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‘The Furnace’: Cinematic film of Australia’s ‘Wild West’ and its Cameleers Faseeha Hashmi It’s rare to see a film that captures the true meaning of gold fever, yet, ‘The Furnace’ in cinemas now, that preserves the legacy of the cameleers, is a fictional tale about the heavy price of greed and the search for identity in Australia’s wild west. The film illuminates the forgotten history of Australia’s ‘Ghan’ cameleers, predominantly Muslim and some Sikh men from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran, who traversed Australia’s sweeping desert interior. Many of whom were able to form unique bonds with the traditional owners of this land. Well-adapted to the cinematic setting, the western-style theme is an enduring genre with crisp narration: “There is no grace of God here. Just the land and all its spoils,” that ties well with overlapping faiths and loss of one’s moral compass. The film has an
intriguing stillness derived heavily from the parched land, that leaves you with a sense of awe for the land’s extensive vastness and unforgivingness. Set in the circa 1897 gold rush period of Western Australia, the film tells an imagined tale of a young Afghan cameleer, Hanif, an unlikely hero searching for a sense of identity in a new barren land. Hoping to return home to Afghanistan, the cameleer stumbles upon a wounded bushman who has stolen Crown gold. Infatuated by greed, the mismatched pair develops an unlikely partnership and set off towards a secret furnace to remove the marking of the Crown and reset the bars of untraceable gold; to make a new life for themselves. The fictional movie highlights the fact that Muslims and other minorities have been in Australia for over 150 years and have made significant contributions that brought major economic and social benefits to this country. continued on page 8
Ahmed Malek plays a young Afghan cameleer, Hanif in ‘The Furnace’.
Concern raised against Sri Lanka delays COVID-19 vaccine, insists Hindutva fascist organisations on ‘cremation-only’ policy Zia Ahmad
Amaani Siddeek As the Sri Lankan Government stalls on announcing a concrete plan to acquire a coronavirus vaccine, it continues to implement a cremation-only policy that is scientifically unfounded and widely recognised as inhumane. With 8,567 active cases and 185 deaths at the time of writing, Sri Lanka continues to face the worst Covid-19 outbreak since the pandemic began, inciting fear and panic among the people. Despite the almost three-month-long wave that began in October, the Sri Lankan government is no closer to securing a coronavirus vaccine, despite many countries across the world already lined up to receive the new Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines. But it is the country’s stringent ‘cremation-only’ policy that has gained global notoriety for its lack of nuance and respect for the funeral rites of Sri Lanka’s minority communities. “DISAPPOINTING: #SriLanka’s highest court refuses to hear case filed by Muslims & Christians against forced cremation of #COVID victims,” said the People’s Rights Group Sri Lanka in a Twitter post. “Where else can they go for justice?” Cremation, which is forbidden in Islam and generally not preferred in Christianity and Judaism, was mandated by the Sri Lankan government early in the pandemic, citing ground-water contamination. The claim which was spread initially by
right-wing Buddhist monks was later taken up by hydrogeologist, professor Meththika S Vithanage in an article she wrote in April. Since the publication of the article, many virologists and epidemiologists have debunked the claims noting primarily that the coronavirus is highly unstable without a host and cannot be spread by water. “The coronavirus will die quickly in a dead body – probably all will have gone in less than a week,” said Scottland’s virologist Dr Hugh Pennington in an email response to the People’s Rights Group – Sri Lanka. Viruses, which require living cells in a host body to survive, cannot grow and spread from a dead body, the virologist also explained. continued on page 6
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Calls have been made to include Hindutva fascist organisations into inquiry relating to extremist movements and radicalism in Australia and their links to international extremist organisations, that the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has been asked to report on 30 April 2021. The Humanism Project, an Indian diaspora organisation advocating for pluralism and diversity supported by a large number of Muslim organisations including AFIC, ANIC and IFAM as well as many South Asian groups have raised concern about the normalisation of India based fascist organisations like RSS and the threat they pose to the multicultural ethos and the internal security of Australia. In a letter sent to the Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison on Monday 4 January 2021, Dr Haroom Kasim from The Humanism Project (THP) drew the attention to the waving of the flag of Indian fascist
organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), at the one day international cricket match between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday 27 November 2020. The letter also raised concern over the visit of the Australian High Commissioner to India, Mr Barry O’Farrell, to the headquarters of RSS in Nagpur meeting RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday 15 November, and his subsequent laudatory tweet about RSS, which has already instilled a sense of dread among the persecuted minorities of India as well as the Australian citizens of Indian minority origin. “Mr O’Farrell’s open praise for RSS is already being used by right-wing media outlets in India and Hindu right-wing groups in Australia as a propaganda tool to promote the paramilitary and its affiliate groups in Australia and indulge in acts of jingoistic chest thumping at public events involving Indians, of which this latest incident of RSS flag waving at the SCG is yet another example,” the letter said. continued on page 2 Indian PM Modi with RSS leaders.
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Concern raised against Hindutva fascist organisations Continued from page 1 The Humanism Project (THP), in their letter echoed the concerns and sentiments of Indian diaspora in Australia at Mr O’Farrel’s visit and his subsequent tweet. In the letter, THP had highlighted the history of RSS as an organisation inspired by Hitler and the European fascist movements, whose members and affiliate outfits have often been charged with participating in communal riots and running campaigns against the religious minorities of India. Referring to THP, Green’s Senator Janet Rice raised the issue of this meeting in the Australian Federal Parliament on RSS. In her speech in the Australian Federal Parliament on Tuesday 1 December 2020, Senator Janet Rice asked the Australian High Commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell, to resign following his visit to the RSS headquarters. O’Farrell’s visit, which featured a meeting with RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, instantly invoked memories of the international outrage that erupted after German Ambassador Walter Lindner visited the group’s headquarters in July 2019. The Jerusalem Post, one of many international media outlets to cover the scandal, reported, “The RSS shares the fascist ideology of the Nazi Party and supports extreme Hindu nationalism.” Indian journalist Siddharth Bhatia, one of many within India to criticise the visit, wrote that the RSS “has never made any secret of its love for Adolf Hitler,” adding, “Given how carefully Germany in the postWar years has worked to eliminate Nazism and all its manifestations, he also would have known what signals his visit would send. Yet, he went anyway.” “In the light of the above, we remain deeply concerned about the normalisation of Indian fascist organisations within Australia and the threat they pose to our multicultural ethos and the internal security of Australia,” the THP letter concluded.
Dr Haroon Kassim, THP, letter to PM with support from many community organisations.
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat & Barry O’Farrell with pictures of RSS chiefs Hedgewar & Golwalkar on wall.
RSS flag waving at Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday 27 November 2020.
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South Asia: Bigotry with a difference
The year 2020 ended with mainstream dus and even those viewed as non-practicing media reports of an attack on a Hindu Muslims. However in recent times under Temple, Mandir in the Pakistani frontier Sheikh Hasina, the government itself has been province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and following an anti-Islamic and anti-democratic in India, circulation of videos on social pogroms using the state power to stifle the opmedia showing mobs surrounding two position and incarcerate Islamic leaders. On the other hand bigotry in so called demmosques in Madhya Pradesh vandalising them, harassing the Muslim worshippers, ocratic states of India and Sri Lanka has taken shouting slogans of “Jai Shri Ram” and a different route where majoritarian authoritaforcibly conducting Hindu religious ritu- tive rule has now been imposed by political parties with fascist grass root support with als. In the ‘Islamic Republic of Pakistan’, agenda for the oppression of minorities in there was an outrage from all sections of the general and Muslims in particular. The Sri Lankan government has increassociety against the incident and the authorities took swift action, the police arresting the ingly come under the influence of extremist miscreants and their leadership, the supreme Buddhist monks victimising their Muslim micourt deciding to hear the matter within a nority who had previously lived peacefully in the island country for centuries. week and the government’s reassurance to There have been a number of attacks rebuild the temple and not to allow on mosques, Muslim businesses such pogroms against the minorand residences by Buddhist mobs ity community being repeated. and anti-Muslim legislation has In the ‘largest democracy’ been enacted to including the and secular ‘Republic of Inone forcing the cremation of dia’, the reaction was starkly Zia Ahmad Muslim dead bodies due to different, no news in Indian COVID-19. Assalamu mainstream media, no comThe worst case scenario ments from authorities, no Alaikum of bigotry and hate has taken intervention by courts and far Greetings place in the so called largest defrom any strict police action, of Peace mocracy in the world, India. The the police tamely accompanied Hindutva fascists who managed to get the mobs, were “mute spectators” only up to two seats till 1984 in the national and ironically, many Muslims were arrested under the draconian Nation Security parliament now hold the parliamentarian maAct, for allegedly reacting with violence jority as well as power in a number of states when armed Hindutva mobs entered Muslim increasing their vote bank based on inciting the Hindu majority against the Muslim minorlocalities and villages. South Asia includes the major states of ity. The aim of the Hindu supremacist groups India, Pakistan and Bangladesh as well as smaller nations of Sri Lanka and Nepal with collectively known as the Sangh parivar is to centuries old common cultural, linguistic turn India into a Hindu majoritarian state or a Hindu Rashtra, a term which still needs to be and religious ties. From time to time, since independence defined by its proponents. One could ask, if Pakistan with a Muslim from the British Raj, small groups of bigots have destabilised these countries by creating majority can become an Islamic Republic, why can’t India, with a Hindu majority, be hatred against their minority communities. Extremist groups in Pakistan occasionally turned into a Hindu Rashtra? Well, Pakistan has gradually aligned its not only created hysteria against non-Muslim minorities, but were also engaged in sec- constitution and laws in an effort to reach the tarian disharmony and violence in the past. utopia of a society based on Islamic values However they never got the support of the and ideals espoused by a great majority of its vast majority of the Muslim population and citizens. In his landmark book, “Our Hindu Rashtra: were reined in by the government authoriWhat is it. How we got there”, Aakar Patel, ties. Similar has been the case in Bangladesh in very much detail describes what is really where extremists occasionally attacked Hin- meant by Hindu Rashtra and how it can never
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Re: A vindication of justice: workers during the terrible times of panCommunity celebration for demic are the Security Officers on duty alShaoquett Moselmane ways standing in the frontline, sensing the I wholeheartedly commend AMUST’s loyalty to Shaoquett Moselmane when NSW Labor and the mainstream media deserted their integrity by not standing by Shaoquett’s integrity. By the way Shaoquett was not ” later absolved of any wrongdoing.” because he was never in the wrong, he was never a suspect, it was all fake news directed at China on behalf of the USA. For that shameful realpolitik Shaoquett and his family suffered. The wrongdoing was all with the Federal government’s, NSW Labor and their propagandist media pack. Dr Vacy Vlazna JANUARY 2021 / ISSUE 182
hidden enemy thereby safeguarding lives & livelihoods of patrons. Abdul Muqtadar SYED
Re: Hanukah’s Lights for Muslim and Jewish Children
I have just read the article in this week’s AMUST on Chanukah and just wanted to thank you for running such a positive story with such a wonderful message for all of us. It truly demonstrates the commonality of the Abrahamic faiths are far more important than their differences. Thank you. Rodney Hyman AM
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Business be a reality in pluralistic India. He claims, “Hindu Rashtra is an illusion. It is also a lie. The name promises something reality will never deliver. When the phrase ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is used by the Sangh parivar and its adherents, something else is meant.” He then elaborates, “The true meaning of Hindu Rashtra is not to be found in a theory of State or a return to some golden age or a change in the Constitution. It is purely about the exclusion and persecution of India’s minorities, particularly Muslims. That is the only meaning of Hindu Rashtra in India. It imagines India as a Hindu nation where the Muslim and Christian exist on sufferance. That is all there is to Hindu Rashtra in the way Hindutva desires.” He concludes, “It is hollow and bankrupt as an idea once its content of hate and prejudice is emptied out. The acquisition of authority in Hindu Rashtra is not towards bettering the lives of Hindus but damaging, excluding and handicapping those who are not born Hindu. That is the creeping Hindu Rashtra that we are living in and have lived in for decades.”
Re: Recognition for Professor Re: Israel gets away with mur- Re: Concern raised against Masood with VC award der behind the cloak of anti- Hindutva fascist organisations Congratulations Dr Masood! Most of us semitism There are only two criteria for Austral-
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Readers comments Well written and to the point. We need to call a spade a spade. Abu Ibrahim
AMUST ISSUE # 182 FRIDAY 8 JANUARY 2021 25 JAMAADIYUL OULAA 1442
- South Asia: Bigotry with a difference - The spirit of Christmas and Palestine - Relationship with China
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who knows him has always regarded him as a highly intellectual and spiritual person. He is one of those rare individual who walk the walk and talk the talk. He talks politely and softly too. Mal
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The spirit of Christmas and the plight of Palestinians Dr Vacy Vlazna Christmas is a life story of hope about a family of refugees escaping oppression and about a star that lights the straight path of the human spirit to care for the oppressed and speak truth to power. Radiating peace is our holy duty. The Holy Land of Palestine rocks the Christmas cradle of Bethlehem from where the Christ Child’s blessings of joy and peace radiate out to the world . . . but not to the men, women, youth, children and infants of Palestine. The Holy Family fled the death threat of King Herod, but Palestinians have been under the Israeli Herods’ military lockdown since 1947. Speaking of lockdown, concerning COVID-19 Palestinians are suffering an Apartheid Lockdown; a week ago Israel rolled out its vaccination campaign that, “will include Jewish settlers living deep inside the illegally occupied West Bank, who are Israeli citizens, but not the territory’s 2.5 million Palestinians.” Al Jazeera COVID has hit Palestinians hard in locked-in Gaza; you may remember I wrote in AMUST about a desperate father, Khalil El Halabi who with great love, fortitude and determination has been working for 4 years to free his innocent son Mohammad from Israeli detention. Khalil and I were planning a December campaign but he went silent for weeks. This lion of a man had been hospitalised with Covid for 25 days. And while Christian families gather together for Christmas lunch the El Halabi family remain bereft of Mohammad who will face court far off in Bir al-Saba for the 154th time on 5 January 2021. For the great Sufi poet, Jalal al-Din Rumi, the birth of the Prophet, Isa ibn Maryam (a), peace be upon him, is an allegory of the soul and the birth pangs of compassion open all humankind to the radiance of Love.
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The Day Has Begun But The City Stays In Silence Fazlul Huq The day has begun an hour ago but the city and its outskirts including bush and the fire trail, parkland and the shopping village, amusement complex and the honey trader on the busy road, pigeons on the roof and kookaburra on the gum tree, horses in the paddock and cows in the meadow, boats in the lake and swimmers in the water full of waves, walkers on the city streets, all are seen to remain in the state of rest. When the silence grown even more into silence has become order and norm of the moment.
