MUSLIM
AUSTRALASIAN
Multimedia News & Views
ISSN: 1039-2300
AMUST
Print Post Publication No. 100021354
Print edition published Monthly on first Friday with Website updates
Worst Global Refugee Crisis US to Blame
BOOMERANG PAGE 7
S
TIME
www.amust.com.au
Phone: (02) 8006 2063 Email: info@amust.com.au
Issue # 135
Diversity in Australian Advertising AUSTRALIA PAGE 12
February 2017; Jamaadiyul Oulaa 1438
Alim: Young Australian of the Year
LIFESTYLE PAGE 15
$2.00
PM Visits Primitivo Restaurant BUSINESS PAGE 22
Trump travel ban creates world chaos Zia Ahmad President Donald Trump’s executive order signed on Friday 27 January to curb immigration and entry of refugees and nationals from seven Muslim countries has created a chaotic situation at airports throughout the world. The erratic move has been widely condemned both internationally as well as within the US by politicians, diplomats, judiciary, academics, artists and overwhelmingly, by the general public. Ongoing widespread protests have taken place in world capitals and at US airports, where a large number of travellers entering US have been detained in spite of holding valid visas. The immediate criticism of Trump’s move came from the Democrats on Friday. “Today’s executive order from President Trump is more about extreme xenophobia than extreme vetting,” said Democratic Senator Edward Markey. Most Western leaders have condemned Trump’s order discriminatory against Muslims and unnecessary leading towards hardship for travellers and their families in and out of US. Ironically, Australian Liberal government leaders have supported this “Muslim ban”
with the Prime Minister refusing to comment on the issue. Apart from Iran and Turkey, most other leaders of Muslim countries have kept mum as silent spectators. The former US Ambassador to Australia, Jeffrey Bleich has issued an extraordinary statement attacking President Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration and a passionate defence of refugees, warn-
ing that the “hottest places in hell” are reserved for those who “maintain neutrality” in times of “great moral crisis.” Dozens of US diplomats around the world have formally criticised President Trump’s controversial immigration restrictions in a cable. “That his “knee-jerk” restrictions will “sour relations” with the Muslim world and alienate countries that assist in the fight
against terrorism.” “The end result of this ban will not be a drop in terror attacks in the United States; rather, it will be a drop in international good will towards Americans and a threat towards our economy.” It seems that this ban is creating division in the society inflaming passions, hate and Islamophobia leading to violence. Last weekend a mosque was burned to the ground in Texas suspected as an Islamophobic attack. However the community has rallied behind Muslims to rebuild it collecting almost $600,000 overnight. On Monday there was a terrorist attack on a mosque in Quebec, Canada where six people were killed and many more injured. The suspect gunman, a radicalised white supremacist French Canadian university student Alexander Bissonnette has been arrested by the Police. Prime Minister Trudeau and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard both characterised the attack as a terrorist act, which came amid heightened tensions worldwide over Trump’s “Muslim ban”. “We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a centre of worship and refuge,” PM Trudeau said in a statement. Earlier Over the weekend, Mr Trudeau said Canada would welcome refugees refused entry to US by President Trump.
Nazeem heads into the Jungle starring in Reality Show Mobinah Ahmad Australian Muslim comedian, actor and radio presenter, Nazeem Hussain is currently starring as one of the celebrities in the third season of Network Ten’s reality TV Show, “I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!” Well known for starring in Salam Cafe and his critically acclaimed show, Legally Brown, Nazeem, 31, along with nine other competitors is spending over a month in the South African jungle living off a very basic diet of beans and rice. They will be competing in challenging
tasks in order to make it through and ultimately win $100,000 for their chosen charity. Nazeem’s chosen charity is InTouch: the Multicultural Centre for Family Violence. Nazeem is heading into the show with the intention to get to know the different types of people and to learn from the experience. “I want to understand other people from other backgrounds and beliefs,” Nazeem said. “I think so many of the problems in Australia could be overcome if we actually shut up for a second and listened, ” he further added. “I know I’ll learn a lot from this experi-
Proudly Printed in Australia by Spotpress Pty Ltd
ence and I know that, especially young people, we tend to hang out with people who are like us, “ he concluded. With Steve Price and Nazeem in the game, we’re in for a set of fist pumps and laughs. Aside from reports of a bromance with footballer Dane Swan, in Episode 2, Steve Price and Nazeem have already gone head to head as Steve confronts Nazeem on his distorted views on Islam. “I don’t understand why Muslim women are required by their men to cover up,” asked Price. “They’re not. What are you talking about? I’m not going to talk to people on behalf of all women!” Nazeem responded cleverly. After the confrontation, Nazeem mentioned a teaching of the Prophet Muhammad (s) about calming down after being angry. “If you’re angry, sit down. If you’re still angry, you should lie down” said Nazeem as he lay down on his bed. Earlier, he jokingly said during the show in Episode 1, “If Donald Trump can be President after being on reality TV, well you are looking at the first Muslim Prime Minister.” On Islam and Muslims, Nazeem said, “To be honest, most people
have issues with Islam when they have never really met a Muslim. Hopefully if people like me in camp, the whole Islam thing is not even a thing. For me the whole non-Muslim thing isn’t a thing. I am happy to be friends with whoever. Hopefully they will like me. One of the reasons I like this show is you actually get to see real Australians from all different backgrounds, sexual orientations, religious beliefs and experiences and age groups come together and genuinely talk about their different lives.” Nazeem Hussain had plenty to comment on One Nation leader Pauline Hanson for her dog-whistle politics. “I want to understand other people from other backgrounds and beliefs. I think so many of the problems in Australia could be overcome if we actually shut up for a second and listened,” he said. He further added, “instead the loudest people get the most votes. Pauline Hanson got half a million votes and she just says the most incendiary, nonsensical, sensationalist shit.” In his comedy roles Nazeem has touched on race relations and racism in Australia, political and Islamic humour, Islamophobia and social commentary.
Dispose of this paper thoughtfully - PLEASE RECYCLE
The Palms Riverstone Welcome to the release of stage one in the much anticipated The Palms Riverstone, a project of Qartaba Homes. We have teamed up to bring you Home and Land Packages that provide a winning edge. This and with sentiment at an all-time high for the north-west corridor it is time to make the move. Stage 1 Land Release From $394,900 • Ideal building lots positioned on a prime subdivision in Riverstone. • Lot size range from 312 sqm to 600 sqm • Frontages range from 11.25 m to 16.5 m Stage 1 Home & Land Packages From $680,000 ¥ Spacious four-bedroom home with open plan living areas ¥ Ducted air-conditioning ¥ Stainless steel appliances ¥ Stone bench tops to kitchen • Floor finishes throughout including tiles to front porch and rear alfresco • Increased ceiling height to ground floor • Semi frameless shower screens • Traditional profile roof tiles including sarking • Premium face bricks with feature cladding to external façade • Automatic garage door ¥ Concrete driveway and much more. With designs and budgets to suit take advantage and embrace a real change. The Palms Riverstone – Amenities a stone throw away! • 3 min to Riverstone/Schofields Station ¥ 2 min to Riverstone Town Centre and Schofi elds Woolworths • 2 min to upcoming North West Rail LinkÕs Cudgegong Road Station ¥ 5 min to Rouse Hill Town Centre ¥ Walk to local public and private schools • 7 min to Sydney Business Park • 20 min to Parramatta CBD • 45 min to Sydney CBD
thepalmsriverstone.com.au Visit our Sales Office at 158 Riverstone Rd, Riverstone or contact our Sales Team to arrange a convenient time to inspect plans and view your lot.
(02) 8488 8228 - 0430 023 958
2
Australasian Muslim Times
www.amust.com.au
February 2017
UMMAH 18
EDUCATION 19 - 20
TRAVEL 21
BUSINESS 22
New Premier of NSW makes her mark on Australia Day Mehar Ahmad The Western Sydney Australia Day Community Reception was held on Thursday 26 January 2017 at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, South West Sydney. Early in January, the invitations for the event were sent by Mr Mike Baird, but due to his resignation and selection of the new Premier of NSW a few days earlier, Ms Gladys Berejiklian was the star at the celebration of Australia Day. There was a delay in the start of the program due to injury to one of the performers and the large contingent of community leaders had to wait outside the venue till it was safe to enter the premises. Tina Bayle as the MC welcomed the new Premier and the community leaders including Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year and Young Australian of the Year, past and present. Acknowledgement to the Country was given by Aunt Morgan who pointed out that on Australia Day while some celebrated the arrival of first migrants, others grieved due to obvious reasons. Premier Gladys Berejiklian thanked Aunt Morgan and acknowledged that we should be proud of the Aboriginal history as the longest history of the first people of Australia. She welcomed the prominent guests and the community leaders from Western Sydney and said that people present on this Australia Day represented Australia in different ways. “My story is no different than your story. My parents came to Australia as migrants in the 1960’s. My father was a boiler maker/ welder while my mother was a nurse. They would have never imagined that their daughter specially with a surname like Berejiklian could ever become the Premier of NSW”, she frankly admitted.
NEWS
SOCIAL 23
AMUST
AMUST Issue # 135 Friday 3 February 2017; 5 Jamaadiyul Oulaa 1438 News
1-4
- Trump Travel Ban Creates Chaos - New Premier of NSW
5-7
Boomerang
- Trump’s Policies Leading to Division - Rising Above Islamophobia
8 - 11
Community - Third Annual Halal Expo - ICSOA at AFMI Convention - Late Mr Jamil Ahmad
Australia
12 - 13
- Advertising for Diverse Australia - Health Project for Syria - Melbourne Car Attack
Lifestyle
14 - 17
- Indian Culture: What Can I Do? - Rida & Sema’s Wedding - My Retirement from Matchmaking - Abdullahi Alim: Young Australian
Ummah
18
- First Muslim & First Mosque in India - A Cold, Harsh Reality: Afghanistan
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian at the Australia Day Community Reception. Addressing the diverse variety of commu- new land has become my home. I found easy nity leaders, Premier Berejiklian further add- acceptance by the society and love its values ed, “you can achieve anything in this country of democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of and you can achieve anything in New South religion, fair go, equal opportunity and AusWales. I believe all of you represent Australia tralian multiculturalism like different colours Day today. I appreciate all the challenges you of a butterfly.” Mr Yamakoglu said, He further added, “I know that when facing have faced and I get inspired by you.” “Thank you to your community and thank challenges, I can lean on my mate and more you for being part of this great city of Syd- importantly, my mate can lean on me in difficulty.” ney”, She concluded. Mr Ahmet Yamakoglu who is the PresiWearing a white and red flowery dress, the new Premier was mobbed by the crowd after dent of the Australian Universal Federation of her address to shake hands and take selfies, ev- Education & Culture based in Liverpool has idence of her growing popularity among peo- worked for the development of Amity College that has now excelled as one of the top educaple of Western Sydney. Mr Ahmet Yamakoglu, a migrant of Turk- tional institutions in Western Sydney providish origin who became an Australian Citizen ing educational excellence for all Australian in 2011 was selected to talk on what Australia students from diverse background. The formal program was followed by enDay meant for him. “I came to Australia 10 years ago and this tertainment that included a rope dance and an Allah song led by Uyghur singer Shohrat Tursun and the Sydney World Music Chamber Orchestra with performers from a diverse background combining music from Aboriginal, African, Chinese and Asian traditions. Following the Australia Day, the new Premier has moved swiftly to make her mark on the politics of NSW. She has refreshed her new cabinet following the resignation or removal of some familiar faces and appointed new ministers including three women. The notable appointees include, Mr John Barilaro as the Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Mr Brad Hazzard as the Health Minister, Mr Raymond Williams as Minister for Multiculturalism and Disability Services and Mr David Elliott as Minister for the newly created portfolio of Counter Terrorism. Premier Gladys Berejiklian has said her new-look Cabinet represents a “fresh approach” that will give communities their “fair share” of the state’s economic success.
Ahmet Yamakoglu at the Australia Day Community Reception 2017.
Mehar Ahmad is a school teacher based in Sydney and the President of Seena Incorporated, publishers of the Australasian Muslim Times.
Education
19 - 20
- Attributes of Allah - Al-Nafi’ - Children’s Upbringing
21
Travel
- The Magic of Andalucia - City of Cordoba
22
Business - PM Visit to Primitivo Restaurant - AMUST Classifieds
Social
23
- Tweets #PutThemBackUo - One Hadith A Day.com
AMUST Team
Managing Editor: Zia Ahmad Graphic Designer: Rubinah Ahmad Chief Adviser: Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad Multimedia Journalist: Mobinah Ahmad Columnist: Dr Abul Jalaluddin (Finance) Columnist: Bilal Cleland (Victoria) Columnist: Manarul Islam (ACT) Columnist: Dr Daud Batchelor (Brisbane) Columnist: Anne Fairbairn (Sydney) Promotion: Dr Wali Bokhari Web Developer: Shadow Approved Multimedia: iMoby Productions Printers: Spotpress Pty Ltd Distributers: Wrapaway Transport Pty Ltd Distributers: Abul Fateh Siddiqui, Shujaat Siddiqui, Usaid Khalil, Aamir Ahmad, Ibrahim Khalil, Usman Siddiqui, Zahid Alam, Shahab Siddiqui, Mahmoud Jaame, Mateen Abbas, Rashid Idris, Kamrul Zaman, Sakinah Ahmad, Anjum Rafiqi, Hasan Fazeel, Dr Quasim, Ismail Hossain, Hanif Bismi, Zohair Ahmad, Luqman Landy.
AMUST Contacts PO Box 111, Bonnyrigg (Sydney), NSW 2177 Australia. Email: info@amust.com.au Ph:(02) 8006 2063; Fax: 9823 3626
Disclaimer
Sponsor the Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair 2017
The views and opinions expressed in articles, and Letters to the Editor, Website Comments are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Australasian Muslim Times.
to showcase your business and services to thousands of people. Uyghur singer Shohrat Tursun and the Sydney World Music Chamber Orchestra at the Australia Day Community Reception 2017.
February 2017
Contact the MEFF Office on (02) 9823 2063 or email meff@ifew.com
www.amust.com.au
Australasian Muslim Times
3
AMUST
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-7
AUSTRALIA 12 - 13
COMMUNITY 8 - 11
LIFESTYLE 14 - 17
HELP INDONESIAN CHILDREN Education Project by JIMS Foundation
150 Islamic Schools
Over 15,000 More Than Students 1,000 Teachers
Hundreds of Orphans
In Java, Lombok and Sumatera, Indonesia All the above are worthy of your support Bank: ANZ
BSB: 012-341
A/C: 540 136 101
Pay Zakat, Water Wells and Sadaqah to us
Help replace War with Warmth this Winter in Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Yemen, Myanmar...
NSW CFN17891 VIC 12875 SA CCP2001 QLD CH2796
Mobile: 0410 112 900 Email: yjimslhl@yahoo.com Luqman Landy is on Facebook
Please Help this Winter
Choose from any of our heart-warming projects below Food
Clothing
Fuel
Bedding
Education
Flour
Provides a family with a food parcel, baby milk powder and hygiene kit.
Provides a family with warm clothing.
Provides a family with heating fuel for the period of winter.
Provides a family with bedding, blankets, plastic mats and a heater.
Provides Syrian Refugees education at school for a child (1 year).
Provides 1 tonne of flour to the poor and needy.
