AUSTRALIA Post donated more than $2 million to an ­Islamic museum in suburban Melbourne in lieu of a bonus it was due to pay its chief executive, Ahmed Fahour.

The Herald Sun can reveal Mr Fahour asked for the bonus to be donated directly to the ­Islamic Museum of Australia, of which he is patron.

The donation was made months ago, but has only emerged now, when Australia Post is sacking 900 staff to stem the losses at its domestic mail division.

Mr Fahour said he and his family had been able to make a “substantial contribution’’ to several not-for-profit organisations in recent years.

“Earlier this year, I announced that my family had contributed $4 million to the Islamic Museum. We have also made contributions to a number of other community causes such as schools, sporting clubs and the arts,’’ he said.

The Herald Sun understands the bonus formed part of the $4.8 million salary that Mr Fahour was paid in the 2012-2013 financial year.

The donation - expected to be declared in Australia Post’s financial report later this year - raised eyebrows within the organisation, with a source questioning the size of the bonus and the fact it was ­donated to a charity closely linked to Mr Fahour’s family

But another source said the donation was a private one, and that Mr Fahour was an ­incredibly generous man.

media_camera A display of Islamic art on surf boards at the Islamic Museum of Australia in Thornbury.

Opened in Thornbury in March by federal Treasurer Joe Hockey, the Islamic ­Museum of Australia show­cases the heritage and culture of Australian Muslims, through art, architecture, food and installations.

It was inspired by the personal journey of Mr Fahour’s parents, who migrated to Australia from Lebanon in 1969, becoming successful business people and raising eight children, who also have successful careers.

The founder and director of the museum is former Macquarie Bank executive Moustafa Fahour - Ahmed Fahour’s brother. Moustafa’s wife, Maysaa, is the chair­woman and director.

The Fahours’ sister, MasterChef participant Samira El Khafir, is head chef and man­ages the cafe on site.

Last Saturday, Mr Fahour, a director of Carlton Football Club, won a car in a raffle for the club’s 150th anniversary.

He immediately handed it over for auction, where it raised $40,000, to be spent on a program which helps children from ethnic backgrounds with health and education.

ellen.whinnett@news.com.au