MUSLIM
AUSTRALASIAN
Multimedia News & Views
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AMUST
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Issue # 138
May 2017; Sha’aban 1438
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Muslims in the Mainstream
Dr Zaheer Australian Tour
Interview with Minister Ray Williams
A good deed in a weary world
Yassmin demonised, yet again
COMMUNITY PAGE 9
Tamana Daqiq.
Trent Sullivan.
AMUST Media In a world filled with Islamophobia and what seems like a never-ending barrage of hate towards Muslims on social media, TV and the media, one must remember that there are many good souls out there in the community. One of these is Trent Sullivan. Tamana Daqiq, Principal Solicitor at Hikma Legal found herself in a bit of a bind as her car had run out of petrol at the side of the road on 28 April at Windsor Road in Westmead. Trent volunteered to help out in an extra ordinary manner. Tamana wrote online “Run out of petrol on the way to work. This guy pushed my car into his driveway, filled it with enough petrol to get me to the station and wiped my car clean at the end! Hope in humanity restored. If you need a vending machine for your business, call him!” We contacted Trent who reflected “I believe the more we can show kidness and care for each other, the better society will be”. It’s a reminder that a great majority of members in our Australian community are good, fair people and no matter the climate, to remember to never lose hope in random acts of kindness and to ensure we pass it on to others. Trent Sullivan owns a vending machine business called Royal Vending. Tamana’s post on Facebook even generated potential business opportunity for him. Trent’s character is a great representative of this business. As William Shakespeare said, ‘How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.’
AUSTRALIA PAGE 13
Mobinah Ahmad The ongoing media assault on Yassmin Abdel-Magied had dominated the spotlight last month almost like an obsessive love-to-hate frenemy. Yassmin wrote: “Lest. We. Forget. (Manus, Nauru, Syria, Palestine…)”. It is astounding how seven short words on a facebook post (which was later deleted) has sparked some of the most disgusting vitriol from social media trolls, online news platforms and television panels severely demonising Yassmin. The mania behind the reaction reveals a kind of hypocrisy, from some Liberal politicians, right-wing columnists and shockjocks and shows the true nature of who freedom of speech is reserved for in this country. The over-reaction of hate towards Yassmin resulted in multiple petitions with thousands of signatures calling for her to be sacked from her presenting role at the ABC. She was called a “bitch” by a reality TV housewife on live television and vilified on so many public forums. The right-wing lynch mob tactics of press and politics vilified her identity rather than what she wrote. It’s a clear portrayal of vicious retribution against the 26-year-old, through the incessant piles of articles and commentary nationwide. However, a number of columnists have come in defence of Yassmin, writing against her victimisation because of her gender, skin colour and religion. Masrur-Ul Islam Joarder wrote for the Huffington Post on how freedom of speech is a white man’s privilege. “Her lack of sensitivity towards ANZAC Day certainly raised eyebrows from her followers, but it
Untold Stories From Gallipoli
UMMAH PAGE 23
SOCIAL PAGE 30
was the reaction from the right which was most shocking. Waves of racist, sexist, Islamophobic attacks came her way because she dared to exercise her freedom of speech. She dared to even utter a reference to ANZAC Day, an almost religious occasion for most Australians. People lost their damn minds. Yassmin is a brown, Muslim woman. Her opinion does not matter. Her right to free speech does not count. Regardless of her values, intellect and demeanour, she needs to be silenced at all costs because she is a threat. Yassmin threatens every conservative Australian who may have reservations about Islam and Muslims because she is willing to engage in discussion and reveal the truth: that Islam advocates for peace and the majority of Muslims want exactly that. The truth is threatening as it limits an individual’s ability to conceal their racism behind a pretence of national security and “Australian values”. Jane Gilmore wrote an opinion piece in the Sydney Morning Herald saying “it would be naive to the point of delusional to think (that Yassmin being a brown Muslim woman) plays no part in the weight of the rage that has settled upon her. She hits every hot button of ideology and it is abhorrent, but sadly unsurprising, that her every action is scrutinised by the right-wing conservatives whose message of exclusion is most threatened by the identity she proudly carries into the public eye.” continued on page 4
Ongoing turmoil in Kashmir Abu Anees
per year
Kashmiris are undergoing another cycle of suffering due to the heavy handed and excessive use of force by the Indian army in handling public protests by a new generation of young people in the Kashmir valley. The BJP central government has been accused both outside and within India of going for the military option and strong-arm tactics against a political solution to the Kashmir issue, in accordance with the wishes of the people of Kashmir. The result is the vicious cycle of protests and oppression leading to further militancy, terrorism and border clashes between India and Pakistan at the line of control.
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NEWS
Waleed Aly wins Logie AMUST Media Waleed Aly, one of the popular presenters on Channel 10’s The Project has a lot to celebrate after winning the Best Presenter Logie at the 2017 Logies. This is Waleed’s third Logie after taking out Best Presenter and Best Personality in 2016. Once his name was announced, Waleed gave his colleague Peter Hellier an ethnic two cheek kiss, a peck to his wife Susan Carland and then went on stage. During the acceptance speech on stage, the 38-year-old said ‘any idiot could host the show’ but he was “genuinely delighted [...] to be that idiot.”
NEWS 1-4
COMMUNITY 8 - 12
AUSTRALIA 13 - 15
LIFESTYLE 16 - 20
Ifrah winner Entrepreneur Haweya Ismail launches her Skin Care Range of semi final FameLabsAus AMUST Media
Perth Entrepreneur, Haweya Ismail, founder of Mud & Musk and winner of BSchool’s Idea winning a $20K cheque, attended the Female Entrepreneurs Conference in Hargesia, Somalia on 20 April 2017. Haweya is affecting social change with her Idea Nation winning building concept, The DIY Nomad range of Mud & Musk. During the trip, she showcased unique skills and traditional knowledge of locals and demonstrated the harvest and use of Qa-
Yassmin Abdel-Magied demonised, yet again Continued from page 1 On ABC Online, Stan Grant wrote an article titled “Lest we forget and selective national memory”, where he said, “Her critics though have seized on the moment to send a wider message, to seek to define what is and isn’t acceptable — what is and isn’t “Australian”. Surely, the essential Australian value we celebrate on ANZAC Day is freedom — it is what people have sacrificed and died for — and that includes the freedom to make comment, however ill-advised.” In a comment piece in the Age, Matt Holden wrote about how Yassmin Abdel-Magied failed a citizenship test she didn’t know she was taking and summed things up quite pertinently. “She’s a Muslim, an outspoken young woman, a person of colour. She wears loud clothes and big glasses. She may as well have painted a bullseye on her backside before she posted. And she wasn’t born in this country, which leaves her open to that ugliest of Australian insults: go back to where you came from (or, as Christensen put it, “consider self-deportation”). If she didn’t know it before, she must now
BOOMERANG 5-7
know that in a world of “us” and “them”, she (and by association, all Muslims) is one of “them”. And that the “us” is a big, ugly race-baiting gang itching to bully the “thems” into silence and submission” Holden wrote. Clementine Ford wrote an opinion piece for the Sydney Morning herald about the hypocrisy that lies behind the reaction to seven words from Yassmin Abdel-Magied. “Conservative politicians have sought to make an example of her, presumably because there’s no better way to shore up support for your party than by reassuring Australia’s most virulent racists that you’re on their side when it comes to the migrants. All that, for a seven word Facebook reflection that acknowledged the ongoing impact of war on a national day of remembrance. How un-Australian.” wrote Ford. Although the vitriol against Yassmin has been an absolute car crash, it’s important to note that there are media platforms and writers who are willing to stand up for what’s right, reveal the truth and reflect on where we need to improve as a Multicultural society.
sil - the first ingredient of the range. Qasil grows native to the region and is one of the Horn of Africa’s oldest in-home do-ityourself skin treatments. “The conference was a very inspiring experience. I was able to meet incredible businesswomen who have had to overcome major obstacles to follow their dreams and reach their goals,” said Haweya. Mud & Musk will contribute funds to prevent exploitation and promote sustainability. Mud & Musk will be doing a launch on Wednesday 24 May 2017 in Perth. Check Mud & Musk out on Facebook!
AMUST Media Ifrah Abdullahi is one of the top three winners for the #FameLabAus semi final of 2017 at the Western Australia Maritime Museum held on 12 April 2017. As one of the nation’s brightest up-andcoming researchers, Ifrah represented Telethon Kids where she communicated her research on how to ensure equal scales for autism risks and trends in communities in just three minutes. Ifrah took home the runner-up title for her talk on the importance of ensuring equal health and development outcomes for all children, regardless of where they were born. The finals are set for 4 May 2017 where winners will be announced to represent Australia in the world’s largest science communication competition, the international FameLab final at the Cheltenham Science Festival in the UK in June.
Ongoing turmoil in Kashmir Valley Continued from page 1 Kashmir is virtually at a standstill especially during the last few weeks where internet services have been shut down intermittently and Facebook, Whatsapp and some other social media channels completely shut down. Violent protests first erupted on 15 April, when security forces raided a college in southern Kashmir’s Pulwama district about 30km south of Srinagar, and assaulted students - at least 54 sustained injuries. “We understand that students have grievances but we appeal them to resume classes as we have already ordered an investigation into the incident that happened in Pulwama Degree College on April 13,” Syed Altaf Bukhari, the state minister of education appealed. Violence erupted towards the end of April in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk. Government forces used tear gas and water cannon to stop students from marching in the streets. The students, both males and females retaliated by hurling stones and breaching
barricades set up by police and paramilitary soldiers. They chanted “Go India, go back” and “We want freedom”. Students and some police personnel sustained injuries in the clashes. Militant groups have been fighting government forces since 1989 in Kashmir. About 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and in subsequent Indian military crackdown. India and Pakistan have fought two wars over control of Kashmir. Public opposition to Indian rule remains deep and is now principally expressed through street protests by youths hurling stones at government forces who have retaliated at times with live ammunition and firing pellet guns causing eye injury to thousands of civilians. Turkey’s President Erdogan paid a visit to India towards the end of April calling for ‘multilateral dialogue’ to resolve Kashmir issue. However, India responded that it was only willing to settle outstanding issues bilaterally.
Talking taboos: Gender roles AMUST Media Last month, Taboo Talk explored the topic of gender roles shifting and whether they should change or remain the same. Questions posed included “Is there really a gap between men and women?” and “Are gender roles still appropriate in today’s society?”. The evening was filled with brave and honest discussion about the role genders play in our society. The event was held on Monday 24 April at Vibewire in Ultimo, Sydney.
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Australasian Muslim Times
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May 2017
UMMAH 21 - 23
EDUCATION 24 - 25
TRAVEL 26 - 28
BUSINESS 29
BOOMERANG
SOCIAL 30 - 31
Living with Australian values enshrined in law Aside from recent controversy over Aus- appreciate the input from new cultures, tralian values, Mr Ray Williams MP, thereby in this way, enriching ourselves. Minister for Multiculturalism and MinAustralian values are part and parcel of ister for Disability Services, in a recent universal values, modified and adopted to exclusive interview to AMUST said our own location in our own era in a way that all Australians, irrespective that suits us all. of their faith and cultural backWhile we must sympathise with EDITORIAL new migrants who face many ground agree that you need to Assalamu abide by the laws of this counchallenges while settling in a try. new country, learning a new Alaikum They understand that anyone language, new skills for employGreetings who steps outside of our laws ment, adjusting to a new culture, of Peace will be punished. initiatives must be taken by these Australian values, enshrined in migrants to get to know more about our laws, are a sum total of values their new home. brought by waves of diverse migrants to The government and other migrant serthis country from all over the world, there- vice providers should embark on an educaby enriching the make-up of this country. tion program for new arrivals to make them Australian culture again is a sum total understand their rights and responsibilities of cultures brought over by migrants in- in living harmoniously in this country, abide cluding their faith, cuisine, dress, festivals, by its laws and social and cultural norms family values and languages thereby mak- and mode of behaviour. ing Australia a Multicultural society. We are not talking about assimilation, but Those who have lived here for long and integration in our Australian Society. We are those who are new arrivals can learn and many but we are one. I am you are we are teach much more things from each other. Australian. With respect and in a mutual exchange of As Mr Williams has pointed out during ideas we can discuss, debate and decide in the interview, there is no idea for the miour democratic society what we want Aus- grants to abandon their faith or culture or tralia to be. their previous identity, but to integrate this There should be a two-way traffic in ed- with their new Australian identity. ucation. “…they should love this country and New migrants indeed need to learn about make a positive contribution to this country, Australian culture, its laws and regulations, but they should never forget where they’ve rights and responsibilities as new citizens come from, never forget their background, of this nation. their culture, their heritage and their reliSimilarly, those of us living here for long gion. They should hold that dear,” Mr Wilcan learn of new ideas from new migrants, liams further said.
Readers comments
Re: 18c changes still lurk in the sport. Thank god Nick Xenophon and some others did the right thing in the Senate. shadows To twig section 18C in favour of ignoble sentiments is just a charade of a government gone loopy! Is it just a sad case of rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic ? With looming power shortages, stalled economic growth, growing earnings disparity and ossified alliances that has yet to recognise and recalibrate with the growing Atlantic influence the obsession with 18C is laughable. mal
Re: Reform is the answer for malaise in AFIC
Reform will not work until those who are responsible for the rorts and misuse and misappropriation of funds are held accountable. That is the only way to stop them from inflicting further damage. Gary Dargan
Re: Senator Hanson’s Muslim Ban Mashallah well said Sr Gulhan.
Hadia
Re: Muslim Women Respond to Ayaan Hirsi Ali
No, Hirsi Aly does not speak for you – She speaks about you! You are doing what she speaks about – you are the ones using Dawa and she is exposing you!! Brien Doyle
Re: Walk for Respect in Lakemba
Only the most small minded and delusional people can’t seem to appreciate that being able to discuss topics with vigour and passion without fear of repercussions is the only way forward in a democratic society. Jon No free speech for journalists looking into Manus or Nauru, but plenty of free speech for bigots. Racism: the Aussie national
May 2017
Melissa G
The way it should always be. Are we all not humans? Tony R No it should not be this way. Keeping 18C will only be used to protect minority groups that progressives approve of. The Queensland students charged because they used the computers set aside for indigenous students, which is of itself racist. Islam will use it as a weapon of law-fare against any honest criticism of Islam. It is implementation of Islam’s blasphemy laws, which call for the death of all that critique its teachings. Matthew B The Racial Discrimination Act, of which 18C is a part of, was established in 1975! Its now 2017. In all those years the Law has been effective. You people will always use the isolated case of Qld Uni students. They went through it & were acquitted- not guilty. End of story. What was it they wrote on Facebook that got them to Court anyhow? Hmmm. The Law protects all Australians not just minorities. 2% of Australians are Muslims. Relieve your fears of a takeover. I am Australian of Eurasian Origins. I will testify to as many incidents I’ve been called out racially because of my appearance -public transport, public places, you name it. Each wave of new Aussies have been through this crap from 40s/50s/60s/70s to present day. Muslims are getting what Asians got in 70s & 80s. Nothing has changed. Don’t argue that its Sharia Law & a takeover. It’s always the same reasons - Racial Hatred. Own up at least. This Law is rightly in place. Every human deserves dignity. People need to grow out of their ignorance & just learn to be civilised about race origins & skin colour.
AMUST
AMUST Issue # 138 Friday 5 May 2017; 8 Sha’aban 1438 News
1-4
- Waleed Aly Wins Logie - Haweya Launches Skincare Range
Boomerang
5-7
- Real Australian Values - Rohingya’s Suffering Genocide
Community
8 - 12
- Council for Bangla Media - IFAM Family Camp 2017 - Dr Zaheer Australian Tour
Australia
13 - 15
- Interview with Minister Ray Williams - Palm Sunday Rally Turns a bit Sour - Back to Business for Chris Hayes
Lifestyle
16 - 20
- Second Indonesian Delegation Visit - ICSOA Health Seminar - Support for Muslim Aged Care - A father in their daughter’s eyes
Ummah
21 - 23
- The nightmare in Syria: Iran’s role - Remembering Gallipoli
Education
24 - 25
- Islam is Against Animal Cruelty - Caring for the Unborn
New migrants have the freedom to have both identities, that of their home country, religion or culture as well as their Australian identity, loyalty to this country, its laws and regulations in order to live as full Australians and benefit from as well as contribute towards our Multicultural society. Z I Ahmad Can we conveniently forget that Anglo Saxons were all immigrants once too & not the original indigenous inhabitants of Australia? Tony R
Re: The Hijab is not a fashion statement
No item of clothing has a ‘true’ meaning. It is entirely subjective. Anyone can wear a hijab for any reason they like and can ignore the censorious, it is none of their damn business. Butter Balls
Re: House of Sakinah lunch for women
Their plight is their own fault. This is Australia, get rid of the hijab and the abusive husband and join a civilized society. Scott A They are like nuns, they don’t wear hijab by force, ,they wear it because they like to get attention by their brain power. Hijab comes from Jews and Christian culture. It was there long before Muhammed and Quran. Sarra S Alhamdullilah.
