MUSLIM
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Multimedia News & Views
ISSN: 1039-2300
CRC 14th Symposium
NEWS PAGE 2
Issue # 106
Awards to Shahjahan Khan & Maha Abdo COMMUNITY PAGE 7
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Friday 5 September 2014; 10 Dhul Qa’dah 1435
Sydney’s Muslim Land?
E-Governance in Pakistan
AUSTRALIA PAGE 13
BUSINESS PAGE 18
Widespread community unease regarding National Security Bill Zia Ahmad With the date fast approaching for the passing of the National Security Bill, there is widespread concern in the community regarding the so called “anti-terror laws.” The Attorney-General Senator George Brandis asked the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security last month to inquire and report on the National Security Legislation Amendment Bill by 7 September 2014. The Bill proposes significant changes to national security legislation that will impact on the civil liberties of Australians including their privacy and right to a fair trial. The proposed amendments, with their broad nature and limited safeguards for civil liberties are raising fears in the community about the anticipated culture of unaccountability within the intelligence and law enforcement agencies. Specifically the proposed laws will broaden the definition of terrorism, monitoring and retaining of internet and phone data, making it easier to detain and questions suspects returning from overseas, reversing the onus of proof for people coming home from terrorism hot-spots, extra-ordinary powers to use force with immunity from prosecution for law enforcement officers in general and ASIO in particular and prosecution of those reporting abuse of power in such cases. A large number of Muslim community leaders and organisations Australia-wide have presented a unified response. They have vocally expressed their concerns during the last few weeks about the proposed laws, the speed at which these laws are being formulated and the degree of lack of broad community consultation.
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News ................................1 - 2 • CRC: Multicultural NSW • We’ll Love Muslims 100 Years Boomerang .....................13 - 5 Community ........................... • Foreign Fighters: Heroes? • Imams on Anti-Terror Laws • Editorial: Safeguarding our living • Strengthening the Centre Community ..................... 6 - 7 • Multiculturalism & “Team Aus” • Events Calendar Family .................................. 9 • Mannequin Man • #RealTalk Australia ..................... 10 - 13 • Team Australia and Terror Laws • Economics of MEFF Ummah ....................... 14 - 16 • Gandhi’s views on Palestine • Fog of War: ‘The Islamic State’
Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair celebrates 30 years of festivities
See photo collage on pages 10 - 11
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These hastily pursued measures with little genuine consultation will infringe on our right to a presumption of innocence until proven guilty
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The Prime Minister, Mr Tony Abbott met a group of hand picked Muslim leaders on Monday 18 August in Sydney to discuss the issues related to the propped bill. A similar meeting was held with even smaller number of Muslim leaders in Melbourne, but boycotted by the Victoria’s peak body, The Is-
lamic Council of Victoria. The Attorney General Senator Brandis also conducted a 30 minute meeting on Friday 29 August with a number of community leaders in Parramatta. The Muslim leaders later issued a joint statement reiterating their disappointment with the Attorney General’s meeting. One of the attendees Mr Amer said “These hastily pursued measures with little genuine consultation will infringe on our right to a presumption of innocence until proven guilty,” Although the government claims these meetings to be held as part of community consultation, a number of those attending have commented that these meetings seem to be an exercise in rubber stamping of the security bill by the Muslim community.
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Education .......................... 17 • The 99 Divine Attributes of Allah • Who am I? Business ............................ 18 • E-Governance in Pakistan Social .................................. 19 • When Twitter Turns Nasty One of the signatories to the statement issued by more than 60 Muslim leaders and activists last month, Silma Ihram said ”Prime Minister Tony Abbott is merely seeking approval under the cover of consultation. A number of other organisations including the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC), Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA), Muslim Legal Network and Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) have released statements, media releases and submissions on the issue largely concerned at the climate of fear-mongering, and scrutiny of the Muslim community
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CRC 14th annual Symposium: A new vision for Multicultural NSW Zia Ahmad The Community Relations Commission (CRC) has released a three year strategic plan, Harmony in Action outlining a new vision for the state of NSW that focuses on beliefs and values that unites all Australians and promotes social and economic benefits of cultural diversity. The new plan was announced by Victor Dominello, Minister for Citizenship and Communities at the CRC’s 14th annual symposium held on Wednesday 20 August 2014 at Novotel Hotel, Parramatta. The symposium was attended by almost a 1000 delegates from diverse communities in NSW. CRC Chief Executive Officer Hakan Harman while welcoming the delegates at the symposium said that the plan’s purpose was to build and maintain a cohesive and harmonious multicultural society that enriches the lives of all the people in NSW. “Under the strategic plan, the CRC will engage more broadly with all sections of NSW society, will place a stronger emphasis on multicultural policy and research and will foster closer interactions between communities”, Mr Harman told the audience. The Symposium theme this year was “Harmony in Action…Our new direction & “The impact on communities in NSW of conflict in other parts of the world”. The keynote address was given by Hugh Riminton, Network Ten news presenter and former foreign correspondent who introduced himself as the Sri Lankan born migrant and appealed to all Australians in general and the Muslim Australians in particular to “strengthen the centre against the fringe”
in order to maintain Australia a great place to live with freedom, pluralism and harmony. Special address was given by Dr Tim Soutphommasane, the Race Discrimination Commissioner who elaborated Hakan Harman, CEO on why multiculturalism works in Australia and the negative and positive connotation of “Team Australia”. The Symposium also included a statement of recognition by Robert Lester from the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Council as well as five concurrent workshops on the following topics: • Humanitarian perspectives • Peace building starts at home • Media and social media wars • Women’s perspective • Young people and intergenerational perspectives Entertainment at the Symposium was provided by the Juggling Chefs, Leo Bonne, originally from France and George Le Couteur, one of Australia’s leading circus artists. While elaborating on Harmony in Action plan, Mr Harman said, “We want it to be an organisation for the whole of the NSW population. We want CRC to watch out for threats to disharmony, to actively encourage our cultural producers to truly reflect the multicultural reality of NSW and to create
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Victor Dominello, Minister for Citizenship and Communities at The CRC Symposium
a business environment where all of our advantages are turned into economic success.” The CRC strategic plan will incorporate its re-branding as Multicultural NSW with the following key objectives: • Launching a revitalised grants program which includes a simplified application process and further focuses on initiatives which bring people from diverse backgrounds together to promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue; • A stronger focus on the beliefs and values which unite us all as Australians – our volunteering ethos, our Aboriginal heritage and our commitment to commemorating those who have served in defence
of our freedoms; • A refocused and formalised community engagement strategy which will engage across multicultural communities including with religious leaders, women and girls, The Consular Corps and sporting codes to promote social cohesion; • Improving employment opportunities and recognition of qualifications for skilled migrants and new arrivals; and • Initiatives to combat racism and discrimination. Hugh Riminton address page 5 Tim Soutphommasane speech page 6
Interfaith Support by Religious Leaders: We’ll love Muslims 100 years Mobinah Ahmad A priest, rabbi, reverend and Imam walk into a mosque and declare “We’ll love Muslims 100 years”. Standing side by side signifying solidarity for love and peace, representatives from each faith stood on the steps on the Lakemba mosque in a campaign to publicly support the Muslim community over recent negative perceptions perpetuated by the media and on social media. The purpose of the gathering was in response to the media’s negative perceptions on Islam and the Muslim community. Rabbi Zalman Kastel, the National Director of a multi-faith organisation, Together of Humanity. He said that “We need to preserve our social cohesion. This is a message to the Islamic community of solidarity: we value you, we respect you. ... Let’s keep working at multiculturalism: we’ve got a good thing going, let’s keep it going.” Kastel connected with the Australian Christian Churches pastor, Brad Chilcott, Tim Costello and other denominational leaders around Australia. Chilcott, from Adelaide said that demonisation of the broader Muslim community risks creating conditions of separation and, ultimately, radicalisation. “When you alienate any group of people, whether that is due to being (...) of a different faith,you create conditions where people don’t trust authority and they separate from mainstream society and alienation becomes anger and frustration,” Chilcott said. A banner was held with a title “We’ll love Muslims 100 years” by the “Welcoming Australian” mock-up masthead as a twist
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Interfaith leaders: Father Patrick McInerney, Sheikh Yahya Safi, Reverend Andrew Dutney, Rabbi Zalman Kastel in front of Lakemba Mosque
on the existing article on the Weekend Australian titled “We’ll fight Islam 100 years” which included an article by Peter Leahy, a former head of army mentioning that Australia needs to prepare for a war against radical Muslim for the next 100 years.
...We celebrate the diversi“ ty of the Australian community and recognise the valuable contribution of people of Muslim faith to our culture and community... ”
Australasian Muslim Times
The Imam of Lakemba Mosque, Br Yahya Safi said that “The clear message of Islam is mercy. … We need to clarify, to show the true message of Islam. It is forbidden to consider acts that are evil. The true Muslim is the Muslim who will live in a safe way with others, and others will feel safe with him. We need to put our hands together in order to spread out mercy and respect.” This campaign encourages supporters to sign the following statement on their website, www.lovefor100years.com, “As people committed to building healthy, cohesive and diverse communities in Australia, we have observed with dismay and
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empathy the way our Muslim friends have been affected by the language and tone of recent public statements and media coverage. We agree with the concerns of Muslim community leaders that the language and policies of our leaders should not marginalise or vilify people of Muslim faith, and that rhetoric used in relation to Australian security and conflicts around the world should not cause further division in our society, or lead to anyone feeling alienated from the nation they call home. We believe people of Muslim faith are being unfairly smeared in the eyes of the Australian public by both subtle and overt links to violent extremism in political and media discourse. We know and understand the deep concern and hurt this is causing to our Muslim friends and the risks these kind of generalisations present to social harmony and cohesion. The violence and values of extremists like ISIS are not representative of the vast majority of Muslim people in Australia, who are recognised better by their commitment to peace, community and mutual respect. We stand in solidarity with all people who are suffering the results of war, violence and terror around the world, recognising the dignity of all people and their right to enjoy freedom from persecution and oppression. We celebrate the diversity of the Australian community and recognise the valuable contribution of people of Muslim faith to our culture and community. We know that vilification and alienation are not the way to peace or social harmony, but that authentic relationships, solidarity, listening, learning and mutual respect go a long way to building the kind of community we’d like to live in.”
Friday 5 September 2014
AUSTRALIA 10 - 13
UMMAH 14 - 16
EDUCATION 17
BUSINESS 18
SOCIAL 19
Foreign fighters: terrorists or heroes? FAIR DINKUM
Abu Anees
With a number of young Muslim Australians fighting in conflicts in the Middle East and some joining the so called Islamic State IS with reports of atrocities, great concern has been raised at various levels of society in Australia. With the debate on the impending National Security Bill, it is important to define foreign fighters and how the law will be applied to them. The Prime Minister last month gave an oversimplified definition of foreign fighters and how they will be treated. He said that if you have a dual nationality and you go and join the Pakistani army and fight in a conflict with them then you are not breaking the law. However if you go overseas, join and fight in a conflict with a designated terrorist organization, then you are breaking the law. This definition poses more questions than it answers. Let us look as various scenarios with respect to foreign fighters and ask clarification from the Prime Minister: Australians defence personnel are engaged in foreign wars, approved by the government and if they are involved in atrocities, I understand there are checks and balances within our defence system to call them to account. Australian defence personnel work under the command of foreign officers and commit atrocities. Do we have check and balances for them. A Dual national Australian/Pakistani while serving in the Pakistani army who commits atrocities against civilians. Will he/ she be breaking Australian law. Dual national Australian/Israeli while serving in the Israeli army is involved in
killing of civilians in Palestine. Will he/she be breaking Australian law and called to account under the foreign fighters legislation. This is practically happening right now. A dual citizen Lebanese/Australian happens to visit his parents in South Lebanon and while he is there, South Lebanon is invaded by the Israeli army and while the Lebanese are trying to defend themselves helped by Hezbollah militia, he decided to defend his parents and their home. Would he be breaking the Australian law? Now these scenarios listed above are not theoretical. The are very much real. A dual Australian/Israeli national from Melbourne, while serving in the Israeli army as an officer was killed when Israel last invaded Lebanon. . There are a number of Australian/ Israelis who were serving in the Israeli army when it invaded Gaza last month and some of them were injured. Heroes? Then there are a number of Australian/ Lebanese who joined the coalition armed by US and others who have been fighting the Syrian regime, some of them have been killed during the process. Terrorists? What agitates the young Muslim activists is the double standards in foreign policies that are not based on justice. Its time that the new laws are clear cut and apply to all foreign fighters equally. The law should be fair dinkum about foreign fighters. Let all Australians have the choice to be foreign fighters as they wish to be, after all it is their life at stake. Let them be prosecuted if they have committed atrocities. Otherwise no Australians including dual nationals should be allowed to be foreign fighters unless they are serving in the Australian defence forces which has its own check and balances in prosecuting those who commit atrocities.
