Friday, 16 October saw the Bryan Brown Theatre in Bankstown packed to the rafters for Maide-i Qur’an 2026, as close to 400 people gathered for an evening in the presence of the Holy Qur’an.
Demand was such that the event was oversold.
The theatre has rarely, if ever, looked as full, and those present were privileged to witness three of the world’s most celebrated Qaris on the one stage.
The evening was organised by ICMG Australia, with its Sydney members rolling up their sleeves to make it happen.
Islamic Community Milli Gorus (ICMG) is an organisation which provides comprehensive religious, social and cultural services aimed at teaching, practising and preserving Islam for future generations.
Its global charity arm, Hasene, provides humanitarian aid in more than 100 countries, including Palestine, carrying ICMG’s commitment to supporting the oppressed and aiding the poor well beyond the mosque.
Headlining the night was Professor Mehmet Emin Ay, head imam of the fabulous Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia) Mosque in Istanbul, whose recitation was a highlight of an already remarkable program.
He was joined by Egzon İbrahimi from Kosovo, whose recitations have earned him around 10 million followers on YouTube and across social media, making him one of the most recognised voices in the Muslim world, and a familiar name within the local community.
Completing the trio was Abdulkerim İleri, a German Qari of Turkish background who has placed second in the world Qur’an competition and first in Europe.
Currently completing his PhD in Turkey, he had landed in Sydney only that day, yet still delivered a moving recitation despite the long journey.
ICMG Sydney City branch vice president Hassan Sula said planning began about two months before the event.
“It was a full house. We oversold tickets and some people had no seats,” Mr Sula said.
“We were blessed to have such esteemed guest reciters. This time we wanted to bring a very famous one as well, and Brother Egzon is famous within our community.”
Mr Sula noted that the previous Maide-i Qur’an, held two years ago, was at a smaller venue.
The growth of this year’s event reflected the community’s enthusiasm for hearing the Qur’an recited live.
“I’d like to thank our three honourable guests and the crowd for their amazing, enthusiastic attendance,” he said.
“Inshallah, next time we will bring different Qaris again.”
Two nights later, the three eminent Qaris again recited before a huge crowd, this time at Ilim College in Dallas in Melbourne’s north, capping a memorable Australian program.
For those in Bankstown, it was a truly wonderful night of reflection, inspiration and connection with the timeless message of the Qur’an. May Allah reward all involved.
The two events were made possible through the wonderful support of: Hasene, Irfan College, Ilim College, Crescent Guard and KSEC Security.
