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www.amust.com.au ISSUE # 188
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Multicultural News & Views
JULY 2021; DHUL HAJJ 1442
Continuation of the AMUST success story
Mohamed Ainullah Most of Australian state capitals are currently under lockdown in order to contain fresh outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant of the COVID-19 coronavirus first detected in India in February that has now gone global. NSW has recorded more than 150 cases since 16 June leading to Greater Sydney’s lockdown for at least 2 weeks till midnight on Friday 9 July. Perth began a four-day lockdown starting midnight Tuesday 29 June till Saturday 3 July, Brisbane a three-day lockdown starting Tuesday 29 June evening while Darwin will be under lockdown till 1 pm Friday 2 July. There are also various restrictions in other states including movement across state borders or within the states themselves. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, referring to advice from Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said, “her advice to us is consistent and the advice is to make sure that you kill this strain of the virus in the community at the moment, two weeks is about what is required.” Ms Berejiklian encouraged NSW residents to receive a vaccine if they are able to, but said supply of the vaccine was out of her government’s control and Dr Chant encouraged people to discuss their decision with a GP. The federal government and PM Scott Morrison have come under heavy criticism for failing to secure enough vaccine doses for the Australian population and its roll out in order to prevent small outbreaks leading to lockdowns in various states from time to time. continued on page 2
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Tears and resolve for Palestine in Sydney
The Stage all set and ready for the play simulating the Palestinian lifestyle. Photo credit: @photosbyjocelynandjuelliet
The Palestinian Fundraiser Dinner Soukina Kassir “This fundraiser raised the bar. The plays with the extraordinary acting playing out scenes from Palestine brought the Palestinian cause to life here in Sydney. Everyone cried. Everyone understood. Even non-Arabs. And if you can do that, move people from all around the world regarding the Palestinian cause, I think you’ve won”, explains a guest at The Palestinian Fundraiser Dinner held on Saturday 19 June 2021.
“At one point, there was no dry eye in the room”, states another guest at the event to Lara, the organiser of the event. Lara Hawwash, 28, a longtime human rights activist, women empowerment leader, event planner, social influencer, and mum of two, has always supported fundraisers, shared in them and planned them. This year, with the help of Fatema from Mystic events and Lina from Prop Party Hire, The Palestinian Fundraiser Dinner was held on Saturday 19 June at the Holiday Inn, Warwick Farm, South West Sydney. The event brought together almost 300
people from different backgrounds in Sydney and raised a staggering $25000, which was transferred to Palestine through reputable organisations in Australia: Ausrelief and Kawafel Al Khair. The money transferred through the latter was used to build water tanks to provide clean water for people affected in Palestine. More than sixty businesses came together hand in hand and sponsored this event by either offering their products or services nil of charge. continued on page 9
Order of Australia for Philip Feinstein OAM Zia Ahmad Philip Feinstein, founder for Music for Refugees and a columnist for AMUST was recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia at the Queen’s birthday Honours List announced by the Governor-General on Monday 14 June 2021. Philip was recognised for his service to refugees primarily for his Music for Refugees program founded in 2009 through which he helped refugees cope with trauma caused by dislocation and detention. Born in South Africa, of Jewish origin, Philip migrated to Australia in 1972. He has worked as a volunteer music teacher at Villawood Detention Centre, Sydney as well as for Burundian refugees in Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. He has been a regular columnist for AMUST since 2014 and was presented with the Outstanding Writer for AMUST Award
in July 2019 by Mr Chin Tan, Race Discrimination Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission. His stories for AMUST have strong underlying peace messages for Christians, Jews and Muslims trying to build bridges between diverse communities. See his stories at amust.com.au/author/philip-feinstein He has also received NSW Volunteer of the Year Award, Centre for Volunteering, 2019, Humanitarian Award for Best Project ‘Music for Refugees’, NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) in 2014. Philip created a unique music teaching method responding to the restrictions placed on refugees. The methodology includes boosting self-pays for all printing of instruction sheets and brochures. continued on page 15 Read “An exclusive interview with Philip Feinstein OAM” with AMUST on page 15.
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Australia under COVID-19 lockdown Continued from page 1 Australia has fully vaccinated less than 5% of its relatively small population, compared with almost half the population in US and UK. Australian vaccination rates are more comparable with Indonesia and India with very large population. Swift contact tracing, strict social distancing rules and short lockdowns have largely helped Australia keep its COVID-19 numbers relatively low, with just over 30,500 cases and 910 deaths but its vaccine rollout has track record has been poor. Greater Sydney lockdown orders From 6pm on Saturday 26 June 2021, if you have been in Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour for any reason since Monday 21 June 2021, you must follow the stay at home rules and must continue to follow them until 11:59pm on Friday 9 July. If you live in, usually work in, or usually attend a university or other tertiary education facility in Greater Sydney you must also follow the stay at home rules, unless you have not been in Greater Sydney for the last 14 days. Reasonable excuse to leave home A reasonable excuse is if you need to • obtain food or other goods and services • for the personal needs of the household or for other household purposes (including pets) • for vulnerable people • if the food or goods and services are not available in the local government area that you live in • travel for work or education if it is not possible to do it at home • exercise and take outdoor recreation in Greater Sydney • go out for medical or caring reasons, including obtaining a COVID-19 vaccination
• donate blood • access childcare • continue existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children • attend a funeral • provide care or assistance (including personal care) to a vulnerable person or to provide emergency assistance • access social services, employment services, services provided to victims (including as victims of crime), domestic violence services, and mental health services • move to a new place of residence, or between your different places of residence • undertake legal obligations • avoid injury or illness or to escape the risk of harm • in case of emergencies
• for compassionate reasons, including where two people are in a relationship but do not necessarily live together • to provide pastoral care if you are a priest, minister of religion or member of a religious order. Taking a holiday is not a reasonable excuse. Places of worship Services may be livestreamed from a church, meeting house, mosque, synagogue, temple or other place of worship that is not open to members of the public. You can attend the premises if you are directly involved in the service or the operation of the equipment for the livestream event. The place of worship must not be open to members of the public.
Weddings From 28 June 2021 onwards, you will not be able to: enter Greater Sydney to hold or attend a wedding leave your place of residence to attend a wedding if you live in, usually work in, or usually attend a university or other tertiary education facility in Greater Sydney. Funerals Funerals can continue to take place in Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour with up to 100 people. Attending a funeral of up to 100 people is a reasonable excuse to leave home and to enter Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour.