Zainal A Y
ALHAMDULILLAH thanks to Allah! Hawa M
Re: The Islamic Museum of Australia strengthens the Muslim story
Good for them about time people got some real informations about Muslims Islam faith, we have been lied to so we can hate them for so long, and its not Jesus is teachings to hate. Sarra S
Travel
26 - 28
- Syria Through the Eyes of Travellers - Europe on a Prayer
29
Business - AMUST Directory
Social
30 - 31
- Muslims in the Mainstream - First Hijabi on The Voice TV Show
AMUST Team
Managing Editor: Zia Ahmad Graphic Designer: Rubinah Ahmad Chief Adviser: Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad Multimedia Journalist: Mobinah Ahmad Multimedia Journalist: Yusra Hadi Columnist: Dr Abul Jalaluddin (Finance) Columnist: Bilal Cleland (Victoria) Columnist: Manarul Islam (ACT) Columnist: Dr Daud Batchelor (Brisbane) Promotion: Dr Wali Bokhari Web Developer: Shadow Approved Multimedia: iMoby Productions Printers: Spotpress 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; Mob: 0490 813 359
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in articles, and Letters to the Editor, Website Comments are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Australasian Muslim Times.
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Real Australian values and the dog-whistle Bilal Cleland The lack of political commitment to an inclusive democracy has been brought into the limelight once again. Stimulated by the fear that the One Nation Party will garner votes in the forthcoming Queensland state election, the dog-whistle has been brought out. Instead of demolishing racism and religious bigotry, the Turnbull government, following the previous example of John Howard, has opted for compromise on basic principles. As the ABC summed it up “The new measures would see migrants face a tougher citizenship test which will assess their commitment to Australia and their attitudes to religious freedom and gender equality.” Michelle Grattan, now Professorial Fellow at the University of Canberra, nailed the bigotry on the head. The samples given of what could perhaps be incorporated into the new citizenship tests were stark: 1. Does Australia’s principle of freedom of religion mean that in some situations it is permissible to force children to marry? 2. In Australia’s multicultural society, under which circumstances is it permissible to cut female genitals? 3. While it is illegal to use violence in public under what circumstances can you strike your spouse in the privacy of your home? 4. Under what circumstances is it appropriate to prohibit girls from education? Such questions model faithfully the stereotype of Islam promulgated by the One Nation Party and the various anti-halal and
bigot groups fighting their delusion of “shariah law.” As Grattan comments; “If anyone thinks these questions are not directed to pick up on anti-Muslim feeling, consider this. What would Finance Minister Mathias Cormann have thought if confronted with such questions when he became an Australian citizen? It’s a fair bet he’d have been amazed. But then they are not about former Belgians like Mr Cormann. They are about Muslims.” During the very month in which the much vaunted values of ANZAC are commemorated, we have a repeat performance of the politics of exclusion. The website of the Australian War Memorial, in describing what are seen as the values of ANZAC, states of the outcome of Gallipoli; “Although there was no military victory, the Australians displayed great courage, endurance, initiative, discipline, and mateship. Such qualities came to be seen as the Anzac spirit. Many saw the Anzac spirit as having been born of egalitarianism and mutual support .” Turnbull, with Dutton at his side, did not mention these values, which they will extol on the anniversary of Gallipoli. There was no courage displayed by their style of leadership, no mateship, no egalitarianism or mutual support. Instead they opted for stereotyping, dog-whistling and kow-towing to the bigots of the extreme right. Stan Grant, an indigenous Australian, put the matter bluntly, “Making people feel excluded: that’s not an Australian value.” The nine values which are regarded as the basis of our schooling system, the values which we seek to encourage in our school students, offer a much superior approach to that of our apparently intimidated govern-
ment. “The National Framework for Values Education in Australian Schools … was agreed to and endorsed by all the state and territory Ministers of Education and then distributed to all Australian schools in February 2005.” [https://goo.gl/VtMSd9] They are values which recognize that there is diversity within our society but that there is also an underlying foundation of civilized attitudes. Such an approach from our political leaders would have strengthened our inclusive
Rohingyas suffering genocide: Australia should act Dr Daud Batchelor
The taxi driver taking me to my Yangoon Hotel in 2014 pointed out the affluent dwellings of the city’s Muslims as we passed by. Appearances suggest amicable relations exist with the Muslim minority in the capital. Opposite is the case in Rakhine state (Arakan) bordering Bangladesh where actions of Myanmar and local governments reflect a wish to extinguish their Muslim communities. Queen Mary University crime experts recently concluded that Myanmar state policies are ‘genocidal’ and Aung San Kyi’s government has “entrenched persecution of the Rohingyas”. The Economist reported that many believe Rohingyas are the “most persecuted people on Earth”. Arakan was originally an independent kingdom. Muslims (Rohingyas) were a sizeable integral community living there for more than three centuries. Rohingyas have long historical roots since Arab traders arrived in the eighth century. ‘Rohingya’ just means ‘inhabitant of Rohang’, the early Muslim name for Arakan. Rohingyas have their own dialect and literature. They are an ethnic mix of Bengalis, Indians, Moghuls, Pathans and Arabs with a unique culture. They participated in the court of the ruling Arakan Mrauk-U dynasty (1430-1784) in key ministerial and judicial roles. These rulers, although non-Muslims, took the title ‘Shah’; coin issues even carried the kalima “La Ilaha illallah” (There is no God but Allah).
May 2017
The 1785 invasion by Burmese forces resulted in wholesale slaughter of male prisoners and taking their wives and daughters as slaves and concubines. In 1825 the British annexed Arakan and later all of Burma became part of British India. Non-Muslim Rakhinians strongly resent that the British facilitated migration of Bengalis into Arakan who joined existing Rohingya communities, and during World War II armed Rohingyas against countrymen supporting the Japanese. British rule therefore was a root cause for current ethnic tensions. Their situation has worsened from Myanmar government policies. The 1.3 million Rohingyas in Myanmar are stateless and refused citizenship and other basic human rights. Malays in Malaysia showed greater compassion in accepting non-Muslim Chinese and Indians as full citizens following independence from British rule. It is a false position the Myanmar government promotes that Rohingyas are recent migrants from Bangladesh when historicity of longstanding Muslim Arakan communities is firmly established. Recent atrocities, which resulted in 87,000 Rohingyas internally displaced, occurred in 2012 and 2016-2017. Although Burmese blame rebel attacks on border posts it is criminal for authorities and non-Muslim mobs, urged on by Buddhist monks, to barbarically punish peaceful communities. The UN report in February 2017 found a “calculated policy of terror” by security forces against Rohingyas: “The testimonies gathered by the team; the killing of babies, toddlers, children, women and the elderly; opening fire on people fleeing; burning of entire villages; massive and systematic rape and sexual violence, ... speak volumes of the apparent disregard by [military] and Border Police Guard officers [and] total disdain for
democracy and served to protect the people from the rage of the ignorant bigots. They include such values as ‘care and compassion,’ ‘respect’, understanding, tolerance and inclusion,’ ‘freedom’, a ‘fair go’ and ‘integrity.’ Just looking at them we see the gap between those basic values for Australian schooling and those who purport to lead us. Bilal Cleland is a keen reader, a prolific writer and a regular columnist of AMUST based in Melbourne.
What is witnessed cannot be the Absolute Fazlul Huq What is witnessed cannot be the Absolute, And what is not witnessed cannot be fully understood, Because everything in the universe that is a part of the creation, Exists only in the frame of time and space, And before the Big Bang there was no universe. Contrast this with the Creator, The Timeless and the Constant, Who exists independent of Time and Space.
the right to life of the Rohingya.” Given that Buddhism promotes respect for life, it is incongruent that more Buddhist institutions do not condemn these atrocities. The Dalai Lama though and Pope Francis have spoken out strongly. It is high time culprits in Arakan are charged before the International Criminal Court and countries apprehend suspects travelling abroad. The Turnbull government surprisingly refused to back an international investigation into atrocities against Rohingyas despite a senate motion urging Australia to call for a UN commission of inquiry. The government should act decisively now on compelling evidence that genocide is happening in our own region. Dr Daud Batchelor, holds an MA in Islamic and Other Civilisations and a Diploma in Islamic Studies from the International Islamic University Malaysia, PhD from University of Malaya, MSc from the University of London.
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Lest you forget! The creations can never fully comprehend the Creator, His Majesty and the Glory! So quarrel not about who is right and who is wrong. And let you say in mind, body and soul: “Sovereignty Belongs to the Creator, The God in Heavens and the God on Earth, The Living, the Eternal, The One and the Only One, The Provider of all things large and small.”
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 8300 compositions in Bengali and English and has also been involved in various community projects.
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AMUST
Australia-wide tour of Dr Khalid Zaheer
Mehar Ahmad in Sydney
Manarul Islam in Canberra
The renowned Islamic scholar and writer, Dr Khalid Zaheer paid a whirlwind tour of Australia from 22 April to 1 May visiting all major cities of Australia conducting day-long interactive sessions while addressing key issues in reference to Islam and Muslims. Dr Khalid Zaheer is the Vice President of Al-Mawrid Institute of Islamic Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan and has a PhD in Islamic Banking from the University of Wales, UK, as well as an intensive formal religious education in Islam. He was invited by Al-Mawrid Australia, a chapter of Al-Mawrid Global, an organisation dedicated to Islamic research and education. With a deep and incisive understanding of contemporary issues dealing with Islam and modernity, Dr Khalid Zaheer talked and answered questions on a great diversity of topics during his Australian Tour. Dr Zaheer’s tour started with the first event in Brisbane on Saturday 22 April at Griffith University where he gave an informative lecture on the root causes of extremism and misinterpretation of many Islamic concepts with distorted narratives. The lecture was following by a long Q&A session to further tease out the real concepts. The Sydney event was held on Sunday 23 April at Himalaya Restaurant in Granville from 10 am to 4 pm attended by more than 250 people. The day was divided into four hour-long sessions with breaks for refreshments and lunch.
Each session was allocated to a contemporary topic with ample time with direct questions that Dr Zaheer very competently answered in detail. Dr Zaheer with a charming personality, full of confidence with comprehensive knowledge and skilled with a good projection of voice, method of delivery and clear English accent managed to keep the audience engaged stimulating their minds with critical thinking. He talked on Quran and approaches towards its study, the difference between Rasool and Nabi, divine punishments and natural calamities and “Jihad, a misunderstood concept”. He emphatically condemned terrorist activity by individuals and groups who justified killing of non-Muslims as well as Muslims with their distorted narrative on the concept of Jihad. Propounding a counter-narrative on Jihad, he said, “Real Jihad or armed conflict can only be declared by those in authority and only in self-defence or in order to eradicate oppression by mischief mongers on earth, while at the same time in realistic consideration of available resources and strength in comparison with the adversary.” Dr Zaheer was invited for further private sessions in other parts of Sydney during his stay here. One of them was to meet Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad in Bonnyrigg, who was highly impressed by his recent book, “Rediscovering Islam, A fresh Islamic Perspective on contemporary key issues”.
Faraz Hussain in Melbourne
Dr Zulfiqar Khan in Brisbane & Perth
Dr Khalid Zaheer articulating his point in Melbourne. During the conversation, while bridg- of Q&A session. Tea and lunch breaks kept ing the historical gaps between India and people occupied with the discussions. There Pakistan, they talked of their common ac- were still many questions remaining at the quaintances including Allamah Farrahi, time when the sessions ended and people, Amin Ahsan Islahi, Dr Israr Ahmad, Maula- besides appreciating the efforts of Al-Mawna Maudoodi as well as Javed Ahmad Gh- rid Australia, insisted on arranging another amidi. Dr Zaheer talked of his family that visit of Dr Khalid Zaheer for a longer pebelonged to Delhi but migrated to Pakistan riod. and his grandmother being the popular Urdu The Perth part of the tour was held on novelist, A R Khatoon. Monday 1 May at the Centre for Muslim Dr Khalid Zaheer was in Canberra on States and Societies at the University of Tuesday 25 April holding sessions at Gun- Western Australia on the topic “Shariah in gahlin Public Library. Islam: what it is and what it is not”. He commenced his talk with an analyDr Zaheer emphasised that the Shariah sis of how the extremists justified their ac- (laws given by Allah and His messenger) tions and viewpoints with wording from the and their interpretations are two different Quran before rebutting their arguments with spheres and should be taken as such. a deeper understanding of the Quran. “Within the study of secular law this difHe said that understanding the rationale of ference is obvious, but within the Islamic extremism is the first step in formulating a tradition, it is not so. Great jurists of their response from an Islamic perspective. times tried to understand and judge accord“We need to convince ourselves, honestly, ing to their interpretation of the Shariah,” he that the arguments supporting the alternative said. point of view are making sense, are genuine, “The interpretations and judgements of (and then) let us promote this understand- the great Muslim jurists fall under the cateing,” he challenged the audience. gory of Fiqh and should not be mixed with The Melbourne part of the tour was or- the Shariah,” he further added. ganised on Saturday 29 April from 10 am to Dr Zaheer claimed that many of these 4 pm at Central Park Community Centre at interpretations and judgments that have Hoppers Crossing. not been reviewed, have stuck through the Around 70 people came out amazed and generations and have become as sacred as delighted after attending Dr Khalid Zaheer’s the Shariah. This attitude has been handed interactive sessions having changed the way down to generations of Muslim scholars they have been understanding the concept of and thus has disfigured most of the Islamic Risalat and gave them a new dimension of Laws and affected Muslim thought process thinking about this key concept in the light as well. of Quran. The Perth lecture was jointly organised The Session consisted of four lectures of by the Centre for Muslim States & Societies 40 minutes each, followed by 20 minutes (UWA) and Al-Mawrid Australia.
Dr Khalid Zaheer speaking at his Sydney sessions.
An attentive audience at Himalaya Restaurant, Granville.
May 2017
Dr Khalid Zaheer in discussion with Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad in Sydney.
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Australasian Muslim Times
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AMUST
COMMUNITY
Events Calendar Family Day Out Sunday 7 May, 2017 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Blaxland Riverside Park, Newington
BOOMERANG 5-7
NSW
Quest for Success NSW
www.q4s.com.au
Resistance is Remembrance
Al Nakba 1948
Saturday 13 May, 2017 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM NSW 80 Rickard Rd, Bankstown www.facebook.com/ events/669984456536959/
Millennials Saturday 13 May, 2017 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM ISRA Centre, 128-136 NSW South Parade, Auburn
The inauguration ceremony of Sydney Press and Media Council Inc (SPMC) was held on Sunday 30 April 2017 from 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm at the Novotel BrightonLe-Sands, Sydney. SPMC is a newly formed professional organisation providing a platform for all Bangladeshi journalists and writers of various print, online, radio and television media in Australia. Initially known as “Australia Bangladesh Press and Media Council (ABPMC), the renamed organisation SPMC brings together the diverse group of media organisations and media professionals of Bangladeshi origin on a common platform to uphold the standard of journalism and media activities by endorsing ethical rehearses as well as by defending rights of Australian Bangladeshi journalists in their professional field. During the last 50 year history of settlements of Bangladeshi people in Australia, a number of media initiatives have been taken including the publication of newspapers, TV channels and on-line outlets and now SPMC brings all of them together to streamline these efforts. The inauguration event was attended by almost 400 guests including politicians, academics, community leaders, mainstream media representatives as well as SPMC members. The MC task at the event was performed most competently in a timely manner by Mr Shibly Abdullah, Vice President of SPMC and a lecturer at Charles Sturt University. He quoted US President Thomas Jefferson
LIFESTYLE 16 - 20
Invited guests table at the Inauguration Ceremony of SPMC. that there should not be any government interference with journalists while also quoting Mahatma Gandhi that journalists should practice responsibility and self-censorship in order to provide service to the people. After the welcome by the MC, the program started with a beautiful recitation of Quran by a young girl Samah Sumaita Abdullah with verses from Surah Al-Hujarat specifically relevant to Multiculturalism and responsibility of journalists to verify news before propagating it. The guests stood up for the national anthems of both Bangladesh as well as Australia with beautiful images of land and people of Bangladesh and Australia.
First Australians: Raising Our Understanding ACT
www.goo.gl/DoPVp3
Sam Dastyari at the Crescent Institute Tuesday 16 May, 2017 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM IMA, 15A Anderson Road,Thornbury
AUSTRALIA 13 - 15
Council brings together Bangla media outlets
www.goo.gl/YX2sre
Monday 15 May, 2017 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM 35 Woolley Street, Dickson
COMMUNITY 8 - 12
Mehar Ahmad
www.goo.gl/ZNRGYn
Sunday 7 May, 2017 9:30 AM - 8:30 PM Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush
NEWS 1-4
VIC
Mr Abdullah Yousuf (centre) with movers and shakers of SPMC.
The formal welcome speech was given by the event convenor Mr Rashed Srabon, followed by Mr Mohammad Abdul Matin, General Secretary, SPMC. Dr Ratan Lal, executive member, SPMC named the guests present at the occasion. There were a number of speeches commending the initiative of the formation of SPMC by Mr Matt Thistlewaite MP, Member for Kingsford Smith, Mr Michael John, Deputy leader of the NSW state opposition, Mr David Hua from ABC and other politicians and media personalities. Associate Professor Muazzem Hossain from Griffith University gave a keynote speech commending the timely formation of SPMC in this atmosphere of fake news and alternative news. He pointed out that we were lucky in Australia to have journalistic freedoms and should serve the people of Australia as well as Bangladesh by using our skills in our professional field to uphold truth and serve the society. A number of short documentaries were shown highlighting the historical formation of SPMC, the member media organisations of SPMC and the sponsors of the inauguration event. Mr Syed Ashiq Sujon entertained the audience in his melodious voice with songs in Bengali as well as in English that mesmerised the people present at the occasion. After dinner group photos of the movers and shakers of SPSC with the key invited guests was taken on the stage together with mingling and networking opportunities. Mehar Ahmad is a school teacher based in Sydney and the President of Seena Incorporated, publishers of the Australasian Muslim Times.
www.goo.gl/Gs89uF
#Qassassins Sunday 21 May, 2017 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM NSW 223 Belgrave Esplanade, Sylvania Waters www.pennyappeal.org.au/ qassassins/
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SPMC leaders with invited guests on the stage at the Inauguration Ceremony of SPMC on 30 April.
