Islamic prayer hall permanently closes after controversial cleric comes under scrutiny following Bondi terror attack

The Guardian - World NewsEN 1 min read 100% complete by Penry BuckleyJanuary 14, 2026 at 03:42 AM

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The Al Madina Dawah centre, an Islamic prayer hall in Bankstown, Sydney, has permanently closed. The announcement was made on the center's Facebook page on Wednesday. The closure follows increased scrutiny of the center and its association with controversial cleric Wisam Haddad after the Bondi attack. Canterbury Bankstown council issued a "cease use" directive last month after determining the center lacked approval to operate as a prayer hall. The council stated the location was only recently approved to operate as a medical center.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Kitchener Parade 40% Sydney 50% Bondi massacre 60% Bondi 60% Canterbury Bankstown council 70% Bankstown ×270% Al Madina Dawah centre ×380% Wisam Haddad ×390%

Keywords

islamic prayer hall 90% closure 80% al madina dawah centre 80% wisam haddad 70% controversial cleric 70% cease use directive 70% local council 60% bankstown 60% bondi terror attack 50% medical centre 40%

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Negative

Score: -0.20

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The Guardian - World News

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85%

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islamic prayer hall closure al madina dawah centre wisam haddad controversial cleric cease use directive local council bankstown bondi terror attack medical centre

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