Official Highlights Sydney Islamic Center’s Quranic, Religious Activities
Speaking to IQNA, Mostafa Ashrafi referred to the establishment of the academy, saying it was founded in 2002 in Sydney.
At that time, he said, the Assembly had not yet been officially registered as an organization or formal entity in Australia.
“Before that, this Quranic assembly had begun its activities informally by holding Quran recitation sessions and Nudba Supplication gatherings in private homes.
As for the Nudba Supplication session at the Nabi Akram Islamic Center, he said, “Initially, it was just my father, my brother, my mother, and myself who went to the Islamic Center and asked the officials for permission to allow us to hold the sessions. Gradually, the number of attendees increased and reached 300 people, most of them young people.”
The sessions were held at that center for 18 years, he noted. “However, after the coronavirus pandemic, social centers were closed, so we conducted the sessions online. We are grateful to God that this was one of the blessings we received. Now, we hold these sessions at another center where women have a strong presence.”
Later, session for recitation of the Tawassul Supplication were added to this event, taking place on Tuesday nights, Ashrafi stated. “Currently, about 150 to 300 people participate in the sessions, which are held regularly for the first time in the city of Sydney. Additionally, the sessions regularly broadcast online and on the Facebook platform, attracting viewers from other countries.”
Sessions on recitation of the Hadith Kassa on Wednesdays, and the Kumayl Supplication on Thursdays are among other programs of the center, he noted.
“All these ceremonies are broadcast through Facebook and Instagram. On Friday mornings, we host the Nudba Supplication in person at a location we have rented, and on Friday afternoons, we offer Quran classes and religious classes for children.”
Read More:
He said his main motivation for establishing the Quranic Assembly were his parents, who really wanted him to do something lasting for the Quran.
In 2021, about four years ago, the Samen Al-Aemmeh Imam Reza (AS) Quranic Assembly was officially registered in Australia, he added.
Thank God, he said, “in the three years following the pandemic, our activities have expanded, and we have invited international reciters like Hadi Esfeydani for Quranic gatherings.”
Ashrafi added that this Quranic center, located in a sports club, belongs to all Muslims. “We wish for everyone to participate in its activities. Currently, most of the participants are Persian speakers, but Shia Muslims from Iraq, Lebanon, and other countries are also active in our center.”
Ashrafi then spoke about the Shia community in Australia, saying, Sydney has the largest number of Shia Muslims and after that, there are Melbourne, Brisbane, and others.
“Fortunately, Shia Muslims are moving from major cities to smaller towns, and thus, Shia Islam is gradually spreading in this country and is not limited to the big cities. Shia Muslims in this country now have more than 300 Husseiniyas and mosques of their own. In some neighborhoods, we see several mosques and Husseiniyas.”
He added that one of the active centers is the one established by Hojat-ol-Islam Mansour Leqaee, named the Imam Hussein (AS) Islamic Center.
“His children are currently managing the affairs of this center, and Shia Muslims from all over the country visit there.”
He said “special centers for our Afghan friends are also active. The Al-Rahman Center, belonging to Lebanese Shia, is among the active centers where I had the honor of reciting the Quran on its opening day. Al-Zahra Center, the first Shia mosque built in Sydney thirty years ago, is also one of the active centers.”
Read More:
He noted that these centers all operate independently and separately, with no unified management. “There should be an organization or institution to coordinate the activities of these centers. For instance, during the month of Muharram, each center has its own specific programs.”
Asked about interfaith dialogue between followers of different religions in Australia, he said, “Such programs are frequently held in Australia. At the Nabi Akram Islamic Center, we had events where Christian, Hindu, and even atheist clergy would come and engage in discussions. We would invite Muslim clerics to answer questions. Just a few months ago, an interfaith meeting was held.”
4263627
