AMUST
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
www.amust.com.au ISSUE # 187
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Multicultural News & Views
JUNE 2021; SHAWWAL 1442
Mainstream media perpetuating Islamophobia
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Laws against vilification and hate crimes AUSTRALIA PAGE 12
NEWS PAGE 4
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We all have a second brain EDUCATION PAGE 20
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NSW Government grab for cemeteries BUSINESS PAGE 21
Global outcry against Israel’s brutal attacks Zia Ahmad
Sydney rally for Palestine on Saturday 22 May. Photo: Tom Toby Photographer.
The storming of the al-Aqsa Mosque, on Saturday 8 May coinciding with 27 Ramadan Lailatul Qadr, by Israeli forces and then the brutal aerial bombardment of Gaza for 11 days with dramatic images of demolition of multi storey buildings resulting in the death of more than 250 Palestinians including 66 children shook the conscience of the world with rallies in support of Palestine. There were a number of rallies in support of Palestinians in all major cities of Australia with calls for a stop to Israel’s illegal acquisition of Palestinian lands, oppression in the occupied territories and total blockade of Gaza, considered as an open prison with people living in a miserable condition. The ceasefire finally came into effect on Friday 21 May and while it is life as usual for Israelis now, it is time for the people in Gaza to take stock of the dead and high number of injured and start cleaning up the rubble and try rebuilding their houses and life from scratch again. Israel flaunts UN resolutions on a regular basis and its occupation and confiscation of Palestinian land is unacceptable under International law and according to Human Rights Watch and B’Tselem, Israel is guilty of crime of apartheid with discriminatory policies against the Palestinians.
Countering Hate
Webinar on local and global action
Self-care retreat empowers women Princess R Lakshman
Manarul Islam Due to the uncertainty caused by COVID-19, the annual Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair (MEFF) scheduled at Fairfield Showground was cancelled this year. In order to compensate for a themed MEFF reception, an online webinar was conducted instead on Sunday 30 May 2021, the date when the festival was scheduled at 3 pm with the support of IFEW and AMUST. The webinar, titled Countering Hate & Extremism: Thinking globally; Acting locally, was facilitated by Zia Ahmad, Trustee of MEFF and Editor-in-Chief of AMUST. Speakers included: Professor Greg Burton Dr Haroon Kasim Dr Adil Hassan Khan continued on page 9
More than 50 women from diverse background and ages attended a unique self care Mind Body & Soul Women’s Retreat on Sunday 30 May 2021 organised by Seena Incorporated at the newly renovated Dar-ul-Islam community centre in Bonnyrigg, Western Sydney. The spectacular event enabled the participants to gather, relax, foster friendships and feel empowered and included self care tips, pampering activities, three course lunch, henna art while immersing themselves in this unique, blissful experience of self care and mind wellness. Initially catered for a crowd of 30, however, the soaring demand for extra tickets for 50 people was a clear indication to the event organisers that there is a desperate need for women in the community to gather and enjoy a few hours where they give themselves the same love and care that they bestow upon their family members, often at the expense of putting themselves last. Princess R Lakshman, an experienced workshop facilitator, a regular AMUST columnist, clinical nutritionist, life coach, and counsellor, facilitated the Self Care and Mind Wellness segment. The 2-hour interactive segment was a re-
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sounding success of enthusiasm and eager participation where Princess held a sacred space for the women to be vulnerable and share their stories. It was a space that encouraged self-care,
self-love, self-awareness, and self-forgiveness, and many beautiful moments of shared laughter and some tears. continued on page 9
Mind, Body & Soul - Women’s Retreat at Dar-ul-Islam. Dispose of this paper thoughtfully - PLEASE RECYCLE
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Palestine on social media: Facebook bias exposed Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas During Israel’s recent attacks on Palestinians, Facebook attempted to silence the avalanche of voices by establishing a special operations unit to censor, filter, block and remove any content that exposed the truth about the human rights abuses and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. Facebook continues to be the world leader in social media platforms, with an active user base of 2.3 billion people. Currently half the world (48%) use some form of social media. In fact, over 80% of all humanity that are aged between 18 to 49 use social media. In the fortnight during the latest attacks by Israel, targeting Palestinian civilians, media centres, hospitals, kindergartens and places of workshop, Facebook established the special operations unit to censor humanitarian voices from around the world. This attempt to silence the masses that were outraged by the blatant human rights abuses backfired when tens of thousands of social media users responded by leaving a 1 star rating for Facebook, causing them to drop from a 4.5 average to a 2.0 average rating in less than a fortnight. This is the single largest and quickest drop in ratings in the history of Facebook and demonstrates the dissatisfaction people around the world feel with the recognised social media platform, which is no longer able to serve the needs of a woke global community.
The truth is that through various social media platforms, perhaps for the first time, humanity was able to witness the sheer terror experienced by Palestinian children, families and civilians, live, as it happened. The millions of social media users experienced and shared, in real time, Palestinian homes being invaded or destroyed, buildings being bombed to rubble, including the Al Jazeera media building, a direct attack on freedom of speech, and the destruction of essential infrastructure like schools, kindergartens and hospitals. One particular heartbreaking video of a defiant yet tearful 10 year old girl was shared far and wide, as she stood in the front of the pile of rubble that was just yesterday, her home. Masses gathered in every corner of the globe with Free Palestine rallies being an overwhelming demonstration of solidarity amongst humanity. It’s embarrassing that not one Australian media platform took aerial coverage of one of the largest protests in the history of protests in Melbourne. The protests ran over two weekends, before the Covid-lockdown in Melbourne. There were estimated to be over 30,000 people from all over Melbourne, from all cultures and races and faiths standing side by side in solidarity against apartheid, oppression and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. The sheer size and scale and diversity within these protests around the world speaks volumes and it’s shameful that there are ongoing efforts in Australian mainstream media to censor the authentic voices of the people. The efforts made to erase and minimise Melbournains, alas humanity, coming to-
gether against genocide is a blatant demonstration of the systemic toxic biased cultures inherent within mainstream media. It’s clear that there’s a multi billion dollar opportunity to launch media platforms and social media platforms where posts and content shared, especially those that speak up publicly against injustices and human rights abuses, those that speak truth to power, aren’t censored, filtered, blocked and removed. With the demonstrated global market demand, now’s a great time to launch these
more-inclusive, ethical, unbiased products that cater to a more woke customer base of global citizens. Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas is the president of Whittlesea Interfaith Network and Head of Community Engagement at Al Siraat College. Gulhan has four published books and a robust history of advocacy for gambling industry reform, Interfaith engagement, Muslim female leaders and mentoring young people to be spokespeople for their community.
Muslim Lawn
KEMPS CREEK MEMORIAL PARK
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Part of the local community For further information please contact:
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Call us on 02 9826 2273 from 8.30am-4pm www.kempscreekcemetery.com.au
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Brisbane rally in support of Palestine Zaakiy Siddiqui “I stand with the Palestinian people today and everyday…stay strong, stay proud… this is the time to stand up and sing out for Palestine” – Feberal Labor MP for Moreton, Graham Perrett. Thousands rallied in Brisbane on Saturday 22 May in support of the plight of the Palestinian people’s ordeal, stemming from the Israeli police’s violent aggression against worshippers at Masjid Al-Aqsa on Friday 7 May. The rally was jointly organised by Justice for Palestine Meanjin and the Islamic Council of Queensland. The word Meanjin is significant in the hearts of the local Aboriginal people, being the word in the Turrbal language for the finger of land on which central Brisbane sits. The organisers paid a warm tribute to the late Aboriginal activist Sam Watson who stood in brotherhood with the Palestinian movement in recognition of a counterpart nation that was also the victim of stolen lands. Though organisers initially estimated the size of the rally at two thousand people, crowd numbers flourished as the rally marched on its planned circuit through Brisbane City’s streets. At its height, the streets ebbed and swelled with deafening protestors down two to three city blocks, with police calmly monitoring the peaceful protest. The rally was supported by activists and public figures. Organisers spoke of the universal creed that all people are created equal, and the people of Palestine having that same fundamental right. Amy MacMahon, the Queensland Greens Member for South Brisbane, spoke passionately as though a humble voice amplified with magnificent heart – at one point being
Brisbane Rally May 2021 George Street, Brisbane.
Graham Perrett, Federal Labor MP for Moreton. visibly overwhelmed – on the Greens’ unwavering recognition of the ongoing injustice that has been done to the Palestinian people, and the rights of Palestinians to live in peace and security in their own independent and sovereign state. Many believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s deliberate provocative words had sparked heightened tensions that led to the attack on worshippers at Masjid Al-Aqsa, the third-most holiest site in Islam. Netanyahu was facing a prison term for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. During the rally, Federal Labor MP Graham Perrett quoted Israeli Attorney General
[Avichai Mandelblit] in saying, “[Netanyahu] is a politician who knows every trick in the book and even some under the table”. Perrett continued to admonish Netanyahu, calling attention to his politically deflective actions, “for a national leader to provoke violence and division in his own country for short-term political gain is the ultimate act of political cowardice and bastardy.” The mood of the rally reflected increased confidence and optimism about the significant amount of attention towards this issue on the global stage by people from all walks of life and religions, including Jews protesting against the Israeli regime. The movement for
Palestine seems to have gathered momentum from an increasingly activist global populace, as evidenced by the Black Lives Matter and climate change movements, which were referenced by rally organisers. “Now is the time to make your voice heard. You have the power in your hands to raise awareness and enforce accountability. Harness the power of your voice and make change because the world is making change. Tomorrow belongs to Palestine but today belongs to us.” – Rally organiser The rally concluded with prayers for the liberation of people from all forms of oppression and violence.
ed States pays military aid or tribute to Israel in the form of $3.8bn a year. So the United States has disqualified itself as an honest broker,” he added. The US has been blocking attempts to issue a joint statement from the UN Security Council saying it would not help with the de-escalation of hostilities, but it has called for a ceasefire. The UN Security Council’s efforts for a
truce between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers remain stalled, meanwhile, with the US continuing to veto action on the issue. The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network APAN has launched an email campaign – asking local parliamentarians and political leaders to call on Israel to stop the bombing. An unprecedented 15,500 people have sent emails already.
Concern over Australian governments bias towards Israel Zia Ahmad The Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison’s comments that, “Israel unquestionably has the right to defend itself and its people, unquestionably“, has raised concern amongst Muslim community leaders and Palestine advocacy groups of the pro-Israel policy of the current Australian government amid relentless bombardment by Israel that UN says is ‘Hell on Earth’ for the lives of children in Gaza. Israeli warplanes have carried out 1,810 airstrikes on the Gaza Strip resulting in the death of 232 people including 65 children with 1,900 wounded inflicting more than $323 million of damage and destroying at least 1,335 homes, 184 residential towers and office buildings, 66 schools and primary healthcare clinics and 33 media institutions, displacing more than 72,000 Palestinians so far. The Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN) has submitted a legal complaint to the Australian Government, and also written to the Leader of the Opposition. “The situation unfolding in Palestine and response from the Australian Government and Federal Opposition are deeply concerning and profoundly impacting on the psychological well-being and security of many Australian Muslims, many Australians of Palestinian origin, as well as many AustralJUNE 2021 / ISSUE 187
ians from the broader community.” “The unprovoked Israeli state violence on peaceful worshippers in the Al-Aqsa Mosque, on the holiest nights of Ramadan, was particularly painful for Australian Muslims, as was the media and our government’s scarce attendance to it. It left many feeling very helpless. For many Muslims the footages coming out from the Mosque echoed the violence of the Christchurch massacre on peaceful worshippers, and no doubt, it would have been celebrated by anti-Muslim groups and individuals the world over.” “The harrowing scenes of children and families murdered by the Israeli military (61 children as we write this letter) renders government statements of unconditional support for Israel deeply insensitive, out of touch, lacking fundamental respect and empathy, and discriminatory against fellow Australians.” The United States is not an honest broker in the Israel-Gaza conflict, John Dugard, a former United Nations Special Rapporteur to the UNHCR has said. He told BBC World News: “I think it has become very clear that the US is not an honest broker. First of all there’s the evidence provided by the failure of United States to support a resolution at this stage, but secondly there’s the fact that the United States continues to operate its embassy from Jerusalem, which is contrary to international law. “And also there is the fact that the Unit-
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Memorial Park approved to urgently address Sydney burial space AMUST Media Catholic Cemeteries + Crematoria (CCC) has gained approval from the Land and Environment Court of NSW for its development proposal to alleviate Sydney’s urgent need for burial space. The court’s approval will allow a memorial park in Wallacia to be developed to ensure supply of burial space for all Sydney community groups. Many religious denominations’ who favour burial over cremation, estimated at 30 per cent of the population are facing acute shortages in the next few years. CCC plans to provide 27,000 affordable burial spaces in stage one, which will increase to 40,000 spaces by 2050 while committing to create public access to parkland areas, on the site of the current loss-making Wallacia Golf Course. The CEO of CCC Peter O’Meara said, “We are conscious of the urgent need for affordable burial spaces so families and communities can bury loved ones in accordance with their religious customs and beliefs. We already have strong expressions of interest from many religious and community groups with whom we are in regular contact.”
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Vic Alhadeff commented, “The Jewish community is pleased that this approval has happened, and we look forward to both Wallacia and Macarthur Memorial Parks proceeding as soon as practicable.” Muslim Cemeteries Board President Kazi Ali said, “In this holy month of Ramadan, this is great news for the Muslim community, CCC is working closely with other faiths to ensure there is sufficient burial space in Sydney for the future”. Chairman of CCC The Hon Greg Smith SC said, “The trust identified the shortage of Sydney burial space highlighted in the NSW Government’s Statutory Review Report would make burials unaffordable for some sections of the community.” “The development in Wallacia will complement Macarthur Memorial Park in south west Sydney, that has been shovel ready for over 12 months and will provide an immediate answer to Sydney’s critical burial shortage.” “We are in positive dialogue with the NSW Government to provide the green light so both projects can commence without further delay,” added Mr Smith. The Wallacia and Macarthur Memorial
Parks will not look like traditional cemeteries but will follow the latest overseas trends in creating beautiful landscaped open space for all in the community to enjoy, with discreet landscaped ‘rooms’ for burial sites without intrusive headstones. The court’s approval will allow CCC to significantly upgrade the golf course, which will reduce from 18 holes to 9 holes, with a re-design and improved layout suited to all grades of golfers. CCC will immediately proceed to sell a
small portion of the golf club land to St Johns Park Bowling Club, a leading club operator, which will invest in multiple sporting and recreational facilities, including a $10 million upgrade to the clubhouse, which is subject to a separate development application. St Johns Park Bowling Club Group CEO, David Marsh, welcomed the court’s decision and expects the new club house will become a social hub for the whole Wallacia community.
Manchester United players Australia’s mainstream media increasingly hold up Palestinian flag after Premier League draw perpetuating Islamophobia AMUST Media
Faseeha Hashmi Football superstar Paul Pogba and his Manchester United team-mate Amad Diallo have raised a Palestinian flag following the English football team’s final home game of the season on Wednesday 19 May as a public display of support for Palestine. According to the UN, the bombing has claimed the lives of 208 Palestinians, including 60 children, and injured thousands more. Whilst, the firing of rockets by Hamas towards Israel has resulted in 12 fatalities including two children, and hundreds of injuries. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Israel to allow unhindered access for humanitarian aid including food, fuel and medical supplies into the occupied Palestinian territories. Meanwhile, footballers have highlighted their support for the end to the escalating violence. French World Cup winner Pogba appeared to be given the flag by a fan as the players made their way around the pitch during the traditional lap of honour following Tuesday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Fulham at Old Trafford. He was joined by Ivorian winger Diallo that displayed the flag with about 10,000 fans watching after coronavirus restrictions were lifted.
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Manager of Premier League club Manchester United Ole Gunnar Solskjaer defended Pogba and Diallo’s actions, insisting his players hail from diverse cultural backgrounds and that their views need to be respected. “If my players think about other things than football, that’s a positive thing and I think we’ve seen that with some of the players before that they do care about,” said Mr Solskjaer. Following the match, Pogba wrote on Instagram, “’Let’s keep our world safe and free from violence. Pray for Palestine.” The symbolic act comes as thousands of protesters marched in support of Palestinians in major cities including London, Berlin, Madrid, Paris and Melbourne. A similar demonstration was seen by Leicester’s midfielder Hamza Choudhury and French defender Wesley Fofana that were seen holding a Palestinian flag on the pitch after their 1-0 win against Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley. Solidarity for Palestinians has also been displayed online by other famous football players in recent days include Fenerbahce’s Mesut Ozil, Inter Milan’s Achraf Hakimi, Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez, Schalke’s Shkodran Mustafi, Fiorentina’s Franck Ribery and Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny. Faseeha Hashmi, based in Melbourne has a Bachelor of International Relations from La Trobe University and a Master of International Relations from the University of Melbourne. A prolific writer, she has an interest in politics and human security.