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Issue # 106 Friday 5 September 2014; 10 Dhul Qa’dah 1435
Safeguarding our harmonious living
Each of us have a responsibility to conAustralia is no doubt the lucky country. This needs appreciation by all Austra- tribute towards the safety and security of lians, indigenous and those who have our society because this means our securisettled here for generations as well as the ty and that of our children and our neighbours. We must ensure that we cooprelatively new settlers. erate in the development of laws We live in a blessed land living in peace with prosperity, free- EDITORIAL and regulations based on justice for all citizens. dom, equal opportunities in Assalamu We should also be vigilant fields of education, employment Alaikum that troubles overseas do not and movement. We can practice impact in creating disharmony freedom of thought, freedom to Greetings amongst us. We should voice speak, freedom to associate and of Peace our opinion, protest as much as freedom to practice our religion we can, but in a respectable way and culture. without resorting to violence and vioMoreover being a plural and multicultural society we are, we have the opportu- lating our laws. We must abide by the laws nity to celebrate our differences, to under- of the land even if we disagree with these stand and appreciate the other and live in laws. If we feel that these laws are unjust harmony with our commonalities as well as and not fair, then we should employ all political and legal means to change them. differences. At the same time it is important that We, Australians live in a safe and secure society without threat to our life, property, what we consider best for ourselves in family or neighbours protected by rule of Australia, we also promote the same vallaw, recourse to justice and freedom to ex- ues overseas. Our foreign policy should be based on justice and fair go as well. By all change information. These are our human rights and our rep- means we should preserve our interests, resentative political, legal, financial and de- but not at the cost of being unjust. Australia, by its location, being a contifence system is tuned in order to safeguard these rights. These hard earned rights need nent nation, away from the rivalry of east and west or north and south and with its to be preserved. Justice for all is a universal value and multicultural success story can play a vital added to this is the Australian value of fair role as an inspiration to troubled societies go for all. In order to maintain a harmoni- and in contributing towards world peace. The sooner Australia disassociates itself ous society this needs be practiced in every from foreign unjust alliances and build up walk of life. Those of us who migrated to these shores its own independent foreign policy based as a result of trouble back home as well as on fair go for all keeping in mind the pluthose who venture abroad surely appreciate ralistic and multi-ethnic society we are, how lucky we are to be living in this great the better it will be for us domestically as well as globally. country.
Imams concerned about anti-terrorism laws AMUST Media The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) believes that all citizens have a vested interest in the ongoing safety and security of the country. However, ANIC is not convinced that the threat, no matter how serious, warrants sacrificing basic human rights and imposing on citizens the unnecessary burden of living in constant fear and paranoia. Unreasonable Time frame: ANIC is concerned by the speed with which the government is trying to get the current amendments through parliament. As a result, proper and thorough scrutiny of the proposals has not been possible. Given the possible serious implications of the changes, the government must provide more time for review. Piecemeal Tranches: ANIC is also concerned that the government seems to be introducing proposed changes to security and counter-terrorism legislation in a piecemeal fashion with two or three separate sets of proposals. Given the complexity of the legislation it would have been more appropriate had the government issued one comprehensive set of proposals for the community to review. Unhelpful Discourse: In a recent press conference the Prime Minister called on “Team Australia” to get behind the proposed laws. ANIC believes that such language is unnecessarily divisive and sets those who have genuine concerns about the changes in direct conflict with the government. In addition, the report that the government alleged-
Friday 5 September 2014
ly dropped proposed changes to section 18C of the racial discrimination act to appease Muslims so it could gain support for the anti-terror provisions unfairly scapegoats these Australians. The government’s use of the word “jihadist” is particularly problematic given that the unusual combination of an Arabic word with an English suffix negatively stereotypes the noble Islamic concept of striving for what is better. ANIC calls on the government to use inclusive and responsible language. ASIO Powers: The government has before parliament proposals to grant ASIO greater powers including access to third party computers on the same system or network and immunity from prosecution to intelligence officers engaged in special operations. ANIC is concerned that increased powers will only increase the lack of accountability and oversight of intelligence officers. The prospect of these powers being abused in the absence of proper safeguards is of great concern. Lowering Arrest Threshold: The government stated that the legislative changes
will make it easier to arrest terrorists by lowering the threshold for arrest without warrant for terrorism offences. ANIC is extremely concerned that further lowering of current thresholds may have the effect of criminalising legitimate, non-violent activism and calls on the government to reconsider this change. Promotion and Encouragement: The government’s proposal includes the provision that advocacy should capture promotion and encouragement of terrorism. ANIC believes that this may have serious implications on the right to free speech where anything said which could be deemed to be in support of terrorism may run foul of the law. This will be a particular concern to preachers who spend a large proportion of their time teaching and advocating on social justice issues. Travel to Designated Areas: The government’s proposal includes a new offence of being in a designated terrorist area and making individuals justify why they were in such a location. ANIC believes that this is a serious attack on the right to freedom of movement. This provision will have the unintended consequence of capturing unwitting and innocent travelers. ANIC believes that this would be an unnecessary intrusion into an individual’s privacy with regard to freedom of movement and reverses the traditional legal onus of being innocent before being proved guilty. Cutting Dole Payments: On Saturday 16th August 2014, the Prime Minister announced a further proposal that any Australian citizen assessed as being a serious threat
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to national security would have their unemployment benefits and other welfare payments cut off. ANIC is seriously concerned about the justification of denying payments to someone who may not have been convicted of any criminal offence. Already the confiscation of passports in the absence of any conviction is causing extreme angst within the community. ANIC understands that under current social security laws, welfare payments can only be canceled if the recipient no longer meets social security eligibility rules for example criminals serving jail sentences. ANIC believes that denying welfare payments to people who are not incarcerated may paradoxically drive these individuals into engaging in criminal activity. Funding for Community Engagement: As recent as Tuesday 26th August 2014, the Prime Minister announced that $13.4 million would be allocated to strengthen community engagement programs in Australia with an emphasis on preventing young Australians from becoming involved with extremist groups. ANIC supports all measures to counter the threat of violence at home but believes that these programs are merely cosmetic band aid solutions. The main causative factor is the Australian government’s military involvement in the Middle East. If the government is serious about reducing the threat, then it must review its foreign policy decisions with regard to this region. ANIC believes that the current trend to support unjust, dictatorial regimes and unilateral military aggression based on duplicitous foreign policy positions will only aggravate the state of global fear and violence.
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Tribute to Dr Herman Roborgh S.J. Anne Fairbairn AM PhD (Hon)
Dr Herman Roborgh completed his B.A. degree at Monash University in Melbourne before moving to Indonesia where he worked for many years as a chaplain to students. After completing a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies at Birmingham University, he moved to Lahore in Pakistan where he learnt Urdu and Arabic and set up an interfaith library. He received his PhD from Aligarh Muslim University in India after submitting a thesis on an Urdu commentary on the Qur’an. With the human condition of growing concern You are wisely encouraging us all to learn From each other’s beliefs and cultures, so We shall be open- minded wherever we go. Your scholarly insights help achieve this By reducing suspicion and prejudice. With interfaith harmony your constant goal, You draw many together soul-to-soul. Since dialogue fosters understanding, You strive daily for this not withstanding Constant challenging issues confronting you, You’re profoundly respected for all you do, For by serving mankind with love and persistence You guide us towards a harmonious existence; Involved in discourse we shall surely be Enriched by each faith and philosophy. So by urging constant communication - You are helping prevent violent confrontation. You wisely suggest we communicate With the Taliban and thus perhaps terminate The tragic carnage occurring each day, - Yes, discussion is surely the wisest way. During Midsummer here we celebrate The birth of One millions venerate. You know He would spiritually embrace Human beings, regardless of faith or race, Showing unconditional love for others By caring for all as sisters and brothers. As blood from His nail-pierced feet and hands Flowed down from the Cross on to dry desert sands He prayed, ‘Forgive them for they know not what they do,’ - If mercilessly harmed I believe you would too. With compassion, wisdom and humility, Building spiritual bridges constantly, You’re healing the deep wounds of humanity. For you urge members of our human family Using dialogue to create true empathy. - So you bring mutual respect and thus harmony. All those aware of what you write and say, Agree you’re a true force for goodness each day. So I pray we shall all serve with love one another - And treat everyone as our sister or brother.
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Letters to the editor Amazing publication
I was very pleased to receive the publication of AMUST. Masha’allah very impressive and it made me very proud to see Muslim brothers and sisters producing such an amazing publication. I wonder if I can get a digital version of the paper to be able to forward some articles to my friends? May Allah be with you in your noble mission and destine for you all success. Mahmoud Mohamed Sydney, NSW.
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Genius behind logo?
I got a copy of AMUST issue #105 that I greatly enjoyed reading. I especially like the logo: boomerang, southern cross and our crescent, perfect! Who is the genius behind the logo and the masthead? Keep up the good work! Tahera Chaudhary Sydney, NSW.
Think globally, Act Locally
Rational approach
Thank you for sending the 2nd issue of new AMUST. I specially enjoyed the letters to the editor! No surprise what had to be on the front and several other pages. I think very good to have the letter by 2 Palestinians and 2 Jews and congratulations on page 8 “Judaism is not Zionism”. With this balanced, rational approach the paper is I hope going to have a good influence in the wider political community in Australia. Professor Stewart Truswell Sydney, NSW.
Thank you for the AMUST e-Newsletter highlighting The August issue of AMUST. Very interesting articles indeed. I will be a regular reader. I loved the AMUST slogan Think Globally, Act Locally. Professor Khalid Yusoff Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Protecting our future in the west Bilal Cleland “I have said it once and I will say it again: Western Muslims will in the future assume a critical role. Educated and living in free societies, they must acquire greater knowledge of their religion and become free, active and outspoken citizens, fully aware of their duties and dedicated to the defense of their rights. In the United States, just as in Canada and in Europe, they must defend everyone’s human dignity, and refuse to keep silent in the face of intimidation by the state. Drawing on their spirituality and their values, their commitment will be their finest contribution, the best possible example of the contribution of Muslim citizens to the future of the West. The leaders of the previous generation are too cautious, too fearful; they dare not speak freely.” Tariq Ramadan, This statement by Tariq Ramadan, one of the leading thinkers in Muslim affairs, rings true. It reflects the angst of the militant youth who appeared on the SBS Program “Insight” 14 August 2014, who said that the leadership of the Australian Muslim community is tainted by accommodation with
the federal government and a generally hostile Australian community. But it is the first part of this statement that is the most significant. “Western Muslims will in the future assume a critical role…….., they must defend everyone’s human dignity, and refuse to keep silent in the face of intimidation by the state.” That is why it is so important to dissuade young enthusiastic Muslims from falling into the trap of extremism, leading to criminality, and removing them from any possible future leadership role in the mainstream community, either the Muslim or broad Australian community. Indeed it has been often raised that some youngsters have been enabled to travel to centres of conflict as a means of ridding the country of militants and future Muslim leaders. Saudi authorities have frequently been accused of allowing extremists to travel to centres of conflict, like Yemen, Syria or Iraq, to ensure they do not create trouble at home, hoping they will not return. Inshallah this is not a policy being followed in Australia, but we must be vigilant to see that it does not become one. Muslims, mainly young men, incensed by the injustices being dealt to Muslim majority countries, want to undertake some action to help the oppressed. Those who come from the area of Syria and Iraq feel the most concerned, as is to be expected, but the horrors of Gaza, Syria and the disgusting sectarian-
ism of the Maliki Government in Baghdad also attract the attention of Muslims from all over the world. The question is not whether these people should be assisted, but rather how they might be assisted. Many in the young generation of Muslims are not well educated in mainstream Islam, although many are of course being served by good quality Islamic schools. They are also ill-informed of political matters and recent Islamic history. It is difficult for the young enthusiast to distinguish truth from falsehood. There is a dangerous tendency for young people, ill-informed of the full breadth of Islam, to seek answers from Sheikh Google or social media sourced from extremists pushing particular wheelbarrows. Those with the best website or the most stunning videos may not be the on the path of Islam. What they are told is struggle on the path of Allah, may in fact be struggle to advantage this or that regime in the Middle East, or even a particular corporation. Expressed hatred for “Western democracy” could in fact be opposition to shura in government to protect a particular family or religious establishment. It is imperative that the enthusiasm for Islam in our coming generation, the generation which inshallah will provide our Muslim community with leadership, is not led into avenues which will cut them off from future contribution.
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Tariq Ramadan
There have been many cases of agent provocateurs trying to push ill-informed young people into crazy activities in several Western countries, including our own. Extremists also latch onto young people with family trauma, with psychological problems and who are seeking answers to the major questions we are all dealing with. A cursory reading of Australian terror trials reveals that the easily led and the mentally disturbed are ready fodder for both types of exploiter. The leadership of the Muslim community, in Islamic Societies, mosques and schools has a major responsibility to help prevent the exploitation and the spoiling of the coming generation of young, enthusiastic Muslims. The best antidote to extremism is the actual teachings of Islam. The best protection from agent provocateurs is knowledge of sunnah and its observance.
Strengthening the centre against the fringe Hugh Riminton, Network Ten News Presenter* First, some sympathy for Australian Muslims. Your faith is being hijacked by violent criminals. Your leadership is being urged to join up to Team Australia as if that was in doubt. You are feeling wounded, defensive and isolated. But all is not lost. In fact, great opportunities are waiting to be taken. Australia is not witnessing a war between Islam and the rest. It is witnessing a war between extremists and the centre. The centre includes the vast majority of Australians of Islamic faith. It is in the interests of all of us to reinforce that centre, and to isolate the extremes. I was born in Sri Lanka and my childhood was spent mainly there and in New Zealand. I make the point only to make another one – that I know it is not only the native born who love this country and all it represents. I know I stand here among patriots from a joyous array of backgrounds, and I am deeply proud to share this room – and this nation - with you. We live in a political environment. That environment is shaped by myths and popular narratives, the stories we chose to tell ourselves, the stories we chose to believe about ourselves. Islam has enemies in Australia. They come from two directions. One is a purely bigoted view of Islam, from those who reject the presence of Muslims in Australia. You don’t want to believe their version of your story. The other enemy comes from within Islam itself – from the violent and criminal extremists who claim to find justification for their acts from the traditions of their faith. You don’t want to believe their version of your story either. Islamic State, like Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi’s Al-Qaeda in Iraq, like Al-Qaeda itself, wants us to react. It wants a reaction against Muslims that will in turn feed its propaganda and its recruitment. There are therefore two things we can and must do. First, the West must not over-react. It must discriminate between violent extremists and Muslims in general. Second, Muslims must recognise the dangers and must never miss a chance to denounce these criminals, to strengthen the centre and iso-
Friday 5 September 2014
late the extremists to the fringe. Let us speak plainly about the dangers to the Ummah here in Australia. A popular narrative is forming in this country that Muslims are bent on doing their fellow citizens violence; that Muslims reject Australian values; that Australia has become a battleground in the Clash of Civilisations – and battle will ultimately be unavoidable. This narrative is already more advanced than we may wish to acknowledge. It is all our interests to combat it and it is in our interests to do it wisely, tirelessly and vociferously. Unless we are successful, the myth will suck into its vortex politicians who will seek to shape policies to that narrative. The Prime Minister recently said that if you want to come here, you must be “part of the team” – Team Australia. For some, that is a reasonable call. A place in Australian society means signing up to our liberal traditions and values. Others hear the binary tones of George W. Bush after 9/11 – you are with us or against us. There is no room to move. Even if Tony Abbott was being rhetorically clumsy, it is a mistake to suppose that he is not picking up on the popular narrative that Muslims, by their faith, are not to be trusted until proof is delivered.