Muslim Lawn
KEMPS CREEK MEMORIAL PARK
Kemps Creek Memorial Park has a dedicated lawn for the Muslim community with peaceful rural vistas. Located only 25 minutes’ drive from Blacktown and 35 minutes from Auburn. › Single and double burial graves available › 3 year interest free payment plans available
Part of the local community For further information please contact:
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Terrorist attack in Canada
Politicians urged to address Islamophobia Mohamed Ainullah Canadian opposition leader Jagmeet Singh has called on the politicians to address hate resulting in violence against Muslims, and not to use Islamophobia for divisive politics to gain votes. The Leader of the New Democratic Party was speaking on Tuesday 8 June after four members of a Muslim family were killed in an Islamophobic attack in London, Canada by a 20 year old terrorist Nathaniel Veltman. He further went on to say that Canada was a place “of racism, of violence, of genocide of Indigenous people and our country is a place where Muslims aren’t safe” while asking “how many more families will be killed before we do something.” He later tweeted, “Everyone should feel safe to be who they are. We will wear our hijabs and our turbans with pride. We will not let terror win and we will stand with #OurLondonFamily” Nathaniel Veltman, the 20-year-old man has now been charged with four counts of first-degree murder following the vehicle attack on Sunday 6 June 2021 in London, Ontario state of Canada for the killing four members of a Muslim family — Salman Afzaal 46, his wife Madiha Salman 44, their daughter Yumna 15, and Salman Afzaal’s mother 74, and injuring the couple’s nineyear-old son Fayez. “There is evidence that this was a planned, premeditated act and that the family was targeted because of their Muslim faith,” London Police Service Det.-Insp. Paul Waight said. Earlier on 29 January 2017 in another terrorist attack at the Islamic Cultural Centre of
Jagmeet Singh, Canadian opposition leader. Quebec City Six Muslims were killed and five others seriously injured after evening prayers when a terrorist entered the prayer hall and opened fire. Analysts have said now the second lethal terrorist attack against Muslims in Canada seem to have been primed by some Canadian politicians accusing the former PM Stephen Harper for stok ing Islamophobia in order to gain votes. London Mayor Ed Holder said in a statement on Monday that three days of mourning would be held in the city after the attack. “Let me be clear: This was an act of mass murder, perpetrated against Muslims — against Lon-
doners — and rooted in unspeakable hatred,” Holder said. A moment of silence was also observed on Monday 7 June in Parliament in the capital, Ottawa, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the deadly violence as “a terrorist attack motivated by hatred in the heart of one of our communities”. “Unlike every other night, that family never made it home. Their lives were taken in a brutal, cowardly and brazen act of violence. This killing was no accident,” said Trudeau, promising to take stronger action against farright groups in Canada. Statistics Canada said in March that po-
lice-reported hate crimes targeting Muslims “rose slightly” to 181 incidents in 2019 – the last year for which the data is available. That is up from 166 incidents the previous year. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation called on authorities to take the necessary preventive measures to address anti-Muslim hatred, which it said is spreading in many countries where Muslims constitute a minority. In its statement issued on Thursday 10 June 2021, the OIC renewed its calls on the United Nations and other global bodies to declare March 15 a day against Islamophobia and intolerance of Muslims.
Israeli ‘Flag March’ features racist chants Yumna Patel Among the chants that were reported were “Death to Arabs,” “may your village burn,” and “a second Nakba is coming,” referring to the nakba, or ‘catastrophe’ in Arabic, when thousands of Palestinians were massacred by Zionist militias and over 750,000 were forcibly expelled from their homes in 1948. Thousands of Israelis participated in the ultra-nationalist “Flag March” in occupied Jerusalem on Tuesday, marching through the streets of the city chanting “Death to Arabs” and other racist anti-Palestinian slogans. An estimated 5,000 Israelis, primarily youth, belonging to far-right and ultra-nationalist groups participated in the provocative parade, which is held every year in commemoration of Israel’s occupation of the city in 1967 — a move celebrated by Israelis as the “unification” of Jerusalem, though recognized by the international community as illegal annexation. Hordes of Israeli demonstrators, under the protection of hundreds of armed Israeli troops, waved Israeli flags and chanted nationalist slogans as they marched from West Jerusalem to the eastern part of the city. Outside the Damascus Gate, the entrance to the Muslim quarter of the Old City, crowds of Israelis danced, waved Israeli flags, and chanted racist slogans. Among the chants that were reported were “Death to Arabs,” “may your village burn,” and “a second Nakba is coming,” referring to the nakba, or ‘catastrophe’ in Arabic, when thousands of Palestinians were massacred by Zionist militias and over 750,000 were forcibly expelled from their homes in 1948. Among the participants of the march were right-wing Israeli lawmakers and members of parliament including Bezalel Smotrich, Shlomo Karai, Itamar Ben Gvir and Orit JULY 2021 / ISSUE 188
Struck, the Times of Israel reported. Palestinian counter-protesters gathered outside the Damascus Gate area, but were violently dispersed by Israeli police, who fired sponge-tipped bullets and skunk water at Palestinian crowds. Videos also showed Israeli police violently snatching Palestinian flags away from Palestinian protesters, while Israeli demonstrators waved Israeli flags and chanted racist slogans in the background. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that 33 Palestinian protestors were wounded by Israeli police, including six who were taken to the hospital. Israeli media reported that at least 17 Palestinian protesters were also arrested. There were no reports of arrests among Israeli demonstrators. Earlier in the day Israeli forces enforced widespread closures of streets in Palestinian neighborhoods in East Jerusalem, while Palestinians in the Old City were advised to close down their shops and stay at home to avoid harassment and vandalism from Israeli demonstrators — a common occurrence during the annual march. Israeli media reported that there were around 2,000 Israeli troops stationed in the city. According to Wafa news agency Israeli authorities summoned Palestinian leaders in the city for interrogation leading up to the march. Meanwhile in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip thousands of Palestinians protested in a “Day of Rage” that was called by Palestinian political factions in response
to the march. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported over 50 injuries in the West Bank and Gaza. In the city of Bethlehem, hundreds of Palestinians marched through the city waving Palestinian flags and chanting national slogans, before they were met with intense tear gas fire from Israeli forces. “We are here to show our support for our people for Jerusalem and show them that we are with them. From here, to Jerusalem, to Gaza, we are all one Palestinian people,” Mohammed Hameida, a resident of Bethlehem told Mondoweiss. “The flag march is only intended to provoke us, and is part of the constant Israeli aggression against us. The only flag that has the right to fly over Jerusalem is the Palestinian flag, any other flag is the flag of the occupier.” Palestinian groups including the Hamas movement warned that the demonstration could reignite tensions amid a shaky ceasefire that was called at the end of last month, following an 11-day offensive on Gaza that killed 253 Palestinians, including 66 children. At least 13 Israelis were killed by rocket fire from Gaza. In addition to days of violent Israeli raids on the Al-Asqa compound at the end of Ramadan, and ongoing efforts to expel Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah, one of the catalysts for last month’s war in Gaza was the flag march, which was initially planned for May 10th. The initial march was rerouted not to enter Damascus Gate or pass through the Muslim
