Jen Manning| Personal Assistant to the Director of Centre for Islamic Thought and Education
P +61 8 8302 4910
Email: jen.manning@unisa.edu.au
As an Indigenous Palestinian from the town of Tamoon near Nablus, my roots have deeply influenced my scholarly pursuits and commitment to fostering understanding and dialogue. With over 25 years of dedicated service in the field of Islamic Studies, I have been instrumental in shaping its landscape within Australian academia. My journey culminated in being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2020, the highest accolade acknowledging remarkable contributions to education, particularly in Islamic Studies.
In 2006, I established and steered the Griffith University Islamic Research Unit (GIRU) in Brisbane, followed by co-founding the prestigious National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies (NCEIS) in 2008, in collaboration ... Read more
About me
As an Indigenous Palestinian from the town of Tamoon near Nablus, my roots have deeply influenced my scholarly pursuits and commitment to fostering understanding and dialogue. With over 25 years of dedicated service in the field of Islamic Studies, I have been instrumental in shaping its landscape within Australian academia. My journey culminated in being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2020, the highest accolade acknowledging remarkable contributions to education, particularly in Islamic Studies.
In 2006, I established and steered the Griffith University Islamic Research Unit (GIRU) in Brisbane, followed by co-founding the prestigious National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies (NCEIS) in 2008, in collaboration with esteemed colleagues from the University of Melbourne and Western Sydney University. More recently, in 2016, I was entrusted by the Vice Chancellor and President of the University of South Australia (UniSA) to lay the groundwork for the Centre for Islamic Thought and Education (CITE), where I proudly serve as its Founding Director, garnering over $15 million in funding across these initiatives.
My academic prowess extends to mentoring over 20 Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students to completion, including notable figures such as the current Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mr. Anwar Ibrahim, and the late Abdul Khalid bin Ibrahim, former Chief Minister of Selangor. Beyond academia, I have actively engaged in prominent conferences, community initiatives, and media platforms, earning esteemed awards such as the Community Leadership Award, Islamic Council of Queensland Community Service Award, Crescents of Brisbane Special Achievement Award, Australian Muslim Man of the Year, Ambassador for Peace Award, and Pride of Australia Medal (Finalist), among others.
Throughout my career, I have assumed pivotal roles in various academic, community, and NGO boards, fostering dialogue and understanding between diverse communities, especially during challenging times such as the aftermath of 9/11, the Cronulla Riots, and the Christchurch massacre.
My contributions extend beyond administrative roles; I have authored numerous publications, including co-edited books such as "Curriculum Renewal for Islamic Education" and "Leadership in Islam: Processes and Solutions in Australian Organizations," reflecting my commitment to advancing scholarship in Islamic Studies. Presently, my research interests center on elucidating Islamic studies in Islamic schools, crafting a national Islamic studies curriculum, and delving into the historical interconnectedness of Islamic and Western civilizations.
About me
2008-2011: Executive Member, Management Board of the National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies (NCEIS) QLD, Melbourne and NSW.
2010-2012: Executive Member, National Consultative Committee (NCEIS) Australia.
2014-Present Member: Board of the Crescent Foundation Fund (“CFF”), NSW.
2006-Present Membe: Editorial Board of Humanomics International Journal (Emerald Publication), UK.
2001-Present Member: Council of Imams, QLD.
2006 - 2008: Chairperson - Queensland Muslim Community Reference Group (Advisory body to the Queensland State Government), QLD.
2015-Present Member, Board of Directors Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN).
