Sabeto-born and bred Imam Afroz Ali, now an Australian scholar and an authority on Islam, arrives in the country today.

Imam Afroz, who is still a Fijian citizen and Fiji passport holder, is back home for more charity work.

Imam Afroz began feeding the homeless in the streets of central Sydney in 2003, continuing every month until today.

He founded the al-Ghazzali Center for Islamic Sciences and Human Development in 2001. He remembers and continues the charity of his late father, Asghar Ali, community leader and Sabeto School Principal.

Sydney-based Imam Afroz and NZ-born lawyer and adjudicator Aarif Rasheed, have been working in their respective countries, inspired by their late fathers. Aarif’s father is Abdul Rahim Rasheed Q.S.O. who founded the Council of Christians and Muslims in NZ in 1996 and spread peace and understanding throughout the Pacific after completing a degree in Christian theology following his retirement as one of Auckland’s most prominent lawyers in the 1970s and 1980s.

Both Imam Afroz and Aarif regularly speak to interfaith gatherings and are involved in action groups such as poverty and protecting the environment. They arrived the day after the Samoan Tsunami in Apia in 2009 with a team volunteers, and have consistently facilitated funds to Fiji after cyclones for many years through Fiji Muslim League and other NGOs.

Imam Afroz is a leader against religious extremism and recently finalised a major across-board statement of Islamic scholars in Australia against radicalisation and extremism.

He and Aarif intend to help spread sound spiritual teachings and cooperation for a more peaceful Asia-Pacific region. Imam Afroz regularly speaks publicly in Malaysia and Singapore also.

This trip to Fiji is more low-key and to slowly and organically partner with Government and non-government organisations to establish strong community in sittings committed to peace and co-operation for goodness.

Fiji Muslism League president Hafiz-ud-Dean said yesterday they were aware of Imam Afroz’s trip here.

Recently, Imam Afroz was interviewed by the Australian Broadcasting Commission.

– Imam Ali was born and grew up in Sabeto, Nadi

– He is here to do charity work and public lectures

– Regular speaker in Asia-Pacific region

Feedback: shahani.mala@fijisun.com.fj