Issue 140 July 2017 by AMUST

MUSLIM

AUSTRALASIAN

Multimedia News & Views

ISSN: 1039-2300

AMUST

Print Post Publication No. 100021354

Print edition published Monthly on first Friday with Website updates

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Issue # 140

July 2017; Shawwal 1438

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Fettayleh Small Goods expands

Unjustified stand against Qatar

The Sultan and the Saint

Sheikh Shady sues Newscorp

Global Eid Celebrations

BOOMERANG PAGE 7

COMMUNITY PAGE 13

Choosing Friendship Over Fear

AUSTRALIA PAGE 20

BUSINESS PAGE 29

Abu Anees In a press release dated 16 June 2017, the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) says that a defamation case has been launched by the ANIC President against Newscorp. ANIC President, Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman has commenced legal action against Nationwide News Pty Limited in the Federal Court of Australia for defamation. “Nationwide News, in June 2016 published articles carrying several highly defamatory and completely false imputations alleging, among other matters, that the Sheikh preached hate towards others,” Sheikh Shady said. He said that he was highly disappointed by Nationwide News’ repeated attempts to maliciously defame him in several articles published by a number of Newscorp subsidiaries in various states of Australia. continued on page 4

Zia Ahmad Muslims all across the world celebrated Eid-al-Fitr on Sunday 25 and Monday 26 June 2017 thus marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Eid-al-Fitr or festival of the breaking of fast is celebrated with morning prayers in large congregations, feasting together in

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homes with family and friends as well as visiting the elderly, the sick and praying for family members, who have passed away, at the cemetery. In an unprecedented move the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) together with the Grand Mufti of Australia had declared the Eid Day to be on Sunday 25 June, a couple of days in advance in coordination with Muslim communities in UK and USA.

This was based on the astronomically predictable sighting of the new moon, the crescent, which could be visible on Saturday only in western part of South America and no where else in the world. (See moon sighting figure on Page 4). All major mosques in Australia and a majority of Muslims as well as those in Turkey, Middle East, Indonesia and Malaysia thus celebrated Eid on Sunday. continued on page 4

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NEWS Mohamed Khadra awarded Order of Australia AO NEWS 1-4

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Zia Ahmad At the Queens Birthday 2017 honours announcements made on Monday 12 June, Professor Mohamed Hasan Khadra was made an officer (AO) in the General Division in recognition of his distinguished service to medicine in the field of urology as a surgeon, clinician and mentor, to rural and remote medical education, and to literature as an author and playwright. He will receive the Order of Australia AO award formally in the ceremony to be held in September later this year. Following a highly unique career path, Mohamed first studied a couple of years of Dentistry at the University of Sydney and then medicine at the University of Newscasle before undertaking a Master of Education at the University of Sydney in 1994, continuing with a PhD on the neurophysiology of the bladder in 1999. A fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons since 1995 and winner of the Prostate Cancer Foundation Inaugural Fellowship in 1997, Mohamed went on to

found the School of Rural Health at the University of New South Wales. In 2002, Mohamed was appointed Pro Vice Chancellor for Health, Design and Science at the University of Canberra. He then founded and became the CEO of the Institute of Technology Australia, a private university with a social justice cause. While Professor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, he published his first book, Making the Cut (2009). It was quickly followed by The Patient (2010) and Terminal Decline (2010). Non-fiction with an autobiographical edge, one of his books drew on his own experience of making the transition from doctor to patient. His fourth book, Honour, Duty, Courage, which honours the humanitarian work of doctors and nurses who serve in the military, was published in 2015. His passion for writing led on to another career avenue, co-writing a play with renowned playwright David Williamson (Don’s Party; The Club) after meeting him at the Brisbane Writers’ Centre. Their play, ‘At any cost?,’ was performed at the Ensemble Theatre in Kirribilli. Mohamed currently serves as Head of Urology at Nepean Hospital and Professor and Head of Surgery at the University of Sydney. His is also a member of the Board of the Faculty of Engineering and IT at the University and the Bureau of Health Information in the NSW Department of Health. Before taking up medicine Mohamed spent two years at the University of Sydney, where he was very a active member of the Muslim Students’ movement., He served as President of Sydney University Muslim Students Association (SUMSA), Public Relation Officer of the Australian Federation of Muslim Students’ Associations (AFMSA) and was an active member of Senior Usrah (Islamic Unity Forum).

BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 9 - 14

AUSTRALIA 19 - 20

LIFESTYLE 21 - 23

Professor Mohamed Hasan Khadra AO.

Sheikh Shady sues Newscorp for defamation Continued from page 1 The statement said that, under the circumstances, the Sheikh has been left with no option but to commence civil proceedings against Nationwide News for damages arising from the publication of the articles. It is hoped that with such action, the culture of blameless, inaccurate and damaging reporting within Nationwide News and News Corp will begin to change. Sheikh Shady said that articles described him as one who preaches hatred of homosexuals, women and other minorities. Sheikh Shady’s lawyer filed the case with the federal court on Wednesday 14 June claiming that he had been “brought into hatred, ridicule, and contempt” by the articles, which “gravely injured his character and reputation” and caused him hurt and embarrassment.

The defamation case has been brought against Nationwide News, publisher of the Daily Telegraph and the Courier Mail. It mentions three articles that were published after the Iftar dinner the prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, hosted at Kirribilli House to break the Ramadan fast on 16 June 2016 inviting prominent Muslims to the event from all over Australia. Sheikh Shady was invited to the Kirribilli dinner in his position as President of the Australian National Imams Council. After being hounded by the Murdoch media, Mr Turnbull said he regretted inviting Sheikh Shady to the Iftar after being told of homophobic sermons delivered by Alsuleiman. The articles mentioned in the defamation case include an online article that ran on several News Corp websites on 16 June

titled “Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull dines with hate preacher”, a column by Peta Credlin in the Daily Telegraph on 19 June 2016 called “Islam threat ignored with gay abandon”; and a column by David Penberthy published in the Courier Mail on the same date, titled “Plateful of hate on the menu”. The defamation case alleges that the Courier Mail article defamed him by suggesting he “preaches hatred of homosexuals, women, and people who have sex outside marriage”, “advocates and espouses despicable views, namely that women should hang by their breasts in hell if they dare to look at men, that adulterers should be stoned to death, and that homosexuality is a crime for which AIDS is a divine punishment”, is “a barbaric troglodyte,” and “incites violence against women”.

Earlier in April this year, ANIC announced that the Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed, had won a defamation case against Nationwide News regarding an article published in the Daily Telegraph on 18 November 2015.

Global Eid Celebrations

Continued from page 1 A significant number of Muslims and Mosques in Australia as well as New Zealand and countries in South Asia and Iran celebrated Eid on Monday based on the actual sighting of the crescent in their region. At the International Hijri Calendar Unity Congress held in Istanbul in May 2016, members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation voted in favour of adopting a unified lunar calendar based on the predictibility of sighting anywhere in the world and to start the Islamic date from that day. However, local sighting continues to be the default policy in many countries and amongst a large size of Muslim global population for the purposes marking Ramadan and Eid. Astronomers calculated the new moon birth to be at 02:31 GMT and that in Muslim-majority countries the moon was set below the horizon within 19-26 minutes from sunset.

Visibility of the moon crescent depends on the sighting location and on meteorological conditions.

Australasian Muslim Times

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July 2017

UMMAH 24 - 26

EDUCATION 27 - 28

BUSINESS 29

BOOMERANG

SOCIAL 30 - 31

AMUST gains strength, stability and quality With the special AMUST July 2017 issue in order to make it successful. # 140 we have entered into the fourth We wish to thank our printers, hand disyear of its publication. tributers and volunteers who help us in During the last three years AMUST has packing and posting the newspaper to subshown great progress and maintained con- scribers. sistency and punctuality in its dissemThe Advertising in AMUST has imination, production and distribuproved substantially, an evidence tion processes. that businesses and organisaAMUST is now recogtions realise the great benenised as a quality pubfits they gain by advertislication with original ing in AMUST. articles exclusively We wish to thank all written for AMUST advertisers but specifZia Ahmad by our diverse team of ically those who have writers, presented with signed contracts with us Assalamu high quality images and for long term advertising Alaikum graphics. giving AMUST viability The print editions disand stability. Greetings tributed all over Australia We have now built up a have now been supplementgreat team of writers within of Peace ed with e-Newspaper sent to a Australia as well as from overgrowing number of on-line subseas, young and not so young, who scribers in Australia as well as overseas. voluntarily provide us with great write ups In addition, AMUST e-Newsletter is pro- on a broad range of subjects that generates duced twice a month and emailed to more interest in AMUST for its diverse readerthan 20,000 email addresses with links to ship. AMUST dynamic website reaching tens of AMUST is not necessarily for Muslims, thousands of readers globally. of Muslims and by Muslims, but for all. Our The small core team that puts together columnists come from a wide range of ages, various version of AMUST has been volun- religious and ethnic backgrounds, both tarily working constantly with dedication, males and females and with diverse skills putting their heart and mind into the project of writing.

EDITORIAL

Paying tribute to Australian Muslims - Dedicated to Zia AhmadAnne Fairbairn AM Muslims are indeed enriching our country In so very many ways now constantly. Muslims first arrived in Australia early, Bringing with them their superb poetry, Also details of their ancient history, Many coming from arears which historically, Is where civilization began undoubtedly. They are now enriching Australia deeply, With so many studying at a university, Achieving their degrees brilliantly. Our news is always reported perfectly, In the Australasian Muslims Times monthly - A superb newspaper which certainly Deserves the Media Award received recently. 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.

July 2017

I can’t help but notice the lack of female representation on the executive committee. Maybe a more balanced board will help AFIC to regain the trust of Muslims and the wider community. There has been extensive research into the performance of organisations with women on Boards (they perform better and in a more sustainable way), and there is no shortage of brilliant female minds in our community. Chada Zoabi

Re: Fake Sheikh Tawhidi exposed, banned by Facebook

AMUST Issue # 140 Friday 30 June 2017; 5 Shawwal 1438 News

1-4

- Mohamed Khadra AO - Sheikh Shady Sues Newscorp

5-7

Boomerang

- The Politics of Exclusion - Unjustified Stand Against Qatar

Community

AMUST

Australia

We also wish to thank our reporters in various states of Australia for providing positive community news and now our overseas sub-editors for relieving us with editing tasks. Similarly, our readership and subscribers belong to Muslims as well as people of other faiths and no faith. They all find reading AMUST a great pleasure. We have made an effort to liaise with government bodies, community organisations, educational institutions, police, aid agencies, businesses and mosques in order to promote harmony and peace in the society through AMUST. AMUST has proved to be a vehicle of positive thinking and hopes to continue on the same path in future, continually improving itself and bringing people together through positive communication using multimedia.

Re: Yemenis starving during Ramadan

Saudis brutalising Yemen and ensuring famine there notwithstanding the Holy month of Ramadan is just following tradition. The beloved grandson of our beloved Prophet, Husain and his family/friends deprived of water and decimated on the burning sands of Karbala was also a Royal (Umayyads) dispensation ! History repeat.. mal

Re: University professor slammed for tweet against Islam

I hope that you and your readers do write to the Queensland University of Technology protesting their pathetic and weak response to the professor’s tweet. They need to understand that distancing themselves is not good enough. The professor’s name What is he gainand comment are ing out of all of this? linked to the uniDespite his radical versity and they stance against Mushave moral responlims, I am pretty sibility to respond certain he will enin a more responsicounter the same sort ble manner. I wonof racism many of der if the tweet was us encounter, either referring to Judapassive or aggresism, Hindo or othsive. He is downright er religion, would Send us your thoughts about news or baffling to say the they have respondcurrent events to be published in the very least. ed in this manner? next issue of AMUST Susan J I have sent a feedback comment Email us at info@amust.com.au he has alot to gain. to the universifirstly there is supty asking them to port from the radical non-muslims, there explain their weak response to the Musis the fact that media will pay him for in- lim community. We shouldn’t allow such terviews and coverage, this guy can build a comments go without response. The media house with the money the media would pay and pressure groups haunted Yassmin Abhim to talk. heck, the paid the corby’s a mil- del-Magied from the ABC over her comlion dollars for a interview, and the recent ments about the ANZACS. Respect goes chick with the coke in colombia, they paid both ways. her parents a million dollars for an interIbrahim Quadan view. like i said, this guy can build a life for him on the back of the lies he spreads. Moey S Why people couldn’t see through the setup is beyond me. He gets paid by the media to feed a hungry Right leaning audience. The same for Miranda Divine and Andrew Bolt. It sells. Lee B

HAVE YOUR SAY

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9 - 14

- Mother of all Iftars - Islamic Schooling Conference - Turkish Community Iftar

Readers comments Gender Balanced AFIC Board?

AMUST

19 - 20

- Who Pays for Bank Levy - Choosing Friendship over Fear Ispiring Change in Human Rights

Lifestyle

21 - 23

- Strategy for Suicide Prevention - Locked Out: Family Support - Reflections on my Mother

Ummah

24 - 26

- HAI Australia Aid to Somalia - Thank God its Ramadan

Education

27 - 28

- Towards Spiritual Dimension of Eid - The Qur’an and Extremism

Business - Fettayleh Small Goods Expands - Halal Skin Care

Social

30 - 31

- Muslims in the Mainstream - Top Eid Memes

AMUST Team

Managing Editor: Zia Ahmad Graphic Designer: Rubinah Ahmad Chief Adviser: Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad Multimedia Journalist: Mobinah Ahmad Multimedia Journalist: Yusra Hadi Multimedia Journalist: Zaynab Gul Sub-Editor: Mohammed Sinan Siyech 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, 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.

Australasian Muslim Times

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July 2017

UMMAH 24 - 26

EDUCATION 27 - 28

BUSINESS 29

BOOMERANG

SOCIAL 30 - 31

AMUST

The resurrection of the politics of exclusion Bilal Cleland The exclusion of certain categories of people from residence in Australia was established by the very first Act of the Commonwealth Parliament, the 1901 Immigration Restriction Act. Any undesirable immigrant could be subjected to a dictation test in any European language. It permitted Australian officials to exclude individuals on the basis of race without being explicit. Between 1902 and 1909, 1359 people were subjected to the test and only 59 passed it. Not one person passed it after 1909. The requirement of ‘European language’ had to be changed in 1905 due to Japanese government objections. In accordance with the political climate of the times, in 1932 the period during which the test could be given was extended to the first 5 years of residence and it could be given an unlimited number of times. A dictation test in Gaelic was used in an attempt to exclude the multilingual Jewish political activist Egon Kisch from Czechoslovakia, who was exiled from Germany for opposing Nazism, when he arrived in Australia in 1934.

