Al Ameen Mosque

17/05/2026

Media Statement
AFIC Statement Concerning Recent Coverage in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age

The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) rejects the misleading and one-sided portrayal of AFIC and its President, Dr Rateb Jneid, published in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

The article repeats a series of stale, recycled and unsubstantiated allegations, many of which have already been raised, examined and dealt with by AFIC and relevant regulatory bodies. It relies heavily on claims from Mr Mohammed Berjaoui, a former Executive Committee member who was removed from AFIC following serious misconduct and who is no longer associated with the organisation.

AFIC is not in a “civil war”. That description is false and inflammatory. The reality is that Mr Berjaoui, having been removed from his position, has continued to pursue grievances against AFIC, Dr Jneid and members of the Executive Committee. His campaign should be understood in that context.

Mr Berjaoui served on AFIC’s Executive Committee for nearly eight years. During that period, he did not raise the allegations now being circulated through the media. These claims emerged only after he was charged with assault, removed from AFIC, and lost the opportunity to pursue future leadership within the organisation. The allegation of assault is currently before the courts, but AFIC notes that this is not the first time Mr Berjaoui has faced similar charges.

The Federal Council, not Dr Jneid acting alone, made the final determination concerning Mr Berjaoui. AFIC’s Federal Council is made up of the Executive Committee together with the presidents of the nine State and Territory Councils. It is the body responsible for major strategic decisions, governance oversight and budget approval. The suggestion that AFIC has been “hijacked” by one individual is therefore baseless and ignores AFIC’s actual governance structure.

Following a formal show-cause process, the Federal Council determined that Mr Berjaoui was not a fit and proper person to hold leadership or governance office within the AFIC network. As stated, that determination followed allegations of grave misconduct, including physical assault and indecent language towards committee members. Mr Berjaoui did not substantively respond to those allegations.

The article’s treatment of AFIC’s regulatory position is also misleading. AFIC has dealt with the ACNC matters referred to in the article. There are no outstanding matters with the ACNC and all issues have been resolved, subject to AFIC continuing to comply with its policies and procedures. AFIC remains compliant with its regulatory obligations.

Claims that AFIC is controlled by Dr Jneid or by organisations associated with him are also rejected. AFIC’s member societies are independent organisations and must meet AFIC’s membership requirements. AFIC maintains conflict of interest policies, and any potential conflicts have been declared and managed through those processes. Where a potential conflict arises, the relevant person is not involved in the decision-making process.

AFIC will not comment on confidential employment or settlement matters involving former staff. It is improper and misleading to present such matters publicly without the full legal and factual context.

AFIC also rejects the suggestion that its public advocacy represents an improper politicisation of the organisation. AFIC is the national peak body representing Muslim communities across Australia. It is central to AFIC’s role to speak on matters affecting Australian Muslims, including Palestine, Islamophobia, religious freedom, anti-discrimination, civil liberties and legislation that affects the community. In the context of the past two and a half years, silence on these matters would have been a failure of its responsibility to the Muslim community.

The article’s claim that AFIC has “defended Hizb ut-Tahrir” is a gross misrepresentation. AFIC’s statements on proposed hate group legislation have been directed to rule of law principles, due process, democratic safeguards and the danger of broad executive discretion. They were not an endorsement of Hizb ut-Tahrir or any other organisation.

Claims about AFIC-managed schools are outdated, irrelevant and demonstrate that the allegations are detached from AFIC’s current operations. AFIC has not managed or operated schools since early 2016. Any suggestion that AFIC is responsible for the current operation of schools is wrong.

AFIC also notes that ongoing governance matters involving UMNSW and certain ACT member societies are being dealt with through proper internal processes. AFIC is entitled, and in some cases required, to seek information from member bodies to confirm that they continue to meet membership and governance requirements. AFIC will not litigate those internal governance matters through the media.

Dr Rateb Jneid assumed the presidency during a period of significant institutional difficulty, following adverse regulatory findings before his tenure. Under his leadership, AFIC has undergone substantial reform and stabilisation. AFIC inherited approximately $12.5 million in debt and multiple ongoing litigations. Today, AFIC is debt free, financially stable, maintains a strong liquidity position, and has substantially increased its land and community assets across Australia.

Dr Jneid will not be standing for presidential re-election at the upcoming AFIC election, currently scheduled for the weekend of 25-26 July 2026. Any delays to the election have arisen from practical and administrative matters, including audit transition processes and logistical issues connected with venue and accommodation availability.