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A new study from All Together Now (ATN), an Australian not-for-profit organisation promoting racial equity, found comment sections on racialised opinion pieces in Australia’s mainstream media are increasingly polarising readers and perpetuating Islamophobia. The report titled Politely Racist released on Thursday 20 May 2021 explores online reader comments in response to negatively racialised opinion pieces about Muslim people and unravels the role played by comment sections in perpetuating, normalising and consolidating racist ideas. From September 2020 to January 2021, ATN analysed comments posted by readers responding to 29 articles that contained negative opinions about Muslim Australians in three leading newspapers: The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun and The Sydney Morning Herald. Muslim Australians were portrayed negatively in a disproportionate manner, with 78% (80 pieces of social commentary) of the total (102) media pieces about Muslim people being negative, and only 22% (22 media pieces) being inclusive or neutral. The majority of these opinion pieces were published by News Corp-owned newspapers, while other media agencies barely discussed Muslim Australians in their columns or current affairs. The analysis raises the question about whether comments sections act as breeding grounds for disseminating racist ideas. Comment sections are a cradle for racist discourse where freely exchanged discriminatory ideas are polite enough in tone to pass moderation, but racist in content. While more in-depth analyses of this nature are required to evaluate all aspects of the negative impact of poorly moderated opinion sharing, our findings present preliminary insights into the importance of regulatory mechanisms of a more nuanced nature at both institutional and policy levels. Journalists need to embrace complexity when discussing polarising topics, over a ‘both sides’ approach. Complicating the narratives helps people ask more questions, come up with higher quality ideas and lessens polarisation.
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Politely Racist is unique in that it explores and unravels the role played by online newspaper comment sections in perpetuating, normalising, and consolidating racist and Islamophobic ideas. Previous ATN studies found 53% of race-related social commentary articles which we monitored over 26 months contained overt or covert racism. This jumped to 78% when the piece was discussing Muslim people. Key findings include: • Discussions taking place in these comment sections encourage opinion polarisation • Comment sections are a cradle for racist discourse where discriminatory ideas are polite enough in tone to pass moderation • The majority of commenters tend to voice their personal viewpoints without referring to any facts either related to the article content or their viewpoint. All Together Now’s key recommendations include: • Journalists need to consider more closely the effect of their work. • All news organisations need to cultivate and maintain an anti-racist culture within their workplaces. • Mainstream media organisations need to increase cultural diversity across all parts of their operations. • The Federal Government and the media industry need to invest in media literacy education for audiences. • The Federal Government needs to continue financial support for public journalism. • All sectors of society need to invest in opportunities for independent journalism. ISSUE 187 / JUNE 2021
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Israel must be held accountable
Undeterred for 11 straight days Israel inflicted as much damage on the Gaza Strip and its people as possible, by bombing and levelling high rise buildings, schools and hospitals in Gaza City while President Biden and Prime Minister Morrison kept on repeating “Israel’s right to defend itself.” While both US and Australian government displayed strong support for Israeli actions, politicians both in both countries expressed support for Palestinians calling for justice. Democratic US Representative Rashida Tlaib, the US Congress’s only Palestinian-American member, slammed President Biden for offering statements Zia Ahmad that she said did Assalamu not acAlaikum knowlGreetings edge what Palestinians of Peace were experienci n g amid the Gaza onslaught. “To read the statements from President Biden, Secretary Blinken, General Austin and leaders of both parties, you would hardly know Palestinians existed at all. There has been no recognition of the attack on
News
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- Global outcry against Israel - Palestine on social media - Concern over bias towards Israel
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- Kashmir: Repression & COVID-19 - The waning of the Israeli narrative - Palestinians’ moral strength soars
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- OAM ceremony for Uncle Hashim - Self-care retreat empowers women - Countering hate: MEFF Webinar - Affinity Parliamentary iftar 2021
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- Laws against vilification & hate - Persecuted Muslims in China - Lara: Not just a fight but a lifestyle
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- Eid and Warak Enab - Ramadan story from Japan - What feeds your mind, feeds your body
Ummah Palestinian families being ripped from their homes right now. No mention of children being detained or murdered. No recognition of a sustained campaign of harassment and terror by Israeli police against worshippers kneeling down and praying and celebrating the holiest days in one of their holiest places, no mention of Al Aqsa being surrounded by violence, tear gas, smoke, while people pray,” Rashida Tlaib said. Senator Dr Mehreen Faruqi during an ad-
dress in the Australian Federal parliament on the eve of Eid said, “I will always, unapologetically and unashamedly, stand for human rights against occupation and in favour of Palestinian rights to self-determination.” Palestinians are living under a brutal military occupation in West Bank and a crippling blockade in Gaza and that is the root cause of the cycle of violence that needs to be addressed by making Israel accountable for its human rights violations.
Readers comments
Re: Labor calls for recognition and for some like Jim turn to treasure – the employing its military machine against an courage to call out racism to help vulnerable occupied population that does not have of the State of Palestine Thanks to all ALP members who are supportive of the recognition of Palestine as a State and who call for justice and peace for the Palestinian people. Issa Shaweesh
others. I wonder if the final release of PTSD will come when Jim has spiritual pride in his name Amit Demir. Dr Vacy Vlazna
Dear Friends at AMUST Thank you so much for keeping the community involved and well informed of what is actually happening around them. Thank you for informing your readership and the wider public of the fact that the Australian Labor party is committed to recognising the rights of the Palestinian people to their State of Palestine. This 2021 decision underlines the additional urgency as endorsed by the 2018 National conference in Adelaide, as the principles of recognition have now been placed for the first time in the Party’s platform , thus elevating the decision to recognise Palestine above the level of conference resolution. Only Labor can deliver some justice to the Palestinian people and through your paper bring the plight of the Palestinian people to the wider Australian community. Shaoquett Moselmane
Re: Distressed Clothing: Offensive and contrived
A thoughtful comment with which I thoroughly agree. The standard of most westerners regarding dress codes has become a source of despair for those of us who enjoy going out in clothing which makes one feel special and being confronted by men especially who seem to have no idea of the concept and wearing clothes that seem more suited to another pursuit altogether. I long for the day when the present trend changes once more and one can enjoy the anticipation of wondering what others will wear, rather than dreading to see how poorly dressed they really are. C. O’Brien
mechanized units, an air force, navy, missiles, heavy artillery and command-and-control, not to mention a U.S. commitment to provide a $38 billion defense aid package for Israel over the next decade, is not exercising “the right to defend itself.” It is carrying out mass murder. It is a war crime.” https://scheerpost.com/2021/05/14/chrishedges-israel-the-big-lie/ No support came from the government for Palestine’s legal right to defend itself under international law- ‘To quote United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/33/24 of 29 November 1978: “2. Reaffirms the legitimacy of the struggle of peoples for independence, territorial integrity, national unity and liberation from colonial and foreign domination and foreign occupation by all available means, particularly armed struggle;”. Dr Vacy Vlazna
Re: Eid-ul-Fitr Prayer Locations Thu/Fri
Re: Your Story, in Your Words: Much needed information, great job, Empowering people through thanks, hope this trend will be a regular afstorytelling fair. What a great initiative. Storytelling is
Re: “Don’t stay silent”: Jim a feature of many non-recorded discusshares what happened to him sions and casual conversations. Storytellduring his 8 years in the police ing weaves together different discourses
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Police forces are notoriously conservative which at it’s core accomodates superiority and its offshoot, racism.And of course, there are decent police officers. I applaud the courageous truth-telling of Jim against the racist culture of the Australian police force which, since the Rum Corps, has flexed its racist muscle against First Nations peoples. The Islamophobia that has swept Australia was integral to the promotion and justification of USA warmongering for oil resources in the Middle East and as a member of the US Coalition of the Willing, Australia jumped willingly on the racist train. Scars from racist victimising run deep
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and experiences and distinguishes them as different modes of knowledge that operate trans-culturally and trans-nationally. Poignant oral histories of this nature have, the ability to enrich our Australian sociological imagination. Annette Lorraine Tzavaras
Re: Concern over Australian governments bias towards Israel
BRAVO to the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN) for making a formal complaint to the LNP government for its blatant reiteration of ‘Israel’s right to defend itself’ . According to Chris Hedges, “Israel, by
hussain
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- Big girl voice in Sydney for Palestine - Scotty’s tone-deaf dog whistle
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Education - We all have a second brain - Can listening be hard?
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Business - Federal budget 2021-2022 - NSW Govt grab for cemeteries
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- Steadfast Despite The Pain - #GazaUnderAttack
Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in articles, and Letters to the Editor, Website Comments are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Australasian Muslim Times.
AMUST Team Editor-in-Chief: Zia Ahmad Graphic Designer: Rubinah Ahmad Chief Adviser: Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad OAM Multimedia Journalist: Mehar Ahmad Multimedia Journalist: Mobinah Ahmad Multimedia Journalist: Faseeha Hashmi Columnist: Dr Abul Jalaluddin (Finance) Columnist: Bilal Cleland (Victoria) Columnist: Manarul Islam (ACT) Columnist: Dr Daud Batchelor (QLD) Columnist: Zahid Jamil (NSW) Columnist: Shahjahan Khan (QLD) Columnist: Imam Malik Mujahid (USA) Promotion: Dr Wali Bokhari Web Developer: Shadow Approved Multimedia: iMoby Productions Printers: Spotpress Pty Ltd Distributers: Abul Fateh Siddiqui, Shujaat Siddiqui, Usaid Khalil, Ibrahim Khalil, Usman Siddiqui, Zahid Alam, Shahab Siddiqui, Mahmoud Jaame, Mateen Abbas, Rashid Idris, Sakinah Ahmad, Anjum Rafiqi, Hasan Fazeel, Dr Quasim, Ismail Hossain, Hanif Bismi, Luqman Landy.
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Kashmir: Caught between repression and COVID-19 Anjum Rafiqi On 5 August 2019, the Modi regime unilaterally stripped Kashmir of its statehood and constitutionally-guaranteed autonomy, abolishing its state-level elected offices and annexing it as a “Union Territory” under direct control of the central government. The Indian BJP government enforced these changes at gunpoint, deploying tens of thousands of additional personnel to what is already the most militarised region in the world. These actions were in violation of international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 47, adopted on 21 April 1948. The regime imposed a total communications blackout and a curfew that limited access to health care and cost lives. This draconian curfew denied immunization to infants and young children. India itself is going through a catastrophic situation right now with just under 380,000 COVID-19 infections officially reported, and general consensus holding that the actual numbers are 5 to 10 fold of that number (1.9 to 3.8 million cases daily). The devastating images from parts of India that went viral across social media channels are heartbreaking, be it sites of cremation/burial grounds or people queuing outside hospitals or local charities where relatives are begging for their loved ones to be able to breathe.
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Also at the hands of the Modi BJP government is the devastating situation in Kashmir, where the medical system has been stifled of the opportunity to develop due to the ongoing occupation. For the last two years, the Kashmir valley has essentially been completely shut down. The revocation of Article 370 of the Indian constitution, followed by the global pandemic, saw the already sub-par medical system be stretched to its limits. Currently, there are only an estimated 600 ventilators for population over 12 million people. In the last few weeks there has been 700% increase of infection, and there is only 1 doctor for every 1700 people which is almost double the WHO norm. This sorely contrasts the one army officer for every eight civilians living under occupation. With a limited number of hospital beds, ambulances, staff, and laboratory services dedicated to testing, medical supplies and essential medications, the already fragile healthcare system has already collapsed. There is thus a serious concern about a potential humanitarian crisis that may be caused by any surge of COVID-19 cases in Jammu & Kashmir, due to limited infrastructure and necessary healthcare systems As part of an international propaganda offensive, the Indian Modi regime has organised mass tourist gatherings and promoted the visit to Kashmir of 100,000s of Indian tourists, many of whom may be COVID-19 positive. Reports indicate that a large percentage of COVID-19 cases in Kashmir can be directly attributed to this reckless attitude of the Indian regime, hellbent on portraying a false
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sense of normalcy to the international media in order to avoid international condemnation of its brutal military occupation. Just on 30 April, Kashmir reported its highest spike of nearly 3,500 fresh COVID-19 cases and many medical facilities in Kashmir have already declared a shortage of vaccinations in the midst of other medical supplies running out, including medication, oxygen cylinders and ventilators. COVID-19 has already had a devastating impact upon the already broken economy of Kashmir. A region where hardly anyone lived below the poverty line prior to 1990s, poverty has crept upon a significant section of the population, with the worsening of the political and socio economic conditions. The pandemic has been the proverbial final nail in the coffin for many, with numerous business folding and daily wage workers being left to fend for themselves without any sustainable means of generating income for their families. Food and routine medical aid is needed desperately in a significant section of the community. Whilst the ANZ Kashmiri diaspora have done whatever is possible to pool resources to make food and necessary medical supplies available to Kashmir, this is nowhere near enough in the face of what is required. Local Charities in Australia seem to dismiss all approaches by the Kashmiri diaspora for help for Kashmir. We can only assume that Kashmir is put in the too hard basket in light of the calculated restriction by the Indian Government on the transfer of funds to non FCRA accredited NGOs. And there aren’t many FCRA accredited organisation operating in Kashmir.
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Whilst it is hard, this is no reason to abandon a people. There are avenues available to get the needed food and medical supplies such as oxygen concentrators/PPE/other medical equipment to the region. The Kashmiri diaspora is able and willing to help deliver the much required medical and food aid through well established and reliable channels, with a track record of successful implementation of aid delivery. We can help source food and medical supplies on your behalf for delivery into Kashmir and coordination with public/private medical centres and NGOs for distribution at the grass roots level. Any help that can be provided, no matter how big or small, will be appreciated. To extend your helping hand please contact Anjum Rafiqi on 0403022786. Anjum Rafiqi is the member of the Australian Kashmiri community and a community volunteer associated with the Riverstone Muslim Cemetery Board.
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The waning of the Israeli narrative Bilal Cleland In 1967 I was sitting in the staff room of a high school in Auckland, NZ when news of the war between Egypt and Israel was broadcast. The unanimous opinion amongst those well educated New Zealanders, with one then very quiet exception, was outspoken support for Israel. The system of apartheid, of religious bigotry designed as a political weapon to smite the Palestinians, had not been exposed. Since then, every few years the ethnic cleansing of the non-Jews advances a step, with illegal Jewish colonial enclaves being set up, under IDF protection, on Palestinian land. The Israeli narrative, dominant for decades, has faded.. This year in Ramadan the IDF attacked worshippers in Al Aqsa, in response to Palestinian rejection of the expropriation of housing in Jerusalem by Israeli colonists. In Gaza 248 were killed and 1,900+ wounded , many of them children, by Israeli aggression. Once again the USA under its new “en-
lightened” administration, vetoed a Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. [17 May 2021 Al Jazeera] It did call for a ceasefire later, but the damage had been done. It is 2021 when social media is wherever there is wifi and smart phones. America has shot itself in the foot. Here in Australia the news monopoly of Murdoch, Stokes, Costello and a dying ABC, hampered by a stacked ABC Board, starved of funds, is no longer in total control of the message. An open letter objecting to the biased media reporting on Palestine, released by 675 Australian journalists, media workers, writers and commentators, was started by former Crikey journalist Jennine Khalik. SBS journalists later removed their names, apparently under boss pressure. “But the organisation’s crackdown on journalists has raised questions about double standards: SBS staff have previously gone on trips organised by the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and supported by the JCA Haberman Kulawicz Wolanski Fund.” [21 May 2021 Amber Schultz Crikey] The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance, concerned that some journalists had been pressured to remove their names from the open letter, “advised SBS that any disciplinary action resulting from this expres-
sion of journalistic freedom will be strongly resisted by the MEAA.” [ 21May 2021 MEAA] This most recent Israeli atrocities have brought into action a huge human rights movement and increased demands for real freedom of speech. The outcry over the sacking of Emily Wilder by AP, herself Jewish, for tweets exposing biased reporting on Palestine, has frightened the Israeli Lobby. Her great sin was tweeting on 16 May
Palestinians’ moral strength soars in facing Zionist tyranny Dr Daud Batchelor Israel has become tyrannical, massacring Palestinians and stealing their land, unchallenged by complicit US and Australian governments. The clear injustice of zionism becomes a test. Everyone should speak against these wrongs. Palestinians themselves are gaining strength resembling lions in their resilience facing oppression since 1948. Suddenly, reality is clear: The so called peace processes from Camp David to the Abraham Accords were ploys to entrench Israeli advantage and worsen Palestinians’ plight under brutal occupation. Mosaic law imposes an “eye for an eye” but Israel demands 20 Palestinian eyes for an Israeli eye. To any global citizen with a heart, this is unjust and surely must stop! Against all universal norms, Israeli police crossed a red line desecrating the Al-Aqsa Mosque sanctuary, Islam’s third holiest, and attacking worshipers in Ramadan with stun grenades and rubber bullets. Al-Aqsa is sacred for Muslims worldwide and we honour brave Palestinians protecting it. The attack was a test for Israeli plans to illegally destroy Al-Aqsa in order to build a temple. The Hamas response, firing rockets into Israel, led to Israeli forces illegally and cowardly precision-targeting Gazan hospitals, schools, media offices, civilian centres, causing 248 deaths, over half being women, children and the elderly. A hadith informs: A man came to Muhammad (s) asking: “What do you think if a man intends to seize my wealth?” The Prophet said, “Do not give up your wealth.” The man said, “What if he fights me?” The Prophet said, “Then fight him.” The man said, “What if he kills me?” The Prophet said, “You will be a martyr.” The man said, “What if I kill him?” The Prophet said, “He will be in Hellfire.” (Muslim) Islam has a political aspect, just as any community elects leaders and safe-guards JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 187
“Using ‘Israel’ but never ‘Palestine,’ or ‘war’ but not ‘siege and occupation’ are political choices – yet media make those exact choices all the time without being flagged as biased.” [21 May 2021 Guardian] American Jews are experiencing something of an epiphany. According to Arielle Angel ,” I felt alone as a Jew attending a Palestine solidarity rally in 2014. I don’t feel alone any more.” “The Black Lives Matter movement can claim credit for helping masses of people understand the mechanisms of structural racism and oppression, and for consistently linking the Black struggle to the Palestinian one.” [ 22 May 2021 Guardian] No longer do accusations of anti-Semitism serve to stifle criticisms of Israel. It cannot implement policies of lebensraum and ethnic cleansing with claims that it represents a persecuted minority, with the best equipped and most brutal military force in the region. Bilal Cleland is a keen reader, a prolific writer and a regular columnist of AMUST based in Melbourne.
