September 2022

WHY INTELLIGENT CHILDREN FAIL TO SHINE

By Jamilah Samian www.coolmumsuperdad.com

“A will start teaching you next week,” my mother said a few days after she saw my report card in Secondary 2. I had hit borderline. One less mark and it would have been an F. A was a neighbour, a smart chap who excelled in his studies. For 3 months I was under his tutelage. I quickly saw the gaps in my Math skills. Concepts like fractions and decimals were especially confusing.

I was making the same mistakes over and over again. But with A’s patient teaching, I knew exactly where my learning gaps were and learnt to fix them. By the end of that year, my Math soared from almost-fail to almost-perfect scores. My parents’ decisiveness to send me to the right teacher was the U-turn I needed. Had my parents not done what they did, I would never have gone to university to major in Mathematics and Computer Science.

I believe virtually every child is born smart and intelligent, including yours. Unless a child has a serious neurological condition, he or she would have the potential to excel

In primary school, I didn’t have to put in much effort to do well in class. Then came secondary school and things changed. For some reason, I had always preferred the Sciences, but I began to falter in Math. I wasn’t sure what happened but my test results for Math turned from bad to worse.

and shine. But at some point, that child might be struggling to do better. What is needed is timely intervention, without which he or she would continue to falter and likely fail miserably. Consider these reasons why intelligent children fail to shine:

Parents did something but did not fix the issue. Some parents are hasty in taking action. They are eager to help, they want to help, but do not have the tenacity to identify and pursue the real issue. So they just send their “problem child” to, say, a tuition centre, expecting the tutors to fix whatever problem is at hand.

Undecisive parents. These parents knew something is wrong, but keep sweeping the problem under the carpet. They are good parents, but the everyday challenges of managing work and family keep them so occupied they fail to see the urgency of taking action.

Parents play the wait-and-see game. “Perhaps Adam will do better someday.”, “Perhaps Sarah would be ok when she’s 18.” Maybe. Maybe not. Eighteen is the time when most

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kids go to college. By then your child would have missed A LOT. As much as the brain is plastic, bear in mind that the brain learns best at a young age. Any learning expert can tell you that the younger the brain, the easier and faster it absorbs new things. The older the brain, the harder and longer it takes. The later the intervention, the more your child needs to do to catch up. It’s just the way it is.

Parents expect the problem to resolve by itself. Some problems will. Some won’t. Learning issues likely will get more complicated over time. Some parents opt to ignore their child’s learning issues, thinking the problem would resolve by itself. Believe me, ignorance isn’t bliss when it comes to your child’s missed learning opportunities. I have met teenagers whose learning issues failed to be identified and addressed early e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia. These are common learning issues, but if the parents fail to address them, the child suffers for life. Some dyslexic youths who never received timely assistance

become suicidal and depressive because of the daily pain they go through, thinking they are stupid, useless and life is pointless.

No matter your background, your timely input and intervention is critical to your child’s success. My story is not unique. I am one of many lucky children whose parents made it their business to provide what I needed, when I needed it most. Giving the help that a child needs is common sense, but so many parents fail to take the critical step to do what it takes to provide children with what they need when they falter.

To read the full article, Go to https://coolmumsuperdad.com/ why-intelligent-children-fail-toshine/.

Jamilah Samian is the author of “Cool Mum Super Dad”, “Cool Boys Super Sons”, “The Kindness Miracle”, “Parenting Generation Y & Z”, “Leadership in Parenting”, and “77 Power Parent Tips”. See more of her work at www.coolmumsuperdad.com

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FIRST WORLD HALAL BUSINESS CONFERENCE CIRCUIT IN AUSTRALIA EXPLORES OPPORTUNITIES FOR BIGGER TRADE

Supported by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (AUSTRADE) and the State Government of Victoria, the two-day forum gathers halal industry leaders to share, deliberate and network, as well as promote halal business opportunities with a view to inspire wealth creation amongst the participants.