Australasian Muslim Times
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May 2017
UMMAH 21 - 23
EDUCATION 24 - 25
TRAVEL 26 - 28
BUSINESS 29
COMMUNITY
SOCIAL 30 - 31
IFAM’s Family Camp largest and best ever
AMUST
Manarul Islam In April over 70 families, incorporating over 200 women, men and children, attended the most recent of the renowned family camps held by the Islamic Forum for Australian Muslims (IFAM). The camp, held at the Cataract Scout Park in Appin, southwest of Sydney, was conducted from Friday 21 April till Sunday 23 April in what could be described as the perfect camping weather. IFAM, nationally and by state, has run dozens of camps over the years. This get together, the 7th national family camp, in particular brought together IFAM’s members, their families and friends from different states to be their largest camp to date. Whilst the program was comprehensive, there was significant free time for the participants to allow them to rest, play or explore the beautiful surrounds of the scout park. The days started with Fajr prayers followed by Darse-Quran. A lengthy break then allowed for early morning activities (or an extra sleep for some!) before a hearty breakfast. The youth had their complementary program which included collaborative educational as well as team building and physical activities. Then there was a variety of talks throughout the day including a very enlightening discussion led by Dr Zachariah Matthews of Deen Academy on the role of sleep quality in increasing productivity. The entertaining and engaging presentation drew upon mutually corroborative scientific and Islamic concepts to conclude with a request for a commitment to change to adopt certain behaviours and habits. This was followed by a presentation by Monir Hossain, Secretary General of Islamic Practice & Dawah Council (IPDC) on IPDC’s organisation, goals and activities. The last talk before break for lunch was
Dr Zachariah Matthews.
Children & adults enjoying themselves the IFAM Camp, Scout Park, 21-23 April 2017. given by Professor Shahid Hashmi, guest hmet Ozalp and Sr Makiz Ansari run workIn the quest for continuous improvement, speaker from overseas who addressed both shops for men and women respectively. IFAM requested attendees to submit feedmen and women and mainly talked about Particularly exciting for the children was back online. family relationships. He emphasised that when the pony rides, jumping castle and Former IFAM president, Anees Qureshi although we are responsible and accounta- other kids activities turned up. was grateful to the organising committee. ble individually for our actions, the building There was a talk by Professor Shahid “JazakAllah Khair for delivering the most blocks of a society consists of the family, Hashmi again on Sunday prior to a pres- successful Family Camp so far. An overhusband and wife who provide a nurturing entation and prize giving to the kids. Also whelming number of participants joined the environment for the next generation. amongst the notable speakers was Dr Ahsan camp and pony rides and food stalls were a On being questioned on his opinion re- Zaffarullah who provided an inspirational new addition along with usual things includgarding a man having more than one wife, talk on Sunday morning after Fajr. ing book stall, programs for children, youth, Professor Hashmi emphatically said that a The camp concluded with remarks from women and all.” natural family consists of one man and one the IFAM President, Rais Khan. “Great food as always,” he remarked. woman considering the ratio of global pop“This weekend we have all exchanged IFAM will continue to host such camps ulation at all times of males and females views, gained knowledge and enjoyed Al- around Australia. Those wanting to attend being 1:1. Islam also envisions a family lah’s barakah. It is now our responsibility to should contact IFAM through their website of a husband with one wife, only allowing implement what we learned,” he explained. www.ifam.org.au. exception to this rule under special circum“Our youth is not just our future generastances with moral, social and legal restric- tion, but it is our future leadership as well. tions. So we are in fact nurturing our future lead- Manarul Islam is an IT professional, community worker and AMUST correspondent After lunch on Saturday saw A/Prof Me- ership.” based in Canberra.
Professor Shahid Hashmi.
The camp included fun rides for children.
May 2017
A/Prof Mehmet Ozalp.
Dr Ahsan Zaffarullah.
A team building exercise for children with Shafqat Ali.
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Australasian Muslim Times
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AMUST
COMMUNITY
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 12
AUSTRALIA 13 - 15
LIFESTYLE 16 - 20
Populist nationalism undermining democracies
Zia Ahmad
Dr Tim Soutphommasane, Race Discrimination Commissioner from the Australian Human Rights Commission has pointed out that the stability of pluralist societies was now coming under strain as a result of extreme forms of populist nationalism sweeping through Western democracies. Emphasising the need for interfaith and intercultural dialogue, he said, “The work of dialogue has never been more important in our society. It is the mark of a flourishing liberal democracy that it can deal with difference and disagreement, not through violent means but peaceful ones; that it can have a civil exchange of ideas, based on fact and reason; that its citizens can grow wise through deliberation.” Although, some political and social commentators are questioning multiculturalism and its success, Dr Tim Soutphommasane claimed, “there is strong and emphatic support in the Australian community for multiculturalism, cultural diversity and immigration. The evidence on this is unequivocal.” He drew attention to the Scanlon Foundation’s annual study of attitudes concerning social cohesion. The study surveys a nationally representative sample of people each year. Last year, the Scanlon Foundation found that 83 per cent of its respondents
Mr Barrie Unsworth.
agreed that multiculturalism is good for the country. It was 86 per cent in 2015 and it was 85 per cent in 2014. Drawing a line between freedom of speech and freedom to vilify, Dr Tim Soutphommasane said, “It should be clear that the majority of Australians recognise that freedom of speech, as with all freedoms, is not absolute or unqualified. As the saying goes, my freedom ends where your freedom begins. Any right to express bigotry must not exist at the expense of a right to live free from bigotry’s effects.” “My freedom to raise a punch stops from where your nose begins,” he joked. Dr Tim Soutphommasane was speaking on the topic “Tolerance and Harmony in Challenging Times” at the lunchtime Affinity Intercultural Foundation’s lunchtime Lecture Series held on Wednesday 12 April 2017 at the Affinity offices in Sydney. The popular event attended by almost 100 guests of diverse background, faiths and professions was facilitated by Ms Philippa McDonald, Senior Reporter of the ABC who attended the event with her mum and some other members of her family. The guests were welcomed by Mr Barrie Unsworth, a former Labor Premier of NSW and currently a member of the Affinity Advisory Board. Mr Unsworth also introduced Affinity Intercultural Foundation being founded in the year 2000 by a group of young Australian Muslims in order to meet the needs of the Muslim community in interacting with the mainstream Australian society.
Dr Tim Soutphommasane. Ms McDonald introduced Dr Tim Soutphommasane, the keynote speaker at the event who has a uniquely interesting background. Thinethavone ‘Tim’ Soutphommasane was born in Montpellier, France in 1982 to Chinese and Lao parents who had fled Laos as refugees in 1975. His family was resettled under the Family Reunion Program in Sydney’s south-western suburbs in 1985 where he was raised and attended Hurlstone Agricultural High School. He graduated from the University of Sydney with a first-class honours degree and then went to UK as a Commonwealth Scholar at the University of Oxford where he completed a Master of Philosophy with distinction and a PhD in political theory. From 2010 to 2012, he was a Lecturer in Australian Studies and a Research Fellow at the National Centre for Australian Studies at Monash University. He has been a columnist with The Age and The Australian newspapers and has authored four books. From August 2013, Dr Soutphommasane commenced a five-year appointment as Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission. While talking on racial tolerance, Dr Soutphommasane warned, “the evidence shows that the vast majority of Australians endorse our multiculturalism and repudiate
racism. The state of our multiculturalism remains strong. Yet I fear there is a small minority who may act upon their intolerance or bigotry, if given the permission to do so.” “We must never take our tolerance and harmony for granted. And all of us have a responsibility to remain vigilant and do our part to set the right standard for our society. This is, naturally, a task for our political leaders. But other leaders in our community – within government, business, education, civil society – also have a part to play. We all have our part to play,” he further added. On being questioned by AMUST correspondent that the anti-discrimination legislation did not address discrimination, vilification and demonisation on the basis of religion and how Islamophobia was taking its toll amongst young people on school yards, he acknowledged that this indeed was a big gap within the anti-discrimination legislation and needs to be addressed by our politicians and legislators anytime soon. The event ended with presentation of gifts to the speakers and highlighting of upcoming events by Mr Ahmet Polat, Executive Director of Affinity. Read the transcript of the full speech of Dr Tim Soutphommasane: goo.gl/cmfWFx Zia Ahmad is the Managing Editor of the Australasian Muslim Times & is based in Sydney.
Ms Philippa McDonald.
Yasmin Mogahed rises above the storm Sakinah Bokhari A highly inspiring and motivating seminar was held at the Emporium Lounge in Bankstown on Friday 7 April where the main speaker was Ustadha Yasmin Mogahed. The event was attended by more than 400 people, predominantly women. Yasmin is an author, international speaker and a writer for Huffington Post, who focuses her work on spiritual and personal development. Her talk captivated the audience for more than three hours with a question and answer session in between. She delved into how to navigate through difficult situations in one’s life whereby you see the silver lining and not only get through the storm but rise above the storm. Yasmin emphasised three important aspects in creating a strong foundation in one’s life. Spiritual tools that help us navigate things like depression and anxiety. She advised people to follow these and they would absolutely see a transformation
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in their life, psychologically, spiritually, emotionally and in terms of their relationships. He pointed out the prescription given from Allah and His messenger Mohammad (s): 1. Salah (prayer) – 5 times a day and on time just like its keeping you alive like oxygen. 2. Athkar (duas) – 3 being the most important, morning, evening and before sleeping. 3. Quran – Understanding and applying. Consistency is more important than quantity. We all need some guidance in our lives, especially in times of hardship. Yasmin’s talk was highly informative and insightful. She not only taught the audience ways to survive and thrive in times of hardship but all how to leverage our hardships to become stronger and closer to Allah. Yasmin Mogahed’s best-selling book, Reclaim your Heart, can be bought at online bookshops and available at most Islamic bookstores. Sakinah Bokhari is a teacher based in Sydney.
Australasian Muslim Times
Ustadha Yasmin Mogahed.
www.amust.com.au
May 2017
UMMAH 21 - 23
EDUCATION 24 - 25
TRAVEL 26 - 28
BUSINESS 29
AUSTRALIA
SOCIAL 30 - 31
AMUST
Interview with Minister Ray Williams Zia Ahmad The Hon Ray Williams MP, Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Disability Services in the State of NSW granted a 45 minutes’ audience with AMUST Team at his offices at the Parliament of New South Wales on Monday 24 April 2017. The meeting was attended by the Minister; Ms Hayley Ashburner, Media Adviser; Mr Rommel Varghese, Adviser, Multiculturalism, Youth and Volunteering; Mr Zia Ahmad, Managing Editor, AMUST and Ms Mobinah Ahmad, Multimedia Journalist, AMUST. In addition to getting to know each other, relate the migrant story, discuss current community issues and concerns, 15 minutes during the meeting were devoted to an exclusive interview with the Minister that is presented below: You’ve been in this portfolio for almost three months, how do you feel about it? It’s a great portfolio. It’s given me the opportunity to look at the world in a very short space of time through all the cultural festivals. Every week there is a major cultural festival across Sydney Metropolitan area and New South Wales. Literally, hundreds of thousands of people attend these festivals and the wonderful thing about it is that they’re being embraced more broadly by the community. The community sees a festival regardless of what it is, and they want to be there. It’s colourful, its bright, there’s dancing and in particular, there is food and nothing encourages Australians more than a good feast. They’re flocking to their great cultural festival, and that in itself is creating great social cohesion and harmony. I’m very proud to represent this portfolio. What sort of commitment do you have in terms of Multiculturalism in this climate and trend towards populism which we are seeing in Europe and maybe to some extent in Australia as well and that some people are against Multiculturalism? My message from day one has been our culture, our great Australian culture and this country is the sum total of every nationality around the world. We’ve each come together and built a country that is the envy of the world. It is unique in its nature and is richer from its diversity. It is unique in the fact that we are living peacefully and respectfully as one, I think that’s very important. I’m not that naïve, that I don’t see that there are always challenges, and there have always have been
in this country. We’ve never backed away from that, we’ve never hidden away from those challenges, we’ve met them head on, we’ve discussed those things rationally and reasonably and we’ve moved forward and we’ll continue to do that, and continue to build a better country. I wish the world would focus more closely, whilst they envy us, I just wish they would take on board what we’ve built through respect, peace and freedom. The interesting thing about it is it has largely come about through respect and freedom, we don’t place any restrictions on people, it is a free country. We respect the people that come here, we respect their cultures, their religions and then we just m o v e forward together as one. How can the gov- e r n ment facilitate interfaith and intercultural dialogue in order to promote harmony in our society? Through my office in Parramatta, through Multicultural NSW, we have a religious leaders group which meets regularly. I think there’s probably 30-40 participants in that group. We also have the Muslim Leaders group, the Advisory Reference group, so we very highly acknowledge the importance of discussing faith openly and respectfully across the table. I think it’s wonderful, I think it’s great to see those people in the room together, discussing how they can each contribute to a better society, and I think that’s very important. We appreciate the fact that there are 245 different nationalities in New South Wales practicing 125 different religions. I think that in itself is extraordinary. The fact that we recognise 125 religions, it highlights that we just leave people to practice their faith, and we should never judge people by their faith. I think it’s important that those leaders can come together and if there are issues that are common
Minister Ray Williams in discussion regarding community issues.
May 2017
amongst us that we can address them and resolve them peacefully and respectfully through those meetings.
There has been some controversy recently relating to “Australian Values”. Your comments? Ultimately when I look at values, at the end of the day, what we value more in Australia is distinguishing right from wrong and our values are very much enshrined in law and you just won’t get an argument, regardless of w h o t h e leade r s of the diverse communities that I speak to. We value people who come to this country, who work hard, who make a positive contribution to society. And if you step outside our laws, you will be punished and nobody has a disagreement with that. There is just such a small portion of people who step outside the law, and they are punished and they should be punished. And that’s the end of the story, people abide by our laws, they’re very much living within the values that we hold close to our heart in Australia. There is a concern that Islamophobia and hate speech with vilification of Islam and demonisation of Muslims is causing disharmony in society that is especially damaging to young people on school yards. Your views? Nobody, regardless of who they are should ever be judged by the faith that they hold so dear. It’s just not acceptable, not acceptable across this country, it shouldn’t be acceptable anywhere. When you recognise that the young people, especially children can be affected in an adverse way when they hear those particular comments. It’s one of the most important things that
we can instil in children, especially children from migrant parents, that they should love this country and make a positive contribution to this country, but they should never forget where they’ve come from, never forget their background, their culture, their heritage and their religion. They should hold that dear. Some young people get torn between feeling they’re not from where they come from and they’re not of this country, and that’s very very hard to accept in a young person’s mind. They should know quite rightly that they can be both, that they can be very much apart, that we value the people who come here and make a positive contribution, not only valued by me, they’re valued by the government, as they should be. Children should know, and all people should know, they should recognise that they can be both, they can be Australian and never forget what their background is, which is important, that is part of them.
Do you have some advice for the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST? Keep doing what you’re doing. AMUST is full of information, full of cultural aspects as it should be. It provides important advice on behalf of your community. Additionally, you are publishing media articles that can be read more broadly, that can be read by the broader community, and that’s important as we go forward. We are one, we are one country, we’re one Australian culture, it’s the sum total of every nationality around the world and we should embrace that. It’s a good message for people. You’re building this country. We have a long way to go. You’re making a positive contribution to this country, there’s a great legacy here for you to be recognised, and that legacy is reflected in your newspaper. Negative stories, unfortunately, might sell press, but positive stories build strong communities, and that’s good. The success of people, not necessarily the great high achievers, but it’s the everyday mums and dads making a positive contribution to the society, they’re the greatest role models on behalf of their children. Minister, thank you so much. In my capacity as the Trustee of Australian MEFF Consortium, organisers of the annual Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair, I extended an invitation to you to be the Chief Guest at next MEFF on Sunday 9 July 2017 at Fairfield Showground. It will be my pleasure to attend.
Minister Ray Williams with Zia Ahmad, Managing Editor of AMUST.
