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Shahrouk Sisters Steal The Show
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Australian Muslim Talent showcase at SoL 2017 Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas
A large number of young individuals and school choirs showcased their creative talents at the Sounds of Light 2017 held in all major cities of Australia from 23 to 27 November. The internationally-recognised Sounds of Light Charity Concert (SoL) is a mega-event on the calendar of the Australian Muslim community with destinations nationwide in order to bring Muslim communities together for an evening of delightful entertainment and benefit orphans and disadvantaged children overseas. This year SoL concerts were held in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane where crowd favourite Maher Zain from Sweden returned to Australia along with comedian Preacher Moss from the US, sensational young talent Harris J from UK and the distinguished singer Adel Elmshiti from Libya. Imam Suhaib Webb from the US was the guest speaker while Dr Omer Turkmen from Turkey performed Quran recitation at various city venues all over Australia. For the first time, a comprehensive Sounds of Light 2017 Talent Quest competitions were organised well in advance to seek out Young Australian Muslims where the winners from five states of Australia performed on stage at SoL 2017 in state capitals. The Sounds of Light 2017 Talent Quest is an initiative of the newly established division Human Appeal Australia Community Care (HAACC) as part of its youth development program. HAACC uses the performing and creative arts to give young people the platform to realise their potential and contribute to a sense of identity, self worth and belonging, helping to motivate and prepare them to contribute towards positive so-
Crowd favourite Maher Zain performing at Sounds of Light 2017 - Sydney. Photo by Radim Cechvala. cial change. SoL events attract mostly young people who identify themselves as Australian Muslims rather than as Lebanese, Turkish, Egyptians, Indians or Indonesians, con-
cerned about the global Ummah in general and trying to help the orphans overseas. There’s an incredible sense of community at every Sounds of Light Concert, the single largest charity event of the year organised
by Human Appeal and held in five states across Australia. continued on pages 16 and 17 with more photos.
Exploring Muslim Economic Megatrends Zia Ahmad Mr Shaz Khan from 313 Global, using the available statistics, has predicted that by 2030 Muslim economy will grow to include 26% of the world population represented by a large middle class with significant disposable income, affluence and brand recognition. He named this as Gen U that will have a distinct identity combining faith with modernity. He was giving a presentation on The Muslim Economy: The rise of Generation ‘U’ at the 12th IFEW Presentation Dinner held on Sunday 19 November 2017 at Dar-ulIslam, Bonnyrigg joined by invited guests and members of the Islamic Foundation for Education & Welfare (IFEW). Mr Khan said that Generation U for ‘United’ would be at the intersection of faith and modernity, strong minded with distinct ethical values, affluent and proud of their faith as well as united and inclusive extending on and sighting previous work done by Shelina Janmohamed.
He identified Muslim Economic Megatrends as Halal overall including foods, Modest Fashion, Cosmetics, Wellness and Lifestyle and Tourism. The Halal food and lifestyle industry would amount to $2.6 trillion while Halal tourism will be a $220 billion economy by 2020. During his presentation, he told the 313 Global story that the company he established with a vision for like-minded people to come together around startups, business expansion and consulting services, particularly investments into growth businesses. A widely travelled young professional, Mr Khan, born in Sydney has spent a considerable amount of time living and working in Europe, North America and the Middle East and is finally back in Australia. The invitees at the event included Mr Rizvi Khan,
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President, Muslim League of NSW (Green Valley Mosque) accompanied by Mr Feroz Khan, Committee member, Sheikh Emad Hamdy, Imam of Othman bin Affan (Cabramatta) Mosque, together with Mr Mohammed Hassan, Committee member, and Mr Shaz Khan from 313 Global, a business advisory and consulting firm. During the Presentation Dinner Mr Aamir Ahmad, IFEW President gave a historical perspective of the extended family led by Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad and showcased various activities of IFEW and its associated organisations. Sheikh Emad Hamdy, a highly approachable young man has been working as an appointed Imam at the Cabramatta mosque leading prayers as well as giving lectures to
both adults and youth as well as conducting Islamic education classes. Although he arrived in Australia only one and a half years ago from Egypt he spoke in English very well describing his educational attainments from Al-Azhar University in Cairo and listed the activities at the newly built/renovated Cabramatta Mosque. The Uthman bin Affan Mosque comes under the umbrella of Lakemba based Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA). Mr Rizvi Khan who has led the Muslim League of NSW for a number of years recounted its growth catering for the need of Muslim community of Fijian origin in particular. He listed the activities at the Green Valley Mosque and described the success story of the establishment of the Green Valley Islamic College. A number of IFEW members recalled their professional contribution during the construction of the Green Valley Mosque and close association for Juma prayers as well as Taraveeh prayers during Ramadan over the long years. continued on page 9.
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Skilful Shahrouk Sisters steal the show! Mobinah Ahmad As four of the sisters in a family of 11 children (10 daughters and one son), Houda, 43, Halla, 45, Leeann, 39, and Rouba Shahrouk, 40, brought their best and won Family Food Fight on Channel Nine on Monday 27 November, taking home a whopping $100,000 and the title of Australia’s Number 1 Food Family. It is an incredible point of pride for a group of four hijabi women winning such a great title. It’s not only their talent in the kitchen, the Shahrouk sisters made us all proud with the good-natured and larger than life personalities. The Shahrouk Sisters were up against the Butler Family, winning the judges over with their mouth-watering Lebanese mezze plate, lamb kabsa and znood el siit — a traditional Lebanese deep-fried pastry, filled with clotted cream. The challenge was to cook a three-course meal for 40 family members plus the judges! Born and bred in Australia, with 19 chil-
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Ashes Test 1: England bite the dust KNOCK OUT Syed Ali
England, wanting to retain the Urn they won on home soil in 2015, looked vulnerable from Day one of the ongoing Magellan Ashes series and eventually lost the first Test at the Gabba in Brisbane in the morning session on the concluding day on 27 November 2017.
dren between them (and Houda currently expecting number 20), it is clear that this
Leeann Shahrouk with the Family Food Fight shield.
group of superwomen have no trouble catering for huge family gatherings. In fact, a family gathering of 50 is a weekly occurrence. Eldest sister Halla Shahrouk, 45, from Bass Hill, was beside herself with joy and said there were “fireworks” when they discovered they had won. “The roof came down, there was screaming, crying, emotions. it was unbelievable,” Halla said. “We just feel proud, the whole journey was worth it.” Taught by the matriarch of the family, mother Shamma passed down the intricate expertise of Lebanese cooking. We’re so proud of these four incredible Australian women.
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Khodr Saleh receives McKell Award Zia Ahmad Mr Khodr Saleh, the former Deputy Mayor of Canterbury City Council and the President of Canterbury Bankstown Harmony Group was presented with the “McKell Award” the highest honour that can be bestowed by the Labor Party for his service to the local Labor Party and to the community. The award ceremony was held on Friday 3 November at a Labor function hosted at the Eight Chinese Restaurant in the city of Sydney. While receiving the award, Mr Saleh said, “I was very humbled and honoured to receive the Labor Party McKell Award. I’m so pleased to share this honour with my family, friends, community and fellow members of our local Labor branch who have made my political career a great success.”
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A ton against England: Australian Captain Steve Smith. Australian captain Steve Smith’s sparkling unbeaten century (141) was the icing on the cake for Australia while off-spinner Nathan Lyon was not far behind in earning accolades from flamboyant batsman David Warner and speed merchant Pat Cummins for his splendid bowling which subdued the English top and middle order batsmen. The bouncy fast tracks in Australia are no batting paradise for overseas batsmen. The English batsmen found it pretty hard to negotiate the Aussie trio pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. England’s top order batting line-up consisting of Alastair Cook, Stoneman, Dawid Malan, James Vince, Joe Root and Moeen Ali, were all at sea against pace and spin. Gabba curator Kevin Mitchell Jr pointedly said about the Gabba wicket: “It is very similar to the past bouncy green deck.” It really was.
Controversial decision: Moeen Ali in action. The English batsmen are at home playing in conditions where the ball swings and swerves a great deal. But Australia has fast and bouncy wickets on the contrary. Pat Cummins promptly remarked: “It is pretty much the dream wicket” about Gabba. Australia lead 1-0 in the ongoing Ashes series and England must win the second Test which begins in Adelaide this weekend to keep their dream alive of retaining the Urn. Scores: Australia first innings 328 and 173 for no loss. England first innings 302 and 195. Australia won by ten wickets. David Warner 87 not out and Cameron Bancroft 86 not out. Syed Ali has been writing on cricket for the last forty years. He was the feature writer for Cricketer International, London, for a decade. He played first class cricket and interacted with the world’s leading cricket and hockey players.
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Australian Muslim Achievement Awards finalists announced! Mobinah Ahmad
The 11th Australian Muslim Achievement Awards Finalists have been announced! The awards celebrate the remarkable
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achievements of Australian Muslim individuals and organisations nationally. The awards night will be held on Sunday 3 December 12 – 4 pm at Le Montage, 38 Frazer Street, Lilyfield, Sydney. To purchase tickets: https://goo.gl/MDfmtE
View all the finalists at http://tinyurl.com/yck23krj
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Mohammad bin Salman: brilliant or reckless? Saudi Arabia’s crown prince MohamSaudi adventurism started with the apmed bin Salman Al Saud, 32, seems to be pointment of Prince Bandar as the Saudi engaged in a continuous show of brink- Intelligence Chief in 2012 when he reckmanship that has the potential to bring lessly meddled in the initial civil movehavoc to the entire Middle East with ment, inspired by Arab spring elsewhere global repercussions. in the Middle East, in order to remove the He is the youngest defence minister in highly oppressive Baathist regime in Syrthe world and deputy prime minister of ia. He played a key role in the propping up Saudi Arabia. He seems to be calling the of a various armed group to fight the Syrishots in all of Kingdom’s affairs that an army by funding and the supply of analysts have described as reckmodern armaments that gradually less behaviour for the past two fell into the hands of ISIS. years. This was a classic case Saudi leadership, largeof “bite the hands that ly occupied by ageing feeds them”, where ISIS monarchs over a numbrought havoc to Iraq ber of decades has and Syria and the SauZia Ahmad been largely based on di adventurism led by consensus among the Prince Bandar backfired Assalamu more than 5000 strong on them. royal family. The Saudi Prince Bandar who reAlaikum monarchs over these long mained Saudi Intelligence years occupying the sensichief till 2014, also played Greetings tive position of the custodia critical role in the removal of Peace ans of the Haramain in Makof Muslim Brotherhood governkah and Madinah have always ment of President Morsi of Egypt been careful not to tread on toes of possibly in covert alignment with the state others including Middle Eastern regimes, of Israel. Both Saudi Arabia and Israel conMuslim states or Western powers. sidered an Islamic regime in Egypt a threat Saudi monarchs have been known to to their own regimes. have overt or covert pacts with the US and Now it is Prince Mohammad bin Salman, other Western powers on an ongoing basis again a very young man seems bent upon in the self-preservation of their monarchy shaking the status quo and engaging himself and have also been suspected of covert re- in adventurism in a most brutal and reckless lationship with the state of Israel for a num- manner unparalleled in the history of Saudi ber of years. Arabia. However, this softly softly approach has Mohammed bin Salman or MBS as he is been gradually disappearing with young often called was ranked as the kingdom’s blood exerting their influence on the re- top 10 students during his school years and gime’s policies particularly in foreign af- achieved the second position graduating fairs. with a law degree from King Saud UniverThis change started with the appointment sity in Riyadh. of Prince Bandar bin Sultan as the Saudi Soon after being appointed as the defence ambassador to Washington back in 1983 minister on 23 January 2015, he is engaged at the young age of 33 that lasted for more in a brutal war in Yemen that has destroyed than two decades ending in 2005. Prince the infrastructure in the country resulting Bandar facilitated a very cosy relationship in killing, maiming, disease and starvation of Saudi Arabia with the US, promoting US of the civilian population including a large policies in the Middle East including the number of children. two gulf wars in 1991 and 2003. MBS is also driving a highly aggressive
Re: Hadiya, a victim of bigotry gages and getting more busy and selfish, striving for materialism. in India If not in politics or maybe Muslims need to involve more in politics or making organisations on national level to have proper system to help Muslims in these situations. Overall we need to come out and spread the message of Islam to remove people’s misconceptions, so we can get more support of general public. As our Prophet said deliver from me even one Ayah, sign, message to people. But unfortunately we Muslims, many of us are busy in blowing our own triumphs in community gatherings or in parties. Competing with each other in having the most lavish parties and involving in interest based mort-
taherac
Re: Letter from a Rohingyan in Myanmar I just can not believe it what has been happening to Muslims In Myanmar (Burma). Zahoor Ahmad
Re: The Balfour Declaration: Ancestral concerns
The British colonial master is responsible for the Palestinian tragedy. The least they can do is be the honest broker of peace now and not be the shameless partisan with the occupying zionist regime.
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foreign policy to counter the influence of Iran, many believe in strong alliance with Israel and at the expense of Palestinians. He is also behind the cold war against Qatar having built a coalition of Gulf states against a brotherly Arab sheikhdom. In 2016 he introduced Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s economic vision of the future aimed at making the kingdom the heart of the Arab and Islamic world, an investment powerhouse, and a hub that connects three continents. He has also indicated his willingness to bring Saudi Arabia towards modernity away from being a conservative society and relax restrictions on women. He wants to eradicate terrorism, but in doing so he is legislating draconian laws and has arrested a large number of people from religious, business and academic sectors as well as from the royal family. In September he has put a large number of Islamic scholars behind bars. In November he arrested four ministers, 11 princes and several high-profile entrepreneurs perceived to be his direct rivals, thus consolidating his power over the kingdom. Many are alarmed as to the consequences of this adventurism by the current young Saudi leadership. Elsewhere with the grudging independence Britain have given to their colonies the truncated land are conflict zones to this very day. Example Pakistan and India; the various African entities and a broken Middle East. The sun may not have set over the British Empire but when it finally did the British politicians ensured a brewing storm in most of the ‘freed’ land. mal
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AMUST Issue # 145 Friday 1 December 2017; 12 Rabi’ Ul Awwal 1439
- Europe: Racism on the Rise Again - Our Australian-Indonesian Destiny
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Europe: Racism on the rise, again Bilal Cleland “Poland Nationalist Rally With Neo-Nazi Slogans, Calls For ‘Islamic Holocaust’ Draws Biggest Crowd Ever” is the heading in Newsweek [12 November 2017]. The Jew-baiting is still there. “The Radical Camp has told its followers on social media that the Syrian migration is part of a conspiracy between Jewish financiers and Communists to destroy the European Union with Islam, Sharia law and homosexuality.” According to the Wall Street Journal. Polish marchers carried slogans such as “White Europe,” “Clean Blood,” “Europe Will Be White” and “Pray for Islamic Holocaust.” They also introduced a new slogan — “We want God.” A similar pattern is emerging in Germany. “Since 24 October 2017 Germany’s parliament has 92 new Neo-Nazis.” Like the Polish fascists, the AfD centres on hatred of anything ‘foreign.’ They claim there is a sharp divide between the ‘Germanic race’ and such alien influences as multiculturalism or Islam. They glorify the Nazi past and its members include admirers of the Old Czarist forgery “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion.” “What was once the Jew is now the migrant, the Muslim, and the foreigner in general. Old-Nazi and new Nazi populism
follow the same pattern using much of the same strategies, speeches, rituals and have similar but always invented enemies. Ideologically eliminating capitalism in favor of race, the AfD supports a redistribution of wealth –not from capital to labor– but from foreigners to Germans.” While pretending to serve everybody, the populists in fact see the people as mere objects of power. “The goal is to radically re-construct the ruling class favoring one part of the capitalist class (the nationalists) over another section (the globalizers).” [ 17 November 2017 Thomas Klikauer Counterpunch] Attempts to link religion and racist hatred are not new. The German anti-Semites claimed long before Hitler that the presence of Jews in their society undermined Christian values. The hater par excellence, Julius Streicher, executed at Nuremberg for his crimes, wrote in 1936 “We have dedicated our lives to the fight against the murderers of Christ..” [Robert Carr. History Review Issue 47 December 2003] The globalizers, a modern fascist euphemism for the ‘Jewish conspiracy,’ replacing the older ‘cosmopolitan,’ is making a comeback in the jargon of the populist conservatives. It is now linked directly with the influx of alien Muslim refugees, threatening predominant values with alien ideas and culture. It is of significance that the attempt by pro-Israeli activists to link opposition to Israeli government policies with anti-Semitism is occurring at the same time as this upsurge of neo-Nazism in Europe and white
supremacy in the USA. An illustration of this tactic was provided by the hysterical response to the statement of the Social Democratic mayor of Jena in Germany. He commented on the refugee crisis “The US policy of hostility toward Islam bears its fruits.” He called on his party and its Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier “to change the role of Germany in the Middle
Our Australian-Indonesian destiny
Bilal Cleland is a keen reader, a prolific writer and a regular columnist of AMUST based in Melbourne.
Dr Daud Batchelor Indonesia, the Muslim world’s largest democracy, contradicts One Nation’s website that “Islam is incompatible with democracy.” Indonesia protects minorities and religious freedoms in its pluralistic Pancasila system adopted by 260 million people of whom 88 percent are Muslims. During my first 1971 visit I was welcomed with open arms and provided great hospitality even by poor households – which promoted my personal acceptance of Islam. Indonesians admired Australia then as we provided key support for their independence. Our relations since have been volatile although former PM Keating and even Tony Abbott exclaimed that Indonesia is “our most important neighbour.” Our defence planners should recognise Indonesia’s critical importance to our national security. Indonesia represents an effective buffer to Chinese expansionist aims towards Australia. Indonesia is wary of Chinese incursions into its littoral territory and illegal Chinese migration to its isolated islands. Julia Gillard in 2011 to her discredit established a permanent US Base in Darwin. Indonesian FM Marty Natalegawa expressed serious concerns. Given the extent of zionist influence over US foreign engagements and existence of a Singapore-Israeli-US axis, the Australian base threatens peaceful engagement with Muslim Indonesia and Malaysia. Indeed, under Gillard’s watch Australia provided blind support for Israel and its illegal settlements. The misguided view among many that Indonesia threatens Australia’s security is belied by the peaceful relations (including Makassan-Aboriginal relations) and lack of territorial claims over any part of Australia in over 500 years. Australians shouldn’t worry that Indonesia is experiencing ‘Islamisation’. With the fall of Sukarno and Suharto secular regimes
December 2017
East conflict. Germany must break with restraint toward Israel as an occupying state.” [19 September, 2015. Jerusalem Post] This hardly amounts to rampant neo-Nazi conspiracy theory but is a strong criticism of the policies of Israel and the USA, policies exacerbating the crisis in the Middle East. Any attempt to water down the concept of anti-Semitism by slandering critics of the occupation of Palestinian territory is shortterm opportunism which will rebound on its perpetrators and all opponents of rising fascism.
