2016 survival kit for Aussie Muslims and non-Muslims (in 6 simple steps)

Muslim community leaders, workers, family members, friends and work colleagues play the most critical role in this process as they're the first point of contact. They are likely to notice when someone begins to withdraw and are able to direct attention to potential problems well before they reach dangerous levels. Most individuals begin the radicalisation process in one of the three key areas - ideology, social relations or criminal activity. This normally means that a person's behaviour will noticeably change in one area first, and not across all three areas at the same time.

Our first task is to break the 'fear' barrier – "Open communication and dialogue"

And we have good experience in this country to draw upon. For decades we have invested in interfaith work, and people-to-people engagement to address deep rooted hatred of the "other". Many of us have worked to help the poor, the disabled, and the dispossessed to access the private sector and legal system. Now is the time to put the true Australian values to practice and open up the lines of conversation even if the conversations are difficult.

A positive relationship is the basis on which all other types of help and support can be built and can be an effective intervention in itself. Even if the individual decides to break contact with close friends or family, these people are likely to provide a lifeline that can help them to disengage from violent extremism in the future.

All religions teach their followers to build love for the whole of humanity, irrelevant of their religion or skin colour. Therefore we must wipe out extremism with more teachings of love, as hate cannot drive out hate, only love can, just as darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can. We must teach all around us the following quote "'Swords can win territories but not hearts, forces can bend heads but not minds" [Mirza Tahir Ahmad – the 4th Caliph of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community].

We're fortunate to be enriched by many honourable and loyal Australian Muslims who are making Australia great by their contributions to our community as physicians, teachers, businessmen, students, community leaders and sportsmen. Muslims serve in our nation's armed forces fighting the very evil that is ISIL.

Australia is one of the safest country in the world and everyone living in Australia would like to keep it safe and prosperous. Below are some golden points for both Muslims and non-Muslims on what we all can do to bring a lasting peace in our society.

What Australian Muslims can do?

1. All Muslims must understand, teach their kids and friends that violence and intolerant beliefs go against the teachings of Quran. Few verses are highlighted below. We must understand and challenge those who would teach us otherwise.

…Whosoever kills a person… it shall be as if he had killed all mankind; and whoso gives life to one, it shall be as if he had given life to all mankind… [5:33]

There should be no compulsion in religion…[2:257]

O ye who believe! come into Peace wholly and follow not the footsteps of Satan; surely, he is your open enemy.[2:209]

O ye who believe! be steadfast in the cause of God, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people's enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear God. Surely, God is aware of what you do [5:9]

2. Islamophobia can cause feelings of isolation and depression, know that there are Muslims all over Australia who share your experiences. It is normal for non-Muslims to adopt anti-Islamic views considering what is taking place around the world by terrorists and ignorant Muslim scholars with political agendas. The easiest way to eliminate Islamophobia is through education and our peaceful actions.