Issue 128 July 2016

MUSLIM

AUSTRALASIAN

Multimedia News & Views

ISSN: 1039-2300

Print Post Publication No. 100021354

Print edition published Monthly on first Friday with Website updates

Strenght of Midstream Islam

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Australian Political Iftars

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Iftars catalyse community cohesion Zia Ahmad This year Sydney has witnessed community Iftars almost on a daily basis throughout the month of Ramadan.

Iftar is the evening meal taken after the day long fast from dawn to dusk. It brings families and communities together from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life to share meal in an atmosphere of peace, harmony and respect for all.

There were a great variety of Iftars at various venues, from political Iftars at parliament house to community Iftars at Villawood detention centre as well as corporate Iftars in and around the city.

The Premier of NSW, Mike Baird hosted the bipartisan Premier’s Iftar dinner on Tuesday 14 June at the NSW Parliament House inviting a large contingent of Muslim as well as interfaith leaders.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull hosted a Ramadan Iftar on Thursday evening 16 June at Kirribilli House, Sydney, a first by an Australian PM. The invited guests included Muslim leaders and young activists from all states as well as interfaith representatives from Sydney.

Mr Turnbull greeted Muslims saying, “I am honoured to be the first Australian Prime Minister to host an Iftar during the holy month of Ramadan. To the approximately five hundred thousand Muslim Australians across our country and to more than one and half billion Muslims around the world, Ramadan Kareem.”

“Tonight we gather as a community of many faiths and cultures to get to know one another and to share the spirit of Ramadan.

I am delighted that we are joined tonight not only by so many outstanding Muslim Australians, but Australians of many faiths,” he said.

Mr Turnbull singled out Australia as the most successful multicultural society in the

PM Malcolm Turnbull with Waleed Aly, Susan Carland and Yassmin Abdel-Magied at the PM’s national Iftar. world and Muslims as an integral part of Australia, and said that he was honoured by the attendance of the 75 guests at this unprecedented national Iftar dinner.

The PM shared the dinner table with Network Ten’s The Project host, Waleed Aly and his wife Susan Carland, mechanical engineer and Youth activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied, AFL player Bachar Houli, Maha Abdo, Ghena Krayem, and Ridwan Jadwat from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Other guests included Mufti of Australia Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed, Hass Dellal, from Australian Multicultural Foundation, Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman, Shaikh Wesam Charkawi and interfaith representatives including Archbishop of Sydney Reverend Glenn Davies, Rabbi Dr Benjamin Elton from the Great Synagogue of Sydney and

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Dr Nihal Agar from Hindu Council of Australia.

Quoting from the Quran and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (s), Mr Turnbull said “by breaking bread across religions and by bringing diverse people together, we are embodying Islam’s emphasis on human diversity.”

“We must stand together like we do tonight as one Australian family united against terrorism, racism, discrimination and violence,” he said.

However this great initiative by the PM was dampened by the media frenzy targeting one of the invited guests Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman, Chairman of the Australian National Imams Council, as being homophobic. The PM was left defending himself and regretting his invitation to Sheikh Shady.

The accusation of Sheikh Shady being

homophobic was based on an old video where the Sheikh had explained the position of Islam with respect to homosexuality, possibly not in a politically correct way.

However next day Sheikh Shady promptly put out a media statement denying the accusation of being homophobic and “unreservedly condemned vilification and oppression of any group of people based on race, religion, gender, sexuality…”.

“There is absolutely no place for homophobia or any sort of hatred or discrimination towards a person who identifies as LGBTI”, he stated.

Last weekend Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed had strongly condemned media witch hunt for Sheikh Shady and supported him for stating the Islamic view on the subject of homosexuality without being apologetic about it.

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Islamic Finance Industry Survey AMUST Media The Islamic Financial Services Council of Australia, IFSCA has recently conducted a survey and produced a comprehensive industry report with facts and figures on Australian Financial Services Providers.

The survey was conducted electronically over the months of February and March 2016. The response was highly representative of the industry, receiving 7 responses out of possible population of 9 entities involved with Islamic financial services in Australia.

There are a number of companies providing a suite of products including Home Finance, Vehicle Finance, Islamic Superannuation, Property Fund, Managed Investment Scheme, Cash Management, Domestic Equities, International Equities, Financial Planning, Property Fund and Personal Risk Management. This level of enterprise represents a formidable industry in the Australian financial services sector.

The current membership of IFSCA includes Hejaz Financial Services, MCCA Islamic Finance & Investments, Lawful Finance Australia, Islamic Co-operative Finance Australia Ltd ICFAL, , Financial First and Equitable Financial Solutions EFSOL.

A consultative conference was held on Sat 4 June organised by the United Australian Peace Federation at Community Centre in Auburn, Sydney bringing a diverse range of Muslims in order to work against sectarianism and disunity.

The participants of the conference included Dr. Mohammed Al-Jabiry, Mr. Aziz Akbar, Dr. Wali Islam, Mr. Asim Mustafa Jawad, Mr. Hassan Mutab, Mr. Sulaiman Al-Fahad, Dr. Ihsan Al-Rubaie, Dr. Makki Kashkool, Mr. Hussein Dirani, Mr. Dhafer Al-Shammari, Dr. Ahmed Aboud,Mr. Jamal Dawood, Mr. Firas Naji, Ms. Hanadi Alaswad, Mrs.Susan Aoun, Mr. Noureddine Madani, Mr. Bakri Jaber, Mr. Hamid Abbas

A new campaign to involve the public in shaping the future of Sydney was launched on Sunday 26 June.

A “Talk Bus” that will travel to community events, local shops and sporting fixtures will spearhead the campaign. The bus will be equipped with tablet computers linked to an interactive website where the community can have their say on what makes their neighbourhoods special.

Planning Minister Rob Stokes, Greater Sydney Commission Chief Executive Sarah Hill and South District Commissioner Morris Iemma announced the official launch of the campaign to involve the public in shap-

July 2016

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- Iftars catalyse community cohesion - Peace Federation for Unity

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Boomerang

- Peaceful Indian Ocean Trade - The Strength of Midstream Islam

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Community

- MAA Virtual Reality Launch - “I’ll Fast with you” Campaign - Ramadan Diary 2016

Australia

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- Political Iftars - Breast Screening - Legal Aid Matters

Lifestyle

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- Doing Ramadan Solo - The Love Story of Bella & Ozzi - Anonymous Muslim Mum

Education For further information, please contact: 1/108 Bell Street Heidelberg Heights VIC 3081

Al-Asadi, Mr. Muhannad Alsabbar, Mr. Mohamed Zoghbi, Mr. Mohamed Hussain, Dr. Taleb Al-Masoudi, Mr. Sabih Mustaqa.

At the conclusion of the conference they released a statement aiming to work for cultural pluralism and peaceful coexistence among all segments of the Australian community and to give advice and denounce the religious, sectarian and ethnic divide and to develop appropriate plans to proceed with the organisation for programs, events and activities for this new national institution.

The meeting included extensive discussions proving the importance of dialogue among Muslims of various denominations as well as joint cooperation and work hard with hand in hand in order to reject the sectarian fanaticism.

Shaping Sydney’s future with the Talk Bus AMUST Media

AMUST Issue # 128 Friday 1 July 2016; 25 Ramadan 1437 News

Peace Federation Conference for unity Mohamed Hussain

AMUST

ing the future of Sydney, including its housing, greenspace and transport.

The Talk Bus will be going to the Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair at Fairfield Showground on Sunday 10 July and the Panthers v Parramatta NRL game at Pepper Stadium Penrith on Sunday, 17 July 17. Other events are planned as well “We want to hear directly from the local community to help shape the future of Sydney,” Mr Stokes said.

The Greater Sydney Commission is an independent organisation working across government, industry and community to lead big-picture planning for Sydney. Its role is to ensure a more liveable, productive and sustainable city.

03 9078 4151 www.ifsca.com.au info@ifsca.com.au

Ummah

Canberra school board briefs parents Manarul Islam

The new ISC School Board members are: Saifullah Dewan Mohammed Abu Saleh Monir Mir Azra Khan (Chairperson) Mohammed Suhail Khan Gus Olwan Mohammed Ali

Travel

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- People of Persia: Part 3 - Safarnameh Iran Study Tour 1

Business

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- Halal Market in India - AMUST Classifieds

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- App Review: Human Appeal - Islam’s Stance of Homosexuality

AMUST Team

Managing Editor: Zia Ahmad Graphic Designer: Rubinah Ahmad Chief Adviser: Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad Multimedia Journalist: Mobinah Ahmad Columnist: Dr Abul Jalaluddin (Finance) Columnist: Bilal Cleland (Victoria) Columnist: Manarul Islam (ACT) Columnist: Lydia Shelly (Sydney) Columnist: Anne Fairbairn (Sydney) Promotion: Dr Wali Bokhari Web Developer: Shadow Approved Multimedia: iMoby Productions Printers: Spotpress Pty Ltd Distributers: Wrapaway Transport Pty Ltd Distributers: Abul Fateh Siddiqui, Shujaat Siddiqui, Usaid Khalil, Aamir Ahmad, Ibrahim Khalil, Usman Siddiqui, Zahid Alam, Shahab Siddiqui, Mahmoud Jaame, Mateen Abbas, Rashid Idris, Kamrul Zaman, Sakinah Ahmad, Anjum Rafiqi, Hasan Fazeel, Dr Quasim, Ismail Hossain, Hanif Bismi, Zohair Ahmad.

AMUST Contacts PO Box 111, Bonnyrigg (Sydney), NSW 2177 Australia.

Email: info@amust.com.au Ph:(02) 8006 2063; Fax: 9823 3626

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in articles, and Letters to the Editor, Website Comments are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Australasian Muslim Times.

Further updates will be posted on the ISC website: www.islamicschoolofcanberra.edu.au

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- Ali’s Knockout Punch - Children: Victims of War - Women Sail to Gaza

Social

The new board of the Islamic School of Canberra (ISC) was confirmed on 26 May 2016 and met with parents on Saturday 18 June to reassure them that the school is moving forward to maintain its viability whilst gaining further independence from AFIC. Azra Khan, Chairperson of the new board, said that the board members have no affiliation with AFIC and all members are Canberra based. The board with school staff had in a short time managed to meet with the ACT Minister of Education and Training Mr Shane Rattenbury and make two submissions over the last two weeks. One to respond to the ACT government that the school was financially viable with or without Commonwealth funding and therefore the current registration till the end of the year should remain and the second to the Federal Government to appeal its decision to halt funding.

According to Ms Khan, these were important steps but there is a significant amount of work still to do.

“We will now be working with the two bodies to address all of the gaps and provide all the information that they need,” she said.

The new board also had already met with the staff and the Parents and Friends Association (PFA-ISC) to build up the confidence between all parties as the school negotiates itself out of its crisis.

Meanwhile the school was looking to advertise for the position of Principal soon following the resignation of current Principal Susan Christiansen who finishes at the end of Term Two. An interim arrangement is planned until the position is filled.

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- Lady Khadija - 99 Names of Allah Part 23

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Ramadan Iftar Dinners 2016

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Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull hosted a Ramadan Iftar on Thursday 16 June at Kirribilli House, Sydney, a first by an Australian PM. The invited guests included Muslim leaders and young activists from all states as well as interfaith representatives.

On 20 June 2016, the Muslim Legal Network (NSW) held its Annual Ramadan Iftar dinner at Doltone House Sydney. The event has a tradition of bringing together legal professionals, students, academics and members of the Judiciary. This year the key note speaker was Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia, Diana Bryant, QC, OA who shared her experiences at the bench both from a national and international perspective given the Family Court’s working relationship with courts of other countries in the region. Guest speaker Mariam Veiszadeh, lawyer and community advocate shared her experiences with unconscious bias, her time as a solicitor and her community advocates. The speeches were thoroughly enjoyed and the evening concluded with Shaykh Haisam Farache, lawyer and scholar, providing some spiritual insights into Ramadan and a heartfelt dua for justice to prevail in the profession.

Photo: L to R Shaykh Haisam Farache (Principal Solicitor, Garrison Lawyers); Zaahir Edries (President, Muslim Legal Network NSW), Chief Justice Diana Bryant AO, QC (Family Court of Australia); Fay Muhieddine (Vice President, Muslim Legal Network NSW); Mariam Veiszadeh (Lawyer, Community Advocate).

Lebanese Muslim Association’s Thrive Refugee Week Iftar held at the LMA in Lakemb

Islamic Sciences & Research Academy Iftar at The Waterview, Bicentennial Park

The Greens Iftar, hosted by Senator Lee Rhiannon and Dr Mehreen Faruqi, NSW MP: Photo (left) Dr Mehreen Faruqi, Hajeh Maha Abdo, Halee Isil Cosar & iftar attendees

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July 2016

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Some reflections for Eid Day The Ramadan will be over soon with the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr with thanks giving prayers, feasting and socialising.

The fasting month of Ramadan provided us the opportunity to come closer to Allah in order to improve ourselves and our relations with those around us.

There are rights that Allah has over us called Huqooqullah while there are rights of those around us called called Huqooqul-ebad. Both are equally important to be fulfilled by us as followers of Islam.

The rights of Allah include ibadat, worship, prayers, fasting, charity and various other duties that we need to carry out as Muslims. Being human, we will always be short of fulfilling these completely committing errors and mistake.

As believers in life hereafter, we need to be mindful that we will be accountable personally on the Day of Judgment for our ability or inability to fulfil the rights of Allah and that of His creation, both Huqooqullah as well as Huqoogu-ebad To err is human, to forgive divine. Therefore we need to keep asking for Allah’s for-

giveness from time to time. Since Allah is lah and those to whom we have offended is most forgiving, he has promised to forgive clearly very important. We should never be these mistakes. Dua, tahajjud, fasting and shy in seeking forgiveness.

This has been exemplified in the Quran Hajj are means to seek forgiveness in the when depicting the day of Judgement where hope of His mercy in order to forgive us the infant girl will be asked, for what for our shortcoming in fulfilling His reason was she buried alive, a cruel rights.

For example if you have missed EDITORIAL custom in pre-Islamic Arabia.

By the same token those who a prayer or a fast, you need to Assalamu carry out injustice today and get do Qada while at the same time Alaikum away in this world will be acseek forgiveness from Allah for countable for their actions.

Greetings your negligence. Hopefully by A suicide bomber or a mass performing extra ibadat like Umof Peace killer will be accountable for not rah and Hajj, these mistakes will only destroying his life but also be forgiven by Allah. those of other innocent people who have On the other hand Huqooqul-ebad, fulfilling the rights of His creation is differ- died or injured as a result of his actions.

There is no difference between those who ent. If you have done injustice to some one, before Allah can forgive you, you not only decapitate innocent people crudely using a have to seek forgiveness from that person knife and those who use more sophisticated means of doing the same by using aerial but also to redresss that injustice.

For example if you have procured some bombardment, missiles and drones, all will one’s property unjustly, Allah will not for- be accountable for their unjust actions on give this injustice unless you have returned the Day of Judgement.

Let us reflect this on the day of Eid. this property & the person has forgiven you.

Sincerely seeking forgiveness from AlZI Ahmad

AMUST

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MUBARAK

From the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST team.

Peaceful Indian ocean trade before colonisation Dr Daud Batchelor

Certain parties in Australia today with a pernicious agenda try to portray Islam as inherently violent.

History in the littoral Indian Ocean proves differently. It is European powers that resorted to terror and violence, coveting the lands and resources belonging to native populations.

Arab and Persian Muslim ships were foremost in the long distance Indian Ocean trade for 800 years.

In the 7th century CE Muslims had developed the sea route to China. The first maps depicting parts of northern Australia were drawn by Arabs who visited Australia from the 9th century onwards (also suggested by 900 year-old Kilwa coins found in Arnhem Land).

Historical accounts suggest trading relations were relatively peaceful between independent city-states without a single power trying to eliminate all others from the Indian Ocean trade.

The manner in which Arab, Persian and Indian Muslims traded gained the respect of indigenous merchants, which facilitated the widespread peaceful adoption of Islam. This thriving trade was witnessed by chroniclers such as Marco Polo and Ibn Batuta.

Muslims can justifiably feel proud of the conduct of these early Muslims who respected the peoples and cultures with whom they interacted. This approach accords with Qur’anic teachings that we are all children of Adam and not to initiate hostilities: “Fight in the way of God against those who fight you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! God loveth not aggressors.” (Quran, 2:190).

Further, Quran, 6:51 presents the principle that all life is sacred: “do not kill the person, which God has forbidden, except to achieve justice.”

This enviable situation abruptly changed from the first incursion of Europeans, not interested in competitive trade, but in totally dominating it.

Vasco D Gama was the first European to take the Cape of Good Hope route to India in 1498. In the very first visit to Mombasa port, the Portuguese ships with heavy cannons resorted to piracy, looting unarmed merchant ships.

There had been little reason previously for Arab ships to be so armed.

Other Portuguese followed and Alfonso D’Albuquerque among others from 1507 onwards brutally subdued Muslim ports in east Africa (Kilwa Sultanate), Bengal,

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Qalhat, Muscat and Malacca. In Qalhat he destroyed the city and cut off the ears and noses of all surviving prisoners.

Portuguese took territory all the way to China. Other European powers attracted to the Roman model of military conquest and usurpation of indigenous wealth, successfully challenged Portuguese primacy and developed their own hegemony.

Peter Fitzsimons’ book “Batavia” records that the Dutch colonial governor-general Coen, cornered the Indonesian spice trade by massacring 44 Banda native chiefs, forcing their families to watch their painful deaths and quartering of their bodies by Japanese samurai mercenaries: “By the end of the Dutch campaign ... the entire native population had been all but wiped out, with just a thousand surviving ... only kept alive so they could be used as forced labour on the nutmeg groves.”

