ACIC joins muslims to celebrate “International Mawlid in the City”

The Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) will create history when it joins Muslims in 69 cities around the world in an event themed “International Mawlid in the City” on Saturday at 18:30h at the complex. The special guest for the programme is Maulana Muhammad Waffee of Trinidad and Tobago.

The ACIC, which is representing the Republic of Guyana, will join cities in North, South and Central America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia in an event for which the original inspiration was drawn from the hugely successful event held a year ago outside Google’s London headquarters, the organisation said in a release.

The organisers have a very simple concept – offer a rose as a peaceful gesture to people and at the same time, convey the true message of Islam.

This can be viewed as an extension of the sharing of the message of Islam, the celebration of mawlid; in many eyes, an extension of the substantial work being done to uphold the honour of the Prophet (sas) – by presenting the beauty of his teachings and the positive message of true Islam.

Islam and Muslims are not represented by extremist Muslims and others, nor should they be given such a platform by the mainstream media. Islam is of the balanced middle way and always has been, and Muslims need to reaffirm this position, the ACIC said in its release.

The rose-themed events seek to further isolate extremists of all kinds and to promote peace.

It seeks to bring out the beautiful qualities of the most excellent of all creation – the Prophet Muhammad (sas). The event will target especially the media, which, by and large, has been guilty of portraying Muslims as an angry, violent and bloodthirsty community.

This year, “rose-themed” events are organised throughout the world with Guyana, (through ACIC) being selected, as “our great country can be an example” to others on how to integrate, strengthen ties and live together as one community.

A wide cross-section of Guyanese, including politicians, leaders of other religious groups, members of civil society, representatives of the print and electronic media, etc, have been invited to participate in this event, the ACIC said.

“This will allow them to experience firsthand the warmth, kindness and compassion which we have learnt from the noble character of the blessed Prophet Muhammad (sas).”

 The objective is to engage the local community by promoting peaceful dialogue and spreading peace and understanding.