Love and Justice are the Divine Nature of God, and it is our human responsibility to be love and justice in action. So let us act in response to a powerful Christmas message and appeal I came across on Facebook and was given permission to share it with AMUST readers by the Palestinian author, Ray Saadeh, who was born in Bethlehem…. “As Palestinian Christians, we consider Christ a Palestinian warrior who stood up for and defended the poor, the weak and the marginalized. He defied the Roman Empire and the corrupt Jewish religious leaders who demanded his execution. Christians across the globe are clearly instructed in the Holy Bible to stand up against hatred, violence, persecution, injustice, marginalization and apartheid. Thus they must stand up against Israel, period. The Israeli occupation supported by Western Colonial Governments is the only foreign occupation in history that is tirelessly working on eradicating Palestine’s Christian minority in addition to the countless daily crimes against the majority Muslim population.
Allah is the hope Sukoon Quteifan Sukoon Quteifan is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Sydney, Australia. She is the creator and the illustrator of “Sukoon Al Quloob - Peace of Hearts”, an Islamic Cartoons facebook page. You can follow her on facebook @SukoonQuteifanArt.
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The living stones, Palestinian Christians who for 2000 years preserved Christ’s message of love, hope, reconciliation and salvation are on the verge of extinction in the birthplace of Christ and Christianity. Will the Western Christian World come to our rescue and preserve Palestine’s Muslim and Christian grief-stricken, bleeding and heartbroken communities this Christmas season or will they continue their betrayal of Christ and his unambiguous teachings? Merry Christmas to you and your family and most sincere wishes for a healthy and blessed Holiday Season! Palestine will always be victorious God’s willing.” Ray Saadeh, San Diego via Bethlehem. Dr Vacy Vlazna is Coordinator of Justice for Palestine Matters. She is the editor of a volume of Palestinian poetry, I remember my name.
As the city has determined to make into lockdown wanting to fight new strain of the virus brought in by travelers from the far distant. Suddenly the Mother Earth is seen to have employed the black cloud to make into nonstop rain. Dr Fazlul Huq was an Associate Professor in Discipline of Pathology in the School of Medical Sciences University of Sydney (just retired). Besides being a poet over 29,000 compositions, he used to lead Cancer Research Group focused on drug discovery and therapy. Dr Fazlul Huq is a retired academic and Editor-in-Chief Emanreserch Journal Of Angiotherapy. He is also the poet “Jujube” at Allpoetry. com with over 35,000 compositions.
Sri Lanka delays COVID-19 vaccine, insists on ‘cremation-only’ policy Continued from page 1 “It does not grow in a corpse at all.” Muslims make up almost 10 per cent of the nation’s population, but disproportionally makeup almost 30 per cent of all reported Covid-19 fatalities, with reports of some fatalities being incorrectly identified. However, despite ample evidence and the creation of International burial standards for the safe burial of Covid-fatalities, the Sri Lankan government upholds that cremation is the only solution, with its Ministry of Health saying in a press release that article suggesting otherwise were “fake news”. After the non-consensual forced cremation of a 20-day-old baby went viral online, further allegations of non-consensual cremations in Sri Lanka sparked global outrage with protests occurring in the UK and US claiming the policy a human-rights violation. Sri Lanka is the only country, besides China, that mandates cremation for COVID-19 victims – a mandate that is against WHO regulations and against the United Nation’s request to uphold funeral rites of Sri Lanka’s minority communities. Reports show that many believe the policy to be racially motivated after the body of a Muslim was incorrectly diagnosed with
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Covid-19 and forcefully cremated against the wishes of the family. Since then, more than 50 Muslim Covid-fatalities have been cremated, with many being unclaimed by families in a hope to delay cremations. Speaking out against the policy, Sri Lanka’s former Speaker of Parliament, Karu Jayasuriya said in a tweet, “Sri Lanka’s anti-burial policy of COVID-19 bodies is against all international guidelines, including that of WHO.” But as the issue of funeral rites continue to plague Sri Lanka’s minority communities, reports of increased Islamophobia have also been attributed to the relentlessness of the policy mandate. Tensions among the community continue to run high as right-wing media publications in Sri Lanka and supporters of the governing Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party say that Muslims would “weaponize” the virus if an infected person’s remains were released to them. The sentiment echoes propaganda earlier in the pandemic by media and politicians claiming the Muslim community were “super-spreaders” and warning against buying food from Muslim vendors. Amaani Siddeek is a freelance journalist with bylines in both The Guardian Australia and Central News UTS. ISSUE 182 / JANUARY 2021
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Hate Speech: Lessons for Australia from New Zealand Bilal Cleland The Report of the Royal Commission into the Christchurch Massacre has shown that hate speech and hate crime are linked and that hate crime is a close relative of terrorism. The Report distinguished between hate crime, an offence, and hate speech, the expression of hostility or contempt for a group. The danger of online hate speech Hate speech is not beyond the law. Under section 5 of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, the right to freedom of expression may be:”… subject to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.” A recent study by Matthew L Williams and others indicated “a consistent positive association between Twitter hate speech targeting race and religion and offline racially and religiously aggravated offences in London.” [Hate in the Machine: Anti-Black and Anti-Muslim Social Media Posts as Predictors of Offline Racially and Religiously Aggravated Crime” (2020) 60(1) British Journal of Criminology.] As “online hate victimisation is part of a wider process of harm that can begin on social media and then migrate to the physical world,” it concluded “There is value therefore in seeking to reduce hate speech online and offline, not only to prevent the direct harm it causes but also to limit escalation of hate speech to hate crime.”
The Report also found “… it appears that hate crime and terrorism may be more akin to close cousins than distant relatives.” There is a warning here for rightwing extremists who believe that “freedom of expression” allows them to freely vilify and express contempt for target groups. “There has been a tendency to see hate crime and hate speech as different phenomena … As we have explained, we see them as related, sitting on a spectrum of harmful behaviours and as warranting systematic review and reform.” The Report may be found at https://tinyurl.com/y9sqpyet An Australian Problem: reluctance to confront rightwing extremism The head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation in March 2020 warned of the growing threat of the extreme rightwing in Australia, training for combat and engaging in the spreading of hate. This was attacked by Liberal senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells who found the term “rightwing,” offended conservatives. [2 March 2020 Guardian] The result of this was indicated in the heading “Asio to review terror terms including ‘rightwing extremsists’ which Liberal MP says causes anxiety.” The head of Asio reaffirmed the extreme right danger but apparently “the spy agency is reviewing the language it uses to refer to terrorism after some conservative government senators argued its warnings about the increasing threat posed by the “extreme right wing” caused “unnecessary anxiety”. [15 October 2020 Guardian] Reference to “Islamic terrorism” has not met such consideration.
Is a change coming? Various Labor MPs have been demanding action on the rightwing terrorist threat for months. Ann Aly, a Labor MP welcomed Asio’s terror assessment but Minister for Home Affairs, Peter Dutton countered with reference to the dangers of “leftwing terrorism” including Islamist extremism. [25 February 2020 Guardian] Senator Keneally noted that some Australian parliamentarians have joined and promoted rightwing social media platforms. [10 September 2020 Guardian] Parliament finally agreed to an inquiry in early December 2020 to be led by Andrew Hastie, the Liberal MP and former SAS soldier with Anthony Byrne, the Labor MP as deputy chair. Mr Dutton asked the inquiry to look into
the objectives and “capacity for violence” among extremist groups, but he said this should include Islamist as well as rightwing extremists. [9 December 2020 SMH] Just how committed he is to supporting this inquiry is open to question, given his past comments. In November 2016 he remarked that the Fraser government had erred in bringing some people as immigrants in the 1970s. When pressed on this matter a few days later he singled out people of Lebanese-Muslim background [21 November 2016 ABC News] Time will tell. Bilal Cleland is a keen reader, a prolific writer and a regular columnist of AMUST based in Melbourne.
Relationship with China: Hostile Australia still relying on failing US Dr Daud Batchelor While it seems that relations with a powerful China, Australia’s largest trading partner, are super-critical for our future generations during the next decade commencing with 2021, PM Scott Morrison’s government has abandoned balance, displaying hostility in a strengthening anti-Chinese alliance. This subtle coup places our future in the embrace of a US that is failing while the European Union finalised an investment agreement with China on Wednesday 30 December 2020, in spite of opposition from the US. The United States has the world’s highest number of Covid-19 deaths, collapsing health system, extrajudicial police murders of blacks, and marked decline in societal well-being. Former NSW Supreme Court Judge, Michael Pembroke, notes there is excessive anti-China rhetoric in Australia and insufficient realism about the danger US anti-China policy threatens Australia. America’s global standing rapidly declines. Roosevelt’s America led the world in establishing the international ‘rules-based order.’ The US ceased to adhere to rules. “The US is completing the move from post-War leader to 21st-century rogue state.” (Jeffrey Sachs) Morrison’s domestic pandemic policies performed well. However, he is beholden to a pro-US elite JANUARY 2021 / ISSUE 182
PM Scott Morrison has been unable to secure a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
and makes frequent errors on foreign policy. Why, without benefit to Australia, as a favour to Trump, did he call for an investigation of Covid’s source? Why signal that Australia is onboard with the US confronting China? This came after Trump’s accusation that China deliberately caused the pandemic, which even the CIA discounted? Is Australia joining the US warring over Taiwan? Darwin with a US military base, 6000km from China, is an easier missile target than the US west-coast. China sees a need to reprimand Australia as a middle-power supporting American hubris. China for millennia held it has a ‘Mandate from Heaven,’ involving political influence over neighbouring states. We believe China has reached the extent of its intended territorial boundaries, except for Taiwan. Harassment by US spy flights near Chi-
nese territory, resulting in the 2001 Hainan incident, precipitated China’s South China Sea claims for buffering. The US pursues military supremacy with 800 overseas bases and a defence-national security budget exceeding US$1 trillion, more than the next nine countries combined. In Obama’s last presidential year, it dropped 26,000 bombs. Contrastingly, China is the only major power not to go to war in 40 years, nor does it support proxy wars. It has severe human rights abuses, eg the Uighurs, which is why I proposed (AMUST #152) Muslim countries boycott Chinese goods. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) leads in Sinophobic threat inflation. It promotes a one-sided pro-American view of the world (Bob Carr). Established with government funding to provide independent policy ideas, it should challenge US engagements against Austral-
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ia’s best interests. Its credibility though is compromised by accepting US government and armament agency funding. John Mendau says it acts like ‘a foreign entity,’ reflecting US influence on Australian foreign policy, just as US governments were involved in overthrowing PMs Gough Whitlam and Kevin Rudd (Pilger). Mendau notes, “our defence policy is increasingly contracted out to the US,” and US influence is part of a seizure of Australian foreign policy by Australia’s intelligence, security and military establishment, heavily dependent on US Departments of Defense, State and CIA for advice. Government disregard for Australian farmers and miners confirms overriding US interests. Former Ambassador to China, Geoff Raby, objects why it is legitimate for US arms manufacturers to fund ASPI, but not for Australian companies to support China Matters, which promotes informed discussion of China. Australia’s ruling elite intends we discard our freedom so we kowtow to US demands. Rather, we support Pembroke: “Australia – like other prudent countries in Asia – should keep its distance from Washington and demonstrate independence.” We pray that one day China, the US and Australia may demonstrate mutual friendship in a truly peaceful Pacific sphere that will benefit us all. Dr Daud Batchelor, holds an MA in Islamic and Other Civilisations and a Diploma in Islamic Studies from the International Islamic University Malaysia, PhD from University of Malaya, MSc from the University of London.
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‘The Furnace’: Cinematic film of Australia’s ‘Wild West’ and its Cameleers Continued from page 1 In the period spanning the 1860s through to the 1930s, the influences of around 4,000 Afghan cameleers in central Australia helped form the critical infrastructure of railway and telegraph line, as well as transport supplies from cities to regional towns, inland mines and stations. These men were also navigators on expeditions, located water sources and ensured a safe journey for other travellers across the expansive and dry continent. As the writer and producer Roderick MacKay explains at the Venice Film Festival, that without these men and their significant contribution, outback communities would have not survived. “I stumbled upon black and white images of the cameleers by accident seven years ago. Once I researched further and realised how significant a contribution they made the formation of Australia… Well, I was stunned that I did not learn about them in high school or university. It felt like a huge historic omission and undoubtedly, the cameleers are the unsung pioneers of our inland,” explained Mr MacKay. Drawing upon their heritage, cameleers helped to introduce Islam to Australia and built the first mosque in Marree in South Australia. The cameleers and their subsequent communities continued to settle in Australia; many of whom still live in central Australia today. Whilst, their camels were bred, sold and relied upon for transportation until they were eventually deemed redundant with the
introduction of automotive vehicles. Aftab Bhatti, one of the cultural consultants for the film’s developed that checked that the script portrayed Muslim rituals in an authentic manner, explained the diversity of cultures which were brought to Australia; often in forms of indentured labour. “…it’s worth remembering (the film is)…a fictional drama that characterises many different people, their cultures, religions, as well as their ignorances. (European settlers)… back then called all cameleers ‘Ghans’, despite them being Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Indian, Punjabi, Afghan, Balochi, Persian, etc. The movie tries to call this out and celebrates the diversity of (all) cameleers from different backgrounds,” enlightened Mr Bhatti. The film respectfully showcases the elegance civilised existence of Indigenous communities, their language and their preservation of the sunburnt land. The film was shot late last year on Yamatji Badimia country in Mount Magnet and Yamatji Nanda country in Kalbarri, in Western Australia’s spectacular Mid West region. Producer Roderick MacKay honoured these Indigenous people by weaving in their important stories with that of other diverse communities through the backdrop of the gold rush. The filmmakers conducted an extensive research process taking 6 years which included consultation with the Badimia community, Sikh, Islamic, Cantonese, Pashto and Punjabi language consultants.
Talal Yassine (left) welcoming member guests of Crescent Wealth to a private screening of “The Furnace”.
