altmuslim
 |
It’s hard not to be defensive when you feel your community is under siege, as many of Australia’s 500,000 Muslims do these days. Ever since the terrorist attacks in Bali a few weeks ago, Australia’s government has raided several homes on the pretext of flushing out suspected terrorist cells linked to Indonesia’s Jamiah Islamiya. “I don’t want to use alarmist language,” said Prime Minister John Howard. “(but) there has been a different atmosphere as far as possible terrorism in Australia is concerned. This country is at risk.” Government officials have strained to deny either an emphasis on targeting Indonesians or violating the civil rights of Australians. The raids have targeted individuals suspected of suspicious activities (including the monitoring of web sites) and have left many afraid to leave their homes. “My wife is worried to go out of the house, but I have told her to go out and not worry because she is part of Australia and is Australian,” said one Muslim leader. Mainstream Muslim groups have gone out of their way to speak out against the raids (“We are not opposed to any Australian resident being required to assist ASIO and other government agencies in defending Australia at any time. However, this must be achieved within the rule of law”), while simultaneously issuing a Ramadan statement decrying extremism within their ranks (“Tragically, the very communities you claim to represent have also been further victimised because of backlashes by those that have been hurt and angered as a result of your aggressive and criminal actions”). Until something happens to ease the pressure Australian Muslims feel from both sides, there will be more to pray for during the holy month of Ramadan.
Zahed Amanullah is associate editor of altmuslim.com. He is based in London, England.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In