Sheikh Taj El-Din Hilaly, the influential leader of Australia’s Muslim community for almost two decades, passed away in his homeland of Egypt on Thursday 5 October at the age of 82.
Sheikh Taj was appointed by the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) as the Grand Mufti of Australia in 1988 and held that position for almost 20 years, stepping down from the role in June, 2007.
He was also the Imam of Australia’s most famous and most recognisable masjid, Lakemba Mosque in southwest Sydney, for a record 31 years (1982 to 2013).
Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) President Hafez Alameddine said at the time of Sheikh Taj’s passing: “It is with grieving hearts and broken spirits that that we announce the passing of our beloved Sheikh Taj El-Din Hilaly in Egypt.”
“Sheikh Taj carried the weight of the Australian Muslim Ummah alone on his very broad shoulders and in his even bigger heart, taking the fight alone to protect and honour Muslim rights in Australia.”
“He was the beacon of light when our Ummah was fractured, and the LMA and Lakemba Mosque will forever be indebted to him for his invaluable service and commitment to Islam in Australia. ”
In 2005, Sheikh Taj was named “Muslim Man of the Year” at the inaugural Australian Muslim Achievement Awards.
During his time as the country’s most senior Muslim leader, Sheikh Taj voiced his strong disapproval of radical Islamic figures in Australia and openly criticised Australia’s involvement in the Iraq War.
Although residing in Egypt at the time of his passing, Sheikh Taj maintained close links with the Muslim community in Australia who loved and admired him so much and he remained a frequent and welcome visitor to Australia.
His most recent visit to Sydney was in mid-2022.
A renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Taj remained very active as a guest speaker and delivering online lectures even in his later years and he had just returned home after performing Umrah at the time of his very sad passing.
Shaykh Ahmed Abdo, the Chairman of the Council of Imams (NSW), paid this tribute on social media to his friend and colleague:
“My heart is saddened by the news of the passing of Sheik Taj El-Din Hilaly, a pioneer in the establishing of the foundations of the Muslim community in Australia.”
“May Allah raise his ranks and unite him with Rasulallah.”
LMA Secretary Gamel Kheir said that Sheikh Taj had a tremendous influence on and indeed changed the mindset of Australian Muslims in a very positive manner.
“Sheikh Taj changed the way Muslims in Australia perceived themselves,” Mr Kheir said.
“His teachings saw Muslims change from being overtly secular to being overtly religious and the legacy that this great man left us with cannot be overstated.”
“May Allah the Almighty reward Him for his dedicated commitment with nothing less than Jannah Ferdous.”
Salat al-Gha’ib – an absentee funeral prayer – was held for Sheikh Taj at his beloved Lakemba Mosque on Friday 6 October while the Sydney Muslim community expressed their condolences for him at an Azza at the same location on Saturday night, 7 October.
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