By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
AN AHMADIYYA Muslim from Cranbourne, allegedly assaulted while attending his mosque, has invited his alleged attackers to have lunch with him and others in an extraordinary show of faith.
Abdul Razzaq, 65, suffered a broken nose and was taken to hospital after this month’s alleged altercation in which three youths are believed to have forced their way into the Bait-ul-Salam Mosque in Langwarrin and started a fight.
It’s alleged the teenagers also yelled abuse at Mr Razzaq and other mosque-goers when they entered the Leisureland Drive temple about 9pm on 4 September.
It is the latest in a series of offences against the Langwarrin mosque, the group’s Victorian headquarters, in the last few years.
Mr Razzaq said the Ahmadiyya community had decided not to pursue charges against the alleged attackers and would instead invite them to a barbecue lunch at the mosque where “they can get to know us more”.
Detective Senior Sergeant Miro Majstorovic, from Frankston Police CIU, confirmed that representatives at the mosque had reached out to a community member in relation to the incident, but would not confirm who.
The police investigation is ongoing.
Mr Rassaq said the mosque had extended the invitation because they felt many outsiders didn’t understand their Islamic beliefs and wanted to raise people’s awareness.
“We want to show everyone what Islam really is and what defines a Muslim,” he said.
“We want to be a good, productive part of the community and give back to this beautiful country which has given us so much.”
Mr Rassaq denounced terrorism and said he wanted people to know that the Ahmadiyya community was just like everyone else.
“I just want people to know that we are just like normal people who love Australia and consider loving and serving in Australia a part of our faith and our religion … ” he said.
“I want everyone to know that Islam and Muslims are not what they see on their TVs – that is only a very small minority who have hijacked the name of Islam and commit great evils in its name.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Miro Majstorovic said police would be supportive of any meeting in which the Ahmadiyya community tried to reach out to others.
“Regardless of whether it’s possible offenders or other members of the community, Victoria Police would welcome any such meetings,” Det Sen Sgt Majstorovic said.
Det Sen Sgt Majstorovic also confirmed the Bait-ul-Salam mosque had been the target of previous attacks, but said there was no evidence they were linked.
