Migrants and refugees/asylum seekers while resettling in a foreign land long for a sense of community, belonging, connectivity, wellbeing and retention of language, culture and faith especially amongst the future generations.
The wars waged on the Muslim world and conflicts amongst and within Muslim countries has resulted in the rapid and varied movement of Muslim communities to different parts of the globe.
This displacement is secondary to of course pursuing seeking higher education, employment and finding new opportunities in the globalised world.
The progressive formation of Muslim communities in different parts of the world is opening the avenues of possibilities for acceptance, respect, pluralism and multiculturism in any society, particularly in Western societies.
Places of worship, community centres, schools, libraries and social hubs are doing phenomenal work in this domain to help migrants live amicably in their new homes.
One of the significant works of previous Muslim generations who came to the Western world in 70’s and 80’s was their endeavours in founding Mosques, Islamic Centres and lately Islamic schools to serve the later generations.
Islamic schools are hearts of values, beliefs, concepts, expectations, and standards that Muslims carry with them. These standards also inculcate fear within them due to the uncertainty of a new land lest they lose the core of their religious and spiritual lives.
One of the colleges, based in the south-east suburb of Melbourne is fulfilling such duty wholeheartedly to resonate with the spirit of community and deliver back to meet the expectation of Muslim families.
Minaret College has done incredible work in thinking creatively to assimilate a sense of religious identity with student’s daily life learning.
This year Minaret College has developed a team to engage senior students to teach junior pupils regarding various steps of the Hajj pilgrimage but in a most creative and innovative fashion.
The student-teacher dyad established an airport and visa issue station from where students embark on their holy journey. Senior students then guide and lead their juniors to different steps of pilgrimage including circumambulation, pebbles collection, qayaam and stone pelting.
For younger students, it was an adventure and fun-filled exercise. For seniors, it was an opportunity to translate their information into practice to recognise the real meaning of Hajj and why it is a part of one’s faith.
The higher secondary students were profoundly involved in reflective exercises while guiding and coaching their younger counterparts.
The whole school approach has ended term two on the religious education practicum. Such activities on a regular basis integrate religious ideals and centralise religious principles in one’s life which is a primary goal of most of Muslim parents even before achieving higher ATAR or becoming a champ in any study path.
Respecting the choices of Muslim parents Minaret College is significantly contributing to Muslims’ lives in Melbourne by developing integrity in their student’s character and by helping them to find meaning in their faith.
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