Identity and Muslim leadership: the case of Australian Muslim leaders

Abstract

Drawing on data from 30 in-depth interviews with prominent Australian Muslim leaders, this paper argues that the concept of identity could bring together and explain the sources and dynamics of struggles over the Muslim leadership in Australia. The paper will demonstrate that identity definition lies at the centre of competitions and contestations around the Australian Muslim leadership. From within, sub-groups such as Muslim youth and Muslim women contest the incumbent leadership, striving to impose a new image and definition of the Muslim identity in the Australian public sphere. From without, stakeholders such as the Australian government and the Australian media influence the dynamics of the Muslim community leadership by supporting a group of Muslim leaders over others—a process aiming to define who Muslims are in the Australian context.