Dr Jneid has lived in Australia for more than 36 years and has undertaken continuous study in Australia since 1995. All of Dr Jneid’s qualifications have been conferred upon him by educational institutions in Australia, except for his qualifications in Islamic Studies.

Dr Jneid has served AFIC with significant personal sacrifice, including extensive unpaid work and extended periods away from his family during the early period of organisational stabilisation. His service and reforms have been witnessed by both the Executive Committee and Federal Council.

AFIC remains focused on its responsibilities: strengthening governance, protecting community assets, representing Australian Muslims, and ensuring that the organisation continues to serve the community with integrity.

AFIC is considering its legal options in relation to the publication of these allegations by the media outlet and the conduct of Mr Berjaoui and will not allow personal grievances, recycled allegations or media campaigns to distract it from its work.

AFIC Executive Committee

17/05/2026

بيان إعلامي

بيان الاتحاد الفيدرالي للمجالس الإسلامية في أستراليا بشأن التغطية الأخيرة في صحيفتي سيدني مورنينغ هيرالد وذا إيج
(The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age)

الاتحاد الفيدرالي للمجالس الإسلامية في أستراليا (أفيك) يرفض الصورة المضللة والأحادية الجانب التي قُدِّمت عن الاتحاد ورئيسه الدكتور راتب جنيد في صحيفتي سيدني مورنينغ هيرالد وذا إيج.

لقد أعاد المقال تكرار سلسلة من الادعاءات القديمة والمعاد تدويرها وغير المثبتة، والتي سبق أن أُثير العديد منها وتمت دراستها ومعالجتها من قبل أفيك والجهات التنظيمية المختصة. كما اعتمد بشكل كبير على مزاعم السيد محمد برجاوي، العضو السابق في اللجنة التنفيذية، الذي تمت إقالته من منصبه في أفيك بسبب مخالفات جسيمة ولم يعد مرتبطاً بالاتحاد.

إن أفيك ليس في حالة «صراع داخلي» كما زعم المقال، فهذا الوصف غير صحيح وتحريضي. والحقيقة أن السيد برجاوي، وبعد إبعاده من منصبه، واصل إثارة الشكاوى ضد أفيك والدكتور جنيد وأعضاء اللجنة التنفيذية، وينبغي فهم حملته في هذا السياق.

لقد شغل السيد برجاوي عضوية اللجنة التنفيذية لأفيك لما يقارب ثماني سنوات، وخلال تلك الفترة لم يطرح الادعاءات التي يجري تداولها حالياً عبر وسائل الإعلام. ولم تظهر هذه المزاعم إلا بعد توجيه تهمة الاعتداء إليه، وإبعاده من أفيك، وفقدانه فرصة السعي إلى مناصب قيادية مستقبلية داخل الاتحاد. وتُنظر قضية الاعتداء حالياً أمام المحاكم، إلا أن أفيك يلفت إلى أن هذه ليست المرة الأولى التي يواجه فيها السيد برجاوي اتهامات مماثلة.

إن المجلس الفيدرالي، وليس الدكتور جنيد منفرداً، هو من اتخذ القرار النهائي بشأن السيد برجاوي. ويتكوّن المجلس الفيدرالي لأفيك من اللجنة التنفيذية إلى جانب رؤساء المجالس الإسلامية في الولايات والأقاليم التسعة، وهو الجهة المسؤولة عن القرارات الاستراتيجية الكبرى والرقابة على الحوكمة واعتماد الميزانيات. وعليه، فإن الادعاء بأن أفيك «خضع لهيمنة فردية» هو ادعاء لا أساس له ويتجاهل الهيكل الإداري الحقيقي للاتحاد.
وبعد اتباع إجراءات رسمية لطلب إبداء الأسباب، خلص المجلس الفيدرالي إلى أن السيد برجاوي ليس شخصاً مناسباً لتولي مناصب قيادية أو إدارية ضمن شبكة أفيك. وكما ذُكر، فقد جاء هذا القرار عقب مزاعم تتعلق بسوء سلوك خطير، شملت الاعتداء الجسدي واستخدام ألفاظ غير لائقة تجاه أعضاء اللجان. ولم يقدّم السيد برجاوي رداً جوهرياً على تلك الادعاءات.

