Issue 131 October 2016

MUSLIM

AUSTRALASIAN

Multimedia News & Views

ISSN: 1039-2300

AMUST

Print Post Publication No. 100021354

Print edition published Monthly on first Friday with Website updates

Democracy & Dress Code

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Jamila Hussain: Pioneer

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October 2016; Muharram 1438

Ali’s Wedding: Film Review

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Advice to HSC Students

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Commissioner addresses privacy concerns Zia Ahmad The NSW Privacy commissioner Dr Elizabeth Coombs addressed the issue of privacy during her lecture on Wednesday 21 September at the Sydney offices of Affinity Intercultural Foundation.

There has been great anxiety in the community regarding the on-line census data collection that was considered very elaborate and thorough. Moreover, the technological hitches and breakdown of the system during the Census night marred the reputation of ABS. The formal collection period of the 2016 Census closed on 24 September. The Census will help distribute government funds and plan services the community.

Part of the Affinity Lecture Series, the topic of Dr Coombs lecture was “What’s happening ~or not~ in privacy”, where she elaborated on the right to privacy and addressed concern from the audience on the security of

the data collected in the 2016 census.

Before the commencement of the lecture, the audience were welcomed by Emeritus Professor Alan Knight from UTS Affinity Advisory Board member. The speaker was introduced by Professor Michael Adams from UWS. Dr Coombs referred to the Universal declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that include the rights to privacy.

“The right to privacy is also established in international conventions such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities”, she said.

She further added “ Recognising that Affinity seeks to nurture interfaith and intercultural learning, and to help build personal relationships between people of diverse faiths and backgrounds, I make the point that privacy is also integral to many faiths and for some worshippers, privacy is essential if they are to have freedom of worship

and to be able to practice their faith safely”.

The Universal Islamic Declaration of Human Rights of 1981 has at Section 22 the right to privacy and the 1990 Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam, also includes the right to privacy.

“NSW Privacy law, and there are two Acts – the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act, 1998 and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act, 2002, provide important privacy protections for NSW citizens in certain circumstances but I stress these are by no means comprehensive protections”, Dr Coombs admitted.

In conclusion, she stated: Privacy is a fundamental human right worthy of legal protection. › There is public interest in protecting privacy. › Privacy enables other rights such as freedom of expression, and is a means to secure beneficial outcomes for society. › Privacy protection is a shared responsibility of individuals and organisations, as

Photo by Samet Erkut.

Dr Elizabeth Coombs. well as government and the Parliament. › Australian privacy law should: - Meet international standards.

- Be adaptable to technological change.

- Be clear, certain, coherent and consistent - Be accessible to citizens irrespective of financial status.

Call for Just Peace in Sheikh Fehmi Imam passed away aged 88 Palestine Zia Ahmad

In celebration of the 2016 International Day of Peace, “Instrument for Just Peace” Seminar & Art Exhibition was held on Wednesday 21 September at the NSW Parliament House in Sydney.

The event was hosted by Mr Victor Dominello MP, the NSW Minister for Innovation and in addition to talks by eminent speakers, it highlighted innovative artwork by Marcelle Mansour, Light Artist and Ambassador for Peace.

Mr Victor Dominello welcomed the invited guests and introduced Ms Mansour as an accomplished artist and a passionate proponent of peace in Palestine.

Ms Marcelle Mansour, born in Gaza is an Australian Palestinian Visual Artist, Painter, Photographer, Writer, Poet, Journalist and publisher. She earned a BA in English

Literature in 1977 from Ain Shams University, Egypt and Master of Studio Arts (MSA) in 2011 and the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in 2012 – 2013 at Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney.

Her artwork expresses the plight of Palestinian people under Israeli occupation as well as the quest for just peace. An elaborate display of her light artwork was showcased at the exhibition at the Parliament House.

Ms Marcelle artwork has been showcased in Australia as well as internationally in many countries.

During her keynote address in addition to explaining her accomplishments as an artist, she made a strong point for freedom of Palestinian people from occupation and peace with justice in the Middle East.

Speakers at the Seminar in front of the Light art work exhibition. From left: Mr Victor Dominello, Ms Marcelle Mansour, Dr Izzat Abdulhadi, Mr Jihad Dib, Professor Stuart Rees and Mr Gregory Stone.

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Abu Anees The Melbourne based Sheikh Fehmi Imam, one of the senior Muslim leaders of Australia passed away at the age of 88 on Saturday 24 September 2016 morning and was buried next day at the Faulkner cemetery.

He was the Imam of Preston mosque for decades and served as the Grand Mufti of Australia from June 2007 to September 2011. He played a major role in the development of Muslim community in Melbourne.

His Janaza prayer held at Omar ibn al-Khattab Mosque, Preston on Sunday was attended by hundreds of people including community and interfaith leaders, politicians and police officers, academics and clerics.

Fehmi Naji El-Imam, was born in Lebanon and arrived in Australia in 1951 at the age of 23. He got married to a local convert lady and had 3 sons and one daughter. At the time of his demise he leaves behind 9 grand children.

In 1957, he and a small group formed the first Islamic Society in Victoria. He organised prayers in people’s homes and the first weekend school to provide Islamic teaching for Muslim children.

He was largely a self educated Islamic scholar and apart from his theoretical studies

of Islamic sciences developed great insight into living Islam in Australia for members of the budding Muslim community.

Together with Dr Abdul Khaliq Kazi and Mr Ibrahim Dallal, in 1963 he founded the national body, Australian Federation of Islamic Societies (AFIS) based in Melbourne.

AFIS was restructured into Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) with the election of its Founder President Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad and moved to Sydney in 1976.

During the early seventies, Sheikh Fehmi Imam became full time Imam with the Islamic Society of Victoria and embarked on an ambitious project to build a large Islamic Centre in the northern suburb of Preston.

He was a regular Sheikh attending the highly successful AFIC youth camps during the late seventies and earl y eightees and was very popular amongst the school going youth who he greatly empathised with in their search for an Australian Muslim identity.

He served as a board member on the Muslim Community Reference Group, an advisory board established by the Howard Government from 2005 to 2006.

He was given Order of Australia award by the government for his services to multiculturalism, the Muslim community and multi-faith u n d e rstanding.

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October 2016

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EDUCATION 19 - 20

TRAVEL 21

BUSINESS 22

NEWS

SOCIAL 23

British Ambassador performs incident free Haj

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AMUST Issue # 131 Friday 30 September 2016; 28 Dhul Hajj 1437 News

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- OnePath Releases Short Film - SBS Radio Urdu program

Abu Anees The British ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Simon Collis joined 19,000 Britishers amongst two million pilgrims to perform the Haj, annual pilgrimage to Makkah held earlier this week marked by the day of Arafah on Sunday 11 September, and Eid-al-Adha, celebrated globally on Monday 12 September 2016.

This years Haj has been hailed as the safest with no reported incidents and free of epidemic diseases. The Saudi authorities had taken extraordinary steps this year with preventive measures to avoid overcrowding, that last year led to crushes where more than 2000 pilgrims lost their lives.

Most pilgrims were issued with electronic bracelets containing all essential data for identification and contact together with monitoring of crowd flows using overhead drones. The World Health Organisation (WHO) commended the Saudi Ministry of Health and the health professionals working during the Haj for a job well done in looking after the Hajis.

The Haj coincided with the celebration of Eid-al-Adha, Celebration of Sacrifice by Muslims all over the world including Australia on Monday 12 September 2016.

The British ambassador, Mr Simon Collis, 60 performed Haj together with his wife Huda al-Mujarkech of Syrian background and were photographed in traditional white Ihram garments in front of the British consulate in Makkah. The father of five reportedly reverted to Islam in 2011 before his marriage to Ms Mujarkech and has been serving in his current position since January 2015.

Tribute to Sheikh Fehmi Imam Nour Abouzeid I refuse to accept it, You can’t be gone.

You, Grandfather to an entire generation, To those of us seas apart from our own ancestors, In a home that keeps telling us we’re not welcome, You made us believe we belonged.

You were meant to be invincible.

The giants of our childhood never fall from grace, Even in the face of pain, I swear I could see the whole diaspora in your eyes, Swimming in the radiant blue oceans of a soul you donated to us.

You taught us all to swim, No, you built the pools, We constructed rafts from the very foundations you erected, You cleared the forest long before we had the strength to wield axes.

Unlike us, You were meant to be invincible.

Our heroes aren’t meant to die, And I promise you never will, You haven’t.

Your legacy lives on, Through the generations of adopted grandchildren, Who found home in our own houses only because you gave us the courage to.

To Allah we belong and to Him we return, Rest in power, Sheikh Fehmi Naji Al-Imam, The original Sheikh of Melbourne.

October 2016

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Boomerang - Strong Voice Against Hate - Australian vs Muslim Culture

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Community

- Molonglo residents celebrate Eid - Twins of Faith Conference - “Our Global Village” Exhibition

Australia

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- Foreign investment in land - Youth PoWR - Police & Community Engagement Day

Lifestyle Simon Collis with his wife.

In spite of Islamophobia sweeping the West together with vilification of Islam and demonisation of Muslims by the likes of Pauline Hanson in Australia, Geert Wilders in Europe and Donald Trump in US, increasing number of people in the West are embracing Islam which is seen by Muslims as a vindication of their religion’s universal appeal.

The first known British convert to Islam was Abdullah William Quilliam, a diplomatic representative of the Ottoman and Persian empires in the late 19th century who established the Quilliam institute in UK. Many Britishers since then have reverted to Islam, a number of them being key icons of British society including philosophers, poets, academics, politicians, diplomats and even musicians and clerics.

Mr Collis, fluent in Arabic tweeted during

Haj that after living among Muslim cultures for thirty years he had converted to Islam prior to his marriage. Well wishers tweeted their congratulations to Mr Collis and his wife, to which he replied “Thank you and Eid Mubarak”, wishing them a blessed Eid festival.

He joined the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in 1978 and, after studying Arabic, has served mainly in the Arab world.

His first posting was to Bahrain as second secretary (1981-1984). He served as British ambassador to Iraq (2012-2014), Syria (2007-2012) and Qatar (2005-2007).

He was the British consul-general in Dubai (2000-2004) and in Basra (2004-2005). He also served in New Delhi as first secretary from 1991 to 1994.

New lease of life for Canberra school Manarul Islam

The Islamic School of Canberra has been given a new lease of life after the Federal Government promised to reinstate its funding last week.

The Commonwealth had abruptly halted the flow of Federal funds early this year leaving the ongoing existence of the school doubtful.

The Commonwealth funding will restart from September following a review of the earlier decision in the light of the recent submissions by the new school board.

“Allhumdullilah, this is a major achievement for the Muslims of Canberra,” said Ms Azra Khan, the Chair of the ISC Board and acting Principal.

In a statement released by the Board “It means ISC will now operate with transparency and strong governance and take its rightful place in the nations’ capital to serve Australia.

“The Board now encourages the wider community members to unite in support and come forward to assist the school in its further development.”

One of the key requirements the board had to achieve was independence from the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC).

“The Commonwealth government is now satisfied that the school’s governance and operational management are now compliant. Hence the School Board has been given the status of ‘Approved Authority’,” the Board pointed out.

In a meeting organised with the Parents and Friends Association (PFA-ISC), the Board met with the parents of the school on Saturday 3 September to provide more detail of the good news.

The Board will now focus on renewing the registration for the school up to Year 7

from 2017 onward and then will aim to have Year 8 registered for 2018.

Ms Khan thanked the parents for their patience and asked them to encourage others to send their children to the school now that its future is secure.

The Board is now looking to complete its recruitment drive and aims to have a permanent Principal appointed within the next few months.

The President of PFA-ISC, Mr Kalam Azad, thanked the Board and particularly Ms Khan, for their dedication and hard work for which the only reward was the service to the community and to Allah.

Mr Azad added now that it is up to the parents to also step up and help the school deliver in its promise of an excellent well-rounded education for their children.

In a further positive development Mr David Johns has been appointed as the new Principal of the school.

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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: Dr 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

Disclaimer

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

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NEWS OnePath releases first short film “LAST CHANCE” NEWS 1-4

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Zia Ahmad OnePath Network, the Sydney based Islamic Production studio is releasing its first short film “Last Chance” in cinemas all over Australia during the month of October.

The Premier of the film will be held on Thursday 13 October starting 6.30 pm at The Waterview, Sydney Olympic Park.

OnePath Network, a non-profit organisation is reaching across the world with its online content that includes talks, interviews, news, current affairs, community concerns and Islamic commentary on world events.

In a OnePath Network first, local acting, writing, and production talent in Sydney has been sourced for an ambitious short film project which has taken more than 18 months to come to life.

Written and directed by OnePath Network’s Creative Director and Youtube sensation Kamal Saleh of “Talk Islam”, the film “Last Chance” will be one to remember. Starring Mohamed Hoblos and Steve Dabliz, the film is inspired by true events and will aim to highlight the challenges faced by youth dealing with worldly temp-

tations, drugs, and fast money.

“Last Chance” will be hitting the big screen in cinemas around the country starting 15 October, with Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide sessions already on sale.

Sydney sessions have sold out so fast that additional sessions had to be booked, and are now available. More Australian cities may also become available in the coming weeks.

Trailer of the “Last Chance” can be seen at its website with information to buy tickets: LastChance.OnePathNetwork.com Popular Sydney Islamic speaker Mohamed Hoblos will also be speaking LIVE in theatres during the currently available sessions, addressing the audience before the show begins.

The team at OnePath has been literally flooded with requests to take the film overseas, with requests pouring in from the UK, USA, Canada, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Egypt, Morocco, Belgium, Pakistan, India, and UAE - among many, many more.

OnePath Network is celebrating the film’s release, and inviting the community to support upcoming projects and films by joining the fundraising dinner and the first ever screening of the film over a 2-course meal on Thursday 13 October 2016 at 6.30 pm at The Waterview at Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park. The tickets are being

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Kamal Saleh, OnePath Creative Director. sold for the event at $100 per head.

For further information and tickets, please visit: bit.ly/OPNfundraiser Check out more of OnePath Network’s content by visiting the website below, or

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Ahmed Bassal, OnePath General Manager at the OnePath news desk. downloading the free mobile App: www.Onepathnetwork.Com Zia Ahmad is the Managing Editor of the Australasian Muslim Times and is based in Sydney.

SBS Radio Urdu program engaged with community AMUST Media SBS Radio Urdu Program provides an invaluable service to migrant communities by delivering balanced and impartial news and information content via Online, Digital TV as well as on Radio.

SBS Urdu updates audience with all the news from Pakistan and India as well as local Australian news, community events and community announcements.

Reports from journalists in the sub-continent and around the world for detailed analysis of important political events are covered. SBS Radio outside broadcast van also covers high scale events.

Several engaging talkbacks, surveys, completions broadcast by SBS to inform, educate and entertain Australians, especially from non-English speaking background.

SBS Urdu broadcaster Mr Rehan Alavi, an accomplished writer and poet is the Executive Producer of this program who skilfully keeps an eye on local community activities

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Rehan Alavi, SBS Urdu Program Executive Producer.

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and regularly speaks to visiting dignitaries, professionals and community leaders on important issues and covers community events and community announcements.

SBS Urdu radio is Australian Federal government Special Broadcasting Service that broadcasts across Australia nationally.

SBS Urdu programmes can be listened to every Wednesday and Sunday evening at 6 PM for an hour at 97.7 FM Sydney, 93.1 FM Melbourne, and 105.5 FM Canberra besides more than 10 frequencies across Australia.

It can also be tuned on Digital TV on Channel 40/41.

Mobile APPS “SBS RADIO can be installed on IPhone and Android Mobile devices or click on www.sbs.com.au/urdu to listen current and past programs. www.facebook.com/sbsurdu is extremely popular social media page with more than seven thousands visitors and updates daily on hourly basis also shares latest videos, picture galleries and breaking news related to migrant communities.

