In a move that has sparked both relief and controversy, the Canterbury-Bankstown Council has shut down a prayer hall allegedly tied to the infamous preacher Wissam Haddad, raising questions about legality, community safety, and religious freedom. But here's where it gets controversial: while the council claims the site was never approved for religious use, the organization managing it insists they acted in good faith, leaving many to wonder about the timing and motives behind the shutdown.
Earlier this week, the Canterbury-Bankstown Council in Sydney issued a "cease use" order to the Bankstown Al Madina Dawah Centre, located in the city's south-west. According to the council, a thorough review of records dating back to the 1970s revealed that the Kitchener Parade site had never been authorized to operate as a prayer hall. In fact, it had only recently been approved for use as a medical centre. A council spokesperson stated, "Recent surveillance strongly suggests the premises are being used in ways that contradict their intended purpose. We’ve issued immediate cease use notices, and we’re prepared to take further action if compliance isn’t achieved."
This isn’t the first time Wissam Haddad, also known as Abu Ousayd, has faced legal scrutiny. The notorious Islamic preacher was recently found guilty by the Federal Court of violating the Racial Discrimination Act through a series of antisemitic lectures. Adding to the controversy, counterterrorism officials revealed last week that Naveed Akram, one of the alleged Bondi gunmen, was a follower of Haddad’s teachings. Through his lawyer, Haddad has vehemently denied any involvement in the December 14 Bondi Beach shootings, stating he had no knowledge of the incident.
And this is the part most people miss: The Al Madina Group, which manages the site, claims Haddad has no operational involvement and that they believed no development application was required, given the previous organization’s four-year operation without issue. In a statement, they questioned the "bases, timing, and motivation" behind the council’s sudden decision, suggesting it may be part of a broader agenda. They also clarified that Haddad’s role was limited to occasional guest speaking engagements, including Friday sermons.
Premier Chris Minns praised Mayor Bilal El-Hayek’s decisive action, stating, "This is the kind of leadership we need right now. Bilal has led that community for years, and it’s clear this situation couldn’t continue. The site wasn’t being used for the purposes outlined in its permit."
But here’s the real question: Is this shutdown a necessary step to ensure community safety and enforce zoning laws, or does it unfairly target a religious group? The council’s actions have undoubtedly addressed legal concerns, but they’ve also opened a debate about religious freedom and the role of local authorities in regulating places of worship. What do you think? Is the council justified in its actions, or is there more to this story than meets the eye? Share your thoughts in the comments below—this is a conversation that needs to be had.