Australia “has only recently begun to willingly peer back into its past, warts and all, to better understand how it has arrived at the present,” said Mr MacKay. Released across 121 cinemas, ‘The Furnace’ was the only Australian movie selected for the prestigious Venice Film Festival this year and has received raving reviews internationally. Crescent Wealth, an Australian Muslim superannuation fund that supported the production of the film, recently hosted a private screening in Sydney for its members. Introducing the movie, Sabrine Yassine stated that, “Crescent Wealth will continue to encourage efforts to display the many varied narratives of Australia’s diverse and multicultural history.” “A history, where Muslims contributed
our lot to build this wonderful country, our home,” emboldened Ms Yassine. Today, making up the diverse mosaic of Australia, the film recognises our common humanity, the importance of celebrating faiths and what they have brought to multicultural Australia. Confronting the past by putting a spotlight on various kinds of racism, the honest and inclusive story-writing in this film of Australia’s diverse heritage leaves you with a lot to be proud of. Indeed, capturing the land with all its boundless plains, the adventurous Australian and international tourist alike, may be enticed to visit these camel-riding outback settings for themselves. To watch the film, see selected cinemas near you: umbrellaentfilms.com.au/movie/the-furnace
Empowering women: Cooking with purpose Jinan Allam Muslim Women Australia (MWA) with their Linking Hearts initiative launched an innovative and exciting program “Cooking with Purpose” in collaboration with The Culinary School on Saturday 5 December in Punchbowl, Sydney bringing together community leaders and other stakeholders. Beginning with an official Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, this event brought together members and stakeholders from all parts of the community, multifaith and multicultural, during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence to highlight the significance and impact of empowering women of diversity, supporting the development of and strengthening partnerships with individuals and stakeholders who value diversity and true community collaboration. Attendees included members of parliament, community leaders, Linking Hearts ambassadors, representatives from non-profit organisations, universities, business, and community organisations. A main focus of this event was to high-
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light the importance of understanding and realigning with one’s purpose, and the power that this gives to individuals. This was a message echoed by MWA and The Culinary School throughout the afternoon, and one that resonated with all the guests that were present on the day. The afternoon was made up of various presentations from a variety of community members. This included messages of sup-
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port from local members of parliament. This included Julia Finn MP, Member for Granville representing Leader of the Opposition, Jodi McKay MP; Jihad Dib MP, Member for Lakemba; Lynda Voltz MP, Member for Auburn; and Sophie Cotsis MP, Member for Canterbury. Messages of support and inspiration were also presented by a diverse lineup of speakers.
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This included, Helen Westwood, former Member of the NSW Legislative Council and long time supporter of MWA, Amanda Tattersall, founder of the Sydney Alliance, GetUp and the ChangeMakers podcast, Lydia Shelley, mother and lawyer, and Randeep Singh Grewal, Sikh & Punjabi Community Representative and Linking Hearts Ambassador. ISSUE 182 / JANUARY 2021
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Sydney celebrates IDPwD: Not all disabilities are visible
Ms Julia Finn MP commended Seena Inc for holding this unique event inspite of COVID-19 restrictions and celebrating the UN Day with a diverse group of people and their families. Mr Ziyad Serhan
Dr Samiha Makkouk Al-Dhaibi
Ms Raian Hoblos
Comment from a member of the audience.
Zia Ahmad and Nasim Zereka with the Zaffet Afraah band.
Zia Ahmad The International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) was celebrated live on Sunday 6 December at Progress Park Community Centre in Auburn bringing together a diverse group of people with disability, their carers, family members and service providers listening to experts in the field with the theme ‘Not all disabilities are visible’ with live entertainment and sumptuous lunch organised by Seena Incorporated and sponsored by a number of community organisations. The event was sponsored by Zaffet Afraah Drummers, Auburn Sports Club and Rahma Islamic Association of Australia who hosted the lunch. The program was started by the MC Mr Nasim Zereka welcoming the guests followed by recitation of Quran by Dr Wali Bokhari. President of Seena Inc, Mrs Mehar Ahmad, with the help of an audio-visual presentation highlighted the purpose, diverse JANUARY 2021 / ISSUE 182
activities and achievements of Seena while thanking various stakeholders for their enthusiastic collaboration in holding this event live face to face in spite of COVID-19 restrictions. Dr Samiha Makkouk Al-Dhaibi an expert in the management of non-profit organisations talked about best practice in serving people with disability. Mr Ziyad Serhan gave a comprehensive presentation on the theme ‘Not all Disabilities are Visible: Broadening the Conversation’ defining disability, stigma attached to it and its various perspectives impacting our living. Ms Julia Finn MP commended Seena Inc for holding this unique event inspite of COVID-19 restrictions and celebrating the UN Day with a diverse group of people and their families. Mr Zia Ahmad made a formal introduc-
tion of Nasim Zereka that was highly inspiring: Nasim has been in Australia for 20 years and it was here and then that he discovered that, he had a combination of hearing and vision impairment (usher syndrome). He was determined from a young age to set goals and to achieve them, to prove to himself and everyone around him that, it is possible for a person with additional needs to aim high and reach success. “There are people who are born with a disability and there are some who got a disability after an accident or an injury. The important message that he wished to share was that the person comes before the disability . The person is more important and should be acknowledged as a whole before the disability,” Nasim said. One of his biggest achievements as a teacher was encouraging a little girl with
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hearing impairment accept an offer in hearing support class . He found out later that she became the school captain at her school. “People with disability don’t need constant reminders about their condition and disability, we know what we have What we need reminders about is what we can achieve , we need understanding , we need care and we need love.” “If you know someone with disability reach out to them , support them , include them and believe in them . They have goals and dreams . Be there for them, give them that push and watch them strive for success,” Nasim concluded. Ms Raian Hoblos an Ambassador for Deaf community and a regular attendee of Seena events talked about her advocacy work in the community and thanked the organisers for the initiative inspite of the pandemic Mr Philip Feinstein from Music for Refugees and a regular columnist for AMUST entertained the audience while offering free musical instruments to anybody that were interested in Music. Ms Sakinah Ahmad presented the vote of thanks to all attendees, organisers and sponsors for their enthusiastic collaboration. Zia Ahmad is the Editor-in-Chief of the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST.
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Recognition for Professor Masood with VC award AMUST Media Professor Syed Hasan Masood, an alumni of Aligarh Muslim University in India currently working at Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, has been honoured with a Vice Chancellor’s Lifetime Achievement Award in the university’s annual ceremony held virtually on Wednesday 9 December 2020. Ranked amongst top 2% of scientists in the world, he has also been heavily involved in Muslim community work in Victoria for the last three decades.
The award recognises a university staff, who has consistently demonstrated outstanding service, while regularly delivering excellence and achievement in their field of expertise contributing not only in their immediate area, but also enriching the overall community of Swinburne. The award is by nomination by the senior Swinburne Executive Group of the university. Prof Masood has been working at Swinburne for the past 32 years and has consistently demonstrated excellence and outstanding performance in teaching, research and academic leadership. He has contributed in establishment and proliferation of most successful post graduate (PG) programs
Professor Syed Hasan Masood, (second from left) with his students at a graduation ceremony.
in Advanced Manufacturing at Swinburne since 1993, which attracted large number of international students to the university. He has previously taught at Central Queensland University and PNG University of Technology. He holds PhD from University of Queensland, Masters from University of New Brunswick, Canada, PG Dip from IIT Delhi and BSc Eng Hons from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), India. He has been the Program Coordinator of post graduate programs in Advanced Manufacturing Technology for over 26 years. He had also served as Associate Dean Research in Faculty of Engineering at Swinburne. Prof Masood is recognised internationally as the leading academic and researcher in the area of Additive Manufacturing and 3DPrinting. During his long career at Swinburne, Prof Masood has supervised to completion around 40 PhD and Masters by research students, many now working in academia and industry. He has won numerous research grant awards including 23 research grants from prestigious Australian Research Council (ARC) for his university. To date he has produced around 400 publications in international journals and conferences including several edited books and book chapters, with Google Scholar citation h index of 40 and with over 6700 citations. He has recently been listed in Top 2% Scientists in the World in Stanford University based ranking (PLOS) database based on career research publications and citations of researchers in various disciplines (https:// data.mendeley.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/2). Prof Masood has around 40 years of university teaching and research experience in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
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Professor Syed Hasan Masood areas. He joined Swinburne in 1988 in the then Department of Manufacturing Engineering. Prof Masood’s achievements in research has been one of the factors in raising the research profile and international ranking of Swinburne University. It is interesting to note that both Swinburne University and AMU are listed among top 1000 universities in the world according to Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) website in the year 2020 ranking. In Australia, 34 out of its total 40 universities are ranked among top 1000 universities by ARWU, which ranks top 1000 of world universities every year based on research publications, citations, Nobel prize alumni etc of their academic staff (http://www.shanghairanking.com/). Swinburne currently ranks among top 300 of world universities in ARWU ranking, with Melbourne, Uni of Queensland, ANU, NSW, Sydney, UWA and Monash universities ranked among top 100 of world universities in year 2020. There are approximately 25,000 universities in the world.
Social engagement by Imams and Muslim leaders Photo by Mehar Ahmad,
Abdal Abumustafa The Sydney Alliance in collaboration with Australian National Imams Council (NSW branch) held their first quarterly meeting on Tuesday 1 December with the the aim in developing greater confidence and capability within Muslim community in addressing society-wide issues, whilst ensuring upholding of Islamic principles. Imams and Muslim leaders from across Sydney launched “Coordinating of Muslim Participation with the Alliance teams” project, to create opportunities for the community to step up to shape a fairer and more sustainable Sydney while maintaining our
Muslim character. The purpose of the quarterly meetings is for Muslim leaders 1) To be aware of the Importance of Social Engagement in Islam and work with others for social-wide issues. 2) On the other hand, to be aware of the importance of upholding Islamic principles and Muslim character 3) Increase Islamic guiding and directing knowledge in areas of clarification and misconceptions, to be more confident in participating with others. While for Imams 1) Fulfilling the leadership role. 2) Great opportunity for team work and collaboration. “This year, Sydney has faced many challenges. From the bushfires that burned across NSW, to the air pollution that choked Sydney, to the coronavirus pandemic that impacted so many people’s health, wellbe-
ing and financial security,” said Abdalnasser Abumustafa, a community organiser with the Sydney Alliance and Imam. “As part of our faith, it is important for Muslims to support the vulnerable people in our community and to work together to face the crises and challenges that we face,” said Imam Jalal Al-Chami, Executive Member of ANIC. “We worked with divorce leaders with solidarity to insure Affordable and Renewable energy solution for all” said Voices for Power campain’s Muslim Leaders- Sheikh Adid Alrubai, Dr Faisal Magableh, Zubaida
Photo by Mehar Ahmad,
Alrubai and Heba Masood. “The programme has enabled me to collaborate and connect myself with various local Community group. It has also inspired us to take action on the issues that affect our community. Certainly, it has enriched my Islamic knowledge about leadership and instil the appetite to make Sydney a better place for all of us,” said Omar Ahmed, a community leader involved with the Sydney Alliance. This project also aims to guide Muslim participants to become more representative of the principles of Islam. “This event was part of an ongoing program where Muslim leaders will be trained, upskilled and guided by the Islamic principles to work for the common good and create positive change on the issues that affect all of us,” said Imam Ahmed Abdo, President the of Council of Imams NSW. We look forward to seeing the impact trained For further information and contact: Abdalnasser Abumustafa, Community Organiser at Sydney Alliance and Imam, 0423 365 006. Abdal-Nasser AbuMustafa is Muslim Community Organiser of Voices for Sydney Alliance. Based in Sydney. Palestinian. Bachelor of Shari’ah and Master of Prophet’s Speech. Studying a Bachelor of Social Work
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A vindication of justice: Community celebration for Shaoquett Moselmane Zia Ahmad Hundreds of people from Sydney’s diverse community gathered together on Wednesday 16 December at the Grand Roxy Hall, Brighton Le Sands to welcome and celebrate NSW MLC Shaoquett Moselmane’s honourable return to NSW parliament and the restoration of his Labor party membership. The NSW MP was the target of radio shock jocks earlier this year and a police raid under full lime light of the media in June 2020, but later absolved of any wrongdoing. Union of Australia) and attended by a large number of diverse members of the Australian multicultural community including grass root supporters from Lebanese and Arab community in Sydney, leaders from Chinese Australian community the Pakistani community and others. Mr Moselmane during his address, after acknowledging the traditional owners of the land and paying his respects to their elders past and present thanked various organisations and individuals from the grass root community for their support during the painful ordeal he and his family went through for a number months this year. “Can I say at the outset, that I don’t blame the Federal Police for what happened. They are an agency that takes orders from their political masters. One never blames the stick for the pain they endure. It is those who swing the stick that are responsible for our pain,” Mr Moselmane lamented. “We live in a democracy where the rule of law is supreme. That is why, Justice, if pursued, will always prevail. With your continued support, I hope to pursue this until we find out who were behind the decision to character assassinate me, to humiliate me and cause harm to me and my family,” Mr Moselmane further added. “As Australian Citizens, you are entitled to have a voice, to speak out, to protest, to oppose and to support whom and what you please. Of course, you have that right as long as you do not harm others. It’s your right to be praise or to be critical of any government. No government and no person is sacrosanct.” “That’s why we live in one of the best countries in the world. This is why I speak out about the rights of the oppressed, the underprivileged and the injustices in our society, nationally and abroad.” “As request by me, The Federal Police is currently undertaking an internal investigation to find out who was behind this media plot to achieve maximum damage to my reputation and I will therefore be asking for a Senate Inquiry, if the Federal police inquiry produces no real outcome,” Mr Moselmane concluded.
Mr Adi Zananiri, President of the Arab Australian Federation speaking at the event. JANUARY 2021 / ISSUE 182
Mr Moselmane receiving award from Mr Mahmoud Mouhanna, Kounine Union with his dad, Alhaj Chaher Ali Mouslimani photo on the stage in order to honour him. (Photo courtesy Sydney Community Studios) The master of the ceremony at the event, Mrs Majida Aboud Saab and the former manager of SBS Radio station for more than 30 years started the program by paying respect to the original custodian of the land followed by the Australian and Lebanese anthems. A tradition dance together with song and didgeridoo performance was showcased by an aboriginal artist from Tribal Warriors. Mrs Saab spoke about her long-time association with Mr Moselmane honesty and
loyalty to Australia and his role in supporting all Australian communities especially those from Arabic background, Asian and the indigenous Australians. Mr Ali Hammoud, leader of Kounine Union spoke about the achievements of Moselmane throughout his long career as a politician and the tough time he went through for many months this year. Mr Hammoud recalled the suffering of the people of Kounine in South Lebanon during Israeli aggression and their struggle through
Zia Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of AMUST. WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
corrupt feudalism in Lebanon. Mr Antoine Kazi, Editor-in-Chief of the Arab Telegraph newspaper began his speech with poetic verses praising the Mr Moselmane, and then spoke about the malicious conspiracy that was hatched against the MLC together with racial discrimination and praised him for his steadfastness in the face of his character assassination by the media. Mr Zia Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST spoke about the saga around Mr Moselmane since April this year starting with his witch hunt by 2GB Radio shock jocks, Ray Hadley and Alan Jones leading to his political lynching culminating in a dramatic police raid at his house in full limelight of the media that received global publicity in spite of the fact that he was not a person of interest in the AFP and ASIO espionage or foreign interference investigations. Mr Ahmad said that he was indeed disappointed with lack of support from his Labor colleagues during his ordeal and praised Mr Moselmane for his resilience and a great outcome in November when he was absolved of any wrong doing and restored to his full dignified position at the parliament and in the party. “Although I am not a believer in conspiracy theories, there is enough evidence to conclude that Mr Moselmane was a targeted by some rich and powerful people for speaking his mind on various issues particularly for standing up for the rights of the Palestinian people in Australia and on the Labor party platform,” Mr Ahmad said. He further added, “I have lived, spoken and written in Australia for almost half a century, proud to be a citizen of this great country that gives full freedom of thought and expression to all and have fully used this right without fear or favour during my journalistic career to raise voice against oppression and work towards peace and harmony for all.” A long-time fighter for Palestine Mr Adi Zananiri, President of the Arab Australian Federation and a great supporter of Mr Moselmane talked about what he thought indeed was a conspiracy by a coalition of forces to silence Mr Moselmane speaking on the Palestinian issue and advocacy for the human rights of the Palestinian people. Mr Charbel Beaynie, a well known poet recited a wonderful poem as a tribute to Mr Moselmane describing his innocence and his triumphant return to his position in the Legislative Council in New South Wales. Towards the end of the formal program Mr Mahmoud Mohanna presented a souvenir in the name of the people of Kounine to Mr Shaoquett Moselmane while Mr Ali Hammoud presented the Golden Key of the village Kounine in the name of the Mayor of Kounine Haji Mohammad Tohma Abu Qasim to Mr Moselmane.
