The Growth of Islam in Australia in Modern Times

Australia has always been a land of diversity, shaped by waves of migration and cultural exchange. Over the past few decades, one of the most significant developments in the country’s religious landscape has been the remarkable growth of Islam. What started as a small community has blossomed into a vibrant, thriving presence that contributes richly to Australian society.

The Historical Context

It is worth noting that Muslims aren’t newcomers to Australia. The story actually goes back further than many realize. Afghan cameleers arrived in the 1860s, helping to explore and open up Australia’s harsh interior. They brought with them their faith and even built the country’s first mosque in Marree, South Australia, in 1861. However, the real transformation of Islam in Australia began in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly after the relaxation of immigration policies in the 1970s.

Muslim Demographic Growth in Australia

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Muslims made up just 0.3% of the population in 1971. Fast forward to the 2021 Census, and that figure had jumped to approximately 3.2% of the population, representing around 813,000 people. This makes Islam the second-largest religion in Australia after Christianity.

The growth rate has been nothing short of remarkable. Between 1996 and 2021, the Muslim population in Australia increased by more than 300%. To put this in perspective, while the general Australian population grew by about 36% during this period, the Muslim population was expanding at a much faster pace. The 2016 Census showed Muslims at 2.6% of the population, meaning there was a significant jump of 0.6 percentage points in just five years to 2021.

This growth is not uniform across the country either. Muslims are predominantly concentrated in urban areas, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. In Sydney, suburbs like Lakemba, Auburn, and Bankstown have substantial Muslim populations, with some areas showing Muslim residents making up over 40% of the local community. Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs, including Coburg, Broadmeadows, and Dandenong, similarly host large Muslim communities.

The demographic profile of Australian Muslims is also noteworthy. The community is remarkably young compared to the general population. More than half of Australian Muslims are under 30 years old, which means this is a community with energy, ambition, and a long-term stake in Australia’s future. This youthful demographic also contributes to higher birth rates within the community, accounting for part of the growth alongside immigration and conversion.

Muslim Institutions and Community Presence in Australia

As the Muslim population has grown, so too has the infrastructure supporting community life. Today, Australia boasts over 350 mosques and prayer spaces scattered across the country, from large, purpose-built centers to small community prayer rooms. This is a massive increase from the handful that existed in the 1970s.

The Mosques 

The mosques serve as much more than just places of worship. They’ve become community hubs where people gather for education, social services, and cultural activities. Take the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque in Sydney, for example, which includes a library, youth center, and community meeting spaces. Similarly, the Islamic Museum of Australia in Melbourne, which opened in 2014, serves as an educational resource for both Muslims and non-Muslims, fostering understanding and dialogue.

Islamic Schools

Islamic schools have also proliferated across Australia. There are now over 40 Islamic schools operating nationwide, providing education from kindergarten through high school. Schools like Malek Fahd Islamic School in Sydney and King Khalid Islamic College in Melbourne educate thousands of students, combining the Australian curriculum with Islamic values and Arabic language instruction. These institutions give parents the option to educate their children in an environment that aligns with their faith and values.

Along with schools and mosques, QuranClasses, an online Quran academy, helps Australian Muslims to connect with Islam and the Quran. 

Islamic Institutions 

Beyond formal institutions, Muslim community organizations have flourished. Groups like the Islamic Council of Victoria, the Lebanese Muslim Association, and Islamic Relief Australia provide everything from welfare services to disaster relief, from youth programs to interfaith dialogue initiatives. These organizations have become vital threads in Australia’s social fabric, responding to community needs and building bridges with the wider society.

Halal Food Industry 

The halal industry has also expanded dramatically. Today, you’ll find halal-certified products in major supermarket chains like Coles and Woolworths, halal restaurants in every major city, and even halal-certified airlines catering to Muslim travelers. This commercial presence reflects both the growing Muslim population and the mainstream acceptance of Islamic practices in Australian business.

Social and Cultural Contributions

Australian Muslims have made significant contributions across virtually every sector of society. In medicine, professionals like Professor Munjed Al Muderis, an Iraqi-Australian orthopedic surgeon, have gained international recognition for pioneering work in osseointegration surgery for amputees. In academia, scholars such as Professor Riaz Hassan and Professor Samina Yasmeen have made significant contributions to the social sciences and political science, respectively.