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Quarter to avoid sparking further tensions. Shortly after the march began, however, it was called off as the first rockets were fired from Gaza into Israeli territory. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh condemned the march before it set off on Tuesday afternoon, saying “this is a provocation of our people and an aggression against our Jerusalem and our holy sites.” Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk said of the march that “our decision is already made that it is possible the war will return” if Israel continues to carry out “its usual activities. Palestinian MK and leader of the Joint List Ayman Odeh condemned the march, and spoke to the Israeli Kan public broadcaster from outside the Old City, saying “On these [Old City] walls the flag of Palestine will be hoisted and Jerusalem will be the capital of recaptured Palestine.” Mansour Abbas, leader of the United Arab List and member of the newest governing coalition in Israel said that the march should not have taken place, calling it “an unbridled provocation, which is based on shouts of hatred and incitement to violence, and an attempt to set the area on fire for political reasons.” Tensions have remained high in Jerusalem in the wake of last month’s ceasefire, as Israel has continued to promote its plans for settler takeover in the Jerusalem neighborhoods of Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan. In the weeks since the ceasefire, Israeli forces have arrested thousands of Palestinians across Israel and the occupied territory, issued demolition orders in East Jerusalem, violently suppressed Palestinian protests across the occupied territory, and most recently, shot and killed a 15-year-old Palestinian boy in Nablus. Courtesy Mondoweiss: Read the original article: https://tinyurl.com/3yba5n9s
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A proposition for a social contract Dr Mohammed Naushaduddin
WHAT do we need to do? In search of sustainable peace, humanity needs to find the source of contradictions in our respective actions, and seek a resolution. A social contract has no meaning if it is riddled with contradictions. Since we belong to Muslim tradition, we should try the best we can to try to address these inaccuracies that has accrued in our current societies – of oppressing majorities to persecuted minorities. The only way to address these contradictions is by reaching the truth. Where the truth is not obvious and plain, we should search for the best facts available and the most convincing evidence uncovered. Thus we need to devise a mechanism, to agree to the facts and evidence before us. The purpose of life will be to simultaneously marvel the truth and uncover the evidence.
I have a proposition for the Muslim community: a social contract. A social contract with all of humanity – people close to us, around us, and even unknown to us. We already have our covenant with God via Quran and Hadith. WHY do we need such a social contract? As the world is getting globalised, and humanity becomes one, a hurt in one part of humanity is reflected in other part of our collective form – our global village. We need a social contract for peace and progress – within us, amongst us, around us. In the past, the world divided by geography and different terrains created mini-worlds within it. Oceans, seas and rivers, deserts, forests and mountains, had separated humanity. Soon cultures developed to make sense of these mini-worlds. Until they didn’t, when empires took over. Peace was not a certainty in these early times either. Along came religions to sooth human misery, mitigate our daily grinds, inspire us to greater heights, achieve our full potential. The world became expansive, but was still smaller to fight forol. Abrahamic children fought but kept the light of enlightenment burning, the Middle Kingdom kept some balance, the Vedas did the best they could. Concern for order and peace was the common theme. Then came the discovery, science and technology into human conscious. The fear of embracing them outweighed the fear of losing it to ‘the other’ – in Europe. A new revolution began which accepted spiritual norms of the old ways as progress began to take hold. The Rational Mind of the 19th-20th century drew on righteousness of its predecessors while ignoring the piling heap of contradictions – of the old ways and the new paths. In the early 21st century, it is now up to us to entangle these contradictions, and attempt to bring clarity and transparency in the discourse of human interactions.
WHEN do we make this social contract? Individually, puberty is a good time – a period of transition from dependence of human body to independence of its soul. Keeping and perfecting this social contract will be our life’s purpose, some may take years and decades to perfect it. For such a noble endeavour, effective literacy is a pre-requisite for every child. Collectively, we should start the process of drawing up, debating and agreeing upon this social contract. The geopolitical, economic and existential upheavals are ever around, and it is expected the flames to rise even higher. Humanity needs an agreement for peace and prosperity for generations to come. WHERE do we start the process? In our hearts, first. Acknowledging the need of change and improvement remains the highest obstacle. Then, our homes, our societies and our locales. The change in grassroots will influence the powers-that-be too. And Allah is the better planner. WHO to begin this process Anyone who knows the truth, and are willing to keep learning the matters of truth, should come forward. The Quran gave them this authority (An-Nisa, 4:59). An Ijjaza may be necessary, a university degree may be
needed. However, an understanding of how truth is derived is imperative. HOW do we start the process It comes easy if we agree to our aim, which should be reaching the truth. We add science as one of the sources of Fiqh. Quran remains a time-tested source; Hadith elaborates the Quran, and inspires a young mind. So too will Science help us reach the truth wherever it is. That defined, the process will take time to fineness but it should be approachable and implementable. As humans we are hardwired to respect truth; the world’s brightest are not the only one to improve humanity.
hamstrung by daily needs of sustenance and growth of self and loved ones. Being dependent on a fellow human’s lordship remains one of the primary obstacle to reach truth. A Basic Income or a welfare community will unshackle a seeking man to the vagaries of its fellow’s primitive urge to dominate. Identity Despite evident truths, one may be tied to one’s memories (eg childhood joy) and experiences (eg trauma). Change is expected to be slow, may even take a generation. An understanding of this profound pull on human brain on rational and reasonable actions will create sensitivity, patience and tolerance.
Challenges to our Social Contract Literacy When ~40% of world’s Muslims are illiterate, they will remain beholden to those who will look after their material well being. Ability to seek knowledge independently remains the prerequisite for peace and progress in the world. An hierarchy of merit remains the shortest path to reach any truth.
Society Despite acknowledgement of need for change, one may be emotionally tied to extended relations of blood, work or joy – and may want to respect their loved one’s traditions (religious and secular festivities). Awareness of truth and respect for other’s positions, combined with patience and goodwill, will eventually bring peace all around.
Needs Despite availability of knowledge, one gets
Dr Mohammed Naushaduddin is a General Practitioner in SouthWest Sydney, Australia.