This famous scandal helped to undermine the credibility of the whole policy. Apart from this exclusion of unacceptable races from residence, those already here were subjected to humiliation with the 1903 Naturalization Act which provided that applicants for naturalization could not be natives of Asia, Africa or the Pacific Islands (except for New Zealand). This had consequences. Non-citizens had very limited rights. In 1918 in a letter to The Argus, Sheikh Abdul Kader of Carlton Victoria appealed “for certain rights which are denied to us on the ground of our being Asiatic. We should be allowed to vote, and also we should have the benefit of old-age and invalid pensions.” He recounted the story of one member of the community, an old man who had spent his life in Australia, “…applied for a pension and was pointblank refused on the ground of his being Asiatic. After all we are human and it did seem humiliating to us.” [19 July 1918] Now nearly 100 years later it is about to happen again. Notwithstanding the April 2017 announcement of a values test for those who wish to become Australian citizens, ‘which will assess their commitment to Australia and their attitudes to religious freedom and gender equality,’ Minister Dutton has presented another measure.

Peter Dutton, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. He is introducing the requirement that mi“And we should make no apology for grants must achieve IELTS Level 6 before asking those who seek to join our Australthey can be accepted as Australians. ian family to join us as Australian patriots The Adult Migrant English Program, committed to the values that define us, comwhich was evaluated in 2015, offers 500 mitted to the values that unite us.” [ SBS hours of training. News 13 June 2017] Of those who completed this program beThis at the same time that the English protween 2004 and 2012, zero percent reached ficiency requirement will create an underthe IELTS level being specified. Only 7% class of non-citizen residents excluded from reached IELTS Level 4.5. [Inside Story 27 political participation, with dubious access April 2017] to social welfare and the right of re-entry to The Prime Minister recent loudly pro- this country. claimed that migrants should become ‘patriots.’ “There is no more important title in Bilal Cleland is a keen reader, a prolific our democracy than ‘Australian citizen,” he writer and a regular columnist of AMUST said. based in Melbourne.

Unjustified stand against Qatar Dr Daud Batchelor The Ramadan spirit was abruptly impacted from breaking of brotherly ties with Gulf neighbour, Qatar, by a Saudi-led alliance including UAE, Bahrain and Egypt. They cut transport links, applied economic sanctions, barred Qatar flights from entering their airspace, and criminalised the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas resistance. This action is seen as against Islamic teachings and has negative repercussions for the Muslim world. The four states have been urged to re-establish normal relations. There is no good in disunity, which is severely condemned (al-Qur’an 3:103): “Hold fast, all together, by the Rope of Allah, and be not divided among yourselves ... you were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and he saved you from it.” Firstly, the naming of individuals and groups in Qatar as ‘terrorists’ without evidence is unacceptable. It is bullying a country that supported Egypt’s attempt towards representative governance when the Muslim Brotherhood party won 2011-12 elections there. Although once militant, it had long eschewed violence. Gulf monarchies (except Qatar) call the Brotherhood ‘terrorist’ because its encouragement towards democracy is perceived to threaten monarchical rule. Majority of Muslims globally see the benefits of choosing political representatives to serve them, providing greater accountability and freedom of expression. Caliphs Abu Bakar, Umar, and ‘Ali (may God be pleased with them) encouraged criticism if they made mistakes. Instead the UAE government is criminalising citizens who support Qatar in this dispute. Relations of Egypt, Saudi and UAE with Israel have warmed while Israel increasingly ignores UN resolutions. Now Saudi and allies are leaving Gazan Palestinians in the lurch by criminalising their elected government. Majority of Muslims globally will insha’Allah stand against this ruinous measure and support their Palestinian brethren

July 2017

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Coping with the harshness of life Fazlul Huq Battered by the prose of life day and night, He learned to cope with calamities and the denial of opportunities, As he was determined right from the beginning not to be swept by the tsunamis of life, He knew that he would have to make his way when the path was absent, And he would have to learn how to swim over the roughest ocean.

heeding Qur’anic admonition (4:75) to support “the cause of God and of those who, being weak, are oppressed?” After the Islamic revolution in 1979 reasonable unity existed in the Muslim world between Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims. After 9/11, close relations developed between Saudi Ambassador to the US, Sultan Bandar, and George Bush, and the Sunni-Shi’a divide was then acerbated by Saudi rhetoric. This was a great coup for the CIA since it weakened Muslim unity, increased Arab enmity with Iran, and facilitated excessive American arms purchases. Saudi Arabia has been world’s largest arms buyer and just announced plans to purchase $110 billion more. Allah informs believers (4:144) not to take protectors from disbelievers in preference to Muslims. “Do you wish to offer Allah open proof against yourselves?” Following Trump’s recent visit, Saudi and UAE sought enhanced US support, even against their Muslim neighbour.

A new US Bill threatens sanctions against Qatar for supporting Hamas. Al-Jazeera states the bill is supported by 10 lawmakers who received over $1 million from lobbyists linked to Israel, Saudi and UAE. A hadith reminds us of certain Muslim nations today, “You will certainly follow the ways of predecessors ... to the extent that if they entered a lizard’s hole you will enter too”. We said “O Messenger of Allah (s) (do you mean) Jews and the Christians?” He said “Who else?” Four countries are standing on the brink leaning into the abyss. We call for them to reverse their unbrotherly actions, step back, and join hands with Qatar to promote a united Ummah and improved state of well-being. 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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Nothing in terms of hurdles and calamities would make him lose the focus and resolve. But he never learned how to cope with the love and care, tenderness and praise, As these were unknown to him. So he was found to be overwhelmed with emotion, When the tenderness was displayed! 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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NEWSLETTER AUSTRALIAN RELIEF ORGANISATION

NSW Unit 2 10 Newton Street South, Auburn NSW 2144

AustralianReliefOrganisation

VIC 22-24 Lismore Street, Dallas VIC 3047

aro_org

www.aro.org.au | info@aro.org.au | 02 8065 8469 | infovic@aro.org.au | 03 9309 6168

2017 RAMADAN APPEAL DELIVERED CAMBODIA

PAPUA NEW GUINEA Between 9 and 11 June 2017, our volunteer team travelled to Papua New Guinea and joined the distribution programs across Port Moresby. During their visit, our representatives from Sydney; Dr. Naing Win and Recep Aydogan attended mosque iftar dinners provided by our organisation to locals.

As part of our 2017 Ramadan Appeal, iftar dinner and food pack donations were shared with locals at several locations of Cambodia. This year, two delegations from Amity College, Sydney and Sirius College, Melbourne volunteered to travel to Phnom Penh and joined numerous distribution programs held across Cambodia.

Paradise High School coordinated the packing of food items with its students, and food packs were transported to several distribution sites across Port Moresby. This mission trip was an emotional experience for our volunteers, as they observed the extreme poverty conditions experienced by the locals. As most villagers haven’t had a proper meal for several days, our food pack distribution brought joy and happiness to their poverty stricken communities.

Between 8 and 11 June 2017, our volunteer teams visited a number of cities and attended mosque iftars provided by our organisation to thousands of locals. Both groups were overwhelmed by the experience, as they travelled to poorest villages of the Country and witnessed children without shoes, homes without roofs and families without food. When distributing donated food packages to villages and orphanages, they were warmly welcomed by the locals. Elders expressed their gratitude for receiving aid through our Ramadan campaigns.

Australian Relief Organisation thank all supporters for their generosity and all volunteers for their efforts towards its 2017 Ramadan Appeal.

HOMELESS WOMEN SHELTER PROJECTS 50,000 women are homeless in Australia. While many have their children living with them on the streets, female homelessness in Australia turns into human tragedy with many women killed, hospitalised or attacked over the recent years.

- Valued at $17,250, our second project aims to provide the shelter a second hand people mover vehicle, which will be used to transfer women and children regularly.

Our organisation has been running an "Orphan Sponsorship Program" since 2014. This program is crucial in a world where 140 million children worldwide are orphans.

While donations towards both projects are tax deductible, donors have the While existing services cannot meet option to fully, partly or jointly sponthe demand for safe housing available sor or simply chip in to both projects. to women at risk, our organisation For more details and to donate, visit recently became partners with a aro.org.au and click on “Reach out to Homeless Shelter in NSW to respond Homeless Women” slide. to the issue.

Without parents and a source of income, many orphans in underdeveloped world barely stay alive under extreme poverty conditions. Thanks to our international partnerships, we have access to a number of orphanages across Malawi and Cambodia where we support hundreds of orphans. Donations towards the program provide necessary funding to orphans for food, clothing and education.

Due to overwhelming demand and newly opened shelters, our partner is in need of many household items for women at risk. We recently introduced two projects to meet their urgent needs: Valued at $3,540, our first project aims to supply bedding and homeware needs for the female shelter of 15.

ORPHAN SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

Australasian Muslim Times

from $50 per month per child. Since this program is most suitable, sponsors can also use their Fitra, Zakat and Sadaqa donations to support orphans. For more information and to donate, visit aro.org.au and see “Orphan Sponsorship” under the Featured Project section.

This vital humanitarian initiative is open for donations throughout the year and we accept one-off or recurring monthly donations for the orphans. Monthly sponsorships start

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July 2017

UMMAH 24 - 26

EDUCATION 27 - 28

BUSINESS 29

COMMUNITY

SOCIAL 30 - 31

Mother of all Iftars

AMUST

Record breaking gathering at NSW Parliament

Zia Ahmad Affinity organised a mega-Iftar at the NSW Parliament on Wednesday 7 June, co-hosted by The Hon Ray Williams MP and Ms Sophie Cotsis, MP. This was the Affinity Intercultural Foundation’s 9th annual Friendship and Dialogue Iftar Dinner at NSW Parliament House and was attended by almost 350 guests of diverse backgrounds. The evening began with a welcome speech from Dr Elizabeth Coombs, the NSW Privacy Commissioner, Acknowledgement of Country from Stan Grant, renowned journalist and the ABC’s Indigenous Affairs editor. Mr Hugh Riminton, Journalist and Foreign Correspondent, Network Ten acted as the MC on stage with his charismatic presence and set the night with its proceedings. Mr Ibrahim Karaisli from Amity College delivered the ‘adhan’ (call to prayer) and the fast was broken with dates followed by a sumptuous three-course dinner. The entertainment was provided by a team musical performance from the Amity College Choir and Indigenous performer Walangari Karntawarra. The beautiful voices of the choir were complemented by a range of instruments, including the didger-

NSW Police Chief Commissioner Michael Fuller delivering his keynote speech.

From left: Ahmet Polat, Sophie Cotsis MP, Hugh Riminton and Ray Williams MP. idoo, wood sticks, the ukulele, xylophones, shakers and violin. The Hon Ray Williams MP, Minister for Multiculturalism & Minister for Disability Services during his address praised Affinity

Stan Grant, renowned journalist and the ABC’s Indigenous Affairs editor, delivering the Acknowledgement of Country.

for their initiative in bringing the community together with their intercultural programs. Ms Sophie Cotsis MP, Shadow Minister for Women, Ageing, Disability Services and Multiculturalism said that such events celebrated Australian Multiculturalism. NSW Police Chief Commissioner Michael Fuller delivered his keynote speech outlining his vision to focus on the prevention of crime, reduction of domestic violence and tackling terrorism and gang crime. Mr Fuller criticised the media for highlighting negative stories where numerous safe landing are not reported and rare crashes grab the headlines. A Sufi musical performance from the Anatolian Music Group, consisting of lead singer Dr Gazi Erkisi, Omer Faruk and Salih Resitoglou combined their singing using popular Middle Eastern instruments, the ney and kanun as part of their performance. The evening proceeded with a gift presentation ceremony, where special Turkish gifts, reportedly sourced from Ahmet Polat’s cousin’s shop in Newtown, were presented to event sponsors. Four high-profile guests came on stage to share their reflection of the night. They included Australian navy officer Captain Mona Shindy, lawyer Peter Doukas, politician Chris Puplick AM and Dr Kathy Egea, senior lecturer from UTS. Mr Ahmet Polat, Affinity’s Executive Di-

rector came on stage to present a special gift to her as a token of appreciation towards her late husband Alan Knight, who was a former Affinity advisory board member and supporter of the organisation. “Over the course of three years, we developed a beautiful relationship, like that of uncle and nephew. Despite the difference in our cultural backgrounds, we both shared the same values of love and respect for humanity.” Mr Polat said The program drew to a close with the Vote of Thanks presented by the Hon Chief Justice Allsop AO, who remarked that one of the great privileges of living in multicultural Australia was, “observing and experiencing the way in which each new group of Australians feeds the intellectual life of this country.” To conclude the event, former NSW Premier Barrie Unsworth came on stage to present his concluding remarks. He recognised the grand scale of Affinity’s annual signature event, which served to bridge the gaps between different communities within Australian society. As a veteran parliamentarian, he commented that this was the largest gathering he had seen in the Strangers’ Dining Room, the largest venue at the Parliament House. Zia Ahmad is the Managing Editor of the Australasian Muslim Times & is based in Sydney.

The Amity College Choir entertained guests along with Indigenous performer Walangari Karntawarra.

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Australian Islamic Schooling Conference Dylan Chown Adelaide is set to host the 2nd Annual Australian Islamic Schooling Conference from Tuesday 11 to Wednesday 12 July organised by the University of South Australia’s Centre for Islamic Thought and Education (CITE) and supported by Islamic Schools Association (ISAA) of Australia. Presenters and delegates from all over Australian as well as from North America, Indonesia, Brunei and New Zealand come together for this now central International conference on Islamic schooling. This event is the premier gathering for scholars, academics, policy specialists, educational leaders, teacher researchers, and educational partners in the field of Islamic schooling. Across two days the conference will explore the theme of curriculum in Islamic schooling. Delegates can expect robust presentations and evidenced based strategies for curriculum renewal. Dr Nadeem Memon, one of the foremost academics in the field of Islamic education, and Professor Seema Imam, a pioneer of Islamic schooling in North America are prominent key note speakers headlining the Conference.

An impressive line-up of international speakers from specialist disciplines and diverse sectors is sure to offer valuable and practical insights into the future of curriculum in Islamic schooling in the West. A small taste of the speakers presenting include pioneering Islamic educationalist and academic, Professor Tasneema Ghazi, well known for her role as Director of Curriculum & Instruction, IQRA’ International Educational Foundation; Professor Lester-Irabinna Rigney who has worked in Aboriginal Education for over 20 years will offer insights on his research; Professor Mohamad Abdalla will present on the highly anticipated National project to design and develop an Australian Islamic Studies Curriculum; Dr Deborah Price will share an overview of Australian Curriculum examine future directions; Dylan Chown will explore Islamic World View and the National Curriculum, asking, can they be reconciled? “We have seen the success and the benefit of such efforts in the form of the annual East and West Coast ISNA Education Forums in the US, the Zaytuna College Conference in California, the AMS conference in the UK, and conferences in Malaysia, and many others around the world. It was high time that Australian had its own conference and brought together the many talented and committed researchers and educators around the country as well as our partners and colleagues in other sectors or education more broadly”, Program Director for CITE,

Shaikh Abdul Mabud.

Dr Freda Shamma.

Andrew Houghton. Dylan Chown said. Conference Convener and CITE Director, Professor Mohamad Abdalla emphasised, “We have started in Australia through conferences like this a movement towards best practice for Islamic schools based on evidence in order enhance the capacities of Islamic schools.” For more information or to register go to the news and events page of the CITE website.

Muhammad Abdullah.

