For more than two decades, Ashabul Kahfi Islamic Centre (AKIC) has quietly shaped the lives of Muslim families in Sydney. Founded in 1998 by Dr. Chalidin Yacob, an educator with a deep commitment to community service, the centre began modestly—driven by a concern for the spiritual and moral development of Muslim children growing up as a minority in Australia.
Dr Chalidin Yacob, the founder of Ashabul Kahfi Islamic Centre
Together with his wife, Ustadzah Hj. Darliana, Dr. Chalidin built AKIC from the ground up. What started as small Qur’an classes and community gatherings gradually grew into a trusted space where children learned not only to recite the Qur’an but also to embody Islamic values in everyday life. Over the years, hundreds of students have graduated from AKIC, carrying with them lessons of faith, character, and confidence.
As the community expanded, so did the need for space. Through collective effort and grassroots fundraising, the AKIC community purchased its first property in 2006 at 10-11 Edge Street, Wiley Park, followed by a second property in 2012. These homes became centres of learning and worship, but they also revealed the limits of operating within residential spaces.
The desire to establish a purpose-built Islamic centre led AKIC to pursue formal development approval in 2017. What followed was a long and challenging process. Australia’s strict regulatory environment required extensive compliance, ranging from town-planning and fire-safety approvals to water authority requirements and environmental assessments. Much of this work happened quietly, behind the scenes, unseen by the broader community.
Two AKIC community properties at 10-11 Edge St, Wiley Park.
Progress slowed further during the COVID-19 pandemic, while rising construction costs added new pressure. Yet, AKIC persisted. “We did not stop; we prepared” has become a quiet refrain among its organisers. After years of administrative hurdles and due diligence, all major approvals and documentation were finally completed in 2025, positioning the centre to begin construction.
Campaign on Launchgood
Scan this QR Code to participate in this cause.
Today, the vision is clear, the plans are ready, and both properties at Wiley Park have been emptied. What remains is the final and most significant challenge: raising the funds needed to commence physical construction.
To support this goal, AKIC has launched its 2026 fundraising campaign, titled One Brick, Ten Hasanat, which will be conducted through both digital and on-site initiatives. The digital campaign is hosted on LaunchGood and can be accessed by searching “One Brick, Ten Hasanat: Ashabul Kahfi Construction Project 2026.”
Dr. Amri Fatmi Lc.
In addition, an on-site fundraising and community event will be held on 7 March 2026 at the Korean Society Function Hall, Croydon Park, Campsie, NSW, commencing at 5.00 pm. Attendance for the event is by registration (RSVP) or contact: 0410938039.
Featuring prominent scholar
The event will also feature a major Islamic gathering and public lecture by Dr. Amri Fatmi, Lc., an international Islamic scholar and preacher, and a graduate of Al-Azhar University. He is widely recognised for his clear, balanced, and community-focused da‘wah, and regularly delivers lectures and Tabligh Akbar across Europe, the United States, and Canada, with a strong emphasis on the Qur’an, akhlaq, and strengthening Muslim identity in contemporary society.
The event is open to the wider community.
After decades of perseverance, Ashabul Kahfi Islamic Centre stands at a turning point—inviting the community to help transform years of effort into a lasting home for faith, learning, and future generations.
Community members are warmly invited to participate and be part of this historic milestone (RSVP required by 28th Feb 2026).
Comments