Issue 129 August 2016

MUSLIM

AUSTRALASIAN

Multimedia News & Views

ISSN: 1039-2300

Print Post Publication No. 100021354

Print edition published Monthly on first Friday with Website updates

Illegality of Iraq War

Launch of ICSOA

BOOMERANG PAGE 7

COMMUNITY PAGE 9

Issue # 129

S

TIME

AMUST

www.amust.com.au

Phone: (02) 8006 2063 Email: info@amust.com.au

August 2016; Dhul Qa’dah 1437

Sydney Celebrates Eid (Pictures)

AUSTRALIA PAGE 11

$1.00

Rallies in Support for Kashmir UMMAH PAGE 21

Failed Coup divides Call on PM to publicly condemn Islamophobia opinion on Turkey Abu Anees

Zia Ahmad While there has been almost a unanimous condemnation of the coup attempt, in Turkey itself as well as outside Turkey, the fallout has polarised opinions for and against the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Personal accusations by President Erdogan against the founder of the Hizmet movement, Imam Fethullah Gulen soon after the coup attempt has created bitter animosity between the followers of the two great icons of Turkey.

A number of Turkish organisations, charities, schools and intercultural and interfaith organisations in Australia as well as in other countries are inspired by the thoughts and teachings of Gulen, so are millions of Muslims globally.

Erdogan is himself a product of the Islamic political movement in Turkey which is largely inspired by Gulen. Over the years, in partnership with Gulen’s movement, he has been able to curb the political power of the military.

The government led by Erdogan for more than a decade has made tremendous progress in economic development and Islamisation of the Turkish society. He has also played a role as an international statesman, concerned about the welfare of Muslims on

Recep Erdogan.

Fethullah Gulen.

the globe.

However in recent years, Erdogan has been accused of grabbing more power and decimating the opposition in the country.

Using the attempted coup incident, it seems that he will be consolidating more power within the presidency.

During the last three years he has become increasingly intolerant of the Hizmet movement that initiated Islamic reforms in the Turkish society and build Islamic institutions including universities, schools, hospitals, aid agencies in Turkey as well as in many other countries including Australia.

They have been highly successful in managing them most competently, transparently and in accordance with local laws and regulations. continued on page 3

Muslim leaders have called upon key politicians to raise their voices against hate speech by the Senator-elect Pauline Hanson.

The media focus on Ms Hanson and her constant vilification of Islam and demonisation of Muslims seems to be having a detrimental effect on community harmony in Australian.

Support for her call for banning of Muslims entering Australia by Nine Network celebrity Sonia Kruger has started an ugly debate in various sections of the community.

According to the Islamophobia register, there has been an increase in verbal and physical attacks on Muslims particularly women while a number of mosques have been vandalised.

Professor Shahjahan Khan, Founding President of Islamic Society of Toowoomba has written an open letter dated 1 August 2016 to the Prime Minister calling on him to publicly condemn Ms Hanson’s extremist views.

“The community requests that you and your colleagues publicly reject the politics of division, hate and attacks on a section of the peaceful people of Australia. This is a normal expectation of any leader who is committed to do good to all citizens, not just working for any selected group of them”,

Senator-elect Pauline Hanson.

Prof Khan has written.

Reminding the PM of the last time Ms Hanson espoused racist attacks against Asians that were rejected too little too late by the then prime minister Mr John Howard, that resulted in racial tensions and riots 20 years ago.

“In the past, the rise of Ms Hanson was at the expense of the conservative politics in Australia. The initial neglect of Prime Minister John Howard, and not speaking against her on time gave her a free go to divide the nation. I am afraid it will be the same this time if her poisonous views are not challenged now to stop the damage”, Prof Khan writes. continued on page 3

AMUST wins Premier’s Multicultural Media Award AMUST Media The Australasian Muslim Times AMUST has won the Premier’s Multicultural Media Award 2016 in the Best Editorial/ Commentary Category. The Award was received by Zia Ahmad, Managing Editor of AMUST during the award ceremony held on 21 July.

AMUST was finalists in a total of four categories namely Emerging Journalist (under 30) nomination for Mobinah Ahmad, AMUST Multimedia Journalist; Best Image for Mobinah’s People of Persia series; Best Print Publication nomination for Rubinah Ahmad, AMUST Graphic designer/Webmaster and Best Editorial/Commentary nomination for Zia Ahmad, Managing Editor AMUST for his editorial titled “Loyalty to One’s nation a universal, Islamic and Australian value.

NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Multiculturalism John Ajaka announced the winners of the 2016 Premier’s Multicul-

tural Media Awards in various categories at the award presentation dinner held at Dalton House, Sydney on Thursday 21 July 2016.

“The quality of this year’s nominations shows the strength of the state’s multicultural media sector and I congratulate all of tonight’s winners and finalists,” Mr Baird said.

“Our multicultural communities are better informed; thanks to the work of our multicultural media outlets and I commend all of the winners, finalists and representatives of more than 100 media outlets here tonight,” Mr Ajaka said.

Australian Jewish news won the awards in five categories while SBS received awards in three categories. The Lifetime Achievement Award was won by Armando Tornari, an accomplished photographer and community leader from the Italian Community.

The entertainment at the event was provided by The Sydney World Chamber Music Orchestra, composed of a unique combination of artists from diverse cultures, faiths and traditions.

Proudly Printed in Australia by Spotpress Pty Ltd

Minister for Multiculturalism John Ajaka with Australasian Muslim Times Managing Editor Zia Ahmad at the Premier’s Multicultural Media Awards.

Dispose of this paper thoughtfully - PLEASE RECYCLE

PRESS RELEASE NSW Unit 2 10 Newton Street South, Auburn NSW 2144

AUSTRALIAN RELIEF ORGANISATION

VIC 22-24 Lismore Street, Dallas VIC 3047

AustralianReliefOrganisation

aro_org www.aro.org.au | info@aro.org.au | 02 8065 8469

2016 Ramadan Appeal Distribution Higlights from Thailand, Vietnam and Papua New Guinea Thailand

Your iftar and food pack donations were distributed in 19 different locations of Bangkok, Thailand. The campaign was co-ordinated by our country partner; Marmara Solidarity and Aid Foundation.

Vietnam

On 25th of June, an ARO delegation travelled from Sydney to attend the distribution programs held at various locations in Vietnam. The group landed in Ho Chi Minh City and their first distribution point was the Town Hall of District 8, where hundreds of An ARO delegation travelled from Sirius College, food packs were handed out.

Melbourne to attend the distribution programs held at different locations in Bangkok.

Throughout their journey, our volunteer team was surrounded by needy recipients. Contemplating on the importance of the aid packs to the locals, the trip provided a platform for their spiritual growth and development into more conscious individuals.

Papua New Guinea

An ARO volunteers team travelled to PNG to attend the distribution programs held at various locations of Port Moresby. For this occasion, our volunteers were university students from Sydney.

Food packs were loaded up onto a truck and set off to distribution sites. Locals were delighted to see our delegation ın dıstrubition spots with great smiles on their faces and waited for their names to be called out by the community leader. Our delegation observed that those people haven’t had a proper meal in days.

After the distribution, hopelessness in the eyes of locals faded away and villagers sang songs of joy when they received their food packs. We thank everyone who supported our Ramadan Appeal initiative this year.

There, our delegation was warmly greeted by Mr. Le Van Thu, Representative of Fatherland Front of People Committee Ho Chi Minh City, and Mr Mai Hong Phong, Vice-President of Fatherland Front of People Committee District 8. Our food pack recipients were selected by local authorities and were issued collection coupons beforehand. Surrounded by needy recipients in all distribution locations, our volunteer teams understood the importance of the aid packs to the locals. Throughout their journey, they also tried to please the local children by handing out toys and sweets.

2

Australasian Muslim Times

www.amust.com.au

August 2016

UMMAH 16 - 17

EDUCATION 18 - 19

TRAVEL 20 - 21

BUSINESS 22

Call on PM to condemn Islamophobia continued from page 1 He further writes “The ongoing irresponsible predominately anti-Muslim and also anti-Asian rhetoric of Ms Hanson is likely to have a significant impact on Australia’s reputation as a peaceful egalitarian nation in the Asia-Pacific region, and more so on its economic and potentially security interests.

Prof Khan has first hand experience where the Toowoomba Mosque founded by him has been twice destroyed by arson attacks presumably by extremists in recent years.

Mr Alpha Cheng, the son of NSW Police accountant Mr Curtis Cheng, murdered by a 15 year old Muslim boy has called on senator-elect Pauline Hanson to stop using his father’s death to justify her concerns about Muslim migration.

He said that he was a victim of the “hateful and fearful attitudes” that the One Nation Party promoted when he was a young immigrant to Australia in the 1990s.

“We need to look how we can heal and build; not how we can divide and exclude,” Mr Cheng said.

Another politician, the LNP MP George Christenson has been preaching hate at various forums as well, and promptly blamed Islam and Muslims for an attack on Merrylands Police Station, on 21 July, that was carried out by a non-Muslim with mental health issues.

There have been evidence of polarisation between various sections of the community on social media, comments in major newspapers as well as statements for and against the views by politicians and community leaders.

A Muslim teenager Adam Abu Mahmoud was stabbed to death by allegedly three young men presumably of white Christian background on Monday 18 July. Police have yet to determine if it was a hate crime.

Muslims have reacted with alarm at the blatant hate speech with vilification of Islam and demonisation of Muslims by extremist and racist politicians and media celebrities.

In a media statement, the Australian National Imam’s Council has shown great concern from certain quarters proposing to ban Muslims migrating to Australia. The statement on the other hand praised an overwhelmingly great number of courageous Australians who have spoken against hate and bigotry.

Countering the Islamophobia with positive action, a team of Australian Muslim community representatives, in collaboration with several non-Muslim Australians, have launched FactCheckOneNation.com.au – a website which seeks to place One Nation’s policies under the microscope to test whether the party’s positions are based on fact or fiction.

Media spokesperson for FactCheckOneNation.com.au Mariam Veiszadeh said: “In a free and open democracy people are entitled to their opinions, however unsavoury they may be, but politicians and people in positions of influence must rise above divisive, inflammatory, baseless and unconstitutional rhetoric. We are therefore seeking to hold One Nation to account by fact checking our way through their policies, starting with their positions on Islam and Muslims.”

The website’s launch coincides with Queensland One Nation senator-elect Pauline Hanson’s appearance as a panelist on the ABC’s QandA program last month. The website will offer a source of factual information to equip both the media and the general public who are interested in sifting through One Nation’s policies on Islam and Muslims.

“Whilst we believe that a multi-faceted approach is required to tackle the misinformation and xenophobia that is increasingly on the rise, separating fact from fiction is a good starting point to counter the fear and mistrust being peddled in the community,” Veiszadeh said.

The public is being urged to share the website on social media, using the hashtag #FactCheckOneNation and #FactsOverFear

Failed Coup divides opinion on Turkey continued from page 1 Soon after the attempted coup, the Turkish Ambassador in Australia Mr Ahmed Gokdenisner waded into the controversy and blamed the Hizmet movement and its leader for the coup. In the heat of the moment he accused the Australian Turkish institutions as followers of those who have master minded the coup.

In a media release on 19 July, the highly respected Affinity Intercultural Foundation clarified its position in the light of the accusations for the coup on Gulen and his followers: “As Affinity Intercultural Foundation, we condemn, in the strongest terms, the attempted military coup in Turkey and reiterate that there is no place for military interventions in a democracy.

While admitting the scarcity of information at the early hours of the night, President Erdogan and figures close to him were quick to lay blame on the Hizmet (“service”) Movement, a global faith-inspired civic movement inspired by the teachings

of Turkish Muslim scholar Fethullah Gulen.

This is not surprising as President Erdogan has previously blamed oppositional developments in Turkey on the Hizmet Movement and, as a pretext to purging state and civil society, claims that the Hizmet is acting as a “parallel state” aiming to take over the country.

Hizmet-affiliated or supporting organisations and persons have been targeted as a result with media organisations and schools being shut down, journalists jailed and many others arrested without sufficient evidence.

As the Affinity Intercultural Foundation, we have always stated that the founding of our organisation was inspired by Gulen’s teaching and that we are part of the Hizmet Movement. We aim to promote social harmony locally and condemn any attempts to bring further discord into our already conflict-fraught world.

While we cannot speak on behalf of the movement, we can clearly state that we and our affiliated organisations in Australia have never had nor have any such agendas or

aims.”

Fethullah Gulen issued the following statement on recent developments: “I condemn, in the strongest terms, the attempted military coup in Turkey. Government should be won through a process of free and fair elections, not force. I pray to God for Turkey, for Turkish citizens, and for all those currently in Turkey that this situation is resolved peacefully and quickly.

As someone who suffered under multiple military coups during the past five decades, it is especially insulting to be accused of having any link to such an attempt. I categorically deny such accusations Fethullah Gülen is an Islamic scholar, preacher & social advocate, whose decades-long commitment to interfaith tolerance and altruism has inspired millions in Turkey and around the world. Gülen is the honorary chairman of the Rumi Forum, Washington, DC; the Intercultural Dialogue Platform, Brussels, Belgium; and the Foundation of Journalists and Writers, Istanbul, Turkey”.

Keysar Trad is AFIC President AMUST Media Mr Keysar Trad who replaced Mr Usaid Khalil as the Treasurer of AFIC earlier in the year has taken over as the new President of AFIC. The past president Mr Hafez Kasem who was surrounded by bitter infighting within AFIC finally resigned on 26 July where the Executive Committee of AFIC agreed to appoint Keysar Trad as the President.