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Continuation of the AMUST success story With the publication of Issue #188 July and presence on major social media platforms 2021, AMUST enters into the eighth year in order to disseminate positive community of its re-publication as a community mul- news about our Australian multicultural comtimedia positive news platform. munity and global affairs. Starting in January 1991 originally as the Although AMUST prides itself to be a posiAustralian Muslim Times as a multilingual tive news platform, it does not shy away from community newspaper, it was restarted as an seeking out truth and boldly raise awareness English only full colour monthly print news- of injustice, corruption, persecution and abuse paper from July 2014 renamed the Australa- of power and wealth and promotes corrective sian Muslim Times AMUST. action in order to build an equitable, fair and It has continued to maintain just society, locally and globally. an excellent track record in its AMUST is largely managed and regularity and punctuality produced by a dedicated core team of efficient production and of volunteers helped by an Ausdistribution even during tralia-wide network of volunteer Zia Ahmad the COVID-19 effected writers, contributors and distribperiod of one and a half uters. Assalamu years so far without any By keeping the costs down Alaikum break. through volunteering, AMUST AMUST is a multiculturexpenditures are met by subscripGreetings al multimedia platform run tions and advertising where it neiof Peace by Seena Incorporated, a not ther seeks nor accepts donations or for profit organisation producing a fundraising for all its operations. monthly newspaper in print as well as digiAMUST has increasingly become inclusive, tal e-Newspaper, a weekly Email Newslet- not limited to the Muslim community only but ter, a dynamic frequently refreshed website catering for all communities and faiths groups
AMUST ISSUE # 188 FRIDAY 2 JULY 2021 21 DHUL QA’ADAH 1442 News
- A proposition for a social contract - Conspiracies, religion and politics - Imams/scholars unified
Community
Australia
Once again the vicious policy of apartheid and ethnic cleansing has shown the face of Israel to the world. The attack on the residents of East Jerusalem and Gaza has served to awaken the world to Netanyahu’s thugs and the poisonous policy of the colonisation of Palestine , mainly by Israeli immigrants from the USA. It has also served to expose the nature of the UAE and Saudi leadership. That Egypt continues to keep its border with Gaza closed to Palestinians has also
strategies, manifestations and repercussions of hate speech. I would love to understand the crux of hate - when the quintessence of all faiths is respect, love, peace, what are the causes, the needs, the vulnerabilities in the human condition that prompts people of faith to indulge in hate speech that inflicts pain on the Other? Big question. The answers to this will help heal the human soul. Dr Vacy Vlazna
Re: Countering Hate: Webinar Re: Palestinians’ moral on local and global action The discussion on Countering Hate has strength soars in facing Zionprovided invaluable insights into the isms, ist tyranny
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- Elder abuse in Australia - Aussie Muslim exploration - Creeping fascism in Australia
Lifestyle inviting them to read and freely write for AMUST in order to disseminate diversity of news and views. It promotes dialogue, communication and meeting of people from different faiths, indigenous groups and ethnic communities as well as championing women’s rights, refugee rights, rights of people with disability while working towards an inclusive society.
love for wealth has done what I never saw coming, side with Israel against their own people. What I failed to remember at the time of the shock moment was that Noah’s son was an unbeliever and Allah sternly reminded Noah that due to his unbelief his is no longer his son therefore no longer part of his family. Dubai is run by hypocrites and those hypocrites has lost the right to be a part of the ummah of Muhammadur rasulullah s.a.w. Salko Safic
Re: Terrorist attack in Canada: Politicians urged to address Islamophobia
Re: Life after 30 as a single Believe me, the unforgivable, pointless Muslim woman tragedy of the slaughter of the innocent While I don’t live in the west, I live in another Arab country other than my own. I’m 31 years old, and I won’t lie to you that it gets to me sometimes that I can’t find the right person for me. Plus let’s face it, what are the odds of me marrying someone from back home or from here? Zero lol. I’m a stranger here, and I don’t get to meet many nice men from back home. Anyway, I felt a bit down today, as sometimes it really does get to me that I want to marry someone whose kind and who respects me as a human being rather than just another social status, and I don’t want to do anything that is against my beliefs or haram. I stumbled upon your blogpost which made me smile and feel happy :) Thank you for writing this <3. BlueK
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- NZ conference on extremism - Lakemba to get $20m facility - Islamic calligraphy competition
Re: Mass exodus from UN served to show what rule by the darling of Re: Global outcry against Israneeded unless it abrogates the the Islamophobes means. el’s brutal attacks What looks bad can also have a silver linveto power Dubai a nation of hypocrites, with all their
Israel prevented the Palestinians to pray in the Al-Aqsa mosque, continues ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Jerusalem and it is Hamas fault. Blind Freddy knows that the Gaza strip is just an open air prison for the IDF to decimate at whim. You do not take on the savagery of the F-15s and F-16s unless you are not given any options. Israel instigates, taunts and then plays the victim. mal
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Readers comments ing. It has delegitimised the most vile of the Arab regimes in the eyes of their own people and the rest of the world. Bilal Cleland
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- Tears and resolve for Palestine - Philip Feinstein receives OAM - Australia under COVID-19 lockdown
EDITORIAL
I salute Dr Javed Jamil highly intelligent, ethical and practical call to United Nations (UN) members to withdraw from the UN until or if it doesn’t reform the exclusive undemocratic veto power of the 5 permanent members of the Security Council USA, UK, France , China, Russia that unilaterally stops official enforcement of resolutions making the UN a collaborator of Israel’s sadistic savagery. As Dr Jamil points out, the USA over 70 years has used its veto power to allow Israel to perpetrate war crimes and daily violate international law with total impunity backed by western powers and some Muslim nations. The UN betrayal of Palestine and its own legal began in 1947. According to eminent professor of international law, Francis Boyle, the UN had (and has) no legal power to approve or enforce partition of any foreign land in this case- partitioning land between indigenous Palestinians and immigrants. “The United Nations had no business offering the nation of one people to the people of many nations. Its General Assembly had neither the legal nor the legislative powers to impose such a resolution or to convey title of a territory; Articles 10, 11 and 14 of the UN Charter bestows the right on the General Assembly merely to recommend resolutions.” Israel’s unilateral declaration of independence is consequently illegal. Take away the veto power and Israel’s power immediately collapses. Dr Vacy Vlazna
AMUST
Afzaal family has its racist roots in the USA and its Coalition of the Willing’s exploitation of Islamophobia as a tool to justify the expansion of US military imperialism to steal Middle East oil resources to stave off the peak oil slump and to boost US/Israel military economies. It is hypocritical of Trudeau to condemn the killings when Canada ( and Australia) is a willing member of the Coalition of the Willing wherein its troops committed great damage and war crimes – see latest 4 Corners sympathetic and redemptive episode: https://iview.abc.net.au/video/ NC2103H018S00. Dr Vacy Vlazna
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- Easy on the glass bottles - Self-Love for the sake of Allah - Food cracks disability myth
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- COVID-19 in India: Third wave? - Nationalism: A modern day menace
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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.
