One Brick, Ten Hasanat: Community comes together for Ashabul Kahfi

Photo: AKIC Ramadhan Festival 2026.

The Ashabul Kahfi Islamic Centre (AKIC) launched its community fundraising initiative, “One Brick, Ten Hasanat,” inviting Muslims across Australia to help build a lasting legacy for future generations during last Ramadan.

As part of this campaign, AKIC successfully organised the AKIC Ramadan Festival 2026, held in Sydney and Brisbane from 7–9 March 2026. The first event took place on 7 March at the Korean Function Hall in Campsie, Sydney, welcoming more than 150 attendees from the local Muslim community.

AKIC Ramadhan Festival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kcnAh5Myuc

The evening began with a beautiful recitation of the Qur’an by Hamzah, one of Ashabul Kahfi’s students, setting a reflective tone for the gathering.

Dr Teuku Aulia Geumpana, Head of Development at AKIC, then shared an important update on the long-awaited construction project. He explained that after many years of careful preparation, all regulatory documentation and approvals were completed and approved by the end of 2025, allowing the project to move forward to the construction phase.

He also highlighted the perseverance of AKIC’s volunteers who have remained committed to the project despite many challenges along the way.

Dr Teuku invited the community to participate in the One Brick, Ten Hasanat campaign during the month of Ramadan.

The event continued with welcoming remarks from Mr. Pendekar Muda Leonard Sondakh, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia, who expressed his support for the initiative and encouraged the community to unite in supporting projects that strengthen faith and social cohesion.

An update was also delivered by Br. Nurhakim, the Project Manager representing the construction contractor, who described the extensive and detailed process required to meet all construction and regulatory requirements in Australia.

The keynote speech

The keynote address of the evening was delivered by Dr Amri Fatmi, Lc MA, an Islamic scholar who travelled from Aceh, Indonesia to attend the event. In his heartfelt message, he reminded the audience about the responsibility of the ummah to use their wealth for meaningful causes.

He encouraged everyone to contribute to the project, noting that every brick donated would one day witness children learning the Qur’an, learning how to pray, and developing good character within the centre. His message deeply moved the audience and brought a moment of quiet reflection across the hall.

Shortly before Iftar, Br Hadi from MCCA provided an update on the ongoing discussions between AKIC and MCCA regarding potential financial support for the construction project.

He shared that MCCA is currently reviewing the necessary financial requirements and expressed hope that positive progress could be achieved after Ramadan.

 

The fundraising

With about twenty minutes remaining before breaking the fast, Dr Teuku returned to the stage to lead the fundraising session. While the start was modest, the generosity of the attendees quickly became evident as donations and pledges began to grow. By the end of the session, the enthusiasm of the community was truly inspiring.

The evening concluded with a warm iftar jama’i, bringing the community together in gratitude and reflection.

The AKIC Ramadan Festival continued the following days in Brisbane on 8 and 9 March, at the Indonesian Muslim Centre of Queensland (IMCQ) and the Australian Achenese Community of Queensland (AACQ), where similar gatherings were held with strong community support.

Alhamdulillah, through the generosity of donors in Sydney and Brisbane, the campaign raised a total of $165,000 during these events.

For those who are till wanting to participate in the programme, they can contact the office at akic.office@gmail.com.