Muslims from the Indonesian archipelago had warm relations with Aboriginal communities of northern Australia prior to arrival of the Europeans.

This involved mainly seasonal fishing trips though evidence for long-term relationships is indicated by the adoption of Islamic elements in some native practices, intermarriages, and Aboriginal visits to Ambon.

This peaceful exchange was stopped by the new ‘owners’ of Australia. The British arrived and not acknowledging that Aboriginals were humans declared Australia Terra Nullius. This led to the often violent taking of Aboriginal lands and savage ‘clearances’ of Aboriginal communities.

It would be a wonderful aspiration for Australians today to take the high road in their mutual relations between ethnicities in the manner of the early Muslim traders, and work towards ensuring that Australia, as well as the wider littoral Indian Ocean countries, are developed as peaceful havens in a world of increasing discord.

Dr Daud Batchelor, an Australian Muslim, was Associate Fellow until December 2015

at the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies Malaysia.

He holds an MA in Islamic and Other Civilisations and a Diploma in Islamic Studies from the International Islamic University Malaysia, PhD from University of Malaya, MSc from the University of London, and MEngSc in environmental management from Griffith University.

He is cofounder of the Islamic College of Brisbane and currently resides in Brisbane.

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Eid Mubarak

Eid Mubarak from our 1,500 Islamic teachers & officials and 15,000 deeni students at 150 madrasahs in Indonesia, kindergarten to senior levels, all in remote areas where no-one wanted to go to spread the deen, where no financial support is generally available.

Relevant Aust. account is: Commbank, BSB 062-701, A/C 1000 1063. Indon. a/c upon request. We accept Zakaat, Sadaqah, Fidya and Bank Interest for proper Islamic distribution.

Aust. organiser Luqman Hakim Landy, M. 0469 977 684, E. jimsfoundation@yahoo.com, A. Bankstown Aged Care, 74 Chiswick Road, Greenacre 2190.

Visitors welcome, to Greenacre and to our schools in Indonesia.

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Luqman Hakim Landy, JIMS Foundation July 2016

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The strength of midstream Islam Bilal Cleland The internal divisions within the Muslim world and the rise of criminal versions of Islam, leave many of us asking, “ What does the future hold for our Ummah, our universal Muslim family?”

Raymond Baker indicates that the situation is in fact nowhere near as bleak as it might at first appear. The first chapter of his book “The Mystery of Islam’s Strength,” deals not with the Golden Age but the world right now. The extremists have enjoyed a very high profile in the Western media, but as he points out, “…they have not captured the hearts and minds of the vast majority of Muslims, whose faith continues to find its most compelling and durable expressions in the Islamic midstream. Muslims of the center, the book argues, are writing Islam’s epoch-defining story.”

Indeed this midstream Islam has been totally consistent in its opposition to the groups adhering to criminal versions of Islam. Professor Baker writes, ”The United States in particular, has far too often succumbed to illusions that such groups could be used, without cost, for its own purposes. Centrists regard the distortions of Islam

by the often ignorant marginal groups as so dangerous that cooperative projects with the militants, such as those undertaken by American intelligence agencies, are far more difficult to imagine.”

This midstream Islam has also been subjected to outright repression by many regional regimes. Closely linked to US policy objectives, many of these regimes understand that it is this very midstream, with its vast public support, which is the main threat to their authority, not the violent extremists who are universally abhorred. It is the progressive midstream Islam which has the potential to replace the old regimes and they know it and act accordingly.

The twentieth century was a period of colonial occupation for much of the Muslim world, accompanied by intense racist violence. There were four great waves of resistance from the midstream to attempts to eradicate Islamic culture from these lands. The Muslim Ummah reacted to such attempts like “a living entity.” “The story Islamic historians tell of Islam’s renewal is always and everywhere a story of the power of the faith in the lives of masses of ordinary Muslims rather than the tale of charismatic leaders.”

One of the great leaders of the resistance, reflecting the Islamic consciousness of his people, was Said Al Nursi. “At the core of Nursi’s thinking, through all stages of his life, was the commitment to reverse the

damage of Western materialism and undemocratic governance that Ataturk had fostered….The Islamic political culture he imagined would be committed to both constitutional democracy and development. He believed that such a politics could only be achieved under conditions of the existence of basic freedoms, including the freedom for Turks to reaffirm their Islamic faith.”

The continued strength of Islam resides in the midstream and the fringe groups will eventually drop off or be absorbed back into

Muhammad Ali greatly cared deeply for the Muslim Ummah Abdul Malik Mujahid Muhammad Ali cared deeply for Muslims, the Ummah, as well as all of humanity. He stood up for the people of Vietnam; he worked to stop genocide in Bosnia; he marched for Palestine, and he helped release American hostages.

Globalization brings humanity closer, whereas the post-9/11 overemphasis on “American” Islam leads to confusion by intentionally creating a distance among human beings.

Muhammad Ali refused to be defined by identity politics that demand Muslims answer the wrong question: Are you American first or Muslim first?

He was often asked: Are you Cassius or Muhammad Ali? His answer was very clear: Muhammad Ali, because one’s name doesn’t define their loyalty to their country.

Muhammad Ali, being a first class American and a first class Muslim, had no problem speaking truth. For this, he made substantial sacrifices.

In 1966, two years after winning the heavyweight boxing title, Muhammad Ali challenged America and the country’s establishment on our involvement in the Vietnam war. He refused to be enlisted in the U.S. military, since invading and killing people was against his moral and religious conscience. As a result, he lost four precious years of his prime performance as an athlete.

Muhammad Ali was ahead of others. He was condemning the Vietnam war before Dr Martin Luther King’s historic Riverside Church speech which was given exactly one year before Dr King was assassinated. In it, he criticized war at home, i.e. racism, and war abroad, Vietnam.

“Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go ten thousand miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro peo-

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the centre. The well-funded Islamophobia movement might be aware of this and is running scared, like the dictatorial regimes in the Muslim world, afraid that the midstream with its adherence to constitutional rule and representative government might bring in a new era.

Bilal Cleland is a keen reader, a prolific writer and a regular columnist of AMUST based in Melbourne.

Purify your love Fazlul Huq Purify your love with the splash of trust and confidence, Purify your thought with the rinse of truth and wisdom.

Purify your call with clarity of thought and goodness, Purify your resolve with the quench of empathy and kindness.

Purify your soul with the words of wisdom, Purify your hold with the vent of openness.

Purify your chant with reverberation in mind and heart, Purify your belief and consciousness with good deeds.

Muhammad Ali and Lonnie Ali’s adopted son Asaad is raised on Sound Vision’s production Adam’s World. In this June 1996 photo at Ali’s home Ali is browsing through a Sound Vision magazine. Courtesy of Sound Vision. ple in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights?” Muhammad Ali said.

As the genocide of Bosnian Muslims raged in the early 1990s, the horrifying images of Serb concentration camps, so much like the Nazi ones fifty years before, haunted us. Yet, the world remained silent. Leaders of Chicago’s Masjids at the time invited me to lead a coalition to stop this madness.

This was how Bosnia Task Force USA (BTF) was born. It became the first, national-level coalition of Muslim organizations of its kind in America.

Thanks to the Imam of Muhammad Ali, Warith Deen Mohammed, and his congregation, as well as other coalition partners, we organized 100 rallies against genocide in Bosnia.

As a result of Bosnia Task Force’s strategy, for the first time ever, a Muslim-conceived, Muslim-financed, and Muslim-led resolution was tabled and passed in the United States Congress regarding Bosnia.

It is important to note that Muhammad

Ali and Imam WD Mohammad provided the most critical support for this historic achievement of American Muslims. I was honoured and humbled to have coordinated this coalition as the chair of Bosnia Task Force, with immense help from a giant like Muhammad Ali. The tragedy in Bosnia was not the only time Muhammad Ali expressed his support and concern. His heart cried for anyone suffering around the world.

In the late 1980s, there was a major demonstration organized in solidarity with Palestine in downtown Chicago. A group of Chicago Muslims asked me to lead it. Muhammad Ali joined this historic march, the largest ever for Palestine in Chicago.

I hope Muhammad Ali’s example of being a good Muslim, a good neighbor, and a good citizen is followed by young Muslims today.

(Read the full article on AMUST website).

Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid is President of Sound Vision and Chair of Burma Task Force USA and is based in Chicago, USA.

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Purify your wealth with charity in cash and kind, Purify your success with humility and acknowledgment.

Purify your heart with the soak of love and care, Purify your coat with the soap of gentleness and care.

Purify your tongue with the words of humility and reverence, Purify your look with the radiance of purity and assurance.

Purify your mind with forgiveness and admission, Purify your prayer with purity of thought and will.

Associate Professor Fazlul Huq leads the Biomedical Science Cancer Research Group in the School of Medical Sciences Sydney Medical School.

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5 Muslim Minutes totonew Leppington 45 Minutes Sydney Parramatta CBDTrain Station now open with services running 240 Schools and CBD colleges 40 Minutes Minutes totoSydney Parramatta Easy Access M5,City M7CBDCBD 45 to 12 km to Liverpool 45High Minutes totoSydney 2Close 5Public primary schools Easy Access M5, M7CBD toSchools, Austral School Access to M5, M7colleges Muslim Schools and 2Easy High Schools, 5College primary schools campus) Next to AI-Faisal (Liverpool 2 Minutes High Schools, 5 primary schools College km to Liverpool Citycolleges Muslim Schools and 3212 drive to Unity Grammar 2 Minutes Muslim Schools and Close Public School km to to Austral Liverpool Citycolleges 912 drive to Malek Fahd Islamic School 12 Minutes kmtoto toAI-Faisal Liverpool City Next College (Liverpool Close Austral School 12 drivePublic to Preston Mosquecampus) Austral Public School 3Close Unity Grammar College totoAI-Faisal College (Liverpool campus) 7Next Minutes drive to AIMadinah Masjid Next to AI-Faisal College (Liverpool campus) MalekGrammar Fahd Islamic School 39 Minutes drive to Unity College 3 Minutes Minutes drive totoMalek Unity Grammar College Minutes drive Preston Mosque 912 drive to Fahd Islamic School Site Office: 404 Fourth Avenue, Austral 2179 9 Minutes drive to Malek Fahd Islamic School 7 Minutes drive totoAIMadinah Masjid 12 Minutes driveSuite Preston Mosque Head Office: 6 Level 13 | 329 Pitt St. Sydney NSW Minutesdrive drivetotoAIPreston Mosque info@mhahomes.com.au 712Minutes Madinah Masjid www.mhahomes.com.au 7 Minutes drive to AIMadinah Masjid Austral 2179 Site Office: 404 Fourth Avenue, Head Office:404 Suite 6 Level 13 | 329 Pitt 2179 St. Sydney NSW Site Office: Fourth Avenue, Austral Site Office: Fourth Avenue, Austral 2179 info@mhahomes.com.au Head Office:404 Suite 6 Level 13 | www.mhahomes.com.au 329 Pitt St. Sydney NSW Head Office: Suite 6 Level 13 | www.mhahomes.com.au 329 Pitt St. Sydney NSW info@mhahomes.com.au

info@mhahomes.com.au

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Australasian Muslim Times

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www.mhahomes.com.au www.amust.com.au

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July 2016

EDUCATION 22 - 23

UMMAH 24 - 26

TRAVEL 27 - 29

BUSINESS 30

SOCIAL 31

COMMUNITY

AMUST

Lakemba comes alive in Ramadan

Mobinah Ahmad If you wander down to Haldon St in Lakemba during Ramadan, you’re in for an incredible treat!

With the food stalls and shops open till 3am, the street comes alive.

There is a wonderful list of choices to eat

July 2016

and drink: Indian spiced chicken and beef kebabs, deer burger, carrot juice, camel burger, camel milk, donor kebab, jalebi, carrot halwa, faluda, haleeb, meat wrapped in fried dough and so much more!

The best part of the evening is the kind, hospitable and warm people you meet as you walk down the street!

www.amust.com.au

Australasian Muslim Times

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AMUST

COMMUNITY

NEWS 1-4

BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 8 - 12

AUSTRALIA 13 - 14

LIFESTYLE 19 - 21

Events Queanbeyan Mosque obtains Calendar historic DA Approval

Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers: Interfaith Iftar Sunday 3 July, 2016 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Auburn Gallipoli Mosque 15-19 Gelibolu Parade, Auburn, NSW www.facebook.com/events/ 226605014399161

Chand Raat Eid Festival Wednesday 6 July, 2016 4:00 PM Rosehill Gardens James Ruse Dr, Rosehill, NSW www.chandraat.com

Sami Yusuf Live in Aus Melbourne Wednesday 6 July, 2016 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Robert Blackwood Hall Melbourne, VIC

Manarul Islam The Queanbeyan Mosque DA application has been given the go ahead from the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council paving the way for the mosque is set to be built on the Queanbeyan site.

Queanbeyan, which comes under NSW jurisdiction is a town just 15 kms east of the Australian Parliament House in Canberra. In January of 2013, the Islamic Forum of Australian Muslims (IFAM) took the initiative of establishing a Mosque in Queanbeyan after having used a rental facility for many years for prayers and other events.

An almost 1500 sqm land was identified suitable for the mosque, at 183-185 Gilmore Road, Queanbeyan, which happens to be just less than 50 meter from the border of ACT-NSW. “With the help of local support Alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah) in three years duration, the purchase of land from the market was completed,” said Abdul Gaffar Khan, President of IFAM ACT. In Feb 2016 a Development Application (DA) was launched with the local council to build the mosque under IFAM’s Trust for mosques ‘Saarban Islamic Trust’ which al-

ready successfully manages two mosques in Campbelltown and Bankstown. ” This is a great gift from Allah (swt) to the Muslim community of Queanbeyan and Canberra in the month of Ramadan,” said Siraj Mohammed, the Queanbeyan Mosque Project Lead.

The Administrator and Mayor of Queanbeyan, Mr. Tim Overal,l approved the DA at council’s meeting held on Wednesday June 8. The DA met all the technical requirements for the place of public worship. The Mosque will be built on a 1486 square meter block which will cater for growing Queanbeyan Muslim population of about 500.

Steve Coster, Minister at Queanbeyan Uniting Church added his support.

“I very much welcome and celebrate the approval of a mosque here in this community. I look forward to discovering ways we can share together,” he said.

The mosque will cater for approximately 100 people with amenities such as purpose built prayer hall, library, car parking, ablution blocks and admin office. The council also approved six events per year at mosque for larger gatherings.

The Canberra-Queanbeyan wing of IFAM has been highly active in Queanbeyan for the last 9 years with a range of activities such as an Islamic Play group, Islamic Library, Islamic lectures, Charity Fund raising Dinners, Children School holiday programs, Congregation Prayers, and fort-

nightly Quranic circles.

IFAM ran a successful fund raising campaign to buy the land for Mosque mostly locally. However, there is a bigger expectation of financial help sought from Muslim communities from Sydney and Melbourne for the construction of the Mosque as local resources are very limited.

This significant milestone of DA approval was achieved after an enduring process and a series of meeting with the councillors, council technical teams, NSW Police, local residents.

Mr Khan expressed his gratitude to all who supported the fundraising and approval.

“IFAM wishes to thank all those parties involved for their positive outlook and reception. And in particular like to thank the general Queanbeyan community who have raised only a very genuine concerns and issues as part of the DA process. There has been overwhelming support for the Mosque especially from the non-Muslims in Queanbeyan on the news of DA approval,” he said.

More information can be obtained from the website http://www.queanbeyanmasjid. org.au/ and email address: qbn.masjid@gmail.com Manarul Islam is an IT professional, community worker and AMUST correspondent based in Canberra.

www.fb.com/events/ 201688913519656 Sydney Friday 8 July, 2016 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM The Concourse 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW www.fb.com/events/ 448745325330453

AFL Multicultural Festival Saturday 9 July, 2016 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Cathy Freeman Park, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW www.gwsgiants.com.au/ multicultural

Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair 2016 Sunday 10 July, 2016 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Fairfield Showground 494 Smithfield Road, Prairiewood, NSW www.meff.com.au

Arab Film Festival Thursday 21 July, 2016 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Riverside Theatres Corner Church and Market Streets, Parramatta, NSW www.fb.com/events/ 481701508621188

View more events online or add your own at www.amust.com.au/ calendar

10

Girls encouraged to join The Auburn Giants!

AMUST Media The Auburn Giants is looking to build on the success of Premier Division Women’s team by strengthening our Youth Girls teams: join their Youth Girls Under 18s and Under 14s teams.

Launched in 2015, Youth Girls were the first Western Sydney team in the Sydney Youth Girls Competition. The Club welcomes all new and existing players to be a part of the journey as we strive for further success.

The Club has outstanding facilities, a professional set-up, strong management, proud history and an enjoyable atmosphere.

The girls can be as young as 11 through to 18 years. They don’t need AFL experience; they just need to enjoy sports!

Amna K-Hassan, founder and president of the Auburn Giants Australian Football Club said that “There are many opportunities for girls who play AFL such as representative pathways, leadership training, mentoring and support, building a public profile in the Media, volunteering and community events.”

Amna is available to visit schools during

Australasian Muslim Times

the week to speak to players or year groups, deliver clinics and engage with students.

For more information please feel free to call

www.amust.com.au

Amna on 0415 282 855. Alternatively, interested players can call the Team Manager, Yaz 0430 595 145.