Dylan Chown is a Research Fellow and the

Luke Foley MP

Program Director for Islamic Education in the Centre for Islamic Thought and Education (CITE) in the School of Education, University of South Australia. He completed a Master of Education (Leadership) through the National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies (NCEIS), Griffith University. His PhD research focuses on Islamic pedagogy in Australian Islamic schools and aims to further efforts towards renewal and inform teaching training for teachers of Muslim students.

Member for Auburn

It is with great pleasure that I extend my best wishes to all those celebrating Eid ul-Fitr to mark the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Celebrations like this are a poignant reminder of Australia’s cultural diversity and a bright symbol of the strength and beauty of our proudly multicultural society.

Luke Foley MP MEMBER FOR AUBURN

Office: 54-58 Amy Street, Regents Park, NSW, 2143 Phone: (02) 9644 6972 Fax: (02) 9644 8290 Email: auburn@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Authorised by Luke Foley MP, 54-58 Amy Street, Regents Park NSW 2143 using parliamentary entitlements. June 2017

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EDUCATION 27 - 28

BUSINESS 29

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Turkish Community marks 50 years with a parliamentary Iftar Dr Wali Bokhari More than 15 Australian-Turkish community organisations across NSW came together to organize an Iftar at the Parliament House in Sydney on Thursday 8 June to celebrate 50 years of Turkish migration to Australia. The Iftar was held in the Strangers Dining Room and was attended by both Federal and State MPs where the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, The Hon Ray Williams and NSW Minister for the Veteran Affairs The Hon David Elliott spoke on its significance. Other speakers at the event included Mr Paul Lynch MP, State Member for Liverpool; Member for Fowler, Mr Chris Hayes MP; Chair of the Friends of Turkey of the Parliament of New South Wales, Mr Trevor Khan MLC and Member for Granville, Ms Julia Finn MP. The Iftar was attended by a number of diplomats and the Turkish Ambassador to Australia Mr Vakur Gokdenizler spoke on close Australian-Turkish relations. The Governor General of the New South Wales, The Honourable David Hurleys had sent a message for this memorable occasion. The Iftar provided an inclusive platform

for the New South Wales Turkish community, who are marking the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the first plane of Turkish migrants to Australia in 1968. The Minister for Immigration Mr Billy Snedden signed the Assisted Immigration Act with the Turkish ambassador Baha Vefa Karatay in Canberra in October 1967. The Act followed the inauguration of the Turkish Embassy in Australia. On October 14, 1968, a chartered Qantas Flight brought the first group of immigrant workers from Turkey. Some of these first migrants who arrived on this flight were specially invited at the Iftar dinner together with some of their family members. Dr Abdurrahman Asaroglu, Chair of the Federation of Turkish Cultural Associations based at Gallipoli Mosque welcomed the guests present and pointed out the significance of this Parliamentary Iftar celebrating 50 years of Turkish migration to Australia. He related the history of the arrival of Turkish migrants to Australia and talked about Australia-Turkey relations and also shed light on some of the contemporary community issues. Read Dr Asaroglu’s edited speech here: http://tinyurl.com/y9d8atwq

Suprovate Sydney, the Bangladeshi newspaper organised a community discussion on “Position of Bangladesh on World Human Rights gauge” at an Iftar on Wednesday 31 May at Grameen Restaurant in Lakemba. The event was attended by Bangladeshi community and media persons of all shades and opinions as well as representatives of a number of community organisations based in Sydney. The chief guest at the event was Kazi Reazul Hoque, Chairman of National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh who was on a short visit to Sydney meeting members of the Australian Human Rights Commission and its President, Professor Gillian Triggs. The audience were addressed by community leaders who voiced their concerns at the human rights situation in Bangladesh while Mr Hoque gave a keynote speech giving first hand information on human rights violations in Bangladesh and efforts by his organisation in this area. Mr Hoque said that National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh was a statuary body sponsored by the Government of Bangladesh but was an independent or-

July 2017

Dr Abdurrahman Asaroglu, Chair of the Federation of Turkish Cultural Associations addresses guests at the iftar.

Dr Wali Bokhari is Incharge of AMUST promotions, a Hafiz Quran and professionally a dentist, he is based in Sydney.

Concern on human rights violation in Bangladesh

Zia Ahmad

AMUST

ganisation looking after the human rights of all people of Bangladesh away from party politics. He pointed out that the human rights situation throughout the world was of great concern, but in Bangladesh the situation was worse due to a number of reasons including poverty, political instability, lack of education and inequality of wealth. He said that his institution was relatively new, founded in 2010, but was making good progress in setting up branches and offices in various parts of Bangladesh and addressing human rights violations of all Bangladeshis. He was especially concerned about violations of rights of women in Bangladesh and his organisation was looking into these as a matter of priority. Mr Hoque also raised the issue of human rights violations by the law enforcement agencies where police have been committing criminal offences against citizens. There was widespread concern that the Police did not register cases of criminal activity by police personnel that was against the constitution of Bangladesh and its laws. The discussion was concluded by Mr Abdullah Yousuf, Editor in Chioef of Suprovate Sydney with vote of thanks followed by Bangladeshi style Iftar enjoyed by all guests.

Guests at the Turkish community iftar.

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Muslim Scouts host Iftar Dinner AMUST

Muhammad Chams

The Muslim scouting in Australia - 5th Bankstown ICPA and Liverpool Scout Groups â&#x20AC;&#x201C; hosted the Annual Ramadan Dinner on Sunday 18 June at Al-Amanah College in Liverpool. Distinguished guests at the Iftar included the President of ICPA Australia Mr Muhammad Mehio, ICPA Manager of Sydney Branch Mr Muhammad Chams, Darulfatwa representative Mr Wissam Saad, Principal of Salamah College, Mr Ayman Alwan Principal of Al Amanah College, Dr Rafic Hussein President of Muslim Community Radio 2MFM and Mr Omar Taiba President of Spears Sport Club . A group of Australian Scout leaders attended the event led by Chief Commissioner Neville Tomkins OAM, South Metropolitan Region Commissioner Brian Davidson, Hume Region Commissioner Suzan Barlett, Deputy Chief Commissioner Belinda Francis, Community Liaison of Diversity John Pestana. Representing Commander Superintendent Dave Eardley of Bankstown Police was

Georgina Zeinelddine Multicultural Community Liaison Officer from Bankstown Police LAC. A large number of families from both Scout Groups were also present at the Iftar. The program started with a Quranic recitation by the Egyptian Imam followed by the Australian National Anthem. Liverpool Scout Group Leader Mr Ziad El-Daoud informed that both Liverpool and 5th Bankstown ICPA Scout groups have over 160 registered members. Within the first 3 years of starting, the Liverpool Scout Group has risen to the top 3 ranking in the Liverpool Region. The President of ICPA Australia Mr Mehio and the Muslim Scout Groups presented a trophy of appreciation to Mr Tomkins for his ongoing support towards the Muslim Community. Chief Commissioner Neville Tomkins OAM was delighted to attend the Annual Ramadan Dinner. He congratulated and praised the Muslim Community for their interaction and effective way of communicating and engaging with the mainstream Australian community. Recently appointed Deputy Chief Com-

From left: Chief Neville Tomkins, Mr Ziad El-Daoud & Mr Muhammad Mehio. missioner Belinda Francis is working closely with the Muslim community in order to increase participation. Representing Mr Dave Eardly, Com-

mander Superintendent of Bankstown police was Georgina Zeinelddine Multicultural Community Liaison Officer NSW Police Bankstown LAC. She recognised the Muslim Communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s close cooperation with Bankstown police in all its work. South Metropolitan Region Commissioner Brian Davidson was delighted to be part of a fantastic celebration of both scouting and faith and acknowledged the diversity which was presented throughout the night and the achievements that were fulfilled by the members from both scout groups. Hume Region Commissioner Suzan Barlett acknowledged the challenge that was set upon the 1st Liverpool Scout Group and invited both Scout Groups to attend the Girls Environment Camp in September 2017. A video presentation displayed the weekly activities, camps, excursions and participation in community projects of both scout groups during 2016 to 2017.

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EDUCATION 27 - 28

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COMMUNITY

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The Sultan and the Saint: A Film about Muslim-Christian Peace

AMUST

AMUST Media

The Australian premiere of a new film about the historic meeting between St Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt, Malik Al-Kamil, in the midst of the conflict of the Fifth Crusade, will take place on 29 July, 7-9 pm at Western Sydney University’s Parramatta South Campus. Following the screening, there will be a formal response from a Muslim theologian, Assoc Professor Mehmet Ozalp, and a Franciscan Friar, Br Matthew Beckmann OFM. Audience discussion will continue over refreshments. International journalist and Sydney presenter of TEN Network News, Hugh Riminton will be the MC for the Australian premiere This docudrama from Unity Productions Foundation (UPF) in the USA presents the historic meeting at Damietta in Egypt nearly 800 years ago when St Francis and his companion crossed no man’s land between the two opposing armies from the Christian camp to the Sultan’s camp and spent some days meeting and discussing with the Sultan and his court. This remarkable encounter — and the commitment to peace of the two people involved — changed the relationship between Muslims and Christians for the better. The Franciscan Action Network (FAN) is a partner with UPF in the making of the film. Patrick Carolan, FAN Executive Director said St Francis and Al-Kamil are a testament to what following faith means. “It’s very important that Christians and Muslims are in a relationship with each other, to learn from each other,” he said. Featuring dramatic re-enactments and renowned scholarship, the film includes interviews with Michael Cusato (St Bonaventure University), Sr Kathy Warren (Sisters of St Francis), Suleiman Mourad (Smith College), Homayra Ziad, Institute for Christian & Jewish Studies, Paul Moses (author of The Saint and the Sultan), and others. The screening is being co-hosted by Affinity Intercultural Foundation, Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay, Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations, Diocese of Parramatta, Franciscan Provincial Office Australia, Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA), Uniting Church in Australia, and Western Sydney University. Assoc Professor Mehmet Ozalp said The Sultan and the Saint is a captivating drama-

A scene from the movie: Francis preaching to Malik in his tent. tisation of the encounter between St Francis “Recalling an historical encounter beMore information and a trailer for the film of Assisi and Sultan Al-Kamil, grandson of tween two people who sought peace in the can be found at: www.sultanandthesaintSaladin. midst of war reminds us that today we, too, film.com “The film echoes an amazing display of must have a vision of peace grounded in diaTickets are $10. Book at humanity and a message that sincere faith in logue, to dare to speak when so many refuse www.sultansaintsydney.eventbrite.com.au God can transcend conflict in a way that can to,” he said. Bookings close on Monday 24 July. grow one’s commitment to peace and love S Y D N E Y P R E M I E R E of God. We need to hear this message at a time when the world is dominated by tensions,” he said. Unity Productions Productions Foundation Foundation Unity Rev Dr Patrick McInerney SSC, CoorPresents Presents dinator of the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations, said the film’s message is very relevant to our times. “In our present time of Islamophobia, suspicion, fear and hostility towards Islam and Muslims, this is a wonderful example of Christian-Muslim dialogue, of Christians and Muslims meeting face-to-face, of proA docudrama film about Muslim-Christian Peacemaking moting peace,” he said. Narrated by Academy Award Winner Jeremy Irons Chair of the Diocese of Parramatta’s Interfaith Commission, Rev Walter Fogarty said The Sultan and the Saint is an inspirational film for our time.

Saturday, 29 July 2017 7.00 pm

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Ramadan- A time for sharing AMUST

Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas

If there’s ever a time to strengthen community ties with and amongst the Muslim community and encourage sustainable, resilient, cohesive communities, it’s during Ramadaan. Every year, the Melbourne based, Australian Intercultural Society runs a variety of Ramadan dinner programs across Australia. One of the most exciting programs involves local Muslim families opening their doors to members of the community to share in the Iftar dinners. These dinners offer welcoming platforms for dialogue in intimate settings where small groups of people are able to socially interact with a typical Australian Muslim household during the most blessed month of the year. This year there’s been a substantial increase in interest for people wanting to attend and host Ramadhan dinners and the feedback received has been overwhelming. One officer wrote this heartfelt letter following an Iftar dinner at the Eryegit residence, “Thank you so much for having us at your home last night. Your family’s warm welcome, kindness and openness made me feel like an additional family member. I enjoyed the conversations and sharing of different perspectives and points of view. The food that your family (particularly your mother) prepared was sensational. The event was such a positive one for me personally that I spent a large part of last night reflecting on the events of the evening with my wife...” Another high profile guest wrote a long email but this paragraph sums up his sentiments, “It was a most positive and informative experience and I left last night with the feel-

ing that I had learnt much but also with the added feeling that there was so much more to learn. My thanks to you and the family for putting it all together. Unfortunately, we live in a troubled world today but last night’s dinner only reinforced to me the need for more people to experience such an occasion as a means to better understanding our fellow man.” It’s clear from the many emails and letters received following these Iftar dinners that many of the guests were braving unchartered waters by entering a Muslim household, only to find warmth and conversations that flow and good food shared in good company. Our differences become a distant memory as topic after topic we demonstrate

mutual understanding and mortar the bricks of resilience in our communities. It’s necessary to recognise and applaud this innovative pioneering approach Australian Intercultural Society has established and maintained for many years to strengthening community ties. If your organisation would benefit from holding similar events with your community or if you’d like to

volunteer your time please contact them through the details on their website at http:// www.intercultural.org.au 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.

Green’s Iftar for Community building in Melbourne Rasheeda Wilson

To all Muslims around Australia, I wish you a peaceful and blessed Eid.

Eid Mubarak Anne Aly anne.aly.mp@aph.gov.au

Australasian Muslim Times

The Melbourne Muslim community were cordially invited to have iftar with Australian Greens Leader Richard Di Natale on Sunday night 18 June. While The Greens have hosted dozens of iftar events for Melbournian Muslims, it was Mr Di Natale’s first time having the honour to commemorate Ramadan. The event took place in the Coburg Town Hall with Moreland Deputy Mayor and Greens Member, Cr Samantha Ratnam mc’ing the evening. Speakers consisted of Mr Di Natale himself, Victorian Greens Senator Janet Rice and as well as prominent members of the Muslim community such as Sheikh Mustafa Sarakibi, Ruqaya Almirgani from the ICV and Iman Balla. Special guests included ICV President Mohamed Mohideen and ICV Vice President Adel Salman amongst other prolific Muslim leaders. Inspirational speeches from The Greens party members and Muslim community leaders helped open the conversation on the current issues Australian Muslims face. Guests of the iftar dinner were invited to think about how Australians can help to shape Australia to be a stronger multicultural and multifaith nation, despite the ever-growing threats of racism and Islamophobia. The Greens through these community events aspire to give space for Australian Muslims to interact with different communities. Mr Di Natale believes in reaching out to the Muslim community through celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, especially in light of the current divisive political climate. “The reasons [why] we are doing it is so try to build relationships across the communities, so that people get a greater understanding about Islam and the customs and practices, and that people understand what Ramadan means, what an iftar is about, and really just to build, to foster a culture of understanding between different people in our community.”, Mr Di Natale said.

