JEDDAH, 25 May 2004 — Australian Muslims enjoy full religious freedom and their educational institutions receive government support, according to Shafiq Abdullah Khan, managing director of Al-Faisal College in Sydney and chairman of the Australian Islamic Cultural Center (AICC).
“We have full freedom and the government does not put any restrictions on our activities. We can build Islamic centers, schools and mosques. In fact we enjoy more freedom than some in Muslim countries,” Khan told Arab News. “Australian Muslims follow the law of the land and are loyal to their country just like any other Australian,” he added.
Khan emphasized AICC’s role as a bridge between Australia and the Muslim world. He urged Saudi and Arab businessmen to strengthen their trade relations with Australia because of quality products and services at comparatively lower prices than anywhere else. The AICC chairman also highlighted the educational, health and tourism facilities in Australia. “There is no discrimination. In most universities you can find prayer halls for Muslim students,” he said. “It’s one of the most beautiful countries and one can enjoy holidays with peace of mind.”
Khan denounced the terrorist attacks in the United States, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. “They are carried out by a small group who have nothing to do with Islam. They are criminals and must be punished,” he said and commended Riyadh’s efforts to track down terrorists. Khan downplayed the hate crimes against Australian Muslims and the attack on a Brisbane mosque after Sept. 11 as an “isolated incident” which could happen anywhere in the world.
Speaking about Al-Faisal College, he said it was established in 1998 with financial aid from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd. It has become one of the most popular educational institutions in the country with the number of students increasing from 49 to nearly 700 within five years. There are about 50 Saudi students.
The Australian government provides four million dollars for the college’s budget every year, he said, explaining that it offers classes from kindergarten level to Class IX and follows the Australian curriculum. It also teaches Arabic language and Islamic culture. “We teach our students to become good citizens because one cannot become a good Muslim if he is not a good citizen, respecting his neighbors and colleagues at work,” he said.
There are nearly one million Muslims in Australia, mostly emigrants from Arab and Asian countries including Indians, Pakistanis, Turks, Egyptians and Lebanese. There are several Islamic centers and organizations in Australia. Khan, originally from Pakistan, has lived in Australia for 26 years. He is the founder of AICC, a cultural and welfare organization. There are about 30 other schools run by Muslims in various parts of the country.