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Palm Sunday Rally turns a bit sour Philip Feinstein The 2017 Palm Sunday Rally on 9 July commenced at Hyde Park in Sydney with a mostly positive crowd of about 4,000 supporters of refugees incarcerated in Australian detention centres, and gained momentum with some fabulous speakers. Xuyen Pho, Salvation Army National Secretary and a Vietnam refugee from the late 1970’s, reminisced from his time coming to Australia. “No one seeking asylum gets on a leaky boat without desperation - ask yourself what drives someone to travel to an unknown destination without a compass in an open sea and without reliable navigation?” he asked rhetorically. “Banning people seeking refuge and asylum will divide our rich and vibrant society - freedom, tolerance and fairness is what will rekindle the old Australian way,” he said. Analysing the world today, Sue Wareham, vice-president of the Medical Association for the prevention of War, pointed out that the number of people fleeing in search of safety is unprecedented - around 65 million - half come from 3 countries: Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia. “The catastrophe that’s occurring in Syria demonstrates the human war cost in a region that Australia helped to destabilise in 2003 and where we still support the violence that is occurring,” she said. “As we pour billions of dollars into war-making, how many refugees from those areas will Australia accept?” She further added. Sue concluded her address by stating that
Jews for Refugees banner at Circular Quay. Did the Syrian flag finally indicate a sign of peace? together we must redouble our efforts for the sake of refugees and asylum seekers, and for the sake of those caught up in war zones and those whose lives are threatened by the new wars that are looming. Looking at the local scene, Mark Morey, Secretary of Unions NSW said “No one should be held in indefinite mandatory detention, no matter who they are.” Referring to the Australian Union movement always taking the high road on humanitarian issues, he added, “From Doc Evatt at
the United Nations through to the unions that fought South African apartheid. We must continue to take a high road. We need to re-politicise our communities in global politics.” The writer of this article left Apartheid South Africa in 1973 to come to Australia, the ‘lucky country’. Mark added to his address some very wise words: ““This march was initially a peace march - the way to stop mass dislocation is for countries to work together to maintain peace across the world.” There were groups from many backgrounds and ethnicities all displaying their banners and flags. The atmosphere was almost at a party level marching to Circular Quay with the crowds chanting in unison “Refugees are welcome here”; “Bring them here - Let them stay”. There was however one group which chanted through a powerful megaphone “Syria for the Syrians”. Although at the time it was not clear which Syrians they were barracking for, they were certainly a strong vocal group unto themselves. In attempting to clarify the whole situation, Dr Anas Natfaji, President of the Australians for Syria Association, stated, “We were informed about the intention of a pro-Assad group to hijack the Palm Sunday rally event to their own interest.” After explaining how Bashar Al Assad has always been at the centre of the Syrian conflict, Dr Natfaji said: “I have heard from friends who attended the Palm Sunday ral-
ly about how rude and confrontational the pro-Assad group was in their demonstration.” Arriving at Circular Quay, some the Syrian Assad supporters placed their flags squarely in front of the Jewish banner, seemingly ignoring the fact that unity is for everyone. Supporters of ‘Jews for Refugees’ felt the brunt of the confrontation. Fortunately, a Settlement Services representative came to the rescue by explaining to the Syrians that everyone was there to support refugees. Finally, several Syrian women apologised for the behaviour of some from their group. What a pity it was that some people saw fit to bring their own issues to such an important event. On a sobering note, Ian Rintoul from the Refugee Action Coalition ended the day with some pertinent remarks about the intolerable conditions of refugees on both Nauru and Manus Island. “Malcolm Turnbull’s claim that Donald Trump will honour his US resettlement deal for refugees is looking more and more doubtful” he said. “A majority of Australians now say detention of refugees on Nauru and Manus Island should end” he added. “Join us to step up the pressure - we can do better: Bring them here”. Philip Feinstein is a Sydney based writer, musician and activist working for MUSIC FOR REFUGEES www.musicforrefugees.org
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Complications in Australia-India bilateral relations: PM visit to India
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Zahid Jamil
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull paid a four day visit to India, meeting his counterpart Narendra Modi and senior business leaders in the month of April in an attempt to enhance business relationship between the two countries. India, in its attempt to achieve economic transformation, needs further developments in infrastructure, education and sources of energy and the talks mainly concentrated on these sectors. Malcolm Turnbull, however sought extension of trade links to other sectors as well. Unfortunately, prospects of free trade deal between the two countries stalled as according to Australian PM, the tradition of protectionism runs very deep in India. Agricultural market access is a major sticking point. Australia’s ongoing search for bigger and better markets for its agricultural produce, India is near the top of the list. However India wants to protect its small land-holder farmers, many of whom live below the poverty line. India is Australia’s fifth largest export market with Australian merchandise and services exports valued at approximately $ 13.5 billion in 2015. The Australia-India bi-lateral trade is valued at $19.8 billion. Indian foreign investment into Australia was valued at $11.6 billion, with Australian investment in India valued at $1.5 billion. Malcolm Turnbull also met with executives from the Indian company that wants to build Australia’s biggest coal mine with the help of federal funding. Senior executives of Adani, including the founder and chairman, Gautam Adani, discussed India’s growing need for energy. The company’s $21.7 billion Carmichael coal mine project in Queensland was approved last December but has faced serious opposition from environmental and Indigenous groups. Mr Adani requested an early resolution
Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister of Australia with Gautam Adani, Founder and chairman of Adani Group. of native title issues surrounding the mine, There were more changes announced in commitment to Australia and their attitudes which was hit by a Federal Court ruling that provisions of permanent residency which to towards religious freedom, gender equalinvalidated deals with traditional owners will discourage Indian students to come to ity and harmonious living. across Australia. Legislation dealing with Australia for higher education, a blow to Greens Senator Scott Ludlam said the the problem is before the Senate and Mr Australia’s booming education industry. government resorted to “hardline, nationalTurnbull is understood to have assured the Indian IT workers as well as young Indi- ist rhetoric” with “vague allusions to Auscompany that the issue would be resolved ans aiming to study and settle in Australia tralian values” whenever it was “in trouble”. any time soon. were dismayed by the announcement which Many feel that the Turnbull government, Ironically, upon his return from the Indian forced Indian officials to threaten its impact in a shift from centre right, seem to be shiftvisit, Malcolm Turnbull announced axing on trade talks with Australia. ing to further right trying to please the One of the popular 457 work visa used by over Couple of days later, Turnbull govern- Nation voter base. 95,000 foreign workers constituting 25% ment announced major changes to AustralIndians, 19.5% UK citizens and 5.8% Chi- ian Citizenship laws as well affecting new Zahid Jamil is an engineering post graduate nese. migrants but specifically perceived to target and runs a financial planning practice based This programme allowed businesses in Muslims in a copycat manner similar to in Sydney. He heads South Asian Muslim Australia to employ foreign workers for a Trump administrations rhetoric on immigra- Association of Australia, SAMAA: http:// period up to four years in skilled jobs where tion and border protection. samaa.org.au ), a benevolent institution there is a shortage of skilled Australian Under the changes, migrants will face a offering wide range of services to the workers. tougher citizenship test that will assess their community elders.
Back to business as usual for Chris Hayes, MP Mehar Ahmad The Federal Member for Fowler, Mr Chris Hayes MP has bounced back after being involved in a motorcycle accident on his way to Canberra for a meeting at Parliament House on Sunday 26 February. Mr Hayes suffered several injuries, including several broken ribs, a broken arm, and internal injuries, and spent fifteen days in Canberra Hospital, six of which were in the Intensive Care Unit. On ANZAC Day on 25 April, while Mr Hayes, didn’t attend any Dawn Services this year due to his recent motorcycle accident, he did attend two services at Canley Heights RSL Club and the Mounties at Mt Pritchard.
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“What I have been through recently is nothing compared to the experiences of the Anzacs and what they had to endure on a daily basis.” “For instance, I draw strength from the experiences of my Grandfather, John Hayes, who was twice severely injured and once shot through the neck in France, but on both occasions, he returned to active service.” “He was an example of true courage, commitment and determination,” Mr Hayes said. “We are forever indebted to these brave soldiers and the spirit of ANZAC will forever live on.” “Lest we forget,” Mr Hayes concluded. Recalling the accident, he said, “Thank you to my wife, Bernadette, my family, my staff, and to all those who have taken the time to send their best wishes, it really means a lot to me.” “While I won’t be getting back on a motorbike, I will continue to stay involved in the various motorcycle safety campaigns, in particular the Police Wall to Wall Ride, although my vehicle of choice will have four wheels, not two,” Mr Hayes said. Mr Hayes has praised the actions of Senior Constable Mark Smith of the Queanbeyan Highway Patrol who was in the immediate vicinity at the time of his accident. “I consider myself very lucky that Senior Constable Smith was there, he certainly made a difference to the outcome of my accident,” Mr Hayes admitted.
Mr Hayes at Cabramatta Shopping Centre.
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Mr Hayes in front of Parliament House, Canberra.
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On the outs of the community AMUST
MOBYDAYZE Mobinah Ahmad
The Muslim community is not a social group, it’s a social network where the operative word is network. You see, often people can get confused between your real friends or acquaintances, and networks, ie the people who connect with for a specific professional purpose. Whilst a friend can be a network, a network cannot be a friend. If I had a dollar every time people made this uncomfortable realisation that their networks are not, in fact, their friends – I’d have a couple hundred dollars right now. It’s something I come across time and time again. People make this realisation, and then deal with it by deciding to leave the community because dealing with the aftermath – ain’t nobody got time for that. It’s at this point when they truly realise who was a sincere friend and who was a network, who’s willing to make the effort to contact them.
It’s only until something negative happens, that you realise who your real friends are. For example, if you’re in the Muslim community by volunteering for an organisation or project where you end up meeting many Muslims who are doing the same thing – you’re immediately part of the network. And by meeting all those Muslims, you happen to fancy one of them and initiate a relationship to get to know each other.
Once your relationship reaches a certain point where you go public, it’s a pretty big milestone, like a point of no return. However, if for whatever reason, the relationship fails – there seems to be a common scenario where one person stays connected in the community, and the other person leaves, disconnected. They begin to privatise their life, disconnect of social channels and become selective who they communicate with from the
community. Another example is when there is a showdown between two popular people within the community, that have some sort of issue. Besides all the gossip and drama, there always seems to be one person who tends to bow out. When this happens, I try to reach out – just to see if they’re ok, and often I am met with trepidation. Sometimes I think about what people go through when they choose to be out of the community network, do they feel that they can no longer have a public platform out of embarrassment or shame? Although we’re not close and I was more of a network, I like to think that I would still be able to maintain some sort of friendship with people who leave the community. I have no interests in having networks without establishing a friendship first. Mobinah Ahmad is a professional social media analyst and AMUST Multimedia Journalist based in Sydney.
Second Indonesian delegation visit under MEP Mobinah Ahmad The second group of Indonesian delegates visited Australia from 16 to 30 April under the Australian-Indonesian Muslim Exchange Program (MEP and comprised of an interesting mix of a head of school, social entrepreneur, program manager, director for education, photographer and task force manager. The Muslim Exchange Program has been successfully operating since 2002 and it involves visits to Australia by groups of young Indonesian Muslim community leaders to have a greater awareness of Australia’s multicultural society. The Indonesian delegates went to Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney within a period of two weeks and visited prominent universities, mosques, interfaith organisations and businesses and had the opportunity to meet a variety of community leaders. The Indonesian delegation comprised of five exceptional professionals that all brought a diverse level of experiences and knowledge. They include: 1. Mrs Cicih Kurniasih is from Bogor, West Java and is the Head of Sekolah Guru Indonesia (SGI – Indonesia Teacher’s School), an initiative of Dompet Dhuafa, Indonesia’s largest Islamic charity. Previously, Cicih was the Founder and Principal of Aqila Islamic School in Medan, North Sumatra. 2. Mr Goris Mustaqim is a social entrepreneur, Chairman and Co-founder of the Asgar Muda Foundation in Garut, West Java. Asgar Muda focuses on education, youth entrepreneurship, and community
Indonesian MEP delegates in Australia. development. Goris is a 2014 Asia Foundation Development Fellow – a year-
Zia Ahmad sharing the history of AMUST with Indonesian delegates.
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long professional advancement program for highly qualified young professionals from across Asia. 3. Mr Fahmi Syahirul Alim is a Program Manager with the International Centre for Islam and Pluralism (ICIP), Jakarta. Fahmi’s publications include: ‘Service for World Peace: The Contribution of Muhammadiyah to Indonesia’s Foreign Policy’ (book chapter, 2014); ‘101 Years of Muhammadiyah and Its Important Task’ (Sindo daily, 2016); ‘Finding Legislative Candidates who are Pro-People’ (Prioritas weekly, 2013). 4. Mr Ahmad Romzi is Director of Education for the Al-Shighor Foundation, based in Cirebon, West Java. Ahmad is President of Indonesian Humanitarian Photography, a philanthropic organisation supported by the National Zakat Board. 5. Mrs Novia Afdhila is Taskforce Manager for UCP Wheels for Humanity’s Jamkesus Disability Health Insurance Program
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in Yogyakarta, Central Java. Previously, Novia was a Consultant for Rachel’s House, a community-based paediatric palliative care network. Starting in Melbourne, the delegates took a tram to Federation Square to see the popular sites of Melbourne, visiting the National Gallery of Victoria and exhibitions till the evening ended with a dinner with the Muslim Exchange Program alumni. After visiting the State Library and participating in a mosque tour with Sheikh Abdulla Hawari, Imam of the architecturally innovative Australian Islamic Centre and Newport Mosque, They visited the Channel 10 studios and participated in the studio audience for The Project TV Show followed by a dinner with Waleed Aly, a prominent Australian Muslim writer, academic, lawyer, media presenter and musician. During their Australian visit, the delegates visited faith organisations representing the diversity in religions and cultures in Australia including the Islamic Council of Victoria, Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association, the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne’s Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission (EIC), St Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Pearcedale Moonlist Sanctuary, Sydney Jewish Museum and ACT Baha’I Centre. While in Sydney the Indonesian delegation paid a visit to the Australasian Muslim Times offices at Bonnyrigg, Sydney led by Mr Rowan Gould, Director of the Australia-Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program. Mr Zia Ahmad, Managing Editor of AMUST briefed the delegates of the history of its publication, editorial policy and sustaining it as a non-profit project run by volunteers. While answering to delegates enquiries, Mr Ahmad said that the freedom of speech provisions and the great professional facilities in Australia provided a unique and great opportunity to publish AMUST for all Australians while highlighting positive stories from our diverse community. The delegates went to Balcombe Grammar, a private Christian primary and secondary school in Mount Martha meeting with students and teachers including Natalie Kurelja, Head of Faith and Wellbeing, and Matthew Dodd, School Principal. Delegates to participate in interactive sessions with Year 8 Faith and Wellbeing, Year 10 English, and Year 11 Politics students. A dinner with Zalman Kastel, the National director of Together for Humanity and his team.
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A healthy marriage begins Marriage Bureau before the marriage
Seeker & Sought For
HEALTHY MARRIAGE HACKS Bilal Dannoun Much of a person’s happiness or grief after Marriage will most likely result from their marriage. Some statistics I found a few years ago stated that Australians spend three billion dollars a year getting married and six billion per year on divorce related costs. Everyone owes it to their future self to be in a healthy, productive, no-toxic marriage, and this simply begins before getting married by making the right choices for themselves and their offsprings. Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “Make a good choice for your offsprings. Find those who are compatible, and get married to them.” (Hadith: Ibn Maajah). Compatibility includes having shared vision, beliefs, standards, values and interests. The ideal spouse is someone who you feel you can be yourself around them, someone that will be one of your greatest sources of strength. That special someone must be able to contribute to your physical, spiritual and emotional needs. Your potential spouse must be made aware of your expectations, and this must be well defined. Compatibility and failed expectations are amongst the top 10 reasons why Muslims end up in divorce. Be sure to compile a list of questions to ask your potential spouse, identifying in no uncertain terms what you want, otherwise you may run the risk of getting what you don’t want. Another question to ask yourself is, if this person you are thinking of marrying is someone you can honestly say you would
An initiative by the Islamic Foundation for Education and Welfare (IFEW)
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.
like your children to turn out like? From amongst the major causes that lead to divorce is family interference. Family interference is ranked number five in divorce statics gathered from Muslim communities around the world. Countless cases point towards marriage toxicity when a couple end up living with their in-laws. In light of these unhealthy experiences, living with in-laws, and especially in the case of living with the parents of the husband, should be avoided at all costs. Having said this, there may be cases that warrant living with in-laws. Be sure to ask the questions about living arrangements and how much family involvement will family members play in your future lives together. Another key contributor to be mindful of when selecting a spouse is to ensure that there is attraction towards the potential spouse. There have been many cases of di-
vorce where despite being compatible, one spouse may have not been attracted to their partner. Research reveals that in most cases, chemistry between couples is something that may not by manipulated. Once a person has ensured compatibility and attraction, the next step is to pray two rakaah of prayer and supplicate to Allah by virtue of the Dua of Divine Intervention – Istikhaarah. This prayer and supplication is found in the book ‘Fortress of the Muslim’ or online. Bilal Dannoun is a renowned Islamic and Civil marriage celebrant based in Sydney. He is an experienced marriage counselor, offering marital advice with a blend of Islamic texts and modern day research. For more information about his relationship services, courses and events visit: bilaldannoun.com
Effulgence: A Brilliant Radiance Aisha Mohsin It’s one of those days when you’ve a flurry of thoughts but when you try to pen them down, your mind just wanders off. How hard it would be to deal with feelings you can’t find words to express!? It makes me wonder. Thoughts can be weird at times; too strong to be stuffed into one post yet purposeless to be discussed, but there’s comfort in imagining that there are so many people out there who can relate to us. There are way too many similarities in our hearts that keep us connected than the differences in our minds that divide us. Thank you for stopping by! There is absolute silence surrounding me with the morning sun gently diffusing warmth & lending a slight pinkish tinge to my skin. I’m trying to focus on the rhythms of breathing savouring the feel of existence. I’m alive. And I’m grateful. The window frame on my left displays a picture perfect view of the sun and the sky getting creative mixing and matching many shades of grey. Clouds that were few and floating randomly before have now cuddled each other like long lost buddies. The air is filled with sounds of thunderstorm laughters; seems like they are committed to squandering precious rainwater down to the last drop. This has made the sky look mysteriously grim! Did you know that a large amount of light passes through clouds when they are thin and they appear white too? But the thicker they
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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. M1516: Male, 25 Australian citizen, from Middle Eastern background. Electrical Apprentice. I am interested in keeping fit and following healthy choices. I make an effort to keep on the right path by observing Islam. I spend quality time with my friends. I am looking for a Muslimah who likes to keep reasonably fit and enjoys playing some sport. A life mate to share the journey of life together. 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.
become, the harder it is for light to be transmitted. Take some time out to reflect on your heart when it becomes obscured or doubtful? Think about something you might have done subconsciously for as long as you can remember. There’s only so much a heart can contain, so comes a point when the heart bursts open in dire need of distillation. Precisely it’s time to let the light in and let go of all that has been piled up weighing you down.
