Sydney Mosque opens doors to bushfire victims

Muslim  Bushfire ReliefThe Muslim community in the Sydney suburb of Marsden Park has invited people who have lost their homes or property in bushfires to stay in the Mosque.


The recently opened mosque is managed by charity organisation International Forum for Australian Muslims (IFAM) and Charity Australia International.

According to the Charity International Australia Director, Rab Nawaz, it is very important to help people in times of crisis.

“So many lives have been lost in Australia in the current bushfire, so many homes destroyed,” he says. “This is the least we could do to help each other.”

Those affected by bushfires can stay in the mosque

“We have dedicated an area in the mosque for the people in need.”

The mosque which opens daily for prayers includes a spacious prayer hall along with a commercial kitchen.

Mr Nawaz said that although no victim has yet come to the mosque the Muslim community had joined together to help the victims who might need assistance.

Recent bushfires in New South Wales have resulted in the death of more than two dozen Australians along with the destruction of over 2,000 homes.

The NSW government on Monday has also launched a scheme to open vacant holiday homes to residents displaced in the state’s bushfire crisis.

The scheme was announced by Bega MP Andrew Constance and Kiama MP Gareth Ward, whose electorates are among the hardest-hit by the bushfires.

 

Marsden Park Mosque
Marsden Park Mosque

 

The Muslim charity has also collected food and items and donated them to the local Rural Fire Service food bank.

“The items primarily consisted of canned food, masks, water bottles, dry fruits, small juice, small milk packs, noodles, toilet rolls and baby wipes,” Nawaz explains.

“We ran a campaign for a week through four mosques in Campbelltown, Bankstown, Marsden Park and Rooty Hill… The response from the community was overwhelming and we were able to collect many items that filled a truck.

“We delivered food and other items in Wingello, Penrose, Bundanoon, Exeter, Moss Vale, Minto and at the NSW Foodbank.”

Muslim  Bushfire Relief
International Forum for Australian Muslims (IFAM) and Charity Australia International collection for Bushfire Relief

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