About me
Date | Title |
---|---|
25/09/2017 |
Mohammad Abdalla - an advocate for faith, http://www.abc.net.au/radio/adelaide/programs/evenings/mohammad-abdalla/8908694 |
02/08/2016 |
Islam in Australia with Peter Goers, https://radio.abc.net.au/programitem/peWDE2rdM3?play=true |
05/03/2015 |
Abbott's Betrayal of Australian Muslims: We are Right to Expect Better, http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2015/03/05/4192161.htm |
17/12/2014 |
Opinion: We must not allow radicals and extremists to divide us, http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/opinion-we-must-not-allow-radicals-and-extremists-to-divide-us/story-fnihsr9v-1227158610579 |
03/11/2014 |
ABC Q&A - National Security: Finding A Balance, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bczBOZNS9D0 |
13/08/2013 |
ABC Q&A: Religion, Faith and Love, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hB2980t7alk |
10/05/2013 |
ABC online opnion: ‘Islamic Australia? What place is there for sacred law in a secular land?’ , http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2013/05/10/3756163.htm |
13/04/2013 |
Critical opinion of Islam ignores the fundamental truths, http://www.smh.com.au/comment/critical-opinion-of-islam-ignores-the-fundamental-truths-20130527-2n7gg.html |
05/01/2011 |
Best of 2010: Why Ayaan Hirsi Ali is wrong about Islam, http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2010/08/10/2978407.htm |
About me
Doctor of Philosophy Griffith University
Present Appointment
Director, Centre for Islamic Thought and Education (CITE)
Education, Arts and Social Sciences
University of South Australia
South Australia
Previous Appointments
Director (QLD Node), National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies Australia (NCEIS)
Griffith University, Mt Gravatt Campus
Queensland 4111, Australia
Commencement Date: 2008
Founding Director, Griffith Islamic Research Unit (GIRU)
Griffith University, Mt Gravatt Campus
Queensland 4111, Australia
Commencement Date: 2006
Employment History
Professor
2016
School of Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences
Griffith University
Associate Professor
2010 – Present
School of Humanities
Griffith University
Senior Research Fellow
2007-2010
Key Centre for Ethics, Law, Justice and Governance
Griffith University, Mt Gravatt Campus
Research Fellow
2006-2007
Key Centre for Ethics, Law, Justice and Governance
Griffith University
Lecturer (Casual) – Islam in the Contemporary World (second year course) and Introduction to Islam (first year course)
2002 - 2004
University of Queensland, School of History, Philosophy, Religion and Classics
Course Coordinator (sessional) – Science, Technology & Society
Griffith University, School of Science,
Commencement Date: 2001
End Date: 2002
Research Assistant (sessional)
Griffith University, School of Commerce and Finance
1998-2000
Research
Research outputs for the last seven years are shown below. Some long-standing staff members may have older outputs included. To see earlier years visit ORCID or Scopus
Open access indicates that an output is open access.
Year | Output |
---|---|
2023 |
2
|
2022 |
Open access
3
1
|
2021 |
|
2021 |
Open access
33
|
2020 |
Open access
9
7
1
|
Year | Output |
---|---|
2021 |
2
1
|
2018 |
16
6
|
2018 |
1
3
|
2008 |
Abdalla, M 2008, Islamic science: the myth of the decline theory, VDM Verlag, Germany. |
Year | Output |
---|---|
2023 |
2
|
2021 |
|
2021 |
|
2021 |
1
|
2018 |
11
|
2012 |
|
2012 |
1
|
2011 |
3
|
2011 |
5
|
2010 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
Year | Output |
---|---|
2023 |
|
2023 |
|
2023 |
Open access
1
|
2022 |
Open access
3
1
|
2022 |
Open access
2
|
2022 |
Open access
2
2
4
|
2021 |
Open access
33
|
2020 |
Open access
9
7
1
|
2020 |
Open access
2
2
33
|
2020 |
Open access
6
3
3
|
2017 |
Open access
|
2015 |
Open access
|
2014 |
Open access
|
2013 |
|
2013 |
Open access
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
6
|
2011 |
21
21
|
2010 |
Open access
25
18
|
2008 |
Open access
|
Refereed Publications
Books
Abdalla, M. Chown, D. and Abdullah, M (Edited book). Islamic schools in the West: Pathways to renewal. Palgrave MacMillan. Accepted for publication. Publication date 2017
Faris, N. and Abdalla, M. Leadership in Islam: Processes and Solutions in Australian Organizations. Palgrave MacMillan. Accepted for publication. Publication date 2017
Rane, H., Ewart, J., and Abdalla, M. (Edited Book) (2010). Islam and the Australian News Media. Melbourne: Melbourne University Press.