Hearts are divine courtyards where the presence of Beloved God looms large. Strive to acquire qualities of truth and humility and let God’s light illuminate every corner of your heart. Let there be nothing inside but the resonance of Almighty. Aisha Mohsin is a Melbourne-based academic editor and blogger. She has a knack for writing. You can find her at www.aishamohsinblog.wordpress.com
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Placing/Responding to a notice If you would like to place or respond to a notice, fill out the matrimonial form at: www.amust.com.au/marriage-bureau All information is held in strict confidence
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LIFESTYLE
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AUSTRALIA 13 - 15
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Support services grow for Muslim aged care AMUST Media The Islamic Women’s Association of Australia (IWAA) has opened its doors in Sydney, signalling a period of growth for the not for profit organisation. Delivering its aged care services and a host of supporting programs for people from Islamic and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, IWAA now operates in Queensland and New South Wales, and currently employs more than 100 staff. IWAA Director, Galila Abdelsalam, said her dream is for IWAA to be accessible when, and where, people need it most. “After identifying a number of unmet needs for Muslim Women, I founded the I s lamic Women’s Association of Queensland (IWAQ) in 1991,” she said “When IWAQ first started it aimed at helping migrants and refugees to settle in Australia. Since then it has extended its services to include aged care and disability services, leadership development, support for women experiencing g domestic Violence including Respectful relationship classes in schools and support for young vulnerable men who might be Galila Abdelsalam
The Islamic Women’s Association of Australia (IWAA) team. at risk of radicalisation,” she further added. we can touch more people’s lives,” she said. “Studies have shown that older people IWAA provides both home based and respite care and acts to reduce feelings of iso- who have English as a second language, lation, depression and loneliness which can often tend to revert to their native tongue, result from language and intergenerational meaning it is imperative we have ample barriers, whilst optimising freedom and in- trained Home Care Employees available for dependence, as well as establishing an en- support,” Ms Abdelsalam said. IWAA currently employs 120 Home Care hanced quality of life. “By encouraging people from all differ- Employees from diverse backgrounds, ent religions and cultures to access our aged speaking 25 different languages, and its care services and attend our programs, we Sydney expansion means more staff are hope to dispel the myths rampant in socie- needed. Talking about her work in a linguistity,” Ms Abdelsalam said. “Expanding into New South Wales means cally and culturally diverse community Ms
Abdelsalam said, “The top languages from carers that are in demand are Arabic, Bosnian, Hindi, Urdu and Farsi, and over the past year, we’ve also needed to recruit and match carers to new and emerging communities from countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Pakistan.” IWAQ provides a range of services and programs which are tailored specifically to meet individual needs. Expressions of interest for both care packages and employment are now open. Email admin@iwaq.org.au for more information.
Br Aqeel Mukaddam: 0433067786 (Bankstown) Br Naeem Bhacha: 0402757147 (Campbelltown) Br Asaf Siddiqi: 0451 552 700 (Rooty Hill & Mt Druitt) Br Zaffar Khan: 0430 023 958 (Auburn & Lidcombe) Br Shafqat Ali: 0411 244 040 (Promotions and Marketing) Br Fajar Akhlaq: 0432152604 (Promotions & Marketing)
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Every child will win a Prize.
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Supported by the Muslim Community of NSW
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ICSOA health seminar on heart disease Dr Habib Bhurawala
The Indian crescent society of Australia (ICSOA) organised its inaugural free community health education seminar on heart disease prevention on Saturday 29 April 2017 at Berala Community Centre in Sydney. The event was attended by more than 100 Australians from a diverse background including representatives and office bearers of various community organisations. The member for Granville, Ms Julia Finn, MP was the chief guest at this event. Mr Fasihuddin Khan, Ssecretary of ICSOA was the MC for this program that commenced with the recitation of Holy Quran by Mr Abbas Chelat, treasurer of ICSOA. Mr Abbas Raza Alvi, President of the Indian Crescent Society of Australia welcomed everyone with formal acknowledgement of traditional owners of the land and provided an update of ICSOA activities, mission and future goals. He explained that the objective and purpose of ICSOA is to integrate and have a collective voice for Indian Muslims in Australia, representing them on Indian plat-
forms in Australia as well as contribute towards welfare of Muslims in India. Mr Alvi emphasised that ICSOA aims to accommodate all sections of Muslims of Indian origin including subsequent generations born in Australia regardless of their origin, schools of thought and language and at the same time promote Indian heritage, culture and Urdu language. He pointed out that ICSOA newsletters has now been regularly published with wide circulation announced the partnership of ICSOA with Australian MEFF Consortium and Australian Red Cross blood service with a plan to organise blood donation drive during next Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair on Sunday 9 July 2017 at Fairfield Showground. Dr Habib Bhurawala, ICSOA health co-ordinator briefed on the activities of ICSOA health subcommittee and highlighted the ongoing burden of health diseases on Australian community despite advances in medical therapies. He emphasised the importance of appropriate prevention and health education programs in reducing the impact of various diseases and its positive effect on reduced health spending, better health outcomes for migrant and multi-cultural community. ICSOA Health Committee has planned a number of future community initiatives in-
Ms Julia Finn MP. cluding health seminars on topics such as obesity, diabetes and mental health as well as health information/promotion articles for media channels by ICSOA members. Dr Bhurawala introduced members of ICSOA Health Committee to the audience such as Dr Abdul Ahad Khan, Dr Zakir Akhunji, Dr Shakeel Abbas, Dr Zainab Ali, Dr Soliman Qurashi and Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak. Dr Zakir Akhunji, the keynote speaker at the health education seminar spoke on the topic “What everyone should know about heart disease.” Dr Zakir Akhunji is cardiothoracic surgeon at Prince of Wales and St George Hospitals, in Sydney and spoke on the role of diet and exercise on heart disease
Mr Abbas Alvi. He emphasised the need for 30 minutes’ brisk walk daily and having a healthy low fat diet which is shown to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Dr Zakir Akhunji encouraged the audience to be aware of various risk factors and seek appropriate medical help when signs or symptoms suggestive of a heart problem a nd provided an overview of various treatment modalities available for heart disease including various surgical procedures. His talk was followed by interactive question answer session moderated by Dr Ahad khan. This session generated a lot of interest from the audience. Dr Akhunji was presented with a certificate of appreciation by ICSOA recognising his contribution towards health care. Ms Julia Finn MP commended ICSOA for initiatives for creating community awareness in health care as well as other and other community activities. She highlighted the need for such community initiatives in migrant and multicultural communities. Mr Siddiq Panwala, legal advisor of ICSOA announced future legal advice program of ICSOA which will be organised in July 2017. Further details will be available soon. The seminar program concluded with a vote of thanks by the MC. Dr Habib Bhurawala is the ICSOA Health co-ordinator, based in Sydney and is a consultant general paediatrician currently working at Nepean & Blue Mountains hospitals in Sydney.
Jinnah Memorial Cricket Tournament in Sydney
Hanif Bismi Pakistan Association of Australia last month conducted the first Mohammad Ali Jinnah Cup Cricket Tournament in Western Sydney. The prize distribution dinner was held on 10 April 2017 at Granville. The chief guest for the evening was Mr Abdul Majid Yousfani, Consul General of Pakistan in Sydney who distributed the prizes. Best all-rounder award was presented to
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Abdul Basit while Junaid received the Best Batsman award from the runner-up team. Mohammed Shafeeq Ahmed bagged Best Player award as well as the Man of the Match award. Mohammad Saad and Rana Ali received Best Bowler and Best Batsman awards respectively. Parachinar Zalmi got runner-up in the match while the winning team was DADA XI. The Youngest Player award was given to Mohamed Ali Rana. Mr Yousafai pointed out that sports in general and particularly cricket brings positive energy to the community. “Pakistanis are devoted to cricket and this love for the game brings Pakistan and Australia closer in sharing extraordinary sports-
man’s spirit,” he said. Mr Yousfani further added “Cricket is a craze that people play in every corner of the country and Pakistan has produced some of the world’s best cricketers such as Hanif Mohamed, Imran Khan, Wassim Akram, Shahid Afridi etc. Passion for cricket makes community join together in harmony regardless of their background. Many of Pakistan’s finest cricketers came up from playing the sport on the streets, this being the common passion for the whole nation.” He also thanked Mr Rana Abbas and Pakistan Association of Australia for taking the initiative in the name of the Father of the Nation, Mr Jinnah. A special award was given to Mr Syed
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Abbas Naqvi for making the first tournament a great success. Mr Rana Abbas thanked all participants and distributed cricket jerseys to the players. He also thanked the Australasian Muslim Times for supporting Pakistan Association of Australia by reporting on its various programs. Mr Raja Taseer was the MC for the event and Mr Raja Aslam presented Pakistan cricket caps to the guests present. The program ended with delicious Pakistani cuisine dinner. Hanif Bismi is a Sydney based historian, political analyst, community activist and an Advisor to ARO.
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A father in their daughter’s eyes AMUST
Farah Cassendra Jamaludin “Daddy, Papa, Aba, Abuji are amongst the names a child will call their father fondly and with deep respect. How do I begin to identify this person we call father? Other than my mother who is the same species like me…this man I call father is a very new species in my eyes. John Gray says through his book ‘Women are from Venus and Man are from Mars’ should give us an indication that our father is not only a different species but is also from a different planet too. How interesting. Wonder why? My childlike mind and fond memories with my own father and other fathers I have come to encounter in my life through friends and family alike, says to me that he is the first man…the very important man that will decide and shape how we women will grow to be a daughter, a wife and a mother someday. Pretty powerful revelation to be honest. Every little girl including myself sees our father as the protector, the trusted, the guide, the superhero that is capable to save the house and the world…and above all, the man who will never break her heart. My mother told me that when I was born, my father adored me more than her. I had a cupboard full of shoes that beats Imelda Marcos hands down and clothes that will shame the boutiques. More spoilt than that, I even had maids to attend to me for various chores. Yes, I was a totally a spoilt brat but I don’t care. I must be the apple of his eyes at all times. One of my fond memories of my father was a picture of him carrying me with a plane in my hand at the landing strip in the airport in his khaki coloured Assistant Superintendent of Police- Special Branch suit that made a daughter like me so proud. I felt safe in his arms and proud that my father was a protector of my home and country. As time passed, I grew to know him and as I watched other father’s way of treating their daughters…I felt was on the right track with my father. My father was doing the right thing for me. My innocent mind says that I can comfortably dream that my father will walk me down the aisle, cry when I leave the house to my in laws home or protect me from my mother who is always on my back by making a peace treaty with her on my behalf. In a nutshell, he is my most trusted alliance…. my buddy in crime and my elephant when I need to ride on his back. So, what can go wrong right? Wrong! A lot of things could go wrong. The most painful of all is when he is no longer in this world. Second to the list, when he abuses us with words or immoral
behaviours. Third to the list, when he chooses other women than us that is not even our mother and the fourth in my opinion is when he does not trust us in our life decision as to whom should our life partner be. The rest of the list, well they are not life threatening to put it bluntly. Being a socialite since my green years…I have been to too many household and observed many fathers. And I am making a general statement here. There are many kinds of fathers out there. Some fathers really take on their roles seriously with so much commitment and passion. Other takes their role as responsibility demands of them. Some, just for namesake. The former is ideally what it should be. The latter is a game changer. My Facebook updates from friends shows pictures of father holding them as a teenager, giving them away during marriage and carrying their grandchildren. Some even showed pictures of their father lying on bed unsure whether they will make it tomorrow. Each of these pictures brings tears to my eyes. It seemed like I embrace their moments as if it was my own because my story about my father is no way near them. I consider myself as one who is not privilege to experience the father that I dreamt as a child. It’s not his fault. It’s just the way life is. I comfort myself by saying that before he was my father, he was an individual. An Imperfect individual who can make mistakes. I have to accept that so as not to judge him. Now you might be wondering, so how has he changed my life or rather how has his presence affect my life today? To answer to that, he is definitely an influence in my life. He is a soft spoken wonderful gentleman, very broadminded, very stylish, good looking, an excellent socialite and a walking
A riot of Roses Saltanat Bora
Roses are utterly romantic and one can hardly go past them for a wedding bouquet. Here, resident editor and sometime florist Saltanat Bora puts together a simple bou-
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English dictionary. Ideally, he is like my Richard Gere, Chris Hemsworth and Collin Firth all in one. Because of him, I dreamed the man that I would marry someday will be someone like my Dad. But thus far, there is no one like him. My suitors were better than him in terms of education and credentials but they were nothing like him. Therefore, finding someone I could relate to like how I was with him was impossible. So, I settled for a second best and silently say a prayer that he will eventually turn out to be something as close as my father. Wishful thinking alright! No one can ever be like our father whom we adore and love a lot. No one can take the place of the face that we first saw and gave our heart to a different species than us women. Whether he is a strict or gentle father…we will always feel safe with him unless he is a monster in disguise. I have read many stories and cases of father abusing their daughters and still some daughters tolerate that even to the extent that their self-dignity has been mutilated. These women suffer with so much pain in their heart and can never settle well in any relationship as a normal person. If your own blood can betray you, what is a person from another blood. These women either fall prey to another abusive man or just don’t know how to appreciate a good man. They spent all their life giving in fear and pain that when it’s time to receive, they don’t know how to receive it without suspicion. Some even felt that they don’t deserve to receive it because they have been told that they are unworthy of love, they are not the ‘son’ the family wanted, they are just a burden and on extreme circumstances, be the object of sale to settle
a debt or to release a burden off the family. To these women and even to myself, I can only say that our birth is not a waste. To some, we may be unwanted or less valuable than a ‘boy’ but my belief says a woman is a ‘rahmat’ from Allah. A woman is the hand that rocks the cradle and the one who will never stop living even the weight of the world is on her shoulder. Whether she had a good childhood life or a bad one, her life can go both ways in terms of her emotional wellbeing as women, a wife and a mother. Education, life experiences, people whom we come in contact with and our personal perception of what parental relationships are all about shapes our performance being a woman in various roles. When our hero fails us…I trust that our women, wife and motherly instinct will keep our heads above water in any life challenges as we will deal with it head on. I end with, in spite all these life challenges we face as a woman, it is always nice to have a place on our hero’s lap, a hand on our shoulder to comfort us and tears of gratefulness when our hero sees us as the women he can proudly claim as his blood…that feeling is still the best. The feeling our being a little girl and the apple of our father’s eyes. My recent meeting with a widowed father of two teenagers, I couldn’t help but to be so proud of him as a single father bringing up two children on his own with no family support here in Australia since the children were 4 and 5 years old after their beloved wife/mother passed away in an accident 8 years ago. Never married after his wife’s death, he took upon himself to cook, clean and work in various hard odd jobs to keep his little family together. His children are indeed blessed to have a father like him whom will never stop living his life as a single parent whilst putting a stop to his life as a man in need. My prayers are, may all the women out there have a great and amazing father in their lives whom they can run into like a child at any time of their lives as we metamorphosis into various role being a woman …..something which I am not privilege to have till date. Nevertheless, I am still grateful to have met a father in my life and I know Allah knows best and wouldn’t have test me in this area if I couldn’t have to bear with it. Farah Cassendra Jamaludin, based in Sydney is the Secretary of IFSA. She holds a Bachelor of Law (Hons) degree from UK and had a successful career in various industries covering Customer Service, Call Centre, Sales and Marketing, Banking, Human Resources, Case Management and finally as a Corporate Trainer/Facilitator prior to joining IFSA.
quet of garden roses, dahlias, lily of the valley and David Austin roses to be inspired by. Photography by Subhi Bora. Saltanat Bora is the editor of The Modest Bride. This article originally was published on The Modest Bride themodestbride.com. au
Australasian Muslim Times
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May 2017
UMMAH 21 - 23
EDUCATION 24 - 25
TRAVEL 26 - 28
BUSINESS 29
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SOCIAL 30 - 31
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Palestinians on hunger Buddhist Monks force Strike in Israeli Prisons closure of Muslim schools Responding to the call of Marwan Barghouti, the jailed Fatah leader of the West Bank, more than a thousand Palestinian political prisoners are on a hunger strike to protest against the ‘ill-treatment’ inflicted by the prison administration. The Palestinian NGO, which looks after the families of prisoners, estimates the numbers to be around 1,600. The main centers of the strike are the prisons of Gilboa, Hadarim, Ashkelon, Ketziot (one of the hardest settlements in the Negev desert) and Ramon. Some 6,500 Palestinians are currently in Israeli lockups. Israel calls them security prisoners - held for offenses ranging from stone throwing to carrying out attacks that killed or wounded Israeli civilians and soldiers. The strike broke out on 17 April on the occasion of the traditional “prisoner’s day” instituted in 1975, followed closely
in the Palestinian territories, where several demonstrations of support have taken place and scores of protesting Palestinians have been injured by Israeli army action. Barghouti defied the Israeli government in a long platform published on April16 in the New York Times in an attempt to broaden the protest. He denounced “judicial apartheid”, “mass arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment” reserved for the Palestinians. The prisoners have issued a list of demands in thirteen areas, including the end of physical violence and the internment of minors, the right to decent medical care, the right to use public telephones identical to those used by inmates who are not under surveillance, the extension of visiting rights to representatives of humanitarian organizations, the right to freely watch television (which had been abolished in recent months), and the installation of air-conditioning in their overcrowded jails.