Needle in a Haystack Fazlul Huq Trapped like a needle in the haystack, Warped like a riddle in the mindset, Tuned like a jingle in the cortex, Grown like a chick in the nest egg. PM Turnbull (right) and President Joko Widodo in March 2017. and weakening of Javanese kratonic influ- mented though that the overwhelming maence, Indonesian Muslims were free to fol- jority of Indonesians do not believe Islamic low their keen desire for democracy and true State or al-Qa’ida represents real Islam. Islam. To Australia’s credit following the Bali Islamic renaissance has seen the spread of bombings $167 million was provided for Islamic teachings with increased evidence Islamic sector assistance especially for of women in hijab, TV Islamic programs, schools in an enlightened effort to support mosque attendance, religious study circles moderate mainstream Islamic movements. ... and opposition to Ahok’s Jakarta goverThe great potential for enhanced trade norial campaign. was highlighted by one international execFormerly dominant ‘abangan’ (nominal) utive who believed “As we shift from the Muslims are becoming practising Muslims. mining boom to dining boom, from manuSpreading urban Sufism counters Salafist facturing to services, we have right on our extremism. doorstep, an economy that is bigger than My published assessment of Islam- Brazil, France or the UK (IMF GDP PPP). ic well-being among 26 Muslim majori- Yet Indonesia is only our 13th biggest tradty countries worldwide showed that it is ing partner.” Southeast Asian Muslims who benefit most The expanding friendly mutual engagefrom Islamic teachings. ment especially with the high number of Muslims are increasingly concerned with visits by Australians to Indonesia and exoverseas-funded ‘Christianisation’ programs panding two-way trade will likely counter directed towards converting poor Muslims. anti-Muslim sentiments promoted by elites, Another concern is excessive influence that particularly certain Australian politicians, Singapore and its merchants and Indonesian media and policy institutes, whose agendas associates have over the Indonesian econ- are believed to be against our national inomy and government parties, especially at terest. election times. The rise of ‘radical’ Muslim elements in Dr Daud Batchelor, holds an MA in Islamic Indonesia, an otherwise moderate Muslim and Other Civilisations and a Diploma in society, is consequent on harsh American Islamic Studies from the International Isretaliation following the 9/11 attacks with lamic University Malaysia, PhD from Unimilitary invasions, destruction and massive versity of Malaya, MSc from the University loss of lives and resultant refugees in Mus- of London. lim countries. Email: daud.batchelor@gmail.com A well-known Australian journalist com-
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Bonded like a herd in the hamlet, Drawn like a fiddle in the singlet, Floated like a king in the rivulet, Sounded like a ring on the winglet. Played like a note on the octet, Paved like a coat at the sunset, Driven like a clown in the blanket, Mounted like a frown in the bush net. Laughing like a craze in the drag net, Puffing like a blaze at the onset, Trained like a sage with the fish net, Drained like a rage on the rheostat. Armed like a drum of the grand dad, Numbed like a trump on the pink mat, Tinted like a punk with the hostess, Sintered like a tongue on the gauntlet. Frosted like a cone with the bayonet, Toasted like a lone at the claimant, Flying like a kite with the seamen, Shunted like a knight with the ailment! 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 12,000 compositions in Bengali and English and has also been involved in various community projects.
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Enjoyment and information at seniors’ picnic Zahid Jamil Seniors from the South Asian Muslim Community enjoyed the SAMAA annual picnic together with many family and friends on Saturday 11 November at Plough and Harrow Park in Western Sydney. South Asian Muslim Association of Australia (SAMAA) has been caring for community elders since 2007 and organises events at regular intervals to alleviate social isolation faced by seniors after their retirement and as they age. SAMAA organised special bus service from Auburn and Liverpool train stations to bring seniors to the picnic venue making it very convenient for them to attend the event. At the picnic, the seniors not only enjoyed a day out with their contemporaries but were also given useful information about various
aged care services together with entertained by local artists. A representative from the Islamic Women Association of Australia (IWAA), a service provider specialising in offering services to Muslim elders, gave a very useful presentation for those present on the day. Ms Ayesha Orozco, head of IWAA’s Sydney operations, spoke about various service levels being offered depending on elders needs. She said that now government offers Consumer Directed Care Home Care Packages with four levels of care depending on physical and mental needs of elders. The first step is the registration with My Aged Care (MAC). IWAA staff and SAMAA volunteers would love to help elders in this process. Once a person is assessed as eligible and subject to availability, the Home Care Package approval will be allocated to the consumer. This will facilitate provision of appropriate services. Mr Zahid Jamil of SAMAA spoke about an Over Age 55 facility which can be offered
Mr Zahid Jamil addressing seniors at picnic.
Seniors in conversation at SAMAA picnic. to SAMAA elders if there were sufficient mosque visits etc. These volunteers also assist seniors in numbers. This facility is located in Penrith and have 1 and 3 bedroom town houses spe- home cleaning, cooking, delivery of homecially designed for seniors living-style. For cooked meals or simply spend time with more information, please contact Mr Jamil them. Importantly, SAMAA is actively negoon 0411 114 762. Popular Sydney singer Mr Riyaz Shah tiating with various service providers for entertained seniors with songs of 1970s. A all levels of services including services at couple of seniors and volunteers also joined home and in Aged Care facilities advocating service providers in fulfilling their CALD in with their singing skills. Attendees enjoyed the delicious barbeque, (Culturally and Linguistically Diversified) biryani and desserts, prepared by volunteers requirements of South Asian Muslims. Upcoming SAMAA events in 2018 inwho came out in good numbers to make it clude Sydney Harbour cruise in February another memorable event for seniors. SAMAA’s Services include developing and Jashne Buzurg in April. innovative & effective Service Modules, in order to facilitate the provision of culturally Zahid Jamil is an engineering post graduate and runs a financial planning practice based specific needs of our Seniors. In order to assist in this mission, SAMAA in Sydney. He heads South Asian Muslim samaa. has many dedicated volunteers who pro- Association of Australia, SAMAA: vide yeoman services such as take elders org.au), a benevolent institution offering wide to doctors, grocery shopping, social events, range of services to the community elders.
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Stuff Not Fluff: Exploration into Islam Mobinah Ahmad Dr Peter Riddell and Associate Professor Julian Millie both launched their fascinating books at an event to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Peace on Tuesday 21 November at Bankstown Library in Sydney. Facilitated by a cross-cultural consultant, Tasneem Chopra, the theme of the event was Stuff Not Fluff: Improving narratives on refugees and migrants through increased dialogue and informed debates, influenced by scholarly literature. Both academics had extensive knowledge of their very particular niche topics which demonstrates their level of detailed expertise about their own subject matter. Associate Professor of Anthropology from Monash University, Julian Millie, presented Hasan Mustapa: Ethnicity and Islam in Indonesia which he put together and edited. His book looks at the life of Hasan Mustapa, a scholar, mystic and poet who studied in Mecca for thirteen years before commencing his career as an Islamic official in the Netherlands East Indies. He wrote a number of sufistic treatises on Islamic belief and practice, mostly in the Sundanese language. Hasan Mustapa: Ethnicity and Islam in Indonesia is comprised of chapters by Sundanese scholars, alongside the editor’s contributions. Some provide introductions to Mustapa’s life and work, while others perform a discursive move of increasing importance in contemporary Indonesia: reaching into a regional Islamic past to make authoritative statements about the present. Together, the chapters form a timely addition to the literature on a question of growing importance: what influence should regional traditions have in contemporary Islamic societies? Millie’s previous works include his first book, Bidasari: Jewel of Malay Muslim Culture, a study of Islamic romance in the Malay language. His second, Splashed by the Saint: Ritual Reading and Islamic Sanctity in West Java, was based on a period of
From left: Dr Peter Riddell, Ms Tasneem Chopra and A/Prof Julian Millie. field research over fourteen months during which he attended an Islamic intercession ritual in West Java. Since then, Millie has continued to work in West Java, focusing mainly on Islamic preaching and the interactions between sub-national and national Islamic spheres. Vice Principal of the Melbourne School of Theology, Dr Peter Riddell presented Malay Court Religion, Culture and Language: Interpreting the Qur’an as in 17th Century Aceh. In this book, Dr Riddell undertakes a detailed study of the two earliest works of Qur’anic exegesis from the Malay-Indonesian world. Riddell explores the 17th century context in the Sultanate of Aceh that produced the two works, and the history of both texts. He argues that political, social and religious factors provide important
windows into the content and approaches of both Qur’anic commentaries. He also provides a transliteration of the Jawi Malay text of both commentaries on sūra 18 of the Qur’ān (al-Kahf), as well as an annotated translation into English. This work represents an important contribution to the search for greater understanding of the early Islamic history of the Malay-Indonesian world. Peter Riddell, PhD Australian National University, is also a Professorial Research Associate in History at SOAS. He has published widely on Islam in Southeast Asia, including Islam and the Malay-Indonesian World. When Dr Riddell was asked by a member of the audience about his dedicated study of the Quran, if he believed it was the word of God. He provided a thoughtful and clever
response, “As a believing and practicing Christian, I have a lot of respect for the Quran.” Director of Basmala AUS, Ansari Jainullabudeen presented a few video messages and videos on the purpose of the day and spoke about the International Day of Peace. Khaled Sukkarieh, Chairman of the Islamic Council of NSW provided the vote of thanks for the evening. The event was hosted by Basmala Islamic Street University and the Islamic Council of NSW, and sponsored by the NSW Government. Mobinah Ahmad is the NSW Executive Officer of The Australia Arab Chambers of Commerce & Industry (AACCI).
Exploring Muslim Economic Megatrends Continued from page 1 Mr Shujaat Siddiqui, Trustee of Australian MEFF Consortium gave a presentation on the history of MEFF and its organisation and preparation for next MEFF Festival at Fairfield Showground on Sunday 8 July 2018. Mr Zia Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of the Australasian Muslim Times, with the help
of a video presentation and AMUST website talked about the history of Muslim publications in Australia and the pioneering role of AMUST during the nineties as a multilingual newspaper and again in its current format for the last three and a half years as an English newspaper, email e-Newsletter and on-line e-Newspaper together with a dynamic website and social media presence. IFEW presentation dinners are held in a
Mr Rizvi Khan.
12th Bi-Annual IFEW Presentation Dinner on Sunday 19 November 2017.
Sheikh Emad Hamdy.
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December 2017
family atmosphere during Australian Integrated Family’s (AIF) Usrah sessions (study circles) that have been conducted on a regular basis for the last 35 years. Held twice a year, short presentations are given by IFEW, MEFF and AMUST followed by presentations from invitees to relate about their organisations as well as personal history, and then finish off with dinner in a cordial family atmosphere.
IFEW, an extended family based organisation has been the pioneers in establishing daawah, education and welfare activities for the last four decades in Sydney initiating a number of unique projects including Insight quarterly magazine, study circles, Arabic and Islamic studies classes, Multilingual Australian Muslim Times and the Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair.
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Media Partner
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December 2017
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UMMAH 24 - 25
EDUCATION 26 - 29
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Aligarh Alumni: Celebrating quarter century of achievements in Sydney Zia Ahmad The AMU Alumni of Australia (AMUAA) celebrated its 25th Sir Syed Day on Saturday 4 November 2017 at North Ryde, Sydney marking at the same time the 200th birth anniversary of the founder of the iconic Aligarh Muslim University recently ranked as the top university in India. The chief guest at the event was the Indian High Commissioner to Australia Dr A M Gondane while the keynote speaker was Mr Jihad Dib MP, Shadow Education Minister in NSW. The guest of honour was Dr Nausha Asrar, an Aligarian poet based in Texas, USA. The event marked a quarter century of dedicated services to education by the Alumni since its formation in 1992 and was attended by a large number of Aligarians, supporters, and their families mainly from the South Asian community. The President of the AMU Alumni of Australia, Mr Zamir Khan while welcoming members, guests and families paid tribute to Sir Syed for his contribution towards education and highlighted the activities of the Alumni seeking support for its scholarship program that has a highly successful track record of a quarter of a century. “Today, we are gathered here, not only to reflect on our accomplishments over the past 25 years, but also to plan effectively for the next 25 years,” Mr Khan said. He further added,” for AMUAA to deliver its objective of promoting higher education among the backward communities and recognizing the achievement of our youngsters, effective involvement of all Aligarians is vital. We remain focussed on reaching as many needy students as possible not only in AMU but in other educational institutions as well and the education of children living in poor and backward areas of India. Mr Khan expressed his thanks to Alumni supporters and in particular to sponsors, Human Appeal International, Low Cost Housing, Australasian Muslim Times AMUST and Berala Dental. The chief guest, the Indian High Commissioner to Australia Dr A M Gondane opted to address the audience in Urdu in his unique humble way and expressed appreciation of Alumni’s work for the last 25 years in the field of education. He elaborated on the life and achievements Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and his Aligarh movement in the promotion of modern education amongst Indians recognising him as a great visionary ahead of his time. Mr Jihad Dib MP, a former school teacher and principle and now Shadow Minister of Education in NSW, during his keynote speech talked of his passion for education and gave an account of his experiences of
AMU Tarana at the Sir Syed Day event.
December 2017
25 years of achievements: Founders, Past Presidents and committee members of AMUAA with guests. turning lives for young people for the bet- his highly skilled and entertaining mul- a team of the Alumni members joined in by ter through educational encouragement and ti-faceted solo performance in Urdu as an the audience. positive achievements. orator, poet, singer and stage actor that had Dinner was served by the popular HimaThe guest of honour Dr Nausha Asrar, the audience captured with frequent “wah- layan restaurant based in Granville. a materials scientist and a highly accom- wah”, applause and standing ovation. A well-documented Scholarship Report plished poet from USA during his address in Further entertainment at the event was 2016-2017 was freely distributed at the English recognised the hard work done by provided with songs and dances by Alumni event listing the names of donors and reAlumni office bearers during its long track kids with exchange of gifts as well as poems cipients of scholarships that the Alumni has record and praised its achievements in the sung by very popular Mr Khurshid Anwar established as well as a detailed audited fifield of education as well as its social pro- and Mr Riaz Shah. nancial report. grams. The formal program ended with the usual The bilingual SS Day souvenir was also After the formal program, Dr Asrar gave tradition of Tarana recited from the stage by released by Dr Samiuddin Syed containg articles on Aligarh in English and Urdu. AMUAA has been working for more than 25 years and in addition to celebrating annual Sir Syed Days and holding educational and social events, one of its great achievements has been the initiation of a sustained scholarship program to economically disadvantaged students in India from a scholarship fund established in Australia. Initially the Alumni granted scholarships to students at the Aligarh Muslim University, but later on the programme had included Jamia Millia Islamiah in New Delhi as well as to school students in Faizabad, UP. The Alumni also helps in infrastructure projects to establish school buildings, classrooms and scientific laboratories for technical education in high schools. There has been a steady progress in donations for Alumni’s Scholarship and infrastructure support for Indian educational institutions, indeed a great success story covering a quarter of a century. Zia Ahmad is the Editor-in-Chief of the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST.
Launching Sir Syed Day Souvenir: From Left, Mr Zamir Khan, Dr AM Gondane, Mr Jihad Dib MP and Dr Nausha Asrar.
Entertainment by AMU Alumni kids.
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COMMUNITY
Events Calendar Palestinian Cultural Day
Saturday 2 Dec, 2017 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM NSW Parry Park, 571-577 Punchbowl Rd, Lakemba Ph: 0421 525 724
Australian Muslim Achievement Awards 2017 Sunday 3 Dec, 2017 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Le Montahe, 38 Frazer St, Lilyfield
NSW
https://goo.gl/MDfmtE
Mountaha’s Helping Hand Fundraising Dinner
Wednesday 6 Dec, 2017 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM NSW 17 South Tce, Punchbowl (Sisters Only) facebook.com/events/ 2004204773159458
NEWS 1-4
Muslims in the Age of Trump Thursday 7 Dec, 2017 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM LMA, 71-75 Wangee Rd, Lakemba facebook.com/events/ 2048340255403081
NSW
Preserving Your Faith Fri 8 - Sun 10 Dec, 2017 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM NSW LMA, 71-75 Wangee Rd, Lakemba facebook.com/events/ 402052360212221
Islam in Practice Conference
Sunday 10 Dec, 2017 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM Club Punchbowl, 921 NSW Punchbowl Rd, Punchbowl www.aim.org.au/events/ islam-in-action-conference/
View more events online or add your own at amust.com.au/calendar
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COMMUNITY 8 - 13
AUSTRALIA 14 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
Fighting childhood cancer Zia Ahmad This October, a joint force of Australian cycling enthusiasts made every pedal stroke count to raise funds and awareness for kids fighting childhood cancer. Now in its fifth annual instalment, this year’s Great Cycle Challenge (GCC) turned out to be even bigger than in the previous years. The GCC is one of the major fundraising events of the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI), following a simple concept: Set yourself a goal of how many kilometres you want to ride anywhere in Australia throughout October. Riders can even do it on a spin bike at the gym or an exercise bike at home. Along the way, participants ask family, friends and colleagues to sponsor their journey. This year alone, riders of the Great Cycle Challenge raised a record breaking $3.3 million which will support lifesaving research into the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of childhood cancer to save little lives. Amongst the 11,141 participants from across the nation was the cycling team of Melbourne based Al Siraat College Team once more. Team Captain Tanya Kubitza
Conversations on Race, Muslims and Power
Wednesday 6 Dec, 2017 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM NSW LMA, 71-75 Wangee Rd, Lakemba facebook.com/events/ 2038241599723483
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and her 10-year old daughter Mariam Moeladawilah have joined every Great Cycle Challenge since its inauguration in 2013. Over the course of the past five years, the dynamic duo have pedalled nearly 3,200km and raised an incredible $24,637 to fight kids’ cancer. “Over the years, the Challenge has become something like a family tradition”, says Tanya and Mariam adds: “We look forward to it every year and kick start the riding part of the challenge with a cycling holiday. It was fun riding the Tallarook-Mansfield Rail Trail with mom but the best part is, that I ride to help kids like myself get better cancer treatment. I so hope they will find a cure for cancer, so all children can enjoy and live life.” Tanya continues: “The challenge gives us the unique opportunity to help save little lives and make a difference for these children and their families. Giving the gift of hope for a cure is a truly humbling experience and one that I would not want to miss. There have been children personally affected by cancer riding or others who cycled in honour of a loved one lost to the disease. The eldest participant was 101 year old and clocked an amazing 58km on her peddle bike. It’s an amazing community of people passionate to help. ” Participating for the first time was Mrs Misbah Aqeel who works in the Administration Team of Al Siraat. “I was enthusiastic to join and dedicate my rides to one of Senior School students who has been diagnosed with leukaemia. Experiencing what an enormous impact cancer and its treatment has on her health and family life, I wanted to show my support to this student and all children fighting cancer just like her. It is incredible how strong these young cancer patients are in the face of such struggles. If we as individuals put in a little extra effort, I believe our support can really go a long way and together, we can kick cancer’s butt”, Mrs Aqeel said. On board for the first time as well was Mr Mahmud Alam whose children attend Al Siraat. During October, Mr Alam swapped his car with his bicycle to ride from his
home to the train station and back. Occasionally, he would take his bike on the train with him and cycle in the city. Mr Alam rode 120 km throughout the month raised $200. His main sponsors were family members and work mates. When asked about his motivation to participate, Mr Alam stated: “My grandmother passed away from cancer which got me thinking what I could do to help fund more cancer research projects. It was a wonderful experience and I would definitely do it again in 2018.” Mr Alam is hopeful that his participation in this charity event might inspire his children to be active in voluntary and charity works once older.”
