Historic grand opening of masjid Al-Bayt Al-Islami followed by terrorist threat and prompt response

Photo: An estimated 5,000 worshippers attended the official opening of the new masjid. (All photos courtesy of  THINK STUDIO)

The Australian Islamic House (AIH) officially opened its new masjid named Al-Bayt Al-Islami on Friday evening 28 February 2025 – the first night of Ramadan 1446, with inaugural Isha and Taraveeh prayers attended by over 5,000 worshippers.

Following the opening, on Tuesday 4 March the mosque received a terrorist threat of “Christchurch 2.0” that was promptly condemned by Muslim organisations, politicians, including the Prime Minister and Premier of NSW and even by media outlets with swift response by the police resulting in the arrest of an individual the following day in Perth.

The magnificent new masjid, located in South West Sydney at 2094 Camden Valley Way, Edmondson Park, is the culmination of AIH’s 30-plus years journey of service and nearly two decades of planning to support the local Muslim community by building this majestic complex.

​Located some 42 kilometres from the Sydney CBD, the suburb of Edmondson Park has undergone significant development since its rezoning for urban use in 2008 and is within 20 km from the new Western Sydney International Airport due to open towards the end of 2026.

According to the 2021 Census, 19 per cent of Edmondson Park’s 12,080 residents identified as Muslim, a figure which has no doubt increased significantly in the four years since the latest national population survey. 

AIH has been a cornerstone institution in the area, promoting spiritual growth and social cohesion, and this new facility is a testament to the organisation’s commitment to excellence in developing and sustaining a vibrant, local Muslim community.

The opening night saw an unforgettable gathering, with those present witnessing the realisation of a long-cherished dream, a well built large complex of high standard with the potential of serving Sydney’s community at large.

The atmosphere at the inauguration was one of unity, gratitude and reflection as the community came together as one to seek Allah’s blessings in this superbly designed masjid with large areas for prayers and further associated areas for various community activities including ample parking.

Sheikh Omar Hussein Agha, delivering an inspiring keynote address to the massive congregation, captured the profound significance of the moment:  “I welcome every single one of you on behalf of the (AIH management) committee and imams – thank you all for attending this blessed occasion, this amazing event.”

“Allah has bestowed two great blessings upon us today – it is both Jumu’ah and the first night of Ramadan; what a great day and what a great occasion!”

Sheikh Agha further expressed deep gratitude to the pioneers of the project, acknowledging those who worked tirelessly to obtain permits and overcome other obstacles.

These elders were the founding fathers of AIH and some of them have since passed away. “May Allah accept them among the righteous,” Sheikh Agha said.

“We also extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all who have  donated or otherwise contributed in any way to this project over many, many years.”

“Some brothers and sisters even donated their gold jewellery for the cause – such generosity – and may Allah build palaces in Jannah for all who gave for His sake.”

Sheikh Agha’s closing prayer remind the wisdom of Prophet Muhammad (s), who emphasised the immense reward of constructing houses of worship.

In a well-known hadith, he said: “Whoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.” (Hadith: Bukhari, Muslim).

 

This profound teaching was evident in the overwhelming support and generosity that enabled the completion of Masjid Al-Bayt Al-Islami. 

The community’s seemingly boundless dedication to this noble cause reflects their desire to seek Allah’s pleasure and to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

With Sydney’s Muslim population expanding rapidly, particularly in the southwest suburbs, the need for more Islamic centres has never been greater. 

Masjid Al-Bayt Al-Islami is not only a place of prayer but also a hub for spiritual, educational and social activities, promoting unity and providing essential services to the local community.

In an uplifting message shared by AIH’s social media following the event, the sentiment of the night was beautifully encapsulated.

 “Tonight marked a historic moment in our community’s history as we prayed together for the first time in the new Australian Islamic House Masjid. May Allah reward everyone who worships here in devotion and all those who contributed to this beautiful cause. May every sujood, every takbir and each letter of the Quran recited within these walls be a witness for them before Allah. Ramadan Mubarak.”

AMUST congratulates Australian Islamic House on its vision and commitment in establishing such a spacious, well-designed facility. 

As the Australia Muslim community continues to expand and to flourish, beautiful, new mosques like this will play a vital role in further promoting faith, unity and social well-being.

The opening of Masjid Al-Bayt Al-Islami represents the collective effort, sacrifice and vision of an entire community and isn’t just a testament to their faith and perseverance but also provides a lasting legacy for generations to come.

May Masjid Al-Bayt Al-Islami continue to serve as a place of peace, prayer and progress for the Australian Muslim community. Ameen.