Our history

Located on Anzac Street in Greenacre, our mosque has stood as a place of worship, guidance, community service, and unity for over forty years.

The story of the mosque began on 6 August 1985, when Sheikh Khaled Zeidan purchased the property at 31–35 Anzac Street, Greenacre, and established it as a place of Islamic worship. Prior to becoming a mosque, the site was home to several furniture manufacturing factories where furniture was produced, displayed, and loaded for distribution. Following the purchase of the property, Sheikh Khaled converted the former display and loading building into a mosque, creating a place of worship that has served the community continuously for over forty years.

After completing his service at Lakemba Mosque and the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA), Sheikh Khaled Zeidan recognised the growing needs of Sydney's expanding Muslim population. A visionary leader, he understood that the community would require additional mosques and Islamic centres to serve future generations. With this vision in mind, he purchased the Greenacre property and immediately established it as a place of religious worship, creating what would become a lasting institution for faith, education, and community service.

Recognising the importance of preserving the mosque for future generations, Sheikh Khaled Zeidan established the United Arab Muslims Association (TUAMA) in 1985 to oversee the mosque, its activities, and its future development. He carefully selected a group of trusted and respected community members to serve as its board and placed the mosque and its assets under the ownership of the organisation rather than under any individual. This ensured that the mosque would remain a waqf (Islamic endowment) dedicated solely to the worship of Allah and the service of the community, protected from personal ownership and safeguarded for generations to come. This foresight helped establish a strong foundation of accountability, transparency, and continuity that remains in place today.

From the very beginning, Sheikh Khaled Zeidan served as the mosque's Imam and spiritual leader. Through his dedication, wisdom, and balanced approach to Islam, he established a culture centred upon sincerity, moderation, unity, and service to the wider community. Following his sudden passing in 1996, leadership of the mosque was entrusted to his nephew, Sheikh Malek Zeidan, who has continued serving as the mosque's Imam ever since. Under his leadership, the mosque has remained faithful to the principles upon which it was founded.

While the organisation carries the historical name "United Arab Muslims Association," reflecting the demographics of the local Muslim community at the time, the mosque has always welcomed people from every ethnicity, culture, nationality, and background. Today, our congregation represents the rich diversity of Sydney's Muslim community.

Over the decades, the mosque has become the home of numerous community initiatives and services. Among its most significant achievements was the establishment of one of Australia's first Islamic judicial councils dealing with marriage and family matters. This initiative provided much-needed guidance and support to Muslim families navigating complex marital issues while remaining grounded in Islamic principles and Australian law.

In recent years, the mosque has also experienced significant growth in youth engagement. Through educational programs, community activities, mentorship, and social initiatives, a new generation has become actively involved in serving both the mosque and the wider community.

One of the most unique aspects of our mosque's history has been its remarkable stability and unity. For over four decades, the mosque has remained free from the internal political disputes and factionalism that often challenge community organisations. We firmly believe this is because the mosque was established upon taqwa (God-consciousness), sincerity, and a genuine desire to serve Allah and the community. These values continue to guide every aspect of our work today.

The mosque has also maintained a reputation for moderation, balance, and authentic Islamic teachings. Throughout its history, it has never been associated with extremist ideologies or activities. We are proud to uphold the legacy of Sheikh Khaled Zeidan's teachings, which emphasised wisdom, compassion, civic responsibility, and constructive engagement with society. Extremism, division, and hatred have never had a place within our institution.

At the same time, we have always sought to build positive relationships with the broader Australian community. Over the years, the mosque has welcomed visitors from all walks of life and engaged with leaders from various religious traditions. We firmly believe that mutual respect, understanding, and dialogue strengthen society and contribute to social harmony.

Our doors remain open to everyone. We do not discriminate based on ethnicity, nationality, colour, or religious belief. While we acknowledge that differences of opinion exist within every community, we have consistently rejected division and sectarianism, choosing instead to promote unity, mutual respect, and cooperation.

Recognising the growing needs of the community, a major redevelopment proposal was approved in 2012 under Development Application DA-736/2012. The vision was to replace the ageing structures with a modern religious and cultural hub capable of serving future generations.

After years of planning, approvals, and fundraising, we have finally reached the stage where construction can proceed. Importantly, this project is entirely community funded. Every stage of the development has been made possible through the generosity and sacrifice of ordinary community members who believe in the future of this institution.

The new development will transform the site into one of Sydney's most significant Islamic centres. The proposed 2,600-square-metre complex will include a new mosque, a multi-level car park, dedicated funeral preparation facilities, educational spaces, community service areas, youth facilities, and a large community hall designed to support a wide range of programs and initiatives.

This project is not being undertaken to create division or competition. Rather, it is being built to serve the growing needs of the community and to strengthen unity amongst Muslims and the wider Australian society. Our goal is to create a lasting institution that supports worship, education, youth development, family wellbeing, social services, and community engagement for generations to come.

As we look towards the future, we remain committed to the principles that have guided us since 1985: sincerity, transparency, moderation, service, and unity. We ask Allah to bless this project, reward those who contributed to its establishment and growth, and allow this mosque to continue serving as a beacon of faith, peace, and community service for generations to come.