$100
$100
$200
$250
$550
$600
Call 1300 760 155 or visit www.hai.org.au
4
Australasian Muslim Times
www.amust.com.au
February 2017
UMMAH 18
EDUCATION 19 - 20
TRAVEL 21
BUSINESS 22
BOOMERANG
SOCIAL 23
AMUST
Trump’s policies leading towards division On the campaign trial politicians make AMUST Brisbane columnist Daud Batchall kind of promises in order to gain pop- elor claims that “UN declaration that the ular votes and get elected to win govern- world is experiencing the worst-ever rement. corded refugee crisis, with 65 million perAfter coming into power, they look at sons displaced, is the successful outcome of the big picture, act in a responsible manner United States-Israeli destabilisation strateand govern in the interest of all their peo- gies against Middle Eastern countries (See ple. Some of the promises made in the heat this AMUST Issue# 135, page 7). of the campaign that are not feasible and He shows that overwhelmingly the source not in the overall interest of the nation are of refugees has been from countries that abandoned. have been invaded by the US or as a result It seems that this is not true in the case of of interference by US pitting one group in Donald Trump. a particular country against another group. All the xenophobic, impractical, mean, In addition to the US catalysing refugee knee-jerk promises he made during his crisis, its policy of war on terror has resultelection campaign are swiftly being signed ed in creating more terrorists in many more of regardless of their impact on USA as a countries giving rise to the contemporary nation, at the expense of its reputation, re- climate of International terrorism. lationship with other countries, diploAnother AMUST columnist based in matic norms, legality, international Melbourne, Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas, relations and peaceful co-exist- EDITORIAL sighting the example of Melbourne ence in the world community of Bourke St car attack contends Assalamu nations. that many terrorists attacks in This recklessness has the the West are being carried out by Alaikum great potential to cause harm to people either consumed by ignoGreetings US itself as well as bring misery rance and simple hatred or with of Peace on a global level. mental illness (See this AMUST His extreme anti-Muslim stand Issue# 135, page 13). because of terrorist attacks in the US This is reiterated by yet another or elsewhere defies logic and statistical ev- AMUST columnist from Queensland Shiidence. fa Mustafa who concluded “It must be said On average there are around 12,000 peo- that those who are carrying out acts of terror, ple murdered every year in the US. Com- while professing to be Muslim are manipparatively less than 10 are killed as a result ulated or deluded. Thus we see many who of terrorist activity (See table). are ignorant or from criminal backgrounds So why the T word creates so much fear gravitating towards radicalism” (AMUST resulting into xenophobic measures enact- Issue# 134, page 17). ed by Mr Trump. Invasion of countries, promotion of civil
Readers comments
Re: The vicious circle of bigot- Re: I am a Racist – Live with it! ry and terror It would be great if we recognised the othWe do have a problem with media savvy extremists spouting extreme views to followers who lack the ability to sort fact from fiction whether it be from a newspaper or magazine or a suspect You Tube video. Education is the best defence against extremists but sadly education is one of the casualties in this manufactured war. On one side we have Newspapers whose banner headlines fuel screams for Muslim blood and on the other we have shonky sheiks twisting the message of the Qur’an to promote a brand of Islam totally removed from what it truly is or should be. In between we have a military and security and propaganda industry sucking up money at the expense of vital social needs like health, education and welfare to the benefit of a few whose illegitimate wealth isolates them from the consequences of their deeds. What is the solution? People need to think but critical thinking is no longer taught. If anyone reads the Qur’an, first and foremost it asks people to read then it appeals to reason. That is the message that needs to be driven home. Educating Muslims to wean themselves off extremist views promoted in glossy magazines and videos by shonky sheiks who understand the power of media far better than they understand Islam is an enormous task. So too is educating every body to apply the light of reason to the propaganda and infotainment mainstream media feeds to everybody. That is not a job just for Muslims it is a job for everyone. Muslims can try to correct the ignorant among us but who will correct the media moguls who distort the truth to sell advertising space in their publications and media outlets? More importantly will the government deal with the extremist ideologues in its own midst. They say it takes a village to raise a child. It also takes a village to educate its children. Education is the best weapon for fighting this manufactured war on terror and that is more than just the responsibility of the village’s Muslim neighbours. Gary Dargan
February 2017
er racisms...preference for Indians, Arabs, Indonesians, Somalis etc is rife and divisive to the Ummah! Shirley
Re: Terrorism: non-Islamic and non-negotiable
Alhamdulillah I was waiting for something like this to come out. May Allah shower you (writer ) with much blessings. Yusuf Otto Salmang
wars, drone attacks on homes of suspected terrorists, killing innocent women and children, assassinations and the use of excessive force against the weak, breeds terrorism, so does discrimination, hatred, Islamophobia and xenophobia. Trump’s solution of profiling and banning Muslim and building walls will not stop terrorism while building bridges,
Have your say
Send us your thoughts about news or current events to be published in the next issue of AMUST Email us at info@amust.com.au
Re: PM visits Toowoomba Primitivo restaurant
interfaith dialogue and cultural understanding will, thus moving towards global peace. It seems that Trumps policies will lead us towards another kind of terrorism, white supremacist type based on racial, religious and cultural hatred fanned by right wing politicians, the Quebec attack being a glaring example. ZI Ahmad
Invasion Day Elizabeth Jarrett
The sort of people that Pauline Hanson wants to ban because she claims they contribute nothing to Australia and the sort of people Malcolm Turnbull illegally imprisons in his torture camps on Manus and Nauru. Gary Dargan
Re: Nazeem heads into the Jungle starring in Reality I very much agree, sir. I am circulating Show
this article as widely as I can.
Philip Armit
Re: Melbourne Car attack: Gargasoulas not a terrorist?
Great article, personally I would have gone one step further and called this event a terrorist act. Regardless of the background or faith of the perpetrator, this devastating event which lead to the loss of innocent lives should have been called a terrorist act by the press, and I was angered to continually hear both from the premier and the chief of police that this was an isolated event and not a terrorist act. Yes, it was an isolated event, but why isn’t it a terrorist act? Simply because the perpetrator isn’t a Muslim??? Terrorist acts can, and have been, carried out throughout history by people of ALL religions. George (Greek Orthodox) It’s also interesting that most of the terrorists recruited by ISIS are converts or people that have recently decided to learn about Islam. We need to introduce a program that directs these people to their local credible Islamic organisations that have a history of service to their community and who don’t have any ulterior motives. They can learn about Islam from honest, God-fearing people. Such a program starting at high-schools would be a perfect grassroots initiative to combat terrorism in Australia. Gulhan
Pity Herr Hanson isn’t in the jungle with him. Gary Dargan Now THAT I’d watch Gary.
Gulhan
Follow us on
twitter.com/amust_au
www.amust.com.au
26th Jan Australia’s day to celebrate their nation.. Celebrating our brave warriors murders and mutilations Celebrating our bravest women’s rapes and molestations Celebrating our bond of family broken by forced separations All in the name of the great white Australia’s assimilation. So “please explain” who enjoys a celebration Of the Genocide of our First Nations... It’s in the past,get over it they say, Ok so how about we forget Anzac Day.. For realise we are still, still, STILL prisoners or war, 229 years of terrorism on our shores. Today we stand strong as we have survived, BLACK and PROUD, STRONG AND ALIVE! Elizabeth Jarrett is a proud Gumbaynggirr woman who organised and spoke at the Invasion Day Protest rally on Thursday 26 January 2017.
Australasian Muslim Times
5
6
Australasian Muslim Times
www.amust.com.au
February 2017
UMMAH 18
EDUCATION 19 - 20
TRAVEL 21
BUSINESS 22
BOOMERANG
SOCIAL 23
Rising above the tide of Islamophobia Bilal Cleland The attack upon the character and life of Muhammad (s) is part of an attempt to delegitimise the message and the civilization it established. Included in this is ‘perhaps the most invidious insult…that he (Muhammad (s)) overcame his foes with terror only to rule them with cruelty.’ A paper from the Yaqeen Institute “How the Prophet Muhammad Rose above Enmity and Insult,” remarks “how Islamophobia, and its associated fear mongering are truly blessings in disguise.” Blessings, because they are forcing us to investigate our Prophet and “to rediscover his character anew.” The 70 incidents in this paper, in which the Prophet (s) rose above enmity and insult, not only serve to illustrate the compassion and depth of wisdom of Muhammad (s), but in the words of the authors “to inspire the followers of Muhammad to demonstrate mercy and benevolence in the face of insult as their Prophet did.” In the first 10 years of Islam in Mecca, when the Prophet (s) and the small Muslim community were subjected to oppression, important principles of Islamic spirituality were established. Muslims are generally well informed about the ill treatment heaped upon the faithful during this period. However we may not have understood the main lesson – to not allow our emotions and actions to be hijacked by our own egos,
by Shaytan, to the point where our decision making is driven by those emotions rather than the message of Islam or the example of Muhammad (s). An illustration of his honesty and adherence to agreements made is his insistence that the valuables entrusted to him, often by his persecutors, should be returned safely. When forced to flee to Madina, he left Ali (r) behind in Mecca to return all the trusts left with him. In another incident the great Rabbi of Madinah, Zayd b. Su’na lent the Prophet 350 grams of gold. A few days before repayment was due he accosted Muhammad in the street, demanding his gold be returned immediately. Muhammad instructed Omar to repay the gold and give him a quantity of dates as recompense for Umar’s furious response to the unjust request. Zayd embraced Islam, stating to Umar (s) “there was not a single sign of prophethood except that I recognized it upon looking at Muhammad’s face – except for two that I had not yet seen from him: that his tolerance overcomes his anger, and that intense abuse only increases him in forbearance. I have now tested these…”. There are many incidents in which attempted assassins were forgiven. A coup attempt by Abdullah b. Ubayy was forgiven. Muhammad (s) even prevented the Muslim tribe of al-Yamama from stopping the provision of grain to the Quraysh. Although they were at war with the Muslims, Muhammad (s) understood that innocent people behind enemy lines would be harmed. This was despite the fact that for years those same Quraysh had boycotted his clan and exiled it
Muslim woman handing out roses in Toronto, Canada. from the city, causing terrible suffering. His magnanimity at the conquest of Mecca, even restoring the keys of the Kaaba to the family of Uthman b. Talha, who had blocked his access to the sacred place, further emphasized his compassion. As Aisha (r), who lived with him for many years, related after his death, he never struck anyone unless he was fighting in the cause of Allah, he never took revenge upon anyone for the wrong done to him and would only carry out legal retributions for the sake of Allah when the injunctions of Allah were violated. The article on the website of the Yaqeen Institute is well worth downloading for the information it provides. Our Prophet (s) is the embodiment of Islam and the more fa-
Worst global refugee crisis: US to blame Dr Daud Batchelor
Most probably the recent UN declaration that the world is experiencing the worst-ever recorded refugee crisis, with 65 million persons displaced, is the successful outcome of United States-Israeli destabilisation strategies against Middle Eastern countries. Muslims comprise the greatest majority of displaced persons. As a revenge response of massive, indiscriminate violence to the 9/11 attacks, “The US has fuelled the conflicts in all five nations [Syria, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Yemen] from which most refugees are fleeing, and is directly responsible for the violence in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya” (Norton, 2015). “Smoke, mirrors and deception” is the essence of warfare. Let us review the strategies, which generated this refugee crisis. Firstly, invade (2001) and attack the country’s leading party (Taliban) that brought relative stability to the war-torn country, support warlords harassing the population, and build military bases unacceptable to most. This is Afghanistan. Illegally invade a stable country (2003) using fabricated WMD data, then kill 0.51.5 million, destroy civil infrastructure, disperse radioactive munitions causing terrible defects in children, incite serious sectarian divisions and instigate an extremist violent opposition (ISIS). Fragmentation of Iraq is the result with Kurds allying with Israel. Who would reject leadership of judges trying to stabilise a country? This is the 2006 US intervention in Somalia. Bush stymied the Islamic Courts Union who ended warlord control in Mogadishu. He then incited Ethiopia’s invasion increasing instability favouring the rise and devastation wrought by extremist groups Al-Shabaab and Horn pirates. Who would encourage rebellion against a
February 2017
AMUST
miliar we become with his example, the better Muslims we can become, inshallah. https://goo.gl/WF1K0W Bilal Cleland is a keen reader, a prolific writer and a regular columnist of AMUST based in Melbourne.
Pendulum Fazlul Huq Just because the rituals invariably constitute, The injunctions contained in the Guidance, Confuse not the exuberance with the intent, As you can never be truly certain that the display Would represent piety and zeal for ascendance! Nor should you assume that the withdrawal Can meet the Sustainer’s Acceptance, As the extremities cannot attain the equilibrium. How can you connect and establish the accord, From the practice of slavery and madness, When the foundations firmly lay on justice and freedom, While hypocrisy and ostentations only serve to deprive! How can an empty show devoid of the intent, Provide the thrust and the force field, To illuminate, insulate and reverberate, The mind, body and the soul in tune with the Source!
long-standing government but ensure failure by restricting the opposition front and curtailing military support. This is Syria since 2011. Islamic law generally discourages rebellion: “Better a tyrant ruler than one day of chaos”. National destruction however, seems to be a US objective. Lastly, elections in Libya held in 2012 established a dominant party to lead government. However, unification was thwarted by US-European bombing and support of militant rebels creating a failed state and a gateway for refugees immigrating to Europe. An effective strategy was enhancement of Sunni-Shi’a mutual distrust by the CIA and Sultan Bandar, former Saudi Ambassador to the US, which destroyed vestiges of Muslim unity and caused numerous tit-for-tat atrocities including in Yemen. Ex-President Obama knew about political abuse of American democracy by the powerful Zionist lobby, AIPAC, and neocons. Israel successfully influenced American power to incite attacks on Muslim countries according to the zionist Yinon Plan, which promotes fragmentation of Arab countries so they become incapable of checking Israel’s expansion. Muslims are aware of Prophet’s (s) statement “Help your brother whether he is oppressed or an oppressor.” The Prophet (s) when asked “How should we help our brother if he is oppressor?” replied, “By preventing him from oppressing others”.
Instead, Australian political and military leaders gave blind military support to destructive US campaigns resulting in Australia now experiencing refugee ‘blowback’. John Howard, Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott were often stronger backers for damaging interventions than the US. A friend should highlight mistakes to a wayward buddy. Great respect is due to Malcolm Fraser, Paul Keating and Bob Carr who criticised US-Israeli actions and called for urgent reassessment of the ANZUS alliance. However the Ummah should conduct soul-searching, recognise its shortcomings and reform also rather than just blaming the West. The Qur’an reminds us to be law-abiding, and patient during challenging times. Given its support for disastrous US destabilisation policies, Australia is morally responsible to increase its refugee intake above the paltry 12,000 planned. “Peace-loving” Australia should stay out of US-inspired interventions and beware of supporting a Trump administration likely to further destabilise the Middle East. 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.
www.amust.com.au
Forget not that the whole is more than the sum, And the remainder is much less than the fraction, As the declaration is not mere an intent or utterance, And the meditation is not just a chant or silence. So let us reject evil and embrace goodness, And as always rejoice in His Glory and Praise. Perfected are the Words of the Creator in Truth and Justice, As a Guide, a Glad Tidying and a Beacon of Light! Show forgiveness, speak for justice and freedom, Bind in love and affection, blind not in hatred and aversion!
Associate Professor Fazlul Huq is based in Sydney and leads the Biomedical Science Cancer Research Group in the School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School. He is also an accomplished poet with over 1400 compositions in Bengali and English and has also been involved in various community projects.
