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Relief as Australia joins protests Mosques reopen for ‘Black Lives Matter’
Masjid Al-Aqsa, Jerusalem. Zia Ahmad Mosques throughout the world have started to reopen their doors for congregational prayers as the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions are being relaxed. The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem were opened for prayer on Sunday 31 May allowing the worshippers to enter under strict guidelines to prevent infection. However the grand Mosque in Makkah remains closed until further notice still clouding the prospect of Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage this year. With Australian authorities easing the COVID-19 restrictions from Monday 1 June, most mosques are preparing to resume daily congregational prayers and first Juma prayers from Friday 5 June after a break of almost two months. Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman, President of Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) has urged Muslim worshippers to abide by all requirements set by health department and restrictions by government authorities in various states of Australia and make use of the recent ANIC Post COVID-19 Guide.
Protests in Perth. Source: Aaron Fernandes, SBS News. Zia Ahmad Protests are being held in all major cities of Australia in solidarity with demonstrators in US and many parts of the world, triggered by the viral sharing of video showing the brutal death of George Floyd, 46, an African-American man
killed by police in Minneapolis on Monday 25 May 2020. Thousands of people from a diverse background including Aboriginal leaders and activists joined the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement on Monday 1 June in Perth in solidarity with victims of police brutality. Questions were also raised regarding the treatment of indigenous people in this coun-
try and Aboriginal deaths in police custody and prisons in Australia. The protests in US have spread to more than 50 cities, some resulting in violence, arson and looting with almost 40 cities under curfew where President Trump has threatened the protesters by sending in the military. Read editorial page 5
Eid in Kashmir amid oppression and lockdown Backyard garden Eid prayer on Sunday 24 May 2020 in Srinagar, Kashmir.
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Mohamed Ainullah Although Eid 2020 has been a sombre affair globally, more so in the valley of Kashmir under Indian Army’s lockdown since August 2019 where the oppression of Kashmiris has intensified under the cover of fighting COVID-19, especially during Ramadan. Speaking with Sydney Criminal Lawyers, Former Australian Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon likened the moves, by the Modi BJP government, in Kashmir, to the way the Israeli government operates in relation to settlements in the West Bank with early morning raids on Kashmiri households, which, she posits, plays into Modi’s wider agenda
of “advancing Hindu nationalism”. Reportedly, a large number of homes were destroyed by burning and looting in Nawa Kadal, a suburb in the main city of Srinagar during a gun battle between Indian army and Kashmiri militants on the night of Lailatul-Qadr on 27 Ramadan corresponding to Tuesday 19 May triggering anti-India mass protests. “When the forces came to our home, we were busy in the night-long prayers of Lailatul-Qadr. We were reciting the Quran and praying. We did not know everything will be snatched from us within minutes,” a local resident Afroza, talking about the raid by Indian Army commandos, told Al Jazeera. continued on page 6
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ICC rejects Australian attempts to block war crimes probe against Israel Mohamed Ainullah The Australian Liberal government has come under heavy criticism for blocking the investigation of Israeli war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a result of intensive lobbying by Israel. The Leader of the Australian Greens, Mr Adam Bandt MP said that while Netanyahu is planning to annex the West Bank, the Australian government not only remains quiet on violation of international law by the state of Israel, but actively tries to block investigations of war crimes in Palestine by the ICC. The Australian government had made the submission to ICC to halt the investigation of war crimes in Palestine on jurisdictional grounds because Palestine is “not a state”, after being lobbied to make the submission to the court by Israel, which is not a party to the court. The ICC’s office of the prosecutor concluded a five-year preliminary examination of the “situation in the state of Palestine” in December 2019 concluding that there were reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes including attacks on civilians, torture, attacks on hospitals, and the use of human shields have been, or are being, committed in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip by the Israeli armed forces. However Australian position has been rejected by the office of the prosecutor, saying it had not formally challenged Palestine’s right to be a party to the court before. “I am satisfied that war crimes have been or are being committed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza
Mr Adam Bandt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens speaking at Federal Parliament on Wednesday 13 May 2020.
Strip,” the prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said. “There are no substantial reasons to believe that an investigation would not serve the interests of justice.” The Leader of the Australian Greens, Mr Adam Bandt MP during his speech in the House of Representatives on Wednesday 13 May 2020 raised the matter of Australian government blocking the ICC probe under Israeli pressure. “This week Palestinians and their friends commemorate the Nakba, when, in 1948, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced and lost their homes, and many were killed. Since 1948, we’ve continued to see pervasive human rights abuses committed against Palestinian people. These abuses
affect every aspect of their lives.” “Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu are actively undermining a two-state solution that could deliver peace and security to the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.” “Netanyahu intends to unilaterally implement parts of Trump’s so-called peace plan, even though it’s been rejected by Palestine and has almost no support globally.” “It’s time for Australia to speak up, especially as Mike Pompeo flies in to Israel. It’s time to vocally oppose any illegal annexation and make it clear that there will be serious diplomatic consequences should it occur, just as there have been for other illegal annexations of territory.” Intensive lobbying by Israel regarding this
case has been confirmed by both Australian as well as Israeli officials. In Senate estimates, James Larsen, the chief legal officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said that Israel had “encouraged us to make observations” to the court regarding the investigation into war crimes in Palestine. “Israel certainly made representations to the Australian government, including myself, but others as well,” Mr Larsen said. Israel’s PM, Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet in February that friendly countries had responded to Israeli lobbying over the case. The director of the Australian Centre for International Justice, Ms Rawan Arraf said Australia’s intervention in the court process was unprecedented. “Why is Australia going out of its way to hold back an investigation into Palestine? Australia has always been a strong supporter of accountability and the fight to end impunity. It should not stop now and it should withdraw its request,” Ms Rawan said. The president of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network Rev George Browning said Australia’s intervention took its “growing, one-sided support of Israel to a new high.” “By denying Palestinians the right to justice, and protecting Israel from justice, Australia undermines the rule of law as the standard by which international behaviour is to be judged, and if necessary, sanctioned,” Rev Browning concluded. Mohamed Ainullah is an honorary Sub-Editor responsible for mediascan section of AMUST.
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Kemps Creek Cemetery on 02 9826 2273 from 8.30am-4pm 230-260 Western Rd, Kemps Creek NSW 2178 www.kempscreekcemetery.com.au
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! k a r a b u M d i E Dear Minaret Community This Ramadan has certainly been different for Muslims around the world. Alhamdulillah the requirement for physical distance created space for quiet reflection and an increased connection to our families and our Creator. Throughout this month, each day we’ve been reminded that periods of discomfort are followed by relief – with hardship comes ease. His Mercy is ever-present, ever-near. On behalf of the Minaret Family, I wish you and your families an exciting, joy-filled Eid. May you celebrate this blessed occassion with those you love. May Allah (swt) accept our fasting and ibadah and may He fill our hearts and homes with blessings, peace and iman. Ameen. Mohammed Taksim Executive Principal
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Black Lives Matter movement must be supported by all The brutal way, George Floyd’s neck goes on in Palestine where the Israeli army was held under the knee of the Min- treats Palestinians as sub-humans brutalisneapolis police officer and in spite of ing men, women and children with no rehis pleas for several long minutes that gards for their human rights. A 32-year-old he could not breath, the officer simply disabled Palestinian Eyad Hallaq was brutalised in the same way by Israeli played deaf, resulting in the death police on Saturday 30 May. of the African American man, In Australia, David Dungay is simply revolting. Jr, a 26-year-old Dunghutti But this is one case of poman from Kempsey, died lice brutality that was videoin Long Bay prison hostaped and went viral resultpital in 2015 after being ing now in a world-wide Zia Ahmad forcibly moved to an obprotest joining the ‘Black servation cell, restrained Assalamu Lives Matter’ movement. face down, and sedated. We don’t’ know of many Alaikum There have been 425 other such cases which esAboriginal deaths in police Greetings cape recording and seeing the custody since the 90s. light of the day. of Peace The process of racism and There is a continuing pattern discrimination starts with creation of institutionalised racism in the US against African-Americans people that of the “us” (majority) and them” (minority) shows up time and again through police where the bigoted leadership through propaganda creates an atmosphere of hatred and brutality and white vigilantism. But this kind treatment is certainly not scapegoating of the minority communities limited against black people only, racists denying them of their basic human right and and bigots create divisions of “us” and then justify their brutalisation. The Nazis led by Hitler did this to minor“them” treating “them” with utmost bruities in Europe specially the Jews and irontality as if they are not human beings. This kind of treatment against “them” ically to some extent the Israelis are doing
EDITORIAL
the same to the Palestinians. Recently this racist and discriminatory practice is being revived in India where the Muslim minority is being scapegoated and brutalised. Muslims in India are being rendered as “them” and their human rights are being stripped off by the BJP Hindu nationalist government led by PM Narendra Modi using the mainstream government aligned media propaganda. Muslims in Kashmir have been denied their citizenship rights and are being brutalised by the Indian military with lockdowns, curfews, denial of means of communication within Kashmir and with the outside world for the last ten months. An atmosphere of hate mongering exists in India against its Muslim citizens who constitute almost 20% of the population and cannot be simply eliminated. But their lives indeed are being turned into misery. The ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement must be supported by all fair-minded people of all colours and races and this movement must be extended to all minorities since every life matters and all people have the right to be treated with dignity, safety and security.
AMUST
AMUST ISSUE # 175 FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2020 12 SHAWWAL 1441 News
1-4
- Australia joins protests for ‘BLM’ - Relief as Mosques reopen - Eid in Kashmir amid oppression
Boomerang
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- Post-COVID-19: What next? - Khashoggi: A parody of justice
Community
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- Multicultural community medals - I’ll fast with you - Virtual iftar
Australia
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- Care for god’s creation - Climate-positive service
Centrefold
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- Fasting, feasting and friendships - Blending East with West - From Afghanistan to Australia
Lifestyle
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- Feeding people with permaculture - The 18th camel
Ummah
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- Muslim scholar hounded - COVID-19 in South-Asia
Education
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- Scholarships for year 12 - Reflections on Quran and Sunnah
Eyad Hallaq, Palestinian.
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- Halal Kangaroo meat - 5 ways to double halal investment
Social
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- Social Spotlights - Video: This morning on Eid Day
Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in articles, and Letters to the Editor, Website Comments are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Australasian Muslim Times.
David Dungay, Aboriginal-Australian.
George Floyd, African-American.
Readers comments
AMUST Team
Another voice for the Muslim Re: ICC rejects Australian atcommunity tempts to block war crimes I’m so glad I saw an article on the ABC probe against Israel News today featuring one of your authors. I have now found another voice for the Muslim community. I am not Muslim, but I have been looking for a source of news and information in English, particularly a local voice. You now have an enthusiastic, interested follower of your publication! Bill Orr
War crimes are not committed against states. They are committed against human beings. Morrison clearly doesn’t view Palestinians as human beings. This puts him in the same dock as the Israeli war criminals he so blindly supports. Gary Dargan
I loved Mehar’s story of her childhood memories of watching her father cooking and learning to make samosas These are a favourite of mine too and I know I will try Mehar’s detailed instructions for making them. Many, many thanks, Mehar and I hope Eesa keeps developing his cooking skills. Imogen Kelly
the Imperial Capital of Sydney? Bilal Cleland
Re: Ramadan Calendar Re: Samosa, the triangular 1441/2020 wonder for Ramadan Can you include other palces as well as
Re: Investigate China for COVID-19
I couldn’t agree more with the author. Paul Gapper
Re: Recipes for Ramadan attracts more community partners
What a great initiative and we are proud to support our diverse community. Yasser Zaki JUNE 2020 / ISSUE 175
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Eid in Kashmir amid oppression and lockdown broadening anti-Islam agenda, which has seen immigration laws passed that target Muslims, along with recent anti-Muslim pogroms that were carried out in the nation’s capital. According to Senator Rhiannon, the desperate situation in Jammu & Kashmir state is further heightened by the over 22,000 migrant workers left destitute in the capital of Srinagar, and the fact that many Kashmiri political prisoners continue to be detained in now dangerous facilities throughout the country. “In August, the Indian government put 38,000 additional troops into Kashmir, taking the number to well over 800,000 – some say close to a million,” Senator Rhiannon continued. “The level of militarisation is the highest anywhere in the world.” “The situation for Muslims in general across India is deteriorating at an incredibly fast rate,” she further added, “The BJP is rooted in fascism. When you look at their history and their actions it has to be said.” Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has accused the Indian military of genocide of Kashmiri people.
Houses destroyed by Indian army in Srinagar during Ramadan crackdown in Kashmir.
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Kashmiri women outside their burned and looted homes during Lailatul-Qadr pleading with Indian army.
“Modi’s RSS-inspired doctrine very clear: First, deprive Kashmiris of their right of self determination by illegal annexation of an Occupied territory. Second, treat them as less than human by a three-pronged approach,” he said. Mr Khan said the Indian government also treated Kashmiris as less human by a threepronged approach, “One by trying to crush them with brutal force including the use of inhumane weapons like pellet guns against women and children,” he added. He accused that Modi’s regime had imposed an inhumane lockdown, depriving Kashmiris of basic necessities from food to medicines. He further added that another inhumane
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act of the Indian government was that it committed mass arrest of Kashmiris, especially young people, and isolating Kashmir from the world by cutting off all communication links. Meanwhile the United Arab Emirates and the Maldives together thwarted a Pakistani attempt to set up an informal group of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) envoys at the United Nations on Islamophobia. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday 26 May tweeted: “Pakistan has consistently appealed to @UN & @OIC_OCI to condemn Modi’s Hindutva supremacist ideology with relentless Islamophobia & violence/ regional instability perpetuated.”
“They looted
the money in our houses; they took away whatever they could
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Continued from page 1 “When they knocked at our door, we did not even get a chance to take our medicines along. They looted the money in our houses; they took away whatever they could. I had kept money and jewellery here they took it away,” said Baby Jan, who stood looking at her damaged house with her husband and three children. Explosions and gunshots had echoed through the densely populated neighbourhood, the streets largely empty as a result of a COVID-19 lockdown that has kept most residents within their homes. The deaths of more militants came two weeks after Hizbul Mujahideen chief Riyaz Naikoo and a close aide were killed by government forces in the southern Kashmir valley during a two-day gun battle earlier in May. More than 75 Kashmiris have been killed in Kashmir this year, many of them in the month of Ramadan and while under COVID-19 lockdown during intensive operations by the army and police. The ongoing crackdown in India’s only Muslim-majority state feeds into the BJP’s
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Post-COVID-19: What next Bilal Cleland “The question for western liberal democracies — Australia included — is: when this immediate coronavirus crisis passes, how will our politics respond? ” [11 May 2020 Stan Grant ABC News] What has emerged from the chaos of the response to the virus in the UK and the USA is that the shibboleth of the market has been overturned. The appalling death rates in what have been considered the most highly civilised countries of the West have forced the world to take stock. The notion that the democracies are composed of free and equal citizens was also shown to be a lie. The US death rates are amongst the worst in the world so far. Thirteen American states have now lost more than 200 people per million citizens to Covid-19. “The developed countries outside Western Europe with which the USA should be comparable have all kept deaths per million below eight (8.0).” [11 May 2020 Alan Austin Daily Kos] The Muslim community of New York has been hard hit, along with the Afro-American and Hispanic communities. “All day long, wood coffins are carried
in and out of Al-Rayaan Muslim Funeral Services in Brooklyn… They do this an average of 15 times a day in recent weeks. Before coronavirus hit, the home was holding only 20 to 30 funerals a month.” [4 May 2020 NYT] Leading epidemiologist Gregg Gonsalves, co-director of Yale’s Global Health Justice Partnership asks: “What proportion of the deaths will be among African-Americans, Latinos, other people of color?” “This is getting awfully close to genocide by default. What else do you call mass death by public policy?” [7 May 2020 Huffington Post] The British situation is similar. Haroon Siddique revealed: “The death rate among British black Africans and British Pakistanis from coronavirus in English hospitals is more than 2.5 times that of the white population…‘ [1 May 2020, T h e Guardian] S o -
cial class and ethnicity combine to deliver a dangerous threat to frontline workers. “According to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics, the lowest working-age death toll has been among men with professional occupations; the highest death toll has been among men toiling in low-skilled elementary occupations.” “Some of those workers most exposed to poverty and discrimination have been left most exposed to this potentially deadly virus too.” [12 May 2020 Owen Jones, The Guardian] The pernicious “racial contract” underpinning US society has been exposed. ”… the racial contract is a codicil rendered in invisible ink, one stating that the rules as written do not apply to nonwhite people in the same way.” As the disease is now “infecting people who cannot afford to miss work or telecom -
Pardon for Khashoggi’s killers
A parody of justice Christine Osbourne Muslims know that ‘forgiveness and mercy’ are referenced countless times in the Holy Qur’an with special emphasis in Surah ash-Shuraa 42:40, ‘ The recompense of Evil is punishment…but whoever forgives… he shall have his reward from Allah.’ Whether Salah Khashoggi, eldest son of Jamal Khashoggi, is already a beneficiary of pardoning his father’s killers, is a moot question. But it is hard to accept he was not coerced into forgiving his murder in October 2018. Mr Khashoggi’s death is well documented. A former royal insider turned critic, he was lured to the kingdom’s Istanbul consulate by a Saudi hit squad allegedly operating on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS). What the killers did not realise was that Turkish police had bugged the building so we know precisely their modus operandi. Once inside, the journalist was drugged and dismembered by an autopsy surgeon who is heard to comment that he had never cut up a warm corpse. In spite of the macabre recording, Riyadh has consistently denied involvement of the 34 year old prince, who is known to be intolerant of any criticism of his one step forward, two steps back reforms to the social structure of the austere desert nation. Ignoring international demands for an open hearing, the trial of the accused was held in camera with five men sentenced to death which in Saudi Arabia is beheading. Others received seven and ten year sentences and a further two, including Saud al-Mahtani, a close aide to MBS, were exonerated. It is hard to imagine how Salah’s pardon, announced on the final and most holy day of JUNE 2020 / ISSUE 175
mute—grocery store employees, delivery drivers and construction workers,” The Washington Post reported. …….. Containing the outbreak was no longer a question of social responsibility, but of personal responsibility.” To restrict the freedom of white Americans now became an unjust imposition. Some workers are clearly expendable. [8 May 2020, The Coronavirus Was an Emergency Until Trump Found Out Who Was Dying The Atlantic] Nesrine Malik put it bluntly, “Anglo-American capitalism, … had dismantled the state. … An economic and political model that hinges on privatisation, liberalisation and the withdrawal of labour rights created a system prone to regular crises, despite such shocks being framed as one-offs.” [10 May 2020 The Guardian] The ‘great and powerful friend’ upon whom our rightwing and centre-left politicians have praised and relied upon since World War II is looking very tarnished indeed. Our value systems are not as similar to those of the Americans as we once believed and it is clear that it is not a country upon which we can rely. Shaun Carney’s conclusion rings true : “We will have to become more self-reliant in every sense.” [10 May 2020, The Age] This loss of respect for the USA will have profound consequences. China will also suffer. According to Kevin Rudd: “ Neither a new Pax Sinica nor a renewed Pax Americana will rise from the ruins…. And the result will be a continued slow but steady drift toward international anarchy across everything from international security to trade to pandemic management.” [6 May 2020, Coming Post-Covid Anarchy? Foreign Affairs]
Bilal Cleland is a keen reader, a prolific writer and a regular columnist of AMUST based in Melbourne.
