Blacktown Mormons and Ahmaddiya Muslims Share Faith Practices

Blacktown, NSW Mormons (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and Ahmaddiya Muslims are founding members of the Blacktown Network of Faith Communities group that strives to unite various faiths in common beliefs and values and strives to serve the community in harmony.

Members of the Hebersham Stake (diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were invited to an Iftar dinner and interfaith symposium hosted by The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association in Marsden Park as part of the Islamic holy month of fasting for Ramadan.

President David Harper, a member of the Hebersham Stake Presidency, shared church beliefs and practices concerning fasting to a group of 600 guests present at the event, along with a panel of local religious leaders from various faiths. President Harper explained, "Members of the church fast for two meals on the first Sunday of every month, then donate the money they would have spent on those meals.  The money donated [from those two meals] is used to help those in need. This brings us closer to God and to help his children in need." 

Imam Inam-ul-Haq Kauser, the National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Australia, shared with the attendees that when their mosque in Los Angeles was burned down, the local LDS Church freely extended a hand of support by letting the Muslims use the church's local chapel for Friday prayers and weekly meetings for six years. He shared with the group the important work that is carried out by Muslims in helping those in need in the community throughout the month of Ramadan, fasting from sun up to sun down.

Durga Owen, a member of the Blacktown ward of the church remarked, "Muslims and Mormons shared with each other common beliefs of faith, fasting and helping those in need. It was a wonderful experience for all".