Practicing Islam in Australia
Australian has a thriving Islamic community made up of people from every corner of the world. Afghan camel drivers were among the first Muslims to settle in Australia in the 1800s. Australia’s first mosque was built in South Australia in 1861.
At the 2006 Census there were more than 340,000 Muslims in Australia, of whom nearly 130,000 were born in Australia. Most Australian Muslims come from Indonesia, Lebanon, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Iraq.
Universities across Australia are dedicated to ensuring Islamic students, like other students of different faiths and cultural backgrounds, are free to practice their religion on campus. Islamic students in most Australian universities can access prayer rooms, halal food and join student support groups.
Most universities have support and social groups specifically aimed at Islamic students, as well as general international student associations.
Australians are proud of the multicultural mix of their cities and towns. While Islamic students are encouraged to maintain their traditional beliefs, they are also expected to respect the rights of others who do not share the same beliefs.
Many Australian customs and attitudes may appear strange to you at first. Don’t be afraid to ask people questions if you are not sure about anything, or approach the student support services at you education provider.
For more information visit these websites:
Muslim Students Association of Australia
Phone: 1300 667 270 or (02) 8002 4039
Web: http://msaa.org.au
Australian Federation of Islamic Councils
www.afic.com.au
Federation of Australian Muslim Students and Youth
www.famsy.org.au
Halal Helpline
Phone: 1300 307 337
Fax: (+61 2) 9223 8596
Email: info@halalhelpline.org
Web: www.halalhelpline.org
SBS Radio – Arabic language program
www.radio.sbs.com.au/language.php?page=about&language=Arabic
Australian Arabic Council
www.aac.org.au
