Rod McGarvie for The Australian – May, 2015: Having spent 12 years working for a language development and cultural research organisation in East Africa (mainly Uganda and Tanzania) I had the opportunity to develop friendships with Ismaili Muslims.
The Nizari Ismaili sect of Shia Islam is little known in Australia but, in other parts of the globe as well as in East Africa, it is known for its top-quality schools and hospitals and clean water and agricultural projects.
Their approach is similar to the way many Christian organisations approach development. The Ismailis are business minded, but have a strong commitment to help the poor. They assimilate well into the African culture where they live and become part of society.
There is a growing concern about what appears to be an incompatibility of certain sects and segments of Islam with Australian values, and the inability or unwillingness of some Muslims to effectively integrate into Australian society. More disturbing has been our nation’s general lack of willingness to discuss or scrutinise Islam and Islamism (militant Islam) within Australia. This frustrates concerned Australians and serves to increase the level of emotion, distrust and resentment.
Read more here: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/nizari-are-role-models-for-necessary-muslim-integration/story-e6frg6zo-1227367506588
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