Saturday 23 November 2024 will see the eleventh annual National Mosque Open Day (NMOD) take place at participating mosques across Australia. 

This long-time initiative, facilitated by the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA), invites all Australians, irrespective of their faith, to visit their local mosques, engage with the Muslim community and learn about the rich tapestry of Islamic culture and beliefs.

Over the past decade, NMOD has become a significant event in terms of promoting interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange.

This year’s theme, Combating Islamophobia, highlights a steadfast commitment by the LMA and the Muslim community to counter prejudice and encourage mutual respect among diverse communities.

Senior LMA official and NMOD Coordinator Khaled Kamalmaz emphasises NMOD’s core mission to enhance understanding of Islam, empower Australian Muslims and build a better future for the community.

Sheikh Jamal Ud-Din El-Kiki pictured outside Lakemba Mosque on NMOD 2023 with Aladdin Elmir from Project Qur’an.

He told AMUST, “By opening our doors to the wider Australian public, we hope to facilitate greater understanding and promote inclusion at the grassroots level.”

“We are delighted at the early response from mosques all over Australia who have agreed to participate in NMOD 2024.”

“Aside from the LMA’s own masjids at Lakemba, Cabramatta and Young, other NSW mosques whose involvement is already confirmed include Punchbowl Mosque/Australian Islamic Mission; Albury Mosque and the Al Barakah Centre (Claymore Mosque).”

“Sabah Al-Ahmad Masjid (Canberra Islamic Centre),  Taqwa Masjid in Queensland, Western Australia’s Bunbury Masjid, Palmerston Mosque in the Northern Territory and the Hobart Mosque in Tasmania have also come on board already.”

OBA Cabramatta Mosque is always a hive of activity on NMOD. Here LMA Vice President Raed Halabi and resident imam Sheikh Mohammad Abdelzaher are pictured with members of the local fire brigade during NMOD 2023.

Each mosque will offer its own unique experiences, but activities such as trying on a headscarf, henna art, Question and Answer sessions, virtual reality experiences, guest speakers, barbecues, food tasting and amusement rides for the kids are among the activities which masjids often put on for their visitors.

One of the significant highlights of this year’s NMOD at Lakemba Mosque will be a panel discussion, focusing specifically on combating Islamophobia.

This platform for open dialogue will enable community members and visitors to thoughtfully engage with issues affecting mutual respect and understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

In addition to the engaging activities and discussions, NMOD always sees the distribution of Dawah materials at all participating mosques to non-Muslim visitors, including copies of the Quran (provided by Project Qur’an) and a wide variety of education leaflets and flyers about Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (s), with the aim to provide guests with a deeper understanding of Islamic texts and teachings.

As NMOD draws closer, further details will be announced, particularly concerning social media campaigns intended to promote the event and its theme.

Khaled Kamalmaz expressed optimism about the event’s potential impact, stating, “through NMOD, we aim to create ongoing dialogue that lasts way beyond the day itself – we want to build lasting relationships between communities.”

A group of sisters pictured outside Hobart Mosque on NMOD last year.

For the third consecutive year, the Australasian Muslim Times (AMUST) proudly serves as the media partner for NMOD.

Zia Ahmed, editor-in-chief of AMUST, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “I am delighted that AMUST is again partnering with the LMA for National Mosque Open Day.”

“Our collaboration through NMOD and other major events has strengthened our ongoing relationship with the LMA which of course stretches back many, many years.”

“This partnership is essential in promoting inclusive narratives and fostering understanding across different communities.”

As the countdown to November 23 continues, the organisers urge everyone to mark their calendars for a day filled with learning, connection, and celebration.

With more mosques expected to join in as the event approaches, NMOD 2024 promises to be an unmissable opportunity to bridge divides and showcase the beauty of Islam to all Australians.