AMUST
LIFESTYLE 20 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 25
EDUCATION 26
BUSINESS 27
TRAVEL 28 - 29
SOCIAL 30 - 31
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
www.amust.com.au
Multicultural News & Views
ISSUE # 164
/
/
JULY 2019; DHUL QA’DAH 1440
Does Australia Value Truth?
Mufti Menk in Sydney
PH: (02) 9158 3020
/
Digital Newspaper Available
EMAIL: INFO@AMUST.COM.AU
MEFF 2019 in Pictures
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
/
$2
Let Me Take A Selfie
BOOMERANG PAGE 7
COMMUNITY PAGE 9
Trump’s provocations are a threat to world peace
#NoFaithInCoal Open letter to PM signed by 153 faith leaders
UMMAH PAGE 24
Fadlullah Wilmot While war is in nobody’s interest, Trump, egged on by Iran-hating strong men in Israel, Saudi Arabia and UAE, is provoking Iran for a fight through severe economic sanctions and accusations of attacks in the Persian Gulf. The international community, instead of being silent observers, must raise their voice against this brinkmanship that has the potential to cause misery to a great number of people and is a threat to global peace. The US has a long history of false flag operations and provocations to create a false casus belli. The timing is suspicious. American presidents like to describe the United States as a force for freedom but by any measure America has, from its early days, been an imperial power subjugating and ruling other people’s lands mainly through bloody conquests, often using false flags or provocation in order to have a casus belli. Continued on Page 22
#NoFathinCoal spokespersons. From left: Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black, Environmental Adviser, Australian Council of Progressive Rabbis, Thea Ormerod, President, ARRCC, Gawaine Powell Davies, President, Buddhist Council of NSW, Imam Ahmed Abdo, Secretary, Council of Imams, NSW, Sr Libby Rogerson, Loreto Sisters.
AMUST
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
Read More on Page 2
5 YEARS
SEENA
I N C O R P O R AT E D
Producers of AMUST
Proudly Printed in Australia by Spotpress Pty Ltd
Dispose of this paper thoughtfully - PLEASE RECYCLE
AMUST
NEWS
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
AUSTRALIA 18 - 19
#NoFaithInCoal Open letter to PM signed by 153 faith leaders AMUST Media More than 150 religious leaders from across Australia have issued an open letter calling on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to recognise Australia’s moral responsibility to avoid climate catastrophe and halt all new coal and gas projects. The religious leaders span the spectrum of faiths and include the heads of the National Council of Churches, Muslims Australia, the Uniting Church in Australia and the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils as well as the Grand Mufti of Australia, Bishops, senior Rabbis and leading theologians. The letter was organised by Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC). “Australia is facing an unprecedented climate crisis, and stopping new fossil fuel projects like the Adani mine is a moral imperative,” said Thea Ormerod, President, ARRCC. “Australia is the largest exporter of both coal and gas globally and one of the largest per capita polluters. We have an urgent duty to change this, and protect all life on earth”. “As one of the world’s sunniest and windiest countries, Australia has the means to address the global climate crisis by building a strong, renewables-powered economy that benefits Australia and our overseas brothers and sisters, and cares for our common home. “Faith leaders are so concerned about this moral challenge that they have come out in unprecedented numbers to call for climate action. Some are even willing to face arrest to stop the Adani mine,” said Ormerod.
101 year old Presentation Sister, Ellen Cullinan
Triratna Buddhist Order member, Dharmacari Apada. “Climate change is hurting people in Australia and beyond, and we have a moral responsibility to put a stop to this” said Loreto Sister Libby Rogerson. “By burning fossil fuels, and supporting new coal and gas projects, we fuel worsening extreme weather, crop failures and sea level rise, among other disasters; and we move further away from loving God and God’s Creation, and loving our neighbour. “We have a sacred responsibility to care for the Earth and all living beings, especially the vulnerable people on the frontlines of climate change. This is why we feel compelled to publicly urge our leaders, who are failing in their own duty to protect Austral-
ia’s people and places, to do better,” said Sister Rogerson. Dr Gawaine Powell Davies, President, Buddhist Council of New South Wales, said: “True leadership means keeping all people healthy, safe, and secure; not speeding up the decline towards a more unstable future. As the world’s largest coal exporter, Australia has a great responsibility, and great power, to address the climate crisis.” The religious leaders also backed the demands of the school strike movement, which called on Australian leaders to stop the Adani mine, commit to no new coal or gas projects and move to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030.
“We appreciate that an energy transition will be challenging, and recognise the importance of ensuring that coal communities are not left behind,” said Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black. “But the only moral way forward is helping workers and coal communities access alternative livelihoods and access new economic opportunities. Refusing to plan for the transition from coal to renewable energy is a leadership failure that hurts us all,” said Rabbi Keren-Black. Read the letter on our website at: https://tinyurl.com/nofaithincoal
Muslim Lawn KEMPS CREEK CEMETERY
Kemps Creek Cemetery now has a dedicated Muslim Lawn, offering a peaceful rural cemetery to the Muslim community. Located only 25 minutes’ drive from Blacktown and 35 minutes from Auburn. › Single and double burial graves available › 3 year interest free payment plans available
Part of the local community For further information please contact:
2
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
Kemps Creek Cemetery on 02 9826 2273 from 8.30am-4pm 230-260 Western Rd, Kemps Creek NSW 2178 www.kempscreekcemetery.com.au
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
ISSUE 164 / JULY 2019
LIFESTYLE 20 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 25
EDUCATION 26
BUSINESS 27
TRAVEL 28 - 29
NEWS
SOCIAL 30 - 31
AMUST
President Morsi remembered during global funeral prayers Zia Ahmad
Western Sydney University introduces Australia’s first branded hijab for clinical practice AMUST Media Western Sydney University has introduced the first branded hijab for clinical practice in Australia. This has been done together with resources to enhance awareness and support for Muslim Nursing and Midwifery students’ Islamic beliefs when working in a clinical setting. According to Ms Sue Willis, Director of Academic Programs (Clinical) at Western Sydney University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery and co-creator of the program, the initiative is about creating a supportive and engaging clinical learning experience. “This Australian-first initiative closes a significant gap in available resources addressing the unique cultural and religious beliefs and requirements of Muslim Nursing and Midwifery students. They are designed to support students’ learning in an accepting and motivating environment which enhances their clinical experience,” said Ms Willis. Co-creator of the program Dr Rakime Elmir, Deputy Director of Clinical Education at the University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, said that the development of the branded hijab and resources involved collaboration across the University and broader community. “As a Muslim, I knew it was vital that community spiritual leaders, the broader community, our students and staff all had the opportunity for input. This ensured that a balance could be achieved between equipping Muslim Nursing and Midwifery students with the JULY 2019 / ISSUE 164
skills and tools needed to be confident in the job, whilst encouraging the practice of their beliefs.” The resources, which include guidelines and digital assets, are available to teaching staff, clinical facilitators and Muslim students. They address such issues as clinical uniform requirements, nursing care of different genders, bearing forearms to undertake aseptic hand wash and taking time from the clinical environment for prayer. Dr Elmir says the introduction of the hijab as an optional part of a Muslim Nursing and Midwifery students’ clinical uniform has attracted a great deal of interest across the University. It is set to be introduced in other courses where there is a clinical component. “The appetite for these resources was overwhelming. When we put a call out for a student discussion forum on this topic, more than 150 students registered – so there is clear support and interest for these resources,” said Dr Elmir. Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, Professor Barney Glover AO, said: “Western Sydney University is one of the most culturally diverse universities in Australia. We are very proud to be the first university in Australia to introduce these resources. This reflects our strong commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusiveness, and providing a supportive learning and working environment for all.” The University’s branded hijab is now available for all Western Sydney University students at on-campus Co-Op stores.
Dr Mohamed Morsi, 67, who died on Monday 17 June 2019 while imprisoned, was the only democratically elected head of state in Egyp’s modern history. His death caused outrage in the international community with millions all over the world participating in his Salatul-JanazaAlghaib (absentee funeral prayer) while the news of his death was barely mentioned in the Egyptian press. In Sydney, the prayers attended by thousands at the Gallipoli mosque on Tuesday 18 June were led by the Grand Mufti of Australia Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed while Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman, President of ANIC during his address said that the death of this honourable man was a great loss, to not only Egyptians and Muslims but all who stand for justice. According to the Egyptian regime, Dr Morsi collapsed and died in a Cairo court on Monday while he was detained since he was removed in a military coup in 2013 after he became Egypt’s first democratically elected leader in 2012. Since then, Morsi was denied medical care; his family was allowed to visit him in prison only three times; and he was held in solitary confinement for as much as 23 hours a day, which under United Nations guidelines classifies as torture. His son Abdullah Morsy has accused Egypt’s ruthless regime of “slow … murdering” his father, amid wider questions from human rights groups about how the late leader was treated in prison. The UN has called for an independent investigation into the death of Dr Morsi. A statement from Rupert Colville, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, pointed to Egypt’s obligations to treat its prisoners humanely in calling for an investigation. His family have long raised concerns over his treatment in prison and say that the authorities refused a request for him to be buried in his home town. Instead, he was laid to rest in eastern Cairo early on Tuesday 18 June morning under tight security. The death of Dr Morsi has cast the spotlight on the dire conditions faced by political prisoners in Egypt under the government of dictator, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. “Former President Morsi’s death followed years of government mistreatment, prolonged solitary confinement, inadequate medical care, and deprivation of family visits and access to lawyers,” Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director of Human Rights Watch (HRW) said. But the former president was just one of tens of thousands of prisoners suffering under similar conditions. Under al-Sisi’s rule, Egyptian security forces have engaged in a campaign of intimidation and arrests of political opponents and civil society activists, with at least 60,000 people – including leaders of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood such as Morsi – believed to have been imprisoned on political grounds. In 2016, HRW documented the grim conditions in Cairo’s high-security Scorpion prison, where those considered enemies of the state, including many Muslim Brotherhood leaders, are being held. But deaths due to medical neglect are nothing new. According to Human Rights Monitor, more than 300 detainees have died in prison in Egypt since the coup in 2013,
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
with the cause of death principally due to “medical neglect and torture”. Dr Mohamed Morsi’s presidency was hope for a democratic future in Egypt long dominated by ruthless dictators who had inflicted atrocities on all opposition especially on Ikhwan al Muslimoon, the Muslim Brotherhood. His rise to the presidency reflected the aspirations of millions of Egyptians for a future free of despotic military rule. For Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the field marshal who overthrew Dr Morsi in a July 2013 coup and restored military rule in Egypt, Dr Morsi’s death signals yet another milestone in a sixyear mission to bury any remaining vestiges of the country’s short-lived democratic transition. Mohamed Morsi Eesa was born on 8 August 1951 in northern Egypt and in 1960s, he moved to Cairo to study at Cairo University, and earned a BA in engineering with high honors in 1975. He fulfilled his military service in the Egyptian Army from 1975 to 1976, serving in the chemical warfare unit. He then resumed his studies at Cairo University and earned MS in metallurgical engineering in 1978. After completing his master’s degree, Morsi earned a government scholarship that enabled him to study in the United States. He received a PhD in materials science from the University of Southern California in 1982. While living in the United States, he became an assistant professor at California State University, Northridge from 1982 to 1985. He was an expert on precision metal surfaces, also worked with NASA in the early 1980s, helping to develop Space Shuttle engines. In 1985, Dr Morsi returned to Egypt, becoming a professor at Zagazig University, where he was appointed head of the engineering department and remained there until 2010. Dr Morsi leaves behind his wife Naglaa Ali Mahmoud, five children, Ahmed Mohammed Morsi, who is a physician in Saudi Arabia; Shaima, a graduate of Zagazig University; Osama, an attorney; Omar who has a bachelor in commerce from Zagazig University; Abdullah, a high-school student, and three grandchildren.
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
3
AMUST
NEWS
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
AUSTRALIA 18 - 19
MINARET COLLEGE OFFICER CAMPUS INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE LEARNING SPACES New Learning Spaces designed to increase active learning and interactions with staff and within students. The technology used is most modern and furniture selection adds to the overall smart ambience. Minaret College welcomes parents and prospective students to take a tour of this facility.
H E AD O F F I CE S PRIN GVAL E CAMPUS
Ki n d erga r te n – Year 12 36 -38 Le wis Street, Spr ingvale , 3171 03 95 74 0567 MIN
GE
FAIT A RE T CO LLE CE H KNOWLEDGE PRACTI
O F F IC E R CAMPUS
Ki n d erga r te n – Year 12 67 Ti ven dale Road, Office r 380 9 03 59 43 2058
MI N A R E T C O L L E G E Follow us on Facebook
MIN ARET.VIC.EDU.AU 4
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
ISSUE 164 / JULY 2019
LIFESTYLE 20 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 25
EDUCATION 26
BUSINESS 27
TRAVEL 28 - 29
SOCIAL 30 - 31
AMUST BOOMERANG
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
AMUST: Celebrating 5 5 YEARS years of Muslim Media
AMUST
AMUST ISSUE # 164 FRIDAY 5 JULY 2019 1 DHUL QA’DAH 1440 News
1-4
- Trump: threat to world peace - President Morsi remembered
Boomerang
5-8
Its time to celebrate. sional quality publication on a regular basis - Understanding Islamophobia Seena Incorporated, the producers of with an excellent track record. - Does Australia value truth? AMUST is organising the AMUST Awards Thank you to our regular columnists who - What is Islam? The question today Night and Gala Dinner in Sydney on Sat- keep writing their columns month after 9 - 15 Community urday 20 July 2019 celebrating 5 years of month always meeting the deadlines. Muslim media with the Australasian MusThank you to our large team of writers - Mufti Menk in Sydney lim Times AMUST reaching a milestone from all over Australia who upload their - ISAA NSW conference with its news platform by recognising peo- write-ups , community news, views, reports, - Mr Kazim Hussain passed away ple who have contributed to this success poems and ideas and give us the right to 16 - 17 story. edit appropriately. Centrefold a not for profit organisation producing Seena Incorporated cordially invites you to join us in celebrating 5 years of Muslim media with esthe Australasian Muslim Times AMUST reaching a milestone with well its news platform The Awards Night and Gala Thank you to volunteers a monthly newspaper in print as by awarding individuals who contributed to its success together with a gala dinner. - Poster competition winners Dinner will be attended by pecially school and universi- as digital e-Newspaper, a weekly Email - Eid celebrations at MEFF 2019 AMUST team members ty students who come every Newsletter, a dynamic frequently The HighlinereVenue, 20 July Australia 18 - 19 Ruby Ballroom, including producers, month helping with the Saturday freshed website and presence on major Time: 5pm Bankstown, NSW writers, distributors and packing and posting of social media platforms in order to dis- ‘Share a meal, share a story’ Zia Ahmad advertisers as well as AMUST copies individual- seminate positive community news about Tickets: $55 - Silent epidemic of mental health community and interfaith ly and in bulk. our Australian Multicultural community. (Free Underground Parking) Assalamu leaders, politicians, govThank you to our dediAMUST fulfills the human right to inLifestyle 20 - 21 amust5years.eventbrite.com Alaikum ernment officials and othcated network of distribu- formation for all by providing facts with - Living with disability SEENA er members of our diverse tors via business premises, truthfulness and accuracy and uphold Greetings - DV: Knowing and exercising rights community. offices and by hand at Friday freedom of expression with responsibilof Peace Ummah With its publication of IsJuma prayers all over Australia. ity. 22 - 25 sue#163 June 2019, AMUST Thank you to our advertisers who Young people in our community are - Quebec passes religious ban completed five years of a success stohave partnered with us for mutual bene- provided with the opportunity to express - Beating the drums of war ry. fits and in support of Muslim Media. their ideas and opinions on current af26 Education Restarting AMUST as an English full Thank you to our subscribers, readers fairs, share their grievances and contribcolour newspaper in July 2014, it has and those who buy AMUST at newsagents ute towards building a peaceful and har- Towards demystifying Shari’ah maintained the momentum by producing thereby increasing our readership. monious society. - Books are better in the digital world the monthly print edition every month and Thank you to our printers and newsagent While mainstream media largely highon time for the last five years without a distributors for a highly efficient and friend- lights negative news of wars, conflicts, 27 Business break. ly service. crimes and assaults, AMUST has turned - Calls to abolish luxury car tax In addition, AMUST has been producThank you to other partners in Muslim the idea of news on its head by providing - Allah the Magnificent ing regular Email Newsletters, now on a media who are complimenting our work in the good news, positive aspects of comweekly basis every Friday for more than various different ways. munity life and highlighting all the good 28 - 29 Travel a year. And finally, thanks are to Allah for pro- works that people do. - Modern Ibne Batota: Africa Tour 2 Its time to celebrate and also to say viding us the opportunity in to live and work AMUST brings various sections of the Ethiopia, Visiting the First Mosqie Thank You. in this land down under that we call home, community together by highlighting their Thank you to our highly efficient Australia, where we can express ourselves achievements in order to bring about apSocial 30 - 31 AMUST core production team of editors, with full freedom without fear or favour. preciation and cooperation between our - Social Spotlights graphic designers and proofreaders for During the last five years AMUST has multifaith and multicultural community. - Top notetaking apps their continuous voluntary dedication to established itself as a multicultural multiCome and join the celebration and work non stop in bringing out a profes- media platform run by Seena Incorporated, thanksgiving on Saturday 20 July 2019. Disclaimer
EDITORIAL
I N C O R P O R AT E D
Producers of AMUST
Readers comments Dutton and Co.
Later this morning, after reading today’s Saturday Paper (June 29th-July 6th), and the cellophane wrapping has many uses in the kitchen, I will join others to commemorate a long-running catastrophe, the so-called NT ‘intervention’, or, more accurately, reinvasion. And to celebrate the resistance to it among First Nations people. It does not surprise me that Dutton lies constantly: ‘No truth in Dutton’s medivac rhetoric.’ He is like the people that my father left Europe to get away from. Except they spoke German, as did my father. They have a special word in Germany for deceptions designed to maintain power: ‘Schweinerei’... pig-work. My apologies for demeaning pigs in this way. This, what you do, is the real value of journalism; highlighting the abuse of power, not just retailing the lies that politicians have come up with. The next step is for us to act as concerned citizens, in association with each other. As with many groups around Australia, against the holding of hostages on Manus and Nauru, and other human rights violations, we meet every Friday 5pm, at the Queen Victoria statue, in front of the QVB, in Sydney. We are not hens in a battery hen farm, and we are not members of a penal colony. Then we have coffee or tea and sign letters, and as friends and citizens think of what next to do to help Behrouz Boochani and those he stands in solidarity with. This is a shout-out to the other groups, also to #Sail4Justice. Stephen Langford Sydney
Re: We all need to reduce meat consumption
Dr Daud Batchelor’s credentials are im-
JULY 2019 / ISSUE 164
pressive. We would welcome more such contributions on meat consumption and impact on health. How can we stress upon today’s youths so that they become self-relient. mskhalil
Re: The Spoiler: White supremacy harnesses the fear factor
It could be a mosque or a synagogue. White supremacist is the very antithesis of Shalom or Salaam! mal
Re: Islamic Bank in Australia: Soon a reality
Salaams. One must wonder why it takes 7 years and $10M?? We’ve been hearing this for the last 6 years! What recognized and accredited sharia financial organization has certified IBA products? Neither CIFE nor AAOIFI. We don’t even have ANIC certification. Dr Zaki Hussain Assalam o alaikum, It is really great start like a first drop of rain Been waiting for ages living in Australia more than 15 years haven’t bought property due to Ribah But now In sha Allah will be good help not only Muslims brother even other communities too who not understand Sharia law. Wassalam Muhammad Saleem Ashiq MashaAllah, it’s a great and brave initiative. However, we would expect they’d be transparent by disclosing their certification authorities that mass Muslim community trust. Any Allah (swt) make it easy for them.
