Shia Islam in Australia

Notable migration of Shia Muslims to Australia began from the early 1970s onwards from countries like Lebanon, Pakistan, and later also from Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Insecurity, foreign invasions/occupations, and/or the pursuit of better work opportunities have been primary motivations for Shia migration to Australia.

Shia Muslims form a significant portion of the Muslim community in Australia. There are at least 80 Shia Islamic centres, mosques and community organisations. A list of these organisations and their details can be found here: https://directory.smca.net.au/ Estimated numbers extrapolated from the 2021 census data on ancestry indicate the Shia population in Australia in 2025 to be approximately 230,000.