The Islamic Republic of Australia

Description

From hijabs to jihad and everything in between -- Muslims down under today What is Halal? A country bordering Shariahland, or a method of preparing food? Do the Five Pillars of Islam comply with modern building codes? Or are they simply a philosophy for living? And if Muslims first arrived in Australia as early as 1800, can they go back to where they came from? In this funny and informative exploration of Islam in Australia, award-winning comedian and writer Sami Shah takes us behind the stereotypes and generalisations to find out who Australian Muslims are, how they live and what they think. Along the way we meet everyone from a woman who runs a 'speed date a Muslim night' to a conservative Islamic preacher, and to the founder of a group called Muslims for Progressive Values. The result is an entertaining and fascinating snapshot of Islam down under today. Praise for Sami Shah: 'Humour at its most vigorous and unsparing' - Kirkus Reviews 'Stylish . . . newsy, bitingly funny' - Sunday Telegraph 'Raw, funny and inspiring' - Wendy Harmer

Journalist and comedian Sami Shah is an ex-Muslim from Pakistan living in Australia. Since moving here in 2012, he has been profiled in the New York Times and on Australian Story, and is a regular guest and presenter on radio and TV, including ABC News Breakfast, The Project, RN's Sunday Extra and Melbourne 774. Previously he wrote and presented A Beginners Guide to Pakistan on BBC Radio 4 and has appeared on Stephen Fry's QI. Sami's autobiography, I, Migrant, was shortlisted in 2015 in the NSW Premier's Literary Awards and for the Russell Prize for Humour Writing. In 2016 he wrote and presented a 5-part documentary on Islam in Australia for Radio National. He lives in Melbourne.