To meet the growing needs of new migrants and emerging communities, SBS has launched a weekly ‘how to’ guide on setting up life in Australia. The Settlement Guide is available online, on radio and on mobile in Urdu and English besides 30 other languages: http://www.sbs.com.au/radio/settlement-guide.

SBS is working closely with ABS to align its future schedule strategy based on Census 2016 data due to release early next year.

Community consultation will also be scheduled before finalizing the schedule.

Currently SBS radio broadcast programmes in 74 languages. SBS 2 TV channel also air PTV news daily at 1PM. For further information and community announcements, Executive Producer Mr Rehan Alavi can be contacted on rehan.alavi@ sbs.com.au or 02 9430 2852.

October 2016

BOOMERANG Controlling and eradicating our fears Strong voice against hate UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

TRAVEL 21

BUSINESS 22

SOCIAL 23

There has been yet another poll regarding Muslim immigration to Australia whose findings can be summarised as follows: Polling service Essential asked “Would you support or oppose a ban on Muslim immigration to Australia?” They found that 49 percent of respondents would support it.

Just 40 percent opposed it. Of the supporters, 40 percent claimed Muslims “do not integrate into Australian society”, 27 percent cited “terrorist threat”, and 22 percent said “They do not share our values”.

EDITORIAL The accuracy of the poll has Assalamu been criticised on a number of grounds, one being the very These acts are used by xenoAlaikum small sample size. phobic politicians to perpetuate Greetings However we certainly should fear in the general population of Peace be alert as well as alarmed by and they play divisive politics to these results. gain popularity and votes.

There exists a vicious circle of fear When looked statistically, there are all around that is plaguing our society on a much greater chances of one being a victim global scale. of domestic violence or incur injury due to The terrorists on one hand and the likes traffic accident than killed by a terrorist. of Geert Wilders, Donald Trump and PaulHalf of Australia wants to ban Muslim ine Hanson on the other hand seem to be in immigration because of this fear created by league in perpetuating this fear mongering. the Islamophobia industry.

Random, infrequent and indiscriminate Reciprocally now Muslims generally and acts of terror, specially in the West grab Muslim women in particular living in the the headlines in the media creating fear West are becoming the victims of fear as amongst people, irrespective of their reli- well. gion, nationality and race.

This kind of fear is driving some Muslims

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to hide their identity as Muslims. It drives them to anglicise their name while seeking jobs, avoid wearing Muslim attire in public, in sport, on beaches, at work.

What kind of society it will be if we take these fears to take hold.

We need to fight our fears, control them and eventually eradicate them.

Don’t be afraid of terrorists. Take all precautions but get rid of the fear.

Be proud Muslims, don’t hide your identity and be bold in your practice of Islam and living as Muslims.

Be brave, don’t live in hiding and in fear of your life.

ZI Ahmad

Readers comments Hatred of the “other”

The recent questionable Essential poll on attitudes of Australians to Muslim immigration is not an indication of anything new.

We white colonials have a long and embarrassing history of hating “the other”.

The very definition of our land as “Terra Nullius,” denoting the sub-human status of those who lived here for 50,000 years as being without culture or religion, marked our nasty beginnings as the colony of New Holland.

The trepang trade with Macassar from our northern shores, which predated by many decades the intrusion of the British, was even a source of jealousy. Once white people wanted to take over the trade, special laws and duties were introduced to kill it off.

It was gone by 1907.

Then the cameleers from Afghanistan, who opened up the interior to European penetration, competed with white bullockies, so they had to go as well. The 1901 Immigration Restriction Act, White Australia, put paid to them.

“The other” even included refugees from the Holocaust who were seen as a threat. Di Stefano of Buzzfeed notes that in 1947 a poll showed that 58% of Australian opposed participating in a global Jewish refugee resettlement program. Most of us remember the opposition to “Balts”, Italians and Greeks coming to our land as recently as the 1960s.

That we have successfully integrated so many successive waves of immigrants, with this nasty resentment of “the other” dying down over a decade or two, is no small miracle.

Bilal Cleland Melbourne

Welcome and support for Muslims

Pauline Lee Hanson, first entered politics 1994 as a member for Ipswich Council in Queensland. In 1997 She cofounded the One Nation Party hoping to stop Asian Migration to Australia.

When elected as a Senator, she made clear in her maiden speech that Australia is being swamped by Muslims and there should not be any further migration of Muslims to Australia.

I have many Muslim friends in Australia and have visited many Muslim countries which are predominantly Muslim especially in the Arab world.

I greatly respect Muslims and they are

October 2016

Republic, as many of Turkish Muslims had been deprived of proper religious education as well as practice of healthy judiciary system, people don’t know how seriously sinful certainly enriching our country in so many slandering is or modern ‘presumption of inways, culturally such as in literature, poetry, nocence’ principle. arts, festivals and their diverse wonderful The myths are: cuisine as well as by their generosity, hospi- 1. Erdogan and Davutoglu are of Jewish detality and their wisdom. scendants (even if so who cares) and that When I spent time with Saint Mother Tethey are the puppets of grand Middle East resa in Baghdad, she was very supportive of project of the West and Israel.

Muslims and she firmly believed, as I do, 2. Gulen and his followers are part of a CIA that to be religious, one must respect other project against Muslims. religions.

The facts are: So lets all welcome and respect our fellow 1. Erdogan did a great job and brave reAustralians who are Muslims. forms since he came to power 14 yrs ago.

Dr Anne Fairbairn AM 2. In 2013 Erdogan and his family were acSydney cused, with credible evidence, for pocketing hundreds of millions of dollars in a Gulen’s letter misleading corruption probe.

I would like to discuss the article’s one 3. Erdogan effectively and immediately sided coverage of Gulen movement’s inshuffled and fired thousands of judges, volvement in the failed military coup in police and prosecutors soon after the Turkey (AMUST Sepcorruption probe and tember 2016 P 17).

Gulen’s movement was As you know listening declared a terrorist orto two sides of the issue ganisation of enemy of is fundamental in objecstate (well before the tive analysis therefore last attempted coup), you should also give Eragain without any court dogan’s side of the story. sentence (not even by The failed military his newly hand picked coup and Gulen movejudges!) ment’s involvement 4.

Massive purge shocked entire Turkey started with thousands including me. I will give of pre-listed public you one example. servants within a few Before the military hours from the attemptcoup all of the opposi- Send us your thoughts about news or ed coup. Among the tion parties (CHP left, current events to be published in the hundreds of thousands MHP nationalist, Kurdof victims was a lady next issue of AMUST ish and others) were teacher specialised in against R T Erdogan in- Email us at info@amust.com.au teaching Quran to disacluding accusing him as bled kids. They were all a dictator but after the coup all opposition accused of being terrorists. parties pointed supporters of Gulen as the 5. No one could yet point out a single act of power behind the coup. violence written about or encouraged by This unanimous stand (of course based on Gulen (in his 40 or so years of preachthe evidence) shows that Fethullah Gulen is ing), or any violent activity from students the main power behind the military coup in of thousands of schools inspired by him. cooperation with the Neo-Cons of USA. To cut it short to me unfortunately is our Gulen’s letters to Western media includ- history of Imam Hussain vs Yazid, Imam ing Le Monde is misleading and is a cover Hanifa vs Al-Mansur, Ibn Hambal vs Al Maup of his parallel state in Turkey. mun is repeating itself; I mean great scholMuammer Hammad Guler ars being persecuted by tyrant rulers.

My last humble opinion, once we feel Turkey: Myths vs Facts free to accuse someone of serious crimes As a non Turkish who used to live in Tur- without evidence, we would end up with key for 10 years, I noticed that unfortunately being paranoid against our friends even our like in many part of Muslim world, conspir- spouses and this means real destruction of acy theories sell really well. our society.

Understandably since the founding of the Moolla abu Nouman

HAVE YOUR SAY

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Mr Jihad Dib MP. Parts of comments by Mr Jihad Dib, member for Lakemba and Shadow Minister of Education at the NSW Parliament on 15 September 2016 during a debate on the Opposition Crime and Anti-Discrimination Legislation Amendment (Vilification) Bill 2016.

“Most people of faith in this country, who have passed through their lives practising their faith unhindered, hopefully will never be in a position where they feel vilified or discriminated against and therefore would have no need to look to the State for protection. But until you have been on the receiving end of vilification, of discrimination, because of your religious beliefs then you cannot really appreciate how that feels or how damaging that is, particularly over time and particularly when it feels like pattern of behaviour that is either actively or passively accepted by the State.

We only need to look to a inaugural speech made in the Federal Senate last night in which there was an emphatic and unambiguous attack on Australians who belong to the Muslim faith—people like me and my family—in this, one of the most significant weeks of the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha.

Speeches like that, with the spotlight and the privilege offered by the national Parliament and aimed at breakfast television audiences, are unencumbered by fact and rely largely on opinion. Those speeches fuel the flames of resentment, disharmony, and ultimately, in my view, racism. If the past is a good predictor of the future, over the coming days and weeks we may see some people harbouring a range of grievances about their lot in life convert those feelings into action.

They will feel emboldened by that speech.

I wish it were not so. I certainly hope we do not see what I have seen and heard in the past: women who wear the hijab being spat on or having their scarves pulled off, or kids being mocked at school. A few weeks ago I was walking down the street in Brisbane with a friend. As we walked past, a total stranger mockingly started to call out “Allahu Akbar” and all sorts of other offensive things. My friend proved his dignity and walked straight past. But I could not accept this. It was a purely random act performed by somebody based on things he had heard rather than on knowledge. He took opinion and made it into fact.

But let us also bring this perspective: for all the divisive and unhelpful talk of “us and them” and the tension it causes, a modern, inclusive, diverse Australia is actually one of the great stories of the world and of history. I refuse to accept the alternative picture being promoted in some quarters. With just a few tragic exceptions, we are an affluent, pluralistic, harmonious, peaceful community. Ethnic and religious diversity in my electorate is a living testament to that.”

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Eid Mubarak from our 1,500 unpaid 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 and Indon. a/c upon request. We accept Zakat, Sadaqah, Fidya and Bank Interest for proper Islamic distribution.

October projects are WELLS at our schools, $1,600 complete.

Aust. organiser Luqman Hakim Landy, M. 0469 977 684, E. jimsfoundation@yahoo.com. Visitors are welcome to meet Luqman in Sydney and to visit our schools in Indonesia, please contact him via mobile, e-mail or facebook.

HELP INDONESIAN CHILDREN Education Project by JIMS Foundation International Muslim Society, registered with Indonesian Government

150 Islamic Schools

Over 15,000 More Than Students 1,000 Teachers

Hundreds of Orphans

In Java, Lombok and Sumatera, Indonesia

Pay Zakat, Water Wells and Sadaqah to us Mobile: 0469 977 684 | Email: yjimslhl@yahoo.com Contact Luqman on Facebook

Luqman Hakim Landy, an Australian Muslim revert has been serving the people of Indonesia through his JIMS Foundation in the field of daawah and education for more than 28 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.

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Australasian Muslim Times

www.amust.com.au

October 2016

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

TRAVEL 21

BUSINESS 22

SOCIAL 23

BOOMERANG

Australian vs Muslim culture: A political issue

AMUST

Bilal Cleland One of the outstanding bodies of research on culture is that undertaken by Professor Geert Hofstede. [http://www. geerthofstede.nl/].

His initial analysis of a large database of employee values scores collected by IBM, between 1967 and 1973, was used to develop a series of cultural dimensions, around which different cultures could be compared. Since 2001, scores are listed for 76 countries and regions.

These constructs dealt with four areas which different societies tackle in different ways. They came down to: ways of coping with inequality, the relationship of the individual with her or his primary group, the emotional implications of being male or female and ways of coping with uncertainty.

These became the Hofstede dimensions of national culture: Power Distance, Individualism versus Collectivism, Masculinity versus Femininity and Uncertainty Avoidance.

Two further dimensions, based on the research of Michael Bond then Michael Minkov, were subsequently added. LongTerm Orientation and Indulgence versus Restraint.

The most outstanding indication here is that the Muslim societies differ greatly amongst themselves. There are obviously

Table showing scores 0-100 of countries on the Six Dimensions. great differences in the dimensions of In- notion of a ‘fair-go’ and a caring society. dividualism, Uncertainty Avoidance, Long- Indulgence indicates the extent to which Term Orientation and Indulgence. Despite people try to control their desires and imthe rants about the extreme masculinity of pulses, based on the way they were raised.

Muslim societies, Egypt comes out, along The extremely high score of Australia on with Turkey and Indonesia, as societies this dimension indicates relatively weak where the dominant values are caring for self-control. others and quality of life. Australia is only A long held Australian myth is that of the second to Lebanon on the Masculinity di- egalitarian society. The dimension of Power mension, indicating the society will be Distance, is defined as “ the extent to which driven by competition, achievement and the less powerful members of institutions success, with success being defined by the and organisations within a country expect winner. and accept that power is distributed unequalThe high scores of Australia (and the ly.” It indicates that a society’s inequality is USA) on Individualism and Indulgence do widely accepted. The low Australian score, set it apart from the others. Individualism compared to the high scores in the Muslim may not be a value universally admired as countries, indicates a significant difference. it indicates a society where people are sup- Of course the growing social divide in Ausposed to look after themselves and their tralia and our extreme individualism suggest direct family only. This runs counter to the that this cultural dimension may not reflect

Democracy and the Muslim woman’s dress code Shifa L Mustapha

Debate has for some time been raging worldwide, and questions are again being asked about Muslim women’s attire.

In many cases we Western women who wear Muslim attire are seen to be, at the very least, creatures living under male oppression; and at the worst, ungrateful to our host nation for not taking up its culture of dress.

Many critics are completely unaware of the reasons for our choice of clothing, and due to a political and media push, in most cases have fallen into the trap of trying to align it to male-dominated customs. Therefore, coming from an Anglo-Saxon background, I choose to write about this subject from the viewpoint of an Australian Muslim woman.

The Western culture of dress If one looks at Western dress as part of culture, then one must say that it is a changing culture. It changes from year to year, from season to season. It has evolved from very modest beginnings. Even up to World War 2 Australian women were seen wearing dresses with long skirts, gloves, and hats which often had face veiling for those who were considered to be well-dressed.

Two issues, I feel, led to change of this modest culture of dress in Australia: (a) Post-war fabrics and materials were not always readily available, and for a time were very expensive and (b) American movies came to dominate the minds, as well as the leisure-time of a nation which had grown tired of war and clamoured for entertainment. Unfortunately, through this medium, scantily-clad girls and women came to be considered glamorous and before long the culture of fashion was carried along with the wave of being “modern” and “attractive”.

Australian women, even today, reflect many facets in their style of dress: sometimes their fashion is dictated by their economic status, at others by the newest designs or in some cases as anti-establishment statements. Nevertheless, modest fashion may

October 2016

reality. What is amazing is that Islam teaches a message of equality, of no tribal, national or language group superiority yet we see Muslim societies emerge with apparent acceptance of inequality. This certainly indicates a need for further research.

The attempt by certain political factions to create the idea that the Muslim world is some sort of threatening cultural and ideological monolith, seeking to undermine sterling Australian community values, does not stand up to the light of truth. As Prof.

Hofstede’s research has shown, there is no monolith and notions of ‘sterling values’ need further consideration.

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

They need much more than new glasses Fazlul Huq They need much more than new glasses,

Ibtihaj Muhammad, American sabre fencer who won silver medal at Rio Olympics 2016 and owner of Louella, a modest fashion clothing company. still be found for those who choose to do that they should not display their beauty so. This does not mean, however, that we, and ornaments except what (must ordinaras Muslim women sit in judgement on our ily) appear thereof; that they should draw fellow-Australians, nor do we try to alter the their veils over their bosoms and not display way Australian women dress or think. their beauty…..” Qur’an 24:31. This is The Muslim woman and culture interpreted by most Islamic Scholars to enSo where does the Muslim woman fit in? compass all but the face and hands.