With an interesting line up of distinguished panelists from the government, industry players and experts, some of the hot topics this year include Food Security, Safety and Sustainability, Halal Ingredients Ecosystem, Halal Business Agility through Digitalization, Halal Finance and Banking, Muslim Friendly Tourism and Halal Trade Connectivity.

In the keynote address by the Consul General of Malaysia, Her Excellency Marzuki, the combined roles that can be played by both Australia and Malaysia in strengthening the Halal ecpsystem in the current post-pandemic economic reconstruction, should be acknowledged and promoted.

“Australia is our first destination for WHBC Circuit as it has a mature Halal ecosystem and market with an established Australian Government Authorized Halal Program (AGAHP),” said Mazita in Melbourne.

“Halal also has an important role in economic recovery, despite the world currently beset by events that have led to fluctuating food and commodity prices with widespread ramifications to global supply chains.

Therefore, I would like to call on and urge global Halal industry stakeholders to work together and put Halal as one of the solutions which will help strengthen food security worldwide,” she added.

For Australian businesses, WHBC Circuit Australia would be the perfect platform to get better acquainted with the industry, and to explore new export potentials prevalent within Malaysia’s vast halal ecosystem, which cuts across key sectors such as food, health, beauty, tourism, even financial services sector.

“Australia is already one of the leading exporters of dairy products and meat to many Muslim countries, apart from Brazil, Argentina and India. This is evident by Malaysia

being a major importer as well, with 71% of our Halal-certified meats come from Australia. Australia is also one of our top exporters of Halal food and beverages, Halal ingredients, and cosmetics and personal care,” said Hairol Ariffien Sahari, Chief Executive Officer of HDC.

“With such a commanding foothold, we believe that linking the Halal ecosystem between Malaysia and Australia would help support and expand a broader future for the business and social communities, to build networks, spur innovations and encourage new creations, together,” added Hairol.

Melbourne

The 14th edition of the World Halal Business Conference (WHBC), an annual industry forum organised by the Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC), an agency under the Ministery Of International Trade and Industry (MITI) was launched at Pullman Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia - the first held outside Malaysia.

Halal food market is blooming worldwide and it is no longer the sole domain of Muslim but now appeal even to non-Muslim group as they seek for sustainable and healthy food supplies. The trend on the spending of halal food increase by 6.9% in 2021 to $1.27 trillion from $1.19 trillion in 2020, and is expected to grow by 7.0% in 2022 and reach $1.67 trillion in 2025 at a 4-year cumulative annual growth rate of 7.1%. If this trend continues, the global Muslim market could grow to about 5 trillion dollars by 2022. This shows that Halal could be vital to the economy worldwide.

During the Opening Ceremony, the State of Selangor through its agency Halal International Selangor announced strategic collaboration with Victoria Government towards Investment Opportunity at Selangor Halal Economic Zone on current development and future development planning, valued at RM10 billion.

One important topic on the agenda is the surge in e-commerce and digital technology, a direct impact of the global COVID-19

pandemic, and the adoption of marketing automation technologies powered by artificial intelligence (AI), which makes it possible for businesses to leverage data at scale and raises the company’s efficiency in capturing bigger audiences for their business.

“The impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic has further spurred the acceptance of digital technology to communicate and conduct business virtually, making the world

truly borderless. Tapping into this digital era is of utmost importance for all players in the Halal industry,” said Hairol.

Among the participating companies include Duopharma Biotech, Ramly Burger, F&N, Malaysia Airlines and the Australian Halal Certifier (Islamic Coordinating Council of Victoria), as well as state government representations from the Malaysian states of Selangor, Sabah and Melaka.

Natalie Suleyman MP launches the 2022 Labor for St Albans Campaign

The launch of the campaign was attended by Wayne Swan the National President of the Australian Labor Party, number of MPs and candidates, friends, supporters, local families, multicultural community groups, sports clubs, local business, media and more.

THE SECOND AND THIRD CAROLINGIAN ERAS

This year we witnessed the beginning of the reign of Charles III who has been described as an Islamophile, a friend of Islam.

Australia has been content to accept the British constitutional monarch as Head of State until now but the new federal government has already appointed a Minister for the republic. We can expect another referendum in the second term of this government and it is likely to pass.

