Australian Federation of Islamic Councils

The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) was founded in 1964 as an umbrella group for various Islamic groups or councils, and is considered Australia's most important Islamic organisation. The mission of AFIC is to provide service to the community in a manner that is in accordance with the teachings of Islam and within the framework of Australian law. To advocate on behalf of the Muslim community on all such matters that will affect the community's relevance, settlement and integration within Australian society. The main role of AFIC is to represent Islam and Muslims of Australia as one "Ummah" to the government and other bodies nationally and internationally. AFIC coordinates and provides resources for activities of its State Islamic Councils and member Islamic societies.

Mr Ikebal Adam Patel is the current president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils.

The 9 member organisations of AFIC are:

• the Muslims of NSW,
• the Islamic Council of Victoria,
• the Islamic Council of Queensland,
• the Islamic Council Western Australia,
• the Islamic Council SA,
• the Islamic Council ACT,
• the Islamic Council of Tasmania,
• Christmas Islands Islamic Council and
• Northern Territory Islamic Council.^[1]

In the late 1980s, AFIC received more than a hundred thousand dollars in funding per year from Gaddafi's Libyan regime. AFIC then-leader, the famous Sheikh Taj El-Din Hilaly, had ties to Libya.^[2]

See also

• Islam in Australia
• Mufti of Australia Fehmi Naji

References

1. ^ About AFIC, AFIC website, retrieved 2007-01-26.
2. ^ "Gaddafi sending $140,000 a year to Australian Muslims". Sydney Morning Herald: p. 1. 15 December 1987. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=news871215_0075_4715. 

External links

• Australian Federation of Islamic Councils website