If Western culture embraces true democracy, Muslim women, as others, who choose then the Muslim woman’s garb should not to wear cover do so because of deep faith. be a problem. However, this is no longer the However, should compulsion be the cause case. It has become a problem to those who of a Muslim woman being covered it would look at it with jaundiced perceptions. be completely against the spirit and the law Firstly, culture is not at the root of the of Islam and should certainly be opposed.

Muslim woman’s dress code, though style Whether it is oppression forcing to wear may reflect her own particular choice. It is a cover, or oppression forcing to take it off, religious requirement. To state that Muslim it is, nevertheless, oppression. Whether the women are not required religiously, to cov- compulsion springs from the unlovely deer, that it is purely culture, is not only erro- mands of a husband, or the equally unlovely neous, but offensive to we, Muslim women, demands of a State, the result is the same. who have chosen to cover.

Politically it is apparent that democracy in Religion and women’s dress some Western countries is selectively being The Qur’an is not the first Scripture to extended even into fashion. As an Australian command women to cover, and may be seen Muslim woman it is my fervent hope that in the Bible., Even today it may be noted true democracy will win out in Australia. that pious Jewish women cover their heads, May women be free to choose their form of as well as Christian nuns and women from dress without being stigmatized or pushed various Christian countries. This was never into uncovering by those who should be proto oppress women, rather, a protection and tectors of the people and guardians of deto show that they are, just as Muslim women mocracy in governments worldwide. are today, believing women.

It is commanded in the Qur’an: “And Shifa Mustapha is a prolific writer and comsay to the believing women that they should munity worker based in Brisbane, QLD. lower their gaze and guard their modesty;

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Those who are myopic in vision and cannot distinguish between right and wrong, Those who are blind as bat but not because they cannot see, They are so blind because they lack the inner eyes, And their ears too may be blocked not because the follicles are not moved, They are so deaf because they lack the inner ears of wisdom!

And some only receive information but not the contained knowledge and wisdom!

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

He is also an accomplished poet with over 1400 compositions in Bengali and English and has also been involved in various community projects.

Australasian Muslim Times

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AMUST

COMMUNITY

Events Calendar Teachers’ Networking Event Thursday 6 Oct, 2016 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM 1/258 South Terrace, Bankstown, NSW muslimteachers.com.au

Navigating Islamophobia Saturday 8 Oct, 2016 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM LIfe Matters Academy, 2/69 The Mall, Bankstown NSW www.trybooking.com/NFJD

Everyone’s Talking About Him Sunday 9 Oct, 2016 12:00 PM - 11:59 PM Level 3, 128-132 South Parade, Auburn, NSW www.isra.org.au/etah

Morning Conversation with Prof. Mona Siddiqui Tuesday 11 Oct, 2016 7:30 AM - 8:45 AM Suite 501, Level 5, 57-51 Pitt St, Sydney, NSW Email: apolat@affinity.org.au

NEWS 1-4

BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 8 - 10

Manarul Islam The residents of the new Canberra suburbs of Coombs and Wright in the Molonglo Valley came together from all walks of life to celebrate Eidul Adha.

The event, which was supported by the Mingle Program and Australian Muslim Voice, was held on Saturday 17 September at the Charles Weston School in Coombs.

There was a range of activities including face-painting, balloon modelling, henna and arts and crafts.

Volunteers from amongst the Muslim community took it upon themselves to cook up some traditional food whilst the local shops, Yarralumla Halal Pide House, Samiuz Pizzeria and Little Istanbul all donated pides and pizzas for free. Quite a lot of guests also brought food to share.

The ACT Fire Brigade and the Australian Federal Police were present with their vehicles which as open for the community to have a look through.

Members of the Molonglo Valley Resi-

Children perform their play at the festival. dents Advisory Group which was behind the organisation of the event hope to come together again next year and make it bigger and better.

Yusra Hadi The 4th annual Twins of Faith conference was held on Sunday 25 September at Rosehill Gardens, Sydney under the theme ‘The Awakening’ organised by the Mercy Mission.

The event aimed to inspire and enlighten

people through knowledge and action and addressed productive and practical ways to change from an Islamic perspective.

The conference attended by hundreds of people combined the world’s best local and international guest speakers in one platform alongside workshops, Panels, live entertainment and family-friendly activities for all!

The full day event started off with an ex-

www.ausconfislam.net

Email: apolat@affinity.org.au

Lakemba Mosque Open Day Saturday 29 Oct, 2016 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 65-67 Wangee Road, Lakemba, NSW www.fb.com/events/ 947918798687031/

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

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

The Awakening: Twins of Faith Conference

Thurs 13 & Fri 14 Oct, 2016 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 550 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC

Wednesday 19 Oct, 2016 7:30 AM - 8:45 AM Suite 501, Level 5, 57-51 Pitt St, Sydney, NSW

LIFESTYLE 14 - 16

Molonglo residents come together to celebrate Eid

Refuting the Theological Foundations of Violent Extremism and Radicalisation

Morning Conversation with Jihad Dib MP

AUSTRALIA 11 - 13

clusive workshop by The Productive Muslim with CEO Mohammed Faris, explaining the keys to a productive lifestyle, followed by a talk with Sheikh Alaa Elsayed.

In celebration of Eid Al-Adha, A grand bazar and a halal food market was held on the day containing local and international Muslim businesses, food stalls, live entertainment and the first FIFA PlayStation tournament ever!

The kids enjoyed the ‘Little Explorers World’ which contained plenty of fun activities including jumping castles, a treasure hunt, sports and stories all which were based on prophetic teachings.

After Asar prayer, an interesting panel was run by the Arabic Language Master, Ustadh Al-Bizry alongside Sheik Hassan Elsetohy and Shady Al-Suleiman to discuss taboo topics within an Islamic framework.

The conference concluded when Spoken Word artists Kamal Saleh and Mohammad Khodr blew the audience away combining their talents in an epic spoken word and Nasheed combo.

Spirit of Sacrifice Dinner at UWS Zia Ahmad The annual Eid Al-Adha Celebration Dinner was held on Friday 23 September at the Western Sydney University, Bankstown Campus.

It was the 3rd annual Spirit of Sacrifice Dinner hosted by the School of Humanities and Communication Arts at UWS, an initiative of Dr Jan Ali, Senior Lecturer in Islam & Modernity.

The event was attended by a large number of people from all walks of life including students and academics, school teachers and administrators, community leaders and Imams, politicians and police officers as well as media representatives.

The dinner was preceded by speeches in the huge lecture theatre and the Maghreb prayer had to be offered in several installments due to tiny facilities at the Musallah for prayers at the UWS Bankstown campus.

Dr Jan Ali welcomed the guests and introduced the various courses and their contents being offered by School of Humanities and Communication Arts at UWS.

Australasian Muslim Times

The main speaker at the event was Sheikh Ahmed Abdo who spoke extempore on the issue of sacrifice in general and then traced the specific historical background on the celebration of Eid Al-Adha tracing it back to legacy Prophet Ibrahim (a).

He pointed out how Prophet Ibrahim (a) titled Khalil, friend of Allah was connected with Muslim pillars of Salat, Zakat and Haj, all parts of a journey of sacrifice in a Mus-

lim’s life.

Sheikh Ahmad Abdo said that the spirit of sacrifice meant cleaning one’s heart from the corruption of power and wealth. He said that Charity or the act of giving did not mean losing anything, but purification and gain.

At the end of the formal program, the guests were treated with lavish dinner tasting Indo-Pakistani cuisine prepared by Khan Baba Catering.

Sheikh Ahmed Abdo addressing the audience at the celebration dinner.

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October 2016

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

TRAVEL 21

BUSINESS 22

COMMUNITY

SOCIAL 23

Jamila Hussain, an Australian Muslim Pioneer AMUST Media On 31 August 2016, Jamila Hussain passed away at the age of 73 in Sydney, Australia. She was Australia’s first female academic expert on Sharia law and a respected leader in the Australian Muslim community.

Her funeral was held on Thursday 1 September 2016 at Auburn Gallipoli Mosque and was attended by many including leaders of the Muslim, Jewish and Christian community.

A video has been produced on Jamila Hussain’s passing by The Australasian Muslim Times Jamila Hussain: An Australian Muslim Pioneer which highlights many voices in the community that spoke of her very highly.

Jamila Hussain was born in 1942 in Katoomba, Australia. She graduated at the top of her class at Katoomba high school. In high school, she realised she did not share

the same beliefs of specific Christian doctrines like the Trinity and rejected them.

This eventually led to on her path on Islam, and her conversion 30 years later.

In 1961, when studying at the University of Sydney, aged 18, she met and later married her Chinese Muslim husband, Mohammed Ameen Hussain, aged 26. They had five children: Dawood, Karim, Omar, Sam, and Imran. With a growing interest in Islam, she moved to Malaysia with her husband and three younger sons. In Malaysia, she graduated from a Diploma in Sharia law and a Masters in Comparative Law from the International Islamic University in Malaysia.

This is where she received a grounding in Islamic law and practice.

Jamila and Mohammed Ameen were married for 33 years until he passed away in 1994 unexpectedly at the age of 59 in Malaysia. Jamila became a widow at the age of 51, and raised her three youngest on her own. She settled in Darwin for a short period of time before moving to Sydney. Jamila

Barbara Perry MP, Silma Ihram, Jamila Hussain and colleagues.

then became a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Law and research associate at the University of Technology Sydney. She was an expert in South-East Asian law, Islamic law, Muslims in Australian society and Muslim women.

Jamila instilled the importance of equality across many facets of life to her children, and always reminded them that “paradise lies at the foot of your mother”. She was a loving mother and grandmother to her children and eight grandchildren.

In 2006, She was a member of the Federal government’s Muslim Community Reference Group and was actively involved in research, writing and lecturing about the Muslim community in Australia.

She was published in Online Opinion, for two articles The Loaded Concept of Citizenship and The Myths and Realities of Islam’s Shariah law.

In 2009, Jamila appeared on Sunday nights: Second Hour, where she did a half hour interview with Noel Debien, speaking about her life, religion and work.

In 2011, Federation Press published her book on ‘Islam: Its Law and Ethics’, third edition. This book is used in Universities and school as a reference text. In this book, she explains the basic principles of the religion of Islam and its law (the Sharia), and how the Shariah is lived in the context of many different cultures throughout the world and specifically in an Australian context.

Jamila presented her book at the launch of the Australian Muslim Women’s Association (AMWA) launch, where MP for Auburn, Barbara Perry commended her on her contribution and long history of active community involvement. Jamila was an active member of the Muslim Women’s Network of Australia for many years, and a founding

AMUST

Jamila Hussain. member of AMWA. She was published in the Sydney Morning Herald in 2014, for her article “Sharia 101: A User’s Guide for Jacqui Lambie’, writing a letter to Senator Jacquie Lambie.

In 2016, she appeared on ABC’s “You Can’t Ask That: Muslims”, where she spoke about sharia law, Islamophobia and the equality of men and women in Islam.

Her passing has affected many, including outside of Australia. Hafiz Atiq-ul-Rahman from the Islamic Union of Hong Kong and members recited Fatiha and dua for her during their Zuhr prayer. Jamila’s husband and father in law were members of the IUHK. Jamila Hussain leaves a strong legacy to her extended family, her friends and to the entire Australian community.

“Our Global Village” Exhibition at Al Siraat College Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas The Melbourne based Al Siraat College held its Junior School Exhibition 2016 on Friday 9 September at the school campus with the theme “Our Global Village”.

The Exhibition welcomed both the school community and the community at large.

Consistent with the school’s application of Inquiry Learning, the exhibition displayed and celebrated the achievements of the Junior School students in the Inquiry Unit of Work with a focus on Geography.

The Exhibition is an annual event at Al Siraat with a different learning focus each year. The students are able to apply the Inquiry process right through to sharing and celebrating their findings.

The event included beautiful nasheeds by Year 5 girls and Year 2 students, Qur’an recital by Ustadh Ahmad Hachem and speeches made by members of the leadership team of Al Siraat School.

The Head of Junior School, Ms Shahidah Osman, School Principal, Mr Andrew Houghton and School Principal - Islamic Tradition and co-founder of Al Siraat College, Ms Rahat Arain addressed the audi-

October 2016

Students at the “Our Global Village” Exhibition at Al Siraat College. ence. took part in preparing the exhibition disMs Rahat Arain welcomed everyone in plays and demonstrated them to all who at“sharing in the vision to invest in the learn- tended. ing of our children”.

Al Siraat leadership strive to be a transAll students from Foundation to Year 6 formative school community devoted to holistic learning.

In line with this mission, Mr Houghton, as the Principal of Al Siraat and a member of Independent Schools of Australia, earlier this year paved the way for all staff at Al Siraat College to complete two units through Harvard University “Making Learning Visible and Visible Thinking”.

This was a collaborative initiative between Harvard University’s Project Zero and the Independent Schools of Australia.

There’s an unmistakeable feeling of being welcomed into a wonderfully cohesive community when you enter the gates at Al Siraat College on the outskirts of Melbourne’s north.

There’s never a dull moment here with parent seminars, community events, exhibitions, celebrations, guest speakers, various literacy and sports based challenges and fundraisers throughout the year.

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Esma Sure Yoldas, 6, Class 1B with her younger sister Nisa Gul Yoldas, 2 at the “Our Global Village” Exhibition at Al Siraat College.

The school offers every opportunity for meaningful interactions amongst students, parents, teachers and the wider community.

Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas has a background in marketing and has been involved in organising many intercultural events including the first Telstra Iftar Dinner in Melbourne.

A mother of three daughters, she lives in Melbourne and is an advocate for intercultural dialogue. Gulhan is a strong believer in establishing communication platforms to develop strong cohesive communities.

Her work has been published in Turkish News Weekly, Offset Literary Magazine and SEED Magazine. Gulhan was nominated for Australia’s top 100 Brightest Young Minds 2006.

Australasian Muslim Times

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COMMUNITY Confluence of ideas at IPDC AGM Opening Session NEWS 1-4

AMUST

Zia Ahmad The Islamic Practice and Dawah Circle (IPDC) Annual General Meeting was held in Sydney from 3-4 September 2016 attended by delegates from all over Australia and a large contingent of local members, both males and females.

The Opening Session of the AGM was held on Saturday 3 September at the LMA Grand Function Hall in Lakemba. In addition to members of IPDC, the Opening Session was attended by a diverse variety of invited guests including community leaders, politicians, imams, academics and professionals.

IPDC is a registered incorporated community organisation with branches in almost all states of Australia working for Daawah and propagation, training and practice of Islamic teachings as well as a number of community services including advancement of educa-

Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed.

tion, eradication of poverty, promotion of better health, improvement of human welfare and upliftment of quality of life for all.

IPDC engages its human resources in social welfare by providing various services of the community in need. In addition, it works to for the promotion and preservation of environmental issues like observing clean up Australia day, anti-smoking & anti-drug awareness, funeral assistance, helping new migrants and students, blood donation, bushfire help etc.

The Opening Session of the AGM started with the recitation of Quran followed by inaugural speech by IPDC Central President Dr Rafiqul Islam and a briefing on IPDC activities by Mr Nazrul Islkam Pramanik, Secretary General of IPDC. In addition to presentations by IPDC leaders and guests speakers, young members of IPDC showcased noshed and songs on the stage and received appropriate awards for their achievements.

The speakers and the guests at the opening session included: • Mr Ed Husic, MP, Shadow Minister for Employment Services and Workforce.

• Mr Jihad Dib, M.P. Shadow Minister for Education Member for Lakemba.

• Dr Aladin Zayegh, Adjunct Professor, Victoria University.