In a media release dated 28 July, Mr Trad said, “I am committed to promote peace, public safety, better understanding and greater harmony amongst all Australians.

We will listen, we will take heed and we will adopt a conciliatory approach that unites all Australians.”

He further added “As the national umbrella body for all Muslims, Muslims Australia will strive to not only improve relations within Australia, but also promote Australia abroad as the multicultural nation of the Fair Go for all”.

In a detailed interview given on OnePath Network, an on-line TV channel based in Sydney, he clarified a number of accusations against AFIC and admitted of some mistakes committed by those in the top leadership of

August 2016

NEWS

SOCIAL 23

AMUST

AMUST Issue # 129 Friday 5 August 2016; 1 Dhul Qa’dah 1437 News

1-3

- PM to Condemn Islamophobia - Keysar Trad is AFIC President

4-7

Boomerang

- Milestone for AMUST - World’s Reaction to Turkey’s coup

8- 9

Community - Eid at Taronga Zoo - Islamic Quiz Awards - Malaysian Eid Lunch

Australia

10 - 13

- India’s Confluence Festival - Home Ownership in Australia - Domestic Violence Forum

Lifestyle

14 - 15

- Mobydayze: Can’t I Have It All? - Responding in Difficult Times - Marriage Bureau

Ummah

16 - 17

- Schools Ramadan Spirit - SAMAA: Helping the Elderly - Rallies for Kashmir

Education

18 - 19

- 99 Names of Allah Part 24 - 83. ArRa’uf and 84. Malik-Al-Mulk

Travel

20 - 21

- People of Persia: Part 4 - Safarnameh Iran Study Tour 2

Business

22

- Advertise in AMUST - AMUST Classifieds

Social

23

- Hanson Memes - Video: Muslim Stumps Trump

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: Daud Batchelor (Brisbane) 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, Luqman Landy.

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

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

Keysar Trad. the organisation over the years.

In communication with AMUST when asked to provide a roadmap for the future of AFIC, he enumerated the following points: 1. Ensure the return of funding to Malek Fahad Islamic School and that the board is made up of members of the Mainstream Muslim community.

2. Embark on a Public Relations program for AFIC. 3. Enhance Daawah activities with both interfaith and broader outreach events and publications that promote better aware-

Disclaimer ness about Islam in Australia 4. Demand a proper audit of all member societies to ensure that they are all active and comply with Australian regulations.

5. Invite active, complying Muslim associations and societies to become members of AFIC. 6. Improve relations with all genuine mainstream Muslim community organisations.

7. Better engage with member societies and the grassroots on individual level.

8. Coordinate grants for key activities for member councils and societies of AFIC.

www.amust.com.au

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.

Australasian Muslim Times

3

4

Australasian Muslim Times

www.amust.com.au

August 2016

UMMAH 16 - 17

EDUCATION 18 - 19

TRAVEL 20 - 21

BUSINESS 22

BOOMERANG

SOCIAL 23

Yet another milestone for AMUST

to believe that One Nation is not the right name for her party. She should consider to rename her party as “Divided Nation Party of Australia”.

There should be guidelines in the parliamentary system that no elected MP or senator should comment against multiculturalism which is the basic framework of our constitution.

Abbas Raza Alvi Sydney

Erdogan and Gulen should reconcile

In the light of the attempted coup in TurParliamentarians should not key and loss of life our deep sympathy obabuse Australians Ms Pauline Hanson is not helping Australia. In fact she is destroying the image of Australia all over the world. I condemn the controversial senator-elect for her policies that target ethnic communities living in Australia.

Ms Hanson’s One Nation party wants a ban on Muslim immigration, a royal commission into Islam and the banning of Halal certification.

During the last 20 years, she has spoken against individuals, starting from the Indigenous community then Chinese community and now to Indians and Muslims. I am sure tomorrow she will target other religions and other ethnicities. She loves to propagate hatred.

Why doesn’t she promote peace and harmony? What effect and teaching she is imparting to our kids those who are 7-9 years old now. With what fear shall they have in their mind when they are teenagers?

Comments from an elected senator of Australia may also affect the foreign policies of other nations towards Australia and ultimately the trade with Australia.

She should consider that Australia is exporting A$15 billion worth of goods to parts of the Muslim world and if we include export to India and China this figure may exceed to A$120 billion. She must realize the effect of her comments on export trade of Australia.

Racist comments and continuously spreading hatred towards the ethnic community will not benefit our country Australia and all of us including those Australians who have voted for her.

She is polarizing the Australian community and this is ruining the beautiful fabrics of

August 2016

viously rests with Muslim nation of Turkey and more importantly with the enlightened leadership of Recep Tayiib Erdogan.

However the arrest of a huge number of people from all sections of the Turkish society allegedly sympathetic to Fathullah Gulen and the Hizmet movement is highly alarming.

Anger aside, rather than reacting in a destructive manner, opposing parties in Turkey must still be ready to sit together, understand each other and negotiate to work together in the interest of Islam, Muslims and the Turkish nation.

Short of this, they will be worshipping their desire and ego and in the name of party politics will lead the highly successful Turkish nation towards disaster.

Given his performance for 60 odd years to spread Islamic education within Turkey and beyond, and given his long track record as a reformer Imam, Sheikh Fathullah Gulen, can never be identified as an adversary of Islam, Muslims and the Turkish people.

There are hundreds of thousands of best brains in Turkey and beyond who have been inspired towards an Islamic ideal by Gulen and his reform movement. He can not be simply defamed as an agent of Western powers or accused of being used by CIA. Muslims around the globe have unstinted sympathy and loyalty to the leadership of Recep Tayib Erdogan. We ask him to understand the depth of the plot, compromise and negotiate with the followers of Gulen for a united Turkey providing global leadership for the Ummah.

Instead of acting on what goes around in the media, in forming our position towards the failed coup attempt in Turkey, the best

$20 for 12 issues

Like us on

Facebook

fb.com/amust.au we should to is to use our critical judgement in finding what could in fact, be the real truth and maintain our unity.

Dr Rashid Raashed Sydney

Re: Mariam bags two awards at multicultural Australia.

Her comments about Muslims, force me Pauline, bring it on AMAA I am not a Muslim but I read the hatred that Mariam has experienced just today. A young mother and Lawyer she has struggled against prejudices. Congratulations to Mariam. I was born in New Zealand and live in Australia and what a wonderful example to society this lady is. I am somewhat worried with a Political Party, however the One Nation have to realise Australia is a Multicultural country which actually belongs to the Indigenous people. Please pass my sincere congratulations to her and family. Regards.

Gloria

SUBSCRIBE TO AMUST Visit amust.com.au /subscribers

With the special AMUST July 2016 issue the newspaper to subscribers. We also thank # 128 we have entered into the third year our advertisers who have partnered with us for mutual support. of its publication.

We have now built up a great team of The August issue highlights recognition of our efforts as a quality communi- writers within Australia as well as from ty newspaper for winning the Premier’s overseas, young and not so young, who volMulticultural Media Awards for best untarily provide us with great write ups on editorial/commentary. We also made the a broad range of subjects that generates interest in AMUST for its diverse readership. finalist list in three other categories.

AMUST is not necessarily for Muslims, We feel proud in that we have produced 26 print editions of AMUST on time in of Muslims and by Muslims, but for all. Our full colour with high quality original arti- columnists come from a wide rage of ages, cles written for AMUST by local writers religious and ethnic backgrounds, both adorned by appropriate images including males and females and with diverse skills of writing. photos and graphics making it a user Similarly our readership and subfriendly publication for all Australians as well as overseas readers.

EDITORIAL scribers belong to Muslims as well as people of other faiths and The print editions have been Assalamu no faith. They all find reading supplemented by on-line pdf AMUST a pleasure.

Alaikum editions of the newspaper, a freWe have made an effort to liquently updated website and a Greetings aise with government, police and periodical newsletter emailed to of Peace aid agencies, businesses, commutens thousands of people in Ausnity organisations and mosques in tralia and overseas. order to promote harmony and peace The small core team that puts together various version of AMUST has been in the society.

AMUST has proved to be a vehicle of posvoluntarily working constantly with dedication, putting their heart and mind into the itive thinking and hopes to continue on the same path in future, continually improving project in order to make it successful.

We wish to thank our printers, newsagent itself and bringing people together through distributers, hand distributers and volun- positive communication using multimedia.

ZI Ahmad teers who help us in packing and posting

Readers comments

AMUST

Pauline Hanson’s recent call for a Royal Commission into Islam have reverberated amongst the Australian electorate with mixed feelings.

Whilst responses from other political parties have largely disapproved of Hanson’s divisive messages, the example of the 2015 Senate enquiry into Halal certification of food has demonstrated that there can be positive outcomes for the Muslim community by allowing the truth to triumph over rumour and innuendo.

The Senate enquiry into third party certification of food determined that halal certification fees are not used to support organised crime in Australia, thereby refuting claims from suspicious community members and parliamentarians.

Following this, the Muslim community observed a decrease in anti-halal commentary by organised right-wings extremists and public commentators, such as Reclaim Australia and the likes of Andrew Bolt.

Although Cory Bernardi was a proponent of this Senate enquiry, to his credit he honourably accepted its results with sincerity.

Having witnessed the Federal government exercise its powers to bring out the truth, a Royal Commission into Islam will act as an effective agent of Dawah by eliminating many false assumptions about Islam.

Further, by bringing the actions of Muslims into the spotlight, it enables the Muslim community, especially our youth, to aspire to a higher standard of adherence to our faith.

For this reason, Pauline Hanson’s call for a Royal Commission into Islam should be supported.

Zak Aldeen Sydney

Malaysian corruption

Malaysia the jewel in the crown for Muslim harmony, must respect sectarian and ethnic differences. Either Najib rise to the challenge or pass the baton to somebody who can. Alleged corruption and Saudi fixation will only mirror the carnage of Muslims elsewhere. Their attempts at salvation on leaky boats mean more drowning and incarceration. Malaysian and Malaysian Muslims are fortunate to enjoy Peace and Prosperity for now and would need leaders to ensure that this manna from Heaven is not abused..

Mal

www.amust.com.au

+1 us on

Google+

google.com/ +AmustAu

Follow us on

Twitter

twitter.com/amust_au

Australasian Muslim Times

5

Give happiness this Eid Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “O people, it is compulsory for every household to make a sacrifice yearly” (Ahmed)

”‫ “يا أيها الناس إن على كل أهل بيت في كل عام أضحية‬:) ( ‫قال النبي‬ ‫ رواه أحمد‬-

Your Qurban will be slaughtered, shipped and distributed to the poor and needy in the following locations: Palestine Lebanon Iraq Jordan Egypt Somalia

Syria (& Refugees) Burma (Refugees) Indonesia Fiji Vanuatu India

Kosovo Bangladesh Kashmir Pakistan Afghanistan Sri lanka

Only

130

$

Distributed in 24 Bosnia locations!

Sudan Eritrean (Refugees) Tunisia Nepal Cambodia

Call 1300 760 155 or visit www.hai.org.au Like us on Facebook Sydney 119 Haldon St, Lakemba NSW 2195 P 02 9750 3161 F 02 9750 2524

Melbourne 149 Sydney Rd, Coburg VIC 3058 P 03 9386 4677 F 03 9386 4688

Follow us on Twitter

Adelaide 1/53 Henley Beach Rd, Mile End SA 5031 P 08 7200 2882 F 08 7131 9209

Brisbane 16 Queens Rd, Slacks Creek QLD 4127 P 07 3493 4222 F 07 3493 4220

Charity No. NSW - CFN 17891 VIC - 12875 SA - CCP2001 QLD - CH2796

6

Australasian Muslim Times

www.amust.com.au

August 2016

UMMAH 16 - 17

EDUCATION 18 - 19

TRAVEL 20 - 21

BUSINESS 22

BOOMERANG

SOCIAL 23

AMUST

World’s reaction to Turkey’s coup attempt Bilal Cleland Many international commentators have pointed to the growing independent role of Turkey as a catalyst for the attempted assassination of Erdogan and the imposition of the military rule through the sinister “Peace at Home Council” on July 15, 2016. As Professor Sayyid of Leeds University stated in an op-ed in Daily Sabah 19 July, “..this coup, if successful, would have been a disaster for the people of Turkey and the Muslim world at large.”

This is because the Turkish government represents something new on the landscape.

“The AK government - warts and all represents the possibility of a country with a strong Muslim presence - historical and contemporary - conducting itself in a way that is at ease with its Islamic heritage. This is a government that does not see Islam as something to be ashamed of. At the same time, it represents an alternative to the template of Egyptian President Abdul-Fattah el Sissi and Saudi Arabia on one hand, and the Baathist and Takfirism of DAESH on the other. The AK government has created a space for experiments in the expression of Islamic identity.”

The undoubted popular support for the Turkish government was demonstrated to the whole world when unarmed civilians stood against tanks and heavily armed rebel soldiers. This people power episode, which involved all political parties in the country, showed that the popular will can be the basis of political power in a Muslim country, overturning so many Islamophobic stereo-

types. “The antipathy to Erdoğan among the ranks of neo-cons and Western supremacists knows no bounds. It is the poison that continues to feed the Islamophobic delusions that Islamic countries cannot be confident, caring, cosmopolitan or democratic.”

The degree of bias shown in reporting the attempted coup from the Western and protectorate media was an unforgettable lesson.

