Bendigo Masjid Update Oct 2024
Much admired Muslim community leader Ahmed Bassal and I have shared many experiences over the years.
TV programs, podcasts, MC duties….you name it.
But none we’ve done has been more impactful than our 2019 trip to Togo in Africa as ambassadors with MATW Project, an initiative founded by our late, beloved Muslim brother and philanthropist Ali Banat.
In Togo, we saw faith in action through orphanages and schools that now shelter thousands of children, leaving a lasting impact on our lives.
Fast forward five years, and last Friday week, Ahmed and I found ourselves travelling together once again – this time to the Victorian city of Bendigo, a centre of more than 110,000 residents, located 150 kilometres northwest of Melbourne, where the construction of a new masjid is underway.
As we approached the town, the sight of the mosque’s minaret rising in the distance struck me deeply.
This symbol of Islam silhouetting the landscape overwhelmed me – a true honour for the Muslim community of Bendigo, especially after everything they’ve been through.
Until now, the local Muslim community has been gathering for prayer in a community hall at the university.
But this is about to change, thanks to their tireless efforts.
Ahmed and I reflected on the challenging journey that led to this moment.
After all, the story of the Bendigo Mosque is unlike any other!
“When the local Muslims first applied to build their mosque, outsiders – some even flying in from overseas – came to protest,” Ahmed recalled.
“What started as small demonstrations quickly grew into a national and international movement, with extensive media coverage.”
“The matter escalated through multiple court cases, reaching the Supreme Court of Australia, which ruled in favour of the mosque’s construction.”
But this wasn’t the only “win”.
As we all know, Allah the Almighty works in wonderful ways, and indeed, some of the Bendigo Mosque’s most vocal early critics have since embraced Islam!
This powerful transformation shows us that even in the face of adversity, unexpected moments of guidance can emerge. Allah Akbar!
With legal approval secured, the Muslims of Bendigo didn’t just aim to build a simple mosque.
They envisioned a comprehensive Islamic hub, with the future very much in mind.
Along with the mosque, the plan includes a function hall, classrooms, a funeral parlour and a commercial kitchen – everything needed to service the community for generations to come.
As previously referenced, construction has already begun, but they need the support of the broader Muslim community to see the vision through.
To complete this ambitious project, we need your help.
Next Sunday, November 3, we’ll be hosting a spectacular fundraising dinner at the Highline Function Centre in Bankstown, Sydney.
The very aptly named “Time to Rise” event promises to be unforgettable, featuring an amazing dinner, a charity auction and motivational talks by our esteemed Sheikhs Wesam Cherkawi and Ibrahim Dadoun.
This is our opportunity to contribute to something extraordinary – a place that will not only serve as a mosque but also as a vibrant centre for Islamic life in Bendigo.
I invite you all to join us on Sunday.
Together, we can make this vision a reality and leave a legacy that will benefit the Muslim community for generations to come.
See you there, inshaAllah!
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