• Councillor Khodr Saleh, Member, City of Canterbury Bankstown Council Advisory Group.

• Siddiq Buckley, Secretary General, Australian Islamic Mission.

• Usaid Khalil, Secretary General, Islamic Forum for Australian Muslims.

BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 8 - 10

• Sheikh Akram Buksh, Imam Slacks Creek Mosque, Brisbane.

The chief guest at the opening session was Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, the Grand Mufti of Australia who elaborated on the practice of Daawah to include: • A continuous connection with the Holy Qur’an, both in understanding its meanings as well as its applications.

• Advancing academically in any area of expertise.

• Functioning as a great Muslim citizen, applying one’s self with talent and skill.

• Abiding by noble moral character in all dealings with others, with etiquette, delight, pardon and patient perseverance.

AUSTRALIA 11 - 13

LIFESTYLE 14 - 16

• Good character is a universal language, known to all people, not needing any translation.

• Offering service to those in need.

The business sessions of the AGM were held for members only sessions at the IPDC Centre in St Marys where the proceedings included reports of activities for the previous year and plans for next year.

The AGM also included the election of Central President and Central Majlish Shura (consultative committee) for the Australia-wide Daawah organisation.

The event was sponsored by MCCA, Monessa, ICFAL, Kids R Us, iCharity, ABD Homes and Global Connect.

SAMAA celebrates Jashne Buzurg 2016 Zahid Jamil South Asian Muslim Association of Australia (SAMAA) celebrated its Annual Elders Festival ‘ Jashn-e-Buzurg ‘ on Sunday 4 September 2016 at Bowman Hall, Blacktown.

Well over 300 people including politicians, health experts, representative from aged care agencies and providers, community leaders and a large number of SAMAA elders, volunteers and SAMAA Friends attended the event with great enthusiasm.

The Premier of NSW, Hon Mike Baird not only sent a message for SAMAA souvenir, he also sent his representative Mr Kevin Connolly, MP, member for Riverstone, to attend the Jashn-e-Buzurg. Mr Kevin Connolly was also representing Hon John Ajaka, Minister for Ageing, Disability Services and Multiculturalism.

Also gracing the occassion were Parramatta MP Dr Geoff Lee, federal MP for Hughes, Craig Kelly, Mr Steve Teulan, Director of a Major Service provider Uniting Care and the Consul General of Pakistan Mr Abdul Majid Yousafani.

The Programme commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Maulana Nazir-ul-Hassan Thanvi. The Sheikh described the significance of serving one’s parents and elders in general. He emphasized that any Financial Donations to support Organisations such as SAMAA, who were committed to serving Elders, would please Allah and He would reward such pious acts.

Mr Kevin Connolly conveyed best wishes of Premier Mike Baird to SAMAA. He applauded SAMAA’s volunteers who were providing yeoman services to the elders and encouraged the community to support SAMAA in its efforts of building its own Aged Care Facility.

He also described several NSW government initiatives aimed at serving the Multicultural Communities.

Dr Geoff Lee and Mr Craig Kelly also spoke and applauded SAMAA for its commitment in serving its elders.

Mr Steve Teulan of Uniting Care described

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various services which Uniting Care was offering and its particular emphasis of working with communities of Multicultural backgrounds. He expressed a strong desire to work alongside of SAMAA in offering various services to South Asian Muslim elders including social support programmes and home care services.

Uniting Care had also set up a stall at the venue, with information brochures of its various services. Many elders collected some useful information from the Stall.

The Fund Raising Activity was preceded by a very emotional presentation by a young boy Ali El Syed, depicting the many tribulations of old age. This was articulated in an extremely emotional manner which brought tears to many an eye.

Mr Zahid Jamil, in launching the Fund Raising Programme, described serious challenges in building an Aged Care Facility for South Asian Muslims.

He stated that whilst Australian Government does offer Grants to build High Care Facilities or Nursing Homes for various ethnic Communities, those grants were only available if the Ethnic Community had its own land.

Australasian Muslim Times

Once land is owned by the ethnic community, the government would generally give 50% of the construction costs. It is estimated that SAMAA would need a minimum of 2 million dollars to buy a sizeable Land.

A 50 bed Aged Care Facility would cost approx $10 million in construction i.e. $200,000 per bed. The government would grant $5 million, being 50% of the Construction Cost and the other $5 million will have to be raised by the community.

Mr Jamil emphasized the need for more generous & more realistic donations from the South Asian community, if this dream is ever to materialise.

“It is up to our Community to wake up to the reality of this rapidly growing and dire need of having our own Aged Care Facility & act now. It requires our Community to open up its hearts & act with generosity & in a realist manner”, he said.

The fund raising was conducted by Mr Fasihuddin Khan, Mrs Shaheen Firdose and Syed Afzal Hussain accompanied by many volunteers on the floor. It included auction of several attractive items including paintings, calligraphy, Turkish artworks, electronic gadgets and Indian/Pakistani boutique items. The audience

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responded well with generosity.

It needs to be remembered that South Asian Muslim Association of Australia is listed as a Public Benevolent Institution and donations to SAMAA are Tax Deductible.

Two seniors Dr Noorjahan and Mrs Tanveer Rizvi launched the SAMAA Souvenir to celebrate 7 years of SAMAA’s journey and its achievements.

The popular Sydney singer Shagufta Zia recited a ‘Hamd ‘ to commence the Programme and later on, she sang several other musical numbers from her latest album.

The audience later enjoyed the South Asian cuisine & the Socialising with family and friends.

Dr Ahad Khan, in his vote of thanks, thanked sponsors, volunteers, Guests and Community members for their unflinching support of SAMAA. Zahid Jamil is an engineering post graduate and runs a financial planning practice based in Sydney. He heads South Asian Muslim Association of Australia, SAMAA: http://samaa.org.au ), a benevolent institution offering wide range of services to the community elders.

October 2016

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

TRAVEL 21

BUSINESS 22

AUSTRALIA

SOCIAL 23

Foreign investment in agricultural land FINANCE Dr Abul Jalaluddin The Register of Foreign Ownership of Agricultural Land Act 2015 aims at increasing transparency around foreign investment in Australian agricultural land. A foreign investor is required to notify the government within 30 days if they are starting or ceasing to hold agricultural land.

As of 30 June 2016, foreign investors owned 13.6 per cent or 52.1 million hectares of total Australian agricultural land. Investors from the UK are the largest owners of agricultural land with 27.5 million hectares, flowed by the US with 7.7 million hectares, Netherlands with 3 million hectares, Singapore with 1.9 million hectares and China is the 5th investor with 1.5 million hectares.

Other 5 countries in the top 10 investors include Philippines, Switzerland, Jersey, Indonesia and Japan.

Of the total agricultural land owned by foreign investors, only 9.4 million hectares are held as freehold and 43.4 million hectares are held as leasehold. Livestock production is the highest usage of the agricultural land with 45.8 million hectares,

flowed by crops with 1.5 million hectares and forestry with 1.4 million hectares. The other land usage include horticulture and non-farming activities.

Queensland has the highest level of foreign owned agricultural land with 17.7 million hectares, followed by Northern Ter-

ritory with 15.2 million hectares, Western Australia with 8.8 million hectares, South Australia with 7.2 million hectares, NSW/ ACT with 2.4 million hectares, Victoria with 607,000 hectares and Tasmania with 342,000 hectares.

The total number of agricultural prop-

AMUST

erties owned by foreigners is 7,214. NSW and ACT together have 1,798 properties, Victoria has 1,558 properties, Queensland has 1,345 properties, Western Australia has 917 properties, Tasmania has 911 properties, South Australia has 614 properties and Northern Territory has 71 properties.

This level of foreign investments is not, by any standard, an invasion of foreign ownership into the Australian agricultural assets. A perceived hysteria was that China owns away Australia and its productive assets which turned out to be a fallacy as these investors own less than 0.5 per cent of total agricultural land across the country.

The contemporary world is a phenomenon of free trade and investment and it is time for us to embrace it.

Foreign investment is an integral part of the Australian economy. Currently, we have more than $3 trillion worth of foreign investment in this country. These investments contribute to economic growth, improve productivity, create jobs and incomes for all Australians. Australia cannot afford to risk its economic future and high living standards by being inward looking and engaging in protectionism.

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

Sydney’s Youth model interfaith harmony, justice & compassion to the whole world Steff Fenton Earlier this month over 300 young people from diverse faith backgrounds met in Sydney for the largest interfaith event for young people in Australia. Youth PoWR (Parliament of the World’s Religions) saw youth vote on and commit to a message of common and critical concern; ‘Towards a More Compassionate & Just Society’.

Youth aged 17-35 from Aboriginal, Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and no faiths were represented with high energy on Saturday 3 September at Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College in North Sydney. Speakers from these eight religions addressed the parliament, inspiring them through religious texts and teachings.

In two sitting sessions, they voted on which social, political and environmental issues they want to see civic and religious leaders to take concrete action on. Youth then wrote their own commitments to build more compassion and justice in Australia, by working in harmony with each other.

Youth PoWR was paused halfway through proceedings for one minute of silence

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where, amidst all of their differences, everyone prayed, meditated and reflected together on a shared vision: “Injustice and indifference cannot flow from the Divine, nor should injustice and indifference flow from any of our religions.

Formed by our faiths, we care deeply about poverty, inequality, discrimination, violence, and the wanton exploitation of people, animals and the environment. We have an opportunity and a responsibility to take charge of the change we want to see in the world.”

Results from Youth PoWR show the injustices surrounding Refugees, Racism & Discrimination, Aboriginal Rights and Domestic Violence are most important to young Australians of faith. Other proposals included Poverty, Climate Change, Gender Equality, Mental Health and Religious Freedom.

Presentations of the ‘Youth PoWR 2016 Message: Towards a More Compassionate & Just Society’ will be made to a range of Australia’s politicians and religious organisations in the coming months. Many also volunteered on the night to coordinate “Youth PoWR Action Groups” to carry out their commitments of interfaith action.

Youth PoWR has not only given young people a platform for their civic and religious leaders to hear and heed their con-

cerns. By committing to work together across their differences—differences which have, and continue to, divide religious believers across the globe—these youth have also become a living model of interfaith harmony, of paving the way in overcoming old prejudices and building a new world.

A day after Youth PoWR, representatives from Christian, Hindu, Jewish &Muslim faiths went on ABC Radio’s Sunday Nights to discuss the social, environmental and political priorities of Australia’s religious youth – the show has since been aired and podcasted across the world to tens of thousands of listeners. Two weeks later, on Sunday 18 September, representatives from Baha’i, Christian and Muslim faiths shared in a special Q&A event at the Australian Baha’i Temple’s International Day of Peace Service.

Speakers Kaleb Taylor, Aboriginal Spirituality “To affect meaningful change in the world a dual transformation must take place, a transformation that takes place in the context of the individual and that of society.”

– Erfaun Oh, Baha’i “To create a society in which we all work together, hand in hand, we must truly understand who it is that we are holding hands with.” – Amy Shortland, Buddhism

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“We have been led to this place where we share these collective visions for a just, fair future together, with our neighbours, who we love.” – David Barrow, Christianity “We can be, we will be, and we must be known to be the shapers of a better and a more hopeful future, for all God’s Children.” – Jayneil Shandil, Hinduism Rahaf Ahmed, Islam “According to our holy books, compassion is a divine quality. Since we are modelled in the image of God himself, we must ourselves be compassionate beings as well.” – Ashleigh Werner, Judaism “I believe that the core of Sikhi, and every true religion is LOVE, love without discrimination or any expectation. I believe this unconditional love is a direct representation of the Divine Presence.” – Harpreet Singh, Sikhism Performance by Hawraa Kash, Spoken Word Poet Steff Fenton is the Youth PoWR Event Coordinator at the Columban Mission Institute and the Networking, Media and Projects Officer for the Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations. Steff is passionate about seeing young people from different faith backgrounds in Sydney come together to break down stereotypes and create friendships.

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Police & Community Engagement Day Mehar Ahmad More than 5,000 people from across the state attended the Police & Community Engagement Day held on Saturday 24 September at the Fairfield Showground.

The attendants from a diverse background, men, women and children showcased the strong relationship between police and the community in NSW. The event featured a variety of police displays including Aviation Support Branch, Scientific & Crime Scene, Marine Area Command, Bike Unit, Public Order & Riot Squad, Highway Patrol, Dog Unit and Mounted Police.

“The popularity of this event highlights the importance of community engagement and the strength that we as a police force draw from members of the public,” Superintendent Peter Lennon, Commander of the Fairfield Local Area Command, said.

“This is the police’s largest communi-

ty engagement day outside the Goulburn Academy Open Day and its success is testament to the importance of the role and effort that the community and police play together”, he added.

The event provided the community with a hands-on experience in police work for culturally diverse communities and afforded them the opportunity to interact directly with the various police units at the event and gain an insider perspective of the work that NSWPF undertake on a daily basis.

“The Police Community Engagement Day has been developed to enable people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to establish direct lines of communication with police in a relaxed environment,” Superintendent Peter Lennon said.

Local police were joined by specialist units, including Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Unit, PolAir, Dog Unit, Mounted Unit, Forensic Services Group and Public Affairs Branch.

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Divisive politics condemned at Labor Party Media Dinner Zia Ahmad The 6th Annual Media Dinner was organised by Sub Continent Friends of Labor was held on Friday 16 September at the Himalaya Restaurant in Granville.

Sub Continent Friends of Labor based in Sydney is a group of like minded people from South Asia and Pacific who are committed to Labor values and actively involved in fight for social justice.

The highly successful event was attended by members of the group, federal and state Labor members of parliament and senators, community leaders as well as a large contingent of ethnic media representatives.

Mr Aijaz Khan was the MC for the night who while welcoming the guests called for a special round of applause for the election of two new councillors of South Asian background, Mr Moninder Singh in Blacktown and Mr Masood Chowdhury in Campbelltown.

The newly elected President of the Sub

Tony Burke MP. Photo: Ali Photography.

Eesa Bokhari, 7, tries out Police motorbike.

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Continent Friends of Labor Mr Hasan Kureshi briefed the audience regarding the aims and objectives of the group and its achievements.

Mr Tony Burke MP and Shadow Minister for the arts, for Environment and water in a powerful address condemned the divisive address of Pauline Hanson that was in denial of the modern Multicultural Australia.

Senator Jenny McAllister strongly empathised with Muslim women who were being attacked as a result of an environment of hatred created by hate speeches by some politicians.

Mr John Robertson, state member for Blacktown highlighted the opposition of Labor to any changes of Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act and warned against the state governments move towards privatisation of public hospitals in NSW. Ms Sophie Cotsis also addressed the audience seeking support for her bid contest the by-election for the State safe Labor seat of Canterbury.

Sophie Cotsis, candidate for Canterbury by-election. Photo: Ali Photography.

Will you marry me? Interfaith marriage Philip Feinstein Last month in Part 1 of this intriguing topic, I had the pleasure of interviewing three very distinguished and respected leaders of their own faiths: Imam Farhan Khalil from Mount Druitt; Reverend Bill Crews from Ashfield; and Rabbi Zalman Kastel from St Ives. We now continue with their important views...

Given that we put pressure on marriage to be fabulously great and at an all-time high, parents want the most for their children and would be appreciative of being asked for advice. Reverend Crews said that they found that most marriages between Christian and Muslims were quite happy - in general it was the families who became distraught by “bashing” each other with their holy mantras and beliefs.

Rabbi Kastel commented that stress in a relationship could be part of what plays out if their parents do not approve of it. “This could result in a lot of tension for families.

Fortunately today the level of angst has dropped compared to what it was in the past.”

Imam Khalil said that couples sometimes take the plunge without letting their parents know because they feared they would be

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stopped from doing so. “Often this can be damaging both for the children and parents.”