The BBC, the ABC Australia, Sky News of course and Fox News, all seemed to be reluctant to admit that the coup had failed, long after Al Jazeera and Turkish media had shown the plotters surrendering. The bravery of the Turkish people was ignored and attacks were intensified against the government. Daily Sabah 21 July reported how the Western media’s coup coverage turned into anti-Erdogan rhetoric.

As Hearst commented: “Geopolitical Futures released an analysis saying the coup was successful. BBC Arabic, Sky News Arabic, El Arabiya TV, the ITN diplomatic editor, the US networks were all running commentaries saying Erdogan was finished, or had fled to Germany.” [Middle East Eye 16 July] “If you want to know why Europe and the US are a busted flush in the Middle East, why they have lost all moral authority, indeed any authority at all, and why they are no longer the candle bearers of democratic change, look no further than the three hours of silence as they waited to see which way the wind was blowing in Istanbul and Ankara……The Saudis waited 15 hours before issuing a statement supporting Erdogan.

The Emiratis and the media they controlled spread the message that Erdogan had fled the country. “ It is fairly obvious to even the most intellectually challenged that it is not the loudly decried ‘authoritarianism’ of Erdogan that is

the real problem. The Saudi regime, Al Sissi’s military rule, Netanyahu’s megalomaniac settlement spreading on Palestinian land, Baghdad’s sectarian regime, are all quite acceptable as they do not threaten Western hegemony.

Mike Whitney in Counterpunch, July20, 2016 “ The Coup in Turkey has Thrown a Wrench in Uncle Sam’s “Pivot” Plan” explained how “the Obama administration’s disregard for the national security interests of its allies pushed the Turkish president into Moscow’s camp…” This means its” plan to pivot to Asia, surround and break up Russia, control China’s growth and maintain its iron grip on global power is now in a shambles. The events of the last few days have changed everything”.

Rapprochement with Russia, repairing the breach caused by the shooting down of the Russian plane, may have been the spark for the coup, timed before the Putin-Erdo-

Illegality of Iraq war should be acknowledged Dr Daud Batchelor In the light of the recently released Chilcot Report, the coalition of the willing consisting of US, UK and Australia should acknowledge the responsibility for devastation from illegal Iraq War. The Chilcot Report on the US-led 2003 invasion of Iraq has demonstrated that some government accountability is still alive, at least in the UK. The Report indicated the lack of credible pre-War evidence of weapons-of-mass-destruction in Iraq, that Blair had slanted intelligence findings against Iraq, committed to a rushed invasion many months beforehand, and opposed the principled stand of France and Germany that evidence did not support invasion.

An informed analysis indicates the invasion was most probably illegal. Iraq, the former leading Arab country in science and technology in which Sunni, Shi‘a and Christian citizens collaborated and intermarried, having an illustrious history with Baghdad as capital of the Abbasid caliphate, was degraded to a failed state, losing 200,000 to 1.4 million lives (estimates vary) as a consequence of “Operation Iraqi Liberation”.

This is closely comparable to the devastating 1258 Mongol destruction of Baghdad.

The war had been called to save Iraqis from their tyrant dictator, Saddam Hussein, but in reality the Iraqi people themselves were harmed. Rupert Murdoch strongly advocated the war using his global media might, including The Australian newspaper.

The invasion was promoted by heads of

August 2016

the US, UK and Australia - George Bush, Tony Blair and John Howard. The stated justifications clearly did not satisfy requirements of UN resolutions on Iraq for invasion and open these leaders to charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

It should be ascertained by the appropriate international authority whether these countries are liable for war reparations and compensation to the Iraqi people for the massive killings and disabilities.

The war was negligently prosecuted without a sustainable post-War plan to safeguard Iraqi society. Multiple evidences that the campaign harmed the civilian population at large include massive destruction of civilian infrastructure – water supply, sewerage, schools, mosques, churches - in the opening Shock and Awe campaign, acerbation of sectarian divisions as a divide and rule policy, and shockingly increased deformations and deaths of babies arguably due to radiation from WMDs - depleted-Uranium munitions used by the allies. British SAS troops were caught undercover with bombs believed to be promoting social discord. Citizens in USrun prisons were radicalised by torture and inhuman degradation.

Such conducts violate the UN Charter, Geneva Conventions and Nuremberg Charter. In 2007, Iraqi refugees exceeded 4 million. Summing up the cruel disregard of Iraqi life was former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright’s belief with regard to pre-War sanctions, which led to deaths of up to 227,000 Iraqi infants (Richard Garfield, Columbia University) that “the price is worth it”.

The world should state once and for all that there is no relativism in value of human lives – loss of any innocent non-European or Muslim life from misguided state-spon-

gan meeting in August. Whitney points out that “the Turkish pilots who shot down the Russian Su-24 have since been arrested and charged as members of the Gulenist coup.”

This may well have been the reason for that incident, to break Turkish-Russian relations.

There is also the revival of their joint projects, including the TurkStream undersea natural gas pipeline from Russia to Turkey, which will now go ahead. “This is big. Erdogan is now reopening the door the Obama team tried so hard to shut.”

The emergence of people power in Turkey also carries a message to others. “Not for the first time since 2011, autocrats across the region must be shivering today. The democratic forces which can disarm soldiers, can disarm them too.”

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

When terror also suffocates the thought Fazlul Huq Yes, the terror more than bleeds in death and destruction,

sored militarism is as much a serious concern as the loss of any one western citizen from terrorism!

Australian MP, Andrew Wilke’s protest resignation as an intelligence analyst preWar, is totally vindicated. He believes the Bali bombings and Lindt Siege could be blamed on Australia’s involvement in the Iraq War, which also instigated the rise of ISIS. Further, 36 million peaceful protestors (including this writer) who participated pre-War in the largest anti-War demonstrations ever seen are also vindicated. Jeremy Corbyn bravely apologised on behalf of the British Labour Party.

Big questions though that remain are whether apologies to the Iraqis for the destruction wrought are enough, and what is to be done to ensure such abuses of international law never recur. An Australian Iraq War Inquiry a la Chilcot is surely overdue.

Dr Daud Batchelor, 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.

www.amust.com.au

As it also suffocates mind and heart from the clarity of thought.

So they think they win even more, When in panic, we react rather than proact, Although at the end it is only loss for one and everyone, But when the thought is blurred from the fear and the prejudice, And everyone looks for the scapegoat, Nothing is the same any more, Until the Sheppard arrives and takes us back to the right path!

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

Australasian Muslim Times

7

AMUST

COMMUNITY

NEWS 1-3

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10 - 13

LIFESTYLE 14 - 15

Prizes awarded for Islamic Quiz competition Ali Zafar The Islamic Forum for Australian Muslims, IFAM awarded the winners of the Islamic Quiz Competition at a prize distribution ceremony on Sunday 31 July 2016 at the University of NSW attended by more than 250 youth, parents, organisers and sponsors.

The highly popular Islamic Quiz Competition was earlier held on Sunday 22 May at the Western Sydney University participated by almost 200 youth and children.

Having run this program successfully for the last ten years in Canberra and highly appreciated by students as well as their parents, it was the first time that this unique program was organized in NSW. With the slogan “Learn & Win: every child will win a prize”, almost 200 youngsters ranging from kindy to year 10 registered for the competition.

The programme started with welcome and a briefing about the Quiz competition by Zaffar Khan from IFAM.

Prize bags containing traditional and educational gifts were distributed amongst more than 120 youth and children Three winners from each category of the competition were awarded with major prizes as follows: Group D 1st prize: Abeer Kamran Umrah Ticket Group D 2nd Prize: Aishah Navaid Samsung Tablet Group D 3rd Prize: Nabiha Rajput Digital Quran Group C 1st Prize: Syed Muzammil Ahmad Dell Laptop Group C 2nd Prize: Zaina Siddiqui Kodak Underwater Camera Group C 3rd Prize: Muhammad Mehroz Khan Foldable Bike with Halmet Group B 1st Prize: Uzair Mian Dell Laptop Group B 2nd Prize: Ajwa Binte Adnan Telescope Group B 3rd Prize: Muhammad Talha Adnan Digital Pen Quran.

Ali Zafar is a computer engineering graduate working in the IT Department at the University of NSW. He is associated with IFAM’s Lakemba/Bankswtown Halaqa) where he organises kids/youth engagement programs.

A/Prof Mehmet Ozalp with first prize winner Abeer Kamran.

Malek Fahd students raise Malaysian style Eid funds for Human Appeal celebration in Granville Alsou Kurlow The Human Appeal Mascot, Orphan Hamoudi together with HAI representatives were called in at The Malek Fahd Islamic School, Greenacre campus on Friday 22 July to receive funds raised by students for HAI projects.

Earlier during the year the fundraising efforts for 2016 by almost 350 students from Year 1, 2 and 6 were dedicated to the children of Syria and for the building of water wells in Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan.

The donation cheque of $7,284 was presented during the School assembly where the dedication of the students was narrated and praised. The students were very excited with the surprise visit by Orphan Hamoudi and played with him for hours.

MFIS in Hoxton Park held a Pre-Ramadan charity fundraiser which consisted of an auction in which students, staff and parents contributed funds to raise money to construct water wells in the three countries.

School students performed songs for par-

ents and watched a short video of Human Appeal’s humanitarian work overseas.

“It was a unique event in the history of MFIS at Hoxton Park and it received a very warm reception from the school community,” Mona Kassem, School principal at the campus commented.

“This event helped to reinforce to students the importance of charity in the holy month of Ramadan”, she added.

Omar Al-Jamal, Public Relations Manager spoke on behalf of Human Appeal International Australia at the event. He reminded students to be grateful for all that they had done and praised the students for their work in making the events possible. He also explained how the money raised would be used and how the school’s name will be shown on the water well plaque overseas.

The staff members and school principals expressed their appreciation for the assistance provided by Human Appeal in helping the school achieve its goal of helping people in less fortunate countries.

Although Human Appeal is mainly focussed on fighting poverty and providing relief aid around the world, it is also actively and consistently involved within the local community and schools through the newly established Community Care division.

Human Appeal Mascot Orphan Hamoudi with Malek Fahd student.

8

Australasian Muslim Times

Farah Cassendra Jamaludin The Malaysian Ladies of South West organised an Eid Community Luncheon on Sunday 24 July at Granville Youth and Community Recreation Centre with a diverse Malaysian flavour and celebrations, a first of its kind in Sydney.

The event was attended by more than 250 guests of diverse background including Malaysians, Indonesian, Bruneians, Pakistanis, Indians, Bangladeshis, Philippinos to name a few.

The shows presented at the event showcased what makes Malaysian a multicultural society. The opening was a welcoming Eid song from all the organisers- Ruby Hamid, Rohana Barrington, Ajiah Atan, Arwina Mohd Najib, Juliana Jamal, Sue Zaleha Sidek and the author Farah Cassendra Jamaludin.

There was the fan dance (represents the Chinese), the Bollywood dances (represents the Indian), the Tarian Kuda Hitam (Represents the Malay) and to finished off the auspicious Eid, we had the GISB Group performing Nasheed (religious based praised and worship).

Amongst our esteemed guest, Mrs Mehar Ahmad, President, SEENA Incorporated, publishers of the Australasian Muslim Times who introduced the highly successful Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair (MEFF) in its 33 year of celebrations.

There were Malaysian Eid traditional dishes from lemang (glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and then stuffed into a bamboo to cook), Beef Rendang, Chicken Curry, Nasi Impit (compressed rice) serves with Kuah Kacang (Peanut sauce), Lontong (Vegetarian cooked in coconut sauce) or Satay, Nasi Minyak (Ghee Rice), Ayam Masak Merah (Chicken cooked in spicy red sauce), Chicken soup and mixed vegetables.

The dessert was the traditional sweets and savouries from Curry Puff, Kuih Jala (net like pancake served with chicken and vegetable curry), Kuih Lapis (layered pudding like texture sweets) fruit salad, Kuih Kaswi (palm sugar and coconut like pudding) and many more including Kuih Raya (Eid biscuits).

With such successful attendance and shows, it was truly a multicultural Eid affair, the Malaysian way. Kudos to the dedicated and committed organising ladies, the great performers and outstanding effort of the kitchen crews to which without them, the event would not have been possible.

Inshallah, we will be back next year for the next Eid Community Luncheon. So stay tuned.

Farah Cassendra Jamaludin, based in Sydney is the Secretary of IFSA. She holds a Bachelor of Law (Hons) degree from UK and had a successful career in various industries covering Customer Service, Call Centre, Sales and Marketing, Banking, Human Resources, Case Management and finally as a Corporate Trainer/Facilitator prior to joining IFSA.

Malaysian Eid Luncheon committee and team.

www.amust.com.au

August 2016

UMMAH 16 - 17

EDUCATION 18 - 19

TRAVEL 20 - 21

BUSINESS 22

SOCIAL 23

COMMUNITY

AMUST

Australia’s first Eid at the Zoo brings joy for all Jamel Rathborne Crescent Wealth joined hands with Sydney’s Taronga Zoo to bring to the Australian public Eid at the Zoo, a unique unprecedented initiative during the weekend Sat 24 and Sun 25 July.

This was Australia at its finest, providing honest and warm hospitality to its citizens whilst benefitting animal conservation programs. It was a celebration of multiculturalism and family that brought tears of happiness to the eyes of visitors.

Picture this; blue skies overhead, the sound of children’s laughter ringing across grassy fields, tempting aromas tingling the senses, Muslims feeling welcome and at peace, and the sound of the Adhan echoing across the harbour, calling some to prayer and others to curiosity. Sounds like Utopia.

Well, this exact paradise was the setting for the remarkable and historic event that brought together the Muslim community to share in a unique festivity at one of Australia’s most iconic sites.