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Eid ul Adha: Some reminders for us Farid Ahmed Eid ul Adha returns to remind us about who we are and what our priority is in our lives. Eid is not just a celebration, but it is a worship according to Allah’s guidance. Allah made the provision of Eid for our guidance to remind us to practice what is best for ourselves and for the humanity. Through His guidance, there is benefits for entire mankind because He is the creator of mankind. Eid is not a man-made invention. It is a divine plan from Allah offering huge benefits. Let us look at few reminders that Eid ul Adha brings for us. Give up self-praise Don’t we have ego, self-pride, and love to be glorified for our name, status, wealth, and often nationality? Or our self-praise and self-glory pushes us to fight to bring one another down? Aren’t many husbands and wives, neighbours, leaders, siblings, groups, parties, nations competing one another for establishing self-glory over one another which is causing disharmony, dissention, classes, disparity, division, disunity, and hate? Eid ul Adha reminds us, that we must praise and glorify Allah only because He only deserves it. That is why, we say Takbir such as, “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, laa ilaaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillaahil hamd.” Billions of Muslims, all over the world, recite the same thing to praise only Allah as He is the only God, and He deserves all the
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praises from His creations like us. If we can put that reminder into practice, we can be humble people to make a better world. Can’t we? Avoid self-harm or harming others in celebrations Often people in happy situations use things or do things that is harmful to them or for the society. Alcohol, party drugs are responsible for poor health and accidents causing death and injury. Or the noisy party that disturbs the neighbours and causes fights, enmity and so on. Eid ul Adha reminds us to celebrate our
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happy occasion with prayers in peace, in unity and extreme humility in the front of Almighty Allah. It reminds us to live in peace as flowers co-exist in peace in the garden. Won’t we enjoy peace If we put that reminder into practice? Give up negative desires Selfishness, anger, rage, jealousy, greed and envy are the negative desires in us. Satan wants us to worship our selfish desires to commit sins, chaos, and unhappiness in and around us for destruction. We cannot practice the positive desires like kindness, compassion, love, and mercy unless we give
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up the negative desires. Eid ul Adha reminds us to sacrifice our negative, harmful, and sinful desires with a symbol of animal sacrifice (Qurbani). Allah reminds us about the animal sacrifice, “It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah: It is your devotion [to Allah] that reaches Him.” [Quran 22:37] Can we follow that reminder for our own everlasting happiness in Paradise? 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.
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Conspiracy theories, religion and politics Bilal Cleland Over the past few years we have witnessed extremist politics penetrating the US Republican Party, alongside the burgeoning of insane conspiracy theories like QAnon. The FBI has taken a particular interest in QAnon since the insurrection at the US Capitol on 6 January. “Its foundational principle holds that a corrupt cabal of ‘global elites’ and ‘deep state’ actors run a Satan-worshiping international child sex trafficking ring, and engaged in plots to conduct a coup against a former President of the United States while he was in office.” It is marked by the spread of false information about “alleged election fraud, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the dangers of 5G technology.” [4 June 2021 Adherence to QAnon Conspiracy Theory by Some Domestic Violent Extremists FBI] The spread of this theory has led Politico to ask “whether the time has come for a new wave of outreach to religious communities, this time aimed at evangelical Christians.” Once, only Muslim communities were so targeted. Elizabeth Neumann, formerly of the Department of Homeland Security, pointed out that social isolation during the pandemic is
a known risk factor for the spread of extremism. “… states with stay-at-home orders that lasted 10 days or longer, [online] searches for white-supremacist content increased by 21 percent. In states where there either weren’t stay-at-home orders or they lasted nine days or fewer, that increase was only 1 percent. “[2 April 2021 Politico Magazine] Authoritarian structures in some strands of evangelicalism are “where you see the most ardent Trump supporters or the QAnon believers, because they’ve been told: “You don’t need to study [scripture]. We’re giving you the answer.” [2 April 2021 Politico Magazine] Their hatred of anti-pandemic measures relates to their claim that masks are part of a Muslim plot to bring Sharia law to America. “That masks leads to a burqa and then goes to Sharia law,” said Richard Hanely, a journalism professor. [29 July 2020 Middle East Eye] Trump retweeted QAnon memes including a link to a video featuring a man who said Muslims would “kill Americans” if they did not allow them to follow their religion.” Colin Clarke, a senior research fellow at The Soufan Center who studies extremist violence, said “…there has been a “crossover” between the QAnon systems and evangelical Christianity that is going to imbue rightwing extremism with the sort of violent fanaticism more associated with al-Qaeda or ISIS.” [4 March 2021 Independent UK]
Pulitzer winner Eliza Griswold summarises Christian nationalism as “a set of beliefs … which center on the idea that God intended America to be a Christian nation.” “Survey after survey of the American public demonstrates that Christian nationalism is present within the population, and especially among white evangelical Protestants, where upwards of 80% are at least somewhat favorable of a fusion of Christianity and American national identity.” [1 June 2021 Alternet] This strain of nationalist theocracy is already infecting the Australian political mainstream. Former WA Liberal president Norman
Malaysian imams/scholars’ unified approach to lunar determinations Dr Daud Batchelor South-East Asian Islamic scholars have achieved a remarkable feat in developing an effective methodology for determining Hijri calendar dates. Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, since 1992, have calculated in advance Ramadhan, Eidul-Fitri and Eidul-Adha dates, then validated them by crescent (hilal) sightings. For 15 years, predicted and actual sighting dates coincided, confirming correctness of the methodology. It deserves close consideration by Australian imams. Their method of calculation (hisab) of sighting possibility (imkanur-ru’ya f’il hilal), combined with actual sighting (ru’ya), has been tested and validated, thereby raising confidence in their imkanur-ru’ya determinations from zannu (probable) to qa’ti (definitive) in fiqhi terms. Malaysia tried different approaches over 50 years in deciding the current method. Its National Islamic Affairs Council under jurisdiction of the Rulers’ Conference, comprising the King and State Rulers, adopted the Istanbul Declaration 1978 regarding sighting criteria, that the crescent can be visible if at sunset its altitude above the horizon is ≥5° and separation (elongation) between sun and moon is ≥8°. In 1992, criteria were modified so that an acceptable hisab calculation must satisfy EITHER During sunset, hilal altitude is ≥2° and elongation is ≥3°, OR At moon-set, moon age is ≥8 hours. Beginning 1995, all Hijri months used these criteria. In furthering scientific research, a consortium of JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia), University Malaya, Survey and Mapping Department Malaysia, and Negeri Sembilan Mufti’s Office, led by Islamic astronomer, Prof Dato’ Mohd Zambri bin Zainuddin, collected crescent visibility data using telescope, theodolite and naked eye. Benefitting from this accumulating data, JULY 2021 / ISSUE 188
