We are deeply concerned on the news that a Toowoomba teenager is suspected to be in Syria and might be joining the Al-Nursha group. The Islamic Interfaith and Multicultural Association formed in February 2015 strongly condemned any act of using religion to commit violence and hatred. Such act contradicts the teachings in Islam. As an Association committed to promoting religious and social harmony, strongly support the government’s initiatives in combating radicalism.
Assalamualaikum (May peace be upon you)
We are deeply concerned on the news that a Toowoomba teenager is suspected to be in Syria and might be joining the Al-Nursha group.
The Islamic Interfaith and Multicultural Association formed in February 2015 strongly condemned any act of using religion to commit violence and hatred. Such act contradicts the teachings in Islam. As an Association committed to promoting religious and social harmony, strongly support the government’s initiatives in combating radicalism.
We strongly believe this must also be the responsibility of the community particularly the Muslims as they would be the best position to educate their youth. To this end, as a responsible Association, we have embarked on a series of initiatives to bring Muslims into the main stream and be responsible citizens of Australia.
We have to work together and be open with each other and share and come close, these are the things that we can do in Toowoomba and we can prevail. However, eradicating radicalism is a long-term fight, and we have to continue doing it.
One of our initiatives is the setup of the Young Muslim Wing and the Women’s Wing. Though in its infant stage the Young Muslims Wing has taken a lead in organising an Interfaith Exchange Program with the schools as well as a youth soccer event. The Women has taken a lead to co- organise a forum with our local community. The Association has also drawn out an action plan towards promoting greater social trust in our diverse community.
We must be vigilant domestically and taking swift action to neutralise threats to Toowoomba, or people who may get themselves in trouble especially our youths. There are a few initiatives or programmes that we have identified that directly address youth. We would like to gather as many youths as possible including their parents to participate in our programmes that we are planning for the future. This would also enable us to highlight and educate both youths and parents about radicalisation and potential signs of extremism.
We strongly hold to concept that as an Association we have the duty and responsibility toward making Australia a safe and better place for all. We would like to offer ourselves to work with all regardless of faiths and beliefs. Meanwhile, we are working closely with the Goodwill Committee Toowoomba, Pure Land Learning College Association, Anglican Parish of St Luke, the Young Catholics and the Aboriginal community toward this goal. We look forward to extending our partnership with more organisations in the future.
We would like to convey to our community especially the youths that the fighting in Syria is not for religious purposes and we would like to caution Muslims against being swayed into any form of violence.
Syed Ghazzaly al Qadsi,
President,
Islamic Interfaith and Multicultural Association
Toowoomba, QLD
