Issue 132 November 2016

MUSLIM

AUSTRALASIAN

Multimedia News & Views

ISSN: 1039-2300

Print Post Publication No. 100021354

Print edition published Monthly on first Friday with Website updates

Towards Cultural Convergence

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“LAST CHANCE�

Short Film

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Prof Stuart Rees on Palestine

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Hiking Through Pakistan

TRAVEL PAGE 21

Mosques open doors in order to embrace all Abu Anees On Saturday 29 October Mosques all around Australia welcomed thousands of people of all faiths and diverse background, men, women and children, in order to build community understanding and harmony.

National Mosque Open Day is an annual Australia-wide event initiated by the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) with support from the Department of Social Services.

The event features a number of mosques across the nation simultaneously opening their doors to the public and inviting them to come in and explore their local mosque.

This year National Mosque Open Day was the largest ever, featuring increased number of participating mosques across Australia, in capital cities as well as in regional towns, giving more Australians the chance to visit and be welcomed into their local mosques.

One of the oldest and largest mosques, the Imam Ali Mosque in Wangee Road, Lakemba was visited by thousands of people last Saturday to observe prayer services, listen to the recitation of Quran, and look at the exhibition on Islamic teachings, practices and cultural activities within the mosque.

A number of politicians and interfaith leaders visited the Lakemba mosque throughout the day meeting the congregation as well as the visitors.

Jihad Dib, the state member for Lakemba and the NSW Shadow Minister of Education was readily available at the front steps of the mosque welcoming visitors and engaging people into conversation. continues on page 3

National Mosque Open Day visitors at Lakemba Mosque on Saturday 29 October 2016. From left: Mr Jihad Dib, Ms Tanya Pilbersek and Mr Tony Burke (right). Photo by ZIA.

Amity College celebrates its 20th anniversary (1996-2016) Zia Ahmad

Stage performance by Amity College students. Photo by Samet Erkut.

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Amity college marked a major milestone by celebrating its 20th anniversary since its formation by bringing together staff, both past and present, students, parents, politicians, educationists and community leaders on Saturday 22 October at its premises in Prestons.

The program commenced at 5.30 pm with a reception for invited guests together with the laying of a time capsule, with messages and comments, to be opened in future at the 50th anniversary.

An open session was held at 6.30 pm in the main assembly hall attended by guests as well as a large contingent of students, parents and general public with formal welcome, awards, speeches, students performances and vote of thanks to all movers and shakers who had contributed at the success of Amity College.

Mr Deniz Erdogan, Executive Principal of Amity College acknowledged everyone who shared this beautiful dream and the journey in building this educational institution. He further extended gratitude to the

tireless founding members and volunteers, all past and present staff, parents, students and supporters of this success story and its long track record.

The highlight of the evening was the specially prepared video presentation showcasing 20 years of fond memories with photos and video clips and the growth of the College from a vacant bushland to a state of the art educational faculty.

Awards were presented to the past principals of the College, some of whom had arrived from overseas specially for the occasion. Additional awards were presented to other staff who had a long track record of contributing towards the development of the College from its very beginnings.

The audience were addressed by a number of distinguished guests including Mr Luke Foley, NSW Opposition Leader, Mr Paul Lynch MP for Liverpool, Ms Anne Stanley MP for Werriwa, Ms Wendy Waller Mayor, Liverpool City Council and Dr Geoff Newcombe, CEO of Association of Independent Schools, NSW. continues on page 3

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BUSINESS 22

Mosques open doors in order to embrace all continued from page 1 Visitors found a unique experience and flavour, representing the multicultural make-up of the congregation at Lakemba Mosque.

There were information brochures and booklets on Islam and Muslims as well as Australasian Muslim Times newspaper to be picked up.

The visitors tasted free BBQ, special tea, sweets, food and engaged themselves in activities at the mosque throughout the day.

Of particular notice was the way a lot of non Muslims, among them an overwhelmingly a large number of women simply sat on the carpeted floor of the Lakemba Mosque attentively listening to the melodious live recitation of Quran in Arabic, possibly a unique spiritual experience to listen to the revelation that Muslims consider the Words of God. This year the following mosques formally took part in the National Mosque Open Day 2016: New South Wales Lakemba Mosque 65-67 Wangee Rd, Lakemba Cabramatta Mosque 22 Water Street, Cabramatta West Blacktown Mosque 15 Fourth Ave, Blacktown Orange Mosque 344A Peisley St, Bletchington Islamic Society of Albury-Wodonga

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AMUST Issue # 132 Friday 4 November 2016; 3 Safar 1438 News

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- Mosques Open Doors to All - Amity College Celebrates its 20th

5-7

Boomerang

- Compassion - A Mark of Civility - Strengthening Cultural Convergence

8 - 10

Community

- Refuting Foundations of Extremism - “LAST CHANCE” Screening - Q&A with Jihad Dib

Australia Visitors browsing through the exhibit inside Lakemba Mosque. Photo by ZIA. Mareeba District Mosque 494 Wagga Road, Lavington 108 Walsh St, Mareeba Sultan Fatih Mosque Cairns Mosque 3-5 Victoria St, Mayfield, Newcastle 31 Dunn St, Cairns Victoria Masjid Salam Virgin Mary Mosque Cnr Third Ave & Curtis II Court, Marsden 143 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing Garden City Mosque Albanian Australian Islamic Society 217-221 West St, Harristown 765 Drummond St, North Carlton Islamic Society of Gold Coast Inc. Geelong Mosque 144 Allied Dr, Arundel 45-47 Bostok Avenue, Manifold Heights Tasmania Australian Capital Territory Hobart Mosque Canberra Islamic Centre 166 Warwick St, West Hobart 221, Clive Steele Ave, Monash South Australia Queensland Marion Mosque Rockhampton Mosque 658 Marion Rd, Park Holme 132 Kent St, Rockhampton

Amity College celebrates its 20th anniversary

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- Combating Tax Avoidance - Muslim Scholar on Hospitality - Sydney’s 13th Ashura Walk

Lifestyle

13 - 16

- IFEW AGC 2016 - Great Cycle Challenge - Children Screen Time

Ummah

17 - 18

- Solution to Kashmir Issue - Huma Abedin in Storm - Ambulances for Syrian Refugees

Education

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- Honesty: Key to a Healthy Society - The Divine Attributes of Allah

Travel

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- Hiking Through Northern Pakistan with Usman Zubair

Business

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- Halal Meat Industry in Australia - AMUST Classifieds

Social

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- #MuslimsReportStuff - Mohamed Oud Slahi Released

AMUST Team

Mr Deniz Erdogan, Executive Principal. Photo by Samet Erkut. continued from page 1 Amity College first opened its doors in 1996 under the banner of Sule College, in a paddock in Prestons amongst chicken farms and bushlands.

This was the project of the Feza Foundation (now the Galaxy Foundation) then formed by a group of highly motivated individuals of Turkish background in order to

Guests at the Amity College celebrations. Photo by Samet Erkut. serve the community particularly in the field and Shellharbour) and with 200 staff members. of education.

In its short history, the College has proudThe College had its humble beginnings, starting with 32 students and 5 staff mem- ly demonstrated strong academic, social and bers on one campus. After 20 years, Amity sporting achievements and can now boast College has flourished to become a provider more than 1,000 graduates since its first coof quality education for more than 1800 stu- hort of 2002. dents in K-12 from 46 different nationalities across three campuses (Prestons, Auburn

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.

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BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 8 - 10

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LIFESTYLE 13 - 16

November 2016

UMMAH 17 - 18

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BUSINESS 22

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“Clearing” Muslims suffering from internal divisions and external aggression the Jungle Muslims are not only the victims of ex- rupts, and after the accusation of corruption ternal aggression but also suffering from against Erdogan in 2013, he started considinternal divisions and oppression by fel- ering the followers of Gulen as enemies and embarked on a pogrom of oppression. low Muslims.

By using authoritarian power, he emThere is something fundamentally wrong where Muslims can not work together in barked on destroying Gulen inspired instian amicable way to solve their problems in tutions. This oppression became even more ugly after the attempted military coup, that and among Muslim countries. was condemned by all including Gulen Difference of opinion leads to the and his followers. opposition groups considering each In a communist style purge of other as enemies and hence feel EDITORIAL any opposition, tens of thousands justified in using force against Assalamu of people have been sacked from each other.

Alaikum their jobs, thousands have been The recent example is that arrested and the great institutions of Turkey. With democratic Greetings build by followers of Gulen have governance, rapid development of Peace either been closed or taken over. and modernisation hand in hand While there has neither been a call with Islamisation, specially during for violence by Gulen nor a single act the last decade, Turkey emerged as a role model for other Muslim countries to of violence committed by the followers of Gulen, they are being now called terrorists. follow.

You don’t treat your opposition like this A lot of grass root work for Turkey’s Islamisation process and development of a as sworn enemies. Where is the sense of civil society nationally was carried out by justice?

The same treatment is being meted out people inspired by Sheikh Fathullah Gulen.

Indeed, the success of Islamically in- to opposition in many of the other Middle spired political parties including that of Eastern countries. Opposition is not toleratPresident Erodogan, Justice and Develop- ed and force is used to suppress any opposiment Party (AKP) in competition with Ke- tion. This leads to further violence.

After deposing the elected Morsi govmalists and leftists can also be credited to the support given by the followers of Gu- ernment in Egypt, the military strongman el-Sisi has put tens of thousands of people len.

Under the leadership of Erdogan, Turkey in jails declaring them as terrorists. Many has made great progress. But power cor- have been killed and a large number are be-

Muslim Aussie Soul Mates Anne Fairbairn AM PhD (Hon) Dedicated to all Australian Muslims Almost five hundred thousand, these days Muslims enrich our country in many ways With their kindness and unique generosity, They are welcomed by many across our country.

Some Muslims have lived here undoubtedly For one hundred and fifty years surely Contributing to Down Under constantly Whether with sport, music or superb poetry.

I have been invited to Arab countries To speak at so many Universities About Australia and our poetry, And also to compile an Anthology Of modern Arabic poetry hopefully.

I was always invited annually To Baghdad’s Festival of Poetry.

I so enjoyed the ongoing hospitality And the constant Muslim generosity.

- We are lucky to have Muslims in our country.

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.

November 2016

in Calais, France Rev Bill Crews

ing tried on fictitious grounds.

In Syria both sides, the government as well as the opposition considering each other as enemies are bleeding one another and committing atrocities. Outside interests and influences are further adding fuel to the fire.

In Iraq there is a war being fought against ISIS and one can imagine what kind of atrocities will be committed against the civilian population during this process.

While the Yemenis are starving, they are in combat with each other considering fellow Yemenis as mortal enemies. Again outside influences are further escalating the infighting with the Saudi coalition engaged in bombing hospitals, schools, funerals and so on.

It is time that Muslims realise, not to treat opposition as enemies and safeguard their human rights and deal with them with justice. .

ZI Ahmad

Readers comments Detention on Nauru

Open letter to Mr Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister of Australia

Trump loses final debate and possibly Presidency

So you endorse Hillary and the continued bombing of Muslims all over the world! Yeh thanks Zia. Perhaps you should look past the propaganda and realise that Trump is the one calling out that he will stop the war firstly by stop giving the rebels weapons and money!

Hillary is a liar, murderer and election rigger. Get ready for war with Russia.

Siraj

Which US Presidents have never been liars? politics, politics!!

MS Khalil

I refer to the documentary on ABC-TV 4-Corners in which young refugee kids were shown to be in great danger whilst around the Australian detention camp on Nauru - see http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/ four-corners/NC1604H038S00 The documentary ended with a quotation from yourself: “The well-being of the refugees on Nauru is the responsibility of the Nauruan government, not Australia”.

Although I am aware that you are a man with a big heart and one who cares for children, I was Yes, Siraj, maybe Trump most disappointed would turn up trumps for to learn what you Muslims overseas if he does apparently stated. win the election, but can we Surely you recactually gamble with that. He ognise that it is changes his stance on a numAustralia’s reber of issues down the line, sponsibility when and who’s to say if he’s not it comes to the going to be influenced further. care and safety of Once elected, they always both adults and change – for the worse! And children who we who is saying Hilary is an place in detention, ‘angel’. The lesser evil and all no matter which Send us your thoughts about news or that….. detention centre current events to be published in the Jan that may be… next issue of AMUST I hope the time Most politicians are not the Email us at info@amust.com.au friends of their people or other has come for your government to repeople. alise exactly what they are doing.

Hillary and Trump appears to be just that.

If things do not change, it would be shame Personal glory rather then the nation or inin the future to look back and see what lega- ter-nation upliftment is the big reason they cy you leave behind. want the presidency.

With most Muslim leaders behaving the Philip Feinstein sycophants that they are with Western powMusic for Refugees ers in general and America in particular, it Sydney really does not matter who wins the election.

American Muslims and Muslims elseWould you like a son or a where would be lucky if their aspirations are daughter? given some recognition.

The Holistic relationship designed by the If your family does not give you a damn Creator is often overlooked by the created your neighbour or neighbourhood cannot be and the ultimate damage done to the fragile expected to do better. balance may not be undone!

Mal Mal

HAVE YOUR SAY

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I have visited the refugee camp “the jungle” in Calais several times over the past twelve months.