Mud Brick Hut Made Into Two Stories Fazlul Huq
Chilling photo of Salah Khashoggi meeting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman following his fathers murder. Ramadan, must have affected Hatice Cengiz, the journalist’s fiancée. She had watched her beloved walk into the consulate, never to emerge. Unless we are to believe he was in the black bin bags, carried out by the hit squad and captured on CCTV. “His murder does not have a statute of limitations and no one had a right to pardon killers,” the normally restrained Ms Cengiz posted angrily on Twitter. Question: Is anyone likely to believe that Salah, spokesman for the three Khashoggi siblings, has issued the pardon out of the goodness of his heart? Writing in The New York Times , Ben Hubbard, author of MBS, a new biography of the defacto ruler, claims tens of thousands of dollars and millions in real estate has been paid as compensation for their father’s death. This may be the Saudi way of dealing with things, but it is unacceptable in a civilised society.
The young royal must be made to pay for the heinous crime which showed total disregard for a human life and which made a parody of diplomatic protocol. It would be a positive step for world leaders to boycott the G20, to be hosted by MBS in November in Riyadh and thereby express their revulsion at the atrocity. They won’t of course, the West is too dependent on the Saudis for oil and weaponry sales. And that the Saudis are custodians of Islam’s holiest shrines must disturb every Muslim, more so now with MBS calling the shots with his own autocratic style. Christine Osborne is the author of many books on Islamic countries including The Gulf States and Oman. She is also the CEO of www.worldreligions.co.uk a multi faith library specialising in the mainstream faiths. She has visited more than 30 Muslim majority countries.
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That mud brick hut with thatched roofs is made into two stories. As the grass land around the hut also contains the veggie patch close to the back. While mother hen is seen to poke on the body of while the little ones just move with the mum. As the farmer’s wife dressed in sari colored in blue and green is seen to slowly move towards the door of the house. While two pieces of clothes are seen to hang from the make shift clothesline not far from the hut. Associate Professor Fazlul Huq is based in Sydney and leads the Biomedical Science Cancer Research Group in the School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School. He is also an accomplished poet with over 12,000 compositions in Bengali and English and has also been involved in various community projects.
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Premier’s Multicultural Community Medals 2020: Leaders honoured via online Zoom event AMUST Media A medical professional and humanitarian champion supporting the NSW Chinese Australian community for more than four decades has won top honours in the Premier’s Multicultural Community Medals. Dr Leng Tan, a GP and community leader,
Acting Minister for Multiculturalism Geoff Lee.
was awarded the SBS Lifetime Community Service Medal on a virtual presentation call with all winners hosted by Acting Minister for Multiculturalism Geoff Lee via a Zoom event attended by all finalists. The 2020 Premier’s Multicultural Community Medals had 11 medal winners and 22 other finalists who were recognised for their outstanding commitment to social cohesion and community harmony. Zia Ahmad, AMUST Editor-in-Chief was a finalist in the SBS Lifetime Community Service Medal category while AMUST columnist Philip Feinstein was a finalist in the Settlement Services International NSW Human Rights Medal category. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it was wonderful the winners still got the recognition they deserved despite the COVID-19 pandemic. “Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. You represent what makes NSW such a strong state,” Ms Berejiklian said. “We especially owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Dr Tan and all our medical professionals as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic. “Even as we find ourselves living and working differently because of COVID-19, these incredible people and organisations continue to engage and connect with their communities when they need it most.” Mr Lee said the medals are traditionally announced at the annual Premier’s Harmony Dinner gala event, however the video call
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ensured award winners were still recognised for the fantastic work achieved. “While we wish we could have recognised our medal recipients in person it doesn’t detract from the incredible work you are doing to promote harmony in our community,” Mr Lee said. “Our winners have made our society more compassionate and inclusive and I am proud of our harmonious community that welcomes everyone in NSW.” Lifetime Community Service Medal Winner, Dr Leng Tan said that receiving the Medal was a great honour. “This medal is recognition of the longstanding and tireless contribution of volunteers in the Asian community to migrants young and old. I am proud to have helped
improved the wellbeing of individuals and to have contributed to society as a whole.” Other medal recipients include a South Sudanese refugee and former child soldier who founded a highly successful basketball program for multicultural youth and an Arabic interpreter helping patients in hospitals across Western Sydney. You can now read all about the winners, finalists and inductees on Multicultural NSW website: Medals: https://multicultural.nsw.gov. au/2020-winners Honour Roll: https://multicultural.nsw. gov.au/multicultural-honour-roll For full list go to: https://multicultural. nsw.gov.au/premiers-multicultural-community-medals
As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end I want to thank the Islamic community for the generosity and charity they have shown to every Australian during the month of Ramadan.
TONY BURKE MP MEMBER FOR WATSON
HON TONY BURKE MP
Quran is the cure of body and soul Sukoon Quteifan
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR WATSON Office: Shop 29/1 Broadway Punchbowl 2196 Phone: (02) 9750 9088 Email: tony.burke.mp@aph.gov.au www.tonyburke.com.au @Tony_Burke Tony Burke MP Authorised by Tony Burke MP, Australian Labor Party, Shop 29/1 Broadway Punchbowl 2196
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“And We send down of the Qur’an that which is healing and mercy” - Surah Al Isra (82) – The Holy Quran. 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. You can follow her on facebook @SukoonQuteifanArt.
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A benevolent act by Craig Foster Faseeha Hashmi This year, the global experience of Ramadan has been shared in a way like never before. As internationally, world leaders have been stepping up and reaching out to Muslims, recognising a common humanity. Sharing a date to break fast, Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong took part in an online dialogue with Malay-Muslims and community leaders to celebrate Eid-ulFitr. Similarly, in Canada a virtual Ramadan event took place featuring a message from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. While, in Australia in the truest spirit of multiculturalism, former Australian Socceroo’s star and SBS sports reporter Craig Foster joined Australian Muslims by fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Though, it is common practice for community leaders to attend interfaith activities, Foster’s ingenuity to put himself in the shoes of his fellow Australians by fasting over the course of the month constitutes a more significant and innovative multicultural engagement strategy. Sitting down in front of ABC’s One Plus One with Barrie Cassidy, Craig opened up about his desire to support Australian Muslims, to fight for what is fair and of his various campaigns to help vulnerable commu-
nities. Like other faith-based communities amid the coronavirus crisis, Muslims also have had to adjust themselves to a new way of worship. Yet, as a show of solidarity and respect, the sporting legend chose to share his meals virtually with an eclectic mix of Australia Muslims including Comedian Nazeem Hussain, Co-Founder of Benevolence Saara Sabbagh, Cultural Curator Tasneem Chopra and Labour politician Dr Anne Aly, just to name a few. “I embraced the Muslim community… I see this as an opportunity to further connect with them…because I think that…(the Muslim community) have been treated unfairly. All of the popular media in Australia has demonised them to an extraordinary degree. I also sit on the board of the Australian Multicultural Council and diversity inclusion is very important to me,” advocated Foster. Consistently speaking up for the voiceless, Foster has built a name for himself as a leader for human rights. In 2019, Foster led a successful campaigned to rescue refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi that fled criminal charges related to the 2011 Arab Spring protests against Bahrain’s Government from a Bangkok Prison. A firm believer that sport has the power to change the world, Foster’s encouraging message is that everyone, including sporting organisations, has a part to play in serving those most vulnerable in our commu-
nity. Also an ambassador for Amnesty International, Foster has forged a reputation for supporting refugees, putting the heat on the world highest sporting body FIFA, to recognise their responsibility to defend human rights. Indeed, at the heart of his community building projects what drives Foster has been his ethos of fairness. “A team is about the smallest person, it’s never about the biggest one. I might be a Socceroo, but I can’t score on my own,” spirited Foster. Foster was motivated to lead the initiative to fast following conversations with Hakeem whom he has forged a friendship with. Ramadan is also a month of charity, and Craig has led by example, using his influence in the sporting realm for the greater good. He stated that giving, especially during a pandemic is important as it might allow us to reflect on how poverty can be eradicated.
“During this pandemic…many of us are questioning the kinds of structures…of our society (that have allowed this to happen),” said Foster. He stated that he was encouraged to fast in the hopes that everyday Australians might recognise such Islamic practices as a “normal” part of the Australian experience. “I’d like to use it (fasting) also to think about, (and) reflect… about the 7 hundred million people who… live below the poverty line around the world…who are especially vulnerable during the Pandemic,” said Foster. Our nation’s leaders have also offered their encouragement. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison sent a reassuring video message just in time for Eid celebrations, marking the end of Ramadan. “I offer everyone in Australia’s Muslim community my deep gratitude for everything you contribute to Australia each and every day, what you’ve brought to Australia,” said Mr Morrison.
Wishing you and your family a joyous and blessed Eid.
Eid Mubarak Fiona Martin Member for Reid
Concetta Fierravanti-Wells Senator for NSW
Marise Payne Foreign Minister Minister for Women Senator for NSW
Scott Morrison Prime Minister
Jane Hume Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology Senator for Victoria
David Van Senator for Victoria
Scott Ryan President of the Senate Senator for Victoria
Authorised by A.Hirst, Liberal Party of Australia, Cnr Blackall and Macquarie Sts, Barton ACT 2600.
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Young family torn apart by COVID-19: Plea for support students are eager to keep Ms Londa James on board. The College is prepared to support her in whatever way necessary to reunite this family. This includes financial support to cover costs relating to Paeton and Theo travelling to Australia, their hotel accommodation and other incidental costs to meet the quarantine requirements on arrival. The ABF Commissioner has been urged to reconsider his decision in declining Paeton and Theo James’ application to fly to Australia on compassionate grounds. They are no threat to Australia and their visas are approved. Ms James has been an essential worker in Victoria through the pandemic and is a valued and respected member of our school community. Support to reunite this young family torn apart by the COVID-19 pandemic will be highly appreciated. Please share this petition with your contacts and networks: tinyurl.com/paetonjames
Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas Imagine having your 8 year old child in another country, with days left to fly out to be with you, and then suddenly being told “Sorry, the borders are closed.” Now imagine applying for an exception on compassionate grounds with the Department of Foreign Affairs only to be denied because it doesn’t fit their criteria for compassionate grounds. This is exactly what happened to one of our beloved teachers from Al Siraat College, Ms Londa James, an overseas teacher sponsored by Al Siraat College who teaches one in one of Al Sirat Foundation classes. Her 8 year old daughter Paeton and husband Theo were granted a Visa earlier this year. They were scheduled to travel in Australia to be with Ms James in April. Sadly since Australian borders were closed due to COVID-19, not only have Ms James’ family not been able to fly out to Australia but we’re now told she may not see her daughter for another year. Sadly 8 year old Paeton is now experiencing medical concerns directly related to her being separated from her mother during this prolonged time. Even with this knowledge, Department of Home Affairs have rejected the application to fly out Ms James’ daughter and husband
to Australia. The students have already experienced a disruption to learning as a result of the pandemic and have transitioned to and from online learning. Now that onsite learning has resumed the School is eager to maintain
continuity of learning for all our students and minimise any further disruptions. Ms James continuation in her role is particularly important since she is teaching 5 year old students in their first year of school. Al Siraat College management, staff and
Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas is on the advisory board for ECCV Gambling Harm project, in the advisory group for Whittlesea Interfaith Network and currently works as the Community Engagement Facilitator for Al Siraat College. Gulhan has a robust history of advocacy for gambling industry reform and Interfaith dialogue. She is passionate about developing Muslim youth as spokespeople for their communities.
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Eid Mubarak.
Wishing the Islamic Community a Joyful Eid
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Hospitality unconstrained through virtual Iftar Rebecca Beisler This year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Building Harmony Iftar Dinner hosted by the Affinity Intercultural Foundation and Uniting Church in Australia took place in a virtual format. While people could not physically share the meal together, the spirit of friendship and hospitality was shared in abundance as people joined live via the UCA Assembly Facebook page. It was the seventh annual Iftar to be organised by Affinity and the Assembly, NSW/ACT Synod and Uniting (NSW/ACT) – but this year people joined from all over the country. In welcoming guests, Affinity Executive Director Ahmet Polat paid tribute to frontline workers protecting our community throughout the coronavirus crisis. “The pandemic has surrounded the globe and showed us much of life is uncertain and that no one is invincible, no matter how much wealth or power they have. We can all be tested equally,” said Ahmet. “This virus does not focus on certain religious, cultural or ethnic background. It knows no borders. The pandemic is a time to realise all of humanity is interrelated and interconnected. We are reminded to return to our roots in the values of peace and mutual understanding,” Ahmet concluded. Bilal Kilic and Ibrahim Karaisli from Amity College in Sydney broke the fast with soulful Azan, call to prayer and the Qur’an recitation. Keynote speaker, Zia Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST, shared how Ramadan 2020 was an unprecedented experience for Muslims. “Throughout the globe, for first time in people’s lifetime, Muslims are not able to offer congregational prayers, especially the Tarawih night time prayers together in the mosques with fellow Muslims. We are not able to break the fast with neighbours and family and friends of all faiths and no faith,” said Zia. “On other hand, Ramadan under COVID-19 provides an opportunity for people to be more inward looking, strengthening their relationship with their creator in solitude, as well as spending quality time with their immediate family,” he further added. UCA President Dr Deidre Palmer, the second keynote speaker, spoke about the significance of sharing the Iftar meal. “Even though we might not be sitting alongside one another, we recognise the gift of sharing in this significant ritual for our Muslim friends.” “As many of you know, the sharing of the Iftar meal is a powerful symbol of friendship
and mutual understanding. It is a celebration of our common values – of compassion, of love and of hope.” “We know how important these values are for the world as we face the crisis of this global pandemic.” “Many people are searching for meaning right now, many are feeling disconnected or anxious. As people of faith, we are called to be bearers of God’s hope, and to embody God’s love for all people and all creation, as we go forward.” Sinan Bekir Pamuk from Sirius College Melbourne shared a piece of Sufi music. Closing remarks were offered by Rev Dr Manas Ghosh, Minister at Parramatta Mission who has been instrumental in the organisation of the Iftar over the years. Manas said while Christians shared the loss and disappointment of not being able to physically gather for religious rituals during COVID-19 lockdown, all was not lost. “This virtual Iftar dinner has transcended time and geographical borders as many people from different parts of world are able to join. It has become a global celebration,” said Manas. He spoke about the growing friendship between the Uniting Church and the Muslim community over the Iftar’s seven-year history. “Not only have we enjoyed a great meal together, but great fellowship and friendship as well.” “It has created opportunities for discussion during meals our prayers, about worship and rituals, a sharing of our world. We have found we have more in common than we have thought. It has enriched our wisdom and our own spirituality and broken down barriers and misconceptions, and enhanced our willingness to work together.” In closing, MC Rev Simon Hansford, Moderator of the NSW/ACT Synod, said though we faced many challenges in the season of COVID-19, our common values remained. “Events like this evening remind us that hospitality is not constrained, justice is not constrained, mercy is not constrained nor is peace constrained.” “As we move further into the blessed season of Ramadan, let us be reminded of values we hold in common and the things that make us who we are as people of faith, disciples trusting each other and working together.”
Bilal Kilic of Amity College giving the Adhan call to prayer at the 2020 UCA Affinity Virtual Iftar.
