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 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.
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.
Grounded in the principles of the way of Muhammad (peace be upon him), 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.
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.
“Bringing Ihsan to life”
‘Ihsan’ is spiritual excellence. “Bringing Ihsan to life” is to aspire for spiritual excellence in all that we do. Spiritual Excellence in practice is to uphold a life of virtues. It is to encompass the attributes of honesty, integrity, compassion and love – in intent and actions. It is cultivated through daily spiritual practices and self-awareness. Benevolence understands that a community which aims to cultivate “Ihsan” is a safe and nurturing community for all.
Embodying “The Way of Muhammad ﷺ”
A Divinely guided way of living a holistic and God-centred life. It is an approach that offers the spiritual seeker a pathway to transform the mundane into the sacred. Through bringing conscious awareness to everyday actions, good character and noble intention; a path of inward and outward transformation is achieved.
It is through serving the community that we serve our Creator and in turn ourselves. Service has the ability to engender humility, sincerity and gratitude.
It is through mercy and compassion that we connect with our Creator and inner-selves. Mercy opens our hearts to our fellow human beings regardless of their spiritual state or status quo and guides us to create a harmonious society that values life and our planet.
It is through striving for spiritual excellence that we humble ourselves, temper our egos and cleanse our souls. We are reminded of our Creator’s presence and seek God’s pleasure over and above personal desires and wants. It is also a means to refine our hearts and minds.
