In Australia, we like to think of ourselves as a multicultural success story, where freedom of religion, expression, and democracy coexist without conflict. But what happens when religion moves from the private sphere into political activism?

Muslim Votes Matter is a new political advocacy group calling on Muslim Australians to vote not just as individuals, but as a community united by shared values, priorities, and frustrations. From Islamophobia to Gaza, their campaign has made waves and raised eyebrows.

Is this a bold new model of civic engagement, or does it risk reducing a diverse population into a monolithic bloc? And how do Muslim Australians navigate the complex tensions between faith, identity, and political representation?

GUESTS:

• Dr Rachel Woodlock, expert in contemporary Islam in Australia and lecturer at the University of Melbourne
• Ghaith Krayem, spokesperson for Muslim Votes Matter
• Khaled Khalafalla, comedian, writer, and author of The Smile Dilemma: Should Muslims Shake Hands with Politicians, or Not Engage at All?

This episode of God Forbid was made on Gadigal land and in Naarm

Technical production by Micky Grossman and Roi Huberman