'I believe Islam is about peace and inclusion': Meet Miss World Australia 2017

'I believe Islam is about peace and inclusion': Meet Miss World Australia 2017 - a criminal profiler and Muslim who says a lot of things have been 'misconstrued' about her religion

Esma Voloder, 25, was named Miss World Australia in Melbourne on Friday night
Came to Australia after escaping a refugee camp when she was five months old
Her parents fled their native Bosnia during the war that raged from 1992-1995
Esma hopes to break down the misconceptions that surround her Islamic faith

By Anneta Konstantinides For Daily Mail Australia
PUBLISHED: 06:21 BST, 17 July 2017 | UPDATED: 10:31 BST, 17 July 2017

A criminal profiler from Melbourne with an incredible life story has been named Miss World Australia 2017.

Esma Voloder, 25, has come a long way from the refugee camp she and her family escaped in the midst of the Bosnian war more than two decades ago.

The seasoned pageant competitor, who practices Islam, hopes to use the title to help break down the prejudices that surround her religion.

Esma has come a long way from the refugee camp she and her family escaped in the midst of the Bosnian war more than two decades ago +8

Esma has come a long way from the refugee camp she and her family escaped in the midst of the Bosnian war more than two decades ago

'The Islam that I know, that is in the Koran, I don't associate that with any acts that are occurring around the world,' she said after taking the crown.

'People tend to blame religion for the atrocities that are happening, but if we do that we take responsibility away from the individuals.'

'And then we are not able to assess them, and deal with them effectively, because we are blaming an external source,' she added.
Esma hopes that she can break down the misconceptions that have haunted the Islamic faith.
The seasoned pageant competitor, who practices Islam, hopes to use the title to help break down the prejudices that surround her religion +8
Esma hopes that she can break down the misconceptions that have haunted the Islamic faith +8
The seasoned pageant competitor, who practices Islam, hopes to use the title to help break down the prejudices that surround her religion
Esma moved to Australia when she was just five months old and in 2008 was named Miss Teen Australia. Afterward she competed in a number of pageants and pursued modelling +8
Esma moved to Australia when she was just five months old and in 2008 was named Miss Teen Australia. Afterward she competed in a number of pageants and pursued modelling
'A lot of things have been misconstrued about Islam,' she said.
'I feel that a category has been created that is not really what the Koran actually promotes. I believe Islam is about peace, unity, prosperity and inclusion.'
Esma moved to Australia when she was just five months old and in 2008 was named Miss Teen Australia.
She went on to compete in a number of pageants as well as pursue fashion and modelling, but education was always her number one priority.
Esma earned a degree in psychology and is now works as a criminal profiler in Melbourne.
But education has always been Esma's first priority, and she warned a degree in psychology +8
As the newest Miss World Australia titleholder, Esma will also be the ambassador for Thailand Tourism and Novo shoes +8
But education has always been Esma's first priority, and she warned a degree in psychology
The Bosnian beautyw, ho took home a $68,000 pearl-encrusted crown, said she hopes she can inspire unity with her platform +8
The Bosnian beautyw, ho took home a $68,000 pearl-encrusted crown, said she hopes she can inspire unity with her platform
On Friday Esma took home the $68,000 pearl-encrusted crown after competing against girls from across the nation at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Melbourne.
Judges includes comedian David Hughes, Real Housewives of Melbourne star Janet Roach, and Miss Thailand Jinnita Buddee.
Attendees included reality stars like Nadia Stamp from Married At First Sight and Rhys Chilton of The Bachelorette.
As the newest Miss World Australia titleholder, Esma will also be the ambassador for Thailand Tourism and Novo shoes.
But the Bosnian beauty said she hopes she can inspire unity with her platform.
'Despite what your personal beliefs are, if we all believe in what is good, we can work together and make this world a beautiful and liveable place while we are here.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-4702456/Miss-World-Australia-criminal-profiler-practises-Islam.html