Amanze Chinonye
The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) has strongly condemned ISIS, describing the group as an “evil and dangerous terrorist organisation” with no connection to Islam, following the deadly shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration in Sydney that claimed 15 lives, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement monitored by Prime Business Africa, ANIC, regarded as the highest Islamic religious authority in Australia, said its rejection of ISIS has been clear and consistent since the group’s emergence. The council stressed that the actions and ideology of ISIS stand in complete opposition to Islamic teachings, which emphasise the sanctity of life, justice and mercy.
The statement comes as Australian police charged a man in connection with Sunday’s mass shooting at a Hanukkah event on Sydney’s famed Bondi Beach, an attack authorities say shows early indications of being inspired by ISIS ideology.
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New South Wales Police said on Wednesday that a suspect has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder, as well as terrorism and other related charges. Police alleged that the accused acted “to advance a religious cause and cause fear in the community.”
The attack, allegedly carried out by a father and son, shocked the nation and intensified concerns over rising antisemitism and violent extremism. One of the alleged gunmen, Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police at the scene, while his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, was critically wounded and later charged after emerging from a coma. He remains under heavy police guard in a Sydney hospital and is expected to appear via video link before a local court on Monday.
Funerals for the Jewish victims began on Wednesday, amid public anger and questions over how the attackers were able to access high-powered firearms. Investigators have also confirmed that the suspects had travelled to the southern Philippines a region long affected by Islamist militancy weeks before the shooting.
ANIC, in its statement, emphasised that Muslims have historically been the primary victims of ISIS violence, noting that communities across the Middle East, Africa and beyond have endured mass killings, displacement and the destruction of mosques and other places of worship at the hands of the group.
The council reiterated that ISIS does not represent Islam or the Muslim world in any way and rejected any attempt to associate the group with the Islamic faith. It also renewed calls on political leaders and the media to avoid using the term “Islamic State,” urging that the group be referred to only as ISIS or Daesh.
ANIC recalled that during the height of ISIS activity in 2017, the terrorist organisation publicly listed several of its senior members as targets, underscoring the council’s long-standing opposition to the group.
Global leaders also reacted to the Bondi attack. U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking at a Hanukkah event at the White House on Tuesday, described the shooting as a “horrific and antisemitic terrorist attack,” offering condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for the injured.
ANIC concluded by stressing that there is no legitimacy or scholarly support for ISIS within mainstream Islam, noting that major Islamic institutions worldwide have repeatedly condemned the group. The council said anyone found to be promoting or supporting ISIS ideology must be denounced and held accountable.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