The Australian census now being calculated will probably verify that the number of atheists in our society is increasing to numbers never seen before. The question put the three eminent ambassadors related to any concern they have on this issue.

Rabbi Kastel, while acknowledging the importance of faith, did not seem overly concerned at this and pointed out that there were many Jewish people who did not believe in God as such.

Imam Khalil stated that he believed atheism is mainly on the rise because we live in the era of logic and often people say we can’t see or feel God, so it is not logical to believe in it.

Reverend Crews expanded by saying that he thought churches have moved away from the people. “If you look at the life of Jesus he used ‘earthly’ situations to talk about heavenly things. In fact, you can describe the Bible and the Koran as books of ‘big stuff’ that point to something even bigger. I believe the churches and mosques are using stories from a cultures of thousands of years ago to set rules for today’s living. They use a concept of God as ‘big daddy in the sky’ as a means of applying rules, whereas I believe God is at the very core of our most intimate and loving relationships” he concluded.

Regarding raising children within an interfaith marriage, the question arose regarding which religion to follow for those chil-

Australasian Muslim Times

dren.

Rabbi Kastel explained that Jewish law defines the religion of the children by the mother and therefore in the case of a Jewish mother, the children should be raised Jewish, in the case of a Jewish father, the children would not be regarded as Jewish. However, he added: “The Jewish religion clearly states that everyone can be a good person in the eyes of God even if they are not Jewish.”

Reverend Crews pointed out: “The children should be encouraged to make up their own mind when they are capable of it.”

Imam Khalil stated: “Even though we are allowed to get married with the people of book (Jews and Christians), we have an ultimate responsibility to raise our children as Muslims.”

Finally we needed to look at divorce. The answers were most interesting: Imam Khalil said “Divorce in Islam is very simple process - it is as simple as pronouncing the word divorce and the person is divorced. Religiously, there is a process involved around divorce which also involves couple counselling before the husband and wife want to go different ways.”

Reverend Crews stated that divorce would be a simple process adding “I think we live in a world where relationships are much more transitory than they used to be. I cannot see the purpose of one person abusing another in the marriage and then using the marriage vows to bind them to it.”

Rabbi Kastel explained that there would

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not be a Jewish ritual or service for an interfaith marriage. “It becomes a matter for the courts” he said.

Going by all the potential difficulties of an interfaith marriage, it would be wise for the loving couple to look at all the angles involved, and to consider involving their respective families or even a counsellor.

Kogarah Clinical Psychologist, Tom Jones, added: “When young people of differing religions form a relationship, parents may initially oppose it, but if this relationship continues, they should put aside their reservations and embrace their future son or daughter-in-law. If they do not, they will risk being distanced from the couple and from future grandchildren.” In pointing to marriage conflict, Tom added “Communication about matters of difference need to be resolved with mutual respect. The topics of in-laws, sex, children, money, as well as religion, can all be challenging, but if marital problems can be resolved early, the risk of divorce is reduced.”

Despite the differences put forward by the three distinguished religious leaders, the writer wishes to add that people of all faiths will make their own decisions and can still get on and live in peace together. Whether it be in marriage or just being neighbours, religion should not be a dividing line but rather a coming together of all humans.

Philip Feinstein is a Sydney based writer, musician and activist working for MUSIC FOR REFUGEES www.musicforrefugees.org

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Creators of Peace: Empowered women of peace recognise peace-making potential Zohra Aly A ‘’Women of Peace’’ event was hosted on International Day of Peace

by Stand Up, a Jewish organisation committed to pursuing social justice for disadvantaged communities. The evening showcased the ‘’Living Peace’’ conference held in August in Caux, Switzerland to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Creators of Peace. This is an international women’s movement which empowers women to recognise their peace-making potential. Its main vehicle is the Peace Circle, where a group of women from diverse backgrounds meet for a series of sessions to workshop topics including what creates and destroys peace, inner peace, listening and forgiveness.

Four of the 11 Sydney women who attended the conference at Caux spoke about their experience. Yarrie Bangura came to Australia as a child in 2004 from war-torn Sierra Leone, via a refugee camp. Currently working at Stand Up, sh,e spoke about how her first foray into Creators of Peace in 2009 taught her to understand and forgive herself, and how visiting Caux has now inspired her to involve other young people in working

towards peace.

Ros Kennedy met and connected deeply with the Kenyan delegation at Caux talking about their daily struggles. Particularly, she befriended a widowed mother of five, who belonged to a group of other widows. Ros asked her the question, ‘’what one thing would make a big difference to your lives?’’ and was surprised to hear the answer, ‘’a milking cow’’. Over a phone call back to her husband in Sydney that night, she informed him they had just bought a milking cow for the price of hosting one extended family dinner.

Zohra Aly heard two Lebanese women, one Christian and one Muslim, speak about how they bring women across the religious divides together in their country by recognising our similarities but also our differences by simply accepting the latter. She explained that in the Quran, God says he created us as diverse nations ‘’so we may get to know one another’’. Words from a song the women sang often at the conference, ‘’Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me,’’ have been an important revelation for Zohra since she first found out about Creators of Peace in 2009.

Shoshana Faire spoke of story-sharing as being at the heart of Creators of Peace Circles, and how our story can change when we repeat it. She also spoke of how listening to the stories of ‘’others’’ helps to remove or

Photography by Rob Davis.

members of the three Abrahamic faiths communities, including 8 Muslims and 10 Jews, from various denominations and ethnicities, leaders and lay people, old and young living together for a few days.

The intimate group size allowed attendees to get to know each other, with many opportunities for personal communication and interaction during breaks as well as eating times.

Prior to the conference, participants had been asked to prepare either a presentation or a talk for the conference, giving them the chance to share their knowledge and experience with the other attendants.

After each presentation, the members of the three faith communities would split up into smaller faith discussion groups to reflect and share their thoughts with one an-

other.

After sunset, the participants observed both the Muslim and Jewish evening prayers before dinner time.

It was very fortunate to have some members of the joined interfaith “Journey to Jerusalem” present at the conference who gave a summary both in words and pictures of their shared experiences during their trip to the Holy Land.

The second day of the Conference started with the observance of the Catholic morning prayer, followed by real “Life Experiences and Faith Journeys”, enabling the attendees in the audience to hear from three conference participants about what brought them to the place they are now in terms of their faith journey, and, more specifically, into interfaith dialogue in JCMA.

change any assumptions we may hold about them. Shoshana shared the story of how she was able to re-tell her own connection with her Jewish background when she found out in 2010, just before leaving for her first conference at Caux, a story about her that her grandparents. In 1945, they escaped Germany, and arriving in Caux as refugees, were hosted as refugees in the very building where she would be staying for her conference!

The women attending were then facilitated in circles to reflect upon the stories or beliefs they held which could get in the way of connecting with others, and one step they could take towards living peace themselves.

For more information, visit http://www. iofc.org/creators-of-peace Zohra Aly is a pharmacist and freelance writer. She is a Creators of Peace facilitator and National Coordinator for Australia.

JCMA Winter Conference brings Muslims, Christians and Jews together in Melbourne Tanya Kubitza The Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia (JCMA) hosted its first overnight two day Winter Conference from Sunday 31 July to Monday 1 August at the Don Bosco Retreat Centre in Lysterfield Victoria.

The overall topic of the conference was “Let’s Talk: The Importance of Interfaith Dialogue”. Where a directly asked the question was “Why do we do interreligious dialogue – and what are the rewards and challenges?”.

The conference brought together thirty

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It was important to not only hear about this from a theoretical point of view, but also to touch ground with some real life experiences and stories.

Charles Caleb Colton rightly said: “We hate some people because we do not know them; and will not know them because we hate them.”

While the conference was attended by just 30 people, not issuing any statements or changing the direction of world history, at least they met, talked issues through together and got to know one another, connecting both as people of faith as well as human beings. That is a start.

It is being part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

Tanya Kubitza is the Chair of the JCMA Membership Committee, Registrar and Marketing Manager of Melbourne based Al Siraat College.

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LIFESTYLE Why do we never hear from the Anglo-Australians?

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MOBYDAYZE Mobinah Ahmad I recently read an article that was talking about how the suggest Muslim migration ban was racist. It was a good read up until I read the last paragraph that described the author that seemed a bit strange.

The article touched on Pauline Hanson, The Liberals/ALP, the Essential poll, The Drum, the Plebiscite, Brexit, Trump, and offshore detention.

However the last paragraph describing the author as “Bangladeshi-Australian, practicing Muslim” got me really confused.

This article wasn’t about the author’s personal cultural or direct religious experiences.

It was his critically conscious opinions on Australian politics.

So why did his cultural background and his religious practice (not just Muslim, but

a ‘practicing’ Muslim) needed to be mentioned?

On the same website, the same author wrote another article on racism at the end of last year, and was described as “an Australian standup comic” so why was this article different?

Why was it necessary to mention his cultural/religious background.

I know you should avoid reading the comments section of these type of articles, but I was curious to see if anyone else had picked up on this.

I read through the comments and sure enough, you had people wanting to know where the author stood on Bangladesh’s human rights.

In order to be able to have an opinion on Australian politics, he would of had to condemned the controversies of the country of his cultural background.

That’s sounds so messed up.

It made me realise that you never hear the description Anglo-Australian.

Whenever describing the background of white people, terms like “Australian” or

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“Aussie” are used (or its not even necessary to spell it out because its assumed).

The rest of us (POC) Australians are left to be labelled by the country of origin our parents happened to of come from if we’re not white.

Now it could be that perhaps that this particular author had purposefully wrote that last paragraph because that’s how he chose to identify himself as.

Identity is something that is so fluid and personal, you can’t really tell someone how they should identify themselves.

But I’m not talking about identity, I’m talking about how and when we use terms to define ourselves when writing or speaking about race.

There is nothing wrong with using a hyphenated dual identity if that works for you, if you’re proud of your heritage.

What is wrong is when that is used to explain or justify why someone has particular views that has nothing to do with cultural or religious background. It shouldn’t matter if he’s a Muslim, talking about how the ban is discriminates against Muslims.

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If this author was white, would he be described as Anglo-Australian? Nope.

Would his religion be spelled out as a means of explaining his opinions on a ban of people who follow the same religion?

Nope, unless maybe if he was a religious leader. And whats with the word ‘practicing’, as opposed to what exactly?

When will it end?

Why are people who have either been born here or spent majority of their life here, constantly defined as a sub-part of being Australian.

Will future generations still be considered as “Insert cultural background-Australian?” based on their heritage and the colour of their skin?

It’s been three generations at least.

You don’t need to have your culture and religion in a bio as a means of explaining why you’re justified to write an article on why the Muslim Immigration ban is racist.

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

Sydney man blessed with cancer...

Yusra Hadi Ali Banat, a young Muslim from Sydney is on his final stage battling with cancer. Upon discovery of his sickness, Mr Banat has refined his life by making dramatic changes which started with his charity project “Muslims Around The World” (MATW). Today, he is living life for the people and not for himself, claiming he’s never been happier.

Mr Banat explained “god has blessed me with cancer”, allowing him to focus on the valuable things in life instead of chasing entities of the temporary world. Since being diagnosed with cancer, Mr Banat has devoted his time to reflect, spend time with family, and to generally work on becoming a better person.

The ‘Muslims Around the World’ Project was established immediately after Mr Banat returned from his first trip to Africa in October 2015. MATW is a non-profit and community-based charity project which started through gofundme.com and run by Mr Banat himself to provide financial support and assist the less fortunate in Togo, Africa.

The charity project has raised over two million dollars by supporters globally and is still ongoing today. All funds are divided amongst multiple projects which include the construction of over two hundred homes, shops, schools, a college, two mosques, a medical centre and the first Islamic cemetery to be built in Togo.

Recently, the Commonwealth Bank has decided to cease his charity funding account

Ali Banat with African kids in Togo, Africa. with no justification, giving him one month “I can’t describe how I feel, it’s beyond to withdraw his assets. Mr Banat is taking words,” he quotes. legal action to further address this issue.

Despite the emotional and physical pain With over 70k followers on social media, that Mr Banat is currently enduring, he still Mr Banat has received an overwhelming remains positive and optimistic. Mr Banat amount of messages and positive feedback addresses a major issue within the Muslim from the community in support of his jour- community regarding the lack of Tawakkul ney. As a result, this has motivated him to (reliance) in god. He points out the imporcontinue working on projects, leaving a tance of seeking guidance from god and ensmile on the faces of those less fortunate. gaging with prophetic medication for herb-

al treatment before relying on doctors and medication.

For more information on MATW or to donate, head to: www.gofundme.com/MATWproject.

Yusra Hadi is a Sydney based artist, studying a bachelor of communications: journalism and media at the University of Western Sydney.

Quaid-e-Azam remembered in Sydney

Hanif Bismi Sydney’s Pakistani community commemorated 68th death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan on 11 September 2016 at Auburn Town hall.

The event was organised under the leadership of Syed Atiqul Hasan, the founder of Chand Raat Eid Festival and Australian Halal Exhibition.

The program started with recitation of the Holy Quran followed by dua and speech by

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Hafiz Raza, the Imam of Ghausia Masjid Blacktown.

The second session of the program started

by Mrs Suraya Hasan, a Pakistani community activist and co-organiser read pome on Pakistan, ‘Nara-e-Azadi’. Intellectuals and Pakistani community leaders such as Naseer Nazir, Waqas Bashir, Tariq Mirza, Nangyal, Zahir Hussain spoke on the ideology behind the creation of Pakistan and the leadership of Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Speakers unanimously stressed that Pakistanis are united under the vision of Jinnah who played a great role in highlighting the rights of Muslims of Indian subcontinent.

The speakers further stated that they would work for the unity and peace in Pakistan and

Australasian Muslim Times

Pakistani diaspora in Australia.

The chief guest of the program was Mr Abdul Majid Yousufani, the Counsel General of Pakistan. He emphasised on the wisdom and principles of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, particularly in unity, faith and discipline. He envisaged bringing of Pakistan and Australia closer on various platforms.

Hanif Bismi, the special guest speaker who is a researcher at Western Sydney University on the Pakistani Muslim community in Australia emphasized Jinnah’s address to the Australian people on 19 February 1948 stressing that his vision of social justice was based on Islamic principles.

He highlighted that Jinnah’s legacy was his honesty and sincerity towards the nation,

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and he was never interested in making a political dynasty for himself.

Hanif Bismi is a Sydney based historian, political analyst, community activist and an Advisor to ARO.

SUBSCRIBE TO AMUST $20 for 12 issues Visit amust.com.au /subscribers October 2016

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Ali’s Wedding: Film review Marriage Bureau

Irfan Yusuf A strip of Kufic scripted Qur’anic verse lines the uppermost part of the mosque wall. The congregation is seated before two shaykhs, one having his head circled with a black turban, the other in a white turban.

The black-turbaned cleric attacks the white-turbaned cleric with as much diplomacy as a South Asian mother-in-law. It isn’t working. Notwithstanding his status as a Sayyid (a direct descendant of the Prophet), the congregation is shouting him down in the most insulting fashion before he leaves in a huff and a puff.

The scene was very realistic and could have been a scene from any mosque throwing out its imam and/or holding an election.

The only unrealistic bit was when one member of the congregation shouted out: “Wallah he is a sh*t cleric”. In real life, far more abusive terms would have been used.

The white-turbaned guy in real life was the father of Osamah Sami, whose comic memoir Good Muslim Boy picked up a Premier’s Literary Award and was reviewed here in August 2015.

The book is now being cinematised as Ali’s Wedding, parts of which are filmed in a North Melbourne club transformed into a mosque. The scene I just described (which I saw being filmed) featured Don Hany, a prominent Australian actor of Iraqi/Hungarian heritage.

Readers may recall Hany’s role as detective Zane Malik in East West 101. In Ali’s Wedding, Hany looks extremely convincing as a Shia cleric, his white turban wrapped

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

Seekers

around his head exquisitely and accent as close to Basra as one could imagine.

