The twin spirits of aspiration and achievement filled the air at the Lemnos Wedding Venue in Belmore on Sunday night 15 February 2026, as Zakat House hosted its 28th Annual Education Awards, honouring many of the brightest young minds completing school education in the Sydney Muslim community.
For nearly three decades, Zakat House has made it a tradition not only to support vulnerable families locally and abroad, but also to publicly recognise and support academic excellence.
Established in 1989 as Bayt Al-Zakat, the organisation these days known as Zakat House continues to expand its humanitarian footprint while championing education as a pathway to career success and leadership.
This year, 120 students were honoured for achieving ATAR scores between 90 and a near perfect 99.8.
The results reflected years of discipline, resilience and family support for the group.
Spectacular shot of all the students honoured at the gathering. (All photos courtesy Khalid El Masri of Click Pro.)
In a friendly twist from the previous year, the young brothers claimed ‘bragging rights’ over the sisters in 2025, securing four of the six highest ATARs among the students honoured, including the top three – Zayn Pao (99.8) and Omar Dib (99.6), both from Al Noori Muslim School, and Gazi Ahmed (99.55) from Malek Fahd Islamic School.
The achievements of all students drew warm applause from the several hundred guests at the impressive venue, which was filled with proud parents, community leaders, educators and other guests.
The evening was masterfully hosted by Sheikh Ahmed Abdo, whose smooth and respectful delivery set a dignified tone throughout the program.
Bilal El-Hayek, Mayor of the City of Canterbury-Bankstown, provided inspirational words to the young people in attendance.
A beautiful Qur’an recitation by Sheikh Khaled Zreika opened proceedings, adding a spiritually uplifting dimension to the celebration.
Among the well known and respected guest speakers addressing the gathering were Dr Issam Obeid, President of Zakat House; the Grand Mufti of Australia, Sheikh Riad El Rifai; Cumberland City Mayor Ola Hamed; Mayor of the City of Canterbury-Bankstown Bilal El-Hayek; Mr Kaiser Trad from AFIC and Mr Mohamad Abbas, founder of Islameet, a fresh and dynamic Muslim media platform connecting communities through news, reminders and events.
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek delivered a particularly stirring message, praising the students for their perseverance and reminding them that their achievements carry both personal promise and communal responsibility.
“Tonight is about character, discipline and vision as well as marks,” he said
“You have already demonstrated what’s possible through hard work and belief.”
President Dr Issam Obeid and Board Member Mohamad Kabbara both work tirelessly for Zakat House.
“In the years ahead, you will not only succeed in your chosen professions, but you’ll help shape the future of our city and our nation.”
“We are proud of you, and we are counting on you.”
Every student was individually acknowledged and welcomed onto the stage to enthusiastic applause, creating a memorable moment for families who have supported their children every step of the way.
The annual awards continue to send a strong message: academic excellence and faith-based values aren’t mutually exclusive, but they are mutually reinforcing.
Event MC and respected Imam, Sheikh Ahmed Abdo.
As Zakat House marks its 28th year of celebrating achievement, and as highlighted by Mayor El-Hayek, our community can look forward with confidence to a generation equipped with knowledge, ambition and a deep sense of purpose.
AMUST congratulates all of the students recognised and commends Zakat House, its dedicated board of directors, staff and generous sponsors for sustaining this inspirational tradition year after year.
Let’s hear it for the brothers!
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