Melbourne Religious Leaders Gather to Honour Imam Hussain

Hosted by Melbourne’s Melton Interfaith Network, leaders from various religious denominations and faith traditions, including from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently gathered at Parliament House.

The occasion was to remember the life of Imam Hussain, grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.  According to Islamic custom, special gatherings are arranged each year to share aspects of Hussain’s life. In addition, the story of his death at Karbala can be narrated and sung by professional reciters.

At the event, religious and parliament leaders shared insights from Hussain’s life.  They noted that Hussain was a man of humility, compassion, and generosity.  The collaboration of various religious organisations is a shining example of the religious tolerance taught by the Imam.

Richard McLean, religious leader for the Church of Jesus Christ congregations in central Melbourne, spoke to the group, “The gathering of interfaith groups, such as this one, helps to create harmony.  It provides all of us with an opportunity to listen, share and support each other.  Like Imam Hussain, Jesus Christ taught us to love one another.”

Vivian Nguyen MP, who serves as Chairperson of the Victoria Multicultural Commission, said, “Trust, forgiveness, hope, and compassion are all attributes that we learn from Imam Hussain and other religious leaders.  We all have an opportunity to be better people when we follow this counsel.”

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Joining MP Nguyen were Luba Grigorovitch MP and Maulana Syed Abul Qasim Rizvi, President of the Shia Imams Council of Victoria.

Established in 2013, the Melton Interfaith Network was formed to develop harmony, cohesiveness and inclusivity within the City of Melton. The network generates awareness of all faiths, beliefs and traditions in the community to promote intercultural and interfaith understanding.