“Not only have
we enjoyed a great meal together, but great fellowship and friendship as well.
Keynote speaker Zia Ahmad.
“
Rebecca Beisler is Communications and Resource Officer with the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) Assembly, the national council of the UCA and is based on the Central Coast of NSW. Rebecca has been a member of the planning committee for the UCA and Affinity Intercultural Foundation Building Harmony Iftar Dinner for 5 years. Sinan Bekir Pamuk, Sirius College Melbourne playing a Sufi hymn.
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Recipes for Ramadan: Eight Days a week Jane Jeffes Boy! Oh Boy! I’m not Muslim but Ramadan 2020 has been a really special time for me. Made special by the truly special people I’ve spent it with, socially distanced, most of it locked down at my desk 14-16 hours a day, leaving food shopping and preparation to my patient husband and two daughters whilst I’ve been indulging my favourite passions: getting to know new people, hearing their stories, sharing their memories, learning about their families and their culture and heritage, finding out more about the history of the lands they or their parents or forefathers came from, helping them tell their stories so other people can get to know them too – occasionally sparking conversations families hadn’t had before, with much laughter, a few shared tears and a lot of love along the way. I for one don’t want this special experience to end! Yes, I have missed the Iftar invites of previous years, and the buzz and foodie adventure of the night markets in Haldon Street and Cumberland Council’s Ramadan Festival, but this COVID-19 lockdown Ramadan has given me many different gifts which I wouldn’t have experienced if I hadn’t been working with so many others to find ways to create an invitation to a virtual iftar – or lots of invitations to lots of iftars – by way of sharing recipes and stories when we can’t sit down and eat and chat together face to face. I won’t say it hasn’t been tiring. AMUST’s Editor-on-Chief Zia Ahmad jokes that we are a great team because I stop working at 1.30 in the morning and he starts at 3.30 am! But there’s a price for everything!
One of Recipes for Ramadan’s community partners Tender Loving Care Disability Services took up the idea of creating an alternative iftar to celebrate culture and diversity by organising a cooking class at The Culinary School in Punchbowl. Four of the people TLC supports and four of its staff, half Muslim and half non-Muslim, learned to make Sambousek, little pastries which reminded me of Cornish pasties that I grew up with in England. Social distancing was observed but the long kitchen benches provided enough room for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown, Khal Asfour and Bilal El-Hayak and me to join in too. What was most rewarding was talking to TLC’s young people. One of the boys had studied Hospitality and loved cooking at school but life took a hard turn and he’d stopped. The afternoon, he said, was giving him confidence that he could pick it up
again and the belief he might find a future career he’d love. We all took home a dozen or so Sambousek and I was able to join TLC staff and clients at a special (socially distanced) iftar at their Padstow offices. Capped off by former Socceroos captain Craig Foster joining us by Zoom to say “Ramadan Kareem”. Later in the week, there was another Iftar. This time a real virtual Iftar – if you’ll forgive the pun – hosted by Amity College and Unity Grammar with me MC-ing. The evening was characterised by great company, great conversation and of course great food. As with any good meal, we talked for longer than we expected and the evening was rounded off with an invitation to all guests to a joint Iftar next Ramadan with the hope we would continue sharing food and stories in between. Huge thanks are due to the Community Engagement and Pastoral Care Staff of the
two Schools, Serkan Iner, Almila Koca and Osman Karolia and to their respective principals, Deniz Erdogan and Aaron Boyd. Also to Rabbi Zalman Kastel, National Director of Together for Humanity, Mark Van Ommen Together for Humanity’s Head of Education, Fr Patrick McInerney, Director of the Columban Centre for Christian Muslim Relations, and Sheikh Arshad Khan who together brought a truly interfaith and intercultural dimension to the evening. The Azan was delivered beautifully by Amity’s Pastoral Care Co-ordinator and Religion and Values teacher Bilal Kilac. Students and families of both schools literally invited us to their tables and shared their food through show and tell! And were great hosts to the partners who have enabled us to produce such events and were able to join and participate: Mayor Steve Christou of City of Cumberland Council, Canterbury Bankstown Deputy Mayor Bilal El-Hayak, TLC’s CEO Yasser Zaki and of course AMUST’s Editor-in-Chief Zia Ahmad and publisher Mehar Ahmad. It was an added bonus that NSW state MP for Lakemba Jihad Dib and Craig Foster were able to join us too. Sadly, Beth Rich and Ramia Abdo Sultan of Gaza Children’s Fund had prior commitments but Ramia’s signature dish Bamia can be found on the website https://recipesforramadan.com/recipes/ramia/ For me, the evening could be summed up by one of my favourite lines from the Quran, Surah Hujurat Chapter 49, verse 13: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.” Jane Jeffes is a producer and director and former head of ABC Religion & Ethics. A UK-Australian dual national she is based in Sydney, Australia.
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Eid Mubarak to you and your family Hon Michael O’BRIEN MP
Neil ANGUS MP
Leader of the Opposition Leader of the Liberal Party Shadow Minister for Small Business Liberal Member for Malvern
Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, Shadow Assistant Treasurer, Liberal Member for Forest Hill neil.angus@parliament.vic.gov.au
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Georgie CROZIER MP
Hon Matthew GUY MP
Liberal Member for Southern Metropolitan Region
Liberal Member for Bulleen
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Hon David DAVIS MP
Matthew BACH MP
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Liberal Member Eastern Metropolitan Region matthew.bach@parliament.vic.gov.au
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Hon Gordon RICH-PHILLIPS MP
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A recipe for disaster – or was it? Adam Rida When City of Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour and his Deputy Bilal El-Hayek were invited to participate in a ‘cook off’ for Recipes for Ramadan, I thought it would be a recipe for disaster. So, it was with much trepidation I agreed to tag along and watch. The two amateur but aspiring chefs and food lovers had put their money where their mouths are and sponsored the community initiative to fill a void left by the cancellation of the popular festival Ramadan Nights Lakemba. COVID-19 restrictions have meant there could be no Ramadan Nights or nightly invitations to ‘iftar’ to break the daily fast with extended family and friends. Instead Recipes for Ramadan is an invitation to a virtual ‘iftar’, combatting social distancing and isolation by sharing recipes and stories online while we can’t sit down face to face. With the stories as important as the food, it’s a kind of Who Do You Think You Are? with family recipes replacing the family tree to celebrate the diversity of Muslim culture and heritage. Mayor Asfour and Deputy El-Hayak’s ‘cook off’ aimed to get the community participating by sending in their recipes and stories, so a wider audience can experience the cultural delights of the many countries and cultures that make up the City of Canterbury Bankstown. Both had agreed to prepare a traditional middle-eastern dish, Fatteh, which is toasted pita bread, chickpeas, yoghurt and minced meat (optional). I didn’t want to risk the two of them alone in a kitchen, so I enlisted the help of none other than local MasterChef cooking whizz, and Punchbowl local, Hoda Kobeissi. Hoda was a real find in the 2018 season of MasterChef Australia and finished in the Top 12. Her state-of-the-art kitchen was the perfect setting and we decided to film the event to share with you. The ingredients were prepared, and the stage was set. She would instruct and watch over the two as they cooked the dish. It was soon evident that she would have her work cut out as it became clear to us both that they weren’t accustomed to spending much time in a kitchen.
CBCity Deputy Mayor Bilal El-Hayek.
Khal quipped, “Is this the cold water?” Then Bilal kept taking the frying pan off the stove and Hoda needed to keep reminding him “Just keep it on. Because it’s induction, when you take it off it stops.” But they both soon got into a rhythm. Add oil, brown the mince, a dash of salt and so on. Crushing the garlic was an experience and both had to be guided on how to use more “vigour” to make a smooth garlic paste. Hoda telling them with a twinkle in her eye that the recipe could be adapted: “If you don’t plan on being close to anyone tonight, use more garlic.” Now add some yoghurt sauce, chickpeas and toasted pita bread and there you have it. All that’s left to do is garnish with pine nuts and parsley.
CBCity Mayor Khal Asfour
The result is a quick and delicious meal for you to break your fast. So, what I thought would turn out to be a recipe for disaster ended up being a recipe for success with both men gaining a new appreciation of cooking and all of us enjoying the fruits of their labour when the sun set.
To find the Fatteh Recipe recipe, ingredients and a step by step guide to make it yourself, go to https://www.recipesforramadan.com/recipe Adam Rida is the Community Relations Officer at CBCity.
Hoda Kobeissi supervising inspiring chefs in her state-of-the-art kitchen.
Traditional middle-eastern dish, Fatteh.
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Four lessons from COVID-19 to help us care for God’s creation Mark Delaney There’s lots of lovely black and white birds around our local parks. “Which one of them is a magpie, which one a peewee, and which one a butcher bird?” I wondered. One of the nice things
about the COVID lockdown has been developing a renewed appreciation for God’s creation. Marveling at magpies and peewees then led me to think more broadly about what positives might come out of this pandemic. Here are four lessons from COVID that might help us better deal with the even greater problem of our day – climate change and it’s threat to God’s magnificent creation.
A new appreciation of science and facts:
Eid Mubarak As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end,
We can’t see a virus. So we’ve needed to listen to the virologists and epidemiologists. As a global community, we’ve largely been willing to undergo enormous changes in our lifestyles, because the scientists told us it was important to ‘flatten the curve’. Some countries did not listen quickly enough and we’re seeing the dramatic results of that now. Will our newfound appreciation for science and facts in Australia flow into listening to the climate scientists who have been trying to tell us flatten our ‘carbon curve’? A question on which to reflect: “When COVID is over, will I continue to seek out and value what scientists advise, or go back to gleaning information from Facebook and Twitter?”
I would like to wish the
Slowing the pace of life and re-learning what’s important:
Islamic community
Under COVID, while some have struggled with loneliness or loss, some have also found a rekindled enjoyment of the simple things in life: reading, music, time with family.
a very happy Eid Mubarak!
Instead of shopping and countless other activities, we’ve read a book, dusted off the guitar, phoned a friend, or spent a little more time in prayer. And as we’ve done so, most of us have felt good doing it.A question on which to reflect: “When COVID is over, will I continue to live life at a calmer pace, in which there’s time for nature, music, family, friends, and God, or go back to frenetically consuming and squeezing in as many activities as possible?”
- Anne Stanley MP
Learning to do things locally: Under COVID, we’ve learnt to shop, exercise and even work locally. That’s saved a lot of carbon! And as we’ve done that, we’ve often found that our neighbourhood is not a bad place after all! A question on which to reflect: “When COVID is over, will I continue to do some work, recreation and holidays closer to home, or will I jump back in the car and on the plane to go to that next meeting or holiday?”
Appreciating nature: Under COVID, many of us have spent more time in our local parks marveling at nature.
Anne Stanley MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR WERRIWA P: (02) 8783 0977 E: anne.stanley.mp@aph.gov.au W: www.annestanley.com.au Authorised by A. Stanley MP, ALP, 7/441 Hoxton Park Rd, Hinchinbrook NSW 2168
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If that love of God’s creation persists, might we be more willing to speak out to prevent the loss of many species of birds, insects and plants taking place under climate change? A question on which to reflect: When COVID is over, will I continue to appreciate real nature, or go back to watching the world on a screen?” I’d urge us all to reflect on these questions now, before the restrictions lift fully. Our collective answers may determine whether we can make the world a better place for us, and
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for God’s Creation, as we emerge from COVID-19. Mark Delaney spent 17 years doing development work in predominantly Muslim slums in north India. He is co-author of “Low Carbon and Loving It. ISSUE 175 / JUNE 2020
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Climate-positive multifaith service this Ramadan Fahimah Badrulhisham Muslims and other people of faith were invited to join a multifaith service for climate action on Friday 15 May 2020 via Zoom and livestreamed on social media hosted by The Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC). What a start to the decade it’s been. We have been embroiled in political scandals, climate-related catastrophes like the drought and bushfires, and now COVID-19 has forced us all to rethink every aspect of our lives. While the pandemic takes its course, I can’t help but remain deeply concerned about the climate. We need to halve global carbon emissions by 2030 to stay well below the 2°C Paris targets, so this decade is crucial to ensure a safe climate, a thriving natural world and a prosperous low carbon economy. This is the next looming crisis, and we must listen to the science and do what is necessary. Last September’s School Strike for Climate galvanised 7.6 million people worldwide to demand positive action on climate change. Australia’s faith community was part of the 300,000 people who turned up to over 100 rallies across the country. At the start of the year, an even bigger
Strike was planned for Friday 15 May but the physical Strike had to pivot to a digital day of action in observance of safe physical distancing. On the day, The Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) offered an online multi faith service on Zoom and livestreamed on social media. Ramadan is the month of contemplation and we must not forget that the pandemic and climate change are symptoms of a world in imbalance, and it is our duty as caliphs to not only be stewards of the land, but also good stewards of one another. A lot of us are missing the togetherness of our traditional Ramadan rituals. Coming together with other people of similar hearts and minds can cultivate optimism, empower change and build resilience so we can triumph over these great challenges. Please visit the link below for details, and do extend this invitation to your friends, family and faith networks. https://www.arrcc.org.au/multi_faith_online_service_for_the_climate_strike The steps we take as a society when we emerge from the pandemic will have long term consequences. Individual and structural change are both required to bring emissions down at the speed and scale necessary. The neoliberal fossil fuel paradigm needs to be retired. We must work to implement new ideas and policies on energy, public services,
city-building, and all aspects of our lives to ensure we are resilient to the shocks and impacts of climate change and future pandemics. We must also keep making lifestyle changes and influence others in our circles to make climate – positive changes. The multifaith service is an opportunity for people of all faiths to unite in the spirit of love, reverence and compassion. It articulat-
ed how we can put these values into practical and meaningful action. The School Strikers are also organised an interactive livestream. Fahimah Badrulhisham is a committee member of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) . She is also an architect specialising in sustainable homes.
Global values for global challenges Dr John Bellavance Scientific and technological development needs to be guided by values and ethics. The moral orientation and the unity of the sciences centred on shared values will foster the common good, and sustainable and equitable development (see figure 1). The threats posed by nuclear weapons and environmental destruction require global solutions, based on a global worldview. Our shared struggles show us how interdependent we are and the importance of our obligations to the global community. The Covid-19 pandemic made this fact very clear. This suggests the unavoidable need for universal values and global approaches in this
global era. A spirit of cooperation will only be attained when human beings come to view themselves as members of the same human family. This change in human consciousness is vital for humanities survival. Historically, spiritual traditions have promoted universal values that are global in nature. They focused on the big questions of life, rather than just politics or nationalism. In the past communities needed to construct large collectives such as nations to deal with problems that no single tribe could address. They encountered opportunities that could not be exploited without large-scale cooperation. Now, nation states cannot deal with global problems on their own. Nationalism has many benefits, but it has no viable plan to run the world. Dr John Bellavance has worked in the non-profit sector for 40 years. In Australia he is the national Vice-President of the Universal Peace Federation.
Wishing you and your family a joyous and blessed Eid.
Eid Mubarak ALEX HAWKE MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR MITCHELL JUNE 2020 / ISSUE 175
Suite 8, 23 Terminus Street, Castle Hill NSW 2154 alex.hawke.mp@aph.gov.au
alexhawke.com.au
02 9899 7211 AlexHawkeMPMitchell
Authorised by A. Hawke, Liberal Party of Australia, 8/23 Terminus Street, Castle Hil NSW 2154.
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Fasting, feasting and frien Jane Jeffes Special friendships are made over food and last Friday and Saturday, the Recipes for Ramadan team took over Burnt Butter’s professional studio kitchens in Rosebery for two days whipping up fabulous food, friendship and fun with popular Sydney-based foodie influencers Lina Jebeile (aka The Lebanese Plate), Fatimah Omran and Walla Abu-Eid. The plan was to shoot all three making two or three dishes and across the course of the two days we whipped up a feast fit for kings but not that difficult to make at home. Lina shared her secret to produce the silkiest smoothest-ever hummus, and then introduced me to chicken mloukhiya. Her family calls it ‘ugly delicious’ but my family absolutely loved it and my daughter is now searching where to buy the leaves on-line! If anybody reading this, can supply me I’ll be eternally in your debt! The fall-back as I understand it is spinach perhaps with lamb or beef instead of chicken although we all ended up agreeing there must be a market opportunity for an online supermarket selling hard-to-find ingredients like mloukhiya.
I also loved how Lina made her stock. I grew up doing as my mother did, using the carcass left over from a roast chicken but Lina makes her stock by putting the whole chicken in the stock pot, pulling the cooked meat off later to add towards the end. I loved watching and could have listened for hours as she explained the different cultural, food and language traditions between north and south Lebanon despite the relatively small distance that separates them. #foodie # foodblogger #influencer Fatimah whose family came from north Lebanon whipped up two of the most moist carrot cakes I’ve ever tried. It’s not a popular word moist but I can’t think of another! Better perhaps to say it really did melt in the mouth. Decorated with Philly cheese and lemon icing with figs to top one and raspberries the other, pistachios were the secret ingredient and prompted a memory of Fatimah’s father buying large bags of pistachios and the family sitting together for hours in the evening, shelling, nibbling and talking. Then there was a quick turn-around turmeric semolina cake (suitable for my newly vegan daughter) and stuffed eggplant which we all agreed wasn’t really stuffed at all! Fatimah remembers it being a dish her mother
Lina Jebeile blending the silkiest and smoothest-ever hummus. Follow her @thelebaneseplate
often cooked for dinner parties and given eggplant / aubergine is the culinary equivalent of silk, this really does taste like a special dish.
