By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
HAYAT Doughan is hardly shocked by ongoing inflammatory anti-Islamic debates.
A Muslim and a member of the Casey Multifaith Network, Ms Doughan said “it shouldn’t be this way but we’re getting used to it”.
“The best thing we can do is prove them wrong. We want to live our lives peacefully.”
Ms Doughan, who has lived in Casey for 25 years, was speaking in reference to critics’ objections to a proposed Doveton mosque. She believes most residents do not hold the same views as Cr Sam Aziz and pastor Daniel Nalliah.
“People want to learn about your culture. They want to learn about what you think,” she said. “If you want to talk about other religions, you have to learn about the other religion before you talk about it.”
Ms Doughan said that contrary to recent commentary, Islam was a “religion of acceptance” and verses in the Koran celebrated diversity.
The Afghan mosque, applying to resettle in Green Street, Doveton, had been based “peacefully” in Photinia Street for 15 years.
“There’s been no fighting with anyone. It’s a place of worship,” Ms Doughan said.
The concerns about rogue Muslims, such as after the recent federal police anti-terrorist raids of homes in Melbourne’s south-east, were disproportionate.
“This is one criminal incident. You have in every society good people and bad people. Just because one person is bad doesn’t make the whole box of apples rotten.
“Some think Muslims don’t want to join in with the mainstream. We are Australian. We came here because Australia is a peaceful country.”
Casey Multifaith Network president Pam Mamouney says she’s seen non-Muslims’ apprehension dissipate during the network’s tours of mosques.
“I’ve seen old women initially scared but their attitude changes when they go in a mosque. The imam puts on a service, he answers questions. He gives out Turkish delight and shows hospitality.”
She said Catch the Fire Ministries had agitated to destroy the fledgling multifaith network 5½ years ago. “I’m disappointed by the vitriol by Catch the Fire Ministries. Radical people of all faiths cause problems, but you can’t judge an entire religion based on one group.”
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