The site is a former asbestos dump on a floodplain, near the highway to England in Calais, France.

I went there to see for myself what was happening there. I felt there was so much “spin” from governments, media and NGOs that it was difficult to get a clear picture of who the refugees were and what conditions they were living in.

I found human beings just like myself.

People running from war and violence. I found people who actually did not exist because they had no paperwork. I found people in need of compassion and care who were bombarded by rules and stigma.

I sat with them and they welcomed me in the most humbling and touching way. It is true to say they, with the warmth of the welcome, and the closeness of their hugs brought this struggling Australian “in from the cold”.

It did not matter that I was of a different ethnic or religious background to them.

Every person I met treated me with love, courtesy and respect. I have to say I did not find that in the Government authorities or many (not all by any means) of the locals who simply saw them as pests.

I came across refugees from Iraq, Palestine, Ethiopia, Iran, too many warzones to mention. In all cases I found loving acceptance.

Going to the jungle as often as I have has changed my life irrevocably for the better.

Over time, I have noticed the effects of treating human beings like caged animals.

Once warm welcoming people became hostile and suspicious aliens.

In the jungle I came across many unaccompanied minors. They had attached themselves to similar groups of older people but were painfully alone. They were a huge worry to me as one-third of all refugee children arriving in Europe are unaccompanied minors.

I know the biggest industry, whether legal or illegal, in the world today is child-trafficking. I am intimately caught up with this in many countries so I know what I am saying.

The French authorities will say, the clearing of the jungle is to move the refugees into the provinces. However, the provinces do not want them and so God knows how this will end up. I am pretty certain the ones who will not benefit from this are the refugees themselves.

The last time part of the jungle was “cleared” by authorities, nearly 200 refugee children went missing and to this day noone knows what has happened to them. We know it was not good.

We know there are over one thousand such children in the jungle needing somewhere to go. Britain has so far taken a miserly 100 or so and already that small number is proving to be contentious. The outcome is not looking good.

I worry for the friends I have made there and what will happen to them. I myself felt intimidated by the attitudes and behaviour of the French authorities. I consider myself to be a good friend of France and find myself today in a state of despair over what is happening in the jungle.

Rev Bill Crews is the Founder and CEO of the Sydney based Bill Crews Charitable Trust: http://billcrews.org

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Compassion - a mark of civilised humanity Bilal Cleland The most mentioned name of Allah, Ar-Rahmaan, The Compassionate, is one of the features of the creation.

As Said el Nursi wrote: “Compassion is extremely broad. Through the compassion he feels for his child, a person’s compassion encompasses all young and even all living beings, and acts as a sort of mirror to the comprehensiveness of the Name of All-Compassionate. …………………… Moreover, compassion is sincere, wants nothing in return; it is pure and seeks nothing in exchange. The self-sacrificing, unselfish compassion of animals for their young, at the most common degree even, is evidence for this.”[The Letters – 49] Muslims see in this universality of compassion, one of the signs of God. It affects our perception of the world. Oppression and tyranny, the denial of the rights of creation, are violations of this divine attribute.

Again the scholar for our age, Said el Nursi commented : “Due to compassion and the justice proceeding from Islam, I am one of those who for a long time have opposed and worked against the despotism and oppression of the elite class called the bourgeouisie. I therefore support total justice with all my strength, and oppose tyranny, oppression, arbitrary power, and despotism.” [The Flashes – 226]

Those conscious of this universal emotion of care for others, are facing violations so severe that silence becomes impossible. The destruction of Syria, the creation of a tsunami of refugees, both internal and external, the dismemberment of Iraq, the genocide of the Muslims of Myanmar, our own abuse of human rights in Australia, the rise of fascist racism and Islamophobia, make the world feel very precarious.

One example of the decline in compassion on the national scale is the slamming of our human rights record by the UN Special Rapporteur Michel Forst. He issued his end of mission statement on 18 October condemning the secrecy of the Border Force Act, censorship and “frequent public vilification of rights defenders by senior government officials.” He also called for a public inquiry into the treatment of Professor Gillian Triggs. [SMH 18 October] Although there is a growing body of opinion in Australia rejecting this increase in abuse of human rights, there are still major problems.

David Donovan drew attention to the lack of concern for children in our care – if they are immigrants, or asylum seekers.

Commenting on the ABC Four Corners Program “The Forgotten Children” on Nauru, where according to Amnesty International, our treatment of children amounts to torture, he contrasted the response with that to the exposure of the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre. The latter was met with such a public outcry that the Turnbull Government announced a royal commission into it. The Four Corners report on Nauru was met with denial from the Nauruan Government, Peter

“That is Nauru. All the people sad. We have in Nauru tents and we don’t have any houses. The fan is broken and it’s hot. We don’t do anything.”

That is “me dead. I died.” explains the child who drew this picture. Photo: Australian Human Rights Commission report.

Dutton calling the reporters ‘activists’ and the International Criminal Court (and even the ABC irresponsible and LNP Senator Ian our domestic criminal courts) are correct – Macdonald called the allegations ‘trifling at there will be a reckoning for what our nabest.” The PM, Malcolm Turnbull described tion has done to the children of Nauru. And Australia’s policies as “compassionate.” statements like Turnbull’s, disabusing reThat must be a new interpretation of the sponsibility for what are clearly the actions term. The public response has also been of his Government and its agents, will be muted. seen for what they truthfully are — pitiless, Donovan’s conclusion suggests that the self-serving deceits. [Independent Australia law will compensate for this lack of com- 20 Oct 2016] passion.

“One day – and it may not be too far away, Bilal Cleland is a keen reader, a prolific if reports of lawyers looking at developing writer and a regular columnist of AMUST cases against the Australia Government in based in Melbourne.

Strengthening Aboriginal society by The Aleppo mainstream cultural convergence is drenched Dr Daud Batchelor

The most challenged community in Australia today is the Aboriginal community, the First Australians, who are working hard to regain their footing.

Aboriginal society suffered greatly from British colonisation and the imposition of western culture. Dispossession of their land, diseases and violent conflict resulted in numerous Aboriginal deaths. European contact undermined traditional Aboriginal authority, laws, culture and religion.

Colonialists introduced high levels of alcohol and tobacco consumption, gambling, and later, drugs and pornography. These had devastating impacts. Conservatively estimated social costs to Australia of drug abuse in 2004/05 were $55 billion, of which alcohol accounted for $15 billion, tobacco $32 billion and illicit drugs $8 billion.

These do not account for unmeasurable spiritual and mental damage. Alcohol is responsible for fire injuries, domestic violence, falls and road accidents. Further, social costs of problem gambling are estimated at $5 billion yearly. Almost 500,000 Australians are either at risk or are problem gamblers, each impacting 5-10 others. Aboriginal society is however, much more greatly affected.

Aborigines die from alcohol-related diseases at five t i m e s greater the rate

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for non-Aborigines. 2012 rates of sexual assault among Aboriginal children were 2–4 times those for non-Aborigines, while women were sexually abused six times the frequency for non-Aborigines. Aborigines who are problem gamblers are estimated at 10 times the mainstream rate. Consequences are desperate family financial situations and breakdowns, suicide and domestic violence.

The Government implemented the 2007 Intervention, responding to the “Little Children are Sacred” report, which detailed widespread sexual abuse of Aboriginal children. It found alcohol represents the gravest threat to children’s safety and recommended urgent action to reduce alcohol consumption.

Mainstream society has an awesome responsibility to overcome disadvantage and help revitalise Aboriginal society. This author proposes this could be achieved by convergence of Australian mainstream culture to reduce harmful effects with condemnation of excessive use of alcohol, drugs, gambling and pornography.

Successful approaches are the proscribing of cigarette advertising, and starting to limit alcohol sales in Queensland. Similarly laws should be passed to restrict advertising of alcohol and gambling. Australian-based websites supplying demeaning pornography need be closed.

We s t e r n society prioritises in-

dividual rights at the expense of community well-being. Islam however, stresses achieving societal well-being and protecting vulnerable members by proscribing intoxicants and gambling, while assisting weaker citizens (Qur’an 4: 87, 127).

Peta Stephenson, author of Islam Dreaming, remarked, “Indigenous Muslims I met perceive a neat cultural fit between their traditional Indigenous beliefs and the teachings of Islam”.

The Qur’an advises, “They ask you concerning khamr (intoxicating liquor or drugs) and gambling. Say: “In them is great sin, and some benefit; but the sin is greater than the benefit.” (2:219).

Aboriginal society like Muslims recognises the importance of maintaining a strong Inner Spirit; alcohol and drugs weaken it.

Avoiding these will strengthen the spirit and so engender healthy connections with family, community and country.

Rather than Aborigines assimilating in mainstream culture, mainstream culture should converge towards traditional aboriginal culture where alcohol, drugs, gambling and pornography were little or not used.

Aboriginal elements should be incorporated within the national culture. Mainstream society would also then be better off. This would be a sincere heartfelt way of saying to our fellow Aboriginal Australians regarding their historical treatment, “I am sorry”!

Dr Daud Batchelor, holds an MA in Islamic and Other Civilisations and a Diploma in Islamic Studies from the International Islamic University Malaysia, PhD from University of Malaya, MSc from the University of London.

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in blood!

Fazlul Huq

The Aleppo is drenched in blood, As the bombs come down nonstop, And the guns are constantly fired.

So countless men and women, Young and the old, Boys and the girls, Toddlers and the infants, And the ones in the wombs, Are constantly perished but for no fault of their own, You may ask: ‘What right does any have under whatever pretext, To maim and kill, Destroy and pulverize, Create terror and fear in the heart and mind!

So, what happened to the humans, Created in the best of the mold, With the knowledge of right and wrong, and that of the sin and piety!’

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.

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Refuting foundations of extremism Dr Zuleyha Keskin The Third Australasian Conference on Islam with the theme ‘Refuting the Theological Foundations of Violent Extremism and Radicalisation’ was held from Thursday 13 to Friday 14 October at the Melbourne City Centre.

The conference which was officially opened by Victorian Multicultural Commission Chair Helen Kapalos was organised by the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy of Australia (ISRA), the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation (CISAC), Charles Sturt University (CSU), the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation (ADI), the Australian Intercultural Society (AIS) and the Australian Catholic University (ACU).

Associate Professor Mehmet Ozalp, Director of CISAC, said, “Radicals always promote a narrative made up of an ideological interpretation of Muslim suffering, proposition of force and violence as the only solution, using selective quoting of Islamic texts to legitimise the ideology and violent solutions. At this conference we examined the underlying theological and religious justification of radicalisation.”

“Refuting radicalisation cannot be done in an atomised manner, rather, it needs to be an integrated approach to holistically address the radical narrative at three levels – a more comprehensive but realistic interpretation of Muslim suffering, an alternative solution

Associate Professor Mehmet Ozalp, Director of CISAC. that produces real results, and a clear expo- said. Whatever position one holds regarding the causes of radicalisation, it is apparent sition of fundamental Islamic teachings.”

Professor Fethi Mansouri, Director of the that radicalised groups like ISIS and Boko Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Haram incorrectly use concepts of Islam to Globalisation, said that the theology of Is- justify their actions and recruit Muslims,” lam was misunderstood in a modern world he said.

Conference Convenor, Dr Zuleyha Kesfaced with the emergence of violent extremkin, from Charles Sturt University said that ism.

“While the topic of Islam is a prominent the two-day program provided fascinating feature in daily public discussions, recent but intense discussion.

“What enriched the conference was the research from ADI has shown that there is a lack of knowledge about Islam and Muslims fact that we had presenters who had differamong the community,” Professor Mansouri ent opinions on the topic at hand. The dif-

ferences were presented and discussed in a respectful manner, something we need to do be able to do more often. These discussions will no doubt have a positive ripple effect in our society as they trigger activity and collaboration, She said.”

Conference highlights included: • Islamic arguments used to justify radical ideology (Associate Professor Mehmet Ozalp, Charles Sturt University); • How IS exploits the idealism of Muslim youth (Professor Greg Barton, ADI); • Islam and Islamic religiosity in the West (Professor Fethi Mansouri, ADI); • Refuting the ideological foundations of violent extremism and radicalisation from an Islamic perspective (Dr Hassan Qadri, Chairman Supreme Council of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Pakistan); • The causes of radicalism amongst Muslim youth: the real experience – Ahmed Kilani (Muslim Chaplain, NSW), Ramzi Elsayed (Muslim Chaplain, VIC) and Nail Aykan (General Manager, ICV).

In total, there were 34 enriching and diverse presentations to better inform the audience on a topic which will be around for a while to come.

Dr Zuleyha Keskin is the Course Director at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation, Charles Sturt University and lecturer in Islamic spirituality and contemporary Islamic studies. A Director of ISRA, she has 15 years of experience in teaching to a range of audiences from Studies of Religion students to youth and adults within the Muslim community.

“Last Chance” screening generates positive reaction Zia Ahmad The short film “Last Chance”, that hit the big screen in Sydney in October has generated a strong positive reaction specially from young people.

Audience were left in tears after the screening and gave 10 out of 10 for the unprecedented effort in Islamic film making.

Many young people commented that the film had touched them personally.

It is being shown in other major cities in Australia in late October, November and December.