The event was kicked off by a heart-warming Welcome to the Country from a representative of the traditional owners of the land, the Cammeraigal people.

For the first time, the Adhan (call to prayer) was made over loud speaker at

Taronga Zoo and dedicated prayer and wudu (ablution) areas were made available for all guests. Halal food stalls from around the world offered a mouth-watering culinary experience, and all of Taronga Zoo’s eating establishments for the weekend served halal food.

Aside from Taronga Zoo’s spectacular shows, Eid entertainment was provided by popular nasheed group Ahbab Al Mustafa, Austolian Turkish Dance Academy and IMGT Indonesian Performance group.

Guests also received specially designed Eid at the Zoo maps and had their own VIP entrance.

People of diverse backgrounds and all faiths attended the event, which sold out within 7 days of being advertised. The barakah (blessing) on the day was immense and the positive, happy feedback was overwhelming from all guests, Taronga Zoo staff, volunteers and stall holders.

Crescent Wealth wishes thank Taronga Zoo as gracious hosts, and to Western Sydney University and ADMA as event supporters for making this phenomenal event possible.

Enjoy photos and videos of Eid at the Zoo via Crescent Wealth’s facebook page, with a special 360′ video experience of the event coming soon. We can’t wait for the next remarkable event like #EIDattheZOO! Jamel Rathborne is a Comm Dev & Marketing Manager at Crescent Wealth.

Launch of Indian Crescent Society of Australia Hanif Bismi Sydney Muslims of Indian origin came together on Saturday 16 July at Himalaya Function Hall in Granville to announce the formation of Indian Crescent Society of Australia Incorporated (ICSOA) at a reception given in honour of visiting Dr AS Nakadar, cardiologist, educationist, philanthropist and founder of the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI).

The event was attended by more than 250 Australians of Indian origin while the invited guests included Ms Julie Finn MP for Granville, Mr Peter Doukas Chairman Ethnic Community Council of NSW and Mr Rajeev Kumar, Vice Consul of India amongst others.

Jihad Dib, MP for Lakemba gave a reception at the NSW Parliament House in honour of Dr Nakadar.

Mr Abbas Alvi, the interim President of Many more Muslim Indians have been well as contribute towards Muslims as well ICSOA While welcoming Dr Nakadar artic- doctors, engineers and IT professionals, ulated the need and rationale for the forma- Muslims of Indian origin have been in recognised for their great contribution to as India in general.

ICSOA aims to accommodate all sections tion of ICSOA and the progress made so far the forefront of community organisation, Australia. Recently Mr Zia Ahmad, Managin organisation, registration and networking. mosque building and founding of cultural ing editor of the Australasian Muslim Times of Muslims of Indian origin including subwon the Premier’s Multicultural Media sequent generation born in Australia regardICSOA will be formally launched by the end institutions in Australia.

Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad, a professor of en- Award 2016 while Mr Hasan Kureshi has less of their origin, schools of thought and of this year.

There are estimated to be more than 5000 gineering was the founding president of the been elected as the President of Sub-conti- language and at the same time promote Indian heritage, culture and Urdu language.

Muslim families of Indian origin who live national body of Muslims, Australian Feder- nent Friends of Labor (SCFOL).

The objective and purpose of ICSOA is in Australia today. During the last four dec- ation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) as well as ades, Muslims of Indian origin from diverse initiator of a number of academic, cultural to integrate and have a collective voice for Hanif Bismi is a Sydney based historian, background and professions have greatly and interfaith organisation and institutions. Indian Muslims in Australia, representing political analyst, community activist and an contributed and enriched Multicultural Aus- One such project is the ongoing Multicul- them on Indian platforms in Australia as Advisor to ARO. tural Eid Festival and Fair (MEFF), the first, tralia.

Although mainly professionals such as the largest and the longest running Indian style Mela in Australia with Islamic flavour and Multicultural richness.

Professor Akhtar Kalam, Head of Engineering at the Victoria University in Melbourne is the founder of Muslim Community Cooperative of Australia (MCCA), the first Halal financial institution in Australia.

Abbas Raza Alvi, a businessman and a poet and musician has made contribution in the field of art and culture and brought about a CD Dooriyan with diverse Australian Indian singers while combining Indian and Australian ingenious music.

Muslim Indians have founded AMU Alumni of Australia disbursing scholarships in India and South Asian Muslim Association of Australia (SAMAA) that is providing service to elderly Muslims of South Asian Dr Nakadar with Dr Qazi Ashfaq ICSOA launch and reception for Dr Nakadar at Himalaya restaurant.

Origins in Australia.

Ahmad.

August 2016

www.amust.com.au

Australasian Muslim Times

9

AMUST

AUSTRALIA

NEWS 1-3

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY r-ese9 nts 8PPresents

AUSTRALIA 10 - 13

LIFESTYLE 14 - 15

Media Launch of massive India Festival An Adakar Theatre & Cultural Group Production A Contemporary Indian Play in English

Mehar Ahmad

A massive Festival of India in Australia spanning for a period of almost three months will be held in seven cities of Australia starting on Monday 15 August, with India’s 70th Independence Day celebrations.

Sangam or Confluence Festival of India in Australia is the most significant showcase of Indian arts and culture ever to be staged in Australia at popular venues in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Alice Springs.

The national media launch of the festival was held on Tuesday 26 July at the Maritime Museum in Sydney with over two hundred guests in attendance, including media and government representatives from both countries.

Mr Navdeep Suri, the High Commissioner of India in Australia explained the focus of the festival on collaboration, “Sangam or Confluence represents a meeting point - of arts and artists, of ideas and ideals, of cultures and civi-

lisations like the waters of two rivers, they meet, share and imbibe from each other.

One of the festival’s key components, fostering bilateral ties, with joint performances and collaborations between Indian and Australian artists and thinkers was addressed

by Paul Myler, Assistant Secretary, India & Indian Ocean Branch, DFAT on the night.

The highlights of the festival will include theatre performed through life-sized puppets, an Indian take on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Piya Behrupiya, Borderless Gandhi, an exhibition on the philosophy of Gandhi of equality, nonviolence and peace, A concert of combined Sufi and Gospel music, cricket connect, yoga and cartoon workshops.

A local Sydney entry, Adakar Theatre production Wedding Album, a contemporary Indian play in English to be screened on 3 September at NIDA Theatre, Kensington has also been included as part of the Festival.

Follow the festival on social media with official hashtag is #FOIinOZ. Facebook: festivalofindiainoz Instagram: @foiinoz Twitter: @FOIinOz Find the full program and stay up to date with important festival announcements on the website: confluencefoi.com

Mr Navdeep Suri, the High Commissioner of India speaking at Confluence Festival media launch.

PPresents resents

An Adakar Theatre & Cultural Group Production A Contemporary Indian Play in English

3 September, 6pm at NIDA Theatres, 215 Anzac Parade, Kensington Tickets $100, $65, $45, $35 Bookings: Radhika: 0410 242 640 bookings@adakar.com.au TICKETEK PHONE BOOKINGS: 132 849 ONLINE BOOKINGS: www.ticketek.com.au www.confluencefoi.com

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

multiconnexions

3 September, 6pm at NIDA Theatres, 215 Anzac Parade, Kensington Tickets $100, $65, $45, $35

Canberra’s Muslims AMU Alumni elects a collect for the homeless new team for 2016-2018

Bookings: Radhika: 0410 242 640 bookings@adakar.com.au TICKETEK PHONE BOOKINGS: 132 849 ONLINE BOOKINGS: www.ticketek.com.au www.confluencefoi.com

Manarul Islam

AMUST Media

The Muslim community of Canberra dug deep into the pockets and pantry to collect goods for St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) so they could distribute to the capital’s homeless as they bear with cold winter months.

According to Homelessness Australia the ACT has the highest homelessness per capita of any other state (excluding the Northern Territory) – about 50 per 10,000 people. It’s sub-zero winter nights provide a particularly harsh challenge to some of the most vulnerable in society.

To make their lives that little bit better the Muslim community was very active during the later parts of Ramadan and post-Eid to collect canned goods, cereals, blankets and warm clothing across Canberra. In many cases community members donated money so that the goods could be purchased.

Mohammed Ali, President of Forum Australia and the ACT Multicultural Volunteer

In its AGM held on Sunday 24 July 2016 at Bill Lovelle Youth Centre, Chester Hill, the Aligarh Muslim University Alumni of Australia elected a new executive committee to carry out its social and educational programmes for the next two years.

The annual report presented included that of the Secretary highlighting the activities for the past year, treasurers report on the financial aspects and the scholarship report highlighting the great achievements of the Alumni.

The AMU Alumni has been working for more than 22 years and one of its main tasks is to grant scholarship to economically disadvantaged students in India from a scholarship fund established in Australia.

Initially the Alumni granted scholarships

Goods donated for the homeless. of Year 2015 was the driving force behind the collection. Together with other volunteers they delivered the goods to Vinnies’ Deakin offices on Tuesday 19 July where the Paul Trezise, Vinnies (Canberra/Goulburn) was on hand with his staff to take in the donated goods.

Paul Trezise (left) with Anneloes de Graeff of Vinnies with Afzal Ahmad, Borhan Ahmed and Mohammed Ali.

10

Australasian Muslim Times

to students multiconnexions at the Aligarh Muslim University, but has now expanded the programme to include Jamia Millia in New Delhi as well as to school students in Faizabad, UP. The Alumni also helps in infrastructure projects to establish School buildings, classrooms and scientific laboratories for technical education.

The existing trustees were elected for another four years while new executive committee of the Alumni was elected for the next two year term: President Mr. Zamir Khan Vice President Mr. Khursheed Anwar Secretary Mr. Siraj Akhtar Joint Secretary Mr. Ibadur Rehman Treasurer Mr. Arif Qureshi Joint Treasurer Mr. Mohammad Samiruddin Trustee Mr. Kamil Kazmi Trustee Mr. Shahid Rasheed Trustee Mrs. Ayesha Ahmad

AMU Alumni of Australia executive committee team 2016 - 2018.

www.amust.com.au

August 2016

UMMAH 16 - 17

EDUCATION 18 - 19

TRAVEL 20 - 21

BUSINESS 22

AUSTRALIA

SOCIAL 23

AMUST

Home ownership in Australia declining Survey results of wealth of Australian Households FINANCE Dr Abul Jalaluddin The wealth of Australian households is mainly concentrated in family homes, investment properties, superannuation, shares, bank accounts, business assets and vehicles, a survey by the Australia Institute at the University of Melbourne reveals.

The family home is clearly the most important asset class for the Australian households. Approximately 67 per cent of Australian homes are owner occupied, the rest are rental properties. The mean value of owner occupied homes was $408,218 in 2002 which declined in value to $392,241 in 2014, a decrease of 4 per cent. At an individual level, 51.7 per cent of Australians over 18 owned homes in 2014 which was 67 per cent in 2002, a decline of 23 per cent. It is likely that in the next few years less than half of adult Australians will be home owners.

The mortgage debt on family homes increased almost two-folds from 2002 to 2014. The mean value of debt across all households was $51,881 in 2002 which was $100,689 in 2014, an increase of 94 per cent

over the period.

Eighty four per cent of Australians had superannuation in 2014 and it is now the second most important asset class for Australian households. Only 76.9 per cent Australians had superannuation in 2002. The mean value of superannuation across all households was $186,011 in 2014 which was $112,114 in 2002, an increase of 66 per cent over the period. With this rate of growth, superannu-

ation is likely to overtake the family home as the most important class of asset for households in the coming decades.

Equity investments are a sizeable component of Australian households, although the proportion is in decline. In 2002, 40.6 per cent of Australians invested in shares and it decreased to 30.7 per cent in 2014. Superannuation as a preferred vehicle for savings could have been responsible for this steep

decline. The mean value of investments in shares across all Australian households peaked in 2006 at $56,402, declined to $40.815 in 2010 and rose again to $44,166 in 2014.

Ownership of businesses appears to have slightly declined between 2006 and 2014, with 12.8 per cent of Australian households owned businesses in 2006 and 10.4 per cent in 2014. The mean value of business assets has also declined over this period, from $60,327 in 2006 to $39,807 in 2014. Over this period, the mean value of business debt slightly declined from $10,847 in 2006 to $9,264 in 2014.

Australian household wealth in bank accounts has risen over the period of 2002 to 2014. In 2002, the mean value of bank account deposits across all households was $32,620 which was $51,118 in 2014, an increase of 57 per cent.

In 2002, 87.7 per cent Australian households possessed vehicles and it increased to 91.8 per cent in 2014. The mean value of vehicles was $25,838 in 2002 which was $27,051 in 2014, a growth of 5 per cent in the wealth stored in vehicles.

Dr Abul Jalaluddin is an Islamic Finance expert, Director of MCCA, taxation advisor and a regular columnist of AMUST. He is based in Sydney.

Forum focuses on domestic violence

Manarul Islam

The delicate but essential topic of domestic violence was analysed in detail in a forum in Canberra on Wednesday 27 July 2016.

Titled Domestic Violence: Causes and Cures, the forum brought together experts in their field to present their views and answer questions from the audience who had gathered at the Golden King Restaurant in Phillip.

The dinner and discussion was organised

by Forum Australia and partly funded by the ACT government.

Mohammed Ali, President of Forum Australia and community leader, introduced the forum noting that it was time to discuss these sensitive topics across the community and across cultures.

The event was hosted by well know ABC TV and Radio personality Siobhan Heanue who spoke briefly about her experience as a journalist and introduced each of the speakers.