We can look back on the history of the British monarchy as an interesting chapter in history but it is time for this country to come out of the colonial cocoon.

Since the succession to the monarchy of Charles I in 1625, the first King of England to bear than name, much has changed.

The congregation in the London Central Mosque welcomed Charles III with prayers and the singing of God Save the King.

There would not have been such joy in 1625 if there had been any public Muslims in England at that time.

This was the time of politically uncontested Divine Right Monarchy, the assumption that the king was responsible only to God Almighty for his actions, not the people he ruled.

The notion that the sovereign was the source of all law, that the king could do no wrong, was generally accepted political reality across Catholic Europe in the 1500s and 1600s.

This new Charles III, content to be a constitutional monarch, said in the 1990s that he wished to be the Defender of Faiths, a change in the title first awarded to Henry VIII as Defender of The Faith.

Under Charles I the theory of divine right was seen by some Anglicans and most non-conformists, Protestants outside the Anglican Church, as essentially a Roman Catholic policy.

Opponents of the king took up arms in 1642 in the Civil War, causing some 600,000 deaths from fighting and associated disease.

One of the major reasons divine right was fought so strongly by Protestants was that it was identified with tyrannical government.

On 30 January 1649 King Charles was beheaded for his crimes against the people.

From 1649 to 1660 England and Wales, then Ireland and Scotland, were ruled as a republic, under the Parliament and a Council of State.

The Return of the King 1660

The Protectorate Parliament was dissolved in 1659 and military leaders recalled the Rump Parliament in 1660 which brought back King Charles II.

The constitutional reforms were eradicated and opposition to Charles I was forgiven, except for those who had signed his death warrant. They were hunted down and when caught, were hanged until unconscious, revived, disembowelled while awake then cut into four pieces for public display.

The grand old cause of parliament against the king however was not forgotten and would surface once more in 1688 in the Glorious Revolution and the beginning of the modern constitutional monarchy.

Where was Islam?

What is left out of this well known account of the upheavals of this Carolingian Era is the role of Islam.

According to Garcia in “ Islam and the English Enlightenment 16701840,” “From the late seventeenth to the mid-nineteenth century, Islamic republicanism captivated the radical Anglo-Protestant imagination and redefined reformed orthodoxy in England, North America, and the transatlantic world, only to be silenced by the anti-Islamic sentiment that gripped Victorian culture after the 1857 Indian Mutiny.” [Garcia p.12]

One of those radical Protestants was Henry Stubbe who argued “He (Muhammad) was a virtuous republican who promoted the seven Noahetic precepts, the Mosaic law, and Christ’s word. Stubbe’s

account offers a reassuring message for English nonconformists: in an age dominated by Trinitarian persecution, only Islam’s tolerant principles can guarantee a constitutional republicanism that would allow them to become citizens equally entitled to rights, property, and privilege.” [Garcia p.40]

His work “The Originall and Progress of Mahometanism”, first published (handwritten and rare for reasons of preservation of his life) in the early 1670s, was influential.

It circulated privately for over a century and Garcia attributes to this work the 1600s civic republicanism transformation into early 1700s radical Whiggism.

This political strain of thought laid down the basis of modern British constitutional thought.

Resistance to Intolerance and Divine Right Rule

Two great cataclysmic events occurred at the same time, one in Hungary, the other in England, both linked to Islamic thinking.

Resistance to the Catholic Hapsburgs in Hungary and resistance to the Catholic monarch James II in England became associated in the Tory mind.

The marriage of James Duke of York and heir to the throne, to a Roman catholic, ignited the Exclusion Crisis. As this crisis developed, a joint Ottoman-Hungarian campaign led by Count Teckeley was launched against Catholic Vienna. [Garcia p.33]

Henry Stubbe’s imprisonment for his criticism of the Duke of York shows he was in the mainstream of those denounced as “Protestant Mohametans.”