Hill Face And Grazing Cows And Buffaloes
Armed Israeli police preparing to fire on Muslim worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, May 8th 2021.
Fazlul Huq
its possessions. Given that UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia dishonourably enhanced Israeli ties while weakening support for Palestinians, brotherly nations should establish a new Pan-Islamic political grouping to challenge oppression of Palestinians and chart a way forward. This is especially considering that the 1969 burning of Salahuddin’s minbar in Al-Aqsa by a Christian Zionist sparked formation of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Palestinians are not weakening in their resolve to overcome Israeli oppression. During greatest difficulty, believers receive their greatest spiritual elevation. From the Seerah, during The Boycott (616-619 CE), starving Muslims had to resort to eating leaves and bark amidst wailing of hungry children. The Prophet (s) helped them respond to persecution with patience and resilience. They turned to God and trusted Him. This explains why the 2021 assessment of Islamic Well-Being (Batchelor), found Palestine ranks second among 50 Muslim countries. Secular Austrian-Jew, Theodor Herzl, promoted zionist ideology. The initial objectives were overcoming anti-Semitism in Europe and establishing a Jewish state. Both were achieved. Zionism passes its ‘Use-by-date.’ Zionist supremacism now emerges to benefit some by severe loss of rights of indige-
nous Arabs. Human Rights Watch validated charges against Israel of apartheid and persecution. Israel is currently indicted for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in the ICC Court. Binyamin Netanyahu, is himself indicted for criminality. Britain with its Balfour Declaration didn’t intend a tyrannical Israel. Britain, Australia and the US should challenge Israeli oppression. Zionism is a spreading contagion, rootcause of the 9/11 attacks and invasions-destruction of Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Syria. Israel now threatens countries like Iran and Malaysia. It’s time the UN rules against Israel, which acts against world peace. Peace is unlikely in Palestine-Israel until it becomes de-zionised so Muslims, Christians and refugees live peacefully with Jews. This is an elusive future due to zionist supremacism. Together with fair minded Australians, we call upon the Scott Morrison government to condemn Israel and abandon all defence cooperation with this apartheid and racist state. 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 slanting face of the coming down from the high is seen to have the cover of green from grass and weeds. Although highland making up footplate is seen to have cover of evergreen trees held in line and out of line. As the herd of cows dressed in black and white, brown and red are witnessed to graze on lower part of the face. While the herd of buffaloes almost all dressed in black is seen to graze on the high ground. And occasionally one or two buffaloes are seen to arrive on low ground as a few cows may arrive locate on the high ground. 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.
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OAM investiture ceremony for Uncle Hashim Alim Akbar The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), bestowed Uncle Hashim Abdul Rahman with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) which was announced on Australia Day 2021. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, only close family members were invited to the Investiture Ceremony on Thursday 6 May 2021, and the Investiture Dinner on the evening of Friday 7 May 2021, both held at the Governor General’s Residence in Yarralumla, Canberra. Uncle Hashim was awarded the OAM for his dedicated and unabating services to Canberra’s multicultural community through his involvement with international students, Muslim students, and the community, the Rotary Club of Canberra City, and other multicultural organizations that he has been involved with since his arrival to Canberra in 1969. While studying at the then Canberra College of Advanced Education (CCAE), now University of Canberra (UC), in the early ’70s, he was the CCAE Union Chairman, President of Canberra Council for Overseas Students, President of Malaysian Students Association, and served for several years as Treasurer for CCAE/UC Alumni. He has had a long and distinguished career with the Australian Public Service, spanning from 1972 to 1998, culminating in some senior diplomatic postings in Ethiopia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
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Uncle Hashim founded the Islamic Society of the ACT in 1972, became its inaugural President for 7 years, and is still involved with it as its Treasurer for the last 12 years. He served the Rotary Club of Canberra City for 18 years, with a stint holding positions at local and district levels; he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow in 1987, Rotary’s highest recognition. Even at the ripe old age of 80, Uncle Hashim is still active in Canberra’s Muslim and Malaysian communities. He is involved in the provision of Islamic burial rituals for deceased fellow Muslims which includes bathing, shrouding, and burial at the Muslim cemetery; a cemetery in which he, as the President of the Islamic Society of the ACT in the 1970s, was heavily involved in during its planning stages. Uncle Hashim is a registered and qualified Pastoral Carer with Canberra, Calvary, and the University of Canberra Hospitals and visits Muslim patients in these hospitals on a weekly basis or as called upon to do so. AMAR which stands for Australian Muslim Aged and Respite Care Cooperative Limited is the latest venture that Uncle Hashim is involved with. AMAR’s aim is to provide our Muslim seniors with a home-like living atmosphere coupled with full medical and professional aged and respite care with due respect given to their religious, cultural, social, and dietary requirements. Services to be provided may also include those given in the seniors’ homes. Uncle Hashim has been the Chair of AMAR since its inception in 2017 and has guided the organization through its forma-
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tive years which is well on its way to becoming a registered aged care provider. The OAM awarded to Uncle Hashim has prompted the Governor General’s Office to produce a short video clip featuring him which intends to encourage other migrant communities to nominate personalities within their communities who, like Uncle Hashim, are dedicated to the advancement of the community. The OAM bestowed on Uncle Hashim has been given to a most deserving, ever helpful, and staunch community-minded Muslim, providing his services not just to
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Muslims but also to the general Canberra multicultural community. It would be a great day for Canberra if we could only produce another such personality, probably half as dedicated as Uncle Hashim, to serve members of the Canberra multicultural community. May Allah shower His blessings on Uncle Hashim and grant him a long life so that his services could continue to be made available in the days to come. Alim Akbar has been involved with various Islamic organisations for the past 47 years.
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Self-care retreat empowers women Continued from page 1 Henna art by Hayaath. The highlight of the segment was when each woman intuitively chose a card from the deck of self-care cards that Princess had handed out and to everyone’s surprise, each card had a message that strongly resonated with their soul and reminded them to breathe more, slow down, appreciate life through a daily practice of gratitude, learn the art of saying no, and let go of the disease to please people and embrace the practice of pleasing only Allah. Mehar Ahmad, President of Seena Inc together with her team members and help from the family meticulously decorated the venue with red carpet treatment, twinkling warmth of tea light candles, soft comfortable couches and round tables laid with elaborate catering including sumptuous entree dishes of savories, pastries, and desserts catered by J’adore Kitchen and a gift bag for all to take home. The formal program MC’d by Mobinah Ahmad started with a beautiful recitation of Quran by 9-year-old Halimah Bokhari, welGift bags. come and introduction of Seena by Mehar, Entree catered by J’adore Kitchen. presentation by Princess, vote of thanks by Sakinah and included congregational Zuhr prayer led by Mobinah followed by many entertaining activities. Seena Incorporated, in collaboration with AMUST, Dar-ul-Islam venue and Princess R Lakshman, looks forward to hosting another Mind Body Soul Women’s Retreat in the near future. Watch this space for details. A couple of prompt comments received after the event are reproduced below: “I attended the self care program yesterday the 30 May. Jazaakallahu khayr for doing such a beautiful event. I benefited very much from it and have shared with my husband and family. Before I left the hosts were really busy and I could not thank them enough and also wanted to know about the future program inshallah.” “Jazakallahu Khayr for organising such a wonderful event, just what me and my sister needed. Please run this more often, every 3 months would be perfect.”
Mrs Mehar Ahmad, Seena Inc. President with Princess R Lakshman, Owner of Mind Body Healing Hub.
Mrs Mehar Ahmad, Seena Inc. President.
Baklava and Knafeh were served for dessert.
Princess R Lakshman, Owner of Mind Body Healing Hub.
Countering hate: Webinar on local and global action Continued from page 1 One of the planned speakers, Ms Rita Jabri-Markwell was unable to participate due to a family emergency. Zia Ahmad introduced the topic and its relevance to current events and challenges highlighting the concerns on the effect of hate speech leading to violent behaviour in the community and review various efforts being made by activists, NGOs, legal professionals, academics, and government auJUNE 2021 / ISSUE 187
thorities in countering this locally as well as globally. Professor Burton, presented a set of slides that helped frame the topic and understand the issues that society is dealing with, in particular the distinction between hateful extremism and violent extremism and how they are linked. He also broke down what lessons could be learnt from the Christchurch massacre, noting that “if it can happen in Christchurch, it can happen any-
where.” Dr Kasim focussed on countering extremism, discrimination and hate through activism. He pointed out that this is “more than academic, its very personal” indicating that there are real consequences to hate and extremism on individuals and communities. Dr Khan shared his thoughts on what constitutes Islamophobic discourse and our response to it. In particular he focussed on the three frames of blasphemous speech acts,
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offences against religious sensitivity and racist speech. The webinar then progressed to the speakers taking questions from the attendees and providing their responses and then Zia Ahmad praying that in 2022 MEFF will resume hosting the festival once again.
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Adelaide: Sharing the Spirit of Ramadan Rev Jesse Size and Dr Mehmet Aslan The Friendship and Dialogue Iftar Dinner was held on Friday 9 May 2021 at Para Hills Community Hub, Adelaide organised by Multi-cultural Youth Education Support Services (McYESS) and the Uniting Church supported by Pinnacle College Pastoral Care, Community Engagement and the McYESS ladies’ group. The event was attended by more than 110 people enjoying the interfaith gathering and breaking bread together in an atmosphere of friendship and understanding. The year fasting of Ramadan commenced on the 12 April, with Muslims all around the world fasting from dawn to dusk until 12 May. Iftar dinners are an important feature of Ramadan celebrations. Here in Adelaide this was a special interfaith and intercultural gathering at an Iftar dinner to promote cultural understanding and tolerance during this important spiritual month. Iftar dinners place an emphasis on the enjoyable company of others in a relaxed environment. Those fasting, break their fast not only with their family and friends, but also with people they have not met before. Meeting together with others at the Iftar table is inclusive, rewarding, and stimulating. An Iftar dinner encourages mutual understanding and gives those attending a sense of belonging to our contemporary multi-cultural society. Dr Mehmet Aslan, McYESS Community Engagement Manager and co-host of the event made an introductory speech at the event.
During his address, Dr Aslan commented said, “In a spirit of friendship, solidarity and breaking down cultural & religious barriers for a better world, I think it is a great opportunity for individuals to engage in firsthand cultural exchange and dialogue and meet over an iftar meal. As we all know, only too well, the world has suffered greatly from problems caused by disunity and intolerance.” “I would like to relate a short story told by the great Sufi scholar, poet, and teacher Rumi. Rumi lived in the 13th century, in Anatolia, Turkey. In Sufi teachings students had to answer two questions at the end of each day. If they answered the first question with a ‘Yes’ there was no need for the second question. The first question was, “have you broken a heart today?” and the second, ‘have you performed your daily prayers?’ The first question does not specify the race, background or religion of the person whose heart has been broken. This shows that spirituality is only beautified and relevant
when humanity is exalted… and that human values are the core of our being. This illustrates Rumi’s insight into what is truly important for all human beings.” Rev Jesse Size, Para Hills Uniting Church said,“… As faith communities we ought to be gift-giving communities, and this is exactly what we all experienced at this Iftar gathering. At this wonderful dinner we had the gift of being together in ways we do not normally encounter. We have the gift of conversation and the opportunity to learn new things along with the extraordinary gifts of hospitality, music, and friendship. For me faith makes most sense when it brings us together at the table. At the table we discover a hunger greater than a physical need. I pray that the remaining days of Ramadan are most blessed. Ramadan Kareem…” On behalf of Para Vista Uniting Church, Rev Lyn Leane, another co-host of this event also addressed the audience saying,” I wanted to thank you again for last night’s wonderful gathering of all our people. The hos-
pitality was wonderful as was the generosity of the Pinnacle College and McYESS Community. I give special thanks to the women and men for preparing the food. I cannot say enough about the joy that Farhan’s troupe and his glorious singing brought to the occasion. After some difficult, personal problems, I once again found something healing and meaningful in the beauty and energy of the troupe’s musical gift to us all’. Iftar dinners during Ramadan highlight how people from differing faiths and cultural backgrounds can get together to promote mutual understanding and tolerance demonstrating a spirit of cooperation and a most positive friendly atmosphere. Rev Jesse Size is a Minister at Para Hills UC, Adelaide and Dr Mehmet Aslan is the Community Engagement Manager at McYESS Ltd, Adelaide.
The 7th annual Premier’s Iftar Dinner in Victoria Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas The glamorous Annual Premiers Iftar Dinner 2021 was hosted by Acting Premier Honorable James Merlino MP at Melbourne’s prestigious landmark venue, Grand Hyatt on Monday 10 May. The prestigious tradition of the Annual Iftar Dinner was first established by Premier Daniel Andrews, who was sorely missed at this event. The event MC was Iman Balla, who began with inviting prominent Melbournian Imam Alaa Elzokm, for the beautiful opening Quran Recitation. Imam Alaa also said a heartfelt opening prayer, setting the tone of inclusion and collaboration towards the coming good by stating, “Oh our Lord we ask you to heal the hearts of all the families who have lost their loved ones during the pandemic, help humanity get over this virus… keep us all safe from any harm. Oh our Lord, spread peace amongst humanity, unite our hearts and bring us close together so we can work for the betterment of our country, Australia.” Sheikh Dr Mohammed Abu Omar per-
formed a very moving Athaan, sighting the time for iftaar, the breaking of the fast. The speech of the Grand Mufti of Australia Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, reflected on the community leaders who work hard for the prosperity of our state and reflected on the difficult year that had passed where the the mosques were closed and even the call to prayer was telling people to pray at their homes. He expressed that, “Religion has been one of the vital means of supporting individuals in the face of adversity and tribulations. We need to establish a strong values system… we are all brothers and sisters in humanity of different races, religions and civilisations….” Acting Premier Honourable MP James Merlino began his speech with a heartfelt ‘Assalamualeykum.’ Mr James Merlino MP reflected that this event had bipartisan support, with both sides of the isle of state government represented. He also acknowledged “every member of the community who’s working together to make our state (of Victoria) more tolerant and inclusive,” and gave good news that Premier Daniel Andrews was recovering well.
