Victorian Muslims join ANZAC Day parade across Victoria and Nation

The Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: 

"Muslims are obliged to be loyal to the country in which they live. Honouring those who fought to defend and safeguard one’s country is an important principle of Islam and in fact is an important principle of peace – especially when it is carried out with a sincere heart and for the sake of winning God’s pleasure.

Our community is proud to count among our numbers both former and current members of the Australian Defence Force. Their involvement in ANZAC Day services across the country is a testament to our collective memory and respect for those who served. Few heroes from the history worth celebrating their contribution in divided society.

Subedar Khudadad Khan, at the Battle of Hollebeke, Belgium, in 1914, despite severe injuries and being heavily outnumbered, Khudadad Khan managed his machine gun with such resilience that it significantly delayed the German advance. For his gallantry, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, becoming the first Indian and Muslim recipient of this honour.

Flight Sargeant Moheddeen Abdul Ghias Howsan, known affectionately as Bob, was member of the 405 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII. His last act was to steer his doomed aircraft away from the French village of Marly-le-Roi to avoid civilian casualties, sacrificing his own life in the process. The village later honoured him and his crew with a memorial.

Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, serving as a Veterinary Assistant in the British Army during WWI, he was awarded the 1914 Star for his services in France. His dedication exemplifies the broader contributions of Indian medics and support staff during the wars.

Additionally, our community member, Ibrahim Malik, actively participates in the Sunnybank Sub-Branch of RSL Queensland and is a member of the Australians of Indian Heritage War Memorial Committee. His father’s ultimate sacrifice is a poignant reminder of our shared history and dedication.

The National President & Missionary In-charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia, Mr. I. H. Kauser said: “ANZAC day is a significant day that brings our nation together to reflect upon the great sacrifices our servicemen and women make to protect us and our country. It is a day of great importance and a day when we as a nation should reiterate our pledge of loyalty and service to the country. In times of war and peace, this day reminds us that we as a nation must unite and honour those who sacrifice their lives for us all.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community are Muslims who believe in the Messiah, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be on him)(1835-1908) of Qadian. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad founded the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in 1889 as a revival movement within Islam, emphasising its essential teachings of peace, love, justice, and sanctity of life. Today, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the world’s largest Islamic community under one Divinely appointed leader, His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper). The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community spans over 200 nations with membership exceeding tens of millions.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a very peaceful, law abiding, nonviolent and loving community. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the leading Islamic organisation to categorically reject terrorism in any form. Similarly, the Ahmadiyya Community is the only Islamic organisation to endorse a separation of mosque and state. 

Basharat Ahmed

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ANZAC Day

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