“By the 1680s Count Teckeley

had become a menacing figure for orthodox Christians who associated his tolerationist politics with the attempt to supplement Christendom with Islamic rule. To combat the counterreformation, Teckely accepted Ottoman-Islamic law in order to protect Protestant Hungary’s constitutional right to free worship, clerical independence, and national sovereignty. “ [Garcia p.34]

Tory propaganda reached modern War on Terror proportions. It denounced the promotion of religious toleration as a cover for an international Muslim-Protestant plot to destroy Christendom.

Tories in England claimed; “that radical Whigs are accomplices in a Hungarian conspiracy against church and state, exposing the constitutional principle of a limited Protestant monarchy as founded on Islamic innovation rather than Christian tradition. “ [Garcia p.51]

They portrayed the Treaty of Carlowitz 1699 and defeat of the Ottomans and their Hungarian allies as divine retribution against the infidels, both Muslims and Protestants.

However Garcia argues that the 1688 “Whig Triumph,” the Glorious Revolution and the beginning of the constitutional monarchy, were Islamic-inspired events that prevented the counterreformation with its inquisition, from spreading into England.

The Protestant Mahometans, the supporters of religious toleration and those who demanded that the monarch should be subject to the rule of law, eventually won the battle for the future.

The author is a prominent Australian Muslim scholar and activist.

Bilal Cleland

R U Ok Week was thoroughly celebrated in Primary School at ICOM.

It was an eventful week, packed with engaging and beneficial activities, lessons, experiences and competitions. Primary SRC had milkshakes and donuts stations that were thoroughly enjoyed by students and staff.

The Islamic College of Melbourne

“Caring for others” is an ICOM value that the College takes pride in. Sympathy and Care is the theme of Year 9 Term 3 LCPC (Leadership, Careers and Pastoral Care) subject.

Last Friday, some of the Year 9 students organised and carried out a mental health awareness campaign at the Australian Islamic Centre to shed light on the importance of mental Health and checking up on each other.

The initiative was thoroughly enjoyed by the Community who gave excellent feedback and were impressed with the students.

R U OK is a question to start a conversation that could change a life.

At ICOM, where they value the importance of mental health and wellbeing, they celebrated a whole week with focus on R U Ok activities.

To signify the importance of positive mental health and wellbeing and help raise awareness for this cause, R U OK day was celebrated last Thursday where students were allowed to wear something yellow.

Over the course of the week, students celebrated R U OK activities, including whole school special assembly, R U OK Marquee, R U OK Affirmation Messages, R U OK Wellbeing Tug-Of-War Competition, Friendship Building and Collaborative Activities, Field of Flowers and a range of competitions.

HEALING FORWARD

Domestic Violence is one of the greatest challenges in the general community as well as in the Muslim community which is often hidden or denied.

Every single day, vulnerable Muslims continue to suffer silently from social, emotional, financial, physical, and sexual abuse by family members they trust while living in a toxic home environment. Those who are fortunate enough to escape these abusive relationships find themselves dealing with trauma, isolation, stigmatisation, and financial hardships while barely supporting themselves. Although the victims are often women and children, it is important to acknowledge that men too are victims of domestic violence.

Through NZF’s Healing Forward Program, we aim to support the victims of domestic violence by providing the right services and resources for their needs. We believe supporting domestic violence victims and helping them grow from their trauma will allow them to flourish as contributing individuals of the Australia Muslim community.

Surviving DV

It all starts out so blissful Life’s a honeymoon

You’re so besotted, never wanting it to end

It’s your happy place

This delusion

You live in denial

You live in deep pain

You’re frozen in fear, can’t escape

Trapped in a nightmare

So, you trick yourself that you can change the one you love by loving them more

You trick yourself, that it will be ok

Living between reality and delusion

Until one day it goes too far, and you understand

It was all a delusion in your own head

Reinforced by the broken promises he made Lies to keep you entrapped in his service

So, the pain of staying becomes greater than the fear of leaving The terror of being caught trying to leave

The fear of reprisals

The fear of being alone and unloved

But you get out

You find safety, but still afraid

The more you stand up for yourself

The stronger you become

And the weaker he becomes in your eyes

The flashbacks keep coming

The terror, the physical and emotional pain

The re-occurring nightmares

The anxiety builds over the years

For a long time, panic attacks with indistinguishable triggers

Three decades and six years of cognitive behavioural therapy later

You’re finally ok

But you wish you could erase those memories

So, what’s the definition of “surviving” D.V.?