new Malaysian sighting criteria beginning Muharram 1443H will insha’Allah officially be ≥3° altitude and ≥6.4° elongation. Imkanur-ru’ya calculations are done using Accurate Times forecasting software, the software adopted to calculate official prayer times in Jordan and UAE. The software is written by Mohammad Odeh of the International Astronomical Center. Religious Ministers of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore (MABIMS) periodically confer, including on Islamic astronomy (falak). In Malaysia, JAKIM director-general hosts a twice-yearly meeting of the Experts Falak Panel (state representatives and university experts), to discuss possible imkanur-ru’ya dates for Ramadhan and the two Eids, and decides for each. Subseq u e n t l y, a regional meeting of MABIMS Falak representatives is held to discuss and agree upon certain calculated dates, which are used by their governments to pre-determine festival dates (TBC = to be confirmed). These appear in diaries available worldwide. Leading-up to the calculated dates, sightings by competent observers occur across Malaysia at 29 observation sites covering a distance comparable to the breadth of Australia. Precise bearings for anticipated sightings are accurately predetermined based on observatory location. Official declaration live on television and
radio of the beginning of Ramadhan, Shawwal, Dhul-Hijjah is made by Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal, once results of crescent visibility are provided by the observer team. Permissibility for accepting telescopic sightings was agreed at the International Hijri Calendar Union Congress 2016 in Istanbul, and also by Hanbali fiqh. It follows the usul-al-fiqhi principle that most Islamic texts provide general provisions, not specific details, that allow varying implementation according to time, place, and circumstance (Qaradawi). From this position, optical instruments are acceptable ru’ya aids in facilitating the earliest hilal determination, a worthy objective. The successful approach taken by Malaysian imam-scholars, with calculated imkanur-ru’ya dates validated by sightings, is believed to offer a fiqhi-acceptable method for consideration for use in Australia. Malaysian scholars show willingness to demonstrate the methodology to Australian Imams. This writer thanks Professor Zambri for kindly sharing details of the Malaysian approach for lunar determinations. Dr Daud has been a representative of notable falak scholar, Prof Mohammad Ilyas, beginning 1996, and at times conveyed Elyas’s imkanur-ru’ya diagrams to Australian imams. 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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Moore, responding to the debacle in his state, blamed religious fundamentalists inside the party for damaging its standing in the community. “We are a secular party … we don’t want to be seen to be captured by any fundamentalist group no matter what it is.” [25 March 2021 6PR News] Sky News Australia came out in support of the fundamentalists in the SA Liberal Party which denied membership to about 150 people because they were “Pentecostal Christians.’ Sky News contributor Caleb Bond says it was “open religious discrimination.” [13 June 2021 Sky News] One very observant blogger has given a good coverage of the takeover of the Liberal Party by the religious fringes. It is worth consulting. “I wrote a few articles about the effective takeover by the religious of the Liberal Party branches in Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland and federally, and how this will eventually lead to their demise …” [ 6 June 2021 The Blot Report] Such a demise would be evidence that the Australian people are not going to follow the American Republicans down that rabbit-hole. Bilal Cleland is a keen reader, a prolific writer and a regular columnist of AMUST based in Melbourne.
Ground Cover And The Drive Way Fazlul Huq The ground cover endowed with succulent leaves hued in green is seen to have anchored in the garden bed by the side of the driveway. First the ground cover had uninterrupted access to body of the garden bed towards left and right, front and back. But soon flowering plants including geranium and periwinkle, roses and gardenia are found to have made bigger claim over the garden bed. When the ground cover is seen to have arrived on body of the driveway hoping not to be pushed away. 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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A Gaza father’s call for help Dr Vacy Vlazna I received this email from Khalil al Halabi in Gaza, “All my respect to you my dear I hope don’t forget my son. Next Tuesday 15/6/2021 is the fifth anniversary of the arrest of Moh’d al-Halabi & the sixth year will begin with the number of unfair trials, 162. We call for prayer & pray for his release. Your help and your support. With all my love.” How would we as parents cope day by day with the day by day unjust imprisonment of our innocent child who has also been cruelly subjected to 162 futile court appearances, 162 hopes for freedom crushed? Would we as parents have the strength like Khalil to carry Mohammad’s mental suffering, his physical pain caused by Israeli torture, his confusion, his fear, his unbearable isolation from his wife and 5 children, his terror over the 11 days in May that Israel’s war on Gaza would strike his family? Would we have as parents the greatness of heart to lift on our shoulders the burden of care as Khalil lifts his son’s responsibility to care for and provide (Mohammad ’s salary was cut on arrest despite his proven inno-
“What kind
of nation for political gain locks up innocent people for years?
cence) for Mohammad’s wife and five children – the youngest of whom knows his father only through photographs? The toll of mounting stress from the daily desperate pleas for his son’s release on Facebook, on Twitter, in letters to governments, to the UN, to human rights NGOs, depleted Khalil’s health immunity causing him to be hospitalised for weeks with Covid in
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Khalil El Halabi (and Mohammad’s children) campaigning for justice for his son. December 2020. On leaving hospital Khalil immediately resumed his steadfast campaigning. Khalil embodies the virtue of Palestinian sumoud- steadfastness -forged in the fire of Israeli brutal oppression. Like father, like son, Mohammad has steadfastly asserted his innocence refusing the Israeli deal – freedom for a confession of guilt. Mohammad, as World Vision Australia’s director for Gaza and the West Bank lived by his steadfast provision of care for Gaza’s children during and post the devastation of Israel’s wars on Gaza: Operation Cast Lead 2008-9, Operation Pillar of Defence 2012
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and in 2014, the monstrous 51-day war on Gaza, Operation Protective Edge for which Mohammad was profiled by the UN as a Humanitarian Hero. And for his specialised and compassionate care, Mohammed has been crucified by the Jewish State of Israel in its war on NGOs making Palestinian life bearable thus undoing Israel’s genocidal efforts to make Palestinian existence unliveable so that Israel’s land expansion goals are achieved. Gaza’s impoverished, traumatised people, the mothers, fathers, children and old folk, after the recent devastating 11day Israeli assault, need Mohammad’s love and expertise now. Mohammad’s suffering raises a crucial question. Remembering a nation is its people – What kind of nation for political gain locks up innocent people for years? To find answers, we Australians don’t have to look far. Our governments’ racist policy has held innocent people fleeing persecution in offshore prisons for 9 years! A policy that is UnMuslim, UnChristian, UnBuddhist, UnHindu, UnAustralian. Yet Australian voters have elected governments enforcing this cruel inhumane policy. We can’t point fingers at Israel and say we don’t bomb asylum seekers, because Australia willingly bombed the countries from which our asylum seekers have fled. So how can we actively help Mohammad? Help refugees? The answer, the way, the obligation is in our Holy Books, in our souls. Our actions shape our nation. Dr Vacy Vlazna is Coordinator of Justice for Palestine Matters. She is the editor of a volume of Palestinian poetry, I remember my name.
