Vicious infighting threatens to tear apart the congregation of one of Melbourne's largest mosques, amid claims that millions of dollars of donations have disappeared and accusations that a sheikh had behaved inappropriately with women.
The conflict came to a head last week when Sheikh Mohamad Abou Eid – who had been banned from Preston Mosque – told hundreds of worshippers on the street outside that he feared management of the mosque had misappropriated donations, and fees paid for burial and school services.
The Islamic Society of Victoria, which manages the mosque, reported allegations of inappropriate behaviour by the sheikh to the Board of Imams.
He was suspended, and, despite later being told the claims could not be proven, resigned from his position on Friday.
"The Islamic Society of Victoria and some members of the Board of Imams are involved in something bigger than me and bigger than you," he told worshippers.
On Friday, the sheikh had been escorted into the mosque – despite being banned – by worshippers, who remain angry at his treatment.
They demanded clarity about how society members were elected, and transparency about their spending, amid claims the allegations against the sheikh were concocted after he confronted them about the mosque's finances last week.
Sheikh Abou Eid told worshippers about his concerns during an impromptu address outside the mosque on February 17.
Earlier that day, speaking in Arabic and translated by a relative, he said that he did not know where the money had gone.
"That is a big question," he said, "with a big answer.
"There's no trace of the money."
Other worshippers at the mosque fear the money may have been sent to extremist groups disguised as aid payments, or that "donations" sent to accounts in Lebanon had actually been used to buy property.
It is understood the sheikh is concerned about spending since 2012, and that he believes millions of dollars are unaccounted for.
Donations can reach tens of thousands of dollars during the festival of Eid al-Fitr, a source speaking on condition of anonymity said, and were also lucrative during other Islamic holidays.
The source said that burials cost an average of $6000.
The mosque also has a popular weekend school program and a bookshop.
Sheikh Abou Eid would not comment on the specifics of his allegations, but said committee accounts should be audited. He came across documents that underlined the financial irregularities earlier this month.
He approached the committee with his concerns on February 14.
He was told hours later he had been suspended by the Board of Imams – of which he is secretary – because of the misconduct allegations.
The sheikh had also been told that some women worshippers had made complaints about his conduct. Then, on Thursday, he was told by the committee that those allegations were baseless and were not being pursued.
Sheikh Abou Eid has spoken to police regarding his concerns, but is yet to make a formal complaint.
He spent part of this week in hospital receiving treatment for a heart condition, his family said.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said police were aware of a number of allegations and were making further enquiries, but no formal report had been made
"Police are also aware of a dispute taking place between members of senior management of the Preston mosque.
"We hold no immediate concerns for community safety."
The Islamic Society of Victoria committee declined to comment on the allegations.
In a Facebook post late Thursday night, the society informed its followers that Sheikh Abou Eid would not be conducting the service the next day, and urged those attending to "respect the sanctity of the House of Allah".
The society also wrote "whilst we appreciate constructive criticism, any UNSUBSTANTIATED accusation of a slandering nature will be deleted".
The Board of Imams did not respond to a request for comment.
Islamic Council of Victoria president Mohamed Mohideen said the dispute was a matter for the Board of Imams.