كما أن تناول المقال للوضع التنظيمي لأفيك كان مضللاً أيضاً. فقد تعامل أفيك مع المسائل المتعلقة بالهيئة الأسترالية للجمعيات الخيرية والمنظمات غير الربحية المشار إليها في المقال، ولا توجد أي مسائل عالقة مع الهيئة، وقد جرى حل جميع القضايا مع استمرار أفيك في الالتزام بسياساته وإجراءاته. ولا يزال أفيك ملتزماً بكافة واجباته التنظيمية.

ويرفض أفيك كذلك الادعاءات القائلة إن الدكتور جنيد أو منظمات مرتبطة به يسيطرون على الاتحاد. فالجمعيات الأعضاء في أفيك هي جهات مستقلة ويتوجب عليها استيفاء شروط العضوية المعتمدة لدى الاتحاد. كما يعتمد أفيك سياسات واضحة لتضارب المصالح، ويتم الإفصاح عن أي تضارب محتمل وإدارته وفق تلك الإجراءات، وعند وجود أي تضارب محتمل يُستبعد الشخص المعني من عملية اتخاذ القرار.

ولن يعلّق أفيك على مسائل التوظيف أو التسويات السرية المتعلقة بموظفين سابقين، إذ إن عرض مثل هذه القضايا علناً من دون السياق القانوني والواقعي الكامل يُعد أمراً مضللاً وغير مناسب.

كما يرفض أفيك الادعاء بأن مواقفه العامة تمثل تسييساً غير مشروع للاتحاد. فأفيك هو الهيئة الوطنية العليا الممثلة للمجتمعات الإسلامية في مختلف أنحاء أستراليا، ومن صميم دوره التحدث في القضايا التي تمس المسلمين الأستراليين، بما في ذلك فلسطين، ومعاداة الإسلام، والحرية الدينية، ومناهضة التمييز، والحريات المدنية، والتشريعات المؤثرة على المجتمع. وفي ظل ما شهدته السنوات الماضية، فإن الصمت تجاه هذه القضايا كان سيُعد تقصيراً في أداء مسؤوليته تجاه المجتمع المسلم.

أما ادعاء المقال بأن أفيك «دافع عن حزب التحرير»، فهو تحريف فاضح للحقائق. فقد انصبت بيانات أفيك المتعلقة بتشريعات جماعات الكراهية المقترحة على مبادئ سيادة القانون والإجراءات القانونية الواجبة والضمانات الديمقراطية وخطورة منح صلاحيات تنفيذية واسعة، ولم تكن بأي حال تأييداً لحزب التحرير أو لأي منظمة أخرى.
كما أن الادعاءات المتعلقة بالمدارس التي كانت تُدار من قبل أفيك هي ادعاءات قديمة وغير ذات صلة، وتُظهر انفصال هذه المزاعم عن الواقع الحالي لعمليات الاتحاد. فأفيك لم يعد يدير أو يشغّل أي مدارس منذ أوائل عام ٢٠١٦، وأي إيحاء بمسؤوليته عن الإدارة الحالية للمدارس هو أمر خاطئ.

ويشير أفيك أيضاً إلى أن مسائل الحوكمة الجارية المتعلقة بالمجلس الإسلامي في نيو ساوث ويلز وبعض الجمعيات الأعضاء في إقليم العاصمة الأسترالية تتم معالجتها عبر الإجراءات الداخلية المناسبة. ومن حق أفيك، بل ومن واجبه في بعض الحالات، طلب المعلومات من الهيئات الأعضاء للتأكد من استمرار استيفائها لمتطلبات العضوية والحوكمة. ولن يقوم أفيك بمناقشة تلك المسائل الداخلية عبر وسائل الإعلام.

لقد تولّى الدكتور راتب جنيد رئاسة أفيك في مرحلة شهدت صعوبات مؤسسية كبيرة، وذلك عقب نتائج تنظيمية سلبية سبقت فترة رئاسته. وتحت قيادته، خضع الاتحاد لإصلاحات واسعة وعملية استقرار مؤسسي ملحوظة. فقد ورث أفيك ديوناً تقارب اثني عشر مليوناً وخمسمائة ألف دولار، إلى جانب العديد من القضايا القانونية المستمرة. أما اليوم، فأفيك خالٍ من الديون، ويتمتع باستقرار مالي وسيولة قوية، كما زادت أصوله العقارية والمجتمعية بشكل كبير في مختلف أنحاء أستراليا.