Quiz winner: Umrah ticket for Nabiha Abdur Rahman Mukaddam The Islamic Forum for Australian Muslims, IFAM awarded the participants of its second Annual Children’s Islamic Quiz competition on Sunday 5 November 2017 at the Western Sydney University, Bankstown Campus. The Group D -Grade 7 and above category 1st prize winner Nabiha Rajput was presented with an Umrah Ticket as well as a Digital Arabic Dictionary. The event was attended by the participants with their families, sponsors, organisers and invited guests including Mrs Nadia Saleh, Deputy Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown Council, Mr Bilal El-Hayek, Councillor, Canterbury-Bankstown Councillor and Dr Khurram Kayani, Chief Executive of Pakistani Professionals and Business Entrepreneur Syndicate Australia (PPBSA). The event began with the recitation of Quran by Syed Ammar followed by a brief introduction of IFAM and its activities by the Mr Shafqat Ali (IFAM volunteer, Youth Mentor and MC of the event). Mr Usaid Khalil, Secretary General of IFAM welcomed the attendees followed by the prize distribution. Speaking at the event, Dr Khurram Kayani said he and his wife were highly impressed with IFAM’s Children’s Quiz Program and pledged to continue to support it wholeheartedly. Mr Bilal Hayek moved everyone to tears
Australasian Muslim Times
From left: Umrah ticket winner Nabiha Rajput, Deputy Mayor Canterbury Bankstown Hon. Nadia Saleh and Nabiha’s father Imran Rajput. when he humbly requested the children to 1st Prize: Syed Muzammil Ahmad (Dell stand up in honour of their parents. Honour- Laptop + Bag + Speaker Qur’an) able Mrs Nadia Saleh also acknowledged the 2nd Prize: Muhammad Abdullah (Electric support of the parents on a Sunday morning. Scooter + Speaker Qur’an) Each of the participants received prize 3rd Prize: Naveeq Mohyuddin (Makehampers containing educational and enter- block Mbot + Adhan Clock) tainment gifts from Zaky. Group B- Grade 2-3 Final three winners from each age group Group B 1st Prize: Muhammad Talha of the competition were awarded prizes as Khalid (Laptop + Bag + Speaker Qur’an) follows: Group B 2nd Prize: Amna Naseem (Bike Group D-Grade 7 and above + Digital Dictionary) 1st prize: Nabiha Rajput (Umrah Ticket + Group B 3rd Prize: Hassan Muhammad Digital Arabic Dictionary) (Swissgear Backpack + Adhan Clock) 2nd Prize: Aishah Navaid (Drone + There were more than 250 registered parSpeaker Qur’an) ticipants aged between 5-16 years for the 3rd Prize: Muntaha Matloob Khushi IFAM Quiz competition in 2017. (Spotting Scope + Adhan Clock) For information please visit Group C- Grade 4-6 http://www.ifam.org.au/quiz
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December 2017
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UMMAH 24 - 25
EDUCATION 26 - 29
COMMUNITY
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Symposium: DV in multicultural communities Dr Nada Ibrahim More than 100 participants participated in the Domestic Violence in Faith/Spiritual Multicultural Communities Symposium hosted by the Centre for Islamic Thought and Education, University of South Australia on Monday 23 October 2017. Domestic violence is a human problem that affects many families and communities in Australia and across the world. The Australian Bureau of Statistics in its 2016 Personal Safety Survey reveals that one in four women in Australia has suffered violence from an intimate partner. Though the challenges and consequences of domestic violence are significant and varied, for faith/spiritual based communities there are additional considerations for effective responses. Addressing domestic violence requires an incorporation of the holistic needs and concerns of the individual, which includes religion/spirituality and its role in their lives. The event aimed to provide an exploratory platform for speakers across Australia, with skills and expertise in faith and domestic violence to inform, educate and provide a networking symposium for our participants in a safe space. Much positive feedback was received from participants, including the diversity in speakers and discussions, networking, exploration of the challenges and strengths in DV and faith/cultural perspectives and paradigms. Participants have also commented on the prominent level of quality of the day and the safe space created for discussions. Among the most significant achievements of the symposium was establishing a national network of faith leaders and advocates, service providers, settlement and migrant services, policy makers and correctional and justice services. The symposium began with a welcome session opened by the Honourable Zoe Bettison, Minister of Status of Women, South Australia; Honourable Minister Jing Lee, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Multi-
cultural Affairs, Trade and Investment and Small Business; Honourable Stephen Wade, Shadow Minister for Health and Wellbeing; and Professor Stephen Dobson, Dean and Head, School of Education, University of South Australia (UniSA). The keynote address was delivered by Dr Nada Ibrahim, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Islamic Thought and Education, UniSA who spoke about Domestic Violence in Muslim Communities: From Research to Response. Four plenary sessions totaling 17 speakers (representing Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh and others) covered the following themes: 1. Role of Faith/Spiritual based communities in domestic violence responses 2. Faith/Spiritual based perspectives on domestic violence 3. Current trends in responses to domestic violence for faith/spiritual based communities 4. Challenges faced by service providers/ practitioners when responding to domestic violence in faith/spiritual based communities. For the list of speakers please visit the
CITE website at: www.unisa.edu.au/cite This was followed by an interactive workshop on Trauma & healing for faith-based communities and facilitated roundtable discussions on seven current trends and themes to allow participants to share their skills, knowledge and expertise. The symposium was reported and covered by the ABC: https://goo.gl/2bJySa The symposium illustrated a number of pertinent issues when addressing domestic violence in faith/spiritual based communities, predominantly: • There is a lack of awareness of what evidence exists within faith-based communities, or the extent of domestic violence prevalence, and what strategies work or have worked best in preventing and responding to DV. • State-based policies and responses are particularly absent for faith-based communities. Some of the challenges facing an effective response for faith/spiritual communities were also identified, including: 1. lack of resources, 2. lack of experts that understand the cultural faith/spiritual nuances,
3. lack of appreciation of the need to modify services to faith/spiritual communities; 4. little or no cultural and religious/spiritual training for domestic violence personnel in the frontline, and 5. lack of funding of significant faith/ spiritual based programs. A detailed documentation of the outcomes from the domestic violence symposium, video of the Welcome session, photo gallery and some of the symposium presentations can be found on the CITE website. Dr Nada Ibrahim is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Islamic Thought & Education, University of South Australia with a PhD (Criminology), M.Ed (Guidance & Counselling) and B.HSc (Psychology with an Islamic Psychology intersect). Her expertise is in building healthy family relationships including intimate partner violence (IPV) in Muslim communities, domestic and family violence (DFV) in faith-based and culturally and linguistically diverse communities and is in the process of developing culturally and religiously appropriate prevention/recovery strategies in addressing DV in Muslim communities.
MS Sydney - Wollongong charity bike ride On Sunday 5 November, 10,000 cyclists participated in the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Sydney to Wollongong cycle to raise money for people suffering from MS. It has been an annual event for the last 36 years with cyclists enjoying the spectacular ride
from Sydney to Wollongong of either a distance of 58km or 82km. Both the long and the short courses take you through spectacular scenery as you make your way through the Royal National Park, enjoy incredible views from Stanwell Tops, pedal over the breathtaking Sea Cliff Bridge and cross the finish line in Wollongong amongst a backdrop of sun, sand and surf. Finishing the course was not an easy feat. There were numerous hills to climb and fast downhills. Although there was some rain, it
didn’t dampen the strong determination of the cyclists who were there to cycle to the finish line and make a positive contribution to those in need by raising awareness and much-needed funds. A strong contingent of nine Muslim women including myself participated from the Sydney Cycling Sisters as well as many more Muslims from other groups. At the rest stations, it was very pleasing to be greeted by Unity Grammar staff and students who had volunteered for this event and were handing out fruits to all cyclists.
It was a great sense of euphoria and accomplishment to finish the course among our fellow Australians who share the same passion for cycling and making a difference to those suffering from MS. Cyclists received their medals at the finish line and enjoyed the festival atmosphere at WA Lang Park, Wollongong with fellow cyclists, family and friends.
Yusra Metwally holding up her bike.
Eaman Badaui, Amyra Hasan and Randa Ghazi from Sydney Cycling Sisters.
Sakinah holding her medal at finish line.
Sakinah Bokhari
December 2017
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Sakinah Bokhari is a teacher based in Sydney.
Australasian Muslim Times
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AUSTRALIA Government spending on Indigenous Australians NEWS 1-4
AMUST
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 13
FINANCE Dr Abul Jalaluddin The Council of Australian Governments in 2009 vowed to Close the Gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians on health, education and employment. It’s hardly surprising that Indigenous spending has grown over the years to cater for this initiative. Indigenous Expenditure Report 2017 by Productivity Commission estimates that Federal and State spending on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders was more than $33 billion in 2015-16 which was a real increase of 24 per cent since 2008-09. In dollar terms, this amounts to an annual spending of $44,900 per Indigenous Australian, twice the equivalent spending per person on the rest of the Australian population. This might be hard to swallow, especially by those harbouring the views that Aborigines get it so much easier than all of us do and politicians spend obscene amounts on them without achieving notable outcomes. But, this would require a bit more explaining. The Annual spending of $44,900 per Indigenous people relates to more than 150 spending categories, including social secu-
rity payments as well as government spending on health, all levels of education, law & order, housing, community welfare, transport and a share of the cost of the public service and defence. It is to be noted that most of this spending comes in the form of services provided, rather than cash in hand. Australian State and Territory governments provide a bit over half of this spending and the outlay of the Federal government is a bit less than half of it. The productivity Commission report divides the sending of $44,900 into two cat-
egories: the “mainstream services” which are available to all Australians regardless of ethnic origin and the “Indigenous-specific services,” exclusively for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The latter accounts only 18 per cent of the total spending, equivalent to $8,082 a year per Indigenous person. This still leaves the yearly cost per person of mainstream services for Indigenous people exceeding the equivalent cost for other Australians by $14,368. Why Indigenous Australians are more expensive than non-Indigenous Australians by
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$14,368 a year? This might be explained by the greater intensity of Indigenous people’s use of mainstream services. For example, the rate of unemployment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is much higher than other communities in Australia. A disproportionate share of law & order spending is devoted to these communities. On average, Indigenous people are younger which necessitates a disproportionate spending on education. Indigenous and Torres Strait Island communities live in remote or very remote areas of this country and this requires a greater share of spending on these Australians. Public expenditure on Indigenous people is substantial for State and Federal governments. All three levels of Australian governments (Federal, State and local councils) should be more efficient in consulting, allocating and utilising these funds. Too little is known on the effectiveness of these spending programs. The relevant government agencies should make more data available to the public for research. The private and public sectors should conduct more research into what works and what doesn’t in spending programs devoted to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Dr Abul Jalaluddin is an Islamic Finance expert, Director of MCCA, taxation advisor and a regular columnist of AMUST. He is based in Sydney.
Playing to bring humanity together Philip Feinstein Around 7 pm on Wednesday 15 November 2017 at the Sydney Football Stadium when the referee blew his whistle for the start of the Australia versus Honduras game of soccer. A lot was at stake in this game as the winner would be off to Russia next year for the finals. At the same time another game also began: This was a game of well-being where everyone was in the same team – it was called Together for Humanity. At stake in this game was the coping and growth of our children. Together with a group of around 230 people were several of Sydney’s religious and community leaders, including Sheiks, Rabbis and Priests. The venue was the Grand Ballroom in the Bankstown Himalaya Function Centre. The theme of the night was “Youth, Hope, Solidarity”, a very fitting title for an evening of positive inspiration. It is out of concern about the importance of engaging youth that Together for Humanity works in Australian schools to foster intercultural understanding. This organisation is comprised predominantly of Christians, Muslims and Jews, but also includes others. Their mixed teams deliver programs to students, some of which may be the first
From left: Father Shenouda Mansour, Sheik Yousef Hassan and Zalman Kastel. time in their lives they have met a Muslim or a Jew, especially together. Jana Wendt, former TV journalist and Together for Humanity board member believes that the “attitudes we adopt at school age can last a lifetime. Hatred and intolerance, or acceptance and respect, are seeded early.
Ray Williams, NSW Minister for Multiculturalism & Disability Services.
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Prejudice and hatred dividing people who differ on matters of faith or cultural origin are a threat to a harmonious Australia”. The proceedings at the event began with an encouraging Welcome to Country delivered by Darug elder Uncle Lex Dadd. Then a young Australian Paralympian Adam Kellerman took to the stage. He shared with us the debilitating impact of bone cancer he first noticed when playing soccer and how it could have affected his entire life. But not to be sidelined by his injury, he proceeded to get involved in wheelchair sports and was eventually ranked in the top ten of his new chosen field. “Disabilities are just mind-sets” he said. “We always have the ability to choose and my choice just happens to be positive.” Foreign Correspondent, author and MC for the night Hugh Riminton then introduced NSW Minister for Multiculturalism and Disability Services, Ray Williams, whose speech included NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s personal understanding of the many challenges of migration having
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been a migrant herself. Not to be outdone by serious speeches, the guests were then entertained by a band comprising of students from Punchbowl Boys High School and Santa Sabina College. Just like the soccer match with the Socceroos, they also got the crowd rocking! Then came the turn of Bassam Maaliki, a 14 year old Homebush Boys High School student who in 2016 was accepted into the NSW Junior Parliament. He spoke passionately about his inspiring social change project to help foster a culture of welcoming and inclusiveness in the community around Australia. Bassam also spoke at length about his passion to help asylum seekers. “I am the voice of asylum seekers, refugees and youth of multicultural backgrounds, most of whom are still struggling to be heard” he said. He then added “Their voices are loud and clear but not reaching the right people.” A lesson for us all indeed. Rabbi Zalman Kastel closed the night by outlining the three main priorities of Together for Humanity. He said they are educating teachers about how they teach young people in dealing with difference and supporting them with resources, perfecting and documenting the Together for Humanity model in NSW and expanding it to other states, and finally raising more funds to further the organisation’s scope. “Let us seize the moment tonight to build trust and break down barriers between communities and ensure that the resources, be they financial or educational, are in place to support the coming together of people with different beliefs and cultures, ”Rabbi Kastel appealed. Together for Humanity relies on private funding to continue the education it undertakes in schools across Australia. To donate please follow the following link: www.togetherforhumanity.org.au/tfh_donate/ Everyone gave a huge round of applause for a very successful night. And by the way, Australia won the soccer as well. Philip Feinstein is a Sydney based writer, musician and activist working for MUSIC FOR REFUGEES www.musicforrefugees.org
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Strengthening Austrade MENA Connections Mobinah Ahmad The Austrade MENA Connections seminar was held on Monday 6 November 2017 at the MinterEllison office in Sydney which attracted more than 100 business people as well as ambassadors, trade commissioners and government officials. Transregional themes, such as food, mining and education, are becoming more evident as is the role that Dubai plays as a hub for Australian firms, for both logistics and for regional promotions and exhibitions. The seminars focused on the above trends, current business scenario, future market potential and more. The panel also discussed on economic transformation and diversification for its continued growth and development. The purpose of the Austrade MENA Connections event in addition to the information component is naturally to provide a networking platform to share experiences of working in and with the MENA region as well as strengthen the existing and inspire new connections. For the fifth year, Austrade MENA Connections in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, State Governments and Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry successfully held a seminar series program to provide insights on the Middle East and North Africa region between 30 October -10 November in major cities around Australia. At the Sydney event, Vice President of the Australia Arab Chamber, James Harb was the Master of Ceremony for the evening and warmly welcomed guests. Andrew Watson, the Executive Director SME of EFIC, the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation, welcomed guests as a member on behalf the Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “The Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry as the organising partner is very encouraged by the overwhelming response to this event. We as a Chamber consider ourselves privileged to share with you the common vision to promote and grow Australia’s trade and investment relationship with the Middle East & North Africa region” said Mr Watson.
From left: Warren Hauck, Australian Ambassador to Kuwait, James Harb, Vice President for the Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Con Boulougouris, Partner at MinterEllison, Anna Fedeles – Deputy Consul General and Trade Commissioner: Dubai, Dr Axel Wabenhorst, Australian Ambassador to Qatar, Mr Gerard Seeber, Senior Trade Commissioner MENA, Consul General Dubai, Dr Ralph King, Australian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and Yemen, Berenice Owen-Jones, Australian Ambassador to Morocco and Mark Morley, Senior Trade Commissioner: Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt. Australian Ambassadors to the MENA re- ers from Federal and State Governments portunities. gion that attended included Dr Ralph King and commercial sector to present first hand In addition, to AACCI’s activities on na– Australian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, commercial intelligence on changing real- tional and state levels, AACCI is increasingBahrain, Oman and Yemen, Warren Hauck, ities and the emerging opportunities in the ly active internationally. Australian Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr Axel MENA Region to Australian businesses. Australia’s trade exchange with the Arab Wabenhorst, Australian Ambassador to QaAfter a compelling panel discussion and world has quadrupled over the past decade. tar and Ms Berenice Owen-Jones – Austral- Question & Answer session, the vote of However, with the trade relationship conian Ambassador to Morocco. thanks was presented by Fabian De Marco, tinuing to diversify, it is no longer just an The Austrade Trade Commissioners to Managing Director of San Siro Financial exchange of goods and services, but stratethe MENA region were Mr Gerard Seeber – and Committee member of AACCI. gic alliances, technology transfer, exchange Senior Trade Commissioner MENA, Consul The Australia Arab Chamber of Com- of ideas on tackling bigger issues such as General Dubai, Mr Mark Morley – Senior merce and Industry (AACCI) is the peak defence, health, education, food and water Trade Commissioner: Saudi Arabia, Oman, national association for two-way trade and security, and these will be discussed here Bahrain, Egypt and Ms Anna Fedeles – investment between Australia and the Arab today. Deputy Consul General and Trade Commis- League countries. sioner: Dubai. For over 42 years, the Chamber has been Mobinah Ahmad is the NSW Executive OfThe event is a prime example of AAC- supporting Australian exporters and mem- ficer of The Australia Arab Chambers of CI’s role as a facilitator of the collaborative bers in their business endeavors, providing Commerce & Industry (AACCI). initiatives by bringing together stakehold- business information and networking op-
Panel discussion with Australian ambassadors to MENA region.