Wassalam
Sazzad Hasan
Re: Ibrahim Dellal, Australian Muslim pioneer passed way Thanks for sharing this article for us.
rani
HAVE YOUR
SAY
Email your thoughts or comment of current events to
info@amust.com.au
Subscribe Yearly subscription
$10 Digital Edition $30 Print Edition Subscribe now at
amust.com.au/subscribe
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
The views and opinions expressed in articles, and Letters to the Editor, Website Comments are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Australasian Muslim Times.
AMUST Team
Editor-in-Chief: Zia Ahmad Graphic Designer: Rubinah Ahmad Chief Adviser: Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad Multimedia Journalist: Mehar Ahmad Multimedia Journalist: Mobinah Ahmad Multimedia Journalist: Theresa Dyckman Sub-Editor: Aisha Mohsin Columnist: Dr Abul Jalaluddin (Finance) Columnist: Dr Ameer Ali (WA) Columnist: Bilal Cleland (Victoria) Columnist: Manarul Islam (ACT) Columnist: Dr Daud Batchelor (QLD) Columnist: Simon Harrison (QLD) Columnist: Zahid Jamil (NSW) Columnist: Shahjahan Khan (QLD) Columnist: Imam Malik Mujahid (USA) Promotion: Dr Wali Bokhari Web Developer: Shadow Approved Multimedia: iMoby Productions Printers: Spotpress Pty Ltd Distributers: Abul Fateh Siddiqui, Shujaat Siddiqui, Usaid Khalil, Aamir Ahmad, Ibrahim Khalil, Usman Siddiqui, Zahid Alam, Shahab Siddiqui, Mahmoud Jaame, Mateen Abbas, Rashid Idris, Sakinah Ahmad, Anjum Rafiqi, Hasan Fazeel, Dr Quasim, Ismail Hossain, Hanif Bismi, Zohair Ahmad, Luqman Landy.
AMUST Contacts PO Box 111, Bonnyrigg (Sydney), NSW 2177 Australia. Email: info@amust.com.au Ph:(02) 9158 3020
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
5
AMUST
BOOMERANG
NEWS 1-4
• NSW Women of the Year Award 2019 (Cabramatta: Mrs Mehar Ahmad). • Premier’s Multicultural Communications Award 2018 (Photo of the Year: Ms Yusra Hadi). • Premier’s Multicultural Communications Award 2018 (Young Journalist of the Year Finalist: Ms Mobinah Ahmad).
BOOMERANG 5-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
AUSTRALIA 18 - 19
Visiting the Al-Noor Mosque in Christchurch Dr Mehreen Faruqi, Greens Senator for NSW, visiting the Al-Noor Mosque in Christchurch.
• Australian Muslim Achievement Award 2018 (Media Outlet of the Year: Mrs Mehar and Mr Zia Ahmad). • Excellence Award by Multicultural Communities Council NSW 2018 (Mr Zia Ahmad). • Recognition in Mosaic of Muslim Women in Australia, MWA 2018 (Mrs Mehar Ahmad). • Interfaith Dialogue Award 2018 by Hon Tony Burke MP and Mr Khodr Saleh (Mr Zia Ahmad). • AMU Alumni of Australia Award in 2016 (Mr Zia Ahmad). • Premier’s Multicultural Media Award 2016 by NSW Government (Editorial of the Year: Mr Zia Ahmad).
Senator Mehreen Faruqi
• Premier’s Multicultural Marketing Award in 1992 by NSW Government (Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad).
6
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
I recently had the immense privilege of visiting Al-Noor Mosque in Christchurch where I paid my respects to the innocent targets of the massacre and met with some survivors and family members whose lives have changed forever by this brutal attack. Entering the arched doorway of the mosque felt surreal yet brutally real all at the same time. From the outside, the mosque is a nondescript building. The only visible changes ‘post-Christchurch’ are bunches of flowers laid out the front and the permanent presence of a police van. Inside are a couple of carpeted prayer rooms where people gather to do their afternoon namaz, just as they have each day since the mosque opened. I prayed in the women’s section of the mosque. I met a mother whose son is no more and a young woman whose husband was murdered that ill-fated day, her life shattered as she faces raising her two toddlers alone. It was the first time she’d come to the mosque since the shootings. She handed me a letter explaining her ongoing distress and trauma. People are still hurting. They are in shock and disbelief. They still need an abundance of emotional and economic support. While overcome with grief and sadness, I could not help but be struck by the strength of the victim’s families and their determination to rebuild their lives in Christchurch. It is also heartening to see how the community rallied together to give love, help and support. What happened in Christchurch on Friday 15 March this year should never have happened and I hope it never ever happens again. But this sentiment can’t remain a wish. To make this a reality, we have to be completely honest about the circumstances that can lead to such attacks. We have to be completely honest about the spread of racism, xenophobia and hate speech in society. We have to confront the rise and tolerance of far right wing and neo-Nazi movements. And we have to listen to and believe those who face the impact of this abuse with open hearts and minds. Time does not heal all wounds. No days, months or years can ever hope to diminish the anguish and sorrow of Christchurch. No words can do justice to the pain of the sur-
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
vivors, the family and friends of the victims and our community. But by acting now we can at least stop such wrongs from happening again. By acting now we can give some comfort to their loved ones that their lives were not lost in vain. After Christchurch, while we have been showered with love by many, we have also been bombarded with extraordinary hate and filth. When we once again called out the climate of hate, racism and far-right extremism contributing to such violence we are questioned, we are attacked, we are constantly asked for proof. When we report abuse and threats we are told that they are just other people’s points of view and what I should expect as a Federal Senator. When we dare to call out Islamophobia, racism, race-baiting and centuries of oppression we are told we have a victim mentality or we are a whinging leftie or that we are attention seeking. This is part of the systematic silencing that people of colour know very well. I was told by the media that race-baiting comments by politicians are just part of the rough and tumble of politics. Politicians and the media must start listening to what many of us have been saying for years and pledge to tackle it. When they encourage hate, they are quite literally playing games with our lives. When they allow Islamophobia to go unchecked, they endanger the whole community. Now, should be a turning point. We can’t change history but we must be truthful about it. Without truth-telling and without acknowledgment of past wrongs there is little hope that we can make them right now and for the future. So, let’s do some truth-telling. Let’s disrupt the narrative of hate and division, talk about making the world a kinder and more compassionate place, and let’s make sure we are heard over and above the rabble of narrow-minded damaging agendas. No one person can dismantle centuries of structural and systemic supremacy, disadvantage and racism. But together, with solidarity, we must drive the much-needed change to become a society where ‘all of us’ are ‘one of us’ regardless of where we come from, the colour of our skin or our religion. The first Muslim woman elected to an Australian parliament, Senator Mehreen Faruqi is a Greens MP, career engineer and lifelong activist for social and environmental justice. ISSUE 164 / JULY 2019
LIFESTYLE 20 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 25
EDUCATION 26
BUSINESS 27
TRAVEL 28 - 29
SOCIAL 30 - 31
BOOMERANG
Understanding Islamophobia and what to do about it Bilal Cleland
The Routledge International Handbook of Islamophobia, [2019], provides a comprehensive single-volume collection of key readings in Islamophobia. The editors are Irene Zempi Lecturer in Criminology at Nottingham Trent University, UK, and Imran Awan, Professor in Criminology and Deputy Director of the Centre for Applied Criminology at Birmingham City University, UK. The reason for its publication is starkly put: “Islamophobic hate crimes have increased significantly following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and 7/7. More recently, the rhetoric surrounding Trump’s election and presidency, Brexit, the rise of far-right groups and ISIS-inspired terrorist attacks worldwide have promoted a climate where Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiments have become ‘legitimised’.” Divided into four parts, it examines “… the nature, extent, implications of and responses to Islamophobic hate crime both nationally and internationally.” It also seeks “…to examine policy responses and examine the effectiveness of policing this form of hate crime.” Part IV is of particular interest to Muslims and those seeking to protect multicultural societies. It “…looks at ways in which Is-
lamophobic hate crime can be addressed on the national and international stage.” It brings together scholars, researchers and policy experts from the UK, Scotland, France, Ireland, Belgium, the USA, Greece, Poland, Australia, Canada and Southeast Asia, Contributors include Australians Shakira Hussein and Scott Poynting with Chapter 21 “Diasporas and dystopias on the beach: Burkini wars in France and Australia.” The main focus is however on the major Western societies of Europe and North America. What is Islamophobia? The editors welcome the definition of Islamophobia issued by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims, 2018, issued after a year-long consultation across the UK. “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Musliminess.” Nathan Lean, in Chapter 1, “The debate over the utility and precision of the term “islamophobia”, looks back to the scholarship of Fernando Bravo Lopez, who is widely credited with having unearthed the origin and lineage of the word.” Lopez discovered that its first uses in print came more than a century ago when, in 1910, two French writers described the experiences of African Muslims under colonial rule using the variation”Islamophobie.”(Lopez 2011). These usages were iterations of judeophobie(which later became “anti-Semitism”) and
xenophobie, or xenophobia.………………. in describing the circumstances of West African Muslims whose lives were governed by an overbearing French mission. Nasar Meer and Tariq Modood in chapter 2 “Islamophobia as the racialisation of Muslims” point to the two dynamics permeating hostility towards Muslims in Europe. One is the security counter-terrorism anxiety and the other “…has been inherited from an ideological-historical relationship with the notions of the Orient, one that is intertwined with legacies if imperialism.” They could perhaps be summarised as
Does Australia value truth and rule of law in foreign engagements? Dr Daud Batchelor Serious concerns arise from the manner of certain overseas engagements of Australian forces: Firstly, that a Conservative elite is directing foreign policy and military engagements often against Australians’ democratic wishes; secondly, mindsets of errant soldiers in combat could hold that non-European civilians have lesser value and are acceptable ‘collateral damage’; thirdly, development of an incipient culture of non-accountability where possible crimes were not disclosed until incidents were raised by host governments or media leaks. These issues are relevant as the Government reports that 46% of veterans experience mental disorders after discharge. This writer posits that some cases could result from soldiers being trained to kill in wars not morally justified or following orders that didn’t assess means to avoid civilian fatalities. This writer holds the highest regard for ADF personnel who risk their lives. It doesn’t lessen their sacrifices that many analysts concluded Australia’s participation in the Vietnam War and Iraq Invasion was morally wrong. Former PM, Kevin Rudd, argued that John Howard lied to the Public on the reasons for directing troops to invade Iraq and it was a ‘monstrous strategic mistake.’ The Allies’ invasion and occupation killed 600,000 Iraqis, displaced millions of refugees, and massively destroyed civil infrastructure. Conservative leaders in Australia and the US disregarded the People’s democratic will and prosecuted the war. JULY 2019 / ISSUE 164
600,000 Australians, including this writer, demonstrated against invasion plans and surveys showed a majority opposed the invasion. Senator Andrew Wilke opined that Australian Iraqi war involvement caused the 2005 Bali Bombing that killed 20 people. Lack of credible links between the 9/11 atrocity and US Congress authorising force against Iraq probably led to the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 88 Australians. Singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen - a persistent battler for veterans - in “Tucson Train” sings ”We fought hard over nothing/ We fought till nothing remained / I’ve carried that nothing for a long time.” At the height of the Iraq War, he sang about ‘speculators’ who “made their money on the blood you shed.” Australian leaders were often negligent in blindly following the US when its actions were blatantly wrong. Australia is a multicultural society living amongst indigenous owners betwixt Pacific Islanders and Asian peoples. Its values should respect differences, not based on an elite racial construct such as ‘supremacism’ which takes Roman imperial might as a model. The Qur’an (49:13) informs that humanity is of similar standing and the noblest are the most pious. Former Liberal Senator, Jim Molan, was Allied chief of operations fighting Iraqi Sunni patriots in Fallujah in 2004. The civilian population was estimated at 30,000 to 50,000. Alleged war crimes committed include
use of white phosphorous against fighters, prohibited due to toxicity; use of thermobaric-high explosives to flatten houses on occupants including civilians, killing them by crushing and incineration; attacks on hospitals and ambulances forbidden under GC Article 8; and eye-witnessed killing of men under white flags and women and children in the streets. Doran and Anderson’s 2016 legal assessment of ‘well-documented’ cases committed under Molan’s direct command believe he and senior government officials deserve prosecution for war crimes under Australian laws. The Public awaits findings from the 3-year old inquiry led by NSW Judge Brereton into possible war crimes committed in Afghanistan. Stories of Australian soldiers killing unarmed men and boys prompt concerns of a ‘drift of values.’ Many incidents were disclosed to Fairfax media and the ABC by whistle-blowers. The Government must ensure that undisciplined killers within the Forces are prosecuted and ADF’s honour and integrity restored in line with Australian values of justice and the rule of law.
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
Dr Daud Batchelor, holds an MA in Islamic and Other Civilisations and a Diploma in Islamic Studies from the International Islamic University Malaysia, PhD from University of Malaya, MSc from the University of London.
AMUST
“the fear factor” plus “a sense of cultural superiority.” Meer and Modood refer to the 2016 Pew Global Attitudes Projects 2016 which reports the percentage of various populations which rate Muslims unfavourably. Hungary is the highest at 72%, Italians 69%, Greeks 65%, Spaniards 50% with Germans, French and Britons at 28-29% the least hostile. The 32 chapters in this 442-page book, bring together a wide range of studies on this very nasty modern phenomenon. While the information contained within is disturbing, it is an area which must be deeply understood if it is to be effectively combatted. One problem is that the print version of the book is expensive. It can be obtained in e-book form at a reduced price. Bilal Cleland is a keen reader, a prolific writer and a regular columnist of AMUST based in Melbourne.
The houseboat & the banyan tree Fazlul Huq The houseboat would remain anchored in the lake, Close to the banyan tree standing on the foreshore, As the ferry boat loaded with people would move back and forth between the foreground and the distant shore, That remains dressed in green from the wild grass, trees and shrubs, As the mighty branch of the banyan tree would spread its arms over the body of the lake. 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.
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
7
BOOMERANG
What is Islam? AMUST
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
AUSTRALIA 18 - 19
The question in newsrooms, living rooms and courtrooms today Dr Halim Rane At no point in human history have more people across the entire planet asked this question. It was only since the turn of the century that most people developed a conception of Islam. To our discredit, the opinion that most have since formed is negative, according to numerous polls and studies. In Australia, anti-Muslim sentiment has been recorded among as high as 50 percent of the population. Although, it is well documented that pejorative media and political discourses have for decades been among the main drivers of anti-Muslim sentiment, over the past several years, for the first time in Australia’s history, we have multiple groups and political parties with an explicit anti-Islam agenda. This contrasts with our everyday experiences, however, in which we see the many successes of Muslim Australians across all sectors of society. Muslims like Anne Aly, Waleed Aly, Randa Abdel-Fatah, Amal Awad, Susan Carland, Nazeem Hussein, Usman Khawaja, quite a few MasterChef contestants and a number of others are household names, valued for outstanding contributions to society. Many non-Muslims around the country would attest to the goodness of their Muslim relatives, friends, neighbours, colleagues, classmates, workmates and associates. However, in Australia and around the world, Islam is judged by the actions of those who have sought to harm others. Over the past 15 years, 50 Muslim Australian men have been found guilty of plotting or conducting acts of violence defined as terrorism. The evidence presented in court connects their beliefs about Islam with the commission of their crimes. There have even been calls for Muslim Australians to disavow verses of the Quran, a matter I address in my latest paper. Upon us is a great responsibility to answer the question asked in newsrooms, courtrooms, classrooms and living rooms around the country…what is Islam? What is it that we
Muslims believe and how does that impact on everyone else? Our response must be from the Quran, which begins in the name of Allah, the epitome of compassion and mercy. From the first pages, we read this is a book of guidance for the muttaqeen (people who have taqwa, the consciousness of Allah). We believe in the ghayb, realities and dimensions beyond those our limited senses and tools can perceive. We pray to Allah and we share with others from our provisions. We believe in what was revealed to our Prophet Muhammad (s) and what came before him. We live with a belief that this world is not the entirety of our existence, that we will be accountable to Allah, and exist beyond this world is a state determined by Allah’s judgment. Our success results from our belief and good conduct. When reciting the pages of the Quran, the repeated higher principles are unmissable: compassion and mercy, equity, fairness, generosity, integrity, justice, kindness, love, patience, peace, sincerity, trustworthiness and wellbeing. The Quran also demands that we observe, think, reflect, contemplate and use our reason. From this foundation, Muslims developed the philosophy, mathematics and science that brought Europe from the dark ages to the dawn of the enlightenment. But what many non-Muslims are concerned about today is whether we are genuine about peaceful coexistence and if this is truly part of our beliefs. Overwhelmingly, we tick the boxes of non-violence, respecting the law, exercising our rights and duties as citizens in a dignified way, and generally getting along with others, respecting everyone’s rights and freedoms. The Quran provides guidance to live an honest, healthy, happy, honourable life. Its verses and the example of our Prophet direct us towards appreciating the diversity in which humanity is created, accepting religious pluralism and striving for peaceful coexistence. I am currently involved in a research project examining documents referred to as the Covenants of the Prophet Muhammad (s), pledges of protection granted to Christian, Jewish and other monotheistic communities. These documents reinforce what we already know; the Prophet had trusting, mu-
tually-respectful relations with Christians, including the Askum Negus Al-Najashi, to whom he sent his companions in need of protection, and his wife Khadija’s cousin, Waraqa ibn Nawfal, whom he consulted upon receiving the very first revelation of the Quran. He also established a Charter of Medina outlining the rights and responsibilities of the city’s various Arab and Jewish tribes, stating that all belong to a single community (ummah). Furthermore, the Quran calls for the defence of places of worship in which the name of Allah is commemorated, including monasteries (sawami’u) churches (biya’un), synagogues (salawatun) and mosques (masajid) (Quran 22:40). To this we should add that numerous verses of the Quran direct us towards peaceful coexistence (49:13, 2:62, 2:256, 60:7-8, 3:64, 4:90, 8:61, 109:1-6) and require us to uphold our agreements and covenants (5:1, 8:56, 8:72, 9:4, 4:92, 13:20), which brings to mind our social contract and pledge as citizens of this country. The Quran’s guidance transcends time and place, not the least of which through its emphasis on wisdom. We share this island with its traditional custodians and immigrants from all over the world. This is a land of opportunity, governed by the rule of law, where rights and duties are established and we are free to live our respective faiths. It is not without problems and challenges, however, including those concerning indig-
enous reconciliation, violence against women, socio-economic inequality, excessive corporate and foreign lobby influence on government, and environmental sustainability. Unfortunately, bad press and political expediency, as well as misinformation and misconduct within our communities, have contributed to the negativity with which Islam is too often regarded, though its principles and wisdom are so needed. It is our responsibility to right this wrong through our exemplary conduct and constructive engagement with society for the promotion of wellbeing. Right-wing extremism and anti-Muslim sentiments will not disappear overnight but anti-Islam discourses on which they are based can be challenged through the provision of cogent religious instruction and peaceful coexistence can be strengthened through our social engagement and willingness to know one another. Dr Halim Rane is an Associate Professor of Islam-West Relations at Griffith University and grandson of Imam Abdul Raheem Rane (1916-2006), Queensland’s first Imam. He is the 2015 Australian University Teacher of the Year and author of many articles and books and on Islam and Muslim issues, including the recently published book Islam and Muslims in the West: Major Issues and Debates (co-authored with Adis Duderija). His latest peer-reviewed paper is titled “Cogent Religious Instruction: A Response to the Phenomenon of Radical Islamist Terrorism in Australia.”