Abdalla, M. (Monograph) (2008). Islamic Science: The Myth of the Decline Theory. Germany: Dr. Müller
Refereed Journals Articles & Book Chapters
Abdalla, M. and Nathie. M. Waqf institutions in Non-Muslim contexts: the case of Australia. Awqaf Journal. Accepted and in press.
Abdullah, M. Abdalla, M. and Jorgensen, R. (2015). Towards the formulation of a pedagogical framework for Islamic schools in Australia. Islam and Civilsational Renewal. Vol 6, No 4, pp.509-532.
Abdalla, M. (2015), Ibn Khaldūn: Historian, Philosopher and Sociologist. The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Race, Ethnicity and Nationalism. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 13: 9781405189781
Rahimullah, R, Lamar, S & Abdalla, M. (2013). Understanding Violent Radicalization amongst Muslims: A Review of the Literature and the Australian Context. Journal of Psychology and Behavioural Science, Vol. 1 No. 1; December 2013.
Hersi, A. & Abdalla, M. (2013). Shari’a Law and Khat (Catha edulis): Views of Australian Imāms. International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. Vol. 3, No. 21.
Fitzpatrick, S.J., Jordens, C.F.C., Keown, K.D., Walter, J.J., Nelson, N., Abdalla, M., Lehmann, L.S., Sarma, D. (2013). Religious Perspectives on the Use of Psychopharmaceuticals as an Enhancement Technology. Journal of Religion and Health. Springer. Digital Object Identifier (DOI) 10.1007/s10943-013-9761-7
Rahimullah, R, Lamar, S & Abdalla, M. (2013). Radicalisation and Terrorism: Research within the Australian Context. International Journal of Criminology and Sociology. 2, 180-185.Abdalla, M. (2012). Sacred Law in Secular Land: To What extent should Sharia Law be followed in Australia? The Griffith Law Review. Volume (21) Issue (3) (2012), pp.657-679.Abdalla, M. (June 2012). The Way Forward for Muslim Women: Reflections on Australia’s Social Inclusion Agenda. In Lovett, T. (Ed.). Women in Islam: Reflections on Historical and Contemporary Research. Springer: Netherlands.
Abdalla, M. (March 2012). Ibn Khaldun on the Fate of Islamic Science after the eleventh Century. In, Iqbal, M. (Ed.). Islam and Science: Historic and Contemporary Perspectives. Ashgate, pp.28-39.
Abdalla, M. (2011). Does Australia need a mufti? Analysing the institution of ifta in an Australian contemporary context. In Hosen, N. & Mohr, R. (Eds.). Law and Religion in Public Life. UK: Palgrave Macmillan.
Abdalla, M (with Halim R.) (2011). Behind a Veil: Islam's Democratic History. In Isakhan, B. and Stockwell, S. (2011). The Secret History of Democracy. Palgrave Macmillan: UK.
Rane, H. Nathie, M, Isakhan, B. and Abdalla, M. (2011). Towards understanding what Australia’s Muslims really think? Journal of Sociology, no. 2(47): 123-143.
Ibrahim, N. and Abdalla, M. A Critical Examination of Qur’an 4:34 and its Relevance to Intimate Partner Violence in Muslim Families. Journal of Muslim Mental Health, Volume 5, Issue 3, December 2010, pages 327 – 349.
Abdalla, M. (2010). Australian Muslims: Negative Image―Positive Contributions," in Rane, H., Ewart, J. and Abdalla. M. (eds.), Islam and the Australian News Media. Melbourne: Melbourne University Press.
Abdalla, M. & Patel, I (2010). Spirituality and Ageing: an Islamic Perspective. Spirituality and Ageing. London: Jessica Kingsley.
Abdalla, M. and Rane, H. (2009). Islam and the Struggle for Democracy. In M. Heazle, M.Griffiths, and T. Conley (eds.) Foreign Policy Challenges in the 21st Century. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.