July 2016

EDUCATION 22 - 23

UMMAH 24 - 26

TRAVEL 27 - 29

BUSINESS 30

COMMUNITY

SOCIAL 31

AMUST

Imams awarded at Muslim Aid launch ICPA Ramadan Iftar with virtual reality

Mehar Ahmad

Four Australian Imams were presented with special awards by the Hon Governor General of NSW at the ICPA Iftar held on Friday 10 July at Al-Amanah College in Liverpool, South Western Sydney.

For the first time ever and through an arrangement between Darulfatwa Australia and Al-Azhar University, Egypt, the four Australian imams completed a three month course at Al Azhar on the teachings of Islam.

Hon David Hurley, the Governor General of NSW, Dr Al-Shelh, Darulfatwa Vice Chairman, Consul General of Egypt, Yusuf Shawqi, were called on the stage to present the achievement awards to the four recipients namely Sheikh Abdul-Latif Nachar, Sheikh Amr Al-Shelh, Sheikh Shady Kasem and Sheikh Haysam Hammoud.

The VIP panel also presented Sheikh Khaled As-Saj with an achievement award for recently completing his bachelor degree in Islamic studies from Al-Azhar as well.

The ICPA Ramadan Dinner has become a landmark event and a focus for who’s who among the Australian and Muslim societies,

attending it every year.

The Master of Ceremonies, Principle of Al-Amanah College High School, Mr. Ayman Alwan opened the series of official talks inviting the ICPA President Dr. Ghayath AlShelh OAM to the stage.

Following a video presentation of the achievements and growth of the ICPA as a primary community builder, the invited guests were invited to speak.

Representing the NSW Premiere Mike Baird, Minister John Ajaka said, “It just demonstrates the bi-partisan support that you [ICPA] have here from all sides of parliament who walk with you and stand by your side and I congratulate each and every one of you being here.”

In his speech, the NSW Opposition leader and shadow Minister for Western Sydney, Luke Foley MP noted the impact of the ICPA influenced by its commitment to community building, and commented on its activity through his global experiences.

The Mayor of Liverpool, Mr Manoun said, “Liverpool Council supports you [Al-Amanah] and will always continue to support you. We want you to grow.”

Mehar Ahmad is a school teacher based in Sydney and the President of Seena Incorporated, publishers of the Australasian Muslim Times.

Subhi Bora A first for the Muslim community in Sydney, Muslim Aid Australia (MAA) brought a VR experience to the stage at their Local Launch. MAA also provided a space for community members to share their opinions on local problems to solve.* On 4th June, MAA took over the Bryan Brown Theatre in Bankstown for their local launch, with a series of engaging talks by leaders in their fields, an interactive workshop, and an immersive VR experience that virtually took the viewer straight to the field.

Internationally, MAA has long approached aid from the perspective of providing long-term solutions (alongside emergency relief in response to tragedies). At the local launch, MAA CEO, Sheikh Hassan Elsetohy, announced that they will now be bringing their “Smart Sustainable Solutions” to Australia.

Dr Mohamad Abdalla, Professor at the School of Humanities at Griffith University, emphasised the need to work locally and alongside youth by providing spaces for them to flourish. As one of their first local projects, MAA are taking on this challenge by working with Moustafa Sanoussi, CEO of The Garden Cemetery; a first-of-its-kind cemetery for Muslims that will be built based on permaculture principles, guided by permaculture design expert Geoff Lawton.

MAA is partnering with The Garden Cemetery to enable

young men to get their hands dirty, reconnect with nature, and not only improve the lives of the youth through physically engaging activities, but to also build an essential service for the Muslim community in Sydney.

One of the highlights of the launch was an interactive workshop run by Peter Gould, a creative entrepreneur, facilitating meaningful discussion on the issues that are faced by the local community. One team focused on how to build stronger and more meaningful connections in a hyper (digitally) connected world. A few ideas on how to resolve this issue involved building an inclusive MAA community, community gardens, and welcoming isolated members of the community.

A young male attendee in his late 20’s who also participated in the workshop shared that in all his time going to numerous Islamic events, he had never been asked to actively share his ideas to a group of people.

He said he felt welcomed and refreshed by being provided the platform to contribute.

Peter stated that, “the participants in the workshop had a lot to say and share. By facilitating a positive co-creation atmosphere in the community, MAA is probably the first Australian Muslim charity that is embracing local concerns and needs directly.”

Learn more about Muslim Aid Australia by checking out their website: muslimaid.org.au where you can help *Break The Cycle* of poverty this Ramadan.

“I’ll Fast with You” Campaign for reverts Ben Gresham As part of Melbourne based Benevolence Australia’s convert care services the “I’ll Fast with You” campaign was launched this year for Ramadan.

A calendar of events for the month were developed as well as some pre and post Ramadan activities to help people stay connected, share in the community spirit and make the most of the amazing opportunities of this blessed time of year. Interested converts have also been matched up with mentors to stay in touch with them through the month and to partake in iftar together.

The shared community experience of Ramadan is arguably the greatest spectacle of religious worship in the world. Shared at both a local and global level the atmosphere is charged and our consciousness refocused.

July 2016

Families come together to break their fasts and to spend time with one another. Communities come together to share a meal and worship God. But for many converts to Islam the experience can be challenging, confusing and lonely. Without Muslim family or friends to share this month, the community buzz and the many events taking place are easily missed. Without support, fasting can become spiritually stressful, where the challenges of coping with hunger are coupled with feelings of isolation that their new religious practices bring.

There have been a number of highlights of the campaign “I’ll Fast with You” so far.

The huge turn out of people (400+) to our community iftar with a large number of converts created an amazing multicultural atmosphere rarely seen in the Muslim community.

This was followed by our popular convert iftar, paid for by the generous donations of the community. A large Muslim restaurant was booked out to host converts and their loved ones. With a number of individual converts fasting for the first time, it has been great seeing these faces throughout the month at our events and witness the growing sense of community. Many new friendships have formed that we hope will be life-long.

The way the convert community and wider Muslim community have come together through this initiative has been heart warming. It is a reminder of the positive role that the community can play in welcoming and supporting converts on their path. It is also a reminder that converts can quickly feel a part of the community. But it’s also important to recognise that as a community we still have much to do. People are continually been guided to this faith, yet at the same

time there is a constant stream of people who struggle to fit in and leave.

One thing that we need to internalise is that we need converts. The recent passing of Muhammad Ali is a reminder of this. This was a man that raised the status and honour of our community, that helped many Muslims feel pride in their religion and still does. Even his janazah was an act of service to the Muslim community.

There are many converts in the West who play this role. There are converts who are religious scholars, community leaders, activists, artists and professional athletes. They are reminders to us that at any moment God could bring someone new into our community that could play a transformative and leading role just as Umar RA did when he converted to Islam during the Prophet Muhammad (s) time in Makkah.

www.amust.com.au

We as a community must strive to guide and support them in a way that empowers them. This requires us to be ready for change. This requires us to be willing to listen to the input and insight that converts bring. A new convert has much to offer. The insight from a person who sees something for the first time can be profound. Our hope is that initiatives of this kind will enable more new Muslims to find their feet in this beautiful religion and lay the foundation for them to become active and empowered members of the Muslim community so that they inshaAllah will lay the pathway for others to follow.

Ben Gresham is a New Zealand born teacher and the Convert Mentor Project Coordinator at Benevolence Australia.

Australasian Muslim Times

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AMUST

COMMUNITY

NEWS 1-4

BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 8 - 12

AUSTRALIA 13 - 14

LIFESTYLE 19 - 21

ARO Iftars for asylum seekers and homeless Hanif Bismi As part of its social support projects, Australian Relief Organisation organised a dinner for 120 homeless people in Wollongong on 10 June 2016. This multi faith iftar dinner attracted local Australians who do not have access to safe and secure housing due to various conflicts, financial matters or family breakdowns.

In addition to homeless citizens, Federal Member for Cunningham Sharon Bird, Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbury, Manager of Illawarra Multicultural Services Mohan Gunasekara, Manager of Wollongong Homeless Hub Julie Mitchell, staff, volunteers and guests of the Wollongong Emergency Family Housing community as well as coordinators and volunteers of Australian Relief Organisation also attended the iftar dinner.

While Federal MP Ms Bird expressed her gratitude to ARO community for delivering such crucial social support services in her area, Mayor Mr Bradbury appreciated ARO’s operations and later stated that his office will look into assisting feasible ARO projects in the region. Manager Ms Julie Mitchell also spoke about her appreciation for the occasion.

Pointing out to an estimated 105,000 homeless people living in Australia, ARO CEO Mr Cihan Tumen mentioned that the ARO is happy to assist the homeless community during the blessed month of Ramadan. Explaining the meaning and importance of the month, Mr Tumen stated that

Local government officials and ARO staff and volunteers at the Iftar for asylum seekers. iftar dinners have welcomed by many AusWhile attendance was over ninety peo- blessed month of Ramadan. Reminding that tralians in recent years. ple for the night, SSI Project Manager Ms Ramadan promotes ethics and universal At another occasion, ARO organised an Catherine Sell expressed her gratitude to values appreciated by entire humanity, Mr iftar dinner for asylum seekers teaming up ARO community for their social support for Tumen ended his speech by expressing his with the Settlement Services International the asylum seekers. Throughout the night, pleasure in sharing his dinner with fellow and sponsored a dinner held in their Banks- ARO advisor Mr Amro Abdelkarim trans- Australians. town premises. lated speeches into Arabic and made sure While Australian Relief Organisation This multi faith iftar dinner, held on 15 that the messages were clearly understood looks forward to developing projects for June 2016, attracted asylum seekers who are by non-English speakers. vulnerable communities in Australia, those seeking refuge in Australia due to various Pointing out to an estimated 60 million who wish to support ongoing local and inconflicts in their home countries. The dinner people in the world today who are displaced ternational activities may obtain informawas also attended by staff and volunteers of from their homes due to wars and region- tion on www.aro.org.au, info@aro.org.au the SSI along with directors, coordinators al conflicts, ARO CEO Mr Cihan Tumen and infovic@aro.org.au or on 02 8065 8469 and volunteers of Australian Relief Organ- stated that ARO is happy to assist the SSI and 03 9309 6168. isation. for their asylum seeker project during the

Canberrans come together Ramadan Diary Program to break fast in the City 2016 at Campbelltown Manarul Islam Canberrans from all walks of life came together to break fast in the centre of the city last Saturday 11 June.

Organised by the ACT local government and the Canberra Islamic Centre (CIC) and assisted by Muslim community groups and Embassies/High Commissions, the event saw over 2500 brave the cold to come together in Civic Square.

Although the crowd was predominantly Muslim, guests also had invited a significant number of neighbours and colleagues to part take in the Islamic ritual during the fasting month of Ramadan.

Azra Khan, President of CIC and one of the key organisers of the event, said that the inaugural breaking fast ‘Iftar’ fostered unity amongst Canberra Muslims and served to

show case the cultural diversity of Muslims in Canberra.

The crowd had started gathering from 4:30pm in the marquee and tables set up near the fountains, listened to multiple speakers including Yvette Berry, the ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs, before the fast was broken at just before 5pm.

Maghreb prayer followed before the serving commenced for dinner.

Participating Missions who provided the wide range of food: The High Commission of Brunei Darussalam, The Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt, The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, The Embassy of the State of Kuwait, The High Commission of Malaysia, The Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco, The High Commission of Pakistan, The Embassy of the State of Qatar, The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.

AMUST Media The Ramadan Diary program initiated

by Islamic Forum for Australian Muslims, IFAM eight years ago from Campbelltown Masjid is again being conducted this year with more than 65 youth participating.

Ramadan Diary is a seven week program to help youth plan their Ramadan with productive activities and to provide them a platform where they can participate in different Islamic activities of their interest.

This year the program started with “Welcome to Ramadan” lecture session where youth were given a Ramadan Diary page to record their activities like Salat, Saum, Quran recitation, homework, and other good deeds like helping their. This is followed up

by Saturday sessions to monitor their progress during the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan Diary facebook page and YouTube channel have been setup where youth

Iilhaam Soeker-Jadwat and Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs, with members of the police and community at the City Iftar.

12

Australasian Muslim Times

www.amust.com.au

are given the opportunity to run the programme of their own under adult supervision.

Last year the youth participating in the Ramadan Diary program performed on SBS Radio and on the big stage at the annual Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair, MEFF. The youth are not only given opportunity to participate in the programme but also encouraged to conduct the Program themselves.

In last week of Ramadan, the participants will be performing at the Community Iftaar event at the Campbelltown Masjid, will be presented with awards on Eid day and will perform at MEFF on Sunday 10 July at Fairfield Showground.

Here are the links for people who are more interested to know about the programme. e: Ramadan.Diary@gmail.com facebook: fb.com/RamadanDiary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ RamadanDiary

July 2016

EDUCATION 22 - 23

UMMAH 24 - 26

TRAVEL 27 - 29

BUSINESS 30

AUSTRALIA

SOCIAL 31

Political Iftars: a love-hate relationship for Australian Muslims Rima Dabliz

Last week Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull hosted the country’s first Iftar at Kirribilli House; a luxurious scene for what appeared to be a pleasant evening for all who attended (or at least, appeared to be pleasant from their Tweets).

There are hundreds, probably thousands of Iftars held each year to bring not only 500 000 Australian Muslims together, but also to share the holy month of Ramadan with non-Muslim communities. If it wasn’t proved before, it has definitely been proven now; food really does bring people together.

But one political Iftar that gained substantially less attention than the Prime Minister’s glamorous event was co-hosted by NSW Opposition Leader, the Honourable Luke Foley and Member for the Granville state Electorate, the Honourable Julia Finn.

In addition to our parliamentary hosts, the federal Member for Parramatta, the Honourable Julie Owens and the Federal Member for McMahon and Shadow Treasurer, the Honourable Chris Bowen joined 156 guests at Sawa Rbina restaurant in Guildford to break their fast.

Though the Iftar did not include the A-List of well-known Muslim leaders, the gourmet food or the formality at Turnbull’s event, it can’t be denied that irrespective of how politically motivated these events were, they undoubtedly provide Muslims with an unprecedented level of positive recognition.

That in itself is a reason for conservatives to be angry.

These events draw attention away from Muslims (as the epitome of evil) and public outcry is redirected towards affiliated politicians. The politicians are subjected to hate themselves for showing the Muslim community some compassion and for joining Muslims on a stage that invites discourse.

Nonetheless, these events are exceptionally effective for your daily dose of unintended dawah. For a person who, prior to hearing about Mr Turnbull’s Iftar, had no knowledge of Ramadan, now understands that 1)Ramadan is happening right now, 2) that it involves fasting and 3) that it involves Muslims. Any basic media report would have at least covered those facts. For the outsider, Ramadan is the perfect time to learn about Ramadan.

Quite concisely in the words of Julia Finn, “Ramadan is about fasting and considering those who are less fortunate than ourselves.”

After visiting Lebanon with the Opposition Leader two months ago, Ms Finn acknowledged the families and individuals experiencing hardship overseas, mentioning the 1.5 million refugees displaced in Lebanon and the 500 000 displaced Palestinians all over

the world.

Mr Foley took advantage of the night by highlighting the multicultural diversity of Sydney’s Muslim Community; “Julia and I are constantly having to educate our colleagues from all parties, from other parts of Sydney and NSW about the nature of our Muslim community here.”

“We have people here tonight from countries of Asia, Europe, Africa, before we get to the Middle East. That misunderstanding that the Islamic community in Auburn and Granville and these suburbs are all Lebanese or Arabic people is exactly that, a misunderstanding.”

“We‘re trying to raise consciousness and raise awareness and understanding of the diverse nature of the Muslim community here in Western Sydney.”

A similar message was addressed by Mr Turnbull at his Iftar; “By breaking bread across religions and by bringing diverse people together, we are embodying Islam’s emphasis on human diversity.”

Now I can speak on behalf of most Australian Muslims (and any Australian for that matter) when I say I am not a person who has an easily tends to be swayed by political rhetoric, but we are living in a time where, to the uninformed mind, Islam and Muslims alike are a threat to modern, Western existence.

To have your political leaders reinforce a message, that you have been struggling to come to terms with, has the effect of realising that you are in check, that you are not a threat and that it is okay to be religious and innocent. On multiple occasions where Muslims have been at the forefront of contention, I have had to step back and ask “Am I doing something wrong? Could that have been me?”

The truth is best put in the words of my colleague, Ms Rayane Tamer; “We aren’t a nationwide salad. We’re the tomatoes that are forked out of the way and placed on the side.... And God knows if the next person I meet likes tomatoes…. If I believed wholeheartedly that Australia accepted us [Muslims], I shouldn’t have to suss out if anyone around us is a tomato hater.”

What we can assure ourselves with is that we are nothing like the people who decided it was okay to engage in intentional forms of violence. But hearing it from your politicians is comforting, albeit impliedly political.

As long as we do no wrong, we cannot be in the wrong.

The politicians said it best - As Salam Alaikum, peace be upon you.

Rima Dabliz, 20, is a blogger studying B Communication majoring in journalism/ B Laws at UTS. Her occupational goal is to work as a criminal defence lawyer whilst maintaining her passion for writing about the world and aims to develop an online youth magazine.

State and federal politicians joined Muslim leaders for a community Iftar in Guildford.

July 2016

AMUST

Chris Bowen listens to a Quran recitation by Sheikh Khaled Taleb at the Iftar.

Ms Joumana Youssef, Relieving Deputy Principal of a comprehensive local girls high school & husband, Dr Ahmad Abou-Zeid attended the community Iftar.

Breast screening for Arabic-speaking women Sam Seljak Arabic-speaking women are being encouraged to have a potentially lifesaving mammogram and community leaders are highlighting the importance of breast screening and discussing the cultural barriers that exist for Arabic-speaking women.