Highway to Hell! How do YOU know? Irfan Yusuf Here’s a scenario. The Prime Minister decides to organise an iftar dinner at Kirribilli House in Sydney. A bunch of imams turn up, along with professionals, business leaders and celebrities. Over the next few days and weeks, The Australian newspaper runs a series of stories exposing homophobic remarks made by some of the attendees going back years, perhaps decades. The implication is that Muslims are all anti-homosexual, unenlightened and unable to fit into Australian values. Years later, a devout Christian rugby player has his contract terminated for making comments on social media stating that a host of groups (including atheists and gay people) need to repent or else they will go to hell. The same newspaper goes on a jihad defending the player, claiming his freedom of speech and religion is being compro-
8
mised. Is this a case of what’s good for the Christian gander not being good enough for the Islamic goose? Who knows? And quite frankly, who cares? We’ve come to expect such double standards from cultural warriors. My interest in this whole saga is whether it is ok for religious people to express their views in a clumsy or even hurtful manner. Pseudo-religious pundits are expected to be offensive. Some newspapers make a habit of going after minority figures whether Muslim or indigenous or South Sudanese or whatever. But what about the rest of us who must live in the real world? From memory, the rugby player stated that gay people would go to hell. The obvious question from a Muslim perspective is this – how the hell does he know? Is he God? Fair enough, he can say that certain forms of sexual conduct are in fact misconduct. But does all misconduct necessarily lead one to spend eternity with Pharaoh and Mr & Mrs Abu Lahab? I thought I would send a tweet to Israel Folau. I told him I identified as Muslim even
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
if I wasn’t a very good one. I then asked him if he believed I was on the Highway to Hell. No, my query had nothing to do with AC/ DC. Mr Folau didn’t answer my tweet. However, a host of his supporters did. They all agreed that I was headed straight for hell unless I admitted that Jesus died for my sins. Should they have said this? Well, it was nice of them to share their formula for salvation. I respect them for their evangelical zeal. If you believed you had access to the truth, you’d only refuse to share that truth if you were selfish. Muslims also shouldn’t be ashamed of sharing their truths. In Australia, this isn’t so hard to do as most of our sacred teachings and personalities are also found in the Bible. But I don’t think our preaching should be built around speculating who is headed for hell. Nor should it involve condemning how other people live their lives, including who they choose to sleep with.
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
The last thing Islam in Australia needs is our very own Israel Folau. 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.
ISSUE 164 / JULY 2019
LIFESTYLE 20 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 25
EDUCATION 26
BUSINESS 27
TRAVEL 28 - 29
SOCIAL 30 - 31
COMMUNITY
Mufti Menk in Sydney
AMUST
Addresses crowds at Eid festival, inspires school students
Zia Ahmad
Mufti Menk (right) with Steve Dabliz at the Liverpool Eid Festival.
Mufti Menk, the popular Islamic social media celebrity paid a short but highly productive visit to Sydney early June addressing thousands of people gathered at the Liverpool Eid Festival and inspired school students with his unique personable style at the Unity Grammar and the Western Grammar School. Dr Ismail ibn Musa Menk is the Grand Mufti of Zimbabwe considered as the top 500 influential Muslims in the world with millions of followers, over social media platforms, who are attracted to his down to earth lectures exposing the Islamic message of peace and justice in the language of today, resonating with young people. At the Liverpool Eid Festival held over the long weekend early in June, he addressed huge crowds gathered to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr marking the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. On Monday 10 June the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) hosted Mufti Menk for dinner at its office in Sydney with the attendance of Imams and Community leaders, including the Grand Mufti of Australia Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed and President of ANIC Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman. Mufti Menk complimented the great work that ANIC had achieved, in particular in uniting the Imams and creating a platform for Imams to communicate and network. Mufti Menk also reiterated the importance of the unity of Imams and the Muslim community in particular during challenging times. He also visited UMA Centre on Monday 10 June addressing hundreds of young people gathered there entertaining them with his inspirational words. On Tuesday 11 June Mufti Menk visited Western Grammar School in Plumpton in Western Sydney engaging the school students in a question and answer session followed by a private audience with the School’s Board members and staff led by WGS principal Mr Irfan Afzal. Later the same afternoon Mufti Menk paid a visit to the Unity Grammar school in Austral, South West Sydney attending a reception in his honour attended by the School’s staff, board members and sponsors of its various humanitarian projects. Mufti Menk addressed hundreds of students in the Unity Grammar school’s assembly hall mesmerising all those gathered with his unique style of delivery explaining some key Islamic concepts including the belief in the hereafter, Taqwa (God Consciousness) and respect for all including those who did not look like you or thought and practiced in a different way than you, thereby not only tolerating but celebrating diversity.
Mufti Menk with Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman.
Zia Ahmad is the Editor-in-Chief of the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST. JULY 2019 / ISSUE 164
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
9
COMMUNITY
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
AUSTRALIA 18 - 19
ISAA NSW conference AMUST
Sharing educational expertise Osman Karolia The Islamic Schools Association of Australia (ISAA) held their state conference for NSW on Saturday 22 June 2019 at Western Grammar School (WGS) in Plumpton. The conference with the theme ‘Sharing Educational Expertise among Islamic Schools’ was attended by eight schools from all over Sydney together with presentations by invited speakers. Mr Irfan Afzal, Principal of WGS welcomed the delegates and the speakers to the school premises and talked about the humble beginnings of the School now boasting more than 300 students and ever-expanding building plans with the completion of stage 2. Ms Cathy Lovall (AISNSW Director, School Services) gave almost an hour long extensive presentation on new governance policies and procedures relating to employment contracts, child protection and new models of school funding. Delegates also heard from AusRelief and their overseas service learning opportunities in Cambodia including the experiences of Unity Grammar, the only school currently in the program. Mr Sam Halbouni, Principal of Arkana College and Director of Together For Humanity elaborated on programs of the organization in promoting inclusion and
Photo by Mehar Ahmad.
Irfan Afzal.
Cathy Lovall. respect through interfaith/intercultural programs between schools. The delegates were also able to discuss a variety of other matters including security at schools, inter-school debating, sports programs, teacher exchanges and joint professional development.
In conclusion, ISAA Vice Chairman Mr Osman Karolia described the day as “highly productive as collaboration and communication will only make the Islamic sector stronger and provide increased opportunities to students and staff of that sector”. The ISAA national conference will be
held in Perth in September 2019. Osman Karolia, based in Sydney, is currently the Head of Community Engagement, at Unity Grammar Islamic School and Vice Chair of Islamic Schools Association of Australia.
AFIC 55th Annual Congress Syed Zafar Hussain
Sydney Conservatorium of Music 7pm Friday 12th July For Tickets, visit http://alfirdaussydney.eventbrite.com.au
Supported by
10
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) also known as Muslims Australia held its 55th Annual Congress Dinner on Saturday 22 June 2019 at the Stamford Hotel Sydney Airport. This event was attended by delegates from member councils and societies from all over Australia and leading religious and community Leaders, scholars, politicians and diplomats. In addition to the President of AFIC, Dr Rateb Jneid, a number of speakers addressed the gathering including Federal Minister of Immigration Hon David Coleman, Shadow Federal Minister Hon Tony Burke, Member of Lakemba Hon Jihad Dib, Member of Auburn Hon Lynda Jane Voltz, Ambassador of Palestine Izzat Abdul Hadi and President of ANIC, Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman. Dr Jneid presented a report of AFIC at the 55th Congress saying that AFIC has made tremendous progress during the last two years successfully meeting challenges that it had encountered during the last few years. “My Executive Committee and I, who took on our positions two years ago, have been focused heavily on finalising and clearing all the historical issues that we faced when we came into office,” Dr Jneid pointed out. He further clarified, “This has obviously covered all of the school issues, including the MFIS dispute, financial matters and the WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
Dr Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC.
governance concerns raised by the ACNC. All I want to say on those points is that by the Grace of Allah all of those issues are now resolved and behind us.” According to him, AFIC has managed to succeed on the following fronts: • All court cases, including with MFIS, have been completely resolved and closed. • AFIC has a financial plan, approved by the bank, that will see AFIC debt free in under 5 years – AFIC paid $1.4M of its debt during the last 12 months. • The ACNC has formally written to AFIC advising that they are satisfied with our new governance processes and systems and have given us a clean bill of health. “It is now time to turn our faces forward. While we must keep the past in mind, to make sure we do not allow that to happen again, we now need to focus on the future and look to implement those plans and strategies that our community needs,” Dr Jneid concluded. Syed Zafar Hussain is a veteran journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Sada-e-Watan based Sydney. ISSUE 164 / JULY 2019
LIFESTYLE 20 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 25
EDUCATION 26
BUSINESS 27
TRAVEL 28 - 29
COMMUNITY
SOCIAL 30 - 31
AMUST
Khodr Saleh recognised with OAM AMUST Media The former deputy mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown Council Mr Khodr Saleh has been named on the Queen’s Birthday 2019 honours list with the title of OAM. He received the Order of Australia (OAM), acknowledging his services to the Canterbury Bankstown Community and for advocacy of multi-faith relations and diverse cultural groups. On receiving the honour he had the following to say: “I honestly feel that this is not my honour – but the honour of the Muslim and multicultural community and all the amazing people around me who have supported me over the years and have made my journey a great success. I am honoured to share this award with all of them. “ “Its been a privilege to serve my Local Community and I’m delighted that Canterbury Bankstown and the people I’ve worked with for over 30 years are being acknowledged in this really special way.” “Looking back on my journey, I feel very proud, And I think it is really important to acknowledge Australia not only giving me a fair go but also giving me an important opportunity to have a go.” “You will never experience personal growth, if you fear taking chances. And, you will never become successful, if you don’t work hard and operate without integrity.” “This honours celebrate and recognise the great contribution of Australian Muslim
a n d Multicultural diversity in Canterbury Bankstown and across Australia , and encourage more people from diversity back ground to take on leadership roles within our community.” Mr Khodr Saleh born in 1957 and arrived in Sydney from Lebanon in 1985 fleeing war-torn Lebanon to settle in Australia.
Mrs El Dana recognised by WSU
Noura Awad The President of the Muslim Women’s Welfare of Australia, MWWA, Mrs Faten El Dana OAM was a special guest invited by Western Sydney University (WSU) Chancellor Peter Shergold AC and the Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO to attend the Annual iftar held at the University’s Parramatta Campus on Monday 27 May 2019. During her community and alumni address to the audience that included university professors and academics, representatives of government and non-government organisations, she talked about her journey from being a registered nurse and a midwife in a number of hospitals in the South West JULY 2019 / ISSUE 164
Sydney, as a teacher of English as a second language, as a professional interpreter, as a radio presenter and a community leader. The WSU Chancellor, took the opportunity at the event to launch a special WSU ‘headscarf’ for the Muslim students in nursing studying at the university. Mrs El Dana was presented with a gift as a sign of appreciation for sharing her experience and achievements. Earlier during the month, Mrs El Dana was awarded the prestigious award by WSU, Community Fellow of the University of Western Sydneyin recognition of her exceptional service to the Greater Western Sydney region. Noura Awad is a graduate in Human Psychology and has also attained a Diploma in Education teaching English to high school students. Mrs Awad has spent the past 5 years volunteering with the Muslim Womens Welfare of Australia.
He is married to Nadia Saleh and they have four children, Mohsen, Kamal, Hady and their daughter Rana. Mr Khodr’s involvement with the Canterbury Bankstown Community started in Riverwood Community Centre 32 years ago as an immigrant Housing Department tenant and volunteer, and today stands as a chairperson of the Centre’s Board of Directors. He was elected as Canterbury City Councillor for three consecutive terms in 2004, 2008, and 2012. He also served as Deputy Mayor for three terms in 2008, 2012 and 2015. He was also appointed as Member of the Policy Review Committee for Community
Services for the City of Canterbury Bankstown 2016- 2017 and a White Ribbon Ambassador since 2013. He also introduced the highly successful “Emerging Communities Resource Centre” (ECRS) and the Canterbury Interfaith reference group. He has received many prestigious awards for his Community work, including the Labor Party’s “McKell Award” 2017 and the Australasian Housing Institute Inspirational award in 2008. He is Founder and Managing Director of public relations consulting agency, (AWMC) Pty Ltd, since 1997.
THANK YOU, NSW!
Thank you so much for your support in re-electing me as your Senator. It’s a real privilege and I look forward to working with you in serving the people of NSW.
DR MEHREEN FARUQI SENATOR FOR NSW MehreenFaruqi.org.au | fb.me/MehreenFaruqi | Senator.Faruqi@aph.gov.au 02 9211 1500 | Ground Floor, 72 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
11
COMMUNITY
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
AUSTRALIA 18 - 19
Mr Kazim Hussain passed away AMUST
Zia Ahmad Mr Kazim Hussain, 89, the founding Secretary of AFIC, an educationist and a well-known community leader passed away in Sydney on Tuesday 11 June 2019. His Janaza (funeral) was held at Lakemba Mosque followed by his burial at the Rookwood Cemetery, the following day. A Quran recitation program followed by dua was held on Sunday 16 June at Rooty Hill Mosque where his longtime family friend Dr Sikandar Naseeb Khan presented a eulogy while Mr Hussain’s youngest son Dr Gazi Hussain welcomed and thanked the community members gathered at the event for remembering him. Mr Hussain leaves behind his life long partner Mrs Sultana Hussain, sons Zaki, Fahmi and Gazi and daughters Safinaaz and Azra and a number of grandchildren. Mr Hussain has been the driving force behind many foundational Islamic, educational and cultural institutions in Australia, Sydney in particular and leaves a huge legacy of achievements. He has helped and shaped the academic and social achievements of many people over his lifetime including thousands of students who he taught both in the Public school system and trained through the Mus-
Mr Kazim Hussain with his wife Mrs Sultana Hussain.
12
lim Youth Camps. After the Melbourne based Australian Federation of Islamic Societies (AFIS) was restructured as the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) in 1976 and established in Sydney, together with its founding President Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad, a long time close friend and colleague of him, Mr Hussain played a significant role in consolidating the Muslim federal body to become the representative organisation of Muslim Australians. In a landmark paper tiltled, ‘Islamic Education and Schools, presented in March 1989 at the AFIC Federal Congress, Mr Hussain gave a blueprint for the development of Islamic Schools in Australia in a strategic and coordinated way sharing vision, policies and resources. Mr Hussain, being a school teacher with extraordinary skills in mentoring young people from diverse backgrounds, together with Dr Mohammad Ali Wang and Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad organised AFIC Muslim Youth Camps on an Australia-wide level for more than a decade that became the role models for later Muslim Youth Camps. Mohammad Kazim Hussain was born in Hyderabad, India on 6 February 1930 and after completing BSc and MSc worked as a researcher and lecturer in Physics in India before serving in Nigeria and Zambia in the field of education from 1962 till 1973. He migrated to Australia on 2 February 1973 and was recognised as the 10,000th candidate in Bankstown for receiving his Australian citizenship on 27 May 1974. In Australia Mr Hussain subsequently completed MEd from the University of NSW and worked as a Senior Science Teacher at Liverpool Boys High from 1973 to 1982 and at Asquith Boys High from 1982 to 1994. He also served as the Principal of the Australian Islamic College, Sydney from 1998
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
to 2002. Mr Hussain, in addition to Muslim community organisations, also founded and worked with many other social and cultural organisations including Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu, AMU Alumni of Australia, SAMAA, Islamic Sunday Schools, Islamic scripture classes in Public schools and also represented Muslim community on Rookwood Cemetery Trust. Personal Note: I grew up from a teenager seeing Hussain Saheb as a best friend and colleague of my father Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad who had great respect for Mr Hussain as a most sought after colleague and adviser. Hussain Saheb had a cool, analytical mind and had a great sobering effect on his mostly excitable colleagues, he was surrounded by within the Muslim community. I, and I think, many in the South Asian community admired his unique skills in relating most competently jokes both in English as well as in Urdu with equal ease making the listeners laugh and smile while Mr Hussain always keeping a straight face. During the early seventies with n o
mosques, community centres or halls to gather, the Muslim community in general and the South Asian community in particular, frequently met at three residences namely that of Mr Mohammad Afif in Mosman, Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad in South Hurstville and Mr Kazim Hussain in Bass Hill (Bankstown) hosted generously by their respective wives and families.
Mr Kazim Hussain.
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
ISSUE 164 / JULY 2019
LIFESTYLE 20 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 25
EDUCATION 26
BUSINESS 27
TRAVEL 28 - 29
SOCIAL 30 - 31
COMMUNITY
AMUST
Women of Faith Conference 2019
Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas On the Saturday 15 June 2019, women from all faiths gathered to attend the inaugural Women of Faith – Contribution & Belonging event at Whittlesea Council. The event was co-hosted by Whittlesea Interfaith Network and Al Siraat College and proudly supported by Victorian Multicultural Commission and the City of Whittlesea. The MC for this event was senior SRC student from Al Siraat College, Hafsa Sarwar. A moving opening prayer was made by Hifz student Mariam Siddiqui followed by the welcoming speech by councilor and former Mayor Kris Pavlidis. Introductory speeches were also made by special guests MP Bronwyn Halfpenny and
MP Lily D’Ambrosio as well as president of Whittlesea Interfaith Network, Nathan Elijah. Mr Elijah’s speech explained, “Our network is made up of people from all faiths and no faith who approach each other with respect and friendship.” The afternoon was studded with stories and reflections of community contributions and sacrifices made by countless women from all faiths written in the pages of history to current times. Guest speakers included Dr. Rachel Davies from Australian Catholic University, Dr. Zuleyha Keskin from Islamic Sciences & Research Academy, Buddhist nun Venerable Chi Kwang Sunim, Baha’i Speaker Azita Sobhani and Sikh community leader Gurinder Kaur. Keynote speaker Dr Davies shared some inspiring insights from her research on Mother Theresa. She ended with the powerful message that “Faith reminds us that doing good involves deep love and friend-
ship. Deep experiences of spiritual belonging and a genuine commitment to learn from others and to celebrate others can help us, like Mother Theresa, to serve humanity with greater love, compassion and creativity.” Dr Zuleyha Keskin gave a powerful speech on the importance of interfaith dialogue and how it is incumbent upon all Muslims to engage in Interfaith dialogue. Dr Keskin shared insights from her masters’ thesis on Interfaith Dialogue from an Islamic perspective and ended her speech with a call to action stating, “If we really want to grow as a community we need to expose ourselves to platforms where there’s greater diversity and see it as an enriching experience. When we’re able to program our perception of diversity as a beautiful blessing we’re able to apply that acceptance and respect to any platform where there’s a diversity of cultures or opinions.” Student presentations were made by Al Siraat College SRC students supported by
SRC Coordinator Ms Noori Ahmad. In finalising the formal presentations a wonderful moving video presentation was shared of the late Hannah Jacobs, a Jewish woman who supported countless migrant families settle into Australia in the early 80s. The overall feedback was that there is clearly a demand for more platforms for women of faith to network and collaborate, in friendship and respect, on initiatives that serve their community. Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas is on the advisory board for ECCV Gambling Harm project. She’s an active member of Whittlesea Interfaith Network and currently works as the Community Engagement Facilitator for Al Siraat College. Gulhan has a robust history of advocacy for Interfaith dialogue & building resilient, compassionate communities. She is passionate about empowering and developing Muslim youth as spokespeople for their communities.
