Born in the Cook Islands in 1997, Brother Musa Stranger has emerged as one of Australia’s most inspiring figures for Pacific Islander reverts and dawah‑minded Muslims alike.
At 28 years old, Musa – the middle child of five – credits his early life and family values with shaping his compassionate worldview.
“My dad was a professional diver for pearls,” Musa told AMUST.
“We moved to the main island when I was a toddler and shortly after migrated to Australia, when I was around two.”
Growing up, Musa’s parents were heavily involved in the Presbyterian Church at Lakemba, where his father served as a deacon and his mother as treasurer.
But whilst it was his religious upbringing that may have first steered Musa toward spiritual exploration, it was Islam that ultimately transformed his life.
A contemplative Musa Stranger during one of his Umrah visits.
After moving to New Zealand in 2015, he began to engage deeply with his brother Haroun about Islam.
“My brother who had already accepted Islam told me that there’s no guarantee that Muslims will be saved from Hell (Jahannam) – unlike other religions that basically promise you a one way ticket to paradise,” Musa recalls.
“I liked the fact that Muslims must work hard and be accountable to reach Jannah….and didn’t need any further convincing.”
In late 2019 – the same year as the tragic Christchurch mosque massacre – Musa took the shahada, the defining moment which became the foundation for his future work in the deen.
Alhamdulillah for the brotherhood of Islam!
These days, he’s back in Sydney where he continues to inspire thousands online.
With more than 10,000 followers on Instagram, Musa has become a visible and positive voice for Pacific Islander reverts, many of whom feel unseen in mainstream Muslim conversations.
“Aside from Sonny Bill Williams, I was one of the first Pacific Islanders to vocally question Christianity publicly,” he says.
“I’ve made dawah my mission and I hope my messages give courage to Islanders here in Australia to go public with their iman.”
For Musa, culture and faith aren’t opposing forces; they are deeply interconnected.
His Pacific upbringing – rooted in community, respect and collective identity – has influenced how he engages with Muslim communities, especially reverts who often face a sense of isolation.
“It’s important that reverts feel they belong – and Islam gave me identity, structure and purpose,” he explains.
Musa devoted much of his time during his second Umrah visit to looking after his fellow reverts on their first pilgrimage.
A key influence in Musa’s spiritual life has been Sheikh Ahmad Taher, his teacher and mentor at the Al‑Ansar Centre in Yagoona, who leads classes tailored for reverts.
“He always has time for everyone,” Musa says, “and his care and concern for reverts is amazing.”
These classes – every Thursday after maghrib – have grown from just a handful of attendees to more than 30 participants weekly, reflecting the hunger for authentic, supportive learning spaces.
But Musa’s community work extends way beyond organising classes.
He is widely known for his promotion of a massive quarterly reverts’ picnic at Chipping Norton, a collaborative event that bring together brothers from across Sydney – both new and lifetime Muslims.
“The barbecues are a huge team effort,” he says, “and a massive shout‑out to the Polynesian brothers from the Liverpool/Campbelltown area who put so much work into these gatherings.”
He also pays tribute to Brother Younis Abu Mohamed, recognised as one of the first Pacific Islander Muslims in Australia – a pioneer whose footsteps Musa proudly follows.
Professionally, Musa dedicates himself full‑time to dawah and revert support, while also running Steadfast Attire, a business selling abayas.
For him, modest fashion is a symbol of confidence, identity and belonging, especially for those new to Islam navigating cultural and spiritual transition.
Looking ahead, Musa is excited about The Voice, another quarterly initiative launching on Saturday, 7 February.
“It’s organised by reverts, caters for reverts and will be a platform for new Muslims to share their stories,” he explains.
“Hopefully those listening will be inspired to share their own journey and also be encouraged to assist in dawah work.”
Musa’s commitment to global Muslim unity is reflected in his travels, including performing Umrah twice, with the second trip dedicated to helping brothers who hadn’t experienced the holy journey before.
“Those trips deepen your iman and remind you that we are part of a global ummah,” he says.
Amid all this work, Musa has also endured personal loss, including the passing of his mother in 2025, but his resilience and continued devotion show a faith that sustains even through hardship.
Musa acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges facing reverts in Australia is ongoing support.
Musa has been a major driving force behind the promotion of the quarterly reverts’ barbecues at Chipping Norton.
“They definitely need more support – and it’s an ongoing challenge,” he says.
Looking to the future, Musa’s vision is expansive: expanding community initiatives, delivering family packs to those in need (with a goal of 100 before Ramadan), regular international dawah trips – including to Fiji and Papua New Guinea – and a special community fundraiser on this year’s Laylatul Qadr.
“In the Chester Hill, Georges Hall, Bass Hill area, there’s no actual mosque – just musallahs,” he points out.
“We believe a fully operational mosque for the area would be fantastic.”
Through mentorship, advocacy and leadership, Musa continues to open doors for reverts, creating spaces of belonging and opportunity.
His example should be an inspiration to all who seek to live their faith with integrity and purpose.
Steadfast is Musa’s impressive line of modest clothes for Muslim brothers.
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