Abdalla, M. (2009). Ibn Khaldun on the fate of Islamic Science after the Eleventh Century, in Ibn Khaldun’s Legacy and Its Significance, Malaysia: International Islamic University.
Abdalla, M., and Rane, H. (2008). Mass Media Islam: The Impact of Media Imagery on Public Opinion” Journal: Australian Journalism Review, 30(1), pp. 39-49.
Abdalla, M.(2007). Ibn Khaldun on the Fate of Islamic Science. Islam & Science, Vol.5, No.1, pp.61-71. [This journal article will be reprinted in a book to be published by Ashgate titled New Perspectives on the History of Islamic Science, Volume III. This is a collection of a wide range of important and influential essays in this field.]
Abdalla, M. The Fate of Islamic Science between the Eleventh and Sixteenth Centuries: A Comprehensive Review of Scholarship from Ibn Khaldun to the Present. Humanomics, Vol.20, No. 3/4, 2004, pp.26-58.
Abdalla, M. (2004). A Fair Go in an Age of Terror – Countering the Terrorist Threat to Human Rights and the Australian Identity: A Muslim Perspective, in A Fair Go in an Age of Terror. Patty Fawkner (Ed). Victoria: David Lovell Publications.
Since the tragic events of 11 September 2001, and subsequent to the burning of my local mosque in Kuraby, Brisbane, Australia, Professor Abdalla worked tirelessly to establish an open and respectful dialogue between peoples of diverse faith traditions and backgrounds. After 9/11, he led a successful reconciliation strategy between Australian Muslims and the wider community that led to building bridges of understanding. In 2007, his efforts were profiled in a page-long article in The Courier Mail titled “Building bridges between cultures,” written by Suzanna Clarke, which was awarded a 2007 Queensland Media Award for her article.
I have delivered hundreds of presentations at conferences and high profile events. In 2008, I was one of 1000 Australians selected to join Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s 2020 Summit, aimed at harnessing the best ideas for building a modern Australia ready for the challenges of the 21st century. I was also part of an Australian delegation invited to a dinner meeting in 2008 by the Australian Ambassador to the USA, to formalise relationships between Australian and American Muslim leaders, and to engage them in a long-term relationship of cooperation and understanding. I was the first Australian Muslim scholar to deliver the Friday congregational sermon on the question of justice at the United States Capitol building, Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
Distinctions & Awards
Professional Memberships
External engagement & recognition
Organisation | Country |
---|---|
Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN) | AUSTRALIA |
Australian National University | AUSTRALIA |
Case Western Reserve University | UNITED STATES |
Griffith University | AUSTRALIA |
Harvard University | UNITED STATES |
Irfan College | AUSTRALIA |
La Trobe University | AUSTRALIA |
Loyola Marymount University | UNITED STATES |
Malek Fahd Islamic School | AUSTRALIA |
National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies | AUSTRALIA |
Seton Hill University | UNITED STATES |
University Brunei Darussalam | BRUNEI |
University of Canberra | AUSTRALIA |
University of Johannesburg | SOUTH AFRICA |
University of London | UNITED KINGDOM |
University of Science Malaysia (Malaysia) | MALAYSIA |
University of South Australia | AUSTRALIA |
University of Southern Queensland | AUSTRALIA |
University of Sydney | AUSTRALIA |
Wittenberg University | UNITED STATES |
Zayed University | UNITED ARAB EMIRATES |
External engagement & recognition
Engagement/recognition | Year |
---|---|
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)Order of Australia |
2020 |
Accreditation of the Sharia programImam University |
2017 |
Ambassador for Peace AwardUniversal Peace Federation |
2017 |
Board MemberAl-Siraat College, Victoria |
2017 |
Board MemberAustralian Muslim Advocacy Network |
2017 |
Board MemberAustralian National Imams Council |
2017 |
Board MemberCouncil of Imams, Queensland |
2017 |
Board MemberCrescent Foundation Fund |
2017 |
Board MemberQueensland Cultural Diversity Roundtable |
2017 |