From left: The. Hon James Merlino MP, Acting Premier, Iman Balla, MC and The Hon. Ros Spence MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs
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He explained that this event is, “A symbol of the importance of the Muslim community in Victoria and the contributions that you make to our state. Our government is proud to stand alongside you and we always will be.” Mr Merlino reflected on others around the world who are observing Ramadhan in the most trying of circumstances. On behalf of the Victoria Government, MP James Merlino ended his speech by thanking each and every community leader who worked tirelessly to keep their loved ones safe and their communities safe. Ms Ros Spence MP reflected on the past year where she worked alongside multicultural communities and praised the “Strength, determination, compassion and care of everyone who supported one another across Victoria.” She pointed out the “invaluable role our community leaders played in communicating vital information, providing well-being support and advocating for the specific needs of their community. Our multicultural and multi faith leaders were present, and they led from the frontline.” Keynote speaker, CEO of Australian
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Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights, Diana Sayed gave a powerful speech specifically acknowledging that “I am not self made. I’m community made. I’m family made, ancestor made. I stand before you carrying the enormous legacy of Muslim women who had the incredible foresight, wisdom and entrepreneurial spirit, to understand that Muslim women needed specialised services and programs.” She paid tribute to the Palestinian families at Sheikh Jarrah and the attacks on peaceful prayergoers at Al Aqsa mosque, expressing thoughts and prayers to be with our brothers and sisters in Palestine. She closed by saying, “We need meaningful engagement in order to see accurate representation of our communities and their needs. This means engaging from the beginning and being a strong voice and advocate.” Prayers were made for the complete recovery of Premier Daniel Andrews with hopes of seeing him back at his post, leading Victoria forward. We thank the Honourable Acting Premier James Merlino for this generous invitation and continuing the tradition of the Annual Premier’s Iftar Dinner in Victoria. ISSUE 187 / JUNE 2021
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The Garden of Humanity: Affinity Parliamentary Iftar resumes in 2021
Gulen Azra Polat On Thursday 6 May, 150 guests gathered at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney to break bread in the spirit of harmony and diversity at Affinity Intercultural Foundation’s twelfth annual Friendship and Dialogue Iftar dinner. The gathering saw guests from diverse backgrounds in attendance, including members of Parliament, police, Royal Australian Navy members, religious, community and education leaders, businesspeople, academics, members of the judiciary and media as well as representatives from other faiths and cultures. The diversity of backgrounds, added to the rich tapestry of the evening and is symbolic of the multiculturalism and diversity that we see in Australia. Ms Philippa McDonald, Former ABC Reporter, Journalist and Communications Specialist Acted as the MC on stage with her charming presence and set the night with its proceedings. The evening began with a most extraordinary Acknowledgement of Country and Elders from Ms Phillipa McDermott, Chairperson of Bangarra Dance Theatre & Lead Indigenous Employment and Diversity ABC. This was followed by a colourful and spectacular Didgeridoo performance, where the audience was captivated by Uncle Walangari Karntawarra, Australian Aboriginal Artist and Affinity’s valuable advisory member. Mr Bilal Kilic from Amity College delivered the ‘adhan’ (call to prayer) and the fast was broken with dates followed by a magnificent three-course dinner. During his speech as co-host the Hon Dr Geoff Lee MP, Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans, shared on a light note, how wonderful it is to be gathered on this evening with over twenty guests, face-to face rather than via Zoom last year. “Having a dinner is the best ways for any background whether multicultural, multifaith society, it’s a leveling playing field, like sport, that we can all join together and celebrate everything good that makes us Australian. Ramadan is a particularly important time that we self-sacrifice, doing good for others and providing charity for others in this month,” he said. Co-host Ms Sophie Cotsis MP, Shadow Minister for Better Public Services, touched on how “Affinity embodies humanity, in bringing everyone together, fighting through barriers during uncertain days.” Presenting his warm welcome, Executive Director of Affinity, Mr Ahmet Polat, decreed tonight’s dinner as ‘The garden of humanity’, which was “inspired by a desire to celebrate the possibility and perhaps one day, the reality of peaceful coexistence among all faiths and all cultures in society.” “Our main goal is to accept each other unequivocally as valued members who have a rightful place in society. I have four words that came to my mind while reflecting on tonight’s Iftar dinner “courage, vision, dedication, and optimism”. This Iftar dinner is a profoundly optimistic gathering. It has estabJUNE 2021 / ISSUE 187
lished on a belief that we can learn, and we can give, and it seems to me, that this is the vision and future of the world we would like to have and build towards. We are dedicated and courageous to oversee our differences and share a delightful conversation over a delightful meal,” he said. A tranquil Quran recitation was provided by Mr Ibrahim Karaisli from Amity College, followed by an Affinity Parliament Iftar Dinner Highlight video. This video encapsulated the last 5 dinners, held in the NSW Parliament House, in a nutshell. The Grand Mufti, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed’s speech was presented by ANIC spokesperson Mr Bilal Rauf. “We as Muslims believe that all humanity comes from one source and are therefore, brothers and sisters united in their humanity. True belief in Islam is intertwined love for all people. Our Prophet (s) said, none of you will truly believe until you love for your brother, what you love for yourself.” The audience was transported to Ottoman times with a special Sufi music performance by Tarik Hussein and Tariq Hawala. In her keynote address, Tracey Holmes, senior reporter, and presenter at ABC’s
NewsRadio, The Ticket said that the dinner contributed to building social cohesion and trust between different people. “There is much to despair but yet again here we all are, different but together. With different worldviews, but able to share a meal in peace. We challenge our worldviews, but we are together in peace,” she said. “We were able to change one word of the national anthem, so at least now we are all one. I don’t say any of these things with political overtone, I am not talking about politics. I am talking about people. I am talking about you and I am talking about me. I am talking about the ground that we share together, despite all of our differences. We cannot let humanity become politicised.” “We will never ever all be the same and isn’t that a wonderful thing. We will never ever all think the same way. We do not even experience this world in the same way, we’ve not even experienced tonight in the same way. And yet once again, here we are in peace. ” Floor reflections were provided by distinguished guests. Ms Naomi Steer, National Director Australia for UNHCR, shared her insight, “I am always hopeful because in my work I see sometimes the worst of humanity,
but I certainly see the best of humanity and tonight I see that reflected within everybody here, and I really hope we will take that outside and beyond globally in support of the most vulnerable people we know.” Judge Dale Kemp, The Federal Circuit Court, reflected, “As a judge involved in family law matters, the court has to consider making orders in the best interest of children. The principles are divided into primary considerations (the need to maintain meaningful relationships between children and parents) and additional considerations (one such matter relates to the lifestyle, culture and traditions of the child and the parents). Events such as tonight raised the awareness of the lifestyle and cultural traditions of Muslims.” A special guest joined from the United States, NBA basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers Mr Enes Kanter, who shared his humble view of sports. “I believe sport delivers connection and belonging in the community. It is something that people from all walks of life can join together to play, cheer, celebrate, and appreciate, despite any ethnic, religious, or cultural differences. Sport also promotes and celebrates diversity by rejecting racism and division and promoting Unity and Inclusion. It is with these values that we hope to create a world where all are comfortable and respected in all they do,” Enes said. A vote of thanks was offered by Mr Craig Foster AM, Former Socceroo, Broadcaster, Adjunct Professor, Author, Human Rights Activist & Affinity Advisory Board Member. “This is so important, what is happening in this room tonight and always is at this event, is when you look around you see the true vision of what Australia is. You see more than that actually, the promise of what we can be. You see here, an Australian secular society where everyone is free to exercise their own faith, to have their own beliefs and to be respected for doing so. But more than that, to come together, to sit together, to break fast and build understanding, and as Cousin Ahmet would say, to conduct dialogue and conversations, people to people connections, and breaking down barriers.” “It’s not just multiculturalism, diversity, inclusion, and it’s not just tolerating other people and other faiths, we accept them. Actually it’s saying we are better together. That is real multiculturalism. It’s to say this person next to me is part of this country, is equal to me, and I will fight for you when it is necessary, ” he said. Concluding remarks were provided by Mr Richard Broinowski AM, Former Australian Public Servant & Diplomat and Affinity advisory board member who wished “at this time of international crisis, we must hope that the tradition of self-reflection imbued within Ramadan will result in tolerance across our community. We need tolerance now more than ever before.” This event was possible with the generous support from sponsors including Pfizer Australia Biopharmaceuticals, Innovo Technology Solutions, Galaxy Foundation and the Australian Relief Organisation. Gulen Azra Polat is an intern at Affinity Intercultural Foundation and is based in Sydney, Australia.
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Laws against vilification and hate crime Queensland campaign milestone celebrated AMUST Media Queensland campaigners gathered to celebrate the announcement that the Palaszczuk’s Government had referred the state’s vilification and hate crime laws to a parliamentary inquiry. The Queensland Parliament will consider
the campaigners Options Paper. Australian Muslim lawyer, Rita Jabri-Markwell, Co-Chair of the Communities Coalition, alongside Christine Castley from Multicultural Australia, said the move was a great win, but now the community had to drive home their case. “We really encourage community members with lived experience of hate incidents
or hate crime, whether you reported it or not, to share your story,” said Jabri-Markwell. “There isn’t much police data, which means community leaders have to work doubly hard to show that racist abuse, harassment and threats are a real thing.” “People’s personal stories are really powerful and will be a big help right now insha’Allah.”
Some members of the Community Coalition that fought for a review of hate crime laws in Queensland (Image courtesy of Multicultural Australia).
Queensland’s Muslim community members are encouraged to contact the Islamic Council of Queensland (ICQ), the Islamic Women’s Association (IWAA) or Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN) about sharing their experience of hate incidents or crime. Examples of hate incidents include racist verbal abuse, harassment or threats in public places, physical assault, theft or vandalism. It includes online or offline and behaviour. These organisations will be gathering stories in June and looking to finalise their submissions in early July 2021. Legal minds coming together The Communities Coalition is bringing together legal minds from diverse backgrounds to understand what will make a difference to victims. It will consider laws and penalties used elsewhere in Australia, as well as the UK, US and Scotland, to understand what these regimes cover and do well when it comes to victim protection, policing and deterring hate crime. The Coalition also hopes to consult with police in Queensland on proposals. The Queensland Police Commissioner has already publicly welcomed the inquiry. For more information on the campaign head to BetterLaws4SafeQld.com.au
MELS engagement with migrants and refugees Tu Le The Migrant Employment Legal Service (MELS) kicked off the Employment Law Community ‘Train the Trainer’ Program at the end of April 2021. Over 8 weeks, 16 community leaders and workers from diverse migrant and refugee backgrounds will receive training from government agencies and organisations. Our training partners include but are not limited to the Fair Work Ombudsman, Fair Work Commission, Baker McKenzie, Legal Aid NSW, Australian Tax Office, Anti-Discrimination NSW and Unions NSW, in employment and anti-discrimination laws and services. Once they complete the training, the participating community leaders will then educate their own communities about workplace laws and assist to improve access to legal services for vulnerable migrant worker communities that traditionally do not access mainstream services. Over the program, the
community leaders will prepare their community presentations whilst learning invaluable tips on how to effectively communicate from our training partners “We know that a lot of migrant workers get their information from family, friends and other trusted members within their communities. To improve the delivery and accessibility of our program, it is critical for us to engage with communities in a meaningful way to ensure our service is targeted and culturally appropriate. One way of doing this is by training bi-lingual community educators to raise awareness of work rights in their own communities,” says the MELS Coordinator, Tu Le. Reports show that the exploitation of migrant workers is widespread and systemic. Migrant workers are not adequately informed of their workplace rights and face many barriers to accessing legal support to address their workplace issues, such as low levels of English language proficiency, lack of awareness of workplace laws, and in some cases, fear of immigration consequences. An integral part of overcoming these barriers is engaging with community leaders and workers from migrant communities who
can a speak the language and have an established level of trust within their communities. Moreover, with a strong understanding of the pain points from their migrant communities, they are able to tailor and relay useful, timely and relevant information. The training program helps to bridge this gap by effectively informing people about their rights at work and available services, while also empowering communities to enforce their rights by building relationships and trust between vulnerable workers and services that can assist. One participating community educator shares their motivation for participating in the training: “I would like to increase relevant knowledge and skills to better em-
power and advocate for my community and make referrals to legal support services.” Another community educator expressed that: “After the program, I will be in the best position to educate my community about their work rights and where to seek redress.” The training program is funded by the City of Sydney. For more information on how to book an information session for your community/organisation, or how to get free legal help, please call 9137 6067 or email info@mels.org.au Tu Le is from the Migrant Employment Legal Service, a statewide initiative to address the exploitation of migrant workers in NSW.
HelpingACT acts to help those in need Manarul Islam HelpingACT, a Canberra-based organisation, dedicated to the alleviation of poverty and support, went into overdrive during Ramadan this year with a record number of donations and activities. “There was no shortage of generosity,” said Mohammed Ali, an executive of HelpingACT in describing how many volunteers and contributors to HelpingACT
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came together to help those in need. HelpingACT organised a weekly iftar for international and other isolated students at the Australian National University (ANU), through the collaboration with a group of sisters who took time out of their day to cook the delicious meals. It also worked together with other organisations including House of Noor, to gather donations of toys and, together with Canberra Grammer, wrap and categorise the toys for distribution through Companion House, and the local Sisters Support Group to ensure that the toys were received before Eid. With the assistance of Companion House, an Eid Lunch was organised for refugees
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and asylum seeker families where the children were presented the gifts. However, HelpingACT’s activities were not just confined to the Muslim communities with its ongoing contribution to St Vincent de Paul, the Smith Family and Havelock House continuing throughout Ramadan. To contribute financially, direct deposit to the account below, reference your name and upload your receipt below: Bank: St George Bank BSB: 112908 Account: 489279325 Manarul Islam is an IT professional, community worker and AMUST correspondent based in Canberra.
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Volunteers wrapping Eid presents for refugees and asylum seekers ISSUE 187 / JUNE 2021
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Can legislation named after a Russian help persecuted Muslims in China? Bahtiyar Bora The Uyghur people of north-west China are now the most persecuted group on the planet with one million people locked up in “re-education” camps facing numerous atrocities on a daily basis. The US government, the parliaments of the UK., Canada and The Netherlands now all say that it is clearly genocide. The brutal regime of Xi Jinping is trying to eradicate Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims from China. And while there’s been an avalanche of bad publicity in recent years for the Chinese government, it continues to deny its actions and presses on with its inhumane policies. In recent weeks New Zealand stood up against the regime with a unanimous parliamentary vote condemning what it called “severe human rights abuses”. The resolution was put forward by ACT Party MP Brooke van Velden. “Our conscience requires that we support this motion,” she said. “Genocide does not require a war, it does not need to be sudden, it can be slow and deliberate and that is what is happening here.” But worldwide criticism alone will not save the Muslims in East Turkistan (Xinjiang). One measure that could put serious pres-
sure on Beijing is the so called “Magnitsky Act”. This legislation is designed to punish individual members of a government who are inflicting human rights abuses. The law, which is being implemented in several countries, is named after a Russian citizen, Sergei Magnitsky, who was a tax advisor who exposed Kremlin corruption back in the early 2000’s. For his whistleblowing act, he was jailed for 358 days. While in prison He developed pancreatitis and a blocked gall bladder, and was denied medical care. An investigation found that he had been physically assaulted shortly before his death. Now his former colleague Bill Browder has travelled the globe promoting the Magnitsky act which can be used to freeze the assets of human rights abusers and deny visas for international travel. A form of the Magnitsky act is now before the Australian Parliament and has the backing of a multi-party committee. But so far the Prime Minister Scott Morrison has not supported the legislation. Four Australian based Uyghur organisation have now written to the PM urging him to support the bill and get it passed by the parliament. The letter to Scott Morrison says: Uyghurs in East Turkistan, Xinjiang China are suffering horrific human rights abuses, which a number of countries have determined to be genocide. It is not just Uyghurs who are being abused. Tibetans, Hong Kongers, and others are being subjected to outrageous crimes
against humanity and democracy by the CCP. The legislation you are considering provides hope for thousands who have escaped persecution to call Australia home. If Australia is serious about stopping the blatant abuse of Uyghur Muslims, it must take stronger action against the Chinese government. Passing Magnitsky legislation is one important way it could do that. Almost very Australian Uyghur has family and friends still in Xinjiang, and it has
been extremely distressing not to have communication, or finding out they have been sentenced to imprisonment or taken to work in labour camps. Some would say making the Magnitsky act as part of Australian law is the least we can do. We often boast of how important our democratic ideals are. Now is the time to truly live up to those ideals. Bahtiyar Bora is the Secretary of the Australian Uyghur Association.
