By Jena Carr
The Geelong community share in the Islamic faith and cultural heritage as mosques across the state open their doors to the public.
The Islamic Society of Geelong (ISG) will participate in the Islamic Council of Victoria’s annual Mosque Open Day from 10am on February 25, with the Manifold Heights Mosque on 45-47 Bostock Avenue.
ISG vice president Yasir Ismat said mosques were always open and welcoming places and encouraged the community to come and visit the Geelong Mosque.
“We want to show our community that we’re just like any other individuals and we’re a group of people who are peaceful,” he said.
“We wanted to open the mosque to the community; we wanted the community to get us to know better and counter negative publicity about the Muslim community.
“It’s open to everyone. We see the mosque as a place of worship, and it’s always open to everyone; anyone can come to the mosque basically, but it’s a special day as well.”
The open day will feature guided mosque tours, a free morning tea, sausage sizzle, children’s arts and crafts activities, and a chance to observe prayer in the mosque.
Geelong Mosque imam (someone who leads Muslim worshippers in prayer) Shaykh Qazi Muhammad Saad said the Mosque Open Day represented the spirit of unity.
“Our beloved Prophet, Peace Be Upon Him, teaches us to show respect to our community and neighbours, especially in times of adversity,” he said.
“The open day provides a platform for the people to come together and develop an understanding with the Muslim community so we can all work together for the betterment of our society.”