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The evening was a success with a great turnout of guests from various faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds sitting side by side enjoying iftar together. The event speakers were met with great warmth and in the Q&A session many expressed desire to achieve solidarity with their fellow Australian Muslims. Moreland Cr Ratnam believed The Greens iftar dinner helped inspire friendship. “I think it demonstrated the power of bringing communities together and really learning from each other, stopping to listen to hear each other’s experiences.”, said Cr Ratnam. “We’re really getting a sense of what we can now do to be united, to be friends with each other and what the friendship means in standing with each other [and] speaking out when our friends are getting attacked” Mr Di Natale concluded the night with the promise that The Greens will always stand by Muslims as fellow Australians. Rasheeda Wilson is a Melbourne based writer reporting on community issues and events.

July 2017

Message from

Malcolm Turnbull MP Prime Minister of Australia

Message from

Leader of the Opposition

Premier of New South Wales

Bill Shorten MP

As Ramadan comes to a close, it is my pleasure to wish Australia’s Muslim community a blessed and joyful Eid-ul-Fitr. Ramadan is a month of spiritual renewal and recommitment to the values of gratitude, charity and compassion. As you gather with friends and family to welcome the new crescent moon, I hope you find much delight and fulfilment in this sacred celebration. Eid is also significant as a time to appreciate the freedoms we have to celebrate our various cultural and religious traditions, and to nurture faith from one generation to the next. Modern Australia has been vastly enriched by the Muslim community and by people of every background and tradition, each contributing their own unique and special thread to the multicultural fabric of our society. Australians are truly citizens of the world and our shared commitment to respect, inclusion and peace is one of our nation’s defining achievements. So, as Australia’s diverse Muslim community gathers at this special time, I hope you are inspired and uplifted by these special observances. I wish everyone Eid Mubarak.

I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all who are celebrating the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month of fasting for Muslims in Australia and around the world. It is a time of spiritual reflection, prayer and service to those less fortunate. As the new moon rises, and over the next three days, thousands of Muslims will come together to celebrate the bonds of faith, family and community with food, festivals and gifts. The principles of compassion, justice and equality are an integral part of the Islamic faith. They are principles that shape our nation and cultivate a sense of unity and acceptance in modern, multicultural Australia. May the spirit of love, giving and respect be the beacon which shines above us all on this joyous occasion, and may it light up our path as prosperous nation. Eid Mubarak.

Message from

The revelations of the Qur’an came to change all humanity - we pray that may Allah ease the sufferings of all humanity and give us peace in this world. We pray that this festival – The Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair - is able to continue to showcase the unity of all Muslims and people of other faiths and backgrounds.

Dr Q Ashfaq Ahmad

Founder of the Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair Once again we come together to rejoice and celebrate the end of Ramadan. And yet again we do so with the world, particularly the Muslim world, in turmoil. It is easy to lose heart and to retract inward with this context. Yet the opposite is what is needed. More than ever, we need to reach out and make connections. Between fellow Muslims, irrespective of background, and between our fellow human beings, in our neighbourhood, community and our nation and beyond. For nothing defeats prejudice and xenophobia more than regular and sustained interaction. It was with that ideal that the Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair was initiated and the overwhelming motivation for its ongoing existence in the community calendar for over 30 years. We pray to Allah that he keeps our hearts and minds open, forever guides us in our journeys and blesses us with his mercy in these troubling times. Ameen.

Fireworks at

7:30pm

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on the oval

Message from

Gladys Berejiklian MP

I am delighted to extend my best wishes to everyone attending the Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair as we celebrate the end of the blessed month of Ramadan. Following the fasting and contemplation which takes place during Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr is a time when the Muslim community can come together and celebrate through food, songs and prayer. For over 30 years the Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair has been a platform where the Muslim-Australian community of NSW can participate in Eid together. On behalf on the NSW Government I send my best wishes to the Muslim-Australian community for a peaceful and rewarding Eid and hope that all attending the Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair have a fun and enjoyable day.

Message from Rais Khan

President of IFAM

Aamir Ahmad

President of IFEW

On this happy occasion, as we celebrate Eid in Australia, we are reminded that our obligations are still outstanding when we think of our children, sisters and brothers suffering all over the world . This occasion should also remind us to tolerate our minor differences so that we can prepare ourselves for higher and more noble purposes. May Allah enable us to understand Islam and act according to its actual precepts’.

Message from

Anglican Parish of Gosford

Director of NZF Australia

Father Rod Bower

Ismail Davids

We pray that the Holy Month of Ramadan has been a time of great blessing to our Muslim fellow Australians and we are deeply grateful for the generous hospitality shown to us at the many Iftar dinners that we had the privilege of attending. We look forward to the continued deepening of relationship between the children of Abraham. Eid Mubarak.

Eid Mubarak! May you all have a very happy and blessed Eid and may Allah accept all our fasts and prayers during this Ramadan and may He grant us the ability to witness many more Ramadans to come. Ameen. Enjoy these amazing days and do keep the NZF team and all those who need our help in your duas. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Chris Hayes MP

Federal Member for Fowler It gives me great pleasure to join with you and provide this message for the annual Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair (MEFF) 2017. I would like to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of the organising committee and volunteers, who put on this major event every year in our local community, for all of us to enjoy. MEFF continues to grow and spread the word of peace and social harmony, whilst at the same time combining fun and family entertainment to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The Festival also provides an opportunity for all Australians to join with those of the Islamic faith to celebrate the diversity and vibrance of our culture and traditions, showcasing the benefits of our multiculturalism. The Australian MEFF Consortium is to be congratulated on its excellent community reputation, which comes from its extraordinary efforts of a dedicated team, who work tirelessly to encourage social inclusion throughout our local community. As the Federal Member for Fowler, I am honoured to represent one of the most multicultural communities in Australia that boasts diverse culture, friendships and the ability to live in harmony. I look forward to attending the festivities and would like to wish all Australians Muslims an Eid Mubarak.

Message from

Ray Williams MP

Minister for Multiculturalism I am delighted to send my best wishes to everyone organising and attending the 34th Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair in Sydney. This marks Eid ul-Fitr, the end of the blessed month of Ramadan and a chance for Australian Muslims to reflect on their faith. Thousands of people now flock to festivals such as this, which have helped Australians from other backgrounds discover the richness and diversity of Australian Muslim traditions. There is no better time than now for all Australians to inform themselves and display the solidarity that we are famous for. I wish everyone a happy and peaceful Eid – Eid Mubarak.

Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair

Sunday 8 July 2018

at Fairfield Showground - www.meff.com.au www.amust.com.au

Australasian Muslim Times

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July 2017

UMMAH 24 - 26

EDUCATION 27 - 28

BUSINESS 29

AUSTRALIA

SOCIAL 30 - 31

AMUST

Who pays for $6.2 billion bank levy FINANCE Dr Abul Jalaluddin From 1 July 2017, the largest 5 banks (Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Westpac Banking Corporation, National Australia Bank, ANZ and Macquarie Group Limited) will pay a levy of 0.06% on their client deposits, raising $6.2 billion over the next 4 years. They will face up to $200 million in fines if they cover up misconduct by their executives. In addition, senior bank executives could be stripped of bonuses, deregistered or disqualified if they breach new accountability rules. Australian banks are the most profitable corporate entities in the World. Australian consumers pay higher fees and margins for bank products and services. Hence, they are in a financial position to pay this levy to the government from their own profits rather than pass it on to customers. An analysis by the Australia Institute found that Australian bank profits equate to a staggering 2.9 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which is highest in the World. The contribution of the US bank

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profits is 1.2 percent to their GDP and the UK banks contribute only 0.9 per cent to the British GDP. According to Financial research group Morningstar, in the financial year ended 30 June 2016, the Return on Equity (ROE) for Australian banks was 14 percent. The ROE of US banks was 9.5 percent, European banks were 4.7 percent and the British banks produced a return of only 1.7 percent. This banking levy is imposed on the big 4 banks ( Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Westpac Banking Corporation, National Bank of Australia and ANZ) plus Macquarie Bank Limited which is mainly an investment bank. The big 4 banks account for 88 per cent of the Australian banking system assets. Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) says that the levy will be paid by some combination of customers, shareholders and the general public through their investments in superannuation and other vehicles. There has been a strong opposition by the general population to this view of the large banks. It is now surfaced that Federal Treasury assumed banks would pass on some of the $6.2 billion tax to their customers when it was costing the policy, despite the government urging the banks to absorb the imposition. The Treasury recently revealed that it had assumed “some pass-through of the levy to customers as evidenced by the previous behaviour of the banks.” All taxpayers including individuals, sole traders, companies, trustees of trusts and partners of partnerships pay their taxes due on them. Banks as companies should pay their own taxes rather than passing on to customers in order to create good will among Australian communities. . Dr Abul Jalaluddin is an Islamic Finance expert, Director of MCCA, taxation advisor and a regular columnist of AMUST. He is based in Sydney.

FECCA opposed to tough citizenship test Zaynab Gul The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Council of Australia (FECCA) is strongly opposed to the Immigration Minister Peter Dutton’s proposal of raising the English language test’s standards because there is “strong public support and that English competency is “essential to economic participation and social cohesion”. In an exclusive interview given to AMUST on Friday 23 June, , Mr Joseph Caputo OAM, Chairperson of FECCA said that he strongly disagreed with these assertions by the Minister. “Having this very high bar of English skills is discriminatory and makes it really difficult for a certain number of people to overcome. It will not apply equally, especially for those coming from non-English speaking countries,” Mr Caputo said. The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Council of Australia (FECCA) is a national body that aims to promote multiculturalism and diversity. The Council works to help direct government decisions that enable equal opportunities for minority populations within the country. FECCA is a federated body representing all the ethnic communities’ councils in all the states and territories such as people from Lebanese, Indian and Iraqi backgrounds among others. It has played a vital role in advising against the new recommendations made before the Australian Parliament in June 2017 regarding changes to the Australian Citizenship scheme, saying that it will make citizenship difficult for those otherwise worthy of the status. For Mr Caputo, making the English citizenship test standards on par with that of university standard means that many non-English speaking people will be more disadvantaged than they already are. “Most people that don’t speak English know that they won’t achieve true equality or aspire to have a really well paid job,” Mr Caputo said. The need to adhere to the broad term ‘Australian Values’ to attain citizenship is laughed off by Caputo, who fails to understand what the term encompasses. “My mother hardly spoke English, but her values were that you always be well behaved, you should never hurt people, you should respect others and things and things like that. These are not just Australian values, they are universal values that most cultures have ,” he said. Apart from policy work, FECCA also

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Mr Joseph Caputo OAM, Chairperson of FECCA. contributes to the society in other ways. It has been selected to receive a Community Awareness Grant to encourage more people to join the Australian Organ Donor Register online and discuss their donation decisions with family and friends. With this grant comes the opportunity for FECCA to produce a special edition of its magazine ‘Mosaic’ which will focus on organ and tissue donations. “We will deal with it in a more nuanced way – the very issues, the need for organ donation and the importance of donating organs,” Mr Caputo said. To consolidate on its work done so far, FECCA is set to have its Biennial Conference in Darwin this October that gathers representatives from different areas to promote diversity in the community. “The aim of the conference is to bring together people from all over the country in a unique way. We bring about people from so many different backgrounds with about five hundred delegates each Biennial Conference.” Mr Caputo recognises the potential backlash against the usefulness of such an event in bringing about material change, however he maintains that small steps are needed to bring about democratic change. “It’s much easier to bring about destructive and negative changes immediately than the opposite,” he said. To improve the utility and impact of the conference, Caputo stressed on the need for better funding to allow the organisation to reach a wider audience and make a greater impact. Despite these obstacles though, FECCA continues to fulfil its role as a representative of ethnically diverse communities to advocate and promote issues to the government, business and the broader community.

Australasian Muslim Times

AUSTRALIA

NEWS 1-4

BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 9 - 14

AUSTRALIA 19 - 20

LIFESTYLE 21 - 23

Choosing friendship over fear AMUST

As a Catholic priest, Fr Patrick McInerney reflects on his experience of Muslim hospitality at iftar meals during Ramadan and its positive contribution to building better interfaith relationships. In these challenging times, he chooses friendship over fear, to be “with” rather than “against”. Dr Patrick McInerney “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, These opening lines from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities could equally describe the two sides our present times, of the past month of Ramadan in particular. On the one hand there is the extraordinary goodness, generosity and hospitality of Muslims inviting others to iftar meals at the end of the day of fasting. It is offered to families, neighbours, people of other faiths and the wider community, in private homes and in public halls, served to a select few or offered magnanimously to hundreds. On the other hand, there is the appalling violence inflicted by misguided elements in the name of a perverted religious ideology who have committed criminal assaults on innocent civilians in Manchester, Kabul, Marawi, London, Manila, Melbourne and Tehran, to name but a few. These two realities stand in stark contrast to one another. They are incompatible. They force us to choose. In which of these two worlds do we want to live? The world of fear, suspicion, terror and violence? Or the world of peace, harmony, justice and

good relations? I choose the latter. I refuse to allow a few misguided, criminal extremists to divide the world into “us” and “them”. I choose to be “with” rather than “against”. I choose to reach out in friendship, not to cower in fear. I choose to pray for others, not prey on them. As Pope Francis said in Cairo: “what is needed today are peacemakers, not fomenters of conflict; firefighters and not arsonists; preachers of reconciliation and not instigators of destruction.” Nearly 800 years ago, during the height of the Fifth Crusade, St Francis of Assisi travelled from Italy to Egypt. Risking his life, he crossed the no-man’s land between the two warring armies locked in conflict. His purpose? To propose peace. He was taken to the Sultan, Malik al-Kamil, and spent several days in the Muslim camp. Today there is widespread Islamophobic suspicion, fear and sometimes even outright hostility towards Islam and Muslims. In my experience, meeting people, listening to them and getting to know them, is the best way to break down stereotypes, prejudices and fears. In the contemporary context, the historic example of the meeting between St Francis and Sultan Malik al-Kamil is very relevant. Two men of faith, meeting faceto-face, in a time of conflict, has an urgent summons to us today to work for peace in our times. In many Christian traditions, sharing bread and wine in ritual remembrance of Jesus is called “Holy Communion”. I witness that the Muslim practice of iftar is also sacred and also builds communion. It is a special time of bonding among families,

relatives and friends, and increasingly, with people of other faiths. As a Christian Catholic priest who daily celebrates the Eucharist and receives Holy Communion, I am thereby committed to building social communion across the barriers of country, language, culture and creed. I freely choose friendship and solidarity with Muslims, believers from other religions and all people of good will in service of the common good. I thank the many Muslims for their hos-

think of no better place than the Sydney Town Hall to thank the Australian public for their spirited support for human rights and for the work of the Human Rights Commission. Ultimately, respect for human rights depends upon you, the people of Sydney and

the whole Australian community. I leave the Commission in the safe hands of my colleagues and staff, including the commissioners for sex, race, children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, disabilities and general human rights, who are advocating for the rights and freedoms of all

pitality and example during Ramadan. I take this opportunity to wish them all Eid Mubarik = Happy Feast Day. Rev Dr Patrick McInerney is the Director of the Columban Mission Institute and Coordinator of its Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations and is based in Sydney. Read full article on AMUST website: http://tinyurl.com/yaksg2ns

Inspiring change in Human Rights Mobinah Ahmad Thousands of people gathered at Sydney Town Hall on Wednesday 14 June to hear Professor Gillian Triggs give her final speech before stepping down as the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission. The event also consisted of panel discussion between four Australians of the Year who shared their inspiring stories and passions around human rights issues. Panelists included Deng Adut, 2017 NSW Australian of the Year; Jason Ball, 2017 VIC Young Australian of the Year; Yasmin Khan, 2017 QLD Local Hero and Andrea Mason, 2017 NT Australian of the Year. The event was hosted by ABC TV‘s Kumi Taguchi who is the current host of ABC’s Compass. Kumi is known for her empathy and inquisitive nature, always focussing on the human side of a story. Professor Triggs addressed the panelists in her speech and their contribution to human rights: “As our national anthem says, “Advance Australia fair”. The ideas of social justice and the rule of law underpin our democracy and national values and as a nation we are prepared to stand up for them. When each year I watch the acceptance speeches by the Australians of the Year, I am struck by the fact that each of them in one way or another speaks up for human rights and fairness. I admire them enormously because they act upon their values and give their lives to achieving social justice.” “Thank you to the Australia Day Council for the chance to speak to you all … for this is my last public speech before stepping down as President of the AHRC and I can

Australasian Muslim Times

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Australians.” said Professor Gillian Triggs, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission. Mobinah Ahmad is a professional social media analyst and AMUST Multimedia Journalist based in Sydney.