Lara Hawwash and the Palestinian cause
Not Just a fight but a lifestyle Soukina Kassir “It’s the three ‘L’s’ that will keep you happy: Love, Live, and laugh” says a smiling Lara to me in a reassuring tone. Lara Hawwash, 28, a human rights activist, women empowerment leader, event planner, social influencer, and mum of two has always been loved by the community but this year, the community’s support for her exploded as she fought for the Palestinian cause. “What’s different this time around about the Palestinian cause?” I ask Lara, who sits there explaining to me the long history of Israel’s attack on the Palestinian people. “I believe this time, with the power of social media, we are seeing footage we have never seen before. I have seen live videos of bombings, abuse of children and women, and disturbing images and videos that I have come to realise have long been censored from media in the past. But social media has given every one a platform. Everyone is a reporter now and footage of what is happening, sensitive or not, is being shared as much as some agendas would like to have it silenced. Giving people this power to speak up has given the disprivileged people in Palestine a voice like we have never seen before..,” indicates a passionate Lara. Since the attacks on Gaza and Quds broke out, Lara has been fighting tooth and nail to have the Palestinians voices heard. “It’s been a long fight for me and my family..” explains Lara as she shows me a picture of her son back in 2017, only five years old back then, holding the Palestinian flag in a Sydney protest and I cannot help but admire her passion as I sit there listening to her story. JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 187
“It’s been a long fight for us, and having that power now that I have on my social media platforms, namely Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok, I have not stopped posting about the Palestinian cause one day since the attacks broke out..,” Lara continues. “You can’t deny the power of social media these days. People are on their phones for a big portion of the day. And I believe that the cease fire in Palestine was achieved mainly due to the huge impact social media brought about. And this was actually the first time we see common people actually go to the border and physically fight for the Palestinian rights..,” Lara continues. Lara narrates to me how she’s been participating in the protests in Sydney, along with her son, mother, twin brothers, and lots of friends. She was also interviewed on Bent Jbeil Channel and SBS and participated in a mini play, organsied by Zeinab Hawshar and Rayanne Hussain, demonstrating what happens to women in Palestine. But it doesn’t end there. As much as Lara is aware that raising the Palestinian voice is vital, she also knows that financial help is a must too. “I have been sharing in protests and using my platforms, but I won’t stop there,” Lara tells me. “I am organising a fundraising dinner (for men and women) to be held on the 9 June at the Holiday Inn Hotel. I aim at raising as much money as possible for Palestine which will be transferred through Ausrelief which takes no commission at all and will give the money directly through their offices in Ghaza to Palestinians in need,” Lara announces. The support for her upcoming event has been overwhelming, Lara tells me. “As soon as I announced the event on my social media platforms, I was overwhelmed by the support from individuals and businesses from different backgrounds, cultures and
religions..,” Lara happily tells me, counting above a whopping 30 businesses that have already offered their support, services and some of which have donated already. The Palestinian Fundraising Dinner, to be held in June, will also feature a silent and loud auction, special guest speakers, a play, community businesses offering samples of their products and of course a dinner. Lara aims at making money through the donations, the auction and through the sales of the tickets. Her goal is to raise at least $5000 for Palestine. “It’s the least I can do. God has blessed me with people’s trust and love and I will use that for a good cause,” Lara concludes. “Why do you do this?”, I cannot help but ask Lara as I observe her passion for charity work, which has been going on for several years now and through many events she has organised. Lara is silent for a few seconds before she wraps up, “To please Allah. I don’t expect or want anything in return from people. The Prophet (s) ever only sought to please Allah, expecting nothing in return from others, and I believe we should all take his lead”. Soukina Kassir (Juelliet) is a mum of two, an image consultant and a former instructor (in Lebanon). Charity and non profit work has always been a passion of mine.
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Lars Hawwash at the Sydney rally for Palestine. AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
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Hoda uses trademark Znoud to help others Jane Jeffes Masterchef 2018 contestant Hoda Hannaway is someone who gives and shares to support others. It was Znoud El Sitt – one of her favourite Lebanese desserts – that helped Hoda qualify for the TV Channel 10 cooking show and has since become something of a calling card. She began playing around with flavours, putting her stamp on a classic, and supplying restaurants with her handmade Znoud a couple of years ago. Since then Covid restrictions have meant more of us are necessarily eating at home so she launched a home delivery service so that less experienced cooks like you and me could enjoy making their own fresh Znoud – or at least putting the finishing touches to her Frozen Znoud kits. She generously chose to share her trademark Znoud recipe and the story of her love affair with the moreish pastries with Recipes For Ramadan complete with a step by step video Masterclass and exquisite photographs – all of which will be published on Recipe for Ramadan’s website. And now she is donating 100% of sales of her traditional Frozen Znoud Kits to provide aid to the people of Palestine. “I wanted to do something practical to support a grassroots charity and help provide food, water and shelter on the ground,” she said. “So in my own response to the atrocities that are happening in Palestine, I’m donating all proceeds from Znoud sales to Penny Appeal’s emergency response
campaign.” The offer runs until Friday 4 June with pick-up and delivery available in Sydney. For more information and orders go to www.hodahannaway.com Hoda’s recipe, her Znoud video Masterclass and her story can be found at www. recipesforramadan.com. Recipes for Ramadan suspended social media posts while bloodshed and suffering marred the end of Ramadan and Eid and started reposting yesterday with a recipe for one of Palestine’s most internationally popular dishes, Maqluba with a ‘Masterclass’ video demonstration from Human Appeal Australia’s Omar Al-Jamal plus his family story from the Jordanian board with the West Bank. Human Appeal Australia is also running a Gaza Emergency Appeal in the wake of the worst air strikes since 2014. “During the 11 days of bombing, the Palestinian death toll was 253 people, 66 of them children,” reported Omar. “Almost 1,900 people have been injured and 250,000 people in the Gaza strip don’t have access to water. More than 230 apartment buildings were reduced to rubble destroying 1800 residential units with another 14,300 units also rendered unfit for housing. 90,000 people have been left displaced and homeless.” Follow Hoda on Instagram @hodahannaway, Recipes For Ramadan @recipesforramadan and Human Appeal Australia @humanappealaus
Hoda sprinkling rose petals.
Jane Jeffes is a producer and director and former head of ABC Religion & Ethics. A UK-Australian dual national she is based in Sydney, Australia.
Eid and Warak Enab, the real way Karima Hazim with Jane Jeffes Warak Enab is to Eid what turkey is to Christmas. At least for the majority of Muslims from Lebanon and the surrounding Levant, it is this dish of lamb and stuffed vine leaves that traditionally graces the Eid table at the end of Ramadan. After a month of fasting, Eid al-Fitr literally means the festival of the breaking of the fast and Warak Enab is usually made in such large quantities that, just like turkey, it is served and enjoyed for several days. This year for three days of Eid celebrations, families across Australia as across the Middle East, will be enjoying the leftovers. Last year with the first Covid lock-downs, it wasn’t possible to host or visit extended family and friends, and many of us found ourselves quite at a loss as to how to cater for small numbers. When I cook, I tend to cook for my little family of four plus my two sisters and my mum and my mother-inlaw, portioning out into Tupperware boxes and dropping meals round. It was quite a challenge thinking small but when it came to Eid, I made vine leaves enough for 12 and ran my own covid-safe delivery service! We are so thrilled that this year we can all be together – at least to a maximum of 20 people. When I see, touch, smell and taste Warak Enab being cooked, I am immediately transported to my Tayta’s house in Lakemba, a few days before Eid, sitting on the floor, rolling vine leaves. My grandmother, Tayta Amineh had 15 children, my mother Sivine being number 14. Growing up terribly poor in Tripoli, a historic port city in the north of Lebanon, Tayta Amineh became resourceful at an incredibly young age. Before the war broke out, she helped establish my grandfather’s mahal helou, a sweet shop which grew into a bit of an empire, by selling cheap homemade toffee sweets to the poorer areas of the city, riding on a donkey, her dowry.
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With the success of the sweet shops, the family became working middle class and Tayta Amineh relied on her “village around her” as support for raising her own large family. Meals were something she ‘declared’ to her neighbours, especially when it came to warak enab which was made for a variety of special occasions from Eid to weddings or the birth of a child. She would source all the ingredients, the meat, leaves, rice and spices, and would set a date to bring her community of women together to roll these tiny delicate parcels, a characteristic of warak enab from Tripoli. Together they made enough meals for everyone’s family to enjoy, and they shared. They shared stories of their life, their everyday struggles of family, marriage and home life and this communal act of rolling and preparing a meal for their families became a source of therapy to my Tayta Amineh and her community. My mother was eleven when her parents moved to Australia. When she left school,
she became a social worker. She worked in family support and I recall her asking my Tayta (her mother) about mental illness she might have experienced growing up and raising such a large family. My grandmother’s answer was simple: “We had a community, a village, not like we have here – we would cook together and talk and share, that was our therapy, we had each other’s back, as sisters, as neighbours, as women. We had the funny woman, that had a joke for every struggle. We had a resourceful woman who would problem solve. We had the herbalist with a remedy for everything. We looked after each other.” Stuffed Vine Leaves are a communal exercise and a labour of love. When Tayta cooked Warak Enab, it would even take 3 women to tip over the deep pot to serve it up! Everyone would then eat from the deep tray of vine leaves, lamb, bone and marrow. I am forever grateful for those memories. Nowadays, every Ramadan it’s mum who
Photography by Lucy Leonardi of Who Does the Dishes www.whodoesthedishes.com
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declares when we will be rolling vine leaves, just as my Tayta used to. Year after year, as we sit down and roll, these precious tiny parcels, it is these stories I look forward to the most. I can still smell the aromas coming from the large pots at my Tayta Amineh’s house, blanching the vine leaves in boiling water whilst we all sat on the floor to roll. As a large family, there were often communication barriers. So many emotions lost in translation, migration and settlement in Australia. But connection was always found when cooking, especially dishes like Warak Enab. The preparation itself a therapy that my Tayta relied on to connect her back to her homeland and to communicate with us. Mum reminds me all the time “Tayta’s love language was food”. These days, with two young ones of my own, I really miss my Tayta. I have so many questions about life I wish I could have asked her. Fortunately, when I take the time to sit and prepare warak enab or make her favourite dishes like kousa (stuffed zucchini), I find some of the answers I am looking for. Wara Enab asks you to slow down, it begs for your attention, care and precision when rolling, it invites you to share with those rolling with you and you are left with a sense of accomplishment, relief, and of course the indulgence of a delicious meal. I would be distraught if my children grow up not knowing how to make this, not having some understanding of how the vines are grown and tended through to how to roll those precious little parcels. It’s an important part of my inheritance and I want it to be part of theirs. Vine leaves are certainly not a dinner for two, or four. It’s a dish that brings people together from start to finish. Back in Lebanon, calling around for the leaves usually meant inviting the supplier to the meal, then a few more people to roll, and before you know it there would be twenty or more family members eating from this one pot. That has to be something really special. ISSUE 187 / JUNE 2021
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A Ramadan story from Japan Rie Kumoro with Jane Jeffes Rie Komuro is a Japanese Muslim who converted to Islam some 20 years ago. Married to a Turkish husband and mother of two sons, she works at the Turkish Cultural Center in Tokyo. Her hobby is playing the Middle Eastern instrument called Kanun/Qanun – and cooking. This is her story. I am Japanese and have lived in Japan my whole life. I converted to Islam about twenty years ago. Sueda’s mother was one of the first two Turkish two ladies I met and that friendship led to my marriage and my involvement with extended Turkish communities around the world. My elder son Enes used to be Sueda’s classmate and about 10 years ago, my husband organized for a small group of students including Enes to experience school life and a homestay in Australia for a short period of time. Amity College (it was called Sule College in those days) was their destination and so I would describe my family as friends of Amity College and of Sueda’s family. Ramadan is unquestionably the most special time of year for every Muslim; filled with personal contemplation and unforgettable experiences. And every time this bountiful month rolls around, it reminds me of the Ramadan twenty years ago that led me to prepare and accept the belief in Islam. My interest in Islam dates back to my high school days; while most of my friends were interested in Western culture, I was more interested in Asian and African countries. I happened to see a wonderful movie called ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. I loved that movie so much, I watched it again and again until the sound degraded on the old VHS tape. The exotic scenes, magnificent views and traditional garments were so impressive. I quickly became interested in Arabs and their culture. In those days the Middle East and its culture was less familiar in Japan and I couldn’t find many books about it in the local library. Still, there were enough of them to rouse my interest and I soon became acquainted with the religion of Islam, albeit at that time as more of a culture rather than a belief.
I was born into a Buddhist family and, as is the case with the majority of Japanese people, my family weren’t really that religious. Religion, in my memory, seemed to have more to do with rituals for the dead than anything else. Generally, in Japanese culture, people have strong morals – but morals are separated from religion. Being very religious can be considered somewhat dangerous and a person who relies on a religious belief can be seen as ‘weak’. I was born and raised in this context and never had any real understanding of Buddhism. Through my readings, I started to notice some similarities in ethics and living practices that Japanese and Arab people share, which surprised me considering the geographical distance between us. My readings also exposed me to different values, ways of thinking and perspectives from a different culture. The Islamic way of viewing the world seemed logical and convincing to me. My interest in the Middle East and Islam continued into my university years when I took a course which was an introduction to Arabic language. It was as a junior student that I had a turning point in my life. I was experiencing some difficulty with friendships and decided I needed a change. I began putting more effort into my Aikido training (a Japanese martial art) and I started working part time as a waitress. The more I practiced Aikido, the more my skills im-
proved. I became happier and focussed. But one day during practice, I fell and broke my foot. I tried to act as if everything was okay but in reality, I lost my source of energy without Aikido and a part time job. Even living in a dormitory with forty people and a few close friends, I felt lonely and I was unhappy that no one had extended a helping hand. This negative thinking slowly started to undermine my spirit. One day, I ran from the dorm and burst into tears with a feeling of utter helplessness. I was suffering from depression. My parents took me home for rest and medication. I recovered gradually and returned to normal life. My broken foot healed and in the process of getting better, I reflected on what I had been through. First of all, thankfulness was the most outstanding feeling. It was a tough experience, but thanks to the hardship, I could see some new, hidden and unknown sides to myself. During counselling, I realised that I had been pretending to be strong for so long and had not asked for help from people around me. Before the accident I believed I could do anything if I strived to the best of my abilities; if I failed at something it must have been due to a lack of effort on my part. But during this tough time I could do nothing and felt helpless. Unusual and unfamiliar ideas kept pop-
ping into my head though: perhaps I don’t control myself; maybe there is an entity or some kind of power that controls me and my life. That ‘entity’ controls not only me but the whole universe. That ‘entity’ gave me hardship so that I would learn from it. That ‘entity’ wants me to learn… I felt inspired by these ideas and thoughts but they were strange and perplexing. What is this ‘entity’? A vague image emerged from my mind. It must be ‘Allah’, who I had read about in those books about Arabs and Islam. That was the moment the word ‘Allah’ started to transform into something that related to my own beliefs. I was working as a secretary at a Middle Eastern embassy in Tokyo when the Ramadan that changed my life arrived. The embassy staff were all fasting so out of curiosity I gave it a try and was invited to share the joy of breaking the fast with them. Other Muslim friends also invited me for Iftar and took me to mosques to join tarawih, a special night prayer only prayed during the month of Ramadan. It was amazing and touching to see so many believers from different parts of the world standing in lines and making movements of prayer according to the calls by Imam. I listened to Quran recitations at home repeatedly and even tried to read out some short chapters. The trial fasting, along with the mosque visits, practices and activities ignited something deep in my heart. I felt something very special; an emotion that could hardly be described with words. The first day of Eid came at the end of the month of Ramadan and I was taken to a mosque by close friends of my Muslim sisters to join the Eid prayer. I stood at the end of a prayer line and I started to weep; I couldn’t stop. I was perplexed and overwhelmed by this feeling that had suddenly seized me. I kept asking myself, ‘what do I want and what is the right choice?’ I called an Egyptian friend who gave lectures at an Islamic study group. She said, ‘Don’t be afraid of anything but Allah’. Her words helped me make my decision. I knew in my heart that having belief alone was not enough, but that belief and acts are inseparable. At the mosque, I asked the imam to make shahada, confession, to accept Islam. Each Ramadan, I recall my starting point as a Muslim and I thank Allah for his guidance.
