The Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia Aftab Malik has condemned the disgusting online threat made against the Australian Islamic House Masjid in southwestern Sydney.

The threat, posted by an online Instagram user to the mosque’s Instagram page, stated: “Im about to Christchurch 2.0 this join (sic)” in a reference to the attacks on two Christchurch mosques in March 2019 which resulted in the deaths of 51 innocent people.

“This threat is particularly disturbing during the first week of the holy month of Ramadan, where mosques are at their capacity during the night and full of worshippers,” Mr Malik said.

“Any threats of violence are concerning but to reference the Christchurch massacre is both horrifying and sickening.

“This incident is the nightmare of every mosque, and Muslim. It is an escalation of the very real Islamophobia that Muslims across Australia experience, and yet so many still refuse to believe exists.

“It should not take a replay of the Christchurch massacre in Australia to awaken people to the present threat of Islamophobia.

“Unfortunately, targeting mosques and worshippers is a familiar reality with previous research finding more than half of surveyed mosques and their worshippers in Australia experienced targeted violence.

“I understand that additional security has been organised and that worshippers have been told to be vigilant. I call on all Australians to stand united against this latest example of Islamophobia.

“Every Australian should feel safe to practice their religion.”