“
...the West must not over-react. It must discriminate between violent extremists and Muslims in general.”
The Prime Minister wants to introduce security measures that include reversing the onus of proof on people who travel to Syria and Iraq. By the mere fact of their travel, citizens might be deemed to have been supporting terrorists. It is not clear if the values of Team Australia require unthinking obedience to the government of the day. Certainly, when he was in opposition, Mr Abbott supplied no such obedience. And the Labor party, now back in opposition, is returning the favour. Make no mistake, the right to peaceful
Hugh Riminton, Network Ten News Presenter at the CRC 14th Symposium dissent is very much part of being on Team Australia. In an interview this week with SKY’s David Speers, Keysar Trad delivered an articulate and reasoned rebuttal to the proposed reversal of the onus of proof. Indeed, Attorney General George Brandis, in his former life as a defender of liberal freedoms, would have applauded him. Leaders of the Islamic community in Australia can and must defend their freedoms and their rights because their freedoms and rights belong to all of us. Australian society must not allow itself to over-react in ways that are counter-productive, generating angry new adherents to a nihilistic cause. But Australia is entitled to defend itself. Muslims within Australia must see this challenge as an opportunity – a chance to emerge from the current conflagration in Iraq and Syria with a clear status within Australian society – as part of the strong, central fabric of Australian life. People will accept the good faith of the Muslim community leadership in Australia much more readily if at every turn, at every opportunity, the leadership is making that distinction between Islam and its violent fringes, denouncing it, isolating it, condemning it. It won’t make you popular with the extremists. Dr Jamal Rifi has emerged as one of the Islamic communities strongest voices and has received threats because of it. That is precisely why other voices must rise with his. Dr Rifi’s courage and leadership do not go unnoticed. Members of all communities represented
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within Australian society – and that includes the Anglo-Celtic strand, should and must support the Islamic leadership within our community. We must all work hard to ensure that hatred and prejudice does not take root against people of the Islamic faith. That is a job for all of us, to engage in in good faith and with good hearts. The Muslim leadership within Australia must unceasingly denounce the violent extremism of the so-called Islamic state and its ilk. It must unceasingly denounce, in public and in private, Australians who sign up to religious-based violence. If we all play our part, we show the fringes that we are the many and they are the few. We will together reinforce the Centre. We will stop things from falling apart. We will prevent mere anarchy from being loosed upon our world. We will show that the values that make Australia a great place – of freedom, of pluralism, of liberal humanity, of humour, of the great adventure of making friends with people from backgrounds not our own – that those qualities will stand and will abide. *(Short edited version of the Keynote address at the 14th Annual Symposium of the Community Relations Commission for a Multicultural NSW on 20 August 2014 at Novotel Hotel, Parramatta.)
Read the full address on our website www.amust.com.au
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Multiculturalism & “Team Australia” Dr Tim Soutphommasane, Race Discrimination Commissioner, NSW* Thirty years ago, we were warned that Australia was fracturing into a nation of tribes. We were warned that multiculturalism and immigration were undermining the Australian national identity. The warning came in a speech delivered by the historian Geoffrey Blainey. It was a significant intervention. Professor Blainey was – and remains – one of Australia’s eminent historians. His speech would spark a national debate. It would be the first major public challenge to Australian multiculturalism. Since then, there have been few periods when there hasn’t been debate about multiculturalism. Diversity’s critics have been perennially noisy. But for the most part Australians have come to accept and embrace cultural diversity. It is something that is a part of our daily lives. Far from controversial, it is a natural presence – there in our homes, schools and neighbourhoods; there in our shops, offices and workplaces. Back in 1984, faced with dire predictions of national discord, not everyone would have been confident that multicultural Australia would succeed. Yet there is no better way to describe our reality. Modern Australia is a success story of multiculturalism. Gone are the days when people felt awkward about the word multicultural. Few these days are splitting hairs about the difference between a multiethnic Australia and a multicultural Australia. We have grown more comfortable in our own skin, whatever that colour may be. And more relaxed about there being more than one way that you can be Australian. We have, if you like, become rather relaxed and comfortable about Australian multiculturalism. Vigilance For all of our multicultural success, we must remain vigilant of bigotry and racism. Racial discrimination remains – in many forms. One concerns the reporting and commentary about Australia’s Muslim and Arab communities, in light of armed conflicts in Iraq and Syria. In recent weeks, Australians – of all faiths and backgrounds – have been seriously concerned by reports that Australian citizens are fighting as militants in Iraq and Syria. If you were to read the letters pages of our newspapers, tune into talkback radio, or scan the comments sections of news websites, you would be mistaken for thinking there were no “moderate” Muslim-Australians prepared to repudiate domestic extremism or acts of violent barbarism. This is, of course, far from the truth. While there are very serious issues with “homegrown terrorism”, we should not be casting
aspersions on Muslim and Arab Australian communities at large. Not when so many of its leaders and members have unequivocally condemned terrorism. Not when even the Director-General of ASIO David Irvine has commended Muslim community leaders for the positive role they have played in countering domestic radicalism. We should not be judging entire communities, whose members are law-abiding citizens, on the basis of a very small minority of extremists. We have had front-page headlines that Australia is engaged in a 100-year war against Islam. Just this week, we saw one newspaper with a two-page spread about the suburb of Lakemba titled, “Inside Sydney’s Muslim Land”, where the stand-first declared that the correspondent had spent 24 hours in a place “where a pervasive monoculture has erased the traditional Aussie way of life”. This is not the kind of language one would expect. Not in a country that, according to all evidence, is very relaxed and comfortable about its multiculturalism. The tone aside, such language is not even accurate. Racial Discrimination Act The conversation about Muslim Australians has been muddied by one thing. Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced that the Federal Government would not proceed with its proposed changes to the Racial Discrimination Act. According to the Prime Minister, he was making a “leadership call” to abandon a repeal of section 18C of the Act. The announcement coincided with a move by the Government to toughen national security laws to combat homegrown terrorism. It was the right leadership call by the Prime Minister. There was no good reason for weakening legal protections against racial vilification. It was a welcome move by the Federal Government to listen to the concerns expressed by Australian communities about the likely impact of its proposed changes. As I have made clear during the past year, any dilution of the Racial Discrimination Act risks sending a dangerous social signal. It risks encouraging people to believe that they could abuse others on racial grounds with impunity. The risk is that people may believe they can offend, insult or humiliate others because of their race but claim the absolute defence of free speech. However, it was unfortunate that the abandonment of changes to the Racial Discrimination Act was announced in a particular way. We were told it was necessary for bolstered counter-terror measures. Yet, as far as I am aware, there was never a suggestion, from any community, that retaining racial
vilification laws was necessary for fighting domestic extremism. Let us be clear, as well, about which attributes are covered by the Racial Discrimination Act. The Act’s provisions on racial vilification cover conduct that relates to race, colour, ethnicity or national origin. It does not cover the attribute of religion. To suggest that a decision not to repeal section 18C was motivated by special concern about Muslim Australians misses one basic fact: the law doesn’t specifically protect religion. Under federal statute, it is unlawful to vilify someone on racial grounds, but this doesn’t extend to religious vilification. It is understandable, then, that many Muslim Australians, and also Arab Australians, would have felt bitter sweetness about the RDA announcement. This hasn’t eased during the past fortnight. There has been sustained talk about the need for a commitment to a so-called Team Australia. I have heard from many Muslim and Arab Australians a serious concern that their communities are being singled out. That they are having their national loyalty unfairly questioned. Why multiculturalism works There has been much debate about the meaning of the phrase Team Australia. Just earlier this week the Prime Minister reiterated that “everyone has got to be on Team Australia”. And that, “everyone has got to put this country, its interests, its values and its people first, and you don’t migrate to this country unless you want to join our team”. For those who have migrated here, however, there is rarely any question about loyalty to Australia. Making the decision to start a new life in another country is not one that is taken lightly. There is no more powerful aspiration than to be a citizen. It is the case that within ten years of arriving, more than 80 per cent of immigrants take out Australian citizenship. It is an act solemnised by a pledge whenever someone naturalises as a citizen: “I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey.” In those four clauses we have writ the contract of citizenship in this country. This contract is central to the success of Australian multiculturalism. Contrary to its critics, Australian multiculturalism has never sanctioned a form of cultural relativism. Yes, everyone should have a freedom to express their cultural identity and heritage. But as with all freedoms, this isn’t absolute. It is also accompanied by duties. There must be a commitment to liberal democratic values – to parliamentary democracy, to the rule of law, to equality of the sexes, to freedom of speech. What we have, in other words, is a robust form of multiculturalism. One which has its foundations in our liberal democracy. One
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Dr Tim Soutphommasane
which has never shied away from rejecting cultural beliefs and practices that are inconsistent with civic values. Yet one where diversity is entirely compatible with patriotism. In a multicultural Australia, we have a love of country that is founded not on race or ancestry, but on citizenship. Which brings me back to the idea of “Team Australia”. If “Team Australia” is simply shorthand for an Australian liberal democratic community, for a community of equal citizens, I don’t think any of us would have an issue with it. Signing up to this is already part of the contract of multicultural citizenship. All of us are already signed up. We are all proud to be Australians. But if “Team Australia” is meant to suggest something else, we are entitled to ask for an explanation. Manufacturing patriotism can sometimes do more to divide than to unite. Genuine civic pride comes from within; it is not something that others can command us to display. Our debate is never strictly, of course, about concepts. Much of it also has to do with tone. The tone of leadership matters. And it has been a strength of our multicultural experience that political and civic leaders have understood the importance of ensuring that all Australians, regardless of their faith or cultural background, can feel that they can indeed belong to the family of the nation. *(Short edited version of the speech at the 14th Annual Symposium of the Community Relations Commission for a Multicultural NSW on 20 August 2014 at Novotel Hotel, Parramatta) Read the full speech on our website www.amust.com.au
MEKAR plans second annual event Zia Ahmad
Mencari Keredhaan Allah dan Rasul (MEKAR) means to Seek the Blessings of Allah and Rasul, a program which was initiated in 2013 by the Malaysian Youth Student Association. The program was the brainchild of the MEKAR president at the time, Ridzuwan Zaz Wandy, who wanted Malaysian Students Organisations to incorporate Islamic values and teaching in their programmes The main objective of MEKAR is to nurture Islamic values and teachings towards the Malaysian Community here in Australia with hopes that, through this program, the participants are able to realise the importance of being true Muslims and the role they play in the society as a whole. In 2013, for the first time, MEKAR was successfully held in Melbourne and Sydney which attracted around 500 participants.
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With the great turnout and from the feedbacks gathered, it is decided that MEKAR should be an annual event for the Malaysian community. This year, another organising committee has been formed, led by Arif Fitri, bringing MEKAR 2014 bigger and better where the tour will be expanded to two more cities, Perth and Brisbane. This year, with the theme being Purification of the Heart, MEKAR is expecting to gather more than 1,000 participants. In order to achieve this, MEKAR is bringing several prominent figure from Malaysia, hosts of a television programs, Ustaz Ahmad Husni and Ustaz Syed Abdul KadirAljoofre, popular writer and many other host of various radio and television programs, Ustazah Fatimah Syarha and renowned former performer and celebrity Ummi Nazera. With various activities planned. It is hoped MEKAR 2014 will be a successful event and bring benefits to the Malaysian community here in Australia.
Australasian Muslim Times
MEKAR 2013 lecture
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Friday 5 September 2014
AUSTRALIA 10 - 13
UMMAH 14 - 16
EDUCATION 17
BUSINESS 18
COMMUNITY
SOCIAL 19
Shahjahan Khan named Diversity Ambassador Zia Ahmad Professor Shahjahan Khan has received the Premier’s Cultural Diversity Ambassador Award that recognises individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding and sustained commitment to promoting the values of cultural diversity and supporting harmonious community relations. In a ceremony held on Sat 30 August at the Gambaro Hote, Brisbane, the award was presented to him by Hon Glen Elmes, Minister of Multicultural Affairs, Queensland. This award adds to Professor Khan’s Queensland Multicultural Service Award which he received in 2002. Professor Shahjahan Khan is a resident of Toowoomba, professor of statistics at the University of Southern Queensland and the founder of Islamic Society of Toowoomba. Professor Khan has led many initiatives to establish and promote cultural diversity in Queensland providing submissions to government, serving on Government advisory committees, coordinating Islamic Centre at the University of Southern Queensland, and serving as the Vice-President of the Islamic Council of Queensland. Professor Khan has helped settle many Muslims, international students, and refugees into the community and provided support for their religious needs. He has also helped Muslims in Brisbane and the Gold Coast by giving Islamic lessons and lectures and providing valuable information on Is-
lamic practices. His sustained commitment to social harmony and advocacy for Queensland’s culturally diverse communities has also been demonstrated by his numerous community and fundraising activities. Professor Khan has also led many fundraising initiatives in which his charismatic approach has helped raise funds quickly, achieved positive outcomes and galvanised various communities and groups in Australia in general and Queensland in particular.