What you feed your mind determines what you feed your body Princess R. Lakshman For years I used food for comfort. Any emotional occurrence such as happiness, sadness, anger, guilt, frustration, and more would be my cue to hit the pantry and finish a whole packet of crisps or an entire family-size chocolate bar. Monday mornings were all about being hard on myself and putting myself on a strict diet. By lunchtime, the self-sabotaging thoughts would kick in, harsh judgment about my weight and body would increase and drive me to the shops to buy everything that I had promised myself I was never going to consume. I was a sugar-addict. Processed sugar is poison. Sugar addiction is very real and detrimental to mental and physical wellness. I was tired of feeling lousy about myself, my weight, my lack of energy and my irritability. This had to stop. JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 187
I was aware of my pattern. I had to find out why I had this pattern and address the elephant that incessantly roamed the jungle of my mind. I journaled fiercely and wrote down memories on a timeline, remembering incidents that were responsible for creating my emotional eating paradigm. When I connected the dots between my dietary pattern and lifestyle choices and mental state, everything became crystal clear. A paradigm shift, which I now call my Gut-Shift, revealed to me that for me to make better choices in life, stay strong in my imaan and nourish my soul with love, light, peace and joy, I must first and foremost, nourish my mind with the right mental foods so that I could then choose better foods and beverages to nourish my physical self. If my essential self, my soul and my mind, was starving, how was I ever going to choose the right foods for my body? How to Feed Your Mind and Body Good thoughts, good words, good deeds. I had to heal from my emotional eating pat-
tern one thought at a time – substituting every junk thought with a healthy thought. Here are some helpful daily strategies: 1. I hate myself – I am a beautiful creation of Allah. 2. I’m a failure– I have survived through my tests and learnt my lessons. 3. I need food to feel better– Allah is my comforter. Only Allah can make me feel better. I submit to Allah. 4. I’m stuck– My life is unfolding according to Allah’s plans for me. Alhumdolillah. 5. I hate feeling like I’m always struggling– I am grateful for everything I’m
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learning through this experience. Allah has put me to it, and He is putting me through it. I am wiser and stronger now that I am going through this experience. 6. No one loves me, and I will end up alone– I am a beautiful creation of Allah. I deserve love, light, peace and joy. I am love; I radiate love. Always remember, you are not your experiences. You are the FORCE that overcomes them. 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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Understanding suicide in the Australian Muslim community Zainab Hassib In Australia, suicide is the leading cause of death among those aged between 15 and 44, and there is an average of 8.3 deaths by suicide each day (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare , 2020). The World Health Organisation has reported every 40 seconds, a person dies from suicide somewhere in the world (WHO, 2019). Within the Muslim community, suicide prevention is greatly affected by Islamic spirituality and beliefs. A significant factor is the prohibition of suicide in Islam. There is an understanding in Islam that life is a gift from Allah, and we are thereby compelled to care for it. An additional factor is the belief in the afterlife, as the view in Islam is that this life on earth is temporary, which for many eases their pain, loss, and grief. “…And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.” (Quran 4:29) Although suicide is forbidden in Islam, it does occur amongst Muslims. There are a multitude of reasons why people may consider suicide. It may be a single triggering event, or a build-up of numerous factors. Some reasons people may consider suicide may be to escape from painful feelings or hopelessness, traumatic experiences, feelings of failure, shame, or guilt, they may be experiencing significant mental health issues or financial distress. Circumstances and reasons are unique to every individual. Often there are clear warning signs for suicidality, although it is common for individuals to conceal their suicidal ideation where it may be difficult to recognise. An example of warning signs could be isolation and withdrawal, negative affective states (eg, distress, fear, sadness, lethargy, dis-
gust), appearing disconnected, spiritual disconnection, psychosis, irrational thinking or preparing for dying (eg, creating a will, ensuring the needs of the family will be met). It is important to acknowledge the risk for suicide increases when there is a family history of depression and/or suicide, history of abuse, personal history of past suicide attempts and untreated mental health concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder). ”O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Quran 2:153) If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, it is important to remember you are not alone in this, and help is always there if you reach for it. Many people at one point in their life have had suicidal thoughts. Here are some important steps you can take when you are feeling suicidal: • Reach out for help: There are many people and services that can support you through this. It can be extremely daunting to take the first step, but do not allow embarrassment or shame stop you from seeking support. • Eliminate access to dangerous items, for example sharp objects, drugs, medications, and firearms. Place them out of reach or ask a trusted person to remove them for you. • Avoid substances including drugs and alcohol, as they may exacerbate your impulses and increase negative feelings and risk-taking behaviour. • Create a safety plan: The best time to do this is when you are feeling calm and settled. It is best to utilise the help of a professional or a support person so they can guide you through the process and review the plan. Hayat Line has a safety plan you can use, available at https://missionofhope.org.au/. It can be a difficult experience when someone you care about shares their thoughts of suicide with you. It should be recognised as a blessing that the individual had enough strength and trust to reveal this. Third parties play an important role in sup-
If you, or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, please call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Hayat Line 1300 993 398 Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm Lifeline - 13 11 14
porting someone who is suicidal. Here are a few ways to help: • Be gentle and calm and be upfront when asking questions– this will allow you to gather information about plans and intentions which aid in risk assessment. • Do not pass judgement, fight, or act shocked by their plans. • Encourage them to see a health practitioner and seek out support. • Look for warning signs (as mentioned above) • Take them seriously. Oftentimes those who are experiencing suicidal ideation are not taken seriously, or as seen as ‘attention-seeking’ which creates a barrier in sharing their thoughts. • Offer support. Be empathetic and understanding. Create a space where they can feel comfortable and safe to discuss their thoughts of suicide. Provide reassurance and let them know how much you care for them. The reality is that many Australian Muslims experience thoughts of suicide, therefore it is best to openly discuss these issues in community spaces. This will create a safer space in which individuals struggling with suicidality may find easier to reach out and get the support they require. “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” (Quran 2:286) Zainab Hassib is an AOD Clinician at Hayat House in Sydney, Australia. She is a
Building resilience: Mental health and wellbeing workshop
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 provisional member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). References Australian Institute of Health and Welfare . (2020, July 23). Causes of death. Retrieved from Australia’s health 2020: https://www. aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/causes-of-death World Health Organisation. (2019, September 9). Suicide: One person dies every 40 seconds. Retrieved from World Health Organisation: https://www.who.int/news/ item/09-09-2019-suicide-one-person-diesevery-40-seconds
Sassafrass. Victoria. 1960 Dr Reginald Naulty
Ebru Yagci The Centre for Muslim Wellbeing (CMW) in collaboration with the Islamic Society of Geelong held a mental health and wellbeing workshop on Building Resilience and Social Connections on Monday 12 April. CMW facilitator and psychologist, Ruqaya Almirgani presented an interactive session with the Geelong community on topics that covered good mental health and wellbeing, coping with stress and where to seek help. The session was well attended by the local community who found it informative and engaging with interaction continuing long after the workshop was finished. The consistent feedback from participants was the need for more workshops around mental health and wellbeing for the regional community. According to the National Rural Health Alliance the reported prevalence of mental illness in rural and remote Australia appears similar to that of major cities. However, access to mental health services is substantially more limited than in major cities. Tragically, rates of self-harm and suicide increase with remoteness. This is why CMW is invested in building capacity in regional areas through such programs like it’s Mental Health and Awareness workshops.
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The Centre for Muslim Wellbeing was founded and incorporated in 2018 to be a leading provider of wellbeing services that advance partnerships and build flourishing individuals and vibrant communities in Australia. The organisation is led by experienced psychologists and community workers and focuses on prevention and early intervention, raising awareness around the issues of mental health and social isolation within community and ensuring community members have the support they need before they get to crisis. CMW’s approach to achieving wellbeing is threefold: • Building awareness and capacity within community. • Strengthening the capacity of mental health providers.
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• Conducting research and sharing evidence of “what works”. CMW also has an extensive database of culturally responsive Muslim Mental Health Practitioners which you can find here: cmw. org.au/professionals-list and a few more exciting developments to be launched very soon. You can follow CMW on Instagram: cmw_australia or FB Centre for Muslim Wellbeing. If you are part of an organistation that would like to hold a free workshop with CMW please contact: Sr Ebru Yagci, Phone: 0472668010 Email: ebru@cmw.org.au admin@cmw.org.au Ebru Yagci is the Project Coordinator of the Centre for Muslim Wellbeing.
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The wisps of cloud hung before the hills like smoke, and the trees in Sherbroke forest filled the sky with their branches, so that when the wind blew the sound left all subdued. After a day among them hiking, the young men passed through a village whose cosy fires reminded them of them of home, and saddened , they entered their abode; inside, they sang a hymn “We adore you, hidden God...” the fervor and comradeship rallied them; they were not alone. They looked to the future with good hope, the faith of the young which carries forth the world. Dr Reginald Naulty, originally from Adelaide, has taught at Charles Sturt University and has been a prolific writer since 1972.
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Islamic Museum of Australia increases investment in young people Mei Nee Cheong Young Australian Muslims are the beneficiaries of two exciting new initiatives announced by the Islamic Museum of Australia (IMA). In recent weeks, the IMA has launched a Future Leaders program, with a nineweek pilot commencing in July, ahead of the 12-month program starting in February 2022. The program targets students 14 -17 years. While it has a strong focus on developing their leadership qualities, the weekly program is also a vehicle for participants to learn more about Islamic contributions to civilization, the arts and architecture and the remarkable history of Muslims in Australia. IMA Founder and Director Moustafa Fahour OAM said the exciting program will draw on the expertise of educators and guest presenters who will facilitate program topics from goal setting to driving social change. “The program is quite unique in the breadth of topics covered. We consider young Muslims as the custodians of both the Museum itself, and also in the sharing
of Australia’s Muslim history,” Mr Fahour said. “We believe that investing in our young people and assisting them to harness their leadership qualities will ensure that Muslim Australians continue to make significant contributions in the community, at the Boardroom table, in politics or wherever their journeys take them into the future.” “Equally important is that the stories of our forebears are kept alive, that Australian Muslims continue to engage with the wider community, have pride in our history and communicate positive narratives that contribute to social cohesion.” The Program will also incorporate Arabic classes and social activities. “There’s an important social element to this program too, we encourage young people to learn from each other and lift one another up. The Muslim community is so diverse. This is a tremendous opportunity for young Muslims to learn about the cultures of their peers.” Separately, the Museum has opened applications to the IMA Patron’s Fund for the 2021/22 financial year. The Fund aims to support Australians looking to further their
knowledge in a field of study or creative practice that will contribute to the IMA’s mission of providing cross-cultural experiences and contributing to social cohesion. The grants are open to anyone who has contributed to the IMA since its inception including workshop facilitators, artists and volunteers. Funds are available for individual grants of up to $10,000 per person, per year. To learn more about Future Leaders or the Patron’s Fund, visit: www.islamicmuseum.org.au The Islamic Museum of Australia is located in Thornbury, in Melbourne’s north. It is the only Islamic museum in the country and provides educational and cross-cultural experiences for all ages. The Museum is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Mei Nee Cheong is a marketing professional who has worked across the arts, arts education and travel. She is currently the Media and Marketing Manager at the Islamic Museum of Australia and is based in Melbourne, Australia.
Tackling mental health misconceptions: an Islamic perspective Dr Asim Razi Mental health remains a taboo topic within the Muslim community shrouded with layers of misconceptions and misinformation. Often people completely reject mental health as being a problem or they completely reject the role of spirituality in improving mental health. The following are some misconceptions about mental health, tackled through an Islamic perspective. 1. “Depression and anxiety are caused by low Iman.“ Although this statement may have a grain of truth, it is mostly problematic and harmful. Allah does say in the Quran, “And whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will have a depressed life.” (Quran 20:124) On the other hand we have the story of Yaqub (a), who became blind due to his excessive and continuous sorrow due to the loss of Yusuf (a). Although this was likely to be a grief reaction and unlikely to have been depression, this story does tell us that excessive sorrow is not a sign of weak Iman, as Yaqub (a) definitely had more Iman than any human alive today. Research has shown that being connected to one’s faith can indeed be a protective factor against some mental illnesses such depression and PTSD. At the same time this does not preclude people with strong faith from having mental health conditions. Evidently then, the causes of mental health issues must be multifactorial. Health is understood to be determined by the complex interplay of bio-psycho-social and spiritual factors. Thus, while on one one hand, from a spiritual perspective, an excess of sin, hardening of the heart and hopelessness in God could be risk factors for poor mental health, at the same time there are so many other biological, psychological and social factors which can put an individual at risk. For instance, low serotonin levels, genetJUNE 2021 / ISSUE 187
ic susceptibility and delivering a child are some known biological factors. Negative thoughts and poor self-esteem are known psychological factors. Similarly, social risk factors include circumstances such as exclusion, isolation, refugee status and poverty. Clearly then, there are many factors that may contribute to the development of mental health issues, so it is not fair to oversimplify multifactorial medical conditions this way because it dismisses the potential role of mental health professionals in helping. By blaming someone that their mental illness is a sign of low iman, we can potentially make their condition worse and make them even more hopeless. The bottom line is we as Muslims should not make inaccurate and judgmental statements painting everyone with the same brush. Instead we should say useful and empathetic statements. 2. “Depression is all in your head” This statement is very demeaning and tries to invalidate the experience of those with mental health issues. Indeed, the commonly accepted pathophysiology of mental illnesses is the derangement of neurotransmitters and a common psychological cause is an excess of negative thoughts both of which all live in one’s head. So in a way mental health illnesses are in one’s head. But why should that be a disgraceful matter? In mental illnesses the mind is sick which is yet another part of human the human body that can get sick like
any other part. Nevertheless, the effects of depression and mental health illnesses are not just limited to the head. For instance, depression can cause weight gain. Severe anxiety gives you an increased heart rate. Yaqub (a) lost his sight due to excessive sorrow. So depression is not ALL in your head. 3. “True Muslims do not suffer from depression. You are depressed because God does not love you and is punishing you.” The basis of this argument is that if you trust and hope in Allah, you do not have a reason to be sad. Following that logic then true Muslims will never get diabetes because if we are a true Muslims, we would follow the hadith of Rasulullah (s) and only eat to one third of our stomach and fast every Monday and Thursday. Even then, one might end up getting type I diabetes. But as we all know these are ideal standards that most of us do not fulfill. But does that make us bad Muslims? It makes us human. In the same vein then, blaming people with mental health conditions is a sign of our own ignorance. We need to start viewing mental health conditions like any another disease. It is like a trial from Allah through which Allah will inshallah forgive our sins and increase our ranks. Rasulullah (s) said that never a believer is stricken with discomfort, hardship or illness, grief or even with mental worry that his sins are not expiated for him. People who struggle though mental health
problems come out stronger and with deep personal insights that other people might not have. 4. “You just need to recite more Quran and pray more to fix your mental health problems.” To tackle this misconception, let us use the same parallel as diabetes. Why don’t we just pray and recite Qur’an instead of taking medications and exercising? Rasullullah (s) taught us to treat our illnesses with medicines. He taught us to take our precautions and then trust in Allah. Then of course we can pray for shifa and use the Qur’an as remedy. However, it is true that the Qur’an can greatly improve mental health. As Allah says, the Quran is shifa or healing for what is in the hearts. But its effectiveness is most perceptible when read with understanding and contemplation. The Quran does this by imparting hope and transforming our thinking into a more positive pattern. 5. “Why can’t I just go to an Imam? Why do I need to go to a health practitioner?” As previously mentioned mental health conditions have many facets. Imams will probably be very well versed and experienced in dealing with the spiritual aspects. However, the most of Imams are not trained in mental health or mental health first aid. Although many Muslims seek advice or services from Imams, there may be a gap in the expertise of an Imam and a mental health professional. Nevertheless, there may be some Imams who are so experienced in counselling that they are proficient at using Islam to essentially deliver some sort of informal psychotherapy. This maybe possible through experience. But often this may not hold true. Allah says in the Quran “……. Ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.” (Quran 16:43) What we need to develop is a referral system where Imams, doctors and psychologists can work collaboratively and refer to each other for conditions that each of their fields specialises in. Dr Asim Razi works at Royal Darwin Hospital and is the Voluntary CEO of the United Muslims of Northern Territory.
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Mass exodus from UN needed unless it abrogates the veto power
which is forcibly occupying Palestinian territories for more than 70 years, UN cannot even pass a resolution asking for ceasefire. Why should then the non-Veto nations remain members of this toothless organization? Why should they not quit it without delay? Why should Muslim nations not take the lead in this regard? They must combine with the like-minded countries to have a mass exodus unless the United Nations removes the Veto power of the 5 Big Nations.
Dr Javed Jamil Isn’t this strange that a world, which worships Democracy, has its highest body run by an oligarchy of 5 countries? And this is continuing for more than 75 years. This is high time, the countries of the world demanded equal rights in all matters, whether related to security or development. If Muslim nations have any sense of respect, they must immediately start this campaign of mass exit from the UN. Otherwise, they should remain ready for recurrent destructions at the hands of the Big Five or their stooges. The whole world was watching the humanity crying in the Gaza. But none has the guts and the courage to interfere. Men and women, old, young and children were being massacred, yet the peak body of the world was in no position to act. The United Nations is hardly an organisation of the nations of the world. It is just an organisation of the 5 Big, without whose united support, nothing can happen even if the rest of the members are unanimous on an issue. The Big Five, holding veto powers, can do anything in the world, can kill any number of people or can protect any nation involved in genocide, if it suits the global designs of even a single one of them. What was happening in Gaza was sheer
massacre of innocent people. But the UN could not even call for a ceasefire because one of the five was not interested. It is determined to protect its interests by safeguarding a terrorist state which is killing people in the name of self defense. Biden who had earned massive liking all over the world during his election campaign has proved that an American President is an American President first, and anything else second. Be it Bush or Obama, be it Trump or Biden, when it comes to the Israel- Palestine question or the larger issues of the Muslim World, they all tend to behave similarly. Biden can see the “Right to Defence” of Israel but not that of Palestinians. He can see the “threat” posed by Palestinian rockets,
which have killed just ten Israelis and have caused a little if any damage, but he cannot see the threat by Israel which has killed more than 220 Palestinians, more than 50 of whom children, and has destroyed dozens of buildings. What to speak of punishment to Israel,
Dr Javed Jamil, currently Chair in Yenepoya University Mangalore, is a thinker and writer with over twenty books including his latest, A Systematic Study of the Hoily Quran”. His other books include “Justice Imprisoned”. “Economics First or Health First?”, “Muslim Vision of Secular India: Destination & Road-map”, “Qur’anic Paradigms of Sciences & Society” (First Vol: Health), “Muslims Most Civilised, Yet Not Enough”, “The Devil of Economic Fundamentalism”, “The Killer Sex”, “Islam means Peace” and “Rediscovering the Universe”. His email address: doctorforu123@yahoo.com.
