Australia’s Management and Provision for Religious Educations

Chaplaincy Services

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About the Chaplaincy Program

Islamic Chaplaincy Services:
Spiritual Care for the Australian Community

Australian Islamic Education Services (AIES), an initiative of the Australian National Imams
Council (ANIC), is the premier authority in providing professional, theologically grounded,
and clinically informed pastoral care across Australia.

Our Mission:

The Rahma (Compassion) Model of Care

Rooted in the Prophetic tradition of the ra’i (shepherd), we provide a bridge between the
spiritual needs of the individual and the procedural demands of modern institutions. We
ensure that all people, whether Muslims, people of other faiths or no faith,whether in
hospitals, schools, prisons, and the military have access to high-quality care that nurtures
emotional and spiritual wellbeing during life’s most challenging moments.

What is a Muslim Chaplain?

A chaplain is a recognised professional endorsed by ANIC to deliver holistic pastoral care.
Unlike mosque-based Imams, chaplains operate within both secular and faith-based
systems to provide:

  • Pastoral Care: Supporting personal and spiritual needs beyond academics or clinical requirements
  • Spiritual Guidance: Navigating ethical dilemmas and faith crises through an Islamic
    lens for Muslims, and through a universal client centric lens for others
  • Advocacy: Ensuring access to Halal food, prayer spaces, and cultural considerations
  • Crisis Intervention: Providing a calming spiritual presence during trauma or bereavement

We provide tailored chaplaincy frameworks designed to meet the unique legal and
professional standards of various Australian institutions.

SectorFocus AreaKey Framework
EducationStudent wellbeing and inclusive valuesNational Student Wellbeing Program (NSWP)
HealthcareBioethics, end-of-life care, and ritual supportNSW Health / CCAC Memorandum
Correction ServicesRehabilitation, reconciliation, and family reconnectionState based corrective services agency eg. Corrective Services NSW
Defence (ADF)Multi-faith support for personnel and familiesReligious Advisory Committee to the Services / ANIC Endorsement

Request a Chaplain

If you are interested in engaging a Chaplain at your institution or service, please complete the form and one of our staff will be in touch with you.

Professional Excellence and Training

Our chaplains are trained in Clinical Pastoral Education (or its equivalent), and are keen to
provide compassionate support for your clients. They will adhere to your organisation’s code of conduct, as well as ANIC’s Chaplaincy Code of Conduct, with current Working with Children Checks. We provide a safe, private space for all.

SectorFocus AreaKey Framework
EducationStudent wellbeing and inclusive valuesNational Student Wellbeing Program (NSWP)
HealthcareBioethics, end-of-life care, and ritual supportNSW Health / CCAC Memorandum
Correction ServicesRehabilitation, reconciliation, and family reconnectionState based corrective services agency eg. Corrective Services NSW
Defence (ADF)Multi-faith support for personnel and familiesReligious Advisory Committee to the Services / ANIC Endorsement

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be religious to speak with a chaplain?

No. Our services are available to everyone, regardless of faith or religious affiliation.

Chaplains complement this by addressing the spiritual and existential dimensions of a
person’s experience.

Yes. Since chaplains hear and witness difficult and traumatic situations, this can usually turn into a very difficult experience. Our chaplains are therefore afforded the opportunity to receive support and assistance from our National Director or assigned representative.

Yes. We can source translations of the Holy Quran, prayer mats, brief Islamic booklets,
prayer beads, and other useful items for Muslims in your organisation.

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