The 4th Annual Global Imams & Scholars Retreat Concludes in Australia
Thursday, 15 October 2026, marked the conclusion of the 4th Annual Global Imams & Scholars Council (GISC) retreat in Australia. As the fourth gathering of its kind, this year’s retreat was truly exceptional, filled with meaningful discussions, valuable learning opportunities, inspiring encounters, and the strengthening of bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among imams, scholars, and community leaders from across the world.
Throughout the retreat, delegates had the opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, learn from one another’s work, and explore ways to strengthen Muslim institutions and better serve our communities. The programme also provided valuable opportunities to engage with local Muslim organisations, visit Islamic institutions and historic mosques, and witness firsthand the remarkable contributions of the Australian Muslim community.
One of the most important reminders from this gathering was that, despite our different backgrounds, contexts, and approaches, we share a common responsibility to serve Allah’s Deen and work towards the wellbeing of the Ummah. By building bridges, strengthening our relationships, and collaborating with sincerity, we can achieve far more together than we can individually.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) for hosting this year’s retreat and for the outstanding hospitality, generosity, and meticulous organisation extended to all the delegates.
Special thanks go to Sh Shadi Al-Suleiman, President of ANIC and Secretary-General of GISC, along with the ANIC executive team, leadership, staff, and everyone who contributed to making this gathering such a memorable and successful experience. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the United Muslims of Australia (UMA) and all the community leaders and organisations who welcomed us and generously shared their work and experiences.
We would also like to express our appreciation to all the delegates who participated in the retreat. Your presence, contributions, engagement, and commitment to strengthening relationships with fellow imams and scholars made this gathering even more meaningful. These opportunities to connect internationally are invaluable for sharing knowledge, learning from different experiences, and bringing new ideas back to our communities in the UK, US, Cnanda, South Africa, Australia and beyond.
As we conclude this year’s retreat, we do so with renewed inspiration, strengthened relationships, and a deeper appreciation of the incredible work taking place across the global Muslim community.
There is so much good within our Ummah, and so much more we can accomplish when we unite upon shared values, mutual respect, and a sincere commitment to serving others.
May Allah accept the efforts of everyone involved, reward our hosts and delegates abundantly, place barakah in the work of GISC, ANIC, BBSI, UUCSA, NAIF, Canada Ulama and all those serving the Ummah, and allow us to continue building on the connections established during this retreat.
May Allah preserve our Mashaikh, unite our hearts upon goodness, and reunite us at future gatherings in this world and, ultimately, in Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
