Al-Ghazzali Centre has revived in Australia in the past 5 years, the Sacred science of Astronomy in the Islamic Tradition. Firstly, under the leadership of its Founder, Imam Afroz Ali, al-Ghazzali Centre initiated the recording and providing of the information of the most important of astronomical information for Muslim Australians- the lunar calendar based on accurate eye-witness accounts. Observational Astronomy is a key part of the Sacred sciences, as well as for understanding the universe. Prior to al-Ghazzali Centre’s initiative, the establishment of the lunar calendar in Australia was fragmented at best, and often relied on inaccurate pre-calculated methods. Today, over 70 locations around Australia undertake regular observations of the lunar crescent on a monthly basis. Further, al-Ghazzali Centre now also provides lunar information to locations in New Zealand and Fiji Islands, creating a regional network of enthusiastic lunar observers.

Secondly, al-Ghazzali Centre added a unique course program to its Academy under its Faculty of Humanities- Sacred and Observational Astronomy. The program was added to the Humanities faculty specifically because the underpinning objective for learning about Astronomy at the Academy was not directly for scientific purposes, but for the purpose of allowing the students to learn about the celestial world from a Sacred and Spiritual paradigm in which scientific data and research was a tool to a more profound understanding of the nature and purpose of creation.

Thirdly, al-Ghazzali Centre has facilitated workshops and talks on Sacred Astronomy at observatories in Australia and New Zealand to allow participants to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the universe.

Having been doing all of that, we are excited at al-Ghazzali Centre about 2009, being UNESCO’s International Year of Astronomy! Al-Ghazzali Centre will be hosting and participating in many events throughout 2009 in the spirit of celebrating as well as reflecting on the importance of Astronomy and how beautiful a gift is it to humanity. The Islamic civilisation of the 8th – 15th century was the source of many discoveries and catalyst for developments in the science of Astronomy, and al-Ghazzali Centre will focus on this historical achievement of Islam which gave so many gifts and left so many legacies for future generations. We hope to achieve from this, a better understanding of how cultures working together has achieved so many great things that without them human civilisation would be very different, and Islam’s central place in such collaboration and its spirit of mutual benefit. We hope that from understanding this, we can be catalysts for a better, peaceful and beneficial world to come. Isn’t it amazing that reflecting on the seemingly so distant beauty of the celestial arena can make inspiring change in the innermost arena of the human soul and beautify it?