Seniors enjoy Eid Milan by SAMAA AMUST Media Seniors from the South Asian Community filled Berala Community Hall to its capacity on Saturday 15 June to for Eid Milan event organised by South Asian Muslim Association of Australia (SAMAA). The program commenced with a Naat, poetry dedicated to Prophet Mohammad (s), in the melodious voice of the popular Sydney singer Shagufta Zia. The Health and Wellbeing Lead at Uniting, Anju Mathur gave a detailed presentation on how to cope with ageing and how to access aged care services at home.
JULY 2019 / ISSUE 164
Anju Mathur emphasised the need for the community seniors to be upfront in telling their difficulties in order to access services which they are eligible for. She presented some valuable information in this regard Access to any help at home is made through making a referral to My Aged Care Tel 800 200 422, Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm; Saturday 10am – 2pm. There is no cost involved in the referral and the assessment process is free of charge. Translator and Interpreter Services number is 131 450. Help can be available for domestic assistance, shopping and for going to group social outings under the Commonwealth Home Support Program. There are four levels of packages for Homecare which
will depend on aged care assessment. Anju answered important questions raised by seniors and their carers present in the audience. Another guest speaker was Dr Abdur Rahman Asarogulu, Director of the Gallipoli Home, the first aged care home in Sydney dedicated to serving the needs of Muslim & culturally diverse elders. This facility has been built by the Turkish Muslim community and is of the highest quality with state of the art facilities, alongside a beautiful aesthetic fusing modern architecture with traditional Turkish, Indigenous Australian, and Islamic elements. The staff at Gallipoli Home speak multiple languages including Urdu, Hindi and Bengali.
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
NSW MP Julia Finn applauded SAMAA’s efforts in addressing the critical need of South Asian elders. Dressed in traditional South Asian Shalwar Kameez, she enjoyed the Eid celebrations with SAMAA seniors and their families. Mr Zahid Jamil welcomed the seniors, volunteers and guests on behalf of SAMAA. He applauded Anju Mathur for her community work apart from her role at Uniting. He was equally praiseworthy of Dr Ar Abdur Rahman Asarogulu for his role in building the grand facility and his contribution in Turkish and wider Muslim communities. Mr Jamil said that the core issue was of the community awareness. There is huge reluctance in talking about the old age issues among seniors and their families and therefore they miss out on services for which they are eligible for. Dr Sikander Khan made dua for late Mr Kazim Hussain who had passed away a few days earlier. He paid tribute to Mr Hussain for his role in Sydney’s Muslim organisation and institution including SAMAA over several decades. Several local poets and singers entertained the audience in the second half including Shagufta Zia, Shahid Malik, Tariq Mirza, Shujaat Atif, Taufeeq Ahmad and Shaikh Nizam Thanvi. Mr Fasihuddin Khan kept the audience engaged in the second half while Ali Ahsan was the master of ceremony for the official program. Mr Ejaz Ahmad, Syed Afzal Hussain, Mrs Mona Zahid, Mr Shahid Alvi and other members and volunteers took care of all arrangements to ensure the comfort of all guests.
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
13
AMUST
COMMUNITY
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
AUSTRALIA 18 - 19
WMC showcases multicultural Iftar
Irfan Malik
A heart-warming event was held on Saturday 1 June showcasing a multicultural strong community for a special Ramadan Ifthar was organised by World Malayalee Council Sydney Chapter in collaboration with Australian-Indian Associations, Sydney and friends of Australian Communities at the prestigious S P Jain School of Global Management, Sydney Campus. The event was attended by nearly 140 multicultural community members, several community business leaders, senior trade and business council officials, professionals and their families; this event being coordinated by Irfan Malik representing the World Malayalee Council Global Executive and Babu Varghese, President of the World Malayalee Council, Sydney Chapter and supported by strong mutli-cultural community leadership team and community members. The program kicked-off with breaking of fast, community prayers and “meet and greet” for the community members to ex-
press their solidarity and support for each other and this noble cause. A special melodious rendering of Quranic verse of “Surah Fatiha” in English was presented by a group young kids that was able showcase the passion of these kids in their faith and expression of sharing the love and peace in this holy month of Ramadhan. The organisers’ representatives, Irfan Ma-
lik and Babu Varghese kicked-off the formal session of the event with an introduction of the proceedings and the intent of this august gathering along with a welcome of all the distinguished guests and members of the community. The objective of the event was to bring the communities together, share this special occasion on this holy month of Ramadan, sharing a meal, reflecting the message of Islam for the whole humanity with reachout for peace, spiritual connection and a drive for charity. The impact of young Muslims as part of the core Australian multicultural fabric was reinforced by a passionate reflection by Ms Nurah Malik, a primary school student, highlighting the importance of Ramadan, community coming together for this iftar and the acknowledgement of strong support and encouragement received by these young kids from the broader Australian community including at their respective schools. Indeed, this powerful and impactful presentation was well received and appreciated by the broader community leaders and all the attendees, driving one of the outcomes of this event, creating awareness of the Islamic cause for peace and community bonding. This was followed by another inspiring presentation by a high school young student – Ms Ayesha Faizal who spoke about the importance of Islamic values, being steadfast and patient and coming together for a com-
mon cause even at the School level. Truly, we could see emerging leadership talent from the young Muslim kids group ready to champion the multicultural communal harmony cause for the future of Australia. This event was blessed with the presence of leading distinguished guests that included, Sheikh Mosaad Issa, the Imam of Parramatta Mosque, Zarak Khan, Fiji-Consul General & Trade Commissioner, Barbara Ward, President NSW Australia-India Business Council, Cr.Sameer Pandey, Councillor-Parramatta City Council, Cr Susai Benjamin, Councillor-Blacktown City Council, Abbas Alvi, President of ICSOA, Vish Viswanathan, Past President- United Indian Associations (UIA) and the Editor – The Indian Telegraph, K.P Jose, President Sydney Malayalee Association, Abbas Chelat, Vice Chairman, Australian Islamic College of Sydney and several other leading community members. There was an interactive session engaging the audience to share their own reflection of Ramadan. Several community members appreciated their experience of multicultural community collaboration in action at the event. Mr Abbas Chelat presented the Vote of Thanks and expressed his gratitude to all in the community who came together to be a part of this special event and sought continued support for future events of similar causes. Irfan Malik concluded the session encouraging the attendees to reflect on the spirit of Ramadan and Multicultural values that we are blessed to celebrate in Australia together and strongly expressed the intent to continue this tradition in the future with more of these multicultural events organised collectively. A scrumptious Ifthar Dinner was then offered to the attendees to share a meal together and also build on the community bonding. The event was able to convey key messages and take-outs of “Selfless service, forgiveness, charity, Mutual respect and working for community harmony” as recognised by all who attended this special event. Irfan Malik BEngg, MBA is an executive member of World Malayalee Council (WMC) and is based in Sydney.
IFAM hosts Iftaar with Mayor of Queanbeyan Usman Malik The Islamic Forum for Australian Muslims (IFAM) invited a number of guests from the local council, police and religious leaders in an Iftaar dinner on 27 May in Queanbeyan library Hall. Mayor of Queanbeyan, Palerang Regional Council, Cr Tim Overall, Monaro Police District Superintendent Paul Condon and Rev Dr John Squires from Queanbeyan Uniting Church were among the attendees. IFAM-ACT chapter organised this event in a bid to give a friendly gesture to community living in the surrounding neighbourhood and to say thank you for their ongoing support to the community. IFAM President Mr Rais Khan welcomed the distinguished guests especially Mayor Cr Tim Overall. He presented copies of the Quran to the guests from other faiths present at the dinner.
14
Mr Khan briefed listed the activities of IFAM and mentioned various milestones IFAM has achieved during the past years. Queanbeyan Mayor Cr Tim Overall in his speech thanked Mr Rais Khan and others for inviting him to the Iftaar and appreciated them for their fasting which helps controlling many humanly desires as it essentially forms a stronger character. He congratulated IFAM President for working closely with the community and always highlighting their requirements. He also congratulated IFAM for starting the construction of a mosque in the area where Muslims didn’t have any place of worship despite their growing numbers. He vowed to treat all community members with equality without any discrimination. Usman Malik is the MGM of IFAM. He is based in Sydney.
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
ISSUE 164 / JULY 2019
LIFESTYLE 20 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 25
EDUCATION 26
BUSINESS 27
TRAVEL 28 - 29
SOCIAL 30 - 31
COMMUNITY
Victoria Premier’s Ramadan Iftar Dinner in Melbourne
AMUST
Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas
The fifth annual Premier of Victoria’s Ramadan Dinner was held at the glamorous Grand Hyatt at the Paris end of Melbourne city on Thursday 30 May. The master of ceremonies was Madeleine Morris who shared fascinating stories from her time in Morocco where she first encountered Muslim hospitality during a time in need. The opening prayer was performed by the popular Sheikh Alaa Elzokm. At Iftaar time the moving call to prayer echoed across the crowded ballroom performed by Sergeant Ali Gurdag from Victoria Police. Representatives from most leading Muslim organisations, peak bodies and community groups were represented including the Islamic Council of Victoria, Benevolence Australia, Australian Interfaith Society and most Islamic schools and Muslim communities from across Victoria. Members from all sides of politics were present, demonstrating that supporting these platforms for social cohesion and sharing in the breaking of the fast together with the Muslim Community is important to all Victorians. The Premier of Victoria, Hon Daniel Andrews gave a powerful speech which received thunderous applause from the crowd. In his speech, the Premier acknowledged the late Grand Mufti Al-Afifi who had been with us at last year’s Premier’s dinner and praised his work, his views and leadership. He said, “I have a lot of respect for him and he talked a lot about the fact that we should celebrate our diversity, be true to ourselves but focus on the fact that we are one family.” Premier Andrews also praised the response and resilience of the Victoria Muslim community in the face of the devastating Christchurch attacks stating, “The
From left: Rose Bogarts, Amie Templar-Kanshlo (back), Tasneem Chopra (front), Raqeeba, Sherene Hassan, Saara Sabbagh, Tanja Kubitza with Hon Richard Wynne MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Photo supplied by Tanya Kubitza. Muslim community opened their arms and their doors welcoming the broader Victorian community to come to mosques and share in the beauty of the values that underpin Islam, the hard-work, passion, the good nature and goodwill of those who follow the Islamic faith. I will never forget being at Preston mosque on the Sunday right after the Christchurch attacks and to be able to meet with so many people from every walk of life. It was a great demonstration of everything Victoria stands for. We don’t tolerate diversity in this state, we celebrate it. We are stronger for our diversity, we are stronger for our inclusion,
we are stronger for the fact that we come from so many different perspectives.” Keynote speaker for the night was Director of the Islamic Museum of Australia, Sherene Hassan sharing reflections on the struggles, most Muslim women growing up in Australia can relate to. One inspiring story was in light of the hurtful and divisive comments made by Sonia Kruger to ban Muslim migration and Sherene’s subsequent letter in The Age inviting Victorians “who have chosen the path of understanding over fear for a coffee at the Islamic Museum.” What resulted from this one act of kind-
ness was a series of “Coffee With Sherene” programs at Islamic Museum welcoming hundreds of Victorians. Sherene shared the message that “It’s important that we make our current practices to promote interculturalism even more meaningful and take it up a notch by organising cultural immersion days. Let’s use every opportunity to cultivate greater respect for one another.” Speeches were also made on the night by the Hon Richard Wynne MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and The Hon Neil Angus MP, Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.
Brisbane Malay community celebrates Eid Amalina Mahmood Well into Shawwal, Eidul-Fitr festivities are still going on strong with celebrations continuing on weekends. On Sunday June 16, the Brisbane Malay Community (BMC) hosted Salam Aidlifitri, an Eid hi-tea celebration at Michael’s Oriental restaurant in Eight Mile Plains. The event was attended by more than 200 guests, who came from near and far, including Gold Coast, Caboolture, Ipswich and all the way from Malaysia and Singapore. There were those from Sydney, Oman and Saudi Arabia who have made special trips to be together with old friends. Some of the guests have lived in Australia more than 25 to 30 years and were thrilled to relive a taste of Malay style celebration. Some are newly-arrived and craved the festive feel to alleviate feelings of homesickness. Although most of the guests know each other, there are those who reconnected with their acquaintances at Salam Aidilfitri either by chance or by design. Many of the guests, having attended in previous years, have returned to bring together more long and lost friends. This fits in perfectly with BMC’s aspiration. BMC is pleased to organise Salam Aidilfitri, which loosely translated means Eidul-Fitr greetings, as a way to reach out and bring together the wider Malay community JULY 2019 / ISSUE 164
in Brisbane and the surrounding areas. BMC also hopes to showcase elements of the Malay culture for the enjoyment of the guests especially the youngsters. Most of BMC’s members and their friends are of Malay descent or have ties to Malaysia and Singapore.
Living overseas with growing children, most have come to realise the importance of exposing and immersing the youngsters to Malay culture and traditions to keep these traditions alive. It is also imperative to inculcate the feeling of celebrations for significant Muslim events which may otherwise
Guests dressed up in traditional costumes. WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
be trivialised. Salam Aidilfitri was kicked off with a brief Quran recitation by one of the youngsters followed by a welcoming speech from BMC. The guests were also entertained by performances from the children. The performers had fun learning the moves and words to these traditional acts that were previously unfamiliar to them. Malay Eid songs filled the air heightening the festive feel while the guests enjoyed the delicious fare served by the restaurant. Another highlight at the event was the array of delectable Malay traditional desserts available to be sampled by the guests. These were generously contributed by some of the guests themselves. Everyone was delighted to rediscover traditional desserts such as the crowd favourite curry puffs, the black glutinous rice porridge, classic ‘seri muka’ (sticky rice with pandan custard) and many more treats. One of the guests was pleasantly surprised to reconnect with an old friend that she has not seen for many years. She also expressed her delight at seeing the men dressed up in traditional clothing especially a family arriving with the men wearing full regalia of Malay noblemen. Indeed, Salam Aidilfitri was a special occasion enjoyed by the guests who were able to experience the rich tapestry of Malay culture be it food, language, clothes, music and most importantly, hospitality. Hailing from Malaysia, Amalina Mahmood is an active member of the Brisbane Malay Community.
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
15
AMUST
CENTREFOLD
Winners of MEFF 2019 Poster Competition
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
AUSTRALIA 18 - 19
Eid celebra Photo by Murtaza Bagasrawala. @pmurtaza52.
Winners
Shafqat Ali Young Innovators has been working with MEFF to conduct Poster Competition each year. There is a different topic each year assigned to children for the competition. Generally, each year topic is related to Eid, Family and Islamic Culture. Numerous children participate in the competition and winners are announced at MEFF (Multicultural Eid Fair & Festival). The topic for this year was “Eid with Friends and Family”. More than 30 children participated in the competition and winners were announced at MEFF on Sunday 9 June 2019. The top three children were awarded prizes.
UNDER 9 YEARS OLD 1st: Muhammad Umair 2nd: Zahirah Jannat Nelgabaz 3rd: Nashwan Rabbi 10 TO 13 YEARS OLD 1ST: Nabiha Rabbi 2nd: Nazifa Rabbi 3rd: Menaal Idrees
Photo by Joshua Zhang. @joshua__zhang .
See winning posters here younginnovators.net.au/ meff-poster-competition/
Photo by Joshua Zhang. @joshua__zhang .
Awards for young innovators at MEFF Photo by Murtaza Bagasrawala. @pmurtaza52.
Shafqat Ali Young innovators were given awards at MEFF 2019 held on Sunday 9 June at Fairfield Showground by Mr Abdul Majid Yousfani, Consul General of Pakistan. Young innovators engage with youth to make them learn through workshops and encourage them to learn
16
Entry prize w MEFF President A Prizes included a Nintendo S a Polaroid
more through competitions. Last year team from Young Innovators Team participated in Conrad challenge where they had to propose an innovative product and it can be used practically. They were also given awards at the Macarthur Multicultural Children’s Festival 2019 by Mr Abdul Majid Yousfani. Shafqat Ali based in Sydney is the Training Manager at Notebook Solutions, Campbelltown and a mentor with Young Innovators Network.
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
Photo by Joshua Zhang. @joshua__zhang . ISSUE 164 / JULY 2019
LIFESTYLE 20 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 25
EDUCATION 26
BUSINESS 27
TRAVEL 28 - 29
CENTREFOLD
SOCIAL 30 - 31
ations at MEFF 2019
Photo by Murtaza Bagasrawala. @pmurtaza52.
Photo by Murtaza Bagasrawala. @pmurtaza52.
winners with Ali Alsalami (left). a camera drone, Switch and Camera.
Photo by @JiyadPhotos JULY 2019 / ISSUE 164
Photo by Joshua Zhang. @joshua__zhang . Zia Ahmad The 36th annual Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair (MEFF), the first, the largest and the longest-running Eid Festival in Australia welcomed thousands of people from the Australian Multicultural community at Fairfield Showground on Sunday 9 June, soon after Eid-ul-Fitr celebrating the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. As one of the most anticipated events on the multicultural calendar, MEFF welcomes all Australians of various faiths and cultural background showcasing unity in diversity. The event was a great success on a sunny day with almost 100 interesting market and international food stalls, thrilling rides, showground entertainment, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Dora the Explorer, Pikachu, and a life size baby dinosaur, Tarek the T-Rex! MEFF 2019 was held successfully through the sponsorship of Human Appeal International Australia, LHS group Low Cost Housing, MysatGo and support of the Islamic Foundation for Education & Welfare, IFEW, with the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST as its Media Partner. The entertainment at MEFF 2019 included exceptionally artistic Quranic recitation by young Qari Taqi Saadi, display of martial arts, Taekwondo performances, Tamil Musical band, Tamilan Silambattam (weapon-based martial art of India), Bosnian folk dances, Islamic quiz and art competitions and workshops, and award ceremonies. The formal program at the Main Ceremony, MC’ed by Orhan Kaba started with national anthem sung by Mehreen Javed followed by Acknowledgement of Country, Islamic prayer for peace by Zia Ahmad followed by one minute of silence in honour of victims of terrorist attacks on all houses of worship specially this year in Christchurch, Colombo and in US.
AMUST
The welcome address was given by Mr Ali Alsalami, President of MEFF while representatives from MEFF sponsors addressed the crowd from the stage representing Human Appeal International Australia, LHS group .Low Cost Housing, MysatGo. Well respected community leaders from the Muslim and interfaith community attended along with state and federal politicians. The speakers from the stage at the MEFF Main ceremony included Senator Dr Mehreen Faruqui and Mr Jihad Dib MP. Senator Faruqi said that she attended MEFF in 1994 when she first arrived in Australia and was glad that this long-running festival kept on going year after year. “It is a great pleasure celebrating Eid with so many old and new friends at Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair at Fairfield Showground. Eid Mubarak!,” Senator Faruqi commented. Mr Dib also used to attend MEFF during his younger years and now ensures he is at each MEFF. Mr Dib praised the organisation for its long track record of 36 years in bringing our diverse community together. One of the stall holders commented: “Alhamdulliah I wanted to say that I finally set up workshop in the Eid Multicultural festival first time. Our deaf community meets many beautiful cultures in different ways! It’s very great for our experiences. I felt so good about that! And also I wanted to say big thanks for supporting and that was the best ever! It was really lovely memories for giving me the award first time in 2019! Thank you Sharon for volunteering and it was successful building so it would be growing next time inshallah! Thank you for your all supporting and thank you for donating, Eid Multicultural sponsors! It was my pleasure. I felt like that I got so many blessings from you and that means a lot to me! Thanks again! ” – Deaf Muslim Awareness Australia.
