The Islamic Council of Queensland Incorporated (ICQ) is a prominent nonprofit organization representing the Muslim community in Queensland, Australia. Established in 1969, ICQ acts as the central representative body for Muslims and local Islamic organizations across the state. Its mission encompasses social, religious, and educational services tailored to support the diverse Muslim population in Queensland[1][4].

History and Purpose

Founded in 1969, the Islamic Council of Queensland provides leadership and advocacy for the Muslim community, fostering a unified voice on religious and social matters. The Council aims to strengthen community bonds within the Muslim population while promoting understanding and respect between Muslims and the wider Queensland society[1].

Organisational Structure

The governance of the ICQ is overseen by an executive committee elected annually through an Annual General Meeting (AGM). This committee represents a broad spectrum of ethnic, cultural, and linguistic groups within Queensland’s Muslim community. The executive committee is responsible for policy-making, administration, and coordination of activities related to the Council’s objectives[1].

Executive Committee (2019 example)

• Abdul Azzi Khan, President
• Dr Daud Batchelor, Vice President
• Muhammad Khalid, Secretary
• Mohammed A Samad, Assistant Secretary
• Mohammed Taher Sukkarieh, Treasurer
• Nasser El Cheik, Assistant Treasurer
• Additional committee members representing various community interests[1].

Member Societies

ICQ functions as an umbrella organization for numerous Islamic societies and mosques across Queensland, extending its representation to communities in urban and regional areas. Member societies include the Islamic Society of Algester, Islamic Society of Gold Coast, Islamic Society of West End, Islamic Society of Toowoomba, Townsville Islamic Society, and many others, covering locations such as Brisbane suburbs, Cairns, Rockhampton, Ipswich, and the Sunshine Coast[1][3].

Activities and Community Services

The Council offers a wide range of religious, educational, and youth support services to Queensland's Muslim community. It facilitates religious activities, including mosque services and Islamic education, and organizes programs that promote youth engagement and community welfare. The Council also participates in charitable initiatives such as relief aid for bushfire victims[5].

ICQ actively responds to incidents affecting the Muslim community, including addressing Islamophobia and supporting victims of violence. For example, in 2025, the Council issued a media release concerning a drive-by shooting targeting Muslim youths, highlighting its role in community advocacy and liaising with law enforcement[2].

Affiliations

The Islamic Council of Queensland is part of the Federation of Islamic Councils in Australia (AFIC), a national umbrella organization representing Muslim interests across Australia. Through this affiliation, ICQ contributes to national dialogues on Muslim affairs and collaborates with other state Islamic councils[3].

The Islamic Council of Queensland Incorporated remains a pivotal institution for fostering community cohesion, religious practice, and advocacy for Muslims in Queensland. It serves as an essential liaison between the Muslim population and state authorities, as well as a promoter of intercultural understanding within the broader Australian society.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_Council_of_Queensland [2] https://icq.org.au [3] https://icq.org.au/our-community-2/member-societies/ [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/6e20be88-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077/documents/a4be1335-27bc-eb11-8235-000d3a6a66c0 [5] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/6e20be88-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077