islamic songs, information booths and a children’s program of activities will run throughout the day.

People of all ages and background are invited to the event, with childcare facilities provided. Non-revealing/modest dress would be appreciated.

The day runs from 10am to 3pm in the USQ Islamic Centre, Toowoomba. For information about the day contact Dr Shahjahan Khan on 4631 5532 or email khans@usq.edu.au

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559