Off screen, Hany came up to say g’day. I seriously wondered if I should kiss his hand.

Which is a change from his many female fans who would rather just kiss his face. Seriously, the number of otherwise pious Muslim sisters who regularly watched East West 101 and told me how much they would love

to ask Hany out on a halal date.

A somewhat less kissable role (at least for my lips) was Osama’s mischievous brother, played by the equally mischievous Melbourne-based stand-up comic Khaled Khalafalla.

Osamah Sami stars as himself, and also co-wrote the script. The cast are largely of Middle Eastern heritage, which makes sense given that the story is of an Iranian boy of Iraqi heritage whose father serves as cleric for a largely Iraqi Shia congregation.

Co-producer Sheila Jayadev had the good sense to realise neither Brad Pitt not Nicole Kidman could have pulled off the role of bride and groom. Jayadev, a former entertainment lawyer from Sydney and producer of a number of short films. This will be her first feature-length production.

She told me she wanted to ensure the film satisfied a mainstream Australian audience, but she also wanted to ensure the voices in the film are authentic. And having parents from Bangalore in southern India, she already knows what a real eastern wedding looks like.

Ali’s Wedding promises to be a spectacular film in the same milieu as Alex & Eve. Irfan Yusuf is a lawyer and an award-winning writer and reviewer. His first book, “Once Were Radicals: My Years As A Teenage Islamofascist”, was published in 2009.

Jafar Anais weds

Mr Kamil Kazmi & Mrs Tanvir Kazmi announce the marriage of their son, Jafar Kazmi, Organiser at The National Union of Workers to Anais Kazmi, Graphic Design Manager at Sydney Festival.

The wedding ceremony (nikah) presided by Sheikh Jehad Ismail was held at the Imam Hassan Centre in Annangrove while the wedding reception was held at Petersham Town Hall on Sunday 4 September 2016.

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F1515: Female, 58, Bangladeshi Muslimah, Divorced. I have 3 son’s. One of them living in Australia. I take Islam seriously and try to practice my best.

Currently I am living with my son.

I am looking for a practising Muslim who is an Australian citizen, open-minded with good manners.

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

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The Lebanese Plate spreads message on culture and diversity Yusra Hadi Meet Lina Jeleile, a Lebanese mother of four, born and raised in Sydney and currently the face of the “The Lebanese Plate”.

Lina’s life took a turn after she decided to resign from her job in teaching to spare some time off. Her passion for photography

led her to enrol at the CATC design school, where she studied photo imaging as a hobby. A year later, her hobby transformed into a career which was rapidly moving forward.

It all started at the beginning of April 2015, where Lina decided to combine her Lebanese and Australian culture together.

“I can take the best of both words and form an identity from that” Lina quotes. She believes that the only link she shares with her country back home is through food. “I want

Food Platter by Lina J.

my kids to have a link back to their heritage and I want them to be proud of it” Lina explains.

As a result, Lina started her Instagram blog under the title of “The Lebanese Plate” which exhibits the delicious traditional Lebanese food in a visually aesthetic way.

Not long after, she was voted in Kidspot’s Voices of 2015 for her food and travelling photography and scored top three in Australia for her blog.

Opening a studio at home encouraged Lina to get more creative with her food presentation. She says “At first it took a long time to decorate but over time, I’ve developed my own style”.

Evidently, her feed flows with bright colours in comparison to her dark, rusty-looking backgrounds. She enjoys taking most of her images from a high angle which has a

become a common technique throughout her blog. Lina believes that food speaks for itself hence why she does minimal editing to her food photography.

From mouth watering food platters to high tea, The Lebanese plate shares it all.

Currently with over 21k followers on Instagram, Lina hopes to spread awareness about Islamophobia, start interfaith conversations and make new friends through her new campaign ‘Spread Hummus Not Hate’. “Food can be this linking factor, bringing everyone together. I want people to understand and witness for themselves that Muslims are average people just like everyone else” Lina explains.

The food blogger has plans of opening a café in the future, however, nothing yet has been confirmed.

#SpreadHummusNotHate campaign.

The Giving Tree Saltanat Bora My teacher and Imam spoke about the significance and the lesson in this particular Eid just days ago, and I wanted to share it with my children somehow.

Essentially, this Eid is about the sacrifices that we make in the way of Allah.

And whilst it is obligatory upon us to give Sadaqa (charity) during this celebration, mainly either meat or the value of slaughtering an animal to give to the poor, it is also a reminder of the nature of giving and sacrifice in general.

We must give of ourselves to benefit others. Whether it be our time, our wealth, our aid or our skills, we must ask ourselves, what is our Ismail? What is it that we are sacrificing, giving to others, in the way of Allah? And in what manner are we doing this? Do we hesitate? Do we overthink the matter? Do we give $20 to the person in need when we have $100 in our wallet, or do we give it all? Neither Ibrahim nor Ismail (peace be upon them both) hesitated, or flinched, in carrying out the command of Allah. They did so with certitude of Love for Allah.

I really wanted to pass this lesson onto my eldest daughter (my little one is not two years old yet), so I decided to create a ‘Giving Tree’ for her. The concept of the tree is that we write down things that we think we should be giving to others, and hang it on the tree to remain in our house during the

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Eid period as a reminder.

J (my eldest) has been struggling with sharing lately, especially with her little sister, who obviously wants everything that her older sister has. So when putting the tree together we spoke about how it was important to share, to give what we love to others, like to her younger sister. And whilst we may be left with what may seem to be nothing, this act of giving and sacrificing will please Allah, so ultimately, we are in reality given the greatest gift in return, the love of Allah.

As for how we put it together, I foraged some blossoms from a park in my suburb, trimmed the ends and arranged them in a garden pot with some florist’s foam. The “Eid Mubarak” sign is the one we used last Eid, from Nayma.Co. I used some glitter tape to stick the sign to the wall. We used gift tags to write down what we wanted to ‘give’ to hang on the branches.

This particular character of sacrifice that Eid ul-Adha centres around has made me think about what it is that I sacrifice in the way of Allah. For one, I know that I don’t give enough time to nurture my relationship with Allah, nor do I give enough time to the people around me, such as friends and family, to help them if need be, and to simply be there for them. So my own personal aim is to consciously strive to give more time to these.

What is that you would like to sacrifice, to give to others?

This article was originally published in themodestlife.co.

Australasian Muslim Times

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October 2016

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

TRAVEL 21

BUSINESS 22

UMMAH

SOCIAL 23

AMUST

To the Muslims of Australia, sorry for the hurt Dr Patrick McInerney To the Muslims of Australia, I wish to say “sorry” for the hurt caused to you and your families by the poll reporting that 49% of Australians want to stop Muslim immigration. Those 49% do NOT represent me, my family, my colleagues, my relatives or the many people of good faith and good will in this country.

This is what the Catholic Church teaches about our attitude towards Muslims: “The Church regards with esteem also the Muslims. They adore the one God, living and subsisting in Himself; merciful and allpowerful, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has spoken to men; they take pains to submit wholeheartedly to even His inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the faith of Islam takes pleasure in linking itself, submitted to God. Though they do not acknowledge Jesus as God, they revere Him as a prophet. They also honor Mary, His virgin Mother; at times they even call on her with devotion. In addition, they await the day of judgment when God will render their deserts to all those who have been raised up from the dead. Finally, they value the moral life and worship God especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting.

Since in the course of centuries not a few quarrels and hostilities have arisen between Christians and Muslims, this sacred synod urges all to forget the past and to work sincerely for mutual understanding and to preserve as well as to promote together for

the benefit of all mankind social justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom.” (Nostra Aetate, no. 3) There are issues of violence, extremism, fundamentalism in all our traditions. There are issues in our society of racism, bigotry and hatred fuelled by ignorance and unwarranted fears. There are issues in our world of invasion, occupation, war and injustice that must be addressed if there is to be meaningful peace.

The divide is not between Christian and Muslim, between Jew and Muslim, between secularist and believer, or any other popular categories. The divide is between people of good will and people of ill will (and they are in all our traditions).

Let us not be divided. Let us stand together in the name of respect for the human dignity of all. The people of good will and good faith vastly outnumber the no-sayers in this a small and unrepresentative poll. Let us say a resounding “YES” to multi-cultural, multi-religious Australia.

On the occasion of Eid al-Adha, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed - Grand Mufti of Australia invited me to breakfast with him. He called me “my friend” and “my brother”.

In these challenging times, let us not be distracted and divided by those who are fearful, by those who project their insecurities onto others; rather, let us all work together as people of faith and good will to maintain and strengthen our fraternal relations.

Again, I am sorry for the hurt and distress this poll has caused.

PS: I have since learned that only1,000 people were polled i.e. 0.005% of the Australian population. This sample is so small that it does not provide any reliable indication i.e. this is NOT a representative poll.

Also, one must ask how, where and when

Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, Grand Mufti of Australia with Dr Patrick McInerney. those polled were selected e.g. Western We are one, not by selectivity or banning, Brisbane will yield a significantly differ- but by inclusion and respect—Baha’i, Budent answer from Western Sydney; a time of dhist, Christian, Hindu, Jew, Muslim, Sikh, high media frenzy over “Islamist” terrorist secularist, humanist, atheist—all Australincidents will lead to a higher antipathy to ians together, sharing one nation, one law, Muslims than other times. one equal citizenship.

However, the use of these dubious figures

by One Nation to claim political legitimacy Rev Dr Patrick McInerney is the Director of is appalling. When even one Muslim child the Columban Mission Institute and Coorcomes home from school and asks his/her dinator of its Centre for Christian-Muslim parents, “Why do they hate us?” that trau- Relations and is based in Sydney. matic outcome is wicked and evil and plays into the terrorists’ false dichotomies.

Residents of Aleppo suffer amidst bombardment Dozens of air strikes by Russian and Syrian Government fighter jets hit rebel-held areas of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo during the week killing and burying several hundred people many of them children.

The Syrian government offensive to recapture all of Aleppo - with Russian air support has been accompanied by bombing that residents describe as unprecedented in its ferocity.

Only 30 doctors now remain in Aleppo’s east, where residents are in dire need of medical and surgical supplies to treat the wounded among a trapped population of 300,000.

“There are 30 doctors who are still inside the eastern Aleppo city,” Abd Arrahman Alomar, a pediatrician who works for the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) in opposition-controlled areas, told a news briefing in Geneva.

They lack equipment and emergency medicine to treat the many trauma cases, and there is only enough fuel to run hospital generators for 20 days. One obstetrician and two pediatricians remain to care for pregnant women and 85,000 children, he said.

“The sudden rise in wounded now means supplies are dangerously low or not available at all,” said Al Jazeera’s Charles Stratford, reporting from Gaziantep along the Turkey-Syria border.

“Medics say they can’t transport people to other hospitals in safe areas because eastern Aleppo is surrounded by government forces.”

Dr Alomar said if the bombing continues, “we are going to the point of zero where there are no facilities to be protected, where there is no health staff to be protected”.

Moscow and Damascus launched their assault last week despite months of negotiations led by US Secretary of State John Kerry that resulted in a short-lived ceasefire this month.

Kerry said the failed truce was not the cause of the fighting, and that diplomacy was the only way to stop the war.

“The cause of what is happening is As-

October 2016

sad and Russia wanting to pursue a military victory,” Kerry told reporters during a trip to Colombia.

“Today there is no ceasefire and we’re not talking to them right now. And what’s happening? The place is being utterly destroyed. That’s not delusional. That’s a fact.”

Syria’s Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said on Monday the now-defunct truce could still be revived.

Speaking to pro-government Mayadeen TV from New York, he also said the government was prepared to take part in a unity government that incorporated elements from the opposition - an offer that had been rejected in the past.

Al-Moallem accused the US, Britain, and France of convening an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council a day earlier in order to support “terrorists” inside Syria.

But he said ongoing communication between Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov meant a truce brokered two weeks ago is “not dead”.

On Monday, dozens of rebels and their families quit the last opposition-held district of central Homs city, as part of a deal struck with the government last year.

A total of 131 fighters and 119 family members were bussed out of Waer, devastated after a three-year government siege, to rebel-held Dar al-Kubra further north, according to Reuters news agency.

An estimated 600,000 Syrians live under siege, according to the UN, with most encircled by government forces.

The UN’s World Food Programme said it delivered food aid on Sunday to civilians in four besieged towns in Syria for the first time since April.

Media Scan Ainullah

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A convoy of 53 trucks entered Madaya and Zabadani, with another 18 to Fuaa and Kafraya, according to the International Committee for the Red Cross.

At an emergency UN Security Council council meeting on Sunday, US envoy Samantha Power voiced some of the strongest criticism yet of Russia’s support for President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

“What Russia is sponsoring and doing is not counter-terrorism. It is barbarism,” she said. The UK’s envoy accused Moscow of committing war crimes.

The Kremlin hit back on Monday with Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov denouncing “the overall unacceptable tone and rhetoric of the representatives of the United Kingdom and the United States, which can damage and harm our relations”.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on world powers to “work harder for an end to the nightmare” in Syria, which has killed an estimated 400,000 people and driven millions from their homes.

(Courtesy Aljazeera)

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AMUST

UMMAH

NEWS 1-4

BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 8 - 10

AUSTRALIA 11 - 13

LIFESTYLE 14 - 16

Another day, another anti-Islam rally Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas Another day, another anti-Islam rally.

May Allah grant hidayah (guidance) for every single one of the anti-Islam protestors.

It’s difficult to harbour hate for anti-Islam protestors. They’re the by-product of years of propaganda, fearmongering and of course those self-styled self-proclaimed clerics haven’t done the Muslim community any favours either.

I listened in awe as my friend who lives in Melbourne’s outer-west explain what happened to her earlier that week.

It was just after breakfast when a well dressed middle-aged woman came knocking on her door. “I thought it was a Jahovas Witness at first. Usually my initial reaction would be to just thank them and tell them I’m Muslim. I might not wear a headscarf but I observe my compulsory religious practices. Something in my gut told me to not mention I’m Muslim to this woman. I was shocked to learn she was actually looking for volunteers to attend an anti-Islam rally in the area. She then proceeded to tell me what a horrible person I am... well not me personally but all Muslims basically. She knew nothing about me and was so full of hate towards Muslims I was too afraid to tell her anything. I just politely told her I’m not interested and she left. I can’t believe they are now door-knocking for anti-Islam support!”

That week, on 28 August, an anti-Islam rally took place in Melton, in Melbourne’s outer west. It was organised by anti-immigration group True Blue Crew. Huffington post reports “Protesters at the rally are said

to have waved flags, with speakers urging those present to prevent Islam growing in the area. They contend that a 75-lot development being built off Coburns Road in Melton South is a Muslim housing estate.”

The local council has denied this housing claim. Nonetheless, lots of flag waving, shouting and men in balaclavas, and a huge waste of police time.

The truth is that flag they’re waving is the flag of 23 million Australians. That flag represents a wonderfully diverse population, rich with many cultural backgrounds, beliefs and perspectives. How ill-fitting to wave, what I identify as, my flag at an anti-Islam rally. If you’re looking to wave a flag that screams intolerance and hate towards people with a different view to your own, perhaps the ISIS flag is a more suitable option... Not that I’d encourage anyone to do that.

I can’t help but feel this misguided enthusiasm could be put to far better use. I challenge members of the True Blue Crew to have a human-to-human conversation with a Muslim. You’ll be surprised at how much you have in common. You’ll be surprised how little there is to fear. People are afraid of what they don’t know, things that are unfamiliar. Use the established Islamic resources in your area, not the self-proclaimed cleric online, as a platform to understand these people you claim to ‘hate’. Embrace your few differences and use your enthusiasm to build more peaceful, inclusive and compassionate communities for the generations to come. The world is only going to get more diverse. Even if we stopped immigration today, closed the borders, locked the gates, Allah guides whomever He wills.