Only one third (38.4%) of Arabic-speaking women aged 50-74, have their recommended mammogram every two years, significantly fewer than women aged 50-74 in general.

A common barrier to regular screening is the belief that breast cancer is hereditary – in fact, 90 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history.

Another common myth among women from Arabic-speaking communities is that mammograms expose you to a dangerous amount of radiation, with some advising that they believed the mammogram itself can give a woman breast cancer. Actually, modern mammography machines use the smallest amount of radiation possible while still getting a high quality x-ray picture.

As a Multicultural Health Worker, Ms Seham Gerges has seen many women diagnosed with cancer and witnessed first-hand the positive experiences of early detection.

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“One lady in my community had no pain, no family history, no symptoms, but because they discovered her breast cancer with a breast screen, they were able to treat it and save her life.”

Ms Maha Abdo, a prominent leader in the Muslim community and 2015 NSW Human Rights Ambassador, urges women to look after their health by ensuring they get regular breast screens.

“You have a responsibility over your body, to ensure it is nurtured and nourished.

Your body is a sacred entity and you must look after it,” says Ms Abdo.

She emphasises that all of the radiographers at BreastScreen NSW centres and vans are women and Arabic-speaking women should not be concerned about getting a breast screen.

“Many women are very hesitant about getting a mammogram but the radiographers, all of whom are women, are very understanding and make you feel very comfortable.”

BreastScreen NSW offers free mammograms in over 200 screening locations across NSW. Free interpreter assistance is available for telephone bookings by calling 13 14 50. Group bookings can also be arranged and free interpreters can be organised to attend group appointments.

To find your nearest BreastScreen NSW service, visit breastscreen.nsw. gov.au.

Australasian Muslim Times

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Legal Aid matters Lydia Shelly Legal Aid was set up by the Federal Government in 1973, recognising that: “…one of the basic causes of the inequality of citizens before the laws is the absence of adequate and comprehensive legal aid arrangements throughout Australia ... The ultimate object of the Government is that legal aid be readily and equally available to citizens everywhere in Australia and that aid be extended for advice and assistance of litigation as well as for litigation in all legal categories and in all courts.” (Senator the Hon Lionel Murphy AO QC, Attorney General) Many Australians assume that if they find themselves with a legal problem, that they will automatically receive a lawyer through legal aid if they cannot afford a lawyer. This assumption is incorrect and today, in some cases, even people living below the poverty line are often judged too wealthy to qualify for scant legal aid funding.

The crisis in funding is a direct result of funding neglect and cuts by the Federal Government, which has impacted severely on every Australian’s ability to access legal aid services.

The situation is so dire, that in Victoria alone, over 11, 000 people were denied legal aid in the last five years alone.

The Law Council of Australia President, Stuart Clark AM, said: “The picture is very similar across the country. The plight of those people denied legal aid is a direct result of hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts by successive federal governments. Over the last 20 years, successive federal governments have cut the Commonwealth’s share of legal aid from 50per cent to just 35per cent forcing increasing numbers of people

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Appin Aboriginal massacre

to defend themselves in Court against wellarmed prosecution teams. Meanwhile, individuals must battle well-resourced corporate opponents, abusive former partners and government agencies without any legal assistance or representation, at all. The consequence of federal government neglect is often catastrophic for the lives and livelihoods of those individuals and their families”. At least 45, 000 people have had to represent themselves in legal proceedings since 2009.

Many legal practitioners have joined public rallies to protest over the legal aid crisis and called upon the Federal Government to restore funding to legal aid; even using the #legalaidmatters.

In February 2016, the legal community from around Australia launched a “Legal Aid Matters” national campaign to raise awareness to the crisis of legal aid.

Unfortunately, the budget announcements announced further cuts in 2017, which will cut at least $12.1 million from community legal centres and $4.5 million from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services.

Other legal practitioners have chosen to stop participating in the legal aid system. We are proud to say that Shelly Legal will continue to participate in the legal aid scheme.

Legal Aid does matter. It is essential to the proper functioning of our justice system and ensures that legal rights of individuals are protected. It saves the court systems time and money.

It is estimated that at least $350 million in federal government funding is required to ease the crisis. You can show your support for the campaign by sending a tweet using the #legalaidmatters, write a letter to your local MP and sign the petition at www.legalaidmatters.org.au.

Lydia Shelly is a the Principal Solicitor of Shelly Legal law firm in Paramatta and a community advocate.

Dr Anne Fairbairn AM It is two hundred years since the massacre at Appin on 17 April in 1816 of many Aboriginal people by the British settlers called the Appin Aborigine Massacre.

When Governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie and his wife visited the Cowpastures in 1810, they were welcomed by several small parties of the cow-pastures natives who performed an extraordinary ‘Welcome to Country’ song and dance. Yet within a few short years, orders issued by Macquarie would result in the deaths of many Aborigines.

When the newcomers took up land grants, they cleared and fenced the land, irrecoverably changing the patterns of hunting and gathering that had been followed by the Dharawal people for tens of thousands of years.

Some European settlers formed a close rapport with Aborigines. Charles Throsby of Glenfield was accompanied by Dharawal men when he explored the southern highlands area. Throsby was a persistent critic of European cruel treatment of the Aborigines.

Whereas the mountain natives the Gandangara people had a reputation of being hostile in defence of their people and their land, the Dharawal were peaceful and had no history of aggression.

Unfortunately few settlers could distinguish between the two groups.

In 1814, Macquarie issued an order in the Sydney Gazette, admonishing settlers in the Appin and Cowpastures area saying ‘Any person who may be found to have treated Aborigines with inhumanity or cruelty, will be punished?.’

This followed an atrocity when an Aboriginal woman and her children were mur-

dered at Appin.

Two years later, in the drought of 1816, the Gandangara people came again from the mountains in search of food. About 40 farmers armed themselves with muskets and pitchforks and with the arrival of soldiers on 16 April a large number of Aborigines died during clashes.

In the end, more than fourteen (including women and children) met violent deaths as a result. How many others might have died when they plunged over the precipice will never be known. Five prisoners were taken.

The date of the infamous massacre at Appin was 17 April 1816.

I wrote my book - ‘Shadows of Our Dreaming’ Published by Angus and Robertson Australia in 1983, in order to honour the memory of Aboriginal people who lived in Australia for about 60,000 years in harmony with nature.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people should certainly be recognised in the Australian Constitution. I am sure they would have ‘Welcomed to Country’ the Muslim Community who are now so deeply enriching Australia.

Dr Anne Fairbairn AM is an accomplished poet and writer. She is passionate about First Nation peoples, Muslims and Arabic literature and culture. She is based in Sydney.

Visa cancellations & refusals

Larissa Dulat

Most people are well aware that a visa application can be refused, however, not many are conscious of the fact that once visa is granted it can be cancelled regardless of whether it is a temporary and permanent one. Visa cancellation reasons and how to avoid it is a separate topic which shall be discussed in future issues.

This article will concentrate on the rights of visa applicants once a visa application is refused or visa holders facing visa cancellation.

Issues surrounding visa cancellations and refusals are highly complex and differ from each other. The similarity, however, is the fact that both may be overturned by the Ad-

ministrative Review Tribunal (AAT).* Most people panic when they receive a letter from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) advising them of visa refusal or cancellation and many simply give up without challenging the decision. What is important to realise is that in many cases it is possible to have your visa successfully reinstated or granted** as a result of an outcome from the AAT decision. Currently, 36% of Migrant visa and 16% of Refugee applications are being set aside by the AAT (meaning, going back to the DIBP for reconsideration following initial refusal). It is not unusual for the DIBP to wrongly refuse or cancel someone’s visa therefore considering challenging their decision is a sensible way to go.

Whilst feelings of despair and confusion

Ms Larissa Dulat

are understandable it is highly advisable to use the time wisely and seek professional advice as soon as possible. The first and most vital peace of information required to be identified is the timeframe for lodging a valid application for the AAT review. Once you miss the deadline there is nothing you can do in most cases. In addition to correctly establishing the timeframe, a migration professional will check validity of the DIBP letter itself as in some instances the Department fails to issue valid cancellation letters. The migration law requires the DIBP to follow a set of rules when considering to cancel someone’s visa. If a mistake occurs in the process it is possible to have the visa cancellation deemed invalid.

Do not ignore visa refusal or cancellation letters as such leads to a person becoming an unlawful non-citizen who consequently can be detained in a detention centre indefinitely or deported back to the country of origin. Any other attempts to lodge a valid

visa application by a person who is unlawful non-citizen will have significant limitations and processing challenges.

* Certain conditions apply to lodging a valid application for appeal or review (term most commonly used). **While the AAT does not have a jurisdiction to grant a visa they set decision aside meaning the DIBP cannot refuse a visa on the issue in question and must consider the application again (which may lead to a visa grant).

Larissa Dulat is a registered migration agent since 2014. She holds Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law & Practice from the Australian National University.

Larissa is experienced in spouse, student and skilled visas, and is always interested in challenging visa refusals or cancellations at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Registered Migration Agent (#1462180)

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llations s.com.au

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Australian visa & immigration advice Assistance with visa refusals and cancellations E: larissa@ptlabs.com.au W: www.ptlabs.com.au

Australasian Muslim Times

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July 2016

SOUVENIR LIFTOUT EID MESSAGES SHOWGROUND MAP STALL DIRECTORY CULTURAL PROGRAM

Message from Bashar Al Jamal

Director of Human Appeal International Australia Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh!

As Muslims around the world are about to complete fasting the holy month of Ramadan, welcoming the approach of Eid Al-Fitr; it is a great pleasure to be able to send you my best wishes and to extend it to your respected family, Embassy staff, and to the people of the State of Kuwait.

The essence of Ramadan serves as an important reminder of the values we all share.

To name some: justice and equality, mercy and gratitude, generosity and charity.

Through Ramadan; Muslims willingly undertake the feeling of hunger and thirst with those poor and needy who struggle to secure a meal or cannot find clean water to drink.

Shortly, The Muslims in Australia will unite with brothers and sisters around the globe in prayers and Eid celebrations. Our Families will share love, gifts and meals; they will also strive to give to those in need.

In celebration of the completion of Ramadan and the occasion of Eid-Al-Fitr I am wishing you Eid Mubarak. I hope we all enjoy this season’s blessings and happiness, peace and prosperity for our communities.

Message from John Ajaka MLC

Minister for Multiculturalism I am pleased to send my warm greetings to everyone in New South Wales celebrating Eid ul Fitr, the end of the blessed month of Ramadan.

Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair (MEFF) organised the first festival of Eid in Australia, which is great family entertainment for people of all backgrounds.

As Minister for Multiculturalism, it is a pleasure to see people from diverse backgrounds celebrate such an ancient festival, bringing together people from many different communities in an atmosphere of harmony, joy and respect.

New South Wales is home to a multitude of faiths, customs, cultures and ancestries, and the NSW Government is a firm advocate for the promotion of this rich diversity and its benefits to our society.

I wish all Muslim communities in our state a wonderful Eid ul Fitr and congratulate the organisers of the Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair.

Message from Chris Hayes

Message from Dr Mehreen Faruqi

It gives me great pleasure to join with you and provide this message for the annual Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair (MEFF) 2016.

The Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair is a wonderful event to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Commencing in 1985, MEFF was one of the first festivals to be held in Australia to celebrate Eid. MEFF brings together families, friends and loved ones across various backgrounds for friendship, thanksgiving and celebrations.

I would like to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of the organising committee and volunteers, who put on this major event each year in our local community, for all of us to enjoy.

I am proud to be part of one of the most multicultural communities in Australia that boasts a diverse culture, genuine friendships and the ability to live in harmony. MEFF has contributed much in our community to promote understanding and tolerance and for that we are truly grateful.

I look forward to attending the festivities and to once again, appreciate the great benefits our diverse community has to offer.

I wish everyone a happy Eid. Eid Mubarek!

Warm Greetings from the NSW Greens. I wish you and your family a very happy Eid –ul-Fitr celebration.

The Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair has been running for more than thirty years and is a testament to our vibrant multicultural community. It is a great opportunity for people to celebrate this happy time and to learn more about the different cultures that make our nation richer and stronger.

As the contemplative month of Ramadan comes to an end, let us continue our work for an inclusive Australia.

Eid Mubarak!

Federal Member for Fowler

Message from David Hurley

Governor of New South Wales Eid is a special time of celebration and observance to mark the end of Ramadan and I congratulate the organisers of the Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair at Fairfield on Sunday, 10th July 2016.

The Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair is the very first festival to celebrate Eid in Australia, and allows Sydney-siders to come together in celebration, joining millions of people around the world.

In developing cross-cultural and interfaith partnerships with other organisations, leaders and community groups, and building confidence and connections as people learn about other cultures and religions, this festival contributes to the unity, harmony and cohesion of our society.

On behalf of the people of New South Wales, I am honoured to support this event and convey my best wishes.

Eid Mubarak!

Greens NSW MP

Message from Julie Owens

Federal Member for Parramatta Eid is an important time for the Muslim community around the world and I extend my very best wishes to the community here.

I acknowledge the special and dedicated work of MEFF in being a pioneer in celebrating Eid in Australia.

At this time of peace, faith and humility I hope that all celebrating have a blessed Eid Mubarak with family and friends. May this Eid bring you abundant joy and happiness.

I wish you and your family a blessed Eid. Eid Mubarak.

Message from Jihad Dib

Member for Lakemba I wish all of the attendees at the Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair an Eid Mubarak.

Eid al Fitr for me is about spending time with loved ones and reflecting on the past month. It was heart-warming to see how people, from different faiths and backgrounds, came together in Ramadan for the simple act of sharing a meal.

I congratulate the organisers and volunteers of the Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair for providing this wonderful Eid celebration, as they have done for the past 32 years.

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Message from Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad Patron of the Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair

Assalaamu Alaikum.

Greetings of peace to all.

I address all Australians from all walks of life.

We, as Muslims, have just completed the rigorous month of training, sacrifice and self-restraint which is the holy month of Ramadan - the Islamic month of fasting. And now we celebrate the Eid ul Fitr - a time of rejoicing and community bonding. With MEFF we extend that goodwill to all Australians.

It is also a good time to reflect.

We, as members of humanity, are witnessing another historical fork in the road, when we as individuals, communities, nations and as the whole world have to make crucial decisions.

On the one hand we can try to isolate ourselves from those who seem to be different or have different values.

The BREXIT decision, the farcical yet disturbing rise of Trump in the US, the lack of real action on climate change and the rumbling of the few but increasingly vocal far right in our own backyard is a worrying trend.

Unfortunately, at times like these, we seem to develop collective amnesia. We forget that isolationist or nationalist fervour has continuously and almost without exception led us to inequality, discrimination, hatred and ultimately conflict - long and bloody conflicts.

Recently we have seen the manifestations of this played out on our TV screens and newspapers. We have seen it in the bloodbath in Orlando. We have seen it in the senseless killing of Jo Cox in Leeds. We have seen it in the rising scapegoating of Muslim and other minorities in Western countries. We have seen it over and over again in the repeated killings of Muslims and minorities in Muslim lands - at the hands of so-called Muslims.

One the other hand we have witnessed sincere efforts by sections of all communities to develop friendships and companionship among all as their own brothers and sisters living together in peace on and with this planet. We can embrace the fact that we are different, understand each other more and seek to build a world where differences can coexist peacefully.

Please allow me to remind my religious partners in the divine religion of Islam to concentrate more of their efforts and strategies to banish all hatred and conflict by taking all the human and other creatures of God as the servants of the One God who has provided all the facilities in the world.

Let us remind ourselves with the verses of the Qur’an and the practices of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s) in relation to friendship among all humans irrespective of being believers or unbelievers.

So, I, being one of the elders amongst you all, appeal in the name of Almighty God to develop acquaintance, love, sympathy and friendship in order to bring peace and harmony both between our own family members as well as between the members of world communities.

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Al-Mawrid Australia Limited Books AlFirdaus College Quranic/Arabic Education | Lollies All for Allah Sake inc (AFAS) Information | Donations Allure Organics Black Seed Oil | Bee Pollen | Essential Oils | Himalayan Salt Inhale | Eagle Supreme Drops & Capsule | Natural Deodorants | Skin Care | Hair Care Amal Makki Islamic Wear | Accessories | Hijabs | Clothing Ample property solutions Questionnaire AusRelief Ltd Promotional Show Bags | Promotional Pamphlet Australian Relief Organisation Books Ayah Fashion Hijabs | Skirts | Dresses | Hijab Hangers | Caps | Jelbabs | Sleeve Jelbabs Costco Wholesale Goldstar Membership | Business Membership Darul Furqan Islamic Books | Islamic Perfumes | Prayer Caps | Prayer Rugs | Hijabs | Trinkets Darussalam Bookstore Books | Islamic Gifts Talk Bus - Department of Planning and Environment Shaping Sydney’s Future with the Talk Bus

Stall No. Stall Name Diversity Services, NSW Dept of Justice Brochures | Dvds | Booklets | Badges | Pens | Magnets Equitable Financial Solutions Pty Ltd (EFSOL) D14 Brochures | Flyers Faza Fashions A6 Abayas | Kurtis | Shalwar Kameez | Party Wear Gowns | Jewellery | Mini Flag Gloves Gould Sydney T4 Cards | Posters | App | Sweets | Balloons Hassan Sabourne B6 Jewellery| Gifts Hijab Ho C1 Scarves | Caps | Abayas Hijab Stylista A17 Hijabs | Muslimah Apparels | Women Skincare Holy Teaching B9 Holy Books Hunter Street Community Centre Pty Ltd B10 Drinks Hura Henna Artist C7 Henna Art | Jewellery Items | Hand Made Cloth Bags | Table Runners IREA D2 T-Shirts | Books | Zamzam Water | Donation For Masjid Islamic Practice and Dawah Circle (IPDC) D9 Fund Raising Tickets | Donation For Masjid ISRA Australia C11 Course Brochures Kaniz A5 Childrens Toys T3

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Rocking Tug • Cup & Saucer • Crazy Flyer • Rocket Ride • Happy Clown Jumping Castle • Circus Train Inflatable • Super Slide • Dodgem Cars • Sizzler • Music Trip • Wild Chairs • Haunted House • Water Balls • Bungee Trampolines

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Doing Ramadan solo LOVE HAQTUALLY Zeynab Gamieldien When I found out that my husband and I would be temporarily relocating overseas, one of the first thoughts which came to mind was that of us being alone in an unfamiliar place during the month of Ramadan.