I am alive, I have learnt a lot about myself, for the better, insha Allah.

But I can’t erase the painful memories

Only try to dull them down

It never truly goes away.

*Anonymous (permission to publish granted)

If you, or someone you know, who is or has been a victim of family and domestic violence, please submit your application and find out how we can assist you at https://www.nzf.org.au/apply or call us on 1300 663 729.

Brimbank Council delivers world class aquatic and wellness centre

Brimbank Council is excited to announce the much-anticipated new Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre in Taylors Road, Keilor Downs has reached completion and is now open.

The new state-of-the-art centre is a unique health and wellbeing hub with so much to offer. It’s a place where the community can exercise, be healthy and have fun while accessing these services all under the one roof.

The doors open now so come along and be among the first to enjoy these features:

• A 50 metre, 10 lane Olympic-sized swimming pool

• Two massive water slides

• Kids’ splash park with slides and water features

• Warm water exercise pool with separate spa, steam room and sauna

• Health club across two levels accessible 24/7

• Four dedicated group fitness studios for classes such as Reformer Pilates, Yoga and Cycle

• Six suite wellness centre

• Fresh food café with indoor/ outdoor dining areas

• Crèche

• Community program room and more.

Also on board at the centre over the coming weeks are tenant partner services with National Disability Insurance Scheme provider Distinctive Options, and community support agencies, Comm Unity Plus Services Ltd and Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand delivering integrated services aimed at improving the lives of residents in Melbourne’s west.

The Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre also boasts some impressive energy efficient credentials and

in May 2022 was recognised for its ‘world-leading’ sustainable design by the Green Building Council of Australia. The centre has now achieved their highest rating, a 6-Star Green Star Design & As Built v1.2 score, making it the first indoor aquatic centre in Australia to achieve this rating.

Community Open Day – save the date!

To celebrate the opening of the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre, and to thank the community for their patience, a special community day is being planned for Sunday 2 October. For more information visit bawc.brimbank. vic.gov.au and watch Council’s social media channels closer to the date.

“Brimbank Councillors are very pleased to have delivered the new

world-class Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre for our community.

“To see the doors finally open on this spectacular centre after many years of planning, development and construction is heart-warming and we’re very excited to now welcome you inside to enjoy what’s on offer.

“We also look forward to seeing you at the Community Open Day on Sunday 2 October.” Brimbank Mayor, Cr Jasmine Nguyen Said.

The Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre is supported by a $2 million grant from the Victorian Government. The Australian Government has committed $1.53 million towards an integrated renewable energy system, through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) Advancing Renewables Program.

Multicultural business gala dinner hosted by AIIC & MBCMI

Huge successful Gala Dinner Hosted

By Australia India Investment Council & Multicultural Business Club

Western Metro Inc, At Tavern Plaza Hopper crossing.

It was attended by the Australia India Investment Council president Intaj Khan, the secretary Ali Hashmi, many Business Personalities, politicians and candidates.

Special guest Matthew Guy leader of the opposition& leader of the Victorian liberal party.

First AIMA National Islamic Medical Conference in Australia

The first ever National Islamic Medical Conference was held over two days in Canberra which brought together Medical Practitioners and health professionals from every State in Australia.

The Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA)Conference was a program designed to facilitate collaboration between Muslim doctors from every state towards developing a closer connection to Islam and towards excelling in patient care.

AIMA is now in every state of Australia driving towards representing Muslim doctors on a national and global stage.

Each day the session began with a tazkeer talk and speakers included Shaheed mageed on peak performance and media representation by the ABC morning host Dan boucher

Senator Fatima Payman was the key note speaker giving an insight into her ascension to parliament and multiple group workshops expanded on developing communication skills and team work.