Mr Antoine Kazi, Editor-in-Chief of the Arab Telegraph newspaper. AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
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Recognition for Ibrahim Latheef with Police Medal AMUST Media Mr Ibrahim Latheef, a highly decorated officer with military and policing background has been awarded the Western Australia Police Commissioner’s Medal for Excellence in recognition of his invaluable work for the WA Police Force on Thursday 17 December 2020 at Police academy, Joondalup, WA. After leaving the Maldives Police Service as Senior Deputy Commissioner, Mr Latheef joined the WA Police in 2007 as Strategic Advisor responsible for developing strategic partnerships with various religious and multicultural communities. While in his home country, Maldives, Mr Latheef served as a Lieutenant Colonel at Maldives Defence Force (1984 – 2004) and later as the Senior Deputy Commissioner at Maldives Police Service (2004 – 2007). For the last thirteen years w h i l e working for WA Police, Mr Latheef was responsible for developing
strategic partnerships with various communities, that were growing rapidly in Western Australia. His responsibility has been to build trusting and lasting relationships between the Western Australia Police Force and the emerging and diverse communities. The Commissioner’s Medal is one of the most prestigious medals awarded to Western Australia Police personnel to recognise their contribution towards the Western Australia Police Force in achieving its goals and objectives. The Western Australia Police Commissioner’s medal has been awarded to Mr Latheef in recognition of the effective work he has done with those communities, with his direct engagement with them. This medal demonstrates the level at which Western Australian Police Force values his contribution with program that he has personally developed with his deep understanding of the cultures and needs of the communities. During his ongoing service with the agency, Mr Latheef has been active in developing and implementing numerous initiatives to build trusting and resilient relationships with the broad ethnic communities in WA. This included
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Mr Ibrahim Latheef being awarded WA Police Commissioner’s Medal for Excellence.
new and innovative means of proactive engagement strategies to develop sustainable working multi agency partnerships with the Western Australia Police Force. In consultation with Singapore, Malaysian, Oman and Maldives Police, he initiated in developing the first Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) compliant Hijab for WA Police Force Muslim female officers. This hijab was the first of its type in Australia, and created interest by other international policing jurisdictions such as Canada, New Zealand and Metropolitan Police in London. Mr Latheef was instrumental in the formation of the WA Police Muslim Community Advisory Group (MCAG) in 2014.
Other Australian Policing jurisdictions are now seeking to emulate similar strategies in engaging with their respective Muslim communities. Due to his untiring efforts, campaigning, and support to WA Police recruitment area, he was nominated and chosen as the “Patron” of the Cadets Program. In recent times he has been assisting the Community Engagement Division in remodelling a counter violence extremism (CVE) referral program, to a more beneficial and effective model. Ibrahim has been able to draw on past personal experiences, in visiting and working with prisoners held at the US Guantanamo Bay Prison.
Country refugees benefit with music and instruments The Congolese community based in Cowra with Hugh Murray, Grace Hickey and Philip Feinstein.
Senator Rice: Bangladesh is a hotspot for human rights abuses Dr Faroque Amin Senator Janet Rice, a Greens senator for Victoria, said that Bangladesh is a hotspot of human rights abuses where hundreds of people have been murdered by the government security forces. In her speech, on Thursday 12 November, in the Australian Senate about concerns on the human rights situation in various countries across the globe, she said that Bangladesh deserves more attention from the international community. She cited a bipartisan letter jointly issued by several US Senators where they called for sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion, a Bangladeshi elite police force, for continuing with extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture in custody. The US Senators have demanded sanctions by the US State and Treasury Departments on senior RAB commanders as they have reportedly killed more than 400 people during gunfights on the streets since 2015. The Senator also mentioned views of the Amnesty International and the UN experts where they expressed concerns about distorted strategies adopted by current Bangladeshi regime to persecute the oppositions and to censor information and freedom of expression there. “Australia needs to be doing more to be supporting free and fair general elections in
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Bangladesh, and to work for a democratic environment that will encourage people’s participation and protect human rights”, Senator Rice said. Her speech in the Senate on human rights situation in Bangladesh came only about a month after a motion about the same subject was introduced in the NSW Parliament by another Greens MP Mr David Shoebridge. Concern among the international community regarding government-led killing, abduction and arrest of opposition leaders, activists, writers and journalists in Bangladesh has been increasing in recent times. These recent steps taken by several Greens leaders have been highly appreciated amongst the Bangladeshi-Australian community. Dr Faroque Amin works with Suprovat Sydney, a Bengali community newspaper published from Sydney, Australia.
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Towards the end of December 2020, Philip Feinstein, manager of Music for Refugees, accompanied by Hugh Murray and Grace Hickey delivered a plethora of musical instruments, laden into two vehicles, to refugees from the African Congo, Sri Lanka and Cambodia, during a trip to Bathurst, Orange, Cowra and Lithgow. This Central West region of NSW, just west of the Blue Mountains, is an area now home to many refugees from many countries. This is an area of over 63,000 square kilometres with a population of just over 200,000. However many refugees are now making this their home. “We brought guitars, ukuleles, violins, trumpets, recorders, trombones, keyboards and various percussion instruments for these people” said Philip. “It was quite amazing to see how quickly these refugees picked up on playing so quickly.” “It was terrific to help make some connections in the Central West , and then wonderful to hear the harmonies of the Congolese community singing and to see the joy of people playing and trying out new instruments……,” Anni Gallagher, Migrant Support Officer for Orange City Council said. The Grace and Hugh, the amazing mu-
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sic duo destined for international stardom, entertained a huge crowd (see www.graceandhugh.com) before the Congolese reciprocated and sung a variety of African songs for us. They even had a piano player by the name of Amos Ibyikunze who is destined for musical heights with his own style of African music. Being a musician from South Africa, Philip played and sung a couple of South African songs including the big Miriam Makebe hit “The Click Song – Qongqothwane” https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhgb60Qsjrs Another surprise for the traveling musicians was meeting Meta and Vichetra, a brother and sister from Cambodia. Whilst the sister took to the trombone with ease, her younger brother was able to muster a few notes on the trumpet with virtually no tuition at all. On his return journey Philip stopped at the Lithgow Neighbourhood Centre and left a trumpet, guitar, violin and ukulele for their local refugees. We are looking forward to a returned visit to country NSW next year to see how all the refugee musicians are going. Meanwhile Music for Refugees still has a few instruments in stock to give away to any refugees who want them – there is no cost. Just send an email to Philip on philip@ musicforrefugees.org Philip Feinstein is a Sydney based writer, musician and activist working for MUSIC FOR REFUGEES www.musicforrefugees.org ISSUE 182 / JANUARY 2021
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TFH: Sydney’s Muslims, Christians and Jews join ‘Giving Together Day’ Nicky Sandler Not-for-profit educational organisation, Together For Humanity (TFH) hosted a dinner last Sunday to launch its inaugural ‘Giving Together Day’ fundraising appeal. Over 100 people gathered at Parra Villa Function Centre in Parramatta to learn more about the work the organisation does with schools to tackle prejudice and create a more inclusive society. A panel of speakers including TFH’s National Director, Rabbi Zalman Kastel AM, Education Director, Mark van Ommen, and Informal Education Officer, Calisha Bennett spoke about fostering acceptance, dignity and belonging as people of diverse faiths. Panellists began the discussion by addressing two simple questions: ‘who is Together For Humanity’ and ‘who are we here to serve?’ A diverse, inclusive not-for-profit,
TFH works with school communities to foster interfaith and intercultural understanding and, in doing so, brings communities together. The organisation has been offering diversity education programs and helping school communities learn how to deal with differences for nearly two decades. TFH serves children attending state, independent (Muslim, Jewish and other) and Catholic schools, many of whom have not had the opportunity to meet and learn about people from different backgrounds and faiths; as well as teenagers from communities who are subjected to prejudice, who feel like outsiders and need to learn how to respond to this so they can feel a sense of belonging and can thrive. The organisation also works with teachers of these students to support their learning and create more connected, inclusive classrooms. The TFH team comprises Muslims, Jews and Christians working together to educate Sheikh Jehad Ismail and Mark van Ommen.
TFH Panellists Rabbi Zalman Kastel AM, Calisha Bennett, Mark van Ommen. children to embrace people who believe and practice differently from themselves. Rabbi Zalman said “we operate by bringing our faith into the work. Ours is not the ‘thin multiculturalism’ of food and flags, but rather, a rich multiculturalism that accepts people as they are in their spirit and in their inner lives.” Panellists each offered an explanation of a sacred object – Rabbi Zalman spoke about his Channukiah (a Jewish candelabra) as the dinner took place during the festival of Channukah, Calisha spoke about a copy of the Koran that she carries with her, and Mark shared about his medallion from Lourdes, France, an important pilgrimage site for Catholics all around the world. Proud Muslim woman, community leader and mentor for Muslim women and youth, Calisha spoke about TFH’s Believe, Belong and Blossom program and its success leading Muslim girls on a journey towards self-confidence and self-belief, supported by female community mentors. Participants gain a sense of belonging to a community, and blossom as they realise their potential. On the back of its success in NSW, the pro-
gram will be rolled out to schools in Victoria in 2021. Independent evaluation by Western Sydney University[1] has found that TFH’s work is effective in helping students to 1) challenge stereotypes and confront fears, 2) deal with prejudice and discrimination and 3) develop empathy, mutual acceptance and a sense of belonging together. By bringing together diverse communities and modelling cooperation in spite of differences, the organisation helps to increase social cohesion in Australia. The Giving Together Day appeal is still accepting donations, and until midnight Monday 21 December, every dollar donated will be matched and doubled. You can support the important work of Together For Humanity by donating here: https://www.togetherforhumanity.org.au/ tfh_donate/ Nicky Sandler is the Communications Officer for educational, not-for-profit organisation Together For Humanity and is based in Sydney, Australia.
Exhibition: A Mile in My Shoes Steve Riethoff The Australian National Maritime Museum, through the Migration Heritage Fund, is partnering with Empathy Museum (UK) to bring the award-winning exhibition A Mile in My Shoes to Sydney as part of the Sydney Festival 2021 from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 31 January. To understand another person, try walking a mile in their shoes. This one-of-a-kind pop-up store, housed in a giant shoebox allows you to do just that. Visitors are invited to enter the store and try on a pair of shoes that belong to someone else and to listen to their story. It might be a tale of loss and sadness, hope and love, of odds overcome. But whoever’s shoes you walk in, A Mile in My Shoes will take you to places you can’t anticipate. Originally created by artist Clare Patey and produced by Artsadmin, A Mile in My Shoes has been experienced in London, Sao Paulo, New York, Riga, Denver, Perth and Melbourne, among others. This new iteration, created with the Australian National Maritime Museum, celebrates the voices of migrants and refugees who have made this country their home – people who have changed the face of the nation and have been changed by it. Kim Tao, curator for the Australian National Maritime Museum said, “The exhibition features 35 engaging stories that will JANUARY 2021 / ISSUE 182
take visitors on an emotive, empathetic and physical journey. The only thing that visitors will know about their storyteller is their name and that they share a shoe size with them. We hope that this experience will challenge assumptions and show that everyone has a story to tell.” Among the museum’s storytellers are a Catholic refugee who fled communist Vietnam on a seven-metre-long fishing boat crowded with 99 passengers, who were faced with the horrifying sight of people’s shoes floating in the water from previous failed escapes; a Scottish child migrant who was sent to a blacklisted Victorian children’s home in the 1960s; a Chinese adoptee who was raised by a white family in New Zealand and given a Caucasian name; a young Ghanaian self-taught artist whose work explores African identity; and a first-generation Australian whose great-grandfather told his granddaughter as the Germans prepared to invade Poland at the start of World War II: ‘Never judge a man unless you have walked a mile in his shoes’. The museum is a national leader in collecting, researching and exhibiting stories about migration to Australia. The museum has a permanent gallery dedicated to immigration called Passengers, 15,000 objects relating to immigration in our collection, and a Welcome Wall honouring over 30,000 migrants. Australia has long been recognised as one of the most successful multicultural coun-
tries in the world and multiculturalism has been hailed as ‘our greatest achievement’. Our diversity of origins, beliefs and backgrounds is a source of strength rather than divisiveness or weakness.