Fatimah’s mum cooks only with salt and pepper and cumin and this couldn’t have asked for more. It’s usually served with rice or bread but I used up the leftovers on Mon-
Blending East with West: Butter Chicken Osman Karolia I was born in Johannesburg South Africa. My family was originally from Gujarat in India but had lived in South Africa for four generations. English is my first language but my parents and older generations speak Afrikaans as it was compulsory in schools. The older generations including my grandparents also spoke Guajarati which unfortunately very few of my generation or younger do. I left South Africa in 1980 at the age of 8. Most of my family is still in South Africa though a few have moved to the UK, Ireland, Dubai, Canada, and the USA. My mum divides her time between South Africa and Australia and is here in Sydney for a little longer now due to Covid 19 travel restrictions. This is a blessing as she is close to her children during this challenging time and it makes it easier for us to give her support and reassurance. One of my early childhood memories is of my paternal grandmother Miriam preparing dishes such as butter chicken for her grandchildren. I remember sitting at the table, eating butter chicken, and her recalling how King George VI visited South Africa in 1947 and how she and my grandfather scrubbed all their kids and bought them new outfits and new shoes to see the King, his wife and the princesses Elizabeth and Margaret as their horse-drawn carriage weaved through central Johannesburg. My father who was 6 was very upset as he thought they were all coming over for dinner! Like many of my grandfather’s generation, they felt a close affinity with the Royal family. The modern South African Indian community is largely descended from Indians who arrived in South Africa from 1860 onwards from colonial British India. Approximately 200,000 Indians arrived as in-
dentured labourers over a period of 5 decades and by the 1890’s others arrived as British subjects and worked as traders and labourers. Whilst they were denied many rights under apartheid, over time they built a strong community and are a part of the modern fabric of South African society. South Africa shed the shackles of apartheid in the mid 1990s and today it is a vibrant country also referred to as the rainbow nation, referencing the diversity of cultures found there; from the descendants of early European settlers including the Dutch (Afrikaners), the English and Portuguese, to the Indians, Cape Malays (descendants of Indonesian/Malaysian slaves) and rich indigenous African communities. Each wave of new settlers brought their own tastes and influences and added to the countries already rich culinary scene. Today new waves of settlers from the Middle East and Asia add to the diversity and vibrant food scene of the nation. Over time many traditional Indian dishes that Gujarati families had brought with them were influenced by local palates to include more vegetables, lighter spice, less oil and became lower in fat with more use of yoghurt. Originating in Northern India, Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, includes chicken mixed with spices, cream, tomato and butter. With waves of Indian migration in the post-colonial era, the dish travelled far and wide and soon became a popular item in western countries with an Indian diaspora. My mum would often prepare this traditional Indian butter chicken with uniquely South African influences when we were younger as it was quick, easy and delicious. It rekindles memories of dinner around the family table with parents and siblings. I moved out of home at 18 so when I see or hear of butter chicken it sends me on a trip down memory lane. It is also now a favourite of mine to prepare for my own family. I’m not the best of cooks but this recipe is easy to follow. Read the recipe at recipesforramadan.com 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.
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Recipes for Ramadan Jane Jeffes Recipes For Ramadan. After The First Date. An Invitation to A Virtual Iftar. A Celebration of Australian-Muslim Culture and History. Hearing Our Ancestors Voices. Who Do You Think You Are? Parts Unknown. Back In Time For Dinner. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? Come Dine With Me…. What’s in a name? If you’ve missed Recipes for Ramadan over the past 6 weeks, take a look at www. RecipesForRamadan.com. The project, in which AMUST has been the community media partner, uses food to tell stories that unlock and share Australian-Muslim culture, heritage and identity through the food we eat, the conversations we have and the stories and histories we carry with us. It also celebrates the significance and meaning of Ramadan, of fasting and sharing of food and wealth. And explores what it is to be Australian in 2020 when more than 50% of us were born overseas or have one or more parent born overseas, and have family ties and emotional ties to our ancestral homelands. An idea for a four- or five-part TV se-
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ries, the impact of COVID-19 on Ramadan 2020 transformed it at short notice into an online community project and an invitation to an alternative iftar. Whilst it was not possible to invite extended family, friends, neighbours and colleagues to iftar at home, it was possible to share food and conversation online through recipes and stories and to build relationships, community and a wider understanding of Muslim faith and practice in a different way. From a standing start 10 days ahead of Ramadan, Recipes for Ramadan took on a life of its own with Amity College, Unity Grammar, Together for Humanity, Gaza Children’s Fund, Canterbury Bankstown Council, Cumberland Council, Tender Loving Care Disability Services, Seena Inc (AMUST’s publisher), and Hazen Agency throwing their support behind it and collaborating. Every good meal is a mix of good company, good food and great conversation and this ‘virtual iftar’ has been that – with the stories every bit as important if not more important than the food. We met our target of 30 recipes online by Eid – one for every night and iftar in Ramadan. Some of the accompanying stories still need to be finalised and published and there are 15 or 20 more contributions in the pipeline, representing as many different cultures as possible. (And reISSUE 175 / JUNE 2020
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ndships forged over food Walla Abu-Eid finishing up her Palestinian Msakhan. Follow her @walla_abueid
day night with pasta and mozzarella #yummy! The Recipes for Ramadan team I referred to was me and Mustafa Allawi and Omar
Fatimah Omran baking a turmeric semolina cake. Follow her @fatimahomran_
Aziz of Hazen Agency. Aside from being brilliant at web design, short films and introducing me to Instagram, it turns out they can both cook! Mustafa rustled up a wonderful
Iraqi dried fruit ‘stew’ with the gentle scent of cardamom and crunch of toasted slivered almonds. In Iraq, it’s traditionally served for lunch or dinner and he remembers eating it with rice as a child on cold winter nights in northern Iraq. It’s a sweet alternative to a main course but I think it could also be a wonderfully indulgent special occasion breakfast or even a side serving with lamb… an interesting twist on lamb and apricot casseroles I grew up with. Needless to say, I felt very guilty enjoying a late breakfast/early lunch while everyone else was fasting. And then there was Walla and I learned to make Jordanian Mansaf (the yoghurt beef) and Msakhan (chicken pieces on bread). The Mansaf looks so special but the process seemed easier than I thought and again my family loved it so I’m going to have fun trying it at home. The Msakhan looked harder – at least for me. I really do need to find that online supplier or a Middle Eastern grocer / greengrocer in North Sydney. Again, I loved talking to Walla about her family and her holidays every two years back to her mother’s family in Jordan and meeting her husband Khalil, whose Syrian family are now spread around the world. Walla is an adventurous cook, not just an
armchair traveller but a kitchen traveller and Khalil and his mother have taught Walla just how different Syrian food is from Jordanian, not just what is cooked and how it’s cooked but the way it’s eaten. A world away from Jordan, despite being so close. #foodtravel #foodexplorer #foodtraveller Walla, Fatimah and Lina’s recipes, family stories, photos and videos will be published on the Recipes for Ramadan website over the coming days so keep an eye on www. RecipesForRamadan.com and do follow us all on Instagram: @recipesforramadan | @thelebaneseplate | @fatimahomran_ | @walla_abueid Tomorrow we’re shooting with the Sharouk Sisters (winners of Channel Nine’s Family Food Fight) and Tagrid Ahmad aka @mamaghanouj_kitchen – so watch out for that too. In the meantime, although we started out with the intention of celebrating Australian-Muslim culture and heritage, we’ve had requests to contribute from Japan, the USA, UK, Dubai and Venezuela. My challenge is to get 30 recipes and stories edited and published by Eid…. with more it seems to follow. Thank you to everyone for their enthusiasm.
From Afghanistan to Australia Maryam Hanifi
n: What’s in a name? quests from as far away as the USA, UK, Japan, Dubai and Venezuela to contribute too.) We ran a couple of wonderful events – one socially distanced, one a Facebook Live Zoom Iftar. We produced and are producing short videos – some with amazing Instagram foodie influencers Lina Jebeile (@thelebaneseplate), Fatimah Omaran (@fatimahomran_) Walla Abu-eid (@ walla_abueid) and The Sharouk Sisters; some edits of home footage that contributors took in their own homes… And we will be rolling out social media for several weeks. People really seem to have enjoyed it: Contributing, reading, trying recipes, learning about others’ families and countries and cultures. SBS and the ABC has reported on it. But what next? Everyone’s asking will it end now Ramadan is over? The answer is we hope not! The central idea remains true: meeting over food is one of the best ways to get to know other people and to confide things about ourselves, our stories, our family background, where we’re from, where we’ve been, what we feel about our ancestry and our family near and far, our culture, our faith, what interests us, what we worry about…. When we sit over food, we talk for longer, open up more, relax with each other, share more. Trust and friendship develop. Families, friends, comJUNE 2020 / ISSUE 175
munities bond preparing food and eating food. Sharing recipes and stories online has been a way of doing this in lieu of doing it face to face. And when we can’t travel it’s provided an introduction – another invitation – to parts unknown, a way to travel back in time and to distant lands, and learn about places and people we wouldn’t otherwise meet. That doesn’t need to stop and shouldn’t stop. It may be that there isn’t a mainstream broadcaster to commission a series in Australia but there are other avenues to explore… Teachers at the schools have asked if they can integrate the idea into their curriculum. Perhaps more Muslim schools might like to participate ahead of next year’s Ramadan. Together For Humanity, the educational not-for-profit which works with schools to develop young people’s pride and confidence in their own faith and traditions and their skills in intercultural and interfaith dialogue, is interested to explore how more schools might participate. Perhaps as an interschools project. Perhaps with other faith schools? Perhaps with public schools? We’re not short of ideas for how it might evolve…. And if you would like to be involved, please contact me at jane@RecipesForRamadan.com
I grew up in Kandahar city in a predominantly Pashtun region of Afghanistan, during the reign of the last king of Afghanistan, King Mohammed Zahir Shah. That time 1933-73 is considered one of the most advanced periods in Afghanistan’s history. Infrastructure, education, women’s rights all advanced with women also being given the opportunity to vote. That said, it was traditionally expected that women would cook whilst living in their parents’ house and it was considered obligatory in preparation for marriage. Hosting dinner events were an essential part of our household. My father being a medical doctor meant that many people knew him and would randomly and unexpectedly visit our house for dinner. I remember my mother gladly accepting the invitations and cooking up a storm for their guests. I had never met my husband until he came with his parents to my house to ask for my hand in marriage. My father was over the moon, he agreed to the marriage and because I was so close to my father, I willingly said yes. I had an extravagant wedding, more than Maryam Hanifi (left) with her daughter Nasreen (right).
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1000 people were in attendance because of my father and father-in-law’s positions in Afghani society. The dinner gatherings at both houses were massive. Once married, I took the responsibility of entertaining guests and because I had learned how to cook at home, the task of organising dinner gatherings for many people were not that hard. After the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, my husband and I decided to leave Afghanistan. My mother and a few of my siblings had left for Australia so we were sponsored and left Afghanistan in the hope of a brighter future for our kids. I’ve dedicated the majority of my life to raising my four children. I wanted them to understand the importance of family and how much it means to stay connected to everyone. I hosted many dinner gatherings at my house whilst the kids were growing up which I feel played a part in shaping their understanding of the importance of family and of hospitality. I guess when you’ve gone through so much in life and your major focus and dedication becomes your kids, then watching them grow and become these amazing people – you feel a sense of pride and joy inside. My daughter Nasreen, is passionate about food and about human rights and sometimes when I look at her, I feel she has the same fire that I had within me. Narange Palow is a dish I have always loved to make. I inherited it from my mother and her mother. It was a regular feature at their dinner gatherings and became one at mine. My family and friends still regularly request it all these years later and I suppose it is one of my signature dishes. It brings back so many memories for me of growing up in Afghanistan and of happy memories here in Australia. I love seeing my children cook it themselves and am so happy to hear Nasreen say that cooking it makes her feel close to her parents, my husband and me. This food gives us all a great sense of continuity. Maryam Hanifi was born in 1956. Her husband and father-in-law held senior positions in the Afghan Army at the time of the Soviet invasion in December 1979 and Maryam was a women’s rights activist.
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Feeding people with Permaculture under lockdown Abdur-Rahman McCausland With the global lockdown food security has become a big issue around the world, even in Malaysia. Over here, vulnerable groups such as refugees and stranded migrant workers have no means of income and are really suffering. Thankfully, I am at Urban Hijau (UH for short) a one-acre urban farm and Permaculture Training Centre that is helping with the feeding of marginalised People in Malaysia now and in the long term with Permaculture. Under the lockdown here, I have not stepped off the site for the past 6 weeks. But I can eat healthily from the farm, harvesting from 150+ species of vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices. True, I do get some supplies like milk and yoghurt, but even if I didn’t, I wouldn’t starve. Compare that with a vulnerable urban household, who have to shop for food but can’t work to get the cash they need under this lockdown. So UH has come up with an ingenious plan to help marginalised people in Malaysia, both short and long term. 1. Supply lock-down food assistance from the farm during and after Ramadan 2. Give them training in sustainable gardening techniques once the lockdown ends 3. Upgrade growing systems at UH for better working models which we can replicate to establish livelihoods for people we’ve trained in the future One of the growing systems used here at UH is Aquaponics. Put simply that means
growing veggies in water fertilised by fish manure, which also cleans the water for the fish, so everybody’s a winner! We want to upgrade the system but need to add some equipment. For this we need to raise some funds. BUT what we pledge to do is donate the same
amount of money we raise, as food, to people in need right now. We want to harvest two thirds of our fish and donate them to refugee centres and orphanages this Ramadan! Down the line, UH will keep donating more food to the refugees too from the improved output of fresh
fish and veggies. What’s more, after this lock-down, UH will give training to those refugees in sustainable growing, so they can make compost at home and plant container gardens to grow veggies, herbs and spices for fresh healthy food all the time. Then, even further down the line, we want to help them set up growing systems like ours, at their own projects, so they can turn the skills they learn from UH into livelihoods and stay food secure even if another crisis comes along. They used to say: “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for life.” At Urban Hijau we say “Give and man a fish, teach him how to do urban farming AND feed him and his family for life, insha-Allah!” You can support this initiative through our LaunchGood Page: tinyurl.com/ybz5qb8h May Allah bless your Ramadan! Abdur-Rahman McCausland is a British/ Irish revert. He has lived in Ethiopia since 2007 where he set up an eco-lodge and has worked on aid and development projects in areas of sustainability, food security, water and education.
Wishing You and Your Family
Eid Mubarak
The Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane MLC Legislative Council – NSW Parliament 18
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What kind of story will you tell today? THE GIFT OF STORYTELLING Mitch Ditkoff Here’s a story you can probably relate to: You are walking down the street when a friend, coming the other way, stops and asks you “What’s up?” It’s a question you’ve heard a thousand times before — the default, open-ended salutation. Your choices are many. You can answer any way you want, from the predictable “Fine, what’s up with you?” to an elaborate monologue on any number of topics: the weather, Covid-19, the economy, local politics, your job, your bills, or the unavailability of toilet paper. In that moment, there is no correct answer. You get to decide what story to tell. What you don’t get to decide is the impact your story will have. That’s up to the listener. But know this: your story will have impact. Everything you say, everything you do has impact, even a seemingly casual moment of passing a friend on the street. If you watch TV, you can see this phenomenon playing out daily. With an almost infinite number of topics to report on, the news that TV reports is mostly bad news: Coronavirus, corruption, violence, political unrest, terrorism, famine, scandal, disease,
gossip, and unemployment. No surprise there. The classic news mantra rules the day: “If it bleeds, it leads.” And yet, no matter how much bad news is featured on TV, we keep tuning in. The impact? Our state of well-being declines. We become sadder, more negative, more hopeless and depressed, exacerbating whatever personal worries and anxieties we already had before tuning in. I’m not suggesting that news outlets airbrush the negative out of their reports. Nor am I suggesting they stop reporting on the bad stuff that’s happening around the world. What I’m suggesting is they find a better balance and make more effort to change the narrative to honour at least something of what’s good and holy and joyful about being alive. You and I are also news stations. You and I are also reporting on what’s going on in the world. Like the TV executives behind the scenes, we also get to decide what stories to tell — even on the street when a friend asks us how we’re doing. That is our moment of truth. That is our broadcast. That is our time to choose. Will our stories be local versions of the nightly news, always skewed to what’s bad and wrong, full of gossip, worry, and complaint? Or will we choose to share a new
kind of story — one infused with possibility, progress, insight, awareness, and hope? Mitch Ditkoff is the Co-Founder and President of Idea Champions, an innovation consulting and training company. He is also the
author of two books on the power of personal storytelling: STORYTELLING FOR THE REVOLUTION and STORYTELLING AT WORK. To read more of his articles about storytelling, log onto www.ideachampions. com/storytelling
You have wisdom to Getting through the share, and it is hiding crisis together in your stories! THE GIFT OF STORYTELLING Mitch Ditkoff All 7.7 billion people on planet Earth are composed of the same six elements: hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorous. And all 7.7 billion people, no matter where they were born or what language they speak, are composed of 75% water, 23 pairs of chromosomes, and approximately 37.2 trillion cells. That’s the measurable stuff of which we are made. But there is also unmeasurable stuff -- that which is not immediately visible, even under a microscope. And this unmeasurable stuff is a clue to why our species is known as “homo sapiens” -- the wise ones. Hmm... wise ones... really? Given the sorry state of the world these days, the “wise ones” seems like a misnomer, but in reality, it is our true nature. Human beings are more than just carriers of viruses, projections, and DNA. We are also carriers of wisdom -- the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight. Truth in action, you might say. What Solomon was famous for. And Socrates. And a whole lot of other sages since the beginning of time. But not only known sages. Unknown sages, too. And unknown regular people. Like your grandmother, for example... and your grandfather... parents... teachers... friends... neighbours... children or, this just in -- YOU! Sages, Masters, and Elders may be the most historically recognised keepers of wisdom, but they are not the only ones. The rest of us are also keepers of wisdom. The thing is -- we don’t always know it. Our wisdom is often invisible to us. Unseen. Unacknowledged. And unexpressed. Not only do we see the glass as half empty, we often don’t even see the glass. Where is our wisdom hiding? More often than not, in our stories -- much like water is hiding in underground springs or gold is hiding in mines. But just because our wisJUNE 2020 / ISSUE 175
Khodr Saleh OAM More than 400 bags of free food and groceries were distributed on Saturday 23 May to local residents of Riverwood doing it tough and facing financial hardship during the COVID-19 crisis. Dedicated volunteers from the Canterbury Bankstown Harmony Group and Riverwood Community Centre along with local federal and state politicians, including Tony Burke MP and Jihad Dib MP, came together to
help with handing out free food kits at Riverwood Community Centre. “Congratulations to all our local volunteers for making this program a huge success in helping our residents in need,” the coordinator and the initiator of the program Khodr Saleh OAM said. “These distributions have brought our community closer together and an exemplar of the essential work that we can carry out to keep our community spirit high and to help our local residents during the pandemic,” Mr Saleh further added.