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Australian Muslim Talen AMUST
Continued from page 1 The Sounds of Light Concerts have been running for 10 years, reaching an excess of over 50,000 audience members. As a result of the behind-the-scenes efforts of the Human Appeal staff and volunteers, together with the generosity of the community, the contributions of the sponsors and the performances of our talented artists, by the will of Allah Subhanahu Wa Teala, 7000 orphans have been sponsored across the globe.
The Melbourne event began with a moving Quran recitation by Dr Omer Turkmen followed by the Australian National Anthem beautifully performed by students from Islamic College of Melbourne, Tarneit Campus. Up and coming performer Siedd’s incredible performance and vocals captured the audience’s attention and admiration. It’s no wonder Siedd very quickly shot to stardom. Adel Elmshiti’s performance was equally
remarkable and was met with great applause from the audience. The Sounds of Light Talent Quest program allows young people from the Muslim community to showcase their skill and talent in singing, poetry or other Islamic performances. This year’s winner in Melbourne was Esma Sure Yoldas who performed her very moving poem titled Rohingya Child and captured the hearts of the audience. Sydney photos by Radim Cechvala.
Maher Zain at Sounds of Light 2017 - Melbo
Malek Fahd Islamic School performing at Sounds of Light 2017 - Sydney.
Human Appeal International Australia’s director Bashar Al-Jamal at Sounds of Light 2017 - Sydney.
Harris J at Sounds of Light 2017 - Melbourn
Aisyah Yustika, winner of the Sounds of Light Talent Quest 2017 - Sydney.
Siedd at Sounds of Light 2017 - Melbourne.
Sounds of light Talent Quest Winners 2017: NEW SOUTH WALES • Sophia Challak • Aisyah Yustika • Zakaria Awad • Choir: • Belmore Boys High School • Malek Fahd Islamic School • Unity Grammar College VICTORIA • Esma Sure Yoldas • Choir: Islamic College of Melbourne QUEENSLAND • Choir: Wisdom College WESTERN AUSTRALIA • Choir: Langford Islamic College SOUTH AUSTRALIA • Choir: Garden College
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Omer Turkmani at SoL Sydney.
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Dr Adel El-Mishayti at Sounds of Light 2017 - Melbourne.
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Preacher Moss at Sounds of Light 2017 - Me
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nt showcase at SoL 2017
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Maher Zain at SoL Melbourne.
ourne.
Rohingyan Child Esma Sure Yoldas I ask my mum why do you cry She said it’s for the Rohingyan child No shoes on their feet No food to eat Oh Allah keep safe the Rohingyan child
The Australian National Anthem performed by students from Islamic College of Melbourne, Tarneit Campus.
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I’m sad this is bad how can they hurt them like that The world has to stop them Being burnt like that! Through mud and muck they run for their lives Oh Allah keep safe the Rohingyan child. Then my mum says something There are things we can do To help them to safety, to help them get through. Raise your hands to the skies and make your dua And send of your wealth to the lands so far I open up my money box There’s not a lot there Oh Allah put Barakah in what I can spare Ya Fattah open doors so I can get this message through So here I am reading my poem to you Give generously for the Rohingyan child Oh Allah keep safe the Rohingyan child Ameen Esma Sure Yoldas is the winner of the Sounds of Light Talent Quest 2017 Melbourne. She performed this poem on stage at Sounds of Light 2017.
elbourne.
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Sounds of Light Melbourne.
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Sometimes there is grief with gifting
are isolated from friends and loved ones, or you don’t feel comfortable and safe in your own home you could be experiencing elder abuse. Take the time to think about your well-being and if you have issues speak to your doctor or contact Seniors Rights Service for free and confidential advice. In February 2018 Seniors Rights Service hosts the 5th National Elder Abuse Conference, Together Making Change, which has many high-level speakers. These include Anna Bligh AC, CEO Australian Bankers Association; HON Ken Wyatt AM MP, Commonwealth Minister for Aged Care, with M.C. Virginia Trioli. Register now to confirm your place: http://togethermakingchange.org.au/ For free and confidential legal advice and information on your rights contact Seniors Rights Service 1800 424 079 info@seniorsrightsservice.org.au http://www.seniorsrightsservice.org.au/
Jane Polkinghorne John* sold his house and gifted the money to his daughter and her husband so she could buy a new home. The daughter built a granny flat for John to live in and be cared for by her. Later, the daughter and her husband had a falling out, which led to John being psychologically abused and told to move out. John now has no home, no money and a reduced pension, all consequences of the gift to his daughter. He faces extreme hardship, with the real possibility of being made homeless. This scenario is surprisingly common. You love your children, and your grandchildren, and want to help them buy their first home. However, many people are unaware of the possible consequences of giving their children financial gifts. Did you know that gifting property or large amounts of money to family or friends could affect your Centrelink payments? Are you aware that agreeing to guarantee a family member or friend’s loan could also impact your age pension? Or that you could be at risk of having to pay out the loan? Sometimes the problems between an ageing parent and a family member are part of
on-going difficulties after years of conflict. As people age they may find it increasingly difficult to resist pressure from a family member or someone they trust into giving money or assets, with some older people further threatened with not seeing their grandchildren. These situations can be avoided by seeking advice well before you make any com-
mitments. Don’t rely on a family member’s promise to put your interests ahead of theirs – seek out legal and financial advice as soon as possible. Always put agreements in writing and ensure you update your documents if your situation changes. If you are an older person whose personal needs are not being taken care of, and you
*This case study is an example of a call to Seniors Rights Service. Names have been changed. This is information only, not legal advice. If you have a legal problem call our service directly or see your lawyer. Jane is Communications and Media Manager for Seniors Rights Service. In her spare time she is an artist who grows vegetables and surfs.
Reshaping the Local Aid Sector in Australia AMUST Media In early 2016, Muslim Aid Australia (MAA) began working in Australia to implement a variety of projects to assist those less fortunate amongst us. The MAA Local Vision is to not only be remarkably successful in Humanitarian Aid, Development and Rights but also be an essential organisation to our beneficiaries, donors and all stakeholders. With this vision and with a strong commitment to “work in our own backyard”, we have been undertaking short-term and long-term development projects right here in Australia. Short-term projects: • Supporting disadvantaged Australians: This is a program that aims to provide support to the homeless, struggling families, in particular, especially struggling single mothers. The support we provide includes food aid, medical costs aid, and bill payments support. • Emergency relief: This includes providing immediate aid to those affected by natural disasters. Support may include Food Aid, temporary shelters, and medical aid. An emergency responders program will utilise trained volunteers to provide emergency support when needed.
Long-term projects: • Holistic Smart Sustainable Development (HSSD): The HSSD program is based on Permaculture ethics, principles and implementation techniques. Permaculture goes beyond organic community gardens, it is about sustainable food security, abundance, holistic health, ethical approach to humanity, earth, resources and the environment. Needy families will learn how to build their own abundant ethical systems by our team members, who are certified Permaculture Systems Designers. These sites can also create job opportunities. MAA Local successes so far: • Supporting homeless programs across NSW, VIC and QLD in partnership with Brothers in Need (Sydney), Community Care Network (Melbourne) and Muslim Charitable Foundation (MCF) in Brisbane. • Supporting disadvantaged Australians, including establishing a fund for those who cannot afford the high costs of burial. • Creating awareness of food wastage, with the Love Food Hate Waste (LFHW) initiative, supported by the Environmental Trust as part of the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More initiative. • Creating an ecological design for The
Garden Cemetery. MAA is also registered by the Australian Taxation Office with DGR status for tax-deductible donations. We are also accredited by DFAT, have the Registered Charity Tick by ACNC and are a member of ACFID. What’s coming up? In December 2017, MAA Local will be hitting the roads of Australia in our bright green MAA Van! Our ‘We love Australia’ roadshow will be touring Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane every weekend in December! Watch out for our special green MAA van which will be the main attraction! The activities that we hope to conduct include: • Spread general awareness about our work in Australia • Give visitors a chance to experience the ‘Life of a homeless Australian’ through Virtual Reality (VR) • Sell awesome MAA merchandise with all proceeds going to our projects! We look forward to seeing you soon! For exact dates and times in your city, please Like and Follow us on: • Facebook.com/charitymaa • Instagram.com/charitymaa We have an ambitious plan to reshape the Local Aid sector. And with your support, we are well on our way to getting there!
Film and discussion on asylum seekers Stephen Langford The Australian Government sends back asylum seekers it does not think are refugees. International law says people should not be sent to unsafe locations. But the Australian Government never finds out what happens to the asylum seekers they don’t want. So a determined Australian with a passion for justice made it his mission. A Well Founded Fear follows Phil Glendenning from Sydney’s Edmund Rice Centre for Justice as he tracks down several deportees to find out how they are faring. The film follows him as he travels through Afghanistan, Syria, Turkey, Iran and Canada. This remarkable film was made nine years ago. We are showing it again at the Edmund
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Rice Centre, a minute’s walk from Flemington Station: just follow the arrows to the ERC at 15 Henley Rd. We are showing it at 6pm, Tuesday 5th December. Phil Glendenning of the ERC will then give us an update on what happened to the people in the film, and where we are now, with the horrors of Manus and Nauru. After that, we will have an open discussion... where to now for justice for refugees? Where is the recognition of human rights in Australia? How can these violations and this abuse of power be so poorly reported in the Australian mainstream media? It is a public event and all are welcome. If you would like to attend, please phone the ERC on 8762 4200, to give us some idea of numbers.
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How We Met We have known each other since we were little kids going to the same Sunday Islamic studies classes and our parents were very good friends. When it was time for high school, we went our different ways and we didn’t see each other for over 10 years. Until during one Eid-ul Fitr, I was invited over to Adella’s family’s place for open house. I remember only saying one thing to her “these chicken wings are delicious Adella” because I was nervous seeing her for the first time in so long. Despite minimal conversation, I could already make out her character and personality – she was obedient to her parents, looked after her siblings, was hardworking, smart and modest. Not long after, I asked her parents as well as mine if I could get to know her better and the rest is history. Who knew my wife was just around the corner. The Engagement Process Our engagement was around 6 months. It took some convincing from our parents as they had advised us to wait another year or so before the nikah but we both felt that if we were truly going to get married for the sake of Allah, that we should not delay it for too long. Alhamdullilah, both our families were very supportive for the decision that we made and so we started planning as soon as possible. Wedding Planning Our original plan was to have a simple and small Nikkah in a mosque with our family and a few close friends however we faced a few hurdles. Firstly, the mosque we chose was not available and secondly, our parents knew a lot of people within the Indonesian community so it
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Alvino & Adella WEDDING FEATURE
Mobinah Ahmad
Many of our wedding features are beautiful, but this is truly a romantic story between two people, meeting when they were children and having the presence of God in their union from the very beginning, this is definitely an intriguing read. May God bless this couple. Here is the story of Alvino & Adella. would have been very difficult to choose only a few selected guests for the wedding as our community have always helped our families through the good and not so good times. After much consideration of all possible venues /places, we thought: what better way to get married than to have it at our own house? We ended up having a beautiful outdoor garden wedding theme in our front yard with lots of food and guests. It was a very intimate, emotional and joyful occasion and we wouldn’t have had it any other way alhamdulilah. Memorable Moment Alvino: The most memorable moment would definitely be the first time I saw Adella in her wedding dress when she stepped out of the house. She looked jaw-droppingly beautiful and yes, I cried. Adella: Oddly enough, the most memorable moment would have been listening to the wedding procession from inside the house as my
husband and everyone else was outside. It was listening to my father’s humble voice as he offered my hand and my husband’s nervous attempt to accept my name. Within minutes, tears began rolling off my face and I can assure you at that moment my bridesmaids were like my own nurses rushing and attending to my every needs (get it, because im a Nurse haha). And of course, I will never forget the dashing handsome man waiting for me at the end of the aisle ready to whisk me away on a new adventure – Alvino. Wedding Inspiration As a matter of fact, our wedding inspiration stemmed from the very roots of my (Adella) front garden. It was a simple rustic and floral approach to what was already complimented by the surrounding scenery and having the fresh air as opposed to a confined space was very much appreciated by our guests. Shout out to my awesome best friend
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(Emilee) and her family for organising all the intricate details and amazing cake of course! The wedding dress itself took a similar approach to a floral and lace pattern, perfect for the setting the scene and both my mother and mother-in law were present together (after they bumped into one another) when I first found the dress. SubhanAllah, that was the sign that made me purchase it on the spot. As for the bridesmaid dresses, I went by my favourite tone of purple plum and dainty silver headpieces that resembled the natural flora of the setting. The Meaning of Marriage Marriage is about sharing your life with your best friend and enjoying the journey along the way – through all the highs and the lows. It means trusting, compromising, having patience, being willing to change for the better and sacrificing every blood, sweat and tear with your other half. It means loving each other despite each flaw or weakness and finding comfort and security in each other’s presence. One naseeha that both of our parents have continuously reminded us is of the empty box. They would say, “Once you start this new chapter in your lives, we want you to imagine an empty box that you both have responsibility over. In this box you must continuously place in love, care, affection, support, laughter, motivation, trust and Imaan. Marriage does not begin as a complete or organised package, it is up to the wife and husband to fulfil that.” Vendors Dress: Divinity, Makeup: Makeup by Raefa, Photos: Benny Baha Photography, Flowers: Kaikes.
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Telling Stories Pictorially: Art of paper cutting Aisha Mohsin There’s no denying that the word ‘paper-cut’ makes us all feel slightly uncomfortable but pair the word with the artist Tusif Ahmad, and you are bound to be amazed by his impossibly detailed and intricately carved Islamic art. Born and bred in Pakistan, Tusif is a Software Developer by profession and a self-made paper cutting artist, now based in Perth, Australia. “Back in the day as a young child, I was into art and used pen & ink to sketch in the humble medium of paper. My art work is inspired by Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi, a world renowned Pakistani artist and Ehsaan Qureshi, whom I have learnt a great
deal from and consider them as my mentors,” he said, adding that he would go into the wilderness and faithfully get in touch with nature. “It was when I realised that I enjoyed recording botanical illustrations,” Tusif recalled with a hint of reminiscences of childhood in his
voice. On asking what got him started with the art of paper-cutting, the steady-handed artist shared an interesting event. Ten years ago, while encouraging his daughter’s creative flair to cut-out images and designs out of simple accessories, he stumbled on a dimension he was meant to excel in. Who would’ve thought that a simple act of channelling a child’s imagination could lead him to design such stunning creations? Tusif has taken the ancient art of paper-cutting and redefined it through detailed ornamentation of Arabic motif art. He explains the time-taking process as follows, “Conception of a creative idea after extensive research is followed by cutting up countless pieces of paper and drawing the outline of the perceived images on the back of the paper. Finally, integration of all the pieces together is what requires extreme precisiona skill that has taken me years to master.” “My
passion for paper-cutting is well suited to the tradition of Islamic art. I love doing Arabic calligraphy, it’s a soul-nurturing experience that allows me to imbude my love for the Holy Quran and beloved Prophet; an appreciation I remember developing in the company of my father.” he informed enthusiastically, “My art work is predominantly inspired by the wonderful religion that Islam is and although my work may not have been financially rewarding owing to the misconceptions toward Islam and Muslims in the Western countries. But I’ll always do my part to advocate the true picture of Islam.” Tusif is currently working on a project titled, “Ar-Rahman”, which is based on combing his calligraphic skills with the beautiful versus of Surah-e-Rahman, the Holy Quran. The artwork will be showcased in an exhibition in Dec 2018. Aisha Mohsin is a Melbourne-based academic editor and blogger. She has a knack for writing. You can find her at www.aishamohsinblog.wordpress.com
Creativity for the heart AMUST Media An interactive evening filled with inspirational stories from local & talented artists was held on Sunday 26 November at Fitzroy Hall in Burwood, Sydney. The talent included singer Iman Farrar, artist Shireen Taweel, photographer Peter Morgan and visual artist Eiman Alubudy. The discussion was facilitated by Peter Gould, a celebrated designer, creative entrepreneur and artist. Interactive activities that were held, were designed to develop and enhance imaginative thinking in daily life. The Suara Indonesia dance group hosted a workshop for kids attending the event. The idea of Markaz came about when a group of friends felt there was a need to provide a space, a “Markaz”, for Muslims in Sydney to be able to meet up, hang out, learn something new, discuss ideas, and provide support to one another in a relaxed space with a welcoming vibe.
Perth Art Exhibition memorialises ‘Partition’
Aisha Mohsin
An art exhibition in Perth, Western Australia, has opened doors for the community to take a fresh look at the psychological trauma that had resulted from the traumatic division of the subcontinent, by confronting historically contested narratives. The exhibition named, “I Don’t Want to be There When it Happens” is organised in tribute to the 70th anniversary of the partition of India and Pakistan by the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) from 11 November - 24 December 2017. The largest known human exodus happened from the split off of Pakistan from the former British Indian Empire in 1947. The partition of India and Pakistan triggered a wave of bloodletting. More than 15 million people fled from one side to the other, and nearly one million were killed in an explosion of sectarian hatred. ‘I don’t want to be there when it happens’ tackles a sensitive topic that has received little attention from the art world in the six decades since partition. On asking how Art can help bring acceptance and a change in understanding toward the differences created by the partition, Senior Curator Eugenio Viola told Australasian Muslim
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Times, “The whole project aims to re-affirm the co-existence of all possible differences. Bringing together different perspectives by using the space for dialogue through conscious acts of engagement serves as an opportunity to build bridges instead of borders. For my curatorial debut here in Australia, I wanted to react to some of the most complex circumstances present in the world today. Particularly the re-emergence of religious extremism, prejudice & discrimination against national minorities.” This exhibition is organised in partnership
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with 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art Sydney and it features artists from both Pakistan and India whose evocative artwork explore the historic legacy of both the countries and acknowledge the fragility of the relations between India and Pakistan. Mr Viola enthusiastically informed us about the magnificence of the work displayed at the exhibition. He remains hopeful that the takeaway message from the exhibition would be to reinforce shared humanity- the idea that it’s through art we can bind communities via a mutual sense of empathy and support for one another.
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Adeela Suleman’s elegant hand-beaten chandelier, that ubiquitous dead bird motifs subtly recall suicide bombings in Pakistan, Abdullah Syed’s disquieting installation of suspended drones made of razor blades. Raj Kumar’s prayer mats are made of thousands of large dice, displayed to recall the architectural magnificence of mosques or cathedrals. It is heartening to see the creation of a unique platform that is unafraid to commemorate such a complicated event in history and throw the light in on religious and political divides in hopes to reconfigure peace and tolerance amidst the tragic recollection of partition.
