‘Let’s be united’: Hindu and Muslim leaders back Australia Day celebration
Faith leaders are urging the next generation to maintain a sense of national pride as Australia Day shapes up to become a hot-button election issue.
NSW
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A prominent Western Sydney mosque and a community leader from the nation’s fastest-growing religion are united in calling on Australians to celebrate Australia Day.
Their comments come as Australia Day gears up to become a hot-button issue ahead of the federal election due no later than May this year.
Imam Inamul ul-Haq Kauser. the national president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia, weighed in on Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s election pledge that he would force all Australian councils to commemorate Australia Day, saying Australians should embrace the American spirit when it comes to showing national pride.
“It creates nationalism in our next generation so they can love the country they are born in, they should love the country, they should serve the country,” Mr Kauser said ahead of the Marsden Park mosque’s annual Australia Day celebrations.
“I will support the idea that the whole nation should celebrate Australia Day, not just councils, every town, every city, it is for all of us.”
Imam Kauser said it was crucial to “educate the next generation” on nationalism.
“I have been to the US and every American has a flag at their home. Every business, everywhere there are flags on July 4, I wish the same was in Australia too,” he said.
“The purpose of Australia Day celebration is to create more love in the next generation, let’s be united like a family.”
Hindu Council national vice-president Surinder Jain represents Australia’s fastest growing religion.
Mr Jain, too, encouraged young Australians — of all faiths — to take pride in their nation.
“We celebrate Australia so we celebrate major Australian days and Australia Day is one of them,” he said.
“We encourage Hindus to celebrate Australia Day.”
Both leaders agreed that if the nation chose to celebrate Australia Day on a different date they would be supportive, with Mr Jain saying: “Whichever day the nation decides, we will celebrate.”
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