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Tears and resolve for Palestine in Sydney: The Palestinian Fundraiser Dinner Continued from page 1 The variation in the dinner’s program was probably what set this event from others. In addition to being touching and serving the event’s cause in raising both money and awareness, the feedback Lara received definitely confirmed the fact that guests enjoyed their time. The program included speeches by special guests like, the ambassador of the State of Palestine and Head of Delegation of Palestine to Australia, New Zealand, Mr Izzat Salah Abdulhadi, Dalya Ayoub, Walla Abueid, Muna Saker, and ofcourse the event planner herself, Lara Hawwash. But perhaps the highlight of the dinner was the act. Organized by Zee Hawshar and Ms Haragli, and including around 15 participants aged between 5 and 50, who all showed remarkable acting and singing skills, the act brought most of the crowd to tears. A videographer recording the play states, “I knew it was an act and I tried my best to hold my tears back while recording it, but I couldn’t help it. It’s like you could feel the pain of Palestine, right there, right then”. Poems were also recited, songs were sung, and an auction was held. Another awesome play by Jamal Elyan and Saleh Saqqaf was also acted out. Guests left the dinner feeling “Allah’s Barakah” (God’s Grace) in having given something to serve the Palestinian cause and their faith, either financially or emotionally. When asked what inspired her to hold this event, Lara explains, “The reason I organised this event was to raise as much money to support our brothers and sisters in Pales-
A play simulating the Palestinian Lifestyle. tine and also to raise awareness in everyone. My Message to the world is to understand that even after many ceasefires Palestinians are still facing an apartheid state, still forcibly kicked out of their homes. Youth and children are being arrested for no reason”.
A simulation of the slaughter of Palestinian babies. Photography Credit: @photosbyjocelynandjuelliet
“Israel is trying to silence us by bombing a news building in Gaza, by taking down posts talking about the issues Palestines face. My message to them is we will always speak out against their crimes until the day they are free. So free free Palestine!” Lara
concludes. 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.
Photo credit: @photosbyjocelynandjuelliet Lara Hawwash, organiser and host of The Palestinian Fundraiser Dinner. Photo credit: @photosbyjocelynandjuelliet
Photo credit: @photosbyjocelynandjuelliet JULY 2021 / ISSUE 188
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EID MUBARAK
30 years of spreading joy with your Qurban is a sunnah of our Prophet (PBUH), as it is obligatory on each household and is of great value & reward. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “O people, it is compulsory for every household to make a sacrifice yearly.” [Ahmed]
90 120 170 280
$
$
$
$
Qurban to be sacrificed locally in the following destinations:
Qurban to be sacrificed locally in the following destinations:
Qurban to be shipped (frozen or canned) to the following destinations:
Qurban to be sacrificed locally (fresh) in Palestine:
Somalia, India, Sri Lanka & Nepal.
Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Azad Kashmir, Indonesia, Sudan, Eritrean Refugees, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Philippines & Burmese Refugees.
Lebanon, Syrian Refugees, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo, Egypt, Fiji, Tunisia & Solomon Islands.
Gaza, West Bank
Eid Gift & Clothing
Food Parcel
Nadir
Gift a needy child on the day of Eid with a gift and new clothes.
Provides a needy family with a food parcel.
It can be any form of charity or worship including sacrificed sheep. from
25
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$
per gift
$
per family
90
Zakat Al Maal Obligatory Zakat Al Maal providing relief to those in need.
2.5%
$
Give today. Visit www.hai.org.au Call 1300 760 155 Sydney Office: 119 Haldon St, Lakemba NSW 2195 P 02 9750 3161
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ISSUE 188 / JULY 2021
LIFESTYLE 18 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 23
EDUCATION 24 - 26
BUSINESS 27
COMMUNITY
SOCIAL 28 - 31
AMUST
NZ conference on Sydney Bazaar proves countering extremism to be a huge success Hajji Abdullah Drury The New Zealand government sponsored the “He Whenua Taurikura” conference over 1516 June 2021 on countering terrorism and violent extremism, at the Christchurch Town Hall. This event focused on preparing New Zealand for future national security threats. Almost 300 folk were in attendance – mostly civil servants, academics, journalists, and representatives of several civic, ethnic and faith groups. Topics included balancing the preservation of freedom of speech and civil liberties, building a society that is resilient in the face of fanatic or violent extremism, supporting individuals at risk of radicalisation, and solving terrorism through the Treaty of Waitangi. It is indeed useful and utilitarian to disaggregate the critique of structure from the critique of deceit. All the speakers honoured the 51 shuhada (martyrs) who died in the 2019 mosque massacre and asserted the conference would serve to bring together community groups and government to listen, share and learn from each other. During the event, several prominent Muslim attendees shared experiences, opinions, thoughts and suggestions for consideration for the future. In summary, it was a compelling series of arguments and presentations. A closer examination of the realities of Islam in New Zealand for example, disrupt or challenge popular mis-conceptualisations and ideologically motivated Islamophobia which often dominate or influence non-Muslim media and literature on the faith.
In fact Islam, like Christianity, remains a significant cultural force and a critical identity marker in the largely secularised, multi-cultural society of modern New Zealand. The position of Islamic philosophy and broader Muslim comprehensions of the wider, international philosophy remains determined by contemporary cultural, educational and social factors rather than by religious ideas alone. Furthermore, this popular understanding of philosophy demonstrates more intellectual flexibility than is often credited or assumed. Eid ul Adha 2021 will be a period of happiness and devotion for Muslims around the planet, including those of New Zealand. We remember the story of Ibrahim and the necessity of sacrifice in the creation of the better world in both the spiritual and mundane worlds. We read and recite the Quran, and reflect on those ancient words of wisdom to improve our faith in the Almighty. Eid ul Adha prompts us in our primary duty to worship the Almighty as best we can. We would have sharpened our personal spiritual focus during the festival and then our lives should be guided by these pious qualities for the rest of the year. Events of the past two years have reminded us all that the Holy Quran remains our primary guide within the chaos of modern life and our Islam offers us optimism for a brighter future.
Mariam Sarhan Over 500 people have attended the second annual Middle Eastern Bazaar event held on 26 March at Aria Venue in Wetherill Park, Sydney. Nora Al-Sarray, the owner and creator of Middle Eastern Bazaar started the event to support small businesses especially startups working from home. Almost 50 businesses set up stalls on the day promoting their products and services. By providing a platform and space for people to showcase their small businesses, this event helps to empower small business owners and to connect them with the wider
community. The passion that Nora has to work tirelessly to organise such a grand event is a beautiful gesture towards community service. The event has grown significantly, almost doubling the number of attendees in its second year. “My first Middle Eastern Bazaar was in November 2020 (last year) and only 300 people attended. After 5 months, I did my second one in March this year and this time 550 people attended my Bazaar,” Nora said. We look forward towards a much bigger and as successful Middle Eastern Bazaar in 2022 inshallah! Mariam Sarhan is a Journalism intern at AMUST. She is based in Sydney.