Maha Abdo wins Human Rights Award Zia Ahmad Ms Maha Krayem Abdo OAM, Executive Officer of the Muslim Women’s Association, has won this year’s NSW Human Rights Award. during a ceremony at State Parliament. The Minister for Citizenship and Communities Hon Victor Dominello presented the award at a ceremony held on 7 August at the NEW Parliament House. “The award gives special recognition to a person who has made lasting and meaningful contributions to the advancement of human rights in NSW. Ms Krayem Abdo is a most deserving winner of this award” Said Mr Dominello. The judging panel found her to be a standout among a field of high-calibre candidates, commending her as a champion of multiculturalism and advocate for the elimination of racial and gender discrimination. Ms Abdo is a renowned Muslim leader and mentor and has worked tirelessly over the past 25 years to empower young women and promote harmony between multicultural communities. Ms Krayem Abdo, migrated to Australia
Event Calendar Event: Condell Park Masjid Fundraising Dinner (Brothers Only) Organisation: Daar Ibn Abbas & Daar Al-Quran Al-Kareem Date: Fri 5 September 2014 Location: The Renaissance, 3 New St East, Lidcombe, 7pm Cost: $100 Per Person, or a table of 11 for $1100 Purchase your tickets: Online: www. allthingsislam.com.au In Person: Daar Ibn Abbas - 17 Cross St, Bankstown, 2200
Professor Shahjahan Khan with Glen Elmes (right) & Roberto Cavallucci (left).
from Lebanon during the 1960s, established the Muslim Women’s Support Centre, a refuge for women escaping family and domestic violence. In 2008 she was awarded an Order of Australia medal for her work in this field. “She will serve as Human Rights Ambassador for 12 months and through the Community Relations Commission, the NSW Government is proud to support her work to promote human rights issues at events, schools and conferences,” Mr Dominello said. During the ceremony Mr Dominello presented Ms Krayem Abdo with a specially-struck medal and a $5,000 cash prize. This year’s judging panel consisted of Mick Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Vic Alhadeff, CEO, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and Ainslie van Onselen, Chief of Staff, Australian Financial Services, Westpac Banking Corporation. The award, now in its second year, was dedicated in memory of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg who saved the lives of tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust by providing protective passports and setting up safe houses.
Event: Police Open Day Organisation: NSW Police Force Date: Sat 6 September 2014, 10am Location: Fairfield High School, The Horsley Drive, Fairfield Event: Cabramatta Moon Festival Organisation: Fairfield City Council Date: Sun 7 September 2014 Location: John Street, Park Road, Railway Parade and Arthur Street, Cabramatta, 9am The Cabramatta Moon Festival is recognised as one of Sydney’s premier and largest Asian celebrations. People from all parts of Sydney and different cultural backgrounds take part to celebrate the ancient Moon Festival tradition. Event: Multicultural Marketing Awards Ceremony Date: Wed 10 September 2014 Location: Parliament House Event: Fundraising Dinner Organisation: CPACS Date: Thu 11 September 2014 Location: Summerland Lebaneses Restaurant 429 Chapel Rd, Bankstown Event: How to Serve Islam - FREE 10 week course. Organisation: ISRA Date: Fri 12 September 2014, 7pm Location: Level 3, 128-134 South Parade, Auburn Without doubt Islam needs the volunteering efforts of Muslims in this time when it appears Islam and Muslims are under immense siege. Although there are numerous individuals, organisations and even large movements who act with the impulse to serve Islam, seldom do we ever talk about how this service is to be done. There seems to be dramatically different claims and ways to serve Islam. This course canvasses the large body of literature, concepts, ideas and experience on how to serve Islam in the modern world. Event: Bandaged Bear Breakfast Organisation: Fairfield Police LAC Date: Wed 17 September 2014 Location: Fairfield Police Station 40-42 Smart St Fairfield
Maha Abdo with Minister Dominello and CEO Hakan Harman and other CRC officials
Friday 5 September 2014
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Event Calendar is frequently updated at www.amust.com.au/calendar
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Event: Mosques of NSW Report Launch + Lunch Organisation: ISRA Date: Thu 18 September 2014 11 am Location: NSW Parliament House Event: Celebrating the Brilliant Carr Era Organisation: NSW APLDate: Thu 18 September 2014, 6:30pm Location: The Grand Marion, 85-87 Marion Street, Harris Park, Parramatta, Tickets are $150 or $1250 for a table of ten. This dinner will be a special tribute to one of the most popular political and public figure’s of our time. There are a limited number of seats so please book early through Aisha Amjad or Harish Velji. Please rsvp details to aisha.amjad786@gmail.com or harishvelji@hotmail.com.Register Now - This course is open to BOTH men and women. Registration is essential as places are limited. Please contact ISRA at (02) 9649 9040 or email to info@isra.org.au Event: I am Near - Understanding Allah’s Closeness and Realising the Potential and Purpose of Religion Organisation: Sheikh Faraz Rabbani via delayed telecast Seeker’s Circule | Seeker’s Hub Sydney Date: Fri 19 September 2014, 7:30pm - 9:30 Location: Al Ghazzali Centre of Islamic Science, 299 Belmore Rd, Riverwood In this SeekersCircle, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani will explain how the essence, purpose, and reality of religion is to know God, and realize the realities of His Closeness. As He tells us in the Qur’an, “If My servants ask you regarding me, I am indeed close…” [Qur’an, 2.186] Live on-ground class in Toronto from September 12th with Global Broadcast (delayed) in Australia/NZ from September 19th: http://sydney. seekershub.org/events/closeness/ Find out more about circles: http:// seekersguidance.org/home/seekerscircles/ Event: Unigoal Tournament (Female Only) Organisation: MSANSW Date: Sat 27 September 2014, 8:30am - 5pm Location: Menai Indoor Sports Centre, 98 Allison Crescent, Menai If you’re interested in participating: Register by 12 September by emailing msa.sistersunigoal@gmail.com. 5 v 5Get your teams sorted, $200 per team More info: https://madmimi.com/p/ dd8035, Registration: https://docs. google.com/forms/d/1uaNqUtArR6YiaO-0lztZp-PLNhY_Gb0dIiwg3y6vzbc/viewform
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AUSTRALIA 10 - 13
UMMAH 14 - 16
EDUCATION 17
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What a man, What a man, What a Mannequin Man? MOBYDAYZE Mobinah Ahmad If you see a bodgy photoshopped mannequin man’s head with a drawn on beard, welcome to The Crudely Islamified Lakemba Mannequin Man. A facebook page created by some enthusiastic members of the Muslim community, with just a little too much time on their hands. But thankfully so as they provide amazing rhetoric from The Daily Telegraph’s article “Last drinks in Lakemba: Tim Blair takes a look inside Sydney’s Muslim Land”. The double page spread in the national newspaper was yet another poor excuse for journalism into how the suburb of Lakemba is a trigger point for Islam taking over Sydney. While this kind of stereotyping by media is nothing new to the Muslim community, unfortunately an innocent simple mannequin man was just standing outside his shop unbeknownst that his face, name and reputation would be smeared through the mud. He suddenly discovered that he was symbol for Islam taking over Sydney. He wore a brown abaya and had a black turban around his head, no idea that day when he got dressed that this image would be plastered on the internet. I tried to contact the Mannequin man for comment, but he
just stood there. I wanted to know if he appreciated the facebook page, but he did not say. After all he’s been through, I thought best not to push it. But I did see a twinkle in his blueish grey eyes, I think he appreciates it. In only two short weeks, the page has received 2 616 likes on Facebook, support from the Muslim community and a number of photoshopped images of (I guess our, we claim him as ours now) beloved mannequin man superimposed in some really weird, hilariously funny and interesting images. The page has received media attention on SBSOne News and Junkee.com.
“The
page describes itself as “Perched on the corner of Haldon and Gillies Street, he watches over the Monocultural Emirate of Islamic Lakemba (also known as ‘Sydney’s Muslim Land’).” The mannequin man has made a number of friends through this ordeal, one of them being @Ottomanscribe who posted images onto Twitter about celebrating the Haldon Street Festival together. They played games,
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had fairy floss and got a haircut. The Mannequin Man has been portrayed as Rose from Titanic, Flight Centre advertising one way flights by Team Australia, participant at the “We’ll love Mannequin Man for 100 years”, detained by police, holding fairy floss, getting a haircut, carried on the shoulders of at least eight Tony Abbott, stalking Tony Abbott, a topic of conversation in a UWS University tutorial, Jack Sparrow, Batman, Superman, Kirsten Stuart, on Time Magazine, on Channel 10’s the Project, Reading a book about Orientalism, at the Ecuadorian Embassy, a member of X-Men, Pocahontas, Slender man, Bane from The Dark Knight, Simba, Mackelmore, Gandalf, Obi Wan Kenobi, Rambo and so much more. For more photos, check out their page https://www.facebook.com/ weareallMannequin.
Visit our website www.amust.com.au for the latest news and views
The Crudely Islamified Lakemba Mannequin Man
#RealTalk: Discussing the Issues in the Australian Muslim Community AMUST Media
Mission of Hope conducted a free community forum discussing concerning issues that the Australian Muslim community are facing including drugs, alcohol and sexual health. The purpose of the event was to bring to light the taboo, unspoken issues that need to be addressed. The forum featured a number of Muslim professionals who directly deal with the impact of the real issues and were able to provide key information and updates on the current situation the community is facing. The forum was strategically divided into two types of sessions, the first a parenting workshop, looking at how parents can discuss issues with their children, and the second was health professionals working with the youth. Both sessions were a success into looking at a holistic approach to tackle these issues. The topics that were discussed covered a wide area of issues from internet safety to issues unique to non-heterosexual Muslims. Informative presentations were conducted and attendees were encouraged to work together to provide solutions on how better to deal with these issues. Siobhan Irving, PhD Researcher on Sexual Health in the Muslim Community, gave her presentation via Skype speaking on non-heterosexual Muslims issues such as stereotyping, ideological baggage, isolation and judgment. “The reality is that while there are many who have found ways to reconcile their sexuality with their faith, are happy as they are, and believe they are committing no sin, there are also others who struggle with guilt and wish that they had been born heterosexual.” The community forum covered the reality of drugs, alcohol and prostitution in the Muslim community, Internet Safety for Children, Communicating with Children,
Friday 5 September 2014
Evidence of Excessive Appetites, How to foster healthy conversations and communication with your children, Sex education and community awareness of STIs, Drugs and Alcohol in Shari’ah, Taboo Issues on Hepatitis C, Street Outreach, Issues unique to non-heterosexual Muslims, Muslim inmates in jail and their experiences, Effects on drugs on mental health and brain functioning, the nature of excessive appetites, The role of the health professional and real life scenarios.
“We
cause a greater injustice to those who are suffering by not offering them support, counsel, advice, resources, services, and much needed education.” “When we ignore the struggling members of our community suffering from addictions, sexual health & mental health issues, family disruptions, and turn a blind eye to their silent cries we are doing more harm than good. We cause a greater injustice to those who are suffering by not offering them support, counsel, advice, resources, services, and much needed education. It is not only the individual that becomes further affected, these issues also cross into families and jeopardise the community and society. We must come together insha’Allah with even greater determination to prevent an increasing community nightmare to save the lives of our ummah. “...and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the whole humanity...” Quran 5:32. ... “These problems do not discriminate based on whether you wear hijab or not, the length of your beard, how observant a Muslim you are, or whether or not you pray five times a day.” posted by Hanan Dover on the event page.
Hanan Dover at the forum
Family seeking female companion for a housewife living in a large family home in Picton, NSW Free own room, free board & lodging will be provided Will suit women seeking refuge
Contact Mohammad Riaz: Phone 0404 358 516 Email eljannah@iinet.net.au
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NEWS 1-2
BOOMERANG 3-5
COMMUNITY 6-7
FAMILY 9
Huge Success for Eid Festiva AMUST
DnM Photography
Traditional Indian henna designs
DnM Photography
Ornate decorative jewellery
DnM Photography
The 30th annual Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair (MEFF) welcomed tens of thousands of people from the Australian Multicultural community at Fairfield Showground on Sunday 10 August 2014 in Prairiewood,
Sydney. As one of the most anticipated events on the multicultural calendar, MEFF is the first, the largest and the longest-running Eid Festival in Australia, serving the community for the last 30 years. The event
Prema Photo
Prema Photo
Large selection of books and literature
Colourful face painting
was a tremendous success with a record crowds attending, around 150 interesting market and international food stalls, thrilling rides, entertainment and a life size baby dinosaur, Tarek the T-Rex!
DnM Photography
A wide variety of cultural dresses
Prema Photo
The festival was turned into a multicultural marketplace selling traditional cultural dresses, hijabs, abayas, indian dresses, kaftans, afghan dresses, shoes jewellery, perfume, prayer mats, Islamic Books & Music, artworks, Calligraphy on Canvas, Islamic art, balloons, showbags, beauty products,
oils, creams gifts, toys, and henna art – it was a great source of bargain shopping and an incredible variety to choose from. A festival attendee said “I love coming here just for the shopping! I could walk through the aisles of the market stalls for hours”.
David Marshall Photography
Tarek the T-Rex, the life size animatronic baby dinosaur was a huge success as it walked around the showground astounding festival attendees. Being 4m in length from head to tail and 2m high, Tarek the T-Rex walked through Market and Food Stalls and the Crowd, becoming a sensational feature
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of the festival, and was a great thrill for everyone who passed him. Tarek The T-Rex is a friendly dinosaur, however he does roar extremely loudly for attention! For information on having Tarek the T-Rex at your event, contact meff@ifew.com.