Indian Opposition parties closing ranks Indian opposition parties have closed ranks in order to settle on a common candidate for the President of India position to be decided in July, to challenge the ruling BJP. Highly worried after the BJP’s overwhelming victories in UP and Delhi municipal polls, Opposition leaders are making a combined appeal for unity to challenge the growth of the Hinduvta party. One of the Opposition leaders Sitaram Yuchury said the challenge was to build a narrative of “real nationalism” versus the “Hindutva nationalism” of the BJP. The Marxist leader said that BJP was strategically using the communal card and had brought about a
Media Scan
fusion of its communal agenda with the developmental theme. “Facts of the case are at variance from what the BJP propagates. “One per cent citizens held 49% of the country’s wealth when the BJP took office. The same one per cent today controls 58.5% of the wealth. The rich have been getting richer. The Opposition parties need to build an effective counter narrative,” he said.
military personnel, and sacked or suspended 120,000 others from a wide range of professions including soldiers, police, teachers and public servants There has been mounting criticism of the extra ordinary arrests of such a large number of people overwhelmingly civilians who are accused of plotting the failed military coup. Mr Gulen has emphatically denied any involvement with the coup attempt.
US ships advance F-35 stealth fighter jets to Israel Israel received three F-35 stealth fighter jets from the United States in April - a new generation of “near-invisible” planes that critics fear will free the country’s hand to launch air strikes and spying operations against neighbouring states undetected. In total, Israel has bought 50 F-35s from manufacturer Lockheed Martin, and claims it will have the first squadron combat-ready before the end of the year. Israel is the first country outside the US to be allowed access to the warplane, said to be the most expensive ever developed. Analysts have noted that, although the jet comes with a huge price tag - each plane costs around $110m - US taxpayers will be footing the bill. Israel’s fleet of F-35s are to be financed out of US military aid. The annual $3bn Israel receives from Washington will rise next year to $3.8bn, under a 10-year deal agreed by Barack Obama shortly before he stepped down as US president. “Israel would never have been able to
May 2017
said Tin Shwe, a Muslim community leader. “This school has been built many years ago and all of our generations took care of it.” A militant organisation of Buddhist monks, known as Ma Ba Tha, has spearheaded protests against Muslims. Its leaders have been accused of stirring up mob violence leading to the deaths of Muslims and destruction of their property around the country. Most of the anti-Muslim activities have taken place outside of Yangon, the country’s most cosmopolitan city. In what seemed to be a coordinated campaign, anti-Muslim activists last year pressured local officials to have Muslim institutional buildings declared illegal and torn down. In some cases, the activists occupied and dismantled the structures themselves.
Muslims fastest-growing religious group
In an update in April 2017 of a post that was originally published on 23 April 2015 PEW Research Centre has predicted that during the next half century by 2060 Islam will surpass Christianity as the Worlds largest religion. Muslims will grow more than twice as fast as the overall world population from the current 1.8 billion to nearly 3 billion in 2060. The main reasons for Islam’s growth ultimately involve higher fertility, young median age and religious switching or conversion. As an example India’s number of Muslims is growing at a faster rate than the country’s majority Hindu population, and is projected to rise from current 15% to 20% (or 333 million people) in 2060.
Ainullah
Turkey detains more people accused of Gulen followers Last month after the Presidential referendum won by President Erdogan, Turkish authorities have detained more than a thousand people suspected of having links to Mr Fethullah Gulen. People were arrested from all of Turkey’s 81 provinces and targeted the network’s structure in the police force. Turkish authorities have arrested almost 50,000 people since the failed coup, including some 10,000 police officers and 7,500
Ultra-nationalist Buddhist monks and their supporters have forced the closing of two Muslim schools in Yangon, Myanmar’s biggest city, in a reminder that religious strife remains a threat to the country’s stability. About a dozen monks and scores of supporters gathered last week near the two Muslim Madrasas while police stood by as protesters demanded that local officials close the buildings. The raucous three-hour gathering ended when officials agreed to allow them to chain the entrances of the two buildings, which the protesters claim were built illegally. It appeared that the madrassas were chained shut largely to appease the protesters and defuse tension, but it was unclear what their long-term fate would be. “What happened today was very, very sad to me,”
Pope at Al-Azhar; religious leaders must ‘unmask’ violence and hatred “Religious leaders must denounce violations of human rights and expose attempts to justify violence and hatred in the name of God.” That was Pope Francis’ message on Friday at the International Peace Conference taking place at the Al-Azhar conference centre in Cairo. The Pope’s words came at the start of his two day trip to Egypt, following a courtesy visit to President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi. After listening to an opening address by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheik Ahmad Al-Tayeb, the Pope spoke of Egypt’s “inestimable cultural heritage”, saying such wisdom and open-mindedness is urgently needed today to ensure peace for present and future generations. Calling for respectful interreligious dialogue, Pope Francis said the only alternative to a culture of civilized encounter is “the incivility of conflict”. Recalling the visit of St Francis to the Sultan in Egypt eight centu-
ries ago, he called for dialogue based on sincerity and the courage to accept differences. Echoing the words of Sheik Al-Tayeb, Pope Francis also reiterated his appeal for an end to the arms trade, saying that if weapons are produced and sold, “soon or later they will be used”. Only by bringing to light “the murky manoeuvrings that feed the cancer of war can its real causes be prevented”, he said. The Pope stressed the importance of working to eliminate poverty and to combat the current rise of populism that does not promote stability and peace. Every unilateral action that does not promote constructive and shared solutions, he warned, is “a gift to the proponents of radicalism and violence”. What our world needs, he said, is peacemakers, not fomenters of conflict; firefighters, not arsonists; preachers of reconciliation, not instigators of destruction”.
build its military might without the US - and now it will have even greater freedom to wreak suffering across the region,” Mustafa Barghouti, head of the Palestinian National Initiative party, told Al Jazeera. “The US has turned a blind eye as Israel has used its advanced weapons against Lebanon, Gaza, Syria and elsewhere.”
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UMMAH
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 12
AUSTRALIA 13 - 15
LIFESTYLE 16 - 20
The nightmare in Syria: Iran’s role Dr Rashid Raashed During the war of capturing Aleppo towards the end of 2016, the indiscriminate Russian air attacks on civilian areas, had reached a new height of barbarity. The complicity of Iran, however, supporting this aggression on civilians, by providing militias on the ground is highly questionable. The efforts and gains made by Imam Khomeini to unite Muslims, have been virtually reversed, by the current leadership in Iran. Iran probably has a reason to be weary of the mostly Salafi zealots active in Syria, who, regrettably, maintain acute antagonistic views to all Shia’h Muslims. This is wrong on the part of the Salafis, to start with, we acknowledge. But for Iran, to support the Russian genocide in Aleppo and siding with the regime of Asad, oppressive Baathist dictator, was never the befitting answer. To begin with, it is wrong to view Shia’h Muslims any more or less than a part and parcel of the mainstream global Ummah of Islam. On the contrary, the outbursts from the ideological backers of uprising in Syria suggest that they are not prepared to grant the Iran’s Islamic identity any credit. In itself, such an aggressive attitude to the Shia’h Muslims, have nothing to do with Islam. No matter how intense the campaign to spread hatred towards the Shia’h Muslims, there are as many good or bad Muslims among the Sunnis as they are among the Shia’h. The effort to divide Muslims along the lines of Shia’h and Sunnis, is the extension
of the deep-seated conspiracy against Islam. Despite this, the bottom-line argument will still stand true that both the Shia’h and Sunnis are the members of the one Muslim Ummah. There is no fundamental difference between the articles of Islamic faith that unite the Shia’h and Sunnis. Nor is there any major action or practice that would exclude one group or another from the mainstream Muslims. Here comes the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (s) Hadith, to testify this original position: “Whoever has prayed like us, facing the same direction as ours and consumed the meat of animals slaughtered by us, (i.e. who cared to consume halal meat), he is the Muslim, whose custody has been protected by God and His Prophet. You must not betray God, by breaking this custody”. (Al-
The unruly ummah Irfan Yusuf Imagine if you could stand on census day next to each person who ticks the “Muslim” box on their census form. Just as they were about the place their tick, you gave them a sheet of paper and had them write down the 5 most important actors that define their “Islam-ness”. Do you think each person would list the same five factors and in the same order? Australian Muslims may share a common faith but they also come from over 160 different nationalities. The basis for our religious affiliation will never be the same. Indeed many of us don’t place religion first all the time. Instead, we place language or ethnicity or nationality or something else. Back in 1999, Sydney scholar Katy Nebhan described Australian Muslims as being more like nationalist “cells” than an ummah. Is this still the case? It’s hard to say. What I can say is that you would find very few mosques in Sydney or Melbourne where the sermon is given in English, the language of at least 60% of Australian Muslims. Yet the term ummah, that supposedly international brotherhood and sisterhood of Islam, gets bandied about so much from the imams’ sermons to the impassioned dinner part discussion. Ummah appears in the Qur’an some 60 times, and has been used by traditional scholars, by more modern “Islamist” thinkers and by violent wackos. The idea of ummah may go to the heart of Islamic identity, but its implications and applications are hotly contested across sects, schools of thought and Islamic movements. Making matters worse, any open manifestation of ummah -consciousness, especially
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Bukhari, al-Jame’ al-Sahih, Section: Iman, Hadith No. 384. Also see, Sunan Tirmidhi, Section: Iman). The world knows that Hizbullah is a Shi’ah Muslim militia group that originated in South Lebanon, mainly, to resist, fight and reverse the Israeli aggression and occupation of Palestine and parts of Lebanon. From this point of view, Hizbullah enjoys the moral support of global Muslims. But it was a defeat of this objective that this group was actively used by ‘Islamic’ Iran to lockin horns with the Muslim rebels fighting Asad’s oppressive regime in Syria. Another hypocritical aspect of the ‘Islamic’ Republic of Iran was to use in the war in Syria, and in the Russian genocide in Aleppo in particular, the youth from the Hazara refugees from Afghanistan, who resorted to its soil. It is an open secret that most regimes in the Middle East, function under duress of
the Euro-American governments. The world also knows that when it comes to Islam and Muslims, the Euro-American institutions for democracy, upholding the rule of law and human rights do get reduced to the status of a ‘plain trash’. In the main, this is the reason that Muslims tend to rebel trying to grab their rights by whatever means they can. It is a human instinct that in the battlefield, the warring parties are treated as enemies rather than ideological brothers. This was the main feature of historical inter-Muslim wars of Jamal and Siffin, between the supporters of Imam Ali and Mua’wiah, the two distinct companions of the Prophet Muhammad (s). Sadly however, these ominous wars have until today, continued to pull the Muslims apart along the lines of Shia’h and Sunnis. Instead of deepening the wound and the division along the line of the past, the role of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in Syria and in the greater Muslim world, should have been that of the facilitator of peace between Muslims. The Asad regime is plain dictatorship and of sheer oppression of Syrian population. This Bathist regime of Arab nationalism, has nothing in common with Islam and the Muslim of Syria. It was therefore, the prime duty of Islamic Republic of Iran, to dislodge this regime by all means. The Iranian leadership, therefore, does owe a great deal of explanation to the global Muslims, as to why it has failed on this front. They must also explain to the global Islamic intelligentsia, as to what is it doing now to redress this damaging failure! Dr Rashid Raashed is the Chairman, Leadership University College (Bangladesh) & Director/Secretary, Islamic Financial Services Australia (IFSA) and is based in Sydney.
by young people, is now viewed by many as a predicator of “radicalisation” or “extremism” more so than a sense of membership of the Anglosphere or the allegedly Christian West or some other identity that crosses national borders. British writer Ziauddin Sardar says the ummah is “a concept much abused nowadays. For extremists, the ummah is a sort of monolithic entity that must be ruled by a global Caliphate. For some non-Muslims, ummah suggests that Muslims living in the West cannot be trusted, indeed represent a fifth column or potential enemy within, because they can never be fully loyal to the country they have adopted as their home.” When mentioning extremists, I may as
... you would find very “ few mosques in Sydney or Melbourne where the sermon is given in English...”
well throw a few names around – ISIL, Boko Haram, al-Shabab. These groups speak of avenging the ummah and attacking its enemies. But given most of the victims of these groups are Muslims themselves, it’s obvious their definition of ummah is unlikely to include myself or readers of this newspaper. Already ISIL has at least four Australia Muslim religious figures in its sights. And yet Muslim communities, their alleged ummah fixation and subsequently their assumed disloyalty to the nation are often viewed by governments, policy makers and many in the press through the prism of national security and radicalisation. Irfan Yusuf is a lawyer and an award-winning writer and reviewer. He is a PhD Candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship & Globalisation, Deakin University.
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May 2017
UMMAH 21 - 23
EDUCATION 24 - 25
TRAVEL 26 - 28
BUSINESS 29
UMMAH
SOCIAL 30 - 31
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Untold stories from ANZAC Day: Gallipoli front lines Remembering Gallipoli Dr Salih Yucel The Gallipoli Campaign is considered by many as the greatest war in Australian and Turkish history. The stories of veterans have been passed down from generation to generation in the form of oral and written history. Some might say Gallipoli war stories are the most honoured ones in both Australian as well as Turkish history. These stories vary in nature. Some bewildering for the reader, others make the reader smile while many make the reader become lost in deep thought or start shed tears. While there are numerous stories, I wish to relate some unforgettable ones that I have read or heard: Performing our own funeral prayers: Ali from the town of Off recounted a memory that would haunt him. “Our lieutenant told us that we were to fight anytime soon. The other squad currently fighting with enemy’s soldiers had heavy casualties. Knowing this, we were all making shahadah (creed of Islam) and dhikr (remembrance of God). The lieutenant told us that we were going to be martyred, but suggested that we should die while in the state of Wadu (ablution). There was no water readily available, so we performed tayammum (dry ablution using sand or earth). His final command was for us to perform our own funeral prayer. We lined up in the trench and performed our own funeral prayers. On that same day, the lieutenant and most of the soldiers in our squadron were killed. Reciprocally dressing enemies’ wounds ANZAC soldier L H Brett recollects an encounter with a Turkish solider. “I was wounded during an attack at night. I took a torch from the pocket of a severely wounded soldier and tried to help other injured soldiers. Suddenly, a wounded Turkish soldier appeared before me. He didn’t attack, nor did he seem to want to attack. He too was wounded and exhausted. He saw my wounded state and pointed to my wounds. Through a few gestures, we understood each other and wrapped each other’s wounds. We
shook hands and parted as I returned to the trenches for proper medical assistance.” Return of fire by showering gifts Haji Ahmed related that fire was not always fought with fire. “A French soldier threw something dirty to the Turkish trench at night. The Turkish soldiers put hazelnuts in a handkerchief and threw it to the French soldiers’ trench. In return, the French soldiers threw biscuits in a handkerchief to Turkish soldiers’ trench. After that, the French soldiers never fired from this trench on our soldiers.” Comedy in the trenches There was a trench that had little ammunition remaining. Not wanting to waste any, one Turkish solider took it upon himself to waste the enemy’s ammunition. He stuck his hat on his rifle and lifted that rifle above the trench. The ANZAC soldiers shot at the hat repeatedly. Once his hat was no longer useful, the Turkish solider resorted to funny hand gestures taunting the ANZACs in the hope of getting a laugh and at the same time wasting more of their ammunition. Killing of the popular enemy singer During the campaign, the nights were generally quiet as the soldiers would rest. One night, an ANZAC soldier played a song on his guitar. As soon as he finished, there came an applause from the Turkish soldiers’ trenches followed by a song by one Turkish soldier who had an astounding voice. The ANZAC soldiers applauded in return. Then, ANZAC and Turkish soldiers would write their song requests on paper, wrap it around a rock and fling towards each other’s trenches. One night, however, there was no answer or song from the Turkish trench. The ANZACs kept up the communication as they wanted to know why the solider with the astounding voice would not sing. The Turkish soldiers threw their response note, “The man you ask of? You killed him two days ago”. Lest we forget. Dr Salih Yucel is an Associate Professor at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation, Charles Sturt University. He worked as an Imam at Redfern Mosque in Sydney between 1987-1992 and then as a Muslim chaplain at Harvard Medical Schools’ hospitals for seven years.
