Over $1.5 million raised for ISRA Islamic Centre in Sydney at sold-out fundraiser

Photo: Ahmad Hraichie, known as “The Muslim Undertaker was a keynote speaker of the event. Photos by Think Studio

A powerful community fundraiser in Sydney held on Saturday 20 September 2025 at the Inglis Hotel, Warwick Farm, brought together more than 600 people for a night of vision, faith, and collective generosity. Hosted by the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA), the “Nurturing the Seeds” event exceeded all expectations, raising over $1.5 million toward the development of the landmark ISRA Islamic Centre in Prestons, South-West Sydney.

ISRA is a trusted, nationally recognised organisation that has served the Australian Muslim community for over 15 years. Known for its Islamic Studies programs through Charles Sturt University, ISRA combines scholarship, community engagement, and youth leadership to meet the growing needs of a diverse Muslim population.

Why this Centre, why now?

South-West Sydney is undergoing a remarkable transformation and at the heart of this change is a thriving, rapidly growing Muslim population. As the community grows, the need for dedicated Islamic infrastructure has become urgent.

In response, ISRA is developing a visionary new Islamic Centre in Prestons, designed to be more than just a mosque. Located on a 2,388 sqm site at Lot 1, 125 Kurrajong Road, the centre will feature:

• A mosque for daily and congregational prayers

• A modern youth hub with fitness and recreation spaces

• Educational classrooms for Qur’anic studies, leadership programs, and lifelong learning

The land was purchased on 31 August 2023 for $3.25 million, with $1 million raised at the fundraiser in 2023 to begin paying off the loan. This year’s event set a target of $1 million again however the community rallied to raise even more with $1.5 million in a single night.

Setting the scene: A seed needs nourishment

Opening the evening after Maghreb prayer, MC Orhan Kaba explained that the event name wasn’t chosen lightly. Purchasing the land in 2023, he said, was like planting a seed but it would need care, commitment, and financial support to grow into something lasting.

The formal event began with a beautiful Qur’an recitation by Shaykh Mohamad Harby, Imam from Lakemba Mosque.

ISRA’s founder and Executive Director Professor Mehmet Ozalp then took to the stage and reflected on the emotional loss experienced when religious spaces are repurposed.

He shared, “A church was converted into a restaurant and people were drinking alcohol and having entertainment in this place… the saddest thing for any religious group… is when their places of worship are converted or closed.”

He contrasted this with the joy of building a new mosque – a project he said signals life and a hopeful future, especially when led by young people. He praised the energy and ownership shown by the volunteers, calling them the very team behind the building effort.

He also reassured the audience that, just like the land purchase promised in 2023, this next phase would be delivered: “If we collect a million today, I’m making a promise to you, we will have an initial building structure on this land in 2026, inshallah, and we will start operating this mosque straight away.”

Imam Dr Salih Yucel, affectionately introduced as ISRA’s “treasured imam,” focused on the spiritual weight behind the project.

He reminded attendees that while people’s ears are constantly filled with noise and information, what they truly hunger for is sincerity and visible action. “The world is in need of Islam and Islam is in need of representation. The people’s ears are full but the eyes are hungry.”

He described the ISRA Centre as a project grounded in holistic community wellbeing, one that nourishes people spiritually, emotionally, and educationally. For him, the key to the project’s power lies in its sincerity: “When you do something for the name of Allah the eternal one, it will become eternal.”

With emotional intensity, Ahmad Hraichie, known as “The Muslim Undertaker”, brought home the urgency of the night’s cause.

He shared that just minutes before speaking, he had received news of someone collapsing and passing away at a nearby shopping centre. “This is how quick death comes,” he said, reminding everyone of the unpredictable nature of life.

He then walked the audience through the reality of burial, a solitary moment where one’s wealth holds no value.

The only lasting legacy, he stressed, is what we give while we’re alive and well. “The money you give is the money you win. The money you find in the hereafter. The money you hold on to is the money that people will fight over.”

He urged attendees not to delay in giving, calling ongoing charity one of the most powerful investments a believer can make.

Youth drive momentum

Following the keynotes, university student Othman Alrawi and ISRA Program manager Ustadh Ahmet Ozturk took to the stage to begin the fundraising pledges.

Othman shared the story of how, in the last fundraiser in 2023, a group of male university students had come together and raised $10,000 for the project. This year, that same group returned, stronger and more committed and pledged an incredible $110,000 before the event.

The pledges then officially began  and the first came from a group of female university students from Youth Nexus Girls, who boldly pledged $50,000. Their act of leadership and generosity triggered a powerful chain reaction across the room. The momentum built quickly, with the total pledged surpassing $1.3 million before the auction had even started.

With pledges wrapped up, the night rolled into a lively and unforgettable auction session led by Hajj Hussin Goss, respected community leader and renowned charity auctioneer from Gold Coast. The auction was bursting with high energy, fast-paced bidding and warm community spirit.

From Zamzam water and Kaaba cloth (Kiswah) to orphan sponsorships, cataract operations, gold jewellery, and even a motorbike, the auction items sparked competitive bids, joyful laughter, and moments of awe.

The highest-selling item of the night was a piece of the Kiswah from the Prophet Muhammad’s (s) grave, which reached a remarkable $19,500.

The night ended with a vote of thanks from Dr Mahsheed Ansari, who honoured all contributors: donors, volunteers, and organisers alike. The final prayer (dua) by Shaykh Abdul Hadi Shah-Idil brought the evening to a serene and hopeful close.

Next steps for the project

With the success of this fundraiser, ISRA will now move into the next phase of development:

• Establish temporary community facilities on-site

• Lodge the Development Application (DA)

• Continue working to pay off the remaining loan.

The event was proudly supported by AMUST as Media Partner as well as Platinum Sponsor Galaxy Foundation, Gold Sponsors: East Blue Fire Design, HelloWorld Travel, MindSea Psychology, and Pearl Dental Clinic, Silver Sponsors: Barakah Brew, Australian Relief Organisation, Skylark Psychology, Kalem Business Services, Hikma Legal, IFAM, Tasty Tenders, SAGA, Tax Smarter Business Services, Turks., Waratah Gastroenterology, Clever Home Developments, Roxerina Jewelry and Think Studio.