By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
PROPONENTS of an Afghan mosque in Doveton have lashed out at the strident hostility of some community leaders.
Rokhan Akbar, a spokesman for the Afghan group behind the proposal for 11.5-metre-tall mosque in Green Street, spoke exclusively to the Journal last week after Casey Council approved the proposal on Tuesday.
“We are not doing anything wrong at all,” Mr Akbar said. “We have been consistent with the local planning scheme and if you do it right, there should be no problems.”
He said the group had “never really” contemplated shelving the project despite the 33 objectors and 14 petitions with more than 2000 signatures.
Mr Akbar believed the opponents, which include residents and businesses adjoining the vacant industrial site, had been “misled by some with agendas and stories”.
Most vocal of its opponents is Danny Nalliah, whose evangelical church Catch the Fire Ministries is set to build a $2 million headquarters next door.
The pastor, who has formed the Rise Up Australia Party, said after the mosque’s approval that it was “a sad day for Australia” and his church would appeal.
Other Casey councillors Rosalie Crestani and deputy mayor Sam Aziz had also spoken out against the proposal and Islam in general. Cr Crestani had queried whether the mosque could potentially be a school for terrorism.
Mr Akbar invited all those concerned — including the harshest critics — to an open day at the mosque, when it was built.
“Our arms are open. We extend our friendship to them. There’s misinformation going around, derogatory campaigns from religious leaders and leaders in high places taking the Koran out of context. We were appalled by that.
“We are in a society where people have the right to exercise their faith. We don’t have problems with other faiths and other groups. We don’t see any problems with a church and a mosque being side by side.”
Mr Akbar said there was an opportunity to “break down the barriers” between groups, although “a bit of education has to happen”.
Last Tuesday, Casey councillors limited the site to 100 people at any one time, except for Friday afternoon prayer sessions, the 30 nights of Ramadan when up to 400 people can attend, and the two-day Eid Festival when up to 600 can attend. No external amplifiers or loudspeakers will be permitted.
Mr Akbar predicted the mosque would cause no disruption to neighbouring businesses and residents. He said the site was handpicked with the help of the council after it had outgrown its mosque in the Photinia Street, causing traffic congestion into surrounding residential streets.
“We wanted to address that issue. In our religion we have to respect our neighbours.”
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