FOR all the fear and misinformation about Islam the face of Mustafa’s Kebab House, Mustafa Al-Mudafer, has experienced nothing untoward in his shops.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“We have no trouble, no harassment at all,” he said.
Mr Al-Mudafer left Iraq at age 23 and moved to England, before emigrating to Australia 24 years ago. He runs shops at Maitland and Raymond Terrace.
The immigration debate was reignited last week when TV personality Sonia Kruger said the entry of Muslim people should be “stopped now”.
Pauline Hanson responded “Go Sonia”. Waleed Aly, a high-profile Muslim and host of Channel 10 show The Project, called for forgiveness over fear.
“There’s a lot of politics, point-scoring and ignorance,” Mr Al-Mudafer said. “Unfortunately, people like Pauline Hanson and others use this issue to gain power. If people took the trouble to do some reading and understanding, they would realise what Islam is.”
The true Islam opposed radicalisation, Mr Al-Mudafer said. Much attention had focused on cases of young, angry, Muslim males becoming radicalised, showing disdain for Western values and turning to violence.
“They call themselves Muslim,” he said.
“But they’re young and they know nothing about Islam.”
Cessnock City Council last week approved the Buchanan mosque 6-4.
“Many people in Australia or worldwide have places of worship to meet and pray in good faith. I hope it will be a united place for the community,” Mr Al-Mudafer said.
