26/05/2026
An estimated 30,000 worshippers braved Sydney's 'big wet' today to flock to Australia's most iconic masjid, Ali Bin Abi Taleb (Lakemba) Mosque, for the Eid-ul-Adha Prayer - and alhamdulillah, the rain held off for the morning.
Eid-ul-Adha, the "Festival of Sacrifice," commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (a) to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah and this very special day on the Islamic calendar is a time for us as Muslims to come together in prayer and community, reflecting on the values of sacrifice, charity and unity.
Lakemba Mosque and its underground area were filled to capacity well before the Eid Prayer's official commencement time of 7:45 AM, with the overflow of people spilling onto the pavement along Wangee Rd, clearly illustrating the devotion of our community.
Imam of Lakemba Mosque Sheikh Yahya Safi reminded the congregation of what this day truly demands of us: "We follow Sayyidina Ibrahim from outside by slaughtering this animal. But in reality, we should believe, we should have this faith in our heart. Not only from outside, it should be from inside as well. Each and every one has an amanah to be a role model of ethics, morals and justice."
LMA Secretary Hajj Gamel Kheir delivered a passionate call to unity, warning the community against those who seek to divide us: "There are forces at play that seek to ferment division amongst the Ummah of Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him). We must not facilitate this endeavour - breaking off into smaller and smaller groups, each pitted against each other. The days of Divide and Conquer must stop. We must not allow their plots and plans to cement themselves in the unity of our Ummah. The Prophet (s) taught us to confront our enemies and those who seek to sow division amongst us - united, strong and as one. On behalf of the LMA, we recommit our intention to listen to our community, to fight and leave no stone unturned to defend the rights and dignity of every Australian Muslim."
Eid Mubarak from the LMA family to yours. 🌙