The arts and media have seen remarkable Muslim representation too. Comedian Aamer Rahman has tackled social issues through humor, while journalists like Yalda Hakim (before relocating) and Yassmin Abdel-Magied have brought diverse perspectives to Australian media. Authors like Randa Abdel-Fattah have achieved bestseller status with novels exploring Muslim identity in Australia, helping to shape how the community is understood and represented.

In sports, Australian Muslims have excelled at the highest levels. Footballers like Adam Saad and Bachar Houli have competed in the AFL, while boxer Billy Dib held world championship titles. Cricketer Usman Khawaja has represented Australia in test matches, becoming a household name. These athletes serve as role models for young Australian Muslims and demonstrate that faith and sporting excellence go hand in hand.

Community service is another area where Muslims have made their mark. Organizations like Islamic Relief Australia and Human Appeal Australia have raised millions for humanitarian causes both domestically and internationally. During natural disasters like the bushfires and floods, Muslim community groups have been quick to mobilize volunteers and resources to help affected areas, often working alongside other faith groups and secular organizations.

The cultural contributions extend to festivals and celebrations too. Events like Ramadan Night Markets in Sydney and Melbourne have become popular community gatherings that attract people of all backgrounds, offering food, entertainment, and cultural exchange. Eid celebrations in parks and community centers have similarly become part of the multicultural tapestry of Australian cities.

Reasons for the Growth of Islam in Australia

So what is driving this remarkable growth? The answer is multifaceted, involving immigration patterns, family dynamics, and broader social factors.

Immigration 

Australia’s skilled migration program, family reunion policies, and humanitarian intake have brought Muslims from diverse countries. The largest groups come from Lebanon, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iraq, and Iran. Each wave of migration has brought its own cultural flavor to Australian Islam, creating a beautifully diverse community. The humanitarian program, in particular, has seen significant numbers of refugees from Muslim-majority countries affected by conflict, including Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Family Size and Birth Rates 

Muslim families in Australia tend to be larger on average than the general population, though this varies significantly by ethnic background and generation. First-generation immigrants often have more children than subsequent generations, who tend to align more closely with broader Australian patterns. Nevertheless, the youthful demographic of the Muslim community naturally leads to more births.

Conversion to Islam

While representing a smaller percentage of growth compared to immigration and births, it is nonetheless significant and growing. Australia sees several thousand conversions to Islam annually, contributing to the community’s diversity and growth.

Chain Migration 

Chain migration has also been important. When Muslims establish themselves in Australia, they often sponsor family members to join them, creating networks of extended family and community. This has led to the concentration of particular ethnic groups in certain suburbs, which in turn attracts more people from those backgrounds, creating self-sustaining communities.

Economic Opportunities 

Economic opportunities draw many Muslims to Australia. The country’s strong economy, high living standards, and robust education system make it an attractive destination for skilled professionals and families seeking better futures. Australia’s Muslim community includes doctors, engineers, business owners, and academics who have come seeking opportunities that might not be available in their countries of origin.

Why People Are Converting to Islam in Australia

One of the most interesting aspects of Islam’s growth in Australia is the steady stream of converts to the faith. While exact numbers are difficult to pin down, estimates suggest between 3,000 to 5,000 Australians convert to Islam each year. That is roughly 10 people per day choosing to embrace Islam. What’s drawing them to the faith?

Personal Relationships 

Many converts first learn about Islam through Muslim friends, colleagues, or romantic partners. These personal connections provide a human face to the religion and create opportunities for questions, dialogue, and learning. A significant number of female converts, in particular, report that marriage to a Muslim partner was their initial introduction to the faith, though most emphasize that their conversion was ultimately a personal spiritual decision.

The Search for Meaning and Purpose

In an increasingly secular society, some Australians find themselves spiritually unfulfilled and begin exploring different faith traditions. Islam’s clear teachings, structured practices, and emphasis on direct connection with God appeal to those seeking spiritual certainty and purpose. The five daily prayers, for instance, provide a framework for mindfulness and spiritual connection that resonates with people looking for discipline and meaning in their lives.