Australia is unique, being home to the world’s oldest continuous culture, as well as Australians who identify with more than 300 ancestries, but we see in times of stress and disruption that the cohesion of our soci-
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ety is easily frayed. Kevin Sumption, Director and CEO of the museum said, “There has never been a better time for us, as Australians, to focus on what connects us rather than divides us – our common humanity. We want to shine the light on the experiences of a wide range of Australians from diverse backgrounds, to build understanding and contribute to an inclusive and harmonious society.” He further added, “Australians are very curious about the world. When we ask someone where they are from, it is to understand them, rather than separate ourselves from them. By listening to another’s stories, we can better understand where they have come from and what has shaped them. We can share their journey, and empathise with them.” The Sydney season of A Mile in My Shoes is an Australian National Maritime Museum Foundation project sponsored by the City of Sydney and the Kingdom of the Netherlands and supported by Settlement Services International, SBS, Arts Centre Melbourne, the Betty Amsden Foundation and AusRelief. FREE from Wed 6 - Sun 31 Jan 2021 A Mile in My Shoes operates daily from 10am - 4pm Pre-bookings are not taken for this experience. Steve Riethoff is the Head of Communications at the Australian National Maritime Museum based in Sydney, Australia
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Islamic Psychology: Mental Health Conference held online by MoH Hanan Dover Mission of Hope (MoH) hosted the 2-day Muslim Mental Health Conference this year on the weekend 5-6 December 2020 and unlike previous years, this time it was online via Zoom with over 900 registered attendees participating free of charge. MoH has been hosting Muslim mental health conferences since 2006. Mission of Hope are one of the pioneers in the Australian Muslim community where awareness and mental health promotion has been central to our aims to promote social and emotional wellbeing of individuals and our diverse communities. Mental health is essential to living a healthy and spiritually balanced life as a Muslim, and it’s for this reason, mental health is a main driver for Mission of Hope’s service delivery. The year 2020 has brought many challenges especially with COVID-19 so with the increasing uncertainty impacted on the lives of many globally, mental health has become a vital part of the conversation in adapting to changes in our lives to cope with adversity. The online conference focused on Islamic Psychology and Community Mental Health of Muslims bringing together international presenters and scholars and local clinicians. On Day 1 the conference featured international and locally known academics and practitioners involved in reviving Islamic Psychology as a discipline in Western countries. International experts in Islamic Psychology and President of the International Association if Muslim Psychologist, Dr Bagus Riyono
from Indonesia opened the conference with his presentation on Tazkiya Therapy, followed by internal academics and clinicians from the Kahlil Center in the United States, Professor Rania Awaad and Dr Fahad Khan explored the history and importance of Islamic Psychology whilst Ms Hanan Dover delved into the clinical applications of Islamic Psychology during clinical interventions. On the second day of the conference, local mental health professionals and mental health educators presented on issues pertinent on Australian Muslims ranging from pertinent topics. President of Mission of Hope Ms Nasreen Hanifi presented on childhood trauma, clinical psychologist Shezi Yusaf discussed the importance of compassion therapy, Shaykha and psychotherapist discussed anxiety and the unseen. Dr Yaser Mohammad presented on mental health literacy training amongst Muslim leaders whilst Ziyad Serhan touched on mental health first aid within faith communities. Social Worker, Mohamad Dukely presented on the mental health of African refugees exploring settlement issues, and psychologist Toltu Tufa explored the recent lockdown of the Melbourne towers and how it impacted on their mental health. Psychologist Carawan Ghanem reported on the predictors of help-seeking behaviour for perinatal depression among Arab-Australian women, and psychologist Nuray Okcum reported on the impacts of sociocultural climate on Muslims emerging into adulthood. Finally, Psychotherapist Summayyah SadiqOjibara explored the topic of grief, gratitude and growth touching on the three messengers of healing and hope Muslim Mental Health conferences around the world are increasing and they are also becoming part of the central fabric of education and knowledge sharing amongst.
Muslim mental health professionals, religious leaders, and community workers. They are fast becoming vital platforms for keynote presentations, panel and peer discussions, and networking opportunities. For anyone experiencing mental health concerns please contact Hayat Line 1300 993 398.
Hanan Dover is a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist at www.psychcentral.com.au and the Founder of www.missionofhope.org.au . She is a lover of coffee, proud mother of three young adult daughters and twice divorced.
Islamicare Parenting Helpline is here to help Kuranda Seyit Parenting is probably the most under-appreciated job one has to do. Everyone knows from the cradle to your child’s graduation, parenting is filled with many pit-falls and challenges. The most important aspect of parenting is the selfless act of parents, who give their all for their children. That’s why Prophet Mohammad (s) said the one who marries completes half the deen. With marriage you are required to make many sacrifices, firstly towards your partner and then with the coming of children, the challenges never end. However, the rewards are immense! The year 2020 has intensified those challenges and the associated stresses and no doubt the rewards as well. The pandemic has changed the world and the way we interact, and even impacted on the way we parent and relate to our family. Remote learning itself, has placed great pressure on our youth as a whole generation have been denied the fundamental learning experiences in social situations, being with their peers and sharing experiences. For many it has been a period of isolation. And with isolation comes heavy stresses on our mental health. Therefore, in conversations with parents, we established the first ever national Muslim oriented helpline in Australia because we believe that parents are not getting the support they need. It’s a free call, operated by experienced Muslim counsellors and psychologists, who are ready to give you personalised support.
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Most calls are referred to specific agencies that can assist the families or we endeavour to provide follow up support and counselling. Unlike mainstream helplines, with our helpline, you speak to a person who does not treat you like a number and your case is managed to meet your specific needs. Being a Muslim parent in Australia is demanding, not only are there cultural adjustments for new migrants, there is the ever-growing communication gap between parents and their teenage children and the multifarious issues that face young people in a modern fast-paced world. The issues facing Muslim youth are no
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different from the mainstream. Drug and alcohol abuse, youth suicide, anti-social behaviour, inter-generational communication gaps, gender identity, family violence, religious commitment, parental pressure, body image, peer group pressure, demands of schooling and the list is endless. With so many problems facing families, those who are the ones who can assist or solve them, need our support; parents. We get a wide array of calls, for instance, some of our callers have simply expressed that they just needed someone to speak to. Others had nowhere else to turn. Some callers have just called to clarify an Islamic
question about divorce, marriage or other questions around fiqh. Obviously, most of those questions are referred to our list of esteemed imams and scholars ready to assist. And most importantly it is not just for parents, although we started with the idea of supporting parents, the helpline can be for anyone, any age and for any reason. We get a lot of calls from youth and we encourage more youth to call and use the helpline as an anonymous way to get support, advice or guidance. Nothing is recorded, we don’t take your information and we are extremely discreet and confidential. A helpline of this kind is a badly needed resource and well overdue. It has the potential to save lives and to save families from disastrous outcomes. But it’s up to you to utilise it and to let others know that it is available. Please share the facebook page (facebook/islamicarehelpline) and website (islamicare.org.au). Many people ask how we fund this helpline? Well really its up to the generosity of the community for the Helpline to continue and we are always asking for more support. We do not receive ANY government funds. The Islamicare Parenting Helpline number is a free call on 1800 960 009. If you need someone to talk to, discreetly and confidentially, someone who is a counsellor, a Muslim who has empathy and can provide that support you so desire, then give us call. We are here to help. Kuranda Seyit is a filmmaker and community worker, who wrote and directed By Compass and Quran: History of Australia’s Muslim Cameleers, which was broadcast on ABC TV. He is also founder of the Forum on Australia’s Islamic Relations (FAIR) and was editor of Australia Fair Newspaper from 2003-2010.
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Metamorphosis Coaching with Jahida
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Journaling: A reflective practice
Jahida El-Assaad Jahida El-Assaad is a school teacher, Executive Sales Leader for Norwex, a life coach and business mentor based in Sydney, Australia. She is an advocate of mental health who uses her social media platform to create awareness around topics that have been stigmatised or considered taboo in the Muslim community. She speaks at events and runs programs for both women and youth on topics related to self-worth, health, confidence, social media, parenting, marriage and trauma healing. She also sees clients for both personal and business matters to talk through their limiting beliefs and helps them to achieve their goals. On Wednesday 2 December, Jahida launched her new company, Metamorphosis Coaching at Coffee Cartel in Newington. Women from all different backgrounds and titles were invited. The event received great feedback as women left feeling empowered, driven and inspired by Jahida’s purpose and being in a room full of like-minded Muslim women. Jahida shares that, “Just like the metamorphosis of a butterfly, personal transformation is much the same. Sometimes we experience stages of our life where we are faced with testing challenges, we feel tired of just eating, working, existing without a purpose and so we go within and close off somewhat from the outside world. We re-examine all of our beliefs; what we were told, what we learned. The process takes much longer than a few days, but sooner or later, we rebuild. We replace false beliefs, held in our minds, with truths, held in our hearts. We shed the old, and begin to emerge anew. Released from our limitations and negative beliefs, we become…free to fly.” She is a mother of two and very passionate about inspiring and empowering females of all ages to reach their full potential and accomplish their dreams. Jahida has a Masters in Teaching, an Advanced Diploma of Business Marketing Management, studied units of psychology and currently enrolled in a Master Practitioner of Coaching course with The Coach-
Princess R. Lakshman
ing Institute. She has had many experiences in life that have allowed her to understand the world and human behaviour in more depth. She broke a global recruitment record with Norwex last year when she promoted from Executive Sales Leader to the prestige title of Senior Executive Sales Leader in one month. She has faced many challenges and did not attain success with ease. It has been a difficult journey for her and she uses her life lessons to educate and empower others in their own lives. Jahida thrives on being surrounded by people who are ambitious, humble, spiritual and life-long learners. She has been in many leadership roles and believes anyone who inspires to become a great leader can become one. She aims to be the change in the world and hopes to become a great, positive role model for her daughters and females in general. If you wish to book a session with her or attend one of her workshops, visit www.jahidaelassaad.com or email her at jahida@jahidaelassaad.com Follow Jahida on Instagram: www.instagram.com/jahida_elassaad
From 2020 to 2021 A time for giving Rabia Rasul The year 2020 has undoubtedly been a challenging year and for some of us has tested us more often than we thought possible, bringing with it a rollercoaster of emotions. But amidst all of this let us understand that despite the array of challenges that we may have faced there are still others who are in far dire straits than we are and whose livelihoods have been impacted in a significant way. As we try to find our bearings after the last 12 months don’t forget to give back to the community, to the organisations and individuals whose work continued amongst the chaos and confusion as more and more people turned to them for help. Giving doesn’t need to be monetary either, it JANUARY 2021 / ISSUE 182
can simply be committing some of your free time to volunteer or lending your voice to a cause. Giving means opening your hearts and using your ability to help others it doesn’t matter what form it takes. It is about sharing willingly and wholeheartedly and understanding that the smallest action has the potential to make a big difference to someone else’s life. If you want to help but don’t know how to, ask, contact them and they are more than willing to assist. As we begin another year remember to be grateful for what we have but also lend a hand to organisations and individuals who have been hardest hit by this pandemic, to come together and rebuild our society starting with the building blocks who do so much but receive so little in return. Rabia Rasul is a university student currently studying political science and law at Macquarie University.
Writing freely from your heart, without self-criticism or judgment, brings about tremendous emotional, mental, and physical release. When you express yourself on paper, hidden or suppressed feelings and thoughts become tangible and you can view them objectively. Once you can see and feel things outside of yourself you can understand yourself better and make positive changes. Journaling brings clarity to your mind and vision. Journaling is all about you and your page. The page doesn’t talk back to you. You are free to express your innermost thoughts, feelings, emotions, memories, fears, or concerns. There is absolutely no cost involved in journaling, except an initial investment in buying a journal of your choice and a pen. Handwriting is better than online journaling. We use a different part of the brain when we hand write, which helps open the mind. Journaling requires no previous writing talent, and you can use any language to express yourself. It’s your private space to be yourself. Your mind is clearer afterwards, and you are more aware of your own patterns. You experience personal and spiritual growth. Knowing thy own self helps one live one’s truth. Journaling Ritual • Create your special writing space where you are totally relaxed and surrounded by peace, natural light, and some essential oils in the diffuser (Frankincense, Myrrh, and Sandalwood, 2 drops each, make a wonderful meditative blend). • Clear your mind, take a few deep breaths, and relax. Let your thoughts flow freely. Do not let the inner critic’s voice censor that creative flow. Remember, no one must read your work unless you let them so make the most of this privacy and politely ask that inner voice to “back off!”. Grammar and punctuation are the least of your worries when you are journaling. • Choose a topic. If that seems too hard then just start to write in the moment…begin something like this…” I’m putting my pen onto paper and waiting for a topic to come into my head. Right now, I can smell / I can hear/I can remember…” You will be surprised how writing in the moment can lead to hundreds of other topics you may want to write about. • Put every thought onto the page. Start writing words and let them guide you through what you are feeling inside. As you feel the emotions, write them down. Make these feelings tangible. Princess R. Lakshman is a writer, speaker, qualified clinical nutritionist, life coach and a counsellor. She is based in Sydney, Australia.
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Some helpful prompts are: How was my day today? What feelings came up for me today? What events triggered these feelings? Did I discover anything new about myself or anyone else today? Are there any unresolved issues in my life? Do I want to say something to someone but haven’t been able to? Why, what is stopping me? What do I fear? What do I rejoice over? What or who hurts me? What do I value in life? What am I doing daily to remain true to my values?
Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga Dr Reginald Naulty From the buildings huddled against hillsides like Tibetan Monasteries stretches the vast continental view of the Murrumbidgee Valley; from the endless skies of the inland crested geese settle near ponds and eagles glide around hills. Lecturers inculcate knowledge, students receive it, honorable ancient occupations in an ancient land. Dr Reginald Naulty, originally from Adelaide, has taught at Charles Sturt University and has been a prolific writer since 1972.
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Overview of challenges faced during COVID-19 pandemic Dr Basim Alansari COVID-19 pandemic hit Australia suddenly, without warning, in early 2020. It followed a devastating summer of deadly bushfires and floods that had tested our Australian society to its limits. A pandemic that would see our economy shrinking, our communities in lockdown, and our health threatened. However, we were not all alone. The whole world was facing the same enemy from within. Our community faced real and serious challenges during this pandemic that can be summarised in ten points: 1. Closure of community centres, cultural organisations, and places of public worship. Our Islamic community, for example, had to live the Holy Month of Ramadan in a lockdown with no access to congregations nor family gatherings, or the usual seasonal celebrations and activities. 2. Shut down of schools and childcare centres, where families were significantly affected. A lot of parents had to cope with the unprecedented pressures of looking after their children’s education besides losing their usual job, activities, and routine. 3. Loss of livelihoods affecting everyone especially small business owners and casual employees. Some families lost all their forms of income struggling to make their daily lives. 4. Working remotely and operating from home. This meant a major lifestyle change and subsequent issues in dealing with work and family at the same time. Especially in terms of work-life balance. 5. A sudden need to rely on technology and study, teach, work, and even communicate remotely. Many people found using online platforms very challenging at the beginning and required a different set of etiquette and skills. We all found ourselves learning to use new terms,
Mohammad, The Chosen! Dr Basim Alansari Arabs, like their horses, did run unshod Constant mental loads had made them pursy Racing, although unhinged, towards true God Worshipped their idols, yet sought His mercy ... Arabs needed the right leader and guide The same as all nations surrounding them Happiness and bliss are sought out worldwide Every human seeks refuge from mayhem ... A unique one had to fulfill the need A person who resembles perfection To rescue humans from unbridled greed By revealing God’s divine convection ... Mohammad was chosen for this great task So that in glory, his followers bask.