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Analysing the YES/NO voting Irfan Yusuf The big news is that the legislative definition of marriage will soon change to include Adam and Steve. The results of the postal vote have been released, and there’s been lots of hoo-hah about the majority of folk in Western Sydney electorates voting against gay marriage. One columnist from The Weekend Australian managed to include Hizb ut-Tahrir as a possible cause. Another columnist from the Sunday Telegraph praised members of her own faith for attacking a mural in inner-Sydney “to the horror of locals”. The justification for the attack? The mural was blasphemous. Lord only knows what the columnist would have written has those attacking the mural been Muslims! There are Muslims who voted NO, just as there are Muslims who voted YES. As far as I am aware, all Federal MP’s of Muslim heritage openly supported the YES campaign. In NSW, Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC of the Greens supported the YES campaign. Prominent religious leaders encouraged people to vote NO. A visiting shaykh from the UK who delivered sermons at the An-
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nandale Mosque during Muharram supported the NO vote. Muslim youth groups from both Shia and Sunni denominations supported the NO campaign. Muslims who voted NO have sound theological reasons to. Personally, I didn’t agree with those reasons. I believed that the most important theological imperative was justice. LGBTIQ people in Australia have been granted certain legal rights. Without the right of civil marriage, they would be subjected to injustice under the law. That’s my opinion. People don’t have to agree with me. Just as they don’t have to agree with the views of other Muslims on foreign policy, negative gearing, funding for independent schools or family law. Pollsters and pundits, don’t be stupid enough to think you can predict which way we (and the conservative Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Buddhists, Protestants, Sikhs, Hindus etc living in our neighbourhoods) will vote on the basis of our views on a single issue. Already some conservative bigots have decided it is time to love Muslims, to protect their freedom of religion in opposing gay marriage even in their freedom to certify meat as halal should be curtailed. But don’t be fooled by these religious fundamentalists, these theocrats. When it will suit them, these same bigots will blame Muslims for the NO vote, accusing us of homophobia as an excuse for their chronic Islamophobia.
I don’t think people who voted NO are all a bunch of homophobes. How many times has gay rights to enter into de facto relations and/or adopt kids been an election issue for Muslim communities and/or candidates? How many Tasmanian Muslims opposed gay Tasmanians having their old criminal convictions overturned? When was the last time you heard a Muslim businessman or manager refuse to employ an openly gay
person for unlawful discriminatory reasons? But here’s the hard bit. What do we do if we find out our son or daughter is struggling with his or her sexuality? Believe me, more parents are having to deal with this.
Lyle Shelton, represents over 800,000 Australians and is a grassroots movement advocating for Christian values and ethics to be reflected in the political life of the nation. Mr Shelton has been very vocal in advocating for freedom of speech. This week he writes “the freedom of speech of 5 million Australians is about to be wiped out before Christmas” in response to the recent appointment of former Liberal minister Phillip Ruddock to examine if Australian Law protects religious freedom. Many Australians are rightfully concerned that freedom of religion in Australia is now under threat with the impending legalisation of marriage equality and the push to make the Safe Schools program compulsory in Australian schools. Freedom of speech is at the heart of freedom of religion. People of faith must be free to live with a religious worldview and have the freedom to express that worldview without the threat of legal restriction. We are very fortunate to live in a country where we currently have the freedom to express our Islamic values and ethics, many of
which are in line with Christian values, without fear of prosecution and persecution. We are very fortunate that right now freedom of religion protects us from being bullied into expressing an opinion contrary to our peaceful religious way of life. To continue enjoying these freedoms in being able to openly and peacefully express our faith, Australians of all faiths must collaboratively voice their concerns now. There are many religious organisations in Australia that have served their communities for decades. Australia is in desperate need of faith-based strategies to tackle our highly costly national social epidemics of family violence, suicide and alcohol-induced violence. At a time when we should be focused on building resilient communities and reconnecting our communities with their faith as a moral deterrent against these epidemics, it’s counterproductive and costly for our government to not support freedom of religion. There are Interfaith networks and platforms for dialogue where strong partnerships exist between members of all faiths.
United Religions Initiative, for instance, are a group committed to solving local and global challenges through creating a community of people from different beliefs who work towards mutually beneficial goals. Freedom of religion cannot be made negotiable and religious groups can no longer afford to take a back seat on this topic. “Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians--whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor shall they grieve” (Quran 2:62, 5:69) References https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp. theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/ nov/22/philip-ruddock-to-examine-if-australian-law-protects-religious-freedom
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.
Freedom of Religion under threat Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas Surprise surprise Australian Muslims voted No for marriage equality in line with their Islamic faith. Not surprisingly the first few articles in mainstream media following the Yes Vote win took the opportunity to fester greater hostility and prejudice towards Australian Muslims by pointing out that the largest ratio of No Votes came from high Muslim demographic regions in NSW. These, of course, included Punchbowl, Greenacre and Lakemba. These attempts to alienate the Muslim community doesn’t change the fact that even if every single Muslim in Australia voted NO, that still accounts for only around 2% of the entire population. That’s a tiny fraction of the 5 million Australians who are largely non-Muslim, who voted No. Thankfully there is a significant percentage of Australians who uphold the conservative Christian values upon which Australia was founded. The Australian Christian Lobby, lead by
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.
Robina Yasmin at NEDA and AHO events in Melbourne Zia Ahmad
Robina Yasmin, activist, social worker and community advocate attended two events in Melbourne towards the end of November representing New South Wales. The first event held on Thursday 23 November 2017 was the AGM of National Ethnic Disabilities Council (NEDA), the national peak organisation representing the rights and interests of people living with disability, their families and carers, from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) and non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB) in Australia. Robina is the vice-chair of Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association (MDAA) and has been an ambassador for people with disabilities from multicultural backgrounds. As a member of NEDA, MDAA and also SAMAA (South Asian Muslim Association of Australia), she spends her time as a community worker to provide help to Muslims and Non-Muslims in the disability and aged care
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sector. She provides much-needed experience and knowledge to NEDA as a carer of her son with a disability and from a NESB and CALD community. This allows NEDA to influence and shape the policies related to disability with the federal government as there can be many issues that migrants can face such as navigating
the system in search of support and services. The second event held on 26 November 2017 was the launch of Australian Humanities Organisation (AHO) attended by over 150 people predominantly from the community in Melbourne, Victoria. The organisation was created by Farah Naveed and Robina Yasmin to address the ris-
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ing issues of domestic violence (DV). Robina had the vision to start such a project based on her experience as an anthropologist and as a caseworker for women in DV in the facility, Dar-ul-Aman (Women Shelter Homes) in Pakistan. Robina has in preparation for this project undertaken training in DV as a trained frontline worker and dealing/managing trauma as part of accidental counselling. Mr Omar Khalisse opened the event with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Ms Rose Bogerts, an Italian revert, was a keynote speaker and addressed the issue of domestic violence and its impact from the individuals to the whole community. She outlined key indicators of (DV) for community members to be informed to assist those in need. This event coincided with White Ribbon Awareness Week which highlights of violence against women. To get more information, contact AHO on 0430 957 672 (VIC - Farah) and 0468 409 786 (NSW - Robina).
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AMUST
LIFESTYLE
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 13
AUSTRALIA 14 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
Perception is truth Dr Umar Abd-Allah visits Australia Dr Loreen Akram
As a small business owner; a doctor, a cafe owner or a bustling restauranteur, the image you portray is everything. Unlike our childhood, today’s marketplace is a very different place to be in. Our customers are engaged in social media, they research heavily everything, from the places they are to eat out at with friends, to the next purchase they will make in the store. Critical to your success as a small business is how you present your business and your brand. Countless research has been done on the impact of store image on a buyers mood. A good mood obviously will have a positive impact on a buyers decision to buy or visit your store or practise. It goes without saying that customers or clients will spend more time in a well-presented shop or practise over one that is in disarray. If you want to attract more customers and repeat customers, you need to set your shop or practice apart from the rest of the crowd.
Whether you need a renovation or completely new fit-out, engage in a reputable builder to help you become successful. Not only will you increase the re-sell value of your premises but along the way, you will gain valuable clients. Try for yourself - declutter, re-arrange the furniture or maybe even a new coat of paint - simple things make a difference. If you need a major overhaul get the professionals in. You want to stay ahead of the competition and up-to-date with latest trends. The staff at Q Building Group (QBG) recognise the value in your business image. At the grassroots level, the team at QBG can design and build a practise or store to suit your needs. The team also have networks within the local community to help you develop local partners. In essence, the team wants you to wow your clients. Dr Loreen Akram is a practising dentist in NSW. Her other passion is interior design. Loreen co-founded QBG with her husband Nofel Quddusi. They lead a team that excels in commercial fit outs: medical practices, retail and restaurants. For more information visit www.qbuildinggroup.com.au
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American scholar Dr Umar Faruq Abd-Allah is visiting Australia for the first time from 27 November to 5 December 2017. A series of public lectures and talks are scheduled following his visits to New Zealand and South Africa. Dr Umar Abd-Allah is an American Muslim who embraced Islam in 1970. He studied Arabic and Islamic studies at the University of Chicago, where he received his doctorate in 1978. He taught at the Universities of Windsor (Ontario), Temple, Michigan, and King Abdul-Aziz (Jeddah). During his years abroad, he was able to study with a number of traditional Islamic scholars. He returned to the United States in 2000 to work with the Nawawi Foundation (Chicago), where he remained for more than a decade. He is currently working as an independent educator under the auspices of the Oasis Initiative (Chicago) and engaged in research, writing, lecturing, teaching, and related ac-
tivities in connection with various national and international forums in the United States, Canada, Europe, West Africa, and elsewhere with a focus on Islamic theology, spirituality, law & legal theory, and history. Dr Umar Abd-Allah has gained renown for his warm, academic style of teaching and focus on spirituality. His anticipated classes will cover the Secrets of Silence and Speech, Islam and the Dreaming, the Friday khutbah and others. He is in Melbourne from 27-30 November and in Sydney from 1-5 December. To register for his classes in Sydney, visit here: drumarsydney2017.com.
Mahdia Rahman: Spoken Word Performer Theresa Dyckman Mahdia is a digital marketing expert by day, a published poet and spoken-word performer by night. She won Bankstown’s’ Poetry Slam Competition in 2014. She likes to use her story-telling abilities to create meaningful audience engagement. Spoken word emerged in the United States from the socio-political discourses stemming from the civil rights movements of the 1960’s. It started as an underground movement, becoming mainstream through the works of Gil Scott Heron, an American soul and jazz poet from the late 1970’s, whose most famous performance was for an anti-nuclear proliferation concert in New York. The current movement was also driven by the 1990’s era of the Beat poets. Chicago native Miles Merill began his mission of bringing the art to Australia in 1996. Initially performing at Newtons Sandringham Hotel. He was guided by his passion for the opportunity to incorporate a range of expression using Spoken Word Poetry, then establishing the Word Travels
organisation, which led to the beginnings of the Australian Poetry Slam competition, as well as The Night Words Festival, Australia’s first event. Mahdia explains, “In terms of the Spoken Art, it’s embedded in many cultures, like Persian, Arab, and people who have used that oral tradition. “. Slam poetry is different to different people. It is more than just reading a poem, it is a type of performance art. “You are entertaining a crowd with the spoken word form. It doesn’t always have to rhyme. It doesn’t need the grammatical, the certain needs that poetry would have. What differentiates it from a speech or something else, would be that there is usually some sense of metaphor, something deeper in it. When you go to the poetry slams, you see the variety… such as the way the people perform
The Beat Poets City Lights Bookstore, San Francisco, CA, (Charley Plymell, 1963).
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Australasian Muslim Times
spoken word poetry. You can’t really define what a poem is, and what’s not, ” Mahdia further added. Spoken Word is a forum for a shared experience, this outcome is driven by the random selection of judges in competitions from a diverse audience. The various forms, and techniques appear to add a therapeutic effect via the symbolic mechanisms of the process such as the use of metaphors, rituals, and storytelling. It is a mechanism in the pursuit of social justice, challenging traditional boundaries, and power structures. It also can be a very meaningful way of dealing with issues such as pain, to tackling fears of public speaking, head-on. Mahdia went from writing a few lines of poetry beneath photographs she took whilst travelling. One day a friend of hers suggested she attend the monthly Bankstown Poetry Slam. She took a leap of faith, and
received a great response. ” People were actually listening to what you had to say! They are sharing their stories, and actually getting really honest on that stage. There’s something that’s really… like how can people be so honest.. to people about things you can’t talk about. The first poem I did was about was first coming to Australia. For me, you know, not fitting in, or losing my grandparents overseas, that’s something I don’t just talk about it, that pain. Like when you’re having convos with your friends, and they ask you about that, when can you bring those topics up-you can’t. This is an avenue where you can talk about things,” she said. For more information, please visit: http://www.bankstownpoetryslam.com/ http://www.wordtravels.info/ Theresa Dyckman is a student in Media, Culture, and Communications at Macquarie University and a current SBS & NITV mentee as well as a former Global Leadership program participant and intern. Born in the US and brought up in Australia, she has been a revert for 13 years and interested in news & current affairs, storytelling through photography & documentary and passionate about history, travel, art, the environment, and all aspects of Islam.
The Bankstown Poetry Slam (Image, courtesy of the BPS team).
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December 2017
LIFESTYLE 18 - 23
UMMAH 24 - 25
EDUCATION 26 - 29
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AMUST
ISRA Open Day and Office Opening Ceremony Zia Ahmad The ISRA Open Day to check out Islamic Studies University courses at the Charles Sturt University was held on Saturday 11 November 2017 from 10am to 2pm at Isra Centre in Auburn, Sydney. The event also coincided with the ISRA’s Official Opening Ceremony followed by lunch, of their expanded and renovated office space that was attended by a large contingent of invited guests including aca-
demics from CSU, ISRA staff, interfaith and community leaders. There was also a panel discussion on the topic “Seeking Sacred Knowledge in Modern Times” that generated many questions and passionate discussion. There were various stations on the Open Day where members of the public could engage with academics in various fields as well as a display of Islamic arts and crafts including live demonstrations of Islamic Calligraphy by talented artists. The complimentary lavish lunch was highly enjoyed by all visitors. ISRA stands for Islamic Sciences and Research Academy based within the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation at the Charles Sturt University. It has teaching centres both in Sydney as well as Melbourne. ISRA Provides Islamic education from within the Islamic scholarly tradition and sciences in a model of education that fosters critical thinking, intellectual enquiry and investigation – education that is compatible with tradition and conducive to context. ISRA delivers classical Islamic sciences and studies in a contemporary context and in relation to social sciences (where appli-
cable) at bachelor, masters and PhD levels according to the Australian universities qualification framework. It also actively encourages participation
by second generation Australian Muslim youth in the design and development of community projects at all levels of leadership.
ADHD: disease or blessing in disguise Shafqat Ali Hamya is a year 11 student who came to our business for work experience about six months ago. On his first day, my teammate refused to work with him remarking that “He is just crazy”. I took him as a challenge and soon I found that he was a brilliant student with many talents. He could type and talk at the same time. He not only knew a lot about computers and the Internet but could go deep into history and arts too. Anything I asked him to do, he did while exceeding my expectation by miles. By the afternoons, I used to get tired trying to keep up with him. When I studied his profile, I was shocked to find out that he was mentally sick. He was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome as well as ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. To engage with Hamya, I needed to know him fully. So I googled and learnt that ADHD was recognised during the 1980s. Children with ADHD have three main symptoms: 1. inattention - having difficulty in concentrating, 2. impulsivity- talking on the top of others, 3. overactivity - making them constantly
restlessness. Seven percent of Australian kids have been diagnosed with ADHD. In NSW and the ACT children as young as two years old are being diagnosed with ADHD and are being treated with drugs. I did not believe that Hamya should be on long-term medication. In my opinion, he was too smart to repress and as a society, we hadn’t engaged with him enough. That’s why he spends more time in his own world than in our world. He often displayed signs that I thought would be present in all intellectually active people, especially scientists. I wonder how I was going to mentor this guy. Generally, for mentorship, I use a 3 step-approach called the Engage, Encourage and Environment approach. Firstly, I engage with the learner to know their abilities, then I encourage them on their positive actions and reward them for small achievements and lastly, enrich their learning environment with activities and resources. To implement this here, I would need to work on a more suitable version of the plan. After drafting up a plan I spoke to his father and school teacher whom I sensed was quite tired of dealing with him on a day to day basis and consequently were trying to slow him down with chemicals. They gave me the go-ahead to execute my plan whereby I implemented an improvised version of the above mentioned Engage, Encourage and Environment approach. I spent more time listening to Hamya, asking him to sur-
prise me. Then I challenged his abilities to show me what HE CAN do. Subsequently, we involved him in a Young Innovators Network activities where he chose to join the robotics learning team. Currently, he works with three other robotics enthusiasts who share his passion and energy towards innovation. They interact with each other regularly and work together on projects that are beyond people of their age. This whole experience changed my approach towards Autism Spectrum related diseases, especially ADHD. I am not a psychologist or a psychiatrist. So I did a bit more research and found Prof Robert Spillane who said ADHD and others like this are self-help diseases which were uprooted at the end of the last century due to changes in our social and learning environment. Instead of providing children with a balanced lifestyle and other therapies, we treat them with long-term prescribed medicines. Children aged six, seven and eight years old have died of strokes after using ADHD drugs – due to the young and physically underdeveloped bodies’ inability to process the stimulant drugs which boost the heart and brain systems. Further, when amphetamines medicines are given to two and threeyear-olds, whose brains are tiny and still developing, the consequences are unforeseen even by modern day science. It is important to realize that overactive children are naturally gifted and sim-
ply starved of stimulation. They get bored when their stimulation levels are too low, and therefore seek this stimulus via other means like playing video games, watching cartoons and building their own world. Now it is on us - parents, carers and teachers to provide and facilitate a more stimulating learning environment for our children. The Young Innovators Network is also working on giving them Passion Driven interactive and experiential learning environments. This gives them the sense of life through social interactions involving fun and technology. If we look at things from a child’s point of view, society has not given them a balanced environment. Children have been given very good living system but not a balanced engaging and encouraging environment to nurture their natural abilities. Everybody including the parents takes up parenting as just another “job”. In someone’s view Autism stands for Always Unique “Totally Intelligent” “Sometimes Mysterious” Always remember that kids with ADHD possess great potential and we should not destroy it with chemicals but rather help nurture their talents. Shafqat Ali based in Sydney is the Training Manager at Notebook Solutions, Campbelltown and a mentor with Young Innovators Network.