The film, created by OnePath Network, the Sydney based Islamic production studio, was written and directed by OnePath’s creative Director, Kamal Saleh, who is well known for his poetic da’wa on the network’s “Talk Islam” channel.

OnePath Network is 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.

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The film screening is accompanied by the powerful Muslim live speaker, Mohamed Hoblos, who many people know from his show on the network’s “Living Muslim” channel, and who is also a central figure in the film.

The plot in the film revolves around a young man, frustrated with his life and meagre means. His friends and family try to support him and help him find work, but he finds a seemingly easier way to make some fast money. His choices will have lasting effects on him and those around him.

According to OnePath General Manager, Ahmed Bassal, demand in the UK has been terrific, with many other European cities also requesting the film.

“We have been incredibly humbled and surprised by the global demand for the film, with the majority coming from the UK, Sweden, Norway and the USA”, He said.

Malaz Majanni, the network’s CEO, said, “It has been a very exciting time for us at the studio, it seems the whole world is just as excited about this project as we are”.

When asked why the film was so popu-

lar, Majanni replied, “I think the message is universal, this is not just something that Muslims face but non-Muslims also, we’ve had many non-Muslims attend and enjoy the film.

Use/click on the video link to see the audience’s reactions after seeing the film.

VIDEO LINK: https://goo.gl/38WtBQ Earlier OnePath Network organised a VIP Dinner and Pre-Screening of “Last Chance” on Thursday 13 October at The Waterview, Sydney Olympic Park.

The highly successful event was addressed by One path founder Malaz Majanni, Ahmed Bassal, its General Manager and the Popular Sydney Islamic speaker Mohamed Hoblos who is one of the main cast in the movie.

With the motivation created by Mr Hoblos, the 300 strong young guests generously do-

nated funds for this great community media initiative that shows community confidence in this non-profit organisation.

Representatives from the following sponsors of OnePath Network also attended the event: Quordoba Investments – MCCA – Birchgrove Legal – Idieh Inc Face Painting – Supaman Plumbing – Trades College Australia – Universal Burger Outside – MCMD Outside (15% off if you mention OnePath) – Mr Blast – Lima Promotion – Matrix Solar – Powerhouse Solar and Batteries – Top 10 Tyres – Fatteyleh – The Coffee Emporium Bankstown – Australasian Muslim Times AMUST. Check out more of OnePath Network’s content by visiting the website below, or downloading the free mobile App: www.onepathnetwork.com

Cast members of the film “Last Chance”.

Australasian Muslim Times

www.amust.com.au

November 2016

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

TRAVEL 21

BUSINESS 22

COMMUNITY

SOCIAL 23

AMUST

A refreshing Q&A with Jihad Dib Zia Ahmad Mr Jihad Dib MP, member for Lakemba and currently the Shadow Minister for Education for NSW says that the drive to increase academic standards should never be at the expense of shaping strong, well rounded and responsible students with strong values and morals.

He was speaking on the topic “Building community through schools” at the Morning Conversation, a breakfast session on Wednesday 19 October organised by Affinity Intercultural Foundation at their Sydney City offices.

Part of a regular Affinity Talk Series, the event was held in the form of a Q&A session facilitated by Anton Enus, co-host of the SBS World News, who also introduced Jihad Dib. With an early morning 7.30 am start and a lavish breakfast spread, the event was attended by a full house of registered guests including educationists, school principals and teachers, academics, interfaith and community leaders and students.

Anton Enus gave a background of Jihad Dib from a migrant background, having

born in Lebanon and arriving in Australia at the age of 2 and his long experience as a teacher starting from Ulladulla High School and finally Principal of the Punchbowl Boys High School. He said that Jihad was the first Muslim to be elected to the Lower House of the NSW Parliament.

During the conversation, speaking from his heart, Jihad in a humble and friendly manner expressed his enthusiasm for giving back to the community, firstly by transforming the Punchbowl Boys High School and now serving the people of Lakemba by representing them.

He related a number of moving stories from his time as the Principal (2007-2014) of the Punchbowl Boys High School, which at one time was known as a broken school, and how it was transformed into a success story.

The Punchbowl Boys High School back in 2007 largely had students of Lebanese background and was infamous with inadequate facilities, indiscipline and low teacher morale.

Jihad embarked on taking up the challenge to radically transform the school into a multicultural school and a community facility, not just to survive, but thrive. This was

Jihad Dib receiving gift from Professor Khalid Yusoff. Photo by ZIA.

Anton Enus with Jihad Dib. Photo by Samet Erkut. done through a large number of initiatives Jihad said that he was a proud Muslim, that included clean up campaigns, building and considered himself to be a role model life skills amongst students, healthy eating, for young Muslims, that they can be high building sense of responsibility, camping, achievers in this great country if they apexcursions to theatres and inter-gender di- plied themselves in the field of their choice. alogues, cultural understanding with inter“Recently after the arrest of two youth in faith and intercultural visits, parents’ classes Bankstown, I had a spike on my twitter acand graduation ceremonies attended by stu- counts, people accusing me that it was all dents, parents and community leaders. my fault, but I said ok, that’s fine, I want to On being questioned by Anton about be- counter negativity with positive outcomes”, ing a Muslim Politician in the present cli- he said. mate, Jihad said “I am very much conscious Jihad concluded that he was not really that I am not just the Muslim MP, or mem- a hard core politicians and was new in the ber for Muslims”. business and was sometimes getting into He further added, “I am proud of my reli- trouble in the parliament. But he was very gion, proud of my heritage and the fact that much satisfied in his role as the Shadow I took my oath on the Quran and during my Minister of Education, where he could use inaugural speech I talked about my name Ji- his skills and experience to serve the state had and its real meaning”. and community.

“Recently I made some comments in the At the end of the session, Jihad Dib was parliament regarding what Senator Hanson presented with a transitional Turkish gift on had said and many came to me afterwards behalf of Affinity by an overseas guest Proto pat me on the back. But I said that well I fessor Dato Dr Khalid Yusoff, Vice Chandon’t want to be known as the Muslim guy cellor and President of UCSI University of who said this but I want you guys to say this Malaysia, a cardiologist and a graduate in as well. It would be better if the comments medicine from Melbourne University who to censure Senator Hanson came from peo- served the Australian Muslim community ple other than me”, Jihad explained. during the seventies and early 80s.

Muslim Teachers’ Networking event a success Sakinah Bokhari A highly inspiring and motivating forum to bring together educators was held on Thursday 6 October at the Emporium Lounge in Bankstown organised by the Muslim Teachers’ Association (MTA).

The annual event attracted more than

Ms Leila Shatara, Florida Atlantic University, USA

November 2016

70 passionate educators from all types of schools eager to continue to learn how to promote positive learning opportunities for their students.

The keynote address was given by an international guest speaker Ms Leila Shatara from Department of Curriculum, Culture and Educational Inquiry, Florida Atlantic University, USA. Ms Shatara, an adjunct professor and vice chair for ISNA education forum, focused on enjoining good and looking at our role as Muslims and educators to improve students and society.

ISNA, the Islamic Society of North America is the largest umbrella body of Muslims in the US comprising of people of diverse background.

Ms Shatara emphasised the important of teachers in creating a positive environment where dignity, respect and compassion are the norm, educators being the example for model behaviour through their own words and actions and encouraging reflection.

A Q&A panel followed with four experienced educators answering questions from the floor.

This included Ms Silma Ihram, Ms Alhame Ardati, Ms Leila Shatara and Sheikh Arshad.

The participants were broken into a number of focus groups to network and exchange ideas.

The formal session was followed by dinner and the event ended with prize giveaways.

From left: Mr Silma Ihram, Ms Alhame Ardati, Ms Leila Shatara and Sheikh Arshad. Photo by Sakinah Bokhari.

The MTA is a not-for profit organisation that is run by teachers for teachers. It has been a pioneer in providing a platform of open communication, networking and discussion for teachers to address the needs of students through supporting teachers and schools for the last six years.

The MTA hopes to conduct further networking opportunities, develop culturally relevant resources for classroom use, con-

www.amust.com.au

duct workshop addressing the needs of muslim students and create an avenue for communication and connection for teachers.

In order to join or find out more about the Muslim Teachers’ Association, visit their website at www.muslimteachers.com.au Sakinah Bokhari is a teacher based in Sydney.

Australasian Muslim Times

9

AMUST

COMMUNITY

NEWS 1-4

BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 8 - 10

AUSTRALIA 11 - 12

LIFESTYLE 13 - 16

Events ICFAL achieves sustainable growth Calendar Mehar Ahmad

Risala Symposium Reclaiming Our Humanity Saturday 5 Nov, 2016 7:30 PM - 4:00 PM Bryan Brown Theatre, Cnr of Rickard Road & Chapel Road Bankstown, NSW www.isra.org.au

Sisters Sunday Lecture Sunday 6 Nov, 2016 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM Belmore Masjid, Belmore, NSW www.facebook.com/ events/725930020890756/

Adelaide: “LAST CHANCE” Short Film Saturday 12 Nov, 2016

The Islamic Co-operative Finance Australia Ltd ICFAL held its 18th AGM on Saturday 29 October 2016 at the LMA Function Hall in Lakemba and announced 18 years of sustained growth.

ICFAL formed in 1998 by a group of highly motivated volunteers is a leading Islamic Finance provider operating in NSW, ACT, Victoria and South Australia providing Shariah compliant finance for housing, vehicle and community infrastructure.

It now has 2336 members with 33.2 million Member Share Fund with $5.11 gross revenue per $100 Share worth a $3.70 distributable net profit per share.

ICFAL has its offices in Parramatta, Western Sydney and now employs five staff members in order to operate as a professional finance organisation complying with Islamic financial guidelines within the stringent Australian regulations and laws pertaining to financial institutions.

The AGM started after Zuhr prayers at the adjacent Lakemba mosque with recitation of Quran and brief comments by Sheikh Redwan Rafee, a member of ICFAL Shariah

Board who recalled the humble beginnings of ICFAL where he was the first person to start the fund with a donation of $100.

The idea of ICFAL was catalysed when one of the foremost authority on Islamic finance Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani visited Australia during the late nineties and exhorted the Muslim community to initial Shariah-complant financial institutions in order to avoid usury/interest. This ICFAL was formed in 1998.

At the AGM, operating in a transparent manner, a detailed printed Annual Report for the year 2015-2016 was presented to those attending the AGM that contained reports by the Chairman, Secretary and Directors as well as a very detailed audited financial report.

During his Chairman’s report, Mr Parvez Shah highlighted the difference between regular finance that tends to make money from money leading to concentration of wealth in few hands while the purpose of Islamic finance, while recognising private ownership was to work within the guidelines of Islamic Shariah that promoted equitable distribution of wealth with justice and avoidance of usury.

Mr Shah stated how ICFAL had grown from 75 members with a pool of $10,000 now to 2336 member with $33.2 millions in Member Share Fund. He provided a future vision of ICFAL 2020 aiming for an

increase in membership to 4000 with a pool fund of $150 million.

The strategic direction ICFAL will take in future will be continued development of stringent legal and Sharia compliant products releasing new Takaful products by next year, develop HR policy and large scale investments such as community school projects in partnership with Mercy Mission, Sydney Madina and a Canberra based organisation.

The current ICFAL Board of Directors and their portfolio is as follows: Dr Muhammad Maaroof Khan: Marketing & product Dr AK Daud Khaled: Investment & Finance Mr Shah Mustaque Parvez: Chairman & Administration Dr Rafiqul Islam: Secretary & Legal Compliance Dr Naim Islam: Member Services Finally the AGM was addressed by Dr Shabbir Ahmed, a member of the ICFAL Shariah Board and an adviser from its very beginnings.

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

Reading Cinemas, West Lakes, South Australia lastchance.onepathnetwork. com

Sakinah for Seniors Saturday 12 Nov, 2016 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM 3 Carew Street, Mt Druitt, NSW Ph: 8809 2966 Mob: 0435 069 161

Growing up as a Muslim What should I do?

A course for 13-18yrs Muslim women

Saturday 12 Nov, 2016 Saturday 19 Nov, 2016 Saturday 26 Nov, 2016 3 Carew Street, Mt Druitt, NSW Ph: 0435 069 161 Ph: 0413 341 494

ISRA - Islamic Studies Information Course

Thursday 17 Nov, 2016 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Syd: Level 3, 128-136 South Pde, Auburn, NSW Mel: 250 Hume Hwy, Somerton, VIC Online Streaming

www.isra.org.au

Art Exhibition 2016 – ‘ART-ASTIC” Saturday 18 Nov, 2016 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM Al Siraat College (Junior School Building), 45 Harvest Home ad Epping 3076 VIC

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

10

Panel of ICFAL directors listening to Sheikh Redwan Rafee (right) at the AGM.

IFAM holds 23rd AGM and elections AMUST Media

The Islamic Forum for Australian Muslims (IFAM) held its 23rd Annual General Meeting held on Sunday 30 October 2016 at Campbelltown Masjid Hall.

IFAM is an Australia-wide grass root registered non-profit organisation with branches in most states of Australia. It advocates Muslims to live in accordance with the teachings of Islam and as peaceful citizens of this country.

