Sheikh Khaled Zeidan (رحمه الله)

Few individuals have left a greater impact on the Muslim community of Sydney than Sheikh Khaled Zeidan. Through his knowledge, character, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Islam, he helped shape a generation of Muslims and laid foundations that continue to benefit the community decades after his passing.

Sheikh Khaled Zeidan was born in Lebanon and raised in the small village of Mrah El Sraj. Although material wealth was limited, he grew up in an environment rich in faith, values, and strong moral character. From a young age, he developed a deep love for Islam, a respect for knowledge, and a commitment to serving others. These qualities would define his life and legacy.

Driven by his passion for Islamic learning, Sheikh Khaled travelled to Egypt to pursue higher studies at the prestigious Al-Azhar University, one of the world's oldest and most respected centres of Islamic scholarship. There, he excelled in his studies and earned the respect and admiration of both his teachers and fellow students. His love of knowledge never ceased, and throughout his life he continued to seek learning, teach others, and deepen his understanding of Islam. He became widely recognised for his strong grounding in Islamic sciences and his ability to communicate religious teachings with wisdom, balance, and clarity.

After completing his studies, he returned to Lebanon before eventually migrating to Australia. At a time when Sydney's Muslim community was still in its formative years, Sheikh Khaled quickly became recognised as one of the most educated and respected Islamic scholars in the country. He was appointed Imam of Lakemba Mosque and became widely known for his balanced, moderate, and compassionate approach to Islam.

Many regard Sheikh Khaled as the first formally Al-Azhar educated Imam to serve Sydney's growing Muslim community. During this period, he became a central figure in the religious lives of many Muslims. Those who knew the community at the time often recall the profound impact of his teachings. Many who had become distant from their faith found their way back through his sermons, personal guidance, and example. At a time when some members of the community were struggling with social challenges, Sheikh Khaled worked tirelessly to reconnect people with their religion, instilling values of honour, dignity, family, responsibility, and devotion to Allah.

His ability to communicate with wisdom and sincerity earned him the love and respect of people from all backgrounds. He possessed a rare gift for bringing people together and reminding them of what truly mattered. For many families, he became more than an Imam; he became a trusted advisor, teacher, and community leader.

Sheikh Khaled also understood the importance of building bridges with the wider Australian society. He actively engaged with leaders of other faiths and encouraged positive relationships between Muslims and the broader community. His commitment to mutual understanding and social harmony helped establish a positive image of Islam during a period when Muslims were still establishing their place within Australian society.

One of the most significant moments in the history of Lakemba Mosque was its official opening, which was attended by Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. Sheikh Khaled played a key role in helping build and establish the mosque and was instrumental in fostering positive engagement between the Muslim community and Australian public life.

As with many community organisations, periods of change and difficulty arose throughout his journey. During his time at Lakemba Mosque, internal politics and differing visions eventually led to Sheikh Khaled no longer serving as Imam. Following these events, Sheikh Taj El-Din Hilaly (رحمه الله) succeeded him in the position. While these developments were difficult for Sheikh Khaled and many of his supporters, he remained patient, dignified, and focused upon serving Allah rather than seeking personal recognition. He never allowed disagreements to become personal and never carried hatred towards others.

The transition was accompanied by many rumours and misunderstandings, causing some people to distance themselves from him. Yet Sheikh Khaled remained steadfast, placing his trust in Allah and refusing to respond with bitterness or division. A small group of loyal friends and supporters remained by his side, recognising his sincerity, character, and lifelong service to the community.

Those who knew Sheikh Khaled describe him as a man whose heart was free from rancour and whose concern was always for the unity of Muslims. It is remembered that when Sheikh Khaled passed away in 1996, Sheikh Taj El-Din Hilaly stood at his grave visibly emotional, reflecting the respect that existed between two men who had both dedicated their lives to serving Islam despite the challenges of the past.

