A prominent Islamic leader has been brutally assaulted in a suspected hate crime.

Police have launched an investigation into Saturday night's roadside attack on Ismet Purdic, Imam of the Bosnian Herzegovina Islamic Society at Noble Park in Melbourne's south-east.

Mr Purdic, 47, and his wife were driving along South Gippsland Highway in Dandenong South, near the mosque, when a small black hatchback pulled alongside their vehicle at about 7.40pm.

Police were told that two men and a woman inside the car began yelling anti-Muslim slurs and threatened to stab Mr Purdic's wife, who wears a hijab.

Bottles and food waste were also reportedly hurled at the couple's vehicle.

The hatchback then cut off the couple's vehicle and forced it off the road.

The three occupants got out of the hatchback and began kicking and punching the couple's vehicle.

Mr Purdic was punched as he attempted to defend his wife who was filming the incident, forcing passing motorists to pull over and intervene.

Ismet Purdic (pictured), Imam of the Bosnian Herzegovina Islamic Society, was attacked on Saturday night

Ismet Purdic has been Imam of the Bosnian Herzegovina Islamic Society at Noble Park (pictured) for 12 years

The assailants returned to the hatchback and fled the scene. 

Mr Purdic revealed on Sunday night that he and his wife were shaken by the ordeal but weren't seriously injured. 

'Peace be upon you. Thank you everyone for the prayers, calls, texts. I can’t get a hold of everyone - me and my wife are doing fine and so are the kids. Thank you all,' he posted on Facebook.

Bosnian Herzegovina Islamic Society condemned the disturbing attack on its leader.

'The Imam has expressed gratitude that his children were not present, noting the profound trauma the incident has caused,' a statement read.

'Imam Purdic has served the community for more than 12 years as a religious leader, educator and interfaith advocate through the Interfaith Network Dandenong, promoting peace, coexistence and mutual respect.

'He has called on all Australians to work together to prevent such hatred and violence.'

The mosque also highlighted a wave of 'rising anti-Muslim hate across Australia'.

Mr Purdic (pictured) was injured in the vicious assault before members of the public intervened

'Community leaders are urging stronger action from institutions, media and authorities to address Islamophobia and ensure that existing and new anti-vilification laws are enforced,' it continued.

'The BHIS Noble Park Mosque thanks the community for its support and stands united against hatred, reaffirming its commitment to peace, dignity and social cohesion.'