NEWS DESK
Imam criticises ‘failure’ of Muslim leaders Pools back Keith Platt keith@baysidenews.com.au A RELIGIOUS leader of a Muslim community based in Langwarrin has accused other leaders of having “failed their people”. “Muslim scholars have failed their followers, hijacking a religion which literally means peace and leading masses astray for personal interests, pursuit of power and domination,” Imam Wadood Janud told a peace symposium at the Baitul Salam Mosque, Langwarrin. Imam Janud, leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Victoria and Tasmania, made his accusations while delivering the keynote address at the ‘World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace’ symposium which focused on the rise of extremism and nationalism. The Sunday 3 December symposium was the second held at the Baitul Salam Mosque. Among the 300 people at the event were 100 non-Ahmadi guests, including MPs, mayors and councillors from several municipalities, police and faith leaders. A documentary about the peace initiatives of the leader of the international Ahmadiyya community, Mirza Masroor Ahmad was also screened. Imam Wadood Janud spoke about the foundations of the “pathway to peace” based on the true teachings of Islam in the Quran (Koran) and the life of the prophet, Muhammad. "According to Islam, the principle of justice is the key to establishing peace,” Imam Janud said. He blamed the foreign policies and
Top table: Religious and community leaders at this year’s peace symposium at the Baitul Salam Mosque, Langwarrin. Frankston mayor Cr Colin Hampton said it was important that leaders of government and community groups “promote unity, peace and justice for everyone”. Picture: Supplied
vested interests of “certain countries” for the rise of terrorist organisations such as ISIS and Boko Haram. “The key role in the international arms trade in encouraging and sustaining such organisations is against the very foundations of justice.” He said Mirza Masroor Ahmad in March had told an international peace symposium in Britain that peace could be attained by curbing and restricting the international arms trade. “When it comes to equality, Islam declares that all human beings are born as equal and have equal rights
and freedoms. The holy prophet of enjoined the Muslims to always maintain a socially equal society.” Imam Janud said the media lacked justice and fairness when covering acts of terrorism in Australia and internationally. “How many of us know that every year almost 5000 Muslims gather in Sydney to condemn such extremist ideology and to present the true teachings of Islam? How many of us know that such peace symposia are organised in every major city of Australia?
“The Quran teaches that taking someone’s life is akin to slaying all of humanity and saving a single life is as though you have saved the whole of humanity. “As the world spirals out of control and heads down a path of no return, such divine acts of justice are required, even if it is against our enemies.” Imam Janud said that for the past 128 years the Ahmadiyya community “has been striving to establish peace on earth”.
SWIMMING pools at the Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre closed due to plumbing problems will reopen Monday 11 December. The main pools at the leisure centre have been unavailable since 12 October. Peninsula Leisure CEO Tim Gledhill said: “To show our appreciation to our members for their patience and understanding throughout the closure, there will be a range of activities during the week, including free breakfast, kids’ activities and giveaways daily.” The PARC’s main 50-metre pool, aquatic playground and a learn-toswim pool will be back in use from Monday in time for the summer months. The Times previously reported it cost nearly $1 million to repair the fault including rust on brackets and pipes underneath swimming pools. Centre members were not charged membership fees while the pools remain closed. Other PARC activities such as the gym and wellness centre were open.
Books for sale
A BOOK sale will be held at the Avocare Seaford Op Shop to raise money for the charity that distributes food to the needy and helps the disadvantaged gain employment. Pre-loved books will be available to buy at Avocare Seaford Op Shop and Secondhand Bookstore, 1/95 Hartnett Drive Seaford on Saturday 15 December, 10am-3pm. Three books can be bought for $5 or $2 each and all funds raised will go to Avocare Community Connect.
DAILY SESSIONS Start times: 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm
NS EVENING SESSIO Thursday to Saturday 7pm - 8.30pm
PRICES
TH JAN 8 2 27TH DEC -
ROSEBUD CENTRAL SHOPPING CENTRE 35 WANNAEUE PLACE
0437 929 373 WWW.FROZENWONDERLAND.COM.AU
5 yrs + under: $10, 6-14 yrs: $16, 15 yrs + over: $18 Parent & child (under 5 yrs): $22 Toboggan rides: $5 for 6 slides (Each session runs for 11/2 hours)
INFO Bring long socks. Gloves, helmets & wrist guards optional. No need to book. Eftpos available. Pre-purchase tickets at 0437 929 373. Closed New Years Day & Australia Day.
/ROSEBUDICESKATING Frankston Times 11 December 2017
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