Dr Anne Fairbairn AM
Every year on the 25 April, Turks, Australians, and New Zealanders gather for a special dawn service to commemorate that day in history. Most people attending are third or fourth generation descendants of the men that fought at the battle of Gallipoli. They honour their ancestors and the sacrifices made for their countries in a time of great turmoil and destruction. In later years, the event has also become more widely associated with any occasion in war history that has caused people to lose their lives. My mother’s two older brothers Colin and Keith Munro were both killed in World War I. My Father’s older brother’s two sons were killed in World War II. My Grandfather, Sir George Houstoun Reid, who was Australia’s first High Commissioner to Britain during World War I (After being Premier of New South Wales and Prime Minister of Australia) was very critical of the English using ANZAC troops to weaken the Turkish Army, which he makes clear in his diaries. For Australia, the First World War remains GALLIPOLI The new dawn lights the eastern sky; Night shades are lifted from the sea, The Third Brigade with courage storm The wooded heights, Gallipoli Gallipoli ! Gallipoli ! Australians tread Gallipoli. Thunderous bursts from iron mouths Myriad messengers of death, Warships ply their deadly fire Watching comrades hold their breath Gallipoli ! Gallipoli ! There’s hell upon Gallipoli. Serried ranks upon the beach, Courage beams in every eye These Australian lads can face Giant Death, though e’er so nigh, Gallipoli ! Gallipoli ! There’s death upon Gallipoli. On they press in endless stream, Up the heights they shouting go; Comrades fall; but still press on
the costliest conflict in terms of deaths and casualties. From a population of fewer than five million, 416,809 men enlisted, of whom more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner. In 1934, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk wrote the famous words that reached out to the mothers of his former enemies which all Australians highly appreciated. “Those heroes that shed their blood And lost their lives. You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore, rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies And the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side Here in this country of ours, You, the mothers, Who sent their sons from far away countries Wipe away your tears, Your sons are now lying in our bosom And are in peace After having lost their lives on this land they have Become our sons as well”. Dr Anne Fairbairn AM is an accomplished poet and writer. She is passionate about First Nation peoples, Muslims and Arabic literature and culture. She is based in Sydney. They press the now retreating foe Gallipoli ! Gallipoli ! The Turks flee on Gallipoli. One by one the brave lie low, Machine Guns, shrapnel do their work; Brave Australians know no fear, Never have been known to shirk, Gallipoli ! Gallipoli ! Their names carved on Gallipoli. This poem was written by Staff Sergeant Sydney Bolitho, 6th Battalion Australian Imperial Force (AIF) while serving in the trenches at Gaba Tepe on 25 May 1915. Staff Sergeant Sydney Bolitho received serious bomb wounds to both legs at Gallipoli and was repatriated to London. His part in the “war to end all wars” was over. It was while recovering from his injuries that he contracted tuberculosis, which ultimately caused his death in 1919. He was buried with full military honours at the White Hills cemetery in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.
A sculpture of a Turkish soldier carrying an Australian officer in Gallipoli.
May 2017
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EDUCATION
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 12
AUSTRALIA 13 - 15
LIFESTYLE 16 - 20
Islam is against animal cruelty AMUST
Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas It’s difficult to understand why vegans don’t want other people to eat animals when animals also eat other animals in accordance with their fitrah (nature). Eating animals and condoning animal cruelty aren’t the same thing and the sooner vegans consider this fact, the sooner we can all start working towards abolishing commercial animal cruelty in Australia, without the animosity and judgement towards each other’s dietary choices. Being an advocate against animal cruelty isn’t a stance exclusive to vegans. Prophet Muhammed (s) was a pioneer for animal rights over 1400 years ago and advocated the Islamic teachings of kindness and compassion towards all creation. There are many authentic Hadith narrations where Prophet Muhammed (s) reprimanded people for cruelty towards animals and comforted animals in distress. It is a sin in Islam to mistreat animals. This is one of the main reasons Muslims must consume halal meat, meaning the process must be done in the most humane way possible. To give you some examples, (and I apologise for being graphic here), animals that are drowned, gassed, strangled, caused to have a cardiac arrest, knocked unconscious, mutilated or boiled alive cannot be consumed by Muslims. Ever watch a decadent live lobster boiled alive? Shockingly inhumane... not ha-
Man showing how to calm down an animal for halal slaughter. lal. Now on the flip side, notice how carnivorous mammals typically are the fastest animals, have the quickest reflexes and always aim straight for the carotid artery of their prey so as not to cause any prolonged suffering? It’s no coincidence that Islam makes compulsory similar principles when slaughtering animals to eat. Additionally separating newborns from their mother and not treating your
sick animals is also forbidden in Islam. Considering about 90% of Australians aren’t vegan, limiting animal activism to a small percentage of the population who are vegan is limiting opportunities to get sustainable outcomes towards making animal cruelty in Australia history. Vegans urgently need to start branching out and liaising with non-vegan groups, community groups, youth groups, women’s groups, religious groups that teach compassion for all of creation, in initiatives that ensure as a minimum standard: 1. Animals are kept in humane conditions. 2. Gender selection, killing and discarding of animals at birth because of their ‘dollar value’ to be abolished. 3. Killing of animals for ‘fun’ or as a sport to be abolished. 4. Making animals fight, run, perform for entertainment, to be abolished. These are some of the teachings of Prophet Muhammed (s), which are in line with vegan values. Expecting millions of people to stop buying eggs, dairy and meat is unreasonable and would wreak havoc on our economy. In 2015 alone, Australia’s chickens produced 421 million dozen eggs. Clearly Australians love their eggs. That’s more than 5.05 bil-
lion eggs, over 60% of which are produced in devastating conditions. This figure is actually much greater considering the Australian Egg Corporation’s definition of “free range” still involves trimming the beaks of chickens (mutilation), and other non-favourable conditions. Encouraging consumers to purchase food which comes from humane ethical sources is a more realistic milestone we can achieve collectively and likely to produce more positive sustainable outcomes than holding up anti-animal cruelty banners at a water park. All products are produced based on demand. As long as people continue to buy produce that’s made in cruel conditions, companies will continue to make them in these same conditions, in increasing quantities. When the voices of people get louder and when more people expect better, companies will be forced to make changes to protect their profit margins. Of course, there must be sufficient, affordable cruelty-free alternatives. But compassion can’t be extended exclusively to animals. This innate beautiful value, in its core definition, must be extended to all of creation. Vegans are best placed to know that strength in numbers is necessary for real change. With the world in the centre of a domestic violence epidemic, where bullying is leading to increased youth suicide rates, where refugees are being kept like cattle in remote detention centres, children are being abducted, raped and murdered, people trafficking is flourishing in the supposedly advanced 21st century, there are truly compassionate advocates and groups dedicating their lives to combatting these highly distressing world problems. Development of Compassion platforms offer an inclusive unified approach to abolishing suffering and oppression in all its forms. Can you imagine the energy it would generate when many groups and advocates that want to eradicate various forms of oppression come together towards a mutually beneficial goal? “Allah is only merciful with those who show mercy to others.” (Hadith, Sahih AlBukhari) 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.
Dr Javed Jamil appointed Chair of Islamic Studies Zia Ahmad In recognition of his outstanding work in the field of Islam, health and international affairs, renowned thinker and Islamic Scholar, Dr Javed Jamil has been appointed Head of Islamic Studies and Research by Yenepoya University, Mangalore, India. The Inauguration Ceremony of the Chair was organised at Yenepoya University, Campus Mangalore on 4 April 2017 attended by university senior administrators and academics. The Chancellor of the University, Mr Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, was the Chief Guest. Vice Chancellor, Dr Vijayakumar, Registrar, Dr Shreekumar Menon, Director, Finance Mr Farhaad Yenepoya were present on the occasion. The trustees of Islamic Academy of Education and other statutory officers of the University were also present. Chancellor, Mr Abdullah Kunhi expressed immense pleasure and satisfaction at the inauguration of the Chair and hoped that it would mark another milestone in the history of Yenepoya University. Vice Chancellor, Mr Vijayakumar briefly described the mode of the functioning of the Chair and hoped that under the Guidance of the Advisory Board, the Chair will be able to function smoothly for the desired objectives. Dr Javed Jamil expressed his gratefulness
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for being appointed for a work that has huge potential. He told that “in today’s world the religious values are being side-lined by the world which has been giving more importance to economics rather than the life and wellbeing of the mankind resulting in all-prevailing chaos and spread of various diseases.” He expressed the need of developing Applied Islamic Studies as a full-fledged discipline and hoped that such kind of novel work in Yenepoya University will attract the attention of the whole world. “I hope to start several innovative studies in the field of the application of Islamic principles in health, social and other sciences and organize an international conference on Applied Islamics,” Dr Jamil said. A physician by profession, having graduated from one of India’s oldest premier medical institutions, King George’s Medical College, Lucknow, Dr Jamil has been a bold speaker and prolific writer having covered a great diversity of subjects including health, politics, economics, science and international relations from an Islamic world-view. Dr Jamil is widely known for his theories and books, which include “The Devil of Economic Fundamentalism”, the Essence of the Divine Verses”, “Islam means Peace”, “Muslims Most Civilised, Yet not Enough” and “Muslim Vision of Secular India: Destination and Roadmap”. Apart from authoring 17 books, he has also contributed several
Australasian Muslim Times
hundred articles and has delivered numerous talks on various issues. According to the University release, “in order to enrich the academic resources of the university system for a deeper reflection on critical issues and to promote and facilitate insightful thinking on all issues connected with focus on knowledge generation with an inter-disciplinary perspective, (that) Yenepoya University has established and inaugurated the Chair in Islamic Studies and Research. This chair will facilitate insightful thinking on all issues connected with focus on knowledge generation with an inter-disciplinary perspective specifically on Islam.” The Major objective of establishing this chair is to integrate and facilitate social, cultural, and scientific dimensions of Islamic practices into the teaching and research programmes of University and establish scientific basis for the Islamic practices through research at all levels including cellular, molecular and genetics. This chair will be involved in pursuing advanced studies in the field of Islam, especially Applied Studies in different fields including Health and Social Sciences. Yenepoya University was founded by Late Moideen Kunhi who was the Chairman of The Yenepoya Group of Companies, a business conglomerate spanning a plethora of diversified business and service organizations. His son Abdullah Kunhi is the present
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Chancellor of the University. He was among the first to make a foray into the field of Education with the setting up of medical, dental, nursing and physiotherapy colleges of high standard. He was recently conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award by Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, member of the Supreme Council, UAE and Ruler of Ajman.
May 2017
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EDUCATION 24 - 25
TRAVEL 26 - 28
BUSINESS 29
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SOCIAL 30 - 31
AMUST
The 99 Divine attributes of Allah Part 33 - Attribute 95
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 95. Badi - The Unprecedented And to Allah belongs the east and the west. So wherever you [might] turn, there is the Face of Allah. Indeed, Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.1 They say, “Allah has taken a son.” Exalted is He! Rather, to Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth. All are devoutly obedient to Him,2 Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is. Those who do not know say, “Why does Allah not speak to us or there come to us a sign?” Thus spoke those before them like their words.3 Their hearts resemble each other. We have shown clearly the signs to a people who are certain [in faith].4 Indeed, We have sent you, [O Muhammad], with the truth as a bringer of good tidings and a warner, and you will not be asked about the companions of Hellfire.5 And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion6 Say, “Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the [only] guidance.” If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allah no protector or helper. 7 Those to whom We have given the Book recite it with its true recital. They [are the ones who] believe in it. And whoever disbe-
lieves in it – it is they who are the losers.8 (al-Baqarah 2:115-121) 1. And Allah is neither Eastern nor Western. He is the Master of all directions and localities and is not Himself imprisoned in any direction or at any locality. Hence the allotment of any direction or locality for His worship does not pertain to the idea that Allah lives there or in that region. So it is of no worth quarrelling about the issue why particular direction or locality has been changed now onward. 2. Allah is never limited, tight heartened, conservative or destitute, as you all have considered Him as similar to yourselves. Rather His Godhead is vast like His world view and His circle of beneficence. He also knows well what His servant is; where and at what time remembering Him in what way. 3. The distorted view presented now-a-days has been demanded or presented previously. The fraud of going astray is of the same transparent styles that was presented in the form of some questions and suspicions just like before. 4. They demanded that Allah should Himself come to them all and present directly His directions to follow them. Otherwise they are demanding pertinent evidence to account for what Muhammad is claiming. 5. This objection that why does God not talk with us is so absurd and unreasonable that there was no need of a response. The response has been presented about the evidence of the many signs. These signs are not apparent to those who choose to ignore them. 6. The most obvious evidence is the graceful personality of Muhammad (s). The condi-
tions of his reputation and how he passed the forty years before his prophethood, the conditions of the society in which he was born and the marvellous exemplary achievements after his prophethood; all these are brilliant illuminating signs that negates the need of any other sign. 7. All these objections and dissatisfactions point to the fact that these people will adhere to the same hypocritical behaviour and practice of mischievous self-defence instead of God worship. So why did Muhammad not adopt to mould the principles and directions of God’s directives
according to his own clever strategies? They were eager to try and persuade him to follow this show and artificiality whilst they continued on in their worldly actions. So it is impossible for them to be satisfied with any evidence. 8. This verse points to the pious and righteous persons of the People of the Books. They recite and study the Book of Allah with full humility and sincerity which persuades them to believe in the directives of the Quran. Continued in AMUST issue #139 June.
Caring for the unborn Mohammad Hassan Bakhtiari Rights of children begin before conception and continue during pregnancy. During this period, thoughts, actions, and nutrition of generally both parents but particularly of the mother, have an impact on the spirit, essence, character, and health of the unborn child. The foetus is like an organ of the mother and obtains all the necessary factors of development from her. Emotional and respectful relations between the parents and also mental relaxation of the mother are really important at this stage. Peace of mind is obtained by feeling assured in life. Moreover, healthy relationship between the parents and a strong physical attraction between them is beneficial in order to conceive a healthy child whilst fear and worry will have negative consequences on the development of the child. One of the effective ways of attainment of peace and confidence is the remembrance of Allah as it is mentioned in the Quran, Surah Ar-Ra’d, verse 28 that unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah, hearts are assured. Therefore, the mother should try her best to keep herself occupied with righteous acts such as recitation of Quran, salat, dua and keeping away from fruitless activities which do not benefit her or the child growing within her. Conversely, according to the research done at Johns Hopkins University, USA women who are anxious or stressed view their pregnancy as worrying and troublesome.
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Outcomes of such studies that did directly measure child development include a link between prenatal stress or anxiety and slower maturation in infancy or early childhood and reduced attention levels. On the other hand, the food individual eats not only has a great impact on the physical aspect of a person but on the nonphysical part as well. Healthy nutrition of the mother is very essential for the well being of the foetus. Some foods have also been specifically recommended through traditional Islamic teachings and by health professionals for a healthy, beautiful, and virtuous child. It is notable that there are many factors that contribute to the physical and psychological make-up of the child, such as inherited characteristics, as well as environmental surroundings Giving sadaqah, reciting the Quran, and dua are strictly effective to avert possible negative consequences during pregnancy. Mohammad Hassan Bakhtiari, based in Tehran has a Masters degree in international relations and is an expert in International Relations and Knowledge Management.
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TRAVEL
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 12
AUSTRALIA 13 - 15
LIFESTYLE 16 - 20
Syria through the AMUST
WAYFARER’S COMPASS
The purpose of this piece is not to eulogise Syria, but instead to present a less-discussed picture of the country in this unfortunate time of war and devastation. Through the eyes of fellow travellers, I hope for us to be provided an insight into the beautiful lands of Al-Sham, its people, and its spirit. Through this, let us renew our commitment to ensuring the various treasures of this land (most pertinently, its people) are preserved, honoured, and that Syria is restored to its full grace with an end to conflict and oppression. Regarding Al-Sham, Ibn Hawla narrated: “When he [the Prophet (s)] noticed my
Sana Gillani
distaste for Syro-Palestine, he said: Do you know what Allah says about Syro-Palestine? Allah said: Sham! You are the quintessence of My lands and I shall inhabit you with the chosen ones among my servants. -The excellence of Syro-Palestine -Al Sham - and its people, Sh. Gibril Fouad Haddad. If you’d like to learn more about what you can do in response to the situation in Syria, see here, or here (for Australians). Remembering Syria regularly with dedicated prayers, is a good start. Wayfarer’s Compass is a Muslim Travel Hub created by Sana Gillani. The original full article was posted on www.wayfarerscompass.com.
Yousaf while residing in Syria. Photo courtesy of Yousaf Seyal. Yousaf Seyal, Berkeley, United States: I like to think that I was the last American student pursuing Islamic studies in Damascus. On the contrary, I also believe that I was most opposed to traveling there when my mom decided to move there in 2006. As a fourteen year old living in a post 9/11 world, the images that were painted in my mind of the Middle East was barren deserts, violent men and radical Islam. I vividly remember the moment I wanted to burn my passport behind my parents’ backs, but I knew that a new one could always be made. I could not escape. Antithetical to my assumptions, I walked out of Matar Dimishq or “Damascus International Airport” with an immediate sense of belonging. I knew I was supposed to be here, and I was amazed at the incredibly large mosques that I saw on the way to my new home. Maybe, it was the realization that religion embedded the culture of the Syrian people that attracted me. My feelings were confirmed the next morning at the azaan of Fajr prayer. I laid in my bed, imagined Jabal Qasiyun and mesmerized the endless echoes of the green lanterned minarets. I was here. For the next six years, I breathed the air of baraka that filled the atmosphere of Syria. It was part of its ozone layer, something very particular to that region of the world. Chivalry was present throughout its streets; it was the nature that people lived. I saw men sit on the floor of microbuses for women to sit comfortably on seats. The women in my building sent us food to eat, even though I knew they were in financially difficult sit-
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uations. My teachers never refused to share their time with me, and I would travel miles to sit with them for moments. I could not leave. Fakhr al-Din al-Razi (d. 606/1209) said, “Islam is the worship of the Creator and the service of creation.” Returning to the States was difficult because I returned to a country that separate state from religion and encouraged individualism, personal rights and feelings over a collective consciousness that enjoined community in God consciousness. I will miss the calls of tafadal (Please, go ahead.), ahlan wa sahlan (Welcome.), yalla biddak shay’ (Do you need anything?), salli a’la al-nabi (Pray upon the Prophet!), Allah ma’ak (God be with you.) and all the other expressions that encouraged a life beyond ones own—physically and metaphysically. I was there. If there is one message that I have for my people, it is that good work does not start with nonprofits or end with the establishment of institutions. Do not feel disabled because you have not dedicated years to pursue Islam outside of America. Rather, remember that you are always capable of sacrificing for others in hopes of seeking God’s pleasure, because good is not confined to the public image and God is not beyond reach. The air that I inhaled in Damascus was the breath of the prophets and the pious who transformed their locales by a transcendental sanad that transmitted states. Let sacrifice be your guide, service your mean and a society of selflessness your end. I cannot escape.
