The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) was formed in 2006 during a meeting of more than 80 Sunni imams which had gathered to discuss the crisis created by comments made by Taj El-Din Hilaly.[3][4] In 2011, they requested that the Darulfatwa-supported Muslim Community Radio Incorporated not have its licence renewed due to ties with Al-Ahbash and because of its promotion of "sectarian fringe views".[5]
| Formation | November 14, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Registration no. | (ABN) 66 122 669 318[1] |
| Purpose | To unite the Imams of Australia under one umbrella body |
| Headquarters | Lakemba, New South Wales |
| Coordinates | 33°55′21″S 151°04′43″E / 33.922514°S 151.078617°E |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | ANIC Halal Authority[2] |
| Membership | 200 Imams |
President | Shady Alsuleiman |
| Affiliations | Sunni based |
| Website | www |
Overview
editThe Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) is a Muslim body that represents imams and Muslims in Australia, with over 200 member imams from all states and territories and major Australian cities.
The ANIC is one of two Australian Muslim organisations that appoint a Grand Mufti of Australia. The current Grand Mufti appointed by ANIC is Dr. Ibrahim Abu Mohamed.[6][7][8] The current Grand Mufti of Australia appointed by AFIC is Abdul Quddoos Al-Azhari. There has been controversy about the appointment of two Muftis in Australia, and despite the mostly symbolic and ceremonial nature of the position, ANIC has fought hard to prevent anyone from claiming to represent Australian Muslims as a Mufti.[9][10][11][12]
In 2014, the ANIC expressed concerns regarding a bill in the Australian parliament that would broaden the offence of advocating terrorism.[13] ANIC argued that the legislation would have chilling effects on free speech.[13] It also said that any religious community referring to violent passages in the Qur'an or Bible could face sanction under this law.[14] Other Australian Muslim groups, including the Islamic Council of Victoria and Muslim Legal Network, also expressed concerns regarding the legislation.[13]
In February 2015 the Grand Mufti said the Australian Government should not ban Hizb ut-Tahrir, saying the group is "actually pro-freedom of speech".[15] The Prime Minister responded by saying the comments were "unhelpful".[16]
In 2016, Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman was elected president of ANIC.[citation needed] and then re-elected for a second term in 2019.
ANIC executive committee consists of 20 imams elected from different states.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Australian National Imams Council". abr.business.gov.au. November 1, 2014.
- ^ "ANIC Halal Authority". Archived from the original on 2017-03-12. Retrieved 2017-03-09.
- ^ Duffy, Conor (28 October 2006). "Reclaim the Streets rally protests Hilali comments". ABC.
- ^ Rane, Halim; Jacqui Ewart; Mohamad Osman imran dushbag (2010). Islam and the Australian News Media. Melbourne University Press. p. 46. ISBN 978-0522856408.
- ^ O'Brien, Natalie (January 9, 2011). "Muslims call for 'radical' radio station to be closed". Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ Kilani, Ahmed (19 September 2011). "Australian Imams appoint a new Mufti". muslimvillage.com. Retrieved 15 February 2015.
- ^ McNamara, Paul (5 October 2011). "New grand mufti for Australia". The Islamic Globe. Archived from the original on 15 February 2015. Retrieved 15 February 2015.
- ^ "مجلس الأئمة الفيدرالى الأسترالى.. جذور إخوانية تحت عباءة الدين.. وحزب الحرية فى أستراليا يلفظ الجماعة الإرهابية ويدعو لحظرها". البوابة نيوز.
- ^ "What the nomination of the new Grand Mufti of Australia means for Australian Muslims". 22 March 2018.
- ^ "Muslim Factions Warring Over Hilaly's Naming as Grand Mufti (subscription required)". www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
- ^ "Controversial Taj Eldin Hilaly Back as Australia's Grand Mufti (subscription required)". www.dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
- ^ "ANIC wins case against fake Mufti". 4 August 2021.
- ^ a b c "Australia's terrorism laws 'could criminalise preaching from Qur'an'". The Guardian.
- ^ Aston, Heath (8 October 2014). "Muslims warn anti-terror laws could prevent teaching from Koran". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2 January 2015.
- ^ Seymour, Brian (13 February 2015). "Australia's Grand Mufti slams government ban". Seven News. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
- ^ "Abbott criticises Aust Muslim leader". Sky News. 15 February 2015. Archived from the original on 17 February 2015. Retrieved 18 February 2015.