The first speaker, David Matthews, Interim Coordinator-General for Family Safety at the ACT Justice and Community Safety Directorate outlined the territory government’s programs to support victims of domestic violence.

The second speaker, Martin Fisk, CEO of Menslink, a Canberra charity that supports young men aged 12-25 through free counselling, mentoring and school education programs, spoke about the root causes of family violence among young (and older) men and some possible short and long term strategies to resolve it.

The next speaker was Mary Pekin, CEO of Relationships Australia, dealt with how family violence starts in relationships. In particular she highlighted early warning signs of unhealthy behaviours and how relationships can be protected.

The final speaker, Dr Tahmina Rashid, Associate Professor, International Studies, at the University of Canberra, approached the topic from a South Asian context, looking at causes - notions about men and women’s role and status, linking cultural practices and use of religion to justify domestic violence.

August 2016

Forum speakers (L to R): David Matthews, Tahmina Rashid, Mary Pekin and Martin Fisk. Right: Siobhan Heanue.

Photo by Jumanah Husna.

This was followed by a robust question and answer session in which Michael Costigan, father of Tara Costigan who was murdered by her ex-partner in February 2015, reiterated the view that those in the front line of domestic violence should take a lead in dealing with domestic violence.

Sumaiya Quasim pointed out that no community is immune from domestic violence, pointing out that Sabah Al-Mdwali was killed by her husband in their Gordon home just shortly after Tara’s murder.

Mansoor Syed, Vice President of Forum Australia, asked the panel to clarify the definition of family and domestic violence.

After the conclusion of the forum, the speakers spoke about the value of the forum.

“While so much of what we spoke about was depressing and seemed overwhelming, the fact we were even having this forum is a terrific sign that we will change this culture,” said Mr Fisk.

“It is wonderful that you have open up space for discussion on domestic violence especially because it involves diverse communities that are often not engaged with the issue,” pointed out Dr Rashid.

“I was very inspired and moved by the passion of all the people there to address and

defeat this issue,” said Ms Pekin.

Ms Heanue thanked the speakers for “providing such stimulating, open and useful discussion on a fraught subject.”

Mr Matthews also expressed his gratitude to all who attended.

“I very much enjoyed the evening and listening to your contributions,” he added.

The forum was concluded by Vote of Thanks by Helen Wilson, Treasurer of Forum Australia, with a reminder that the Fo-

www.amust.com.au

CONTRIBUTE

rum Australia AGM will be held on 26 August 6:30pm at the Southern Cross Club in Woden.

TO AMUST

Manarul Islam is an IT professional, community worker and AMUST correspondent based in Canberra.

CONTRIBUTE TO AMUST

WRITE • SHARE • DISCUSS AMUST is building a network of correspondents in Australia and overseas in order to share the good news, positive developments and achievements in their community. Your contribution will be published on the AMUST website and will be included into the following print edition of AMUST, which is circulated throughout Australia.

WRITE WRITE •• SHARE SHARE •• DISCUSS DISCUSS

To sign up, visit www.amust.com.au/contributers AMUST is building a network of correspondents AMUST is building a network of correspondents in Australia and overseas in order to share the in Australia and overseas in order to share the good news, positive developments and achieveAustralasian Muslim Times and achievegood news, positive developments ments in their community. Your contribution will ments in their community. Your contribution will be published on the AMUST website and will be be published on the AMUST website and will be included into the following print edition of included into the following print edition of

11

AMUST

AUSTRALIA

NEWS 1-3

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10 - 13

LIFESTYLE 14 - 15

Sydney celebrates a s

AMUST Media This year, the month of July has prompted a record number of Eid celebrations all over Sydney! Celebrations of Eid have popped up all over from North Sydney, Waterloo in the city to Bankstown to the south west in Smithfield.

Now dubbed as “Sydney Eid Month” Muslims all over Sydney celebrated the end of Ramadan in small and big events.

Some events include the Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair (MEFF) in Fairfield, Eid Show in Bankstown, Chand Raat Eid Festival in Rosehill Sydney Eid Festival in Bankstown, Eid at the Zoo at Taronga Zoo and

Liverpool Eid Festival in Liverpool.

These events all over Sydney has given Muslims and members of the general Australian multicultural community a chance to really celebrate Eid in a big way.

It’s been an opportunity to promote the wonderful practices of Eid, have multicultural performances and especially serve incredible food!

Paan at MEFF 2016.

Invited guests at the Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair (MEFF) on Sunday 10 July 2016 at Fairfield Showground.

Tea cups ride at MEFF 2016.

Bangles at MEFF 2016.

Taronga Zoomobile at the Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair.

Indonesian dancers at Eid at the Zoo, Taronga Zoo.

12

Australasian Muslim Times

Henna art at Eid at the Zoo, Taronga Zoo.

www.amust.com.au

August 2016

UMMAH 16 - 17

EDUCATION 18 - 19

TRAVEL 20 - 21

BUSINESS 22

AUSTRALIA

SOCIAL 23

spectacular Eid ul Fitr

Camel rides at the Eid show, Bankstown.

AMUST

Rides at the Liverpool Eid Festival.

Petting zoo at the Eid Show.

MEFF 2016.

Delicious kebabs at MEFF 2016.

Tarek the T-Rex taking a selfie at the Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair

Chris Hayes with Bashar Al Jamal.

Fireworks at the Sydney Eid Festival. Photo by Sydney Fireworks & Pyrotechnics.

August 2016

Chris Hayes at MEFF 2016.

www.amust.com.au

Light show at MEFF 2016.

Australasian Muslim Times

13

LIFESTYLE

NEWS 1-3

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10 - 13

Why can’t I just have it all?

AMUST

MOBYDAYZE Mobinah Ahmad A man basically told me it wasn’t possible for me to do all the things I want to do: ’I’m saying this to you because I’ve been there. I’ve tried to further my professional career whilst doing community work and family - its not easy, in fact, its impossible’.

Whilst I understood where he was coming from, this was the first conversation he’s ever had with me. It would be pretty safe to say he had no idea how much he unassumingly underestimated my capabilities and yet - felt it appropriate to put us both in the same boat. I would’ve preferred if he kept his concerns to himself.

I’m a powerhouse. I’m a gun. I’m a boss.

I’m a leader. I’m skilled and talented. I work hard and smart. I’m an efficient and organised multi-tasker.

I’m tired of the idea that being modest means to under-sell yourself so others feel it is appropriate to tell you what you can and can’t do. No. I work as hard as I do because I know I can.

I am more aware of my limits and capabilities that anyone else.

So I will never let someone tell me to pipe down or not do something just because they couldn’t sustain it, failed and gave up.

Working full time, having a photography and filming side business, studying a Masters part time, spending time with family,

caring for grandparents, volunteering part time for community organisations, taking time to practice my faith, keeping a healthy social life: attending events, helping random strangers or acquaintances (with time, effort & expertise), networking and have a strong online presence on social media - yeah its tough.

It’s not easy, and I’m not going to pretend it is. It’s really hard to juggle and balance everything you’ve always wanted to do in life.

It’s like juggling ten balls, whilst sitting on a unicycle balancing on a tightrope.

Being able to live your life to reach your fullest potential is exhausting.

There are times when it has been overwhelming, and there have been times where I have needed to re-calibrate, focus on my priorities and tap out of certain commitments.

Having It All doesn’t mean I can’t ask for help, or make self-care a priority, or re-define my definition of ‘all’.

It means I want to achieve everything I believe I am capable of achieving.

And of course I’m going to lose sleep, occasionally fail, let one priority fall over

LIFESTYLE 14 - 15

another - that’s just being human.

There’s always going to be that safety net under me, that I know I can just drop all the balls and fall to if it ever comes to that.

Having a support network (supportive friends and family) is key, and what strengthens the ties that hold up the safety net.

Also working with decent, moral and understanding colleagues is especially important.

I love what I do, its enriching and rewarding.

I’m constantly learning new things, meeting new people and helping others.

I’m so incredibly happy and satisfied with my life because I’m making an positive impact on the world.

I’m constantly training myself, trying to be better.

Refine my behaviour and time management to get the most out of every day - and yes, that includes netflix.

For those people who balance work, family and friends - and feel that that is enough - more power to you. I completely respect that.

But that’s not how I want to personally live my life. And I don’t want anyone to tell me I cant strive to do more, just as I don’t expect anyone to live their life according to how I live mine.

As Liz Lemon once said “I can have it all”.

Mobinah Ahmad works in the new media industry and is a multimedia journalist for The Australasian Muslim Times based in Sydney.

How to respond in these difficult times Saltanat Bora 2016 has been a particularly testing year.

There has been tragic event after tragic event of mass killings, police brutality, domestic violence, civil war and the ever increasing growth of displaced peoples receiving very little compassion. How does one cope with such harrowing trauma?

How do we not descend into a depressive spiral, where we lose hope in humanity and the world?

This is exactly the question a Facebook friend asked on her page yesterday, presumably in response to Sonia Kruger’s controversial remarks, to the Nice attack etc, specifically whether people were feeling increasingly depressed as a result of the state the world was in. Usually I don’t engage in online dialogue, of any kind. There’s too much that can be mistaken, misunderstood, plus the wealth of keyboard warriors, and even my hesitance at expressing my “opinions” because somehow I feel like I have something to say that is worth listening to.

But when I saw this last night (at around 2am after my little one woke up and I put her back to sleep), I was compelled to respond, not out of feeling like I had some unique understanding, but because I owed it to everything that I have been learning lately to respond. To act.

This was my response: ” (I’m) Not feeling increasingly depressed.

It’s frustrating, to be sure, but given the reality of our times, not entirely unexpected.

Does this mean we should excuse people’s racism? No of course not. But I think it’s important to keep at the forefront of our minds that all, the good and the bad, has been decreed by Allah. As Muslims we should be centred in the circle of life, the circle where we sometimes end up on top, or sometimes on the bottom. As a Muslim, we should be in the centre of that circle. Where the cycle of being at the top or bottom does not shake us too significantly, but we see these times as signs from Allah to reflect, to change our own selves, to draw closer to Allah. So,

14

rather than become depressed, which can make us respond to these difficult times out of emotion, we should reflect that these are but signs of the times, and the best way to respond is through exemplifying Prophetic character. By engaging in positive action. In making sincere effort to do our part right.

By being active community members and Australian citizens. To do more as a Muslim community to support one another and rectify the real, damaging issues we currently face. To support our scholars and leaders who do get it right, who work tirelessly for their community. This response is not based on feeling, but what I’ve learnt from my own teacher, Imam Afroz Ali, who constantly reminds me of how to orient ourselves in relation to such trying times. Honestly, I would be depressed too. Especially me! I’m totally prone to dealing with things in such a manner. But now, learning what I’m still trying to learn, anything I see simply cements what I said above. All has been decreed by Allah.

We should not live in fear or anxiety. Our response to such vilification has been mod-

Australasian Muslim Times

elled for us by the best example, our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). We should be doing our utmost best to seek out his (pbuh) example and emulate it.”

Then today I saw Waleed Aly’s #sendforgiveness appeal on The Project in response to Sonia Kruger’s recent comments, and it was literally a real life, in action example of what I was talking about last night. He quite literally emulated Prophetic example by: 1. Accepting and seeing reality for what it is i.e. that we are ALL scared by the current events of the world.

2. By calling for forgiveness, by responding to Sonia Kruger’s divisive and heavy comments with compassion and understanding and 3. By calling for positive action in response by trying to start a #sendforgiveness movement out into the world.

So, yes, the challenges we face are heavy, they hurt our souls, they throw us into internal chaos and confusion, but it doesn’t have to be this way. We have the most beautiful compass to guide us. And yes, it is hard

www.amust.com.au

work to get to the centre of that circle. But let’s try, at the very least to try, to espouse his (peace be upon him) teachings and example. I have absolutely no doubt that if we do, not only will we be able to cope better, not only will we become better Muslims, better people, but that the world will also change for the better. For surely, the world will not change, until we change ourselves.

This article was originally published on www.themodestlife.co. The Modest Life is a space that explores the various facets of life, such as parenting, relationships and community issues, and the necessity of approaching these first and foremost with a sense of modesty. It aims to do this in a positive, enriching, motivational and honest manner, because let’s face it, there is enough negativity, enough cynicism and enough yelling and shouting over EVERYTHING in the world, on the internet. So join us here at The Modest Life as we share the stories that are dear to us with honesty, joy and a call to positive action.

August 2016

UMMAH 16 - 17

EDUCATION 18 - 19

TRAVEL 20 - 21

BUSINESS 22

SOCIAL 23

Wedding feature: Rayan and Khodr

LIFESTYLE

Marriage Bureau

THE MODEST BRIDE

Seeker & Sought For

Saltanat Bora Rayan and Khodr’s engagement was truly a labour of love, with incredible DIY elements, to overhauling the abandoned family tennis court to create a magical affair with an enchanted garden vibe. The attention to detail and the need to include elements that were important to them, such as handing out copies of the Quran as favours, reflected the couple’s commitment to beginning their journey off on the best foot. Read on for more about their beautiful engagement…

Khodr works at a law firm in the CBD and I work as a psychologist at a Psychiatric hospital in Kellyville. I assure you our days are never boring and our arguments are definitely better enjoyed with popcorn. That’s what happens when these two professions clash- he outlines the legal ramifications of everything I do and I diagnose him with mental health conditions unheard of in the DSM. It definitely tests but also strengthens our friendship.

