On Monday, June 8, 2026, the King’s Birthday Honours list announced the awarding of the Order of Australia (OAM) to Muslim journalist Zia Ahmad in recognition of his services to journalism and community media. With this honor, Zia becomes the second member of his family to receive the award, following his late father, Dr. Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad, who was similarly recognized in 2020. This accolade is not merely a personal achievement but a reflection of a family legacy of community service spanning three generations.

A Legacy Across Generations

Zia Ahmad, aged 73, is best known as the editor-in-chief of the Australasian Muslim Times (AMUST), which he co-founded with his father in 1991. Under his leadership, the publication grew from a modest local print newspaper into a multimedia platform covering Islamic life and multicultural issues in Australia, reaching readers across faiths and backgrounds.

His father, Dr. Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad, was a mechanical engineering professor in Kashmir before political turmoil forced him to leave in 1971. He arrived in Australia with his wife Jamal Ara and their six children, earned a PhD from the University of Sydney, and devoted his life to building Islamic institutions and interfaith dialogue forums. He was awarded the OAM in 2020 shortly before his passing, becoming one of the most prominent Muslim figures in Australian history.

Islam in Australia: Roots and Growth

Islam first reached Australia in the 19th century with Afghan cameleers and Muslim laborers who helped construct inland railways. Others arrived from the Malay Archipelago and India to work in trade and ports. Over time, waves of migration from the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa expanded the Muslim presence.

Today, Muslims make up about 3% of the population, roughly 800,000 people out of Australia’s 26 million. Islam is now the country’s second-largest religion after Christianity.

Where Muslims Live in Australia

Muslims are concentrated in several major cities:

• Sydney: home to the famous Lakemba Mosque and numerous Islamic centers serving the community.
• Melbourne: hosts a large and diverse Muslim population, particularly of Lebanese and Turkish origin, who have built strong religious and social infrastructure.
• Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide: each city has its own network of mosques, Islamic schools, and cultural centers, contributing to vibrant community life.

Professions and Contributions

Muslims in Australia are active across many sectors:

• Healthcare: Muslim doctors and surgeons provide vital medical services nationwide.
• Engineering: Muslim engineers contribute to infrastructure projects and energy development.
• Education: Muslim academics and teachers enrich universities and schools.
• Business and Entrepreneurship: Muslim-owned small and medium enterprises strengthen the local economy.
• Media and Culture: Journalists and writers like Zia Ahmad promote multicultural values and challenge stereotypes.

Islamic Outreach and Community Life

Islamic outreach in Australia thrives through mosques and centers offering Qur’an lessons, youth programs, and cultural activities. Interfaith conferences foster mutual respect and understanding. The Ahmad family has been a driving force behind such initiatives, notably the Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair (MEFF), Australia’s oldest and largest Eid celebration, now in its 41st year.

Islamic Media in Australia

One of Zia Ahmad’s greatest achievements is the establishment of AMUST, which has become a leading media platform for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Islamic media in Australia plays a crucial role in countering stereotypes, presenting alternative narratives, and highlighting Muslim contributions to society.

AMUST has won multiple awards, including Best Editorial in 2016, Best Print Report in 2019, and the Interfaith Dialogue Award in 2018.

A Promising Future for Muslims in Australia

The future looks promising for Muslims in Australia, with increasing integration into public life and growing participation in politics, business, and media. Challenges remain, particularly in combating Islamophobia, but success stories like Zia Ahmad’s demonstrate that Muslims are an integral part of the Australian fabric, contributing to diversity and national unity.

Zia Ahmad’s Historic Recognition

Upon receiving the honor, Zia Ahmad said: “This award is not mine alone. It belongs to the many individuals, organizations, colleagues, volunteers, friends, and family who have accompanied me on this journey, and to the communities I have had the privilege to serve.”

His recognition underscores the vital role of Islamic media in strengthening social cohesion and affirms that Muslims in Australia are not merely a religious minority but a cultural and civic force shaping the nation’s future.

The awarding of the OAM to Zia Ahmad is both a tribute to his family and to the Muslim community in Australia. It acknowledges the role of Islamic media in building bridges of communication and confirms that Muslims are an essential part of Australian society—past, present, and future.