Photo by Murtaza Bagasrawala. @pmurtaza52.
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
17
AUSTRALIA
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
AUSTRALIA 18 - 19
‘Share a meal, share a story’ AMUST
Youth cooking event for Refugee Week Albert Thai Knives are sharpened, recipe cards are out, and aprons are tied around the waists of those eager to embrace a new cultural experience. In celebration of Refugee Week, the non-profit youth organisation, ‘The Youth Co-Lab’ hosted a free cultural cooking class in collaboration with ‘CORE Community Services’ Saturday 21 June to shed light on the refugee experience and celebrate the positive contributions of refugees to Australian society. The class, named ‘The Kitchen Co-Lab’, ran its sixth cooking class at the CORE Community centre in Fairfield, with refugees Maria Smano and Nahrain Khamo highlighting south-west Sydney’s rich Assyrian culture by sharing their recipes and experiences of migrating to Australia. “Our culture is more than 7000 years’ old, so it’s very important for us to express ourselves and make people know who we are, not just in food,” said Nahrain of her Assyrian heritage. The pair taught the class how to make dolma, a traditional middle-eastern dish made
with a vegetarian rice filling rolled in grape leaves, before sharing their experiences of arriving to Australia with an audience largely made of recent refugees and second-generation migrants. The young participants then received an opportunity to discuss their own refugee ex-
periences, with many tearing up when discussing the heartbreak of losing their family members in war. CORE Community Services Youth Settlement Worker, Martina Yokhana, said that it was “really amazing to see [the participants] open up about their personal refugee sto-
‘Give Peace a Chance’ Tour Philip Feinstein
With the vision of creating a harmonious, inclusive and democratic Australian society, a new group calling themselves “Give Peace a Chance” went on a study tour of Israel and the Palestinian Territories. In conjunction with Breaking Bread Journeys, a joint Israeli-Palestinian tour project, a group of 20 people participated in a study tour of Israeli and Palestinian areas. The group was made up of Christian, Jewish and secular people, as well as members from the LGBTQ communities. The focus of the tour was to hear human stories at a grassroots level - ordinary people reaching for each other and taking charge where leaders often fail. Under the watchful eyes of a Palestinian Muslim guide, the tour lasted eight days. They spent the first three nights in East Jerusalem where various speakers came to them, and then they visited the old city where they went for a Shabbat dinner. After spending a night in Jericho they
18
went to the Jordan River and met Mahmud from Eco Peace. A fabulous night was experienced in Ramallah where they met with PA officials and visited Rawabi, an intentional city built on the vision of innovator, and developer Bashar Masri whom they met. Then it was off for three nights in Tel Aviv where they went to the Israeli Innovation Centre, the Kuchinate School and the Rainbow Tour. There they met with LGBTQ leaders learning about their rights and communities in both Israel and Palestine. They met with Chen (Israeli) and Sam (Palestinian) from Ha Aguda, which is an LGBTQ NGO working for LGBTQ rights for both Israelis and Palestinians. And they also met Alison Kaplan, a Eurovision host. The tour included a very interesting visit to Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem. They took in an inspirational model school, Bialik Rogozin School, affording respect, offering opportunity and a home through education to refugee and immigrant children. It was at this point that they made contact with the Kuchinate African Refugee Women’s Collective that provides a home, work and connections for refugee women. The group had a wide variety of experiences and met with a diversity of speakers. Throughout the experience, they challenged
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
their own pre-conceived ideas about the conflict, about Israel, about Palestine, and also about themselves. This diverse group met with people-to-people peace initiatives, such as Combatants for Peace, Parent’s Circle, Women Wage Peace and Eco Peace, all of which included both Israelis and Palestinians working together, sharing their stories and making a difference. They had great dialogue with a number of Jewish and Arabic thinkers, writers and educators, including Yossi Klein Halevi, Gil Hoffman, Dr Rachel Korazim, plus Palestinian Authority Ministers including the Deputy Prime Minister Ziad Abu Amr. And so the interesting meetings went on: They met with Anna (Israeli USer) and Marwan (Palestinian) from Palestinian Internship Program, providing paid internships to Palestinian graduates specialising in IT and technology. They met with Hani Alami from Coolnet, which is a start-up encouraging Palestinians to stay in Jerusalem and not move to Ramallah and the diaspora. They were introduced to Nora Kort from the Wujoud Centre in Jerusalem for a meal - she has preserved Palestinian artefacts from her family and others after losing their
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
ries” and how “supportive and inclusive” the class was. Namson Nguyen, 24, also participated in the class and said it was “definitely good hearing everyone’s journey”. In 2017, more than half of Australia’s Syrian and Iraqi refugees settled in Fairfield City. The Youth Co-Lab and CORE Community Services are organisations that aim to promote social inclusion and celebrate cultural diversity in the south-west Sydney region, with the latter assisting newly arrived migrants settle in the area. Refugee Week was held between 1622 June this year to celebrate the valuable contributions that refugees have made to Australian society, and to create better understanding between different communities. For more information about The Youth Co-Lab or Kitchen Co-Lab, visit www.theyouthcolab.com.au or email at admin@theyouthcolab.com.au. For more information about CORE Community Services, visit corecs.org.au or email at info@corecs.org.au. Albert Thai is the Public Relations Lead of The Youth Co-Lab, a non-profit youth-run organisation based in South-West Sydney with a mission to empower young changemakers to create positive social impact.
PA Deputy Prime Minister, Ziad Bu Amr.
property in 1948. The group met up in Sydney on their return. The general consensus was for their relationship to continue and for the commitment of giving peace a chance to always move forward. Philip Feinstein is a Sydney based writer, musician and activist working for MUSIC FOR REFUGEES www.musicforrefugees.org ISSUE 164 / JULY 2019
LIFESTYLE 20 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 25
EDUCATION 26
BUSINESS 27
TRAVEL 28 - 29
SOCIAL 30 - 31
Media Council elects new committee at AGM
Md Abdullah Yousuf Shamim The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Sydney Press and Media Council (SPMC) was held in Ingleburn, Sydney on Sunday 23 June. The SPMC used this occasion to update their membership and form a new committee, working with journalists, writers and intellectuals from a variety of Australian media outlets. A documentary video highlighting the objectives and activities of the Sydney Press and Media Council was shown. Many writers and intellectuals from various Australian universities appreciated the contribution of Sydney Press and Media Council towards the development of local journalism in Australia. The election at the AGM was facilitated by Dr Waliul Islam, Dr Sajjad Hossain and Dr Enam Hoque. In a very responsive and agreeable environment, the returning officers opened the nomination papers and proceeded with the election process. The returning officers declared names of the 13 members of the newly elected Executive Committee of SPMC. Dr Enamul Haque was declared as the President of the new committee, with Mohammad Abdul Matin as General Secretary.
Executive Committee members were: Md Abdullah Yousuf Shamim (Senior Vice President), Mohammed Aslam Molla (Vice President), Shibli Abdullah (Vice President), Abdul Awal (Joint General Secretary), Maksuda Sultana (Treasurer), Mizanur Rahman Suman (Publicity and Publication Secretary), Namid Farhan (Cultural Secretary) and Mohammad Asif Iqbal (Media and Communication Secretary). The other three Executive Members of the committee were Abu Naim Abdullah, Doctor Fazle Rabbi and Mohammad Rezaul Haque. Various members of SPMC expressed positive feelings, opinions and ideas regarding the structural development of SPMC followed by few objectives including the strengthening SPMC through building greater cooperation among the members, Expansion to include multicultural members, Organising quality seminar on journalism, Creation of online Multicultural News Hub, Observing national days etc. After speeches delivered by various members of the committee, the returning officers, other SPMC members and respected guests, the General Secretary and Senior Vice President formally concluded the program. All cherished guests were then invited to enjoy a palatable lunch.
AUSTRALIA
AMUST
The silent epidemic of youth mental health
Ibrahim Taha
would serve no purpose than to alienate youth. What is required is the promotion of healthier and better uses of technology. This means confronting some of the contributing factors to poor mental health that are seldom highlighted. The hyper-sexualisation of modern society is one of these factors that a recent study earlier this year correlates sexting among youth with delinquent behaviour and adverse mental health. Little attention is given to the effects of pornographic material on youth mental health, which undermines “physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing”, causing 15 states in America to declare a public health crisis. Almost half of the young people with a mental disorder also suffer from drug or alcohol abuse. The interrelation between drugs and mental illness is convincing, even recreational drugs like cannabis, which Oxford University associated with depression and suicidality in early adulthood. While the effects of violent gaming are not conclusive, it is clear that hyperarousal activities on-screen produce chronic stress, disrupt sleeping patterns and desensitise youth, a frightening prospect in today’s troubled world. The rise of new psychological disorders like FOMO (fear of missing out), are not coincidental and reflect the expansion of technological and social media usage. Youth do enjoy the benefits it provides, but it opens a Pandora’s box of negative influences that deteriorate mental health. While youth mental health is the silent epidemic, society’s silence on its leading causes, is also endemic.
Muslim leaders offer condolences
Modernity has offered many privileges to young people that were never available to previous generations. Technology, social media and the internet are features of modern life that provide ease for young people, whose lives are often juxtaposed to the arduous struggle of our grandparents. However, these benefits have serious implications, the effects of which are only becoming more apparent. One in four young Australians is suffering from serious mental health illness. Multicultural youth face the added pressures of higher unemployment, trauma from overseas and significant language or cultural barriers heightening their risk. Over 40,000 young Australians have attempted suicide. Youth suicide rates are the highest in 10 years. Young males commit suicide three times higher than females. It is the leading cause of death for youth in Australia. These figures reflect the decline of mental health among youth, which follows a global trend since the 2000s, a time of rapid technological expansion. My recent appointment to the Community Advisory Council of the NSW Mental Health Commission enables me to advocate on this issue. It has also taught me to be wary of how the conversation is constructed, as Andrew Johnson, the Advocate for Children and Young People speaks about the self-fulfilling prophecy of youth mental health, whereby its widespread nature is often exaggerated. This makes it inevitable for all young people and advocating for complete abstention from technology is an idealistic end that
A delegation comprising of leaders of a number of Western Sydney based Muslim organisations visited Sri Lanka Consulate General Office in Sydney on 17 June 2019, to express their deepest condolences for the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka. They were received by the Consul General Mr Lal Wickrematunge and Mr Abdul Rahim, Consul (Commercial). The terrorist attack in Sri Lanka consisted of suicide bombings in three churches and three hotels in the Capital, Colombo, on the Easter Sunday 21 April 2019. This barbaric act of terrorism resulted in 258 deaths and more than 500 injuries. The Australian Muslim Community and the remainder of the world were deeply shocked
Sitting: L-R -- M.M. Abdul Raheem Consul (Commercial), Mr Lal Wickrematunga (Consul General), Mr Abdul Majid Yousfani (Pakistan Consul General). Standing: L-R Mr Shahab Siddiqui, Mr Riaz Boukhari, Rafique Hassan, Mr Tahir Khan , Mr Masood Cheema, Sohail Shamsi, Mr Tahir, Mr Mohammad Nader Azamy, Mr Muhammad Asif, Mr Kazi Ali.
Sohail Shamsi
JULY 2019 / ISSUE 164
Md Abdullah Yousuf Shamim JP is the Editor-in-Chief of Suprovat Sydney.
with the news of the bombings and send their heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka in light of these remorseless against humanity. The community leaders expressed their deep grief on this barbaric act of terrorism on the innocent worshippers and hotel guests whose lives were lost during the brutal attacks. Mr Wickremantunge highly appreciated the kind gesture and the goodwill visit by the Muslim community leaders. The community leaders also penned their messages in the condolence book maintained by the Consulate General office. Sohail Shamsi is the Managing Director of ICONFM Australia and President of the Hills District Muslim Society (HDMS) based in Sydney.
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
Ibrahim Taha is involved in many community organisations and has a keen interest in international affairs, faith and politics. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Law and Arts at the University of Sydney.
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
19
AMUST
LIFESTYLE
Living with disability
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
AUSTRALIA 18 - 19
What you CAN do Najla Turk During Ramadan, the daily practice of salaat (a form of meditation), is not only nourishing for the mind and body, but it also helps develop and nurture greater self-awareness and inner happiness. The process of self-awareness requires a commitment to stop, think and to consciously make a change. Change can take many forms; curbing negative language, challenging beliefs or looking for opportunities to learn and grow. For me, my work life has led me to the disability sector, and it has truly enhanced my life for the better. What a privilege it is to gain a deeper understanding of this extraordinary community. In such a short time I have learned about the barriers and challenges people with disability face. As a devoted and dutiful daughter, my limited experience revolves around my elderly father – more so because he suffers health and mobility issues. What became clear to me is that disability isn’t about what you can’t do – but rather making the most of what you CAN do. In fact, in my co-caring role of my father, I actually am now aware of my language “you can’t”, “you shouldn’t”, etc. However, with assistance, he CAN indeed do things for himself. So, as a sibling, I have learned to allow him the freedom to exercise his independence and for making choices in life that are not mine, but his. I, amongst 290 million other YouTube viewers, recently watched a clip from “America’s Got Talent” where a visibly blind and audibly autistic 22-year-old, Kodi
A Summer Poem Dr Reginald Naulty Wind sweeps the trees in the night, solemn and fresh is their voice, cavernous and obscure is the light from fires in infinite space. The senses are stirred into life by the dark luminosity, and lift like a silver fife in the winds` garden symphony. One`s inner self takes flight when the majestic stars stretch far in an exultant summer night when the wind and trees confer, so open the door and go to the wide welcoming dark where the trees bend to and fro in starlight and wind`s remark. “The world is akin”, says the wind, “dare to hope “, say stars, “loves victory does not end with the star stretches far.” For nature goes deeper than physics and fire, to thoughts above matter and heavenly desire. Dr Reginald Naulty, originally from Adelaide, has taught at Charles Sturt University and has been a prolific writer since 1972.
20
Lee, majestically played the piano and sang “A song for You”. The judges reacted with utter disbelief and tears of joy; Simon Cowell said, “What just happened here was really extraordinary”. A second judge and recent mother said, “I get it, as a mum you just want to give your child the moon, the stars and the rainbows”. Why are so many people drawn to this clip? Basically, people hold a disability stigma and Kodi challenged every perception we all hold. In society we appear to carry such ‘negative’ beliefs around people with physical and intellectual disability and community have become conditioned to see people with disability as being different from ‘normal people.’ Sadly, people still look at disability as something to be ashamed of or to hide. Let’s face the facts – 20 percent (1:5) of our population is disabled. People living with a disability are more likely to experience poverty, have low levels of education and poor quality of life and reduced productivity due to increasing mental health illnesses. Islam teaches us that humans are created different (30:20-23) and Allah (God) ordered us to never look down, label, or ridicule others – such as people with disabilities – because “perhaps they may be better than them”. (49:11) If, in the eyes of Allah humans are all
equal, then why the disability stigma? As Muslims our duty and obligation for caring of the family must not restrict them from independence, autonomy or choice, leaving them feeling isolated, frustrated and confused. The change needed is to nurture their physical and mental well-being. Take a leap of faith and curb culture, wrong interpretations and any negative misconceptions against people with disability. How different is Kodi’s world? A world where he is not judged but rather encouraged, supported and guided to find greater control, choice and inner happiness. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work with Sunnyfield Disability Services
to help build and strengthen person-centred practices. I aim to help brighten the future of people with disability. So, I challenge you to awake for pre-dawn pray and meditation and ask yourself, “How can we as a community help create attitudinal change and minimise disability stigma?” Let’s open our eyes and hearts and give those living with a disability a chance to have the moon, the stars and the rainbows. Najla Turk is a highly skilled author, speaker, coach, and consultant. Najla’s expertise lies in building individual capabilities and skillsets that help improve engagement and participation.
What are Australia’s most common dental health problems? Dr Zafar Sayed With growing concerns of health and the race to tackle a never-ending list of problems, an individual seeks every possible solution or remedy to scrape the ailment right from its root. Studies on Australia’s most common dental health problems over a period of time have concluded that decay from dental caries to be the most prevalent ailment in various age groups with tooth decay being five times more common in children than asthma. The second in the line being Halitosis (Bad/Foul Breath). Teeth Decay Research show decay is the second-most costly disease linked to diet, with approximately 11 million newly decaying teeth arising every year. According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), what makes this particularly concerning is that 90 percent of problems with teeth can be prevented, with a healthy diet, good oral practices and proper
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
dental care, there should be no reason why people need to suffer tooth decay, which can eventually become painful, unsightly and in worst-case scenarios, irreversible. The prevalence of decay is seen in varied age groups. In the age group of 6-9 years, almost 9 in 10 children had tooth decay, while incidences of decay were maximized at the age of 5 years. In a teenager, the maximum incidences of decay were reported at 15 years. It’s found 90 percent of adults have some form of tooth decay, and risky alcohol consumption and smoking habits are contribut-
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
ing to poor oral health. Also, about one-quarter of teens had not had a dental check-up in the past 12 months and 15.5 percent of adults had severe tooth loss, which means they had fewer than 21 teeth, rather than a full complement of 32 teeth. Bad Breath Research shows that bad breath or rotting teeth to be the most repellent characteristic in another person on a first meet, soundly beating other unsavoury features such as bad body odour (five percent) and poor dress sense (four percent). Remedy for Decay Reduction in consumption of sugary foods and beverages between meals is a good start. It is also possible to reduce the damage soft drinks cause by using a straw so that teeth are less exposed to acid. Encouraging youngsters for alternative snacks - such as cheese and yoghurt - both of which contain lots of calcium to protect teeth and neutralize acids. A healthy diet alone won’t be enough to fight off tooth decay though, the ADA warned, with maintaining a structured oral hygiene routine also being vital. Teeth should be brushed twice a day, while daily flossing is also required. Simple Rule - Brush Your Teeth minimum 2 Minutes Twice Daily https://www.Doctor360.com. au A One-stop Healthcare platform for all Australians to access board-certified GPs, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Dentist, Chiro, Physio via video consultation from comfort and privacy of their home or workplace.
ISSUE 164 / JULY 2019
LIFESTYLE 20 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 25
EDUCATION 26
BUSINESS 27
TRAVEL 28 - 29
LIFESTYLE
SOCIAL 30 - 31
AMUST
Knowing and exercising rights can eliminate culturally accepted DV AMUST Media Many immigrant Australian women do not seek to leave violent domestic situations because of a culturally ingrained reluctance to share traumatic events with strangers and a belief that spousal abuse is normal, a women’s support service provider says. Shakti NSW chairperson Dr Sabrin Farooqui said too many migrant and refugee women allowed themselves and their children to be abused and assaulted because it went against their nature and culture to share personal concerns outside families or friends. Those of Middle Eastern, African and Asian backgrounds in particular, did not want to talk about domestic violence because they were worried about society’s reaction, and feared the reactions of families and friends back home when their trauma became known. Most importantly, not knowing their rights under Australian law or truly understanding that spousal abuse was illegal and intolerable in Australia increasingly pushed family and domestic violence against migrant women hidden from public view. Dr Farooqui said women’s migrant and refugee support services like Shakti NSW had to battle long-held cultural beliefs and traditions in their efforts to help those in need and get them to safety. Many women, especially first generation migrants and refugees, clung to male-dominance traditions
Spreading knowledge for women of diverse traditions. because of their connections to home. They thought holding on to them was a way to maintain their identities. “There are many culturally accepted behaviors in migrant women’s homelands that Australian society frowns on” she said. “Sadly, that includes violence and abuse at the hands of their spouses. Many migrant
Workshop on Knowing the Rights organised by Shakti NSW.
