Feb 23 • 06:28 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

Muslim Australians fear rising Islamophobia as Ramadan begins

As Ramadan begins, Muslim Australians express concern over increasing Islamophobia prompted by divisive political comments.

With the onset of Ramadan, Muslim Australians are expressing heightened fears of Islamophobia, particularly following controversial remarks made by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson who asserted that there are no "good Muslims." Omar Abdo, a father of four and active within Islamic organizations, emphasized that such comments foster societal suspicion towards Muslims. The Australian National Imams Council has condemned Hanson's statements, arguing they undermine the country's multicultural values and create unnecessary divisions within the community.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also reacted to Hanson's remarks, linking them to a disturbing pattern of hostility, including a recent threatening letter directed at Lakemba Mosque, known for its significant Muslim population. This connection underscores the potential real-world consequences of inflammatory rhetoric, particularly as the community enters a period of spiritual significance in Ramadan. Albanians' denunciation reflects a broader political and social pushback against Islamophobia in Australia.

Overall, the concerns raised by members of the Muslim community highlight ongoing challenges in achieving acceptance and understanding in a diverse society. The context of Ramadan, a month marked by reflection and community bonding for Muslims, elevates these fears and the need for support against rising intolerance and discrimination.

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