dom is hiding, doesn’t mean it’s non-existent. Everybody has wisdom inside them. Everybody has something meaningful to share, based on what they’ve learned from the own life experiences. And the simplest, most powerful way to communicate this inner knowing is storytelling. Storytelling is how the wisdom of the ages has been transmitted since the beginning of time. It’s how our ancestors shared the best of what they knew. It’s how all spiritual traditions pass on their knowledge. And it’s how the best communicators on the planet convey what is truly worth communicating. YOU just happen to be one of these people. Your hidden stories are treasures. There is great wisdom, meaning, and inspiration in them. And they need to be told -- especially these days, when the daily narrative that rules our lives is too often dark, dismal, and depressing. Are you ready? Are you willing? (I know you’re able!) What wisdom-infused story of yours are you most inspired to tell today – and to whom? WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
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Fake news amidst A remembrance of coronavirus time past: Fatimah, pandemic Eid and Mamoul Rida Ansary The recent Coronavirus Pandemic has been the ultimate exploitation of fake news mongers. The media’s reliability at this point in time is just as questionable as the source of the virus itself. The current information pertaining to the Coronavirus is causing a lot of conflict and chaos regarding the management of the virus medically, socially and even financially. What does Islam say about misinformation and fake news? First let’s redefine the job of the media. It is to subjectively provide reliable information to the people to keep them informed of current events. Unfortunately today, the media no longer always provides information that is authentic and accurate; it instead is liable to mislead us and uses various methods of exposure to do so. We should assess what information is being divulged through common knowledge and most importantly, with the help of Quran and Hadith. The Quran says regarding news, to verify what is told to us; ‘O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.’(49.6) Allah clearly condemns the spreading of misinformation and warns of serious consequences;
‘When you were propagating it with your tongues, and uttering with your mouths that whereof you had no knowledge, you counted it a little thing, while with Allah it was very great.’(24.15) Prophet Muhammad (s) also warns of the impact on a person’s character; “It is enough for a man to be considered a liar for him to repeat everything that he hears” (Recorded by Muslim). This hadith speaks of only one person spreading false information. However, in the case of journalism, this can be particularly detrimental, as the audience is widespread. One piece of unjustified news can spread like wildfire and cultivate misconceptions that lead to conflict and further deviance from what is right and proven. In addition to this, the individual spreading the news also has a hefty price to pay. In the current situation, hints of this are coming into play; which is why is there is so much clash of opinions and the line between right and wrong is blurred. It is the responsibility of the journalism industry to inform their audience with useful information and spread awareness of the truth. The Quran also orders that it is the responsibility from the part of the receiver to verify any news before sharing it.
Rida Ansary is a high school student in Sydney planning to study in the International Relations field. She is interested in matters relating to politics and how to improve the world.
Fatimah Omran (right) and her mum Rawia (left). Jane Jeffes
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WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BLESSINGS AND GOOD WILL ON THE OCCASION OF EID AL FITR Lynda Voltz MP
MEMBER FOR AUBURN P (02) 9737 8822 E auburn@parliament.nsw.gov.au A Mezzanine Level 92 Parramatta Road Lidcombe NSW 2141 Authorised by Lynda Voltz MP, Mezzanine Level, Lidcombe Centre, 92 Parramatta Road, Lidcombe NSW 2141.
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One of the most highly regarded European novels of the 20th century is Marcel Proust’s ‘A La Recherche Du Temps Perdu’. In English, it’s called ‘In Search of Lost Time’ or ‘A Remembrance of Time Past’. It’s in seven volumes and I’ve got to admit, I haven’t read it! What I do know is that the narrator recollects his memories of childhood and experiences into adulthood in late 19th and early 20th century France and reflects on loss of time and lack of meaning in the world. And I know that it’s most famous for ‘the episode of the madeleine cake’ and how the smell and the taste reawaken forgotten memories. The narrator tells us “For a long time, I went to bed early” and has a memory of being in his bedroom in the family’s country home in Combray, while downstairs his parents entertain a friend called Charles Swann, an elegant man of Jewish origin with strong ties to society. He remembers missing his mother’s goodnight kiss, and that later she spends the night reading to him. It’s his only memory of Combray until years later, the taste of a madeleine cake dipped in tea stirs memories of a similar snack as a child with his invalid aunt Leonie, and leads to more memories of Combray. I remembered this when earlier this week Fatimah Omran offered to share her Mamoul semolina biscuit recipe and her childhood memories of Eid for Recipes For Ramadan. Fatimah is well-known for her passion for baking and all things sweet, for her bakery Petite Desserts, as Operations Manager at The Culinary School in Sydney’s Punchbowl and as an established food influencer with a huge national and international Instagram following. Her No 1 passions are baking and her faith. “Mum and dad both grew up in Tripoli on the north west coast of Lebanon. Tripoli has a lot of Syrian influence and I think it’s fair to say our sweet pastries are probably the best in the Middle East. WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
I sometimes joke that I grew up in the kitchen alongside my mother who didn’t so much teach me how to cook as use me for child labour! But I loved it. I was the designated cake batter bowl licker – that was my reward and probably has something to do with my love of cake-making and baking and desserts. I didn’t understand the concept of time when I was young but I always knew Eid was around the corner the second mum laid out a blanket on the floor of the kitchen. That’s how we prepped for Mamoul every year. A semolina cookie dough filled with nuts or dates and lightly dusted with icing sugar, mamoul is traditionally eaten on Eid celebrations and just the scent of those sweet morsels brings childhood memories of Eid rushing back. From making the dough the night before to the careful wrapping of each and every fragile piece, my mum would literally make mamoul in kilos and give it out to close family members in single individual pieces. Every mother and grandmother proudly claims they own the ‘Best Mamoul Recipe’ but I know in my heart of hearts, my mother’s pistachio mamoul is a melt in your mouth moment which I’ll never be able to compete with – and neither can anyone else.” If you want to try Fatimah’s mum’s world beating Mamoul Recipe, go to www.RecipesForRamadan.com. I promise the recipe will be published by Saturday morning, giving you time to produce mamoul which will be the envy of all! And if you want to hear more from Fatima, tune into ABC Radio anywhere in NSW or online between 11 and 11.30 am on Eid Sunday morning for Fatima and other contributors to Recipes for Ramadan in Conversation with Simon Marnie. https://www.abc. net.au/radio/sydney/programs/weekendmornings/ Follow Recipes for Ramadan on Facebook (RecipesForRamadanau) and on Instagram @RecipesForRamadan. And follow Fatimah on Instagram @fatimahomran_ ISSUE 175 / JUNE 2020
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How to use a story to solve a tough problem: The 18th Camel THE GIFT OF STORYTELLING Mitch Ditkoff Once upon a time, in Egypt, there was a much beloved camel merchant named Hamid. Hamid was known throughout the land as not only a connoisseur of fine camels, but a kind-hearted, generous, and extremely wealthy man. So, when, one hot summer day at the age of 55, he had a sudden heart attack and fell off his camel and died, the entire country went into mourning. In no time at all, thousands of people gathered at his estate for the funeral, feast, and celebration of his life. When the gathering was over, Hamid’s Chief Executor sat down with the camel merchant’s three sons for the ritual reading of the will. The boys were astonished by the size of their inheritance, but of all the treasures bequeathed to them, the most precious were their father’s prized camels — 17 of them, which he requested be divided in the following way: one-half to his eldest son, onethird to his middle son, and one-ninth to his youngest. But since 17 cannot be divided up equally in this fashion, the three sons began arguing, then pushing each other, then wrestling on the ground. Realising they needed help to resolve their disagreement, they summoned the local wise man. After listening to each of the three sons make their case, the wise man explained he
needed some time to think about the matter and would return, God willing, in an hour. Sixty minutes later, the three sons, still arguing, looked up and saw in the distance, the wise man, riding a camel, approaching them. “Boys,” he exclaimed, upon dismounting, “I have so much respect for your father that I’ve decided to donate one of my own camels to your inheritance. Now you have eighteen. “Let’s see…” he said, stroking his beard. “Half of 18 is nine… so the eldest of you will inherit nine camels. And… hmm… one third of 18 is six, so the middle son will inherit six… and one ninth of 18 is two which means the youngest of you will inherit two camels. Then he smiled, paused, and spoke again. “Based on my calculations, oh fortunate sons of Hamid, 9 + 6 + 2 = 17 — which is the exact number of camels your father wanted you to have. That leaves one camel remaining — mine — so I guess I’ll just get back on top of him now and continue on my way. May Allah be with you. Enjoy your inheritance!” FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Every problem has a solution, even if the solution may not be immediately apparent. Your opportunity, at this precise moment in time, is to think about your problem differently than you
usually do. It’s possible. It is. All you need to do is to let go your old assumptions, go beyond the status quo, and be open to entertaining some out-of-the-box possibilities. What pressing problem of yours, these days, do you need to approach in a new way? (HINT: Your first step is to frame your prob-
lem as a question beginning with the words “How can I?”) And if you need a bit of a nudge to go beyond your usual way of problem solving, go to www.ideachampions.com/storytelling/ archives/2020/05/want_an_elegant.shtml
Afghan-Australian family shares its story and its Pomegranate Kafta Nasreen Hanifi I left Afghanistan when I was five or six years old so for most of my childhood, Afghanistan seemed like a distant memory. I don’t recall much beyond a few very distinctive memories that have remained clear in my memory. Those first few years, I grew up with my cousin and older sister in the same house. I remember our snow fights. I remember sneaking into my grandfather’s bedroom to have breakfast with him. My parents decided to leave Afghanistan in the late 1980’s, leaving behind their careers, their dreams and their families. The Soviet attack on Afghanistan meant that my father’s life would be in great danger if we stayed. A university graduate in telecommunications and a Colonel in the Afghan army, he had to flee because of his own position in the military and also because his father was one of the most prominent Generals in the Afghan army. My grandfather Sarjang Zazai was born in Paktia located in the heart of Gardéz. Paktia is a Pashtun tribal area and is considered one of the most stunning places to visit. My grandfather embodied most characteristics that we could only imagine possessing ourselves. The stories that people share about my grandfather are stories that legends are usually made of. His legacy, besides the amount of work he dedicated to his country, was his impeccable character. An activist in action, a writer by interest and a patriot at heart is what I always remember him for. My mother discusses her father in-law JUNE 2020 / ISSUE 175
with so much joy not just because of who he was as a man but more because of what he stood for as a man. He fought for women’s rights and I wonder if one of the reasons he proposed to have her married to his first-born son, my father, is because he fell in love with her passion for women’s rights. His passion for women’s rights led him to pursue writing a book about feminism, which sadly never got published because of the Taliban occupancy of Afghanistan. My parent’s marriage, like most arranged marriages in Afghanistan, isn’t the kind of love story you see on television shows. They are worlds apart. My mother a teacher by profession and my father a telecommunication graduate and an officer in the Afghan army meant that life in our household was always going to be strict.
Both my parents possess discipline like no other and were a force to be reckoned with. They dedicated their entire life to ensuring that their children were raised well. My mother’s ability to discipline came from her mother – the matriarch of our family, my beautiful grandmother Banu Shahpoor. In 2012, my siblings and I went back to Afghanistan with our parents for my brother’s wedding. I only have one brother so you can imagine the type of hype happening in my family regarding his marriage. I fell in love with Afghanistan. The country is spectacular in every sense of the word and every family visit meant that we were entertained with food and discussions that triggered my childhood memories. We grew up in a huge family. I have eight aunties and four uncles and 28 cousins and
Nasreen’s extended family during Eid a few years ago.
most of us are married with children and extended families of our own. We all grew up watching our mums and aunties make exceptional foods all the time. I couldn’t pick which auntie’s food I liked the most. I will always remember watching them cook and hoping that one day I could make the dish as tasty as theirs. After leaving my parents’ house and marrying into my husband Sulaiman’s family, I was embraced by another amazing woman – my beautiful mother-in-law and my now best friend. She made me look at food differently. She cooks with so much passion and her cooking abilities are exceptional. I have tried on numerous occasions but still can’t cook like her. Food in our family is integral to what makes our family bond. In my household, I have removed all devices to make sure that when people come for dinner or an iftar that we connect with each other and have deep and meaningful conversations. I want my children to understand the importance of family bonding and conversations through food. There is something unique about sharing stories over dinner, learning and perceiving life through someone else’s experiences. This is the type of legacy that I would like to leave behind for my children so they can share the spirit of food, especially in Ramadan, with their own families. Nasreen Hanifi is a qualified trained Psychologist with experience in government, not-for-profit and corporate sectors. With a passion and a Masters thesis focussed on drug and alcohol counselling, she is Director of Clinical Operations for drug and alcohol service Hayat House. She is actively involved in the Islamic community as President of Mission of Hope.
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Negative impact ARO serving of China’s one humanity and child policy spreading hope Irfan Yusuf My first book of seerah (prophetic biography) was a tattered comic strip printed in South Africa. One frame that haunts me decades later showed the angry dejected face of a pre-Islamic Arab father just informed his wife had given birth to a baby girl. He buried the poor baby alive. In later years, I would read about the Prophet telling fathers that if they had daughters who they brought up and treated well, they could enter paradise through any door they wished. All good and fine. But the dominant culture of South Asia said otherwise. So many Indian and Pakistani aunties would describe their sons as heera (which from memory in Hindi/Urdu translates as “jewel”) while girls were pathar (or “stone”). And if you were like me and the only heera in the family, your pathar siblings would constantly give you hell over a favouratism you had no control over. Is such anti-daughter feeling unique to Muslim South Asians? Or is it just an eastern thing? Recently I came across a book by a Wall Street Journal scribe Mai Fong which tells the story of a social policy often brutally enforced by the ruling Communist Party in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Officially couples were merely “encouraged” to only have one child. In reality, an entire government bureaucracy was created to enforce the policy through prohibitive fines and even forced late-term pregnancies. The policy began in 1980. It was d e signed t o keep
PRC’s population under control, the theory being that this would help economic growth and guarantee future prosperity. Was the policy developed by demographers or economists or other social scientists? No. It was the work of ballistics experts and rocket scientists. I’m serious. How so? Because the qualified people had all been sidelined or killed off during PRC’s Cultural Revolution. The book explains how the policy was developed and its terrible impact on PRC’s family structures. The policy has shrunk family sizes and reduced extended family networks. Millions of PRC men will never find partners, leading to millions of guangyun or “bare branches” or biological dead ends. In some PRC villages, the bride price is as high as a decade worth of farm income. PRC has the largest gender gap of any country. In some provinces, this can be upto 38% more males than females. Marriage has become a commercial enterprise. Fong writes: More than ever since the 1949 launch of the People’s Republic, marriage has become a matter of money, valuation and investment. Criminal syndicates are taking advantage of the huge lack of women in PRC. Women from neighbouring countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia and even Pakistan have been kidnapped and trafficked for PRC men. The policy was brought to an end in 2016, after which 2 children are allowed. Whether this will alleviate the damage remains to be seen. 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.
Mai Fong.