Islamic Museum strengthens ties with La Trobe University AMA2019 exhibiting artist: Mohsen Meysami, Looking-Looking Away 2018. Wool yarn, cotton thread on cotton fabric.
Mei Nee Cheong The Islamic Museum of Australia has unveiled major changes to its annual Australian Muslim Artists (AMA) exhibition with the announcement of La Trobe University as a major sponsor, with a new $15,000 Art Prize at the heart of the sponsorship. The Islamic Museum of Australia opened artist registrations to participate in the Australian Muslim Artists 2019 exhibition, which will open on 12 September 2019 when the winner of the La Trobe University Australian Muslim Artists 2019 Acquisitive Art Prize will also be announced. The sponsorship is part of a new, overarching Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two parties that sees La Trobe University committing as the Museum’s education partner for specific initiatives including the AMA exhibition. Islamic Museum of Australia Chairperson and La Trobe alumnus, Moustafa Fahour OAM said the partnership was born out of a commitment to shared values including strengthening cultural awareness and social inclusion through education, research and the arts. “We’re excited to formalise our existing relationship with La Trobe University, we see La Trobe as being a real change-maker, who through their leadership team, staff JULY 2019 / ISSUE 164
women think it is acceptable and normal, but it is not.” Dr Farooqui said those who do try to break from tradition and leave abusive relationships often find themselves without financial support or are forced to return to their homelands, where they could find themselves rejected because of those same
and students are committed to contributing to social harmony and cultural awareness,” said Mr Fahour. “Their support of our flagship art exhibition, highlighting the work of Australian Muslim Artists is a testament to their commitment and will certainly elevate the exhibition to the next level,” he said. La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar said the partnership reinforces the University’s commitment to connecting with all communities and transforming lives through education. “The benefits from our continued collaboration with the Islamic Museum of Australia are far-reaching,” Professor Dewar said. “Together, we are looking at opportunities including teacher training in Islamic cultures, the development of new curricula in journalism and work-integrated learning opportunities.” The Islamic Museum of Australia is located in Thornbury, in Melbourne’s north. It is the only Islamic museum in the country and provides educational and cross-cultural experiences for all ages. The Museum is open 10 am – 4 pm, Monday to Saturday. Mei Nee Cheong is a marketing professional who has worked across the arts, arts education and travel. She is currently the Media and Marketing Manager at the Islamic Museum of Australia and is based in Melbourne, Australia.
cultural traditions. “Some of these societies are patriarchal in origin and can be extremely judgmental,” she said. “Such societies are highly gendered and specify male dominance and subservience for women, even if women tend be the breadwinners.” Shakti NSW supports migrant and refugee women (of Asian, African and Middle Eastern backgrounds) who find themselves in violent and abusive homes and helps them overcome such situations through an empowerment- based process. One of the objectives is to help them challenge oppression and break free from culturally abusive practices. Shakti’s work helps them deal with their legal rights; find refuge and temporary accommodation; secure appropriate counselling, and initiate wider social change within families and communities. Many Shakti staff are themselves migrant family and domestic violence survivors, and understand the difficulty some women have seeking help because of long-held cultural beliefs. “ We want immigrant women to understand they do not have to put up with abuse and violence in their own homes; that they can be independent and productive members of society without having to be afraid of the ones who are supposed to love them,” Dr Farooqui said. “We want them to know they do not have to live in fear; that there is help available and they have the right to avail of such help to lead lives free of violence.”
Fun winter activities in the Sunshine State Suraya Daly
Winter in Brisbane is a friendly spring to Melburnians and Sydneysiders with 24-degree sunshiny days and those three weeks you consistently actually wear a jacket. As such, we’re still out and about enjoying all that the Sunshine State has to offer, from food and cultural festivals, foodie offerings at well-known-and-loved restaurants, and getting fit with various local activities. Here is the list of must-do activities to keep you warm other than your suede winter booties and hot chocolates in your environmentally-friendly keep cups! 1. Check out the winter foodie offerings at the good ole’ Southbank Fish Lane. While this exquisite lane with all-thingsfood is there to satisfy taste buds all year round, pop in to South Brisbane’s lane of restaurants, eateries, cafes and food trucks this winter. You’ll find the always-divine Julius Pizzeriafor high-quality Italian cuisine, Gaugethe all-meal-extraordinaire for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Wandering Cooksfor weekly food truck event or a personal favourite, Chu the Phatfor the impressive decor and delicious drinks and food. 2. Visit the annual Royal Queensland Show at the Ekka for strawberry delights, showbags, and rides. Strawberry Sundaes, amusement rides, showbags galore, and the prized stock parade around the arena are among the highlights at this year’s Ekka from 9 - 18 August. 3. Keep warm by getting fit training for races.
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
The popular Bridge to Brisbane on 25 August has a reinvigorated course that covers 10 km where you can hit a personal best and sweat out the cold this winter. 4. Fun physical group activities to heat up through the chills. Skyzone in Macgregor will provide bouncy fun with trampolines, rock-climbing, and laser tag, the nearby Zone Bowling in Mount Gravatt will create some fun competition between family and friends with an arcade and food and beverage options also on offer, and you can have a true white winter experience at the cool ice rink in Acacia Ridge. King George Square is also putting on winter fun with the pop-up ice skating rink at the heart of Brisbane with skate hire and snow tube slide. It’s happening June 21July 14. 5. Night Noodle Markets in Southbank Since it first started, I don’t think I’ve had a year where I missed this awesome Asian-noodle extravagance. Maybe it’s because I’m the self-proclaimed Asian noodle expert (I have a Malaysian background), or maybe it’s because there’s always something new to check out at these markets. I’d say both. The ever-popular Night Noodle Markets in Southbank return this July for a nightly feed with 20 Asian food stalls from 24 July to 4 August. Suraya Daly is a graduate of the Queensland University of Technology in the qualifications of the Graduate Certificate in Creative Industries and a Bachelor of Journalism. She works in start-up business development and has a passion for writing, where she would often hone her creativity by contributing articles which can be found on her blog on www.surayaspeaks.wordpress.com. For enquiries, please reach out to suraya.daly@gmail.com
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
21
UMMAH
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
AUSTRALIA 18 - 19
Trump’s provocations are a threat to world peace AMUST
America’s history of using false flags to start wars 1. Mexican wars 1819, 1846-48 Florida, Texas, New Mexico and California were Spanish possessions which revolted for independence. The US built a fortification 150 km inside the Mexican border. 2. Annexation of Hawaii 1893 Queen Liliukokalani proposed changing the Hawaiian constitution and U.S. Marines aided the leaders of a pro-American coup and a provisional government was proclaimed. In the last days of the Harrison Presidency a Treaty of Annexation was drawn up. 3. Spanish-American war, 1898 The surprise explosion of the battleship Maine at Havana, Cuba. 255 of the crew died. The Hearst press accused the Spanish, claiming that the explosion was caused by a remote-controlled mine. The USA declared war on Spain, and conquered Philippines, Guam and Cuba. Subsequent investigations revealed that the explosion originated inside the Maine and that it was either an accident, such as a coal explosion, or some type of time bomb inside the battleship. Divers investigating the shipwreck found that the armour plates of the ship were blown bending outwards, not inwards 4. Korean War, 1950-1953 South Korean incursions into North Korea (1949) led to war. It involved leaders of Taiwan, South Korea and the US military-industrial complex (John Foster Dulles has been mentioned as an organizer of the hostilities.) 5. Vietnam War Tonkin Incident 1984 The NSA admitted that it lied about what really happened in the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964 by manipulating data to make it look like North Vietnamese boats fired on a U.S. ship so as to create a false justification for the Vietnam war. 6. Grenada invasion The reason for the invasion given by the US was that American medical students studying in the Grenada were in danger due the Cuban presence. The US supported a new right-wing leader. 7. Panama invasion An incident between American and Panamanian troops led to invasion. The leader Noriega was changed and the earlier Carter administration plan to hand the control of the canal over to Panama was cancelled. The strategic importance of the canal has surpassed any more just thinking in the US global domination policy.
22
8. US-Israeli sponsored war between Iraq and Iran, 1980-1988: The CIA-organised coup of 1953 replaced Iranian prime minister Mossadeq with the dictatorial Shah who was given the best western military equipment but after the revolt against the Shah the US supported Saddam Hussein to attack Iran with strategic support and weapons including gas warfare agents . “Too bad they both cannot loose” is how Kissinger evaluated this situation 9. Bombing of Lybia 1984 A Mossad agent admitted that in 1984, Mossad planted a radio transmitter in Gaddaffi’s compound in Tripoli, Libya which broadcast fake terrorist transmissions in order to frame Gaddaffi as a terrorist supporter. Ronald Reagan bombed Libya immediately thereafter 10. Desert Storm (First Gulf war) 1991 Saddam Hussein asked for permission from the US (via their ambassador April Gillespie) to attack Kuwait which had been asked by the US to put pressure on Saddam to pay back money lent to fight against Iran. Kuwait was also illegally syphoning off oil from Iraqi fields. Saddam was told by Gillespie that the US does not care Arab quarrels. That was a trap, and after Saddam occupied Kuwait, George Bush Sr. mobilised a coalition of some 40 nations to “liberate Kuwait” and to smash the recently-built Iraqi military power base. This also involved a media hoax, where the daughter of Kuwaiti US ambassador played nurse on TV and testified to “witnessing” Iraqi soldiers throwing babies out of incubators in Kuwait 11. Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan invasion), 10/7/01 Without any evidence, the former CIA-asset, a Saudi-Arabian Osama bin Laden was claimed to be the mastermind behind the 9/11 strikes at the WTC and the Pentagon. The leaders of Afghanistan were willing to hand over Osama for trail to a neutral nation but the US refused this compromise. 12. Enduring Justice (Second Gulf war), 3/20/03 The claimed reason of the attack was that Iraq was a clear and present danger to the US with WMD’s available within less than an hour after the decision to assemble them has been made. Sorry America we don’t believe you. Please return to the comprehensive treaty negotiated with Iran and try diplomacy for a change.
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
Continued from Page 1 “Indeed, the trajectory of the American Empire has relied so heavily on these types of attacks [false flag attacks] that one could describe it as a false flag empire,” writes David Griffin in ‘The American Trajectory: Divine or Demonic?’ Based on past American actions, it would not be surprising if people were to be very sceptical of the American claim of Iranian involvement in the recent attack on the tankers even though, like with its conquest of Mexican territory in the 19th Century, the US seems to be trying to provoke Iran. In this recent case of ships in the Persian Gulf, why would the Iranians blow up ships when the Japanese PM was in Tehran, the first by a Japanese prime minister since the Islamic revolution in 1979 in a visit aimed at reducing tensions between America and Iran. After a meeting with Iran’s president, Hassan Rouhani, Mr Abe warned that the region could “accidentally” slip into conflict. Just hours before the attacks, Abe had publicly declared that, contrary to US accusations, Iran had “no intentions” to build a nuclear weapon. Pompeo claimed that the US assessment was “based on intelligence,” but no details were given and sadly the UK government has fallen into line. The facts are that two tankers suffered damage some 14 nautical miles from the Iranian coast after taking on cargoes in ports in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Front Altair, a Norwegian-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, was carrying petrochemical feedstock. Following an explosion, the tanker caught fire. The second tanker, the Japanese-owned, Panama-flagged Kokuka Courageous, carrying a cargo of methanol, suffered damage to its hull’s starboard side. The 44 crew members of the two vessels were rescued by the Iranian navy and taken to the nearby Iranian port of Bandar-e-Jask. The Japanese operator of Kokuka Courageous said the crew saw “flying objects” just before the attack, suggesting the tanker was damaged by something other than mines. Yutaka Katada, the company president, said reports of a mine attack were “false”. Pompeo accused Iran of carrying out “40 years of unprovoked aggression against freedom-loving nations,” and declared that “Iran is lashing out because the regime wants our successful maximum pressure campaign lifted. No economic sanctions entitle the Islamic Republic to attack innocent civilians, disrupt global oil markets, and engage in nuclear blackmail.” However, the US seems to have ignored how Iran cooperated with the US in removing the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. It was not Iran but the US that withdrew from the JCPOA with the P5+1, (US, UK, France, China and Russia plus Germany) that saw Iran curb its nuclear activities in return for relief from economic sanctions. Iran has, it is true been intervening in Yemen as has Saudi Arabia with both countries causing enormous destruction. Both Saudi Arabi and Iran treat dissidents violently and implement cruel and barbaric punishments. Iran’s role in Syria has been to support the brutal Assad regime. There is a very real danger that Iran, if attacked, could launch a kind of hybrid war – both directly and through its proxies – carrying out sporadic and widely dispersed attacks on shipping and other targets, sending oil prices and insurance premiums up and perhaps encouraging further punitive responses risking dangerous escalation. If the US decides to go to war with Iran, it will be based on premises as false as Iraq’s “weapons of mass destruction” or the alleged attack on a US ship in Gulf of Tonkin used to justify the US war that killed over
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
three-and-a-half million people in Indochina. Pompeo conveniently ignores US interference in the region, particularly that there would have been no Islamic revolution if the US had not overthrown the democratically elected Prime Minister Mossadeq in 1954 and installed the dictatorial Shah in his place. In the false flag chapter and throughout his book, David Griffin discusses many of the false flags the U.S. has engaged in, including Operation Gladio. This was a US/NATO terrorist operation throughout Europe that Swiss historian Daniele Ganser has extensively documented, an operation meant to discredit communists and socialists. Such operations were directly connected to the OSS, the CIA and its director Allen Dulles, his henchman James Jesus Angleton. In the 1950s NATO, with the help of the Pentagon and CIA, carried out terror bombings in Italy and other European countries and blamed the communists in order to rally people’s support for their governments in Europe in their fight against communism. As one participant in this formerly-secret program stated: “You had to attack civilians, people, women, children, innocent people, unknown people far removed from any political game. The reason was quite simple. They were supposed to force these people, the Italian public, to turn to the state to ask for greater security”. They also allegedly carried out terror attacks in France, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the UK, and other countries. In one such attack in 1980 at the Bologna, Italy railway station, these US terrorists killed 85 people and wounded 20 others. As with the bombs dropped by Saudi Arabia today on Yemeni school children, the explosive used was made for the U.S. military. Today, roughly 4 million people live in the American territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Island which Immerwahr discusses in his book ‘How to Hide an Empire’. However, the first expropriation of land was that of the indigenous people much through false flag operations. It should not be forgotten that as late as 1750, 150 years after Britain established Jamestown and 250 years after Europeans first set foot in the continent the American Indians constituted a majority of the population. Even a century later, in 1850, they still retained formal possession of much of the western half of the continent. The final assault on indigenous land tenure, lasting roughly from the mid-19th century to 1890, was rapid and murderous. After John Sutter discovered gold in California’s Central Valley in 1848, colonists launched slaving expeditions against native peoples in the region. ‘That a war of extermination will continue to be waged between races, until the Indian race becomes extinct, must be expected,’ the state’s first governor instructed the legislature in 1851. In the Great Plains, the US Army conducted a war of attrition, with success measured in the quantity of tipis burned, food supplies destroyed, and horse herds slaughtered. The result was a series of massacres: the Bear River Massacre in southern Idaho (1863), the Sand Creek Massacre in eastern Colorado (1864), the Washita Massacre in western Oklahoma (1868), and many others. In Florida in the 1850s, US troops waded through the Everglades in pursuit of the last holdouts among the Seminole peoples, who had once controlled much of the Florida peninsula. In short, in the mid-19th century, Americans were still fighting to reduce if not to eliminate the continent’s original residents.
ISSUE 164 / JULY 2019
LIFESTYLE 20 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 25
EDUCATION 26
BUSINESS 27
TRAVEL 28 - 29
UMMAH
SOCIAL 30 - 31
AMUST
Quebec passes controversial religious ban Faseeha Hashmi In the francophone province of Quebec, Canada, a new bill has come into place banning public servants from wearing religious symbols; becoming the first province in North America to initiate a legal precedent. The new bill came into law on Wednesday 19 June 2019 receiving a majority of 73 votes in favour with 35 who voted against in the National Assembly. Under the bill, those “in positions of authority” such as teachers, police, and government lawyers are forbidden from wearing religious symbols such as Christian crucifixes, Muslim headscarves, Sikh turbans and Jewish yarmulkes. Critics say, the Quebec law unfairly targets religious minorities and it is a threat to Canada’s multicultural diversity. Speaking to the media after the announcement of the bill, New Democrat Leader Jagmeet Singh voiced his concerns that the bill represented a threat to Quebec’s rich cultural and religious tapestry. “It’s deeply saddening. This is a bad decision. It’s wrong, it’s hurtful, it divides a community,” expressed an aggrieved Singh. Politician and lawyer, Singh, who wears the turban as part of his religious practice as a Sikh, expressed that this law may hinder many young children from achieving them dreams and making a contribution to one of these professions. In Quebec, the issue has preoccupied political discussions for more than a decade. While elsewhere in the country, these
discussions have not generally taken up much mainstream conversation at all, Federal leaders have since chimed in with their opinions on the matter. Speaking to reporters in Washington DC, the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared his disapproval of the bill. “We do not feel that it is a government’s responsibility, or in a government’s interest, to legislate on what people should be wearing,” said Prime Minister Trudeau. Whilst, Quebec Premier François Legault has defended the province’s new secularism law, arguing the majority are in favour. “But you can’t forget the majority either. The majority was asking for secularism,” Legault said. Previously a French colony, Québec is a predominantly French-speaking province located in eastern Canada that has deep French roots. In France, there is a notion called Laïcité, which is a founding principal of the nation. Enshrined in the Constitution, this concept describes a strict separation of the state and religion. This unique brand of secularism which stems from a history of authoritarian rule by former the French monarchies who used divine authority to rule. The experience has since etched itself in the French psyche. Now the principal of Laïcité, has made its way to Quebec legislative vernacular. In May, United Nations investigators previously warned the Quebec legislature about the risk of bringing forth this ban. It was stated that the ban could be in breach of the International Covenant on Civil and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh spoke to reporters in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
The kindergarten teacher seen here is giving a lesson in Montreal. (Graham Hughes/Canadian Press).
Political Rights, which was a treaty signed by Canada in 1976, that Quebec should also be obliged to comply with. “We have a strong Charter of Rights and Freedoms that guarantees freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and we will certainly ensure that our views are well known and continue to defend Canadians’ rights,” said Mr Trudeau. According to a professor from the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières, Bruce Maxwell, the influx of immigrant culture is seen as a threat to the unique culture of Quebec. “This (new legislation) links back to … (the) decades-old issue of Quebec asserting Protests against Bill 21. Source: cultmtl.com
UN: IS family members must be tried or freed Media Scan “Accountability through fair trials protects societies from future radicalisation and violence,” she said, adding that continuing to detain individuals not suspected of crimes was not acceptable. She added: “Foreign family members should be repatriated, unless they are to be prosecuted for crimes in accordance with international standards.” Ms Bachelet highlighted in particular the plight of children born to IS fighters, reported to number about 29,000. “States should provide the same access to nationality for children born to their nationals in conflict zones as is otherwise applicable. “To inflict statelessness on children who have already suffered so much is an act of irresponsible cruelty,” she said. So far France, Russia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands have taken back some children. Australia has evacuated six children from a “bleak and complicated’’ situation at a Syrian refugee camp. The UN says there are about 29,000 children of foreign IS fighters in Syria, 20,000 of them from Iraq, but overall there are about 50 nationalities.
