About Us
What is ISRA?
ISRA Academy 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.
History
Established on 16 November 2009, the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA Academy) emerged from Australia’s dialogue movement and the evolving integration of the Muslim community into Australian society. ISRA Academy serves as a collaborative platform connecting Australian Muslims with educational institutions and focuses on fostering community development in religious, intellectual, social, environmental, and other key areas for both Australian and global societies.
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The journey of Muslims in Australia began with large-scale migration from 1967 onwards, followed by decades of settlement and economic adjustment during the 1980s and 1990s. The new millennium ushered in a transformative era, marked by the emergence of organisations like Affinity Intercultural Foundation, which encouraged engagement with broader society. The tragic events of 9/11 accelerated interfaith and intercultural activities, leading to increased social interaction among diverse communities.
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These dialogue initiatives paved the way for collaborative projects addressing shared challenges. ISRA Academy represents the fourth phase of Muslim integration in Australia, where the community actively contributes to addressing societal issues while fostering the development of local religious and scholarly leaders.
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ISRA Academy embraces a vision of reconciliation, rejecting hatred, injustice, and violence. Muslims in Australia, and more broadly in the West, hold a pivotal role in promoting understanding and harmony in this historical moment.
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Since its inception, ISRA Academy has partnered with Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) to provide accredited Islamic Studies and Arabic courses. The establishment of the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation within Charles Sturt in 2011 marked a significant milestone, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs developed with guidance from ISRA Academy’s advisory committee, comprising esteemed scholars from Australia’s Muslim community.
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Responding to growing demand, ISRA Academy opened a Melbourne centre in 2015, complementing its Sydney operations. Today, ISRA Academy continues to serve students nationally, as well as internationally, expanding its reach through comprehensive online learning platforms, especially since 2020.
Educational Philosophy
ISRA Academy is a non-profit community organisation distinguished by the following principles and commitments:
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- Apolitical and Inclusive: ISRA Academy upholds a deep respect for diversity in thought, educational methodologies, social perspectives, and constructive action.
- Islamic Education with a Modern Approach: It provides Islamic education rooted in the Islamic scholarly tradition and sciences, fostering critical thinking and intellectual inquiry while meeting high academic standards.
- Contemporary Relevance: It delivers classical Islamic sciences and studies within a contemporary context, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework.
- Ethics and Values: The organisation is guided by principles of ethics, diversity, community harmony, personal and intellectual growth, and civic responsibility.
- Community Engagement: ISRA Academy serves both the specific needs of the Australian Muslim community and the broader Australian society, fostering intra-community and interfaith dialogue and collaboration.
- Pioneering Research: It conducts groundbreaking research on social and religious issues relevant to Australian and global contexts.
- Diverse Perspectives: ISRA Academy presents its students and audiences with a variety of viewpoints, from both Muslim and non-Muslim thinkers, encouraging stimulating and constructive discussions in classrooms and the wider community.
- Scholarly Inspiration: The academy draws from the works and teachings of over 180 acclaimed classical and contemporary Islamic scholars and academics.
- Leadership Development: It actively contributes to the development of local Australian academics, community leaders, and religious scholars.
- Inclusive Environment: ISRA Academy welcomes staff and students from diverse cultural, educational, and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Youth Empowerment: Second-generation Australian Muslim youth are actively involved in designing and leading community projects at all levels of leadership.
- Building Social Cohesion: ISRA Academy values the contributions of Australian Muslims in enriching the social fabric and fostering cohesion in a multicultural, multi-faith Australia.
Celebrating 10 Years
In 2020, ISRA Academy proudly celebrated its 10-year anniversary of community service. Over the past decade, ISRA Academy has grown into one of Australia’s leading non-profit organisations, supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. It continues to provide high-quality Islamic education and valuable community services to Australian Muslims, the broader Australian society, and international audiences through its global outreach initiatives.