July 2017

UMMAH 24 - 26

EDUCATION 27 - 28

BUSINESS 29

LIFESTYLE

SOCIAL 30 - 31

AMUST

Religiosity - the strategy for suicide prevention Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas How is it that Australia holds the title for the most liveable country in the world and the leading cause of death for people aged between 15 to 44 in Australia is suicide? It’s not cancer, it’s not road accidents, it’s not coronary diseases and it’s certainly not terrorism… our leading cause of death for the demographic that’s essentially in the best years of their life from age 15 to 44 in Australia is suicide. Surely based on this fact alone the title “most liveable” needs to be reconsidered. It’s frustrating looking through the amount of support services and funding available for suicide prevention in Australia where one topic appears to be almost deliberately avoided. Surely when a soul is broken the only way to repair it is by reconnecting that soul with The One who created it. Is there any reason why turning to God, The Most Merciful and Most Compassionate isn’t included as the core strategy for dealing with our country’s increasing suicide rate? According to 2015 ABS statistics every day at least 8 people are killing themselves in Australia, over 3000 people each year, and growing. Studies show that religiosity is the single greatest deterrent to combat the consistent rise in suicide rates. Religiosity strengthens a person’s resilience, quality of life and acts as a moral deterrent against even attempting suicide.

There are many reasons behind why people are choosing to end their own lives, but in its essence is an understanding that suicide is an option. Muslims believe the life given to us by our Creator can only be taken back by our Creator. It should come as no surprise that the world’s lowest rates for death by suicide are found in countries that are largely Muslim populated. Countries like our neighbours Indonesia have one of the world’s lowest suicide rates. In fact the general pattern when you look at the countries with the lowest suicide rates globally is the religiosity of the nation (references included). We urgently need to reconsider our national strategy for suicide prevention. It breaks my heart knowing that these days most people know at least one person who’s taken their own life. These are young people, majority of them young men who aren’t given the relevant resources to reconnect with their Creator in a way that fills them with hope and resilience in dealing with whatever life throws at them. While there is great potential in certain strategies, particularly those around “showing gratitude” and “service to others”, when these strategies are void of God they become meaningless and empty struggles. It’s when you start to recognise your many blessings, show gratitude to you Ever-Present Creator for your countless blessings, it’s then that you take a positive step towards mending and reconnecting with your Lord. Service to others for the sake of your Creator, to earn

His good favour is a way to enrich your life both in this world and the hereafter. All souls yearn to be connected with their Creator. Suicide is the epitome of that disconnection. Whenever you see a person in deep despair, notice their body language with their heads hanging forward, their faces in the palms of their hands. It’s almost as though their soul is yearning to prostrate to their Creator for relief from their burdens, their foreheads craving to be level with the ground to beg Ya Fattah for a way out of

whatever calamity they’re faced with. It’s time we realise as a nation that we can’t simply treat the body by clinic means and not treat the soul. “And do not kill yourselves. Surely, God is Most Merciful to you.” (Quran 4:29) May God, the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, bless your families with great abundance, prosperity, good health and increase our faith this blessed month, and place peace and muhabbah in our communities, Amen.

Locked Out: Family I’ll Fast With You campaign for reverts support program

Zaynab Gul Often times, when crimes are committed, the spotlight is shone on the accused and the victim. In this backdrop, the families of the above mentioned facing intense social, economic and emotional trauma are ignored leading to negative implications. To deal with these implications the community initiative ‘Locked Out’ was started. It is the first Muslim specific family, reintegration and community building program for those who are impacted by incarceration in New South Wales. “One of the hardest things about my son being in jail is the feeling that maybe I could have done something differently while he

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was growing up.” The culturally and religiously sensitive support program has partnered with the NSW Community Restorative Centre - the lead organisation in NSW supporting families and released prisoners. This organizations provides counselling, vocational training and professional and volunteer support for Muslim families who have a loved one in prison. Children from families who are exposed to the jail system are vulnerable to being sucked into the cycle of crime and hence need community support to encourage growth. The account of the wife of an inmate is instructive in this regard; “I have two boys, and they were two and three when he first got locked up. I believe that I have two choices; I walk away and they lose the only contact they have with their father or I stay and take care of them. You don’t want these kids to grow up and go through the same things the statistics say. No, that’s not going to happen on my watch,”. Locked Out recognises the impact of a person’s imprisonment on their family together with the dominant social stigma associated with crime that prevents families from seeking help in distressing circumstances. “If my son was here right now and you asked him what kind of support would have benefited him as soon as he came out of jail, he would’ve said I wish that there was somebody there to support my mum.” The organisation works closely with the NSW Justice System to aid with the families of those in custody and encourage positive reintegration into society when they leave prison. Locked Out is raising funds for the important work that they do. They have successfully raised $4500 so far, however they need financial support with a 100K goal. Donate to Locked Out by visiting their crowdfunding page https://www.gofundme.com/lockedout. Zaynab Gul is a university student studying Law and Media at UNSW.

July 2017

Amie Kanshlo Melbourne based Benevolence Australia teamed up with Muslim Aid Australia (MAA) this year to run the successful ‘I’ll Fast With You’ campaign again in 2017. The program was launched last year to bring new and reconnecting Muslims together to enjoy the blessed month of Ramadan in a supportive community environment. This year saw an increased interest in the Community Iftar with over 400 people attending and the Annual Convert Iftar dinner which was sponsored by MAA with over 140 people attend with many saying this Iftar is the highlight of their Ramadan experience. Those attending have said it is the most rewarding event in their Ramadan calendar. These events are wide reaching with people coming from all over the state and from all cultural backgrounds. It is so great to see such diversity in the Islamic community, which is not often seen. In 2017, we have expanded our schedule to include two weekly Iftar dinners on Sunday’s and Wednesday’s which have been very successful. Many new people adding to the many thought provoking experiences and conversations whilst breaking fast. It has been a great place to learn from one another, ask questions and feel more connected to Islam and the community. One convert said, “I am so happy that there is a cool, relaxing space to come to where I don’t have to break fast alone.” This perfectly reflects common circumstances of converts where they find it can be challenging, confusing and lonely. Without Muslim family or friends to share this month, the community hype and the many events taking place are easily missed. Without support, fasting can become spiritually stressful, where the challenges of coping with hunger are coupled with feelings of isolation that their new religious practices bring. The knowledge and perspective of a person who learns about Islam for the first time can be a profound and eye-opening experi-

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ence. Our hope is to empower new Muslims find their feet and be guided to the beauty of this religion. Our aim is to invite the broader community to join us in welcoming the diverse convert community in a safe space without judgement or cultural segregation. The way in which the community has come together to support the convert community has been a truly inspiring and enlightening experience, with many people donating in some form to the convert care program. To keep the Convert Care Program and the I’ll Fast With You campaign running we are still in urgent need of donations. We ask that you give in some way to the program to help make sure our events, training days and seminars are kept alive and with many new Muslims joining us every month, we aim to empower as many people as possible with nobody left behind. Please visit www.benevolenceaustralia.org or contact converts@benevolenceaustralia.org Amie Kanshlo is the Project Manager of “I’ll fast with you” with Benevolence Australia based in Melbourne.

Australasian Muslim Times

AMUST

LIFESTYLE

NEWS 1-4

BOOMERANG 5-7

COMMUNITY 9 - 14

AUSTRALIA 19 - 20

LIFESTYLE 21 - 23

Hislam, a combative but worthwhile reading Irfan Yusuf Dr Susan Carland’s first book Hislam has pulled off an enormous achievement. A PhD is the highest degree one can achieve in a Western university. The PhD dissertation, however, is often barely read by a handful of people. Dr Carland has transformed her dissertation into a relatively short and easy-to-read book for general readership. Making her job even more difficult is that the topic – how Muslim women fight sexism inside and outside their communities – is one fraught with controversy. It’s a topic that often involves the least knowledgeable assuming expert status. Within the first few pages of the book, the reader can understand Dr Carland has so many reasons to be frustrated, upset and angry. Including angry at Muslim blokes like me. Rarely are Muslim women given a chance to comment on the opinion. And when a Muslim woman offers a differing opinion, all hell can break loose. When a small group of women produced a video expressing disapproval of Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s opinions, they were accused of harass-

ment and abused to high heaven. In this respect, Dr Carland is taking a risk by publishing on this subject. She lets us into her world of meeting intelligent people who suddenly transform into near-imbeciles when she tells them about her research. Notwithstanding Benazir Bhutto, Tansu Ciller, Megawati Sukarnoputri, Atife Jahjaga and Shirene Ebadi (google them if they are unfamiliar to you), it is always assumed that Muslim women are incapable of defending themselves. For many Muslims, the idea of researching how Muslim women combat sexism within their own communities is hardly an-

ything new. But the word “feminism” isn’t always a popular choice to describe the process. Feminism is rejected in many parts of the Muslim-majority world as part of the ideological imposition of colonial powers who had no respect for indigenous values. In other Muslim societies, feminism was identified as such, and was as old a phenomenon as in the West. Maybe it’s just a case of semantics. In Turkey, where colonisation was replaced with a small nation state carved out of the remains of the Ottoman empire, a form of feminism was enforced as part of a

national project of secular fundamentalism. The Turkish state took over all religious institutions. Independent women’s movements were outlawed and the wearing of hijab was banned in certain public places. Similar laws were passed by the Shah of Iran but overturned following the 1979 Revolution. Today feminism in Iran is a strongly contested terrain. There is a popular perception even in the West that feminism and Islam are antonyms. Feminists are often seen as using Islam as an ideological punching bag. Ironically such claims are often made by conservative anti-Islam polemicists who never tire of showing their hostility toward Western feminism. Dr Carland interviewed Muslim women in North America and Australia from a wide variety of backgrounds. Such a range of ethnicities would not have been available to her if she had focussed her research on some Muslim majority states. Her interviewees included many converts, African-Americans. Her age range was 21 to 60-plus. Hislam is combative but worthwhile reading. 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.

Reflections: My three in one mother Farah Cassendra Jamaludin Mother’s Day and my Mum’s birthday fall very close to each other. My Mum insists two presents because they are two different occasions. She will be fine with a luncheon or dinner outing to celebrate both days but presents…no compromise on that! Mother’s Day is Mother’s appreciation day and birthday is to celebrate her as an individual. So, what have I given to my Mum for Mother’s Day all these? Various really. A gigantic box of chocolate…like seriously gigantic box of chocolate that could feed 5 pax and they will lie down like a sleeping Buddha after that, perfumes, flowers, decorative lights, jewellery and much more. Every year there was always something I could give her. But these few years it has been a challenge…maybe because I am not young anymore and I have outlived all the best presents I can give my mother within my affordability. Maybe if I suddenly strike the lottery (wishful thinking as I don’t buy lottery in the first place), I would probably buy her an island, a diamond crusted Mercedez Benz, a private jet for her to have her breakfast, lunch and dinner in any part of the world, a gold shop for her at the Golden Souk for her to buy large ‘Jail-like’ fancy designed cuffs bracelets that she so loved and an unlimited expenditure on her credit card for shopping till she drops as her presents as a gift to celebrate her. My Mum and every Mum out there deserves these things. Why? My Mother is an epitome of selfless sacrifice and a Hitler reincarnation at the same time. She is loving, caring and generous but definitely not nurturing. This is her Hitler side. She is very strict, a disciplinarian and a judge of the Court of House. She will slap you with the punishment when you do wrong…then becomes the Punisher (as in the movie Punisher) and after all the pains and aches of her punishments, she will come and soothe your wounded soul and pains with gentle words and a topical cream to nurse the wounds. At that moment, you want to hate her and

at the same time, you just want to embrace her. A typical classic of living life with salt and sugar. The vinegar? Don’t worry I haven’t come to that part yet. The vinegar in this is when she nurses you, she will say… “you know I love you and I only want the best for you. You have to be a better person than me so that you don’t have to suffer what I suffered”. There you go…your typical mother’s love. The emotional blackmail. I’m sure you can relate to this right? Come on, tell the truth! Still, in spite she is the 3 in 1 personality of Florence Nightingale, Mother Theresa and Hitler, I love her to bits and pieces or to follow the current expressions trend “love her to the moon and back”. As a single parent, my Mum doesn’t deserve to be in that role. She had dreams, had ambitions, had her own aspirations and achievements that she wanted to achieve. She wanted to be one of the figures that is on Mount Rushmore if she could. Anyway, why do I have to give her two presents? As a mother, she sacrificed a lot. Good thing I was an easy baby to be managed from birth until teenager (before I turned Jackel and Hyde) and the moment I hit 16 years old, that’s when she tightened

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her reigns on me. At 16 years old, I was a hottie and species from Mars starts to get attracted to me. So here comes my Mum, having an invincible checklist at hand started classifying my suitors. In her checklist, she has stamped of Mummy’s Specials, Approved, conditionally approved, KIV and reject. In a nutshell, none of my suitors made it to the conditionally approved. Why? She says.. study comes first. I must graduate and then the real checklist will come into force with less prejudice. So, she always kept me on a tight leash and never let me go astray once at all until I graduated. As a single Mum, she slogged like Oshin (A Japanese drama), walking barefoot in the rain to the train station so that she can keep her only best pair of shoes to work safe from being wet, spoke to her old Skoda car every morning for it’s engine to start when she finally had a car to go to work, shared a packet of meal between us all 3 and only took two mouthful and said she was filled as well as going through sleepless nights thinking how to send her children to college and universities with only commissioned based income. When she suffered from shingles, a broken arm and other minor health issues, she never

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rested. She persevered on without thinking of herself. That’s my Hitler Mum. She never gave up. Never let anything stopped her until she saw both of us don our graduation robes….and only then…only then she exhaled a breath of success. The Mother Theresa side of my Mum was her never-ending concern about us in our daily living. She provided us maids and furnished our home with modern-state of the art and classic furniture that our home looked like a million-dollar mansion in a small town. She dressed us on boutique-like clothes and we slept in beds made for duke and duchess. We travelled together to other countries and had our school money that would have made us look like millionaires at the age of 16 years old. She gave us the freedom to live our lives and learn things that she never had a chance to. We get to go out for parties and movies with our friends as a teenager. She trusted us. Her only condition is to do whatever we like but never put our family name to shame or she will bury us alive. The Florence Nightingale side of my Mum is the fact that she is an excellent dancer and singer. She had the sweetest voice and knew how to sing with or without the music. Her tones were always in the right spot and she can sing songs from other languages too. Talking about language, she speaks 5 Chinese dialects better than a Chinese, English, Malay, Tamil and much more. She even plays the guitar and piano by ear. To my Mother, you may be amongst the million mothers’ out there, but I can say that you are my one and only one-in-a-million Mother in this lifetime. I am privileged to have a talented, amazing, extra-ordinary and out of this world Mum as my own. I am what I am today because of my Florence Nightingale, Mother Theresa and Hitler 3 in 1 Mother. 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.