Starting as a humble youth movement during the early nineties, it now has a well organised and highly motivated cadre of members and supporters with a large number of study circles in various suburbs as well as a few operating mosques and musallas.

Regular family camps, training sessions and talks are organised by IFAM for members as well as for general public on various Islamic themes.

During recent years IFAM has mobilised youth and women to take part in their organisational structure. This year at the AGM for the first time in IFAM history a number of women took part as Members of the General Meeting of Central IFAM Australia.

IFAM works hand in hand with Charity Australia, an aid organisation and Saarban Islamic Trust managing its mosque and oth-

Australasian Muslim Times

er properties.

This year, presented at the AGM, IFAM published a 68 page Annual Report by its office bearers about its projects, activities and services to the community including report on its finances. The Report can be viewed on its website: ifam.org.au The AGM was attended by 61 MGMs (Member of General Meeting) and 4 guests with special invitation.

A series of elections were conducted

by Br Mohemed Fazli (ALMA), Br Sadiq Buckley (AIM) and Dr Abdur Rahman Haider (IPDC). Br Fazli was nominated as a the Chief Election Officer.

The first election was held to elect IFAM Central President where Br Rais Ahmed Khan was elected as President for the session of 2016-18.

The second election was conducted where the following 9 IFAM Central Shura (Consultative Body) Members were successful: 1. Br Muhammad Anees Qureshi 2. Dr Chaudhary Kashif Aziz 3. Br Usaid Khalil 4. Br Wajahat Ali Khan Rana 5. Br Syed Zain ul Abdin 6. Br Chaudhary Rab Nawaz 7. Br Irshad Ahmed 8. Br Muhammad Hamid Abbasi 9. Br Muhammad Khurram Jawaid The third election chose the following Shura members to represent their states in

www.amust.com.au

Mr Usaid Khalil, Secretary General. the Central Shura: 10. Br Javed Akhtar, New South Wales 11. Hafiz Abdul Ghaffar Nadeem, Victoria 12. Br Abdul Gaffar Khan, Australian Capital Territory The fourth and final election was held for Vice President and Secretary General among the Shura members by the Shura members: Dr Chaudhary Kashif Aziz, Vice President Br Usaid Khalil, Secretary General.

November 2016

AUSTRALIA Combating multinational tax avoidance in Australia UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

TRAVEL 21

BUSINESS 22

SOCIAL 23

AMUST

FINANCE Dr Abul Jalaluddin Australian multinational anti-avoidance law applies from 1 January 2016. It ensures multinationals pay fair share of tax on profits earned in Australia. It targets large corporations that implement arrangements or schemes to avoid having a taxable presence in Australia, resulting in an outcome of paying a little or no tax to this country.

The anti-avoidance measures apply to a significant global entity which is defined as having an annual global income of $1 billion or more. The law intends to capture situations where a foreign multinational supplies goods or services to Australian customers and books that revenue offshore; an Australian entity undertakes activities directly in connection with the supply; and one of the principal purposes of this arrangement is to obtain a tax benefit from Australia.

A tax benefit would include an amount not being treated as assessable income, a deduction being claimed, a capital loss being claimed, a foreign income tax offset being

allowed and a withholding tax not being liable to pay in Australia.

To improve transparency in international taxation, significant global entities will have to comply with the country by country reporting regime. In this regime, the entities that are Australian residents or foreign res-

idents with an Australian Permanent Establishment will have to provide 3 reports to the Australian Taxation Office: master file, local file and country by country business matrix file. These reports require multinationals to disclose details regarding their international related party dealings, revenues, profits, and

taxes paid by jurisdiction. They are due in 12 months from the end of a financial year.

If a significant global entity makes a supply through an Australian subsidiary or a Permanent Establishment or a commercially dependent entity, the anti-avoidance legislation will not apply. This is due to the fact that these Australian entities through which the supply is made will be legally liable to pay the right amount of tax in Australia.

In the event a multinational corporation doesn’t pay fair share of tax, the Commissioner of Taxation will cancel the tax benefit obtained in connection to its businesses in Australia. In addition, the Commissioner has power to impose 100 per cent penalty for the culpability of avoiding tax in this country. This will translate to an example in which a multinational avoids $500 million in tax for a particular financial year, they will be required to pay back this amount ($500 million) and pay a penalty of $500 million, increasing Australian revenue base by $1 billion in that year.

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

British Muslim scholar speaks on “hospitality” Zia Ahmad An eminent British Muslim scholar, Professor Mona Siddiqui visited Australia earlier in October and gave a number of talks at various locations in Sydney and Canberra.

She gave public lectures on the topic “Hospitality & Inter-Religious Witness” on Monday 10 October at Novotel Parramatta in Sydney as well as at Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture in Canberra, both events organised by ISRA and Centre for Contextual Theology, Charles Sturt University.

During her lectures, she discussed the relationships between hosts, guests and religion - a theme that she has explored in one of her books also titled “Hospitality and Islam: Welcoming in God’s Name”.

Professor Siddiqui has explored the concepts and categories, scriptural stories and characters, and legal, ethical, mystical and feminist discourses that engage the ideal of “hospitality” in the Muslim tradition.

At a time when images of desperate Iraqi and Syrian refugees seeking safe havens dominate the news, fewer themes have been more pressing than that of hospitality.

She has raised the question as to what can religion contribute to the idea of hospitality and its practice in contemporary society?

Answer to this question become absolutely critical with movement of large number of people of diverse backgrounds as immi-

grants and refugees.

Professor Siddiqui, OBE currently holds the Chair of Islamic and Inter-religious Studies at the University of Edinburgh and was the Presenter of the 2016 Gifford Lectures.

During her lecture in Sydney, Professor Siddiqui, who was born in Karachi, Pakistan and raised in UK, related some personal moving stories of her growing up and in particular hospitality in action by a poor woman and her children to her as a stranger when she went to Egypt to study Arabic as a young woman.

She explored in detail on hospitality in the Abrahamic tradition in general and in the Islamic tradition in particular.

She said that hospitality is an obligation, a foremost duty for others and is considered unconditional shown to our loved ones, family and friends as well as to strangers.

Professor Siddiqui emphasised the need to change our immigrant mentality where our home is not a place but the people we live with. The West is now the home of Muslim immigrants in general and specially of their children who have grown up or are born and raised in the West.

Professor Mona Siddiqui was also an invited speaker at the first “Morning Conversation” with the topic “Faith, Freedom, and the Secular Sphere” on Tuesday 11 October held at the Sydney city offices of Affinity Intercultural Foundation.

The ‘Morning Conversation” is a series from 7.30 to 9 am breakfast event organised regularly by Affinity with facilitated interactive conversations between experts and

Professor Mona Siddiqui with A/Prof Mehmet Ozalp and other CSU staff.

Photo by ZIA.

November 2016

Professor Mona Siddiqui at the “Morning Conversation” event held at Affinity Intercultural Foundation. Photo by Samet Erkut. an audience of diverse professional back- interview, and the audience members had grounds. the opportunity to ask Professor Siddiqui The event began with a traditional Turk- their questions. ish breakfast spread, and guests mingled, Professor Siddiqui’s thoughtful answers and enjoyed the breakfast until the official and unique ideas, as well as Jane’s interestconversation started with a live interview of ing questions made for a highly interesting Professor Siddiqui by Jane Jeffes, Executive conversation at the launch of this unique iniProducer, Religion and Ethics, ABC Radio. tiative by Affinity that was considered highThe interview touched on a wide range of ly successful. topics including radicalisation, family relationships, types of secularism, practices of Zia Ahmad is the Managing Editor of the the media, individual freedoms and the role Australasian Muslim Times and is based in of religion in modern societies.

Sydney.

Facilitated Q&A followed the engaging

From left: Jane Jeffes, Ahmet Polat and Professor Mona Siddiqui.

Photo by Samet Erkut.

www.amust.com.au

Australasian Muslim Times

11

AUSTRALIA

NEWS 1-4

BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 8 - 10

AUSTRALIA 11 - 12

LIFESTYLE 13 - 16

Sydney marks 13th Ashura Walk AMUST

Fousiya Bismi The 13th Ashura walk on Wednesday 12 October 2016 commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (r), took place in Sydney with nearly 5000 people walking from Hyde Park to the Royal Botanical Gardens in the city.

Imam Hussein (r) was the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad (s) who was martyred on 10th of Muharram 61 AH, 680 CE in the city of Karbala (in modern day Iraq).

The procession brought together with people from different Muslim communities wearing black and carrying red flags and green banners beating their chests and chanting poetry in order to mark the Shahadah of Imam Hussein (r).

The last call of Imam Hussein before being martyred was:” Is there anyone to help me?” What he meant was: “Is there anyone to spread my message?” (of principled justice) The marchers were answering that call today when they chanted: “Labbayk Ya Hussein” “Here I am O Hussein (at your service)!”

In this way they expressed their religious affiliation and bring the attention of the world to the unparalleled atrocities enacted upon the family and companions of the Imam Hussein (r) who preferred to sacrifice

Nearly 5000 people walked from Hyde Park to the Royal Botanical Gardens. Photo by SA NAQVI Photography. his life rather than compromise with evil.

The tragedy of Karbala is considered to be of the last Messenger from God. Police guided the procession through traf- the greatest showdown between good and The Ashura walk was conducted all over fic and everything went smoothly with full evil in human history. the world with various people of diverse cooperation with the authorities in an organThe Ashura walk reminded all people of cultural and religious background attending ised and peaceful manner.

Imam Hussein’s (r) stand for justice against these to show solidarity with Imam Husoppression by the forces of evil. He refused sein’s universal message of unity, dignity, to pledge allegiance to Yazid who is consid- justice and peace for all humanity.

The largest gathering will take place on ered to have usurped the position of Calithe 40th day after the martyrdom anniverphate.

Imam Hussein (r) said, “Death with dig- sary of Imam Hussein in Iraq walking from nity is better than a life with humiliation”. Najaf to Karbala.

“A man like me cannot make allegiance to a Fousiya Bismi, based in Sydney is a famihappy as it takes my attention away from man like Yazid”.

The Ashura walk showcases that humani- ly law advisor, student of comparative reliother stresses.

We would like to invite you and your fam- ty to this day mourns the horrible acts com- gions and a community activist. ily to our Art Exhibition on 18 November mitted toward the family and true followers to celebrate our learning and achievement in Art. There will be lots of fun activities in store such as jumping castles, print-making activities, henna paintings and face paintings.

There will also be various stalls selling handicrafts, clothes and many other interamong all sectors of the community. esting items.

AMUST Media The traditional walk was joined by SydWe look forward to seeing you at the exney’s most flourishing and diverse commuhibition.

• Event: Art Exhibition 2016 – ‘ART-AS- This year’s Harmony Walk was held on nities as well as a number of politicians, Wednesday 28 September at Fairfield community and interfaith leaders.

TIC” Park where people of diverse background An exhibition of harmony initiatives were • Date: 18 November 2016 and faith participated in a range of activi- displayed at the Fairfield Youth & Com• Time: 2.30pm to 5.30pm munity Centre. The program also included • Venue: Al Siraat College (Junior School ties through the day.

Harmony Walk is an annual event, an ini- various cultural performances by a diverse Building), 45 Harvest Home Rd, Epping tiative of the Moving Forward Together As- group of artists including indigenous people 3076 VIC. sociation, a not-for-profit association com- and relatively newly arrived migrants and Haniyah Jabeen and Hafsa Arain are stu- mitted to creating a better understanding refugees. dents in Year 6A at Al Siraat College, Melbourne.

Reflections on upcoming Art Exhibition ART-ASTIC Haniyah Jabeen and Hafsa Arain

November is our favourite month of the year as it is time for the Art Exhibition at our school, Al Siraat College.

Art is one of our favourite subjects because it allows us to express our creatively.

In Art, we learnt about various artists and responded to their artworks through paintings. We are also enriched through Cultural art and Islamic Art. At our school, we are truly lucky to be able to work with different types of media such as clay, paintings, collages, jewellery making and many more.

Of all these, our favourite would have to be the monochromatic painting as it was great challenge and fun to create an artwork using just one colour. The other work which we love is the cubist style pastel work which I created which looks like looking through a broken mirror.

We look forward to Art every week as it gives us an opportunity to be creative and experiment with different ideas. It makes us

Haniyah Jabeen.

12

Harmony Walk 2016 hosted

by Fairfield community

Hafsa Arain.

Australasian Muslim Times

Harmony Walk participants with Jihad Dib, Ernie Friedlander and Nick Lalich at Fairfield Park. Photo by ZIA

www.amust.com.au

November 2016

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

TRAVEL 21

BUSINESS 22

LIFESTYLE

SOCIAL 23

IFEW AGC 2016: exploration of self and Islam A combination of programs were organised during the long weekend in October that included a MEFF retreat, IFEW AGC and AGM as well as an AIF formal biannual socialisation at the north shores of Sydney mainly at the premises of Uniting Venues, Elanora Heights.

A retreat organised by the Australian MEFF Consortium, organisers of the Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair was held on Saturday 1 October in order to finalise the new constitution of MEFF as well as to develop strategy for seeking sponsorship and streamline various aspects of the organisation of the next MEFF on Sunday 9 July 2017.

