Muslim Australians - Religion Cultural Diversity Resource Manual

Michael’s story
Michael decided to become a Muslim
about a year after marrying his
Malaysian born wife Aisha. Before
becoming a Muslim, Michael was
pretty much your average Aussie.
He liked going to the pub, watching
the footy and even played guitar in
a band. He and Aisha would spend
hours talking about the meaning
of life, and soon Michael became
interested in her religion. At first he
thought it was a bit strange, but soon
he found himself reading books and
becoming more and more fascinated
with Islam.
One day Michael felt he had to make
a decision. Becoming a Muslim
would mean he wouldn’t be able to
have a couple of beers down at the
pub anymore, but apart from a few
small changes Michael felt that Islam
was pretty compatible with what he
already believed. So Michael became
a Muslim. He still watches footy and
plays guitar, but now he also goes to
the mosque on Friday.
There is no single religious authority in Islam
Because there is no religious hierarchy in Islam (especially in Sunni Islam),
there is no one person – apart from the Prophet Muhammad – whose views on
Islam are considered final. Anyone with knowledge of the religion and related
matters can express an opinion on a religious issue. In practice, those who have
studied Islam and are knowledgeable about the religion have the strongest say.
These people are called ulama (scholars). They may have spent many years
studying the religion in schools and universities such as al-Azhar in Egypt. If
they have gone through a traditional method of Islamic learning they may have
a certificate, called an ijazah, that allows them to teach religious knowledge to
others. Sometimes popular preachers become well known in the Muslim world
and they may pass on their interpretation of Islamic teachings via modern
media such as television, radio, cassettes and videos.
Anyone with knowledge
of the religion and related
matters can express an opinion
on a religious issue.
Muslim Australians:THEIR BELIEFS, PRACTICES AND INSTITUTIONS 29