Ainullah
There are tens of thousands of Islamic State (IS) fighters and their family members including tens of thousands of orphaned children who are living in limbo in Syria and Iraq suffering from malnutrition and disease. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Michelle Bachelet has called on various nations to take responsibility for their citizens and their families and repatriate them to their home countries. Some countries are dragging there feet to address this humanitarian disaster and are reluctant to take back IS fighters in case they can not be successfully prosecuted. Ms Bachelet said that children in particular had suffered “grievous violations” of their human rights. JULY 2019 / ISSUE 164
itself as a distinct society from the rest of Canada and the rest of North America,” Sadly, religious discrimination is not out of place in Quebec which saw a mass shooting in 2017, at a mosque where six worshippers were killed and nineteen others injured when a man opened fire shortly after the end of Isha (evening prayer). Legal critics have also criticised the bill because, in order to insulate it from potential legal challenges, the Government has chosen to invoke a rarely used loophole known as the “notwithstanding clause”. This enables the Canadian legislature to override some constitutional rights like freedom of religion or expression.
US Report: Attacks against minorities continues in India
The State Department in its annual 2018 International Religious Freedom Report released last month alleged that some senior officials of ruling BJP made inflammatory speeches against the minority communities. “Mob attacks by violent extremist Hindu groups against minority communities, especially Muslims, continued throughout the year amid rumours that victims had traded or killed cows for beef,” it said. According to some NGOs, authorities often protected perpetrators from prosecution. Mandated by the US Congress, the State Department in its voluminous report gives its assessment of the status of religious freedom in almost all the countries and territories of the world. In the India section of the report, it says that there were reports by nongovernmental organizations that the govt sometimes failed to act on mob attacks on religious minorities, marginalised communities and critics of the government. The State Department said that the central and state governments and members of po-
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
litical parties took steps that affected Muslim practices and institutions. “Proposals to rename Indian cities with Muslim provenance continued, most notably the renaming of Allahabad to Prayagraj. Activists said these proposals were designed to erase Muslim contributions to Indian history and had led to increased communal tensions,” State Department said.
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
23
AMUST
UMMAH
NEWS 1-4
Football star, Paul Pogba on being a Muslim
BOOMERANG 5-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
AUSTRALIA 18 - 19
Faseeha Hashmi
In a recent interview, French footballer star Paul Pogba has opened up on his Muslim faith and the influence it has played in making him a “better person”. “Islam is not the image that everyone sees, terrorism,” Pogba told The Times’ Life Times podcast, “What we hear in the media is really something else. It’s something beautiful.” The French World Cup-winner and $163 million Manchester United midfielder sat down at the Bulgari Hotel in Milan to dis-
Paul Pogba, (third from right) in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Source: Instagram @paulpogba cuss everything from his on-pitch achievements to the importance of faith to the criticism he receives over his unique haircuts. In the interview, Pogba describes his upbringing as not particularly religious.
Paul Pogba.
Though his mother was a practicing Muslim, the footballer was not raised to be one. He developed an interest in Islam as an adult. It was through facing tough personal experiences that guided him towards practicing the religion of Islam. “I prayed once with my friends and I felt something different. I felt really good.” Pogba has been proud to show his dedication and commitment to his faith on multiple occasions. In 2017, just days after Manchester United grabbed the UEFA Europa League title, the footballer headed to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah – the minor pilgrimage to Mecca. He documented the pilgrimage on social media, and posted a video of himself standing in front of the Kaaba donning the traditional clothing worn by Muslim men during the pilgrimage. He described his experience to the holy city as life changing. “It made me change, realise things in life.
I guess, maybe, it makes me more peaceful inside,” he said in the podcast. Pogba explains that for him this peace manifest through his prayer. “You have to pray five times a day, that’s one of the pillars of Islam. It’s something that you do. The meaning why you do it, you ask forgiveness and be thankful for everything you have, like my health and everything.” Indeed, there is certainly a lot to be thankful for as France took home the FIFA World Cup Trophy in 2018. When asked what Islam means to him, he explained, “It’s really a religion that opened my mind and that makes me, maybe, a better person. You think more about the afterlife. This life …(is) a test.” He explains that his religion has made him appreciate the diversity within humanity. “Islam is just this – respect of the humanity and everything.” Listen to the full podcast on LifeTime: https://tinyurl.com/pogbamuslim
Let me take a selfie How social media has transformed spiritual experiences
Faseeha Hashmi A very modern phenomenon is sweeping through Islam’s holiest sites. Say ‘hello’ to the generation; #HajjSelfie. Though, could this seemingly harmless act be more harmful than good? It was in 2014, when nearly 2 million Muslims gathered for the annual pilgrimage for Hajj, that something else beyond the traditional spiritual rites began to emerge. Young and devout Muslims stood in front of the Great Mosque posting their self-portraits to Twitter. Soon after, the hashtag #HajjSelfie went viral within the hour. At first, Saudi authorities and most religious clerics chose to adopt a diplomatic silence on the issue of the inevitable arrival of the smartphone within religious precincts. Though, not long after, they began voicing their concerns. The prohibition did not last very long, as the ban in and around the holy sites was lifted soon after. Some Saudi scholars stated their concerns that such touristy behaviour goes against the spirit of the holy pilgrimage; arguing that it could be used as a means of ‘humble-bragging’. They argued that photography destroys the tranquillity and humility required for acts of worship and devalues
24
the spiritual experience itself. According to well-regarded sahabi (companion of the Prophet), when the Prophet Muhammed (s) went for Hajj, he travelled on an old saddle, wearing a cloak that was worth four Dirham or less, where he was reported to have said, “O Allah, a Hajj in which there is no showing off nor reputation sought.” Melbourne Madinah masjid’s Imam Furqan Jabbar weighed in on his opinion to the discussion stating that Muslims should not be quick to judge others as there might be some merit in the action. “I can see the allure of it. People are happ y and honoured to be in the house of Allah. They
want to remember the special moment,” encouraged Furqan. Furqan acknowledges that there are relevant passages in the Quran to consider. For instance, in Surah Ta-Ha (20:17-18) a precious dialogue was documented in detail between the Prophet Moses (a) and Allah. This majestic moment captured in these verses describes how Prophet Moses (a) spent time enumerating the benefits of the staff so that he is able to prolong the experience of having met Allah. This staff would later perform the miracle that parted the seas and saved Prophet Moses (s) and his followers as he escaped from the infamous Pharaoh. “There are some that say, that the purpose of capturing this conversation (in the Quran), was to capture the moment,” illustrated Furqan. Certainly, for Muslims, the Hajj is considered to be one of the greatest spirit-
ually uplifting experience. Some may want to remember, share and thereby encourage others to perform the
may (just)
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
Hajj. “Following Islam means to encourage others to follow in the path of Allah. Our religion is there to encourage people to do good and forbid evil. As Muslims, we are encouraged to strive for excellence,” added Furqan. “One should keep in mind that the Prophet said that ‘Action is judged on intention’. Because Allah is pure and Allah does not accept any action that is not pure itself,” explained Furqan. Indeed, the culture of selfy-taking has become so mainstream within our everyday life. How individual Muslims seek to internalise their spiritual journey may vary between one person to another. Furqan elaborates that, “The Hajj experience can be an uplifting (one), but there is some degree of sacrifice and tiredness which comes with it. A lot of the rituals require self-effort and it will test one’s patience, as people of different cultures across the world gather and get transported (in large numbers).” “Ultimately, (one should remember) although it is a beneficial experience, it is also a time of hardship, sacrifice and patience.” Faseeha Hashmi holds a Master of International Relations from the University of Melbourne, with an interest in politics and human security. ISSUE 164 / JULY 2019
LIFESTYLE 20 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 25
EDUCATION 26
BUSINESS 27
TRAVEL 28 - 29
UMMAH
SOCIAL 30 - 31
Beating the drums of war: But what do we know about Iran?
The world is standing yet again on the brink of war. The President of the United States and his cronies now seems intent on attacking Iran and it seems that Australia is again most willing to join the coalition of the willing to wage the war on yet another country. We may well ask, “Why? What has Iran done to the US that has placed it firmly in its sites?” Perhaps it has more to do with the President’s “friends” who seem to be a contentious lot. Saudi Arabia’s voice has blended with Israel’s and those of the Gulf States, inciting to destroy their neighbour. With friends such as these the US needs no enemies; and by inference, Australia cannot afford such a friend. So what of the person in the street? You ask what street … any street at all in any country being pushed into war. Does this man want to engage in killing? Does this man want to destroy a civilization? Does this man know anything at all about the people or the Country in the sites of the warmongers? Were I to hazard a guess, I would say that there is not a single person under such leadership who wants war or destruction. No one wants to send their children into battle to kill the children of others unless they are totally misled. To kill, one has to hate. This should be anathema. So what exactly do we know about Iran and its people? During my early years as a Muslim Journalist and one of the founding members of an Islamic women’s organization, I was privileged to come into contact with families from many nations, including some very special students from Iran. These young Iranian people were of the highest calibre. They were united in every effort to bring about good; they were never absent when there was work to be done, and while they were high in my esteem for their actions and activities, they were even more special to me because of their wonderful humour. They had something vital; something which I was to find was because of their intrinsic belief. It is very true as Allah has said in Al Ahzaab: “Ye have, in- deed in the Messenger of Allah a b e a u t i f u l pattern for an-
yone whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day; and who engages much in the praise of Allah.”(Quran ....:....). Iran, for me, was a far-off land which I had never thought to visit. In fact, the likelihood of my visiting Iran seemed just as probable as my visiting the moon. Therefore when I received an invitation to go to a conference in Iran I was amazed. I guess the students had put my name forward and as Comparative Religion had been my “thing” I was excited at the prospect of attending, and also meeting up with those of whom I had grown very fond. So the journey began! We entered Iranian air space in the early hours of the morning. As the plane flew closer to Tehran, the picture which confronted me was one of dense white mist and golden lights. If I live to be one hundred I shall not forget this, as for me it became symbolic of many things. The white mist represented the mystery which was Iran, but this was over-ridden by many golden lights which gave promise of warmth and enlightenment. Notwithstanding the early hours, we were met by crowds of well-wishers, and to my amazement one dear young couple, had actually come, flowers in hand, to meet me. We were swept along and met with conference officials, and that was the beginning of a time in which I discovered that the same enthusiasm and energy, as well as the humour and friendship earlier experienced, were all part of the Iranian character of those I met. I also came to wonder if Iranians ever slept! Perhaps one of the most important places I visited was Qom. Qom is a sacred place, a special place of learning and there are many students, colleges and universities there. My time was en- riched by my staying at one of the Women’s college s for a few days where I lived in a dormitory. This was so like my Australian college experience with bells announcing the beginning or end of class- e s ; students swat- ting for exams sitting, walking, or even skating around the
gardens with text books in their hands; announcements over the PA to warn that work men were going to be in the building; special picnic meals with friends. I was invited to one of these meals and met young women from the USA, UK and many other regions. In fact, the young woman from the US knocked on my door and brought some American corn flakes for my breakfast. All of these young people were outstanding. Although staying there I visited one other college in which there were many from the sub-continent. The hospitality and warmth I experienced with these girls also was amazing. They introduced me to the Head of the Women’s colleges. A friendly, dignified woman, she was happy to answer my questions. They had, I was told, 500 students from 35 nations at that time. At Qom, they also had special schools and colleges for refugee young people. The Iranian Government had taken in a large number of war orphans from Kosovo and Afghanistan. They were given shelter, education, the opportunity later to further study or work, and when they married the young women were given wedding feasts and bridal gowns paid for by the State. I was shown photographs of these young people and their weddings. The Dean of women was a wonderful person who appeared to not just educate but to have a maternal love for those she had in her care. She then introduced me to the Principal of the entire organisation. This man was very welcoming and invited me to ask questions regarding not only education but the Iranian status. Prior to the Iranian Revolution, he told me, there was a great gulf between the wealthy and the poor which had been increasing. I had al- ready known a little of this from an Eng- lish woman I had worked with earlier who had spent six months in Iran during the time of the Shah. She had
“We have no
desire to use nuclear weapons, we only want nuclear power for peaceful purposes. Our people, young and old, know this.
“
Shifa L Mustapha
AMUST
told me of her horror at the poverty which existed while at the same time the Shah and his friends had such a lavish lifestyle. That was probably the first time I had even heard mention of Iran as such. Education had not been important, particularly for women. Today it is compulsory to age fourteen. From then on further specialist education was available and funded for those who choose to go on. Even itinerants and Bedouins have to be educated. The Government at that time had teachers travelling with these groups to ensure that learning was carried out. University Courses available were in Religion including Comparative Religion, Political Science, Languages, Philosophy, Psychology, all fields of Science. Extra curricular activities were encouraged: swimming, football, cricket, tennis, table tennis and other competitive indoor activities as well as Judo. One question he answered, unasked, was regarding Iran’s stand on nuclear weaponry. To this, he stated, “We have no desire to use nuclear weapons, we only want nuclear power for peaceful purposes. Our people, young and old, know this.” I have read the statement by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran in which he stated unequivocally that to use nuclear weapons is forbidden to them because of the deliberate destruction of innocent people. My time in Iran was inspiring, and the graciousness of our hosts was very special. I believe that many of the people I was privileged to meet had true greatness and firmness of character. As for Iran, itself, I never tired of witnessing the changing scenery, loving the variations which are so marked in this beautiful land. As I was about to leave Teheran a gentle rain fell, the first I had seen there, and I could not help but feel that even the sky shared my sadness at leaving. Dear person in the street [any street of any land] think about a Country in which there are people who live and love, who laugh and cry just as you and I; think about the consequences of war before you are bullied into the situation of causing pain and destruction. Work towards Peace! Shifa Mustapha is a writer and community worker based in Brisbane.
Wellington Award for Imam Nizam Thanvi Zia Ahmad Imam Nizam ul Haque Thanvi was presented with the 2019 Wellington Award by the Mayor of Wellington, MrJustin Lester last month in recognition of his positive leadership for the community. Four Muslims were recognised out of a total of 12 New Zealanders for being absoluteJULY 2019 / ISSUE 164
ly positively Wellingtonians. Earlier in March Imam Nizam Thanvi at a landmark occasion recited Quran in the New Zealand National Parliament in his most melodious voice on Friday 22 March exactly one week after the Christchurch mosque attacks. Imam Nizam Thanvi has been serving the NSW’s Central Coast community for a long time and recently moved to New Zealand attached to a mosque as an Imam. WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
25
AMUST
EDUCATION
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
AUSTRALIA 18 - 19
Towards demystifying Shari’ah: Part 4 Dr Jan A Ali Read parts 1 - 3: tinyurl.com/amustshariah Following from Part Three, in the fiqh study of the classical form of shari’ah, Islamic law is clearly different from Western systems of law in two distinct ways (Calder, 1993). First, shari’ah, as I mentioned earlier, unlike most other legal systems, covers all personal and public aspects of everyday life including regulation of the individual’s relationship with God (Hassan, 1979). Shari’ah governs ethical standards as well as legal rules, demonstrating clearly what individuals are permitted to do as well as, in conscience, prohibited to do (Ibrahim, 2009). Second, shari’ah differs from Western law either (civil or common) because it has different sources and roots and there is a clear separation of powers – legislature, executive, and judiciary (Ismail, 2009), whilst shari’ah is embedded in everyday living and totally pervades it with Qur’an as its central source giving expression to Divine Will, thus is divine (Mir-Hosseini, 1993) and fixed (Hissain, 2011). As totally distinct from the secular legal system or civil law that evolves from or in secular societies and changes in light of the changing material conditions of people, shari’ah was forced upon Islamic society from above through the institution of caliphate. In secular modern contexts, or in Western legal systems, law is made by humans who have the authority and power to legislate. However, in Islam the fiqh decrees that the
role of the society’s members, as vicegerents, is not to create legislation but merely to implement it. The foundation of Islamic law, which was originally laid down by Prophet Mohammad (s), was expanded upon by the orthodox companions. As Islam grew and expanded politically and militarily, the law of Islam
gradually s p r e a d throughout the Muslim world. Inevitably, from this legal system grew some individual interpretations, which in turn brought forth scholarly polemics regarding a host of legal cases. Eventually, two fundamental legal methodological viewpoints emerged concerning the process of understanding the law. One viewpoint would focus on the texts alone and the other would point to individual reasoning to supplement the texts when delivering an injunction. In reaction to the emer-
gence of the two legal methodological viewpoints and the crisis of Umayyad (661–750) and Abbasid (750–1258) dynasties, four Sunni jurisprudential schools emerged in second Islamic century (Abdal-Haqq, 2006). The four schools were Ḥanafite, Malikite, Shafi‘ite and Ḥanbalite, named respectively by their putative founders Abu Ḥanifa, Mal i k ibn Anas, Ash-Shafi‘ı, and Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal. With the develop ment of different schools of law, by the middle of the second Islamic century, the law had become more comprehensive in coverage (although it would take another fifty years to develop fully), and jurists had started to develop their own legal reasoning and methodologies (Hallaq, 2005). There exists a variety of e x planatory m o d els that seek to shed light on the formation of the shari’ah. However, it needs to be appreciated that this legislative
development began within the Qur’an itself and the Prophet’s blueprints of a future life pattern for Muslims, drawn up under varying conditions of Islam in Makkah and Medina and shaping a cultural trajectory that has persisted for over fourteen hundred years and has produced, in its continuance, a wide range of legal cultures (Abdal-Haqq, 2006). Equally important to remember is the fact that “the law” was the direct result of the analytical study of the vibrant, great texts of Islam (Qur’an and hadiths) that undoubtedly had a mammoth impact on Muslim legal life. The interpretive relationship between the ulama and jurists, and the Qur’an and hadiths, was analogous to the relationship between the Divine text— Qur’an—and the Sunnah during the Prophetic career of Muhammad (s). However, the correlation could not be sustained forever because new situations and Islam’s entry into new cultural systems required corresponding legislation, implemented in light of the Divine text and the Prophet’s articulation of maslaha mursala (public interest) ( Abdal-Haqq, 2006). The Prophet set out the principles and methods of using the Qur’anic teaching to address issues emerging in society. These proved to be important guidelines for the ulama and jurists, who used them to interpret the texts to suit the demands of their everyday living. Dr Jan A. Ali is a Senior Lecturer in Islam and Modernity in the School of Humanities and Communication Arts at Western Sydney University. He is a Sociologist of Religion specializing in Islam with a research focus on existential Islam.
Human Appeal hosts Books are better in Eid Show Got Talent the digital world Shafqat Ali
Alsu Kurlow The Eid Show Got Talent 2019 organised by the charity Human Appeal Australia was held on Saturday night 8 June at Bankstown Showground in Condell Park. Young Muslims showcased their amazing skills and talents in singing, Quran recitation, poetry, martial arts and other performances. Thousands of visitors came to the annual Eid Show to celebrate the end of the fasting month of Ramadan in a family-friendly environment, enjoying an array of thrilling rides, entertaining stage shows and games, fireworks, delicious street food and fun for all. During the talent show, children performed exceptionally well in front of a large audience. Their live performances revealed the depth of talent that exists in the local
26
communities. Performers and audience members alike also had the amazing opportunity to play some games on the stage, meet and greet the Orphan Hamoudi character and witness the biggest Jetpack show live. It was a night full of great excitement and fun-filled enjoyment. Congratulations to the winner of the Talent Quest prize draw who took home a laptop! Another Eid Festival hosted by Unity Grammar at their school premises in Austral took place on Thursday 13 June. This was an incredible day of thrilling rides, variety of foods and amazing attractions all sealed with a spectacular fireworks display! Human Appeal’s stall was shining through the grounds of the school. Many students and their families showed their support for Human Appeal’s water well and orphan sponsorship projects through their generous donations. Orphan Hamoudi, the Human Appeal’s mascot, distributed lots of goodies and made sure all had a chance for a selfie.