Australasian Muslim Times
7
AMUST
COMMUNITY
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 11
AUSTRALIA 12 - 13
LIFESTYLE 14 - 17
Third Annual Halal Expo set to impress Sarwat Hassan The 3rd International Halal Expo Australia (HEA) 2017 will be held on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 February 2017 from 10am to 8pm, at Rosehill Gardens, Sydney. A 2-Day International Halal Conference (IHC) 2017 will also be a part of HEA 2017. Over 20 different ethnic halal foods and 100 different Halal local and international businesses/organisations will be participating in the Halal Expo Australia 2017. There will be 24 international speakers covering 7 sessions at the International Halal Conference (IHC) 2017 which is being held alongside the festival and fair. It is an exciting event that Australian Muslims have never experienced before, where collaborations with 10 international halal organizations and the participation of
several Australian organizations shows that people around the world are looking for bilateral relations with Australia in culture, religion, trade and economy. “It is good to see that not only members of the Australian Muslim community but broader Australians are taking interest in Halal Expo Australia, and it’s become an addition to our multicultural characteristics as one Australian nation with different colours”, says Syed Atiq ul Hassan, the director Halal Expo Australia. The prime aim of the HEA 2017 is to: • Create awareness of all things Halal: food, products, services and a Halal healthy lifestyle • Establish a network of Australian and International Halal industry players • Build a B2B network of Halal industry players, investors, financers, entrepreneurs, industrialists and professionals • Expand B2C relationships between Halal businesses & consumers in an entertaining and informative setting • Develop social harmony and understanding between diverse people of Islamic and
non-Islamic backgrounds As the one and only International Halal event in Australia; HEA 2017, as a largest Halal trade show, presents a fantastic opportunity for international and national Halal industry players to promote their products and services in the Australian and International Markets. HEA 2017 will be a one-stop event that will reach over thousands of people who are interested in Halal products and services. The 2-Day IHC 2017, side-by-side will provide unique opportunity to the local and overseas Halal industry players, Halal certification bodies, Islamic leaders, interfaith dialogue pleaders, and the representatives of the Government departments to meet, speak and seek consensual resolutions on critical issues related to Halal industry in ethical, professional and harmonious manner. The Theme of the Conference is ‘Halal as
a Culture, Economy and Trade’. Entry tickets to the expo are available online on HEA’s website www.halalexpo.com. au. The details are being regularly updated on the website Facebook page www.facebook. com/halalexpoaustralia/ . Information can also be obtained by calling 1300 786 124 or Mobile 0412 881 597 or 0479 143 628. All Australian media are cordially invited to attend this mega Australian event. Sarwat Hassan is the Event & Media Manager for Halal Expo Australia 2017 and is based in Sydney. She has vast experience in organizing large multicultural events. She can be contacted via email: event@halalexpo.com.au
HALAL
EXPO 2017 AUSTRALIA
Fair • Festival • Conference
11 – 12 FEB 2017 - 10am to 8pm ROSEHILL GARDENS, ROSEHILL, NSW
HALAL TRADE SHOW AND FESTIVITIES Mix of National and International Exhibitors Product Demonstrations Celebrity Appearances Rides and Amusements
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
MASSIVE 2 DAY EVENT FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY & THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY
6 Sessions 2 Workshops 25 Presentations International Speakers
www.halalexpo.com.au halalexpoaustralia
8
Australasian Muslim Times
1300 786 124 www.amust.com.au
0412 881 597 February 2017
UMMAH 18
EDUCATION 19 - 20
TRAVEL 21
BUSINESS 22
COMMUNITY
SOCIAL 23
ICSOA Representatives attend AFMI Silver Jublee Convention Dr Habib Bhurawala
Representatives from the newly formed Indian Crescent Society of Australia (ICSOA) joined the Silver Jublee convention of the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI) held on Saturday 31 December 2016 to Sunday 1 January 2017 in New Delhi. AFMI, formed in 1989 is dedicated to the empowerment of Muslim minority in India through education and has been holding regular convention on education and gala award program for high achieving Indian Muslim students. The 25th convention held in coordination with Delhi Youth Welfare Association at the Kedar Nath Sahani Auditorium, presented 120 gold, silver, and bronze awards to students attaining meritorious distinction in the board exams. The awards were presented by the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia and other dignitaries from India and abroad. Dr Habib Bhurawala and Mr Salim Kadiwala represented ICSOA, an organisation formed towards the middle of 2016 in order to provide a platform for Australians of Indian origin to work towards the welfare of Indian Muslims. The prestigious Sir Syed Ahmed Khan Award was conferred on leading Mumbai philanthropist Dr Abdul Kader Fazlani Sopariwala. The Mir Taqi Mir Award was given to
Sanjiv Saraf, founder of the popular web portal www.rekhta.org, for his contributions in promoting the Urdu language. The website now features more than 22,000 titles of Urdu books. Excellence Awards were given to former Chief Electoral Commissioner S Y Quraishi and the historic Anglo Arabic Senior Secondary School. In a first for AFMI convention, all the medallists were interviewed by Dr Fazlani’s philanthropic organization and scholarships worth Rs 4 crore were pledged. Following the convention, a seventeen-member delegation of the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin including representatives of ICSOA, led by Dr A R Nakadar, met the Hon Vice President Hamid Ansari on Monday 2 January 2017 and appraised him of AFMI’s activities. ICSOA representatives were also part of this delegation. The Vice President highly appreciated the efforts of AFMI and the concerns, and care of NRIs for improving the quality of education in India. The convention also featured an AFMI Alumni session in which previous year’s medallists spoke on their experiences after winning the award. They also offered their guidance for the students in choosing their career pathways. Among those who addressed this session include Dr Nurul Islam (paediatric cardiologist), Mrs Darakshan Khan (IT consultant), Dr Suhail Qureshi (oncologist), Dr Naseem Ahmed (Orthopaedic surgeon), Dr A K Nabeel, Ms Samreen Siddiqui and Mr Uzair Khan. AFMI’s flagship awards program has been instrumental in spreading awareness about
AMUST
From left, Mr Shafi Lokhandwala, Dr Habib Bhurawala, Dr A S Nakadar, Mr Mohd Sabir Khan, and Mr Salim Kadiwala. educational excellence and empowerment across the country. Dr A R Nakadar, AFMI’s founding trustee, said that the fruits sown by AFMI at its inception are now bearing fruit. He further added that due to such efforts there has been a remarkable improvement in the educational scenario of Indian Muslims. Citing the latest census reports, he stated that there has been a 98.8% increase in the number of Muslim graduates between 2001 and 2011. During the same period the Indian Muslim literacy rate has increased from 59.1% to 68.5%. He said that the day is not
too far when, through the collective efforts of all, AFMI’s dream of 100% literacy will be realized. Dr Habib Bhurawala (MBBS MD FRACP DCH), based in Sydney is a consultant general paediatrician currently working at Nepean & Blue Mountains hospitals in Sydney. Originally from Gujarat state in India he moved to Australia to gain further training in Paediatrics in 2002. He has strong interest in community work especially health education/promotion.
ICSOA releases inaugural Newsletter Zia Ahmad The Indian Crescent Society of Australia (ICSOA) released its on-line inaugural newsletter on Thursday 26 January 2017 on the momentous occasion of the India’s Republic Day as well as the Australia Day. The newsletter in addition to messages of goodwill contains reports and some very
relevant articles on Indian Muslims and the contemporary issues they face. We invite feedback and further contributions in future editions of ICSOA newsletter. ICSOA was formed last year in order to provide a platform for Australians in general and Muslims of Indian origin in particular to deal with issues related to the welfare of Muslims in India and establish networking.
Dr Habib Bhurawala awarding prize to AFMI medal recipient student.
Mr. Abbas Raza Alvi, President
Mr. FasihUddin Khan, Secretary
Mr. Abbas Chelat, Treasurer
Sir Syed Day SAT
Venue: Granville Town Hall, 10 Carlton Street, Granville
AFMI and ICSOA delegation at residence of Hon Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India in New Delhi.
February 2017
Chief Guest: His Excellency Indian High Commissioner Dr. Ajay M. Gondane For tickets contact: 0430 481 729, 0430 271 736 Email: secretary.amuaa@gmail.com
11
Feb 2017
Organised by: Aligarh Muslim University Alumni of Australia (AMUAA)
www.amust.com.au
7:30 PM
Australasian Muslim Times
9
AMUST
COMMUNITY
Events Calendar Women’s Trisport Tournament Sunday 5 Feb, 2017 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Lebanese Muslim Association, 71-75 Wangee Road, Lakemba, NSW https://goo.gl/Kt77XE
Halal Expo Australia 2017 Saturday 11 Feb, 2017 Sunday 12 Feb, 2017 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Rosehill Gardens James Ruse Dr Rosehill, NSW www.halalexpo.com.au
Sir Syed Day
Saturday 11 Feb, 2017 7:30 PM Granville Town Hall, 10 Carlton Street, Granville, NSW Mob: 0430 481 729 Mob: 0430 271 736
Good Time Lunch Cruise For Elders Sunday 12 Feb, 2017 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM King Street Wharf 9, Darling Harbour, NSW To book your seat call 0468 409 786
SUMSA Alumni Dinner
Saturday 25 Feb, 2017 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM Lebanese Muslim Association, 71-75 Wangee Road, Lakemba, NSW www.facebook.com/ events/347641878911706/
Adapting to Marriage Equality Monday 27 Feb, 2017 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Golden King Restaurant 15 Dundas St, Phillip, ACT www.facebook.com/ events/246390679105875/
House of Sakinah WSC Sisters’ Lunch Saturday 4 Mar, 2017 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM Plumpton Neighbourhood Centre, 340 Rooty Hill Rd N, Plumpton, NSW Mob: 0435 069 161
View more events online or add your own at www.amust.com.au/ calendar
10
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 11
AUSTRALIA 12 - 13
LIFESTYLE 14 - 17
Late Mr Jamil Ahmad: A practical visionary
Javed Jamil
An orphan in early childhood, my father Late Jamil Ahmad Sahab went on to live a long and successful life. His death on 10 January 2017 marked the end of a truly illustrious career. Born in 1923, he had lost both his father and mother very early in his childhood and was taken care of by his brother Late Muhammad Yusuf Advocate who was about 10 years older than him. His career as a student, first in Govt Inter College, Meerut and then Meerut Degree College as a student of law was marked by high achievements. Always passing in first division, he obtained 4th position in Law in the whole Agra University, UP, India. Subsequently he started his career as an Advocate in his hometown, Saharanpur and soon became an established and highly reputed lawyer. He retired from profession at the age of 75 after performing Hajj. The reason for retiring was that he thought howsoever one tries to be honest, the demands of the Legal Profession were such as did not allow one to remain totally honest and after Hajj he did not want to risk his honesty. He however continued to look after his mango orchards and farms till his death. His achievements in the social arena were also remarkable. A social and community activist, he mainly concentrated on the rural areas of District Saharanpur and the adjacent districts of Muzaffar Nagar, Hardwar and Dehradun focussing on education (both religious and modern) and campaigning against unIslamic customs that prevailed in the area. First as Secretary and then President of a community organisation, he established and developed two large Arabic Madrasas (providing Aalim and Fazil degrees) and dozens of small schools and madrasas. He also took lead in campaigning for girls’ education. His organisations also provided scholarships to poor students from the rural areas. The areas of the four districts where he worked along with his colleagues produced hundreds of doctors, professors, engineers, bureaucrats, lawyers and Engineers. He continuously fought against the malpractices in marriages and marriage ceremonies, campaigned for the written registrations of all marriages in Nikah Registers and formed committees to try to reconcile the couples on the verge of divorce. What however I would specifically like to mention is his decision to bequeath full religious share to his daughters in his property, something extremely rare in the present Indian Muslim society.
Jamil Ahmad passed away on 10 January 2017 in New Delhi, India. He had initially willed only in favour of Mr. Zahid Jamil, a postgraduate from IIT sons but when I reminded him of his reli- Delhi settled in Sydney and is highly regious duty to rewrite will in accordance with spected in Australian circles. All the sisters the provisions of Quran, he finally agreed got postgraduate qualifications and were and got another will written. After some married to qualified professionals. initial reluctance, all the brothers happily In his last few years, he had completely accepted his decision. I feel this example lost his vision due to Congestive Glaucoma needs to be percolated to the larger sections and his hearing too had become largely imof Muslim society and can become a part of paired. But his spirits were never comprothe movement to grant women the rights en- mised and he remained as alert as ever in his shrined in Islam. mental abilities. He was also a man of great discipline who One day he asked me, “Tell me, when I would follow his duty in precise details and am raised again on the Day of Qayamat, will would never be late in whatever he planned. I be raised blind and deaf?’ I said, “Insha One particular event is enough to describe Allah you will be in Jananh and you will be the power of his resolve. raised as a young man with excellent vision He used to smoke Huqqa which used to and hearing”. be an integral part of gatherings at that time He looked visibly happy and then I jokparticularly in rural areas. When in 1983 I ingly said, “And Abbajan, if Allah is merreturned back after completing Medicine at ciful on me and grants me too a place in King George’s Medical College, Lucknow, Jananh, I will be as young as you and you one day while having the pipe of huqqa in will not be able to look at me with your fahis hand, he complained, “Javed, I have this therly stare as you did here.” recurrent Cough”. He laughed and said, “I pray to Allah that I replied, “Abbajan, this is on account of all my sons, daughters, relatives, friends and the pipe you are having in your hands and the whole Muslim Ummah gets the Mercy if you stop smoking, you will be fine, Insha of Allah and are granted places in Jannah!” Allah”. Listening to this, he took a smoke from the pipe and then left it with a jerk say- Dr Javed Jamil is India based thinker and ing, “This was my last, and if I don’t heed writer with over a dozen books including the advice of my doctor son who else will?” his latest, “Quranic Paradigms of Sciences He never smoked after that despite pres- & Society” (First Vol: Health), “Muslims sures from his friends. Most Civilised, Yet Not Enough” and “MusHe was gifted with 7 sons and 3 daugh- lim Vision of Secular India: Destination ters. He took care to make sure that all his & Road-map”. Other works include “The children got high education. One became a Devil of Economic Fundamentalism”, “The distinguished lawyer, myself became a doc- Essence of the Divine Verses”, “The Killer tor (now more known as a writer and think- Sex”, “Islam means Peace” and “Rediscover) and the other 5 brothers became qualified ering the Universe”. He can be contacted at Engineers. doctorforu123@yahoo.com
Dua for late Mr Jamil Ahmad in Sydney
A dua was organised by Mr Zahid Jamil, son of late Mr Jamil Ahmad on Sat 14 January 2017 at Himalaya Function Centre in Granville, Sydney. Mr Jamil Ahmad passed away on 10 Jan in New Delhi, India and was buried with full respects in his home town Saharanpur, the next day. He was aged 92. Well over 150 people, family and friends attended the event with recitation of Quran and an address by Maulana Nazir ul Hassan Thanvi followed by insightful advice and an emotional dua that brought tears amongst the audience. Mr Zahid Jamil, a well known community leader currently heading the South Asian Muslim Association of Australia (SAMAA), while remembering his late father, described him as an exceptional human being who was not only a reputed
Australasian Muslim Times
lawyer but also played active social role in Muslim community of Saharanpur. Dr Simmi Zahid, Mr Zahid Jamil’s daughter, described her grandfather as a highly virtuous man who had earned re-
www.amust.com.au
spect from rich and poor, his colleagues and contemporaries, community leaders as well as local MPs and Ministers due to his righteousness and humility.