The combined 33rd Annual General Conference (AGC) and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Islamic Foundation for Education & Welfare (IFEW) was held from Saturday 1 October to Monday 3 October bringing together families from four generations.

The theme for the AGC this year was “Exploration of Self & Islam: Mental and Physical Wellbeing” showcased by three theme talks by presenters from three generations.

Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad spoke on “Exploration of Islam: essential for upgrading ourselves” where he emphasised the personal and passionate study of Islam by every indi-

vidual in his/her own right and then develop a conviction to improve oneself.

Mrs Sumaiya Quasim talked on “Healthy lifestyle” using resources from Islamic teachings and contemporary guidelines on healthy eating, exercise and avoiding habits detrimental to health.

Ms Saminah Ahmad did an audio visual presentation on “Exploration of self: preserving mental health” where she explained the difference between mental health and mental illness. She said that there was a lot of ignorance in the community in recognising mental illness and reluctance to seek professional help.

The AGC started with recitation of Quran

by Hafiz Dr Waliullah Bokhari followed by IFEW President Najia Khalil’s welcome, words of advice by Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad and then, maintaining three decades of tradition, AIF Tarana in Urdu sung by first and second generation and, 3rd generation song (Iqbal’s dua) in Urdu sung by 3rd and 4th generation kids.

Sunday 2 October started with very early morning tahajjud and long supplication dua

by Mr Usaid Khalil, Theme Workshops and then with reports on various projects and activities of IFEW. The 33rd AGC booklet was prepared well in advance containing talks, reports and future plans as always in printed as well as in electronic form.

During the Family report session, each

Aamir Ahmad, IFEW President.

Saminah Ahmad, Vice President.

Zia Ahmad

AMUST

IFEW members and their families at AGC 2016. Photo by Jumanah Husna. basic family gave a written report on all its conference. individual members, their educational proOn Monday 3 October AGC Theme resgress, jobs, health and future plans followed olutions were passed together with an adby discussions and advice. dress by the newly elected IFEW President, Possibly a first in Australia, moving with Aamir Ahmad. the times, IFEW elections were conductThis was followed by the biannual socialed electronically where the candidates for isation at a nearby water-side park hosted by Trustees and Shura (Management Commit- Mrs Mehar Ahmad and family. tee) were voted on line, in an efficient and Starting as the Australasian Integrated smooth manner.

Family (AIF), IFEW has been one of the Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad, Mr Zia Ahmad pioneers in establishing daawah, educaand Mrs Najia Khalil were elected as trus- tion and welfare activities for more than 33 tees for a period of four years while the years in Sydney. One of their offshoots is Shura selected with mutual discussion Mr the MEFF Eid Festival being organised for Aamir Ahmad as President and Ms Sami- more than 30 years. nah Ahmad as Vice President of IFEW. The The Australasian Muslim Times AMUST other office bearers were to be appointed by currently being produced by Seena IncorpoShura later. rated is also an initiative of AIF. As per tradition a photography session A number of IFEW members, parts of a was held to take annual portrait photos of large extended family have been associated individuals, basic families as well as group with Islamic activities in Australia in generphotos of all IFEW members and their fami- al and Sydney in particular for more than 45 lies consisting of four generations. years having founded many community orAll catering was provided Halal, courtesy ganisations and working in fields of educaof the Uniting Venues saving time for mem- tion, daawah, publications, family organisabers from food preparation and devoting tion, student, youth and women’s activities. time in more creative activities during the

Would you like a son or a daughter?

Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas

Gender disappointment and gender selection aren’t new concepts and have been mentioned in texts as early as the time of prophet Abraham (a) some 4000 years ago. This is where the gender of one child is preferred over another and subsequently any children that aren’t of the favoured gender are aborted or murdered.

After the birth of my third daughter I noticed so many people were devastated for me. One person this week excitedly told me that if we hold off on having our next child the Australian government will soon be allowing IVF gender selection for people in my shoes; that being anyone who has two or more children all of the same gender, can choose the gender of their next child at pre-fertilization stage.

Never mind the three perfectly healthy children Allah has blessed us with. Never mind the challenges we faced before their safe arrival, the tears, the fears, the recurrent miscarriages, the anticipation and alas the truly unconditional overwhelming love that comes with being a parent to each and every one of them, regardless of their gender. Never mind all that...

While gender-selection is currently not available in Australia, there are parents going overseas to have the procedure done.

Now some may argue that because gender selection is done at pre-embryo stage it eliminates the abortion process so no children or foetuses are harmed during the process, so what’s the problem? Statistics say otherwise.

November 2016

I recently watched a documentary stating that as a direct result of generations of gender-selective abortions in favour of boys there is now a surplus of men in China and India.

In China they’re called ‘bare-branches’ because the family lineage stops with them.

These men are unable to marry because there just isn’t enough women. Where natural birth rates of girls and boys globally sits at a ratio of about 100:105 respectively, in China this ratio sits at 100:122.

In India this ratio is at about 100:114. In fact, The Economist reports that because of the gender selection in previous generations, in 2012 there were over 40 million men in China unable to find a wife.

Additionally in China women tend to marry up; meaning they marry men that are more educated, more well off, have greater economic stability. Many of the bare branches are therefore men in poverty stricken rural areas. These are consequences of gender-selection that Australia can learn from.

Allah, in all his mercy creates a harmonious gender ratio for the entire world at 1:1.

So on average there are equal numbers of males and females at any given time. The same is true for just about every species of animal aswell. How right is it to play with the gentle gender balance that occurs naturally by the will of Allah?

Gender selection, weather through abor-

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tions or through modern-day IVF procedures, pave the way for a new set of unchartered global problems.

To the lady that told me to wait for IVF gender selection to be introduced in Australia, and to others, my response is always the same.

May Allah give us all children that are beneficial to us, beneficial to themselves, to their communities, to the Ummah and to humanity. May He allow us to raise them all as beacons of light that shine Allah’s truths.

If we’re fortunate enough to have children like this, does it really matter what gender they are?

“To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; He creates what He wills. He gives to whom He wills female [children], and He gives to whom He wills males. Or He makes them [both] males and females, and He renders whom He wills barren. Indeed, He is Knowing and Competent.” (Qur’an, Surah Ash-Shuraa 42:49,50).

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.

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LIFESTYLE The Period of Youth: time to celebrate good health NEWS 1-4

AMUST

BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 8 - 10

AUSTRALIA 11 - 12

LIFESTYLE 13 - 16

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan There is a hadith that appears in several books of Hadith. According to it, on the Day of Judgment every person will be questioned about some issues, one of these being how he or she spent his or her youth.

Youth is said to be the best part of a person’s life. That is why we will be questioned specially about it.

What is youth?

It is another name for the age of good health. If you have good health, you have everything. If you don’t have good health, you have nothing.

If you lose your health, it is like losing everything. Good health is truly something to be very grateful for.

Imagine a world where every person is deprived of good health.

It would be like a vast hospital, a hospital where there is no doctor or nurse and no health facilities. Such a world would be a completely intolerable place to live in.

In our youth, we have great strength and energy. That is why most people at that age don’t really think they face very difficult problems.

What the hadith referred to above means

is whether in this very precious part of our lives we thanked God for this gift or not.

Were we arrogant, or were we modest?

Did we live as non-problem people, or did we cause problems to others? Were we a source of goodness for others, or did we do

them harm?

Young age is a very precious part of our lives. At this stage of life, we have much to give to others. It can also become something to be very grateful for if we spend this period of our life in the right way.

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, 91, is a Delhi based Islamic scholar and peace activist.

He has translated the Quran in simple and contemporary English and written a commentary on the Quran.

Great Cycle Challenge 2016: Fighting Cancer Tanya Kubitza A team of cyclists from Al Siraat College put their fitness and determination to the test during this October to raise money for children fighting cancer.

Al Siraat College is an Australian school in the Islamic Tradition located in Melbourne’s Northern suburb of Epping, caring and educating around 650 students in 2016.

The cycling Team Al Siraat consisted of six female staff members, including Principal Ms Rahat Arain, and one student from Year 4. Together, the cycling team of seven joined 10,655 riders from right across the nation to take part in the 2016 Great Cycle Challenge (GCC), the annual fundraiser for the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) in Sydney.

The challenge kicks off every year on 1st October and encourages people of all ages and fitness levels to get on their bikes and ride throughout October to help save little lives.

Since its inception in 2013, the GCC has raised more than $6m to fight kids’ cancer.

With cancer being the largest killer of children from disease in Australia, more than 600 kids are diagnosed with cancer every year.

Tragically, 3 children die from this terrible disease every week. Beyond the statistics is the pain and heartbreak of the families but also the remarkable stories of young patients whose courageous spirit have inspired the staff members to take on the challenge as a team this year.

Some team members have also been personally effected by cancer and decided to dedicate their participation to cancer effected family members and/or friends. For instance, team member Nazreen Keown lost her beloved mother to cancer and rides as a tribute to her.

“I am pedalling in this because I know how much my mother suffered from her cancer. I can’t imagine a little kid going through that. They should be enjoying life, not fighting for it,” She said.

Nazreen pedalled 2 to 5 km daily after her full time teaching work. Her efforts were well rewarded with donors contributing with well over $2,000 towards her motto:

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“I ride, you fund, we fight! We all know is horrible. Let’s fight it together,” She further added.

Team Captain Tanya Kubitza and her daughter Mariam were riding for 6-year old Rebecca who is currently undergoing yet another round of chemo therapy in Germany.

Tanya states that “having a sick family member is hard enough, but if you have a kid fighting for life, it’s horrible and almost unbearable.”

Tanya is feeling very grateful to event organisers Greg Johnson and Nermeen Yacoub at the CMRI for looking into her request of a long-sleeved version of the official jersey.

She is currently wearing the only prototype.

She is very fond of it and said, she “is wearing it with pride and gratitude”.

When Tanya had to undergo surgery in early October and was not cleared to be back on her bike until later on that month, her 9-year old daughter Mariam decided to ride many extra km’s on her mother’s behalf as well. “If kids can struggle through cancer, I can do this challenge”, Mariam said. The mother-daughter team has been participating in the challenge since its inaugural event in 2013, raising nearly $20,000.

Their fellow team mate Fatema Faoual took on the challenge despite not having been on a bike in many years. Both Fatema and her colleague Soumaya Mahdy exceeded their fundraising goals by far and had to increase their goals. Both said that “this has been a wonderful and very rewarding experience” for them.

College Principal Rahat Arain who occasionally leads cycling rides with the local Whittlesea Bicycle User Group (BUG), dedicated her rides to cancer kids who are too gravely ill to be out on their bikes themselves. “Since they can’t ride, we ride for them. For every hill climbed, kilometre pedalled or hour spent on the indoor trainer, we were doing our best to give these children the best chance for the bright futures they deserve.”

The team’s combined efforts saw Al Siraat meet and exceed their original fundraising target of $3,500 three times within one day alone. It currently stands at fabulous $6,000 which will go towards funding new cancer research programs at the CMRI. Team Al Siraat is also ranking in First position in the school’s category on the official leaderboard.

If you like to contribute to our cycling

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The Al Siraat College team cycling to raise money for children fighting cancer. sisters’ fundraising effort, please consider Tanya Kubitza is the Chair of the JCMA donating towards any of Team Al Siraat’s Membership Committee, Registrar and riders via the following link: Marketing Manager of Melbourne based Al https://goo.gl/Riq5va Siraat College.

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November 2016

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

TRAVEL 21

BUSINESS 22

SOCIAL 23

Allowing our children screen time is bad parenting Saltanat Bora We have to stop making excuses for our bad parenting ‘decisions’.

Because the reality is that we, as parents, as a community, are getting things horribly wrong with our children. And I’m not talking about the inevitable mistakes that we will make because we are not perfect people and therefore cannot be perfect parents.

Even the best of us will get it wrong.

What I’m talking about is the blind justification of decisions made for our children that are clearly and undeniably wrong.

Like allowing them hours on a screen.

And if you want proof, don’t just read the plethora of research out there talking about this, simply observe our children. Look at their lack of social skills, look at their hyperactivity, look at their utter disinterest in the world around them, in their lack of manners, in their sense of entitlement, in their lack of empathy, in their lack of direction, in their lack of will to work hard.

We are bombarding our children with so much that is not natural that they are turning into automatons. Look at the number of violent children who abuse their parents. Yes. This is happening.

Or look at the rates of childhood obesity just in Australia. One in four children in Australia were reported as overweight in the period between 2007-2008 And if we’re honest with ourselves, adults are just as addicted to technology as our children are. As adults we don’t know how to responsibly use these devices that have overrun our lives in such a short period.

How can we just hand them over to our children?

The point I am making is that we, as par-

ents, really need to stop excusing our bad parenting decisions. We need to stop being so defensive and jumping down people’s throats about being “judgemental” because guess what?

We actually need to learn how to positively and intelligently “judge” what is right, and what is wrong. We need to teach our children how to discern between what is positive, and what is negative, what is beneficial and what is harmful.

And if we, as their parents, as their most important and foremost guide in their lives, lay out everything as “O.K” for them, allow them to eat whatever they want, allow them to play with whatever they want, allow them to watch movies and shows without questioning, how do they become adults who have the capacity to think critically and make the right decisions for themselves if they grow up in a world that is “judgement-free”?

