On Sunday, October 13, 2024, the Geelong Islamic Community Centre (GICC) had the honor of hosting Shaykh Gibril Fouad Haddad on his enlightening Australia Tour. Led by Sheikh Muhammad Ramadan Qadri, our community, along with his family and congregation, extended a warm welcome to all attendees.

The event commenced with a heartfelt recitation of Burda Sharif by Syed Shah Rafiuddin Qadri, and continued with salawat led by Muhammad Siraj Mohiuddin. Our own Sidi Ahmed Muhammad Ramadan Qadri graciously served as the master of ceremonies, guiding us through the program with great poise.

During the session, Shaykh Gibril delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled “The Role of the Prophet in Our Lives.” He emphasized the importance of humility for those pursuing knowledge and the spiritual journey of tasawwuf, reminding us that true value is found not in our outward appearances but in the purity of our hearts.

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to host Shaykh Gibril and Sheikh Ramy, not only at our new masjid but also at a private lunch and refreshments at our home, following the lecture. It was a privilege to share our hospitality and to engage in meaningful dialogue about our faith and community responsibilities.

As Shaykh Gibril departed for Sydney later that afternoon, continuing his tour through Australia, we bid him farewell with heartfelt prayers and gratitude for his teachings and his invaluable service to the English-speaking Muslim community in the West, including his translations of 50-60 classical Islamic works from Arabic to English.

We pray for Allah SWT to bless our masjid project with success and look forward to further collaboration with all involved, aiming to make a lasting impact in Geelong and beyond, inshaAllah.