February 2017
UMMAH 18
EDUCATION 19 - 20
TRAVEL 21
BUSINESS 22
COMMUNITY
SOCIAL 23
AMUST
Islamic story night - A Necklace full of love Sakinah Bokhari A unique Islamic story night was held on Saturday 21 January at Progress Park, Auburn in Sydney. More than 300 people were in attendance, mainly families consisting of young and old on a warm night under lights in a family friendly atmosphere. The program started with Mohamed Khodr singing Tala Al Badru Alayna and his own nasheed about mothers. The main part of the program followed with the story called ‘A Necklace full of love’ This was the story of Zaynab (r), the
daughter of Prophet Mohammad (s) and her husband Abu Al-Aas ibn Ar-Rabi (r). This story from the Seerah about the love and loyalty between the couple was told in an eloquent and engaging way by Sheikh Abu Bakr Zoud. This inspiring story encompasses many life lessons specially for couples and families and were a great source of inspiration for those present that night. Maghreb and Isha prayers were offered in large congregation together by men, women and children together with enjoying all the food specially BBQ under lights. You can watch the full story narrated by Sheikh Abu Bakr Zoud here: https://youtu.be/Sb7HVWo7Qno Sakinah Bokhari is a teacher based in Sydney.
Sheikh Abu Bakr Zoud narrated the story called ‘A Necklace full of love’.
Attendees at the Islamic story night held on Saturday 21 January 2017 at Progress Park, Auburn.
Celebrating the everyday heroism of ordinary people Mobinah Ahmad Almost a week before Australia Day 2017, on Friday 20 January almost 800 people attended this year’s first Australia Day Lunch at Sydney’s new International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour. Guests enjoyed performances by Guy Sebastian and the incredible Indigenous KARI Choir, who sang the National Anthem in Dharawal and English. The event celebrated the everyday heroism of ordinary people. Seated close to the stage, honoured to be seated on the Multicultural NSW table, I got a fantastic view of the KARI Choir’s performance. The highlight by far, was when they sang the first verse of the Australian Anthem in the Dharawal language and the rest of the anthem was finished with Guy Sebastian in English. I had the pleasure of meeting new people and networking with representatives from government and the community sector. This included George Bisas, Director of
Language Services, Multicultural NSW, Pritika Desai, Creative Director at the Information & Cultural Exchange, Multicultural NSW, Cristina Felicio Multicultural NSW Manager, Business Development & Client Relations, Multicultural NSW and Malcolm Haddon Senior Community Relations Adviser, Multicultural NSW. Hosted by journalist Sarah Harris, the guest list included this year’s NSW Young Australian of the Year, Arthur Alla, NSW Senior Australian of the Year, Dr John Knight AM, and NSW Australia’s Local Hero, Josephine Peter. Reflecting further on the bravery and service of several NSW residents, in his final speech as Premier of NSW, Mike Baird said it was one of the great privileges and highlights of his time in public life that he got to meet them. “It is why I leave in many respects with mixed emotions, but I know that this state and country will continue to be the greatest in the world because we have people like that, that make it so special”, Mr Baird concluded.
KARI Choir. Photo by Oneill Photographics.
February 2017
Former NSW Premier Mike Baird. Photo by Oneill Photographics.
From left: George Bisas (MNSW), Pritika Desai (ICE), Mobinah Ahmad (AMUST), Christina Felicio (MNSW), Malcolm Haddon (MNSW). Photo by Oneill Photographics.
www.amust.com.au
Australasian Muslim Times
11
AMUST
AUSTRALIA
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 11
AUSTRALIA 12 - 13
LIFESTYLE 14 - 17
Advertising for Target and Kmart reflects the real and diverse Australia Sakinah Bokhari
Back-to-school advertising for Target & Kmart is reflecting the real, diverse Australia – a nation of mixed abilities, races & cultures. Recent catalogues from Target and Kmart have been praised for showing a diverse range of models including children with disabilities and from various cultural backgrounds. The public has taken to social media to mainly praise Target for its catalogue, commenting that a Muslim model in their ads has broken barriers. They also commented that this has taken real people as models to a new level. Advocacy groups for the disabled have also praised the move with the Youth Disability Advocacy Services tweeting they love the catalogues for promoting inclusion and diversity. The catalogue featured a mother wearing hijab, special needs children with hearing aids, feet braces and walking aids, and children from diverse backgrounds. There is much benefit that comes from displaying these images. People see clothes modelled on people more like them and it promotes inclusivity. Proudly displaying diversity garners respect for and appreciation of differences in abilities, races and cultures. The power of diversity is unleashed when we respect and value differences. We encourage and hope to see more retailers head down this path in the future. Here are some comments of the positive reaction on facebook: “Being a mother of a special need child and being a hijabi (wearing the head scarf) this is so relatable. Keep it up.”
Target’s back-to-school catalogue featured a woman wearing hijab.
Back-to-school catalgues from Kmart and Target included special needs children and children from diverse backgrounds.
“Congratulations on recognising the diverse nature of Australia’s population. I’m not disabled and I’m Caucasian. However, I prefer to see all Australians represented in marketing and advertising materials. And I
bet it will win you some loyal customers,” Christina Derbyshire added. “Was absolutely overwhelmed with emotion seeing the diversity in your latest catalogue. You have no idea what this means to
a lot of Muslims and people with disabilities who are made to feel excluded from society every day. Ignore the haters, what you did was an amazing move and I hope it’s not the last we’ll see of it,” Ashwini Rajesh said.
based on preventing war-related behaviors, safeguarding religious and ethnic identities, and encouraging a culture of peace through international cooperation. Hina Khan, the youth transition support worker of Community Migrant Resource Centre, said, “The DPCW can play an important role in providing a regulatory framework and mindset that values peace for all.”
With the topic ‘Peace,’ participants discussed how to fulfill peace through the positive benefits of harmony, humanity, and co-operation. The questions for discussion include “What does peace mean to you?”, “Do you think there is a way to achieve Peace? If so, how can we achieve it?” Dr Vinh, a member of the audience com-
mented, “I think that the idea of war started with the idea of authority, power and misunderstanding. One country thinks that they have the right to invade or exploit another country, but speaking of peace, we should go back to the idea of kindheartedness because we expect all human beings disregarding of race or cultural differences. We all have the wish to live happy and to be loved.” Following the signature campaign for the DPCW, participants opened a piñata of war, containing a huge placard saying ‘peace,’ by throwing balls. At the end of the forum, youth members in IPYG sang a song ‘Hand in Hands.’ Holding diverse events, HWPL, IWPG and IPYG are sending a message to Australians that they have to lead not only Australia but globally towards peace. With three peace events in Australia last November prior to this forum and participation of IWPG and IPYG in Blacktown Harmony Walk Festival on 19 February, the movement to realize peace through the DPCW will be growing further.
NGOs raise collective voice for Peace AMUST Media
The 2nd Peace Builders Forum was held on Saturday 29 January to commemorate Australia Day in Sydney where international NGO’s campaigned for international cooperation and public support for recognition of peace as a cultural value. Fifty participants including politicians and leaders of civil society and youth organizations, as well as media gathered together to create a better understanding amongst all people regardless of ethnicity, national origin, culture or religion for a vision of living in harmony through the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). This forum was organized by the international non-profit organizations: Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), International Women Peace Group (IWPG), and International Peace Youth Group (IPYG). They are closely cooperating to support the DPCW, drafted by HWPL and its International Law Peace Committee with global experts, which addresses conflict resolution
Alliance peace summit held in Sydney Hanif Bismi A peace summit on Alliance of Religion and Dialogue of Scriptures was organised on Sat 21 January 2017 by Heavenly Culture World peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Australia branch in partnership with International Women’s Peace Group and International Peace Youth Group. HWPL has raised two initiatives for the cessation of wars. The first one is enforce-
12
ment of DPCW (Declaration of Peace and Cessation of Wars) and secondly Religious Harmony as a vital ingredient for world peace. The Alliance of Religious Dialogue program started at 7 pm and four religious leaders who were present before mixed groups of young people began the dialogue. Sheikh Hamid Waqar (Islam), Pandit Prem Misra (Hinduism), Mr Peter Lee (Christianity) and Mr Atsushi Tojo (Scientology) with the dialogue monitored by Ms Tammy Jo from IWPG. The main discussion topic was on “Good and Evil” – how to solve the problem of evil based on religious scriptures.
Australasian Muslim Times
The first question was “Is a scripture acceptable even if it doesn’t provide a solution to the problem of evil?” The second question: “If the scripture is able to identify the root cause of good and evil, why is evil yet to be solved in this world?” The final question “Is there a record of a case where evil was solved in your scripture?” Various religious scholars gave answers centred on their scripture and the audience asked further questions based on the answers for better understanding of the subject. Each scholar explained the importance
www.amust.com.au
and methods of prayers in their respective religions. At the end of the program people had gained a positive knowledge and understanding of each religion and how it can be used to build peace in the world The audience thanked Lydia Im and her team for organising such events in Sydney. HWPL is committed to world peace and 204 such religious dialogues are being conducted across the world in 112 different countries every month. Hanif Bismi is a Sydney based historian, political analyst, community activist and an Advisor to ARO.
February 2017
UMMAH 18
EDUCATION 19 - 20
TRAVEL 21
BUSINESS 22
AUSTRALIA
SOCIAL 23
AMUST
Health project to help Syrian refugees Yusra Hadi When looking at all the chaos happening in the Middle East and the recent Syrian crisis, it’s easy to become cynical about the number of refugees around the world. There is generally a sense of feeling powerless and not knowing what to do to help. However, Sydney-Based humanitarian, Shay Saleh, has spent the last few months planning an initiative to serve a small part of humanity. According to UNHCR, an estimated number of 11 million Syrians have fled their homes since the outbreak of the civil war in 2011. The UN states that Syrians are officially the largest national group crossing from the Mediterranean to get to Europe. With a background in nutrition and health promotion, Saleh plans on visiting displaced refugees in Greece with a team of 25 health professionals to volunteer on a Malnutrition & Medical project. To make this happen, Shay started a fundraising campaign to raise donations for the children and families in refugee camps in
Saleh raised $2400 – $1800 online and $600 offline. Greece. The money donated will help pro- care and support. vide refugee families with free healthcare, The donations will cover the costs of nutritional supplements, food and general sanity items, stationary, learning resources, supplements, and warm clothing which will ideally be purchased from Greece to support local businesses. As cliché as it is, no amount is too small. If only people realised that even their tiny donation of a couple of dollars is literally a lifesaving amount for a new-born baby… With a goal of $1500, anything is possible! Saleh says she’s blown away with the amount of money raised. With only a few days to go, the campaign is currently sitting with $1800. The organiser of the humanitarian project is a non-profit organisation, Involvement Volunteers International. Saleh will be travelling with a team of 25 health professionals including doctors, paediatricians, nurses, physiotherapists, and nutritionists to help improve the conditions of Funds were used to buy scarves, booties, mittens & beanies for Syrian kids.
refugees and bring a sense of happiness and well-being back into their lives. “I never pictured my first trip to Europe would be like this. I’m excited, nervous, and overwhelmed – it’s a crazy kaleidoscope!”, Saleh said. Saleh will specifically be working on infant nutrition and reproductive and female health. She suggests that by improving the education around breastfeeding and coming up with alternative strategies, the health status and survival rates of the babies will be significantly improved. “You can’t change the world, but you can do small things that can influence the course of another person’s life”, Saleh added. Saleh hopes not only to achieve improvements in the health of Syrian refugees but to leave a personal positive impact behind. Yusra Hadi is a Sydney-based multimedia journalist.
Melbourne Car attack: Gargasoulas not a terrorist?
in causing division even amongst minority groups. History shows that multiculturalism isn’t a modern concept. People have the innate ability to live in peace, abiding by the laws of the land in which they reside. What political or religious agenda has any terrorist achieved other than discrediting Muslims and raising the platform for the likes of Donald Trump and Pauline Hanson? If anything the terrorists are assisting, it’s their political agenda and not of actual Muslims’.
Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas
Muslims all over Melbourne held their breath as the identity of the Melbourne’s Bourke Street car attack ‘terrorist’ was released. The massacre, that took the life of five people including a 3 months old Muslim baby Zachary Bryan and injured more than 15 people took place on Friday 20 January 2017. What followed was a huge sigh of relief. Thank God he didn’t say he was Muslim. Thank God there won’t be another wave of racism and retaliation against the Muslim communities in Australia. Thank God this time we get to mourn the loss of lives in this catastrophe along with our fellow Melbournians without being made to feel like we’re personally responsible. Dimitri Garsasoulas tried very hard all that week to get arrested. In fact, according to media sources, court documents show Gargasoulas has been trying to get locked up since April 2016 with a string of alleged offences ranging from dangerous driving, theft, breaking a taxi window, police pursuit and more. On the day he terrorised Melbourne, and yes he did ‘terrorise’ in the core definition of the word, he stabbed a person, kidnapped another person and recklessly drove in the heart of the city before causing death, injury and trauma to many. He struck terror and fear in the hearts of Melbournians. Some elements prematurely pointed the finger at Muslims. This was corrected to say he was on drugs, he has a history of
February 2017
Like violence, he has a history of mental health problems... but no, he’s not a terrorist. Pauline Hanson and ISIS were probably equally disappointed. Gargasoulas has many similarities in character to Sydney’s Martin Place attacker, Man Monis, and his pattern of behaviour is really no different to all the other ‘regular’ terrorists that have been profiled and recruited by extremist groups. Without flaw every time there is a history of violence and mental illness. It’s interesting watching mainstream media tiptoeing around the term terrorist on this occasion even though the end result is relatively comparable, especially comparable to the terrorist attack recently in Berlin. Is this a reflection on our lack of investment as a nation in mental health? Are we
doing enough to address the problem at grassroots level? Who’s political agenda is supported when we wait until these violent people with mental illnesses are actually recruited by extremists? Fear, and the racism that follows, is the first easy step towards causing division and friction in otherwise strong, cohesive communities that have lived peacefully for centuries. The day after Trumps inauguration, an Asian woman in Sydney, with broken English, racially attacked a Muslim woman wearing a niqab, banging on her car window and calling her a terrorist. Welcome to the post-Trump world where everyone is free to be racist without discrimination. All the fear-mongering and extremist propaganda appears to be successful
www.amust.com.au
us on
fb.com/amust.au
Australasian Muslim Times
13
AMUST
LIFESTYLE
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 11
AUSTRALIA 12 - 13
LIFESTYLE 14 - 17
Indian Culture: what can I adopt or abandon MOBYDAYZE Mobinah Ahmad My grandfather, together with his family moved to Australia from India in 1971, and now there are four generations of my extended family currently living in Australia. Coming from an Indian cultural background, and being born and raised in Australia creates a sense of dual identity and it’s quite complex. Looking at this, I wonder if I am able to customise the cultures I identify with, where I can decide what parts to adopt and what parts to abandon. Like in all cultures, Indian culture has its own unique positive qualities, and it is quite endearing to be affiliated with it. These positive aspects include incredible varieties of food, fashion, the movie industry, family bonds, diverse sub-cultures and faiths, celebrations as well as a rich and fascinating history. There are many admirable aspects of culture, however there are also negative aspects too. I think it’s important to be aware of what these negative aspects are, and perhaps even pick and choose what parts of the culture to adopt, and which to abandon. There are many negative aspects or practices of Indian culture: sexism (patriarchy,
misogyny), discrimination over skin colour (ie, fair and lovely), social expectations – living your life by what other people will think (judgemental attitudes) and an aversion to change and blindly follow outdated rituals and traditions, no concept of privacy and herd mentality. These are the main ones, not to mention taboo topics like sex, gender mixing and saying what you actually want. There are so many problems that arise
from the negative parts of culture. Not being raised in solely Indian culture – I am able to be part of it and also look at it from an outside perspective. I begin to question why is it the way it is, to have an acute awareness of perpetuating issues that come about from following such ridiculous rules. The idea of people living their life in fear of what others will think of them, whilst may seem normal to some people, is baffling to me.