It is our responsibility and duty as their parents to make judgements about what is right and what is wrong for our children.

Let’s have the courage to build each other up as a community to support the right parenting decisions.

Let’s be honest with ourselves about how we are parenting our children, about how consciously we are making decisions for them. Let’s be courageous enough, and humble enough to take on board constructive criticism.

In teaching, there is a type of teacher called the ‘reflective teacher’. This is the one who, after each lesson, spends time reflecting on what they, as a teacher, did right, did wrong, could have done better, could have done a different way.

This type of teacher is generally the more effective teacher.

LIFESTYLE

AMUST

Marriage Bureau

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

Seekers

We should be doing this as parents. I know that we are tired. I am tired. I know that daily grind and endless cycle of cleaning and cooking and dealing with fights and trying to go to work and getting kids dressed and dealing with their tantrums can break us.

But we need to remember that our children are an amanah (a trust) given to us by our Creator. And while we may not be questioned on our children’s decisions, we will most certainly be questioned on what we did for our children, on our intentions in raising our children. On how much we tried to raise good servants of Allah.

So let’s ask ourselves, and let’s be honest, are we doing the best we can as parents?

Saltanat Bora is the editor of The Modest Bride. This article was originally published in themodestlife.co.

Ethically made earrings Subhi Bora When in Dubai, I wanted to buy gifts for people as well as something blingy for myself as a souvenir. I wanted something meaningful, beautiful, preferably made in the UAE, and with good ethical standards.

This seemed near impossible amongst the endless imported designer stores and H&Mlike options.

BUT THEN I found the Gallery One store in Dubai Mall and bought beautiful pieces of art, made in the UAE! And I came across this beautiful brand of jewellery Vanina World, whose pieces are ethically made and use recycled materials. These particular earrings were made in collaboration with 2 NGOs based in Lebanon. I am super happy I found what I was looking for, all by chance.

We CAN do better with our purchasing power, so let’s do it.

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.

This article was originally posted on www.themodestlife.co

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

November 2016

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Australasian Muslim Times

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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

November 2016

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

TRAVEL 21

BUSINESS 22

UMMAH

SOCIAL 23

AMUST

Solution to Kashmir issue, a win for all Zahid Jamil After nearly 70 years since independence with the partition of India into two separate states of India and Pakistan, the issue of Kashmir remains unresolved.

The two nations are still disputing over the territory as they did back in 1948. Pakistan is still seeking Kashmir from India while India is now willing to go for another war over Kashmir.

Kashmiris themselves remain divided and confused. Perhaps the majority of them want independence, many want to join Pakistan and a few find it to their benefit to stay within India.

In Kashmir, Indian army is continuing its occupation with brutality. As per conservative estimates, more than 40,000 Kashmiris have been Killed since 1947.

There have been several serious uprisings along the way when skirmishes intensified.

A report by US State Department claimed, “Indian authorities use Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) to avoid holding its security forces responsible for the deaths of civilians in the state of Jammu & Kashmir.”

Indian administered Jammu & Kashmir has a population of nearly 7 million (97% Muslims) while nearly 4.6 million Kashmiris (100% Muslims) reside in Pakistan administered Kashmir, known as Azad Kashmir.

The Indian Armed Forces which include Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force and Border Security Force have been accused of carrying out regular massacres since 1991.

Human Rights Watch has recorded nearly

20 such massacres over the past 25 years. On the other hand, Kashmiri militants have killed a number of army and police personnel as well as Kashmiri Hindu pandits which led to exodus of many Pandits from the Kashmir valley during the late 1980’s.

Since the killing of an insurgent Burhan Wani on 8 July followed by popular protests

by Kashmiris Indian army has clamped down a round the clock curfew in the valley now in its fifth month. Police firing since have resulted in almost 100 deaths and thousands of injured civilians. Indian army has used pallet guns resulting in blinding and serious injuries to hundreds of Kashmiri protesters, mainly the young people.

Apparently in tit for tat retaliation, an attack on Indian army barracks resulted in the death of 17 Indian soldiers in October. Indian army and the media described it as a terrorist attack and swiftly blamed Pakistan.

Subsequently Indian forces in retaliation claimed to have made surgical strikes targeting militant’s camps over the border in Pakistani administered Kashmir with denials by Pakistan.

Kashmir is still a disputed region recognised internationally with a UN resolution to carry out a plebiscite for the self determination of Kashmiris.

India has not honoured its pledge to carry out this plebiscite put for the last seven decades and over time has gradually claimed Kashmir to be an integral part of India in its self interest that is unjust.

Pakistan, with its own troubles of governance over its entire history has failed to make a case for an amicable solution to the Kashmir issue. As a result of terrorist attacks within Pakistan and in Kashmir and other parts of India, Pakistan seem to have lost its credibility in the

eyes of Kashmiris.

India must realise that if it has not been able to make ordinary Kashmiris feel comfortable in past 70 years, then it has lost the moral right of ruling over them. If it calls itself to be the champion of democracy, then it must respect the opinion of Kashmiri people for self determination.

The Hindutava ideology of the current Indian central government seem to be following an anti-Muslim agenda creating difficulties for Muslims of India and a hostile and aggressive policy against Pakistan.

Indian Muslims need to play a leading role in raising their voice in support of Kashmirs in

order catalyse an amicable political solution to the Kashmir issue.

Cordial relations between the three neighbours India, Pakistan and Bangladesh is in the interest of all their people and for progress, development and peace in South Asia.

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.

Huma Abedin in the middle of the storm Ainullah

Huma Abedin, the Vice Chairperson of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 Presidential campaign has now been brought into the limelight of the US presidential campaign.

The FBI last Friday announced that it had found additional emails potentially related to the probe, completed in July this year, of Hillary Clinton’s private server when she was Secretary of State.

The new emails come from a laptop that was used by Huma’s estranged husband, former Rep Anthony Weiner, and were found during an investigation of Weiner for allegedly exchanging sexually explicit text messages and photos with a minor.

Donald Trump, trying to deflect criticism of his own alleged sexual perversion has now ceased the moment and has been vilifying Weiner and Huma as well as Hillary Clinton in order to gain votes.

Donald Trump repeatedly mentioned Huma by name. “Is she going to keep Huma?”

Trump asked Saturday in Golden, Colo. “Huma’s been a problem. Do we agree? Huma.

Huma’s been a problem. I wonder if Huma’s going to stay there.”

On the campaign, Huma Abedin has been involved heavily with Hillary Clinton personally, including speeches, statements, meetings and debate preparation. She manages the candidate’s large network of contacts and serves as gatekeeper, determining who and what gets through to her.

“She’s played a central and vital role in this campaign,” Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta said Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union. “And she continues to do that and continues to do her work running our overall scheduling and advance operation, being a confidante to senior people in the campaign, and traveling with Hillary.”

Huma was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA in 1976 where her father Dr Syed Zainul Abedin (1928–93) was an Imam at the mosque.

Dr Abedin, a graduate of Aligarh Muslim University and a young member of Ja-

November 2016

Huma Abedin with Hillary Clinton. maat-e-Islami Hind at the time in India, moved to US for higher studies during the early seventies.

He later completed his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and married Dr Saleha Abedin from Pakistan who also completed her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania.

Both husband and wife were gifted academics and educators in the field of Islamic and Middle Eastern studies, English literature and sociology.

At the age of two, Huma with her parents moved with her family to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 1978 where her father Dr Abedin founded the Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs, an insti-

tution devoted to the study of Muslim communities in non-Muslim societies around the world.

In 1979 Dr Abedin released a reputable Journal of the Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs (JIMMA) that Dr Saleha Abedin, currently an Associate Professor of Sociology, continues to publish after her husbands death.

Huma was raised and lived in Saudi Arabia, returning to US at the age 18 studying at George Washington University from where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree.

In 1996 she began working as an intern at the White House and was assigned to Hillary Clinton.

Media Scan Ainullah

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She officially took over as Clinton’s aide and personal advisor in 2000 and later worked as traveling chief of staff and “body woman” during Clinton’s unsuccessful campaign for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination.

She has since then been a very close confidante of Hillary Clinton spearheading her campaign for the Presidency.

Huma married the New York Jewish Rep Anthony Weiner with whom she has a 4 year son, Zain, but finally separated this year after his repeated sexting scandals.

Huma has a sister in the US and a brother who is an academic in UK. Her mother still lives in Saudi Arabia.

In September, the FBI opened its investigation of Weiner after a report that he had exchanged messages with a minor. It was that probe that led to the discovery of the new emails and, ultimately, to last Friday’s 28 October announcement, a development that is rocking the campaign of the woman to whom Huma has devoted her career.

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AMUST

UMMAH

NEWS 1-4

BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 8 - 10

AUSTRALIA 11 - 12

LIFESTYLE 13 - 16

HAI provides 3 ambulances for Syrian refugees Alsou Kurlow Mr Bashar Al-Jamal, director of Human Appeal Australia presented three ambulances to the Jordanian Army for the service of Syrian refugees on Monday 5 of September 2016.

The official hand-over ceremony took place at Mafraq, northeast of the Jordanian capital Amman, near the Jordanian-Syrian border region and where the event was attended by Australian Ambassador to Jordan, Mr Miles Armitage.

Since the beginning of the Syrian conflict, millions of people have fled the country. According to the UNHCR as at 18 September 2016 there were 656,400 Syrian refugees in Jordan.

Thousands of these refugees have been stranded at the Jordanian border since it was closed. These unfortunate refugees suffer countless medical illnesses and emergencies that are hampered by the lack of available ambulances.

Mr Al-Jamal presented the three ambulances which were generously sponsored by the Australian community to Brigadier-General, Saber Al-Mahayra from the Jordanian Border Guard Forces.

“On behalf of the Australian donors I present these ambulances to the Jordanian Army in support of the Syrian refugees during their time of desperate need,” said Mr Al-Jamal.

Plaques of appreciation from Human Appeal Australia were presented to both Mr Armitage and Brigadier-General Saber Al-Mahayra.

The three ambulances were fitted with the latest medical equipment and will make a significant contribution to the emergen-

Mr Bashar Al-Jamal, director of Human Appeal Australia with Mr Miles Armitage. cy care and transportation of the sick and Al-Jamal.

Emergency Relief. wounded refugees.

Human Appeal International Australia Human Appeal’s worldwide reputation “Human Appeal Australia will always ex- (HAIA) is a charitable, humanitarian, and is reinforced by the fact that it holds contend a helping hand to those in need. We are non-government organisation (NGO) that sultative status (Category II) in the Unitpart of a global community and hence it is has been operating in Australia since 1991 ed Nations Social and Economic Council, our duty to help our fellow brothers and sis- and currently has offices in Sydney, Mel- maintains an observer capacity in IFAD (Inters in humanity. We have been supporting bourne, Adelaide and Brisbane. ternational Fund for Agriculture Developdistraught Syrian people since the beginIt works on a number of charitable causes, ment), and is a member of the International ning of their conflict and will continue to do specialising in areas from Social and Edu- Council for Voluntary Associations (ICVA). so until their plight is resolved,” added Mr cational Development to Health Care and

Penny Appeal in the forefront for Haiti cyclone relief AMUST Media Early in October Hurricane Matthew hit Haiti with catastrophic flooding of up to 100 cm and storm surge of up to 3 meters. At least 1,300 people were killed and more than 35,000 left homeless by the storm.

The Hurricane slammed into the south coast of Haiti, bringing heavy rain and winds of more than 200 km an hour. Entire towns were destroyed.

Although the storm’s now over, there’s still a long way to go before life returns to normal. Haiti will need a lot of help from other nations and aid organisations because it’s one of the poorest countries on earth.

Shelters have been set up around the country and tons of free supplies shipped in.

Those supplies include things like food, to make sure people don’t go hungry, blankets and mats, to give people a place to sleep and stay warm, and hygiene kits, clean water and new cooking utensils, to stop people catching diseases like Cholera.

With millions affected and 90% of buildings in the nation’s south destroyed, it’s going to be a long road to recovery in Haiti.

But with aid agencies, world leaders and even average people donating help in different ways, it seems the people of Haiti won’t have to get through this disaster on their own.

Penny Appeal is working with partners on the ground in order to respond to Hurricane Matthew in Haiti in the most effective and impactful way possible.

With a nationwide unemployment rate over 40%, natural disasters like Hurricane Matthew threaten development efforts and thrust individuals and families back into a cycle of poverty.

By providing relief to the victims of Hurricane Matthew, Penny Appeal can sustain long-term development projects to help

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Penny Appeal provides food, water and shelter to help the victims in Haiti rebuild their lives. individuals recover their lives. All funds ground in the USA, and are now taking the donated will be used to provide essential charity to Australia in order to widen their assistance in the form of food, water and influence, with the overarching aim of alleshelter to help the victims in Haiti rebuild viating poverty worldwide. their lives.

Penny Appeal shows how a few pennies Penny Appeal has already delivered food, each day can add up to life-changing aid that water, and provisions to over 300 families. transforms whole communities in a more The emergency response team has been sustainable way. It ensures donations have working tirelessly, traveling between Port- a real impact whilst still inspiring donors to Au-Prince and Southern Haiti to deliver give, and to give regularly. food, water, and supplies to Hurricane MatIn 2015 alone, Penny Appeal generated thew survivors.