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equipment, technology, and skills very quickly. 6. Family problems and domestic violence showed an alarming increase due to families forced to be confined at home while stress and anxiety mounted. 7. Older Australians were the most vulnerable group affected due to them being the at-risk group and coping with the most losses in lives as well as social connection and communication. 8. Social distancing amongst other measures ensured that we are disconnected even when connecting as everything felt different even when we started to open.
9. International students and people on temporary visas were significantly affected, where some even lacked a basic shelter to accommodate them or feed them. 10. The unknown nature of the Pandemic and the medical jargon caused a lot of confusion, anxiety, and fear for many people. All the above points were real challenges that we all faced during this pandemic. Each of them has a major effect on our mental health and wellbeing. As we helped each other physically, we now need to focus our attention and resources to understand their real impact and help those most vulnerable through this endur-
ing crisis. Mental health is the most important challenge that we faced and will continue to face for a while due to this Pandemic. Mental health awareness is an immediate step to rebuild the community’s resilience. Dr Basim Alansari has broad, diverse, and multidisciplinary experience with formal training and education taking him from Management, Science, History, and Philosophy of Science to Bioethics, Medicine, International Public Health and Health Policy. He is an executive director, community leader, author, poet, and academic and is based in Sydney, Australia.
What makes us as good parents? Nasreen Hanifi I often get asked by parents, “do you think I am a good parent?” What makes us good versus bad parents is really dependent upon a lot of things and not just our own perceptions or what other people think of us when it comes to parenting or being a good parent. As humans, we are a byproduct of the environments in which we have been raised in. We can try and raise children in ways that are indifferent to the way we were raised or deemed acceptable by society’s standards but children rarely care about those standards. All children care about is what they are receiving from their parents, and we are not talking about just the material things, we are talking about the emotional stuff. As parents we may have an understanding that we are great parents because we provide everything to our children for example, we are constantly running around for them, we take them to all their extracurricular activities, we buy expensive gifts for them, we always cook and clean for them, and we are nearly always there for them when they are unwell. All of these is not what good parenting is about, all of these is what we call as “responsibility.” If as a parent we believe that we are doing a great job by meeting the basic needs of our children then that’s the perception we have, this does not necessarily mean that that’s the perception that the child will have of us. A child only sees behaviours, use of words, reactions, and use of emotions to understand their world and not whether their parents have met their basic needs or not. Studies have shown that attachment and early intimate connections with parents have a significantly profound effect on the
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developing brain. And that’s what children need, not all the superficial and material things that we “think” will make us a good parent. It goes without saying that raising children in today’s society is extremely difficult and we would be lying to ourselves if we said otherwise. But as parents we struggle with the constant demands of life and sometimes we find it hard to meet the emotional needs of a child at the same time. Understanding the implications of our own behaviours, our emotional states, our own reactions, and most importantly our own inabilities to regulate emotions means that this will be projected onto the child. For example, children often say that when their parents use comments such as; “you are an angry person”, “when I was your age, I was never lazy”, “you are ungrateful person, I do so much for you”, “you will never be anything in life if you continue with such behaviour” it makes them feel as though it is a personal attack on their entire being as a person. This is detrimental in the way the child will learn to shape their world into something that they understand. Most of the comments are not a reflection of the child’s inability but the parents own sense of insecurities, upbringing, and experiences. Children watch every action, reaction and comments parents make which then
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become core beliefs in which the child will use to navigate the world around them. So, when children say “I am a failure”, “I am lazy”, “I am unlovable” know that it’s coming from their own personal environments. When children are exposed to such negative perceptions then the likelihood of them seeing the world through a very narrow lens becomes prominent ultimately damaging their entire being. We have to learn to break away from that otherwise we will be raising children that are dampened by our own perceptions and our own values. We have to help children understand their capabilities and let them navigate it effectively. Our role is to help them understand this world and not impose our own expectations on them. Children don’t need material or superficial things. They need availability. Emotional availability. If you’re a present parent yet emotionally unavailable then you’re not an available parent. 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. ISSUE 182 / JANUARY 2021
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US support for Israel likely to continue at the expense of Palestinians Zahid Jamil One of the legacy of Trump administration in international politics has been his fanatical support for Israel and to pursue some key Arab states through covert means using deception, pressure and bribery to establish ties with Israel. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain established diplomatic ties with Israel in deals brokered by the United States in September 2020, drawing criticism across the Arab and the Muslim world. In late October, Israel and Sudan agreed to take steps to normalise relations in a deal brokered in White House, making Khartoum the third Arab government to set aside hostilities with Israel. Mr Trump announced he would take Sudan off the terrorism list once it had deposited $469 million it had pledged to pay in compensation for victims of al Qaeda attacks on US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998. The White House called Mr Trump’s intention to remove Sudan from the terrorism list a “pivotal turning point” for Khartoum, which is seeking to emerge from decades of isolation. On 10 December, Morocco became the latest Arab League country to agree to normalise relations with Israel in a deal brokered with US help. As part of the deal, the US has agreed to recognise Morocco’s claim over the disputed Western Sahara region. It is the subject of a dispute between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario
US President Donald Trump with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Front, which has been seeking to establish an independent state. Along with Egypt and Jordan, who had established ties with Israel in 1979 and 1994 respectively, there are now six Arab League members to normalise ties with Israel. Arab regimes know well that the road to Washington goes through Tel Aviv and therefore they are increasingly willing to ditch their Palestinian ‘brothers’ and embrace Israel. UAE and Bahrain who consider Iran a threat to their rule have also found a kindred spirit in Tel Aviv that also seeks to contain Iran. With change of leadership in White House, support for Israel will only strengthen.
Kamala Harris, the first female US Vice President elect, despite having left-leaning stance, is a staunch supporter of Israel. Daughter of an Indian mother and the Jamaican father, she is married to a Jew Doug Emhoff and has been very close to Jewish groups in her state. She has made it clear multiple times that her support for Israel is unwavering. Two of Joe Biden’s children are also married to Jews. Jewish community is excited to be represented on the Biden-Harris ticket. Although the top Biden-Harris nominees and appointees may have been made on merit, most of them are from Jewish background with long track record as being staunch supporters of Israel.
There is strong covert global lobbying championed by Israeli intelligence Mossad now for Arab as well as other Muslim states to follow the six Arab states who have already established ties with Israel. There has been fervent media speculation over covert Saudi-Israeli meetings; one report even said that Israeli PM Netanyahu flew to northern Saudi Arabia for clandestine parleys with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. While future of Arab - Israel relations is likely to be detrimental to the Palestinian cause, their disempowerment, their sheer persecution and gross violation of their human rights with impunity in the occupied areas of Gaza and West Bank. The Jews, who indeed have been a persecuted people, specially in Europe and while the new generation of Israelis whose parents and grandparents spent years in concentration camps, have now converted Gaza into a concentration camp, the world’s most densely populated open prison, with more than 5,000 inhabitants per square kilometre where 1.94 million Palestinians live behind a blockade and are refused access to the other occupied Palestinian areas and the rest of the world. It is highly unlikely that Palestinians will see better days in foreseeable future ignored by the world community and betrayed by fellow Arabs. 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.
HADIA Foundation: Eyesight restoration for the poor in Afghanistan
Mahir Momand In the villages of Afghanistan, thousands of people are suffering of blindness due to an eye condition called “Cataract”. This is practically avoidable blindness, however the villagers are not able to afford this very cheap Cataract eye-surgery that restores eyesight Most people who go blind due to Cataract are above the age of 40 and often have many children. On average, a family size in Afghanistan is 7 people in a household. As such, when a father, being the breadwinner JANUARY 2021 / ISSUE 182
of the family, becomes blind due to Cataract he is not able to work to provide for his family. This at times lead to the whole family becoming beggars, the children not being able to go to school and looked-down upon by the rest of the society members. To help restore the eyesight of such villagers in the far stretched villages of Afghanistan that are often also impacted by continuous war, the HADIA Foundation has started a new project to prevent this avoidable blindness and empower the people to have a dignified life. It costs $A110 to do a Cataract surgery including pre and post medical procedures in Afghanistan through the HADIA Foundation. HADIA Foundation is an Australian registered charity with Tax Deductible (DGR)
status that operates humanitarian projects in the areas of health (Eyesight restorations, multivitamin for malnutrition children, prosthetics for the amputees), education (mobile libraries) and economic empowerment. Recently, nearly 30 people including men and women across different parts of Afghanistan went through the surgery made possible with the financial contribution of the Global Aid Foundation. “I can now read Quran as my eyesight is returned. I couldn’t see anything for the past four years”, Said Mr Lala Gul after the surgery organised by HADIA Foundation. Another patient, Mrs Bibi Zeba said that “my world was dark, this surgery has returned light to my life and I pray that anyone who has helped me be blessed by Allah”. A third patient, Mr Hafeezullah said that
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“I am looking forward to returning to dignified work to provide for my family and not be dependent on anyone else to support me or my children.” Please help the HADIA Foundation to help restore the eyesight of more people and return to them the blessing of being able to see and through seeing have a life that is full of dignity and real-reliance. Most of HADIA Foundation’s work is carried by volunteers and as such all donations made go directly to our programs without any administrative costs in Australia. To support HADIA Foundation, please visit www.hadiafoundation.org Mahir Momand is the founder of HADIA Foundation and is based in Sydney.
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Anti-Islamic coalition seeks banning Muslim Brotherhood Dr Aslam Abdullah A coalition of right-wing Christian evangelist, Zionists, and Hindutva inspired lobby is behind the renewed efforts to define Ikhawan al Muslimoon, the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group to serve the interests of Israel and the Arab despots. If passed, the bill will enable the US Administration and despotic governments to criminalise anyone challenging dictators of Arabia or pro-Zionist policies of the world’s influential countries. It will also be the first step to ban Muslim organisations and institutions that espouse people’s right to self-determination. Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz reintroduced a bill in US Congress on 2 December 2020, to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group. The bill’s co-sponsors are Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Florida). Read the act in full by visiting the following link: https://tinyurl.com/yar7yu8h Ted Cruz and his backers want the State Department to prepare a report on whether the Muslim group meets the designated for-
eign terrorist group’s criteria and wants the US to stifle the funding they receive to promote their so-called terrorist activities. He is also in league with President Trump who assured the Egyptian President of his intention to ban the Muslim Brotherhood in the USA when he recently visited Washington. Apparently, the US Senator is following the lead of Shaikh Abdallah bin Bayyah and Sheikh Hamza Yusuf who were instrumental in declaring the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation in the UAE. The ruthless Gulf rulers fear that the Muslim Brotherhood might inspire a people-based movement for justice, freedom, democracy, and equality in counties tightly controlled by intelligence and para-military forces. They are afraid of any independent, organised activity that has the potential to question their legitimacy. They want to keep people as their subjects, not as equal citizens. The Christian evangelists are against Muslim Brotherhood because it has exposed their political and militant activism throughout the world. The Zionists oppose it for its determined struggle against the illegal occupation of Palestine. At the same time, Hindutva is, in general, opposed to any organised Muslim work. They use the term radical Islam without
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Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz reintroduced a bill to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group.
defining what do they mean by that term. If they refer to al-Qaeda, Al-Shabab, or ISIS, they know it better than the backers of these groups were the Gulf rulers who supported them at the behest of Washington, London, Paris, or Tel Aviv. No militant group survives in the world without the backing of governments or the militaristic industrial complex that manufactures arms and ammunition. Islam is neither radical nor passive. Islam does not call for the destruction of Judaism, Hinduism, or Christianity and acknowledges their contribution to world civilization. However, Islam has issues with injustices, inequality, exploitation, and oppression in all aspects of life. Muslims believe that it is their divinely mandated obligation to change the oppressive human conditions for a better world. The Muslim Brotherhood believes in the peaceful transformation of human conditions. It is against violence and disowns terrorism of any kind. But Ted Cruz, under the influence of the lobby and despots, sees the
presence of any organised Islamic activity as a conspiracy to destroy the West. They do not realise that the West’s values are not different from the divinely guided values of Islam that emphasise equality, justice, liberty, and freedom. Muslims are aware of the expression give me death or give me liberty, and they do not shy away from offering their lives for human dignity. The bill is the first step by the Christian evangelists to seek a ban on Muslim organisations, such as Tablighi Jamaat or any other Muslim entity. Like the Gulf dictators, Cruz and his likes want Muslims to be subservient to people like him in the US in their approach to politics and society. Dr Aslam Abdullah is a resident scholar at Islamicity.org. He is also the editor of the Muslim Observer published from Detroit, MI, USA. He is based in the USA and is a trustee of the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin. He has taught at several colleges and universities in India, England, and the USA.
Bangladesh: Victims of enforced disappearances remembered Dr Faroque Amin On Sunday 27 December 2020, Salman al-Azami wrote on Facebook, “Today is the 62nd birthday of my brother Amaan Azmi, a former Brigadier General of Bangladesh Army. I seek your prayer for a safe return of my oppressed brother”. The story may sound very strange to non-Bangladeshis, but this is no surprise to Bangladeshi people. By now, they are accustomed to regularly hearing about bizarre and unimaginable events such as enforced disappearances, murder and torture in police custody, judicial punishment targeting the opposition leaders and activists and so on. Amaan’s ‘crime’ was being the eldest son of Professor Ghulam Azam, the former President of Bangladesh Jamaa’at-e-Islami. His father died in custody, being convicted by a sham and politically motivated trial, described by many international observers as a ‘miscarriage of justice’. Amaan Azmi was not the only one being kidnapped by the Bangladeshi law enforcement forces at that time. Barrister Mir Ahmad (nickname Arman), son of Mir Quasem Ali, another Jama’at leader, and Hummam Quader, son of Salahuddin Quader, a leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party, were abducted by the police as well during that time. Both Mir Quasem Ali and Salahuddin Quader were executed by hanging by that Bangladeshi tribunal, facing the charges of so-called war crimes. When the international community became aware of that ongoing judicial killing
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Amaan Azmi, former Brigadier General of Bangladesh Army, one of the many victims of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh.