Lately, I’ve been reading up on the concept of ‘acculturation’ which looks at a process of cultural and psychological change that results from having other cultures influence it. Having a dual-identity means you’re not really sure whether one culture dominates the other. Am I Australian with a little bit of Indian, or, am I Indian with a little bit of Australian influence. Being raised not to follow Indian tradition so strictly and adopting more of an Australian multicultural identity has made me into the person I am today and I’m really grateful for that. However balancing my Indian-ness with my Australian-ness is difficult, at the end of the day, one will dominate the other. I believe culture is not static, but it is in constant flow as it adapts and reforms. It is possible to give up harmful practices, but not the essence of the culture itself. There is no fear of losing your culture by not following the negative parts of it. My Australian identity absorbs my Indian identity as a very small part of who I am. Therefore I do believe, in order to maintain a connection to my cultural background, I need to make an active and conscious effort to pick and choose which parts I want to adopt and which to abandon. Mobinah Ahmad is a professional social media analyst and AMUST Multimedia Journalist based in Sydney.
Rida and Sema’s lovely Wedding Feature THE MODEST BRIDE
Saltanat Bora
Rida and Sema’s wedding was a lovely event that highlighted the compromise and collaboration between the bride and groom from the start. Although Sema had her wedding envisioned to a tee, and wanted to DIY many elements, the suggestions from Rida helped make the planning process that much easier. Read on for more about their story, and their wedding. How did you meet? My husband and I went to the same high school which is where we first met but our relationship was sparked when we ended up working together as pharmacists about five years later (I was his intern at that point). He made an honest proposal not long after and we were engaged for a year. How was the wedding planning process? I was very pedantic while planning the wedding, my husband was quite often the voice of reason. I wanted to do everything myself from being my own florist to making my own wedding cake but thankfully was talked out of some of it because it just wasn’t realistic (I even had thoughts of making my own wedding dress and I’ve never made any item of clothing !) How did you decide on a wedding venue? Initially we were looking into a garden wedding, but living somewhat close to the city, finding garden venues was difficult especially in a distance that was practical for our guests. Also with Australia’s unpredictable weather 5 minutes of rain could have instantly turned our outdoor wedding into a nightmare, so we chose to have the reception at the Conco D’oro Nevarra Venue which I found to be a beautiful reception. What inspired your wedding style? As a young girl I always envisioned exactly how I wanted my wedding to be down to the smallest details. But you realise how much changes when you’re actually planning and incorporating your partner and both families. We didn’t fuss over sticking to one theme, we just wanted it to represent us both as a couple. Hence the Batman theme mixed with pastel and florals.
14
What does marriage mean to you both? Having a best friend at your side for the rest of your life. Forming a partnership to share life’s trivial day to day moments. Loving, and being loved unconditionally. What was a particularly memorable moment of the day? Is it cheesy to say the whole day was memorable from beginning to end? Tell us about your dress. I had my dress made for me because I wanted to be sure it would be modest but at the same time be something I loved down to the last button. A portion of my reception was women only so my wedding dress is actually two piece, I had a reverse cardigan made with long sleeves which I removed later in the night to reveal the rest of my dress underneath. Looking back now I was probably a very picky client! I knew how I wanted the dress to be and I knew what fabrics and lace I wanted. There were slight struggles because I was being advised to change it a certain way with style, or to change fabrics that were easier to work with, but I really wanted to have a dress that was my own style and what I would deem perfect for me. So I stuck by my decisions and in the end I was very happy with how it turned out. I have my mother to thank greatly with the design and overall process. Overall: Wedding planning can be very stressful but I feel I was blessed with great family and friends and of course a very patient husband who was always there for me. Vendors: Photography: Jade Berber Dress: Norma Bridal Couture Bridesmaid dresses: George Makeup: Milani Joy Headscarf styling: Hijabs by Rasha Florist: Stems by Abby Car: 1989 Batmobile Invitations DIY Venue: Conca D’oro View more photos at https://goo.gl/zqv8pf Saltanat Bora is the editor of The Modest Bride. This article was originally published in themodestbride.com.au
Australasian Muslim Times
www.amust.com.au
February 2017
UMMAH 18
EDUCATION 19 - 20
TRAVEL 21
BUSINESS 22
LIFESTYLE
SOCIAL 23
AMUST
My Retirement from matchMarriage making, effective immediately Bureau Sadi Saif Uddin After much heart-aching deliberation and hand-wringing at the great expense of the small reserve of heart I seem to have, I have made the fast intent and resolved to decisively give up my short lived career in match-making after two recent and a number of past heartaches. To my defence, I did not instigate any invitation to any of the protagonists to be bound in matrimonial felicity, but they had approached me thinking good of their brother, whilst apparently wallowing in their poverty of lack of conjugal companionship. But at every turn it seemed some vain fancy always undermined their potential (no need to get Jabri, let’s not suppose the hands of naseeb were broken). Looks are important, and practising or otherwise, no one wants to admit it. It has come up too many times after initially being the pillar of humility “bro I just want a pi-
ous…” …please to refrain But youth fades, o young’uns, and you’re ‘stuck’ with that person. It’s not illegal to be real. Also, men (and women), if you suffer from unbridled lust exacerbated in this era of sexualised everything, a marriage won’t solve it. 100% Guaranteed, money-back. Also, you can’t devour each other’s bodies in half the ways you know about and are mostly keen on doing (they’re either ‘disliked’ or ‘against propriety’ or even prohibited). If you’re mostly looking to marry to curb the lust, don’t get married yet but talk to me, I think I have some practical advice. The best analogy to illustrate is gluttony; a glutton cannot be healed by just giving him/ her halal food. Likewise a halal relationship won’t do the job. Every marriage is a ‘risk’, you cannot possibly know how it’ll turn out. But too many get cold feet and struggle to (firstly) run with the Sunnah and then say bismillah. In a number of occasions I was on the verge of saying dammit I’ll marry you! It’s not that hard! I apologise for any grief that I caused you and for not having the emotional capacity
Seeker & Sought For
An initiative by the Islamic Foundation for Education and Welfare (IFEW)
to continue in this semi-noble work. Please overlook my uncouthness and transmute any ill feelings to good. I kindly need you to do this, may Allah accept the Dua that make for you: May Allah the Most High transmute your shortcomings to good deeds, grant you the Prophet’s intercession, ward off every hardship that could befall one in the grave, grant His Shade to your resurrected person and admit you to the Garden of Eden without let or hindrance from any evil and without account.
Abdullahi Alim: Western Australia’s Young Australian of the Year 2017 Mobinah Ahmad Director of MYHACK and digital innovator, Abdullahi Alim, 24, is on the honour roll as the WA Young Australian of the Year 2017 and one of the finalists as Young Australian of the Year for 2017, nationally. Alim’s is a remarkable story, from Somalian refugee to accomplished high achiever, Social Innovator, and co-founded of an innovation lab to solve issues of contemporary concern. His work has attracted partners from the Australian Government to Google and the US Department of State. Alim’s many achievements include a program he launched virtually combats violent extremist propaganda. MYHACK, an anti-extremism hackathon that Alim coordinates, has seen young Australians create cutting-edge digital solutions to undermine the influence and pervasive appeal of violent extremist propaganda. His work has been recognised by the Royal Commonwealth Society where he was enlisted as one of Queen Elizabeth’s Young Leaders as well as the World Economic Forum where he recently keynoted at their Annual Meeting in Davos. Completing an honours degree in Finance
a year ago, Alim’s goal is to create hubs or ‘lighthouses’ around the world to promote social impact and youth entrepreneurship. He’s set his sights on innovation challenges to empower more young Australians to solve international issues including the global refugee crisis and Indigenous disadvantage in the West. “I’ve always been interested in global issues such as human migration and national security. Through my current work, I’m able to intersect these interests with my passion
for youth entrepreneurship,” Alim said. Alim came to Australia as a Somali refugee at the age of five. At 24, he is pursuing studies through Stanford University. Now, through the Lighthouse Strategy, Abdullahi runs ‘hackathons’ – fast-paced and intense exercises that bring bright young innovators together to develop solutions to global challenges. The Lighthouse Strategy aims to address issues of contemporary concern through Hackathons – a series of fast-paced and intense exercises where teams are given 48-72 hours to develop a prototype product, service or strategy. In less than nine months, he has attracted partners including the Australian Government, Google and Twitter and is now set to be part of the Hive Global Leaders Program. Next on the agenda for Alim is the Hive Global Leaders Program in the United States. The four-day residential program will bring together innovators from around the world to workshop ideas which can solve humanity’s greatest challenges. Alim also plans to expand the reach of his company with a series of DeadlyHacks tackling Indigenous disadvantage as well as StemHacks to combat the gender innovation bias in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Sara Mansour is Young Citizen of the Year Mobinah Ahmad
to keep working hard with my team on the Bankstown Poetry Slam projects.” said Sara
Mansour, co-founder and current director of BPS.
On Australia Day, 26 January at the Canterbury-Bankstown civic meeting, Sara Mansour, co-founder of the Bankstown Poetry Slam (BPS) was awarded the Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award. Founded in 2013, the BPS is the first regular poetry slam of Western Sydney, and has gained national recognition as the largest regular slam in the country. Heralding in over 300 people every month, BPS has featured renowned spoken word poets such as Mark Gonzales, Amal Kassir, Candy Royalle Omar Musa and Luka Lesson. “I was really surprised when my name was announced. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I feel really humbled to be recognised in my own community and feel empowered
February 2017
Seekers
F1515: Female, 58, Bangladeshi Muslimah, Divorced. I have 3 son’s. One of them living in Australia. I take Islam seriously and try to practice my best. Currently I am living with my son. I am looking for a practising Muslim who is an Australian citizen, open-minded with good manners. F1510: Female, 58, Fijian Australian widow from Indian background, Administrative officer. I like to Travel watch soccer, cook, socialise and help people. I am looking for a down to earth, loving and caring person. Someone to be my life partner and is willing to accept my son (19 years) who also lives with me. F159: Female, 27 medical doctor, Indian residing in Saudi Arabia. I apply Islam in my day-to-day life. I have performed Hajj twice and Umrah numerous times. I am soft spoken, humble and well cultured. I respect elders and very adjusting by nature. I am seeking for a life partner who is an educated and practicing Muslim. M1514: Male, 21, Bangladeshi, Hafiz of Quran. Currently doing Bachelor in Accounting. I have received 6 points in IELTS. I come from a very educated and well practising Muslim family. My sister is an Australian citizen and is a doctor. Looking for a Muslim girl who lives in Australia. M1513: Male, 30, Pakistani, Currently doing PhD research at Tohoku University, Japan. I enjoy travelling. I am seeking a practising Muslimah. M1512: Male, 57, divorced, Australian citizen from Arabic background. I have been in Australia for 35 years and work as a painter. I like playing and watching sports. I like travelling as well. I am seeking for a Muslimah from any nationality. M1511: Male, 37, divorced, Bangladeshi Australian, Masters in professional accounting. I am a practicing Muslim, interested in attending Islamic and Educational seminars and socialising with friends. I am seeking a practising Bangladeshi Muslimah who resides in Australia. M156: Male 58 divorced Pakistani Australian. I have been in Australia for 30 years and worked in IT and now I am retired. I am seeking for a Sunni muslimah widow or divorced from any culture.
See More at amust.com.au/ listing_types/seekers/
Placing/Responding to a notice If you would like to place or respond to a notice, fill out the matrimonial form at: www.amust.com.au/marriage-bureau All information is held in strict confidence
www.amust.com.au
Australasian Muslim Times
15
AMUST
LIFESTYLE
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 11
AUSTRALIA 12 - 13
LIFESTYLE 14 - 17
Forced Underage Marriage – Islam Says NO Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas There is a misconception that ‘forced’ marriage of any kind is acceptable in Islam. Recently headlines were made when an Imam was charged with conducting the forced marriage of a minor. The ‘groom’ was also charged. The parents, for some reason, and anyone else that stood by and let it happen, were not charged. There is no room in Islam for forced marriages. Islam is very clear on the conditions of marriage. Gaining consent from both the bride and the groom as well as gaining the consent of the bride’s parent or ‘walee’, having witnesses to the ceremony and announcing the marriage are some of these conditions. Anyone who forces a girl or woman into marriage will be held accountable for their actions in the presence of Allah (S.W.T) and face the full extent of the law of the land in which they reside. Being clear on the issue of underage marriage is important. Some people would have been to parts of the world where it’s common for people to become grandpar-
ents by the time they’re 30. Perhaps this is unimaginable to us here in Australia but in those countries, or certain regions within countries, it’s common, it’s tradition, it’s acceptable and there are no laws preventing these marriages. Australia isn’t one of those countries. We have an age limit to marriage, which is outlined in the Marriage Act 1961, which clearly sets the minimum age at 18. Under ‘unusual and exceptional circumstances’ there is a legal process that can be followed where people as young as 16 or 17 can be married out of their own free will. This involves the authorisation of the court and the parents consent to the marriage. That’s the law everyone living here in Australia is bound by. Not knowing the law is also no excuse for breaking the law. Finally, if you or someone you know is being forced into marriage please notify your local authority and get in touch with the credible and established Islamic organisations in your area. In Victoria the Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights and in NSW the Muslim Women’s Association are very proactive and resourceful organisations in defending women’s rights.
It’s every person’s right to give their consent to marriage. What kind of a marriage can we expect from anything less? Quran 4:19 “Oh you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. And do not make difficulties for them in order to take [back] part of what you gave them unless they commit a clear immorality. And live with them in kindness.
For if you dislike them – perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.” 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.