8,100 orphan sponsorships. These such sucPenny Appeal was set up in 2009 to pro- cesses and achievements have been borne of vide poverty relief across Asia, the Middle all these developments and enhancements; East and Africa by offering water solutions, by ensuring we take a holistic approach to organising mass feedings, supporting or- improving every area of the organisation we phan care and providing emergency food deliver meaningful results as well as longand medical aid. term practicality, adaptability and effectiveSince then, Penny Appeal programs have ness for every generation. continuously grown and evolved in line The efficacy of the charity largely relies with the needs of communities in the devel- on our loyal team of volunteers, #TeamOoping world. It has established offices on the range, who carry with them our life-saving

Australasian Muslim Times

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mission into communities to ensure that everyone can develop the same level of passion to transform lives. With Penny Appeal, it is important to help communities in the same way that they help Penny Appeal provide aid for communities in every corner of the globe.

Penny Appeal has announced its the registration in Australia in order to illustrate how the smallest contributions can transform the lives of people less fortunate.

Penny Appeal Australia will provide even more support for their teams on the ground in the 30+ countries we aid. Additionally, the charity is endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office as a Deductible Gift Recipient, so donations are tax deductible, ensuring that more is going directly to the causes that need our help the most.

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November 2016

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

TRAVEL 21

BUSINESS 22

EDUCATION

SOCIAL 23

AMUST

The 99 Divine attributes of Allah Part 27 - Attribute 89

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

wrong thing to Allah.

2. The Arabic word ‘Ghani’ depicts that He is the Sovereign of all; He is content and indifferent, without need of help or cooperation from anyone else. The second alternative ‘hasanah’ means that He Himself is mahmood (praiseworthy) irrespec89. Al-Mughnī - The Entive of declaration among you about His richer praise, He deserves the praise and thankfulness for virtues of Himself because of O humankind! It is you who stand in need Him fulfilling the needs and promises to of Allah1 – is the enricher2, and the praiseall human beings as well as the requireworthy. ments of the whole universe.

If He so wished, He could take you away 3. You are not wandering in this world by and replace you with a new creation. virtue of your selfness. His one minor inThat is not difficult for Allah3. tention is enough to remove your group No burden4-bearer shall bear another’s from this world and to compel other naburden, and if some over-laden soul should tions to be wiped out from this world. call out for someone else to carry his load, 4. The world ‘burden’ refers to the heavnot the least portion of it will be borne for iness of the responsibilities for one’s him, even though he were a near relative5. deeds. It means that every mankind is You can only warn those who fear their Rubb himself or herself responsible for one’s in the unseen, and pray regularly6. Anyone own deeds and there is no choice of laywho purifies himself will benefit greatly from ing the responsibility of one person’s doing so. To Allah all shall return. deeds over anyone else by Allah. It is not The blind and the sighted are not equal. possible that a person takes the responsiNor or the darkness and the light7; bility of another person’s deeds. This is shade and heat are not alike. mentioned here as at that time the polynor are the living and the dead. Allah theists and their kin used to prevent the causes whom He will to hear Him8, but you relatives from embracing Islam and comcannot make those in the graves hear you. pel the believers to leave their conversion You are but a warner9. on the basis of their responsibilities.

We have sent you with the Truth as a bear- 5. The custody of such relations is just as er of news and a warner10 - there is no comfake. It is just a deception without any remunity in which a warner has not come. ality. On the Day of Resurrection, every one, including themselves, shall only (Fatir 35:15-24) take care of one’s own selves.

6. Allah is making clear to the Prophet that 1. Don’t have the misunderstanding that Alyour warnings and admonitions are not lah needs you and if you don’t obey Him, going to be of any benefit to the arrogant His Sovereignty shall not be established. and selfish people. Only those persons That if you don’t accept His servitude may follow the right track who have the and don’t worship, He shall become infear and respect of the Almighty Allah ferior. Nay! The reality is that you need and therefore who are willing to bow Him; your life cannot be maintained if down to the real Sovereign, God (Allah).

He doesn’t keep you alive and doesn’t 7. Darkness and light provide the means and facilities by virtue a. These parables depict the differof which you remain alive and perform ence between the present and the future the activities. of the believers and non-believers. One Beware! You are here reminded to is the person who neglects the realities of obey Him and worship Him only because eco and conscience and the other is the the welfare of your world and the Hereafsensitive one who has open eyes all very ter depends upon Him. So continuing the clearly observes that himself as well as way of living as such, you will destroy outside of himself every entity is submityour welfare and you can’t damage any ting to the Oneness of Allah and the hu-

man deals for the sovereignty of Allah.

The former is the one who is wandering astray in the darkness of the ignorant superstitions and the latter is the one who keeps his eyes open and at once clearly through the luminosity enlightened by the Prophet. And therefore becomes aware that the point of reference or that the criterion is only the one that has been practised and demonstrated by the Prophet (pbuh). b. Then how is it possible that both persons exhibit the same behaviour to accompany together on the same path. As well as how this will enable them both to have the same final outcome to get annihilated simultaneously. The one does not get punished on his/her misguidedness and the other does not get the reward for his truthfulness. The cold shadow and the ablaze of the sun points out two different outcomes. One is the person to get the refuge in the shadow of mercy bestowed

by Allah and the other is to get burnt in the fire of Hell. In the end the behaviour is allegorised as one who pertains the feelings and becomes alert at every moment to realise the difference between the good things and the bad things. On the contrary the other one, having no feeling, has been immersed in the ocean of blasphemy and disbelief, is worse than the blind person who is wandering astray in darkness. This is the one who, like the

dead body, does not have any sense and feeling.

8. The Will of Allah may exhibit as He intends anything. If He desires, He bestows upon the rocks the sense of hearing but the Prophet is not capable to put aside the hearts of the persons the message which they never care to hear and pay attention.

The Prophet is unable to make them listen through their deaf ears to the sermon of truthfulness. He can only appeal to those who are willing to pay attention to the genuine truth.

9. “Your task is no more than to make people hear the truth. If someone does not come to his senses, you don’t have the responsibility to have it accomplished”.

10. This verdict has been narrated in many places in the Quran that there is no community in this world to whom Allah has not deputed a Prophet but two reservations must be kept in mind to avoid misunderstandings.

Firstly, a Prophet suffices in his preaching wherever his message is received. It is not necessary that separate prophets be assigned simultaneously in every country and territory.

Secondly, till the points and memoirs of the invitation of a prophet is preserved, there is no need of a new prophet. It is not essential that a separate prophet is deployed for every generation or a progeny.

Continued in AMUST issue #133 December

A person who is honest with themselves can recognizes their flaws and defects. Consequently, they are able to eliminate their shortcomings. In contrast, someone who is dishonest with themselves denies his faults and never improves.

On the opposite side of honesty there is lie which implies fraud, deceit, pretense, and most of immoral behaviors.

It is worth mentioning that lying creates an internal mental conflict between what a person knows to be true and what the person says.

Anita Kelly, a research psychologist has concluded that lying can lead to stress, sadness, and damaged mental health.

This trait is valued in all ethnic and religious cultures.

According to Islamic ethics, honesty denotes integrity and moral soundness. In addition, it resides in all human thought, words, actions, and relationships.

Muslims are ordered to be truthful in their words and deeds. On the other hand, Islam strictly denounces hypocrisy and duplicity.

Following are some verses of the Holy Quran and a hadith of Prophet (s) on the subject of honesty, hypocrisy, and lying: .Ibn Kathir, the renowned Quran scholar, interpreted the Sura At-Tawbah [verse 119] as: “Being truthful and adhering to truthfulness, means you will be among the people

of the truth and be saved from calamity and that it will make a way out for you from your problems”. (Tafsir Al-Qur’an Al-’Azim) Moreover, in Sura Al-Ahzab [verse 70], advises to speak with words of appropriate justice and truth.

Furthermore, it is mentioned in Sura Al-Ahzab (verse 60] that hypocrites are those in whose hearts is a disease.

“The hypocrite men and hypocrite women are of one another. They enjoin what is wrong and forbid what is right...” (Quran 9:67) Prophet Muhammad (s) asserted: Verily, truth brings peace of mind and falsehood sows doubt. (Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2518) Indeed, honesty is a valuable trait in a world full of trickery and false promises.

The benefits of honesty extend to personal health, relationships and to the well being of society at large.

In order to inculcate honesty in human interaction, it should be institutionalized from the very childhood. Therefore, in this regard, the role of parents today is determinative for the our future as an honest society.

Honesty: the key to a healthy society Mohammad Hassan Bakhtiari Honesty is a human virtue that reflects a desire for truthfulness rather than deception in thought and manner.

This strength connotes virtuous traits such as being fair-minded, candid, sincere, trustworthy, righteous, and allegiant.

Honest individuals stand up for their beliefs, fulfill their promises, accept the consequences of their actions, and they are not concerned about gaining popularity. Also, they are courageous enough to express their inner thoughts and feelings.

Dr Matt Moody, a social psychologist said: “Being true is more than just speaking factual statements from your mouth, but includes the statement of all that you are”.

Honesty promotes bravery, shows self-acceptance, earns trust, and enhances authenticity. Accordingly, it creates tranquillity of mind and builds trust in society.

Studies have shown that interpersonal and intrapersonal qualities have been affected by honesty. In addition to strengthening family and social bonds, honesty also enables self-improvement.

November 2016

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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Australasian Muslim Times

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AMUST

EDUCATION

NEWS 1-4

BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 8 - 10

AUSTRALIA 11 - 12

LIFESTYLE 13 - 16

Conversation with Professor Stuart Rees on Palestine

Manarul Islam

As a passionate academic and international social worker, Professor Stuart Rees was at the centre of controversy as the Director of the Sydney Peace Foundation when, in 2003, former Palestinian spokesperson and minister, Hanan Ashrawi, was awarded the Sydney Peace Prize.

In Canberra on Thursday 13 October for Senator Lee Rhiannon’s launch of his latest book, A Lover’s Country, a fictionalised account of the controversy, Professor Rees took some time out to discuss his latest book and the current situation in Palestine with AMUST. Told with a compelling immediacy, A Lover’s Country is a powerful story of the plight of Palestinians and how love and courage overcome terrible odds. Based on the 2003 award of an international peace prize to a Palestinian, a story of love, loyalty, betrayal, courage and cowardice unfolds.

A Lover’s Country is an illuminating tale of justice with a hard won message of hope.

Listen to audio of the interview at AMUST website: http://wp.me/p4ICdM-2aN What inspired you to write this story?

Well it is because the story of Palestinians is usually not allowed to be told. It is usually suppressed so I felt certain that through fiction and novel I might reach more readers, more people than if I wrote another non fiction, the factual account. Although you will probably see this is fiction, but it is based on what exactly happened.

What is your background with relationship to Palestinians?

I have been to West Bank, Gaza and refugee camps many many times over the past 25 years and although I have seen cruelty in

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other parts of the world, I mean the cruelty I witnessed in terms of way the Israelis treat the Palestinians, is perhaps worst I have seen. So for someone who is committed to justice and human rights, I am inevitably an ally of the people of Palestine.

In What way you feel the oppression by Israelis is worst than anyone else?

It is partially because it is lasting for so long. It is the longest, most brutal occupation since the second World War. It goes on and on. At the moment the intention to it is deflected by the awful civil war in Syria. But the systematic stealing of land, the siege of Gaza, the imprisonment of people, something like at least 1.5 million in refugee camps is something we should no longer allow. So it seems to that Israelis with US consent are given a blank cheque for violence.

Do you see any hope regarding this situation?

Well, I am amazed of the dignity of the people who have been locked up in refugee camps for generations or more. I am amazed by the courage of people in Gaza, by the hospitality that I received when I get into the Gaza and so we have lessons to learn from them. At the moment there is not much hope because of the authoritarianism that has grown around the world, particularly in the Middle East, but you see this in America and you see it here to some extent.

So it has been made illegal to protest about the boycott of the BDS movement in favour of Palestinians right to self determination.

Yes, lots of countries are tying to ban the BDS movement?

Absolutely. It is outrageous that what is a non violent movement based entirely in international law should be regarded as a crime. In other words, the world’s powerful people are trying to make a crime out of protesting a crime.

Do you see any hope amongst any of the Israelis?

The Israeli Peace Movement, and these are brave people, is being suppressed, is being made illegal. Even the group called Breaking the Silence, the soldiers who were disgusted with what they did or what they were asked to when they served in the military. I mean they are being banned so there is not much hope within Israel unless there is an international reaction, that the Israelis and Palestinians can do this by themselves.

There has to be an outcry, there has to be a massive movement for justice that is international.

Do you see Australia playing a part in that?

Well, it should. In Australia, the closer you get to Canberra, the more courage disappears. So you have to have courage in public life to stand for this and that’s partly why I have written this book in order to use a story to influence people’s understanding. So among the political and media elites, there is not much hope because they are cowards and they should be ashamed of

Professor Stuart Rees holding his latest book “A Lover’s Country”, a powerful story of the plight of Palestinians.. Photo by Jumanah Husna their cowardliness on this issue.

Do you have any message, maybe for Muslims who read this and become aware of your book and history?

