...International Muslims Organisation...

Australia...

The Australian branch of the IMO was inaugurated in Brisbane in 1997 by Allama Pir Hazrat Noorul Aqtab Siddiqi.  It has since then extended its activities throughout Australia.  It has been able to build links with over seventy five mosques; a positive relationship with the Australian government; and develop a strong presence in the Australian Muslim community. The activities organised by the IMO in Australia include regular national festivals which celebrate and adulate the faith and spirituality of the local Muslim community. 

The IMO in Australia has hundreds of members who support its activities and propagate its mission of building a cohesive, conscientious and sensitive community for Muslims and non Muslims.  In addition, there are around four hundred Mureeds of the Naqshbandi Hijazi Sufi Order who form its substantive base and the principal proponents of its activities. 

The IMO has a firm commitment to building bridges and creating dialogue between local and migrating communities.  With this agenda in mind, the IMO in Australia has engaged in a number of discussions with the government and organised events in conjunction with them.  In 2005 the Vice President of the IMO Shaykh Noor-ul-Aqtab Siddiqi was invited as the Guest of Honour at the Peace and Harmony Conference in Australia. Shaykh Noor subsequently met with ministers and had a private meeting with the Prime Minister Michael Howard. In conclusion to these meetings, Shaykh Noor has been asked to act as a consultant on vital issues relating to Muslims in Australia. This has given the Australian IMO an excellent opportunity to establish a positive dialogue between the Australian government and the local Muslim Community and therefore generate a sense of harmony and unity between the local and migrating populations.  Since then, the IMO has been in contact with the Australian government on a number of issues regarding the welfare of Muslims in Australia.

The way forward ...

Australia has made many positive diplomatic contributions in the affairs of the world.  Its contributions have been welcomed where it has approached matters in its own way rather than simply following trends set by other global powers.  Going forward, it is obvious that there is a place for Australia’s ‘no-nonsense’ strategy in building ties across all continents instead of limiting its dialogue to only the traditional places.

The Australian’s frankness has often been misunderstood by outsiders.  The reality is that the openness of Australians stems from their inner warmth and caring nature.  As a people, they are beginning to realise the importance of being recognised for who they are across the globe. 

The Australian’s drive and competitive fervour are reflected in sport but also their desire to better themselves as a nation.   They are in the process of debating passionately, the implications of being an Australian citizen and the responsibilities of the individual within Australian society.  The IMO has a wealth of experience in community dialogue and particular expertise on the interaction between the individual and society.  Therefore, it is in a position to facilitate this debate and advocate for the development of individual Australians in order to bring about societal change.  Ultimately this will allow the Australians to fulfil their true potential in every respect.