Police advice on dealing with racial abuse Manarul Islam The NSW Police engaged with the Queanbeyan Muslim community on Saturday 11 November at the Queanbeyan Scout Hall to discuss dealing with racial abuse. The event was organised through IFAM (Islamic Forum for Australian Muslims) ACT Chapter and Islamic Society of Queanbeyan, in response to a report of a case of racial abuse reported by one of the Muslim community members. The local Police crime prevention division took serious steps to stop such an unfortunate event from happening again and, to address the concerns of the Muslim community, conducted this information session
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so that the community were aware of the law and rights of a citizen in the event of such victimisation. NSW Police stressed that it has zero tolerance for racial abuse and encouraged everyone to report the case immediately. Sr Constable Naomi Nemec and Inspector Mark Murphy spoke at length about individual rights and not to let the evil elements of the society go free unreported. The session was very interactive as significant questions and clarifications were sought, particularly by the women. The Queanbeyan Muslim community wish to thank NSW Police, Monaro Local Area Command, for their time and goodwill towards the community. Manarul Islam is an IT professional, community worker and AMUST correspondent based in Canberra.
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UMMAH Planned extermination of Rohingyas in its final stage NEWS 1-4
AMUST
Professor Shahjahan Khan The long term process of extermination of the Rohingyas is all very well known to the whole world. This includes systematic mass killing of a helpless civilian population, indiscriminate gang rapes of girls and women, burning of thousands of homes and places of worship, and forcing them to leave their ancestral land. This horrific destruction of the most persecuted ethnic minority of the world has been happening with madness, arrogance and total disregard for any human rights and international obligations of Myanmar military led government and Buddhist nationalist thugs. If history is any evidence, then former Burmese and current Myanmar Government not only has a long record of deliberately denying facts on its criminal acts but also shifting the blames on the victims. Fabricated stories coming from the Myanmar Government officials and military leaders that the Rohingyas burned their own homes in Rakhine are only a part of the mountain of lies they have been using to hide their heinous crime. Myanmar Government has been also accused of oppressing a number of other ethnic groups such as Kachin, Chin, and Shan. These groups have been fighting against the Myanmar Government to gain freedom from the army-led rule and systematic discrimination. Many armed fighters of these groups are active in the southern Myanmar bordering northern Thailand. The whole world has seen the satellite images of hundreds of villages burning after the Rohingyas left their houses, leaving everything behind, only to avoid being thrown in to the fire or shoot by guns. It is well recorded that, last year alone, hundreds of the Rohingyas were locked inside their homes and burned alive. The US Secretary of State has asked for justice, British PM has called it heartbreaking, French President has termed it genocide, UN has referred as textbook example of ethnic cleansing, and the Human Rights and Charity Organizations have shared the worst atrocities and chilling stories, yet Myanmar is trying to blame the Rohingyas. Since the denial of legitimate citizenship of Rohingyas in their ancestral land in 1982, Myanmar Government has ban Rohingyas from public education, jobs, and mixing with local Buddhists. Prior to the recent exodus of over 800,000 refugees, repeated government initiated massacres forced thousands of Rohingyas to enter Bangladesh in 1978, 1991-2, and then in 2012, 2015 and 2016. A 2015 study of the International State Crime Initiative (ISCI), Queen Mary University London, led by Professor Penny Green reveals that in 1952 the Rohingya population in Rakhine was 1.2 million which reduced to 774,000 in 2008. How is this possible? ISCI discovered a leaked document adopted by the regime in 1988 which reveals the State Peace and Development Council’s (SPDC) commitment to eliminating the Rohingyas from Myanmar: 1. not to provide citizenship and identify them as insurgents 2. reduce population growth by restricting marriage and oppressive measures including charging huge amount of money for giving birth of babies 3. increase Buddhist population by bringing settlers from other places and outside the country 4. restrict travel by introducing Form which is required by the foreign nationals for travel, and total ban to travel to Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State 5. forbid higher education 6. deprive government services 7. forbid owning land, shops and buildings, and confiscate all existing properties
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8. ban construction and renovation of mosques, schools and houses 9. secretly convert Muslims to Buddhism 10. court shall always give verdict in favour of Buddhists so that Rohingyas leave the country 11. avoid mass killing to avoid attention of Muslim countries. The Head of UN Human Rights Commission described the situation of Rohingyas as the test book example of ethnic cleansing. This crime of ethnic cleansing clearly constitutes the crime of genocide. Cleansing of a race, religion or ethnicity is achieved through massive arson, gang rape, mass killing, and forced eviction. In Myanmar, all these genocidal tools are being used against the Rohingyas. The UN Security General Mr Antonio Guterres told that the speed of arrival of Rohingyas to Bangladesh as the fastest growing refugee in human history. Only a highly motivated genocidal regime with well-planned military operations could create such an exodus in such a short time. On 27 October, in an interview with CNN, Mr Thomas Nybo, famous Freelance Photographer and Filmmaker, who spent 39 days with Rohingyas in the refugee camps in Bangladesh to record stories for UNICEF says, “Every person you talk with has a story that competes for the worst story you’ve
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COMMUNITY 8 - 13
ever heard.” He told that 6 out of 10 refugees are children who have seen and experienced the worst atrocities that is even hard to comprehend. He testified the claims like “Rohingya free village” and “go and never come back” by Buddhists of Myanmar. What else is the world waiting for to take actions on the criminal rulers and butcher military officers responsible for the textbook ethnic cleansing of Rohingyas? Myanmar is telling that they will take the displaced Rohingyas back if they have valid papers to prove that they are from Rakhine. Ironically, the said papers were never issued to the Rohingyas. Obviously when they were running for lives, did they have time or mind to think about papers even if they had it? How they would save the papers when they could not save their families and homes? Ironically, the influx of refugees is still entering Bangladesh with the all familiar stories of ongoing process of freeing Rakhine from Rohingyas. They are also trying to use the trick of bilateral negotiation with Bangladesh to defuse the global outcry while they would never take the Ronhingyas back unless they are forced through an international agreement via the UN. Myanmar will never listen to Bangladesh alone, and leaving the refugees, as they are, would certainly be a serious se-
The rush to Tunis CHANGING TIMES
Simon Harrison Tunisia’s motto of liberty justice and order were enhanced tenfold as Tunisia led the Arab spring across the Maghreb, and beyond in January 2011. Tunisia quickly led the way for a regional population of 100 million souls as its Jasmine Revolution seeded in regional nations to varying degrees. Perhaps as importantly, Tunisia taught the world lessons about change and about human nature itself. At this stage I should say that I am slightly biased as an Honorary Consul for Tunisia but the facts do speak for themselves. Hospitality and friendship are in the very DNA of Tunisians and the new Constitution with its freedom of conscience clauses reflects that and became part and parcel of the nation’s recalibration. With change, Tunisia had to embrace well-meaning critiques, and perhaps not so well meaning, but the confidence with which Tunisia is meeting the future can’t be in question. In recognition of Tunisia’s achievements last year’s Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the National Dialogue Quartet “for its decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of the Jasmine Revolution of 2011”. The award recognized the peaceful process engineered by the coming together of 21 disparate political entities to design a roadmap into the future securing the full democratization of Tunisia. Without the will of the Tunisian people we would not be seeing events like the recent ‘Tunisia Investment 2017’ Forum bringing together this month 1,500 interna-
Australasian Muslim Times
tional investors, entrepreneurs and project promoters. In 2017 Tunisia has doubled its growth in one year and is expected to see triple growth by 2018, since January alone foreign investment has increased by 7 %. As Tunisian Minister of Investment and International Cooperation Zied Laadhari reported certain industrial sectors have great potential for investment, such as manufacturing industries, automotive components, aeronautics, pharmaceutical industries, agro-industry, mechanical and electrical industries, and textile-clothing. He continued: “’We are betting on other sectors including tourism, renewable energy, information and communication technologies. In this context, Tunisia offers significant potential for investors especially in the private sector.” Europe’s confidence in Tunisia has similarly grown with the European Investment Bank (EIB) granting Tunisia a loan o f € 83 million to support the construction and commissioning of the new Rapid Rail network (RFR) that will provide the city of Tunis with a new 17-kilometer rapid transit system. With a similar level of confidence, the World Bank recently approved the financing of projects worth 100 million U.S. dollars in the Tunisian forestry sector and is also eyeing irrigation and agricultural projects as well as a Tunisian export promotion plan “Tasdir plus” (Export Plus). A thriving democracy, a religiously tolerant society, an investor attractive and business transparent economy, and throw in the sun! (sound familiar fellow Australians?) what more could one want. The trick for investors is not to get trampled in the stampede to Tunis. Simon Harrison is an international lawyer and Chairperson of the Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI) Queensland and a National Director OF AACCI. He is also an Honorary Consul for Tunisia in Australia
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AUSTRALIA 14 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
curity risk to the region and a free gift to the terrorists to recruit future generation of suicide bombers. For the global peace and security of the region India, China and Russia have a greater role to play. However, until now these countries have not clearly come out to condemn the genocide in Myanmar. Bangladesh Government must use its good diplomatic and trading relationship with these key countries to get them on board for a negotiated solution to force Myanmar to resettle Rohingyas in Rakhine. It is a challenge for the UN to demonstrate that its permanent members are united for the sake of humanity putting aside differences to keep the UN relevant and regain the trust of peace loving people. It will be a huge task to convince the Rohingyas that it is now safe for them to return to their homes, and that they will have citizenship and security to live with dignity. The long term oppression and unthinkable killing, torture, burning, raping, discrimination, and deep rooted animosity and distrust between the perpetrators and victims would require effective international intervention and trusted third party to develop confidence and ensure security, as an essential precondition for return of refugees. In the Second World War the Buddhists led Burmese Government supported Japan and Rohingyas in the then Arakan state fought for the British army. Unfortunately, when the colonial power left the Subcontinent Arakan state was left under Burma (now called Myanmar), and the hostilities between the Rohingyas and Buddhists continued. The Myanmar Government exploited the historical division and religious differences in oppressing Rohingyas by taking side with the majority Buddhists nationalists instead of caring for the minority community to create a harmonious nationhood. Hardline Monk Ashin Wirathu, the leader of anti-Rohingya Buddhist movement Ba Ma Tha has been continuously inciting violence and directing his group to annihilate Rohingyas in pursuance of his terrorist agenda. This group successfully backed the 2015 passage of four race and religion laws that clearly discriminates against Rohingyas. They are responsible for mass murder and crime against humanity. This group must be banned in Myanmar and listed as a terrorist organization abroad. Many Rohingyas believe that the leader of anti-Muslim Arakan National Party, Dr Aye Muang is also behind the move to make Rakhine free of Rohingyas. An estimated 1.2 million Rohingya Muslims have been evicted from their farm lands, gardens, homes, businesses, and community institutions like mosques and madrasa, and the local Burmese Buddhists have grabbed these Muslim properties with the blessings of the Government. This has accelerated the genocidal activities against the Muslims and generated a popular support in Myanmar. Such a huge economic temptation attracted people to the crime and helped implement Government plans. Obviously, the anti-Muslim campaign has been used as a tool of mass-scale robbery, raping, arson and killing against the Muslims. Recently Al Jazeera reported, “because of such an evil motive, a cataclysmic crime against the Rohingya Muslims could run for decades with the public support. But the UN and the world leaders continue to commit their own crime of silence and inaction, too. It is indeed an extreme form of moral collapse as well as the worst form of leadership failure that even the worst genocidal regime in Myanmar could enjoy support from so many states. Such supportive leaders for the genocidal state have indeed proven that they are the part of the same moral disease.” Why can’t the world leaders get out of this shameful chronic inaction against Myanmar and move forward to create an example of justice for the mankind? Professor Shahjahan Khan is professor of Statistics at University of Southern Queensland, Australia. He is the former President of Islamic Countries Society of Statistical Sciences and Expatriate Fellow of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences.
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AMUST
Why is nutrition essential in breaking the cycle of poverty? Emily Mays The issue of poverty is often referred to as a cycle; one that is persistent, vicious and reluctant to change. While low-income often precludes education, everyday nutrition and healthcare, these outcomes also sustain the cycle, allowing it to repeat itself indefinitely. Nutrition, when left unaddressed, is one of those industrious issues that is responsible for upholding the poverty cycle. People need to be made aware that nutrition from day one is essential for children’s growth and development. It is widely known that nutrient deficiency in the first one thousand days of life, starting from conception, have irreversible consequences for the immune system of children.
As nutrient deficiency continues from infancy to early childhood, malnutrition becomes increasingly detrimental in the physical and mental development of children. Recent studies have demonstrated that nutrition affects students’ cognitive learning, behaviour and overall academic performance. When children are unable to concentrate in the classroom, their chances of receiving a higher education and earning an income become slim; the vicious cycle of poverty continues. At Mahboba’s Promise, we have witnessed the devastating impact of this cycle. In response, we have established several programs across Afghanistan to combat the issue of nutrient deficiency, including our Permaculture Farm and Vitamin Angels project. Our Permaculture Farm, which is just outside of Kabul, combats the issue of poverty and nutrient deficiency through innovative means. Firstly, the farm provides vocational training to the widows in our care, provid-
Mahboba with a young boy at the distribution of vitamin supplements in Kabul.
A widow working at Mahboba’s Promise’s Permaculture Farm. ing them with the skills necessary to run the months, the number of infant deaths could farm and ultimately generate an income. be reduced by 43.5 per cent. By subsequentAnd secondly, the fresh produce from the ly providing the right baby food and vitamin farm is delivered to the local community, A and zinc supplements to children from 6 including the children at our Hope Hous- to 59 months, their chances in life increase es, providing them with nutritious food at substantially. a lower cost than traditionally high market While the self-sustaining nature of the prices. poverty cycle appears unwilling to signifiBeing one of the most impoverished na- cant change, the potential to reduce poverty tions in Asia, child mortality rates in Af- is in fact a realistic possibility. ghanistan are one of the highest in the world. The sooner governments, institutions Vitamin A deficiency has been found to be and non-profit organisations can identify one of the major contributors to mortality of how interconnected the issue of poverty is children under five. to many other issues including nutrition, Recently, Mahboba’s Promise partnered health, education and safety, the sooner the with Vitamin Angels, to provide pregnant world will see a global breakthrough in the women and children with Vitamin A sup- war on poverty. plements to assist and prevent malnutrition. To find out more about Mahboba’s By giving supplements to pregnant women Promise, visit our website at www.mahand young mothers, who are also convinced bobaspromise.org, or call 02 98871665. to breastfeed their babies for at least six
Fadwa Tuqan: The Poet of Palestine Dr Anne Fairbairn AM Fadwa Tuqan became the Grand Dame of Palestinian letters, and was also known as ‘The Poet of Palestine.’ She is considered to be one of the very best contemporary Arab poets. I always used to attend the annual poetry festival held in Baghdad for many years when Saddam Hussein was in Power. I met Professor Jabra Ibrahim Jabra the head of the Department of Literature at Baghdad University and we became very good friends. He was a Palestinian. He taught me a great deal about the Poetry of the Arabs which helped me compose my anthology of Arabic poetry ‘Feathers and the Horizon.’ He agreed that poetry transcends racial, religious and political differences bringing people together in harmony. He gave me poems by Fadwa Tuqan whose poetry he admired, for my anthology. He also told me a great deal about her life. He told me she was very critical of the British for the creation of the State of Israel in Palestine and for the Divide and Rule policy in India. Also that she greatly admired the poetry of Pakistani poets including Meer Taqi Meer. Fadwa was the sister of the poet Ibrahim Tuqan and was born in Nablus in 1917- one hundred years ago. She began writing in traditional forms, but soon became a pioneer of Arabic free verse poetry. Her work often deals with feminine explorations of love and social protest. After the Nakba ‘Catastrophe’ of 1948,
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she began to write about Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. After the Six Day War of 1967, she also began writing patriotic poems. Her autobiography ‘Difficult Journey― Mountainous Journey’ was translated into English in 1990. Fadwa received the International Poetry Award, the Jerusalem Award for Culture and Arts and the United Arab Emirates Award, the in 1990. She also received the Honorary Palestine prize for poetry in 1996. She was the subject of a documentary film directed by novelist Liana Bader in 1999. Fadwa died on 12 December 2003 during the height of the Al-Aqsa Intifada, while her hometown of Nablus was under siege. The poem ‘Wahsha: Moustalhama min Qanoon al Jathibiya (‘Longing: Inspired by the Law of Gravity’) was one of the last poems she penned, while largely bedridden. Fadwa is widely considered to be a symbol of the Palestinian cause and is indeed
considered by many to be one of the most distinguished figures of modern Arabic literature. In his obituary for The Guardian, Lawrence Joffe wrote: ‘The Palestinian poet – Fadwa Tuqan, who has died aged 86, forcefully expressed a nation’s sense of loss and defiance’. Moshe Dayan, the Israeli General at the time, likened reading one of Fadwa’s poems to facing 20 enemy commandos. Yet the true power of her words derived not from warlike imagery, but from their affirmation of Palestinian identity and the constant dream of return. I particularly admire her Poem, ‘Existence’ translated by Michael R Burch reproduced here on the right. 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.
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Existence Fadwa Tuqan
In solitary life, I was a lost question; In the encompassing darkness, my answer was concealed. You were a bright new star radiating light from the darkness of the unknown, revealed by fate. The other stars rotated around you —once, twice — until it came to me, your unique radiance. Then the bleak blackness broke And in the matching tremors of our two hands I found my missing answer. Oh you! Oh you intimate, yet distant! Don’t you remember the coalescence Of your spirit in flames? Of my universe with yours? Of the two poets? Despite our great distance, Existence unites us - Existence!