Sydney Cricket League: 2017 Grand Opening Ceremony Hanif Bismi The Grand Opening Ceremony of Sydney Cricket League for 2017 was held on 10 January in Sydney hosted by Mr Arshad Naseem Butt, President of the Pak Australia Friendship association. Both national anthems of Australia and Pakistan were performed by Ms Mehreen Javed, an upcoming singer doing her research in Music at Macquarie University. Ms Sukhwinder Kaur was the MC for the event. The chief guest for the evening was Ms Bushra Salaam, Deputy Consul General of Pakistan in Sydney. Hanif Bismi presented Ms Salaam with a bouquet and then welcomed the audience on behalf of Sydney Cricket League. He started with recitation from Holy
Quran and highlighted the contribution of Mr Arshad Naseem Butt towards the community. “Mr Butt is dedicated to make bridges between various communities in order to promote peace and harmony in the society”, he said. Mr Syed Ammar Sibtain who founded Sydney Cricket League last year and conducted its most successful 1st tournament
said that cricket is his passion and he believes that sports, particularly cricket brings understanding, harmony and peace between communities in Australia and helps the integration process in migrant societies. The driving force and backbone of the Sydney Cricket League tournament is Ria Money Transfer. Mr Nik, the Marketing Director highlighted that cricket has no borders and connected people around the globe
just like Ria Money Transfer which helps people to connect worldwide financially. He further said that Ria will continue to be part of Sydney Cricket League by sponsoring the tournament and willing to be part of any initiative that brings peace and harmony in Australian society. Mr Syed Abbas Naqvi, another strong supporter and management committee member of Sydney Cricket League who is recognized by his outstanding performance in community activities and has recently been elected as a committee member of the Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair, MEFF. Both Mr Arshad Naseem Butt and Mr Herman Singh of Multicultural special cricket NSW of MOSAIC program also spoke on the importance of cricket in a Multicultural society focussing on the importance of sports in the society for building harmony and peace. Mr Sibtain presented plaques to Mr Arshad Naseem Butt and Mr Syed Asim Raza, another sponsor of the tournament and gifts to various individuals as mark of recognition of their contribution to Sydney Cricket League. Pushto Attan dance was performed during the ceremony that concluded with cake cutting ceremony and dinner. Delicious dinner was served towards the end of the evening and the program was concluded with deliciously decorated cake cutting ceremony.
Muslim Women Association running SAYIT 2017 AMUST Media
In line with the objective of inspiring, supporting, and equipping youth with the knowledge and skills to be active participants in Australian society, the Sydney based Muslim Women’s Association, MWA is running the program SAYIT: Saturday Afternoon Youth InTensive for girls in primary and high school grades 2 to 12, starting 4 February. SAYIT 2017 REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN SAYIT: Saturday Afternoon Youth InTensive Developing Islamic Social Awareness Among Muslim Girls Who: Juniors aged 7 to 12 years. Seniors aged 13 to 17 years Where: MWA Felicity House 29 Orchard Rd Bass Hill The SAYIT Program is held on the FIRST and THIRD Saturday of the month during the school term. Registrations are taken at the beginning of
16
the term, and girls attend for the duration of term in order to gain the most benefit out of the program. This Term’s Focus: • Discovering the Power of Communication • Focussing on personal development, identity, and empowerment, SAYIT for 2017 will explore the significance and impact of communication at individual and global levels. This will be achieved through interactive workshops, special guest speakers, problem solving activities, planning and implementation of community projects, as well as spiritual development. New Time: 2pm to 5pm Dates for Term 1 2017: 4 February - 18 February - 4 March - 18 March - 1 April Registration is essential. Please contact us on the details below to register before the closing date. Registrations close 30 January 2017. 02 9750 6916 | info@mwa.org.au
Australasian Muslim Times
www.amust.com.au
February 2017
UMMAH 18
EDUCATION 19 - 20
TRAVEL 21
BUSINESS 22
LIFESTYLE
SOCIAL 23
Taboo Talk launch at Google HQ
AMUST
Mobinah Ahmad The launch of Taboo Talk was held on Monday 30 January at Google HQ in Pyrmont, Sydney. Taboo Talk is a real-life platform for people to come together and talk about pertinent issues in a brave space with trained facilitators. Taboo Talk was held in the new Google HQ building, hosted by Samantha Yorke, from the department of Public Policy and Government Relations. The aim of the initiative is to open discussion about topics that affect all of us. Taboo Talk aspires to be a new, grass-root initiative for actual, social change. The audience were welcomed by the founder of Taboo Talk, Amirah Amin. She presented the house rules and gave a warm introduction about the purpose and necessity of the initiative. The event kicked off with a rather cute story of a young white elephant named Taboo. People were welcome to submit questions prior to the launch and a final list of questions chosen: What role does religion play in people’s lives today? Is religion pushing us further apart as a society?, and Is being Australian a right or a privilege?, Who has a right to be Australian? Participants place a personal item of theirs in the middle of the room, symbolising their commitment to upholding the values of respectable communication and trust in others to create a brave space for difficult conversation. Taboo Talk aims to bring people together, in a safe, non-judgemental setting, where we can speak freely about issues that are real and lived with the intent to share and learn from one another. While these conversations may be taking
place in some homes, streets or offices, Taboo Talk aims to break through these silos and bring people together to discuss these “taboo” issues. Prior to each Taboo Talk session participants place a personal item of theirs in the middle of the room, symbolising their commitment to upholding the values of respectable communication and trust in others to create a brave space for difficult conversation. This is our chance to tell new stories, in new ways and revive the true sense of com-
munity. At the conclusion of the event, Creative Director, Chris Sulfa said, “Thank you so much to everyone who came and participated, expressed vulnerability, engaged in and helped to create the space for difficult conversations, it was very moving to see how well received the idea was and how effortlessly everyone invested themselves in it.” Like Taboo Talk on Facebook. The next Taboo Talk will be held on Monday 27 February at 6:00pm at the new Google office, 1 Darling Island, Pyrmont. See you there!
Amirah Amin, Founder of Taboo Talk.
Boycotting Halal - Bad for Australian Business Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas In Australia there are groups and websites dedicated to scouting out halal certification on Australian products and boycotting them instead of applauding them and celebrating their success in award ceremonies across the country. It’s embarrassing. When you see a halal logo on any product it’s easy to assume that the company decided to print that logo to cater to the dietary requirements of the tiny 2% of the Australian population who are Muslim, less than half a million people. For that to make good business sense that 2% would need to be consuming more of that product than the 98% of the population combined. No single community can eat that much Coon cheese. In the corporate world when a product is generating consistent high revenue, with a strong loyal customer base, the next natural progression for that product is to scope sales opportunities in untapped foreign markets. Now consider that we have a population here of just over 23 million. Your maximum potential for that product is to sell it to those 23 million people. Geographically some of our closest neighbours, who we have the easiest trading terms with, happen to have an enormous population of Muslims. Indonesia has 203 million Muslims, Malaysia has 30 million for instance. Just those two
countries combined offer 10 times the opportunity for sales than in all of Australia. Also if a company has started printing the halal logo on their product it’s most likely a feasibility test has already taken place to consider the cost-benefit ratio. Put bluntly the company would have already calculated what they stand to gain from using halal certification compared to what they will lose and from a business perspective the result has been that there was so much more to
gain by selling their product using halal certification in overseas markets. It acts as a reassurance to the foreign Muslim customer that the product is compliant with their religious dietary requirements, especially coming from a non-Muslim country. That’s exactly what these clever Australian companies have done. True blue companies like Coon, Vegemite, Four ‘n Twenty Pies, Byron Bay Cookie Company, Bega, Ingham and hundreds more. Often the costs
ADVERTISE WITH AMUST
Find out more at www.amust.com.au/advertising or email us at info@amust.com.au ONLINE ADVERTISING
NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING AMUST is circulated among all Australians but specifically targets the Muslim population of Australia. It is distributed to a variety of mosques, communities, different faith groups and government bodies within Australia.
February 2017
associated with producing a separate batch of the product without the halal logo just to keep a few thousand anti-halal activists happy isn’t worth the trouble. By adding pressure on these highly profitable companies to remove halal logos we run the risk of losing them offshore where they won’t be facing political backlash, bullying and bad publicity simply for catering to their customer needs. Today Australia exports food all over the world. According to DFAT, in 2015 Australian agriculture and food exports totalled $46.5 billion. Over 10% of this was exports to Indonesia and Malaysia. That’s over $4.6 BILLION of revenue for the Australian economy and jobs in Warrnambool, Port Melbourne, Tatura, Bega, Bendigo and hundreds of other locations just by using the halal logo. So think about that when Pauline Hanson tells you “Halal certification tax has been forced on us, costing Australians $10 million a year...”. Isn’t $10 million a small price to pay when we stand to make billions of dollars every year? And that example doesn’t even include the revenue generated from exports to the Middle East and any other Muslim country. So my fellow Australians, the next time you see a product with halal certification, smile & be proud that these Australian companies are thriving in international markets, providing jobs for countless Aussie families and strengthening the Australian economy.
www.amust.com.au
AMUST lets you reach thousands of people all over the world with its website and email newsletter advertising. AMUST also has a strong online presence that includes social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+
Australasian Muslim Times
17
AMUST
UMMAH
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 11
AUSTRALIA 12 - 13
LIFESTYLE 14 - 17
First Muslim and first Mosque in India Fousiya Bismi There is an ancient mosque built in the early 7th century at Kodungallur (629 CE) on the southwest coast of Kerala, India, known as Cheraman Malik Masjid which still exists in its original structure and is said to be the first mosque in the Indian sub-continent. In fact it could be the second oldest mosque in the world, second only to the Prophet’s mosque in Medina. The story of this mosque is connected to the Hindu King Cheraman Perumal Rama Varma Kulashekhara the Chera ruler of the principality of Kodangallur in Kerala and to the miraculous splitting of the moon by the Prophet Muhammed (s) in Mecca, Arabia. The splitting of the moon is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-Qamar (54:1-3). This supported by several hadith of which one is narrated by Anas bin Malik: “The people of Mecca asked Allah’s Messenger to show them a miracle. So he showed them the moon split in two halves between which they saw the Hiram’ mountain. (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Merits of the Helpers in Madinah (Ansaar), Volume 5, Book 58, Number 208)”. India’s first contact with Islam was in Kerala, where for centuries before the rise
of Islam Arab traders would visit local ports to trade. For Arabs, Malabar was the most familiar place in the whole Indian subcontinent. The relationship between Arabs and Malabar is a history that goes back centuries. Arab merchants were trading spices such as ginger, pepper and cardamom in return for finely crafted swords, ivory and silk from Malabar. These were precious as well as prestigious commodities in Arab souks. A Malabari sword, an icon of the best blacksmith craftsmanship was a status symbol for Arabs. Cultural exchange also took place through Arab merchants. Hence, names of places in Malabar and their customs were quite familiar among the traders of Okaz souk in Taif. Arabs often selected Hind as name for their daughters. Similarly, residents of Malabar were well aware of the changes happening in the Arabian Peninsula. When the moon was split into two, a divine miracle done by Prophet Muhammad, many people inside and outside the Arabia witnessed it. The king Cheraman Perumal while walking on the rooftop of his palace with his queen saw the full moon suddenly splitting into two halves. He did not know then that he had just witnessed a wonderful miracle being performed thousands of miles away in Mecca by the Prophet to convince the unbelieving people of Mecca who had challenged his prophet-hood. It did not take much time for the news to spread in Malabar, through Arab merchants, about the emergence of a prophet named Muhammad (s) in Mecca and his religion Islam. Sometime later a group of Arabs came to Kodungallur to meet the king and get permission to visit Ceylon (present Sri Lanka). They wanted to visit the mountain which holds the imprint of the footsteps of Adam, the first human being and the first prophet. King Cheraman asked his Arab guests about the miraculous moon-splitting incident in their land. The visiting Arab traders explained to the king that the miracle was a sign that a prophet had been sent by God to Arabia. Impressed by this new messenger of God in Arabia the king wanted to meet the holy Prophet. The Arab visitors returned to Ko-
dungallur from Ceylon, King Cheraman set off with them on their way back to Arabia. The king left after dividing his kingdom and assigning various territories to local chieftains to ensure smooth governance. In Arabia he met the Prophet (s) and embraced Islam at his hands and in the presence of several companions. This historical meeting is mentioned in the Hadith by Imam Bukhari and Abu Saeed Al-Khudri. The Hadith says: “A king from India presented the Messenger of Allah with a bottle of pickle that had ginger in it. The Prophet distributed it among his companions. I also received a piece to eat.” This is incident is corroborated by the manuscript documented by the royal court scribes and this is archives in the India Office Library, London which has reference number Arabic. 2807, 152-173. King Cheraman was given a Muslim name Tajuddin (meaning ‘crown of the religion’) by the Prophet (s). Thus King Cheraman became the first Indian to accept Islam. Under the Prophet’s instructions, along with a team of his companions led by Malik bin Dinar, King Tajuddin started the journey back to Kerala to propagate Islam there. But along the way the king fell sick. King Cheraman wrote letters to his vicegerents to receive Malik Bin Dinar’s team and to give them all necessary help. In the letters he asked them to “receive the bearers
of the letters and treat them well and help them to construct mosques at Kodungallur and elsewhere” The king passed away and was buried on the shore of the Arabian Sea at Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman. The rulers of Kerala honoured the letters and permitted Malik Bin Dinar and his fellow Arab traders to build mosques in Kerala. Some history books say that a temple named Arathali was converted to a mosque and named after Cheraman in Kodungallur. Malik Bin Dinar and his colleagues built mosques in 12 places. Surprisingly all of them are situated along the coastal areas of Arabian Sea. Malik Bin Dinar died when he was in Butkal, Karnataka and is buried there. The Malabar Coast had conducted trade with the West since before the Greek and Roman periods and already played host to communities of Jews, Christians and Manicheans. The dates on Muslim graves of the first nine mosques in Kerala are from the late eighth century CE, which appears to synchronize with the historical king Cheraman Perumal, the first Muslim Indian. Fousiya Bismi, based in Sydney is a family law advisor, student of comparative religions and a community activist.
A cold, harsh reality: Afghans face brutal winter Mahboba Rawi I want to share with you a recent story that touched me deeply. It is about a woman named Kobra. Like many of the widows in Afghanistan with no means to an income, Kobra and her six children live in crushing poverty. She came to the attention of Mahboba’s Promise and we enrolled her into our sponsorship program but unfortunately it was too late for Kobra and her family to avoid tragedy. With winter setting in, Kobra became increasingly anxious about how she could support her family. Her eight-year-old son, Najib, took on the task of supporting his family, working as a shoe polisher after school. The harsh cold of the Kabul streets where Najib worked caused him to catch a cold. With no money for medication and only a muddy, one room house for the family’s shelter, Najib’s health got progressively worse and sadly passed away. Kobra blames herself, saying “I could not afford any wood or coal to warm up my children. He died in front of my eyes”. Her grief has turned to fear as she now says, “I am going to lose all of my children.” I find this story so hard to write. I feel as though I have failed in keeping my promise to help those disadvantaged children that endure the immense cruelty of poverty.
18
Kobra, mother of six, lost her eightyear-old son to the cold. Najib reminded me of my own son who I lost. They were around the same age. I look at Najib’s photo, proudly wearing his school uniform and I know that he had dreams to make a good life for himself and his family. I know how Kobra is feeling because I have been there myself. No mother should have to experience such pain or the feeling of helplessness at losing a child to poverty or a simple sickness like a cold. Winter in Afghanistan lasts for a crippling
Australasian Muslim Times
The Afghanistan winter. three months and is very harsh. Mahboba’s Promise is aware of hundreds of widows like Kobra who may lose their children to the cold, simply because they cannot afford to keep them warm.
