Umar bin Al-Khattab Mosque

Is this the only mosque in Victoria where you could once hear the Friday sermon from a future Grand Mufti of Australia? This is the Umar bin Al-Khattab Mosque. It’s also known as Preston Mosque. This unassuming mosque, nestled in the heart of Preston, is more than just a place of worship. It’s a testament to the rich tapestry of cultures that make up Melbourne. The mosque you see today, with its elegant dome and minaret, wasn’t always here. Before 1975, the Muslim community in Preston gathered in a simple house on this very site. The dream of a proper mosque took shape. The community, largely made up of Bosnian and Arab immigrants, poured their hearts and resources into building the Umar bin Al-Khattab Mosque. It was completed in 1976. The mosque became a beacon of their faith, a place where they could come together to pray, learn and celebrate. For many years, the mosque was led by Sheikh Fehmi Naji El-Imam. This respected cleric would later go on to become the Grand Mufti of Australia. Imagine the weight of his words as he delivered sermons right here, in this very mosque. The mosque is a bustling hub of activity. Every day, hundreds of people pass through its doors for the five daily prayers. On Fridays, the number swells to over a thousand, eager to participate in the congregational prayer. The mosque isn’t just a place for prayer. It’s a vital part of the community, offering everything from religious classes to marriage services. The Umar bin Al-Khattab Mosque stands as a symbol of resilience, faith and community spirit.