Khodr and I met in high school, we were the perfect study partners- he’d help me understand the 4-unit maths jibberish and I’d tweak his essays; but never once did we think we’d be spending the rest of our lives together. We went our separate ways, different universities, different fields of study and we no longer had school in common, but we shared the same circle of friends- so we were never really “apart”. One thing lead to another and here we are now- and I cannot think of a better place to be.

It did take me by surprise when I was asked to feature my engagement on the site as I myself have been inspired endlessly by The Modest Bride’s gowns and general styling.

My sister picked our engagement date since Khodr and I are just as terribly indecisive as each other- we just casually went with it till we began to feel the heat- boy did time fly! Although we came to realise that planning a DIY event is a lot more effortful and costly, it was absolutely worth it!

I must admit we did reinvent the wheel at times and needed to start from scratch. We tried to restore some semblance of dignity to a tennis court after years of abandonment. I was totally adamant on this (the perks of hosting an event at home are huge!), but dad doesn’t do things half-heartedly- if it’s going to be done it needs to be done perfectly (I don’t know if it’s the Engineer in him or the perfectionistic gene which I seem to have inherited).

Electricity lines neede d t o

August 2016

AMUST

An initiative by the Islamic Foundation for Education and Welfare (IFEW)

Seekers be run through the place again and we even had a bathroom installed.

Khodr and I also bought fabric rolls and set up our little work station for days cutting and gluing the bits of fabric together because we wanted “draping tablecloths in the right colour” which we couldn’t find anywhere! This took ages but we perseveredwe laugh about it now and know that if we survived the workstation together we could survive anything.

Everything was DIY really, the jam and Holy Quran favours, the guestbook station the food/dessert buffet set up (the tree stumps were manually chopped for these).

We bought a gazzilion of everything for the dinner party setup – festoon lights, tea light candles, jars, vases, bottles, lanterns, serving boards for mezze, pot pouri, glass plates- you name it- we bought the lot to cater for 265 guests.

We wanted to host our engagement under the stars – a romantic dinner party with festoon lights and the whole package- we certainly got that and a whole lot more. Rain. At the time we were distraught that our worst case scenario ended up being a reality but that passed and we shrugged it off. This was all thanks to Mama’s endless hugs telling us it’s totally fine (despite her heart breaking) and reassuring us that not a single guest had left.

Thankfully it was only a raincloud passing, but it made the night just that much more memorable and we wouldn’t change it for the world.

Our guests till now tell us what a magical, unforgettable night it was, filled with “barakah” (blessing) under the rainclouds.

Khodr and I think back on it now and it still gives us goose bumps – it all feels so surreal and that makes it all so worth it.

The night would not have happened without the help of our family and friends. We are eternally grateful to everybody who helped

make this night possible. There is something special about loved ones getting together for the union of two people- it just so happened that this time it was our turn. Our friends became family and we got to see that they all genuinely love us. That to us is invaluablewe always knew it but when you see it and feel it, it is something else entirely.

This engagement is a stepping stone for Khodr and I- a commencement of another part our lives where we get to fulfill our faith, together. It’s not about hosting a magical night, or ensuring everybody is happyIt’s about where this union takes us, how far we get to push each other. It’s about how we create our story, one that is true to us and one that we may keep adding chapters to.

There is no stopping us when we are together and that by far is the greatest gift I have ever been blessed with.

Vendors Photography Seray’s Photography Event planning, invitations, favours setup, dessert etc. DIY by bride and groom and their family and friends Florist backdrop by Suzanne Asad and the table arrangements by bride and friends Venue Home Tennis Court Gown Elie Saab fabric made into modest dress by TS Elegant Creations Headscarf styling Hijabs By Rasha Makeup Ebru Karacayli Makeup Ring House of K’dor Suit Hugo Boss, Oxford Tie Elie Saab made by TS Elegant Creations This article was originally published on www.themodestbride.com.au

www.amust.com.au

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

Australasian Muslim Times

15

AMUST

UMMAH

NEWS 1-3

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

Local schools share the spirit of Ramadan sponsored by HAI Alsou Kurlow For the very first time this year, Human Appeal International Australia sponsored Ramadan Iftar dinners at a number of Sydney schools including Birrong Boys High School, Belmore Boys High School, Homebush Boys High School and Unity Grammar College.

The events were a great success with more than one thousand people in attendance. Although Human Appeal is mainly focussed on fighting poverty and providing relief aid around the world, it is also actively and consistently involved within the local community.

The Iftar dinners were not restricted to only those of the Islamic faith but were used as opportunities to share meals with people of diverse background and beliefs.

The events included talks by school principals or their representatives and local government and community officials who spoke of the need to celebrate and share experiences together.

Talks were given by Jason Clare MP, Dr Zachariah Matthews (Deen Academy), Darren Stevens (Birrong Boys HS principal), John Kennedy (Homebush Boys HS principal), Hala Ramadan (Belmore Boys High School principal), Osman Karolia (Unity Grammar College deputy principal), Murat Dizdar (Executive Director Public Schools NSW) Chris Charles (Department of Education) and Kamal Saleh (spoken word poet).

Issam Chaouk, HAI Director of Projects and Omar Al-Jamal, HAI Public Relations Manager represented and spoke on behalf of Human Appeal International Australia.

Mr Chaouk highlighted the importance of the Iftar dinners to educate young people

AUSTRALIA 10 - 13

LIFESTYLE 14 - 15

Peace Federation hold Panel Discussion over Iftar Dinner

Mohammad Hussain

about charity and the need to pay back to the community. He explained that the main reason for sponsoring the school events was to honour fasting students and their families and to share the experience with the wider school communities.

A short video of Human Appeal’s humanitarian work overseas was also shown at these events As a part of the these programmes the acclaimed international singer from Syria, Yahya Hawwa performed a number of traditional songs of praise and prayer.

At Birrong Boys High School dinner he sang a song drawing warm praise from the audience when he invited some students to join him on stage to sing along in chorus.

Invited guests at the dinner included Ms Judy McKay MP, Ms Sophie Cotsis MLC and Ms Jan Green from Department of Education.

Iftar event coordinator at Birrong Boys HighSchool, Souhair Harris said “It was an honour for me to be able to bring our diverse and rich communities together in an inviting and relaxed atmosphere to share the break of fast and to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan.

“This is the first time the School has held a function of this size and our thank go to Human Appeal for their sponsorship and we are delighted to showcase the efforts to raise funds to sponsor a water well in a needy country”, She proudly added.

Human Appeal International Australia is proud to be involved with events that celebrate multiculturalism by bringing people of different backgrounds together in the spirit of sharing and caring. Australia is indeed blessed to be a leading example of harmonious diversity and social inclusion.

The interim administrative board of the Australian Muslim Peace Federation Inc hosted an Iftar and panel discussion with invited guests on 29 June at Harris Park.

After prayers and Iftar, meeting began with recitation of verses from the Holy Quran and then talk session with Dr Wali Islam and Dr Mohammed al-Jabri and Mr Aziz Akbar who gave a brief summary of the objectives of the Federation.

This was followed by an open dialogue between those present on the nature of the challenges faced by Muslims in the whole world and especially in Australia, as a result of the conflicts in the Middle East.

Dr Mohammed Al-Jabri emphasised the great responsibility of the Federation in promoting the spirit of love and cooperation between Muslims in Australia.

Expression of interest for membership were completed with the aim of holding the Federation’s first congress which will elect the Board of Trustees and the President of the Federation and working committees.

Dr Mohammed al-Jabri, Dr Wali Islam and Mr Aziz Akbar

SAMAA: Dedicated to serving Muslim Elders AMUST Media Soon after ‘White Australia ‘ Policy was removed, a large number of South Asian Muslims, mostly Professionals, migrated to Australia during the early 1970’s.

By the turn of the century, most of these very early Migrants were either approaching retirement age or were already retired, & some had reached old age.

It was in September 2007 when a few South Asian Muslim friends with an abundance of Altruism got together and decided to form an organisation, South Asian Muslim Association of Australia dedicated to better serve the Muslim elders in the community.

Over the last four decades, as early settlers to this country, the Muslim Community went through various phases of difficulties and challenges.

Earlier on, there was the challenge of availing ‘Halal’ Meat - then arose the need to seek religious pursuits through building of Mosques.

Then, as the number of school going children grew, the need for imparting Islamic education to children, became an Issue. This quest led to the establishment of Islamic schools.

With the growth in population, the need for these facilities is further growing.

The Muslim elders over the last decade, have started facing unforeseen difficulties faced with health setbacks, they are being admitted to Aged Care Facilities. These facilities are traditionally geared to look after the needs of Anglo-Saxon elders.

These facilities do not cater to the Culturally & Religiously sensitive Needs of the Muslim elders, such as Halal food, Salat and Wudu facilities. Need for Aged Care Facilities & Nursing Homes, which are attuned to the Culturally & Religiously sensitive needs of South Asian Muslim Elders became imperative.

During the twilight years of their lives, the least these elders deserve, is an Atmosphere

16

wherein they live can live, breathe & feel the Spirit of Islam & their Muslim Culture.

With its establishment, SAMAA recruited a Team of young volunteers who are providing yeoman services, such as - taking elders to their appointments with GPs & specialists, grocery shopping , social events, mosques, etc.

These volunteers also assist seniors, offering home cleaning, home cooking, delivery of home-cooked Meals, laundry & general home chores.

Social isolation is a real issue for our Muslim Elders. To overcome this, SAMAA not only sends its volunteers to spend some time with them in their Homes, but it also arranges for these elders to attend social gatherings at picnics and cultural events, on a frequent regularity.

SAMAA Team comprises of many full-time professionals, who are whole-heartedly and generously giving their precious time towards fulfilling the noble aspirations of SAMAA. They have actively engaged with relevant Government Bodies and Aged Care Agencies, bringing to their knowledge, the specific Religious & Cultural needs of our Muslim elders.

SAMAA made a submission to the Productivity Commission as part of the Government inquiry into Aged are. They also signed MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) with some Aged Care Providers, ensuring that these Providers are able to offer Religiously & Culturally sensitive needs of our Muslim elders.

Australasian Muslim Times

SAMAA has held numerous Workshops and publishes quarterly Newsletters for the benefit of bringing awareness of Ageing Issues and how to avail various Government Assistance Packages.

SAMAA’s efforts have been able to come to fruition, because of the unflinching support that we receive from the South Asian Muslim Community - they are indeed our True SAMAA Friends.

SAMAA’S efforts have impressed many a Parliamentarian to such an extent, that they have officially acknowledged SAMAA’s efforts, both in NSW Parliament and in the Federal Parliament.

Due to its proven record, SAMAA was able to obtain a Tax Deductibility Status giving an added incentive to Community Members to donate to such a noble cause.

Whilst, SAMAA is arranging Culturally &

www.amust.com.au

Religiously appropriate care through current Service Providers, there is a pressing need for our ageing Muslim Community to eventually have its own Aged Care Facility.

SAMAA acknowledges the unending Support we have been receiving from our SAMAA Friends. But, the funds needed to build such a Facility requires ongoing generous donations by the community.

SAMAA’s upcoming event of ‘Jashn-eBuzurg’ is another attempt to raise Funds for this worthy Cause. Jashn-e-Buzurg will be held at Bowman Hall in Blacktown on Sunday 4 Sept at 12 Noon. Please attend the Function & contribute towards the noble Objectives of SAMAA. For more information, please contact Zahid Jamil on 0411 114 762 or Robina Yasmin on 0468 409 786.

August 2016

UMMAH 16 - 17

EDUCATION 18 - 19

TRAVEL 20 - 21

BUSINESS 22

UMMAH

SOCIAL 23

AMUST

Rallies in Sydney and Canberra in support of Kashmiris under occupation Hanif Bismi and Mohammed Ali Protest rallies were organised in Canberra and Sydney, on Sunday 24 July, against the killing of more than 50 Kashmiris and almost 1500 injured by the Indian military in the valley of Kashmir.

The fragile peace in Kashmir broke down when the Special Operation Group (SOG) of Kashmir Police, known for targeted civilian killings in the form of encounters, murdered 21 year Burhan Wani, the son of a local school principal on 8 July while Burhan and his two associates had been spending time with their family after Eid. Wani was a militant social media activist with no record of violence but was considered a wanted militant by the Indian security forces who blamed him for inciting youth calling for liberation of Kashmir from Indian military rule.

Wani’s body was handed over to his family at Tral in South Kashmir at 3 am on 9 July.

From that time people had started moving towards his home town in thousands to pay condolences to the family.

The funeral of Wani next day was attended by tens of thousands of Kashmiris despite imposed restrictions and mobilisation of security forces who tried to stop people’s movement for Burhan’s funeral at the Eid prayer grounds.

People at the funeral protested against the killing of Wani and his associates where women participated by singing folk songs praising the martyrs of Kashmir and youths shouted pro-Wani, pro-Freedom and anti-India slogans.

Indian security forces responded with brutal force, shooting with pellet guns on crowds that resulted in the killing of more than 50 people and injuring of more than 1500 at the funeral and subsequent protests over the next few days.

Children as young as 4 years old as well as a number of women were killed by the security forces who imposed an indefinite

curfew in the valley and cut off the people of Kashmir by disconnecting internet and telephone services.

Human right activists gathered at 1 pm at Martin Place Sydney on Sunday 24 July to protest against the ongoing killing in Indian occupied Kashmir. India has used all sorts of brutal force against the people of Kashmir during its occupation.

People of diverse background and faiths attended the Sydney rally. Father David of Lakemba Church spoke on the ongoing brutality against unarmed people of Kashmir by the Indian security forces. Hanif Bismi urged all Australians to see Kashmir as a

humanitarian crisis and called for an end to the ongoing atrocities by the Indian security forces.

