Australian National Imams Council

Overview

The 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. 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.

In 2014, the ANIC expressed concerns regarding a bill in the Australian parliament that would broaden the offence of advocating terrorism. ANIC argued that the legislation would have chilling effects on free speech. Other Australian Muslim groups, including the Islamic Council of Victoria and Muslim Legal Network, also expressed concerns regarding the legislation.

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". The Prime Minister responded by saying the comments were "unhelpful". ANIC executive committee consists of 20 imams elected from different states.

References

References

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