Semanur Tanas and Zuhal Unal The Australian Relief Organisation (ARO) recent local projects include providing appreciation lunches, face masks and cakes as part of the COVID-19 Relief Campaign, Ramadan for Everyone food pack campaign and the Orphan Gift Campaign. ARO was established in 2012 as a non-profit and non-government organisation advocating for serving humanity to develop a better world, through its involvement in delivering humanitarian aid. Its volunteer teams in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne visited front-line essential workers such as hospital and school staff for all the hard work that they altruistically engaged in during these unprecedented times. ARO also provided support for transport officers who are an integral part of the frontline community required to work and transport essential workers. ARO volunteers visited Wollongong and Waverly Bus Depots to deliver face masks and cakes as a way of thanking transport
LUKE GOSLING OAM MP Federal Member for Solomon PO Box 43300, Casuarina NT 0811
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t (08) 8928 0180
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providers and lifting their morale. Jason Pracy from Waverly Bus Depot provided a most motivational statement, “It’s little things like that I appreciate the most as a driver.” During the blessed last ten days of Ramadan, ARO launched a charity campaign titled ‘200 Gifts for 200 Orphans’, in order to fundraise Eid gifts for orphans overseas. The campaign exceeded its target of five thousand dollars and was able to provide Eid toys for kids in both Africa and Cambodia. ARO wishes to thank the generous donors from Uniqlo who provided 28,000 face masks, The Cake Merchant for providing delicious cakes, Gozleme4U for providing the ready meal packs, A OK Cleaning Services for cleaning products and national and international volunteer teams as well as the general public for their continued support and contributions. Semanur Tanas is a School Counsellor. Zuhal Unal is a Primary School teacher who works at Hammondville Public School.
e luke.gosling.mp@aph.gov.au
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A remarkable act of unity Berlin churches host Muslim worshipers The Martha Lutheran church hosting Muslim worshippers. Source: Fabrizio Bensch, Reuters
Faseeha Hashmi In an incredible display of interfaith harmony, a Germany Church in the capital of Berlin has aided a nearby mosque to comply with physical distancing guidelines by hosting Friday prayers. The compassionate offer on Friday 22 May was extended to support the Dar Assalam mosque in Berlin’s Neukoelln district which usually accommodates for hundreds of worshippers, yet now, can only accommodate for 50 people at a time, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Places of worship reopened in the country earlier this month, but worshippers must maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 metres apart from one another. Regrettably, the Islamic Council in Germany admitted that in April due to financial hardship it was facing bankruptcy due to mosque closures stretched over Ramadan. Stepping up to the plate, the local Martha Lutheran church assisted by hosting Muslim prayers in both Arabic and German. The church’s pastor Monika Matthias explained that the community decision was made “to do the best in times of coronavi-
rus” by assisting and accommodating for other faiths. Moved by the Muslim call to prayer, the
pastor expressed her appreciation for the religious sermon. “I took part in the prayer. I gave a speech
in German. And during prayer, I could only say yes, yes, yes, because we (our religious community), have the same concerns and we want to learn from you. And it is beautiful to feel that way about each other,” expressed Matthia. The generous and conscientious act exemplifies that the Muslim community must also be willing to reciprocate and extend the same courtesy and respect to other faithbased communities. “This has brought us closer. Whether this partnership will go on and how it will go on, that is still open, but I think getting to know each other and what we have experienced together in this time is strengthening for whatever may lie ahead,” cheered Matthia. This is not the first time religious communities have shared their collective resources in Germany. Making religious history as the country, an ambitious shared facility is soon to be completed this year. Known as the ‘House of One’, the prayer space will be a synagogue, a church and a mosque all under one roof. Indeed, leading the way in an interfaith accord, the project reveals that mutual aid and collaboration can transcend traditional customary bounds.
COVID-19: Fear COVID-19 beyond cultures again… a tragedy Dr Nahid Kabir COVID-19 has resulted in fear and anxiety globally. This fear takes many forms, such as a social taboo against COVID-19 victims, the rise of xenophobia, an increase in mental health problems, a rise in domestic violence and the emergence of the “new poor” in many countries. Fear The fear generated by COVID-19 has caused loneliness, nervousness and insomnia for many people. Some anxious people are traveling to be close to their family members. On the other hand, extreme anxiety has led people to turn against each other. For example, in Bangladesh, when a man returned to his village, he had a fever but not COVID-19. The villagers feared that the sick man would contaminate them, so the victim committed suicide (Mamun and Griffiths, Asian Journal of Psychiatry, April 2020). Fear has prevented people from performing their religious rituals. In Java, Indonesia, a nurse who died from COVID-19 was supposed to be laid in her family graveyard. But several residents objected to her burial in their locality because of fear of infection. Later, the nurse was buried in the public graveyard (The Jakarta Post, 12 April 2020). Xenophobia Fear can be an understandable reaction to a real catastrophe. But xenophobia is irrational fear. It is socially constructed and politically driven. For example, after US President Trump called COVID-19 the “Chinese virus” (ABC News, 18 April 2020), some Chinese people have been being vilified in Australia and the United States. This brings to mind the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 Twin Towers terrorist attacks in New York, when many Muslims became victims of Islamophobia. Many people who looked Muslim were vilified in Australia, Britain and the US (Kabir, MusJUNE 2020 / ISSUE 175
Copyright: Nahid A. Kabir, 8 May 2020
lim Americans, 2017). Power and control The New York Times (6 April 2020) reported that there has been a surge in domestic violence in China, France and Spain. On the other hand, many Americans have responded to COVID-19 by buying guns, fearing that increasing unemployment and poverty will raise the crime rate (The Guardian, 2 April 2020). But these guns can also be used in domestic violence and other crimes. A desire to hold onto power is taking precedence over protecting vulnerable people. “The new poor” In Bangladesh, India, Kenya and Sierra Leone, many poor people live hand to mouth. Some do not have access to running water, so they cannot wash their hands frequently. They will be joined by the “new poor” in the aftermath of COVID-19 (COVID-19 Impact on Urban Informal Settlements, Webinar, Brac University, 14 May 2020). The coronavirus pandemic reveals the complex vulnerability of people of all cultures who are fearful of the spread of this dreadful virus. On top of that, irrational fears and firearms purchases, mental health issues and domestic violence will lead societies into more insecurity. In the midst of all these problems, people living below the poverty line will remain the most marginalised. Dr Nahid Afrose Kabir is Professor of History in BRAC University, Bangladesh; a Visiting Researcher at the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University, USA; and Adjunct Professor at Edith Cowan University and the University of South Australia, both in Australia.
Stephen Langford OT In mid-March I had a phone call from someone whose voice I did not recognise, telling me that my friend, someone we had named our son after, Jerry in London, had died of a Coronavirus infection on 3 May. We had lived in the same house in Leeds. He was a bit older than me, had been studying accountancy in Leeds Polytechnic. He was 68 when he died. There is a book called African Laughter. That title always reminds me of Jerry. Laughter was never far away. He was from a place called Ikeja in Lagos, Nigeria. I read somewhere, I think in a book called African Blues, that Ikeja was a suburb of Lagos that dates from the oil boom of the 1970s. There is so much I could and should have asked Jerry about his life in Africa. One thing I wished we had talked about was the role of SHELL, who my father had worked for, in Nigeria. SHELL had been mining oil in the Niger Delta in Nigeria, since the year before I was born, since 1957. To say that SHELL had made a mess of this land of the Ogoni people, and helped to corrupt Nigerian politics, would be an understatement. It is widely believed that SHELL influence played a part in the death of Ogoni leader, Ken Saro Wiwa, in 1984. Suddenly the virus seemed very real to me. Australia has mostly ‘dodged the bullet’ when it comes to this modern plague. I think this comes from closing the borders. The US did the same, but only closing its border with Mexico (as Caligula in Washington slandered Mexicans in his typically toxic and racist way). In the same way, he closed the borders to people coming from China. One thing you can say about COVID-19 is, it isn’t racist. So when people entered the US via New York from Europe, they brought the virus with them. The people crowded into Australia’s refu-
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gee prisons, such as Villawood, where over 400 people live, sleeping over six to a room, could easily catch the virus. It could go through that place, and the other refugee prisons round Australia, like wildfire. We must demand the end of these disgraceful places used to lock up innocent people who should be protected under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. That is the one that Australia signed in 1954. That is the one that was not in force when my father arrived as a refugee in New Zealand-Aotearoa in 1940, but he was treated more than decently, with his friend, John Offenberger, also from Vienna. The last two things… Bravo to Farhad Bandesh, who has appeared on a recent ‘Q and A’ on the ABC, from the Mantra Hotel lock-up in Melbourne. He was then punished for that. He has been locked up for being a refugee for six years. He was punished by SERCO for his temerity in making it known that the guards and the hostage-prisoners certainly were not observing COVID-19 precautions. How could they, sleeping up to nine to a room? Lives are being destroyed. Australia’s democracy is being destroyed by secret prisons. We need human rights protection. First of all we need an Australian public, you and me, awakened to the dangers of Australia’s secret prisons. We meet every Friday at 4.30pm at the Sydney Town Hall steps. with physical distancing. We protest peacefully and responsibly against the racist scapegoating of refugees, now being held by the Australian state as hostages. Please join us, or just come and say hello. We want the Sydney City Council to advertise the fact that Sydney City has been a ‘Refugee Welcome Zone’ since 2005. Mayor Clover Moore herself told me this. You are welcome to phone me on 0451 509 232. We have to win on this one, if we value what democracy that there is in Australia.
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COVID-19: UN urges faith leaders to unite against “harmful messages” Faseeha Hashmi In an online webinar, the UN chief joined religious leaders on Tuesday 12 May for a discussion on how they can assist in limiting the damage caused by COVID-19. As the pandemic circles the globe, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged religious leaders to contest “inaccurate and harmful messages” that fuel division amongst the international community. He warned communities to be wary of those peddling misinformation, particularly by “extremists and radical groups” that seek to feed on people’s fear and erode trust between people of faith. Recognising shared vulnerabilities, the webinar was organised by Morocco’s UN Ambassador Omar Hilale and was attended by Christian, Jewish and Muslim religious lead-
Afghanistan After 40 Years of War Dr Reginald Naulty What is eternal, remains: sunlight on high mountains, the cloud behind the hill, the great tree by the river, the silent moon, and hope. What is temporal is wreckage and inherited woe; they will have to dig deep for renewal. If only humanity would give a cheer so great that it sped across the oceans and the valleys of Afghanistan, whether they be alleys among mountains, or spacious plains, and proclaimed “we are with you, again and again!” Dr Reginald Naulty, originally from Adelaide, has taught at Charles Sturt University and has been a prolific writer since 1972.
ers to promote inter-religious harmony and to educate the faithful. Indeed, spiritual leaders can have a positive influence in setting community values, attitudes and social norms as millions globally have had to celebrate Passover, Easter and Ramadan under lockdown like never before. Religious leaders can play “a pivotal role” in their communities and beyond “to deliver solutions to not only address the pandemic but (also) to (aid in) recover(y),” said Guterres. As nations strive to safeguard their communities, religious leaders pose significant influence in guiding and informing the public of health care measures such as physical distancing and good hygiene as well as ensuring that worship, religious ceremonies and burial practices “comply with these measures.” General Assembly President Tijjani Muhammad-Bande of Nigeria highlighted the unique role of faith, stating that it can give “hope to the hopeless” and in times of anxiety, faith “can be a significant source of comfort and community resilience.” As COVID-19 related restrictions have closed churches, synagogues and mosques worldwide, many religious leaders have swiftly adapted by taking worship online. There is also grave concern for the spread of the disease in conflict areas such as Yemen, which is grappling with the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
President of the UN General Assembly Tijjani Mohammad Bande recognises religious leaders have a role to play to educate and promote international solidarity. Source: UN Photo, Evan Schneider.
The United Nations had expressed fears that the virus could be spreading undetected across the country alongside the challenges of acute malnourishment as well as inadequate testing capabilities and personal protective equipment for health workers. One of the last countries in the world to declare its first infection, the embattled wartorn country of Yemen has since reported numerous cases of the disease. Recognising the importance of flattening the curve, our heroes are indeed our frontline
workers that make every effort to slow down the rate of infection. Similar to wartime, our medical practitioners (including nurses, paramedics, medical technicians and cleaning staff) need the world to be united behind them in their work. With no clear timeline for the end of this pandemic, the UN Secretary-General cited that responsibility falls on the shoulders of all leadership, including faith leaders to promote unity and “solidarity”.
The year of pandemic legacy Farida Lakhany Every one around the world have been affected by this evil virus called COVID-19. But now slowly, life feels bit normal again as corona’s effects are loosening its grip on people. However, the whole of Ramadan we have been locked up and been in isolation from practicing our religious rituals. Cafes and Parks have been busy with the loosening of the corona virus shackles. Numbers of businesses slowly continue to grow from the last week of May 2020 in Australia. Don’t know when actually all business & schools will start, but hopefully and slowly softening has started, we are adapting to challenging times, however it goes to show that how has the market will respond to the lifting of restrictions. The events of the past four-five months
have certainly not been what we envisaged for a new decade nor what our citizens had hoped for its centenary. Through this global pandemic ,it has been heart warming to hear of numerous communities doing what they can to look out for their most vulnerable friends. Australians specially, Muslims have always been there to help (as Islamic teaching says)—as many volunteers such as doctors, nurses and community volunteers have been there to help. All over, I must count on all Australians in times of need, and right now that’s still the case. I would like to take this opportunity to ‘thank’ all the hard working people, including teachers and the frontline health workers(around the world) who are being prioritised the possible support to keep others safe. Ironically, the world had been dealing
with the Spanish flu pandemic long time ago which was just being brought under control in 1920. After 100 years again this pandemic has arrived punishing all the world. The government will be looking for infrastructure projects to get the economy going again and we’ll continue to advocate strongly for all kinds of improvements and upgrades in our behaviours and thus will be free from COVID -19 and would soon see the “rain of blessings.” Farida Lakhany is a freelance journalist/poetess/interpreter for the Gujarati language. She writes and contributes for overseas papers and magazines. She has worked in Pakistan as a regular journalist for an English paper.
Wishing you and your family a joyous and blessed Eid.
Eid Mubarak
KEN WYATT AM MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR HASLUCK
Authorised by K.Wyatt, Liberal Party of Australia, Shop 10-12 Hawaiians Forrestfield, 80 Hale Road, Forrestfield WA 6058.
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Muslim scholar being hounded by Delhi police Zia Ahmad Officers from Delhi Police special cell raided the Jamia residence of Dr Zafarul-Islam Khan, the outspoken Chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission on Wednesday 6 May just before iftar confiscating his phone and laptop, but failed to arrest him due to public outrage. Dr Khan was charged with sedition earlier on Friday 1 May for warning the “Hindutva bigots” of reactions in the Muslim world against their “hate campaigns, lynchings and instigating riots in India”. Dr Zafarul-Islam Khan, author, journalist and a scholar with international reputation is the eldest son of celebrated Quranic scholar and peace activist Maulana Wahiduddin Khan 94, based in Delhi. While the police wanted Dr Dr Zafarul Khan to accomIslam Khan pany them to
the police station, his lawyer Vrinda Grover said that the request was against the law, Dr Khan being senior citizen of 72 years of age and suffering from old age related physical illnesses that make him extremely vulnerable to the COVID-19 coronavirus. Mr Vrinda Grover said that no offence has been committed by Dr Khan on the basis of his social media post. “A reading of Dr Khan’s social media post shows that the FIR registered against him is motivated, frivolous and unsubstantiated. No offence is made out against Dr Khan,” said Mr Grover. The police came with a large force to Dr Khan’s residence, questioned him for a couple of hours in the presence of Aam Aadmi Party MLA Amanatullah Khan and former Congress MLA Asif Mohammad Khan. A huge crowd had gathered outside Dr Khan’s home in his support and the police left without taking him to the police station. It is understood that they have asked him to report to the police station for further questioning next Monday 11 May. “The fact that 40 members of the police descended on the house of Dr Khan indicates that the police want to terrorise Dr Khan and his family members and all those who stand in the way of the BJP’s agenda of suppressing Muslims by arresting each and every one who led anti-CAA movement and implicating them in the northeast Delhi riots
Dr Khan being questioned by Delhi Police at his residence at Jamia.
in February this year,” said a neighbour living next to Dr Khan’s residence. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) president Syed Sadatullah Hussaini has demanded that the FIR against Dr Khan be quashed as the charges against him are based on misinterpretation of his statements. “Today, if he says something against the growing extremism and communalism in the country, then it should be taken as his love for the people and the nation and as part of his ongoing fight against extremism and radicalism,” Mr Hussaini said. He praised the efforts of Dr Khan as Chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission in solving the problems of the minorities in the country. “The timely actions by Dr Khan have increased the confidence of Muslims, Sikhs,
Christians and all the other minorities of Delhi on the Minorities Commission. He has written extensively against extremism and religious violence all over the world. He has been very critical of ISIS and other radical organisations through his statements and analytical articles and has played an important role in the fight against extremism,” Mr Hussaini further elaborated. Dr Khan has said that registration of FIR against him could not deter him from fighting against the politics of hate in the country. He further added that he stood by his “views and convictions” and “will continue, now and in future, the fight against hate politics in the country”. Zia Ahmad is the Editor-in-Chief of the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST.