It would be so lonely, so desolate and empty. Ramadan is a time we associate with big pots of rice, bucket loads of invitations to share meals and all of our mothers’ special dishes served as a smorgasbord. I was convinced that a solo Ramadan would be a hard slog, and not anywhere near as beautiful or joyous.

But this line of thinking neglects an important and oft-neglected reality for so many Muslims. It is tempting to paint a romanticised picture of what Ramadan is like, but this perhaps reflects a rosy ideal more so than a lived experience.

Ramadan can be a time of immense struggle and difficult contemplations, of dates stuffed into mouths in peak-hour traffic and microwave iftars on a couch for one. For some, work continues well into the night regardless of the long day’s fasting which preceded it.

The reasons people may experience struggles in Ramadan vary. Some are far away from their beloved families and have little opportunity for reunions. For some, the family home is not a safe haven, but in fact a place fraught with danger and difficulties. Some are so busy trying to make ends meet that the struggle to contain hunger and thirst serves as a mere backdrop for the wider struggle to put food on the table. Some are suffering under institutional oppression, while some are oppressed in their own homes. Some are well and truly alone; some are surrounded by people but are plagued by loneliness and an inability to be understood.

The very communality which people celebrate in Ramadan can serve as a mere reinforcement, or even an exacerbation, of these private sorrows, particularly when these communal events and spectacles are displayed all across their social media feeds.

When put into perspective, the Ramadan I am having this year is certainly unusual, but nevertheless possesses its own quiet beauty.

There are no invitations, no public events to mingle and be seen at and none of my mother’s amazing Ramadan specialties, but there is my husband and I, passing the many hours in the kitchen together. There is a tiny, cosy mosque nearby, there is plentiful food and drink and of course, there is always my mother’s advice, just one phone call away.

I am blessed beyond measure; I am blessed far beyond what I have earned.

As this Ramadan draws to a close, I pray that it brings you renewed faith, if you are in darkness, ease, if you are struggling, companionship, if you are lonely, and most of all, contentment, tranquillity and gratitude, no matter your circumstances.

This article was originally posted on www. lovehaqtually.com Zeynab is an Australian lawyer, social inquirer, traveller and chronic human observer. She created Love Haqtually as a space for Muslims (and anyone interested) to discuss relationships, love, the weirdness of being a Muslim in the 21st century.

Help us fight cancer Tanya Kubitza For the fourth consecutive year, my 9-year-old daughter Mariam and I are honoured to be riding our bikes in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids’ cancer! The previous three years saw us raising over $17,000 with your generous and amazing support.

The Great Cycle Challenge is the annual fundraiser for the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) in Sydney’s Westmead, kicking off every year on 1st October.

Last year saw over 8,000 riders from all walks of life across Australia and beyond signed up to help raise funds and awareness for kids fighting cancer.

Entry is free and each rider who raises more than $500 will be given a free cycling jersey.

Fundraising and riding goals are set individually by each rider and can range from 1 km to a few hundred km.

Family, friends, colleagues and local businesses then sponsor the cycling efforts via each rider’s individual fundraising page.

If you like to ride your bike or enjoy a spin class at the gym, why not sign up yourself

and start fundraising to support kids with cancer?!

Cancer is still the largest killer of children from disease in Australia – over 600 children are diagnosed with cancer every year and sadly, three children die from cancer every week.

Beyond the statistics is the pain and heartbreak of the families but also the remarkable stories of young patients whose courageous spirit have not only inspired us but deeply touched our hearts.

So, Mariam and I continue to do what little we can because we can: Kids should be living life, not having to be fighting for it!

Your donations will help create awareness about childhood cancer and offer much needed support to kids fighting cancer and their families.

Furthermore, it will provide the scientists at the (CMRI) with the funds to continue their amazing work in developing treatments and finding a cure for childhood cancer, inShaAllah.

Please help us save little lives by making a donation via our fundraising page: www.goo.gl/v2yWXz Tanya Kubitza is a keen bike rider, fundraiser and a school teacher based in Melbourne.

Ozzi Bella

weds

Sesnita Ismail & Wepzy Aziz announce the marriage of their son, Ozzi Fauzy (24 years), a business accounts manager to Bella Bachmid (23 years) a quality assistant and student, daughter of Fahmi & Soraya Bachmid.

The wedding ceremony (nikkah) was held at the GSFC function centre on 29 August 2015, and reception was held on 28 February 2016.

AMUST

Marriage Bureau

Seeker & Sought For An initiative by the Islamic Foundation for Education and Welfare (IFEW)

Seekers F1510: Female, 58, Fijian Australian widow from Indian background, Administrative officer. I like to Travel watch soccer, cook, socialise and help people.

I am looking for a down to earth, loving and caring person. Someone to be my life partner and is willing to accept my son (19 years) who also lives with me.

F159: Female, 27 medical doctor, Indian residing in Saudi Arabia.

I apply Islam in my day-to-day life. I have performed Hajj twice and Umrah numerous times. I am soft spoken, humble and well cultured. I respect elders and very adjusting by nature. I am seeking for a life partner who is an educated and practicing Muslim.

M1514: Male, 21, Bangladeshi, Hafiz of Quran. Currently doing Bachelor in Accounting. I have received 6 points in IELTS. I come from a very educated and well practising Muslim family.

My sister is an Australian citizen and is a doctor. Looking for a Muslim girl who lives in Australia.

M1513: Male, 30, Pakistani, Currently doing PhD research at Tohoku University, Japan. I enjoy travelling.

I am seeking a practising Muslimah.

M1512: Male, 57, divorced, Australian citizen from Arabic background.

I have been in Australia for 35 years and work as a painter. I like playing and watching sports. I like travelling as well. I am seeking for a Muslimah from any nationality.

M1511: Male, 37, divorced, Bangladeshi Australian, Masters in professional accounting. I am a practicing Muslim, interested in attending Islamic and Educational seminars and socialising with friends.

I am seeking a practising Bangladeshi Muslimah who resides in Australia.

M156: Male 58 divorced Pakistani Australian. I have been in Australia for 30 years and worked in IT and now I am retired. I am seeking for a Sunni muslimah widow or divorced from any culture.

See More at amust.com.au/ listing_types/seekers/

Placing/Responding to a notice If you would like to place or respond to a notice, fill out the matrimonial form at: www.amust.com.au/marriage-bureau All information is held in strict confidence

July 2016

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The Love Story of Bella & Ozzi THE MODEST BRIDE

Bella and Ozzi’s story is a beautiful tale of persistence, perseverance and true companionship. A chance brush with each other in the city made quite the impression on Ozzi who spent the next year looking for the girl who bumped into him.

Eventually through many coincidences and striving, Bella and Ozzi finally had the chance to meet each other properly, and the rest is well, history!

How did you meet?

We initially bumped into each other in the city. I was running for the train and he was walking in the opposite direction. Being late, I didn’t really pay attention to him, I just said sorry and continued running.

Ozzi on the other hand was pretty mesmerised and told his friends that he needed to find me (I know, it sounds pretty cliché).

A year later he found my Facebook and added me. I saw his friend request, but ignored it as I didn’t know anyone name Ozzi.

When I was cleaning out my friend request, I saw that he and I had a few mutual friends, so I accepted him.

That day I noticed it was his birthday, I inboxed him wishing him a happy birthday and from there we couldn’t stop talking (Today, he admits that me accepting his friend request was the best birthday gift he has ever received).

A couple weeks into the conversation I told him that I had a baby shower to attend.

He realised that it was a great opportunity for us to meet. He begged the brother of the lady who was having the baby shower to invite him.

Every day he kept asking if he could go; confused, his friend questioned why, saying “you don’t even know my sister”. He then told him that he was interested in me and wanted to meet me there. So his friend agreed to invite him.

The day finally came and I headed to the baby shower with my sister and her husband, being a newlywed, they both only thought of each other and forgot about me.

So sadly, they left me stranded at the baby shower. Luckily Ozzi was there and offered to drop me home. Since that day, he has always been my life saver and my best friend.

The Proposal He took me to a sunset dinner at the Sydney Tower. It was beautiful, the venue, the food and the atmosphere.

Ozzi and I had it quite tough with the dis-

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Saltanat Bora

approval of my parents at the time because of culture difference. So his proposal was more of a reassurance that we will be able to change my parents’ heart. As long as I am still by his side, he is willing to fight for me.

This night will always be one of my favourite memories.

The Engagement It took us 5 years of negotiating to finally get the approval from my parents. When

Australasian Muslim Times

they finally saw that no one could love me and look after me the way Ozzi does, they set all ego aside and invited him over for dinner. That night they saw how amazing Ozzis’ personality was, and we got the thumbs up. As soon as my dad said yes, I wanted to get married the next week. But I had to be realistic; I persuaded everyone that we could get the wedding ceremony (Nikah) planned in 3 months.

Wedding Planning Oooo boy, the wedding planning was pretty chaotic. My parents wanted to plan everything, and I wanted to plan my own wedding too. So we decided that for the Wedding Ceremony, we will plan it together as all the elders will be invited then. And for the reception, it will all be my idea as it is only the youth. My husband on the other hand wasn’t really fazed, as long as his friends were there, and the cake was red velvet, he didn’t mind how it turned out.

The wedding reception was 6 months after the Nikah, which left me enough time to plan and also it still makes our marriage pretty new, so our friends will still be excited to attend. I am a perfectionist, and once I have an idea, I do not want to include others input. So the whole 6 months, every single day I would be texting my vendors, and every weekend I would meet up with them. I think I turned out to be those annoying brides who kept changing their mind and had her vendors on speed dial.

“

Ozzi and I had it quite tough with the disapproval of my parents at the time because of culture differences.

So his proposal was more of a reassurance that we will be able to change my parents’ heart. As long as I am still by his side, he is willing to fight for me.

”

Wedding Venue Initially I wanted to have an outdoor, rustic wedding. Unfortunately the venue we wanted closed down, so we had to go for a plan B. I still wanted it to be outdoors, but at the time, the weather was horrible and I was afraid that on my wedding day it would rain. I spent around 3 months trying to find an outdoor place, but I left it to the last minute, and everything was booked out for the date that I wanted, so we had to go for a plan C, and I decided the safest place would be a reception hall.

I have always loved Westella Renaissance because of their dark room. It gave a really nice romantic vibe. Best decision ever!

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What inspired your wedding style I was actually inspired by Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello wedding. I love how they used purple and pink flowers in a dark room. And I wanted something similar.

Most of the weddings I had attended used either white or red flowers as decorations, so I wanted to be different and I wanted the flowers to really stand out to brighten up the dark room.

DIY elements Majority of it was DIY. Being a control freak, I wanted to do it all by myself.

The wedding favours I used my sister and cousins as labor to put it all together My amazing cousin made my wedding cake for the Nikah Name Cards, Table Numbers, Seating List and Instagram Hashtag, I designed, Printed and cut There was an interaction table. Instead of using a guest book, I made a Thumb Print Tree. I also made advice cards, However I forgot to give them to the Venue and accidentally left it at home, so they didn’t make it on the table For the Nikah, the night before, my family stayed up until 1 in the morning to decorate the function room. We hired materials and furniture’s from one of the ladies from Ozzis’ community. I must say it was really amazing seeing my family and Ozzis’ friends and family work together and I was really proud of how it turned out.

That Memorable Moment There were a lot of memorable moments, its’s really hard to choose one. But there were two moments that got me teary. I have never seen Ozzi cry, he always put a brave face on no matter what the situation is. Once I walked down the aisle, I looked up at Ozzi and he was crying and smiling.

After everything we went through, to walk down the aisle and seeing his face so vulnerable and happy. I was like wow this guy never gave up on me, he believed in us, he fought for us, despite the difficulties, he was patient and he kept going. It made me feel so

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blessed to marry him. The second thing was probably seeing him and my dad hug, and thanking each other. It was pretty emotional, to see the two most important men in my life, exchange hugs.

The White Dress I was actually super lucky with my dress.

I didn’t want to spend too much on my dress, so I was on the internet 24/7 trying to find the perfect dress on a budget. I don’t know how, but I stumbled across a website that had a closing down sale in Petersham, and that weekend was the last day. So my Aunty, Cousin and I travelled down there to check the place out.

My cousin pointed out the dress for me, and as soon as I tried it on, I instantly feel in love. Being short and curvy, it’s really hard to find the perfect dress. And this dress sat on my body perfectly; I didn’t have a second guess and straight away got it.

I wanted a modern, modest dress that was simple with lace and a little bling. And I got that exact style with a fraction of the price.

“After everything we went

through, to walk down the aisle and seeing his face so vulnerable and happy. I was like wow this guy never gave up on me, he believed in us, he fought for us, despite the difficulties, he was patient and he kept going.

”

The Meaning of Marriage Marriage to us is about spending the rest of your life with the person you are able

to trust and love whole heartily. It is about working as a team to overcome obstacles and push each other to become a better version of yourself. Marriage is about understanding that there will be arguments, disagreements and sacrifices, it isn’t easy, and it requires patience, compromises, effort, teamwork and two people who will never give up on each other. But most importantly, marriage to us is eternal, it is a blessing to wake up each day, knowing that you are building your future, your life and a family with your best friend and your perfect companion.

Overall Our wedding completely broke all the rules of a typical Padang and Indo-Arab wedding. Usually the wedding would consist of every single person in the community. So telling my parents that I wanted something small required a lot of convincing. Our family could not fathom the idea of a wedding with only close family and friends. It totally wasn’t in their dictionary.

Eventually after bringing forth a good case, they agreed to make it a small wedding. This was the best decision as my parents enjoyed their time without putting all their attention

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in talking to the guests. This also made the wedding feel more intimate because we shared good memories with everyone who attended the wedding. It was such a beautiful night, so much laughter and smiles, everyone enjoyed themselves. It was such a perfect night, there was nothing that I would change.

Vendors Photography Studio Something Photography Videographer Marry Me Movies Stationary Vista Prints & DIY Bouquets/buttonholes Bykaikes Stage Styling Rowaidaalam Table Centrepieces Tender Thoughts Florist Flower wall Dazzling Decorations Reception venue Westella Renaissance Cake and other desserts Fatima Sungkar (Brides Cousin) Celebrant Bilal Dannoun Entertainment CDARZ Entertainment Bridal gown Bridal store in Petersham (now shut) Veil Family heirloom Headscarf styling Nadia Bachmid (Bride’s Sister) Shoes Betts Shoes Makeup Hourin_makeup Bridesmaids dresses ASOSGroom’s Suit/shoes Oxford This article was originally published on www.themodestbride.com.au

Who is the anonymous Muslim Mum? MOBYDAYZE Mobinah Ahmad

With a page of over 20,000 likes and growing, The Muslim Mum, an anonymous woman is running a page to bring up and talk about issues facing women in our community.

The Facebook page is a space for women to post anonymously issues, problems ranging from physical and sexual health to life after divorce, violent abuse, parenting, pregnancy and socio-cultural issues. In an interview with the woman running the page, we ask her to shed some light on how this page came about.

How did it start? “It all started in 2013 with a Mums Group for friends and family only. It was established solely for a friend to be able to ask any mum questions she has. She was a first time mum, so I wanted a good support network for her. But friends

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began adding friends and soon the page was up to 1000 members. Someone recommended I start a page and so I did. I called it The Muslim Mum.” Did you ever think your page would be so popular? “I never expected it to reach 20k people from countries all over the world.

I am humbled that there are so many people who look out for one another and care about each other. Every so often I receive a request for an item. One time a sister called to ask if someone had a second hand washing machine available. Her husband could not afford a washing machine so she has been hand washing for 7 weeks. In 2 hours, we raised $900, paid for a washing machine and got it delivered to her house the next day. It was surreal. Subhanallah. This page continues to restore my faith in humanity.”

How do you manage the page? “With a page like this, comes great responsibility.

Early on, I realised that I needed professional assistance and services I can rely on. Almost weekly, I was receiving messages from sisters who are being abused, physically,

emotional, mentally and psychologically, and did not know where to turn to help. I’ll be honest, there were times where I wanted to give up but I would never give up on my sisters. I am glad that I was able to help them, redirect them all to the best services in their area and ensure they received the help they needed.

Lastly, this page takes up some time, but I have learnt early on to manage well. But I wanted to thank my beautiful admin ‘S’ for her continued support and help with this page. She is simply amazing friend and full of wisdom. Without her I would be drowning in messages unable to keep up.”

How do you deal with controversial topics? “Questions which have previously generated a lot of controversy in the past or are ‘taboo’ topics, will have a warning sign with Instant bans, such as “ giving them a warning that I do not tolerate disrespect, disunity or irresponsible comments, will deter them from commenting as such. Such topics include relationship problems such as intimacy, or individual problems such

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as pornography or gambling. Other topics that have previously been discussed include gender reassigning surgery. I do not believe ‘taboo’ topics exist in Islam as I believe we should be open about discussing (respectfully) anything with others.”