Australasian Muslim Times
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Friday 5 September 2014
AUSTRALIA 10 - 13
UMMAH 14 - 16
EDUCATION 17
BUSINESS 18
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SOCIAL 19
al - 30 Years of Celebrations!
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The Stage at the Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair is a beautiful reflection of the loving spirit of cultural diversity at the festival. The stage showcased traditional children folk dances from turkey, Indonesia, bosnia and cultural songs from Lebanon and so much more. Performances included beautiful Qu-
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ran recitation, Arabic and English Anasheeds, Bosnian Folk Dancing, The Australian Anthem, Indonesian Peacock Dance, Islamic Quiz Prizes, Poems, Promoting Books, Traditional Horse Dance from West Java, Promoting Charities and Organisations that help the community, and so much more.
The festival also offers the best in providing sumptuous international food covering a number of different traditional dishes from around the world. Foods include Doner Kebab, Gozleme, Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Vegetarian Food, Waffles, Seekh Kebab, Pluto Pup, Salads, Falafel, Hotdogs, Burgers, Japanese Cuisine, Curries, Samo-
sas . Snowcone, Icecream, Fairyfloss, Froyo, SugarCane Juice, Corn in a Cup, Chip on a Stick, Slushies, Chocolate Fondue, Coconut Drinks & More! As one attendee said “I just love the festival food. MEFF is where I find such a diverse range of stalls, there’s even a halal Japanese food stall, it’s Awesome!”
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The MEFF Mussallah welcomed thousands in congregational prayers. The spirit of Prayer was very strong at the Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair with prayers such as Zuhr, Asr and Maghrib taking place. The Grand Mufti of Australia prayed for peace and for the Middle East in particular.
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Festival attendees were thrilled to receive their free MEFF showbags with goodies inside and enjoyed the free Kids Art area. MEFF free entertainment included performers such as Batman, Mickey & Minnie
Mouse, Dora the Explorer, Kung Fu Panda and their animatronic Dinosaur! It was exciting for all ages and gave the event a festival atmosphere.
The Australian MEFF Consortium President, Mrs Mehar Ahmad said “It is my absolute honour and privilege to be leading the MEFF into its 30th year. I look back and I’m amazed at all the challenges we have overcome and all that we have achieved during these years.
“MEFF has been very successful with the blessings from Allah” and the hard work of committee members and volunteers. Each year MEFF is getting stronger, bigger and better than ever before.” The increasing success of the festival is continuing to grow with thanks to her leadership.
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Kids were able to enjoy Water Balls, Bungee Tramps, Dodgem Cars, Round Up, the Super Slide, the Mini Ferris Wheel, the Pirate Ship, the rocket ride and a circus train obstacle course! Along with an amazing animal farm of fuzzy creatures and a python, there were also pony and camel rides!
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MEFF offered ultimate entertainment with thrilling rides for all ages! Rides included attendees strapped into the back of a huge Monster truck, the Gravitron, a Motorbike Simulator. Midnight Madness was a huge
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success whirling festival attendees around and around! There were also games of skill to be conquered such as the Laughing Clowns, Balloon Bust, Hi Striker, the Shooting Gallery and Tin Can Alley.
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Well respected community leaders from the Muslim and interfaith community attended along with politicians including The Hon John Robertson MP, The Hon Chris Hayes MP, The Hon Guy Zangari MP, George Barcha, Deputy Mayor of Fairfield City Council and Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed, Grand Mufti of Australia.
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NEWS 1-2
BOOMERANG 3-5
COMMUNITY 6-7
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Team Australia and terror laws NSW Police Bilal Cleland
Prime Minister Abbott, having decided upon new anti-terror legislation, decided to hold much publicized “consultations” for an hour or two with the Muslim leadership in NSW and Victoria. This would have no impact on an already decided course of action but would serve a political purpose. As Stacks the Law Firm pointed out in a recent article about these proposed laws: Bills before parliament … grant immunity from prosecution to intelligence officers engaged in special operations, and open the possibility of jailing journalists and whistle blowers for publishing information about a terrorism investigation. Foreshadowed are new laws under which anyone who travels to certain locations will have to prove they weren’t involved in terror activities - reversing the traditional legal onus of being innocent before being proved guilty. [http://www.mondaq.com/australia/x/335370/Terrorism+Homeland+Security+Defence/How+proposed+terror+laws+could+affect+you] What caused great offense was his announcement, with specific reference to the Muslim community, that the changes to the Racial Discrimination Act were being dropped to strengthen these proposed anti-terrorist measures. As Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner Tim Soutphommasane pointed out: “As far as I am
aware there was never any suggestion, from any community, that retaining racial vilification laws was necessary to fighting domestic terrorism.” And he explained that the law does not protect religion as an attribute anyway. [The Guardian 25/8.2014] Muslims feel that their loyalty to the nation is being unfairly questioned. Just what Prime Minister Abbott sees as “Team Australia” is fascinating. He obviously sees himself as its captain and in charge of its composition. That would make for some very interesting play. For a start he is the inheritor of the ideology of B.A. Santamaria, described in an article by Paul Collins in Eureka Street, a Jesuit publication , as “the most divisive man in the history of Australian Catholicism”. [Eureka Street 17/8/2010] At the January 2007 launch of Santamaria’s Selected Letters, Tony Abbott said,” ‘I was lucky to know B. A. Santamaria for the last 22 years of his life, to have attended diligently to his writing and speaking.’ Santamaria, he says ‘left Australian Catholicism more intellectual and less politically tribal’, by which he presumably means there are now Catholics in Coalition as well as Labor ranks.” As well as numbering Cardinal Pell amongst his disciples, Santamaria earned fame in the 1930s for his support of Franco the fascist who overthrew the democratically elected Spanish Republic, and Benito Mussolini, who tried to recreate the Roman Empire in bloody campaigns in Libya and Ethiopia. Paul Collins wrote: “Essentially Santamaria embraced a form of theological inte-
gralism which sees everything in the world as tainted unless it is ‘integrated’ or brought into the orbit of Catholicism. Integralism assumes that the Church has an unchallengeable, complete and accessible body of doctrine that gives guidance in every possible eventuality — social, political, strategic, economic, familial and personal.” This philosophy is a very dangerous one which does not in any way fit in with Australian values, as they are commonly conceived. Indeed Collins adds: “Integralism has much in common with Italian Fascism, Franco’s Spain or Salazar’s Portugal. It is also at odds with the Vatican II Declaration on Religious Freedom: ‘Freedom means that all are to be immune from coercion ... in such wise that no one is to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his own beliefs.’ It is a real threat to democracy and to the freedom that Catholics have to make their own decisions on a whole range of issues, particularly political.” The Race Discrimination Commissioner suggested if “Team Australia” “is simply shorthand for an Australian liberal democratic community, for a community of equal citizens, I don’t think any one of use would have an issue with it….But if “Team Australia” is meant to suggest something else we are entitled to ask for an explanation. Manufacturing patriotism can sometimes do more to divide than to unite.” The echoes of Santamaria, reactionary European Catholicism and integralism do not seem to fit well with what most of us would see as democratic Australian values. Just what is Abbott demanding of those he demands should belong to this team he talks about?
ETB Legal, law practice with a difference AMUST Media ETB Legal was established towards the middle of 2014 with a goal to personalise services & provide the best representation for its clients in NSW courts. Uzma Abbas, the Principle Solicitor of ETB Legal is experienced in the practice of law & specifically criminal law. Over the years she has worked for various government departments including The Crown Solicitor’s Office NSW, The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) NSW, The Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) and Legal Aid NSW. As a defence lawyer, she has broad experience and exposure with her practicing in Sydney, Western Sydney, the Northern Rivers NSW (Ballina, Byron Bay, Lismore,
Kyogle and Casino), Newcastle, and the Central Coast (Gosford, Wyong and Woy Woy) both in the adult and children’s jurisdictions. She has defended people who have been charged with assault, domestic violence related charges, stealing offences, drug charges, driving, wrongful arrest, traffic matters and succeeded in appeal matters that has directly resulted in a reduction on penalty.
“My vision is to give ordinary people access to the law, to represent you, defend you and advocate for you and your legal rights” - Uzma Abbas
Uzma continues to contribute to the community by engaging in Pro Bono work and giving free community legal education seminars at Law Week, USYD, UNSW students, TAFE NSW students and the general community. She has represented clients who are disadvantaged by mental illness, disability and generally who have limited access to the law and suffer both financial and social hardships. This includes representing clients from ethnic minority groups in and across Sydney and Western Sydney as well as Indigenous communities located in rural zones. Contact www.etblegal.com.au Uzma Abbas m 0412 915 247
CRIMINAL & TRAFFIC LAWYERS Have you been charged with a criminal offence? Do you need to speak to a lawyer? ETB Legal is based in NSW & ready to represent you in legal matters such as: •Road / Traffic Law •RMS (Road & Maritime Services) Matters •Drink Driving •Speeding Offences •Bail or release application ( including weekend bail)
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CONTACT US
Our office is centrally located in Hurstville. However, we service all of Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Penrith & Surrounding Areas.
Telephone: 0412 915 247 Website: www.etblegal.com.au
Uzma Abbas, Principle Solicitor of ETB Legal
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community update Fairfield LAC
Police Open day On Saturday the 6th of September 2014 from 10am to 3pm, Fairfield Police will be hosting the police open day at Fairfield High School. There will be a number of police units attending such as Polair, Dog unit, Highway patrol, Mounted police, Marine area command, Police media unit, Forensic services group, Crime Prevention Officer, Youth Liaison Police, School Liaison Police, Counter Terrorism & Special Tactic Unit. Other organisations attending are Tafe College, Fairfield City Council, SES, Fire & Rescue NSW, Army & navy. There will be lots of food vendors, rides, shows bags, live entertainment free entry and free parking. For inquiries please contact Alex Sentana (MCLO) Fairfield Police on 9728 8407. Bandaged Bear Breakfast On Wednesday 17th September 2014, Fairfield Police will be holding the bandaged bear breakfast from 9.30am to 11am in support of the Childrens Hospital at Westmead. Senior Constable Ece Hasan said” We are all effected in some way or another by childhood illnesses. Westmead Children’s Hospital do an amazing job in caring for seriously ill children and I believe it’s up to all the community to assist in fundraising for much needed resources and equipment so the staff and continue the tremendous work that it does. Senior Constable Ece Hasan is asking our local businesses to please assist by attending the breakfast at a cost of $20 or making a donation. For any inquires please contact Senior Constable Ece Hasan on 97288459. You can also assist my purchasing raffle tickets at a cost of $5 each or three for $10. There are more than 20 prizes to be won. Counterfeit notes being distributed Police are urging shop owner to be vigilant after a number of counterfeit notes have be used in separate incidents. The notes are usually $100 and $50 bills. The person will usually use the fake note at busy stores and only buy something small hoping to receive large amount of change. If you suspect a note to be counterfeit please take the note and contact police immediately. School Zones Police are urging parents and motorist to slowdown in school zones. Schools zones are areas around schools where, at certain times motorist need to reduce speed their speed as 40km / hour limits speed limits apply. Speed limits and pick up, and drop off, parking rules exist to keep children, parents and care givers safe. These rules also apply to prevent traffic jams around schools. Fairfield Crime Prevention officer Offers some safety tips for parents and motorists, • Let your children off on the side of the road never stop in the middle of the road to let down children. • Never let your children cross the road on their own, always meet your children at the schools entrance • Never call out to your child from the other side or the road as the child may run across the road without looking for cars • Always walk your child across the road and ensure you use the pedestrian crossing • Try to leave home early to avoid arriving at peak hour where traffic is heavy • Park a safe distance from all crossings to enable pedestrians to see on coming vehicles • Do not double park as this can create traffic jams, and accidents • Always obey the directions of all signs. Read the full update on our website www.amust.com.au
Friday 5 September 2014
AUSTRALIA 10 - 13
UMMAH 14 - 16
EDUCATION 17
BUSINESS 18
SOCIAL 19
Economics of MEFF: A Display of Muslim Economic Enterprise
AUSTRALIA
New CEO for Islamic Relief, Australia
FINANCE Dr. Abul Jalaluddin The Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair (MEFF) provides a fantastic opportunity for business and finance in Sydney and Australia at large. As MEFF celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2014, it has been a demonstration of Muslim economic enterprise, besides being an avenue for social interactions, joyfulness and Eid festivities. Australian Muslims own businesses in various sectors of the economy. These businesses include retailing, butchery, accounting services, financial services including Islamic finance, manufacturing, real estate, taxis & transportation, home & gardening, furniture, automotive, Halal food & beverages, travel agency, clothing & accessories, computers & IT, jewellery & watches as well as books. MEFF at the Fairfield Showground in the West of Sydney is an exhibition of almost all sectors of Australian Muslim business. It covers various industries such as Islamic finance, retail, food & beverages, entertainment and charity organisations. The variety of stalls represents Jewellery, Perfumes, Gifts, Toys, Shoes, Islamic Art, Hijabs, Abayas, Clothes, Books, Islamic DVDs, African Fashion, Afghan Fashion, Indian Fashion, Handbags, Henna, Prayer Mats and so on. The food stalls at MEFF provide delicacies from all corners of the World. It has thrilling rides, big Ferris wheel, claw, dodgem cars, round ups, face painting, camel & pony rides, animal farms and spectacular fireworks for entertainment of all ages.
AMUST Media Islamic Relief Australia has appointed Mr Habib Malik as its new Chief Executive Officer. Malik brings with him over 10 years of experience in humanitarian work, having previously served as Head of Islamic Relief Scotland where his results-oriented approach and strategic planning skills made Islamic Relief the leading international Muslim NGO in the country.
