A Short History of Islam in Ararat, VIC, Australia

Islam is a relatively new religion in Ararat, VIC, Australia, with the earliest known Muslim communities arriving in the area in the late twentieth century. Ararat is a rural town located in the Grampians region of Victoria, and has traditionally been a predominantly Christian community. The first Muslims to settle in the area were mainly from Iraqi and Lebanese backgrounds, and began arriving in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The early Muslim community in Ararat was small and consisted mainly of families who had relocated from other parts of Victoria and Australia. They were joined by a growing number of students, professionals, and business people from a variety of Muslim backgrounds. In the late 1990s, the local Muslim population began to expand significantly, with a noticeable influx of people from Afghanistan, Somalia, and the Middle East.

The Ararat Muslim community has since grown to be a significant part of the town’s population, and has established a number of mosques, Islamic schools, and Islamic organisations. Over the years, the Muslim community in Ararat has become an important part of the town’s social fabric, and its presence has been welcomed by the wider community.

What is the approximate population of Muslims in Ararat, VIC, Australia?

According to the 2016 census, there were around 558 Muslims living in Ararat, VIC. This figure represents approximately 2.6% of the total population of the town. The majority of the Muslim population in Ararat are of Lebanese and Iraqi descent, with smaller numbers of people from Afghanistan, Somalia, and the Middle East.

When have the first Muslims moved to Ararat, VIC, Australia?

The first Muslims to settle in Ararat, VIC, Australia arrived in the late 1980s and early 1990s. At this time, the local Muslim population was small and mainly consisted of families who had relocated from other parts of Victoria and Australia. Over the years, the Muslim population in Ararat has grown significantly, with an influx of people from a variety of Muslim backgrounds.

What are the current demographics of Muslims in Ararat, VIC, Australia?

According to the 2016 census, the Muslim population in Ararat is made up of a diverse range of backgrounds. The largest groups are Lebanese and Iraqi, with smaller numbers of people from Afghanistan, Somalia, and the Middle East. The population is also relatively young, with the median age of Muslims in Ararat being 26 years old.

Which is more prominent in Ararat, VIC, Australia – Shia or Sunni Islam?

The majority of the Muslim population in Ararat, VIC, Australia is Sunni, with a smaller number of people belonging to the Shia branch of Islam. Sunni Islam is the more prominent of the two branches, and it is estimated that over 80% of Muslims in Ararat are Sunni.

What are the main mosques in Ararat, VIC, Australia?

There are several mosques in Ararat, VIC, Australia, all of which serve the local Muslim community. The most prominent mosque is the Ararat Mosque, which is located on Main Street in the town centre. The mosque was established in 2001 and is the main hub of Islamic activity in the area. Other mosques in the area include the Al-Furqan Mosque, the Al-Huda Mosque, and the Islamic Centre of Ararat.

In addition to these mosques, there are also several Islamic schools in the area, including the Ararat Islamic College and the Islamic College of Victoria. These schools provide an important platform for the local Muslim community to practice and learn about their faith.