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Ahmad Shah Idil, London, United Kingdom: Whenever I tell people of my time in Damascus before the war, I inevitably end up talking about the chaos. The mad bustling mess of colours, sounds and flavours, a sensory assault for those of us used to suburban sterility. Life would flow all around me, through me, and often rudely shoved me out of its way. I learnt as best I could to navigate through it, learnt the ways of the people, the ways of the city, but still I found the disorder and confusion so grating. But there was peace too. I lived for 6 months in Damascus, in Rukn adDin (where else!) - The “Corner of the Faith”, a little maze of streets centred around Abu Nour, where people from all around the world came to study Islam – and I truly mean all around the world. I met people from Russia, Daghestan, China, Mongolia, India, Turkey, Thailand, and other places I’d never heard of before. I hard-
ly spoke any English my entire time there. We spoke to each other in Classical Arabic, a strange linguistic bubble with a liturgical language as the lingua franca, and liked to think we were speaking as people did in the time of the Prophet, while the Arabs looked on and laughed at our Shakespearean formality. Rukn ad-Din lay at the foot of Jabal Qasioun, a mountain standing overlooking Damascus. There are many legends about the mountain: that it was where Adam first lived, that it was the site where Qabil killed Habil, that is was where the 40 Abdal gather every night and pray tahajjud over the city to safeguard it. It was said that through history many a Damascene leader had ascended its stony steps and prayed for rain, for it was here that prayers would always be accepted. I made many prayers on that mountain once upon a time.
Jabal Qasioun. Photo courtesy of Ahmad Shah Idil.
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May 2017
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EDUCATION 24 - 25
TRAVEL 26 - 28
BUSINESS 29
TRAVEL
SOCIAL 30 - 31
eyes of travellers
AMUST
Souk El-Hamadiya. Photo courtesy of May Fahmi.
Photo by: A Shamandour To get to the top of the mountain, you had to pay a man with a ute to drive you up to a certain height, where the roads ended, and then walk the rest of the way. There were always a few drivers around, and their trucks were decorated with fake floral garlands and swathes of heavily patterned red-and-black fabric straight out of an Orientalist’s Bedouin tent fantasy - the kitschier the better. I rode up by myself regularly, to the bemusement of the Syrian drivers, who either chuckled at my oddly-accented shami Arabic, pelted me with their curiosity or ignored me altogether. Even in the colder months I would walk up to the top with just my heavily worn leather sandals on my dusty feet, bought from Souk al-Hamiddiyya like a proper tourist, and ground into fraying threads like a proper seeker. When I sat upon that mountain and looked upon the city, I looked upon the world, and felt some of its spiritual magic enter my heart.
Street in Damascus. Photo courtesy of Peter Gould. Peter Gould, Sydney, Australia: children playing, the stunning visual art & Syria has a special place in my heart. Da- architecture, the thousand stories in every mascus, Aleppo, Palmyra, Homs, Hama and corner of the old medinas. I can’t reconcile Maloula. Each of these places left a deep what has happened since. I send sincere impression on my soul. I was moved by the prayers for peace and hope for a new genhospitality of the people, the incredible lay- eration. ers of history & culture, the smiles of the
Bloudan. Photo courtesy of May Fahmi.
May 2017
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May Fahmi, Wollongong, Australia: When you first enter Damascus you are hit with a feeling of history and age. You are surrounded by rustic but majestic looking mountains, brown and dusty. They surround you on all sides. The city itself a bizarre mix of bustling and quiet and its roads are mostly cobbled. Syrians carry a calm demeanour and are very hospitable. Enter the Souk El-Hamadiya and it’s a hit on the senses, a long alleyway of vendors selling their wares and some delicious treats to be found in every corner. Bakdash is a popular ice cream shop there, with the most delicious ooziest ice cream I think I’ve ever had. The secret is the mistik they put in it. People literally pile in there en mass, sit on the tables and quietly demolish the ice cream, not unlike an army mess hall. If there’s one thing Syrians do right, it’s their sweets! Masjid Al-Amawi belies description. It needs to be felt. It’s ancient, spiritual, and its columns are huge. It’s lived through the ages and seen tyrants come and go. And I hope it stays standing. During the summer, Syrians escape into the mountains for coolness. Bloudan is on the way to Lebanon and not very far from the border. It’s still, cool and quiet. The water is fresh and air is clean. The snow was pristine when I visited. It seems like a beautiful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Exterior of Masjid Al-Amawi. Photo Courtesy of May Fahmi.
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NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 12
AUSTRALIA 13 - 15
LIFESTYLE 16 - 20
Europe on a prayer AMUST
Manarul Islam One of the key things I do when I am travelling is to visit a mosque and pray. As do many Muslims. It builds a spiritual connection both with Allah as well as the strange place you have visited fleetingly. It makes the bond that much greater. So during our road trip across Europe last northern winter, we were fortunate enough to stop and pray at several mosques across the continent. One of the most memorable visits was one we hadn’t planned at all. During the last leg of the mainland trip, we had left Duisberg in western Germany and were heading to Lille in northern France to catch the Eurostar train to London. Being quite a short trip and our train booking was on the following day, we decided to take a slight detour and drop into Brussels. As the location for the European Commission, it was of great political significance. Because we hadn’t planned this, I had done none of my usual research on halal
eateries or mosques. It was to be a dash-in, dash-out visit. So we headed directly for the Arcades du Cinquantenaire as one of the city’s key landmarks at one end of the Park of the Fiftieth Anniversary (or Jubelpark in Dutch). The European Commission is nearby. After we parked the car, I had the sudden urge to visit a restroom. I figured we were at a park and all parks should have a restroom but as we went in there was none in apparent view. After a short reconnaissance of the northern part of the park, panic set in and I increased my speed towards some small buildings, which turned out to be just some, small, empty, buildings. Pressure was building up. Beyond them in the northwest corner, I saw a large building with a tower obscured by trees. Thinking perhaps a church I beelined towards it. As I approached the architecture seemed to suggest otherwise and before long I spotted the crescent on the “tower”. It was in fact the Great Mosque of Brussels (also housing the Islamic and Cultural
Omar Moschee, Berlin, Germany.
Sultan Ahmet (Blue Mosque).
Great Mosque of Brussels and Islamic & Cultural Centre of Belgium).
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Australasian Muslim Times
Centre of Belgium). A welcome sight for more than one reason! After satisfying the most pressing need, we prayed Dhuhr and Asr there before continuing on with our sightseeing. Some of the mosques visited during our trip: • Sultan Ahmet (Blue Mosque), Istanbul, Turkey. No need to say anything that has not been already said. • Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Istanbul (Asian side), Turkey. A nice local mosque that was next to the restaurant where we had spent a few hours eating and enjoying the view. • Grand Mosque, Tangier, Morocco. Beautiful courtyard and wooden ceilings. A taste of what we were to expect in southern Spain. • Murrabateen Masjid, Cordoba, Spain. Small mosque inside beautiful gardens. • Ali Mosque, Barcelona, Spain. Close to the tourist areas and the seaside but the surrounds seemed a bit seedy. • Moschea del Misericordioso, Milan, Italy. A local community mosque. The main
mosque was actually quite neat and small with a cemetery but they have built a centre next to it and I suspect they have the Friday prayers there. • Mešita Černý Most, Prague, Czech Republic. On the outskirts of the town. It was snowing outside but inside was cosy and warm both in temperature and colour. • Omar Moschee, Berlin, Germany. Quite a large multistory mosque and Islamic centre. Quite well attended in what seemed like a migrant-heavy area. Lots of great places to eat around. • Great Mosque of Brussels (also housing the Islamic and Cultural Centre of Belgium), Brussels, Belgium. Imposing structure in the corner of the central park. • Grande Mosquée Al Wifaq, Lille, France. We went for Friday prayers here. Quite a large gathering on the outskirts of Lille. Dublin Mosque, Dublin, Ireland. Mosque and community centre with a restaurant as well. This is part four. Read the other parts here: http://tinyurl.com/h9x9efn
Grand Mosque, Tangier, Morocco.
Dublin Mosque, Dublin, Ireland.
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May 2017
UMMAH 21 - 23
EDUCATION 24 - 25
TRAVEL 26 - 28
BUSINESS 29
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SOCIAL 30 - 31
AMUST Directory Services
Finance
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 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 www.efsol.com.au
MCCA
Commitment and service to Australian Muslims by offering quality financial solutions that are profitable, sustainable, convenient, and Shariah compliant. Phone: 1300 724 734 www.mcca.com.au
Daawaah Islamic Foundation for Education & Welfare Our aims are to address current issues through education, information dissemination and welfare projects. Phone: (02) 9823 2063 www.ifew.com
National Zakat Foundation (NZF) NZF is the premier Zakat institution for the Australian Muslim community, serving Zakat payers and receivers locally since 2013. Phone: 1300 663 729 info@nzf.org.au
OnePath Network It is a 21st century initiative, inviting people to Islam, and helping the message of Islam to reach the masses, all over the world. Phone: 1300 366 118 www.onepathnetwork.com
Housing/Land Ausgreen Homes
MH Affordable Homes
MH Affordable Homes is dedicated to providing affordable housing solutions and flexible payment plans to enable our clients to buy a home sooner. Phone: (02) 8021 6099 www.mhahomes.com.au
UAK Design Design and construction. Architectural & structural plans, Renovation & Extensions, Project Management, Duplex, Granny Flat. Phone: 0411 081 624 info@uakdesign.com.au
Education
ISRA Australia ISRA is a point of reference for Islamic education, resources and information services.
JIMS Foundation
Australian Nasheed & Arts Academy ANAA seeks to encourage, support and teach children the power of expression through arts. Phone: 0423 084 806 www.nasheedarts.org.au/wp
Local House of Sakinah
UCSI University Malaysia
Phone: (02) 8809 2966 fb.com/House-of-Sakinah
We are committed to raising scholars, explorers and unique individuals who aspire to discover and actualise their talents. www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my
Schools
NSW
Queanbeyan Mosque Donation Appeal We need your generous support to help build a Mosque for the Queanbeyan community. Phone: 0434 260 704 queanbeyanmasjid.com.au
SAMAA
Amity College The inspiring and compassionate nature of the staff coupled with diverse and a challenging curriculum foster critical thinking and set the foundations of academic excellence. Phone: (02) 8784 3111 amitycollege.nsw.edu.au
Unity Grammar College Unity Grammar College is founded on the commitment of providing the highest quality education. Phone: (02) 9606 9826 www.unitygrammar.com.au
Schools
VIC
Al Siraat College
Phone: (03) 9408 1999 www.alsiraat.vic.edu.au
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AOSC teachers are driven by the unified goal to assist each student to achieve success. Phone: (02) 9199 3900 www.aosc.nsw.edu.au
House of Sakinah is a women’s support centre that aims to assist & facilitate women in need & provide support. It is an initiative of CAI.
Phone: 0402 881 490 ausgreenhomes.com.au
Phone: (02) 9627 3073 www.qartabahomes.com.au
We promote sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities to eradicate poverty, illiteracy and disease. Phone: 1300 308 554 www.islamic-relief.com.au
Alpha Omega Senior College
Phone: (02) 9649 9040 www.isra.org.au
Al Siraat College is an independent co-educational Foundation to Year 12 College located in Epping, Victoria.
We aim to turn your dream of owning an Interest Free House that opens up a world of comfort for you and your family, into reality at an affordable price that offers great value for money.
Islamic Relief Australia
Charity Organisations
University
AusGreen Homes is a Sydney wide company that specializes in residential and commercial projects.
Qartaba Homes
Tutoring
Sirius College We endeavour to provide a balanced education that encompasses both academic excellence, and moral, ethical and social consciousness. Phone: (03) 9301 5800 www.sirius.vic.edu.au
South Asian Muslim Association of Australia (SAMAA) aims to provide care to the elderly of South Asian Muslim Community. Phone: (02) 9543 9769 www.samaa.org.au
Phone: 0413 662 880 jimsfoundation@yahoo.com
Mahboba’s Promise: Donate To Charity Mahboba’s Promise is an Australian non-profit organisation dedicated to the women and children of Afghanistan. Phone: (02) 9887 1665 www.mahbobaspromise.org
Buy/Sell/Trade Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair
MEFF provides stallholders the opportunity to sell or promote to the Muslim community. Book Now to avoid the late fee. Phone: (02) 9823 2063 www.meff.com.au
iMoby Productions Female Photographer. Weddings and engagements, birthday parties, festivals, corporate events, filming and producing. Phone: 0432 608 350 www.imobyproductions.com
We provide strategic design and website services that enable our clients to increase sales, build brand awareness and increase customer reliability. fb.com/shadowapproved info@shadowapproved.com
AMU Alumni of Australia
Cheetah Travel Centre
Supports the education of underprivileged students in India. Phone: 0422 183 035
We offer you the finest and affordable Hajj, Umrah & other Travel Tours from Australia to any destination across the Globe. Phone: 0475 001 002 www.cheetahtravel.com.au
Australian Relief Organisation (ARO)
Advertise
Our mission is to help people from all races, ages, religions, and social statuses in order to spread kindness around the world. Phone: (02) 8065 8469 www.aro.org.au
in AMUST Directory
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 www.humanappeal.org.au
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An education project that helps Indonesian children by providing schools and teachers.
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Human Appeal International
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#SOCIAL
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 12
AUSTRALIA 13 - 15
LIFESTYLE 16 - 20
Amna KarraHassan: Holden
Waleed Aly: Ban The Bag
Anisa Buckley: Swim Sisters
Maha Abdo: The Drum
Amna Karra-Hassan features as part of Holden’s “Supporting the Drivers of Change” campaign. As the founder of the Auburn Tigers Aussie Football Club, Amna has been kicking goals to change perceptions of women in sport – especially Muslim women.
Waleed Aly has challenged three Australian premiers on Channel 10’s The Project to step up and ban a product millions of Australians use everyday day: the plastic bag.
Anisa Buckley from the Sydney Swim Sisters appeared in a video and an online article in the Daily Telegraph.
Maha Abdo from The Muslim Women’s Association appeared on ABC The Drum on a panel discussion, discussing domestic violence and Islam. MWA’s provides specialist Muslim Women Support service & #LinkingHearts Multicultural Family Support Service.
Ibrahim Susan Carland: Taha: Migrant Pay Gap Resource Centre
Dr Susan Carland speaks about International Women’s Day and misconceptions surrounding the gender pay gap on Channel 10’s The Project.
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Ibrahim Taha appears features on a video by the Community Migrant Resource Centre, supporting the Cumberland Council Sydney in producing content for their Youth.
Australasian Muslim Times
Yassmin: ANZAC Day Comments
Yassmin Abdel Magied’s social media post about Anzac day, referencing offshore detention has sparked a lot of Islamophobia and racism from online trolls and the media.
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Nazeem Hussain: Bill Nye Show
Comedian Nazeem Hussain appears as a correspondent on the “Bill Nye Saves the World” show on Netflix.
May 2017
UMMAH 21 - 23
EDUCATION 24 - 25
TRAVEL 26 - 28
BUSINESS 29
TOP 13
Muslim Memes
SOCIAL 30 - 31
TOP 8 Tweets
#WaleedAly
#SOCIAL VIDEO
AMUST
To Watch
I swear modern day men’s fashion is inspired by Muslim men on their way to the mosque
Non-Muslim: “I know you believe in Allah....but do you believe in God? Me:
First Hijabi Blind Audition on The Voice
Brittania Clifford-Pugh, 17 years old from Queensland appeared on The Voice Australia in a blind Audition. She says “I’m really proud to be an Australian Muslim. “I think regardless of the outcome, it’s gonna be a just a really really great experience. And If people were enjoying the music, what you wear or what you believe really shouldn’t believe a big of an issue or big of a factor.” “I’ve come to do a blind audition because it allows me to be immediately equal with everybody else. When I’m up there and its just my voice, I’m the same and I’m judged the same and I’m heard the same.” She does a beautiful rendition of Taylor Swifts – Safe & Sound. Out of all four judges, Boy George pressed the button selecting to mentor Brittania during her The Voice journey. Seal asked what brought her here, and she said “I’m really here because I want to crush some stereotypes. Just because you look a certain way, you’re a certain faith, or you come from somewhere, you believe something, it doesn’t have to change the fact that you’re an artist, you’re a musician.” Kelly Rowland said, “To be so young, and to have such a powerful message speaks such volumes about you.” Boy George said “Your message is on point and beautiful and so very me. Strangely, we have a similar attitude to life. Welcome to team George, let’s do some interesting things together.”
Judge Boy George reflected on Brittania, her hijab and her message: “Brittania, I love the quirkiness of her voice. It’s so refreshing to see someone so young, representing her faith. When you’re wearing the hijab, you’re making a very very powerful statement and I’m very happy to support that. I feel like her message is such a loving and unifying message. It’s so Boy George.” Video: https://goo.gl/iqvtTX
May 2017
www.amust.com.au
Australasian Muslim Times
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Australasian Muslim Times
www.amust.com.au
May 2017