Intellectual Appeal

 Many converts describe being impressed by Islam’s logical approach to theology, its emphasis on knowledge and learning, and its comprehensive worldview that addresses spiritual, social, and personal dimensions of life. The religion’s emphasis on rationality and its encouragement to question and seek knowledge attracts intellectually curious individuals. Books, online resources, and lectures by scholars make Islamic teachings accessible to anyone interested in learning.

Community and Belonging

The strong sense of brotherhood and sisterhood in Muslim communities appeals to people who may feel isolated in modern urban life. The welcoming nature of many mosques and the support structures within Muslim communities provide converts with a ready-made social network. Many converts report feeling embraced by their new religious community in ways they hadn’t experienced before.

Women’s Perspectives 

The perspective of women deserves special attention, as women make up a significant portion of converts to Islam in Australia. Contrary to stereotypes, many female converts describe Islam as empowering rather than restrictive. They point to the religion’s emphasis on women’s spiritual equality, property rights, and educational opportunities. The modesty requirements, rather than being seen as oppressive, are often described by converts as liberating, freeing them from objectification and allowing them to be valued for their character and intellect rather than appearance.

Social Justice Values 

Islam’s emphasis on charity, economic justice, and caring for the vulnerable attracts people with strong social justice commitments. The requirement to give zakat (charitable giving) and the religion’s teachings on wealth distribution appeal to those concerned with inequality and social responsibility.

Reversion Narratives 

Many converts speak of “reverting” rather than “converting” to Islam, based on the Islamic belief that all people are born in a natural state of submission to God. This framing suggests that embracing Islam is actually a return to one’s true nature, which many converts find meaningful and affirming.

The profiles of converts are diverse. They include Anglo-Celtic Australians, Indigenous Australians, people from Christian backgrounds, those raised without religion, and individuals from other faith traditions. They come from all socioeconomic backgrounds, educational levels, and age groups, though young adults appear to be particularly represented.

Challenges and Integration

Facing Prejudice and Discrimination

It would be incomplete to discuss Islam’s growth without acknowledging challenges. Australian Muslims have faced prejudice and discrimination, particularly in the aftermath of global events like the September 11 attacks and subsequent terrorism incidents. According to reports by the Australian Human Rights Commission, Islamophobia remains a real concern, with Muslim Australians sometimes experiencing discrimination in employment, education, and daily interactions.

Muslim women who wear the hijab or other visible Islamic dress often report experiencing harassment in public spaces, from verbal abuse to physical intimidation. Job applicants with Muslim names sometimes face lower callback rates compared to applicants with Anglo-Saxon names, despite having identical qualifications. These discriminatory experiences can affect mental health and create feelings of alienation, particularly among young Muslims who are trying to navigate their identity.

Media Representation and Stereotypes

The media representation of Muslims has often been problematic, with disproportionate focus on extremism and security issues compared to the everyday peaceful lives of the vast majority of Australian Muslims. SBS News has been one outlet working to provide more balanced coverage of religious diversity and Muslim community issues. This skewed representation has sometimes created misconceptions and fueled prejudice.

When terrorism incidents occur anywhere in the world, Australian Muslims often feel compelled to apologize or distance themselves from actions they had nothing to do with. This collective responsibility narrative is rarely applied to other religious or ethnic groups. The constant association between Islam and violence in news coverage has created a suspect community dynamic that many Muslims find exhausting and unfair.

Building Bridges Through Dialogue

However, there are positive signs too. Interfaith dialogue initiatives have multiplied, with churches, synagogues, and mosques hosting joint events and educational programs. Organizations like the Australian National Imams Council regularly engage in collaborative work with other faith groups. Schools increasingly include education about Islam in religious studies curricula, helping to build understanding from a young age.

Open mosque days have become popular events where non-Muslims are invited to visit Islamic centers, ask questions, and share meals. These grassroots initiatives help break down barriers and create personal connections that challenge stereotypes. Many Australians who attend these events report that their understanding of Islam and Muslims changes dramatically after meeting real people and hearing their stories.