Challenges of COVID-19 in South Asia Zahid Jamil COVID-19 has caused huge damage throughout the world. It has brought US and Europe, the two most prosperous and scientifically advanced regions of the world, to their knees with maximum number of casualties and financial losses running into trillions of dollars. However, challenges of the virus in South Asian countries have different dimensions. These countries have most densely populated cities and towns where millions of extremely poor people live. As the sudden lockdown commenced in India towards end of March, millions of migrant workers, living in major cities in hutments, overcrowded dormitories and in slums, attempted to return to their villages hundreds of km away. With all modes of transport completely shutdown, a large number of migrant workers started walking with their meagre belongings and at times with small and infant children. Horrible stories emerged as they faced starvation, exhaustion as there was little provision of food and water over long distances, they aimed to walk for to their hometowns. Dharavi, a locality in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is one of the largest slums in Asia where nearly 700,000 people live in an area of just over 2.1 square kilometres. With a population density of over 277,136/km2, Dharavi is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Mahim Creek is a local river that is widely used by local residents for urination and defecation causing the spread of contagious diseases. There is an average of 1 toilet per 500 people. About 33% of the population of Dharavi is Muslim, much higher than around 15% average Muslim population in India. Coronavirus cases appeared in Dharavi in April and it has now become a major hot spot among many more in the financial capital of India. Due to very limited testing among slum dwellers, the real numbers are unknown. As on JUNE 2020 / ISSUE 175
15 May the official figures had touched 1200 mark with 53 deaths. Mumbai has already seen nearly 20,000 cases and more than 1000 deaths by 18 May. There are horrific scenes being circulated in social media of hospitals in Mumbai where patients are lying next to the corpses wrapped in body bags. Gujrat, the state of Indian PM Narendra Modi is also severely affected by the crisis. It is feared that with an average of 6000 new cases and more than 150 deaths daily, India seems to be heading towards a major crisis. The total cases in India are approaching 150,000 and more than 4000 deaths by 26 May and the country is seeing a steep rise in daily cases. For a few weeks, anti-Muslim hate campaign had drawn world attention after a few COVID-19 cases were detected at Tabligh Jamaat headquarters in New Delhi, following a devotees gathering in mid-March trapped due to lockdown announced by PM Modi at a four hour notice. Pakistan is not far behind. The official numbers of coronavirus positive cases have crossed 50,000 with nearly 1100 deaths as by 25 May. The largest city, Karachi has more than 10,000 cases with nearly 200 deaths by this time. Pakistan allowed taraveeh prayers during the month of Ramadan with strict government guidelines which were very often not adhered to. As of 25 May 2020, Bangladesh had a total of 32,078 confirmed cases and 452 deaths by 25 May. Emergency teams were rushed to Cox’s Bazar, the world largest refugee settlement housing nearly a million Rohingya refugees, a few days earlier to prevent a COVID-19 “nightmare” after a few confirmed cases were discovered. Under financial stress, the South Asian governments are now resuming many services, including business operations and reopening modes of public transport. There are fears that this may aggravate the situation multi-fold. The World Bank has already approved USD 2 billion aid to support India’s efforts for providing social assistance to poor, vulnerable households amid the coronavirus outbreak and help in effective and timely
action to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by strengthening the country’s national healthcare system and mitigating socioeconomic disruptions. The Asian Develo¬pment Bank (ADB) and the world bank have committed to providing $588 million to Pakistan for its emergency response to fight the coronavirus in the country and to cater the socio-economic impact of the pandemic. The World Bank has also approved a $100 million package to help Bangladesh in mitigating socioeconomic disruptions due to the pan-
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demic. While it is true that Europe and US have seen devastation as far as the numbers of cases and deaths are concerned, the human suffering seen in India is unparalleled amongst its hundreds of millions of citizens living below the poverty line. Zahid Jamil is an engineering post graduate from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and runs a financial planning practice based in Sydney. He heads South Asian Muslim Association of Australia, SAMAA: samaa.org.au)
Julia Finn MP
Member for Granville
EID MUBARAK
May the EID be filled with peace, health and happiness always
أتـمنى لكـم عيدا مليئا بالـسالم والصحة عـيد مـبارك..والـسعادة :ألي مسألة تتعلق حبكومة الوالية الرجاء االتصال مبكتيب على P: 9637 1656 F: 9897 1434 E: Granville@parliament.nsw.gov.au
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Don’t confuse the two Janelle Di Falco As an Australian Italian Muslim, when I see issues in the media or people in general discussing events about Islam, it bothers me that these issues are getting depicted as “problems with Islam,” the religion, when they are in reality problems of culture or habitual traditions of some Muslim-majority region. I think most Australians would agree with me that it would be unfair to judge a religion (whether Islam, Christianity or any other religion) by the practices it does not condone. The religion of Islam does not condone and actually condemns practices such as dishonourable “honour killings,” racism, oppression of women, banning women from obtaining an education, and many other un-Islamic practices that make their way to mainstream media. If a Muslim or a Muslim majority region practices these despicable acts, it is not because of Islam, but despite Islam. On numerous occasions, I have observed peoples comments stating that culture dictates religion, yet culture and religion are two separate elements. Take for example the recent event of Muslim women in Saudi Arabia who are being discriminated by having their activist rights denied, on trial or silenced for their activism. Yet, in Islam, women scholars taught judges and Imams. The Prophet’s (s) wife Khadija was his employer at the time. Allah also states in the Qur’an (4:1) that “men and women are created from one soul.” The verse in Qur’an here starts off
with absolute equality in creation. If Allah has made men and women equal, then who are we to deny the rights of women as can be seen in the Saudia Arabia. Interestingly, some scholars in Islam have further stated that there is a divergence between what Islam says about the rights and status of women and the way in which legislation and state policies in Muslim countries deal with the issue. In America, for instance, a vast amount of authors and “experts” have wrongly attacked the religion of Islam for the cultural practices of Muslims in certain places in the world. Polls have shown that about 70% of the American public acknowledges being unfamiliar with Islam. Hence, it is not a surprise that most Americans cannot distinguish Islamic religious practices from cultural practices by Muslim majority countries. In order to explain the differences between Islam and culture, I think it will be useful if you could imagine a Catholic family in Australia, another Catholic family in Italy, and a third Catholic family in Africa. Although these three families have the same religion, they will all have different cultures. They will eat different types of food and will listen to different types of music. Their style of clothing will be different and, of course, their languages will be different. More than likely, they will have certain cultural and traditional practices that are not derived from Catholicism. I think the same would be true for Jewish families in the world too. In the same way, Muslims from different parts of the world will have varying cultures even though they share the same religion. For many Muslims, as with other people of other faiths, their cultures play a strong role in their lives.
Many of the countries that are commonly called “Islamic countries” which in reality are merely “Muslim majority countries” that practice Islamic/non-Islamic practices. More than 10 centuries ago, when Islam became the predominant religion of the part of the world that today is Muslim majority, those countries already had very distinct and very patriarchal cultures, as many remain patriarchal today. After embracing the religion of Islam, many of these cultures abandoned some of the pre-Islamic cultures and traditions, but they hung on to many others. So then, what is an Islamic practice? Islamic practices and beliefs are those that have roots in the Qur’an (which Muslims believe to be the last and unchanged revelation from God) and the Sunnah (traditions) of Prophet Muhammad (s). Any belief or practice, even if common among some Muslim majority country does not go back to the Qur’an or the Sunnah, is
not an Islamic belief or practice. Just as it is unfair to judge Christianity for un-Christian and inappropriate actions of some who call themselves Christians, it is unfair to judge Islam, by un-Islamic and inappropriate actions of some who call themselves Muslims. Just as every action of every Christian is not necessarily based on Christianity, every action of every Muslim is not necessarily based on Islam. I would love to just urge people all around the world to not judge everything they see on TV and in the same way too, to not judge Islam by the media and cultural news that finds its way to their TV sets. Janelle Di Falco is a Bachelor/Honors Degree Graduate of Islamic Studies. She is in her final year of completing her Masters in Teaching. Janelle is also an Academic writer in Contemporary Islamic issues. She is based in Melbourne, Australia. ADVERTISEMENT
Maria Vamvakinou MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CALWELL
A: Town Hall Broadmeadows Precinct, Level 2,
P: PO Box 3218, Broadmeadows VIC 3047 T: 03 9367 5216 Canberra: 02 6277 4249 E: maria.vamvakinou.mp@aph.gov.au MariaVamvakinou Authorised by M.Vamvakinou, Australian Labor Party, Level 2, Office 1, 14 Dimboola Road, Broadmeadows VIC 3047
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Your Year 12 checklist for applying through UAC Umar Khan Applying to university through UAC is an important time for a Year 12 student. So here is a checklist to make sure that you’ve got everything done on time to ensure that you can start your preferred university course next year. Research your preferred course There are many courses available for admission via UAC. You can find the full list of courses on UAC’s website, the UAC Guide or the My UAC app. Basically, you need to access UAC! There, you can also see the course requirements, ATAR information and other information about the courses. Some courses may have additional requirements or applications, so make sure to check those out on the website. Apply for Uni via UAC Make sure to choose your 5 course preferences through the UAC website. Even if
you are not completely sure still apply – you can change your preferences later. Once you pay for your application, remember to keep both your UAC application number and pin safe. You will need these later to review your application, change preferences and view offers. Provide a Current Personal Email Your email address is UAC’s primary form of communication – so make sure that it is current and is your personal email. Don’t use your school email, as that will most likely be terminated once you finish school. You need to access UAC emails after that so use an email that you will have access to. Check that your Details are Correct Make sure that the details you have provided UAC or those that have been transferred from NESA are correct, including your name, which should match your passport or birth certificate. Apply for Schemes and Scholarships There are a lot of schemes and scholarships available for Year 12 students, so
Scholarships and schemes for Year 12 students Umar Khan There are a lot of schemes and scholarships available for Year 12 students, so make sure that you maximise your chances of getting into your preferred course by applying to these and on time. School Recommendation Scheme (SRS) Universities use SRS to make early offers to Year 12 students for certain undergraduate courses. They use criteria other than or in addition to the ATAR. Any domestic Year 12 student can apply for SRS. Different institutions use different criteria, such as Year 11 studies, school ratings, Educational Access Scheme (EAS), in their applications. Offers will then be made based on the SRS criteria or both SRS and ATAR or SRS, ATAR and equity criteria. Each institution has its own policy to determine whether a student is eligible, and another criteria in how they make their offers. Note that not all courses are available in SRS. Check the institution’s website or UAC’s website to ensure that you are eligible for SRS or that the course you are applying for is eligible. Applications close on the 20th of September 2020, so make sure to get it done before then! You can find out more about SRS here: https://uac.edu.au/future-applicants/scholarships-and-schemes/schools-recommendation-schemes Educational Access Schemes (EAS) EAS is for students who have been educationally disadvantaged during Year 11 and/ or Year 12 for at least 6 months due to circumstances beyond their control. This scheme is only available to undergraduate domestic students – international students cannot apply for EAS. There are various disadvantages that universities consider under EAS including: • Disrupted schooling • Financial Hardship • Severe Family Disruption • Excessive Family Responsibilities • English Language Difficulty • Personal Illness/Disability JUNE 2020 / ISSUE 175
• Refugee Status • School Environment • Socio-economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) You can find out more about these categories here: https://uac.edu.au/future-applicants/scholarships-and-schemes/ educational-access-schemes/disadvantages-and-documents To apply for EAS, you first need to complete your undergraduate application through UAC. If you haven’t yet, check this page out to get you started: https://katutoring.com/2020/04/08/howto-apply-for-uni-in-2021-step-by-stepguide/. Then in your application, you need to select ‘Apply for EAS’ and select the specific disadvantage that apply to you and answer the follow up questions. After agreeing to the Declaration and Authority, you will need to upload whatever supporting documents that are required by UAC, if any. Remember, your EAS application will not be processed until your supporting documents have been uploaded. The EAS application needs to be processed two weeks before the offer round you wish to considered in or as specified in the Key Dates on UAC. More information can be found here: https://uac.edu.au/current-applicants/educational-access-schemes. Equity Scholarship Equity scholarships are given to students from low socio-economic backgrounds that require financial support, particularly those who receive Centrelink income support. Students can apply through UAC or directly to institutions. However, it must be made clear that being eligible is no guarantee that you will receive the scholarship. It may mean there were others who needed it more. Apart from these three schemes and scholarships, each university offers its own scholarships for specific achievements. Make sure to check each university’s scholarship page to see which ones you could apply for. Make sure to start early, to avoid missing any deadlines. Good luck!
make sure that you maximise your chances of getting into your preferred course by applying to these which include: • School Recommendations Scheme (SRS) • u a c . e d u . a u / f u t u r e - a p p l i c a n t s / scholarships-and-schemes/schoolsrecommendation-schemes • Educational Access Scheme (EAS) • u a c . e d u . a u / f u t u r e - a p p l i c a n t s / scholarships-and-schemes/educationalaccess-schemes • Equity Scholarships • u a c . e d u . a u / f u t u r e - a p p l i c a n t s / scholarships-and-schemes/equityscholarships • University Specific Scholarships Find out about these on each university’s own website. Take Note of Key Dates Make sure to take note of key dates for
your application such as deadlines for documentation or payment. Remember to also look for dates when you have to change your preferences to be considered for offers, and dates when offers are released. It is probably a good idea to note down all these dates in a diary or calendar for yourself so you don’t miss any important deadlines. You can find the key dates here: uac. edu.au/key-dates. If you’ve made sure that you’ve completed the above checklist, you should be raring to go with your university application. Remember to play around with your preferences as required to ensure that you get your dream university offer. Good luck!
You have made a huge difference through your support this Ramadan Your Zakat and Sadaqah are helping the most vulnerable in our community
Thank you for the amazing support you have shown
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Allah’s Covenant with Ishmael and Israel Rabbi Allen Maller The Hebrew word for covenant is brit. It is one of the most frequently used words in the Hebrew Scriptures, appearing 270 times. Brit is also one of the Hebrew Bible’s most important concepts. The God of Prophet Abraham (a), Prophet Ishmael (a), Prophet Isaac (a), and Prophet Jacob/Israel (a) is a covenant-making God who makes covenants with both special individuals and whole communities. God first made a covenant with the non-Jewish Prophet Noah (a); that the world would never again be destroyed by a flood (Genesis 9:8-17). The rainbow, called in Hebrew ot ha-brit (a sign of the covenant), is a symbol of that promise. According to rabbinic tradition, there is a set of basic universal commandments which all humans, Jews or non-Jews, are obliged to obey. These laws predate the Mosaic covenant by many centuries, and are called mitzvot b’nei Noach (the commandments of the children of Noah), because Judaism considers all humans to be the spiritual descendants of Prophet Noah (a). Centuries later Allah made a covenant with Prophet Abraham (a) (Genesis 15:18; 22:16-18, and 26:4), promising him blessings and innumerable descendants. Prophet Abraham’s (a) son Prophet Ishmael (a), and grandson Prophet Jacob-Israel (a), both
have God incorporated in their names witch both end in ‘el’ the Semitic word for God. (Qur’an 3:84) Allah also made a covenant with Prophet Ishmael (a) “…We Covenanted with Abraham and Isma’il, that they should sanctify My House for those who circle around it, or use it as a retreat, or bow down, or prostrate themselves.” (Quran 2:125) Still later God made a covenant with Prophet David (a) (II Samuel 7:11-16), giving him the gift of kingship and dynasty. One of the unique features of the religion of Bani Israel [the People of Israel/Jacob (a)] is the covenant between the whole community/Ummah People of Israel and its God. This was a mutual agreement. A promise of ongoing aid and protection in return for the Jewish People’s ongoing loyalty to the one and only God. The Jewish mutual relationship concept is more like a modern marriage relationship than the traditional parent-child or King-subject relationship of the past. A covenant between a deity and a people/ Ummah was unknown in ancient polytheistic cultures because the many gods of all the other peoples did not demand exclusive loyalty from any religious community [Ummah]. Israel’s monotheistic God, however, demanded Israel’s total loyalty: “You shall have no other gods besides me.” (Exodus 20:3) The best known commemoration of God’s covenant with his people is called in Hebrew brit milah (the covenant of circumcision). In rabbinic literature this is also called bri-to
shel avraham avinu (the covenant of Abraham our father) (Avot 3:11), or brit kodesh (the holy covenant) (Berachot 14a). Many other things are associated with God’s covenant, such as Sakinah/aron habrit (the ark of the covenant) which held luhot ha-brit (the tablets of the covenant), on which were inscribed the ten commandments, evidence of the covenant that God made with Banu Israel. (Deuteronomy 9:9) The Qur’an states: “Their prophet (Samuel) said to them (The People of Israel), “Indeed, a sign of his (Saul’s) kingship is that the chest (ark of the covenant) will come to you in which is Sakinah- assurance (Ghali translates; serenity) from your Lord, and a remnant of what the family of Moses and the family of Aaron had left (the ten commandments’ stone tablets), carried by the angels. Indeed, in that is a sign for you, if you are (indeed) believers.” (2:248) And the Qur’an says “It is God who sent down Sakinah tranquillity into the hearts of the believers, that they would increase in faith along with their (present) faith.” (48:4). Thus, the experience of Sakinah is both God’s gift of enhanced confirming faith, and the product of one’s own faithfulness. (Qur’an 9:26 & 40) Also the Mosaic covenant, the first written collection of Divine commandments which were presented at Mount Sinai (Exodus 2023), is called sefer ha-brit (the book of the covenant). There is also a well-known Messianic Age prophecy uttered by Prophet Jeremiah (a): “’The time is coming’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will make a new brit/covenant with
the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.’” (Jeremiah 31:31) Christians until recently claimed that Prophet Jeremiah (a) implies the Jewish Scriptures have been replaced by the Christian New Testament, and that God somehow has abrogated the brit/ covenant he made with the Jewish people. Consequently, most Christians concluded that the “Old Testament” is out of date except as evidence that Prophet Jesus (a) was the Messianic ‘Son of God”. The Roman Catholic Church has officially denied this now; and teaches that both the old and the new covenants are valid. Actually, the Hebrew adjective “new” used with “covenant” does not imply the replacement of an earlier covenant, but only implies its renewal. Furthermore, the translation “testament” is not good because it misses the connection with Jeremiah 31:31, and may be misconstrued by an English reader to mean testament in the sense of last will and testament, rather than covenant. Allen S Maller is an ordained Reform Rabbi who retired in 2006 after 39 years as the Rabbi of Temple Akiba in Culver City, California. His web site is: www.rabbimaller. com. Rabbi Maller blogs in the Times of Israel. His book ‘Judaism and Islam as Synergistic Monotheisms: A Reform Rabbi’s Reflections on the Profound Connectedness of Islam and Judaism’ (31 articles previously published by Islamic web sites) is for sale ($15) on Amazon.
