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Analysis Following Sydney Shooting October 2015

5/10/2015

2 Comments

 
This piece has been authored by Silma Ihram - President of the Australian Muslim Women's Association

It is with horror that once again we witness the name of Islam associated with senseless murder. 

Investigations are to continue and the Australian community is more hopeful of a fair and just investigation than perhaps it has been in the recent past. A new Prime Minister who speaks of unity and co-operation, preceded by the Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione and the Premier Mike Baird, encourages the Muslim community with leadership that discourages the inevitable discrimination and isolation of a whole community due to the actions of a few.

Whatever the root cause of a 15 year old teenager - too young to have a license, barely old enough to be employed - that is behind such a senseless killing, this is a tragedy for everyone involved. While mental illness is most frequently cited as behind such actions, that there is a problem globally with the hijacking of Islam for political purposes and by those who deny it's inherently just and peaceful source is acknowledged by most - either within or outside of the Muslim community. How to deal with it is a different matter altogether. There are any programs running around the country, however their success rate has not been researched, and their reach is tiny considering the funding allocated. Naming and shaming those with hateful speech only encourages their claim of persecution and increases the divide within the community. 

AMWA is actively researching what has worked and what has not. Our belief is that education is one of the best sources of counteracting the twisted teachings that result in the atrocities we witness regularly around the world. Unfortunately education is not a short term solution, and it requires solid research and the support of recognised scholars - many of whom have been uprooted due to the conflict in countries that previously had institutions of learning that have been established for generations. It has been claimed that many notable scholars whose  lineage trace back to the time of the Prophet, and whose teachers are legendary, have been killed through the carnage sweeping across the Middle East. 

Certainly change is needed. In Australia we need new leadership in the Muslim community, and a generation of young people who can believe in the leadership that is provided. The years of a Liberal government that made a mockery of consultation, and engaged in constant finger pointing and questioning appears to have been replaced with a wiser, more consultative voice. This is welcomed. Australian Muslims have a lot to offer the wider Australian community if only it can unite more and act decisively to recognise and respond to its challenges. 
2 Comments
Umm Hadi link
13/10/2015 03:42:48 am

Unity is strength.
May Allah swt unite the enitre Ummah...

Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum

Reply
JenniferGJ
17/10/2015 03:57:18 am

I would like to hear what Australian Muslim women feel young men should be taught about their role in our society. Should they be taught to build and protect? Is sharing the load of unpaid work which has traditionally been left to women part of their role in this century? Young men can help raise the children both boys and girls. We have an uphill battle in the electorate of Premier Mike Baird in getting men to see women as equals. What can I teach my young son so as to prepare for a positive and happy life? By the way in Manly there are very few Moslems but a very sexist attitude to women. Happy boys and happy girls should be the goal for all of us.

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    Silma Ihram is an educator, trainer, former School Principal and aspiring writer. 

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    The opinions expressed on this page reflect the opinions of the author and not necessarily the opinions of AMWA. 

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