July 2017

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EDUCATION 27 - 28

BUSINESS 29

LIFESTYLE

SOCIAL 30 - 31

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NZF and Alfirdaus Eid toy drive Marriage Bureau

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The National Zakat Foundation partnered with Alfirdaus College this Ramadan in a drive for Toy collection, donation and its distribution before Eid. Toys always bring joy to children. With so many poor and needy families, NZF has been carrying out an Eid Toy drive every year. Alfirdaus College this year requested toy donations from their students and families during Ramadan and then with the help of NZF distributed them to children in their homes as well as to sick children in various hospitals in Sydney. NZF teams visited Westmead, Liverpool and Bankstown hospitals just before Eid and gave out toys to sick children who remained admitted in these hospitals. The toys were not only given to Muslim children, but to children of all faiths and backgrounds thereby giving them all a chance to share the joys of Eid. The initiative helped children to understand the Islamic value of giving specially in the fasting month of Ramadan and sharing of the blessing of Eid amongst children of all faiths and cultural background. The National Zakat Foundation is a ground-breaking initiative which aims to utilise Zakat funds and voluntary donations collected in Australia for the benefit of local, deserving recipients. NZF has developed key partnerships with other organisations to help deliver additional support services to all and the Muslim community in particular.

Seeker & Sought For

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. 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. NZF volunteers with toys for Eid for children in hospital.

Women of the year: Firdousi Obeidullah Najia Khalil The fifth annual Coral McLean Awards breakfast, held on 8 June 2017 was an incredible celebration of all the women who do so much to build up and help others in our community. Among the awards presented at the Breakfast was the Chifley Woman of the Year which was awarded to Firdousi Obeidullah, Coordinator of House of Sakinah Women Support Centre at Mt Druitt. Volunteering with Flying Doctors service when she first got married to a doctor and stationed at Broken Hill, she has continued to support and help individuals and families. Firdousi was among the first Muslim women to get access to the detention centre in Villawood. There she helped refugee families, giving simple things like a phone card and food to later helping these families by providing them with furniture and other necessities when they were placed within the community.

When she was approached to volunteer her services for the Women Support Centre project, she willingly agreed, and has been assisting women who come to the centre running from domestic violence or merely need some advice and referrals. Journalist and presenter Tracey Spicer, an out-spoken advocate for women known for her passion for social justice and equality, handed out the awards for 2017. All proceeds raised from the breakfast went to a $4000 contribution to help the Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency “Girl SKILZ” program, which targets young women aged 14-16 who are experiencing family breakdown or are at risk of being engaged in the juvenile justice system. The 2017 Coral McLean Award, the namesake of the special Breakfast, went to Leonie Day who has been more than just a teacher and assistant principal at Marayong Public School. For almost 40 years, she’s been a friend and a shoulder to lean on for many students and families, and has provided meals and access to support services for

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. Firdousi Obeidullah with Tracey Spicer & Ed Husic MP. many in the school community. Lauren Barrientos was awarded Chifley Young Woman of the Year, alongside Lynette Cameron for the MP Recognition Award and Carlene Allen for the Judges Recognition Award.

Ramadan Radio Program to expand for the whole year

Zaynab Gul Recipient of the Order of Australia 2016 medallion, Diana Abdel-Rahman is the President of the Australian Muslim Voice Ramadan radio program that aims to give the Australian audience a platform to connect with Islam. The Ramadan program is a 24 hour daily service that airs in Canberra and online, featuring entertainment, talks by reputable Imams and interactive sessions for children. “It’s mainly for our youth who are often disinterested because of the dry manner in which many Muslim organisations approach Islam.” Abdel-Rahman said that a major limita-

July 2017

tion of many Islamic radio stations is their heavy focus on theology and the extensive usage of the Arabic language, making it difficult for the youth to engage with the religious content. “An Arab woman once came up to me with her young grandson and asked me why all our programs are in English. I looked at her grandson and said that he can’t pick up a book and learn the religion, but you can. I’m doing it for him.” Since beginning the radio program, Abdel-Rahman said that she wants to make the audience recognise the complexity of the religion as one that cannot be understood through a few lectures but rather requires more intensive study. “It lets people know where they stand in

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.

terms of knowledge. It’s not about giving people an in-depth understanding of what is in the Quran, instead it gives them a taste of one of the many concepts in Islam.” To her credit, the program has reached a wide audience, with many young people calling her and her work “inspirational”. “A young woman who used to listen to the radio wrote to me last year and said that she now lets her daughter listen to the program and that it has become intergenerational,” she said. Through more funding, Abdel-Rahman intends to one day make the radio program available to air throughout the year rather than only during the month of Ramadan.

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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.

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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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Opportunity for Afghanistan’s most vulnerable Kyle Byrnes Afghanistan has been roiled in conflict and turmoil since the 1970’s. Stranded between foreign invasion and internal conflicts over resources, power and ideology, Afghanistan’s citizens are trying to steer through a labyrinth of economic and social challenges. Consequently, Afghanistan’s GDP per capita ranks in the poorest 30 nations in the world; whereby about one third of the nation’s 35 million strong population live below the poverty line. Furthermore, deteriorating security circumstances in recent years have seen a large increase in civilian casualties leaving behind numerous displaced children. The Human Rights Commission estimates that there are as many as 600,000 street children in the country ( one third of whom are orphans) with only 12,000 finding shelter in orphanages. Despite many plans to boost nation-building, economic growth and poverty reduction efforts in Afghanistan, the dependence on large and sustained financial contributions has made this a challenge wrought with difficulties. It is this gap that we at ‘Mahboba’s Promise’ , an Australian non-profit organisation committed to aiding the women and children of Afghanistan, seeks to fill. Through consistent efforts in the country since the year 2000, it has established a permanent presence in four provinces; Kabul, Panjshir, Takhar, while recently beginning operations in Badakhshan province. The Badakhshan province is one of the most vulnerable areas of Afghanistan with poor infrastructure and harsh winters making it difficult for residents to live there. Its residents experience higher levels of poverty, and lower literacy rates than the national-average - while two-thirds of the province’s population consume less food than

necessary each day. Mahboba’s Promise focuses on facilitating education programs, accommodation, security, and well-being of orphans by establishing both orphanages and schools in the country. Most recently, Mahboba’s Promise adopted an orphanage in the capital city of Badakhshan province, Fayzabad. This orphanage was established by another organisation with funding provided by the Asia foundation. Its purpose was to house twenty-five children, from a few months old to ten years of age, as well as providing care for one blind girl. After the initial six months, the funding from the Asia foundation ceased rendering the orphanage

dependent on individual donations, an arrangement that failed to adequately cover its financial needs. For almost six months the orphanage was operating with no sources of funding, and relying on the workers to volunteer in combination with charitable food support from the local community. The children were left in appalling conditions; sleeping on floors with no blankets, old clothes with no possibility of school uniforms or shoes being provided. The irregular food supply led to the malnourishment of many children who were too weak to eat when they finally did receive a meal. Drawn to action by the plight of the chil-

dren, Mahboba’s Promise has come to an agreement with the other organisation to transition the orphanage into the operation of Mahboba’s Promise. To act instantly, and end the suffering of the children during the holy month of Ramadan, the organisation sent a representative to the orphanage to purchase food and meet their immediate survival needs. The operational and financial support however, extends beyond the primary needs of the orphanage. In taking over the operations, Mahboba’s Promise will cover the costs of renting the house, all operating expenses, the salaries of the teaching, administrative and operational staff. Additionally, we will also provide all necessary appliances and supplies to convert it into a standard orphanage including kitchen supplies, pillows, mattresses, carpet, stationery, school uniforms, clothes and shoes for all the children. Our vision for the orphanage is to provide the twenty-five children with education, accommodation, security, and well-being, as well as establishing a centre in Badakhshan province from where support to all children of the community can be facilitated. By saving these orphans, Mahboba’s Promise will also be able to assist the development of the Fayzabad community – empowering women, by educating the eight female children and through our programs, set those involved with the orphanage on the path to having a positive influence on the province in the future. We are pleased to be able to provide a sustainable future within a secure environment for these disadvantaged Afghan children. We are looking for assistance in providing for these children. For just $100 a month, one of these children can be provided with all of their monthly food, health, education, and other needs to have a fulfilling life. Establishing this orphanage is just one of Mahboba’s Promise’s projects. To find out more about our activities in Afghanistan or Australia, and how you can help our efforts, please visit www.mahbobaspromise.org or call us on +61 2 9887 1665.

Human Appeal Australia delivers aid to Somalia Ali Kadir It is not often that we get an opportunity to witness first hand what in reality we do not fully appreciate. The call for our trip could not have come at a better time - only a few days before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. A Human Appeal team from around Australia travelled to Somalia, a land of extremes with a blue tropical ocean and delicious bananas contrasted by the sickening reality of people dying from thirst and starvation. Our team including Issam Chaouk, Director of Projects; Rabih Baytie, State Manager Victoria; and Imam Akram Buksh, State Manager Queensland reached Mogadishu on Thursday morning 18 May. The images of destruction we saw during the flight to the capital city beggared belief - crashed aeroplanes and tents made of tree branches littered the surrounds of the international airport. This was a clear indication that much worse was yet to be seen. After arriving in Mogadishu we had no time to waste and went straight to the humanitarian camps. The scenes we witnessed were unimaginable. We were shocked to see our fellow brothers and sisters in humanity living in utter desperation. Pieces of cloth held together with rope and propped up with branches served as tents in which to live. The sight of children forced to lose childhood joys due to disease and malnourishment was devastating. Mothers waited hours to fill plastic barrels with clean water and then carrying the heavy load for kilometres to reach their makeshift homes. The struggle to survive for these people was palpable. From the moment we arrived to the time when we left, we joined the local team and

Issam Chaouk, Human Appeal Director of Projects and Ali Kadir, Human Appeal Branch Manager South Australia with local children in Mogadishu Somalia May 2017. provided aid and support. We distributed The experience for us was both happy and is to build artesian wells which in some casover 750 food parcels which included 25 kg sad - happy to see the joy of receiving aid on es could require digging up to 300 meters flour, 25kg rice, 25kg sugar and 3.5 litres of their faces but saddened by the reality that deep. The water provided from such a well oil, all essential items coming just before much more needed to be done to break this could provide an entire village with suffiRamadan. cycle of poverty. cient water to keep a farm and animals alive We also brought in water trucks which Since the people of Somalia rely heavily and may even cater for neighbouring villagcatered for the crucial needs of thousands. on farming to survive, water is a critical re- es if needed. Our local medical team worked tirelessly, source. With the crippling drought currently utilising the portable medical centres donat- being experienced, crops and animals die Ali Kadir is Human Appeal Branch Managed, to treat over 250 patients that day until forcing people to migrate to where they can er based in Adelaide, South Australia. the late hours of the night. Their dedication find water. was awe-inspiring. We, therefore, identified that one solution

Australasian Muslim Times

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UMMAH 24 - 26

EDUCATION 27 - 28

BUSINESS 29

SOCIAL 30 - 31

University professor slammed for tweet against Islam

These views do not reflect those of the university.” Professor McNair later shared a video of singers Ariana Grande and Miley Cyrus performing Don’t Dream it’s Over at the ‘One Love’ Manchester tribute concert. “Strong, sexy women slap Islam in the face”, he commented alongside the video. Although McNair’s tweet has been deleted, people are still urging the University to

take action towards this incident and to dismiss the professor from teaching. QUT has not released any further comments regarding the tweet or McNair’s future career at the university. Linda Abdelqader is a Sydney-based journalist studying a media degree at Western Sydney University.

Thank God its Ramadan: Muslims save lives at London tower fire Sakinah Bokhari

Young Muslims awake for Suhur, the early morning meal to begin the Ramadan fast have been credited to have saved many lives at the London’s Grenfell Tower fire on Wednesday 14 June. Residents commented that more people would have died if not for the actions of a number of Muslim boys who knocked on doors, alerting residents to get out. The building had no central fire alarms and no early fire warning system in place. Muslims returning from mosques after Fajr prayers very early in the morning also helped the residents to get out of the tower building engulfed in fire. One resident pointing to media hype against young Muslims in UK commented, “People want to talk about them when they do wrong, and all this sort of thing, when they’re doing bad – but when they’re doing good …” “They were the first people with bags of water, giving to people and helping people – running and telling people,” commented another resident. “Muslim boys saved people’s lives. They ran around knocking on people’s doors,”

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The Willowdale Eid Festival will be held on 8 July at Jamboree Park. This event is an initiative taken by the Willowdale community with the support of Stockland and Camden Community connections. It is being organised by Willowdale Community along with the community members to bring all the people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds to celebrate the festival of Eid with full vigour. It will be a great opportunity for everyone to know more about Muslim culture and traditions while having a fun filled day with delicious food, jumping castle, shopping, exciting games, photo booth, face painting and festivities.

Linda Abdelqader Brian McNair, a university professor at the Queensland University of Technology has been slammed online after publicly referring to Islam as “a cancer on the planet”. The 57 year old media professor took to Twitter on Sunday following the recent terrorist attack in London where seven people were killed and 48 were injured. “Enough! Islam is a cancer on the planet. It must be destroyed, or reformed. Soon. Zero tolerance!” – Brian McNair (@BrianMcnair) The tweet drew a huge amount of attention from across the nation as it circulated around social media. While some people praised the academic for “speaking up”, others were appalled and outraged by his bigoted comment. The University was quick to respond to the tweet stating that “QUT does not endorse or condone these personal comments.

UMMAH Willowdale Eid Festival

another resident said, “Thank God for Ramadan.” So far 17 people have been declared dead including a Syrian refugee. There are fears that the numbers may reach three figures when all the missing are accounted for. The fire is believed to have broken out on the second floor of the tower block shortly after midnight on Wednesday, and had quickly swept through the entire building. Many residents said they hadn’t heard the fire alarms and it was only when fellow res-

idents, many Muslims among them, alerted them that they could quickly evacuate the burning building. The area around Grenfell Tower is home to a large number of Muslims. Meanwhile, mosques, churches and temples in west London have opened their doors to offer assistance to the survivors of the huge fire. Sakinah Bokhari is a teacher based in Sydney.