Board MemberTask Force of the Muslim World Science Initiative |
2017 |
ChairQueensland Muslim Community Reference Group |
2017 |
Community Service AwardIslamic Council of Queensland |
2017 |
Editorial Board MemberHumanomics International Journal |
2017 |
Executive memberNational Consultative Committee on Islamic Studies |
2017 |
Expert panellist with Attorney General, George BrandisAustralian Broadcasting Corporation Q&A |
2017 |
Finalist, Pride of Australia MedalPride of Australia Medal |
2017 |
Vice PresidentAl-Azhar University, Australia |
2017 |
Board MemberAustralian Muslim Advocacy Network Queensland |
2016 |
Board MemberCrescent Foundation Fund |
2016 |
Director (Griffith Node)National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Australia |
2016 |
Editorial Advisory Board MemberHumanomics International Journal |
2016 |
MemberAustralian National Imams Council Queensland |
2016 |
MemberCouncil of Imams, Queensland |
2016 |
Board MemberAl-Siraat College, Victoria |
2015 |
Board MemberAustralian Muslim Advocacy Network Queensland |
2015 |
Board MemberCrescent Foundation Fund |
2015 |
Director (Griffith Node)National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Australia |
2015 |
Editorial Advisory Board MemberHumanomics International Journal |
2015 |
MemberQueensland Cultural Diversity Roundtable for the Office of the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs |
2015 |
MemberAustralian National Imams Council Queensland |
2015 |
MemberCouncil of Imams, Queensland |
2015 |
Response to keynote speech of the Dalai LamaSt Stephens Cathedral |
2015 |
The Lord Mayor Australia Day Achievement AwardLord Mayor's Australia Day Awards |
2015 |
Vice PresidentAl-Azhar University, Australia |
2015 |
Board MemberAl-Siraat College, Victoria |
2014 |
Board MemberCrescent Foundation Fund |
2014 |
Community Leadership AwardQueensland Intercultural Society (QIS) |
2014 |
Director (Griffith Node)National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Australia |
2014 |
Editorial Advisory Board MemberHumanomics International Journal |
2014 |
Keynote SpeakerIslamic astronomy and the Copernican Revolution, Astronomical Society of South Australia |
2014 |
MemberAustralian National Imams Council Queensland |
2014 |
MemberCouncil of Imams, Queensland |
2014 |
MemberQueensland Cultural Diversity Roundtable for the Office of the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs |
2014 |
Panel judgePremier's Cultural Diversity Awards Queensland |
2014 |
Vice PresidentAl-Azhar University, Australia |
2014 |
Ambassador for Peace AwardUniversal Peace Federation |
2013 |
Board MemberAl-Siraat College, Victoria |
2013 |
Community Service AwardIslamic Council of Queensland |
2013 |
Director (Griffith Node)National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Australia |
2013 |
Editorial Advisory Board MemberHumanomics International Journal |
2013 |
MemberAustralian National Imams Council Queensland |
2013 |
MemberCouncil of Imams, Queensland |
2013 |
MemberQueensland Cultural Diversity Roundtable for the Office of the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs |
2013 |
The Haji Ebrahim Patel/Crescents of Brisbane Special Achievement AwardCrescents of Brisbane |
2013 |
Vice PresidentAl-Azhar University, Australia |
2013 |
Director (Griffith Node)National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Australia |
2012 |
Editorial Advisory Board MemberHumanomics International Journal |
2012 |
Executive Committee MemberNational Consultative Committee Australia |
2012 |
MemberAustralian National Imams Council Queensland |
2012 |
MemberCouncil of Imams, Queensland |
2012 |
MemberQueensland Cultural Diversity Roundtable for the Office of the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs |
2012 |
Vice PresidentAl-Azhar University, Australia |
2012 |
Director (Griffith Node)National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Australia |
2011 |
Editorial Advisory Board MemberHumanomics International Journal |
2011 |
Executive Committee MemberNational Centre for Excellence for Islamic Australia |
2011 |
Executive Committee MemberNational Consultative Committee Australia |
2011 |
MemberAustralian National Imams Council Queensland |
