Programs

Description:

Young Muslims in Western nations like Australia face a range of challenges that deeply affect their faith and identity. These challenges span religious, social, political, and cultural dimensions, often leaving them grappling with complex questions about who they are and where they belong. In an era marked by nihilism, narcissism, materialism, and neoliberalism, these struggles can feel overwhelming, making it difficult for young Muslims to find their footing. The absence of an alternative narrative that draws from both sacred traditions and an understanding of contemporary issues further compounds this, leaving many without the knowledge and tools to navigate these turbulent waters.

Applied Islam was developed to address this gap, offering much-needed guidance and answers for young Muslims searching for meaning and clarity in today’s world. Created by Professor Mohamad Abdalla AM, with over 25 years of experience in Islamic studies and community leadership, the program blends traditional sacred sciences with a nuanced understanding of modern challenges. It tackles key issues related to faith, identity, gender relations, modernity, secularism, culture, and their intersection with Islam.

Through an Islamic pedagogy, Applied Islam equips students to view contemporary issues through an Islamic lens, rooted in an Islamic worldview that engages with the realities of the modern world. By fostering open and honest conversations in a safe environment, the program nurtures critical thinking while drawing on educational values and concepts from Islamic tradition, ultimately inspiring renewed thought and deeper understanding in its participants.

Key Outcomes:

1. Increased Agency – Positive Identity

   1. Expanding knowledge grounded in Islamic sacred sciences, within the context of the modern world, enables young Muslims to confidently navigate and negotiate their identity within broader Western society.
   2. Participants will develop the confidence to speak out on issues that matter to them, whether among family, friends, or their broader community.
   3. Engaging in discussions on topics important to young people empowers them to influence change both for themselves and their communities.
   4. By equipping students with a deeper understanding of Islam, the program provides them with the tools, skills, and confidence to present a counter-narrative on issues like racism and Islamophobia.

2. Broader Organisational Networks Built on Trust and Knowledge Sharing – Strengthening Resilience

   1. The program will foster the creation of a robust network where young Muslims, scholars, and academics can actively engage, promoting the exchange of knowledge, insights, and experiences. This network will enhance capacity building, strengthen resilience, and empower participants to collaboratively address challenges faced by the Muslim community. By cultivating trust and open dialogue, this initiative will establish a lasting foundation for continued growth, learning, and mutual support.

3. Develop Life, Leadership, and Critical Thinking Skills

   1. By emphasising the use of accurate information and empirically tested evidence in its workshops, the program will expand participants’ ability to think critically and apply what they have learned in real-world contexts. This results in increased confidence, pride in their identity, and the ability to effectively challenge stereotypical beliefs with informed, accurate responses.
   2. The program encourages greater participation in community and civic life, with outcomes reflected on two levels: first, participants gain a stronger sense of their capacity to make a meaningful impact; second, this is demonstrated through their active involvement in their communities, contributing to positive change.
   3. Ultimately, participants will experience a profound sense of hope, pride, and empowerment, equipping them to lead with confidence and engage constructively in society.