Multicultural communities to benefit from $23 million AMUST Media The 2017-18 NSW Budget provides increased support for Community Language Schools and continues the important work in our diverse communities, Minister for Multiculturalism Ray Williams announced. “This budget confirms the NSW Government will continue its vital work with all multicultural communities, large and small, across all of NSW,” Mr Williams said. The NSW Budget will continue to support communities excel by providing $13 million to fund cultural festivals, promote social cohesion, build local partnerships and promote our multicultural success stories. “It also delivers a boost of more than $1 million over two years for interpreter and translation services in our Courts to make sure people from all backgrounds have equal access to justice.” This funding is in addition to the $10.9 million commitment to Community Language Schools to support students to learn a second language. “This is a commitment of up to $200 per student, an increase of $70, to help expand their cultural awareness, improve career opportunities and increase the number who study a language through HSC,” Mr Williams said. Budget highlights include: • $10 million to engage with communities, support refugees through the development of a dedicated Settlement Unit and celebrate cultural diversity across NSW • $10 million to provide interpreting and language services in more than 100 languages and dialects • Over $3 million of grants for community projects and activities celebrating our cultural diversity

Muslims, the largest religious minority in Australia AMUST Media The results of the latest national Census released on Tuesday 27 June 2017 reveal that Muslims are now the largest religious minority in Australia. Christianity remains the most common religion (52 per cent of the population). Catholicism is the largest Christian grouping in Australia, accounting for almost a quarter (22.6 per cent) of the Australian population. Other than Christian, Islam (2.6 per cent) and Buddhism (2.4 per cent) were the next most common religions reported. Nearly a third of Australians (30 per cent) reported in the Census that they had no religion in 2016.

July 2017

The religious makeup of Australia has changed gradually over the past 50 years. In 1966, Christianity (88 per cent) was the main religion. By 1991, this figure had fallen to 74 per cent, and further to the 2016 figure. Australia is increasingly a story of religious diversity, with Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, and Buddhism all increasingly common religious beliefs. Hinduism had the most significant growth between 2006 and 2016, driven by immigration from South Asia. The growing percentage of Australia’s

population reporting no religion has been a trend for decades, and is accelerating. Those reporting no religion increased noticeably from 19 per cent in 2006 to 30 per cent in 2016. The largest change was between 2011 (22 per cent) and 2016, when an additional 2.2 million people reported having no religion. Census data is available free online. Use one of our easy tools such as QuickStats and Community Profiles to access the latest data for your area or topic of interest.

Media Scan Ainullah

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Census 2016

No religion – 30.1% Catholic – 22.6% Anglican – 13.3% Uniting Church – 3.7% Christian, (Not further defined)– 2.6% Islam – 2.6% Buddhism – 2.4% Presbyterian and Reformed – 2.3% Eastern Orthodox – 2.1% Hinduism – 1.9% Baptist – 1.5% Pentecostal – 1.1% Lutheran – 0.7% Sikhism – 0.5% Other Protestant – 0.5% Judaism – 0.4%

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Appeal for concern for oppressed in Turkey

There are thousands of Turkish citizens living in Australia who cannot return back to their countries because they have been profiled and have arrest warrants on their names. A few who have attempted to go from Australia and other parts of the world are arrested or their passports have been seized and can’t leave Turkey. There are many distressed Australian Turks who have family, relatives and friends who are suffering from the human rights abuses in Turkey. Please pray and show concern and act to defend the oppressed regardless of their colour, ethnicity and faith.

AMUST Media Victims of Turkey is an Australian notfor-profit organisation which has been recently established to be a voice for justice, fundamental human rights and freedoms with a focus on Turkey. Following the failed 15 July Coup attempt in Turkey, a state of emergency has been declared that has resulted in wide-spread violations of basic human rights. Although the coup attempt was a military act, thousands of people who could not have taken part in its planning and implementation such as teachers, lawyers, journalists, human rights defenders, academics, doctors, humanitarian aid workers and house wives have been detained and arrested and have been in jail for over a year without citing evidence or trial. Schools, universities, hospitals, humanitarian aid organisations, tutorial centres and many other institutions have been closed. Thousands have fled the country in fear of their safety to over 150 countries and some sought refuge including Australia. There are serious concerns for the safety and health of the people in jail by the reputable international human rights organisations. A provision in the emergency decrees absolved the government officials of any responsibility for actions taken in the context of the decrees. Amnesty International report stated that it has ‘credible evidence’ Turkish police are holding detainees, denying them food, water and medical treatment and in the worst cases some have been subjected to severe beatings and torture1. The 43-page Human Rights Watch report documents many cases of alleged abuse, including stress positions, sleep depriva-

tion, severe beatings, sexual abuse, and rape threats, since the coup attempt2. 54 people were reported to have lost their lives, most under suspicious circumstances and under lock-up in the last eight months3 and there are hundreds whose situation is unknown as they are reported missing by their families. More than 17,000 women in Turkey with about 600 new born children, have been jailed in an unprecedented crackdown and subjected to torture and ill-treatment in detention centres and prisons4. Tens of thousands of children were separated from their mothers and some mothers had to face detention immediately after giving birth4. Properties and wealth of busi-

nessmen have been confiscated estimated to be over $20 billion. As of 10 June 2017, the latest numbers are staggering as outlined below: • Total number of people sacked is 138,148. Including 44,283 education workers, 10,017 military officers, 8,271 academics, 5,898 health workers, 4,424 Judges & prosecutors, 2052 Imams/religious workers and 234 Journalists. • Total number of people arrested is 52,994. • Total number of institutions closed and their properties and assets confiscated is 3,933. Including 1,284 Schools, 800 Student Dorms and 15 Universities, 54 Hospitals, 560 Foundations, 149 Media outlets and many others.

References 1. AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT: Turkey - Independent Monitors Must Be Allowed to Access Detainees Amid Torture Allegations https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/ news/2016/07/turkey-independent-monitors-must- be-allowed-to-access-detainees-amid-torture-allegations/ 2. HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH REPORT: A Blank Check – Turkey’s Post-Coup Suspension of Safeguards Against Torture https://www.hrw.org/report/2016/10/24/ blank-check/turkeys-post-coup-suspension-safeguards-against-torture 3. SCF REPORT: Suspicious Deaths and Suicides in Turkey http://stockholmcf. org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Suspicious-Deaths-And-Suicides-In-Turkey_22.03.2017.pdf 4. SCF REPORT: Jailing Women In Turkey Systematic Campaign Of Persecution And Fear http://stockholmcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Jailing-women-in-Turkey.pdf 5. Turkey In Numbers https://turkeypurge. com/

Some reflections on the global state of affairs Zahid Jamil We have currently been living in a world where all sides are engaged in wrongdoings. Each side is bent upon pointing out to other’s mistakes, not willing to admit grave mistakes, they have committed themselves. Islam and Muslims seem to be the common enemy for all, be it the Western democracies, the Zionists of Israel, the Communists of Russia, the Hindus India, the Buddhists of Burma and Sri Lanka or different Muslim sects who are bent upon demeaning each other. Hostile foreign policies of Western powers have inflicted gravest miseries to the Muslim world over past few decades, causing millions of deaths and injuries, looting their nations, playing tricks with them to turn one faction against other, thus destablising their regions, causing civil wars. Aggression of West against Muslim lands was generally based on lies, driven by lust for oil wealth. The Chilcot inquiry in UK honestly revealed the wrongful intent of British Prime Minister at the time of Iraq war. As per the report, the government had produced dossiers of mass deception, based on “flawed intelligence and assessments” whose claims were dismissed as risible. The world-wide Zionist lobby peddles a

one sided view generating sympathy for the state of Israel while demonising the Palestinians suffering under occupation. Crushing of genuine popular movements known as Arab spring over past few years against authoritative regimes, US and its allies have ensured that Middle East remains unstable for decades to come. Communist Russia invaded Afghanistan, US brought to it another war, leaving it in a state that it is unlikely to recover in foreseeable future. In India, a country which prided itself for its secular credentials, the rise of Hindu nationalists over past couple of decades has been so intense and challenging, that Muslims now face an uncertain future in their own country Muslims themselves have not help their cause, rather engaged in infighting and corruption. The prevalence of despotic governance, corrupt dictatorships, lack of effort in modern day education and technology continued to add to the pathetic state of ordinary Muslims. Royals of Gulf states as well as Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan are counted among the most corrupt nations. Iranians have failed to maintain the dignity of the Islamic revolution and have been caught into in sectarian divide championing Shia minorities in Sunni dominated countries thus creating instability and civil wars. Iranians have partnered with Russia to save a criminal Baathist dictator in Syria, in-

stead of reaching out to neighbouring states to find a peaceful solution in Syria. Total chaos resulting from US led atrocities in Muslim countries and total failure of Muslim leadership were bound to create terribly frustrated groups who wronged themselves in trying to take matters in their own hands and take revenge in the form of global terrorism. As the conflicts in Muslim lands continued to multiply, so did the number of terrorist groups. Terrorism feeding on war on terror and vice versa. The rise of extreme right in many Western countries is equally concerning who are seeking more fire power rather than looking for peaceful solutions. With election of Donald Trump in US, these groups have found rejuvenation to pursue their cause. It has become hard to find strong voices who may be seeking justice and peace on globe. Yet German Chancellor Angela Merkel and in particular Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are couple leaders who continue to stand for just causes in a balanced way. We need many more of them both in Western and Muslim worlds to create any hope of returning to a peaceful, united and harmonious world.

offering wide range of services to the community elders.

Zahid Jamil is an engineering post graduate and runs a financial planning practice based in Sydney. He heads South Asian Muslim Association of Australia, SAMAA: http:// samaa.org.au ), a benevolent institution

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The 99 Divine attributes of Allah Part 35 - Attribute 97

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 97. Al-Warith - The Inheritor And the earth - We have spread it and cast therein firmly set mountains and caused to grow therein [something] of every well-balanced thing.1 And We have made for you therein means of living and [for] those for whom you are not providers. 2 And there is not a thing but that with Us are its depositories, and We do not send it down except according to a known measure. 3 And We have sent the fertilizing winds and sent down water from the sky and given you drink from it. And you are not its retainers. 4 And indeed, it is We who give life and cause death, and We are the Inheritor. 5 And We have already known the preceding [generations] among you, and We have already known the later [ones to come]. 6 And indeed, your Lord (Rabb/Provider) will gather them; indeed, He is Wise and Knowing. 7 (ar-Hijr, 15:19-25) 1. From here attention has been directed towards another important sign about the wisdom and capability of almighty Allah. The capacity and style of growth in each of botanical vegetables and plants is provided to all: if the given freedom to them for growth, the whole ground would have been covered by one species, so it could be possible by only one kind of one plant to grow, without giving any chance to

some other species. But there is a well-designed and planned scheme of Allah that numerous kinds of vegetables/plants are growing on earth and every species has a limit to its growth. Another aspect of this phenomena is the size, shape, capacity, growth and nourishment is fixed so that no one species can cross the limit. It obviously seems that someone has designed and fixed a pertinent amount of body, shape, figure, leaves and products for each kind of tree, plant, creeper and other characteristics of all growing species. 2. Allah has put out your service for other men and animals which He provides. Also, Allah provides means for your living and all creatures as well. 3. It has clearly been manifested that this reality is not confined only for the vegetable/botanical plants but is ascertained for all entities of existence of this world - wind, water, seasons, geological and fauna and other living and non-living existence according to the same scheme and control. Hence it is the wise scheme of almighty Allah that great balance, temperament and proportionality has been manifested throughout the universe. If the creation of the whole universe had been an event by chance or it had been established by the combined pursuits of many gods, then how would it have been possible to establish such a perfect balance and systematic manifestation of different species their maintenance since inception to eternity. 4. The winds are termed as ‘fertilising’ and these carry rain clouds to drop rain further ahead as being a ‘pregnant winds.’ 5. “O living people, when all your dura-

tions have passed away, then after your demise and vacating this world, We (Allah) reigns over the left outs at Our discretion. Whatever all have you received are given to you for very temporary use. Eventually you all shall leave this world with empty hands in the end and all your commodities and treasure shall be deposited in our jurisdiction.” 6. Allah remains after all creations have passed away and He is the only Inheritor. 7. His Wisdom demands that He gathers altogether and His Knowing is so dominating that no one can be left out. Rath-

er, even a specific past or future person’s dust is accounted for. Hence, anyone, who considers the life hereafter as unlikely and far-fletched is totally unaware of the almighty Allah. Therefore, such a person enquires, bewildered: “When each and every particle of my dust is going to be scattered, how then shall I be created again.” Such a person never visualises the capability of the Knowing attributes of Allah. Continued in AMUST issue #141 August.

The Qur’an and the allegation of extremism Dr Rashid Raashed In countering the allegation of extremism against Islam, the insistence of the Qur’an to the contrary is indeed, outstanding. According to the Book, the foundation of a true Muslim is rooted in him/ her being an active player in the “Middle-course Nation”. This is the subset of the ‘Best of Humanity’ standard, to which the Qur’an has earmarked the original identity of global Muslims . To live and perform up to this standard, the verse 03:110 of the Qur’an, has set out the following benchmarks: (a) Muslims exist for the good of humanity, (b) They enjoin, establish and contribute to establish what is good and beneficial for humanity, (c) They stop, prohibit and contribute to prohibit what is bad and evil for humanity, (d) They believe in One God. The take of the Qur’an thus, on building, contributing to build and promote a global humanity, is indeed, fascinating. The allegation of extremism thus, flies on the face of such a universal and inclusive call. On human front, the position of the Qur’an is that there can be no discrimination. For it thus, to grant ‘humanity in general, the respect and virtues over other creatures’, is a great universal declaration . To believe in God, is a person’s own choice. S/he is thus, free to believe in Him or not to. Besides this choice however, the Book dedicated itself to encourage to believe in One God and act accordingly. As opposed to this, if the Muslims living

July 2017

in a particular land or era, have underperformed, the Qur’an is not to be blamed for this. It is a great proof of the Qur’an being inclusive and accommodating of humanity in general. For this inclusion however, to be a “special design of God”, is rather intriguing . From this policy statement of the Book, springs also naturally, the freedom of choice

and religions for all humans. A Muslim will never be bothered for one’s choice of a religion or a choice to have none. By this direct statement of the Qur’an, to be balanced in faith and practice is the most significant attribute of a true Muslim. No other scriptures or books of ideology on earth, spells out such a neutrality to be a policy based on faith and religion. For one

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to behave well, be constructive in thought and be influenced by good demeanour of a milieu or society, is indeed commendable. A non-Muslim may practise it as a well-behaved citizen, without being bound by any jurisdiction, religious or otherwise. But according to the Qur’an, for a Muslim behaving so, is a sacred religious duty, which is driven by his belief in One God and practice accordingly. For the nation of believers in the Qur’an, to be obliged to behave well with others, reflecting their faith and positive action, is an integral part of Islam itself and hence, remarkable. The Qur’an therefore, is the lone star in guaranteeing the freedom of choice to those who opted to believe in no ideology at all, or to believe and uphold an ideology or religion other than Islam . The echo of justice reverberating from the revealed mandate that “an existing enmity with a nation, must never incriminate your hearts, to veer away from the commitment to uphold justice”, is indeed peerless! To give a substance to the above, the allegation that ‘Islam is extreme’ in any and all of its takes, is indeed, baseless! The literary meaning of ‘Islam’, is to surrender oneself both exclusively and peacefully, to the will and dictates of the One and the Only God. Having established this bond deliberately, the possibility of the same person, surrendering to a ‘bully of the material world’ i.e. taghut, is a self-denial . To expect from such an informed and deliberate believer, to yield to a compromise, thus, will be foolish! Dr Rashid Raashed is the Chairman, Leadership University College (Bangladesh) & Director/Secretary, Islamic Financial Services Australia (IFSA) and is based in Sydney.

