Imam Rejects Australian of the Year Award Nomination

Jessica Loreen
Sep 6, 2018 · 2 min read
Imam Tawhidi has received international recognition for his efforts towards establishing peace and countering terrorism.

Adelaide-based Imam Tawhidi has rejected a nomination for the 2019 Australian of the Year Awards because he believes that Australia has changed. This has sparked outrage across social media, as no nominee has rejected such an award in the history of Australia.

The Imam has also refused to accept a $100,000 gift from Labor State Government, stating that the value of the awards have become “cheapened” by previous recipients who have ‘questionable connections’.

On Tuesday evening, he took to social media to explain that his conservative views and statements might result in a withdrawal of the Award in the future, a situation he does not want to be in.

He has opposed foreign policy and Leftist decisions to become involved in wars throughout the Middle East, especially Yemen.

His decision has also been influenced by the current events in Australia and the election of a fundamentalist Muslim Senator who referred to Australia as ‘invaded land’; a matter Imam Tawhidi strongly rejects and opposes publicly.

This afternoon, Imam Tawhidi wrote on Facebook:

“The people know me and my work and that’s what’s Important. In three words: Australia has changed. Thank you.”

Imam Tawhidi has has contacted the General Manager of the Australia Day Council to thank them for the nomination.

Although Tawhidi is considered controversial by many, it is hard not to imagine that Islam in Australia is going to be heavily influenced by this ‘Imam of Peace’ for some years to come.

    Jessica Loreen

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