Australia is Muslim nation, Ali says
October 8, 2006 - 6:49PM
Australia is a Muslim nation, the head of Prime Minister John Howard's Muslim advisory board says.
Dr Ameer Ali says most Australians practise Muslim values but
the Muslim community is being alienated and disadvantaged by Islamophobia.
Dr Ali said multiculturalism was Australia's destiny but Muslims, as latecomers, were being disadvantaged.
"We would like to remain in this country as citizens like anybody else,
but with cultural individuality preserved," he said.
....Before addressing a conference on national identity on Sunday,
Dr Ali said Muslim values were practised in Australia.
"When I go abroad, they ask me where do I come from?
I say I come from a Muslim country," he said.
"Which country, they say. Australia.
"That's not a Muslim country.
Yes it's Muslim country.
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"For the values that my religion preaches, these people practise.
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"So I see Islam here but (the people) may not be Muslims, but in (other) countries I see Muslims but not Islam.
"....when I come back to Australia, I've been told to respect Australian values and now I am confused, because I see no contradiction at all."Values are universal. Human values - there is no such thing as Australian values."
"The description projected by the article in The Australian totally misrepresents the noble character of the Holy Prophet who was sent as a model to humanity.