To find out more about Mahboba’s Promise activities in Afghanistan and how you can help disadvantaged families this winter, visit www.mahbobaspromise.org or call +61 2 9887 1665
Mahboba Rawi is currently in Afghanistan on one of her regular visits, and here, she shares how the country’s severe winter is tragically affecting underprivileged families.
www.amust.com.au
February 2017
UMMAH 18
EDUCATION 19 - 20
TRAVEL 21
BUSINESS 22
EDUCATION
SOCIAL 23
AMUST
The 99 Divine attributes of Allah Part 30 - Attribute 92
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 92. Al-Nafi’ - The Benefiter Say, ‘Shall we invoke instead of Allah that which neither benefits us nor harms us and be turned back on our heels after Allah has guided us?’(We would then be) like one whom the devils enticed (to wander) upon the earth confused,(while) he has companions inviting him to guidance,(calling), ‘come to us’.’ Say, ‘Indeed; the guidance of Allah (the only) guidance; and we have been commanded to submit to the Rabb of the worlds, ‘and to establish prayer and fear Him.’ And it is He to whom you will be gathered. And it is He who created the heavens and earth in truth1. And the day(whenever) He says, ‘Be’, and it is. His word is the truth. And His is the dominion2 (on) the Day the Horn of Trumpet is blown3. (He is) Knower of the unseen and the witnessed; and He is the Wise, the Acquainted4. (Al-An’am,6:71-73) 1. It has been narrated in the Quran at different places that Allah (God) has created the earth and the heavens in truth or for the purpose of truth. This information contains many broad perceptions. a. One perception is that the creation of the earth and the heavens is not just a sport for recreation, an enchanting display to play with and discard without care and interest. Actually, they have a very serious and important function
through which services are performed. It is inconceivable that their creator shall not take account of the performance on them to plan for the next system. The Quran informs us of this. b. Another perception is that Allah has established the whole system of Universe on the firm principles of truth. Each and every factor pertaining to the establishment of this universe is based on the laws of justice, wisdom and truthfulness. There is no provision for the germination and fruiting of fictitious falsehood. It may be that Allah gives a chance to the falsehood promoters to invite others towards the falsehood, atrocities and calamities. But eventually the earth would reject every bad seed and every false person who attempted to harvest the tree of falsehood and their efforts will be totally wasted. c. The third perception is that God (Allah) has created the whole universe for the sake of truth and has been continuing its existence on the basis of His personal rights and ownership. His order prevails by virtue of His Sovereignty over His own created Universe. If apparently one feels the order of some other being over the universe, it is nothing but deception. In reality neither does anyone else have any control nor does any single entity of believers have the right to attempt to control it. 2. It does not mean that the Sovereignty does not belong to Allah at present. It only reminds us that when the time shall occur everyone shall realise that all those who were considered as managers shall become totally powerless and only one God (Allah) who has created the whole universe shall have all the discretion of
Sovereignty 3. What shall be the exact procedure of the trumpet blowing? Its details are beyond the perception of any living humans. Whatever we have come to extract from the Quran is that when the trumpet has been blown the first time, all living creatures shall die. Then with Allah knowing only, the trumpets will be blown the second time when all the previous and the final ones shall become alive formerly to find themselves gathered at the des-
tination of Resurrection. So the whole universe shall disappear and then on the blowing on second trumpet a different system in different form with different laws and regulations shall be established. 4. “Unseen” is all that which is hidden from the creatures including humans and the “witnessed” is all that which is meaningful and known apparently to the creatures including humans. Continued in AMUST issue #136 March
Underlining necessity of children’s upbringing Mohammad Hassan Bakhtiari Respectability of human rights begins with the way a society treats its children. According to United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Children’s rights are not separated from human rights because children are the future generation. Rights and duties are inter-related between parents and children. The prophet of Islam has asserted: “There are as many rights of children necessary upon parents as there are rights of parents necessary upon children”, ( Makarim Al Akhlaq). The future of human capital, quality of life, and consequently wellbeing, lies with the quality of children’s upbringing. Alongside children’s physical needs, there are many essential metaphysical needs. It is more important to offer the child comparable care in terms of educational opportunities, moral training, and ethical guidance. The human mind of a child in the very beginning is quite blank, and it is only gradually that it starts using the faculties of sight, hearing, understanding etc. A child is a reflection of their parent. The best way to inculcate good behavior in children is to treat them with good grace. In this way, they will learn good behavior, etiquette and honorable character. Philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau asserted that when a child is born, he is inherently good. He suggested that it was the evils encountered through the society that made children misbehave or grow up to be less than stellar adults. “Allah has brought you from the wombs of your mothers while you did not know an-
February 2017
ything and He gave you hearing and sight and hearts that you may give thank” (Quran 16:78). Sigmund Freud said: “Babies are initially driven by instinctive and selfish urges but gradually adapt to a more realistic approach by imbibing their parents’ values and rules. These play a role in the development of the child’s conscience.” On the other hand, it is emphasized in Islamic teachings that children should be kept in a nice and respectful environment. Prophet Mohammad (s) said: “Respect your children and behave with them in a nice manner.”( Mizan al-Hikmah) Islam emphasises special care for the rights of children and to the raise them in a worthy manner. Islam specifies parental obligations towards children. For instance, children are given rights such as drinking breast milk until the age of two, growing up according to ethics, wearing nice clothes, sleeping in clean beds, eating healthy food, being called with a nice names, being disciplined with good manners, equal treatment, learning how to write and read, learning arts and craftwork, learning sports which are present in the Islamic traditions such as swimming and archery, playing games and finally marriage. The gist of children’s right is that children should be given appropriate, adequate, and sufficient spiritual, ethical and moral guidance to protect them in their entire lives. This will ensures awareness, better family atmosphere, and a better social environment. Mohammad Hassan Bakhtiari, based in Tehran has a Masters degree in international relations and is an expert in International Relations and Knowledge Management.
UAK DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
PTY LTD
LET US DESIGN & BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME
• GRANNY FLAT FROM $109,000* • ARCHITECTURAL & STRUCTURAL PLANS • BUILDING APPROVAL - DA, CC & CDC
*CONDITIONS APPLY
Usaid Khalil 0411 081 624 (02) 9729 0484
www.amust.com.au
www.uakdesign.com.au info@uakdesign.com.au
Scan and add us to your contacts
Australasian Muslim Times
19
EDUCATION Reforming Madrasah Education and Daawah Strategy NEWS 1-4
AMUST
Dr Rashid Raashed Madrasah Education: My exposure to the privately run chain of Islamic education in Qawmi Madaaress, in the South Asian context, was the driving force behind me nourishing the zeal to promote the message of the Qur’an. This system of education had instilled in me a pride of identity that was later reinforced to be a conviction. Having had travelled far and wide across the academic field of university education, I realised that no glitter was strong enough to dazzle my earlier glow with the Qur’an. Later on, having been exposed to more and more of both the West and the East, this conviction had in fact coalesced further. The conviction that I now carry as to the worth of the Book’s message is deeply rooted and truly unshakeable. I am grateful to all my teachers, who helped me maintain and foster this childhood identity with pride. There were few cases of disillusionment by which, my earlier understanding of the Book had to be corrected. The perception that the Book promotes leading a dry and chaste life, as opposed to enjoying it legally, with all the means that fulfil it, is one of such corrections. On the contrary, there has never been a bewilderment by which, I found the Qur’an to defeat its objective that the believers in it should lead a decent and attractive life, both
in this world and the next. I cannot help admiring this system of disseminating Islamic knowledge mostly in South Asia. I do ‘wish well’, on the basis that, “religion as an advice”, for the well-intentioned millions associated with it. This system however, needs updating and reinvigorating, with an aim of being benefitted by the human skills and innovations that are constantly changing. They need to be used both wisely and beneficially in presenting the eternal message of God to the ever-changing mortal humans. The call to review and fundamentally overhaul this system of education is long overdue. The mission of Da’wah ila Allaah must be delivered in a garb, style and language that the audience can readily understand. The objective behind God’s decision to assign each and every Prophet with His mission, only after they have mastered the language of their own people was “To clearly explain to them the mission of God” [1]. The system of Qawmi Madaris, needs to comprehend this verse and their realities in their true meanings and contexts. Short of this, the mission may fail, not because of its own fault rather due to the setback in those who convey it. The assertion of the Qur’an that ‘the Prophet has a zero relationship with those who divided their religion’, necessarily means that there is no blank cheque waiting for anyone to the heaven. Without an exception, this applies to all groups who discriminate others in the name of upholding true Islam![2] It may sound harsh, but bitterly true, at the same time.
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 11
The Islamic Da’wah and Tableegh: The mission of delivering the cause of Islam to the unaware, but who is willing to consider it at the same time, is known as an act of Da’wah and Tableegh. The Qur’an identifies this task, as ‘the call to the path of Your Lord’ [3]. The ‘Path of the Lord’ signifies the revealed lifestyle, which is much wider than the ceremonial acts of worship alone. According to the Qur’an, this noble duty must only be delivered both ‘by wise and appealing means’ [4]. In practice thus, this mission must only be undertaken by those who have obtained both holistic and professional knowledge of Islam as a lifestyle. Operationally however, such a professional must also practice what he promotes. Achieving the socio-political reform of life has always been the core mission of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (s), has established Islam as a comprehensive way of life, of which, the socio-political reform was the peak and pinnacle. The affairs of worship and individual rectitude, is no doubt, an important part of Islamic lifestyle. Logically thus, Da’wah & Tableegh in traditional sense, as practised widely, in today’s South Asia and gradually spreading in other parts of the world, is only one part of Islamic lifestyle. But to promote it as a Da’wah to Islam, in its holistic meaning of Islamic lifestyle, is a gross distortion! From our observation however, at times, this claim has been made in public or implied so by those who champion the mission of Da’wah and Tableegh today. It is not a comfort to see the secularist re-
AUSTRALIA 12 - 13
LIFESTYLE 14 - 17
gimes that otherwise wage war against Islam as a lifestyle, tolerate or even promote the activities of Da’wah and Tableegh as above. This indeed, is a bad sign! Worse still, the mission of Da’wah as above, does neither promote the Qur’anic obligation of ‘enjoining the good’, nor does it dare to ‘prohibit evil’[5] on socio-political settings. For the Qur’anic mission of the ‘Call to the Path of Your Lord’, to sit in the lap of evil forces, is the definite sign of cancerous tumour! We therefore, urge that a 6th Principle be added to the main objectives of Da’wah and Tableegh today. The narrative of it may read as: ‘To carry out the Socio-Political reform of life within the dictums of the Qur’an and Sunnah’! [1] The Qur’an 14:04. [2] The Qru’an 06:159. [3] The Qur’an 16:125. [4] The Qur’an 16:125. [5] The Qura’n 03:110 Dr Rashid Raashed based in Sydney is currently the Director of Islamic Financial Services Australia (IFSA). He graduated with speciality in Hadith from Islamic University, Patya, Chittagong, Bangladesh, BA (Hons) in Arabic and Islamic Studies, Tripoli, Libya, MA (Usyd) and PhD (Macquarie Uni) in Islamic Financial System. He has served as Imam at Surry Hills and Sefton mosques and is founder and Chairman of Leadership University and College, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
Care for the disabled and special needs children Jamal Naiyer There is Divine Wisdom in the creation of mankind in their diversity, ability and needs. Allah has created many of us who are blessed with a healthy mind and body, while others are deprived of these gifts. Allah says: “Verily, We have created man from a drop of thickened fluid, in order to test him” (Quran: Al-Insaan 76:2). Allah will test each and everyone of us either by granting all His favors or by depriving us from some of His favors in order to see who is grateful and who has patience. That’s why life is full of trials and tribulations. Allah has commanded us to honor, respect and love every human being regardless of his/her race, color, religion, physical or mental ability. We must not make mockery or look down upon any human being. Allah says: “O you, who believe, let not a people ridicule (another) people; perhaps they may be better than them, nor let women ridicule (other) women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by (offensive) nicknames. How bad is it to insult one’s brother after having Iman (faith), and whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed wrong-doers.” (Al-Hujurat 49:11) In a well-known incident, Prophet Muhammad (s) frowned at the face of a blind man, Abdullah ibn Umm Maktoum (r), who asked him, “O messenger of God, teach me
from what God has taught you” while he was sitting with leaders of Quraish. He saw a great benefit if this group were to accept Islam, so he did not want to be distracted by the blind man. But Allah admonished His messenger reminding us that a disabled person is no less important than the noble and elite of the society. Allah says: (The Prophet) frowned and turned away, because there came to him the blind man (interrupting him). But what would make you perceive, (O Mohammad), that perhaps he might be purified or be reminded and the remembrance would benefit him? As for he who thinks himself without need, to him you give attention. And not upon you (is any blame) if he will not be purified. But as for he who came to you striving (for knowledge) while he fears (God), from him you are distracted. (Abasa 80:1-9) Afterwards, the Prophet Muhammad (s) would always greet Abdullah ibn Umm Maktoum (r) with a smile and place his robe for him to sit. He would say to him, “Welcome to a man for whom my Lord has admonished me!” The Prophet Muhammad (s) appointed Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum (s) in charge of Madinah in his absence, including when he left for the liberation of Makkah. He was also a Muezzin of the Prophet’s mosque beside Bilal (r). Indeed a great honor and prestige for a blind man. During the time of caliph Abdul-Malik Ibn Marawan, Atta Ibn Abi Rabah, a black man suffering from paralysis, was the greatest Mufti in Makkah. His disability did not hinder him from earning the honor and prestige due to his knowledge. Islamic teaching and history reminds us
that every human being is worthy of honor, respect and love. We must show utmost mercy towards those who are weak among us. Physical disability doesn’t hinder one from achieving success in this life or in the Hereafter. Every child must be nurtured in a loving and caring environment, including special needs children. They should not be treated differently. They must be given every opportunity to live a dignified life. Islam wants us to have an inclusive society where everyone is welcomed and has equal opportunity. It’s against the Islamic teaching to neglect and isolate them. They are the source of Divine mercy and blessings for us. Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “Those who are merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth and the One above the heavens will have mercy upon you. (At-Trimidi). Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “You are
given sustenance and victory for the virtue of those who are weak amongst you.” (Abu Dawood). Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to the people.” (Sahih Bukhari). It’s incumbent upon society to have special schools and career centers for special needs children. Special needs children are vital part of our society. Lack of education and training will keep them vulnerable. They will remain marginalized, abused, exploited and excluded by society. Education and training will liberate them from isolation. It will give them confidence and allow them to live a dignified life. It’s a moral obligation and religious duty. Jamal Naiyer ia a community leader based in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Originally from India, he was educated at Aligarh Muslim University and The Ohio State University in Biomedical Sciences.
THE LANGUAGE OF
LOVE & POETRY PERSIAN (FARSI/DARI) LANGUAGE COURSE
(ﻛﻮرس ﻟﺴﺎن درى)ﻓﺎرﳻ ﺗﺪرﻳﺲ ﻟﺴﺎن درى)ﻓﺎرﳻ( ﻛﻪ ﻳىك از ﻣﻬﻤﱰﻳﻦ ﻟﺴﺎﻧﻬﺎى اﺳﻼﻣﻰ ﺑﺎ ﻏﻨﻰ ﺗﺮﻳﻦ اﺛﺎر اﺳﻼﻣﻰ وادىب ﻫﻔﺘﻪ دو ﺳﺎﻋﺖ ﺑﺎداﻧﺴنت از،ﺟﻬﺎن ﺷﻤﻮل ﻣﻴﺒﺎﺷﺪ در ﻓﺎﻛﻮﻟﺘﻪ اﺳﻼﻣﻰ،درﺟﻪ إﺑﺘﺪاىئ اﱃ ﮔﺮاﻣﺮواﻧﺸﺎء ﺑﺎ ﺗﻜﻤﻴﻞ وﺗﻌﻘﻴﺐ.)أﴎا (در ﺳﺪين إﻳﺠﺎد ﮔﺮدﻳﺪ اﻧﺸﺎاﻟﻠﻪ اﻳﻦ ارزو ﻓﺮﻫﻨﮕﻰ ﺑﺮاورده، ﭘﻼﻧﻬﺎى ﺗﺪرﻳﴗ .ﺧﻮاﻫﺪ ﮔﺮدﻳﺪ
DATE/DURATION ADVANCED 10.30am – 12.00pm Starts Sunday 2 April 2017 to Sunday 11 June 2017 (Every Sunday for 12 weeks)
VENUE ISRA Centre Level 3, 128-132 South Pde, Auburn NSW 2144 (Opp. Auburn Train Station)
REGISTER TODAY!
