Established in 2009 in Sydney Australia, Islamic Sciences & Research Academy of Australia (ISRA) is a product of the dialogue movement in Australia. It is a platform for cooperation between Australian Muslims and educational institutions in Australia. While ISRA has a strong educational and research emphasis, it also focuses on community building and cooperation in religious, social, environmental and other major areas for Australia and the global society.

When Muslims migrated to Australia in large numbers from 1967 onwards, they had to first meet their basic economic needs before going through a long settlement phase during the 80s and the 90s. The new millennium coincided with the Muslim community opening up to the wider society through organizations such as Affinity Intercultural Foundation. Counter-intuitively, 9/11 accelerated this process when interfaith and intercultural works brought together people from diverse backgrounds in projects facilitating social interaction.

The relationships established through dialogue gave the opportunity to venture into larger projects to deal with issues which were common to all. ISRA marks the beginning of the fourth phase of migration where Muslims actively get involved in dealing with issues facing the Australian society and, in the process, assist in the development of local religious and scholarly leaders.

We are part of a historical process of reconciliation. We do not want a world full of hatred, injustice and violence. Muslims living in the West and, in our case, in Australia have an important role to fulfil.

Mission to Serve

ISRA is a point of reference for Islamic education, resources and information services. ISRA conducts pioneering research on social and religious issues of relevance to the Australian society and international community.

ISRA engages and cooperates with individuals and institutions in Australia and abroad in order to actively contribute to social harmony, cultural diversity and religious values.

ISRA develops and enriches the Australian Muslim identity through well-grounded Islamic scholarly knowledge coupled with the awareness of contemporary issues and ideas facing Australia and the world.

High School Educational Services

Building on the work done since 2004, ISRA will continue to work with high schools to assist in delivering religious education where world religions are taught as part of the Studies of Religion subject.

ISRA offers services to cover the Islamic curriculum through school visits and seminars to facilitate the delivery of content for students and teachers. ISRA have developed teaching resources in line with Studies of Religion curriculum. ISRA also provides consulting services to publishers on high school text books.

Community Engagement

ISRA will work with Muslim youth and provide opportunities for their development. Muslim youth will be assisted with educational programs, recreational activities and practical opportunities to empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to become contributing members in both the Muslim community and the Australian society.

ISRA is ardently ready to work with theological colleges to foster dialogue and understanding between scholars and intellectuals of diverse backgrounds. ISRA is prepared to cooperate with theological institutions to produce publications that will contribute to religious harmony.

Academia and Research

The founders of ISRA have been involved in interfaith and intercultural work for about a decade. This extensive experience gives them unique insight into issues. Not only do they have the knowledge and understanding of the Australian people and the institutions, but they also have an appreciation and awareness of Islam and the Muslim community. As a result of such insight and the relationships developed within the community, they provide tangible educational value for Australia. Hence, ISRA is well positioned to provide educational and information services in a number of platforms.

ISRA will work with universities to provide undergraduate and postgraduate units in Islamic Studies and Interfaith Education. The first of these educational cooperation projects has been started with Charles Sturt University at the beginning of 2010.

ISRA will initiate and conduct research on social and religious matters of relevance to the people of Australia and publish its findings. ISRA will also provide services to universities and other organizations who are conducting research relating to the Muslim community.

Partnership with Charles Sturt University (CSU)

The Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation is a collaboration between Charles Sturt University and the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy of Australia (ISRA) and offers accredited Islamic Studies courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level. The course content has been put together with the advice and assistance of ISRA’s advisory committee which includes some of the most respected Muslim scholars from the wider Australian Muslim community.

University Courses

• Bachelor of Islamic Studies (Online, 3 years full-time / 6 years part-time)

As the only degree of its kind currently offered in Australia, CSU’s Bachelor of Islamic Studies provides well-rounded knowledge in the disciplines of Islam. This degree is beneficial for anyone seeking an understanding or appreciation of the Islamic faith for either career development or personal interest. Developed in response to a growing need for understanding of the Islamic faith in the Australian context, this course provides Islamic education that offers the skills and qualifications of a university degree with a strong focus on classical Islamic studies. Bachelor of Islamic Studies students must complete 192 points, comprising 10 core and 14 elective subjects to graduate with a degree in Islamic Studies.

• Master of Islamic Studies (Online, 3 years part-time)

The Master of Islamic Studies is a postgraduate course consisting of twelve subjects. Students develop independent research and analytical skills and will consequently be able to demonstrate critical thinking in a range of theological and research methodologies focused on the area of their research. Students will be able to demonstrate an overview of knowledge in Islam, in addition to extensive knowledge in their individual topic area within Islamic Studies. They will also present with advanced research skills and communication skills on their area of research. The course prepares students for further study at a Doctoral level, or for a range of professions. To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 128 points comprising four core subjects, four 8-point restricted electives, and four 16-point restricted electives.

• Master of Contemporary Islamic Studies (Online, 2 years full-time / 4 years part-time)

As the only online course of its type currently offered in Australia, CSU’s program provides a unique qualification in a topic of strategic importance in 21st century multicultural Australia. This course addresses the professional needs of people who deal closely with Muslims in daily life for political, social, educational, business, gender relations, culture, community and public service purposes. You will develop insight into Islamic contemporary issues from both Islamic and wider perspective. As a crucial 21st century topic, the course will provide you with a better understanding of pressing issues such as Islamophobia, radicalism and shariah. Contemporary Islamic Studies students must satisfactorily complete 128 points, comprising 4 core subjects and 8 electives.

• Master of Arts (Classical Arabic) (Online, 2 years part-time)

• Master of Arts (Islamic Studies Research) (Online, 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time)

The program enables you to research an aspect of Islamic Studies that interests you, including developing an understanding of recent developments in the field. You will then present your findings in a thesis not exceeding 50,000 words. The Master of Arts (Islamic Studies Research) prepares graduates to apply an advanced body of knowledge in one of the Islamic Studies discipline areas of Qur’anic Studies, Islamic Theology, Islamic History, and Islamic Law, including understanding of recent developments in the field, together with advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the discipline, for research and scholarship and as a pathway for future learning.

• Doctor of Philosophy (Islamic Studies)

The Doctor of Philosophy course aims to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for the conduct of individual research at a level that will make a distinct contribution to the knowledge base of the sciences. The Doctor of Philosophy offers candidates the opportunity for advanced, critical reflection and research at a level that is going to contribute to the knowledge base of their discipline. As a research based professional doctorate, the Doctor of Philosophy produces better informed, skilled and reflective professional practitioners and, in doing so, equips professionals for diverse and changing work contexts by offering the development of skills and knowledge that will have enduring benefits.

Publications

– Islamophobia Report 2017

Islamophobia in Australia, edited by Dr. Derya Iner

– Mosques of Sydney and NSW

Research Report Prepared by Husnia Underabi, 2014

– Resilience and Ordinariness of Australian Muslims

Attitudes and experiences of Muslims Report

Contacts

   – Sydney Office:

Address: Level 3, 128-136 South Parade, Auburn NSW 2144, Australia

Phone: +61 2 9649 9040

Fax: +61 2 9649 1636

   – Melbourne Office:

Address: 250 Hume Hwy, Somerton VIC 3062, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9305 2858

Email: info@isra.org.au

Website: https://www.isra.org.au/