2016 survival kit for Aussie Muslims and non-Muslims (in 6 simple steps)

3. Voices against bigotry via the real Jihad of the pen like what Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is doing. Writes letters to editors, articles for the media and academic journals, makes public comments on social media, advertising open Mosque interfaith events including Australia day.

4. Join a charity, local community events or political activities that enable you to put your values and beliefs into positive action legally and peacefully. This will also enable you to make new non-Muslim friends and will keep you busy in your free time.

5. Join a sporting club to empower yourself with healthy habits. Taking care of your spiritual, mental, and physical health will help you cope with stress od Islamophobia.

6. Report any hate crimes, call law enforcement if you see anything threatening. If this is happening in your workplace or school, report it to HR or student affairs.

What non-Muslim Australians can do?

1. Engage Muslims in your life. Understand Muslims in your local community by visiting a local Mosque and introducing yourself. Make sure you feel comfortable standing for your Muslim friends, neighbours and co-workers. Tell them that the news is horrifying and you want them to know you're there for them.

2. Talk to your kids. They're picking up on the anti-Muslim message. Make sure they know how you feel and talk to them about what they can do when they see bullying or hear hate speech at school. Encourage your children to learn about different faiths, including Islam. It will make them more compassionate and intelligent human beings. If you're walking your kid's home from the bus stop, invite their kids to walk with you.

3. Call your state and local representatives, let them know that you are concerned about hate speech against your Muslim friends and neighbours in politics and the media. Vote for a candidate who promotes freedom of all religions, not just those who share your faith.

4. If you see a Muslim or someone who might be identified as Muslim being harassed, don't be a passive bystander to Islamophobia. If you disagree with the fiery rhetoric, take action, say something, intervene, and call for help. If you see people abusing authority, stand firm against profiling.

5. There has been an increase on reported attacks on Muslim women, the fear of being in public for women in particular is increasing every day. Understand why Muslim women choose to wear hijab (in footsteps of Mary, Mother of Jesus). In fact there's a whole chapter named after her in the Quran.

6. Read two books by the thoughtful English writers Karen Armstrong, entitled 'Islam: A Short History and Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time', and Globe and Mail columnist Doug Saunders 'The Myth of the Muslim Tide: Do Immigrants Threaten the West?'

Watch two documentaries 'Islam: Empire of Faith' and 'Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World'.

Always remember that fear is paralysing and terror is fear-inspiring. Let's stand up, stand tall and stand strong. Long live Australia!