Barrister Mir Ahmad was also abducted by the police. His whereabouts are currently unknown.
process, Bangladesh government found that their sons were writing in social media and communicating with several international human rights organisations. On 9 August 2016, a group of people snatched Mir Ahmad from his house. Amaan Azmi was taken from him home on 22 August 2016. Hummam Quader was picked up earlier on 3 August 2016 by a group of unidentified men from the main gate of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Dhaka. Among the three, only Hummam Quader resurfaced in a Dhaka street after seven
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months. According to widespread assumption, he was released after paying a large amount of ransom money and with the condition of not saying anything. Since then, he has been claiming amnesia and traumatic disorder. It is now more than four years that Amaan and Arman’s relatives know nothing about their whereabouts. They are among many other opposition activists and leaders, picked up by the government forces and disappeared. The regime in Bangladesh has adopted this following the footsteps of former dictators from South America and East-
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ern Europe. Although some victims in Bangladesh have disappeared even for eight or nine years now, their family members still hope for the return of their loved ones. They still go to different places when they hear news about finding unidentified dead bodies that match the description of their sons or husbands but to find otherwise so far. It is hard to understand their feelings, though. Are they happy to find out that the dead person is not their family member? Or, are they heartbroken again in anticipating for a wait that seems to have no end? ISSUE 182 / JANUARY 2021
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Awkaf Australia lends its support to a major Qur’an project
Shaykh Dr Gibril Fouad Haddad
AMUST Media As part of its commitment to supporting English publications of the Qur’an to promote understanding of Islam and Qur’an in the West, Awkaf Australia is lending its support to one of the largest Qur’an project of current times led by Shaykh Dr Gibril Fouad Haddad, the complete translation of Tafsir Baydawi (Anwar al-Tanzil wa-Asrar al-Ta’wil The Lights of Revelation and the Secrets of Interpretation) into english comprising of nine volumes. Supporting the publication of Qur’an and scholarly Islamic books has been within the core work of Awqaf (Islamic endowments) in Islamic civilisation and Awkaf Australia is following this tradition in supporting this translation project. “Today we have so much misinformation and distortions being spread about the Qur’an which in turn is fueling Islamophobia. While there are hundreds of editionns of Tafsir in Arabic today, we only have a handful in English. We need to bridge this gap. One of the book topics that many non-Muslims buy in bookstores or borrow in libraries is the Qur’an. Hence, this area needs a lot more priority,” explained Khaled Sukkarieh, Secretary General of Awkaf Australia. Indeed there is never an end to new books being introduced from time to time that distort the meaning of the Qur’an, history of Islamic civilisation and thought, and which demonise Muslim communities. These books easily end up on shelves in mainstream bookstores at airports, malls and communities or community/university libraries. This does not help non-Muslims to appreciate the diversity and richness of Muslim cultures, Islam as a world religion or the Qur’an as a major religious text. There is a
need to reframe this and help people appreciate all this. The starting point needs to be promoting the new scholarly publications on Qur’an such as Tafsir, Qur’anic Encyclopedias etc. This also cannot be replaced by running sophisticated campaigns of marketing a million messages on social media. “Some may claim Tafsir Baydawi is only for scholars (Ulama) to study, but it is far from the truth. The richness of that Tafsir has already inspired conversations with the introductory English volume which was published in 2016. It will inspire far more conversations when the full Tafsir is translated. These conversations are important in promoting appreciation of the Qur’an in the English speaking world,” explained Ansari Zainul Abideen, one of the Awkaf Australia trustees. “The Qur’an is the best study and the best practice for this life and the next,” explains Shaykh Haddad. Beyond the purpose of Dawah the, complete translation into English of Tafsir Baydawi will also help young Muslims. The mammoth project of producing nine volumes of English translation of Tafsir Baydawi started after the successful publication of the introductory volume of Tafsir Baydawi into English by Shaykh Haddad. While the introductory volume was only one sub-part (hizb) of the first part (juz’) of the Qur’an, the 902 page edition was launched in many countries including Australia, and won the prestigious international Shaykh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding. While Tafsir Baydawi may be new to many in the West including Muslims, it became and remained for seven centuries the most studied of all Tafsirs, and it is to be regarded as the most important commentary on the Qur’an in the history of Islam. For a long time in many parts of the Muslim world, such as in Ottoman Turkey or South
Asia etc, one could not graduate as a scholar (Aalim) until he/she completed the study of Tafsir Baydawi. Even today Tafsir Baydawi is taught in almost every major institution of higher Islamic learning. Shaykh Haddad, who leads this project, has worked on other Qur’an projects. He has authored dozens of books and hundreds of articles in Islamic hermeneutics, doctrine, hadith, biography and heresiology. Shaykh Dr Gibril Fouad Haddad was born in Beirut, Lebanon into a Christian Maronite family. While working as a French literature professor at the prestigious Columbia University in New York, he embraced Islam. He then spent nine years of study in Damascus, Syria (1997-2006) and has received Ijaza (scholarly licenses) from over 150 Shaykhs. He completed his PhD in Islamic studies in Kolej Universiti Insaniah, Kedah Darul Aman in Malaysia. Shaykh Haddad has lectured on Qur’an, Hadith and Prophetic biography (Seerah) in many countries. He was described in the in-
augural edition of The 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World as “one of the clearest voices of traditional Islam in the West.” Today he is undeniably one of the top Ulama in the English speaking world. Publishing a work of such stature as Tafsir al-Baydawi is a huge undertaking for any publisher. “Following the release of The Lights of Revelation in 2016, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring the complete Tafsir to the English-speaking world for the first time. This could not be achieved without the efforts of Shaykh Haddad and the generous support of individuals and organisations such as Awkaf Australia,” said Jamil Chishti, founder of Beacon Books. The crowdfunding exercise by the publisher is still ongoing. If you wish to support the project you can go to the following link https://www.kifaayah.org/campaigns/ tafsir-al-baydawi-translation-project or contact Jamil Chisti of Beacon Books at info@ beaconbooks.net
A Systematic Study of ‘The Holy Qur’an’ Preview by Seyed E Hasnain, VC, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi AMUST Media Dr Javed Jamil, currently Chair in Islamic Studies in Yenepoya University, Mangalore, India has already earned a reputation at the international level as an innovative thinker, scholar and writer. In recent years, he is being admired for his effort to establish what he calls Applied Islamics as a full-fledged discipline of Islamic studies. Applied Islamics, according to him, is “a dynamic concept, which studies and analyses the modern theories in all the fields including Natural Sciences, Health Sciences, Social Sciences and Philosophy, and presenting alternative Islamic concepts, definitions, theories, paradigms, models, programmes and policies for the benefit of the entire humanity.” Dr Jamil’s advocacy of Islam is neither apologetic nor defensive. He tends to be intellectually aggressive, without being offensive. He is never hateful, and respects all religions. In addition, he combines creative and investigative style of writing, which makes his works not only highly thought-provoking, but also extremely absorbing. Even the translations of the verses by the author are in modern, flowing English, which makes the work even more noteworthy. His latest book, “A Systematic Study of the Holy Qur’ān” is a monumental work, with remarkably fresh insight into the verses of Qur’ān. What attracted my attention at the very outset was the caption on the cover of the book. The book describes Qur’ān as “a humble endeavour to make a SystematJANUARY 2021 / ISSUE 182
ic Study of the Holy Qur’an in terms of the Systems Almighty God created in the Universe, on the Earth, in Human Life, and the System He wants man to establish and adhere to with the aim of building a Healthy and Peaceful World and ensuring a Successful Life in the Hereafter”. This is a categorical confirmation of the fact that, in Qur’ān there are a very large number of verses, which describe the Creation and Functioning of the Universe as a whole and the Functioning of the Earth,
including its flora and fauna. There is absolutely no doubt that, if human beings have to establish on earth the kind of harmonious functioning existing in the universe, they have no option but to follow God’s injunctions in full. The particles of the universe, the stars, the planets and all other celestial bodies follow the Laws of Nature created by God with unimaginable precision. If God gave us human beings certain flexibility, we should endeavour to work only within the bound-
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aries prescribed by Qur’ān. Moreover. the system that God has directed through His Final Book and Final Prophet (s) needs to be established not only in the lives of the people, but in the world as a whole, including the legal, social, political and administrative levels. Another unique feature of this book is that, as explanation of the verses in the form of short notes, apart from the traditional sources, he has also used scientific facts and quotes from Biblical literature, wherever required. Many of these are the result of his personal research. For example, he has made an extraordinary endeavour to describe Seven Heavens, which he prefers to call Cosmic Tiers, in terms of Astrophysics. He has also presented medical facts related to various practices promoted or prohibited by Islam. But what is different in his case from other scholars who write on Islam and Sciences is that he studies modern scientific theories in the light of Qur’ān, rather than studying Qur’ān in the light of modern sciences. In short, “A Systematic Study of the Holy Qur’ān” is a monumental work, with remarkably fresh insight into the verses of Qur’ān. In particular, I am sure; it will take the subject of Applied Islamics way ahead in the field of knowledge, and will hopefully inspire the researchers, both Muslims and non-Muslims, to benefit from the Wondrous Book of God. I strongly feel that this is a Must Read work for all those, Muslims and Non-Muslims, who want to understand the importance and absolute necessity of Islam in the modern world. Coming by the end of January 2021.
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Hanukah’s Lights for Muslim and Jewish Children Rabbi Allen Maller In December, when the dark nights grow longer and longer, Jews throughout the world kindle the candles of Hanukah, also called the Festival of Lights: an eight day Jewish celebration of hope and the human miracle of religious fortitude, faithfulness, and perseverance; and power of faith and trust in God in overcoming disappointment, despair and defeat during years of oppression and persecution. Over the last three or four generations, Hanukah has increasingly become an important holiday for Jewish families in Europe, and in North and South America as well as Australia. This is especially true for Jewish children. For many centuries during the Mid-
Mental health awareness Mehwesh Ahsan I have always been very mindful of how I approach subjects that I have no expertise of. Mental Health is one of them. I find myself inadequate to write about a condition that can take a life. With everything that is happening now and since depression and mental health issues are closer than we think, I am leaving a little note here…. more for myself but, for anyone like me who struggles with understanding how to address or manage depression and mental health issues in people around them: 1. Accept that depression is real, and it effects the body as much as any other sickness does. Everyone has different level of immunity to fight diseases. Everyone has different threshold for pain. Just because your immunity is strong, or the sight of needle does not make you go weak at the knees does not mean that such conditions do not exist. 2. Don’t compare your hardships or your experiences with someone else’s. Two people can go through the exact same stress and it may make only one of them fall into depression. Just because you know someone who was able to overcome a certain something does not mean everyone can. No Comparisons. 3. Most of the times people are not looking for answers, reactions and justifications. Sometimes people just want to vent it out so that they can hear themselves talk. Let them speak. You do not need to provide an explanation or conclusion every time. Let it be. Let the conversations hang in the air if need be. I often find myself reaching my own conclusions when I give words to my thoughts. Hear it out! 4. Give space to people to grieve, to mourn their losses no matter how insignificant they may appear. If you have mourned not being able to step out of your house during this pandemic, imagine those who are stuck in their thoughts with no logical reasons…. 5. If you cannot be anything else, be kind and dependable. Always remember that it takes a lot of courage to live with a mind that doesn’t function the way society wants it to and if someone is trusting you with their weakness, you ought to live up to the trust!
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dle Ages, Jewish children went to Jewish schools, lived in Jewish neighborhoods, and had very little contact with non-Jewish children. This all changed in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially after WW2. Jewish children, from an early age, now became increasingly immersed in the national and religious culture of the Christian world around them. Their natural tendency to want to fit in led many Jewish children to desire to copy non-traditional ways in general, and Christmas practices in particular. December became the month when Jewish children felt left out if they did not participate in everyones Christmas celebrations; or had mixed conflicting emotions if they did. Hanukah [10-18 December this year] , with its celebration of the value of standing up for your religious freedom to celebrate your own religious traditions, became an important event in the education of Jewish children to be proud of their religious heritage. All of this can be easily understood by first, second and third generation Muslim families living as a small minority in the West, whose ancestors grew up in Muslim majority countries. In addition, recent attempts to outlaw circumcision in California, Germany, Sweden and other places, by people who think it is barbaric, follow the path of the Syrian Greek king whose decree outlawing circum-
cision was the final outrage that led to the revolt of the Maccabees. Indeed, the Festival of Lights is also important for Christians and Muslims because it does not make any difference to the lamp if it is half full or half empty; but it makes all the difference to us humans in this world. As the Qur’an states: “Allah is an ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darknesses into light.” (2:257) The oppression of Judaism by Antiochus IV, the Syrian Greek king, was the world’s first known attempt at suppressing a minority religion, but unfortunately not the last. Other well known attempts were the three century long Roman persecution of Christianity, and the terrible persecution of Prophet Muhammad (s) and his followers by the majority of the pagan Arabs in Makkah.
All three religions emerged from their varying periods of persecution stronger than ever, and this is the theme of the ongoing spiritual lesson of the Hanukkah lamp that once lit by faithful believers, filled with hope and trust in God; lasts longer than anyone else thinks possible. 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 website 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.
Jokowi’s World: The Remaking of Indonesia Book Review: Ben Bland (2020) Man of Contradictions: Joko Widodo and the Struggle to Remake Indonesia. Penguin Random House Australia. Irfan Yusuf In January 2006 I was fortunate to be part of a two-week exchange program organised by the Australia-Indonesia Institute and sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT). The program was part of a wider effort of “soft diplomacy” between Australia and its closest neighbour. It was an eye-opener in so many ways for us - a Muslim majority state (the world’s largest) which openly celebrated its Hindu heritage. In Yogyakarta, Indonesia’s cultural capital, we saw Muslim artists perform a ballet of the Hindu epic The Ramayana in a massive temple complex. For me, as someone of South Asian heritage where Hindu-Muslim relations haven’t always been the best, this was fascinating. Also fascinating was experiencing a society where gender relations were far more open, where women had no trouble entering a mosque in tight jeans and where universities organised jazz parties for their students at the end of term. Indonesia was a groovy place. But so few Australians know much about Indonesia apart from a destination to misbehave in Bali. We know little about their language, politics and cultures. Muslim Australians assume they know everything about Indonesian Islam. But ask the average Aussie Muslim if they have ever studied in a pesantran under a kiai or niai and chances are they won’t know what you’re talking about.
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Lowy Institute South East Asia Program Director and former foreign correspondent Ben Bland has done Australians of all faiths an enormous favour by penning a short accessible biography of the man currently at the helm of Indonesian politics. President Joko Widodo (affectionately known as Jokowi) is a man of humble beginnings. Before entering politics, he ran a small furniture factory in the city of Solo. He didn’t belong to a political family and had no military connections, something most Indonesian politicians rely upon to progress. Elected governor of Jakarta in 2012, Jokowi proved popular for his strong anti-corruption stance and his support for the region’s religious and cultural diversity. Unlike his rivals, Jokowi listened to people’s concerns and secured their support without handing out wads of cash., Two years later, he was elected president of this nation of 240 million people.
