Muslim Integration

The presence of Muslims as a distinct community is not a new phenomenon. Muslims have lived in Europe, the US and Canada for over a century as professionals who made a significant contribution to their host societies. In the case of Australia and New Zealand their history goes back to 1889, when a mosque in Broken Hill in New South Wales was constructed by early settlers known as “Ghans” which most probably was Khans. In 1890 a mosque was constructed in Adelaide, in 1904 in Perth and in 1907 in Brisbane. Construction of mosques is not an isolated event. It is often preceded by temporary arrangements by the Muslim community. Construction of a dedicated masjid means the existence there of at least 40 Muslims living in the surrounding area, who want to perform their five daily prayers as well as the weekly congregational salat of al-Jumu[ah. The construction of mosques simply means the recognition of diversity, multi-religions and multi-cultural existence in peace. Historically, in the case of Australia and New Zealand, Muslims who came in the 1880’s may have the right to be treated like the immigrants who came from Europe and now claim to be “authentic” Australians.