We believe the words of Allah beautifully reflect the spirit with which righteous believers should view such matters:

"We will remove whatever bitterness they had in their hearts. They will be like brothers, facing one another on thrones." (Qur'an 15:47)

History teaches us that disagreements and challenges are part of every community, but sincere believers strive to rise above them. Sheikh Khaled's life was a testament to patience, forgiveness, and placing the interests of Islam above personal grievances.

What some perceived as a setback ultimately became part of Allah's greater plan. Following his departure from Lakemba Mosque, Sheikh Khaled continued leading prayers and delivering sermons from the garage of a close friend. Despite the difficulties he faced, he remained steadfast and continued serving the community.

Soon thereafter, Allah opened a new door. During this period, Sheikh Khaled’s character, knowledge, and vision were widely recognised, and he was deeply respected by many who knew of him and his work. As a result, support was provided to assist him in purchasing a large parcel of land at 31–35 Anzac Street, Greenacre. With a clear vision for the future and a desire to serve Sydney’s growing Muslim community, he established what would become Greenacre Grand Mosque. With a vision for the future and a desire to serve Sydney's growing Muslim population, he established what would become the United Arab Muslims Association (TUAMA) Mosque.

His intention was never to compete with existing mosques but rather to help meet the increasing demand for Islamic services in Sydney's south-west. At the time, Lakemba Mosque was one of the few major mosques serving the region, and Sheikh Khaled recognised the need for additional places of worship, education, and community support.

The community quickly rallied around him once again. People returned to benefit from his knowledge, guidance, and leadership. During this period, Sheikh Khaled became even more beloved by those who knew him. Many recall that when he advised people to reconcile their differences for the sake of Allah, they would do so immediately. He possessed a rare ability to bring hearts together, resolve disputes, and strengthen bonds within the community.

His leadership was built upon wisdom, humility, and sincerity rather than authority or status. People listened to him because they trusted him. He was known for encouraging forgiveness, promoting unity, and reminding people of their responsibilities towards Allah and one another.

Recognising the importance of preserving the mosque for future generations, Sheikh Khaled established the United Arab Muslims Association (TUAMA) and appointed a group of trusted and respected community members to oversee its affairs. Rather than placing the mosque under the ownership of any individual, he ensured that it was held by the organisation as a waqf dedicated to the worship of Allah and the service of the community. This foresight protected the mosque from personal ownership and helped preserve it for future generations.

Although younger generations today may not fully appreciate the scale of his influence, many of Sydney's older Muslims, particularly within the Lebanese and Arab communities, remember Sheikh Khaled as one of the defining Islamic figures of his era. His contributions to Islamic life in Australia helped shape institutions, communities, and generations of Muslims. It is difficult to imagine the development of Islam in Sydney without recognising the impact of his efforts and sacrifices.

In 1996, Sheikh Khaled Zeidan passed away suddenly. His funeral drew hundreds of mourners and was, at the time, among the largest Muslim funerals Sydney had witnessed. The immense turnout reflected the love, respect, and admiration that people held for him.

Today, his legacy lives on through the institutions he helped establish, the people he inspired, and the values he taught. Lakemba Mosque continues to serve thousands of worshippers, while the mosque he established in Greenacre remains a thriving centre of worship and community life more than forty years after its founding.

The greatest testament to Sheikh Khaled's legacy is not found in buildings, but in the people he influenced and the foundations he laid. The institutions he helped establish continue to serve the community decades after his passing because they were founded upon sincerity, knowledge, moderation, service, and taqwa.

As we undertake the construction of our new mosque complex, we remain committed to preserving and honouring Sheikh Khaled's legacy. The buildings may change, but the principles upon which he established this mosque will continue to guide us for generations to come.

May Allah have mercy upon Sheikh Khaled Zeidan, forgive his shortcomings, elevate his rank among the righteous, expand his grave with light, and reward him abundantly for every person who benefited from his knowledge, guidance, and service to Islam.

Ameen.