Ms Bushra Salam, Vice Consul of Pakistan in Sydney pledged that the Pakistani government would make every effort to bring the Kashmir issue on every international platform including the UN. Mr Masood Malik, a Kashmiri from the Valley briefed the protesters on the current situation in Kashmir. Mr Irfan Bhatt asked the people of Australia to come forward in support of the people of Kashmir. Pakistan Australia Association President Mr Rana Abbas the main driver behind the protest

thanked the NSW Police and the Sydney City Council for supporting the protest as well as the people who attended the rally.

The Sydney protest rally ended with the protesters marching towards the UN offices passing a petition seeking a UN resolution to intervene in Kashmir on behalf of the international community.

The Canberra rally organised by the Kashmir Solidarity Council outside the ACT Legislative Assembly Building signed a Petition calling the Australian Government to play its role in stopping violation of Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir.

The ongoing grave human rights situation in Jammu & Kashmir pursuant to the killing of a popular Kashmiri leader, Burhan Wani on 8 July, 2016, is a source of concern to everyone, particularly we the Australians who believe in justice and respect of human rights of all. We wish to convey our disgust and anguish over the brutalities and human rights violations of Kashmiri people by the Indian security forces.

Due to indiscriminate use of force against Kashmiri protestors, around 50 civilians have been killed and more than 1500 have been injured. Many of them

have lost their eye sights due to pallet injuries. The doctors have reported that most of the injured sustained injuries above the waist line as the security forces are pursuing a policy of shoot to kill. The Indian Security Forces are also preventing ambulances to reach to the injured and doctors from treating them.

The imposition of curfew and suspension of mobile and internet services and postponement of school & university exams have badly affected the lives of people in Kashmir valley.

The UN Secretary General has taken a note of the current situation in the valley.

His spokesperson has mentioned that the Secretary General is closely following the recent clashes in Kashmir and has regretted loss of lives and injuries to many

people. To avoid further violations, he has asked all the parties to exercise maximum restraint. Other countries have also expressed concerns at the violations.

Australia cannot remain passive to the grave violations of human rights in the Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. Australia has been engaged in finding a solution to the Kashmir dispute since its beginning.

The United Nations Security Council had also appointed Sir Owen Dixon, Sixth Chief Justice of Australia on 14March, 1950 as UN Representative to organize plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir. Australia has a special responsibility as a candidate for United Nations Human Rights Council for 2018-2020 and as an advocate of human rights for protection of human rights of the Kashmiris. The current situation in Jammu and Kashmir is the result of continued denial of right to self-determination of the Kashmiri

people through a free and fair plebiscite under the UN auspices that was assured by the United Nations Security Council in its various resolutions. The Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains on the agenda of the UN Security Council.

We as Australians urge our leadership to call upon Indian authorities to: a) Immediately stop violence against innocent civilians and cease repressive policies and human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. b) Stop firing at the peaceful protestors; branding them as terrorists which is nothing but a distortion of the reality in Kashmir. c) Allow a fair and impartial inquiry. d) Comply with their international obligations and safeguard the human rights of the people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Petition:

Sydney rally in support of Kashmiris at Martin Place. Photo by SA Naqvi Photography, OZ-Deziner Studio.

Kashmiri boy shot by pellet gun by the Indian military.

August 2016

www.amust.com.au

Australasian Muslim Times

17

AMUST

EDUCATION

NEWS 1-3

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10 - 13

LIFESTYLE 14 - 15

Eid Mubarak

Selamat Eidul Adha dan Hari Raya Haji

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. Visitors welcome to Greenacre and to our schools in Indonesia, please contact me via mobile and/or e-mail.

Luqman Hakim Landy, JIMS Foundation

HELP INDONESIAN CHILDREN Education Project by JIMS Foundation Jakarta Int'l Muslim Society

Over 15,000 More Than 150 Islamic Students 1,000 Teachers Schools In Java, Lombok and Sumatera, Indonesia

Luqman Hakim Landy, an Australian Muslim revert has been serving the people of Indonesia through his JIMS Foundation in the ďŹ eld 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.

Mobile: 0469 977 684 | Email: yjimslhl@yahoo.com Contact Luqman on Facebook

Pay Zakat, Fidya and QURBAN to us 18

Australasian Muslim Times

www.amust.com.au

Donation Account Details: Name: Luqman Hakim Landy ANZ BSB: 012 341, A/C: 540 136 101 August 2016

UMMAH 16 - 17

EDUCATION 18 - 19

TRAVEL 20 - 21

BUSINESS 22

EDUCATION

SOCIAL 23

AMUST

The 99 Divine attributes of Allah Part 24 - Attributes 83 – 84

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 83 – Al Ra’ ūf - The Compassionate 142. The foolish will ask, ‘What has made them turn away from their direction of prayer which they used to face?’1 Say, ‘The East and the West belong to Allah, He guides whom He pleases to their right path.’ 2 143. Thus We have made you a middle community, so that you may act as a witnesses for mankind, and the Messengers may be a witness for you.3 We decreed your former prayer direction towards which you used to face only in order that We might make a clear distinction between the Messenger’s true follower and those who were to turn their back on him. This was indeed a hard test for all but those whom Allah had guided. Allah will never let your faith go to waste. Allah is Compassionate and Merciful to mankind. 4 144. We frequently see you turn your face towards heaven. So We will make you turn in a direction for prayer that will please you.

So turn your face now towards the Sacred Mosque: and wherever you may be, turn your face towards it. Those who were given the Book know this to be the truth from their Rabb. Allah is not unaware of what they do. 5 ( Al Baqarah 2:142-144) 1. The Prophet used to offer salat (prayer) for 16/17 months with Qibla directed towards the Bait –ul-Muqaddas (Dome of the Rock). Then the directive of Allah was received to offer prayer toward AlKā’bah, as given in this passage.

2. These are the first responses of the objection of the foolish people. Their minds were closed, the vision were very limited and they were the worshipers of locality and directions??. Then firstly as a nullification of their ignorant objections it was declared that the East or the West both belong to Allah. To consider Qibla a particular direction does not connote that Allah rests only in that direction. The people who have been bestowed with the guidance from Allah are devoid of this short-mindedness.

3. This is the declaration of the leadership of the “Ummah (followers) of Muhammad (s)”. The word “kazalika” in this verse refers to both ways; firstly it is for Allah’s direction through which the direct way was found for the followers of the Prophet and thus they were termed as the “first Ummah” . Secondly it refers to change of Qibla (prayer direction) that connotes the firm deportation of Bani Israil from the state of the world leadership and the assignment of the leadership now to the followers of the Prophet.

The Ummah Wast (Just Followers) contains vast meaningfulness, which can never be exposed through any other term.

On one hand it pertains to such a high and noble multitude that sticks to justice, impartiality and companionship, and on the other hand, it attains the chief position of leadership among the believers over all the world, having conformable relation of truthfulness and dealings with all communities and people.

Then it is mentioned, “you are evidence for people and the Prophet is evidence for you”. It connotes that at the time of joint accounting of all the humanity, the Prophet shall be testimony as the responsible mouthpiece of Allah that the directives were imparted to him about the truthful and just worldly system handed over to him that has been conveyed to them exactly without any omission and demonstrated with fulfillment personally by himself.

August 2016

Hence the assignment to an individual or a group to act as evidence for Allah pertains to him or his position and leadership. Thus it is a great rank or honor as well as a great responsibility to fulfill this assignment. Thus it means that all the followers of the Prophet have to stand as the live testimony for godliness, truthfulness, patience and faithfulness.

Thus the followers of the Prophet and the believers of Islam have a great responsibility to fulfill totally otherwise they shall be questioned on the Day of Resurrection about their world-leadership.

4. This expression is revealed to humanity by Allah to differentiate between the people who are engaged in the Jahili prejudice and destruction of lives and the people who have the exact realisation of the truth being free from any self-made favours to particular groups.

Hence Allah first appointed Bait – ul-Muqaddas as the Qibla to eliminate the idol worships from the truthful believers of Monotheism from the worshippers of Israili worshippers. So now those persons have remained with the Prophet who are never the worshippers of any kind of idol rather they are the worshippers of only one God (Allah).

5. These are the exact directives about the change of Qibla. It was revealed 2 AH in the month of Al-Rajab or Al- Shaban, Ibn Sā’d narrates; “The Prophet had gone to Barāi-binM‘ārūr and the time of Zuhr prayer arrived. The Prophet led the prayer. After completing two rak‘at this verse was revealed to Him. Immediately the Prophet and the persons following the Prophet changed the direction of prostration from Bait –ul-Muqaddas to Al-Kabah. It was immediately followed in Madinah and its suburbs.”

The Prophet was waiting for these directives. He, himself, is fully convinced that now the leadership of Israil is going to be terminated by Allah and therefore the time for the leadership of Arabs is to be installed.

Masjid Haram connotes the mosque of piety and honor. It pertains to the place of worship in the middle of which is the house of Ka‘bāh.

84 – Al Mālik-ul-Mulk – The Sovereignty of Supreme Dominion 26. Say O’Allah, Owner of the Sovereignty, You give sovereignty whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your Hand is good. Indeed, you are all things competent 27. You cause the night to enter the day, and You cause the day to enter the night; and You bring the living out of the dead, and You bring the dead out of the living. And You give provision to whom You will without account. 1 28. Let not believer take disbelievers as allies rather than believers. And whoever does that has nothing with Allah, except when taking precaution against them in prudence.2 And Allah warns you of Himself, and to Allah is the final destination.3 (Āl-e-Imrān 3:26-28) 1. A sincere, noble and impartial human being, on one side, observes the mischievous behaviors of the infidels and disbelievers about how they are prospering enormously in this world and then observes, on the other side, the obedience of the believers together with their victimisation of affliction and atrocities in which the Prophet and the Companions have been involved since 3 AH. Then such a person feels a wistful interrogation in his heart. Allah has responded here about this confusion in a very elegant style with marvellous exquisiteness.

2. If a believer has been trapped among a group of persons having misunderstood the image of Islam and is afraid of having atrocities and tyranny from them, he is permitted to conceal his belief and live with them as if he is one of them or if he has been exposed as a believer, he can extend a friendship and cordial relationship with them.

3. But human beings should not become so much dominated upon such a person that he forgets the consciousness and presence of Allah. Beware that humans can destroy your worldly affairs but Allah can destine you to everlasting punish-

www.amust.com.au

ment. Hence for your safety and security you may bluff the disbelievers to a limited extent in urgent helplessness as long as you never harm the Islamic mission or message nor indulge in the loss of life or property of any other believer. Remember that for your own safety if you commit to bring any loss to the party of the believer or to one individual believer, you shall never be released from the security and accounting of Allah. Ultimately, you are to be finally presented to Him. Continued in AMUST issue #130 September

Australasian Muslim Times

19

AMUST

TRAVEL

NEWS 1-3

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10 - 13

LIFESTYLE 14 - 15

People of Persia: Part 4 Mobinah Ahmad

A young boy on a school excursion flashes an enthusiastic smile at me, thrilled to be photographed. At the mausoleum of Saadi in Shiraz.

At the revolving restaurant right on the top of the Milad Tower, the tallest Tower in Tehran, a woman prepares the elaborate fruit platters.

At the grave site of Saadi, a famous poet in Shiraz, a woman working at the bookstore sells us a book of his poems.

The bearded bus driving duo who took great care of us whilst travelling from Esfahan to Shiraz. The bus was comfortable and these two men were kind enough to serve tea and coffee from their own personal stash.

These two young men would wait around Nasir Al Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, for the tourists. When a large group appears, they open up the boot of the car, pull out a book stand and set up tourist guides on Iran. Their English was impeccably perfect. They were very amusing.

My first time meeting a lovely young Christian Iranian man (left) selling material at the Grand Bazaar in Tehran with his Muslim colleague. We tried to converse a little, I asked if I could take a photo, and he immediately called his friend over to join in.

Through the markets in Shiraz, a man dressed in a beautiful Termeh designed robe and jewellery wears A young couple take a selfie on the famous Tabiat (Nature) bridge. an Iranian style hat and gun and offers tourists to wear props and take a memorable photo.

20

Australasian Muslim Times

www.amust.com.au

August 2016

UMMAH 16 - 17

EDUCATION 18 - 19

TRAVEL 20 - 21

BUSINESS 22

TRAVEL

SOCIAL 23

AMUST

Shiraz, city of gardens and poetry MODERN IBNE BATOTA Zia Ahmad We had to catch a bus at 10 in the morning from Esfahan to Shiraz, almost 500 km further south of the country.

Since we had missed to visit an important landmark in Esfahan, the Vank Cathedral, Mobinah got up very early and paid a visit to the Church that she described as a stunning structure with a lot of history.

Transportation hubs in Iran are most modern with excellent toilet facilities and not very crowded, so was the Esfahan Bus Stand Complex. Our luxury bus was very comfortable and initially it was only myself, Mehar and Mobinah, the only passengers.

The bus driver and the conductor with thick hair, beards and moustaches kindly shared their personal coffee and snacks with us.

During the journey we passed through small towns and villages and I was amazed at the cleanliness of this country. No where we found any open gutters, rubbish and junk on roads or footpaths familiar in many third world countries. Midway we stopped for lunch and prayer. One of our fellow passengers, an engineer educated at Karachi during the seventies who had long conversations with me throughout the journey was very kind to buy us snacks for lunch.

