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Muslims in Australia: Interview with Amir Colan

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Muslims in OzIt seems that I am gradually becoming MuslimMatters’ unofficial media correspondent, as I now blog about yet another documentary concerning a Muslim minority community. But perhaps the readers would be pleased to note that this film is not in fact more sensationalist propaganda designed to divide society, but rather the exact opposite. To explain what I mean, I’ll let the trailer do the talking. There is a link to the interview below the sleeve:

[youtube Y_ZcntYJNv8]

I’m not sure if I am alone in this mentality, but I am always amazed to hear about just how far Islam has reached. I know it has been around for over fourteen hundred years, but somehow the fact that Islam has been in Australia since the 1600s just blows my mind, especially when you consider how little the Australian general public presently know about this great deen.

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Having seen the trailer, it didn’t take me long to send off an e-mail to Sahwa Productions, cheekily asking for a copy of the film using my “journalist” status. Brother Amir Colan, the director and producer, graciously responded, and within a few days I had the good fortune to possibly be one of the first UK citizens to watch this amazing production. I was thoroughly impressed with its vibrant presentation of Australia’s Islamic roots, and the current status of the Muslim community residing there. Thus I was compelled to contact brother Amir once again to ask some pertinent questions, which he kindly responded to in the form of an interview, which you can listen to at the following link:

An interview with Amir Colan, director of Muslims in Australia *

Discussion topics include:

  • The inspiration behind the film.
  • The history and present status of Muslims in Australia.
  • Details about the film-making process.
  • Future plans for Sahwa Productions.

You can now purchase DVD copies of ‘Muslims in Australia’ direct from the film’s website. I pray that you find it as beneficial and enjoyable as I did, and that Allah rewards Sahwa Productions and its sponspors for their tremendous efforts to share Islam and its history with the world.

* The Basmallah used in the audio file was taken with permission from Hassen Rasool’s Spiritual High collection.

Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of Allah

Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.

The Prophet (SAW) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small. Click here to support MuslimMatters with a monthly donation of $2 per month. Set it and collect blessings from Allah (swt) for the khayr you're supporting without thinking about it.

Dr Mehzabeen b. Ibrahim joined MuslimMatters as a blogger in late 2007 under the handle 'iMuslim', whilst still a struggling grad student. Since then, she has attained a PhD in Molecular Biology and a subsequent Masters in Bioinformatics, and now works as a specialist in this field for a well-known British, medical charity, masha'Allah. Somewhere in between she found the time to get married, alhamdulillah. She likes to dabble in photo and videography, a sample of which can be found on her personal blog: iMuslim.tv.

12 Comments

12 Comments

  1. Pingback: Muslims in Australia: Interview with Amir Colan « iMuslim

  2. Organic Muslimah

    January 24, 2008 at 8:38 PM

    I love your accent. You are perfect :)

  3. Amad

    January 24, 2008 at 9:42 PM

    Great first interview… you are well on your way to becoming a pro!

  4. AnonyMouse

    January 24, 2008 at 10:04 PM

    This isn’t her first interview… she’s done others before, for Nisaa.ca!

  5. Amad

    January 24, 2008 at 11:01 PM

    I meant for MM…

  6. iMuslim

    January 24, 2008 at 11:23 PM

    Jazakallah khair guys… all good is from Allah – that includes my accent (masha’Allah). ;)

  7. SrAnonymous

    January 27, 2008 at 12:22 AM

    judging from ur accent, u a Yorkshire lass then? or maybe Lancs?

  8. Organic Muslimah

    January 27, 2008 at 9:39 AM

    hahaha :) Digging the modesty, yo!

  9. Abdulhasib

    January 27, 2008 at 1:26 PM

    Afghans have a long history with Australia that dates back to 1838 which developed the Outback.

    Really cool link
    http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/afghans.htm

    I think the irony comes after all the commercial trade, infrastructure, and economic contributions the Afghans made the contributions were, whole-heartedly, forgotten and not commemorated for it.

    It shows that beliefs that carry out in action, whether it be a friendly neighbor-to-neighbor relationship or in business transaction, impresses upon the people more than financially contributing to them and their soceity.

    Islam in Australia is deeply rooted there, but not until recently has it received the broad awareness and interest.

    Shows a lot subhanAllah…

    Nice post.

    JazaakiAllahukhairan

  10. iMuslim

    January 27, 2008 at 1:52 PM

    SrAnonymous: I am not a northerner! hehe. I am originally from the East Midlands, but now living in London. :)

    OM: ;)

    Abdulhasib: Barakallahu fiki, and jazakallah for the link. I agree that faith in action has a great influence on the hearts of those around you, more so than preaching alone.

  11. 12 channel kptv news

    November 10, 2008 at 9:58 AM

    rcwk

  12. muna

    April 6, 2009 at 11:21 AM

    A aleykum wr wb.

    MashaAllah I watched ur programme,”muslims In Australia”,on Islam channelI was really proud to see just programme.
    keep up the good work, May Allah reward each and everyone of you.ameeen

    your sister in deen

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