On the 16th of August 2011, the Bluestar Intercultural Centre organized the Peace and Dialogue Iftar dinner at the National Press Club, with around 160 guests in attendance. Those who attended include religious leaders, academics, politicians, educators and various other individuals from different religious and cultural backgrounds. This is an annual flagship event organized by the event and is in its second year. The event also saw the BIC presenting its inaugural Australian Bluestar Awards. These awards recognise the efforts of individuals who actively promote intercultural dialogue and work against religious and ethnic prejudices within the Australian community.
During the Holy month of Ramadan in 2010, Muslims all around Canberra once again opened their doors and hearts to welcome guests into their homes for Home Iftars. An idea initiated by Bluestar Intercultural Center (BIC), Home Iftars can be excellent avenues for non-Muslim Australians from all walks of life to experience the sanctity of the month of Ramadan.
The Australian National University: Diversity & Dialogue Iftar Dinner On Friday evening the 3rd of September, 2010, Bluestar Intercultural Centre and the Australian National University’s College of Arts & Social Sciences department co-hosted an Iftar dinner for the community of National University.
Bluestar Intercultural Dialogue Centre organized the Second Annual Social Harmony Iftar jointly with the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture and Charles Sturt University on Tuesday, 17 August 2010 at the ACC&C Chapel. Parliamentarians, High Commissioners of Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Ambassadors of Syria and to Iraq, several academics, officials from the foreign affairs and businessmen attended the Iftar dinner.
- Ramadan, 7 Dimensions
- Mercy & Education
- The Need for Dialogue
- A Radiant Month
Ramadan, a month of seven dimensions
1. A month of worship and the display of beauty. A time when sharing is of utmost importance. Muslims fast provide alms, donations and offerings and evaluate the reason for their existence and preparation for their eternal life.
Read more...Universal Mercy and Education
by Fethullah Gülen
The adage nowadays is that we all need love. So many people are talking about this. Islam teaches us that God's act of creating humanity was an act of mercy and compassion.
Read more...The Necessity of Interfaith Dialogue
by Fethullah Gülen
People are talking about peace, contentment, ecology, justice, tolerance, and dialogue. Unfortunately, the prevailing materialist worldview disturbs the balance between humanity and nature and within individuals.
Read more...A Radiant Month in a Darkening World
The world is undergoing forms of depressions, one within the other. Humanity is restless and living with nightmares. Ramadan is once more on the way, appearing on the horizon like the silent full moon. Its light has started to diffuse the darkness of our horizon and although it is only a temporary light, we feel relief in our souls.
Read more...