By M. A. Yousuf: The Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) stands as one of Australia’s premier community organizations. A hallmark of their service is the annual Eid Al-Fitr celebration, where Federal Ministers, State Premiers, and Parliamentarians gather at the prayer grounds to promote peace, harmony, and social cohesion.
On March 20, 2026, the LMA observed Eid following their established calendar. Among the distinguished guests were the Hon. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese MP and the Hon. Tony Burke MP. Minister Burke, in particular, has long been recognized for his accessibility; from his time in opposition to his current role as a senior Cabinet Minister, he has maintained an “open-door policy” for the community.
A Display of Humility
In a gesture of profound respect, LMA leadership offered the Prime Minister a chair. In an act of genuine humility and humble courtesy, the Prime Minister declined, choosing instead to sit on the floor amongst the congregants. This act reflected his high-profile leadership and deep respect for the traditions of the Masjid.
An Unfortunate Disturbance
However, the sanctity of the occasion was briefly interrupted when an individual began shouting and directed verbal aggression toward the Prime Minister. Regardless of his specific affiliation, his actions have unfairly cast a shadow over the entire Muslim community.
Islam has no room for hatred, fanaticism, or arrogance. During the era of Caliph Umar (RA), nearly the entire known world was under his leadership. Had he wished, he could have eliminated non-Muslim populations, but he did not. If he had sought revenge, other religions be they Hinduism, Christianity, or Judaism might not exist today. Islam was not established through threats or shouting, but through mercy and Rahamah. Caliph Umar (RA) remains a profound example of compassion and stands as one of the greatest rulers in Islamic history.
This incident has sparked a wave of messages and comments to Suprovat Sydney, raising a critical question: Is this the Islamic way to treat a guest?
The Prophetic Example (Sunnah)
When we examine the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), we find a starkly different blueprint for behavior:
- Mercy over Anger: When a man once urinated inside the Masjid, the companions were outraged. Yet, the Prophet (PBUH) calmed them, instructing only that water be poured over the spot to clean it. He chose education and patience over public humiliation.
- Forgiveness over Revenge: Even in the face of extreme personal grief, such as the actions of Hinda regarding his beloved uncle Hamza (RA), the Prophet (PBUH) practiced unparalleled forgiveness when they later came to him. He never sought revenge, even when he held the power to do so.
A Call for Introspection
Where is our education? Have we truly followed the path of the Prophet (PBUH), or are we being led by our Nafs (ego and desires)?
Islam provides a clear warning against arrogance. If there are political disagreements or grievances regarding government policy, the Islamic way is to seek a formal meeting, present an argument with wisdom (Hikmah), and engage in constructive dialogue. Shouting in a place of worship achieves no change; it only diminishes our own character.
Conclusion
The LMA invited the Prime Minister as a guest of the community. If individuals have concerns, the appropriate channel is to speak with the LMA leadership or seek a formal audience with their representatives.
History shows that the Sahaba (companions) spread Islam through their impeccable manners (Akhlaq), leading people to embrace the faith simply by witnessing their conduct in marketplaces from Indonesia to China. As a community, we must ask: Does our behavior draw people toward Islam or push them away?
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his guest; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain the bonds of kinship; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.” (Sahih Bukhari, 6138; Sahih Muslim, 47)
Mughal Empire held immense power over the Indian subcontinent for over three centuries from 1526 to 1857, historians generally agree that their survival depended more on strategic alliance and integration than on total elimination of the local population. If they wanted, they can finish all of the non-Muslims.
A Head of State, and indeed any guest, deserves to be treated with dignity. May Allah (SWT) grant us a deeper understanding of our Deen and the grace to follow the true character of our Prophet (PBUH).
As practicing Muslims, we stand in solidarity with the Muslim Ummah against all forms of violence, including the attacks and atrocities taking place in Palestine, Gaza. We do not support those who kill or oppress; instead, we strive to remind our community of the commands of Allah (SWT) and the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Note: LMA policymakers should consider that if they cannot protect the dignity of their guests, it sets a bad precedent. It is time to seriously question the logic of inviting a Head of State when their safety cannot be fully guaranteed.