That’s a good question. I think I want to talk about justice and human rights that in a way cuts through religious and political lobby group boundaries, because I am a humanist, I am internationalist and I am concerned about Islamophobia that seems to be the new anti-Semitism. So the problem I have with some of my Muslim friends is, that they don’t always turn up to support in what they believe in. They, particularly the Palestinians in Sydney, I may know, they somehow have given up. You got people like me, I am not a Palestinians, I am not a Muslim and I am not an Arab, but I haven’t given up. I need to learn. I need to learn from you. It has to be reciprocal.

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So we should become more active in this?

Sure, sure. It doesn’t hurt to be active because you and I are just having a conversation together that means we have doubled our strength than if I just talked to myself.

Where are you from originally?

I am from India.

One of my champion is Mahatma Gandhi.

His saying ‘Non violence is not only a way of living, but a law of life’. This is what he taught me.

Professor Rees, thank you very much.

Transcription of interview by Mehar Ahmad Manarul Islam is an IT professional, community worker and AMUST correspondent based in Canberra.

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EDUCATION 19 - 20

TRAVEL 21

BUSINESS 22

TRAVEL

SOCIAL 23

Hiking through Northern Pakistan, with Usman Zubair

AMUST

WAYFARER’S COMPASS Sana Gillani

I’ve always been intrigued by the distinct terrain and culture that Northern Pakistan has to offer. When I came across Usman Zubair’s documenting of his expedition into Naltar and Bashkaro pass, his excellent photography and videos, I thought it would be great to speak to him about his experience. I’m always keen to feature the stories of fellow Muslim travellers, especially those who venture off the beaten track - which Usman certainly did!

Here’s what he had to say.

Through following your Instagram, I note you are a keen photographer and traveller. Can you tell us a little more about yourself?

Well I am a mechanical engineer who works as a freelance CAD designer. When I am tired from sitting in front of a laptop, I pack my rucksack and go to explore different places, mainly mountains cause they are always calling me towards their serenity and silence, one of the most satisfying feelings I know - when you are sitting there all alone away from human civilization, in silence and solitude listening to nature’s music. My camera is always with me wherever I go, I always make vlogs of my travels.

You recently undertook an expedition through the Naltar region of Gilgit-Baltistan as well as from Barsat to Swat through Bashkaro Pass (16300ft), in Pakistan. How long were both of these journeys? Can you describe what these regions of Pakistan are like?

Our journey in Naltar was two days, and then we left for our other part of the journey which was a hiking expedition to cross Bashkaro pass, which took us 4 days. The scenery of Naltar is different from any other part of Northern areas, it has these beautiful slopes and thick forests and in winter it’s a perfect spot for skiing. Naltar is also called the ‘Magic Carpet of Pakistan’ because of its perfect skiing resort in winter, flourishing wildlife, spectacular scenery and mountain vistas. The people in Naltar are very friendly. We stayed in a local village there and because our host was a friend of one of my companions , they gave us hospitality like it was our home in the midst of ice capped mountains.

The other part of our journey started from Barsat, a small village near Shandor top. Barsat has very beautiful plains with ice caped mountains around. There is no paved road so it’s a little remote area and it receives less tourists compared to other regions. Most of the people in that region are

Naltar Lake in Northern Pakistan.

November 2016

Ismaili, and they have their proper schools and hospitals and everything.

Who were your companions and what did you guys do to prepare for the entire trip?

I had two other companions from Abbottabad, who are regular trekkers and have been going to the northern areas for many years. Our lead was Ahmed Ali Khan, who is an extreme trekker and has explored almost every little part of the northern areas.

The other friend is Nouman Ashref, who is an electronic engineer and he prepared all the maps and routes on his homemade GPS. He has engineered a lot of gadgets which are useful on long treks like torches, battery banks and GPS tools. I myself am from Multan and was going for my first trek. I started my preparations a month before we went on the expedition. I prepared my mind and body for extreme conditions, and I ran a daily average of 6KM. According to the account you shared on Instagram, your journey through Bashkoro Pass was full of death-defying treks and a lot of uncertainty on your path.

What were the main challenges you faced and how did you survive?

There were a lot of challenges. First we were going without any guide/ porter so we lost our way a couple of times. The people who have done this trek will know that there are countless boulders on the track and no proper marked track so it was very hard to find our way. We ran out of water at one place and due to dehydration it was very hard to continue. Luckily we saw some Gujjar people with a flock of sheep so they took us inside their rock cave and gave us water and tea and showed us the way forward. They were very kind people, and finally near the top of Bashkaro pass there were two paths leading to the top and we were not certain which one to take. There, we just took a leap of faith and it was the right decision.

Were your parents worried about you when you told them your intentions to undertake this expedition? How did you build up the courage to take such risks?

Well to be honest, I didn’t tell them anything about this trek and how dangerous it is before going on the journey. I just told them I am going to the mountains for my annual tour, but when I returned home, showed them my photos and told them stories, it shocked them. They are even saying that I had enough of my adventures in the mountains and I should never go again, but hey a man got to travel and explore nature! I was never afraid throughout the journey because I have belief that death is inevitable and it’s going to happen someday, whether on our bed or on the mountains, so why be afraid of

Usman Zubair in Northern Pakistan. it and miss out on these beautiful mountains Allah has created around us.

What were the highlights of your journey and what were the main lessons you learned?

I think the main highlight was reaching the top of Bashkaro pass. There were literally tears in my eyes after reaching the top.

How I reached there I couldn’t understand.

Our GPS was showing 4970m elevation; there was Barsat, Shandoor Valley on my one side and Swat Valley on the other side.

Standing between the end of life at one side and beginning of life at the other, it was a glorious moment I can never forget. It’s an adventure one can only dream about.

What advice would you give to others planning to travel through Naltar and Bashkoro Pass?

Naltar is a beautiful place and one should visit it in summers and winters both as it has a totally different view in winter. And for Bashkaro pass you have to plan a lot, keep a guide with you otherwise it will be very difficult, and also take a fishing rod with you as there is Kukush lake on the way and it’s the

biggest trout paradise in Pakistan.

You produce excellent quality videos to document your travels. As a filmmaker, what tips can you share about filming while on such a journey?

I love to document my travels in the form of short films. I try to work on them in the form of story. I always have a story in my mind before I work on post-production. I would say travel lightly, don’t pack a lot of gear and then waste time switching between lens and cameras. Just take one good camera and one wide angle lens and capture everything that interests you. Even if its flowers in front of a lake or water flowing, or you traveling on the roof of a bus, capture everything and then edit it into a short film.

You will end up making a beautiful excellent quality video.

Check out more photos and Usman’s amazing videos at goo.gl/WU2qSc Wayfarer’s Compass is a Muslim Travel Hub created by Sana Gillani. The original full article was posted on www.wayfarerscompass.com.

Usman on the top of Bashkaro pass 4970m (16305 ft) above sea level.

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AMUST

BUSINESS

NEWS 1-4

BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 8 - 10

AUSTRALIA 11 - 12

LIFESTYLE 13 - 16

Australia in the forefront of Halal meat industry Dr Abdus Sami Sufi Australia is unique in many aspects. It’s a continent nation with a small population consisting of people from a diverse background and a success story in Multiculturalism.

It tops in meat consumption in the world. Its per capita consumption of meat is 100 kg per person per year which comes to around 250 g per person per day.

Australia is one of the largest meat exporter in the world and is world leader in halal meat production. It exports Halal meat to hundred countries including the United States, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Bahrain and Egypt.

The total Halal market is valued at around $2.1 trillion Australian dollars.

During the year 2014-2015 the combined Australian export of meat (lamb, mutton, beef and veal) was $11.332 billion and of live sheep and cattle export for slaughter was $140 .8 billion.

What is Halal meat?

Halal, an Arabic word pertaining to meat denotes both the Islamic method of slaughter as well as the product thus derived, is lawful for consumption by Muslims.

Similarly, Kosher, a Hebrew word, per-

taining to meat means the Jewish method of slaughter and also the product thus derived through it.

Both Halal and Kosher mean lawful foods fit to be consumed by Muslims and Jews respectively.

Of all the ritualistic methods of slaughter, Halal method is the most widespread and considered to be the best. It is safe and wholesome as all blood is drained out from the animal.

Blood is carrier of bacteria, viruses and toxins which are harmful for health and abhorrent (haram) in Islam. Thus proper bleeding helps in enhancing the quality of meat as well as it improves the taste too!

The Australian Government Authorized Halal Program (AGAHP) ensures maintenance of Halal status and segregation of product after carcasses are declared Halal by Muslim slaughtermen.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture is responsible for the approval of all AGHAP programs and monitors all aspects of the program on a daily basis.

This includes security and issue of Halal stamps and the signing of export and domestic certificates.

All registered meat processing establishments in Australia wishing to produce Halal meat must include a detailed Halal program in their Approved Arrangement (AA).

The AA must identify the Approved Islamic Organisation (AIO) that is responsible for

the training and overlooking of the slaughtermen’s ritual slaughter activities, who will routinely verify Halal arrangements at the establishments.

It should ensure by a constant vigilance and regular inspection that the Halal product is prepared, packed, handled and stored in a manner that addresses Halal integrity at all stages of production is tough but an admirable job with the noble

motto “It is better to be than appear to be”.

Dr Abdus Sami Sufi is a veterinary surgeon (BVSc, VAH) and has undergone advanced Dairy training under FAO. He is the retired Managing Director of Goa Meat Complex Ltd, India and has written several books in Urdu, including on the topic of meat. He is currently visiting Australia.

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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.

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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.

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November 2016

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

TRAVEL 21

TOP 6 Muslim Memes

BUSINESS 22

#SOCIAL APP

SOCIAL 23

TOP 9

VIDEOS

To Watch

Tweets #Muslims ReportStuff During the second United States presidential debate, a Muslim woman had asked Donald Trump how he planned to deal with Islamophobia. While Trump didn’t directly answer the question, his response essentially boiled down to: See something, say something, Muslims. Muslims took to Twitter to report what they saw.

of the month

Dear Politicians: I have never met a ‘terrorist’

“When you tell me that I can solve violent extremism, you’re also telling me that I’m part of the problem and guess what, I’m not.” The police monitored mosques for six years, without yielding a single lead. There are some really big problems when politicians tell Muslims that they are on the frontline of violent extremism. It’s allowed the government to spy on Muslim communities.

Why are we presumed to be terrorists or the friends, neighbours or cousins of terrorists when, in fact, Muslims are the biggest victims of terror, world wide. We don’t tell young white men to be the eyes and ears in the fight against mass shootings.

There’s been an average of 337 attacks every year by right wing extremists since 9/11, and that number is only increasing.

Somehow the conversations seem to always centre of people who are Muslim.

Politicians keep getting it wrong when talking about Muslims, terrorism and the fight against extremism.

Of course, everyone should report anything dangerous, but why should reporting violent extremism fall mainly on Muslims?”

Video produced by Fusion.

Video: youtu.be/Dumlq2DZ5ks

When you’re listening to Mufti Menk in front of your parents and he says “Force Marriages are Haraam”

Hadith Collection (All in one) Available on Android Price: Free Saminah Ahmad Have you ever been in a position where you’re trying to find a Hadith that someone mentioned to you?

Or you want to reference something you believed to be true?

Hadith have always been a source of guidance for us to follow. Sometimes we get mixed up between what is truly an Islamic practice and what is just a cultural tradition and want to source out Hadith for verification.

So in order to authenticate what the Prophet said and did, Hadith Collection (all in one) by GreenTech will be extremely helpful.

Hadith Collection (all in one) contains Hadith from the major books of Hadith such as Sahih Bukhari to Sunan an-Nasa’I, Jami at Timidhi and so on.

Mohamed Oud Slahi just released from Gitmo

Here’s the first video of “Guantanamo Diary” author Mohamed Oud Slahi, released from Gitmo this month after 14 years without charge or trial.

This moving minute video is full of peace and contentment as Mohamed relays how he was in prison for a number of years, and he thanks to all who helped him get out. His comment on forgiveness is extremely poignant, and a great reminder to us all.

“I was recently released from Guantanamo Bay Prison after many years of detention. My release was a concerted effort led by many good hearted people.

I have no doubt that the good American people will realise that holding innocent people in prison is no the way to go and will work for their release until every last innocent detainee has joined his family.

I wholeheartedly forgive everyone who wronged me during my detention, and I forgive because forgiveness is my inexhaustible resource.

May God forgive us and make peace all over the world. I should like to ad also the people who signed the petitions.

Yours sincerely, Mohammed Oud Slahi.”

Video by ACLU Nationwide.

Video: youtu.be/R_KkkwlLBWY

November 2016

AMUST

www.amust.com.au

All together 14 books and 41000+ Hadith are compiled through this app. There is proper detail from where the Hadith was taken. References are from Sunnah. com Another great feature of Hadith Collection (all in one) is how user friendly it is.

The search engine is strong and all you have to do is type in key word/s and it will search through all the books of Hadith.

You can easily: • bookmark any Hadith you want.

• Make folders – for example a folder on woman or wadu for easy access later.

• Easy to back up your search results.

I have been using Hadith Collection (all in one) and found it extremely useful to gain knowledge and understanding of Islamic teachings and practice.

Australasian Muslim Times

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Australasian Muslim Times

www.amust.com.au

November 2016