Dec 10 2011 – SYD – Ideb8 – As Muslims in Australia, should we move on from our Ethnic Cultures?

Thank you, Battena Shafel, for your understanding of this issue. I am a Muslim and I believe that the ethnic divisions, such as that created by the LMA (though not only by them) are amongst the reasons that Muslims are seen as working against Australia and being unwilling to integrate. By all means keep customs and language, but not in ghettos and exclusive mosques. And while we are about it, let's be egalitarian Australians and give women the same standard of washing facilities, access and prayer space that men give themselves without any thought for the needs of the women.

so upset I wont be able to make this! Indeed, let go of the cultural "haram's" and come back to the true meaning of 'Islam'. In my opinion, cutural traditions very rarely align with Islamic values. And what's with the LMA? Why do we still have exclusive groups within the community in Australia?

Speaking as an Aussie Muslim, I think that yes, you should move on from your ethnic cultures and embrace Australia. I am fed up with the ethnic squabbles, politics and ethnically-based mosques that assail us. Islam is supposed to break down those barriers and unite the ummah, but the ummah itself works against this.