Market Stalls at the Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair On a yearly basis, a large scale business around the tables. operation is conducted by MEFF. Up to Over the decades, multiculturalism as a 30,000 people come through the gate on the whole significantly boosted the economic Fair day; there are over 125 stalls and over performance of Australia and mostly New 20 rides; in excess of 25 Muslim cultures South Wales. Diverse ethnic entrepreneurs are represented in performances; over 200 played a vital role in directing trade and inguests from political and community lead- vestment through home countries and creers attend its luncheon. It distributes up to ating cross-cultural markets for Australia. 10,000 free souvenirs and show bags to the This is evident in various sectors of the Auspatronage of this festive event. tralian economy such as mining, commodiApart from trading of goods and services, ties, agriculture, Halal meat, dairy products, this Fair creates a unique opportunity for financial services and education. MEFF is business networking. MEFF luncheon and certainly a contributor to this economic and the entire event is a fertile ground for en- business expansion of the Australian econtrepreneurs, academicians, political and omy. community leaders to discuss and plan for The large scale economic activities of projects to benefit the Muslim as well as the MEFF will continue to help create employlarger Australian community. In the recent ment opportunities and incomes for Muslim MEFF luncheon, interactions in relation to families. No doubt, in the next 30 years, Islamic financial products, Muslim schools MEFF will further enrich our lives through and charitable activities were noticed promoting festivities and business opportunities for the benefit of all Australians.
‘Sydney’s Muslim Land’: a local’s perspective Zeynab Gamieldien I was born and raised in the Canterbury-Bankstown area. Over the course of my relatively short life, I’ve seen my fair share of sensationalist news articles and poorly edited video packages on my local area, featuring the standard shots of women in niqabs walking past ‘exotic’ grocers as bearded men scurry inside. But yesterday’s article in the Daily Telegraph entitled ‘Last Drinks in Lakemba: Tim Blair takes a look inside Sydney’s Muslim Land’ really did manage to set a new bar of awfulness in the already awful climate of representations of Muslims in mainstream media. Blair opens his article with a lamentation of the impending demise of ‘one of the last Anglo holdouts’ in Lakemba, the Lakemba Hotel. He remarks that the characteristic which sets Lakemba apart from the rest of Sydney is not its multicultural flavour, but its Middle-Eastern ‘monoculture’. He adds as a helpful aside while ‘all the restaurants’ in Lakemba serve great food, the bookshops are full of scary material, going on to provide several quotes from three books he happened to spot amongst the hundreds on shelves. The image of one entitled ‘Women Who Deserve to Go To Hell’ is then featured alongside that of a male mannequin placed outside a clothing shop, whose drawn-on, black texta beard is captioned as ‘crudely Islamified’. Add in a few images of Halal butchers and a shot of Australian Mohamed
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Elomar allegedly holding up a severed head in Iraq, and you get a complete picture of what the suburb of Lakemba is all about. Or not. It’s difficult to even begin to unravel the long line of fear-mongering stereotypes and tired clichés which underpin this article. But one can only try: ‘Muslims are all Arab’ The title of the article suggests that it offers an insight into a ‘Muslim land’. But elsewhere Lakemba is also rather confusingly referred to as a ‘Middle-Eastern south-western suburb’ and being akin to ‘any Arabic city’. Never mind the fact that not all Muslims are Arab, or that the most populous Muslim country in the world is actually our neighbour, Indonesia, or the fact that in 2010 the Pew Research Forum statistics indicated in 2010 that 62.1% of Muslims live in the Asia-Pacific and only 19.9% in the Middle-East and North Africa. ‘But all brown people are the same, aren’t they?’ According to the 2011 census data on languages spoken at home in the State Suburb of Lakemba, languages categorised as Indo-Aryan, in particular Bengali and Urdu, far outnumber Arabic. This is reflected in the mix of restaurants and grocers along Lakemba’s main street, the obvious indications being shops such as ‘Bangla Bazar’ and ‘Ekush-Bangladeshi Thai Chinese Restaurant’ alongside the few Lebanese restaurants referred to in the article. But this kind of diversity isn’t of the type people like or understand. Because there are varieties of brown people in Lakemba, they all become essentialised into one big fat lump of ‘monoculture’.
‘Muslims don’t know how to speak for themselves’ Despite offering a ‘look inside’ the suburb, Blair doesn’t appear to have actually engaged in conversation with any Muslims at all in ‘Sydney’s Muslim Land’. Instead, he bases his many observations on street signs, food samples and three books he picks up which he says ‘caught my eye’. When he does decide to get some information on what the suburb’s Muslim residents are like, he goes straight to two non-Muslim locals who give their opinion of what they think Muslims are like. This is reflective of a recurring trend of representations of Muslims in mainstream media: they are spoken to and about constantly, but never allowed to actually speak for themselves. ‘It’s okay though, they have good food!’ Ah, the racist’s fall-back. After all, no one who likes a kebab could possibly be racist, could they? Blair claims to somehow know that ‘all the restaurants’ in Lakemba serve good food, despite the cuisines on offer ranging from Pakistani to Indonesian to Moroccan and thus impossible to canvas into a single culinary entity. He then offers the handy tip that if you don’t know what to order in a Lebanese restaurant, just go for something with the word ‘mixed’ in it. Plus, the ‘unusual hours’ of Lakemba grocers during the month of Ramadan render them super-convenient. As laughable as this is in the context of the real fear generated by these types of articles, it points to the existence of a more insidious, everyday racism in which diversity is only tolerated in the form of offering new and ‘exotic’ culinary tidbits to sample. Within hours of the publishing of the arti-
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Habib Malik, CEO of Islamic Relief
Malik specialises in fundraising and community outreach. “I am so pleased to be joining the Islamic Relief Australia family. I look forward to working with the staff, volunteers and community to make this a leading Islamic Relief office,” Malik said. The new CEO replaces outgoing CEO Muaz AlHajj, who has worked tirelessly over the previous two years to bring Islamic Relief to the forefront of humanitarian action within Australia. As ongoing conflict continues to displace and impoverish people in many countries where Islamic Relief works, Malik’s appointment will mean continued and extensive support for humanitarian action and ongoing development work in those countries. Malik is the recipient of the prestigious Robert Burns Humanitarian Award as well as a number of community and Life Time Achievement Awards. During his long previous service with Islamic Relief, he has visited many field offices including Kenya, Kashmir, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Somalia, Somaliland, Gaza, Syria, Indonesia and Sudan to understand the pain, agony and sufferings of the people affected by disasters and poverty. In 2009, he visited the Gaza strip where Islamic Relief is engaged in providing life-saving medical aid through various hospitals, water, food and primary health care to thousands of Gaza civilians.
CEO Habib Malik in Scotland
cle, a Facebook page entitled ‘The Crudely Islamified Mannequin Man’ was set up to commemorate the many achievements of the stoic bearded mannequin so prominently featured in Blair’s article. One of the page’s creators, Will Scates Frances, stated that he created the page “as a satire of the kind of reporting that turns Lakemba into a scary place of Islamic people who are so scary that they don’t even have enough voice to be quoted in an article about ‘them’”. At the time of writing, the page has over 700 likes, and the hashtag #TeamMannequin is trending on Twitter. Last drinks, or last laugh? You decide.
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Gandhi’s views on Palestine AMUST
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(This article was first published in the Harijan newspaper on 26 November 1938) Several letters have been received by me, asking me to declare my views about the Arab-Jew question in Palestine and the persecution of the Jews in Germany. It is not without hesitation that I venture to offer my views on this very difficult question. My sympathies are all with the Jews. I have known them intimately in South Africa. Some of them became lifelong companions. Through these friends I came to learn much of their age long persecution. They have been the untouchables of Christianity. The parallel between their treatment by Christians and the treatment of untouchables by Hindus is very close. Religious sanction has been invoked in both cases for the justification of the inhuman treatment meted out to them. Apart from the friendships, therefore, there is the more common universal reason for my sympathy for the Jews. But my sympathy does not blind me to the requirements of justice. The cry for the national home for the Jews does not make much appeal to me. The sanction for it is sought in the Bible and the tenacity with which the Jews have hankered after return to Palestine. Why should they not, like other peoples of the earth, make that country their home where they are born and where they earn their livelihood? Palestine belongs to the Arabs in the same sense that England belongs to the English or France to the French. It is wrong and inhuman to impose the Jews on the Arabs. What is going on in Palestine today cannot be justified by any moral code of conduct. The mandates have no sanction but that of the
Gandhiji launched Harijan, a multilingual newspaper, in February, 1933 while being held captive in the Yerwada Jail by the British. He brought out this publication in three languages - Harijan in English, Gujarati, and Hindi.
last war. Surely it would be a crime against humanity to reduce the proud Arabs so that Palestine can be restored to the Jews partly or wholly as their national home. The nobler course would be to insist on a just treatment of the Jews wherever they are born and bred. The Jews born in France are French in precisely the same sense that Christians born in France are French. If the Jews have no home but Palestine, will they relish the idea of being forced to leave the other parts of the world in which they are settled? Or do they want a double home where they can remain at will? This cry for the national home affords a colourable justification for the German expulsion of the Jews. But the German persecution of the Jews seems to have no parallel in history. The tyrants of old never went so mad as Hitler seems to have gone. And he is doing it with religious zeal. For, he is pro-
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pounding a new religion of exclusive and militant nationalism in the name of which any inhumanity becomes an act of humanity to be rewarded here and hereafter. The crime of an obviously mad but intrepid youth is being visited upon his whole race with unbelievable ferocity. If there ever could be a justifiable war in the name of and for humanity, a war against Germany to prevent the wanton persecution of a whole race, would be completely justified. But I do not believe in any war. A discussion of the pros and cons of such a war is, therefore, outside my horizon or province.
“Let the Jews who claim to
be the chosen race prove their title by choosing the way of non-violence for vindicating their position on earth. Every country is their home, including Palestine, not by aggression but by loving service.” But if there can be no war against Germany, even for such a crime as is being committed against the Jews, surely there can be no alliance with Germany. How can there be alliance between a nation, which claims to stand for justice and democracy and one, which is the declared enemy of both? Or is England drifting towards armed dictatorship and all it means? Germany is showing to the world how efficiently violence can be worked when it is not hampered by any hypocrisy or weakness masquerading as humanitarianism. It is also showing how hideous, terrible and terrifying it looks in its nakedness. Can the Jews resist this organized and shameless persecution? Is there a way to preserve their self-respect and not to feel helpless, neglected and forlorn? I
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FAMILY 9
submit there is. No person who has faith in a living God need feel helpless or forlorn. Jehovah of the Jews is a God more personal than the God of the Christians, the Mussalmans or the Hindus, though as a matter of fact, in essence, He is common to all and one without a second and beyond description. But as the Jews attribute personality to God and believe that He rules every action of theirs, they ought not to feel helpless. If I were a Jew and were born in Germany and earned my livelihood there, I would claim Germany as my home even as the tallest gentile German might, and challenge him to shoot me or cast me in the dungeon;I would refuse to be expelled or to submit to discriminating treatment. And for doing this I should not wait for! The fellow Jews to join me in civil resistance, but would have confidence that in the end the rest were bound to follow my example.... ...And now a word to the Jews in Palestine. I have no doubt that they are going about it in the wrong way. The Palestine of the Biblical conception is not a geographical tract. It is in their hearts. But if they must look to the Palestine of geography as their national home, it is wrong to enter it under the shadow of the British gun. A religious act cannot be performed with the aid of the bayonet or the bomb. They can settle in Palestine only by the goodwill of the Arabs. They should seek to convert the Arab heart. The same God rules the Arab heart who rules the Jewish heart. They will find the world opinion in their favour in their religious aspiration. There are hundreds of ways of reasoning with the Arabs, if they will only discard the help of the British bayonet. As it is, they are co-sharers with the British in despoiling a people who have done no wrong to them. I am not defending the Arab excesses. I wish they had chosen the way of non-violence in resisting what they rightly regarded as an unwarrantable encroachment upon their country. But according to the accepted canons of right and wrong, nothing can be said against the Arab resistance in the face of overwhelming odds. Let the Jews who claim to be the chosen race prove their title by choosing the way of non-violence for vindicating their position on earth. Every country is their home, including Palestine, not by aggression but by loving service. A Jewish friend has sent me a book called The Jewish Contribution to Civilization by Cecil Roth. It gives a record of what the Jews have done to enrich the world’s literature, art, music, drama, science, medicine, agriculture, etc. Given the will, the Jew can refuse to be treated as the outcast of the West, to be despised or patronized. He can command the attention and respect of the world by being the chosen creation of God, instead of sinking to the brute who is forsaken by God. They can add to their many contributions the surpassing contribution of non-violent action.
