AAM 7th National Summit 2024
PUBLIC STATEMENT
Alliance of Australian Muslims (AAM) 7th National Summit 2024
The Alliance of Australian Muslims (AAM) held its 7th National Summit online on Sunday, 3 November 2024, via ZOOM.
A large group of prominent Muslim organisations and community leaders from around Australia attended the 7th National Summit to discuss important issues of concern to Australian Muslims and the future of the Muslim community in Australia.
The summit covered topics including:
- First-hand experience of a local doctor who recently travelled to Gaza to provide humanitarian relief.
- Challenges in the preservation of Islamic identity and the upcoming summit
- Political advocacy, including experiences and lessons learnt from the recent state elections.
- The serious concern in relation to the rise of Islamophobia, anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and anti-Palestinian racism and sentiments.
- Enhancing media and political engagement, strengthening public relations, and advocating for the protection of the civil rights of minority groups.
The AAM is currently comprised of over 250 mainstream Muslim organisations from all Australian States and Territories. It is open to all mainstream and representative Muslim organisations and individuals who are active in the Australian Muslim community.
The summit is part of the AAM’s objectives to provide a platform for collaboration, coordination, and enhancement of efforts for the common benefit of the Australian Muslim community and to contribute to the broader Australian society.
The 7th AAM Summit and participants have unanimously agreed and supported the following motions, in summary:
Unity and Solidarity: AAM emphasises the importance of unity within the Muslim community, especially during times of global injustices and crises affecting Muslims in Palestine, Lebanon, and worldwide. The organisation calls for collective efforts, mutual support, and the preservation of shared Islamic values across individuals, organisations, and leaders.
- Respecting Differences: AAM acknowledges diverse views within the community but encourages collaboration toward the common good while respecting varying opinions.
- Religious Integrity and Freedom: The organisation urges adherence to authentic Islamic teachings from the Quran and Sunnah and understanding of the prominent scholarly in the past and present.
Palestine and Lebanon: AAM stands with Palestinian and Lebanese people, condemning Israel’s war crimes, genocide and barbaric actions and calling on the Australian Government to condemn and sanction Israel, recognise Palestine’s statehood, and oppose oppression in affected regions.
Freedom and Advocacy: AAM supports Australians’ right to protest, particularly in favour of Palestinian rights, and opposes any limitations on free expression. AAM reject laws infringing on religious freedoms and criticises intimidation or harassment against those speaking on these issues.
IHRA Definition Rejection: AAM rejects the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism, is concerned it conflates criticism of the occupying state of Israel with antisemitism and urges institutions to avoid adopting it to protect free discourse on human rights.
Islamophobia, Anti-Muslim and Anit-Palestinaian Racism and Sentiments: AAM expresses serious concerns over rising Islamophobia and anti-Muslim anti-Palestinian racism and sentiments, urging community members to report incidents and calling for government protection of Muslim and Palestinian communities in Australia during heightened tensions.
More details on the motions: www.australianmuslims.org.au/Motions-2024
The 7th AAM Summit has also endorsed and supported:
Preservation of Islamic Identity: AAM is committed to preserving Islamic identity for future generations, promoting adherence to the Quran, Sunnah, and the teachings of prominent scholars in the past and present. In partnership with ANIC and local Imams and community leaders, the AAM develops educational programs and hosts forums with academics, youth, and leaders to foster understanding, uphold Islamic values, and maintain the faith’s authenticity within the Muslim community.
- New Muslims Network: To enhance services for new Muslims in Australia through networking, resource sharing, and professional development. The network aims to identify service gaps, support new Muslims, develop a referral system, and empower existing services and organisations, with future conferences and collaborative efforts planned.
The Muslim Community Fund: In partnership with ANIC, the AAM launched the Muslim Community Fund last May, to address the pressing community needs and support Muslim-led projects. Established in Islamic values, the fund aims to build unity, strengthen identity, and advance Australian Muslims locally and nationally. Key priorities include preserving Islamic identity, media engagement, outreach, mentorship, political engagement, advocacy, and legal support. The fund aims to advocate at all levels for the interests of all Australian Muslims, now and for future generations. Website: muslimfund.org.au - Mosque Open Day: A nationwide mosque open day is planned across all states and territories, inviting non-Muslims and local stakeholders to engage with and learn about the Muslim community and Islam, fostering positive relationships within the broader Australian society. The AAM plans to hold the Mosque Open Day in May 2024.
- The Launch of Muslim Central: Muslim Central is an online platform and directory for Muslim organisations, promoting the services and facilities offered by Islamic organisations across different states and territories. It allows them to locate organisations in their area and search for specific facilities or services, such as prayer facilities, local events, various classes, counselling services, and funeral services. Website: muslimcentral.com.au
The Alliance of Australian Muslims plans to meet next year for the 8th AAM National Summit on the 2nd November 2025.
On behalf of the 7th Alliance of Australian Muslims Summit, we thank all participants, attendees and organisations for their attendance, contribution, and support.
All Muslim organisations and community leaders are invited to join, attend and support the Alliance of Australian Muslims (AAM).
All nominations and expressions of interest to join AAM can directly apply online: www.australianmuslims.org.au/join
