Australian imams council condemns preacher

Abu Ahmad, in an Instagram post, stated that the attributed statements were not a personal call for Muslims to attack non-Muslims, but rather a reading from a religious text. He provided a video explanation asserting that the passage does not permit harming or oppressing peaceful non-Muslims, and that quoting it without his explanation created a misleading impression.

The ANIC strongly and unequivocally condemned any call by any religious or non-religious leader to take up arms against civilians or religious communities. The council indicated it would review the relevant material before making findings about the individual or the precise context of the remarks. ANIC reiterated its rejection of incitement to violence, hatred, or harm, emphasizing that Australian Muslims and religious leaders must uphold the safety and security of Australia and its people, and that Islamic teachings require honoring the sanctity of human life and contributing positively to society.

The council urged all religious leaders to exercise responsibility in their public statements and noted that the alleged conduct of an individual should not be used to condemn an entire faith or community. The controversy comes as the Albanese government abandoned efforts to pass anti-vilification laws due to a lack of support. Independent federal MP Allegra Spender commented that the preacher's alleged comments highlighted the need for stronger, nationally consistent hate speech legislation.