Why we fail to reflect on Quran and Sunnah Ali Ahmad Mabrur Recently I was listening to a lecture series of Omar Suleiman titled ‘People of the Quran’ in which he shared stories of our righteous predecessors about how they interacted with the holy Quran. While listening to these lectures, naturally question came into my mind, why we and our generation failed to make such interaction with the Quran? Why do we fail to reflect upon the teachings of Islam in our daily lives? Particularly, after the emergence of the social media, Quranic elements and Prophetic hadiths became widely available. We are getting Quranic verse, or a hadith in our WhatsApp, or in our WhatsApp group, or in the Facebook time line or in twitter. We are reading it, going through it. Often, we press like or share button to deal with it. Sometimes, we write a comment, ‘Ameen’ and that’s all about our reaction.
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We sign out from the apps and get involved with our daily works as we did before. In most of the occasions, we do not have that time or mentality to make inquiry that how these Quranic texts are creating impact in our lives. In my observation, language barrier is the principal reason. The country and continent, where I am living, is far away from the Quranic language of Arabic. We are not understanding the message of Quran without Tafsir. Similarly, in our prayer, when the Imam recites Quran, we do not understand that at all. But apart from this language barrier, there are more issues to be concerned with. First of all, psychologically we become so rational and sensible that we have lost the capacity of receiving anything wholeheartedly. We have many preconceived ideas which are creating troubles while accepting an issue. We cannot receive a sermon with all its parts and particles. We, rather prefer to customise it. We accept or receive only those substances, which are quite familiar to our inherent rationalities and thinking process. The com-
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plications of post-modern ages have made our mind so critical that, we subconsciously have lost faith and trust in all issues. While reading an Islamic text or an example of our predecessors, we have an inner notion that, this is outdated and it is not fully compliable right now. If any Quranic message contradicts our current professions or thoughts, we try to find out other excuses to disapprove those texts. We claim, this is not appropriate for me or my perspective is different and so on. As a result, Quranic texts are being denied consistently and we are intending to lead a life, free from its influence. Secondly, we all have certain aims, visions, planning and career in our lives. We want to settle down somewhere we belong. We have a plan with our kids and families. We also have a financial plan, what to do next or where to go. This is the reality that we are inclined to endorse. None of is ready to compromise with these vital issues. Keeping it intact and unaffected, we are trying to apply Quranic sermon in our lives, which is not making any good result. The companions of the Prophet (s) or the pious predecessors did not own such a kind of mentality. They wanted to hold Quran first. If we always try to compromise Quran with our living philosophies and prevailing trends, then we will not be able to reflect upon it nor can interact with this holy book. Rather, we must give priority on Quranic texts. We have to adjust our lives and vi-
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sions with the revealed message of Allah. We have to uphold the sacred message of Quran and need to apply it in all courses of lives and only then, we can reflect its spirits our lives. Our existing living styles, our prevailing education system has altered the priorities of our lives from the lives of our greatest personalities. But to secure the superior position once again, we, Muslim have no alternative but going back to the Quran. Because, we must keep it in mind that no human can know everything, which are needed to understand everything and no human is capable of that amount of qualities of perceiving an issue. Only Allah can be truly wise of His creation and only through revelation can we receive the benefit of that wisdom. If we recognise wisdom in the revelations, we must logically acknowledge Allah’s existence. It additionally exposes the worthlessness of overlooking Allah’s direction, picking our own thoughts or those of society rather and that we can never go farther than what has been uncovered to us by going back to the religion. Ali Ahmad Mabrur is a Bangladeshi author and translator. So far, he has written and translated 12 books, which have been published from various noted publications of Bangladesh. He wants to focus more on self-rectification, spiritual development and upholding the basic spirit of Islam in every aspects of life. ISSUE 175 / JUNE 2020
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Halal kangaroo meat could be the most sustainable enterprise Dr Abdus Sami Sufi Meat is said to be the jewel in the crown of foods. Our Prophet (s) has consumed the meat of the following animals – camel, lamb, goat, fat-tailed lamb (Dumba), rabbit, wild donkey (Gor-e-khar), poultry, quail (hubbari) and fish. (Seerat-un-Nabi by Shibli Nomani 2/158,160) Now we talk about our national animal in Australia: kangaroo. As per information available from Guardian Weekly, it is one of the healthiest red meat available, exceptionally lean, organic, very high in iron and zinc,
packaging a nutritional punch. An attempt was made to rebrand kangaroo meat as “Australus” following a public competition run by The Kangaroo Industry Association. The marketing changed to re-branding kangaroo from a cheap protein option to a premium game meat, like venison- deer meat. Due to its tenderness and taste, it has become popular among wellness gurus. There is a fatwa by Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate ( Diyanet), Muslims living in Australia or anywhere in the world can eat kangaroo/wallaby meat as it is considered halal food, because it is classified in the same category with other grass-eating clean animals like the deer, gazelle and antelopes. However it should be zabiha slaughtered. (The Moroccan Times, 23 July 2015) Similarly, Pakistani scholar, Mufti Taqi
Usmani posted in his monthly ‘Al Balagh’ 11 zilqada 1428 AH viz 22 November 2007 as follows: “A kangaroo is a halal animal because there is no basis for its prohibition. The only condition is that it should be slaughtered with all necessary conditions of Islamic slaughtering”. Darul Ifta, Australia has also proclaimed kangaroo and wallabies meat halal (10th March, 2014). Thus avenues have to be explored to obtain halal kangaroo meat. In this connection, organisations like Australian Government Authorised Halal Program (AGAHP) have to play an active role. They will have to collaborate with organisations like Kangaroo Harvesting Program ( KHP). Muslim shooters have to be trained and authorised as harvesters of kangaroos and wallabies for commercial purposes.
The Approved Islamic Organisation (ATO) will also have to play an active role in training of muslim shooters properly, as well as overlooking the arrangements at the establishment. It should be ensured by constant vigilance and regular inspection that the Kangaroo Halal product is prepared, handles, packaged and stored separately properly.Thus all efforts could make halal nutritious delicious kangaroo meat the most sustainable enterprise viable. Dr Abdus Sami Sufi is a veterinary surgeon (BVSc, VAH) and has undergone advanced Dairy training under FAO. He is the retired Managing Director of Goa Meat Complex Ltd, India and has written several books in Urdu, including on the topic of meat. He is currently visiting Australia.
Avoiding two debt traps in 2020 A major way to have enough to invest is to first understand what debt traps to avoid so more is invested instead of being stuck with bad debts. In this article we talk about 2 debt traps you should avoid or minimise your exposure to, this year. The best thing about turbulent times is the levelling of the playing field. This is where sense and long term strategy beat market hysteria and fear. Great opportunities to invest exist in times like this. Debt Trap 1 – The Car Loan The first debt trap is buying a brand new car. To demonstrate why, let’s use a brand new Mazda CX5 which costs around $38,000. It’s value drops by 10% as soon as you drive it off the showroom. It will be down 20% after 1 year and a whopping 40% at the end of 3 years. The average person won’t pay the car dealer upfront and a majority of them take out a loan for the car. Let’s say a loan for 5 years at an interest rate of 8.99% per year.
Table one shows you the financial commitment over 5 years. Let us change the above scenario to now purchase a 3-year-old Mazda CX 5, that looks the same, has the same specs and is in near perfect condition. Looking at online ads, I filtered for the above and found the same cars for around $17,500. Assuming I took out a loan with the same features as the new car, table 2 shows you what you’ll pay over 5 years. The difference is a $25,000! 25k could have invested in the share market or put aside for a house. Debt Trap 2 – The home loan Buying an expensive house that you cannot afford is a trap. With the current interest rates in Australia and the RBA’s unwilling to raise to jeopardising the economy further, there will be more buyers in the market. More buyers equals fewer homes and higher prices making it difficult to get good deals. Also, when you buy a house that costs more than you can afford, one of the main repercussions is financial anxiety. Add additional expenses like Council rates, water rates, maintenance and maybe body corp rate, easily an additional $2500 a year. A budget already squeezed by a mortgage will cause stress. You can’t underestimate this, with facts like financial stress being one
Five strategies that doubled our halal investment Moin Zaman Fahd and I put a big chunk of our savings, about $45,000 AUD into the share market in March and April. Today it’s doubled and is worth almost $100,000 AUD and still growing! I share what we did and how it unfolded over the last two and a half months. The ongoing financial crisis had markets hit bottom on 23 March 2020, and is proving to be worse than the global financial crisis in 2008 and perhaps even the 1920’s great depression. These crashes are a once-or-twice in a lifetime opportunity to multiply wealth. How it all started JUNE 2020 / ISSUE 175
25 years ago I met Fahd because our fathers worked together, in Islamic banks, as we grew up in the middle east. We reconnected again in Australia while studying and found common interests in cricket and Islamic investing. Fahd had followed his dad by becoming a savvy investment analyst. I kept investing on the side, as my father had taught me, but forged a successful career in IT. Our passion for halal investing, and often answering questions to help friends and family got similar results and led us to launch tabarr.uk, where anyone can learn how to grow wealth buying sharia-compliant shares in Australian companies listed on the ASX share market. The COVID-19 crash Fahd had sold his entire portfolio of shares
Table 1: New car loan over 5 years.
Table 2: 3 year old car loan over 5 years.
of the biggest reasons marriages fail. Find a house in a good suburb, even if it is in an outer suburb. You’ll be surprised at what you can save. Find a house that will not allow you to have money for investing to achieve financial freedom. I am not saying avoid the above loans at all costs. One can do it without breaking the bank to build a bright financial future for yourself and loved ones. On tabarr.uk, we post our share market folio live with every purchase and write in-
depth analysis of companies, step by step guides and articles such as ‘5 strategies that doubled our halal investment in 2 months on the ASX share market in the COVID-19 crash‘ published in AMUST. You can follow us on Facebook to stay updated with our free articles: fb.com/tabarruk
in January 2020 for a good profit, partly because he felt the market was overvalued and partly out of instinct that something did not feel right. I had money tied up elsewhere and was waiting to get back into the share market. When COVID-19 started the fear crept into the economy and panic selling ensued on share markets including the ASX. Fahd and I chose to stay calm, objective and apply everything we had learnt over the years. Most of our purchases ended up being on the 23 of March, the absolute bottom so far. We didn’t predict it, we were just prepared for the market to go either direction and had a clear plan and strategy to execute in both scenarios. The 5 strategies we used during the crash
1. Bought quality, long term halal stocks 2. Bought the same stock again lower 3. Knew company fundamentals well 4. Tracked macro economic indicators 5. Studied the market sentiment Whats next? Is it too late? Absolutely Not! The next 3-6 months period leading into the year ahead is an even more important phase during this crash, to invest in the best halal opportunities in the right sectors on the ASX. Our core strategy is still the following the 5 fundamentals above. Anyone can learn to do what we did with as little as $500 to start off, like us, when we began investing. The key is to plan long term, with minimal risk and by applying our basic and advanced strategies, explained via our regular ASX share purchases.
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Fahd Dameer is the co-founder along with Moin Zaman, of Tabarruk, a website that teaches halal investing on the ASX share market in Australia.
“Anyone can learn
to do what we did
“
Fahd Dameer
Moin Zaman is the co-founder along with Fahd Dameer, of Tabarruk, a website that teaches halal investing on the ASX share market in Australia. AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
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#SOCIAL
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 13
AUSTRALIA 14 - 15
CENTREFOLD 16 - 17
Social Spotlights Zuleyha Keskin @drzuleyhakeskin
Al Jazeera English APAN @AustraliaPalestine AdvocacyNetwork
@TheArabNews Iftar in the ruins of the Syrian town of Ariha — in pictures: https://aje.io/5ultz
ICYMI: There are now more Palestinian children in Israeli military detention than there were at the beginning of this pandemic. 60% are being held in pre-trial detention and only 28% are actually serving sentences. Children should not be separated from their families. They must be released now! #NoWayToTreatAChild
Aunty Wendy’s Mob @auntywendysmob
Arwa
National Sorry Day marks 23 years since the ‘Bringing Them Home’ Report, documenting the experiences of the Stolen Generations and intergenerational trauma caused by colonisation and the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, communities and Country. This shocking trauma is still impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today! ‘Where’s My Baby Gone’ ~ sculpture of a grieving mother by Silvio Apponyi, Colebrook Reconciliation Park, Adelaide. Photo: Kerry Fletcher
I’m not sure how many of you know but my heritage is Circassian (Çerkes). Circassians are a Northwest Caucasian ethnic group native to Circassia, many of whom were ethnically cleansed and expelled in the course of the Russian conquest of the Caucasus in the 19th century. Most of the expulsions and killings took place after the RussoCircassian War came to an end in 21 May 1864 with the defeat of the Circassians. It is estimated that 90% of Circassians were killed or died through the ethnic cleansing and expulsion process (many died when escaping). Currently, about 1 in 7 Circassian live outside their original homeland with 3.7 million Circassians living outside Russia (possibly more 0 numbers are estimates), in more than 50 countries. A huge diaspora exists. 2-4 million of them are living in Turkey because the Ottomans made great efforts to take the Circassians in at the time. Basically, my great grandfather and his family were refugees in Turkey and they had to establish a completely new life after escaping the horrors they had faced. I was always fascinated (and saddened) to hear about their experiences. Particularly how they could not enter into Turkey through northern Turkey (because there were so many refugees flowing into Turkey at the time) so they had to go to Greece and then enter into Turkey from there. They did not know the landscape, the culture nor the language of Turkey. Circassians have their own language and quite a distinct culture. War is not new, neither are the horrors of war. And this is a genocide that is hardly spoken about...
@ArwaPublic I’m not making mamoul this year... On the phone with mum the day before Eid “I’m not making mamoul this Eid imme”. Mum “Oh, we will make some together next Eid. I love the ones you make”. Overnight all the ingredients came together. The smell of mamoul my mother taught me perfumes my home. And the smile on her face was worth it. <3 Love you imme.
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USA Muslims @Muslimsorganization The Austrian wrestler: Willi Ott: Who converted to Islam in the Corona crisis ...today he is performing an Islamic wedding ceremony, he and his wife who also converted to Islam these days Ma Sha Allah Congratulations
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LIFESTYLE 18 - 22
UMMAH 23 - 25
TOP 6 Muslim Memes
EDUCATION 26 - 28
BUSINESS 29
#SOCIAL
SOCIAL 30 - 31
AMUST
TOP 7
TOP 3 VIDEOS
Tweets
To Watch
# AboriginalLivesMatter
My Ramadan in Lockdown: Mobinah Ahmad (5mins)
ABC TV in Australia is showing My Ramadan in Lockdown, a sequel (5 minutes only) of Breakfast At Mobinah’s (30 minutes) that was made in 2009 and shown repeatedly during subsequent years on ABC national TV and on overseas channels. A good comparison between Ramadan in 2009 and 2020. Meet Mobinah, she’s young, independent and Muslim, and she’s experiencing a Ramadan like no other. She reflects on the ups and downs of the past month and reflects on what it’s taught her.
Covid-19 voice memos: Celebrating Ramadan during coronavirus lockdown (1min)
As a school teacher, Mehar Ahmad is no stranger to the disruptions brought about by the coronavirus. As her daily teaching has been disrupted, so too has her ability to practise her religion as normal. “This is the month of Ramadan where Muslims all around the world fast for 29 or 30 days depending upon the moon,” Mehar said. “In previous years, we attended many Iftar dinners that brought on a beautiful sense of community, where we enjoyed a variety of multicultural food, sharing meals together, meeting people, making new friends and listening to keynote speakers.” With COVID-19 disrupting this sense of community, Mehar has joined “Recipes for Ramadan”, an online recipe sharing website where people from all over Australia cook and share recipes for food they cook during Ramadan. “Even though I can’t host people at my place, I hope by sharing my story and recipes we’ll somehow still be connected over the love of food,” she said.
This Morning on Eid Day 2020 (6mins)
On Sunday 24 May, the morning on Eid day, AMUST Managing Editor, Mobinah Ahmad, appeared on ABC’s Weekend Breakfast live on National TV. She talked about plans for Eid under isolation, seclusion in Islam, global Muslim community’s use of technology, loneliness, family, reverts, death and ma‘moul.
Poll Results How was your Eid? Too old for Eidi Gaining weight Reading memes Looking fab
8.
%
1%
38.1
5.3%
With family & friends
4.5% 4%
40.1% Pretty good!
JUNE 2020 / ISSUE 175
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