A welcoming and inclusive space for spiritual growth through the Prophetic tradition in service to the community.
In 2008, a group of dedicated women came together to discuss the absence and need for a welcoming, safe space in the Muslim community that is free of judgement, discrimination and ethnic divide. They visualised a place where the spirit is nourished, minds are challenged, and where a diverse community can come together inspired with the values of social consciousness and compassion. Thus, Benevolence Australia was established.
Benevolence has served the Muslim and broader community with firm and unwavering determination. Whether it’s creating an alternative space where Muslims from all walks of life feel welcomed and a sense of belonging, or uplifting and striving for a higher practice of spiritual refinement or navigating the complexities that come with being a Muslim in Australia today – Benevolence has evolved over the years to continuously meet the challenges of our Australian community with our core values of Khidma (service), Rahma (mercy) and Ihsan (excellence) at the essence of all that we do.
Philosophy
Benevolence Australia is a non-profit community organisation dedicated to serving the Australian community through the teachings exemplified and inspired by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Our philosophy is set in the Islamic tradition, where the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are exemplified, and where spiritual growth is at the bedrock of all that we do.
Benevolence also strives to create meaningful engagement with the wider Australian community by focusing on three key areas. Benevolence seeks to continue making a positive contribution to the mosaic of the Muslim community and in service to our Australian society and welcomes you to join us and be part of the vision.
Identity
Although the core beliefs of Islam are universal, the outward practices vary throughout the globe. This rich tapestry of religious practice requires that the faith is relevant and meaningful to every individual and to the community as a whole. Benevolence has created a space where the intersection between faith and an Australian identity are united and consolidated in a meaningful way. The Benevolence community is not based on cultural identity, but rather on the principles of the inner beauty and peace of Islam and our contribution to the community at large.
Spiritual Refinement
Grounded in the principles of the way of Muhammad (peace be upon him), we have created a community where spiritual refinement and character development are integral to Australian Muslims and also relevant to others. Benevolence strives to nurture the spiritual development of our community through reviving the wisdom of sacred knowledge, spiritual practices and personal disciplines ingrained in our tradition.
Shifting the Public Discourse
Benevolence not only works internally within the Muslim community to strengthen faith and identity, but we also work with the wider community leading the current narrative on Islam and Muslims today. Our programs are far reaching into schools, service providers, faith communities and the public and private sectors. Our professional facilitators deliver a range of programs and services on understanding Islam in an Australian context, as well as programs on building cultural competencies and understanding the complexities of the current narrative on Islam and Muslims in relation to social cohesion.