After entering the city of Shiraz through the magnificent Quran Gate, we were received at the Shiraz bus stand by Mohammad, a long time friend who completed his

PhD from UNSW in 1985 who I had not met ever since. He was now professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Shiraz.

Mohammad took us to our hotel apartment and very efficiently chalked out ur program for the next three days including a dinner with his family. He also organised a taxi/ car with a driver also called Mohammad we later found out to be an excellent friend and helper and could only converse in Farsi.

Next day we made a day long trip to Persepolis or Takht-e-Jamshid and associated ruins such as Naqshe Rustam of ancient Persia and finally had dinner at Mohammed’s residence meeting his lovely family including his dignified sister in law sharing photos and talking about the good old days till late night.

Shiraz is the city of poets, the two most famous being Hafez and Saadi, very popular in India as well, whose tombs and associated gardens are a pleasure to visit. The well maintained parks had the the poetry being recited via speakers throughout the gardens.

On my father’s request, who knows Farsi very well, I purchased Deewane Hafez and Bostane Saadi, collections of the poets’ works.

We visited the historic mansion and Baghe-Eram including the underground museum of Shirazi arts, culture and poets. It is at this place where all three of us decided to put on traditional Iranian dresses to take our own photos and then found many of the foreign tourists, Americans, Germans, Turkish and Koreans had their cameras pointed at us tak-

The Shah of Shiraz with Shahbano and Shahzadi at the Bagh-e-Eram. ing our photos around the gardens and the mansion.

On the final day we had to comply with Mobinah’s wish of visiting the Nasir alMulk mosque to take magnificent photos inside while morning sunlight entered through colourful glasses on doors and windows.

We caught yet another train from Shiraz back to Tehran, a 16 hour journey in very much comfort.

Next: Back to Tehran, and Qom side trip This is part 2 of the series Safarnameh: A two week study tour of Iran.

Zia Ahmad is the Managing Editor of the Australasian Muslim Times and is based in Sydney.

Dinner with Mohammad’s family in Shiraz.

The author at the Mausoleum of Hafez, famous poet of Shiraz.

Mobinah in a traditional Iranian dress at Bagh-e-Eram in Shiraz.

The author in a Shirazi traditional dress at the mansion.

August 2016

www.amust.com.au

Australasian Muslim Times

21

BUSINESS

NEWS 1-3

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10 - 13

LIFESTYLE 14 - 15

AMUST Classifieds AMUST

Services

Crescent Wealth Crescent Wealth is Australia’s leading Islamic Super and Investments firm helping to build a better world through positive, ethical investments.

Phone: 1300 926 626 Website: www.crescentwealth.com.au

Equitable Financial Solutions Our mission is to serve the Australian community by providing them financial products that are convenient, equitable and Shariah-compliant.

Phone: 1800 183 133 Website: www.efsol.com.au

iMoby Productions Female Photographer. Weddings and engagements, birthday parties, festivals, corporate events, filming and producing.

Phone: 0432 608 350 Website: www.imobyproductions.com

Henna by Kulsoom Professional henna artist that uses organically certified henna to make fresh henna paste. No chemicals added, leaving a long-lasting, dark stain. Located in NSW. Phone: 0424 147 867 Website: www.facebook.com/HennabyK

Hygienic Spray (for toilet) Shattaf Tahara Spray. Stainless steel hose.

Including free installation with diverter/ connector. Long distance charges apply Phone: 0418 204 251 Email: sasdqi@gmail.com

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?

Contact NZF on 1300 663 729 or info@nzf.org.au today!

NZF is the premier Zakat institution for the Australian Muslim community, serving Zakat payers and receivers locally since 2013.

Shadow Approved We provide strategic design and website services that enable our clients to increase sales, build brand awareness and increase customer reliability. Contact us now and let us kick-start your business. www.facebook.com/shadowapproved Email: info@shadowapproved.com UAK Design Design and construction. Architectural & structural plans, Renovation & Extensions, Project Management, Duplex, Granny Flat.

Phone: 0411 081 624 Email: info@uakdesign.com.au

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.

Phone: (02) 9823 2063 Website: www.meff.com.au

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

ADVERTISE WITH AMUST

NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING

AMUST is circulated among all Australians but specifically targets the Muslim population of Australia. It is distributed to a variety of mosques, communities, different faith groups and government bodies within Australia.

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

Find out more at www.amust.com.au/advertising or email us at info@amust.com.au

ONLINE ADVERTISING

AMUST lets you reach thousands of people all over the world with its website and email newsletter advertising.

AMUST also has a strong online presence that includes social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+

UAK DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

PTY LTD

LET US DESIGN & BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME

• GRANNY FLAT FROM $109,000* • ARCHITECTURAL & STRUCTURAL PLANS • BUILDING APPROVAL - DA, CC & CDC

*CONDITIONS APPLY

Usaid Khalil 0411 081 624 (02) 9729 0484

22

www.uakdesign.com.au info@uakdesign.com.au

Australasian Muslim Times

Scan and add us to your contacts

www.amust.com.au

August 2016

UMMAH 16 - 17

EDUCATION 18 - 19

TOP 5 Muslim Memes

TRAVEL 20 - 21

BUSINESS 22

TOP 4 Tweets #qanda

#SOCIAL APP

SOCIAL 23

VIDEOS

To Watch

AMUST

of the month

#‎YouCantAskThat‬

Hijab wearing dance group brings peopleABCTV produced a teaser trailer titled “You Can’t Ask That” on their Facebook page. You Can Ask That is about breaking down stereotypes and offering genuine insight into the lives of people who live with labels. This episode about Muslims, has members of the Muslim community answering questions like: Do you secretly agree with terrorists?, Whats the deal with all the beards? Have you ever been abused because you’re a Muslim?, What bits of your religion would you change?, How can you justify your treatment of women?.

The participants respond to the questions and explain their views about Islams, Muslims and speak about common issues westerners feel they wouldn’t be able to ask.

The series gives an unmediated platform to some of the most misunderstood or marginalised people in our country: short statured, wheelchair users, transgender, Muslims, ex-prisoners, fat, Indigenous, sex workers, terminally ill, and people in polyamorous relationships.

You Can’t Ask That starts Wednesday.

Video Link: https://goo.gl/rDKmvb

Zain’s Sing-Along

Available on iOS, Android Price: Free Saminah Ahmad Zain’s Sing-Along is a great app for young kids.

The Nasheeds (songs) are short and easy to learn. Plus there’s a easy interactive game while they listen to the song.

There are plenty of lovely colours through the video.

Another great thing about the app is the videos. Kids can watch amusing videos while singing.

You start with 4 free songs and pay for the rest.

Rather then jumping on to YouTube or playing a song from an mp3 player, just open this app and your child will find an interactive and fun way to listen to great Islamic songs.

Parents of Fallen U.S. Muslim Soldier Rebuke Trump

The father of an American-Muslim soldier killed in action has contrasted his family’s “undivided loyalty” to America with Donald Trump, who has “sacrificed nothing and no one”, in a moving speech delivered at the Democratic National Convention.

Khizr Khan delivered one of the most powerful speeches on Thursday at the convention in Philadelphia. In it, Mr. Khan spoke about how his 27-year-old son, Humayun Khan, an Army captain, sacrificed his life in a car bombing in 2004 in Iraq as he tried to save other troops.

“Donald Trump, you are asking Americans to trust you with our future.

Let me ask you: Have you even read the US Constitution?” said Khan. He then reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a copy of the document. “I will gladly lend you my copy. In this document, look for the words liberty and equal protection of law.”

He criticized Mr. Trump, saying he “consistently smears the character of Muslims,” and pointedly challenged what sacrifices Mr. Trump himself had made.

Mr. Khan’s wife, Ghazala, stood silently by his side; she has said in news reports that she finds talking about her son painful.

Video Link: https://goo.gl/37LMCW

August 2016

www.amust.com.au

Australasian Muslim Times

23

‫ارض للبيع بدون فوائد‬ ‫فوائد‬ ‫بدون‬ ‫للبيع‬ ‫ارض‬ INTEREST FREE LAND FOR SALE ‫فوائد‬ ‫بدون‬ ‫للبيع‬ ‫ارض‬ ‫فوائد‬ ‫بدون‬ ‫للبيع‬ ‫ارض‬ ‫ شهرا‬30-24 ‫الدفع بالتقسيط وملدة تصل اىل‬ INTEREST FREE LAND FOR SALE INTEREST FREE LAND FOR SALE INTEREST FREE LAND FOR ‫ شهرا‬30-24 ‫تصل اىل‬ ‫بالتقسيط وملدة‬ ‫ الدفع‬SALE AUSTRAL AND ‫ شهرا‬30-24 ‫الدفع بالتقسيط وملدة تصل اىل‬ ‫ شهرا‬30-24 ‫الدفع بالتقسيط وملدة تصل اىل‬

LEPPINGTON NORTH AUSTRAL AND Sydney South AND Growth Centre AUSTRAL AUSTRAL ANDNORTH LEPPINGTON LEPPINGTON NORTH Sydney South Growth Centre LEPPINGTON NORTH Sydney South Growth Centre

Lot size start from 360 sqm to 622.5 sqm Current average market price is $650,000 for 600 sqm Our Price is $288,000 excluding development cost for 600 sqm Lot size start from 360 sqm to 622.5 sqm Current market price $650,000 600 sqm AIRPORT Lot size average start TO from 360 sqm tois622.5 sqm forCREEK CLOSE NEW BADGERYS Lot size start from 360excluding sqm sqm for 600 Our Priceaverage is $288,000 development costsqm for 600 sqm Current market pricetois622.5 $650,000 Current market price is $650,000 for 600 Our Priceaverage is $288,000 excluding development costsqm for 600 sqm 5 Minutes to new Leppington Train Station now open with services Our Price is $288,000 excluding development cost for 600 sqmrunning

Sydney South Growth Centre

CLOSE TO NEW BADGERYS CREEK AIRPORT 40 Minutes to Parramatta CBD CLOSE TO NEW BADGERYS CREEK AIRPORT ‫اقساط‬ 45 Minutes to Sydney CBD Interest free CLOSE TO NEW BADGERYS CREEK AIRPORT ‫بدون فوائد‬ 5 Minutes to new Leppington Train Station now open with services running Easy Access to M5, M7 Installments Minutes Parramatta Minutes totonew Train Station now open with services running 2540High Schools, 5 Leppington primary CBD schools

‫اقساط‬ ‫برنامج‬ ‫اقساط‬ ‫فوائد‬ ‫بدون‬ ‫اقساط‬ ‫للدفع‬ ‫مناسبفوائد‬ ‫بدون‬ ‫بدون فوائد‬ ‫برنامج‬ ‫برنامج‬ ‫للدفع‬ ‫مناسب‬ ‫برنامج‬ ‫مناسب للدفع‬ ‫مناسب للدفع‬

Minutes totonew Leppington 45 Sydney 40 Minutes Parramatta CBDTrain Station now open with services running 25 Muslim 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) Close to Austral Public School 37 Minutes drive toCollege Unity Grammar College Next to AI-Faisal (Liverpool campus) AI- Madinah Masjid to AI-Faisal (Liverpool campus) MalekGrammar Fahd Islamic School 39Next Minutes drive toCollege 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

24

Australasian Muslim Times

PRICE FROM

$ 157,500 24-30 Months FROM Payment Plan PRICE +

PRICE FROM DEVELOPMENT COST

$PRICE 157,500 followingFROM 2 years $ Months 157,500 24-30 Payment Plan +Payment Plan $ Months 157,500 24-30

DEVELOPMENT COST 24-30 Months+ Payment Plan following DEVELOPMENT COST + 2 years following 2 years DEVELOPMENT COST following 2 years

PROJECT 2e

s ta g e 1 re le a s

NOW 2 T C E J O PR e a s2 reCleT 1E eJ gO sPtaR 2 T C s eREST NOW reURleINaTE e J1 E sPtaRgO BOOK YOUR INTEREST

se eOK1 YOreURleINaTE s ta gBO REST NOW BOOK YO BOOK YOUR INTEREST

NOW

EXPECTED TIMELINE

Booking starts ‫الحجز يبدأ من‬ EXPECTED TIMELINE from April 2016 2016 ‫نيسان‬ EXPECTED TIMELINE ‫يكونمنفي‬ EXPECTED DELIVERY Booking starts ‫التسليم يبدأ‬ ‫الحجز‬ EXPECTED TIMELINE Booking ‫نيسانيبدأ‬ ‫الحجز‬ from Aprilstarts 2016 ‫من‬ 2016 2019 - 2020 Booking starts ‫من‬ ‫نيسانيبدأ‬ ‫الحجز‬ from April 2016 2019-2020 2016 ‫نيسان يكون‬ ‫التسليم‬ EXPECTED DELIVERY from April 2016 ‫في‬2016

Interest free Flexible Payment Interest free Installments Interest free plan Installments EXPECTED DELIVERY ‫التسليم يكون في‬ Installments ‫التسليم يكون في‬ EXPECTED DELIVERY 2019-2020 2019 - 2020 Flexible Payment 2019 - 2020 Flexible PaymentINFORMATION 2019-2020 plan FOR MORE 2019 2020 Flexible Payment plan 0423 085 500 | 0470 336 2462019-2020 plan FOR MORE INFORMATION FOR0423 MORE INFORMATION 085 500 | 0470 336 246 FOR0423 MORE INFORMATION 085 500 | 0470 336 246 0423 085 500 | 0470 336 246

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

02 8021 6099 02 8021 6099 02 8021 6099 02 8021 6099

August 2016