Mission

ISRA is a point of reference for Islamic education and community service. We combine the scholarly tradition of Islam with academic excellence. We foster the development and enrichment of the Australian Muslim identity in faith, knowledge and service.

Vision

Be the leading voice of Islam in Australia through Islamic tertiary education and community service.

Values

Sincerity – in intention and action
Positive Action – in every situation
Service – to God and humanity
Excellence – in practices and outcomes
Balance – in self, life and organisation
Consultation – with all stakeholders
Environment – care for the earth

Established 16 November 2009, ISRA Australia (Islamic Sciences and Research Academy of Australia) is a product of the dialogue movement in Australia and the evolution of the Muslim community in its integration to Australian society. It is a platform for cooperation between Australian Muslims and educational institutions in Australia. While ISRA has a strong educational and research emphasis, it focuses on community service and development in religious, intellectual, 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 a new generation of organisations such as Affinity Intercultural Foundation. Counter-intuitively, 9/11 accelerated this process when interfaith and intercultural activities brought together people from diverse backgrounds in projects facilitating social interaction.

The relationships established through dialogue initiatives gave the opportunity to venture into larger projects to deal with issues 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 play in this historic juncture.

Since its establishment in 2009, ISRA signed an agreement with Charles Sturt University (CSU) to jointly provide Islamic Studies and Arabic courses. Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation within CSU was established in 2011 where the first courses in Islamic studies began to be offered. The accredited Islamic Studies courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level 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.

Due to overwhelming demand from students, ISRA established a centre in Melbourne in 2015. ISRA continues to operate from Sydney and Melbourne centres as well as in the online space particularly since 2020.

ISRA is a non-profit community organisation characterised by the following:

• An apolitical organisation with a deep respect for diversity in thought, educational methodology, social perspective and constructive action.
• Provides Islamic education from within the Islamic scholarly tradition and sciences in a model of education that fosters critical thinking, intellectual inquiry compatible high academic standards.
• Delivers classical Islamic sciences and studies in a contemporary context at the bachelor, masters and PhD levels according to Australian Universities qualification framework.
• Founded on principles of ethics, diversity, community, harmony, personal and intellectual growth and civic duty.
• Civic engagement at the local level that aims to serve both the particular needs of the Australian Muslim community and the broader Australian community by recognising the need for intra-community and inter-community/interfaith dialogue and collaboration.
• Conducts pioneering research on social and religious issues of relevance to Australian society and the international community.
• Presents its students and broader audience with diverse perspectives from Muslims and non-Muslims alike with a view of fostering stimulating and constructive classroom and community discussions.
• Draws inspiration and reference from more than 180 acclaimed classical and contemporary Islamic scholars and academics.
• Actively involved in the development of local Australian academics and community, religious and scholarly leaders.
• Staff and students from diverse cultural, educational and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Active participation by second generation Australian Muslim youth in the design and development of community projects and at all levels of leadership.
• Values the input of Australian Muslims in contributing towards and enhancing the social fabric and cohesion of a multicultural, multi-faith Australia.

ISRA is an organisation established by Australian Muslims for the people of Australia. ISRA staff, members and volunteers come from diverse ethnic backgrounds and are mainly second-generation Australian Muslims. Men and women work together at all levels of the organisation to add value to the development of the Muslim Community in Australia while providing a unique perspective on issues facing our country.