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
At various stages in our life our life, we had a collection of books. What did we do when finished read them. Did we keep them on the shelf or pass them on to family and friends or just put them in the recycling bin. When we talk about books, these are written initially to preserve any kind of information which we might lose after some time. How much do Paper Books cost? But do you know, every year, how many books are being printed and amongst them many are never been read Just in one year, approximately 2.2 million books are being printed using millions of trees. Remember these books are published in hundreds, not in tens. When we talk about textbooks, printing numbers are even higher. You will be surprised to learn that textbooks prices have increased by three times as compared to 1980 prices and it has doubled since 2002. So millions of these paper books thrown in the market end up in the recycling bin and a very small portion of them stay in libraries or are passed on to others. Now we can imagine how much this costs to our pocket and the environment. So an obvious question arises, do we really need paper books? I am NOT saying NO. We do need books but not at the hefty cost to us or to the environment. Digital Books As technology transforms our lives so as our writing and reading medium. Now more and more books are being published online along with their hard copy versions. Digitally written books have many benefits including cost, more quality but the third
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
element which I’m interested to share with you is the new innovative publishing methods. Digital books are very cost effective to publish and can be sold globally using the Internet. But there is a catch, you need to have a digital device to read them. Now a day, most of us have one or two of them. Quality of Digital Books Quality of these books is improving day by day. To engage the reader, you can transform any book by using multimedia and interactive elements like sound, animations, website links. What you include in it, depends on the contents of the book but technology is there for the author to enhance its quality for the reader. New Possibilities of Digital Books Now let’s look at the new possibilities in book publishing which removes all the boundaries that hard copy publishing had restricted us for a long time. You can get an audible book even read by the author. You can have all of your books in one digital device such as your tablet or laptop. On the other side, the publishing industry also has evolved too with fewer hops in the supply chain with the global readership. Innovation Digital Books According to the Oxford dictionary, one of the meanings of the word “book” is “A written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers.” Do you think this definition of a book is still valid? Digital books are very much part of the present with the possibility that in the future, most of the books will be digital because they will become increasingly cost-effective, user-friendly and widely available.
ISSUE 164 / JULY 2019
LIFESTYLE 20 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 25
EDUCATION 26
BUSINESS 27
TRAVEL 28 - 29
SOCIAL 30 - 31
BUSINESS
Calls to abolish luxury car tax FINANCE Dr Abul Jalaluddin Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries is renewing its call to abolish the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) as Toyota customers collectively pay more than the purchasers of Ferraris, Porsches, Lamborghinis and most other luxury cars. The LCT was introduced on 1 July 2000 by the statute of A New Tax System (Luxury Car Tax) Act 1999. The intention of this legislation was to protect the local car industry which doesn’t exist any longer. This tax is imposed on the supplies and importations of luxury cars and is in addition to any GST that may be payable. It is calculated on the value of the car that exceeds the luxury car tax threshold. The rate of this tax is currently 33% and the threshold for 2018-19 is $66,331. The rate of 33% is an impost o n every dollar above the threshold of $66,331. Ford, Holden and Toyota have recently shut
Sukoon Quteifan JULY 2019 / ISSUE 164
their manufacturing factories in Australia. The car industry argues that LCT is outdated and this fiscal protection is now redundant. This tax is adversely impacting on the family car buyers more than it does the owners of prestige car brands. Majority of people paying this tax are average Australians who purchase vehicles well under $90,000 to transport families. Due to the relatively high cost of batteries compared to internal combustion engines (ICE), electric vehicles are often priced higher than their ICE equivalents. Hence, many models fall subject to 33% extra impost through LCT. Abolishing this tax will definitely be a positive way of increasing uptake of electronic vehicles in Australia and reducing the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In 2017-18, the Federal Government collected $695 million in LCTs which accounted for only 0.2% of the total taxation revenue. Abolishing this tax will not create a large hole in the Federal budget. In the financial year ended 30 June 2018, the Toy-
ota customers paid a total amount of $99.7 million in LCTs compared to $97 million for Porsche, $84.5 million for BMW, $81 million for Jaguar/Land Rover and $45 million for Audi. In the same year, Ferrari buyers paid $30 million, Maserati $18 million, Bentley $17 million, Lamborghini $14 million, Ashton Martin $13 million, McLaren $7.5 million and Rolls-Royce $6 million. Only motorists who paid more than Toyota customers were the customers of MercedesBenz with an amount of $170 million. In purchasing vehicles, Australian motorists already significantly contribute to government revenues through GST, stamp duty and registration fees. They pay 5% in import tariffs, 10% in GST and 33% in LCT if the value of the car is above the threshold. There is also a loophole in the regulation of LCT in favour of certain types of vehicles. From 1 July 2009, fuel-effi-
AMUST
cient vehicles, defined as those consume 7.0L/100km or less, were given a higher LCT-free threshold of $75,000. This means that a $69,200 Toyota Kluger and a $73,600 Toyota Prado attract LCT but many of the luxury brands will not as they are fuel efficient. In Audi range, 38 vehicles from its 90 models are exempt from LCT while 29 of 89 BMW lines, as well as 25 of 103 Mercedes-Benz cars, avoid paying any LCT. A vehicle is taken to be a luxury car if its value exceeds the threshold (currently $66,331) which may not necessarily be a luxury car. It is also unfair that LCT is imposed on a luxury car but other luxury items or products such as yachts, private jets and furs do not have such impost. Dr Abul Jalaluddin is an Islamic Finance expert, taxation advisor and a regular columnist for AMUST. He is based in Sydney.
Sukoon Quteifan is a graphic designer and illustrator. She is the creator and the illustrator of “Sukoon Al Quloob - Peace of Hearts”, an Islamic Cartoons facebook page. Sukoon is based in Sydney, Australia. WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
27
TRAVEL
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
AUSTRALIA 18 - 19
Africa Tour Part 2 – Ethiopia: AMUST
MODERN IBNE BATOTA Zia Ahmad & Mehar Ahmad During the time of Prophet Mohammad (s), 1400 years ago, Ethiopia was part of a vast empire in northeast Africa known as Abyssinia (al-Habasha) reputed to be ruled by a just Christian king Negus (Nejash). While the small Muslim community in Makkah was facing extreme persecution, the Prophet advised a band of his followers to seek asylum in Abyssinia. This landmark episode known as the First Migration took place 6 years before the major Muslim migration to Madinah (616 CE), the year from when the Islamic calendar, After Hijrah (AH) commenced. The Makkan polytheists sent a delegation to King Negus demanding the return of the Muslim fugitives and after a historically recorded dialogue between the King, Makkans and Muslims, the King gave refuge to Muslims to live in peace and practice their religion with full freedom in his country. Prophet Mohammad (s) publicly prayed for King Negus as a fair and just ruler and for his kindness to Muslims and it is reported that eventually, the King accepted Islam. In the year 9 AH (631 CE), the Prophet received the news of the passing away of King Negus and offered funeral prayer (Salat alJanaza-al-Ghaib) together with his companions and prayed for his forgiveness. Since Muslims in Makkah were denied the freedom to worship in public, Muslim asylum seekers living in Abyssinia, using their freedom to worship started praying in congregation well before anywhere else on the planet. For the purpose of congregational prayers, in their first settlement in the village of Negash in Abyssinia, the Muslims built a simple mosque that is claimed to be the first mosque in the world and was later known as Negash Amedin Masjid. Some of the asylum seekers returned back after the migration to Madinah, while a number of Sahaba, companions of the Prophet who remained in the country were later buried near the mosque. The mosque has now been renovated into a beautiful structure with the help of Turkish NGO’s who have also marked the graves in the cemetery and turned the whole site into an upmarket destination for Islamic tourism. The villiage of Negash is around 10 km from the town of Wukro in the Tigray region, the northern part of Ethiopia with its capital Mekelle. We made our decision to visit the Negash Mosque while in Addis Ababa and purchased our flight tickets a couple of days before flying. It is important to note that domestic airfares in Ethiopia are very high, but if you fly into Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines, the concessional airfare is almost one third of the normal fare. Our visit to Negash Mosque was facilitated by Br Abdur Rahman and Sheikh Abdul Salam who organised all the guidance, contacts, conveyance in a most amicable way at a very reasonable cost. We took a domestic flight from Addis to Mekelle on Friday 12 April 2019 and were kindly received at the airport by Dr Mohammedsalih Abdelkadir, a lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Mekelle University, PhD from Belgium, together with our driver Abdul. We stayed in an upmarket Hotel Planet with gym and a large heated pool but were surprised to know that they had no idea what a halal meal was and had to avoid meat products at the hotel. Next day we were picked up by our local hosts in the morning for a couple of hours drive to the Negash Mosque through a well-maintained mountain road system built by the Chinese. We observed farmlands and simple traditional huts made from grass and muds as well as some modern ones made from local limestone cut into large rectangular pieces.
28
Driving through the town of Wukru we arrived at the Negash mosque complex around 12 noon. There was a large billboard in front of the mosque describing the significance of the site, its recent renovation history and
further development plans for the future. The current mosque structure has been designed based on rich traditional Turkish architecture with exquisite tile work and geometric paintings. A women’s section is allocated within the main prayer hall of the mosque with no real barrier or curtains for separation.
The larger mosque complex has Turkish style traditional as well as modern wudu areas, large meeting halls with state of the art industrial-scale kitchen, serving and dining facilities. The mosque complex and the cemetery is connected with a beautiful walkway with 17 pillars with names of King Negus and the 16
Negash Mosque. Bride & Groom.
Inside Negash Mosque. Bridesmaids.
Walima Feast.
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
ISSUE 164 / JULY 2019
LIFESTYLE 20 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 25
EDUCATION 26
BUSINESS 27
TRAVEL 28 - 29
TRAVEL
SOCIAL 30 - 31
Visiting the First Mosque
sahabas, companions of the Prophet who are buried there. The cemetery has two tombs, the larger tomb with a mass grave of King Negus together with 13 sahabas. The original graves were separate, but due to a major flood, they were all mixed up and therefore a mass grave was then constructed instead.
The smaller tomb consist of the grave of sahabi known as Usaid ibne Nafla who is associated with the revelation concerning the laws of inheritance in the Quran. There were two more graves of sahabas preserved in the cemetery while a number of other graves have been marked after local scholars, merchants and benefactors.
The Negash Mosque organises a major yearly event on 10 Muharram, a sort of pilgrimage for people to come and visit the site with talks, meetings, festivities and free meals for all. We offered our Zuhr prayers led by the local Imam of the mosques together with other visitors and the local community and later
Tombs of King Negus & Sahabas. Fatiha at King Negus & Sahabas’ mass grave.
The hills of Mekelle.
Wukru madrassah class.
Meat & rice.
Injeera bread. JULY 2019 / ISSUE 164
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
AMUST
combined it with Qasr prayer. After the prayer while we were meeting with local people Br Mohammedsalih came with up with a strange but pleasant request. One of his local friend’s cousin just got married and we were invited to the walima reception, that was too good to refuse. We were escorted through a mountainous walkway close to mosque where a large tent was set up outside the groom’s parents home for the reception. The view was superb, we could see a large church far away almost at the peak of a mountain surrounded by forests and farmland. Mehar and I were offered the sofa set, reserved for the bride and groom, to sit while we waited for the married couple party to arrive from a nearby town. We were offered local meals and drinks and consumed it in a traditional communal way, Ethiopian style. Finally, the bridal group arrived with drumming and dancing by the boys and the typical joyous sounds being made by the women and girls in order to receive them. The bride and groom were very young and the bride looked very nervous as she came to this new family. We were told that they will live with the groom’s parents for a week and then they were obliged to move to their own independent dwelling. On the way back we stopped in Wukru and visited Mohammedsalih’s older brother, Sheikh Saeed who runs a madrassah next to the Aisha mosque adjacent to the madrassah. Sheikh Saeed studied Islam in Pakistan for six years and runs a residential madrassah with clean classrooms and dormitories with the help of a Turkish NGO. After two years of study, the students graduate and join the tertiary madrassah/ university in Addis run by Sheikh Abdul Salam. Both myself and Mehar were invited to address the students who showed great discipline giving us full attention and recited the Quran and sang Islamic songs for us. Sheikh Saeed took us to his home and we met his wife, baby daughter, mother in law and sister in law. His wife made a delicious cake and a huge round bread like Naan. Every household makes this Naan every third day and they eat in the morning for breakfast. They packed some for us as well. One of his wife’s sisters put mehndi on Mehar’s hand where the colours came out very quickly. Sheikh Saeed could speak Urdu and made special Pakistani style doodh-patti chai that was very delicious. We visited a number of mosques later in Wukru in the evening including Hamza and Bilal Mosques meeting elders and offering our prayers as well as taking photos with them. While Christian and Muslims live in harmony in the Tigray region where Muslims hardly constitute 10% of the population, but they strictly don’t consume meat from each other’s household. If a Muslim wants to invite his Christian friend he has to buy meat from a Christian shop and ask his Christian neighbour to cook for his Christian guests and vice versa. For us, it was very strange. After Maghrib prayer, we headed towards Mekelle and had our dinner at a Muslim restaurant eating injeera, a round big bread with meat on top of it, together with rice and some very chewy meat called tib. Injeera is a fermented big, round bread and tib is meat with gravy on top of it. The next day on Sunday 14 April, we check out at 12 noon and went to visit another madrassah in Mekelle attached to a mosque with residential dormitories under construction. We met a couple of head teachers, again fluent in Urdu, who were educated in Pakistan and were actively attached with Tablighi movement frequently visiting India and Pakistan. We returned to Addis the same evening.
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
29
AMUST
#SOCIAL
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
AUSTRALIA 18 - 19
Social Spotlights
House of Sakinah @HoSHouseofSakinah
Brothers In Need @brothersinneed.org
#Saturday night #Youth program followed by $5 desserts at Rashays Punchbowl ;) Thank you to Western Grammar School and Dr Zac Matthews for bringing out their Yr 11 & 12 students to share in the experience. #Homelessness #Sydney #Youth #Rashays #Desserts
Thank you all who participated in today’s Eid celebration and making it a success. Didn’t we had great fun. Special thanks to Michelle Rowland, Margaret Piper and Najla Turk for giving their valuable time.
Muslim Women’s Association
@muslimwomenassociation Thank you to the Padstow Knitting Group for your generous donations to the women, children and families of Linking Hearts Multicultural Family Homelessness and Domestic Violence Support Service. Your gifts not only warm the limbs, but also the hearts of all those we serve. Thank you. #linkinghearts #saynotoviolenceagainstwomen #endhomelessness #enddomesticviolence #empoweringwomen #communitycollaboration #workingtogether #strongertogether #muslimwomenassociation #neverstoplearning
United Muslims of Australia (UMA)
@UnitedMuslimsofAustralia
We had a blast at the Malek Fahd Islamic School’s Biggest morning tea we were invited to on Friday. The year 12 students and their teachers put so much effort and detail into the event and raised much needed funds for the cancer council research centre and their patients. It was a honour to be part of such a beautiful event and to have donated to this cause on behalf of the GAS community. ☺️☺️ together we can make a difference and hopefully find a cure
UMA Brotherhood Winter Camp at Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation Centre. Alhumdulilah, the camp had come to an end, but the brotherhood will never end. It was an amazing weekend with over 200 amazing Brothers who attended this weekends camp. We thank all the brothers for their attendance, cooperation and most importantly, for their sincere brotherhood. A special thanks to all the volunteers and speakers who were the highlight of the success of the camp. The UMA looks forward to the company of all the brothers at the next UMA BROTHERHOOD SUMMER CAMP in January 2020.
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
Gift a Smile
@GiftASmileProject
30
Stephanie Kurlow @StephanieKurlow
so happy to have performed at sydney eisteddfod today and received a highly commended in contemporary!! thanks to my mum for coming to support me :) congratulations  also to @ helenjohnstonee !! thank you @gaynorminden for supporting us #gaynorminden #gaynorgirls ISSUE 164 / JULY 2019
LIFESTYLE 20 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 25
TOP 6 Muslim Memes
EDUCATION 26
BUSINESS 27
TRAVEL 28 - 29
#SOCIAL
SOCIAL 30 - 31
Top Notetaking TOP 6 Tweets and Time Management Apps
AMUST
#RefugeeWeek
Umar Khan It is a common misconception that all technology is distracting when studying, but there are some apps that can help you
manage your time and help you in notetaking. In a pursuit to find out which apps could help you in these aspects of studying, I tried out a few to review. Here’s a list of apps that can help you study like a pro!
Egenda Platform: iOS and Android Pricing: Free Rating: 9.5/10 Egenda is a great app to manage your homework, assignments, tests, projects and exams all in one place. It’s effective and simple to use. First, you create your classes; then add some assignments or any other tasks with their due dates, and then you are set to begin. You can also add notes such as group members or certain assignment details in the Notes section. The app gives you daily re-
minders about what’s due the next day. The clean layout and simple process make this app super efficient and easy to use. You can easily sort by school classes, making it easier to find all your tasks from a single class. A great app if you just need to visualise all your tasks to make sure that you don’t forget your work!
Microsoft OneNote Platform: iOS, Android and PC Pricing: Free Rating: 7.5/10 For notetaking, Microsoft OneNote is one of the most commonly used apps. OneNote is great for users with an iPad, as it allows the user to make handwritten notes and draw diagrams on the page using the pencil option. The layout of OneNote allows you to have all your different subjects in different notebooks, and to customise their colour. The fact that OneNote syncs across all platforms and devices allow ease of access wherever you are. Another great feature of OneNote is the ability to ‘snip’ a section of a website or PDF and to paste that into the notes. This is
often good when trying to incorporate diagrams from textbooks into your notes. One feature for uni students that is great, is that you can upload your lecture slides as a PDF to OneNote so that you can annotate the lecture slides in class. OneNote also allows the freedom of typing wherever you want – this may be a benefit or a limitation based on how you prefer to write your notes. The one major concern with the app is that it can take a while to sync across devices. But overall, OneNote is a great app for annotation and notes.
Google Drive Platform: iOS, Android and PC Pricing: Free Rating: 9.5/10
JULY 2019 / ISSUE 164
Google Drive is perhaps the most comprehensive and efficient way to write and review notes. Google Drive has amazing syncing speeds, much better than OneNote. Like OneNote, Google Drive can be synced across platforms and devices, so that you can access your notes anywhere on any device. Google Drive is not as aesthetic as other noting taking apps, nor does it have fancy
features that allow for annotation of images. However, Google Docs allows you to take notes and upload images. Plus, you have 15 gigabytes of storage meaning that you can use it for all your notes and still have plenty of space left over. For someone looking for a simple, yet efficient way to take notes, Google Drive is the way to go.
Now, remember, technology doesn’t always have to be a distraction if used effectively – it can help increase your productivity. These are some apps I have found to be helpful in increasing productivity. There are many other study apps that might work bet-
ter for you. Comment below on what apps you recommend for studying. Umar Khan is a recent IBDP graduate, now attending Macquarie University and is based in Sydney, Australia.
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
31
NEWS 1-4
32
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
BOOMERANG 5-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
AUSTRALIA 18 - 19
ISSUE 164 / JULY 2019