What will you do with the Anglo-white 10th

Mother of Souls Dedicated to the Memory of Saint Mother Teresa

In the golden silence of the dawn the chattering birds would wake us.

Often we would watch the Turtle Doves resting in the lemon tree, while a Bald Eagle circled above.

Ali said, ‘Pigeons would often dodge and dance with our kites.

Birds are so free! I’d. like to be a bird.’

Ali had lost both his legs in the bombing.

Eight years old Hussein, who had lost an arm, Smiled, ‘Sometimes we would see white Storks Resting on the dome of Bab AI-Mu’azzam!

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and project it like that’s the norm. It’s not the norm. It’s insulting and embarrassing.

It’s time to get proactive. If you’re a student at university or a part of a youth group, liaise with your local Islamic organisation and organise an event, a stand, any platform that gives people an opportunity to ask about Islam.

If you’re good with writing, write! The pen is mightier than the sword. If you’re a blogger, vlogger, artist, use your platform to talk about what Islam means to you. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share this beautiful religion. Don’t allow the misguided few to represent the thousands of peace-loving Muslims of Australia.

9/11 brought Americans together, but now…

Anne Fairbairn AM PhD (Hon)

I remember the darns on your blue-banded sari, your worn brown sandals, your work-worn hands, your bowed figure, your deeply lined face, - the light of joy in your eyes.

I asked, ‘Is poverty you strength?’

‘No’ you answered, ‘poverty is my freedom.’

Moving together among bomb-maimed children - Muslim, Christian, Mandaens rescued from Baghdad’s shattered streets

by Calcutta’s Little Sisters of the Poor, you insisted ‘Christ is each of these broken bodies.’

Wounded or blind, each child responded to your touch with a smile: Together we helped your Sisters.

You dusted surfaces, discussed problems.

I scrubbed floors and brushed away the glass from bomb-shattered windows.

One morning I scattered breadcrumbs along each windowsill - You placed a bowl of water close to these crumbs.

Soon birds were gliding or fluttering down To peck and drink ...

A Grey Heron and white-eared Bulbul A Marble Teal, two Kingfishers.

As these birds preened and cooed The children giggled, clapping their hands Were these birds on the way South To nest in the marshes? ...

Ali, a ‘young boy, asked ‘Are they from The Suq Al Ghazal where birds are sold?

Perhaps they escaped during the bombing.’

generation Australians that embrace Islam?

Or better yet what will you do with the indigenous Australians that embrace Islam?

Have you thought this through?

On that note, I would like to extend an invitation to every Muslim to proactively represent Islam in the light and manner it deserves to be represented in. Don’t be afraid to mention your belief and speak up against those who misrepresent you. The media, the radicalised, the misinformed, will all portray you in the worst light. I’m yet to see A Current Affair make a segment on the positive contributions of Muslims towards their community. They always manage to find that one person who’s the worst example,

Abdul Malik Mujahid

Baghdad is indeed the Mother of Birds!’

Working with you, watching the children laugh, - Children of different faiths was for me a time of pure joy.• On our last morning together you gave me your rosary Note: Anne Fairbairn met Saint Mother Teresa in early 1991 in the home of Abdul Razak Abdul Wahed, the Poet Laureate in Iraq at the time.

Anne helped Mother Teresa clean up a bomb-damaged house in order .to provide a home for some of Baghdad’s destitute and wounded children whose parents had been killed in the bombing.

Dr Anne Fairbairn AM is a widely published poet.

She is also an artist with extensive connections and travels across the Arab World. For her many publications and work involving building understanding between cultures, Fairbairn was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM, for service to literature as a poet and for international relations, particularly in the Middle East, through Cultural Exchange.

Australasian Muslim Times

9/11 once united America. We cried together.

We prayed together. We cornered bigots together.

In that spirit of unity, the approval rating of Muslims actually went up after 9/11.

However, that unity was somehow lost. America today is highly divided. Hate, fear and anger are rising.

President Obama receives 400% more death threats than President Bush ever did, hate groups are all time high, armed militias have doubled, and 25 million Americans have purchased arms in 2015 as compared to about 1 million eight years ago.

And the approval rating of Muslims is the lowest it’s ever been. Only 17% of our neighbors approve of Islam and Muslims.

Neighbors turning against us hits us where it hurts most: our children are bullied and our income has gone down.

How did the unity transform into division?

There are three factors that account for it: 1) Neo-cons: they were able to push President Bush into invading Iraq. The Iraq War’s dynamics continue to devastate lives of a whole region. Almost 5 countries have been essentially destroyed. War-terrorism together has killed about 4 million people and unleashed the largest refugee crisis in a century. Just yesterday, America bombed 5 countries, all Muslims. War-terrorism continues to dehumanize Muslims in the West and demonizes the West in the Muslim world.

2) Islamophobia industry: A 200 million dollar, 34 organization strong hate machine has been successful in telling America with the masterful manipulation of media that it is not just the extremists and the terrorists but Islam itself that is the problem.

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3) Muslims, largely remain reluctant neighbors and disengaged citizens: Islamophobia is not a product of our neighbors not knowing the 5 pillars of Islam. We have distributed more copies of the Qu’ran in the last 15 years than we have probably printed in the last 100 years in America. Islamophobia is the product of our political weakness, absence of coalitions, and disengagement as citizens. 90% of the donations of this generous Muslim community goes to mosques and disaster relief. As a result we are successful in those two areas.

Muslims must become welcoming neighbors and excellent citizens to liberate America from hate, fear and anger which is drowning it.

Only through engagement we will empower ourselves and with God’s blessing will be able to stop the war-terror-Islamophobia nexus.

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

October 2016

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

TRAVEL 21

BUSINESS 22

EDUCATION

SOCIAL 23

AMUST

The 99 Divine attributes of Allah Part 26 - Attributes 87 - 88

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 87. Al-Jāmi’ - The Gatherer of All It is He who has sent down the Book to you.

Some of its verses are clear and precise1 in meaning – they are the basis of the Book – while others are allegorical.2 Those with deviation in their hearts pursue the allegorical, so as to create dissension by seeking to explain it: but no one knows its meaning except Allah. Those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say, ‘We believe in it: it is all from our Rabb.’ But only the wise take heed.

‘Our Rabb, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us. Bestow upon us Your mercy. Surely You are a Munificent Giver.3 Our Rabb, You will surely gather all mankind on the Day of whose coming there is no doubt. Allah never fails to fulfil His promise.’

(Al-‘Imran, 3:7-9) 1. Arabic word ‘muhkam’ is used for a firm and stable commodity. Here this points out the verses which are clear and their meanings have no ambiguity in their interpretation. Their words bear the testimony of obvious meanings.

These verses are the foundations of the Qur’an, meaning that they fulfil the purpose of the revelation. These verses expose the misgivings. The basic rules and regulations of the beliefs, worships, ethics, objectives and the permitted and prohibited have been dealt with these muhkam verses.

2. ‘Mutashābah’ verses are allegorical by nature. These are required when essential information above the mysterious allegories are expressed in order to set up a life imagination in this world.

There are mysteries that are beyond the understanding of the humans which cannot be observed or tested or can not be explained in a clear and well known style of expression. So the Mutashābah’ style is used to provide humans a better understand of their meaning.

This style of expression cannot depict the exact meaning but allows a faint concept to be visualised. However, the trouble is that the more anyone attempts to find the true sense of these concepts, he/she should have to comprehend even more vague and abstract ideas which tends lead the person astray. Hence the one those who wish to seek the truth should not dwell on ideational gymnastics, but be content with these faint ideas and remain assured that Allah knows the real truth and therefore, He has revealed it to human beings not as a truth but as an allegory to have some idea.

3. Hence no one should be upset that, without the true meaning of allegories, it is impossible to believe. Actually the reality is that a sensible person can acquire the faith in the Qur’an as the Word of Allah, by sincere thinking and the comprehension of the Muhkamat (precise clear) words of the Qu’ran and not by seeking to apply far-fetched interpretations of the allegories. When a person believes by pondering the Muhkamat of the Qur’an, then the allegories do not arouse any wrong impression in their minds and hearts.

88. Al-Ghanyī: The Self Sufficient Those who spend their wealth for Allah’s cause may be compared to a grain of corn which sprouts into seven ears, with a hundred grains in each ear: for Allah grants manifold increase to whom He wills; Allah

October 2016

is infinite and all knowing. 1 Those who spend their wealth for Allah’s cause and do not follow their almsgiving with taunts and insults shall be rewarded by their Rabb; they shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve. 2 A kind word and forgiveness is better than a charitable deed followed by hurtful words: Allah is self-sufficient and forbearing. 3 Believers, do not cancel out your charitable deeds with reminders and hurtful words,4 like one who spends his wealth only to be seen by people, and not believing in Allah and the Last Day. Such men are like a rock covered with earth: a shower falls upon it and leaves it hard and bare.5 They will gain nothing from their works. Allah does not guide those who deny the truth.6 (Al-Baqarah, 2:261-264) 1. The compensation from Allah for a person shall be increased according to the sincerity and passionate emotions that person has when spending his/her wealth for the sake of Allah. Allah gives so much grace to one grain of corn which can grow into seven hundred grains. Hence it is never difficult to give your charity so much that one cent returns seven hundred times its value. The attributes of Allah have been mentioned here for this reality: firstly, Allah is All-Encompassing - He is not a miser to not bestow upon you the recompense of your spending as as it deserves. Secondly, He is Allah the All-Knowing, well aware of what you are doing and what your spending and with what passion and sentiment. He is never unacquainted about your dealings and their nature to return with best recompense.

2. There should be any fear that the recompense will not be given to them nor any grief on their spending.

3. The words reflect the important directive to humans from Allah: firstly, Allah does not need your charity and secondly Allah Himself is Forbearing, He likes only those who are not puerile (shallow and showy) and malicious rather they should be magnanimous and forbearing. Allah is the One who bestows unaccountably other means and facilities of life upon you and forgives your mistakes and follies many times, so how can he like the persons who, while giving a loaf to a poor person, go on mentioning their favour by repeating it many times. Hence the hadith where the Prophet (s) declares: “Allah says deprive the honor of dialogue and nice meeting on the Day of Resurrection with a person who reminds his favour upon any of his giving to anyone.”

4. The pretence of such a person himself is evidence that he does not believe in Allah and the Resurrection. His action means that he considers these people as his gods from whom he wants recompense. He expects neither recompense from Allah nor does he have the belief of the accounting of all deeds on the Day of Recompense.

5. In this parable, rain refers to charity.

Rock refers to the degenerated type of intention and sentiment with which the charity has been performed. Then the layer of dust is the evident form of the virtue under which the worse type of interaction is hidden. With this clarification, this parable can now be grasped fully.

The narration of rain is the manifestation of growth and products, but when the futile upper layer is very shallow the layer underneath is only a hard rock that exists. The rain instead of being advantageous would become means to deliver mere losses. Similarly, charity has the capability of the growth of benefits but the conditions of yielding a healthy return lies in sincere and virtuous intent. If the intention is not correct then the advantage of the rain is wasted.

6. Here the Arabic word ‘kafireen’ is used

not in the sense of unbelievers but as the thankless persons who are the misusers of the divine blessings. He boasts of the All-Bestowed bounties so the people can admire his spending instead of for the pleasure of Allah. Or if he spends wealth as a kind of dishonour and disrespect of the persons to whom it is given, he is the

most thankless and ungrateful to his Allah. As he himself is not desirous of having the pleasure of Allah, Allah is also not interested in showing to him the way to His pleasure.

Continued in AMUST issue #132 November

Humility: an essential virtue Mohammad Hassan Bakhtiari Humility as an understudied virtue has been variously defined in recent years. This attribute is the opposite of arrogance and conceit.

Oxford Dictionary defines being humble as “having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s importance.”

According to the psychological perspectives of humbleness, key attributes of humble people includes accurate self-assessment of one’s abilities; ability to acknowledge one’s defects and limitations; openness to new ideas, advice from others and tolerating different types of attitudes; being other-oriented rather than self-focused and appreciative of the value of all creatures both human and non-human.

There are many types of practical benefits to humility. Namely, humble people suffer less from frustration, anxiety and depression. Because they aren’t continuously worried about being best at everything, or staying on top.

Humbleness decreases “prejudice, struggle, rage, aggression because humble people do not consider that every situation must have a winner and a loser. Therefore, this idea prevents person from strife and fighting.

Accordingly, when people remove anger and conflict from their daily lives, it obviously follows that there is more room for “thought, benignity, empathy and altruism”.

Also kindness, forgiveness, generosity and sympathy are affected by humility.

As the psychologist Jordan La Bouff said, “Compassion is hard if you don’t have humility”.

On the other hand, trait of humility has also received important attention from spiritual and religious points of view. In accordance with Islamic viewpoint, humility has been divided into two types: humbleness before God and humility towards people.

Humility before God is related to recognition of self in relation to God and acknowledging this concept that all good qualities held by human are granted by God. Humbleness towards people is praised and recommended by the Holy Quran and Prophet Muhammad (s). Islam seriously has deterred humans from arrogance, strut, swagger and haughtiness.

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Following are some of the verses of the Holy Quran and Ahadith on subject of humility towards people: “And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, God likes not each arrogant boaster.” (Quran 31:18) “And be moderate (with modesty) in your pace and lower your voice (talk with humility)...” (Quran 31:19) “And God’s worshippers are those who walk on the earth in humility and calmness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of peace.” (Quran 25:63) The Prophet (s) declared: “Verily, God has revealed to me that you must be humble towards one another, so that no one wrongs another or arrogantly boasts to another.”

(Hadith: Muslim 2865) He also said: “Humbleness adds nothing to human but elevation; so be humble (towards each other)”. (Hadit: Nahj al Fasaha 936) Undoubtedly, in this arrogant and egotistical world, humbleness and its maintenance needs practice. This great strength aids us in our ability to be more content, more loving, and more loved in our life.

Ultimately, with these types of benefits perhaps it is time to bring out humility from the showcase of traits and make it practical in life.

Mohammad Hassan Bakhtiari, based in Tehran has a Masters degree in international relations and is an expert in International Relations and Knowledge Management.

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AMUST

EDUCATION

NEWS 1-4

BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 8 - 10

AUSTRALIA 11 - 13

LIFESTYLE 14 - 16

Deciding on a career path: Advice to HSC students Rima Dabliz

“When I was in high school, I was obsessing over a completely different career. I had always dreamed of studying speech pathology... But I don’t think I completely understood what it would be like until I tried a semester of it.”

For 20-year-old Hayah Shadid, deciding on a career to pursue after finishing high school was never an easy task. Ms Shadid’s switch from studying a Bachelor of Primary Education to a Bachelor of Applied Science in Speech Pathology and back to Primary Education is not an uncommon practice because the “what will I do after school” question is one that takes time, experimentation and considerable thought.

Deciding on a career path does not come easy, and there are many people who can testify to that.

Former Fundraising Coordinator for Islamic Relief Australia, Souha Alameddine, began her educational experience studying a Bachelor of Science in IT. Today she is a Project Coordinator at White Flame Strategy and has goals of running her own event management agency in the future.

Working outside of your field of expected study is not surprising for many Australians, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting that only 44% of employed Australians aged 15-64 who possess a non-school qualification are employed in that respective field of work. But this isn’t all bad news.

An often overlooked fact is that it is perfectly normal to switch career goals and also between jobs as people discover their interests, strengths and weaknesses.

Solicitor Miran Hosny worked as a radio producer for 702 ABC Sydney, for a community radio station, as a legal information

officer at LawAccess NSW and as a clerk at a migration firm before she began practicing as a Family and Commercial lawyer while also co-editing an online publication.