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BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 13
AUSTRALIA 14 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
Defeating depression through Islamic lifestyle Sumaiya Abdul Latif What is depression? A depressive disorder is more than a passing mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness, and it cannot be willed or wished away because it is a change in the chemicals of the brain (neurochemistry) which trigger a certain mood. It is characterized by hopelessness, loss of meaning in life, self-worthlessness and feeling of sadness without being able to identify the cause of the gloominess in life. It does not discriminate with regard to race, educational background, social status or religion Islam being not just a religion but also a complete way of life has provided us with a solution out of every problem, and depression is one problem to which the solutions are found in the teachings of Islam. As a Muslim, we do get affected by life’s troubles and disturbing thoughts like everyone else, but we can deal with them much better because we have a clear roadmap of where we came from, where we are going and why, so we have a head start having this fundamental knowledge from its source Position of depression in the world Major depression is the 4th most disabling condition in the world, and 2nd most in the developed world. At the rate of increase, it will be the 2nd most disabling condition in the world by 2020, behind heart disease. No wonder that major depression is classed as “the nation’s leading mental health problem” Causes of depression There are well-known depression triggers: Trauma, grief, financial troubles, loss of someone special, unemployment etc. It is hard to pinpoint a specific cause. In truth, there may not be a concrete reason for depression. Solution to depression Let’s discuss some practical steps which will help knock out depression. We will not discuss anti-depressants as they are more chemical than practical. The hardest battle for the strongest soldiers No human is burdened with difficulties which they cannot bear. Quran mentions
“(ALLAH) will never place a burden on a soul that it can not bear.” (2:286) How many times in life, we felt that we cannot take it anymore, but we lived through it? This too shall pass! Tough times only mean that the times of ease are near. The fact is nothing remains forever and nothing remains the same. The Quran teaches “Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.” (94:5-6) There is a season for everything & all will come to pass. And so will your depression. Come out of trials better not bitter Remember that heartbreaks happen to push us towards Allah so grab the opportunity and make the trials a means to attain the nearness of ALLAH. You are not in control of what happens to you but can choose what you want to do. Have an optimistic approach towards the events. Get Deenspired Be INSPIRED by & ASPIRE to follow the examples of the Prophets. They all underwent great tribulations, yet they accepted & believed firmly in Qadr (destiny) while striving to the end. Read the Biography of the Prophets and their stories wherein you will find comfort. When the sun goes down, the stars come out Life is one difficulty after another. However, it is important to know that while life tests us, there is ease after hardship. Everything has a high and a low. What goes
up, must come down. While the storm you must take care of yourself, rely on ALLAH and know that He is always with you and only He can give you strength in difficult times. Also, remember that He will help you can come out of a trying situation as a better person if you deal with it positively. Not why me? It’s try me! Don’t Tell ALLAH how big your storm, tell your storm how big ALLAH Is. The pain we feel today is the strength we will feel tomorrow so Instead of blaming the situation acknowledge that hardships are curing us. It’s not the events, which take place that causes happiness or sadness but it’s our inner reflection of our situation that determines our spirituality. So whenever an adversity afflicts instead of grumbling and despairing battle it with a smile as the world always look brighter behind a smile. Too many expectations, too many disappointments Most of depression happens due to high and sometimes unrealistic expectations. If we can lower our expectations, we minimize the risk of going into a depression. When we cling to people with high hopes without making room for their shortcomings, we will inevitably become disappointed & feel let down, upon their least mistake. Do not be a Dunya keeper, be a Jannah chaser If we emphasize on the transitory nature of this worldly life-then most of our problems of this life lose its importance in our
religion and people run the state. Therefore, it is quite illogical to believe that the secular philosophy has ever been implemented according to its theoretical definition. In the West, where Christianity is the major religion, the rulers tried to compromise between day-to-day affairs and the practices of the faith. They decided to include some of the values of their religion (Christianity) in the making of the regulations of their version of a secular state. The religious rights of the minorities in the Western world and secular states are still confined within their places of worship and this extent of religious liberty can also be seen in the non-secular state or in the state where religion is the part of state. How can one separate the dealings of state and the rules dictated by religion in the widely observed religion of Islam where the Holy Quran, strongly, defines the codes of life - from social issues to the state’s affairs? That is why, when rulers of the Muslim majority states tried to implement the secular philosophy of the West in their countries, they failed to develop a system which could avoid the conflict between Islamic laws and secular ideology. The concept of compromising and creating half secular half Islamic systems produced divisions in the public and the nation became a mixture of divided thoughts. Today, Islamic states are accused of producing religious extremists and considered to be conservative. As a matter of fact, the extreme division among the people, who are in today’s terminology known as fundamentalists and moderates, are the consequences
of the ideology of combining Islam and the secularism of the West. The issues related to religious freedom are also found in secular states. For example; banning women’s headscarfs in France was the perfect example of how the word ‘secularism’ has been manipulated. Secularism is supposed to provide freedom to every individual to practice his or her belief in an independent environment rather than regulating people with a single rule defined by the state. It would be wrong to credit the secular system of the West for their economic independence and technological advancements. These attributes are directly linked with the citizens’ level of education and growth in literacy rather than due to the secular status of the country. However, when one looks at the human values and social relationships in the Western world such as family values (status of mother, father, sister and brother) respect for elders, teachers, and so on, which are taught by religion, one finds that the level of these characteristics are continuously diminishing in the secular states compare to religious states. The influence of the religion of the majority in public institutions like the media, education centres, and other meeting places, can be understood as an uncontrollable phenomenon. However, the influence of the religion of the majority on the minority can be seen by social and procedural practices adopted in government institutions of the secular states. Many states’ affairs related to the social,
lives and subsequently lose their power of a having negative impact on us. Remember This Dunya is a station, not a destination. Make Allah SWT the real centre of your life, draw closer to Him, to His Laws, to His Pleasure, to doing beneficial deeds only for His Sake. Change, re-steer, re-ground your mindset to work for your Akhirah, not just for this short rat-race Dunya. Stop focusing on how stressed you are & remember how blessed you are Speak about the BLESSINGS of Allah SWT in your life, thereby focusing on the positives. This positive reinforcement will help you get back on track, regain hope, on the Path to Allah SWT. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Whenever you see someone better than you in wealth, face or figure, you should look at someone who is inferior to you in these respects” (Bukhari, Muslim). You whisper down on Earth in Sujood & it’s heard in the Heavens Prayer is the cure for a lost soul, confused mind and broken heart. Do not leave salah even in the worst bouts of depression (incidentally ‘meditation’ is a proven key medical treatment for depression today). Relax, breathe & make dua Du’a (supplication) is the essence of worship So turn to the One who has the solution to all our problems. A beautiful Quote by Ibn Qayyim says “ Had Allah lifted the veil for His Slave and shown Him How He handles HIS affairs for him, and how ALLAH is more keen for the benefit of the slave than his own self, his heart would have melted out of the love for ALLAH and would have been torn to pieces out of thankfulness to ALLAH. Therefore if the pains of this world tire you do not grieve. For it may be that ALLAH wishes to hear your voice by way of Dua. So pour out your desires in prostration and forget about it and know that verily Allah does not forget it” Sumaiya is a graduate majoring in English Literature & Psychology from her home country, India. She has experience in the field of imparting education in Islamic organisations for the last 6 years. She has a passion to motivate and create positive impact through writing.
Can Religion be separated from State? Syed Atiq ul Hassan Many states’ affairs related to the social, cultural and educational activities are defined by the beliefs of the majority of people within the state. For instance, in the Western secular states, where Christianity dominates, the system of the state observes the practices of the Christian faith: for example, national holidays at Christmas and Easter, beginning official events, and even parliamentary sessions, with recitations from the Bible and heads of state visits to their respective churches. The majority always dominates the minority: religiously, culturally and socially. The idea of secularism emerged as a practical strategy to deal with the issues related to Christians and people of other faiths in the Western culture. The nations that adopted secularism had the conviction that people should not be accused or discriminated in the name of religion. Everyone should be given liberty to observe his or her own faith and the state should not be in control of religious obligations. Therefore, the theory of separation of state and religion makes several underlying assumptions that are hard to come by in the real world. State and religion, both possess direct relationships with the people. People practice
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cultural and educational activities are defined by the beliefs of majority of people within the state. For instance, in the western secular states, where Christianity dominates, the system of the state observes the practices of the Christian faith: for example, national holidays at Christmas and Easter, beginning official events, and even parliamentary sessions, with Holy verse from the Bible and heads of state visit their respective churches. The secularism in the East is not much different than the West. In India, which is one of the largest democratic and secular states, Hindu religious practices can be seen as a part of official activities of the state. Indonesia is another perfect example of the dominance of a religion in the secular system. Though Islam has not been defined as a state religion in the Indonesian constitution, the dominance of Islam can be seen in the government and public affairs of the state. Separation of tate and religion could only be possible if these two were totally independent entities. As, both the state and religious affairs are run and practiced by the same people, these cannot be separated. Accepting this reality, the secularism of today can be defined as a philosophy where practices of faith are related to the faith of the majority in the state and remaining affairs of the state are man-made rules defined to provide the social freedom to the people. And the states which claim themselves as secular states are actually Christian, Hindu or Islamic states depending on who are the majority and in power.
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UMMAH 24 - 25
EDUCATION 26 - 29
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Living a translated Islam? Learn Arabic Nadia Selim Umar Ibn-ul-Khattab (ra) was to become renowned for his unfailing justice and asceticism. The story of his acceptance of Islam is well known to Muslims. A powerful man both in physique and demeanor storms home enraged by the knowledge that his sister and brother-in-law have converted to Islam. Bellowing and thundering, he is stopped cold in his tracks by the power, beauty and excellence of the Qur’an. The verses had such power over him because he comprehended them. He was shaken to his core because he filtered what he perceived through a meshwork of a deep-seated knowledge of the Arabic language and appreciation for its subtleties and cadence. Centuries of love for the Arabic language, have been firmly rooted in the fact that Arabic was the language that Allah chose to communicate his final call to humanity. For instance, Ali Al-Farisi (901-987 CE) a famous grammarian and linguist, when asked to compare Arabic and Persian, replied that Arabic “was far superior to Persian both aesthetically and rationally”. This love for Arabic meant that Arabic was claimed by Muslims of all cultural backgrounds. Arabic became a binder of the ummah, a language of Muslims and not just a language of the Arabs. In fact, many of the renowned Arabic scholars and grammarians were of non-Arab origins.
Today, however, it has become commonplace for Muslims to practice deen without having acquired knowledge of the Arabic language or having tried to acquire it. Various societal transformations have normalized this phenomenon and made it acceptable for millions of Muslims to live a translated Islam. What is sadder, however, is that some Muslims value other languages more. It is acceptable for Muslims of certain ethnic backgrounds to send their children to memorize the Qur’an verbatim in Arabic, and then learn all their deen in their local language. Initially used as aids, if at all, these local languages have been elevated among some groups to such a degree that they have supplanted Arabic as a language of deen. It is indeed true that with the multitudes of translations present today, the basic tenets of the faith, such as belief in the oneness of Allah, the truth of the Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (s), Allah’s commandments and his prohibitions can be articulated in any language and enacted whether one knows
Arabic or not. However, enactment of deen, articulation of religious statements, recitation of verses verbatim and connection with deen are very different things. The Qur’an in Arabic is profound, but millions are disconnected from the words of Allah and barred from experiencing the miracle of the Qur’an in Arabic. Lesley Hazelton, an agnostic Jew, took it upon herself to read the Qur’an in Arabic and English and concluded that in English the Qur’an was a mere shadow of itself. Indeed, anyone who knows any language knows that the beauty of its literature cannot be experienced in translation, especially when translations are mediated by translators influenced by their views, backgrounds, experiences and agendas. More importantly Arabic was a language of identity for Muslims. The Islamic civilization did not eradicate local cultural norms provided they did not contradict the teachings of Allah, i.e. Islam did not have a one-culture policy. However, there was never any disagreement among Muslims that
Arabic was the language of the ummah. Ibn Taymiyyah (1263 – 1328 CE) considered the learning of Arabic fard because it facilitated comprehension of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. More importantly, Ibn Taymiyyah was many centuries ahead of contemporary scholars when he stated that acquiring a language had an influence on cognition, mannerisms and religiosity. He believed that learning Arabic constituted emulation of the righteous companions and that it would influence how Muslims viewed or perceived the world, thought about it and ultimately experienced Islam. He, therefore, illuminated the deep connections between language, culture, identity and worldview. The question here is, why are millions of Muslims satisfied with living a translated Islam? The bigger question is, are we fast approaching a time in which we will be carrying scrolls that we do not comprehend? Much research is needed to answer these questions and many others about the complexities of the relationship Muslims have with the Arabic language. In the Australian context, my PhD research seeks to understand the experiences of Muslim youth learning Arabic at Australian Islamic schools to shed light on their views of the Arabic language, detail the nature of their learning experiences and identify whether these experiences have an impact on the uptake of Arabic by Australian Muslim youth. Nadia Selim based in Adelaide is a PhD candidate at the Centre for Islamic Thought & Education (CITE), University of South Australia.
Ibn Khaldun: the man who transformed historiography Professor Irfan Shahid The first verse of the Holy Quran revealed stressed the importance of Qalam (Pen) which is a vital instrument of knowledge transformation. Muslims have played a significant role in the writing of history which is one of the vital sources of knowledge transformation. How many of us know the origin of history and methodology of recording the incidence and contribution of past civilisation? Ibn Khaldun, the great historian of 13th century CE has introduced some methods of recording social and political events. Before Ibn Khaldun, some Arab historians had documented the history and incidence of war of prophetic era. Maghazi is one of the famous books which covers the incidence of war during prophet’s (s) time. Futoohulbuldan and other books were written by Islamic scholars discussing the subject matter of history. While Ibn Khaldun scientifically compiled the history. Abd al-Rahman Ibn Khaldun was born on 27 May 1332 CE corresponding to 1 Ramadhan 732 AH in Tunisia. His full name was Wali al-Din Abd al-Rahman ibn Muhammad Ibn Khaldun. By lineage, he was an Arab. His ancestors had settled in Seville in Spain soon after the Islamic conquest of Spain in 93 AH but again, they migrated to Tunisia before Christians captured Seville in 1248 CE. Ibn Khaldun received his early education at home under the guidance of his father who was a scholar of his time. He memorised the Holy Quran, learned Arabic grammar, jurisprudence, hadith, rhetoric, philology and poetry under the supervisor of the best teacher of their time. He learned mathematics, logic and philosophy from a great mathematician and philosopher Al-Abili of Tlemcen. In a nutshell, he attained high proficiency in these subjects
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and became a master within a short span of times. Some historians believed that Ibn Khaldun had completed his traditional studies by the age of 19. Ibn Khaldun worked in different capacities in various countries as judge, administrator, lawyer, teacher and government advisor. Political background and relation with kings and various governments did not let him stay peacefully in one place. Throughout his life, he was travelling from one place to another. He was not a traveller, but his writings reflect that he had travelled to Europe, Africa and Arabian Peninsula extensively. His book Muqaddama is an outcome of his personal experience and observation. While he was imprisoned several times and was expelled from his position in several places, yet he was dedicated to his mission. Ibn Khaldun spent his last moment in Egypt. Most of the research work was carried in Egypt while he was serving as a judge in Maliki Court in Egypt. This great historian and philosopher who influenced millions of people took his last breath on 17 March 1406 CE in Egypt. He started his writing at the age of 30. Many historians believe that the Muqaddama [Prologue] was the first book he wrote and completed it in six months. The Muqaddama introduction is, in fact, part of his book Kitabul Abrar wa-Diwan al-Mubtada wa-l-Khabar fi Tarikh al-Arab wa-l-Barbar wa-Man Aṣarahum min Dhawi ash-Shaan al-Akbar. Kitabul Abrar consists of seven volumes. Though Muqaddama is the first part of this book but is considered a complete book in itself. It was the first major attempt to analyse the human society concerning geography, anthropology, history, sociology, religion, culture, society, economy, science, arts, crafts and psychology. The Muqaddama can be divided into six parts as follows. 1. Human Society 2. Rural Civilizations 3. Government and Institutions
4. Society and Urbanization 5. Economic Modules 6. Science and Humanity Kitabul Abrar is subsequent part of Muqaddama which discusses the various issues of civilisation, government, administration and culture of some nations. Volumes II, III, IV and V discuss the history of mankind till the time of Ibn Khaldun. While Volumes VI and VII discuss the history of Berber people and Maghrib (Morocco). This part is considered one of the authentic and significant sources for the history of Berber Civilisation. Besides Kitabul Abrar, he has written several other books on different subjects. While discussing various aspects of sociology, Ibn Khaldun conceived the theory of conflict. He propounded the theory of dichotomy of sedentary life verses nomad life, the concept of generation and loss of power. Ibn Khaldun developed the theory of civilisation, the theory of political economy, the theory of business cycle, the theory of taxation, the theory of social cohesion and tribalism. In addition to these theories, Ibn Khaldun propounded a number of other modules and ideas which later on became the centre of citation for western scholars and social scientists. Arthur Laffer indebted to Ibn Khaldun in the development of Laffer Curve that deals with heavy-duty levy of tax on production and agriculture. In this theory, Ibn Khaldun suggested that the government to reduce the level of taxation pointing that the excess levy on public may discourage business, reduce the production level in the economy and thereby reduce the revenue for the government. It may also lead supply-side inflation in the economy which is known cost-push inflation in modern economic literature. Ibn Khaldun also stressed on the Islamic monetary theory and management of
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currency. He was in view of minting gold or silver coins. He suggested establishing equilibria between intrinsic and face value of the currency. His analysis of cause, nature, effects and consequences of civilisation has evoked great admiration in the world. British historian Arnold J Toynbee termed the “Muqaddama” a philosophy of history which is undoubtedly the greatest work of its kind that has ever yet been created by any human mind in any time or at any place. Professor Irfan Shahid, based in India is a prolific writer on Islam and Muslims. He is an Islamic Economist and a Sharia Scholar and can be contacted via shahid_ irfan2002@yahoo.com. For more detail please visit his personal website www. irfanshahid. net
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BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 13
AUSTRALIA 14 - 15
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The oil drop experiment and the Muslim Prayer Tahera Chaudhary Did I discover something? I still ask myself this question. Thanks to a contest from Khan Academy which my son and his friend entered, my secret love for science was rekindled. During the contest preparation, I saw a video on an Oil Drop experiment by Robert A Millikan and H Fletcher. I almost jumped out of my seat. My quest for finding the link between Islam, nature and science began during my Islamic Studies classes in my school Anjuman e Islam - Mumbai, especially the book we studied for four years called “Hamara Deen” (Our Religion). The study of Quran and its explanation by Maulana Maududi and Dr Israr Ahmed as well as my High school science studies answered many questions on the purpose of God’s creation. God Almighty kept the brain close to the eyes and the ears, so that by reading, listening and observing simultaneously, we can learn, ponder, reflect, calculate, match, conclude and comprehend. This comprehension can answer questions regarding the sun, moon, trees, animals, bees and so on. Also, questions linked to our acts of worship. I would like to share my understanding of the question: “Why do Muslims pray?” All thanks to Allah, the Almighty, Muslims have been praying for 1439 years. By submitting to God’s will and following His commandments on the basis of Islamic principles, i.e to hear and follow God’s Messenger. There are hundreds, if not thousands of Hadiths, Prophet’s (s) sayings, on the five daily prayers. Ibn Umar (r) narrates: The Messenger of Allah (s) stated the following: “The place
of prayer (salah) in religion is like the place of the head in the body.” (Majmau’l-Awsat, 3:154, (2313.) Imam Tabarani, Mu’jamu’sSaghir) So why pray? Why do we thank the person who has done a favour for you? Because we acknowledge the fact that someone was kind enough to spare and sacrifice some of their time, effort, money or just a little attention, to help or support us. In the same way, God Almighty who created us looked after all our needs, creating a beautiful world, giving us parents, families and friends. So why shouldn’t we thank him? There are several signs in the Quran pointing to the purpose of the prayers e.g “Verily, the prayer keeps one from the great sins and evil deeds” (al-Ankaboot 45). Nadwi has described this effect in the following eloquent way: Its aim is to generate within the subliminal self of man such spiritual power, light of faith and awareness of God as can enable him to strive successfully against all kinds of evils and temptations and remain steadfast at times of trial and adversity and protect himself against the weakness of the flesh and the mischief of immoderate appetites. [Nadwi, p. 24]*. For more details please visit *https://islamqa.info/en/12305. But since we are in the age of Science, someone can still ask, “Why we have to ‘physically’ pray?”- Are there any scientific benefits in prayer? What is the logical reason behind praying? To answer these questions, I got great help from one of Dr Zakir Naik’s video lectures, “Salah (Muslim Prayer) - a programme towards righteousness”, along with this and
the explanation of oil drop experiment, I was stunned. This is just my assumption based on observation and needs further citation. So far the Quran does not contradict with science; in fact it has scientific facts in it since the 1400s, which were discovered within the last century or so, still the Quran contains many more facts which are yet to be uncovered. In the oil drop experiment, atoms of the oil droplets get positively charged between the electric force and gravity, by losing the negatively charged electrons. In relation to
one aspect of the Muslim prayer, by standing and sitting down again and again during the prayer, we get up against the gravity; this may result in our blood becoming positively charged, thus, making our blood more balanced and more capable of fighting diseases. I have prepared this slide as a picture to explain the above mentioned assumptions and other scientific benefits of Muslim prayer from Dr Zakir Naik’s lecture. This diagram can explain it more simply and precisely for visualisation.