Quranic perspective on COVID-19 response
Elephant case highlights poor animal welfare Christine Osbourne It took a court case, an American singer and an international animal rescue organisation to free Kaavan known as — the “world’s loneliest elephant”— from Islamabad Zoo and fly him to a sanctuary in Cambodia. Costing upwards of $500,000, his release in December 2020 made world headlines heaping humiliation on Pakistan for its lack of compassion for sentient wildlife. Thirty years ago on a visit to Pakistan, I recall weeping for a Snow Leopard – a precious Snow Leopard – caged in an air conditioned box the size of a refrigerator in Lahore Zoo. And it seems that nothing has changed. Daily I receive distressing Facebook posts of other elephants kept in chains, of a bear lying on the concrete floor of a cage in Karachi, of an emaciated lion in Dera Ghazi Khan of the death of a giraffe in a zoo, without shade or veterinary care, in Peshawar. Even as I write, a video has arrived of the horrific “sport” of bear-baiting still practiced in remote parts of the Punjab and Baluchistan. Where is the mercy and compassion for animals advocated by the Prophet Muhammad (s)? This is not to say there are not many kind Pakistanis caring for the thousands of stray dogs, cats and donkeys broken under unbearable loads. But opposing them are bureaucrats open to bribes and zoo proprietors profiting from pitiful animal prisons. Wildlife officials who grant licences to trophy hunters have innocent blood on their hands. The excuse for killing a legendary bighorned markhor —Pakistan’s national ani-
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mal— in Astore was the animal was old. That the $61,500 fee for the permit, issued to an American hunter by Gilgit-Baltistan wildlife and forestry department would be spent on local infrastructure. Really? I am further dismayed to read the Foreign Ministry recently granted rights for the 2021 houbara hunting season to Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed and his entourage of hundreds. In 2015 Pakistan’s Supreme Court banned killing the vulnerable bustard, a decision ignored due to fear of vexing the oil-rich Gulf Arab visitors. Rural villagers around Panjgur in Baluchistan, a popular hunting area, are complicit in providing servants, cooks and trackers to locate where the birds are nesting. They also trap wild falcons which the Arabs train to hunt houbara whose meat, though stringy, they believe has aphrodisiac properties. One falcon I saw was sold to a retainer acting on behalf of a sheikh for $200,000! With such amounts at stake, why should an impoverished chick-pea farmer care about the bustard of which the International Fund for Houbara Conservation estimates only 42,000 remain in Asia. Excessive hunting and the degradation of natural habitat by convoys of four-wheel drives are equally to blame for the decline of the bustard which migrates to Pakistan to escape the northern hemisphere winter. With Prime Minister Khan making progress in other areas, it is a pity the ban was overturned on his watch. Especially since he opposed hunting the houbara when in opposition. Christine Osborne is the author of many books on Islamic countries including The Gulf States and Oman. She is also the CEO of www. worldreligions.co.uk a multi faith library specialising in the mainstream faiths. She has visited more than 30 Muslim majority countries.
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Farid Ahmed What a forum! Canterbury Refugee Resettlement and Resource Centre, Executive Director Ahmed Tani, was excited to include the Quranic teaching in COVID-19 responses in their 12th Annual Regional Refugee Forum that was held on Thursday 20 May 2021 in Christchurch City Council function room. The prestigious forum was opened by the Hon Mayor of Christchurch City Council Lianne Dalziel and facilitated by Mr Patrick O’Connor. The large audience from many cultures and background enjoyed speeches on economic well-being after COVID-19 by Professor Paul Dalziel, harmony among races by The NZ Race Relation Commissioner Mr Meng Foon, and on employment, immigration, health, and housing. I was honoured to be a speaker to briefly outline the Quranic teaching in facing the COVID-19. Besides, the food, the smiles, the welcome from the people of the land, the exchange of ideas and friendship made the forum very much alive. During my address, I outlined briefly seven important Quranic teaching guides in response to COVID-19 or any other pandemic or calamity as follows: 1. Do not fear, panic, or worry: Surrender yourself to Allah and “When afflicted with calamity say, to Allah I belong and to Allah is my return.” (Quran 2:156) 2. Stay positive: Think that some greater good will come out of it. It might be a test (Quran 2: 155), could be to remove sins or could be to alleviate status, or could be for bringing greater good for humani-
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ty with new inventions. Even if the death occurs, that will give you a martyr’s status. So, be positive and be strong in facing it. 3. Do not allow the virus to spread: “When you know pandemic has affected an area, do not go there, or if you are in there, do not come out.” [Hadith: Muttafaqun A’laih]. Use quarantine, isolation, lockdown wherever and whenever necessary. 4. Save lives and serve the sick and vulnerable: “Saving a life is as if saving the entire mankind,” (Quran 5:32]. “Feed the hungry and take care of the sick” [Hadith: Bukhari] 5. Find the cure: Invest more in health sector, medical research in saving lives instead of investing in killing machines. “For every sickness there is cure available” [Hadith: Muslim]. 6. Learn from what went wrong: “The calamity in the sea and on the earth is earned by human hands,” (Quran 30:41]. Investigate properly and honestly what or where things went wrong in order to learn from mistakes and solve problems. 7. Work unitedly for a better future: Wasting time in worrying, procrastinating, or blaming one another is not going to bring good fortune, but if communities, countries, the world worked together, then the good fortune will embrace. “Allah will not change the condition of a people unless they change it themselves,” (Quran 13:11]. Allah has given us the choices. We got to choose to be positive, work hard and work smart for the better future unitedly. Farid Ahmed is a survivor of Christchurch attack on 15 May 2019, a peace advocate, author of HUSNA’S Story and Quran teacher in Christchurch. ISSUE 187 / JUNE 2021
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Big girl voice in Sydney for Palestine Nasreen Hanifi On Saturday 22 May 2021, Sydney held its second rally supporting Palestine and the Palestinians who have been ruthlessly attacked by Israeli forces in Sheikh Jarrah, East of Jerusalem. To many of us who are unfamiliar with Palestine, it is important to understand why Sheikh Jarrah holds a significant place in the hearts of many Palestinians. Amongst the diaspora of Palestinians living within and outside of Palestine, Sheikh Jarrah is an important city that has been at the centre of contention since 1967. During the six-day war of 1967, Israel captured all of East Jerusalem, including Sheikh Jarrah. Now 73 years later, Sheikh Jarrah has once again become the centre of property contention in Palestine whereby Israel has continued with its illegal settlements while pretending to subdue Hamas in order to continue dispossessing Palestinians out of their own homes. Israeli nationalists have been working hard to replace the Palestinian population in almost every single city of Palestine. Over a period of five decades, a number of Israeli settlements have been built in and adjacent to Sheikh Jarrah displacing many Palestinians. According to UNICEF’s report on Palestine, the recent attacks in Sheikh Jarrah has seen the death toll from the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank increase to 236 martyrs and more than 6,300 wounded. Out of 236 martyrs, 55 were children. The rally on Saturday represented the
many lives lost in Palestine as a result of Israel’s illegal occupation and political agenda to wipe out an entire nation of their basic human rights. I attended the same rally seven years ago and at the time I was pregnant with my daughter. But this year, I took my daughter to the rally so she can also see how children as young as her were murdered for crimes that they did not commit. This year, she participated in the role play. As I was watching the speakers use their voices to speak so eloquently about their homeland, it moved my heart. As another person who has seen her country in ruins for the last 40 years, I felt the pain in their voices. As they were chanting my eyes moved towards my daughter who was sitting down for the play chanting away: “Free Free Palestine, Free Free Gaza, in our millions in our thousands we are all Palestinians” in her big girl voice. As a Psychologist, I have seen tremendous amount of pain in young girls who lose their voices and are no longer in positions to fight for their rights let alone fight for a cause that they believe in. But as a mother, I always encourage my daughter to use her big girl voice when something doesn’t fit well with her so she understands the importance of standing up for what’s right and what’s wrong. As they role played the scenes that would have unfolded in Gaza in the last 11 days and the names of each child was being read, I was moved because those young children who were murdered by the Israeli forces would have been the same age as my daughter. My daughter only participated in the play and I was torn so I can’t even begin to comprehend what mothers or fathers would have gone through in Palestine when they lost their children. I am a big believer that if we teach our
Two girls attend the rally for Palestine on Saturday 22 May in Sydney. Photo: Tom Toby Photographer. children from a young age to stand against injustices that occur against innocent people than we are raising a generation that is woke. We should be raising our children to speak up against injustices, inequality, and unfair treatment. We should be teaching them the value of using their voices for good. When we teach them to only stand for certain causes than we are not raising compassionate human beings who understands the plight of innocent people. As adults who have experienced some kind of history, we should be teaching them history. We should refrain from educating them on the historical manifestations of only one culture because every country has a rich culture and history that needs to be taught. Teach them the value and importance of empathy. When we lack empathy, we lack a deeper understanding of how another person
feels. Empathy gives children the ability to feel and understand the suffering of another person, and without this, children won’t know how to process their feelings when it comes to someone else’s pain. At the end of the day, we shouldn’t be raising our children to become complacent in the face of adversity otherwise they will become complicit. 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.
Scotty’s tone deaf dog whistle tralia he will make it an offence under anti-terror laws for Australian citizens to serve in the IDF or provide financial support to illegal Israeli settlements. Scott Morrison and his government can make a moral stand and put Australia on the right side of history by doing so.
Gary Dargan In June 2020 in response to demonstrations against Aboriginal deaths in custody Prime Minister Scott Morrison cautioned Australians against importing problems from overseas [1]. This disgusting dog whistle implied that the demonstrations were prompted by the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in the American city of Minneapolis. A death which has seen one of the officers involved convicted of murder. He chose to gloss over the real cause of the protests, the deaths in custody of aboriginal people in Australia. There have been at least 432 deaths since the royal commission into deaths in custody in 1991 with most of the commission’s recommendations yet to be implemented. He dog whistled to deflect attention from his own government’s failings. Morrison repeated his tone deaf dog whistle on 13 May 2021 on the eve of protests against Israel’s bombing of Palestinians in Gaza[2]. At the same time he expressed support for Israel saying that it had the right to defend itself[3]. Of course this infers that Palestinians are the aggressors and that they have no rights. This one sided view flies in the face of over 70 years of land theft, dispossession and ethnic cleansing by the state of Israel. It ignores regular violence by illegal Israeli settlers, the recent attacks on worshippers at al-Aqsa mosque during Ramadan and the ongoing forced eviction of Palestinians from their homes in Sheik Jarrah to provide homes to recent Jewish migrants to Jerusalem. Morrison may chant the mantra that we JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 187
shouldn’t import problems from overseas but just who is importing them and what can he do to stop or at least mitigate it? It is clear that the root cause of this problem is Israel’s ongoing mistreatments of Palestinians, which in many cases reaches the level of war crimes. Aside from his government’s uncritical support of Israel, there is another contribution to the problem. Every year Australian citizens travel to Israel to serve in the Israeli Defence forces, (IDF). There is no compulsion to do this, they are volunteers[4]. At the same time young Australians are actively recruited and trained by the Zionist movement to serve in the IDF. This recruitment and training takes place in Australia[5]. The end result of this is Australian citizens being complicit in well documented war crimes carried out by the Israeli military. Worse than this in some cases they are actually targeting their fellow Australians. In July 2006 Israel invaded and bombed Lebanon, reducing large sections of that country to rubble and inflicting heavy casu-
alties. Nearly 23000 Australian citizens were under those bombs and Australians serving in the IDF had a hand in the attacks[6]. This is not the first time this has happened. In 1984 Australia had to rely on British help to evacuate Australian citizens including its own embassy staff from Lebanon following a bombing campaign by Israel. Beyond that there is also active support for the illegal Israeli settlement movement from among the Australian Jewish community. At least one organisation active in these settlements and funded by donations form Jewish communities in the USA, Europe and Australia is Kahane Chai. It is listed by the US State Department as a terrorist group[7] and its activities are so egregious that it is also banned in Israel. If Australian born Palestinians served in groups defending Palestinians against Israeli attacks or provided financial support to aid projects run by these groups they would be subject to charges under anti-terror laws. If Scott Morrison is genuinely interested in keeping overseas problems out of Aus-
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Dr. Gary Dargan converted to Islam 1986 and has long been active in the Muslim community. He holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in science and has worked for over 30 years in the field of geology and palaeontology. He has long had an interest in the interface and overlap between religion and science, presenting at and participating in a number of international conferences and workshops in that field. Gary also holds a PhD from the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation, (ISTAC) in Kuala Lumpur, Originally from Australia he now lives in Malaysia and is married with one son and two stepsons and one grandson. [1] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jun/04/morrison-says-australia-should-not-import-black-lives-matterprotests-after-deaths-in-custody-rally [2] https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6253964653001 [3] https://www.reddit.com/r/australia/ comments/nf7mhg/israel_unquestionably_ has_the_right_to_defend/ [4] https://www.abc.net.au/news/202007-31/young-australians-joining-israeli-defence-force-as-lone-soldiers/12465416 [5] https://www.abc.net.au/news/201211-28/australian-zionists-prepare-to-join-israeli-army/4397478 [6] https://www.abc.net.au/news/200607-15/lebanon-evacuations-belie-australian-claims/1802402 [7] https://www.refworld.org/docid/5bcf1f3713.html
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Can listening be hard? Hena Jawaid This is an age of information technology where we are bombarded with different platforms of communication and information generation like social, print, and electronic media. It is a noticeable fact that all these mediums mainly facilitate the human attributes of expression and not reception (listening). The current era is more pronounced in defining a person through his or her needs, demands and rights rather than responsibilities and duties. Therefore, it is a general observation that people from diverse culture and traditions are more enthusiastic to voice their concerns and issues rather than listening to each other in social, political, and economic arenas. While listening is extinguishing from the mainstream society of different cultures around the globe; the future age presumably would need specialists who are exclusively trained to listen to others with an intention of understanding, for example therapist, councillors, advisors, social workers and mental health specialists. The problem of dysfunctional communication where both parties rely heavily on expression rather than on reception is multifactorial in nature.
The existing epoch is enhancing and highlighting impulsivity amongst people, prohibiting the ability to delay one’s gratification. We mainly listen to shape our responses and not to understand others’ views. A communication pattern devoid of listening is undeniably a prominent social consequence of internet-driven trends (google, chatting boards, gaming, and entertainment) which is influencing our relationships, problem-solving skills and thinking abilities day by day. “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” ― Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change Listening is the basic part of any interaction in the world. Listening sprouts from roots of tolerance, kindness, compassion, and non-judgment. On close inspection, we would realize that we are running out of these human resources and characteristics. This age of expression is depleting our innate capacity to be empathetic by setting vanity and conceit-ridden norms. Across the globe in different fields of career, communication is gaining mainstream’s recognition by day in and day out. It is mostly because communication is decreasing from all aspects of professional, personal, social, or political lives. We have reached a point where external
agencies are training us to build listening capacity to hear others with compassion and with nonjudgmental attitude. In mystical and sufi notions and in folklore culture, most of the stories were designed and weaved together to facilitate the human attribute of listening. People used to love listening and interacting through the basis of what they receive from others. the diminishing trend of listening especially amongst teenagers and youngsters is quite disheartening. “This is the problem with dealing with someone who is actually a good listener. They do not jump in on your sentences,
saving you from actually finishing them, or talk over you, allowing what you do manage to get out to be lost or altered in transit. Instead, they wait, so you have to keep going.” ― Sarah Dessen, Just Listen Hena Jawaid is a mental health professional having trained in Pakistan and US completing 5 years of medicine and then 4 years training in psychiatry. She has contributed to international and national newspapers, magazines and scientific journals on professional and community issues and spends many hours volunteering for various NGOs.
