Lakemba Mosque hosts massive Eid-ul-Adha Prayer

Sunday 16 June saw close to 40,000 worshippers flock to Australia’s most iconic masjid, Ali Bin Abi Taleb (Lakemba) Mosque, for the Eid-ul-Adha Prayer.

Eid-ul-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (a) to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah and is marked by prayers, feasts and charitable acts.

This very special day on the Islamic calendar is a time for Muslims around the world to come together in prayer and community, reflecting on the values of sacrifice, charity and unity.

The main level of Lakemba Mosque during Eid Prayer.

The mosque and its underground area were filled to capacity well before the Eid Prayer’s official commencement time of 7:30 AM, with the overflow of people spilling onto the pavement and the street.

This overwhelming turnout clearly illustrates the devotion of the Muslim community, who braved the bitterly cold early morning to partake in the event.

The sight of tens of thousands gathered in unison, praying shoulder to shoulder, created a powerful vision of faith and solidarity.

The Imam of Lakemba Mosque, Sheikh Yahya Safi, addressed the congregation and reminded them of the significance of Eid-ul-Adha and the importance of sacrifice in our lives.

Sheikh Yahya Safi (centre) delivered an inspirational Eid Prayer khutbah.

He emphasised that Eid is a time of true sacrifice and a lesson that we should always put the greater good ahead of ourselves and to reach out to help those in need.

Sheikh Safi’s words resonated deeply with the attendees, highlighting the essence of this most important of days.

Speaking on behalf of the board, staff and volunteers, Lebanese Muslim Association Secretary and spokesman Gamel Kheir sent a heartfelt “Eid Mubarak” to all in the Muslim Ummah.

He pointed out that Eid is a time of reflection, celebration and building family bonds, also stressing the importance of unity and supporting those who are suffering.

Sheikh Jamal Ud-Din El-Kiki, LMA secretary Gamel Kheir and president Hafez Alameddine, Hasan Saadi (a wonderful Lakemba Mosque volunteer) and LMA board member Ahmed Berjsoui.

“Our strength is in unity and our weakness is in division and in-fighting,” Mr Kheir said, underscoring the critical need for communal harmony.

A highlight of every Eid at Lakemba Mosque is the smiling faces of the many children present and those smiles were as broad as ever when the LMA distributed over 1,000 bags of lollies, adding further to the festive and joyful atmosphere of the occasion.

Because Eid-ul-Adha not only marks a major religious observance, but also a celebration of community spirit and togetherness.