Why is your identity hidden? “At times the backlash was so severe, that my family and I were receiving death threats. One of the reasons I was threatened and harassed was because I refused to disclose my identity. I feel, like many others, that the only way I can help people is to remain anonymous. If every follower knew who I am, I am unable to safely and effectively help others. More recently, I have made it clear that I will not tolerate disunity or conflict between different sects. I stand for One Ummah and believe that we are all Muslim. Many members of the public disliked my posts and chose to discuss the topic in their private groups.

I have moved from this and no amount of criticism will make me change my mind.” www.facebook.com/themuslimmum

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Lady Khadija: The First Lady of Islam Fousiya Bismi Lady Khadija al-Kubra (r) the beloved wife of our holy Prophet (s) the First Lady of Islam. 10 Ramadan was her death anniversary.

We remember this exceptional lady for her steadfast support of the Prophet s) and his mission. She continues to be a great inspiration and role model for any woman to look up to even today.

Khadija (r) was the daughter of Khuwaylid, belonging to the clan of Banu Hashim of the tribe of Banu Asad. She was a distant cousin of Prophet Muhammad (s). She was one of four greatest and exceptional ladies in the entire history of the world whom the Prophet (s) identified as: Asiya, the wife of Pharaoh, Maryam, the mother of Prophet Isa (a), Khadija (s) the daughter of Khuwaylid, and Fatima al-Zahra (r), the daughter of the Prophet (s).

Khadija (r) was born in 565 CE and died in 620 CE. Although the society into which Khadija was born was terribly male chauvinistic, Khadija earned two titles: Ameerat Quraish, Princess of Quraish, and at-Tahira, the Pure One, due to her flawless personality.

She fed and clothed the poor especially orphans who sought refuge in her house and she became known as Ummul Yatama or the mother of orphans.

Khadija (r) was an enterprising and intelligent businesswoman, the CEO of her own company. She employed Prophet Muhammad (s) as her agent to Syria and he returned with exceptional profits. Upon learning of his outstanding manners and excellent morals, her heart was captivated and she took

the step of proposing to the Prophet (s) for marriage, although this was not the custom at that time.

Khadija (r) never believed in nor worshipped idols and she immediately believed in the Prophet (s), supported his mission and was the first woman to embrace Islam. She offered her vast finances to the Prophet (s) who invested Khadija’s wealth for Islam.

There has never been a better investment in the entire history of mankind and it’s still paying dividends to this day. This support raised her status high in the eyes of the Prophet (s) and the Pleasure of Allah.

History records that Prophet Muhammad (s) frequently expressed his deep love and admiration about Khadija (r) and he preferred her over all his other wives.

Khadija (r) and Prophet Muhammad (s) were not only blessed in finding each other, but also in the children they brought into the world. Their sons Qasim and Abdullah (also called Tahir) died in their infancy.

Hurt by the taunts of the unbelievers, the couple receive consolation from Allah Himself by the divine revelation of Sura Kawthar (Abundance) Chapter 108 Holy Quran with the promise of abundance indicating the birth of their last child, Fatima-Zahra (r) a daughter who lived to adulthood bringing with her the greatest blessings of God into their home and for mankind.

In 616 CE the Quraish declared a trade and marriage boycott against the Hashim clan with harsh economic sanctions that lasted 3 years.

Lady Khadija and Prophet’s uncle Abu Talib were both fatally affected and they passed away within a few months of each other at the end of the boycott period. The year of their death is called “The Year of Sorrow”, (Aam-ul-Huzn) in 620 CE. Once these two great protectors of the Prophet(s) were gone, he was in real danger of being assassinated. Allah commanded the Prophet to migrate away from Mecca. This was the Hijra to Medina and the beginning of the second part of Prophet’s (s) life and establishment of the first Islamic state.

Fousiya Bismi, based in Sydney is a family law advisor , student of comparative religions and a community activist.

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Luqman Hakim Landy, an Australian Muslim revert has been serving the people of Indonesia through his JIMS Foundation in the field of daawah and education for more than 15 years.

Luqman was born in Sydney and was introduced to Islam at a university in Canberra. He converted to Islam in 1975 after a six year search for TRUTH in Australia and a supernatural experience in Jakarta. He performed Hajj in 1979, worked with AFIC in 1979 - 1982 and was Mudir of a government Islamic Orphanage in Sabah, Malaysia 1983-85. He has 10 years teaching experience in Darwin & 12 in Jakarta He did HIJRA to Indonesia 1988 and fell into DA'WAH activities, in remote villages where people did not know Islam.

He lives in Greenacre and is happy to assist your da'wah visit to these schools in Indonesia.

Donation Account Details: Name: Luqman Hakim Landy ANZ BSB: 012 341, A/C: 540 136 101

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AMUST

The 99 Divine attributes of Allah Part 23 - Attributes 81 – 82

BEYOND THE BOX Dr Q Ashfaq Ahmad

This issue continues the series exclusive to AMUST on the 99 divine attributes of Allah.

Read previous parts at www.goo.gl/L1wvP2 81 – Al –Muntaqim - The Owner of Retribution.

Is not Allah sufficient for His Servant [Prophet Muhammad]? And [yet], they threaten you with those [they worship] other than Him. And whoever Allah leaves astray - for him there is no guide. 1 And whoever Allah guides - for him there is no misleader. Is not Allah Exalted in Might and Owner of Retribution? 2 And if you asked them, “Who created the heavens and the earth?” they would surely say, “ Allah”. Say, “Then have you considered what you invoke besides Allah? If Allah intended me harm, are they removers of His harm; or if He intended me mercy, are they withholders of His mercy?” Say, “Sufficient for me is Allah; upon Him [alone] rely the [wise] reliers.” 3 Say, “O my people, work according to your position, [for] indeed, I am working; and you are going to know. 4 To whom will come a torment disgracing him and on whom will descend an enduring punishment.

Indeed, We sent down to you the Book for the people in truth. So whoever is guided - it is for [the benefit of] his soul; and whoever goes astray only goes astray to its detriment.

And you are not a manager over them. 5 ( Az Zumar 39: 36-41) 1. The disbelievers used to respond to the Prophet: “You scorn our deities while

you don’t know how greatly blessed and miraculous they are. If you do not stop all these remarks, they shall destroy you.”

2. This attribute of Allah is also an indication of the disbelievers’ abstention from the guideds by Allah that these simpletons don’t have have great regard and concern about their deities. They never even think about the fact that Allah is the overall Supreme and Powerful Being and by their polytheistic attitude of the associating partnership of these deities with Allah, their degradation of Allah will result in the severe punishment for this blasphemy.

3. Ibn Abbas (ra) narrated: The Prophet said, “The one who wishes to be most powerful of all humans should trust upon Allah and the one who wishes to be most wealthy, he should rely most about what procuring he does himself for getting the wealth and the one who wishes to be most honourable among the human beings, he should fear Allah the most Blessed and Exalted.”

4. Whatever you do to attempt to defeat me, continue on and try your best.

5. Allah is ordering the Prophet: “Your task is not to bring these opponents on the right track. Your mission is only to present the message of Islam as conveyed to you and if they persist to not follow Islam, it is not your responsibility.”

82- Al- ‘Afūw – The Ever Pardoning Verily, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depth (grade) of the Fire ; no helper will you find for them.

Except those who repent (from hypocrisy) do righteous good deeds, hold fast to Allah and purify their religion for Allah by wor-

Read ALL the Holy words sent to us…

Order the meanings of the

1. Purification of the religion (Al-Deen) refers to the strict emphasis to the believers that the loyalty of the humans should be exclusively maintained with Allah without any other partner with Him. The believer should submit his/her intense affections and faith to Allah only. Nothing should be so much attached with a person that they cannot it sacrifice for the sake of Allah.

2. The real function of faithfulness is the sincere affirmation of the gratitude and the bounties given by Allah. This verse orders never to adopt the practice of disregard for the benevolence of Allah and emphasises the attitude of indebtedness of Allah. Rather now they should believe totally to be fully submissive to Allah so that there is no chance of having a punishment from Allah.

3. The English substitute for the Arabic word Shākir used here is “true patron.”

Continued in AMUST issue #129 August

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Shukr, when applied for humans by Allah, means the affirmation of his/her service showing patronage; when it is used for Allah by human it is used for the total submissiveness to Allah. The formal application connotes that Allah is never ungrateful for the humans. Allah respects and gives regard to all the services carried by humans. Nothing is left without recompense from Allah for their services.

4. In this verse the high moral instruction and useful directive are bestowed upon the believers by Allah. The hypocrites, some Jews and the idol-worshippers, all of them, were bent upon hindering the progress of acceptance of Islam by the people and used to annoy and harass the persons who become believers of Islam.

They used to apply any possible device against this new Islamic movement and it was quite natural for the believers to feel distressed. Allah, realizing such sentiments arousing in the minds of believers, directs them in this verse, “Expressing their bad behavior among yourself is not nice behavior according to Allah.

Undoubtedly you are the oppressed ones and if such a person rejects objections against the oppressor he is right. But it should be better for you to carry on good behavior with them and avoid any wrong dealings as you should always be closer to the benevolence of Allah for your forbearing tolerance. Remember that Allah the One, whose closeness you desire, is Himself very affable and forbearing even to severe culprits and goes on forgiving them even on their absurd behaviors.

Therefore, you should also become the magnanimous and broadminded one.”

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Holy Quran Holy Injil Holy Zabur Holy Tawrat Go to

shipping none but Allah, and do good for Allah’s sake only, not to (show off), then they will be with the believers. And Allah will grant the believer a great reward. 1 Why should Allah punish you if you have thanked (Him)2 and have ever believed in Him and Allah is Ever All-Appreciative (of good), All Knowing. 3 Allah does not like that the evil should be uttered in public except by him who has been wronged. And Allah is Ever All- Hearer, All-Knower.

Whether you (mankind) disclose (by good words of thanks) a good deed (done to you in the form of a favor by someone) or conceal it or pardon an evil, verily, Allah is Ever Oft-Pardoning, All Powerful. 4 ( An- Nisa 4:145-149)

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Ali’s knockout punch AMUST

Saheer Rahman Bismi People are remembered for their fame in their area of proficiency such as great scientists, world’s top business men, sports and celebrity stars. But it is rare in world history that a star of the boxing ring pulls millions from different walks of life including even those not connected to sports like politicians, religious leaders and even students of humanities.

The African American sports legend who thrilled civil rights activists and inspired the marginalised in apartheid society, was Muhammad Ali, the greatest champion in the history of boxing, an extraordinary hero for millions of the underprivileged who beheld rays of hope for relief and changes through this master puncher inside the boxing ring.

An inspiring champion and brave fighter whose blows made sensational waves outside the boxing ring, Ali’s punches fell heavily on authorities that discriminated people based on colour. His boxing legend fame transformed into his fight against all forms of discrimination that African-Americans faced. Unlike other celebrities, Ali stood for righteousness and exposed injustice.

Even after he won the heavyweight title and Olympic gold medal, his African American origin was the reason Ali was not served by white men in the restaurant where he was celebrating his victory. As a protest against this deep rooted shameful discrimination in society he threw his gold medal into Ohio River

declaring that the country did not deserve this medal if the majority whites could not accept that a black person had won gold for the country.

He did not chase those in power for support, instead his words more often than not stung like a bee on the face of the political system of US. Later in what was considered to be a poetical retort of nature, he was invited b y the government to light the Olympic torch a t the 1996 Atlant a Olympics inauguration.

His fighting spirit against any injustice on human and civil rights led him to embrace Islam where he found equality among people. Islam holds that the all human differences are there only so that people may identify and distinguish e a c h other. In front of Allah the most honored are those who are most God-conscious.

His decision to reject the call of the government to take part in the Vietnam military draft coupled with his lack of concern of any adverse consequences that he would have to face was a true example of his brave stand against all intimidation. Time testified his position was correct; the war which became a Waterloo for the US was already lost before it started.

Ali’s rousing attitude motivated people who

were deprived of civil rights.

He became a Muslim by choice, not an accident of birth since he was born a Christian.

He demonstrated the basic Islamic principal of enjoining righteousness and forbidding evil by sacrificing all that was valuable to him as a world champion of his caliber at the peak of his fame true to Prophet Muh a m m a d (s)’s saying: “The best jihad is to speak the truth in front of a tyrannical ruler.”

His outright rejection of participation in military draft was a true example of his stand on the Islamic principle to honor human life. He represented the pride of his people and took great caution not to be a puppet in the hands of the greedy establishment. Finally, he rests now in a world of zero discrimination.

May Allah rest the departed soul in eternal peace.

Children from war-torn backgrounds have a tendency to develop depression as a result of the horrific things they have seen. Psychologist Michael Wessells says, “One of the greatest effects I see on a day to day basis is a loss of hope. Once young people feel hopeless, they really do give up. They don’t take steps that might build a constructive future.”

Children who grow up in armed conflicts are likely to feed of the hostility around them and become violent and aggressive. Another expert Ed Cairns of the University of Ulster says War-exposed children often imitate the violence they have seen while playing games and solve personal conflicts with aggression.

Terrorist organizations have used thousands of such children as suicide bombers in countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Nigeria etc.

The modern technology has brought images of war, bloodshed, killings and suffering to every screen, be it a television, computers or mobile phones.

Muslim children, whose parents have migrated to Western nations from war torn countries or their Muslim peers are always keen to see what may be happening in their countries of origin.

Many terrorist organizations, which are originally created by people engaged in these wars or men who themselves grew up as children of wars, find it easy to incite passions and recruit these youth through social media

to carry out crimes of terrorism in Western countries.

Omar Mateen, the perpetrator of the Orlando killings, who carried out the worst gun crime in modern day US, is the latest example.

His parents had fled Afghan war and Mateen, since his childhood, would have heard stories of killings and injuries in his close relatives back home.

He repeatedly told his victims that the attack was the revenge for American bombing of Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. He also allowed black Americans to be released because as he was quoted “they have suffered enough.” Terror attacks in France, Belgium etc were carried out by youth with similar background.

The ripple effects of these wars will continue to be felt across the globe in the form of terrorist attacks. Once the major powers realize the mistakes they have been making, bring peace to war torn countries, rehabilitate war effected children physically and psychologically, it is unlikely that ripple effects in the form of terrorism will subside.

Saheer Rahman Bismi is a socio-cultural student with an interest in the educational activities of his local Kerala Muslim expatriate community where he resides in Doha, Qatar.

Children: The ultimate victims of war and terrorism

Zahid Jamil

Millions of children are effected by wars in Muslim countries over past few decades and are still suffering in various ongoing conflicts today.

A recent UN report has pointed out the killing of more than 2000 Yemeni children by aerial bombardment of Yemen by the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia in last few months.

According to UNICEF, 14 million children are affected by wars in Syria and Iraq. Syrian conflict, fuelled by foreign interests has resulted in severely desperate situation for more than 5.6 million children inside the country.

Almost 2 million Syrian children are living as refugees in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan whereas thousands have travelled to Europe in extremely difficult circumstances.

War in Iraq has forced more than 2.8 million children from their homes with many trapped in areas controlled by armed groups.

In Afghanistan, more than half million children have been killed with several million displaced over past few decades.

The creation of Israel led to the creation of the Palestinian refugees when children had to flee to neighbouring countries where they grew up in refugee camps. Now there are three generations of children born and raised within these camps under very poor conditions for the last 70 years.

Since 1970s, super powers have repeatedly invaded Muslim countries resulting in millions of deaths of adults and children. The resulting civil wars in Middle Eastern and African countries have left behind many more war effected children including millions of orphans.

These children have enjoyed nothing what a child deserves. Instead they have only seen destruction, misery, hostility and many suffered serious physical and emotional exploitation themselves.

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Zahid Jamil is an engineering post graduate and runs a financial planning practice based in Sydney. He heads South Asian Muslim Association of Australia, SAMAA: http://samaa.org.au ), a benevolent institution offering wide range of services to the community elders.

www.amust.com.au

AUSTRALIA 13 - 14

LIFESTYLE 19 - 21

Social cohesion in Toowoomba Professor Shahjahan Khan

The Garden City Mosque in Toowoomba was burned last year by an arson attack, second time, that made national news headlines.

Toowoomba Muslim community received generous public sympathy and support from the wider community in the wake of the burning of the mosque removing any barriers between Muslims and non Muslims in the city. Although, the atmosphere of religious cooperation prevails, unfortunately the person behind the attack is yet to be identified by the police.

The residents of Toowoomba including its political, religious, cultural, and ethnic communities are united to live in peace with respect and care for everyone. Muslims have been engaged with multicultural and multi-faith communities since the early nineties.

Repair cost of the first fire attack on Toowoomba mosque was covered by the local churches. This was a great gesture of goodwill from the Christian friends of Muslims.

After the severe burning of the mosque in the second fire, one neighbouring church offered their hall to be used as a prayer room for Muslims. Some businesses in the city offered their vacant rooms as well. When the worshippers of our mosque faced the problem of car parking on Fridays, the neighbouring church offered their car park to the Muslims.

There have been regular meeting (afternoon tea) with the neighbours of the mosque to exchange views and make sure they are not disadvantaged in anyway by the users of the mosque. Muslims regularly invite non-Muslims in the mosque on open days and for breaking fast in Ramadan. Different churches have invited Muslims for social gatherings and sharing meals many times.

