Australia’s peak body for imams, the Australian National Imams’ Council (ANIC), has expressed deep concern over comments made by a Melbourne-based Islamic preacher, Abu Ahmad, who called for followers to "take up arms against his enemies" during a sermon in July. The remarks were revealed by Nine Newspapers and have sparked a significant backlash.

Context of the Comments

In a sermon delivered at the Al Bayyinah Islamic Centre, Abu Ahmad stated that Muslims should not "take the Jews and the Christians for friends." He emphasized the need for Muslims to declare enmity against their enemies, stating:

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"For the sake of Allah, it includes the obligation to declare enmity for his sake, opposition for the sake of Allah. It is to declare opposition, indeed, to take up arms against his enemies, to shun them, and to stay far from them both in word and deed."

He further elaborated on the perceived threats to Islam, mentioning various groups as enemies, including atheists, Jews, Christians, and others. His comments were recorded and shared on social media.