Islamic mosques across NSW are becoming more accommodating and English is the dominant language spoken in them according to a new report released by Charles Sturt University (CSU)'s Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation (CISAC).

The detailed analysis of mosques in Sydney and New South Wales has found previously mono-cultural congregations have seen a marked demographic shift since the last study in 1994 to accommodate new members from various ethnic backgrounds.

CISAC director, Associate Professor Mehmet Ozalp, said the research "also clearly shows English is becoming the dominant language of sermons, religious instruction and education".

"While in the earlier decades each mosque primarily served one ethnic group, almost all mosques in NSW now display a multi-ethnic composition," he said. "Although a large group of individuals are of the same ethnic background as the imam, in some cases over 50 per cent are from different ethnic backgrounds."

The main researcher and report author, CSU PhD candidate Husnia Underabi, undertook a detailed survey of 50 Islamic places of worship of the 167 in NSW to provide a research-based picture of the formal religious experiences of the State's 170 000 Muslims.

"As English is now the most widely used language in Friday sermons, it is clear that local Mosques are adapting to the local context and becoming more accommodating for new worshippers," Mr Underabi said.

Other findings from the report include:

• Over half of the mosques had female representation in the mosque committee and two thirds deliver religious classes to women each week;
• Almost half of the imams are 40 years old or younger, indicating a younger generation of imams emerging in NSW mosques; and,
• While the earliest NSW mosques in NSW were built in inner Sydney, the majority (62 per cent) are now in Sydney's western suburbs.

The study found that, the majority of mosque leaders feel Australian Muslims should participate in Australia's civic institutions and participate in the political process. This report shows how mosques may play an important role in encouraging active citizenship among their congregation.The full report, produced in collaboration with the University of Western Sydney,  will be launched at 11am today, Thursday 18 September, in the Macquarie Room, NSW Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney.