Aust Muslims condemn Orlando attack

High-profile Australian Muslims have spoken out against homophobia after the massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando.

Islamic organisations and prominent Muslims have condemned the attack by a radicalised lone gunman, signing a joint statement calling the violence abhorrent.

"Whilst investigations are still on foot, the mass shooting in Orlando was a targeted attack on that community. There is no justification for such homophobia," it reads.

Comedian Nazeem Hussain, lawyer Mariam Veiszadeh and human rights activist Omeima Sukkarieh are some of the 44 people who have added their names to the statement.

"We reject the hatred and anger that leads to this kind of abhorrent violence," it continues.

They say the tragedy should not be used to foster division and fear.

"We would like to send a message to LGBTQI Muslims who may be experiencing a deep sense of shock and grief. This is an opportunity for us to cultivate a deeper compassion for each other."

It comes after controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Farrokh Sekaleshfar visited Sydney this week.

The sheikh three years ago made comments at an American university supporting the death penalty for public homosexual sex in countries abiding by Islamic law, but says they were taken out of context.