Thousands of Australian Muslims gathered at Lakemba Mosque in Sydney to mark Islam's holiest festival, Eid Al-Adha.
It's the feast of sacrifice, marking the end of the Haj journey to Mecca, a trip every Muslim aspires to take at least once in their lifetime.
Ahmad Malas, from the Lebanese Muslim Association, explains that Eid Al-Adha is a chance for the Australian Muslim community to confront the challenges it faces.
"Eid is an occasion where our community comes together and hears about the many challenges and issues it's facing. We hear about the prominent issues such as racism, Islamophobia and political representation. It is natural to be preoccupied by what is very obviously the issue of the day. We face an avalanche of prejudice and hatred on a daily basis, both in the media and from public figures. And we stand here against these sentiments, and renew our solidarity with those facing difficulties in navigating their every day."
One of those public figures is controversial senator Pauline Hanson.
She recently wore a burqa in the Senate, a political stunt designed to draw attention to her campaign to have the burqa banned from public places altogether.
A number of Labor politicians attended at the mosque to assure Australian Muslims they have their support, among them New South Wales Labor leader, Luke Foley.
"I just say this on behalf of the Labor Party. We will stand with this community, we will stand up for this community when voices of hate and bigotry like Pauline Hanson attack you unfairly, we will stand with you and defend you."
Federal Labor front bencher Anthony Albanese was also extremely critical of Senator Hanson's stunt.
Mr Albanese says people need to respect diversity.
"Here we have a great multicultural society, one that needs to respect the fact that the diversity of this society with people of different religion, different backgrounds, are the strength of this society. We should cherish it, and we should oppose those such as Pauline Hanson and anyone who wants to promote division in this community, we say yes to unity, no to division."
One young man attending explained that the support of influential public figures binds the whole Australian community together, when some people are trying to divide it.
"It's given us a good sense of unity, especially in spite of wants happening nowadays. It gives us a good sense of strong community and it shows that there's still belief in one another."
Another says the large turnout of community and political leaders is a reflection of the Muslim community's strength.
"It felt really great, just getting together with all the people. Celebrating with one another, getting to know each other and just praising this big day, the celebration of Eid."
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