The local members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association in Lucan recently held their 13th Annual Peace Symposium at the Lucan Spa Hotel.
The theme of this year’s event, which took place on Sunday 3rd November, focused on ‘the need to promote tolerance in a multicultural society.”
The peace Symposium has become a permanent feature of the Community’s activities for over a decade, and draws people from all walks of life including diplomats, councillors, religious leaders, journalists, teachers and many others.
This year, 118 people attended the event, among them H.E. The Indian Ambassador, The Deputy Ambassador of Ethiopia, The Honorary Consul of Belarus and the speakers for the evening that included Cllr Peter Kavanagh (Representing the Mayor of SDCC), Jack Chambers TD, Garda Barry Mills (Representing the Commissioner) and Imam Ibrahim Noonan (Imam of the Mary Mosque, Galway).
There was also an exhibition set up in the adjoining room to the main hall, where the charitable work of the community was showcased.
Alongside this many translations of the Holy Quran, which the community rendered, were also on display.
The event began with recitation from the Holy Quran, which was followed by both Irish and English translations.
The National President Dr. Anwar Malik started with opening remarks and he was followed by the guest speakers, with Cllr. Peter Kavanagh beginning by commending the community regarding the organisation of such inclusive events.
He was followed by Deputy Chambers who said 80% of the Irish see immigration as a vital organ to society, and he in turn was followed by Garda Barry Mills (representing the commissioner), who mentioned that legislation regarding hate crime is being worked on by the gardai and Government.
The formal function ended in tradition with a silent prayer. This was followed by dinner.
All guest speakers were gifted with a book entitled ‘Introduction to the study of the Holy Qur’an’.
A table of free literature was also set up for the guests.
