Islam in Australia

Islam in Australia
Group	Islam in Australia
Caption	Australian Muslims at Eid al-Fitr prayers in Sydney
Population	813,392 (2021 census)
Regions	Sydney, Melbourne, Perth
Languages	Arabic, English, Turkish, Urdu, Bengali, Persian
Religions	Sunni Islam, Shia Islam, Ahmadiyya

Islam in Australia is a significant and growing religious minority with a history extending back to the pre-colonial era. The community is diverse, comprising immigrants from across the Muslim world and a growing number of converts. Today, Muslims are active in all facets of Australian society, contributing to its culture, economy, and politics.

History

The earliest documented Muslim presence dates to the 17th-century encounters between Makassan traders from Sulawesi and the Aboriginal Australians of northern Australia. A more sustained presence began with the arrival of Afghan cameleers in the 19th century, who were instrumental in exploring the arid interior and establishing the Overland Telegraph Line and the Ghan railway. Figures like Mahomet Allum and the community around the Adelaide Mosque became notable. Following the Immigration Restriction Act 1901, growth was minimal until the post-World War II era, which saw an influx of Muslims from Turkey and the Balkans. Major policy changes like the abolition of the White Australia policy and later humanitarian intakes following events like the Lebanese Civil War and the Soviet–Afghan War significantly increased the population.

Demographics

According to the 2021 Australian census, 813,392 people identified as Muslim, representing 3.2% of the total population. The community is highly urbanized, with the largest concentrations in the western suburbs of Sydney like Auburn and Lakemba, and in Melbourne suburbs such as Broadmeadows and Dandenong. Significant communities also exist in Perth and Brisbane. Ethnically, the largest groups are those of Lebanese, Turkish, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Afghan background, alongside converts of Anglo-Celtic heritage.

Organisations and mosques

The first mosque was built in Marree, South Australia in 1861, with the oldest surviving mosque being the Adelaide Mosque (1888). Major contemporary institutions include the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, the umbrella body for state councils. Other significant groups are the Australian National Imams Council, the Islamic Council of Victoria, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia. Prominent mosques include the Lakemba Mosque (the Gallipoli Mosque) in Sydney, the Melbourne Central Mosque, the Perth Mosque, and the Baitul Huda Mosque in Marsden Park.

Notable Australian Muslims

Muslims have achieved prominence in diverse fields. In sports, figures include Awer Mabil and Hakeem al-Araibi in soccer, and Bachar Houli in Australian rules football. In politics, Ed Husic was the first Muslim appointed to the Australian Cabinet, and Mehreen Faruqi is a Senator for New South Wales. In the arts, comedian and actor Nazeem Hussain, singer and scholar Silma Ihram, and filmmaker Osamah Sami are notable. Religious leaders like Taj El-Din Hilaly and academic thinkers such as Waleed Aly are also influential public figures.

Contemporary issues

The community navigates challenges including integration, Islamophobia, and national security debates. Events like the 2005 Cronulla riots and the Lindt Cafe siege have impacted public discourse. Legislation like the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Act 2014 has been contentious. Internally, issues such as the role of women in mosques, the training of imams in the Australian context, and responses to international events like the Israeli–Palestinian conflict are actively discussed. Organizations like Islamophobia Register Australia document discrimination.

Cultural influence

Muslim influence is evident in Australian culture, from the annual celebration of Eid al-Fitr in public spaces to the popularity of halal food. The Sydney Festival and Melbourne Food and Wine Festival often feature Islamic arts and cuisine. Architectural landmarks like the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque dot city skylines. In literature, works by authors like Randa Abdel-Fattah and Michael Mohammed Ahmad explore Muslim Australian identity. The community also contributes significantly through philanthropic efforts during crises like the 2019–20 Australian bushfire season and the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.

Category:Islam in Australia Category:Religion in Australia Category:Islam by country