Learning about the faith of Islam

By Leut-Cmdr Steve Dunning
ADF members recently had the unique opportunity to learn a bit more about the ideas behind the perceived-to-be mysterious religion of Islam.

The first Islam Acquaint Course was run by the Religious Advisory Committee to the services, to raise cultural awareness of ADF personnel.

The Anglican Bishop to the ADF, Dr Tom Frame, initiated the course, which was attended by more than 80 Defence members.

Bishop Frame said there was a need for some Defence members to be aware of Islam and what it involves.

“This need became clearly evident during the MV Tampa incident and throughout Op Relex when many ADF personnel, including chaplains, felt they had been inadequately prepared for close and sustained contact with Muslims and providing properly for their religious needs,” he said.

He said the idea for a course was endorsed by the then CDF, Adm Chris Barrie, who encouraged him to develop and deliver the course.

After flagging the course among ADF personnel earlier in the year there was considerable response from the ADF community.

Emeritus Professor Anthony Johns, a highly respected scholar of Islam at the Australian National University, delivered six presentations on the origins and evolution of Islam, the authority and application of the Qur’an, the religious duties and obligations of Muslims, and prospects for Islamic dialogue with other religions, principally Christianity.

Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and several ADF members who were practicing Muslims contributed to the presentation.

Dr Frame also briefed students on the changing nature of the religious landscape in the ADF and in comparison with the civilian population. For many members this proved to be quite enlightening in the context of the current environment.

Significantly, and in keeping with ADF policy, the course served to reinforce the notion of respect for all cultures and religions.

Dr Frame said that inter-faith dialogue was an integral part of peacemaking and that the ADF had a key role to play in this global process.

Course participants were each given a copy of the Qur’an – in Arabic text with corresponding English meanings – by the Cultural Centre of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Canberra.

Professor Johns noted that literal translation of the Qur’an was not always possible and that the Arabic language often lost its meaning when translated to English.

Dr Frame said that although only a pilot, the students rated the course a great success.

“They found it a most valuable introduction to Islamic doctrine and practice.”

Dr Frame said he was hopeful the RACS could offer an improved and enlarged course next year.

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