2MFM Leads Muslims’ Turning Point at Ramadan Dinner

The Muslim Community Radio Annual Ramadan Dinner October 2006 celebrated the integration of an Australian Muslim identity scaffolded by the growing social understanding about Islam and its rituals like fasting Ramadan.

The President of the Muslim Community Radio Mr Mohammad Mehio, welcomed his 250 guests and said, “Times have changed. We are now at the dawn of a new era in terms of the development of the Muslim community in Australia; an era providing a platform of integration and development, both on a personal and social scale.

Mr Mehio acknowledged work at community level as integral to building communities, nurturing a real understanding towards Islam and empowering Muslims with necessary skills to fight terrorism.

“Many strategies and much hard work have been put in place, often at grass roots level where the seeds of growth are sown, to nurture this platform of progress and rational understanding.

“Generally, the Australian Muslim community is continuously working to clarify their standing on critical issues, on being anti-extremist, anti-terrorist and anti-immoralist.

“It is time to say no to those who have politicized Islam.

The second of four dignitary speakers, representing the NSW Premiere, Ms Linda Burney took the stage praising the work of 2MFM.

“Communication such as the work of radio 2MFM and engaging with the wider community will continue to break down barriers and misunderstandings that other Australians have about Islam.”

The Mayor of Bankstown, Councillor Tania Mehailek, added that in Bankstown, “a fifth of the population are from the Muslim heritage.”

And about the position of radio 2mfm she said, “Apart from being the most widely listened to stations in Bankstown, it is one of the most widely listened to radio station throughout the greater Sydney basin.

“That’s a great tribute to 2MFM for the work they have done in establishing themselves in the Arabic and wider community.

“They provide a very important community link between the Arabic community and the wider community.”
 
The Chairman of Darulfatwa his eminence Sheikh Salim Alwan Al-Hasani delivered the last official word, once again shifting the focus back to the fight against extremism and terrorism.

He mentioning the role of Ramadan, Darulfatwa’s stand against extremism and more importantly described the proper way of attaining knowledge for self empowerment and social progress to happen.
 “Seeking knowledge does not happen by seeking books.

“Rather, to seek knowledge is to seek a knowledgeable trustworthy educator who acquired the knowledge from those before him by a chain of ascription.

“From such we can take the pure knowledge of Shari^iah, clear of foisted ideologies and stray thoughts.”

On that note the stage was set for the live entertainment opened with a female youth duet singing ‘Ramadan is Here’.

There virgin voices exemplified the hidden talent of young Australian Muslims discovered by the Muslim Community Radio.

A number for the young at heart came next, followed by the golden cords of the three stars of the men’s Arabic Chant Group. There Arabic mix and passionate melodies sent the audience to a new level of euphoria as the guests called anchor.

The evening came to a close with the thanking of guests and the 2MFM sponsors, making way for side talks among the dignitary guests of this executive dinner which included,  members of parliament, imams, community organisation heads and representative, ambassadors of various embassies, representatives from the community radio sector and media industry, bank manages, sponsors and school principles.

Special priority was given to community members who missed on tickets to the 2MFM 5th Anniversary Dinner in July which seated some 900 guests.