A large crowd of people attended Australia’s largest mosque to pay respect to those killed in the Christchurch shootings.
About 6000 people were at Lakemba Mosque, in Sydney’s west on Friday to pray for the 50 people who died in the horrific Christchurch terrorist attack.
The crowd flooded into the streets as they prayed and listened to the Imam’s sermon regarding last week’s massacre.
A large crowd of people attended Australia’s largest mosque to pay respect to those killed in the Christchurch shootings
The crowd flooded into the streets as they prayed and listened to the Imam’s sermon over last week’s devastating event
The mosque was decorated with the Aboriginal flag, flowers, and hand-written notes to the fallen victims on the terrorist attack
‘I am sorry this world could not keep you safe. May your journey home be a soft and peaceful one. You are us xx,’ one of the notes read
‘To All out Muslim Brothers and Sisters. You are important and loved,’ a hand-written note read outside Lakemba Mosque
An Aboriginal flag covered with hand-written notes was hanging outside the mosque, surrounded with flowers dedicated to the men, women and children who lost their lives.
‘I am sorry this world could not keep you safe. May your journey home be a soft and peaceful one. You are us xx,’ one of the notes read.
‘New Zealand should have been their home. My heart breaks for your community,’ read another.
The memorial service began with a Quran recitation, followed by the Athan – call to prayer – where Muslims performed their prayer.
A Friday sermon was then delivered by the Imam, who dedicated his talk to the victims of the horrific terrorist attack, and urged the brothers and sisters to unite.
An absentee funeral prayer was then performed for the victims, followed by a two minute silence by everyone in attendance.
A large group of Muslims gathered at Lakemba mosque to pray for the fallen victims of the Christchurch terrorist attack
Muslim brothers prayed at Lakemba Mosque on Friday in memory of the 50 lives lost in Christchurch last week
Men flooded the streets outside Lakemba Mosque and prayed during the memorial service to the Christchurch victims
Muslims gathered at Lakemba Mosque to pray for the 50 innocent people who were gunned down by a terrorist
A Muslim man is greeted by a Belmore Boys High School student at Lakemba Mosque on Friday during the memorial service
Students from Belmore Boys High School are seen congregated outside the mosque on Friday afternoon
Students from local high schools also performed the haka and a heartfelt hymn.
The Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) Facebook page thanked the community for their support in helping the day run smoothly.
‘The Memorial Service | Christchurch Terrorist Attacks saw 5000 – 6000 people visit Lakemba Mosque today,’ they wrote.
‘We had students from Punchbowl Boys’ High School share a heartfelt speech and Hymn, followed by a haka.
Maori schoolboys (pictured) perform a Haka after Friday prayers at Lakemba Mosque in Sydney
Punchbowl Boys High School perform a Haka for the 50 innocent men, women and children who lost their lives in the Christchurch Mosque terrorist attack
‘More students from Belmore Boys High School also performed a powerful haka.
‘Thank you NSW SES Canterbury Unit for providing volunteers and supporting us manage people and traffic flow.
‘We pray for the lives lost and the families and communities who are feeling the weight of last weeks terrorist attacks.’
Belmore Boys High School wrote on Facebook: ‘Our boys represented their school, their families and their cultural background in showing solidarity with the people of NZ today at Lakemba Mosque.’
The Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) Facebook page thanked the community for their support in helping the day run smoothly
Students from the local high schools came together to perform and honour those killed in last Friday’s terrorist attack
Punchbowl Boys High School students comfort each other prior to performing the Haka on the steps of the mosque
‘A deeply moving experience and a proud moment for BBHS, for public education and for Australia.’
The students from Punchbowl Boys High School sung ‘Noqu Masu’ to honour the victims before performing the Haka.
They were welcomed by a Maori Muslim elder who led the traditional Maori welcome, the caranga.
‘The boys greeted the custodians of Lakemba Mosque with the traditional Maori greeting, the hangi before performing a heartfelt hymn to acknowledge the lives lost in Christchurch and stand in solidarity with their Muslim brothers and sisters,’ LMA wrote on Facebook.
Lakemba Mosque, which completed construction in 1972, has become a defining establishment of the Australian Muslim community
Located in the heart of a Muslim community, the mosque hosts thousands of people each week
Lakemba Mosque, which completed construction in 1972, has become a defining establishment of the Australian Muslim community.
Located in the heart of a Muslim community, the mosque hosts thousands of people each week.
Last Friday more than 1000 people visited the mosque to pray for the victims of the Christchurch terror attack. The mood was sombre yet resilient.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Leader of the Opposition Michael Daley were among multiple politicians in attendance to pay their respect.
Punchbowl Boys High School sing on the steps of the mosque in solidarity with the victims of the Christchurch terror attack
Muslim men pray at Lakemba Mosque one week after 50 people were killed in the Christchurch terror attack
A security guard stands beside two Muslim women at the front of the mosque on Friday