By Victoria Stone-Meadows
The Hampton Park Uniting Church will be hosting Coffee with a Muslim in Casey later this month in an effort to dispel myths and misconceptions that have grown around the faith.
Event organiser a local Casey resident Inaz Jarif said she shot the idea from Sherene Hassan at the Islamic Museum of Australia who held the first coffee with a Muslim event.
Ms Hassan held the event following comments from TV personality Sonya Kruger who called for an end to people of the Islamic faith migrating to Australia.
Ms Jarif said the whole idea behind the Coffee with a Muslim event was to build better communities by bringing people of all walks of life together in an informal setting.
“It could be argued locally and nationally, there is a growing anti-Muslim sentiment in Australia,” she said.
“Having been exposed to it myself and witnessing it happening to our young people, and with all that happened last year in Casey, I chose to do this as an open invitation to the community to build a better community.”
Ms Jarif participated in many of the sessions hosted by the Islamic Museum of Australia and said the sessions were a great way for people to get a better understanding of each other.
“I participated in a lot of those sessions and it was a really positive way to get to know things,” she said.
“Not just for the people learning and hearing from us, but the other way too; we learnt a lot from the people that come along.”
“I am hoping for an open and positive dialogue that can build a better bond between people, and for our children and future generations, we should be aiming to leave a better society for them than the one we came into.”
This is not the first time Ms Jarif and the Hampton Park Uniting Church have joined forces to bring the community together.
In December last year, the Hampton Park Uniting Church hosted a Christmas dinner that was staffed by members of the local Muslim community.
Ms Jarif said she couldn’t do the work she did without the support of Reverend Mat Harry at the church and the support he gave for her initiatives.
Reverend Harry said he was more than happy to lend a hand and space for these events as they reflected the church’s mission in building stronger and more connected communities.
“I think it’s important for everyone to love their neighbour as themselves,” he said.
“My experience has always been, when you get to know people who are different from yourself, you gain and understanding of your shared humanity and that leads to friendship and a lack of fear.”
Reverend Harry said he was hopeful those that came along to the event did so with an open mind and open heart.
“I hope it is a success and people who come along open their hearts to people who are different from themselves, and gain a new perspective and break down some barriers,” he said.
While the event is free to attend, organisers are asking people to book ahead through eventbrite, so they can cater for the number of seating and coffee on the day.
To book your spot visit www.eventbrite.com.au and search for “Coffee with a Muslim in Casey.”
