Islam - Are we compatible?

Islam – Are we compatible?

Islam is a hot-spot issue of the new world. Since September 11, 2001, a downward spiral of ignorance and prejudice has pushed Muslims and middle eastern men and women into a world of disharmony. Increased security checks upon, societal stereotyping and many viral smear campaigns against Muslims have been strife in the past seven years.

“Australians are scared of the Shariah law taking over in Australia.” Says Imaan, a sixteen year old Muslim girl from Wollongong. “They think Muslims will influence parliament to implement a fundamental Islamic regime – this is definitely not the case”. The shooting down of a proposal for a Muslim school, and following outrage by the locals in the small NSW town of Camden was nationally broadcasted – attracting many interested and objecting participants to the debate. Unfortunately, this seems to be the pattern for the times for Muslims in Australia.

Many claimed to have evidential objections to the construction, claiming the effect on the local community and the clear shortage of Muslim school-children therein were reason enough to protest it’s development. Others were more forward; “I just don’t want them in my town. I don’t care what you call me, yes, I’m a racist”.

Imaan has travelled back and forth between her home in Wollongong to Pakistan – spending just under two years travelling. She says while there are security issues of personal safety, Middle Eastern culture is nothing to be worried about. “I wouldn’t be able to walk on my own…But I wouldn’t be getting bullied for my Hijab as I would in school around Wollongong. Places that are supportive to Islamic people have a vibrat, intertwined culture – West Sydney, Melbourne and Wollongong are all examples of places I feel comfortable being myself in.”

“I’m not a strict Muslim.” She continues; “I don’t wear my Hijab at parties or weddings, only out in the mall or at school. I don’t want to overthrow the government with my own ideaologies, I just want to see a Muslim in parliament that can fight the injustices against Muslims perpetrated in Australian culture. I wouldn’t want a fundamental Muslim in charge of my country.”

With a lot of controversy towards the treatment of women and other perpetrated values in Middle Eastern countries, she responds with the evaluation that “The Qu’ran is not entirely compatible with modern culture. Most parts are, but the greatest aspect of it is that it can be interpreted. It all comes down to the individual’s way of looking at it.”

Islam also has a rich, vibrant culture that helps it’s people feel connected. Weddings are huge, vibrant occaisions were all members of the family are relaxed and able to join in. “I never lose contact of my cousins. My mum talks to her cousin’s daughter’s and we’re all just one huge family.” She describes; “It’s like I have an instant connection with any Australian Muslim. I feel as if I could walk up, kiss them on the cheek and say ‘hello’ and that would be the start of a friendship. Being a Muslim makes me feel like I have belonging and that I feel worthy of other people. I could almost say I would trust any Australian Muslim.”

Modern, liberal Muslims often oppose the same thing anti-Islamic lobbies do. Ideas such as gender roles, fundamental conservatism and treating Australia like a Muslim country are all things that arise as issues about Muslims in Australia.

Admittedly, Australian and Islamic culture are two very, very different cultures. The idea that they are not compatible, however, is not true. To be educated and open minded about Muslims in your community will only push the idea of acceptance. Many people lose sight of the lack of contrast between Fundamentalist Muslims and Fundamentalist Christians, focusing on Islam as a ‘dirty word’. This concept needs to be eradicated and Islam needs to be seen, not as a tangent or struggling extension of, but rather a force working towards the shared view of peaceful multicultural society.




1) Where did you stay in Pakistan?

2) What would you say the biggest difference between Pakistani and Australian culture is?

3) What school (Type and specifics) did you attend?

4) Were you able to walk on your own, as a female?

5) What is your opinion on the stereotypes held by many Australians regarding Muslims?

6) Would you refer to as the biggest issue facing Muslims in Australia?

7) As a Muslim, what is the most prevalent form of prejudice that you come across?

8) On a scale of one to ten, how liberal or conservative a-Muslim are you? (1 being entirely liberal – 10 being fundamental)

9) What Islamic values that you hold do you find conflict with Australian culture?

10) What sort of political leaning do you hold?

11) Would you regard Shariah law as an effective system of government?

12) What aspects of Islam could Western Society benefit from?

13) What do you like about Islamic culture?

14) What don’t you like about Islamic culture?