When anti-Muslim groups came to Toowoomba they did not find the support they thought were there. The leaders of Toowoomba from different walks of life stood strong to ignore those extreme groups and the police did their job to prevent any violent act by anyone, and protect the remaining of the mosque premises.

Toowoomba does not support extremism and the residents are proud to live in peace and harmony with diversity in faith and culture. The Toowoomba Regional Council has declared itself as a refuge friendly city, and Mayor Cr Paul Antonio often says that there is a room for everyone in Toowoomba. Rebuilding of Toowoomba mosque will be another example of interfaith cooperation in the near future In-Shaa-Allah.

There have been numerous reports of interfaith cooperation on a global level. Recently, a BBC report confirmed that in Pakistan’s northeastern Punjab province, Muslim villagers raised funds and helped to help their poor Christian neighbors build a church.

Muslims contributed large sum of money to Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC, USA after nine worshippers were killed by a gunman.

Last year Muslims in Egypt have donated money towards the building of a Coptic church in Al Manufiyya, north of Cairo.

These are some sample examples of brilliant acts of interreligious cooperation by the Muslims and in Muslim Countries that are often unreported in the media which highlights only news of conflicts and violence rather than gestures of cooperation.

Professor Shahjahan Khan is the Founding President of Islamic Society of Toowoomba, the Director of MCCA and Professor of Statistics, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland.

July 2016

EDUCATION 22 - 23

UMMAH 24 - 26

TRAVEL 27 - 29

BUSINESS 30

UMMAH

SOCIAL 31

Women sail to break siege on Gaza

AMUST

Dr Aayesha Soni 2016 is going to be a momentous occasion as the Freedom Flotilla Coalition sends out its first ever Women’s Boat to Gaza later this year.

These well-known women from all over the world intend to break the siege in a bid to awaken the globe to the dire humanitarian crisis that Israel has imposed on Gaza.

Their aim is to stand in solidarity with the women of Gaza who are renowned for their strength, courage and unconquerable spirit of resistance.

The Gaza strip is a piece of land 41 km long and 6-12 km wide, with a total area of 365 square kilometers. Situated on the Eastern coast of the Mediterranean sea, it has a strong population of 1, 8 million people, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the world as well as having the sixth highest population growth rate in the world, with a rate of 3,2% per year.

This piece of land is also the world’s largest open air prison, being under complete siege by land, air and sea since 2007.

Its neighbors, Israel and Egypt, have been complicit in the persistent and debilitating strangulation of the people of Gaza, with the limitation of all basic goods from entering the region.

A land almost forgotten by mainstream media due to its peoples’ suffering having become an almost acceptable norm, it is through social media that we are constantly awakened to the true reality of living in Gaza. Up to twelve hours a day of no electricity, severe water restrictions with a very minimal percentage of Gaza’s water even being fit for consumption, and unemployment rates amongst the highest in the world; Gazans are suffering immeasurably under the iron fist of Israel’s Apartheid-like laws.

One of the ways that justice-loving people across the world have attempted to break the

inhumane siege is via the sea. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) was formed in 2009 after Israel’s Operation Cast Lead in Gaza during 2008/2009 and in May of 2010 the FFC headed to Gaza with the Mavi Marmara and five other boats. Tragedy struck when the IDF attacked this non-violent humanitarian mission, in international waters, in what can only be labeled an act of piracy. 9 Turkish civilians were killed and at least 400 people and the crew were arrested, robbed, physically abused and detained for unknown crimes in international waters.

Since then, there have been almost annual boats launched from locations around the world in a bid to break the illegal siege of Gaza in a peaceful

Mahathir calls on Malaysian PM to resign Malaysia’s former prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, wants to “save Malaysia” and oust the country’s current PM Najib Razak over claims that he mismanaged the economy, suppressed free speech and allegedly took hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes.

The “Save Malaysia” movement, led by Mahathir and made up of opposition leaders from across the political spectrum, is centred on a multimillion-dollar corruption scandal that alleges nearly $700m found in Najib’s personal bank accounts came from the state-funded 1Malaysia development fund. Najib, however, says the money was a campaign donation from Saudi Arabia and has since been returned.

Mahathir, who served as the country’s prime minister for 22 years, says that Najib must “go” and that his “leadership undermines” Malaysia’s institutions. In this week’s Headliner, Mehdi Hasan challenges Mahathir on his campaign to oust the current prime minister.

Media Scan Ainullah

“He’s gone off track,” Mahathir says. “He has done a lot of things which are actually wrong, and as a result he has put the country in a very bad position.”

Commenting on Malaysia’s future, Mahathir adds: “If Najib is there, this country will go to the dogs.”

July 2016

A court last Saturday sentenced Morsi to life on charges of “leading a terrorist group”-in reference to the Muslim Brotherhood, which was blacklisted by the Egyptian authorities in late 2013.

Egypt’s first democratically elected leader, Morsi was ousted by the military in a 2013 military coup following protests against his presidency.

Dr. Aayesha Soni is Vice Chairperson of the Media Review Network (MRN). She wrote this article on behalf of the Women’s Boat to Gaza.

(Courtesy The Palestine Chronicle.)

Gülen followers arrested in Turkey

The Istanbul Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit last Saturday raided 25 addresses and two workplaces allegedly linked to the Gülen-movement As a result of the investigations, arrest warrants were issued for 51 suspects for suspicious money transactions as well as for leaking information about rival companies.

Some 28 suspects were arrested in the raids carried out across the provinces of Istanbul, Kayseri, Konya and Muğla.

Turkey condemns Egypt over Morsi life sentence Turkey condemned the life sentence handed down by Egypt Saturday to former President Mohamed Morsi.

“We express our deep concern and condemn the life imprisonment given to President Morsi who has remained in prison since 2013,” said a statement posted on the Turkish Foreign Ministry website.

“We believe that this decision will not contribute to Egypt’s peace and stability”.

way. This is a truly global action and with 11 campaigns represented spanning many countries which include; South Africa, Canada, Norway and Spain. Until now every mission has been intercepted by the IDF and the boats unlawfully confiscated, once again highlighting Israel’s absolute disrespect for international law.

2016 is going to be a momentous occasion as the Freedom Flotilla Coalition sends out its first ever Women’s Boat to Gaza later this year. These well-known women from all over the world intend to break the siege in a bid to awaken the globe to the dire humanitarian crisis that Israel has imposed on Gaza.

Their aim is to stand in solidarity with the women of Gaza who

are renowned for their strength, courage and unconquerable spirit of resistance.

The women of Gaza are the epitome of the resilience and faith, that lies in the heart of every Gazan- they have an invincible hope and steadfastness you will never find in another population in the world, a certainty that despite their devastating circumstances their freedom will soon be a reality.

South Africa has always been a forerunner in its support for the Palestinian people, with the ability to relate intimately to the occupation they endure every day. It is therefore no surprise that there is a working committee, part of the global Women’s Boat to Gaza Campaign, based in South Africa who are tirelessly working to bring awareness, endorsements and support to this campaign.

We have no doubt that with pure intentions and truth on our side, this historic project will be a huge success.

The defining essence of the Gazans, their will to live, their resolute spirit, their “never say die” attitude and their magnanimity towards visitors, is more powerful than all the struggles of a siege the Zionists can muster.

Let us rally behind the women from all over the globe who intend on uniting and bravely defying Israeli terrorism head on to show the world what Gaza must endure every day.

The suspects are accused of giving funds to Himmet that gives donations to Gülenist charities.

Other accusations for the suspects include extorting a shop worth 950,000 Turkish liras (USD 278,000) from a businessman, and shooting and injuring a FETÖ member in charge of collecting Himmet, who allegedly embezzled 1,000,000 Turkish liras (USD 341,000).

Young Muslim high achievers in India

Maaz Farooqui has achieved an aggregate of 98% in CBSE examination held in the year 2016. He is a student of DPS School in Noida, Delhi.

Maaz is the son of Saad Farooqui and grandson of well know figure Abul Fazal Farooqui who established the Abul Fazal Enclave colony on the banks of Jamana river in Okhla near Jamia Millia Islamiah, New Delhi. He has also established Noida Apartments in Noida.

Maaz gave credit for his success to his grandfather, grandmother and his mother Nuwaira Farooqui.

Maaz was congratulated by notable personalities of Delhi for his outstanding achievement.

Meanwhile a Muslim boy, Sarfaraz Hussain of Guwahati topped in the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination 2016 conducted by Board of Secondary Education in the Eastern Indian state of Assam obtaining 590 marks out of 600 (98.3%).

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UMMAH

NEWS 1-4

BOOMERANG 5-7

Let us not forget the children of Afghanistan

COMMUNITY 8 - 12

Mahdi Housaini Ramadan has come upon us once again and we have lived to experience yet another blessed 30 days of fasting. We have it easy here in Australia, for the days are short and as always, when Iftar time comes, the dining table is filled with the best and most colorful foods.

Yet Muslims are fasting all over the world.

They too, like us, don’t eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. However the difference is we have something to hope for, namely, food at Iftar. For many there is no such hope. Only the bitter reality of the empty stomach even when the sun goes down and the muezzin declares that it is now ok to eat.

We all know that Ramadan is a month of reflection. So let us reflect on the Afghan child, for indeed a prime purpose of fasting is remembering those who aren’t as fortunate as we are. Afghanistan is a country of two million orphans. So many of them are working from sunrise to sunset, under the burning sun of Afghan summer, all the while fasting, and doing so with such pure faith. So many children are lost and abandoned.

So let us think about the Afghan orphan.

God wants us too, he reminds us of the orphans 23 times in the Qur’an.

A child is attached to his or her parents. Not only depending on them for protection and nourishment, but also emotionally attached, a bond that is the very life blood of the child.

Every parent knows this. As so often happens to Afghan children, this bond breaks. They often lose their fathers and the pain and grief of this tragedy makes them not even smile for a long time. I have seen this myself with my own eyes. The stories that come from Afghanistan are true, and the pain of the children is real. Reading about them here in a newspaper article doesn’t make it any less real.

Setara, meaning ‘star’, is a 10 year old girl who lost her father 5 years ago. He was killed by the Taliban while being on soldier duty.

She now lives with her mother and two smaller siblings and the family has no breadwinner.

She’s in grade four and loves going to school, but since she is the eldest girl in the family, she might have to leave school and work on the streets instead. Let us think of Setara, who is by no means an exception. Let us think of Rozina, who is the mother of three girls, who

makes buttons and sells them in the market, pouring all her time into it, but still she says that so often her daughters go to sleep hungry at night. She is only one woman after all.

The rugged landscape of Afghanistan is filled with forsaken children. Forgotten and abandoned. We must remember them. Many have been lifted. It is a beautiful fact that many kind hands have reached over the immense distance and have helped some of these children get a chance at life. People have become ‘sponsors’, guardians in effect. But there are many more children left. Every child is significant and represents a whole life, and so every

single hand extended to help is also significant.

Let us not forget the children.

ful indicator of the link between feeding the poor and the essence of faith in Allah and Judgment Day should be enough for the believer to recognise the virtue and importance of Zakat, Zakat/Sadaqtul Fitr, a charity in general, and feeding the poor and hungry.

Yet there are many other such verses like Allah’s praise of “…the giving of food (to the poor) in a day of privation…” (Quran 90:14) thereby indicating the beloved status of feeding the poor even in times of diffi-

culty.

For all of these reasons connected to the genuine need of the poor and their right on those who are better off, Human Appeal International has special Ramadan programs that provide an opportunity for those who yearn for the pleasure of Allah and who would like to make a difference in the world to strive to do just that in this blessed month.

(Courtesy Human Appeal)

Mahboba’s Promise is currently running a Remember Afghanistan appeal during this time of end of financial year giving. To find out more how you can make a tax deductible donation visit the website (http://mahbobaspromise.org/ remember-afghanistan/).

AUSTRALIA 13 - 14

LIFESTYLE 19 - 21

Lessons from Orlando massacre Fahad Ali

Whatever your personal feelings about homosexuality, any decent minded person will recognise that the senseless murder of almost 50 people in Orlando, Florida, was an act of violence, a crime that we stand against as Muslims.

Of course, the response was predictable.

Before we knew anything about the person responsible, there was speculation that it was a “Islamic” terror attack.

But we all know it wasn’t Islamic. It was an act of cowardice, a gross misrepresentation of our beliefs.

Many of us are tired of having to explain that Islam is a religion of peace every time that something like this happens.

But even more upsetting is what we now know: Omar Mateen, the man responsible for the cold-blooded murder of 50 innocent and unsuspecting people, was himself a homosexual.

The story seems to be very clear to me.

Mateen was a self-loathing gay man, who sought redemption in the eyes of God in the most terrible way possible.

This is not what our God, Allah, the God of Mercy, has ordered us to do.

But we know that people within our community are susceptible to extremist ideology when they feel helpless, outcast, and marginalised.

I am not suggesting that we endorse homosexuality. I am not asking anyone to change their beliefs.

What I am suggesting is that we, as a community, need to have the courage to have this discussion.

It is well past time for our community to have a conversation about homosexuality. I know that this is a difficult and controversial discussion, but we simply cannot afford to put it off much longer.

We need to recognise that homosexual people exist, and we need to have the strength, the faith, and the compassion to bring them into the arms of Allah.

Mahdi works as an intern at Australian aid organisation Mahboba’s Promise.

Remembering the hungry in Ramadan AMUST Media If there is one physical experience the fasting believer gets greatly familiar with during the month of Ramadan, it’s hunger.

Yet while the hunger may be universal to those who fast, the joy and relief of an iftar after sundown is not nearly as universal an experience.

According to the UN, some 800 million people go to bed each night hungry which works out to 1 in 9 people on the planet.

Can you imagine not having an ample iftar, or basic meals to look forward to every or most days of the year?

These are not new realities but are part of the nature of this world which is an abode of tests. How we respond to trials like hunger and wealth are strong indicators of our faith or lack thereof! Allah, Most High, says: “Seest thou one who denies the Judgment (to come)? Then such is the (man) who repulses the orphan (with harshness), And encourages not the feeding of the indigent.”

(Quran 107:1-3) That one verse alone with such a power-

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I am constantly inspired by the generosity and the kindness of our community. Despite the widespread vilification of Muslims here and across the world, we have stood together and we have continued to do what is right.

So isn’t it time that we tried to help homosexual people instead of hurting them?

Everyone has a place with Allah. We should be doing everything that we can to bring them closer to Him. And even though it may be difficult, that means we must love our homosexual brothers and sisters, no matter what our opinions may be.

We must let them know that they will be loved and secure with the Muslim community, and that we will look after them.

Because I don’t want to see another Muslim-born homosexual man kill himself, or kill other people, because he is driven to such violent self-hatred.

Fahad Ali is a Brisbane-based writer and Palestinian activist.

www.amust.com.au

July 2016

EDUCATION 22 - 23

UMMAH 24 - 26

TRAVEL 27 - 29

BUSINESS 30

TRAVEL

SOCIAL 31

People of Persia: Part 3

AMUST

Mobinah Ahmad

We constantly ran into school children at the same historical and cultural places in Shiraz. We were both there to learn and be inspired.

At the Mausoleum of famous Persian poet, Saadi, I wondered down a staircase that led to an underground fish pond.

It was a beautiful place. I looked down and saw a fish swimming, and then I notice the beautiful newlywed couple across from me.

These guys were deep in conversation at Imam Square, Esfahan. I totally just walked upto them, and asked if i could take a photo. The man on the left nodded and the man on the right shrugged. When I took the photo, they resumed their conversation, and that was the end of that.

As I walked into the dazzling Sheikh Lotfullah Mosque, this security guard kept looking at me, with a very serious stare. When I was standing close to him near the entrance, he gestured to get my attention. And without words, he pointed out some spectacular to me. He told me to look up, to the dome, and the light from one of the windows casts a shimmering effect of a peacock. It was the most remarkable thing I have ever seen when looking up at a dome. He was very kind and sincere.

An incredibly intelligent woman wishing to pursue a career and PhD in biology in Esfahan, Iran.

He served us as we dined in Tehran Bazaar. I was about to leave before I turned around, and decided to fight against being shy and asked him for a photo. He was a young guy and seem a little sad/unsatisfied with his life.

July 2016

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Australasian Muslim Times

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AMUST

TRAVEL

NEWS 1-4

BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 8 - 12

AUSTRALIA 13 - 14

LIFESTYLE 19 - 21

Safarnameh: A two week study tour of Iran MODERN IBNE BATOTA

Zia Ahmad

In April 2016 myself accompanied by my wife Mehar and daughter Mobinah made a two week private study tour of Iran. It was one of our most enjoyable journeys.

My love with Iran For me Iran is a special place, having visited in 1985 following the Islamic Revolution in order to attend a conference where I met many great people including Imam Khomeini.

Ever since I had the intention to visit Iran with my family to take a study tour of Iran in order to observe post revolution Iran, develop insight into the thinking of people and enjoy Iranian history, culture, food and language.

With my Indian background, our history, culture, food, dress and language owes a great deal to Iran.

Farsi was the court language and that of elites for a great majority of Muslims from Ottoman Empire in the West to the Mughal Empire in the East.

A great majority of Muslim scholars, scientists, poets and writers were of Persian origin and Farsi speaking.

This includes Islamic scholars like Imam Bokhari, Imam Muslim, Imam Ghazali, Imam Abu Hanifah, scientist like Ibne Sina and sufis, writers and poets like Rumi, Saadi, Hafiz as well as the descendants of Ahle Bait who are buried there.

Itinerary Preparation Our timing of visiting Iran in April was perfect. We were there in northern spring season and thus avoided extreme hot and cold weather in Iran. It was also the month of Rajab in the Islamic Calendar that marks special religious devotion in terms of prayers, voluntary fastings and meditation.

