Katanning Mosque
The Katanning Mosque was built in 1980 by the local Islamic community, who arrived in Katanning in 1974 after moving from Christmas Island, and was opened in 1981 by Allayarham Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Katanning’s large Muslim community originated from the Cocos and Christmas Islands. The Cocos-Malays are descended from workers brought to the Cocos Islands in the 19th century to assist with the harvesting of coconuts for copra.
The community has continued to grow with relatives from the Cocos Islands moving to Katanning.
The islands were isolated during much of their habitation and a unique culture and language has developed based on original Malay traditions and the Islamic religion. Many of the Malays that come from Cocos Island have been living here for almost 40 years and more. Although assimilating well into their new community their relationship with the community on the island is still close including language, customs and the way of life of the Cocos island.
At the back of the mosque there is also a religious school which is used as a classroom to teach the Malay community children every weekend and, within the Mosque, the Malay language remains the main language. However, Malay children here no longer speak the Malay language with their parents.
They still understand the Malay language but are not able to answer properly and the young generations language is strongly influenced by the Australian dialect.
Alep Mydie
For now, the remnants of the old ‘Malay’ culture is still to be found in Katanning. Malay food (based on wedding dishes), the mosque and the warmth and hospitality of the Malay people. Malaysians and Indonesians are starting to visit Katanning to experience this cultural link for themselves.
ABOUT THE ISLAM FAITH
Muslims are people who follow or practice Islam, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion. Muslims consider the Quran, their holy book, to be the verbatim word of God as revealed to the Islamic prophet and messenger Muhammad. The majority of Muslims also follow the teachings and practices of Muhammad (sunnah) as recorded in traditional accounts (hadith). “Muslim” is an Arabic word meaning “submitter” (to God), Continue reading
THE ISLAMIC COUNCIL OF PERTH WA
The Islamic Council of Western Australia (ICWA) is one of the oldest and government recognized religious councils in Western Australia. Established in 1976 and incorporated as a State Council for Islamic affairs in 1977. Visit website
Katanning Mosque. Katanning Mosque. Katanning Mosque.