Sabah Al Ahmed Masjid and Islamic Education Centre opened in Canberra

The Kuwait News Agency has reported that the Kuwait Ambassador to Australia, Najeeb Al-Bader, inaugurated the Sabah Al Ahmed Masjid and Islamic Education Centre on 4 May in Canberra, Australia.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Canberra Islamic Centre and was attended by over 450 people.

In his speech Ambassador Al-Bader shared that the construction of the mosque and centre is the result of a partnership between the Kuwaiti embassy and Canberra Islamic Centre, backed by a donation from the Council of Ministers of Kuwait for about A$2 million. The project was launched after the Canberra Islamic Centre communicated the need for a mosque and centre to provide educational and religious services to the 10,000-strong Muslim community in Canberra. It aims to help the community to integrate into Australian society, spread the message of Islam, as well as promote interreligious plus intercultural dialogue and understanding. 

The Ambassador said the mosque is the first of its kind in Canberra and Australia, and is large enough to accommodate 1,200 male and female worshipers. It also includes classrooms that will host lessons on Quran memorisation, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and Arabic. The gardens can be used for events.

Ambassador Al-Bader called for the continuation of the partnership between the Kuwaiti Embassy and the Canberra Islamic Centre. The Kuwaiti Embassy is to be a permanent member of the executive committee of the centre. 

Chris Crewther, Member of Paraliament for Dunkley-Victoria, spoke on behalf the Australian Prime Minister, the Honourable Malcolm Turnbull. He noted the importance of the achievement for the Muslim community, and said the launch reflects multicultural Australian society and its religious integration. 

Dr Walid Al-Shuaib, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs for the Holy Quran and Islamic Studies, representing Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs Dr Fahd Al-Afasi, shared that Kuwait provides humanitarian aid and charity to the disadvantaged anywhere in the world, regardless of religion, country, gender or colour. He stressed that the project would promote tolerance and equality while imparting Islamic values. 

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