The Islamic Council of Victoria has issued a media statement giving support for the Voice to Parliament for First Nations. Muslims have a long history of rich engagement with the First Nations people of this continent. It predates European colonisation and encompassed trade, cultural exchange, and intermarriage.
Media Statement
The Islamic Council of Victoria supports enshrining a First Nations Voice in our Constitution. Constitutional recognition is a major step towards reconciliation and justice.
Muslims have a long history of rich engagement with the First Nations people of this continent. It predates European colonisation and encompassed trade, cultural exchange, and intermarriage. It was always based on mutual respect and trust. Both peoples shared core values such as kinship, respect for elders, and care and stewardship for the environment.
The Muslims visitors to this land viewed the First Nations peoples that they encountered as their equals in humanity and equal partners in decisions that affected both communities. It is certain that these Makassan Muslim traders would have been appalled and enraged by the plight of their comrades and would be at the forefront of calls for justice for the First Nations peoples today.
Given this historical context, it is only logical that the Muslims of today that share this land with the First Nations peoples stand with them in their journey to achieve truth, treaty, and justice.
In the Holy Qur’an, Allah declares
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is acquainted with what you do.” – Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:8).
The Islamic Council of Victoria recognises the significance of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. It calls for Aboriginal people to have a direct say in laws that impact them through a constitutionally enshrined Voice and a process of Makarrata through which treaty and truth telling are delivered. This is justice.
The Islamic Council of Victoria encourages all Muslims, indeed all Australians, to vote yes for constitutional recognition of a First Nations Voice at the upcoming referendum.
End of Statement –
For further information contact Islamic Council of Victoria Media Spokesperson Adel Salman 0421 059 095
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ICV
ISLAMIC COUNCIL
OF VICTORIA
66-68 Jeffcott Street,
West Melbourne.
VIC 3003
https://icv.org.au/media
