It’s “full steam ahead” as the United Muslims of Australia (UMA) embarks on an exciting journey towards the redevelopment of its headquarters at Padstow, in southwestern Sydney.
Founded in 2002 and based at its current (Enterprise Ave) site since 2017, the UMA’s unwavering mission since its inception has been devoted to preserving Islamic identity, fostering community cohesion and promoting the teachings of Islam.
In a further, significant stride towards realising this mission, the UMA has initiated a $28 million redevelopment project, which the organisation’s founder, president and spiritual leader Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman proudly describes as the “Greatest Muslim project in Australia”.
The estimated timeframe for completion of the project is 18-24 months, after which the UMA will be able to lay claim to having Australia’s most comprehensive Islamic hub, effectively offering a ‘one-stop shop’ for all Islamic services.
UMA founder, president and spiritual leader Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman is the driving force behind the redevelopment
“The UMA’s aim has always been targeting second and third generation Muslims with the aim of a complex that our entire community can be proud of – and a one-stop shop for all of us,” Sheikh Shadi told AMUST.
“The completion of the new complex within the next two years hopefully will be a realisation of this vision.”
The existing complex already welcomes several thousands of visitors per week, but Sheikh Shadi says that the current numbers are restricted by the Development Application that is in place.
“We are open from 5am until 11pm daily, offering spiritual, community, social, recreational services and more but in the few short years we have been at the current site, the foot traffic has continued to increase….the influx of people is huge.”
“Through the will of Allah, over time we have been able to acquire some of the neighbouring real estate around our own so that we now have the 6,000 square metres required to develop the complex which the Muslim community deserves.”
The ambitious redevelopment project being undertaken by the UMA signifies a significant milestone in the organisation’s 21 year history and includes several key components that will shape the UMA’s future including:
New Masjid: Central to the redevelopment is the construction of a new mosque that can accommodate thousands of worshippers. This state of the art mosque will replace the current temporary masjid and will serve as a spiritual sanctuary for the Muslim community, providing a place for congregational prayers, religious gatherings and community events. Importantly, it will open up onto a beautiful courtyard, providing further space for worshippers.
The new mosque will hold several thousand people
Educational Facility: One of the most noteworthy additions to the new UMA complex will be the establishment of the first Islamic university in Australia. This educational institution will play a pivotal role in addressing the shortage of homegrown Imams and Islamic scholars in the country. By providing a platform for comprehensive Islamic education, the university will nurture the future leaders of the Australian Muslim community.
Underground Parking: To accommodate the needs of the community, the redevelopment project includes an underground parking facility capable of housing 300 cars. This feature will not only enhance accessibility to the UMA but also alleviate parking challenges during peak times such as Taraweeh prayer.
Youth Centre: The UMA has a huge focus on youth and the existing facility will be repurposed as a spacious youth centre, catering to the unique needs of young Muslims. It will serve as a hub for educational and recreational activities, fostering a sense of belonging and identity among Muslim youth.
Islamic Museum: The features and benefits of the new Islamic museum will be many and varied and include the preservation of cultural and religious heritage; education and understanding; engagement with wider Australian society, cultural exchange, community engagement, tourism and economic benefits, celebrating diversity within Islam and, of course, promoting peace and understanding.
A ‘One-Stop Shop’: As previously indicated by Sheikh Shadi, perhaps the most significant achievement of this redevelopment project is the realisation of the UMA’s long-held vision: to become a comprehensive ‘one-stop shop’ for all Islamic services.
This ambitious goal underscores the UMA’s commitment to serving as a beacon of faith, knowledge and community for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
The redevelopment of the UMA’s premises carries profound implications for the Muslim community in Australia and indeed, other Australians.
Here are some of the notable impacts:
1. Spiritual Enrichment: The new mosque and accompanying facilities will provide a space for spiritual enrichment and community bonding. It will serve as a hub for religious education, promoting a deeper understanding of Islam and its teachings.
2. Educational Advancement: The establishment of the first Islamic university in Australia is a ground-breaking achievement. It will not only address the shortage of home grown Imams and Islamic scholars but also contribute to fostering a more profound understanding of Islam within Australian society.
3. Community Cohesion: The Youth Centre and other facilities will encourage community engagement and cohesion among Muslims, particularly the younger generation. This sense of belonging is essential for nurturing future leaders and positive role models within the community.
4. Engagement with wider Australian society: The UMA’s commitment to introducing Islam to non-Muslims in its purest form will help bridge cultural and religious gaps, promoting tolerance and cooperation.
5. Representation and Advocacy: The UMA’s expanded premises will enable it to represent the interests of the Islamic community more effectively at the local, state, and national levels and this advocacy will help address the unique challenges faced by Muslims in Australia.
The United Muslims of Australia’s redevelopment project is a testament to the organisation’s unwavering commitment to its mission of enhancing the Islamic spirit in Australia.
The completed development will be a comprehensive Islamic hub that will not only serve the spiritual and educational needs of the Muslim community but also foster and promote understanding within Australian society.
With the establishment of the first Islamic university in the country and a host of other facilities, the UMA is poised to make a lasting impact, ensuring that its legacy remains a source of inspiration for generations to come.
As the project unfolds over the next 18-24 months, it promises to be a beacon of faith, knowledge and community in Australia, truly fulfilling the UMA’s vision of a ‘one-stop shop’ for all Islamic services.
To peruse the redevelopment prospectus “Together we can make this happen”, click on the link below:
https:www.uma.org.au/prospectus
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