18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) – 2024-2025
The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) held its 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, 12 October 2025, in Sydney. The meeting brought together Imams and representatives from every state and territory.
The meeting reaffirmed ANIC’s mission to preserve the Islamic identity of Australian Muslims, promote unity and leadership among Imams and community leaders, and stand for justice and human rights, particularly amid the ongoing genocide and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. In attendance were Chairmen and members of the Councils of Imams from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory, along with members of the ANIC Advisory Committee, ANIC departments and invited community leaders.
President’s Address
In his opening address, ANIC President, Imam Shadi Alsuleiman, reflected on the immense suffering of the Muslim Ummah, highlighting the ongoing genocide, occupation, and the famine devastating in Gaza. “For more than two years, our brothers and sisters in Gaza have endured relentless genocide, massacre, and destruction at the hands of the occupying Israeli state. More than sixty-seven thousand innocent men, women, and children have been killed. Entire families have been wiped out, hospitals destroyed, and children starved to death in an artificial famine — all in full view of the world. Yet despite the devastation, the people of Gaza stand firm with faith and courage that inspire the world.” Imam Shadi reaffirmed that ANIC stands united in condemning Israel’s genocide, war crimes, and occupation, and called on the Australian Government to take decisive action, to condemn and sanction Israel, to hold it accountable under international law, and to uphold the right of the Palestinian people to live free, safe, and with dignity. He reminded attendees that “our response cannot be confined to words of sympathy; it must translate into advocacy, engagement, and principled action.”
Political Engagement and Advocacy
Over the past year, ANIC has engaged directly with Australian Government departments and political leaders to advocate for the interests of Australian Muslims and the rights of the Palestinian people.
ANIC welcomed the Australian Government’s recognition of the State of Palestine as an essential and long-overdue step toward justice. However, ANIC continues to call on the Government and all political parties to go further, to condemn Israel’s ongoing aggression and occupation, to impose sanctions, and to hold the Israeli regime accountable for its war crimes. ANIC also raised its voice in support of the Sumud Flotilla participants, who were previously detained, unlawfully abducted, and mistreated by Israeli forces during their humanitarian mission to Gaza and welcomed their safe release. ANIC also welcomes and notes the announcement of a ceasefire and peace plan for Gaza. While any step that halts the killing of innocent Palestinian civilians is a moral necessity, we remain deeply cautious. History has shown that without accountability, independent monitoring, and genuine guarantees, such agreements with a rogue state like Israel risk becoming political cover while the occupation and suffering continue. There can be no peace without justice — without lifting the siege, ending the genocide and occupation, holding Israel accountable for its war crimes, and ensuring the freedom and dignity of the Palestinian people. True peace will only be achieved when life, dignity, justice and humanity are restored to Gaza.
This advocacy reflects ANIC’s moral and religious duty to speak truth to power, defend the oppressed, and represent the conscience of the Australian Muslim community.
Reflections and Achievements 2024–2025
The 18th AGM recognised that the past year has tested the faith, unity, and resilience of the Muslim community like never before. Amid the ongoing atrocities in Gaza, the rise of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate, and the threat to Muslims, especially younger generations, with the fear of losing their Islamic identity in this day and age, ANIC continued to lead with vision and purpose: preserving Islamic identity, defending religious freedoms, and giving voice to justice. ANIC stood firm against double standards in public discourse and the media, reminding Australia that “the lives of Palestinian men, women, and children are equal in value to the lives of any other people in the world.”
Standing Against Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Hate
Standing against Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate remains a core mandate of ANIC. Through its Action Against Islamophobia (AAI) initiative, ANIC has supported victims of hate, challenged false narratives, and collaborated with government agencies and faith groups to promote understanding and mutual respect. ANIC continues to advocate for religion to be recognised as a protected attribute in anti-discrimination and vilification laws and successfully secured $25 million in national safety funding for mosques and Islamic institutions, a significant step towards ensuring the safety, dignity, and security of Muslims in Australia.
Preserving the Islamic Identity
Preserving the Islamic identity of the Muslim community, especially its youth and future generations, remains central to ANIC’s mission. ANIC continues to uphold the mainstream and traditional understanding of Islam, as taught by the Qur’an and Sunnah, and to pass this faith faithfully to future generations. This year, through the Council of Imams NSW, ANIC hosted youth forums under the theme “Preservation of Islamic Identity”. These initiatives aim to equip young Muslims with knowledge, confidence, and belonging, empowering them to live proudly as Muslims while contributing positively to Australian society.
Unity and Representation
The 18th AGM celebrated the establishment of the Council of Imams in Tasmania, completing ANIC’s representation across all Australian states. The next goal is to establish a Council of Imams in the Northern Territory, ensuring that every region in Australia has a voice within the national leadership framework. This milestone reflects ANIC’s unifying approach, bringing Imams and community leaders together under one vision, message, and responsibility.
Establishment of a New Australian Fatwa Council
A key announcement at the AGM was forming a new Australian Fatwa Council, comprising 15 qualified Imams and Muslim scholars from across the states and territories. These members are among Australia’s most recognised and experienced Imams in Islamic jurisprudence and theology. The new Fatwa Council will serve as a religious council under ANIC, responsible for issuing Islamic rulings (fatwas), providing scholarly guidance, and addressing emerging issues in accordance with the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the consensus of mainstream Islamic scholarship. This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening Islam’s religious and theological foundation in Australia.
Muslim Community Leaders Lunch
The AGM concluded with a community luncheon attended by Muslim organisational leaders and community representatives across Australia. This gathering brought together Imams and non-Imam Muslim leaders who tirelessly work hand in hand to serve and strengthen the community. It reflected ANIC’s vision of collaboration, uniting religious, social, and organisational leadership to achieve the shared goal of preserving Islam and ensuring the well-being of Muslims in this country. ANIC values and deeply appreciates the dedication and service of all Muslim community leaders and organisations who continue to work for the advancement and betterment of Islam and the Muslim community in Australia.
Acknowledgements and Gratitude
ANIC extends its sincere gratitude to the ANIC Executive Committee, State Councils of Imams, and member Imams for their dedication and service. Special appreciation was expressed to the Imams who travelled from interstate to attend the AGM, a true reflection of the unity, brotherhood, and sisterhood that defines ANIC. ANIC also acknowledged the tireless contributions of the Advisory Committee, volunteers, partner organisations, and community leaders for their continued efforts in serving Islam and strengthening the Australian Muslim community.
Commitment to the Future
The 18th AGM reaffirmed ANIC’s unwavering commitment to preserving the Islamic identity and integrity of Muslims in Australia, while advocating for justice, unity, and peace. ANIC remains steadfast in its call for an end to the genocide and occupation in Gaza, for the rebuilding of Gaza and the restoration of life and dignity to its people, and for the Australian Government to take more decisive action, including the condemnation and sanctioning of Israel and the protection of Australian citizens engaged in humanitarian advocacy.