Community Leadership and Counter-Extremism

Many mainstream Australian Muslims are actively working to counter extremism and promote moderate, integrated versions of Islamic practice that honor both faith and Australian values. Muslim community leaders increasingly speak out against radicalization and work with security agencies to keep communities safe.

Programs targeting at-risk youth have been developed by Muslim organizations to provide mentorship, education, and positive role models. These initiatives recognize that young people who feel marginalized or disconnected are more vulnerable to extremist messaging. By creating strong community bonds and providing opportunities for meaningful engagement, these programs help ensure that young Muslims feel valued and included in Australian society.

Forging New Australian-Muslim Identities

Young Australian Muslims are forging unique identities that blend Islamic faith with Australian culture. They’re creating new forms of religious expression, from halal Aussie barbecues to Ramadan cricket tournaments, that reflect their dual heritage. This generation is increasingly comfortable with hyphenated identities, seeing no contradiction between being devout Muslims and proud Australians.

These young Muslims are redefining what it means to be both Australian and Muslim in their own terms. They love footy and Eid celebrations, they speak with Australian accents peppered with Arabic phrases, and they navigate between their parents’ cultural traditions and contemporary Australian life. This unique Australian-Islam is emerging as something distinct from both the Islam practiced in Muslim-majority countries and the experiences of Muslims in other Western nations.

Future of Muslims in Australia 

The growth of Islam in Australia shows no signs of slowing. According to demographic projections by the Pew Research Center, Muslims could represent 5-6% of the Australian population by 2050. This growth will continue to shape Australian society in profound ways.

The increasing diversity within the Muslim community itself is noteworthy. Australian Islam brings together people from dozens of countries and ethnic backgrounds, speaking numerous languages and following various Islamic traditions and schools of thought. This internal diversity enriches both the Muslim community and Australian society more broadly.

Future generations of Australian Muslims will likely be even more integrated into mainstream society while maintaining their religious identity. Already, we see young Muslims excelling in universities, establishing businesses, entering politics, and contributing to Australian culture in countless ways. Politicians like Ed Husic and Anne Aly, who have served in federal parliament, represent the political maturation of the community.

The conversation around Islam in Australia is evolving too. There is growing recognition that Muslims are not a monolithic group but rather a diverse community with varying levels of religious observance, different cultural backgrounds, and diverse political views. Academic platforms like The Conversation regularly feature expert analysis, helping to develop this nuanced understanding and break down stereotypes.

Conclusion

The growth of Islam in Australia is one of the defining demographic and cultural trends of modern Australian history. From a tiny minority in the 1970s to over 800,000 people today, Australian Muslims have established deep roots in the country. They have built institutions, contributed to society, and enriched Australia’s multicultural character.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Muslims live in Australia today? 

According to the 2021 Census, approximately 813,000 Muslims live in Australia, representing about 3.2% of the total population. This makes Islam the second-largest religion in the country after Christianity, with the community growing significantly over the past few decades.

Where do most Australian Muslims come from? 

Australian Muslims come from diverse backgrounds. The largest groups originate from Lebanon, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iraq, and Iran. However, there’s also a growing number of Australian-born Muslims and converts from various ethnic backgrounds, making it a truly multicultural community.

How many people convert to Islam in Australia each year? 

Estimates suggest between 3,000 to 5,000 Australians convert to Islam annually, which is roughly 10 people per day. Converts come from all backgrounds and are drawn to Islam for various reasons, including spiritual fulfillment, intellectual appeal, marriage, and the sense of community.

Are there Islamic schools in Australia? 

Yes, there are over 40 Islamic schools operating across Australia, providing education from kindergarten through high school. These schools teach the standard Australian curriculum while incorporating Islamic values, Arabic language instruction, and religious studies. They’re available in all major cities.

Do Australian Muslims face discrimination? 

Unfortunately, yes. Many Australian Muslims have experienced Islamophobia, particularly after global terrorism incidents. This includes discrimination in employment, harassment in public spaces, and negative stereotyping. However, many positive initiatives like interfaith dialogue programs and community education are working to combat prejudice and build understanding.