17th ANIC AGM

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) convened its 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, 13 October 2024, in Sydney, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s ongoing commitment to serving Islam and the Australian Muslim community.

In attendance were Chairmen and members representing the Councils of Imams from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania, as well as members of the ANIC Advisory Committee.

The 17^th ANIC AGM provided a platform for the Imams and ANIC members from various states and councils to deliver comprehensive updates on their activities and progress within their respective Councils and activities.

Furthermore, they presented updates and insights from ANIC departments and initiatives, for example:

• The Australian Fatwa Council
• Centre for Arbitration and Resolution of Disputes
• ANIC Halal Authority
• Australian Islamic Education Services
• ANIC Islamic Finance Advisory
• Muslim Chaplaincy
• ANIC Advisory Committee
• Public Relations and Community Affairs
• ANIC Women Advisory Council
• Global Imams and Scholars Council

Including the launch of the “Action Against Islamophobia” initiative, which focuses on addressing Islamophobia, anti-Muslim, and anti-Palestinian sentiments in Australia. This initiative aims to empower victims of Islamophobia by encouraging community members to report any incidents they experience, witness, or hear about.

The 17th ANIC AGM discussed and considered various topics concerning the Australian Muslim Community. They also discussed various proposals and strategies and the future direction of ANIC and the Australian Muslim community. The meeting focused on the importance of the ongoing unity of Imams and the Muslim community in Australia, the significance of preserving the traditional and mainstream understanding of Islam, the Islamic identity of Australian Muslims, and their ongoing and positive contributions to their Country. More importantly, addressing the current challenges that the Muslim ummah is facing, with the ongoing onslaught and genocide perpetrated against our brothers and sisters in Gaza – Palestine and most recently in Lebanon.

The 17th ANIC AGM served as an occasion to acknowledge ANIC’s achievements and the continuous growth in its membership across the Country. ANIC has forged solid networks and connections among Imams while implementing essential policies and procedures to institutionalise its operations. ANIC has advocated on various fronts, including religious freedom, vilification laws, human rights, combatting Islamophobia, addressing anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian sentiments, and engaging on foreign issues such as the recognition of the State of Palestine and the support for the Palestinian people’s right for self-determination and opposes their unjust and unlawful occupation.

The 17th ANIC AGM has resolved to initiate the determination of the beginning and end of the Month of Ramadan forum to endeavour to unify the Imams in the declaration and announcement of the beginning and end of the Month of Ramadan and foster a good understanding and manage disagreements and differences of opinions amongst them and to unite the Imams and the Muslim community.

At the 17th ANIC AGM , ANIC supported the launch of the Muslim Community Fund; as the Muslim community in Australia continues to grow and evolve, there is a need to make a collective effort in the directions most needed to ensure the sustainability and growth of the Muslim Community.

A new executive committee representing various Australian states was elected, along with new office bearers. We warmly welcome all newly elected ANIC executive committee members and state council Chairs, and we are confident that their contributions will greatly benefit the council and the broader Muslim community. ANIC extends special thanks and gratitude to the outgoing ANIC executive committee members for their outstanding efforts, dedication, and contribution to the council and the Muslim community.

The ANIC members reinforced the ANIC Imams Code of Honor, which governs the special relationship between the Imams, embodied in the Quran, the Sunnah and the works of the righteous predecessors.

ANIC extends its gratitude to all participants, including members, Imams, Shaykhas, and community leaders who attended the 17th ANIC AGM, in Sydney. Their presence, active participation, and valuable feedback are appreciated, and their contributions will undoubtedly benefit Australian Muslims and the broader Australian society.

The AGM also recognised the ANIC Advisory Committee’s outstanding work to advance ANIC and the Muslim community and acknowledged their standing in the community.

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) will continue to tirelessly strive to preserve the Islamic identity and interests of the Australian Muslim community. Standing for justice and the rights of the oppressed people, particularly the Palestinian people. Our hearts, thoughts, commitment, support and Dua’a are with our brothers and sisters in Palestine and Lebanon.