Dear brothers, sisters and community leaders,
Assalamualaikum,
All Praise to Allah the Almighty and many Salawat on Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him),
As Ramadan comes to an end, on behalf of the ISG Committee, I want to wish the Geelong Muslim community a joyful Eid Al-Fitr. I pray that you and your families are in the best of health and that you enjoy a wonderful Eid celebration, taking this opportunity to affirm the family bonds that are so important.
I also want to take this opportunity to recognize the tremendous contributions the Geelong Muslim community make across our country, to our communities and to our way of life each and every day.
This year, Allhamdulillah has been the busiest Ramadan; we witnessed increased participation from the community in Taraweeh Salaah, morning Quran recitation, Sunday School Iftar, New Muslim Iftar Dinner, Khatmul Quran and community Iftars. We have also noticed a rise in the online viewing of live Taraweeh Salaah and Morning Quran Recitation.
Your generosity was very much appreciated by Evergreen Donations (supporting Rohingya Refugees to build schools) and the management of the new Masjid Ar-Rahman.
I also want to thank ICV for sponsoring the annual Interfaith Iftar Dinner. In the spirit of friendship and cooperation, we saw engagement and participation of the representatives from various sectors at the Iftar Dinner.
I pray that the month of Ramadan was a spiritually uplifting time and that you have completed your obligation to Allah (swt) with stronger Iman and a renewed resolve to be a better person InshAllah.
I want to thank each of you for supporting the Geelong Mosque with your volunteerism and financial support. Allhamdulillah, with your help, many thousands benefited from listening to Holy Quran, performing salaah and sharing meals in the congregation. May Allah (swt) give you the highest reward, Ameen.
Next Sunday, 08th of May, InshAllah, there will be the first-ever Eid Gala in the history of Greater Geelong packed with fun activities at the Geelong Mosque. We thank sister Fiaza and brother Asif for going out of their way to make this happen. Please come and enjoy an Eid Gala day with your family and friends.
Whilst we are celebrating our Eid in a feeling of peace, please remember in your dua our brothers and sisters who are suffering from hunger, illness, homelessness, and displacement in so many countries. And for those being persecuted and oppressed in China, Myanmar, Palestine, Syria, Kashmir, and other places, we ask Allah (swt) to give them justice in this world and the hereafter. Ameen.
Eid Mubarak!
Ahmed Elzahbhi