Issues and Challenges for Australian Muslims: What Are They, How Did They Arise, and Strategies for More Positive Outcomes

Abstract

<p>Muslims in Australia are a diverse but small group. Their issues of concern have been recognized in articles, books and surveys, but the object of this work was to add colour and detail to other findings by researching, organizing and quoting the opinions of a wide range of Australian Muslims. The bulk of the opinions gathered were sourced via the internet, as being contemporary, easily available, varied and often heartfelt: personal stories can be very powerful. The chosen methodology was historical interpretation, as being suitable for illustrating the range of opinions and narratives available. The core questions of the research focused on describing and detailing the main issues and challenges identified by Australian Muslims; reporting on where they believed these issues originated and what continued to fuel them; and looking at strategies already being employed to achieve more positive outcomes plus further suggestions for the future. Issues for Muslims living in other countries (either as majority or minority groups) were also discussed as background for Australian views. Several issues of concern were identified, as varied as domestic violence and divorce, vulnerability to radicalization, and marginalized groups in Islam. Foremost amongst them, however, were the inter-connected ones of the struggle for a secure identity guaranteeing freedom of speech and religion as Australian citizens, and discrimination, racism and Islamophobia. Persistent racism in Australia generally, and the role of the media and powerful public figures such as politicians, are generally considered as main causative factors. Australian Muslims have been working actively in a range of fields to improve their situation but would welcome assistance in this difficult task. Some positive outcomes have been reported, and after the May 2022 federal elections hopes of progress have risen.</p>