Email us: info@isra.org.au or call (02) 9649 9040
20
Australasian Muslim Times
February 2017 www.amust.com.au MANY REASONS TO LEARN WITH ISRA… ISRA workshops and courses provide:
UMMAH 18
EDUCATION 19 - 20
TRAVEL 21
BUSINESS 22
TRAVEL
SOCIAL 23
AMUST
Panaroma of the inside of the Mezquita de Cordoba (Mosque of Cordoba).
The bell tower has been built around the minaret. You can see the red minaret inside the bell tower. Since Muslims are apparently not allowed to pray in the Mezquita de Cordoba (one person performed one sujjud before being told to stop), we went to Cordoba’s functioning mosque north of the Mezquita at the Murrabateen Masjid (goo.gl/maps/1LyYbDiWMGu) located within the grounds of a beautiful park - Jardines de la Merced.
The cathedral which was inserted into the centre of the mosque.
The Mezquita de Los Andaluces a functioning mosque inside the old city of Cordoba (goo.gl/maps/ UeDdsS3uv582) that has been restored with the support of the Turkish government.
The quaint roads and paths of the old city of Cordoba. Yes you can drive through here (youtu.be/_Jr_6FKc7vg) but take care!
The mihrab of the mosque of Cordoba. This area has been fenced off.
The dome structure of the mosque of Cordoba. The dome was borrowed from earlier designs.
One of the remaining Roman entry gates to the old city of Cordoba.
Manarul Islam
doba and Granada and where the stamp of its past Muslim rulers is firmly established in its food, its language and architecture. The defining drawcard of Cordoba is the Mosque of Cordoba. In Spanish it is known as Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba because it does function currently as a Cathedral and despite attempts the Church has not managed to completely drop off the label of mosque. Even though it has been widely acknowledged to be ruined architecturally by the insertion of a cathedral - King Charles V famously said that “they have taken something unique in all the world and
The best times to visit is in spring or autumn. Summer is very hot in the south of Spain although the old city and the mosque were designed to stay relatively cool in the heat (narrow streets for shade). Winter does get cold but if you can bear that (we actually enjoy the cold) then you will escape the crowds, the heat (and the high prices) and enjoy the exploration.
The magic of Andalucia - City of Cordoba Andalucia was the region which took up the main land mass of the Iberia peninsula (Spain and Portugal) that was governed by the Moors (Arab and Berber Muslims from Northern Africa) for over 500 years. Today it is a southern province of modern day Spain which includes the cities of Cor-
February 2017
destroyed it to build something you can find in any city” - the essence and grandeur of the mosque still remains. There is an ongoing tension between the city - who want the heritage of the mosque to be preserved - and the church which wants to the make the site dominant as a functioning cathedral. Requests to allow Muslims to pray have been repeatedly rejected. Also very interesting is the old city of Cordoba which was built inside the Roman walls. The city and the walls have been very well preserved and maintained and walking around the city is a great experience.
www.amust.com.au
Manarul Islam is an IT professional, community worker and AMUST correspondent based in Canberra.
Australasian Muslim Times
21
AMUST
BUSINESS
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 11
AUSTRALIA 12 - 13
LIFESTYLE 14 - 17
PM visits Toowoomba Primitivo restaurant
AMUST Media
The Prime Minister, Mr Malcolm Turnbull visited the Char Grilled Restaurant, Primitivo in Toowoomba with Federal PM, Dr John McVeigh and Toowoomba Mayor, Cr Paul Antonio on Monday 16 January 2017. Primitivo is a unique concept restaurant based on the idea of ancient cooking style, traditional recipes, in a primitive cave-type rocky walls decor. The guests tasted the food offered to them by the chef and staff while the owners discussed their food innovation projects and proposed plans to build multi-level car park in the city centre with the PM. The restaurant is an intellectual innovation of entrepreneurs Adnun Khan and Albab Khan, two brothers who won the Best Business Excellence Award in 2015 from the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce for their previous creative chocolate restaurant in the city called Cioccolato. In the same year, they also received the Business Excellence Award in the Hospitality Industry category for Cioccolato. The visit of the Prime Minister to the businesses of the Khan Brothers was an honour for them and their businesses, and acknowledgement of their ongoing significant contributions to the local economy through generating employment for over 40 staff. At Primitivo they bring food back to what it should be; meat, vegetable and seafood cooked on an open Char - Grill served with your choice of sides. The interior of the store looks like a stone cave with primitive
Brothers Adnun Khan and Albab Khan in their restaurant Primitivo, Toowoomba, Australia. wooden furniture filling the dining space. A custom made Char griller is the centerpiece of the restaurant. Dine in and takeaway along with online ordering via the company’s website or its own “Primitivo” App which is available for download (FREE) for both Android as well as Apple platforms. Adnun Khan is a part of the future leadership team of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and Albab Khan served on the Advisory Board of Nanado’s Australia representing Queensland. In addition to the food businesses in Toowoomba, Adnun and Albab have been training a large number of apprentice stu-
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (left) shaking hand with Albab Khan (right) and Adnun Khan (middle) in Primitivo, Toowoomba, Australia.
dents from various secondary schools to get employment in the hospitality industry. This has been done with the partnership of a local training company BUSYAtWork. The two Australians of Bangladesh origin have been running export business for the last 6 years. They have not only exported different best quality Australian agricultural grains, seeds and pulses to Bangladesh but also establish business network with partners in Bangladesh and other countries. Adnun was born in Dhaka in 1985 and Albab was born in London, Canada in 1989. They migrated to Australia with the family in 1992 and settled in where Adnun graduat-
ed in Marketing and Human Resource from the University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, and Albab in Accounting from the University of Queensland, Brisbane. The family is originally from the Gopalgonj district of Bangladesh but has lived in Canada, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Australia. Their father, Professor Shahjahan Khan, is a Professor of Statistics at the University of Southern Queensland, and a Director of MCCA Ltd, and mother, Mrs Anarkali Lutfun Nahar is a Director of The Khan Family Trust. They can be contacted via email: info@primitivoaus.com
AMUST Classifieds Services
Crescent Wealth Crescent Wealth is Australia’s leading Islamic Super and Investments firm helping to build a better world through positive, ethical investments. Phone: 1300 926 626 Website: www.crescentwealth.com.au
Equitable Financial Solutions Our mission is to serve the Australian community by providing them financial products that are convenient, equitable and Shariah-compliant. Phone: 1800 183 133 Website: www.efsol.com.au
iMoby Productions Female Photographer. Weddings and engagements, birthday parties, festivals, corporate events, filming and producing. Phone: 0432 608 350 Website: www.imobyproductions.com
Henna by Kulsoom Professional henna artist that uses organically certified henna to make fresh henna paste. No chemicals added, leaving a long-lasting, dark stain. Located in NSW. Phone: 0424 147 867 Website: www.facebook.com/HennabyK
Hygienic Spray (for toilet) Shattaf Tahara Spray. Stainless steel hose. Including free installation with diverter/ connector. Long distance charges apply Phone: 0418 204 251 Email: sasdqi@gmail.com
22
Islamic Foundation for Education & Welfare Our aims are to address current issues through education, information dissemination and welfare projects. Phone: (02) 9823 2063 Website: www.ifew.com
National Zakat Foundation (NZF) Are you a Muslim here in Australia • struggling to make ends meet or know someone who is • need help to calculate your Zakat • pay your Zakat or Sadaqah? Contact NZF on 1300 663 729 or info@nzf.org.au today! NZF is the premier Zakat institution for the Australian Muslim community, serving Zakat payers and receivers locally since 2013. Shadow Approved We provide strategic design and website services that enable our clients to increase sales, build brand awareness and increase customer reliability. Contact us now and let us kick-start your business. www.facebook.com/shadowapproved Email: info@shadowapproved.com UAK Design Design and construction. Architectural & structural plans, Renovation & Extensions, Project Management, Duplex, Granny Flat. Phone: 0411 081 624 Email: info@uakdesign.com.au
Charity Organisations
Australian Relief Organisation (ARO) Including water wells, orphanage projects, health activities, qurban and ramadan appeals; the ARO delivers sustainable development and aid projects in twenty countries. Our local services include nursing home visits and support programs designed for refugees, homeless, people with disabilities and children with special needs. Phone: (02) 8065 8469 Website: www.aro.org.au Email: info@aro.org.au AMU Alumni of Australia Supports the education of underprivileged students in India. Phone: 0422 183 035 Website: www.fb.com/AMU-Alumni-ofAustralia House of Sakinah House of Sakinah is a women’s support centre that aims to assist & facilitate women in need & provide support. It is an initiative of Charity Australia International (CAI). Phone: (02) 8809 2966 Website: www.fb.com/House-of-Sakinah
Buy/Sell/Trade
Human Appeal International Human Appeal International (HAI) works on a number of charitable causes, specialising in areas from Social and Educational Development to Health Care and Emergency Relief. Phone: 1300 760 155 Website: www.humanappeal.org.au
Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair MEFF provides stallholders the opportunity to sell or promote to the Muslim community. Stall bookings open on Tuesday 22 March 2016. Phone: (02) 9823 2063 Website: www.meff.com.au
Islamic Relief Australia Islamic Relief Australia promotes sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities to eradicate poverty, illiteracy and disease. Phone: 1300 308 554 Website: www.islamic-relief.com.au
Australasian Muslim Times
www.amust.com.au
JIMS Foundation An education project that helps Indonesian children by providing schools and teachers. Phone: 0413 662 880 Email: jimsfoundation@yahoo.com
Mahboba’s Promise: Donate To Charity Mahboba’s Promise is an Australian nonprofit organisation dedicated to the women and children of Afghanistan. Phone: (02) 9887 1665 Website: www.mahbobaspromise.org SAMAA South Asian Muslim Association of Australia (SAMAA) aims to provide care to the elderly of South Asian Muslim Community. Phone: (02) 9543 9769 Website: www.samaa.org.au
Education University ISRA Australia ISRA is a point of reference for Islamic education, resources and information services. ISRA conducts pioneering research on social and religious issues of relevance to the Australian society and international community. Phone: (02) 9649 9040 Website: www.isra.org.au UCSI University Malaysia UCSI University offers more than just certificates and qualifications. We are committed to raising scholars, explorers and unique individuals who aspire to discover and actualise their talents. Website: www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my
February 2017
UMMAH 18
EDUCATION 19 - 20
TRAVEL 21
TOP 6 Muslim Memes
BUSINESS 22
TOP 6 Tweets
#PutThemBackUp
Non mahram: hey me:
February 2017
AMUST
One Hadith A Day.com
VIDEOS
A photo of two young Muslim girls was used in a billboard to promote Australia Day 2017. The same groups who complain ‘Muslims don’t assimilate’, complained about the photo of Australian Muslims celebrating Australia Day. Due to this pressure the billboard was removed. Dee Madigan, Executive Creative Director of Campaign Edge created a gofundme page to raise money and fund a billboard and print campaign featuring these two girls promoting Australia Day. Over $168,000 has been raised so far. #PutThemBackUp billboards have been put up in Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Sydney. Any left over money will be donated to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
If you think Islam oppresses women, come spend a day at my house. But tell me first if you’re coming so I can get my wife’s permission
#SOCIAL
SOCIAL 23
To Watch
Zaakiy Siddiqui
Life & Faith: Can I be Muslim AND Australian?
Professor Mohamad Abdalla, Director of Islamic Research at Griffith University talks about Faith & Islam. “I often get asked a very important question by both Muslims and also by non-Muslims: ‘Are you an Australian Muslim or are you a Muslim Australian?’ and personally I find that question problematic and somewhat insulting because I see both to be complimentary and not incompatible. Sometimes young Australian Muslims who have grown up in this country, perhaps because of the onslaught against Islam, perhaps because they grew up in an atmosphere of Islamophobia and perhaps because they grew up in an atmosphere of marginalisation. They begin to question their own identity and so they struggle with the question of ‘Can I be a Muslim and an Australian at the same time? So Australia is secondary? No. Third. Fourth. Allah comes First. Islam comes first.’ And I say to them, I often start the conversation with them is that ‘Is it okay to be a Palestinian Muslim or a Lebanese Muslim or a Pakistani Muslim or an Indian Muslim or an Arab Muslim?’ And obviously the response usually is ‘Yes of course we can’ And they see no contradictions in that. Video by OnePath Network. Video: goo.gl/6zwj1m
When your days are hectic, OneHadithADay.com provides an easy daily reminder of the Sunnah of the Prophet. OneHadithADay.com lets you register with your email address, and will send you a new email every day with a practical Hadith that you can use in your every life. OneHadithADay.com was created in order to inspire its readers with lessons from Prophet Muhammad (s) so that whether you are at work, at school, or at home, your Muslim identity travels with you. It enables its readers to be armed with the best of Islam in order to counteract the negative stereotypes of Muslims today.
A Smile and a Cheerful Face Ibn ‘Abbas reported:
Mariam Veiszadeh does Privilege Walk
In the lead-up to Australia’s national day, as an increasing number of us reflect on the deeper meaning of “Australia Day” and what it has come to represent, Buzzfeed Australia set out to interrogate how societal privilege plays out in Australian society. Buzzfeed invited nine Australians to a warehouse in Sydney. Together they represent Australia’s diverse population to take part in a privilege walk: An exercise designed to illustrate how privilege affects the lives of individuals. The participants take either a step forward or back or remain in position depending on how they relate to 35 statements about societal privilege and disadvantage. The privilege walk illustrates visually how privilege – or lack of it – affects the way our life unfolds. “I think by the end of this experience, I’ll be really interested to see where I do end up” said Mariam Veiszadeh. Questions included discrimination, sexuality, money, gender, upbringing and much more: “If you’re parents ever had to work more than one job to support your family, take one step back. If you’ve ever been discriminated or verbally or physically abused by your appearance, take a step back.” Produced by Buzzfeed Australia: News. Video: goo.gl/vV2eNU
www.amust.com.au
The Messenger of Allah (s) observed the noon and afternoon prayers together in Medina without being in a state of fear or in a state of journey. (Abu Zubair said: I asked Sa’id [one of the narrators] why he did that. He said: I asked Ibn ‘Abbas as you have asked me, and he replied that he [the Holy Prophet] wanted that no one among his Ummah should be put to [unnecessary] hardship.) Sahih Muslim 705 b In-book : Book 6, Hadith 60 USC-MSA web (English) : Book 4, Hadith 1516 (deprecated) Every Hadith is provided in English, as well as in its original Arabic to convey the original intended meaning and the full chain of narrators, which sometimes is not present in the English Translation. The design of the site is simple and elegant, and contains no ads, to make it quick and easy to access. Each Hadith is presented with a beautiful picture that helps the reader to understand the Hadith. Every Hadith also comes with a title that summarises the lesson of the Hadith, which is especially good for people on the run. To register, simply go to www.OneHadithADay.com and type your email in the subscription box. OneHadithADay.com has a Privacy Policy and will not share your details with anyone.
Australasian Muslim Times
23
24
Australasian Muslim Times
www.amust.com.au
February 2017