2011 |
MemberCouncil of Imams, Queensland |
2011 |
Editorial Advisory Board MemberHumanomics International Journal |
2010 |
Executive Committee MemberNational Centre for Excellence for Islamic Australia |
2010 |
Executive Committee MemberNational Consultative Committee Australia |
2010 |
MemberAustralian National Imams Council Queensland |
2010 |
MemberCouncil of Imams, Queensland |
2010 |
Editorial Advisory Board MemberHumanomics International Journal |
2009 |
Executive Committee MemberNational Centre for Excellence for Islamic Australia |
2009 |
MemberAustralian National Imams Council Queensland |
2009 |
MemberCouncil of Imams, Queensland |
2009 |
Board MemberQueensland Muslim Community Reference Group |
2008 |
Editorial Advisory Board MemberHumanomics International Journal |
2008 |
Executive Committee MemberNational Centre for Excellence for Islamic Australia |
2008 |
MemberAustralian National Imams Council Queensland |
2008 |
MemberCouncil of Imams, Queensland |
2008 |
Major events organized/coordinated or participated in:
Invited Keynote addresses at High Profile events (Sample)
20 May 2018: Keynote speaker at the Islamic Arabic Centres Iftar celebration dinner hosted by Khalil (Charlie) Shahin AO.
14 June 2017: Keynote speaker at AFL Ramadan celebration dinner
13 June 2017: Keynote speaker at Pinnacle College’s Iftar celebration dinner
2 June 2017: Keynote speaker at the Islamic Arabic Centre’s Iftar celebration dinner, hosted by Khalil (Charlie) Shahin AO. Special guest, the Premier of South Australia Hon Jay Weatherill MP.
13 April 2018: Delivered The Occasional Address, at the very first UniSA Graduation Ceremony 2018 held in Pridham Hall.
20 June 2015: Keynote address at the South Australia Community Dinner along with The Premier of South Australia, Hon Jay Weatherill MP, and Mr David Knox, Chair, Adelaide Botanic Gardens Foundation. Event attended by more than 300 people including the Governor of South Australia, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AO.
19 March 2015: Keynote Address, Australasian Police Commissioners Conference: Counter Violent Extremism: Community Reflections, Brisbane Convention centre. In this speech I addressed a private gathering of all Australian and NZ Police Commissioners, heads of government departments and Attorney General’s Department.
Teaching & student supervision
Teaching & student supervision
Supervisions from 2010 shown
Thesis title | Student status |
---|---|
Being culturally and religiously responsive: an analysis of Indonesian participants' experiences of international education program in Australia | Current |
Developing a framework for teaching based on the principles of Kalam Theology | Current |
Examining the emergence of Islamic Pedagogy in Australian Islamic Schools with implications for renewal. | Current |
Muslim millenials in Islamic school leadership: factors impacting experiences and expectations | Current |
Political and social factors that influence Australian Muslim youth's engagement in Government-led countering violent extremism (CVE) programs: the perspectives of Australian Muslim youth and religious leaders | Current |
Student perceptions of the aims of Australian Islamic Schools | Current |
Women doing leadership: narrative inquiry of female leadership experiences in Indonesian Islamic higher education institutions | Current |
Curries, kurtas & burqas: encountering artistic practices of emplacement in postmigration societies | Completed |
Exploring Arabic learning motivation and experiences at Australian Islamic schools: voices of non-Arab adolescent Muslims | Completed |
Factors affecting interfaith dialogue: personal views and experiences of Uniting Church Christians and Sunni Muslims of Adelaide, Australia | Completed |
Islamic legal principles among cultural peoples: a Hanafi jurisprudential analysis of marriage consent in the Pashtun cultural context of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | Completed |
Museums and Muslim women's empowerment: a case study of the Islamic Museum of Australia | Completed |
Volunteering in Australian Islamic schools: students¿ perspectives, experiences, motivations and challenges | Completed |