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UMMAH 14 - 16
EDUCATION 17
BUSINESS 18
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Believable Fiction as a Beacon in the Fog of War: Easy Falsehoods and ‘the Islamic State’ W M Scates Frances More than a year ago I wrote regarding the Syria conflict that ‘when a narrative appeals to you, that is the point at which you must be wary, for we rarely accept unappealing falsehoods, it is those that appeal that slip through the cracks in our incredulity.’ It is an example of a failure of this wariness that spurred me to write again. Today I write about Iraq, and about one of the groups that was made by that conflict, though it existed before. The Islamic State (tIS), the group formerly known as ISIS (the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham) has made, with the aid of a broad coalition of local Sunni tribes, serious gains in the North of Iraq. In the wake of the capture of Mosul the group made the bold move of declaring the Khilafa, ‘crowning’ their leader as ‘Caliph Ibrahim’. Now I don’t need to tell you, dear brothers and sisters, the appeal that the office of khilafa holds for many Muslims, though many have so far been unimpressed with its tIS manifestation. However this declaration also holds much fear, especially for those whose interests were already in conflict with groups like tIS. The corollary of this fear has been the spread of appealing falsehoods; news stories that confirm and justify already deeply held anxieties. As images emerged of churches in Mosul burning, a story of a massive bank heist spread like wildfire. Yet both stories turned out to be entirely false. These tall tales exaggerate and emphasise both the power of tIS and its targeting of Christian communities in Iraq. They gain such purchase because they feed upon that fear, and feed into a narrative around tIS that easily finds confirmation. The same was true of the recent report that claimed that the Caliph had ordered that ‘FGM’ be carried out upon all female residents of Mosul. This story was suspicious from the start, to anyone familiar with either tIS’s brand of Islam or with any contact with their supporters. To such people the likely falsehood of such a story was obvious, but our protestations came too late. It was spread rapidly and published by news organisations from the BBC to the Guardian and al-Arabiya. Pre-existing perceptions of tIS acted as a stand in for evidence, despite calls for scepticism and confirmation. If one goes on twitter, the occasional person will have their profile picture or avatar punctuated with the letter ‘’ن. This letter is
the sound ‘n’ in English, and comes from a report which emerged from Mosul soon after tIS captured the city. The story goes that tIS fighters were marking all the houses of Christians with the letter ‘’ن, which was short for ‘Nasrani’ (Christians) in order to mark them out to be dealt with later. The origins of the story, as far as I can tell, lays with an announcement by the Patriarch of Baghdad, Mar Raphael Louis Sako, on the 17th of July, which additionally claimed that ‘( ’رshort for ‘Rafiḍah’) marked Shia houses as well. This image, of minority houses marked upon sectarian lines has much currency in a post-Nazi world. The picture of the Star of David painted upon shops in a ghetto in Germany is an arresting and evocative one. That cultural currency is strikingly illustrated by the aforementioned twitter trend, the image has spread rapidly, and Muslims, Christians and other groups have resoundingly adopted it as symbol of solidarity with Mosul’s Christians. However how much do we know about the truth behind it? Having asked fighters and tIS supporters alike, one finds little clarity, which brings us to an important point. tIS isn’t ashamed of what it is. What tied together the stories of Church burnings and FGM was that they were ultimately never confirmed or spread by members or representa-
tives of tIS itself. Yet one finds that they are not at all afraid of spreading the news of those Mosques and Shrines they do destroy, or of the rulings they do enforce in areas they control. They have, for example, no qualms about issuing details of the ‘jizya’ (tax upon their Christian subjects), issuing ‘urgent clarification’ of its amount and nature. The ‘urgency’ behind the clarification is not clear, but one could well argue that a Christian exodus from tIS controlled areas could have something to do with it. They also do not shy away from posting publicly about their killing. Indeed in a response to a tweet saying exactly that, one of their supporters sent me an image of a severed head… Accompanied by a smiling emoticon. While one has to rely on third hand information for much of what occurs on the front lines in Iraq and Syria, when it comes to tIS policies, there is a remarkable amount of clarity, which is pretty easily attained through what is, for such a group, a pretty slick media operation. When it comes to the marking of Christian houses and an impending genocide against Iraqi Christians, there is little such clarity. Asking members I was met with a number of contrary replies, all of which said it was either rare or faked. Some asserted that it was sprayed
Media Scan Ainullah
on those houses who had paid the jizya (and thus were under the protection of tIS) and others said it indicated empty houses, abandoned by Christians and therefore property of tIS. Early reports of the practice seemed to confirm the latter, but that idea soon vanishes from the reports. Of course this is not definitive, but what is clear is that the claims of an impending genocide are arguably far exaggerated by media to whom it appears a certainty. Indeed those tIS affiliates I spoke with were eager to argue that they had no problem with the Christians, as long as they paid the tax… and that the option on not paying it was not death, but rather expulsion. The latter claim should be taken with a large grain of salt. At the beginning of the Iraq war, Mosul’s Christian population numbered between 30 and 50 000, by the beginning of this year, that number was 10 000. Many media outlets now report that almost no Christians remain. Regardless of the realities on the ground, the impression of impending ethnic violence has been sufficient to clear the city of most of its Christian residents. This flight must surely have been enhanced by the writings of the Patriarch of Baghdad who, along with making the claim about ‘’ن, called upon Christians to abandon areas in the control of tIS. The steady flow of information and misinformation is itself an actor in Iraq and Syria. The impression of tIS’s policies towards minorities is far more effective at ethnic cleansing than any reality. The truth or falsehood of the claim itself remains to be shown, but what remains is that the fog of war obscures much. In such times of uncertainty, relying on the stories we already believe will often only lead us further astray. The desire for a strong, easy, ‘truth’ often outweighs even an experienced reporter’s doubts. In the sake of brevity I have focused on one ‘muddy’ truth about the situation in Iraq and Syria but there are a multiplicity of similarly curious claims that are thrown out in reports by even the most mainstream of news organisations, many of them contradicted by other reports from the ground. So scepticism remains an imperative. I wish you all a blessed Eid, and may Allah bring clarity to us all. And Allah Knows Best. Note: Shoutout to @naza_kat and @ prohairetic on twitter as well as Mohamad Tabbaa on FB for the conversations which spurred this post and their contributions to its form. I would have liked to have footnote it fully but this format is tricky for that and many of my sources, for obvious reasons, are unnamed.
Australians fighting for Galloway assaulted by man shouting Holocaust the Israeli army in Gaza Two 22 year old former students of a Jewish school in Melbourne have been wounded while fighting for the Israeli army in Gaza. There are a number of Australians who regularly travel to Israel and serve in the army. It was reported that Dutch authorities were
concerned that a large number of Dutch citizens were fighting for the Israeli army when it invaded Gaza last month.
It is estimated that there are more than 2500 foreign nationals from more than 60 countries enlisted in the Israeli army. Most of them are from the US.
Mike Carlton leaves the Herald Mike Carlton last month resigned from the position of columnist from the Sydney Morning Herald. He was forced into this action after learning that he would be suspended from the position. The furor arose after Mike Carlton wrote a scathing article criticizing the Israeli in-
Friday 5 September 2014
vasion of Gaza and the killing of hundreds of civilians. He said that he was intensively abused via emails and phone calls and threats of violence were made against him. The Herald apologised for a cartoon that was published with the articles that was criticized as being racist against Jewish people.
George Galloway, the outspoken British MP for Bradford and a strong critic of Israel was assaulted by a man shouting references to Holocaust last Friday 29 August and reportedly suffered a broken jaw and ribs.
A 39 year old man has been charged with religiously aggravated assault.
SIMI ban extended for another five years The ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) have been extended seventh time for yet another five years extending the ban to a total of 18 years. Lawyer for SIMI, Mr Ashok Agarwal said
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that the ban is unjust and against the fundamental rights to freedom of association and is based on intelligence reports and confessions under coercion by those arrested under anti-terror laws.
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Gaza emergency response AMUST
Islamic Help The Gaza crisis has forcibly displaced up to half a million people, equating to almost 30% of Gaza’s population, including about 65,000 people whose homes have been destroyed or damaged beyond repair and have nowhere to return. Gaza’s public health system is on the verge of collapse while the number of casualties continues to grow. Medication and medical supplies, food, water, hygiene materials and fuel are among the essential items urgently required to support the people of Gaza. Generous donations from communities, organisations and individuals such as yourselves have made it possible for Islamic Help to reach and respond to the disadvantaged populations of Palestine. Against all difficulties and dangers, Islamic Help’s team continue to carry out its obligation towards those in need. Health and Hygiene Ten of Gaza’s 26 hospitals have had to shut down and 34 out of 75 primary health clinics have also closed. Emergency care remains a high priority for staff with medication and equipment running drastically low. Hospitals are dependent, almost exclusively, on back-up generators as their main source of power. The lack of electricity and fuel shortages has further disrupted access to water for the entire population. The problems have been compounded by the destruction of water and sewage treatment plants. Our Response Medical supplies worth $200,000 were procured within Gaza and distributed to
hospitals in liaison with medical authorities. 200 medical kits were distributed on 22nd July 2014 to Kamal Idwan Hospital, Beit Lahia and Nasser Hospital, Khan Younis. A shipment of medical supplies worth $198,213.42 (£117,656.67) has been dispatched from Salt Lake City, USA to Palestine. Islamic Help will distribute this shipment within Gaza in partnership with the Palestinian Red Crescent and in coordination with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR. Sanitation and hygiene is a high priority for displaced Palestinians. The UN Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA – the UN agency responsible for Palestinians – will coordinate the delivery of 3,000 hygiene kits containing essential items on behalf of Islamic Help’s donors. In response to the fuel crisis affecting Gaza’s hospital generators, on 22 July 2014 an agreement was negotiated between the UNRWA and a coalition of charities led by Islamic Help. The fuel will be delivered directly by UNRWA to the hospitals with Islamic Help’s support. Food and Water Gaza’s displaced population is in increasing need of emergency food assistance and clean drinking water. Our Response As part of the emergency food response, our team has distributed 3950 family food packs containing essential food items, reaching 15,800 people in 7 UNRWA schools and non-UNRWA locations. Many of the families moved to these locations from the Shuja’ya neighbourhood which has been mostly destroyed. 350 of these packs were part of a general
Emergency food packs to displaced families in Gaza distribution to families and the others were: 22 & 24 July 2014: Al-Zaitoun Boys School, UNRWA – 900 food packs 23 July 2014: Al-Bahrain Junior School, UNRWA – 400 food packs 24 July 2014: Al-Zaitoun Girls School, UNRWA – 400 food packs 26 July 2014: Al-Shati Girls School, UNRWA – 362 food packs 26 July 2014: Al-Shati Elementary School, UNRWA – 275 food packs 26 July 2014: Al-Shati Boys School, UNRWA – 212 food packs 26 July 2014: Displaced families outside of UNRWA centres – 58 food packs 26 July 2014: National Agency for Family Care – 491 food packs 27 July 2014: Al-Zaitoun Elementary School, UNRWA - 502 food packs 200 large family food packs, designed to last a family of 5 for a month are being prepared for distribution. Additionally a fortnightly convoy from Jordan to Gaza will supply food items and essential medicines to Palestinians on behalf of Islamic Help. Rebuilding Lives Islamic Help’s work in Gaza has only just begun. Through the generosity of our supporters, we have already provided urgently needed food, water and medicines to thousands of people in Gaza. But it is only the beginning. The destruction wrought on the enclave has destroyed communities, infrastructure and people’s lives. The rebuilding of Gaza will take years if not decades.
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With teams on the ground providing direct help and aid, and in partnership with United Nations agencies and other organisations like the Palestine Red Crescent, Islamic Help is committed to meeting the immediate needs of Gaza’s population. As the conflict subsides, we will not only step up our delivery of food, water and hygiene materials alongside medicine and medical supplies, but launch major programmes to help the rebuilding of Gaza. These include 300 water tanks to provide more than 10,500 people with clean drinking water for weeks, and the setting up of a water plant – in conjunction with the Palestinian Water Authority – to provide clean water to 30,000 people daily. One of the most crucial aspects of our work is ensuring that Gaza’s hospitals keep running. We have committed ourselves to doing that by working with the United Nations to provide additional fuel supplies to operate backup generators at the hospitals. Again, we and the people of Gaza thank you for your generosity, please continue to help the people of Gaza rebuild their lives. Help Us Deliver Even More Donations are Tax Deductible By Phone: (02) 9746 2312 Online: http://islamichelp.org.au/gaza-emergency-appeal Direct Deposit: Westpac Bank BSB: 032361 ACC No: 437351
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The 99 Divine attributes of Allah Part 1 - Introduction BEYOND THE BOX Dr Q Ashfaq Ahmad This issue will commence a series exclusive to AMUST on the 99 divine attributes of Allah. This work is prompted by the work of the past great sufi M.R. Bawa Muhaiyaddeen, published as the book “al-Asmā’ulHusnā; The 99 Beautiful Names of Allah” in English originally in 1979 in USA. Subsequent parts will commence describing these names in detail, according to my humble understanding through the Quran and the Sunnah.
Part 1 - Introduction A human likes and appreciates the name of an entity or object according to the concept that he forms about it in his perception. Any defect in the concept stems out from the defect of the name that also points out the defect of the concept vice versa. Based on this axiom, the attachment of the human with the entity also depends upon his concept in his perception and thus the relationship, cordial or otherwise, of the human with that entity is established on this basis. This final reality being true for all the ideas, entities, objects or virtues in this world is also true about the relationships between a human and his ideas about God (Al-
Who am I? Philip Feinstein
WHO AM I?
Every week mark off some new ones... and read again those already marked off.
I am great, I am powerful and I am beautiful. I am smart and full of good ideas. I am creative, unique and important. I will do the best I can and will pat myself on the back.
lah). Hence, pertaining to personal names or attributes of Allah, any aberration in the concept or faith about Allah automatically manifests in the aberration in moral and ethical behaviour of the person’s whole life in this world. Therefore it is extremely essential to think over the personal names or attributes of Allah in order to frame the healthy ethical pattern of living in this world with love, peace and harmony individually and collectively. These best attributes indicate the characteristics depicting the greatness, superiority, holiness and perfect ideal virtues of Allah. The deviation in the assignment of the attitudes of Allah would be indicated by calling Allah with the characteristics that depict wrong faith, concept or ideas about the Most Superior Being whom a person considers his Ideal and most dependent and reliable personality. To assign any name to Allah the Creator which is also used and assigned to the creature being created by Allah seems as if to assign the human characteristics to the Supreme Being. Beware! Humans themselves are also the creature.
I am proud of my achievements. I enjoy making music. I focus on the positive and attract only good things to myself. I can do anything I set my mind to. I belive in me, but I am not afraid to ask for help.
“Allah has the most excellent names. So invoke Him by His Names and keep away from those who practice deviation concerning His names. They shall be recompensed for what they have been doing.”