ولن يترشح الدكتور جنيد لإعادة انتخابه رئيساً في الانتخابات المقبلة لأفيك، والمقرر إجراؤها حالياً خلال عطلة نهاية الأسبوع الموافق الخامس والعشرين والسادس والعشرين من يوليو عام ٢٠٢٦. وأي تأخير في إجراء الانتخابات يعود إلى مسائل عملية وإدارية، بما في ذلك إجراءات انتقال التدقيق المالي والصعوبات اللوجستية المتعلقة بتوافر القاعات وأماكن الإقامة.

وقد عاش الدكتور جنيد في أستراليا لأكثر من ستة وثلاثين عاماً، وواصل دراسته فيها بشكل مستمر منذ عام ١٩٩٥. وجميع مؤهلاته العلمية صادرة عن مؤسسات تعليمية أسترالية، باستثناء مؤهلاته في الدراسات الإسلامية.

لقد خدم الدكتور جنيد أفيك بتضحيات شخصية كبيرة، شملت أعمالاً واسعة من دون مقابل وفترات طويلة بعيداً عن أسرته خلال المرحلة الأولى من استقرار الاتحاد. وقد شهد على خدماته وإصلاحاته كل من اللجنة التنفيذية والمجلس الفيدرالي.

ويبقى أفيك مركزاً على مسؤولياته الأساسية، والمتمثلة في تعزيز الحوكمة، وحماية أصول المجتمع، وتمثيل المسلمين الأستراليين، وضمان استمرار الاتحاد في خدمة المجتمع بنزاهة ومسؤولية.

كما يدرس أفيك خياراته القانونية فيما يتعلق بنشر هذه الادعاءات من قبل المؤسسة الإعلامية وسلوك السيد برجاوي، ولن يسمح للمظالم الشخصية أو الادعاءات المعاد تدويرها أو الحملات الإعلامية بأن تصرفه عن أداء رسالته وعمله.

اللجنة التنفيذية للاتحاد الفيدرالي للمجالس الإسلامية في أستراليا

10/05/2026

QURBAN 2026

22/02/2026

Ramadan: A Month of Mercy, Transformation, and Generosity
By Dr. Rateb Jneid

Ramadan is the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar, a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and sincere return to Allah. It is not simply a change in eating habits, it is a comprehensive spiritual journey designed to transform the heart, refine character and strengthen society.

Allah says in the Qur’an:
“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwa (God-consciousness).” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
The ultimate goal of Ramadan is taqwa, a heightened awareness of Allah that shapes our actions, decisions and relationships.

Spiritual Benefits: Renewing the Heart
Ramadan reconnects the believer with their Creator. Through fasting, nightly prayers, recitation of the Qur’an and sincere supplication, the heart softens and becomes more conscious of its purpose.

It is a month of forgiveness and mercy. The Prophet ﷺ taught that whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and hope for reward will have their past sins forgiven. This makes Ramadan a powerful opportunity for spiritual renewal and a fresh beginning.
The nights of Ramadan, especially the last ten nights, offer immense reward. Within them lies Laylat al-Qadr, a night better than a thousand months, an opportunity for life-changing prayer and reflection.

Moral and Personal Growth
Fasting is more than abstaining from food and drink, it is abstaining from sin. Ramadan trains the believer to control anger, avoid gossip, speak truthfully and act with integrity.
It builds:
• Patience in difficulty
• Gratitude for blessings
• Discipline in daily life
• Sincerity in worship

By learning to control physical desires, a person gains strength over harmful habits and negative behaviour. Ramadan becomes a school of character development.

Social Benefits: Compassion and Unity
One of the greatest wisdoms behind fasting is to feel the hunger of those who struggle daily. Experiencing thirst and hunger, even temporarily, awakens empathy and compassion.

Ramadan strengthens community bonds. Families gather at iftar. Mosques fill with worshippers for Taraweeh prayers. Neighbours share meals. Hearts unite in worship.

It is a month that rebuilds social connection and reminds us that we are responsible for one another.

The Power of Sadaqah and Zakat
Generosity is at the heart of Ramadan. The Prophet ﷺ was known to be more generous in this month than at any other time of the year.

Giving sadaqah (voluntary charity) and fulfilling zakat (obligatory charity) during Ramadan carries immense reward. Through charity:
• The hungry are fed.
• Struggling families are supported.
• The poor are clothed and sheltered.
• Hope is restored to those in hardship.

Charity purifies wealth and softens the heart. It transforms Ramadan from a personal act of worship into a collective movement of mercy.