Does money grow from the trees? Farah Cassendra Jamaludin For those of you who are not living and working in your motherland, don’t you hate it when the people in your own country assumes that you are having a money tree behind your backyard that you must give the fruit of that tree every month to them as their monthly tithes offering? Then when you go back to a place whom you consider your home still-they expect you to spend everything most of the time? They assume we have the currency template for instant money printing faster than Western Union, Ria and PG in our luggages! Wow! If only they knew…the truth of our pains and suffering living and working in a foreign land. Money tree in the backyard? I wished. We all wished. But no money tree there. Instead, we are digging the ground deeper each day to find our food…our water to live if there is no food and if we are lucky; perhaps some oil to sell to buy food. Living in a foreign land is challenging. If you are on your own, you take comfort having someone by your side even if it is the blind leading the blind. That way you don’t feel you are alone. But most of the time we are alone first. So, where do we start? Accommodations? Sharing is the best option always. Now time to find people we can bond to share a home with them. After finding them, comes the challenge how much of your things or my things we can share with one another? How much do we have to spend or contribute? Life is hard, I need to save. I need to live too. Then the issue of work. What can I do? You may be a professional in your own country but in a foreign land….you are “0:0”. You have to start like everyone. From ground zero. Cleaner, factory worker,
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taxi driver, butchery, fruit shop, restaurant, junior role etc. Why? Because even professional jobs require you to have some of that country work experiences or qualification at least although your resume is almost like Obama. Then, when work and home matter is settled and we just started living like a human being…back home comes a call. “Son, Brother or Hubby, I need money for this. Can you send me money fast please?”. Suddenly the house needed fixing, your sister suddenly getting married, appliances that worked like new although its antique suddenly died and many more sudden incidences that requires immediate expenses comes up. And we being the good and obedientmother- loving- masjid/church/temple- going- daughter/son felt what just hit our head. We just started to live and now we have to go back to the start line again. Don’t tell me what we heard was a false start gun shot when we were all set to run our race. OMG. So, being the “mother-loving” gibberish child we are, we sigh and do what they require. After all it’s my family or best friend ma! Have to help lo! Aiyaa…sei-lah (as a common Chinese people way of saying it in Malaysia meaning-Have to help even if we
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will die) Why do they think this? I can never know. The minute you mention you live and work in a foreign land…you are a money bag. Expectations fly high even if you are the black sheep of the family once. If you don’t help, you are considered as a Scrooge or ungrateful child/friend. If you help, the request keeps coming in like those Charity organisations who got your phone numbers from God knows where. Why can’t they think we are just starting? Why can’t they think that our lives are even harder than when we are in our own country? Should we tell them the truth how we started living here? Sleeping on wool blankets, collecting thrown furniture on the street to furnish our house with the basics (admit it…some of us do find good things thrown on the street and we take them) and eating like we are on Jennifer Craig’s diet most of the time-the unhealthy version of course but with the same portions. Even our once glamourous fashion statements now come from St Vincent’s and Salvation Army’s Boutique as a starter-pack before we finally purchase new clothes after months of savings. They don’t know this. I guess it’s not ex-
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treme to say that they don’t want to know this. They just want to know….” please remain on standby for money transfer when needed. After all you are working and living in a foreign land. Much bigger exchange rate than us. Wahhh…so you must or learn to send back some money home. We need our lives here to be better since your grass is greener on that side”. If only they knew, the grass was never greener in the first place. In fact, there was no grass at all. It was just a bare empty land that we had to work on it. Rain or shine we slogged like “Baghban” (Gardener) and before we could taste the fruit of our work, we have to give it away in the name of family/ friend due to a permissible man-made socalled natural disaster. I am not saying that we shouldn’t give when it is much needed. But they should understand that our lives are not easy in the foreign land. In a foreign land, we are nothing financially. No money means no food. No work means no life. No family means no help-you are all on your own. Life is hard to the core. Thus, all I am saying is to exercise compassion and not take us for granted. Ask when it is really needed and wait patiently when it is given freely without asking. We do not have a money tree growing in our backyards. We certainly do not have money templates in our bag too. And our grass is not greener. Anytime, we can fall into despair. Don’t believe? Come here and experience it yourself. You will know. That’s our reality living in a foreign land. 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.
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SOCIAL 30 - 31
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Avoiding reality: the elephant in the room Shifa L Mustapha “The Elephant in the Room” is a saying reportedly handed down from a fable by Russian author Ivan Andreevich Krylou, in 1814, entitled “The Inquisitive Man”. It tells of a man who visits a museum, and while noting many tiny items, fails to notice the elephant in the room. Being a fable it expresses well our human tendency to selectively overlook or disregard the most obvious and uncomfortable truths which we find too disturbing to face. We turn a blind eye, or as another saying goes, we “stick our heads in the sand”. At times it seems as if we feel “it” will just go away, or that the situation will change; perhaps the “elephant” is a Muslim elephant so we should just accept it. But will the situation change or will it just go away? That human failing As Muslims we, just like the “inquisitive man”, so easily see and judge what we see as the faults of others, particularly in matters of religion while overlooking our greater wrongdoings or lack of kindness. This, incidentally, is not just a Muslim fault but a human one which even Jesus (as) decried when he said to the Pharisees: “Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the Law, judgement, mercy and faith…. Ye blind guides which strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.”[1] This was a very big deal – having the temerity to stand up against the scholars and ruling classes of that era. Luke brings out yet another side to this incident when the Pharisees are told that they are scrupulous in keeping the laws as they pertain to tithing but they have passed over judgement (in greater matters) and in recognizing the love and mercy of God in dealing with the people. [2] Over-ruling Justice As Muslims we, too, accept the importance of Laws of both country and religion which in many ways overlap and uphold each other. This is part of our faith. We cannot be Muslim and disregard the rules that are given for the purpose of living harmoniously. Justice and mercy go hand in hand. However, we are told that Justice must over-ride even our love of family. “O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin.” [3] There is another side to Justice, and that is to stand up for those who are being unjustly treated whether they please you or displease you; whether they are Muslim or non-Muslim. Justice is Justice, and it is for all, regardless of any other qualification. “O
you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah for Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” [4] Sadly there is a very tiny minority who believe that non-Muslims, or those whom they look down upon, do not deserve to be treated justly or with respect. At times they are thought not to be worthy even of honest dealings. This is one very large elephant which we overlook to our own detriment and the detriment of the perceptions of Allah and Islam itself. There are even those who think they can defraud Governments for their own benefit and they will not be judged. Indeed they also are blind, straining at gnats and swallowing camels (or perhaps elephants)! This has to be acknowledged. Human Brotherhood While the Brotherhood enjoyed by Muslims is something we all believe in and enjoy, have we, perchance, forgotten about Human Brotherhood? Has it slipped our minds that Allah is the Creator of mankind and to Him is mankind’s final destination? Hammudah Abdalati has raised this point very well under the heading, “The concept of brotherhood”: “Another fundamental element in the value system of Islam is human brotherhood......For the Muslim, God is One, Eternal and Universal. He is the Creator of all human beings, the Provider for all human beings, the Judge of all human beings, and Lord over all Human beings. To Him, social status, national supermanship and racial origin are insignificant. Before Him all men are equal and brothers of one another.”[5] This was very obvious in Prophet Muhammad’s (S) dealings with those who were not Muslim. His treatment of his Jewish neighbour, regardless of the ill will generated towards him, was something which will resound throughout time. His standing and asking his followers to stand as the funeral cortege of another Jewish man passed by is also worthy of note. One of the Sahabah said, “O Prophet of Allah this man was a Jew!” To this the Holy Prophet (S) said, “He was also a human being.” Who is our neighbour? I once spoke at an Interfaith Meeting in Brisbane where my topic was “Neighbours in Islam”. There is just so much that is expected of we who are Muslim with regard to our neighbours. They actually have many rights over us which include helping if they ask for our help; showing concern when they are distressed; loaning if they are in need of a loan; nursing them when they are ill; attending their funerals and so on. The Holy Prophet (S) is reported as saying that nobody can be a true believer unless his neighbours feel secure and safe with him. It was also said that nobody can be a
true believer if his neighbours pass the night hungry. However, this brings us to yet another aspect, and perhaps another elephant: “And when they are told ‘spend ye of the bounties with which Allah provided you’ the Unbelievers say to those w h o believe: ‘Shall we then feed those whom, if Allah had so willed, He would have fed (Himself)?” – Ye are in nothing but manifest error.” [6] We see that miserliness is classified with unbelief. There are also those who believe that one has to be Muslim before being accorded the privilege of recognition as a “neighbour”. That was brought forcibly home to me when at the meeting I mentioned, one man spoke out publically and stated that to a Muslim, only another Muslim can be a neighbour. At that point I reminded him of the Jewish man whose hatred of the Prophet caused him to put rubbish on the pathway in the hope that the Prophet (S) would stumble in the dark. One day the rubbish was not there, nor the following day. Personally I may just have been tempted to be grateful and think no more about it. However, the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings be upon him) went to the home of the neighbour as he knew that all was not well. He found the man ill and unable to fend for himself, so he cared for him, bringing him food and tending to his needs. It has been reported that the man then realized how wrong he had been and that indeed the Holy Prophet was a man of God. It is said that he then pronounced the Shahadah, proclaiming that Allah is the only God and that Muhammad is the servant and messenger of Allah. The Christmas Season In Australia we live near or beside Christian neighbours and friends who will soon be celebrating Christmas. Perhaps we have Jewish neighbours celebrating Hanukkah (Jewish New Year). So often Muslims are told it is wrong to give greetings for these occasions. My Brothers, my Sisters, among those lessons given by the Prophet of Allah regarding neighbours, it mentions the exchange of greetings and
gifts b e t w e e n neighbours. They know that we are Muslim, that we do not celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah with them, but we celebrate friendship and neighbourliness. “He who is best to his neighbours will enjoy the neighbourhood of Allah on the Day of resurrection.” – Prophet Muhammad (S) Shifa Mustapha is a prolific writer and community worker based in Queensland.
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#SOCIAL
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 13
AUSTRALIA 14 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
The diary of a Refugee Eesa Bokhari, Age 8
Shay Saleh, Premier’s Award
Shay Saleh and her team won the 2017 Premier’s Award for Tackling Childhood Obesity. It was awarded to the Aboriginal Go4Fun, from the NSW Office of Preventative Health. The Premier’s Award recognis-
es excellence in public service. Her colleague said “Yay! My team won the 2017 NSW Premiers Award for Tackling Childhood Obesity. A reward for all the hard work we put in!”
Hi my name is John Bulati and this is a story that is from Russia where we used to live near the coast of Russia. This story starts in the year 2000, 28 December at 9:00 PM. My Dad came back from work and said, “ We have to leave Russia immediately, pack everything you need because I want to take you with me now!” I went upstairs to my room and packed my toy train, some clothes, my diamond that I went mining for, precious things, my ipod, my pocket money and some books to read. Then I hear gun firing and shouting and I felt really really scared and I heard the wind howling and a thunderstorm coming, then I quickly went downstairs and I saw mum and dad packing all of the food we needed for the big journey. Then we went out of the house and I said, “it is good that we at least have got a fishing boat to flee Russia right dad”. “yes right son”, he replied. Dad and mum took turns to drive the boat day and night. Dad would wakes me up for breakfast set up at the top deck, but realised that they were not eating. I ask mum and dad, “why are you not eating breakfast?” Dad replied, “because we don’t want the food to run out
Neslihan Sari, Abdullah Karim, Football NSW VicHealth
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and we all starve.” I kept asking dad are we there yet, reaching Australia?” Dad said that we will get there in 6 more days. We saw a ship in the far distance. I thought may be it is a pirate ship. As we came closer, dad stood up and he said,” I think I see the ships name, it says EVARANA AVA and also it looks like an Australian navy ship. As our boat finally arrived nearer the EVARANA AVA, I saw a soldier and I felt a little scared. The captain of Australian navy ship asked us to follow them to Sydney. As we arrive at Sydney Harbour I felt relief and it looked so interesting. I saw a big bridge ( The Harbour Bridge ), a sail flag house ( The Sydney Opera House ) that looked so beautiful and I saw lots of shiny buildings. Later on in the year 2001, on 20 January, mum put me in a public school and she bought 3 sewing machines to make stuff and sell it to earn money for living. I didn’t really like school because sometimes other kids would tease me and tease me about my Russian food. Also I didn’t really like the school because I had no friends to play. But then one day there was a new kid and his name was Anton so I asked if I could play tips with him and then he became my first best friend. So then I liked the school because I had a friend to play with. So that is how I ended up in Australia. Read full version online at amust.com.au
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Neslihan Sari featured in the VicHealth “This Girl Can” facebook page. Neslihan said “I ran 15km for Run for the Kids and I did the 30km Melbourne Coastrek”. Big or small, achievements are meant to be celebrated!! Well done Neslihan!
“My name is Abdullah Karim, I’m 26 years old, I weigh 17 kilograms and I’m the best Power chair Football player in the world.” At the recent Power Chair Football World Cup in America Abdullah was named the Most Valuable Player. His never give up attitude has seen him reach the pinnacle of his sport despite unimaginable obstacles. He continues to inspire disabled and able bodied athletes around the globe. “When we get out there on the court, we forget about the chair, we forget we’re in wheelchairs, we compete like normal soccer players do.” Video produced by Football NSW.
Heba Shaheed, UNSW Business School Across 3 5
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3. Currency used in the time of Prophet Muhammad (s). 5. Number of maternal uncles of the Prophet to accept Islam. 6. Language of the oldest Shahadah Translation (705AD). 7. Number of obligatory Ramadans fasted by the Prophet. 8. Number of times Prophet Muhammad (s) was originally told to pray by Allah. 10. Which ear of a newborn the call to prayer is whispered. 11. Minimum number of people required to warrant the athan. 12. Years of peace that will follow Jesus’ defeat of Dajjal.
Currency used in the time of the Prophet Muhammmad Number of maternal uncles of the Prophet to accept Islam Language of the oldest Shahadah Translation www.amust.com.au (705AD)
The Pelvic Expert founded by Heba Shaheed and Nabeil Alam won $15 000 as first prize for the UNSWBusiness School’s Peter Farrell Cup. “So proud to have won the UNSW Business School Peter Farrell Cup, which unbelievably was a unanimous decision by the judges.” Our $15K First Prize came in today and we are so excited about the progress we will make with this. Thank you UNSW Innovations & UNSW Business School team and judges Maureen Murphy, Jeffrey Tobias, Fleur Filmer, Marisa Warren, Franki Chamaki, Merlin Allan, Elizabeth Eastland and Alex Metelerkamp.”
Australasian Muslim Times
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App Review: Quran Majeed
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Quran Majeed is an amazing Quran app that beautifies your life with the blessing of reading and listening to the Quran on the go. The latest version of the authentic Quran Majeed app for IOS and Android offers complete Quran in the elegant Uthmanic script and Indo-Pak Script proofread by a Muslim Islamic scholar, multiple audio recitations and translations. A must-have app for all Muslims and Islam followers. • Worldwide accurate Prayer timings. • Qibla Compass • World famous reciters (Sheikh Abdul Basit, Sheikh As Sudays & As Shraym, Mishari Rashid, Saad Al Ghamdi, Abu Bakr Shatry, Sheikh Ahmed Ajmi, Sheikh Al-Huzaifi, Sheikh Mahir-al-Muayqali, Sheikh Minshawi, Sheikh Ayub, Khalil Husari, Mahmood AlBana, Salah Bukhatir & Sheikh Basfar). • Four English translations (Pickthal, Dr. Mohsin, Mahmood & Yusuf Ali) and 45 (forty-five) language translations. • Quranic Aya highlighting during recitation. • Background audio recitation playback support during standby.
Down 1 Who had the same dream as Zaid about the call to prayer 2 Tajweed is the Quranic science of this 3 How Zaid said he wrote the call to prayer 4 When making ablutions, Muslims wash this after the mouth 7 Where most Islamic countries in Africa are 9 A favorite color of the Prophet 10 Al-Kawthar is one of these in Heaven
Crossword Answers
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twitter.com/amust_au
Reviews “Good app but when trying to play an offline verse, it says ‘please wait’ as if it’s trying to download the verse from the net.” “This app is really good source of our Quran learning and understanding” “Excellent !!! It’s really helpful for every one to pray on time.”
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AMUST Media
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“Yassmin Abdel Magied, 26 years old, mechanical engineer, rev head, social justice advocate and TV Presenter. The Muslim daughter of Sudanese migrants, she has a huge personality. But after a big run in with former senator, Jackie Lambie, Yassmin’s popularity took a nasty turn. Then after a facebook post on ANZAC day, just seven words. The blowback was brutal.” The video then shows a barrage of verbal abuse from parliamentarians to tv presenters. “Yassmin said she became the most hated Muslim in Australia and left for London. But now she’s back in Australia briefly and read to talk about what just happened” Yassmin says it felt “wild” to go through that all. “I went from being Young Queensland of the Year, on all these boards and councils, I was the good Muslim girl, the darling. Nek Minit, everything exploded. It was surreal to look back and realise that was my year. Obviously, super traumatic, I’m in a place now where I am now someone with nothing left to lose.” “You don’t know how strong you are until you’ve been through something really hard. It showed me, oh I’m just some 26 year-old, and I can have the full weight of social media, mainstream media, the government and public opinion against me, and I’m going to come out on top, what of it.”
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