My dreams are coming true. I deserve good things because I am unique and special. I am blessed and I am truthful. I am grateful for all the good in my life. I am safe and there are good people around me. Every problem has an answer, so I am also a good listener.
(Qur’an; Al-A’raf, 7:180) Hence the Qur’an, the divine word of Allah according to Islam, strictly forbids to attributing any kind of partnership with Him. There are only excellent attributes and nice names that should always be called by the humans created by Him. As far as the persons who are, by omission or commission, have been involving Allah by unsuitable attributes or names, the virtu-
ous persons should not bother about them. For example, some consider God to have partners, sons or daughters that can function as intercessors to persuade and convince God to change his decree or decisions on their recommendations and certification. Such concepts and assumptions dilute the Exaltedness, Divinity, Almighty Position, Wisdom, Oneness and Superiority of Allah.
“These
best attributes indicate the characteristics depicting the greatness, superiority, holiness and perfect ideal virtues of Allah.” The word used in Arabic Yulhedoon (Degrading the status of Allah) indicates severe offence and distortion. It indicates mismatching the nice attributes of Allah with the degraded and dishonoured characteristics toward Allah. To keep yourself away from them does not mean to boycott or hate them. It means that one should never get resentment and discuss about this issue with them. Allah orders to leave them to be dealt with by Allah. Allah is All-Wise and All-Knower how to deal with them and He well understands their ignorance or motive for this kind of negligence. Most excellent names indicates that these are the distinctive, unique and special attributes without having any kind of deficiency. These should always be invoked with much reverence and respect. According to the saying of the Prophet (pbuh) called ahadith in Arabic there are the renowned 99 attributes of Allah, mentioned in two most important classical collections by Tirmidzi and Ibn Mājah as narrated by the Prophets lifelong disciple and student Abu Huraira (ra). Most of them are also mentioned in Al-Quran at different occasions.
Good things will happen to me. My glass of water will always be half full. I love myself totally and completely. I like my thoughts and listen to my heart. God within me is my power.
construction
I choose how I feel by the way I think and talk. I am friendly and kind to others. I am my best friend and I have great ideas.
Philip Feinstein is involved in Music for Refugees project. When he works at Villawood Detention Centre and with other refugee organisations, he hands out to refugee kids and adults a sheet entitled “Who Am I?” It is a great way for people to gain confidence and to feel good about themselves. An Arabic version of this can be obtained from him: www.musicforrefugees.org
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Pakistan making great strides in E-Governance AMUST
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(Adapted from blog by by Gopal Sathe, NDTV Gadgets) While news coming out of Pakistan is usually related to terrorism, drone attacks, earthquakes and currently the political deadlock, here is a difference. This story describes pioneering use of technology leading to E-Governance that suits this troubled nation. Pakistan suffers from a litany of problems such as frequent power outages, limited unreliable broadband connectivity and a lack of computer literacy. However Pakistan like its neighbor India is also experiencing the transformative effects of the smartphone revolution. Pakistan has been using for some time now government-made smartphone apps to help officials deal with a range of issues from fighting dengue to extending arable land to crime monitoring. A lot of the credit to this change can be given to the Punjab Information and Technology Board (PITB), headed by the Chairman Dr Umar Saif since 2011. Saif - who received his PhD from Trinity College, Cambridge - also serves as the Vice Chancellor of the Information Technology University in Pakistan, after a four year stint teaching and working at MIT. The Pakistani province of Punjab holds more than half of the country’s population and in 2011 it was facing a dengue epidemic, with 21,000 cases and hundreds of fatalities. Part of the problem was the haphazard of digitisation of records, which made it hard to co-ordinate work across departments. The solution that the PITB came up with was to create a smartphone application that could be distributed to workers and officials in the various government departments engaged in tackling dengue. The app was used to track the work being done to fight the disease, and to also map the spread of dengue. Saif shares his insights into the challenges of bringing a technology solution to a government problem. “Historically, IT departments around the world have stuck to using personal computers as the platform for their solutions,” Saif explains, “and this has some fundamental flaws. Governments spend billions buying the hardware and software, but the uptake of technology is very low.” “The bureaucracy - particularly the lower tiers, are not computer savvy, and PCs have a lot of infrastructural needs,” he adds. “And a senior bureaucrat will often not want to use the computer either, and just gives it to an assistant in a back room. That’s the state of things in Pakistan, and I suspect, in countries like India too - such devices are used more as typewriters.” To work around these constraints, the PITB invested in Android smartphones - cheaper ones for the lower level staff, and high-end ones for the senior officials - and distributed these devices with a few work-related pre-installed apps along with some paid for talk time and messages. In 2011, when Saif joined the PITB, smartphone penetration was growing fast, and the networks were growing as well. With their own batteries and wireless connections, phones solved one of the bigger problems that PCs faced. But more than that, Saif says that the phones also come with “social value.” “You can call friends and family, watch a film, or play games on the phone,” says Saif. “They’re intuitive, and everyone wants to use one, so they won’t get handed off to an assistant. So with the hardware taken care of, we [the PITB] could focus our efforts on developing smartphone applications for automating government work.” The PITB team would go on to develop an
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Dr Umar Saif, Chairman of Punjab Information & Technology Board (PITB)
automated platform with which they could crank out simple, template-based apps for government departments in minutes, based on the queries that each department needed to track, but the first stage - after convincing an extremely skeptical bureaucracy - was making the dengue tracking app. The app needed to be able to track the location of each report, save pictures both before and after interventions to measure their effectiveness, and also share this information to a centralised database. This helped the team in locating the epicentre of the disease, and tracking the aedes larva. To do this, the PITB equipped the field workers to track the containment activities, so that all incidents, larvae, and control activities could be viewed on a map to track trends and developments. “We bought 1,500 smartphones and giving them out to different government departments,” says Saif. “So everything you [the workers] do, go to a house, or do some fog spray, or use the chemicals to kill the larva in a pond of water, or you clear a puddle of water, or shred some tyres, or you are putting some fish in a pond, which will eat the larva, any such activity; [the workers] take a before and after photo, which geotags the activity, and time stamps it. We have entomologists who go around looking for the larva, and they geotag their findings as well. We use this as a predictive tool to figure out where the patients will come from. We also geotag the houses of the confirmed patients; the system carries out statistical analysis, and raises alerts and highlights that on the map and automatically messages the district staff as well.” This also solved one of the big issues that had been facing the different departments - staff accountability. Since all the work is being geotagged and time stamped, if there is any lacuna, it is possible now to zero in on the exact area and time where photos needed to be checked. Accountability was in fact the biggest selling point to many of the heads of departments, to get better insights
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into the work their staffers were doing, according to Saif. The project was a success - dengue is no longer at epidemic status in Punjab - and with World Bank funding, the core idea has been rolled out to multiple functions of the government. Agricultural expansion is now being tracked and verified, drug inspectors are uploading data on all the pharmacies they check, while the police in Lahore geotag all crime scenes to analyse patterns in crime. “Often there are external factors which would affect the incidence of crime in an area,” says Saif. “The map visualisation makes it possible to understand the problem and take preventative measures. For this reason, each station has two smartphones now.” If you think about it, that’s not actually so different from most location-based social networks that exist right now, and once the PITB got the green light, it did not take them long to get prototypes running. Saif credits Burhan Rasool, a member of the PITB, with having done most of the actual coding required. Since then, Rasool has created several more applications for the PITB - 26 in total - which are being used in different spheres of the government. Aside from smartphone applications, the PITB has also taken a page from the work being done in neighbouring India, and is trying to move Punjab away from a stamp paper regime, by digitising land records. Along with this, the board is also rolling out educational campaigns on the phone, and SMS outreach programs, similar to the work being done in parts of India. Three years ago though, all this was still pretty far off, and Saif had an uphill task of convincing people that the project would bring about the desired results. “Convincing the district officers, then 17 government departments, was a challenge,” says Saif. “Two and a half years down the line people have come to see the value and it has become easier, but it was definitely an
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uphill struggle at first. Today, with the digitisation work, the PITB is grappling with problems that state governments here are already familiar with. The local officials who handled the land records on both sides of the border had grown accustomed to a lot of power, as sole custodians of these documents. These issues have already been highlighted by people in India, and these are the same problems that Saif is facing now. “We make the data public, that makes it harder to be inefficient, and will cut out commissions and bribes, and so there can emerge an adversarial relationship,” says Saif. Along the way, Saif has learned a useful lesson. “When you talk to IT people,” he says, “we often see the ideal solution. And the behaviour of people at the ground level does not always get factored into our thinking.” Instead, Saif believes, technology should be used as a measurement tool. “Identifying the bottlenecks - are people doing their jobs properly - this is the real way in which to drive progress. Use technology to drive decisions, instead of replacing the existing processes.”
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It’s all fun and games until Twitter turns nasty
#SOCIAL
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Sarah Malik The immediacy and reach of social media can be empowering, but when it’s used purely for harassment the flaws of the system are revealed, as too many have recently discovered, writes Sarah Malik. There’s a reason why it’s advised to avoid religion and politics in polite company. Add self-appointed punditry and social media to the fusion and you have a recipe for immediate combustion. Get together with any group of friends and you will hear war stories on friendships strained and out-of-control online debates that veer into a blood sport. A recent piece in the New York Times suggested 69 per cent of social media users have witnessed digital cruelty. Moderators at the The Guardian recently considered whether online anonymity should be an option rather than the default position in commentary after noting an eruption of particularly vile contributions around controversial topics, like gender issues. Barely a week goes by without a Twitter controversy that wrecks careers and even destroy lives, from the hilarious to the tragic. Who could forget the tragi-comedy that was Weiner-gate and most recently Botham-gate that forced spluttering explanations on why public Twitter accounts had been plastered with mysterious genitalia, the former that derailed a promising political career. Most recently Robin Williams’ daughter was forced to quit Twitter after trolls hounded her online, and earlier this year the suicide of TV personality Charlotte Dawson shocked Australia amid reports of Twitter bullying. Disturbingly women seem to be the most common target of these attacks. The swift brutality of internet campaigns can also claim high profile scalps, with Sydney Morning Herald columnist Mike Carlton earlier this month quitting after coming under fire when he snapped responding to unprecedented internet trolling after writing a searing piece on the carnage in Gaza. Alan Moran from the right-wing think tank, Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) was reportedly given the sack after allegedly tweeting “Is there ever anything but evil coming from Islam?” Perhaps a little more strident than the IPA’s usual fare. The online world has become inescapably woven into our social experiences and the way we process events in the 24-hour news age. For the punter unsure how to deal with it all, there have spouted a corresponding multitude of pieces advising on navigating social media and argument in the internet age from losing friends on Facebook over political differences, to dealing with online
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trolls, and cautionary warnings on the end of the columnist golden age. #firstworldproblem, right? The immediacy of the internet means no more filters between your own thoughts and the world, or you and the object of your disdain. The lack of filters is not an entirely negative. In the case of public figures, tweeting, Facebook, live radio and TV blunders can provide a delicious insight into a personality outside a perfectly crafted PR image. When it comes to the crazy and entertaining, you don’t get better than Clive Palmer, in hot water over his most recent bizarre outburst labelling the Chinese “mongrels” on ABC talk show Q&A. It follows Palmer United party cohort Jacqui Lambie, who seems to have taken a leaf from the Clive book of inappropriate comments, with her oversharing of her partner preferences on radio. I can’t help but feel this is almost a flip side of a timid age where public figures and even private individuals unleash after being constrained in a world of tightly scripted image building and the niceties forced in IRL (internet speak for “in real life”) encounters. But does the free-for-all have any limits? Criticism is healthy. A hilarious send-up or a spot on critique furthers and enhances debate, provides room for growth and the contestation and banter of wits. Social media and blogging spaces in particular are powerful ways for minority communities to create counter communities against oppressive dominant discourses and empowering spaces for voices not traditionally heard. You can see this with the creation of Facebook groups like A Man’s hijab, an internal send-up of gender double standards and the Lakemba mannequin man, lampooning a bizarre article in the Daily Telegraphtrading on tired stereotypes of the Muslim commu-
nity and Lakemba, in Sydney’s south-west. But it’s when commentary get vicious, repetitive and personal, with smear attacks masquerading as “critiques” veering on harassment that it seems to go beyond making a point once. The freedom of speech to make a critique should not assume the critique needs to be accepted or responded to and its aim shouldn’t be the trashing and destruction of the person who is the subject of the critique. This seems to be attack on the right of free speech itself. Those privileged in this give and take don’t seem to be the minority voices, but the loudest bullies. If going cold turkey online doesn’t appeal, perhaps the most apt advice comes from the unlikely Taylor Swift and her latest hit, “Haters gonna hate. You just gotta shake it off”. If that fails, consider taking the disturbances as a perverse compliment, in the style of Oscar Wilde who embraced controversy with the droll riposte: “There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.”
A priest once met with a Shaykh and asked him: “Why are your men required to have beards?” The Shaykh smiled and took out two kiwis from his pocket (he likes to carry kiwis around with him). He peeled the hairy skin from one of them, and left the hairy skin on the other. He then threw both of the kiwis on the ground and asked the priest: “Which one are you willing to eat?” The priest said “Of course the one with the hairy skin still on it!” The Shaykh again smiled and said: “It is the same with our men!”
When Tim Blair and Mannequin met for the first time. #teammannequin
Sarah Malik is Sydney-based journalist and writer. You can follow her on Twitter @sarahbmalik or her website sarahbmalik. com. This article was originally published on ABC’s The Drum (http://www.abc.net.au/ thedrum). Read the original article here (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-27/ malik-its-all-fun-and-games-until-twitterturns-nasty/5699666).
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Australasian Muslim Times
www.amust.com.au
Friday 5 September 2014