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AUSTRALIA 19 - 20

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Towards Spiritual dimensions of Eid Dr Salih Yucel Eid is considered as a time of joy and happiness in Islam. Muslims assemble in Mosques on the morning of Eid in a joyful atmosphere to offer their thankfulness to the Most Generous One for helping them to fulfill their spiritual obligations. With Eid takbirat which include exalting, glorifying and thanking God during the prayer, the entire world becomes a global congregation. After Eid prayers, the family members sit around to have a meal together resembling a food spread table from Heaven. The word “Eid” is mentioned in the Qur’an only once in the story of Jesus (a). The Disciples persistently requested from Jesus (a) to ask his Lord to send down a table (spread with food) from the Heaven. He took ablution, prostrated with shedding tears for a while and then supplicated: “…O our Lord, send down to us a table [spread with food] from the heaven to be for us a festival (Eid) for the first of us and the last of us and a sign from You…” (Qur’an, 5:114).

It is narrated that Allah accepted his prayer and sent down a table which consisted of food from Heaven. Before having a meal, he prayed again and offered gratitude to Allah while bursting into tears and then opened the table. According to Mufassireen (the Qur’anic exegetes), while his Disciples prioritised the food which nourishes the body, Jesus (a) emphasised the spiritual dimension of the table that nourishes soul by drawing attention to God’s sign which led to sincere gratitude and Tawhid, unity of God. Thus the spiritual dimension of Eid is more important than its social and cultural dimension. However, most Muslims neglect or are not aware of this aspect of Eid. Without the spiritual dimension, Eid becomes only ceremonial. Some Muslims experience it on a higher spiritual level when they sacrifice everything for the cause of Islam and achieve their goals on Eid day. Ahmet ibn Hanbal (d. 855) was excited when he had nothing at home to eat because of donating everything to the poor. Mawlana Jalal din Rumi (d. 1273) was with full of joy at the level of spiritual ecstasy when his wife said that there was nothing at home to satisfy their hunger. He com-

mented that “Praise to be Allah. Our home resembles the Prophet’s home today.” The days of Eid are also days of preferring others over oneself by offering a hand to those who are in need. Visiting elders, patients, the destitute, inmates and lonely individuals with a smiling face and a small gift will result in unforgettable experiences and joy in their hearts. Days of Eid should be a time of reach out to our non-Muslim neighbours and workmates as well. For those who have a big dream of serving humanity, every day is akin to Eid and

every night resembles Lailat’ul Qadr (Night of Power in Ramadan). Let our Eid turn from ceremonial to spiritual if we really want to experience real joy, piety and mercy from Allah. 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.

Book Review: Analysis of the Quran

Syed Badrul Haque Analysis of the Quran is authored by Salahuddin Ahmed, professionally a Barrister and academic of Bangladeshi origin based in Sydney. He is a noted scholar in the realm of Quranic studies and research as well. Surely it is imperative to know and realise the meanings and implications of the actual words used by Allah in the Quran for our guidance in our worldly life and Hereafter. Keeping in mind those readers whose mother tongue is not Arabic, the author has provided English transliteration of the Ayats of the Quran used in its narration. For authentic Arabic transliteration, the author has used the Times New Arabic Font. We are hopeful that his clarity in the Quranic research has culminated in the present book, - a quintessential quality that the author had attained through perseverance and devotion to this eternal subject. The entire purpose of this book is to draw interest in the study of Quran in order to prepare one to make him/her knowledgeable and better equipped in performing their obligatory duties in this world and discharging

their accountability in the Hereafter. The book contains as many as 31 chapters making it useful from the point of view of a large number of topics in the Quran. The book not only covers the core topics like Allah, Muhammad (s), Islam, Quran, Hereafter, but also the worldly topics like marriage, social life and duties, positive character and negative traits. Viewing humbly, the book presents us the balanced perspective of our worldly life and the eternal life in the Hereafter in the light of the Quran. The book has been presented in a brilliantly simple, lucid and effective way that can be readily accessed and absorbed. I strongly recommended the book to all who want to understand the Words of Allah. The author, Salahuddin Ahmed, a Barrister-at-law of Lincoln’s Inn and a retired Law academic from the University of NSW, Australia has published more than a dozen titles from New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, London, New York, besides Dhaka. Two of his books are Google books which are available on the internet for readers’ viewing. The present book has been published by the reputed publishing house APH Corporation of New Delhi. The book can be pur-

The author, Salahuddin Ahmed. chased from the Website of the Amazon. com for Indian Rupees 1,659 or equivalent. The book is beautifully bound with attractive jacket containing 347 pages. Syed Badrul Haque is a former Public Rela-

tions Officer to the President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

Book review: A Closer Look at Islam

Kristine Morris

Syed B. Ali’s book makes a logical, timely, and relevant case for Islam. Can a whole religion be blamed for the actions of some of its followers? Syed B. Ali’s A Closer Look at Islam seeks to provide a clearer look at the Islamic faith, showing that there’s a lot more to the Qur’an than initially meets the eye. “Islam has always had the unfortunate distinction of hosting a sizeable stash of enemies,” writes Ali. “And if that wasn’t enough, thanks to some Muslims on their wild rampage, it has, in recent times, managed to add to that pile.” He examines the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of Islam, from inconsistencies and lack of consensus on what is recorded in the books of sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (hadith); to the insistence of fundamentalist Muslims on literal interpretations that obliterate the grace of metaphor; to the abuse of the faith

demonstrated by those who act in violation of Islam’s principles, based on passages of scripture taken out of context. Ali shows that, in Islam, it’s irrelevant whether you love someone or not, as long as their rights are honored and, to the extent that it’s possible, their needs are met. Ali brings passion, extensive study, and reason to his arguments on Islam’s behalf. He refutes the claims of some Muslims who have left the faith—a complicated task, given that there are multiple versions of Islamic history and that some of what they disavow actually comes from cultural traditions rather than from the prophet’s teachings. Ali gives evidence that Islam was actually ahead of its time in its treatment of women and slaves, and he clarifies the meaning of the much-used word jihad. Though the term has come to denote “faith-based aggression,” it actually refers to “the application of effort towards a given goal,” by subduing the ego and speaking the truth to a tyrant the greatest of these. Inspiring stories

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of Muhammad’s followers who are worthy role models for contemporary practitioners of the faith are provided. This is a work written with eloquence and zest. The use of different spellings for commonly used words is made clear. Ali’s statement of purpose is compelling, and his arguments, by taking into account the historical context of the issues discussed, dispel commonly believed myths about Islam and the character of the prophet. The book is well organized; its interior layout and design make for pleasurable reading. It is amply annotated and referenced, and includes appendices on the teachings of the Qur’an, Islamic sayings, and much more. Syed B. Ali’s A Closer Look at Islam makes a logical case that Islam cannot be blamed for the acts of terrorists. Timely and relevant, it affirms the ability of Islam to make “ideal human beings” of its followers.

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BUSINESS Fettayleh Small Goods expand facilitated by AACCI UMMAH 24 - 26

EDUCATION 27 - 28

BUSINESS 29

SOCIAL 30 - 31

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Zaynab Gul Starting as a small retail butchery in the heart of Punchbowl, Sydney, over two decades ago, Fettayleh is now among the leading suppliers of quality and reasonably-priced Halal meat to the Australian food industry including supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths. The family run business was begun by the Fettayleh family and is now in the hands of brothers Ahmad and Mohamad Fettayleh, who share a passion and respect for quality meat and the art of butchery & Smallgoods. Ahmad’s vision was to become Australia’s best known Halal wholesaler by providing genuine Halal products that adhere to the strict standards of the toughest Halal certification boards in Australia. He intended to do this without the high price tag that is normally associated with Halal meats. Fettayleh’s dedication to being an industry leader was recognised in 2014 when the company received bronze, silver and gold awards for their products at the Sydney Royal Wine, Dairy and Fine Foods Show. The company’s consistency in quality deliverance earned further laurels showcased by the Champion Medal in the Smallgoods category it won in the year 2016. This year Fettayleh will be looking to defend this great achievement, a first for an Australian Muslim owned Halal business. The company is known for their creation of a versatile range of products that exceed industry expectations in a state of the art

HACCP, HALAL and EXPORT approved facility. From retail-packed smallgoods and hand slaughtered chickens to on-the-go burger patties and kebab sticks, Fettayleh produces a wide range of goods for Australian families situated in the convenience of local su-

permarkets. Fettayleh Smallgoods is also a corporate member with the Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI). The AACCI is the only peak national body association for two-way trade and investment between Australia and the Arab League

countries. AACCI’s mission is to assist Australian companies such as Fettayleh smallgoods in exporting and expanding into Middle East and North African (MENA) markets as well as entice Arab companies looking to invest in Australia. AACCI’s NSW State Chair Mohamed Hage continues efforts to expand the volume of bilateral trade and investment between Australia and the MENA region with over 200 direct flights to the region each week. AACCI specializes in providing members with commercial intelligence, business matching and networking opportunities, with a goal to expand two-way trade and strengthen economic and political cooperation between Australia and the Arab world (more information on AACCI can be obtained at www.austarab.com.au). Thus, AACCI has facilitated Fettayleh strong community support and positive reception in those countries that they now export too, despite its relatively new entrance to the international market. Furthermore, due to these partnerships, the company has now seen growth as a business, fuelling its intentions to one day become a household name for the 1.8 billion Muslims all over the world. Fettayleh is a thriving member of the Smallgoods community and prides itself on its wholesale production processes and standards of delivery. It consistently provides its customers with reliable and prompt deliveries of quality Smallgoods & fresh meat.

Switching to Halal Skin Care

AMUST Media Living a halal lifestyle is what Islam promotes and encourages. However halal is not just described for food, it’s also used to describe what is permissible. The way we behave, the clothes we wear, and even the skin care and makeup we put on. Using products that are safe, pure and ethical is really important in order to live a life synonymous with peace. This also ensures that you’re not contributing to an industry that could be harming other people and even yourself. Hareva Lifestyle sell products made by Iba Halal, including Skin Care Products, Hair Care Products, Lip Care Products, Eye Care Products, Fragrances and Body Care Products. Order now as they have a launch offer of a free bath soap with your first order. Checkout www.harevalifestyle.com.

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NEWS 1-4

Mariam Veiszadeh: Time Out Sydney

Lawyer and diversity practitioner Mariam Veiszadeh took a different approach to her TEDxSydney talk. Firstly, she asked everyone in the audience to stand up. Then, through a series of questions like ‘Did you have a job while you were at high school?’ people remained standing or sat down, giving a visual representation of unconscious bias. Veiszadeh, who was 2016 Daily Life

Woman of the Year, believes difference is the key to successful businesses and she came to her talk with the stats to back it up. “Privilege is largely invisible to those who have it,” she says, and yet diverse companies are 35 per cent more likely to have financial returns over their peers. “That glass ceiling is double glazed for a woman like me. That’s why I wear heels like I do – to break it.”

can Church was “well here, because we’re a place of prayer. Christians and Muslims now share the space. “This has been a relationship evolving not just between individuals but between communities” said Imam Faizel. “Praying in the same space, I think adds life to what both communities are seeking” said Father Peter.

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COMMUNITY 9 - 14

AUSTRALIA 19 - 20

LIFESTYLE 21 - 23

Ali Kadri The Drum

Imam Faizel ABC News

A video viewed over 2.5M times: An Anglican church in Perth’s south hosts the local Muslim community for Ramadan as the two religions sit side-by-side, breaking bread and barriers. Six years ago, Imam Faizel Chothia came knocking asking if there was a place hwhere Muslims could hold their Friday prayers. The response that Father Peter Humphries from Saint Paul’s Angli-

BOOMERANG 5-7

Spokesman for the Islamic Council of Queensland, Ali Kadri appeared on ABC’s The Drum on 19 June. Hosted by John Barron, Kadri joined fellow panelists Kate Eastman, James Morrow, Marius Benson. The panel discusses the Finsbury Park “terror attack”, Gonski & the future of the Human Rights Commission as Gillian Triggs

prepares to step down. “As a Muslim leader, we are the largest victims of terrorism, be it here or overseas and now we have to cop it on all sides. Politicians, my one message to them, all of them, please stop dividing us, please stop jumping on this populist bandwagon. It’s not going to win you any votes and its only going to divide our country.”

Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed SBS World News

Viewed over 60K times, the Grand Mufti of Australia speaks candidly: “There is no terrorism act that we have not condemned. We have condemned all terrorist attacks. Some people in our community expect us to act as recording machines. We have condemned terrorist attacks. We will condemn future terrorist attacks and continue doing

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so and will even condemn any terrorist attach that has not even been committed. What more can I say? We are not obliged to apologise for each terrorist attack which we have not committed, and are not responsible for. We condemn terrorism as it is against the principles of our religion.

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UMMAH 24 - 26

EDUCATION 27 - 28

BUSINESS 29

SOCIAL 30 - 31

TOP 6

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Stop Dutton’s Immigration Laws

Me on the morning of Eid

Standing outside the masjid on Eid like:

New digital platform, Colour Code have released their first video highlighting the problematic Immigration Laws proposed by Immigration Minister Peter Dutton. Powered by Get Up, Colour Code aims to provide a new space for minorities to speak, advocate and organise around issues of racial justice. The black and white video comprises of 7 people speaking to a camera. Comedian Nazeem Hussain speaks assertively at the start of the video: “By now, you’ve heard about the immigration changes that the Government has announced. Changes that will devastate many communities.

These changes include requiring migrants seeking citizenship to pass a university level English language test that many native English speakers would struggle to pass. Requiring migrants to show that they are integrating into Australian society – a discriminatory measure that citizens both in Australia are simply not subject to. Extending the permanent residency requirement for anyone seeking citizenship by four years. These changes have been suggested despite no actual evidence to show that they are even needed and with no regard for the harm, injustice, discrimination they will create towards those seeking to make Australia home. These changes paint migrants as dangerous. These changes won’t just turn people’s lives upside down, this is a message to the broader community that immigrants are dangerous, suspicious and are importing social problems in Australia. It’s a lie and it always has been. The idea that people should speak perfect English before being allowed to come here before they are allowed to vote or be legally equal in this country, creates two classes of people making immigrants excluded and unequal. It’s an insult to the generations of people who couldn’t speak English – but came here, contributed, worked hard to build lives and communities. We’re not going to be scapegoats for this government, we want an Australia we’re all communities, are respected and valued. We’re going to come together to make sure that Dutton’s laws don’t become a reality.” #StopDuttonsLaw

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