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Bland believes Jokowi to be a man of contradictions which reflect not just his personality but the broader nation he rules over. Though prone to micromanagement, Jokowi seems to have not been as successful as he wished in stamping out corruption. His grand economic plans included seeing Indonesia becoming the fifth largest economy in the world within 2 decades, but this ambition has at this stage been dashed by the widespread Corona virus infection. Jokowi’s father, a timber trader and bus driver. His family were poor, often unable to afford rent and regularly evicted from their homes. But this book isn’t just a biography of a politician. It is a useful analysis of a complex nation we know little about. Irfan Yusuf is a lawyer and an award-winning writer and reviewer. He is a PhD Candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship & Globalisation, Deakin University. ISSUE 182 / JANUARY 2021
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Australia Launch: What’s the ‘State of the Global Islamic Economy’? Faseeha Hashmi It’s been a tough year, and we have read plenty of grim stories about the bear financial market, yet, have you ever considered how the global Islamic economy has fared amidst the meltdown? Because there might be other areas of investment you have yet to consider. Over the past 7 years, the Muslim world has been measuring its impact by formulating a document known as the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE). The annual SGIE report is the go-to guide designed for savvy investors, entrepreneurs and industry executives for everything Islamic and Halal-related. It certainly makes good financial sense to take advantage of the ethical needs of the world’s 1.8 billion consumers. As globally the report highlights that in 2018, $2.2 trillion was spent across lifestyle sectors whilst, Islamic finance assets totalled $2.5 trillion. In Australia, Muslim accounts for a meagre 0.5 million, yet, Australia ranks amongst the 17th best globally, according to the Global Islamic Economy Index. Australia is also the 9th top exporter, with food being our top export to Muslim-majority countries. Topping the list is Indonesia, being Australia’s largest trading partner for meat and livestock. To better understand what this means for
Australia, MECA Collective, an open collaboration of startups, entrepreneurs and investors have teamed up with Crescent Wealth to co-host an online launch of the report at 6:20 pm on Monday 14 December 2020, in partnership with DinarStandard, SalaamGateway and the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre. Presenting at the event will be Mr Abdullah Al-Awar of the Dubai Islamic Economic Development Centre, Dr Syed Farook and Professor Talal Yassine of Crescent Wealth, and several local panel guests including Zulfiye Tufa (founder of ModMarkit), Calisha Bennett (founder of Developing Diamonds) and Peter Gould (founder of Gould Studio). The event will be held online and is free for all to attend, however, registration is essential (see details below). The Australian launch follows a series of worldwide events broadcast live from over 12 countries around the world including the UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, Morocco, Spain, Nigeria, India, Singapore, USA, UK, Turkey and Japan. Co-founder of MECA Collective and Australian-based Corporate M&A and Venture Capital Lawyer, Zain Ismail Kazi, explains the relevance of the report and how to interpret it. “The SGIE 20/21 report showcases an in-
teresting, and often overlooked perspective on Muslim life; how we, as a global Ummah [or community], earn and spend our money,” explained Mr Kazi. Not just exclusively for Muslims, ethically oriented products are proving to have consumer reach far beyond the Muslim market. As the SGIE 20/21 report notes, ethical superannuation funds in Australia are emerging as serious competitors to the major players in the growing finance and investment sector. There are two major Islamic financial institutions, Crescent Wealth and MCCA with investment assets totalling more than $2 billion. “In its 8th year, SGIE 20/21 report is a publication that we can be proud of as an Ummah; it’s beautifully designed and presented, hosts a wide range of qualified contributors from across the globe, and contains over 200 pages of thoroughly researched insights, interviews and commentary. For me, it inspires thinking from a different [i.e. economic] perspective about how we, as Muslims, can draw principles from our vast tradition and apply them to positively contribute to the world in which we live,” said Mr Kazi. It is hoped that industry executives, investors and entrepreneurs will utilise this report and ask themselves how they can play their part in decision-making in the global econ-
omy, particularly towards meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. “Arguably, the most interesting part of the SGIE 20/21 report is the focus on entrepreneurship and future opportunities. The Islamic economy is growing and the opportunities available to imagine, design and create new, ethically inclined and inspired products and services that serve the global community, are seemingly boundless” expressed Mr Kazi. The differences between Islamic and other financial sectors are the faith-based ethics that prohibits investing in ventures with compounding interest products and industries that rely on sin stocks (i.e. weapon manufacturing, pornography, alcohol, cigarettes and gambling). Indeed, socially responsible form of investing and ethical consumerism are also significant elements highlighted in the report. “Consumers are inherently ethical, enforcing their values on brands, as evidenced by the recent boycotts of Nike, and the ban by Armani on the use of animal fur, with 66% of consumers surveyed globally by Nielsen willing to pay more for ethical products,” states the SGIE 20/21 report. Therefore, the SGIE report offers Islamic and Halal-related opportunities for new and existing businesses to expand by inviting governments and investors to the table. Download your free copy of the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2020/21 from SalaamGateway at https://tinyurl.com/yamfq4ad.
Stay motivated during job hunting Mehwesh Ahsan Job Hunting is the most stressful and demotivating experience for most of us. You apply for tons of jobs while all you need is just ONE. So, during the whole experience, the only thing you face is rejection. Wait and rejection can leave you demotivated and stressed. I have been through this stage and have been around friends and family going through this. It is tougher when you move to a new country and look for jobs as it takes double the effort to prove yourself from scratch. While I may not be experienced enough to give you tips on how to find jobs, I can at least give you some tried tips on how to deal with demotivation during this whole phase and stay focussed. So here we go: 1. Get up, take a shower, get dressed and then start working on your job search. Perks of being at home means spending a whole day in your pyjamas. This is a very common mistake that a lot of people who work from home also tend to make. Once you get up in the morning, get ready to face the day by getting out of the clothes you slept in and wearing something presentable. If you stay in your pyjamas/relaxed clothing, you forget the boundaries between work and home. And either you keep losing focus on what you need to do or you keep working the whole day as there is no visual or physical distinction between your working and non-working hours. Both of these are harmful situations to be in. Job hunting requires full attention and thus you need to create the right working environment by starting with yourself. 2. Find a proper place to sit to use your computer. If you do not have a writing taJANUARY 2021 / ISSUE 182
ble, use your dining table so that you sit in a proper, upright position and pay close attention to the tasks at hand. Sit properly so that you can do your work properly. I tend to make (more) mistakes when I type messages/emails from the bed or couch. Sitting in the wrong position can also tire you much quicker and will make you distressed. It is important to sit properly and focus on what you are doing to avoid committing mistakes. 3. Go to a library or a coffee shop or a park if you can some days in the week to get a breath of fresh air. It will open your mind to more things and ideas. While nothing beats the comfort of home but, it is good to come out of your comfort zone every once in a while. I suggest that some days, if it is easy to manage, then change your surroundings and work from a different place. I used to walk to a public library near my house and I realised that I got more work done than at home. I used to take a trip to my fridge every few minutes at home, got distracted by chores of the house, took a nap as I had couch nearby... all of this resulted in breaking the flow of things and delaying my work. 4. Do not aimlessly look for jobs the whole day. Read articles, talk to friends and acquaintances in between. Conversations with others can lead you to think better. You only have a few jobs to apply in a day and maybe not even a single job to apply for some days. So when you get up and get dressed, don’t waste your day. Read articles, talk to friends, go out for networking if you have to (Networking is VERY important). Trust me, talking to people gives you better ideas. In fact, sometimes when I hear myself speak, I get solutions to many of my own problems. 5. Set goals for each day so that you know what needs to be done in that day and you do that with full focus and attention. Set goals even if they are very small. My
goals used to be as simple as contacting at least 1 recruitment agency, applying for at least one job. I had a list of top 100 companies and I made sure I read about or checked the websites of at least 5 from that list and once done, I made goals for the next day. With this practice at the end of the day, I had a sense of achievement and something to look forward to the next day. 6. Take a break from job hunting and enjoy your weekend with family and friends. Meet new people, explore new places, go for a walk or watch movies. Take a break whenever you need one. Spend time with your family or friends. if you are in a new place, go out and explore. You do not have to spend money. There are plenty of free things to do. A break is absolutely necessary so that you have time to rest, think through and get back to job search with renewed energy and a positive mind. Take a
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break without feeling guilty. 7. Do not take rejections personally. Keep praying and keep trying. Most importantly... do not take rejections personally. It is natural to be impacted by negative events but, it is better not to dwell too long in there. And while you have applied for your dream position at your dream company, continue to look for other jobs too. Most painful rejections are when you have raised your expectations but an offer doesn’t come through. Look for the best opportunity and while you give it your best shot, keep looking for other jobs too. Job Hunting is tough especially in the times we are living but, remember that YOU are tougher! And that you only need ONE job. Mehwesh is a blogger who documents her experiences as ‘The Ordinary Girl’ and is based in Adelaide, Australia.
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Social Spotlights
Brothers In Need @brothersinneed.org
History of Indian subcontinent @muslimhistoryofindia Hakim Ajmal Khan: The first Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia - Delhi, once sold his diamond ring to pay due salaries to the teachers of Jamia. Below is a short biography. His ancestors were known as ‘Rais of Delhi’, a reputed family lived in Sharif Manzil of Shahjahanabad. Born: 11th of February 1868 (Delhi) Died: 29th of December 1927 Profession: Physician, Philanthropist, politician, writer, activist, Hafiz-e-Quran and freedom fighter. Conferred titles: 1. “Massiha-e-Hind” (Healer of India), 2. Haziq-ul-Mulk in 1908 and 3. Kaiser-i- Hind (a King without a crown) in 1915 for his contribution to the science of medicine. Literary pen name: Shaida Literary contributions: Mujalla-i-Tibbia, a monthly Urdu and Persian magazine. Article in Urdu weekly, Akmal-ul-Akhbar for social reform. Presidency of: 1. Indian National Congress 2. Muslim League 3. All India Khilafat Committee and 4. Hindu Mahasabha. The only person who held presidency of so many diverse organisations. Founder of : 1. Central College in Delhi 2. Hindustani Dawakhana 3. Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College, and 4. The First Chancellor and founder of Jamia Millia Islamia Legacy: 1. Ajmal Khan Road, Karol Bagh Delhi. 2. Ajmalan-a class Ia antiarrhythmic agent for heart condition. Above is a hand painted original colour photograph from our archives.
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**Community Soup Kitchen #3 with The Culinary School** What’s on the menu?? It’s the boys’ turn to cook up a storm for Sydney’s homeless community tonight with 120 food packs being prepared by 16 awesome volunteers. Butter Chicken Sambousek Chocolate Brownies Please help support this project and other Brothers In Need initiatives by making a donation here https://brothersinneed. org.au/donate/
My Home Disability Services @My-Home-Disability -Services Alhamdulillah for the continual generosity of our community and the various organisations that we have met along the way . We would like to extend a special thanks to @hanadi_sankari who worked alongside @thehawafoundation and @coffeecartelnewington to kindly spoil our participants with an open buffet and lovely personalised gift boxes. It definitely was a lovely way to end the year! The My Home Family looks forward to continuing to work with our regular organisations as well welcoming new organisations in 2021 to our evergrowing family
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Unity Grammar @UnityGrammar As salaamu alaykum wrwb, Honesty is one of the essential components of success. Real success cannot be achieved without honesty. Honesty means to choose what is morally right and stick to it both in public and in private. Honesty includes many other morals like truthfulness, sincerity, and justice. An honest person is a person who sticks to the truth and acts with justice in all situations, regardless of external pressures. Such people enjoy the internal strength and faith that sustain them during difficult times and enable them to choose what is right, even if it brings them a temporary loss. These traits of truthfulness and honesty will, in turn, lead them to success. I ask Allah to make us amongst those who are honest and truthful. Sheikh Arshad Ahmad Khan
Amity College @AmityCollegeAU Our Boys High School Principal, Captain and Vice Captain along with many members from Amity College had shown their appreciation to the Frontline workers at Liverpool Hospital by gifting them an extraordinary Art piece that signifies the importance of the sleepless nights and efforts our frontline workers have been through this pandemic. We are forever grateful to all the Health Care workers for their selfless acts during this pandemic and Amity BHS students wanted to show their compassion and appreciation to all our frontline workers who have stood by the community to keep us safe during this pandemic. We say THANK YOU!
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UMMAH 17 - 18
EDUCATION 19 - 20
TOP 7 Memes
BUSINESS 21
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SHARED SNAPS
Tweets
Nashville Christmas Bombing
Di Ramahi Being bombarded with the noise of fireworks tonight is only reminding me of our brothers and sisters living in war zones. The difference is that most are excited to look up and see the sky light up in different shades of colour. Whilst our ummah living in war zones are looking up to see which direction the war planes are dropping the next deadly attack. I ask Allah to protect them from all evil and harm I ask Allah to forgive our shortcomings and our non Islamic ways Ya Rabb Ameen. Remember our Ummah in your Dua
In the six cases documented in this report alone, which represent a selection of white phosphorus attacks in Gaza, white phosphorus shells, burning white phosphorus wedges, or the resulting fires killed 12 civilians, including three women and seven children, one of them a fifteen-month-old baby.
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COMMUNITY 8 - 11
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Fatima Wahid ATAR: 99.60
Zubayr Mohammed Parker ATAR: 99.55
Aamna Bint Talha ATAR: 99.45
Ayoub Bahmed ATAR: 99.35
Ibrahim Takkoush ATAR: 99.15
Zain Nasser ATAR: 98.85
Raiyan Ahmed ATAR: 98.70
Hadi Othman ATAR: 98.15
Hassaan Shoaib ATAR: 98.10
Omar Al Zeidat ATAR: 98.05
Dana Jarrar ATAR: 97.25
Selma Bensaidi ATAR: 96.95
Najiha Rashid ATAR: 96.95
Irtiza Ahmed ATAR: 96.45
Zeinab Farhat ATAR: 96.20
Mohamad Elkhaled ATAR: 96.10
Sireen Al Halawani ATAR: 95.70
Mallak El Lababidi ATAR: 95.35
Batool Saad ATAR: 95.30
Iman Iqbal ATAR: 95.20
Nouralhouda AlMalliki ATAR: 95.05
Nabeel Pathan ATAR: 95.00
Aya Rababi ATAR: 95.00
Ridwan Mohsin ATAR: 94.35
Serene Chahrouk ATAR: 94.05
Nafiah Hafshah Gunawan ATAR: 93.80
Mazen Alaqbari ATAR: 93.70
Amber Elchami ATAR: 93.70
Sireen Elgafi ATAR: 93.25
Hafizhuddin Sudaryono ATAR: 93.05
Reem Hamed ATAR: 92.45
Maliha Aynn Aslam Dossani ATAR: 92.45
Aadrisha Islam ATAR: 92.10
Mohamed Gazi Zreika ATAR: 92.05
Sana Masri ATAR: 91.95
Layla El Hallak ATAR: 91.30
Mamun Khan ATAR: 91.20
Mahmoud Ghamraoui ATAR: 91.10
Noor Sahyouni ATAR: 90.55
Adnan Pao ATAR: 90.50
In 2020, over fifty percent of the Year 12 students achieved ATAR’s of 90 or above. Congratulations to all the students and the teachers for the outstanding results. We are all grateful to Allah SWT for another successful year at Al Noori Muslim School.
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