I had two Iranian friends who completed their PhD from Universities in Sydney during the 1980s with whom I had maintained communication for the last 25 years.

Br Hassan in Tehran and Br Mohammad in Shiraz who were kind enough to guide me to prepare a well informed itinerary.

An Iranian couple who visited us in Sydney a few years back and attended the MEFF Eid Festival, Br Mohsen and Sr Somayyeh, in a very efficient and organised way booked our train trips as well as carried out most of the hotel bookings. Many

tips for our journey were provided by Sr Afsaneh, another friend who visited us in Sydney.

In a nutshell our two-week tour was organised as follows: 1. Leave Sydney Mon 11 April morning, Emirates airline for Tehran via Dubai, arriving same day in the evening and staying 2 nights and 2 days.

2. Travel by Zendagi luxury train to Mashhad, 12 hour journey, stay 1.5 days and 1 night.

3. Travel to Esfahan by Train Ghazal via Tabas, 18 hour journey and stay 2 days and 2 nights.

4. Depart for Shiraz by bus, 7 hour journey and stay 3 nights and 2.5 days.

5. Leave for Tehran by Train Nour and stay 2 nights and 3 days going for one day on Sat to Qom day trip by car 6. Depart from Tehran Sun 24 April in the evening arriving Sydney Mon 25 April evening.

Tehran Arrival and surprise party We were received at the airport by Mohsen, Somayyeh and their little daughter Anis and taken straight to our hotel in order to have a good rest after the gruelling 18 hour journey.

Next day most of our time was spent in obtaining Iranian sims for our phones, exchanging money, shopping and lunch, our first Iranian meal in an upmarket restaurant.

Visitors to Iran can not use their credit cards in Iran. Therefore one needs to take dollars and convert them into Iranian currency. I took US dollars as well as Australian dollars and found that it was sufficient to travel to Iran taking only Australian dollars that can be converted easily into Iranian currency.

In the evening Mohsen apparently organised a special program and dinner together with his family and that of Hassan’s family at the Milad Tower, the sixth tallest tower and 17th tallest freestanding structure in the world with a revolving restaurant at the top.

As it turned out, my wife Mehar had conspired with Mohsen, Somayyeh and Hassan to celebrate my 63rd birthday party at the occasion, a complete surprise to me till the birthday cake was brought after dinner with singing of happy birthday in English and Farsi.

I found Tehran a nice and clean city, a little crowded with frequent traffic jams,

In front of the Shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad. but with good road system and a peaceful overnight journey to the north eastern city atmosphere. People were very hospitable, of Mashhad. polite and extremely friendly.

The train journey was incredible. Mohsen Next day we visited the Niavaran Com- in his brilliance had booked a full coupĂŠ of plex including Niavaran House, a man- four berths for us three passengers, giving sion that has preserved the living style of us full privacy. The train was like a five star Mohammad Raza Pahlavi. I boasted to my hotel with beddings, robes and slippers proIranian hosts that although not as luxuri- vided. The female attendants with uniforms ous, the dining table at our Sydney house, resembling air-hostesses in full hijab served Darulislam could accommodate 24 people us with drinks and snacks in the compartcompared to the Shahs dining table with 18 ments while the dinner was served in the chairs. palacial double decker dining carriages.

In the evening we boarded the most luxThe unique pleasant surprise to me was urious train called Zendagi for the 12 hour that the trains stopped at appropriate times

Surprise birthday celebration dinner at the revolving restaurant at the top of Milad Tower in Tehran.

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July 2016

EDUCATION 22 - 23

UMMAH 24 - 26

TRAVEL 27 - 29

BUSINESS 30

At the Imam Reza Shrine with Hassan, Shahab and the speaker. at train stations where most passengers, honour of attending a reception lunch as males, females, youth and children got off guest of the Shrine administration in their to offer their prayers at the purpose built ad- huge dining complex. We visited the centre jacent railway mosques. of the Shrine, separately as males and feTrain networks in Iran are relatively new- males and recited Quran and dua and then ly built and therefore most modern just like visited libraries and exhibitions. airport buildings. Instead of overhead bridgIn the evening we went out of Mashhad es, there are underground subways to move to attend the wedding reception of the son from one platform to other at most train sta- of Hassan’s colleague in segregated halls for tions with lifts. Since I love train travel, , I males and females. This was a gathering of found traveling by train in Iran hassle free, Iranian elites, mostly technocrats, many of safe and very pleasant. them of my generation educated in the US Mashhad and the wedding reception speaking comfortably in English and some Mashhad is the second most populous even sang some of the Bollywood songs of city of Iran. The name of the city is short for the 60’s and 70’s to keep me entertained. We Mashhad-ar-Reza where Imam Reza was immensely enjoyed the wedding style Iraniburied after he was martyred in the ninth an cuisine. century CE. The city is best known for the Next day was Juma and I attended the shrine of Imam Reza, a pilgrimage site. huge congregation with the pleasure of my The Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid is best friend Hassan accompanying me at the also buried in the same place. The city is 15th century Goharshad mosque next to the also known as the city of famous poet Fer- Shrine. Unlike in many Muslim countries, dowsi who wrote the longest poem in any Juma prayers in Iran are not depoliticised. language known as Shahnama.

The first Khutbah was a religious one exMy friend Hassan had left the day before hortation for the believers to adopt taqwa with his family for Mashad by air, kindly and do good while the second khutbah was booked us all in a hotel close to the station on the sad condition of the Ummah sufferand promptly received us at Mashhad sta- ing from conflicts. The congregation perition at 6 am. odically sent salwat for the Prophet (s) as We were enthusiastically received by Af- well as margbar Amrica and mergbar Israel saneh at Imam Reza Shrine where we went throughout the Khutbah. to the foreigners section where we heard a In the afternoon we boarded the train to talk on the history and significance of the Esfahan for our long 18 hour journey. shrine and life history of Imam Reza by a Esfahan, the city of love young scholar in impeccable English.

Esfahan is the third most populous city of After Zuhr and Asr prayers we had the Iran 350 km south of Tehran and was once

Saffron and spice shop at Mashhad.

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SOCIAL 31

At the Sheikh Lotfullah Mosque in Esfahan. one of the largest cities in the world. that it looks like this mosque is only for We arrived in the morning by train in the tourists and not for prayers. We were told largely deserted, but very modern Esfahan that from 12.30 pm, no tourists are allowed train station and took a taxi to the Safavi and Muslims can only get in to offer their Hotel. Again I praised the thoughtfulness Zuhr/Asr prayers in a separate section of the of Mohsen for booking us in this traditional mosque complex. hotel that was a fine example of Iranian arWe went inside again and to our surprise, chitecture and decoration. yes at 12.30 an attendant came to open the After having a unique Esfahani style lunch prayer section of the mosque and very courat the hotel, we visited the 16th century teously guided us to men and ladies secNaqhshe-Jahan Square or Imam square, one tions. In no time some 150 men and around of the largest city squares in the world and 100 women gathered to offer prayers toan outstanding example of Iranian Islamic gether and it was a great pleasure for us to architecture located at the centre of Esfahan. join them.

Within these premises we visited severIn the afternoon we visited two landmark al landmarks including Sheikh Lotfullah bridges Si-o-Seh Pol and Pol-e Khaju on Mosque, Shah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace Zayande River which flows through the and the Grand Bazaar and shopped for Gaz, centre of Esfahan with beautiful gardens on a typical Esfahani sweet like Turkish de- both sides of the river. The locals spent a lot light, plates and clothing. of evenings here singing, talking and socialNext day we paid a visit to the one of the ising with family and friends. oldest mosques of Iran, Jameh Mosque first Next day we had to catch a bus to Shiraz, built in the 8th century CE and then subse- city of poetry, further south of the country. quently rebuilt with additions by various Iranian rulers over many centuries. The ap- Next: Safarnameh Part 2: Shiraz, Qom parent Quranic writings and flower designs and back to Tehran. are in fact fine tile work when viewed closely, something that is amazing.

Zia Ahmad is the Managing Editor of the As we were coming out of the complex, Australasian Muslim Times and is based in Mehar commented to the officials present Sydney.

Itinerary of Iran trip: 15 days, 11-25 April, 5 cities, 3 people: Zia Ahmad, Mehar Ahmad & Mobinah Ahmad

July 2016

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AMUST

BUSINESS

NEWS 1-4

BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 8 - 12

AUSTRALIA 13 - 14

LIFESTYLE 19 - 21

Halal products gaining market share in India Haroon Latif India’s personal care products market was estimated at $43 billion in 2015, and the country’s 170 million Muslims accounted for $4.2 billion of this total. There is a clear demand for halal-certified products, which has promoted the rapid growth of new lines such as Iba Halal Care. What opportunities are there for other new players to enter India’s halal personal care products market?

The Mainstream Market India’s personal care products market was estimated at $43 billion in 2015 and is projected to grow by 10 percent cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach $62 billion by 2020, according to national statistics and BMI Research estimates. Women’s spend on cosmetics was estimated at $1.6 billion in 2014 and is projected to grow by 11 percent CAGR to reach $3 billion by 2020, according to a study by Intecos-CIER. Rapid growth in India’s cosmetics market is fueled by increasing demand for beauty products among the middle class and the increase in department stores, underpinned by rapid GDP growth, which has exceeded 5 percent annually since 2009.

India’s cosmetics market has historically been dominated by leading domestic players, notably Dabur India Ltd. and Marico. Dabur India Ltd. is the largest FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) company in India, with 2015 revenues of $1.3 billion. It is also the most popular, due to its Dabur Amla and Vatika hair care brands, as well as its Fem skincare line. Marico is a domestic health and beauty care products company, with revenues of $938

million in 2015. Parachute is the company’s flagship brand, but it also manufacturess coconut-based hair oils under its Parachute Advanced brand.

Unilever is one of the leading multinationals in India, with its Indian subsidiary earning revenues of $5 billion in 2015. It leads with a range of personal care product lines including Lux, Clinic Plus, Lifebuoy, Fair & Lovely, Dove, and Sunsilk.

Muslim Demand In India, Muslims represent an estimated

14 percent of the population, based on a 2001 government census, implying close to 170 million Muslims in 2014. Muslims represent a key consumer group and spent an estimated $4.2 billion on personal care products in 2014. This spend is projected to grow by 9.4 percent CAGR, reaching $4.6 billion by 2015 and $7.3 billion by 2020, according to DinarStandard analysis.

There is strong and growing demand among Muslims for halal personal care products free from non-permissible ingredients. Halal

standards are increasingly being adopted to accommodate cosmetics products; for example, in 2015 the Emirates Standards and Metrology Authority launched a certification mark for halal cosmetics, following the Department of Standards Malaysia, which launched standards on halal cosmetics in 2008.

Challenges and Considerations The Muslim market opportunity is highly attractive; however, there are three key considerations to growing a product line for Muslims.

Gaining credibility with the Muslim consumer There is a lack of awareness among India’s Muslim consumers that mainstream cosmetics may contain haram ingredients. In addition, halal fraud scandals have rocked consumer confidence. In this context, halal certification is vitally important to establishing trust with the Muslim consumer.

According to Mohammed Mansoor, who manages two retail outlets selling halal products in Bangalore, “Halal [has] still not become well accepted in India and Muslims [hold it] in suspicion due to some earlier frauds in domestic markets.”

Hence, while gaining certification is a key step, it must be supported by open communication about certification, and proactive marketing.

Targeting non-Muslim consumers Many of the attributes of halal cosmetics, such as the avoidance of harmful ingredients, would appeal to non-Muslims as well.

Marketing campaigns should include greater emphasis on product qualities, with more focused, targeted messages to Muslims on the halal attributes of the product.

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Islamic Foundation for Education & Welfare Our aims are to address current issues through education, information dissemination and welfare projects.

Phone: (02) 9823 2063 Website: www.ifew.com

National Zakat Foundation (NZF) Are you a Muslim here in Australia • struggling to make ends meet or know someone who is • need help to calculate your Zakat • pay your Zakat or Sadaqah?

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Charity Organisations

Australian Relief Organisation (ARO) Including water wells, orphanage projects, health activities, qurban and ramadan appeals; the ARO delivers sustainable development and aid projects in twenty countries.

Our local services include nursing home visits and support programs designed for refugees, homeless, people with disabilities and children with special needs.

Phone: (02) 8065 8469 Website: www.aro.org.au Email: info@aro.org.au AMU Alumni of Australia Supports the education of underprivileged students in India.

Phone: 0422 183 035 Website: www.fb.com/AMU-Alumni-ofAustralia House of Sakinah House of Sakinah is a women’s support centre that aims to assist & facilitate women in need & provide support. It is an initiative of Charity Australia International (CAI).

Phone: (02) 8809 2966 Website: www.fb.com/House-of-Sakinah

Buy/Sell/Trade

Human Appeal International Human Appeal International (HAI) works on a number of charitable causes, specialising in areas from Social and Educational Development to Health Care and Emergency Relief.

Phone: 1300 760 155 Website: www.humanappeal.org.au

Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair MEFF provides stallholders the opportunity to sell or promote to the Muslim community. Stall bookings open on Tuesday 22 March 2016.

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Islamic Relief Australia Islamic Relief Australia promotes sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities to eradicate poverty, illiteracy and disease.

Phone: 1300 308 554 Website: www.islamic-relief.com.au

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JIMS Foundation An education project that helps Indonesian children by providing schools and teachers.

Phone: 0413 662 880 Email: jimsfoundation@yahoo.com

Mahboba’s Promise: Donate To Charity Mahboba’s Promise is an Australian nonprofit organisation dedicated to the women and children of Afghanistan.

Phone: (02) 9887 1665 Website: www.mahbobaspromise.org SAMAA South Asian Muslim Association of Australia (SAMAA) aims to provide care to the elderly of South Asian Muslim Community.

Phone: (02) 9543 9769 Website: www.samaa.org.au

Education University ISRA Australia ISRA is a point of reference for Islamic education, resources and information services. ISRA conducts pioneering research on social and religious issues of relevance to the Australian society and international community.

Phone: (02) 9649 9040 Website: www.isra.org.au UCSI University Malaysia UCSI University offers more than just certificates and qualifications. We are committed to raising scholars, explorers and unique individuals who aspire to discover and actualise their talents.

Website: www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my

July 2016

EDUCATION 22 - 23

UMMAH 24 - 26

TOP 5 Muslim Memes

TRAVEL 27 - 29

BUSINESS 30

#SOCIAL APP

SOCIAL 31

TOP 4

VIDEOS

To Watch

Twitter accounts

AMUST

of the month

Islam’s Stance on Homosexuality Top Islamic Tweets An account that has made ‘blending of Imaan’ a must in all the lessons that are taught.

Muslim Humor

Funny yet educational tweets. A must follow if you want to have a good laugh or whenever you’re bored!

OnePath Network posted a video on their Facebook page talking about homosexuality in Islam. The video has been watched over 81 000 times and shared 2000 times.

Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman has been targeted for preaching the well-known and official Islamic view on homosexuality: that is a sin.

The Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull even came out and said he “regrets” inviting the ‘anti-gay’ cleric, to which the video pointed out – he would have the same issue in the future when inviting just about any other Muslim Imam to any other function.

Just because Muslims consider homosexuality sinful, that absolutely does not mean Muslims are homophobic or have a dislike or prejudice against homosexual people, nor do they hate gay people or encourage any kind of violence against them.

They offered the example of the consumption of Alcohol and Pork being sinful in Islam, but that does not mean that Muslims hate anyone that consumes such products. It’s okay to disagree with each other so long as we respect each other. The video sparked a great response from the community and finally this topic is being spoken about

Human Appeal Australia

Available on iOS, Android, Windows Phone Price: Free Saminah Ahmad If you want to help people with charity but don’t know where to start then Human Appeal’s new App will come in handy.

Human Appeal International Australia aims to strengthen humanity’s fight against poverty and social injustice. This App allows you to help and donate to their projects.

Watch the Video: https://goo.gl/wktcvZ

Muslim Problems

A funny twitter account, trying to make people smile. Even a smile is charity.

The Islamic Ummah

The official twitter account to help spread knowledge & Dawah to Muslims and non Muslims alike.

July 2016

The Struggles Of A Ramadan Fast (In A Non-Muslim Office)

Life becomes a literal hunger game when you’re fasting for Ramadan in a nonMuslim office.

Presented by Linda Sarsour, the video explores the award conversations that happen when working on an empty stomach: You get the same questions: “You can’t eat? At All? Not Even Water?”

Then Linda talks about how Muslims ‘midnight binge eating’, when a colleague talks about losing weight, and asks “Whats the point, even?” Then there is always that one friend that tries to find the loophole when trying to fast and Linda makes the point that Muslims CHOOSE NOT to fast.

“Ramadan is a time to control ones desire and get closer to God. The self discipline that we learn carries on to other areas of our lives so we can be better be better family members, friends and yes coworkers.” Linda Sarsour is a racial justice and civil rights activist and every Islamophobe’s worst nightmare.

Watch the Video: https://goo.gl/9P2ih1

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Through this App you are able to donate money or clothes by choosing a country or a Campaign A Campaign has options on what you want to donate to like for RamadanIftars,

help rebuild people’s lives, help orphans or you can choose from many of their other innovative projects.

There are many Projects that Human Appeal has for you to join or help out such as giving zakat, helping orphans, Sadaqa, Education, Aqiqa.

A number of the tabs in the App take you to the browser where you can register and follow through on your contributions.

It would be good if they can have all the information on the App rather than directing you to the browser.

The Human Appeal App will give you the opportunity to help other less fortunate people locally as well as globally.

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