The President of AIMA ,Dr Afzal kalhoon invited all 70 doctors back to his home for an authentic Pakistani dinner allowing a relaxed environment for networking after a gruelling 12 hour day

Medical student wings of the organisation as well as a charity arm are future goals coupled with an aim to becoming the Peak National body for Muslim Medical Professionals.

Helping Australian businesses export halal products to over 140 countries

ICCV is the largest Halal certification organisation in Australia servicing clients locally and internationally.

ICCV is responsible for the certification, monitoring, and supervision of Halal food for the domestic market as well as the export market.

Clients cover a range of sectors including abattoirs, food processing businesses, transportation and cold storage operators.

MUSLIM

EATING HABITS

Eating food just like any other action of a Muslim, is considered to be a form of worship when it’s done according to the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). It is also considered to be Haram if the food is not from Halal earnings and if it’s done in an excessive manner.

Muslim eating habits nowadays have changed to a massive degree compared to the eating habits of our grandparents who lived only two generations before us. Unlike the lifestyle of our grandparents when meat was consumed only on Eid festivals or a special occasion, we consider meat to be an essential part of our diet today and the meal itself is not considered to be complete unless a meat dish is included.

Muslims find the best example in the life of our beloved Prophet (PBUH). His prophetic practices and approvals are an integral part of Muslim’s way of life.

The Prophet (PBUH) and his companions consumed food which had little or no meat. Their daily diet was comprised of dates, grain, fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Consumption of meat during their time was a luxury and it was consumed only on special occasions in small quantities.

Our Prophet encouraged moderation and restraint in eating.

These are some of the habits that were practiced and approved by the Prophet (PBUH)

• Dua (Supplication) before each meal

Since eating is a matter of worship,

it begins with the name of Allah.

The Prophet (PBUH) said: When any of you wants to eat, he should mention the Name of Allah in the beginning, (i.e., say Bismillah). If he forgets to do it in the beginning, he should say Bismillah awwalahu wa akhirahu (I begin with the Name of Allah at the beginning and at the end). (Abu Dawud)

• Dua (Supplication) after each meal

Among the practices of the Prophet (PBUH) is praising Allah for the food after eating. The Prophet (PBUH) said:” Praise be to God who has given us food and drink and made us Muslims.” (Tirmidhi)

• Never Criticize any Food

Food should never be criticized

Dr Bekim Hasani Head of Shariah Affairs, ICCV

regardless of personal disliking.

“The Prophet (PBUH) never criticized any food (he was invited to) but he used to eat if he liked the food, and leave it if he disliked it.” (Bukhari)

• Moderation and restrain in eating habits

The religion of Islam teaches man to enjoy the pleasures of life, including food, in a moderate way. The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged his followers to avoid extremes and to choose a moderate course in all affairs including eating habits.

Allah (SWT) said: “O Children of Adam! Dress properly at every place of worship, and eat and drink, but do not be excessive. He does not love the excessive “(Quran 7:31)

The Prophet (PBUH) said:” The human does not fill any container that is worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat what will support his back. If this is not possible, then a third for food, a third for drink, and third for his breath “(Tirmidhi)

While restrain in eating increases one’s spiritual experience, it also keeps the person healthy and prevents obesity.

One of the major issues we face today is poor health due to obesity which is a direct outcome of over indulgence in food, and particularly due to meat consumption.

While a Muslim may enjoy all pleasures that God has permitted, Islam encourages a lifestyle of austerity, humility and modesty. all Howes Street, Airport West VIC 3042 + 61 9380 M: +61 4 2696 1955

Help provide a child with a better future through education

It is that time of the year again when school aged children in many countries around the world are preparing to go back to school. While it is easy for some children, it is a struggle for others. In many impoverished communities, going back to schools is a struggle, as they are growing up in poverty, they do not have the resources or the support they need to fit in and keep up. Some needy children might even miss going to school because they cannot afford it. Realising the importance of education for those vulnerable children Human Appeal Australia runs its annual campaign Back to School Campaign to help tens of thousands of children go back to school equipped with resources they need to pursue their education. Support these children go back to school and catch up before it’s too late. Give them a chance to go back to school and build a better future.

Donate now make a difference!