Monday August 20, 2007

A Herald series

Islam in Australia: a diverse society finds a new voice

Star and crescent symbol. Where do Australia's Muslims hail from, where do they live, what are their experiences, their hopes, fears and frustrations?

The Australian face of Islam

The much maligned faith is attracting more and more followers - and they are changing the mainstream perception of what it is to be Muslim.

Looking for a home

Sayd Sarshar Afghans have a long, proud history as hardworking migrants but in recent years they have not felt welcome in Australia, writes Christopher Kremmer.

Will finds a way to answer the call to pray

mosque Muslims are combining the practicalities of religion with everyday life, writes Louise Williams.

Big bucks, but bank boss keeps the faith

Ahmed Fahour Oppression exists, but this Muslim success story sees a land of opportunity, writes Nadia Jamal.

Together under the minarets

Auburn Gallipoli Mosque Sydney's Muslim places of worship foster community and belief but not all have been welcomed, writes Ben Cubby.

Looking beyond the veil

Wearing the hijab is a personal decision for Muslim Australian women but it can be influenced by the expectations and reactions of others. Deborah Snow and Louise Williams report.

Symbol of faith rests on their shoulders

hijab The iconic power of the religious headscarf places Muslim women in the West on the front line of the debate over culture, religion, assimilation and identity.

The mufti we love to hate

Age and experience have softened the outspoken Sheik Taj el-Din al Hilaly, who talks to Ben Cubby.

Not all of the old school

Lakemba Mosque Some Muslim parents have bypassed Islamic schools where faith and culture is embedded in the curriculum for more mainstream educational options, such as Christian schools.

Under siege: Muslims blame the media

Zetland Mosque.kid Sydney's Muslims are, by far, Australia's most alienated and the city's mainstream media are largely to blame, Islamic leaders say.

Until two legal systems do us part

Janette Hashemi Divorce is difficult, but navigating both Australian and sharia law is even harder for Muslim women, writes Nadia Jamal.

A new faith for Kooris

Anthony Mundine More Aborigines are finding similarities between their culture and Islamic principles, writes Linda Morris.

Shared beliefs but a different face of Islam



Australian Islam needs an Aussie accent

Star and crescent symbol. A big challenge for Australia's migrant Muslim communities is to give an Islamic orthodoxy an expression that sits comfortably with their lives in Australia, writes Irfan Yusuf.

Good, bad and ugly: what you said about being Muslim

"I am Afghan-Australian and I don't wear the hijab, although I am a practising Muslim. I feel alienated by Muslims and non-Muslims. I am harshly criticised for my dress and appearance by most conservative Muslims. I am sick of defending my religion to non-Muslims because of what a sheik has said out of his ignorance."


Being a Muslim

Australian Muslims talk about their faith.


Islam explained

Dr Zacharia Matthews of the Australian Islamic Mission answered reader questions about the faith.


Islam A-Z

Definitions of some common Muslim terms.



On the street

Portraits of Sydney's Islamic community.

Ali El Haj Khalil

Faces of Islam

Worshippers at Zetland Mosque.