‘I’m young, Muslim and proud to be Australian’

SHE’S young, Australian and has been told she doesn’t belong. But this 19-year-old isn’t going to let the bigots win.

OPINION

HOT tears filled my eyes and a stone hard lump formed in my throat as I watched men void of hearts yell “God is great” in Arabic while massacring hundreds in Paris and Lebanon on the 6pm news.

My body frozen in shock, I felt helpless. Not only was I unable to help the suffering, but I couldn’t control the aftermath.

How!? How could these men so passionately speak of God, yet His message, which at its very core preaches compassion, does not touch their hearts? Selfishly taking the lives of so many and then leaving my religion to pay the consequences for crimes it never supported.

It is the depth of these emotions that thrust me to do something, anything, for the viewers of the evening news to recognise that this is not Islam.

As a young Muslim who proudly call herself an Aussie, and plans to enjoy Australia Day with halal chops on the barbecue, I reflect upon how wonderfully Islam complements my Australian values. It is my faith that guides me, that motivates me and betters my character.

Sowaibah (centre left) with some of her other Aussie friends.

So while the fearmongering politician questions how I can be an Aussie and a devout Muslim at the same time, or the bigoted internet troll tells me I don’t belong, I make myself a promise. I will not let the chants of the misguided terrorist, ignorant powers nor misinformed protesters shadow the beauty of my faith nor question my Australian identity.

Determined to set the record straight, after school I became heavily involved with the Adelaide Muslim community and began organising projects inviting the public into spaces of culture and education, such as the Al Salam festival to be held on Sunday.

With Islamophobia ever-present in our society, partially due to sensationalist media reporting, I set my mind on a career in journalism. Working as a journalist means I can give my community and other diverse groups a voice and representation in the media.

I hope my efforts to challenge misconceptions about my community will motivate others to not be bystanders, but active vehicles of progression.

How can I not put up a fight for this religion that has so much to offer, yet is unfortunately misunderstood and unfairly accused?

Sowaibah with her family.

As Australians, the values of equality and fair go are instilled in us. It is within our nature to share our boundless lands with those who wish to enrich our societies.

From the very first interactions between Indonesian Makassans and indigenous Australians to the Afghan cameleers, Muslims have long been a part of this country.

Great contributions have been made by migrants from across the globe who risked their lives to taste the opportunities of this land and subsequently commit to its development.

As I grow older and new generations are born, I hope to see my home as a leading society promoting diversity, equality and acceptance.

And to those who refuse to accept me as Australian, here is my response: We call ourselves Australians not because we were necessarily born here or because we fit a certain image, but because we have all adopted the spirit of this blessed country.

Sowaibah Hanifie, 19, is an advocate and an ambassador for her Muslim community. She was recently featured in Australia’s biggest crowdsourced film, ‘The Inspiring Story of Us’, by director Gillian Armstrong as part of CommBank’s Australian of the Day initiative.