When we give to the poor, we do not lose, we gain spiritual reward, inner peace and Allah’s blessings.

Physical and Psychological Benefits
Ramadan also brings balance to the body and mind. It teaches moderation, reduces excess and encourages mindful eating. Spiritually focused living reduces stress and increases clarity.

By stepping away from constant consumption and distraction, the believer regains control over time, habits and priorities.

A Month That Changes Lives
Ramadan is a divine opportunity. It is a month to:
• Seek forgiveness
• Strengthen faith
• Improve character
• Support the poor
• Rebuild community ties
• Renew our purpose in life

The true success of Ramadan is not measured by hunger endured, but by transformation achieved. If our prayers increase, our hearts soften, our generosity expands and our character improves, then Ramadan has truly benefited us.

May this blessed month bring mercy to our homes, relief to the poor, unity to our communities, and forgiveness for us all.

18/05/2025

Despair Not of the Mercy of Allah: A Divine Call to Hope and Redemption
By Dr. Rateb Jneid

Among the most cherished values in Islam is the unwavering call to hope — a call that resonates even in the hearts of those burdened with sin. Islam does not cast out the sinner, nor does it close the door to repentance. Rather, it summons the transgressor with tenderness and mercy, as exemplified in the majestic verse from the Qur'an:
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against their own souls, despair not of the mercy of Allah. Verily, Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is the All-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.’”
(Surah Az-Zumar, 53)

This verse stands among the most hopeful in the entire Qur’an. It is a divine invitation extended to all who have stumbled, assuring them that no sin is too great to be forgiven, and no heart is beyond redemption — so long as it turns sincerely to Allah.

A Reflection on the Verse
In this verse, Allah directly addresses those who have indulged in sin and excess, commanding them not to despair. His mercy is boundless, and His forgiveness encompasses all — provided that the servant returns in repentance, humbly and sincerely. Indeed, Allah is the One who accepts repentance, the One who pardons abundantly, and the One whose mercy knows no limit.

The Prophetic Assurance of Divine Forgiveness
This theme is echoed in a moving Hadith Qudsi, reported by Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), in which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Allah the Exalted has said: O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and place your hope in Me, I shall forgive you whatever you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and then you sought My forgiveness, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with an earth full of sins, and were you then to meet Me having ascribed no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness equal to it.”
(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi – Hasan Sahih)

This Hadith magnifies the theme of mercy, portraying Allah as a Lord who welcomes back even the most wayward of souls, provided they return to Him alone.

The Story of Wahshi ibn Harb: From Guilt to Grace
Among the most compelling examples of this principle in the life of the Prophet ﷺ is the story of Wahshi ibn Harb — the man who slew the noble Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with him), the beloved uncle of the Prophet.

Wahshi, an Abyssinian slave, was promised freedom by the Quraysh if he succeeded in killing Hamza at the Battle of Uhud. After committing the deed, he was tormented by guilt. Following the conquest of Makkah, he longed to embrace Islam but feared rejection due to the gravity of his sin.

It was then that the divine words reached him:
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against their own souls, despair not of the mercy of Allah…’”
These words revived his heart. He approached the Prophet ﷺ, accepted Islam, and was forgiven. In a remarkable turn of fate, Wahshi would later fight in the path of Allah and be the very one who slew Musaylimah the Liar in the Battle of Yamamah.

Lessons for the Soul
• The gates of repentance remain open so long as the soul has not reached the throat.
• None should despair of Allah’s mercy — not the murderer, not the thief, not the most broken of hearts.
• Sincere repentance obliterates all that preceded it.
• The history of the righteous and the companions of the Prophet ﷺ is rich with examples of divine mercy.
• Islam is a faith built on compassion, on hope, on the ever-present chance to return.
“My Mercy encompasses all things.”
(Surah Al-A‘raf, 156)

Let every soul, no matter how lost, return to its Lord — for He is more merciful to His servants than a mother to her child.

O Allah, we ask You for Your mercy that encompasses all things.
O Allah, do not make us among those who despair.
Grant us sincere repentance before death,
and forgive us, our parents, and all who have shown us kindness.
O Allah, we come to You full of hope—so have mercy on us.
We turn to You in repentance—so accept us.
We are sinners—so forgive us.
Indeed, You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

14/05/2025

QURBAN 2025

25/07/2024

Important Message from the President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils to the Australian Muslim Community.

15/06/2024

07/06/2024

Eid ul Adha 2024 will fall on Sunday 16 June 2024