Updated 4 April 2012
The President of World Federation Dr. Asghar Moledina, his wife Mrs. Batul Moledina and Br. Gulamali Virjee carried out a tour of New Zealand and Australia in March 2012.
The delegation visited Sydney from 14-17 March 2012. Dr. Moledina was pleased to see that Sydney is a vibrant community with 13-14 centres and two community schools.
On Wednesday 14 March 2012, Muhammadi Welfare Association of Australia hosted a dinner in honour of Dr. Moledina. The Welcome function began with the Talawat-e-Quran by Maulana Maqbool. This was followed by the welcome address by Dr. Sultan Aly, Syed Ali Kamran and President MWA Dr. Abbas Rizvi.
In his speech Dr. Moledina discussed the details of the welfare projects run by The World Federation. He mentioned that after the 2010 Flood in Pakistan, The World Federation in conjunction with the Husaini Foundation constructed more than 4000 homes and rebuilt over 100 centres in Punjab and Sindh . Dr. Moledina made a request to the members for their contribution towards such causes and InshAllah Allah (swt) will reward them for their noble services. He also urged the community in Australia to work towards the formation of a regional federation with utmost urgency.
Dr. Moledina also had the opportunity to visit the Imam Hassan Centre in Sydney where he met the Office bearers and Mr. Abbas Aly who together with his family and mo’meneen have accomplished the successful completion of this great centre. In addition, they have organized Islamic Education and also make use of the neighbouring professional cricket ground for the community’s sports activities.
The next stop on the President’s tour of New Zealand and Australia was Brisbane where he visited from March 17-18.
During their stay the delegation visited Fatima Zehra (sa) Saturday Madresa, had a Picnic with the Khoja community,and inspected both the proposed properties (255 Queens Road and 101 Park Road) for the First Shia Islamic Centre & Masjid in Brisbane.
The delegation also met committee members of ISCQ and all Shia associations of Queensland. The memorable meeting was concluded with a dinner organised by ISCQ.
During the dinner Dr. Moledina’s enlightening speech emphasised the need of establishing an Islamic Centre and a Muslim school to support the upbringing of our new generation in Australia. Br. Lakhani briefed the delegation regarding the ISCQ activities and the project and highlighted the urgent need of establishing an Islamic Centre and burial facilities for the Shia community of Brisbane. He also thanked the delegation for visiting Brisbane on a short notice and appreciated their support for the project.
As part of the ongoing fund raising campaign the delegation and distinguish guests donated A$ 38,000.00 for the project.
Dr. Moledina’s first stop during the Australian tour was Melbourne. Here he had the opportunity to visit the Panjtan Society of Victoria. Dr. Moledina spent time with the Resdient Alim, Syed Abul Qasim Rizvi and the community where he spoke to them about the importance of federating. There is a very active youth section in the community who are in the fore front of awareness in the community of contemporary issues, assist in various fund raising drives for the community and also organized a successful blood donation drive last Muharram.
He also spent time at the Sunday school, where he also stressed on the importance of the proper upbringing of our children. This Sunday school is being run very professionally by volunteers from the community lead by an able patron and Principal.
After his visit, Dr. Moledina stated’ “I am very pleased to see that the community in Australia is a growing, vibrant community. Australia is a land of opportunity, where there are excellent prospects for professionals and business. The World Federation is looking forward to sharing these opportunities and details very shortly. I am excited to see the success of the communities of Australia continue to strive. “