The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community South Australia is inviting all members of the public to its Australia Day Celebrations at Mahmood Mosque in Beverley, Adelaide.
Celebrations will begin at the mosque at 12.45pm, and will include a flag-raising ceremony, the singing of the national anthem and a complimentary lunch.
Among those expected to attend are Deputy Premier Dr Susan Close; Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Joe Szakacs; Assistant Commissioner John Venditto and Charles Sturt Council Mayor Angela Evans.
The new Imam of the community in Adelaide, Imam Kamran Tahir said,
“Australia Day has a special significance for Ahmadi Muslims in Australia. This is a day when we can thank Australia for its many freedoms that it has provided us including the freedom of religion. Only two weeks ago, nine Ahmadi Muslims were murdered in Burkina Faso in their own mosque. In Australia, we are free to congregate at our mosques, offer prayers and hold community events without fearing for our lives.”