“I think it’s a little difficult to determine, at 17, exactly how you’d like your life to shape up unless you’re absolutely passionate about and committed to a certain image. Otherwise, most people - and I was certainly one of them - tend to think in the scope of the interest areas and talents that they have,” said Ms Hosny.

Whether you are interested in attending university or completing vocational education, there are many options available to students no matter the ATAR, because university offer rates for students achieving an ATAR band 50.00 or less increased from 24.2% in 2012 to 48.5% in 2016.

If you are a year 12 student who already knows what they want to do after school, this is not a bad thing.

For 2015 High School graduate Rayane Tamer, becoming a journalist was her goal since the age of 10.

“It was the dream career since that day onwards and I was known through high-school as “the journalist”. It’s refreshing knowing that what I wanted to become is who I am becoming - and I love it,” said Ms Tamer.

No matter how students perform it is important to remember that the HSC is not an indication of future success.

“Although it is important that you do well, the result of exams does not have to define your life. It is important that you have a plan to manage your stress levels, otherwise the stress will limit your ability to effectively study,” said Enver Yasar who is an Electorate Officer at the office of Luke Foley MP, Member for Auburn.

Until you have to make a decision, which will likely change as you take on new experiences, Australian Muslims have generously provided some kind words of advice: “Take care of your health. Getting good sleep, taking time to play sport and eating

well will give you grounding to be ready to give your exams your best shot.

Be proud of all you have achieved and always keep in mind the world awaits you with great excitement. Don’t ever be afraid to leave your mark; believe in and follow your dreams.”

- The Hon. Jihad Dib, State Member for Lakemba, Shadow Minister for Education.

“Prayers, patience and perseverance will help you along the way. Hard work always pays off with Allah’s help. Don’t be disappointed if things don’t work out there’s always another way to get to where you want.

If and when you are stressed REMEMBER ALLAH, (is it not by remembering Allah that the heart is at peace!)”

- Khaled Sukkarieh, Community Engagement Officer, Chairperson of Islamic Council of NSW. “…Throughout your studies and the engagement with your peers and professors, you come to ‘find’ yourself by exploring new options - many that you probably never would have even considered.”

- Deanna Hadad-Nanbai, sales associate, former radio producer.

“One of the biggest tips for coping with exam stress is to work collaboratively with friends, as I felt peer to peer learning was the most effective way I could learn as well as to alleviate any stress I had due to a subject uncertainty.”

- Feras Hamdan, university student.

“Apply for every possible scholarship, bonus point scheme or otherwise you have available to you. Some students were hesitant to do so because it can be viewed as ‘embarrassing’ to be from a low socio economic background (or whatever the case may be).

These avenues are in place for you to take advantage of! It would be much more disheartening for you to realise you missed your opportunity because you were afraid of what other people think.”

- Tamim Rahimi, university student.

“Preparation is key. Make the exam easy for yourself by having a solid understanding of what’s in your syllabus, do past-exam papers, it always helped me to understand things by explaining it to somebody or even talking to yourself out loud. I cannot stress enough that when you are doing your exams: ANSWER.EVERY.QUESTION.” - Saffa Dandan, university student.

Approximately 40 000 year 12 students will receive their Higher School Certificate this year, and if the Bayt Al-Zakat High Achiever Awards Ceremonies are any indication of how our Muslim brothers and sisters will perform, then it is safe to say the future of Australian Muslims is looking bright.

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

Lessons from the Shahadah of Imam Hussein Fousiya Bismi

Muslims mark the Shahadah (martyrdom) of Imam Hussein, may Allah be pleased with him, the grandson of the Prophet (s) and son of Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb (r) every year during the month of Muharram.

His Shahadah on 10 Muharram 61 AH (1 October 680 CE) at Karbala, Iraq is highly significant in Islamic history with lessons for the entire Muslim community of all times. It teaches Muslims to be patient and to stand up against any form of injustice and oppression.

In the words of poet/philosopher of South Asia, Sir Dr Muhammad Iqbal “Imam Hussein uprooted despotism forever till the Day of Resurrection. He watered the dry garden of freedom with the surging wave of his blood, and indeed he awakened the sleeping Muslim Ummah. Hussein weltered in blood and dust for the sake of truth. Verily he, therefore, became the bed-rock (foundation) of the Muslim creed; la ilaaha il-lal Laah (There is no god but Allah).”

The following is an account of 10 day event leading up to the Shahadah of Imam Hussein’s and his small band of family and supporters at Karbala on the day of Ashura: Day 1: Muharram 1, AH 61 (1st October 680) Imam Hussein and his followers were forced to make camp in the desert of Karbala, 75km from Kufa in Iraq. It is here that Imam Hussein and his followers’ torment began.

Day 4: Imam Hussein begins negotiations

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with ibn Sa’ad emphasising that he has no desire to initiate bloodshed and asks to be allowed to withdraw to Arabia but ibn Sa’ad refused to relent. Meanwhile the situation in Imam Hussein camp is becoming more and more desperate due to the lack of water and fresh supplies.

Day 6: The lack of water leads to desperate measures. Imam Hussein uses a tent pole to dig a well, but their relief is short-lived as it dries up. The commander of Yazid’s troops, Ibn Ziyad sensing their anguish sends 500 troops to reinforce the cordon around the river Euphrates.

Day 7: Fearing for the health of women and children, Imam Hussein asks his brother Abbas to conduct a midnight raid past the Yazid’s troops to bring back water from the river. Despite a fight Abbas brings back some precious water that does little to satis-

Australasian Muslim Times

fy the thirst of the entire camp.

Day 8: In desperation Imam Hussein sends a message to Sa’ad requesting they meet, he questions Sa’d’s allegiance to Yazid by asking, “Don’t you fear God on the Day of Judgment? You know who I am”.

Sa’ad’s thought of acting as a peacemaker between Imam Hussein and Yazid but is discouraged when his supporters urge him not to compromise.

Day 9: After a long, hot day in the desert filled with the cries of children for water, Imam Hussein’s camp prepares for the attack they know is coming and are powerless to stop. Imam Hussein gathers his companions together and pleads with them; “Whoever remains with me will be killed tomorrow; so consider this opportunity from Allah and take advantage of the darkness and go home to your villages.” He then extinguish-

es all the lights in the camp to allow those who want to leave to do so.

His followers wept and replied, “Oh master do not thus shame us before Allah…were we to desert you, may the wild beasts of the jungle tear us to pieces.” Imam Hussein sends one last message to Sa’ad asking to be spared one last night so that they may pray to Allah and recite the Qur’an.

Day 10: “Ashura,” Friday, 10 Muharram, 61 AH (10 October 680 CE). On what was to be his last day Imam Hussein and some of his followers implore the ibn Sa’ad troops for the final time not to shed the blood of the Prophet’s household. Hurr switched sides and fought to defend Hussein and he was the first martyr. One by one Imam Hussein’s supporters fell on the battlefield. He took his six-month-old baby son and pleaded for water for the baby. The enemy responds by shooting poisoned arrows which pierced the neck of the baby killing it instantly.

Finally, Imam Hussein is the last left standing on the battlefield next to his dead comrades and falls wounded. Covered in wounds, Imam Hussein is then decapitated and his body is mutilated in order to send souvenirs back to Yazid.

His followers suffer a similar fate. Their bodies were trampled by enemy horses and left where they fell denying them a Muslim burial. Yazid’s soldiers then loot and plunder the remains of the camp taking women and children as prisoners, including Ali bin Hussein, the ailing son of Imam Hussein, who survived.

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

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October 2016

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EDUCATION 19 - 20

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Useful apps for the Modern Wayfarer WAYFARER’S COMPASS Sana Gillani So I’ve had a little bit of fun playing around with some apps for this piece.

I’ve searched for the apps I believe can be of most benefit to travellers, especially for travellers with the religious needs of Muslims.

Some of these have also been recommended to me by others, or come to my attention through my own recent travels.

In an age where our smartphones assist us to organise so much of our lives, record many of our life experiences and provide us with important information, the use and development of apps for the travellers market is exciting to observe.

HHWT: Travel Planner for Muslim Travellers Availability: iOS, Android.

I am so impressed with the team behind HHWT. The Singapore-based startup are real game changers, and have really opened up a lot of dialogue for Muslim travel enthusiasts to connect and share information. Their specialty is very much the halal tourism side of things, covering your basic needs as a Muslim tourist such as halal food, prayer spaces and they also do a great job of providing information on landmarks and attractions.

The HHWT app reflects this focus, and aims to equip Muslim travellers with relevant information of their surroundings in order to facilitate islamically-compliant tourism. The app currently has travel guides for five cities, all in Asia. It gives you the option to “Create a trip” for a very practical planning feature of the app. The app also connects you to all the content of the site’s blog related to the featured cities in the app.

I also like that it is interactive, as you can share your own or view other’s ratings.

Although the app only features five locations at the moment, I envision great potential for the app, as the basic model is useful and user-friendly. As they build the bank of locations and functions of the app, I can see it being a big hit!

HalalTrip Availability: iOS, Android.

The HalalTrip app is a product of the halal tourism website, HalalTrip. These guys are also major players in the Halal Tourism space, similar to HHWT and a very popular resource targeted mostly to the Southeast Asian Muslim travel market.

The HalalTrip app is probably a little more versatile since it features a ‘Halal Food Spotter’, tour packages, in-flight prayer time calculator, handy travel duas and other Islamic information section as well as comprehensive travel guide documents for a few countries including Australia and Indonesia.

This app is also interactive, where you can find a series of traveller reviews on mosques, restaurants and attractions, and even connectivity with the uber service in that location. Overall, this app is a great one-stop shop for Muslim travellers.

Halal Navi Availability: iOS, Android.

Yet another socially interactive app (hey, the more apps, the better coverage!) for users to add and review restaurants and prayer spaces across 13 coun-

October 2016

tries. It seems to have quite a lot of entries compared to other apps and has a pretty user-friendly interface.

Sky Prayers Availability: iOS, Android.

Have you ever wondered how to calculate your prayer times and the direction of the Qibla while on a flight? Well firstly, seek out learning the fiqh behind it, and then download this app! Sky Prayers works offline using the location information you input from plane entertainment screen information. It displays the shortest path to Mecca for you to determine the direction of the Qibla and also calculates the prayer times accordingly. The app also has the ability to detect location where GPS is enabled.

HajjSalam Availability: iOS, Android.

It makes so much sense that Muslim app developers have created apps to assist Muslims with carrying out one of the most fundamental acts of worship, Hajj.

The gurus who created HajjSalam are a Dubai-based startup, Hajjnet, who have received high acclaim in the Middle East for their mobile and web products.

Upon opening this app, you are overwhelmed by how comprehensive it is. The app features a day by day explanatory guide for both Hajj and Umrah, including a checklist of activities to be completed. You can use it to read the relevant Hajj duas, keep count the amount of tawaf you have performed, have interactive maps at your fingertips to track the location of your companions, essential services and sites. The only thing I probably didn’t enjoy about this app was that it is sponsored by some ads. They’re not overly obnoxious ads, but it does kill the spiritual vibes a little.

Maps.me Availability: iOS, Android.

This app was a lifesaver for us on a recent trip to Turkey and Iran. It’s a set of offline maps which also allows you to find your own location, navigate to and pin places of interest.

It’s a quite detailed set of maps which is so much more convenient to use than pa-

per maps or digital maps requiring internet connection. To search for some of the locations on this app, you may need to search using the language of that place, which may be hard if you are not too familiar with the script.

Wayfarer’s Compass is a Muslim Travel Hub created by Sana Gillani. The original full article was posted on www.wayfarerscompass.com.

SendOutCards Availability: iOS, Android.

This is one of my most favourite apps in general, as it is useful for sending out cards for several different occasions. It does, however, most conveniently serve the purpose as a postcard delivery service while you’re globe-trotting! Remember those vintage things called postcards? Who even sends those anymore?

If you’re in a location where finding a post office and postage stamps is too much of a mission, then use this online app to post one of your photos in the mail back home to your loved ones. A personalised message is included in their post card templates. It won’t have the local stamp from your location on it, but it really is the next best thing.

My husband and I sent out customised postcards to our friends and families using SendOutCards on our recent travels, and it really was appreciated by our loved ones (still hanging on their fridges as proof!). I love that you can hand select photos you have taken yourself, and how easy it is to use from anywhere that has a wifi connection.

I love the philosophy behind SendOutCards, to act immediately on a prompting when you’re instantly reminded of someone while traveling. The app connects with your phone contacts list, (so don’t forget to save postal addresses when entering new contacts!) is super easy to navigate and very affordable.

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

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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

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

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

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

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.

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Charity Organisations

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

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

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

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

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

Buy/Sell/Trade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Website: www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my

October 2016

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TOP 6 Muslim Memes

BUSINESS 22

#SOCIAL APP

SOCIAL 23

TOP 8 Tweets #Swamped ByMuslims

VIDEOS

To Watch

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of the month

Who are Generation M?

“Being a Muslim is often seen as a synonym for oppression and terrorism in Western public opinion.

But stereotypes are unable to represent a community of 1.6 billion people.

Muslim millennials define themselves as a generation of change: Generation M. Youthful people who reject religious extremism but who are fanatical about the Internet, Business-minded, cool, and empowered.

Muslims who maintain that faith and the future can and will be able to live harmoniously alongside each other.”

This video brilliantly captures the diversity of Muslim Youth, shifting from that overused footage of Muslims praying and women wearing black, and portraying the stylish, adventurous an expressive nature of Muslims today.

They show the balance Muslim Youth have in representing their faith, cultural background and current (western) cultural expression.

This is not to say they try to copy Western culture, but rather try to create their own culture in the western context.

They show popular youtubers such as Dinatokio, and then a series of other fashionable, confident and hard-working Muslim youth.

Video: goo.gl/YzCJ8D

Al Quran (Tafsir & by Word) Available on Android Price: Free Saminah Ahmad Al Quran (Tafsir & By Word) is a very useful app, especially if you’re trying to learn how to understand and speak Arabic. It has a function: Tafsir ibn kathir.

It has Tajweed which is colour coded and analysis of words you choose. There are many themes to choose from.

I found it of great to help not only for my Arabic pronunciation but also my understanding of Arabic root words.

When you’re a Muslim & there’s turbulence on the flight Helping Those In Need Jalal Brothers

The controversial youtube pranksters, the Jalal Brothers have tried to show a more softer side with their latest video ‘Helping Those In need’.

They were filmed building 60 care packages (worth $600) before dressing in their trademark white robes and fake beards and dropping them to homeless people in the city centre.

The video shows them purchasing first aid packs, juice, chips, electronic tablets, headphones, $100 food voucher, water, blankets, towels, warm clothing, even condoms and a whole range of other products into a black duffle bag.

When they approach someone on the street, the bearded man in white robes drops the bag and says “This is yours man, have a nice day.”

Filming from a distance, you can see this gesture brings the receiver to tears, as they are shocked by receiving so many goods.

When the cameras eventually approach the homeless, hugs and handshakes are shared.

They said “We’re just trying to tell people that you have let’s say a little bit of extra money, sometimes its nice to give back to the community and people that need it more.”

Video: youtu.be/a6FWgnW9MYw

October 2016

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App Features: • Verse indexed Tafsir Ibn Kathir in English with embedded Arabic • Color Coded Tajweed with the same color implementation as iquran (For Kitkat and up) • Word by Word Rendering, Root Information, Translation, Word Details and Verb Forms • Bookmarks/Favourites separated into user made categories • A powerful full-text search engine with highlights • Robust audio system with repeat, group playback of verses function to aid in memorization • Various fonts, pinch-zoom feature and multiple Themes • Autoscroll feature • Different Quran Translations viewable simultaneously: Bengali, Chinese, English, French, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Malay, Russian, Spanish, Urdu • Several downloadable recitations for verse by verse recital (supports gapless/continuous recitation) including Mishary Al-Afasy

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October 2016