We all have a book launch: Islam second brain WSU and Muslims in Australia Umar Khan
Wait?!? What?!?! I have a second brain? Yes, you do. Ever feel like your brain is about to burst at the seams because you can’t fit anymore content, topics and ideas in? If only diffusion* works (bio-lovers will get this hopefully!) when I put that textbook over my head hoping it will seep in. But – in reality we are approaching things in the wrong manner. If only… Our brain is like a computer. It has a memory capacity, and we should be using that for what we really need. We shouldn’t be eating up its RAM by trying to remember what we need to do tomorrow, what homework we have and when’s that assessment due. Instead, we should use our second brain. Introducing you to your second brain: pen and paper. Yes, it’s really that simple! Or if you’re fancy, you can use a note-taking app. But, the essence of your second brain is to jot down thoughts the second they appear in your mind. Capture them and take them out of the brain where all the work needs to be done. Don’t occupy your brain with things that aren’t of utmost importance at the time. This will allow you to focus and use your full brainpower in the task at hand. Let’s say you are revising for an exam, and you remember that I’ve got to upload documents for my EAS, I’ve got to put the bins out or I’ve got to check out the KAT blog for the latest study tips, note it in your second brain to free up space in your actual working brain. That way you will have a lot less mental baggage and a lot more mental space to study and retain knowledge. Don’t use your brain as a storage device for unnecessary things; use it when it matters most! I’ve used this to list out all my uni work
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Dr Jan A Ali
for every week; lectures, tutorials, practicals, assessments and tests; jot down ideas for my blog whilst I’m working and staying on top of tasks I need to do for my tutoring work. It really helps that I don’t have this mental baggage of remembering things, and I don’t forget anything I need to do – because it’s all set in ink. Say hello to your second brain today! *Diffusion: The process by which a substance moves from an area of high concentration to low concentration. In my example, from a highly concentrated base of knowledge, that is my textbook, to a relatively lower base of knowledge – my brain! Umar Khan is a recent IBDP graduate, now attending Macquarie University and is based in Sydney, Australia. You can check out his blog at https://katutoring.com/blog/.
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
Western Sydney University at its Bankstown campus held a book launch on Friday 28 May 2021 with WSU academic and author, Dr Jan A Ali. Dr Ali spoke about his recently published book “Islam and Muslims in Australia: Settlement, Integration, Shariah, Education and Terrorism” and signed copies for those who purchased his book. Professor Michael Humphrey from the University of Sydney, an expert on Islam and Muslims in Australia, was the guest speaker who launched the book. Mr Jihad Dib MP, NSW state member for Lakemba gave a talk on Islam and Muslims in Australia with a reflection on his own life in Australia and his journey into the NSW Parliament. The book launch was preceded by dinner and attended by academics, students and community leaders. About the Book: Islam has long been a part of the multicultural landscape of major urban centres in Australia and encompasses a great diversity of theological, jurisprudential and cultural practices. Despite this, in popular discourse, media presentations, and political debates Muslims
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are represented as a homogeneous group. This timely book examines the growing presence of Islam and Muslims in Australia and how it is transforming, and transformed by, social, cultural and religious spaces. Employing critical analysis and macrosociology, Islam and Muslims in Australia provides valuable insights into this growth and development and illuminates how socio-cultural, economic, and political processes maintain and manage the ways Australian Muslims build their religious lives and identities and engage in the wider world, while facing the inevitable effects of modernity. This book argues that Islam in different parts of the world as well as in Australia is more than just a religion, a cultural system or a social structure, but is a complex composite of diverse institutional processes and functions, social routines and norms, and sacred rituals and practices responsible for shaping the lives of Muslims. This volume focuses on five broad areas of sociological analysis namely Muslim settlement, Muslim integration, shari’ah, Muslim education, and global terrorism. About the Author: Jan A Ali is a religious sociologist specialising in Islam. He is a Senior Lecturer in Islam and Modernity in the School of Humanities and Communication Arts at the Western Sydney University. ISSUE 187 / JUNE 2021
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AMUST
Federal Budget 2021-2022
The main features for Australians FINANCE Dr Abul Jalaluddin The Federal Budget for 2021-22 was unveiled to recover Australian economy from the COVID-19 pandemic and roar back the economic growth for all Australians. In 2021-22, the economy is expected to grow by 4.25%, unemployment is to fall from 5.6% to 5%, inflation is expected to be 1.75%, wage is to grow by 1.5%, budget deficit to reach a historic high of $106 billion and the national debt is set to peak almost $1 trillion by 2025. The entire budget is based on highly optimistic assumptions: the international borders will reopen by 30 June 2022 and the Australians will be fully vaccinated by the end of 2021, both of which may not likely to be achieved. The main features of the budget are highlighted below. Aged Care The centrepiece of the budget is the $17.7 billion allocation for aged care over the next 3 years. This outlay was in response to the Aged Care Royal Commission. It includes an additional 80,000 home care packages and a care plan of 3 hours 20 minutes for each aged care residents per day. COVID-19 Over the next 5 years, the budget allocates an extra $1.9 billion for vaccination and $1.5 billion for COVID-related health services such as testing and contact tracing. The budget also includes an undisclosed amount, from an unallocated amount of $3.8 billion, to invest in mRNA vaccine manufacturing in Australia. Tax Cuts The “Low and Middle Income Tax Offset” provided in the last federal budget has been extended for another 12 months, to 30 June 2022. This tax offset is received by taxpayers after lodging respective tax returns for the year. The amount of offset differs amongst income groups, for example, a taxpayer in the income bracket $90,001 to $126,000 would receive approximately
$1,080.
Child Care To encourage more women into workforce and enhance their superannuation balances, the budget outplayed $1.8 billion for child care over the next 5 years. The Government will pay 65% of the child care cost if you have one kid and 95% if you have two or more kids in the childcare. The current cap of $10,560 for households with an annual income of more than $189,390 will be abolished and hence, all Australians will be entitled to childcare benefits. Australian Women The budget provides a huge $3.4 billion package, including the childcare, for women over the next 5 years: $260 million for family violence support services, another $164 million for financial support to women fleeing family violence (each payment up to $5,000 in cash and goods), $42.4 million towards scholarships for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics as well as $21.6 million for sexual and reproductive health services. Business Tax Incentives The current business asset tax writeoff provisions are extended for another 12 months, to 30 June 2022. Australian businesses with annual turnover of up $5 billion will be able to claim a full tax deduction for any eligible asset like work vehicle or equipment under this initiative. In addition, they will be allowed to carry back losses incurred up to 30 June 2023 to offset against business profits made going back to 30 June 2019. There is an allocation of $500 million for Apprentice Support Scheme and JobMaker Hiring Credit Scheme. Mental Health The budget allocates $2.3 billion for National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan over the next 4 years. From this, $1.4 billion will be spent for a new national network of mental health treatment centres for adults, youth and kids; $298 million for suicide prevention; $250 million for online mental health counselling; $202 million to increase workforce in the mental health sector and $107 million for vulnerable Australians including indigenous people. Superannuation
From 1 July 2022, the rate of superannuation guarantee contribution by employers to employees will increase from 9.5% to 10%; all eligible employees will receive superannuation guarantee contributions from their employers as the minimum income threshold of $450 in a calendar month will be removed; Australians aged 67 to 74 will be able to make non-concessional or salary sacrificed superannuation contribution without meeting the work test of at least 40 hours of work over 30 consecutive days in the financial year; the age of home down sizers is reduced from 65 to 60 to make one-off superannuation contributions of $300,000 to their superannuation funds from the proceeds of selling their homes and retirees from certain legacy retirement products have the opportunity to transition to newer, more flexible products and start new products with their capital in the legacy products. Housing Affordability From 1 July 2022, the first home buyers are able to withdraw $50,000, an increase from the current limit of $30,000, from their First Home Super Saver Account; an additional 10,000 places are provided for first home buyers to purchase a newly constructed home or build a new home, they are eligible to borrow more than 80% of property value with only 5% deposit and pay no lender’s mortgage insurance as well as up to 10,000 eligible single parents with depend-
ents have the opportunity to enter or re-enter the housing market with a deposit of just 2%. Losers in the Budget There is no specific funding for Australian universities in this budget for 2021-22. As the international borders may only reopen mid-next year, international students can’t return to profit the universities. For the international students who are here, the budget measures scrap the fortnightly limit of 40-hours of work. International tourism sector has no support in the budget. No new funding for renewables in the budget except a mere $30 million for a big battery and microgrid project in Northern Territory. Skilled migration will fall by 97,000 by 30 June 2021 and further 77,000 by 30 June 2022. The budget predicts an increase of 235,000 by 30 June 2024 which is highly dependent on the COVID-19 situation around the world. Only cuts in this budget is to newly arrived migrants, entering Australia from 1 January 2022. They will have to wait 4 years for most of the welfare payments, saving the budget an estimated $671 million over 5 years from people who deserve every assistance to settle in a new country. Dr Abul Jalaluddin is an Islamic Finance expert, taxation advisor and a regular columnist for AMUST. He is based in Sydney.
NSW Government grabs 150-year-old Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust AMUST Media The Berejiklian Government, in a stunning about-face, has swept aside promises of inclusion with its confirmation on 24 May 2021 that it will take the 150-yearold Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust under administration. The Trust manages cemeteries at Rookwood, North Rocks, Liverpool and Kemps Creek. The Trust was to be dissolved last Friday but an 11th hour intervention has given the Trust a one-week reprieve. The Trust will remain in control of the four cemeteries until then, after which legal action will be formally filed. The State Government had previously assured religious leaders they would be included in the discussions, but in a cynical move to cover up the government’s own failure to provide sufficient burial land, has taken a shortcut to acquire the resources of the Trust and merge it with the state’s five main operJUNE 2021 / ISSUE 187
ators who run burial sites on Crown land, to create one bureaucratic agency. An independent review noted that five Crown cemeteries are unable to cater for the burial needs of Sydney and that more than $300 million would be needed for new land. Rather than the government meeting its obligations to the community, it has chosen to take over the fully-funded Catholic Metropolitan Trust under the pretense of funds being mismanaged. However the independent review also found the Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust manages funds and resources successfully. The decision has angered leaders of the Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths who contend that the Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust provides an inclusive, dignified service to the people of Sydney. “The way they do things, it’s the exact requirements of the Muslim community,” said Kazi Ali, Chairman of the Muslim Cemeteries Board, if they run the show, at least the Muslims, the Jewish community, they will
Kemps Creek Cemetery & Crematorium successfully being maintained by Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust. have a dignified burial service. If the government runs it, only God knows. I’m happy with the structure of the Catholics – let them run it.” “Our mission which has continued in Sydney for over 150 years is to bury the dead in a dignified way, in keeping with the cultures of particular faiths,” said the Trust’s chairman, former NSW attorney-general Greg Smith. “We’re being replaced by bureaucrats who have no experience running cemeteries and have no mission for the dead.” Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust has a fully funded perpetual care fund and, in contrast to the NSW Government’s failure to effectively manage burial resources in recent years, had provided the government with a validated actuarial solution to fully fund the shortfall in the secular Crown trusts within nine years at no cost to taxpayers.
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The trust is also the only Crown operator in Sydney that has secured new burial land through the purchase of two DA approved cemeteries at Varroville and Wallacia. The trust has guaranteed religious and cultural groups such as the Muslims who have as little as a few years space remaining, their own cultural lawns in these new cemeteries. “We will not give up the care of our dead without a fight,” said Archbishop Fisher. “This is a matter of religious liberty and a matter of respect for the dead.” Religious leaders urge those concerned by the Government’s action to contact their local Member of Parliament and request a review of the decision. There is also an online petition to reverse the decision to exclude religious groups from cemetery management at saveourgraves.com.au
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Social Spotlights Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance - WAR
@WARcollective
Senator Mehreen Faruqi @mehreenfaruqi Proud to be wearing a kaffiyeh in parliament today in solidarity with Palestinians #FreePalestine #SaveSheikhJarrah
Solidarity to all Palestinian people in Palestine and all around the world. Today mark 73 years since #Nakba (Catastrophe) we see you and feel your pain and strength, From the river to the sea Palestine will be free.
Peter Gould @petergouldart
Brothers In Need @brothersinneed.org A special thank you to the team from ISRA Academy youth volunteers and the sisters from Brothers In Need for their amazing efforts in helping with our Homeless program over the weekend. We look forward to having your company again!
Illmfeed @ilmfeed Riyad Mahrez waves the Palestinian flag as he celebrates Manchester City’s Premier League win.
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Muslim Professionals @mpaaust Afghan Girls Robotics Team Listed Among The 30 Under 30 List of ‘Forbes Magazine’
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Around fifteen years ago, I purchased this hand-written Quran on my final day in Damascus, Syria. I had been trying to find one for some time and then surrendered to the feeling that it wasn’t to be. Shortly after, as I bid farewell to the Ummayad Mosque for the last time, I noticed a little bookshop in the narrow souq that I must have walked past a dozen times in that same week. It was tiny but filled with treasures and wonders. In my limited Arabic, I spoke with the friendly book dealer. Perhaps he detected how much I was moved by seeing it, knowing that I would cherish it. I feel very grateful that we agreed on a price and I’ve since been the custodian of this majestic manuscript. I do not consider myself it’s owner, for it is an ‘amanah’ (trust) to hold on to for a future generation. Most importantly is that we benefit from its timeless wisdom & guidance. I believe it could be around 200-300 years old, as there is a date but seems unclear. According to a calligrapher friend, who examined its script and paper, its origins are likely in the Silk Road regions, perhaps present-day Afghanistan. (If you know more, please do share to any experts for an opinion). If you would like to see the Quran, join me in Sydney at the State Library of NSW on the 25th May. (Link in bio) I will be sharing this story along with my photographs from Syria to help support refugees. After ten years of conflict, we need to do more. Alhumdulilah we have raised over $60,000 in the past three weeks but I hope this event will boost that further and together benefit the world’s most vulnerable people with our efforts, inshaAllah. #ramadan
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#NAKBADAY Jewish Voice for Peace
Tweets
#GazaUnderAttack
This #NakbaDay, 100s of our members sent in photos opposing the #OngoingNakba in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan. Our anti-Zionist Jewish solidarity with the 1,500 Palestinians facing forced displacement shows that Israel’s expulsions are not about religion, but about land theft, ethnic cleansing, and ethnic supremacy — just as they were in 1948. Most families in these Jerusalem neighborhoods are refugees from the beginning of the Nakba in 1948, when Zionist militas violently expelled 750,000 Palestinians from their homes. For them, their impending displacement in 2021 is especially painful. How many generations of Palestinians must experience this kind of trauma before we decide enough is enough? Whether in 1948 or 2021, expulsions of Palestinians are the result of the same settler-colonial project: Zionism. As the spokesperson for the settlers of Sheikh Jarrah brazenly admitted, the current wave of Israeli settler home theft and demolitions is a “continuation of the Zionist project,” which has always been executed “at Arabs’ expense” and required the expulsion of Palestinians from their land. As anti-Zionist Jews, our solidarity with the Palestinians of Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan undermines the narratives of Israeli settlers and the Israeli government, both of which claim that their violence serves and represents all Jews and Judaism. We unequivocally stand with Palestinians working to end the ongoing Nakba. #SaveSheikhJarrah #SaveSilwan #StopJerusalemExpulsions #Nakba73
Steadfast Despite The Pain Sukoon Quteifan My latest art work called: “Steadfast Despite The Pain” In the commemoration of Al-Nakba “the Catastrophe” observed on May 15 annually, the Nakba marks the 1948 forced expulsion of nearly 800,000 Palestinians from their homes in historical Palestine. My grandfather and my grandmother were one of those people fleeing to Jordan with my father aged one year old at that time along with his siblings. Seventy-three years ago, and un-
til today Israel is continuing to seizure our Holy Palestinian lands and still committing forced evictions as in the recent news of Sheikh al-Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods in Jerusalem. Despite the decades of Palestinians suffering, we still continue to affirm our right to return to our homes and villages in historical Palestine and have raised our children to never forget their right to return too.
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.
FOLLOW AMUST ON TWITTER @amustnews More photos: https://tinyurl.com/bm9ekrfr JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 187
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Australia rallies for Palestine NEWS 1-4
Hobart, Tasmania. Photo: Friends of Palestine.
Rallies were held throughout May all over Australia in support of Palestine and condemnation of Israel’s brutalisation of Gaza and Palestinians. Speakers denounced Israel’s brutal devastation of Gaza and its people and criticised the response from the Australian government. “We’re here today on stolen Aboriginal land, the land of the Gadigal People. As a Palestinian, I see you, I feel you, I hear you and I will always stand with you.” - Dalia Al Haj Qasem, Sydney “Today, all of us across the world are willing to stand up and say – no to apartheid, no to ethnic cleansing, no to the murder of children opening presents from their parents on Eid, no to the massacre of entire families, no to Israel’s 73 year old war against the Indigenous people of Palestine, and no to our government’s complicity in this war.” - Nazeem Hussain, Melbourne
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Cairns, Queensland.
Sydney NSW. Photo: Tom Toby Photography.
Perth, WA. Photo: Muslim Traveller. Canberra, ACT. Photo: Yusuf Tas.
Melbourne, Victoria. Photo: Jews against Fascism.
Wollongong, NSW. Photo: Brian Rapsey. Adelaide, SA.
Sydney NSW. Photo: One Moon Khan
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Darwin, NT. Photo: Territorians for Palestine. WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
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