Hajji Abdullah Drury is a Pakeha convert to Islam and author of “Islam in New Zealand: A Short History of the New Zealand Muslim Association”. He resides in Hamilton, New Zealand, where he is studying towards a DPhil at Waikato University. He is a research member of the Waikato University Islamic Studies Group.
Lakemba to get $20 million care facility AMUST Media A new $20 million residential care facility has been given the planning tick of approval in Sydney’s south-west. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said approved changes to planning controls enable the Lebanese Muslim Association to progress a development application for its site adjacent to the Lakemba Mosque. “This 112-bed facility is a great outcome for residents living in Canterbury-Bankstown, with the proposed facility aiming to address a significant need within the local community,” Mr Stokes said. “It will support residents who need fulltime care accommodation, as well as providing 28 high care beds, including for people suffering from dementia. “Residents will now be able to stay in their community, which will also make it easier for family and friends to visit.” Mr Stokes said the new residential care facility will employ up to 100 full-time staff and provide the opportunity for 40 jobs during construction. “Finalisation of this planning proposal is part of the NSW Government’s fast-track assessment program which aims to accelerate decisions on major projects and planning proposals already in the system while also JULY 2021 / ISSUE 188
adhering to appropriate planning regulations,” he said. “Twelve projects and planning proposals were determined in April, providing opportunities for 2,695 jobs and up to $3.1 billion in economic value. “It’s essential we do everything we can to keep our State moving forward as we respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our economy.” WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
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Islamic calligraphy competition at Gallery One62
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Azlin Ali Gallery One62 ended it’s Islamic Calligraphy Exhibition with a competition focusing on Islamic Calligraphy on 23 May 2021 where the top 10 finalists had to write words with a time limit of an hour. The words were ‘Allahuakbar’ and the second word was chosen by the finalists. Gallery One62 is a privately owned art gallery located in Auburn managed by Mr Shahid Malik and curated by Mrs Azlin Ali and Mrs Farah Khan. It has been supporting local and international artists since 2018. They have had solo exhibitions for a number of local artists as well as poets and musicians while also showcasing group shows for local together with international artists. Jalal Pouramini, a renowned Iranian artist, was the judge of the competition. Having had his works on the Imam Hussein Shrine and other masjids in Iran, Mr Pouramini judged the words of the finalists based on creativity and precision. Besides him were Mr Shahid Malik and Mrs Zainab Taylor. The first cash prize of $500 was won by Reza Taghipour, runner up was Mujtaba Ashrafi and third prize was won by Sithi Thasleema. The finalists ranged from amateur to professional artists. Among them was 10 years old Yashal Ali who flew in all the way from Melbourne with
her family just to compete on the competition day. Gallery One62 and all the sponsors came together to ensure the success of this event. The major sponsor was Shahi Frozen Foods together with Medical IT, Gupshup Sydney, Malaysian Groceries, Freedom Care, Monz Fashion Boutique, Sydney Forex, Cookania, Aussie-Asian Edu, Student Biryani, Sizzzlingo and Aapni Dukan. The media partners for this event were AMUST, Suniye Tau, Humwatan Media Group, Pehchan TV, Australian 1 Urdu, Green News, Rabitah International, Sada-eWatan Sydney and D&D Digital. All finalists were given a certificate from the gallery as a token of appreciation at the end of the event, Gallery One62 will continue to strive for Islamic Art and Calligraphy while promoting a huge range of artists as well.
1st Prize Reza Taghipour
2nd Prize “Bismillah” by Mujtaba Asharafi
3rd Prize “Subhanallah” by Sithi Thasleema
Azlin Ali is the art curator at Gallery One62, a privately owned art gallery showcasing local and international artists, as well as art workshops, based in Sydney, Australia. ADVERTISEMENT
Eid Mubarak to our Muslim community.
Wishing you a spiritually fulfilling Eid al-Adha.
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Working for NZF IFAM Islamic Quiz “I’ll happily chase in its 15th year this feeling forever”
Manarul Islam with Clara through our Healing Forward and Silver Lining program to get her through so she can come out on the other side standing on her own two feet with her beautiful daughter.
Tamana Ehsan There is no stopping NZF right now. I feel so close to helping our Muslim brothers and sisters in Australia. As an NZF employee, helping Muslims is what I chase, it makes me feel alive. Here is a little look at what it feels like lately:
Ismail Davids.
Saadiqa Davids.
Monday As I blur the lines between work and play, I eagerly look forward to the next meeting discussing ways to empower Muslims with their Zakat. It’s such a beautiful way to share the pillars of Islam. At the end of the day, I got the memories of working towards a brighter future and the people I shared them with.
Wednesday There is a lot I would give up to watch our elders light up with happiness. But today the sky and stars seem to feel a little faded. Has anyone told you there are only a few days till you become homeless? This was the situation for Yusuf’s elderly dad who arrived in Australia to live with his son and now his wife threatening the dad with homelessness. The father broke down in front of Yusuf and told him that he will leave because he doesn’t want his son to choose between him and his wife. The father spoke no English and had no source of income. NZF stepped in as an intermediator, provided financial support and accommodation. It’s in the reassurance of preventing our elders from homelessness that I find the solace that I have been looking for. Munir Abdella.
Shahnaz A, Raihana Sari, & Nassima Khalaf. Tuesday I love the help I give but the help I give to support people with domestic violence is definitely the type of cause I look to support more. Since 2013, we have received over 1400 Zakat eligible cases and Clara’s story was one of them. Her story is a nightmare for many. A victim of violence not only by her partner but also by her own family. As NZF spoke to her, she was homeless with her autistic daughter and despite all things she asked for food vouchers, this was her main concern. Receiving a gratitude note by Clara expressing her gratitude towards our generous help, was the icing on the cake. Sometimes it’s the simple things that impact it the most. Nevertheless, we will be working closely
The Islamic Forum for Australian Muslims (IFAM) will hold its Online Islamic Quiz this year on Saturday 24 July. This will be the 15th year of the annual quiz which started in 2007 in Canberra and has since become a national event. Prior to last year the quiz was conducted face-to-face in a university lecture theatre. It went online last year, using the Moodle learning management system and Zoom, due to the COVID-19 restrictions and will continue in this format due its national coverage. The competition, in which all participants are guaranteed a prize, caters for children from pre-school to Year 10. Its objective is to raise awareness and familiarity of Islamic knowledge and teachings in the students as well as present them with an opportunity to interact with peers
across Australia. The prizes on offer are quite impressive and range from gift cards to laptops to an Umrah ticket worth $1500. Last year the major prize was won by Nawal Usman from the ACT. The prizes are possible thanks to the generosity of the quiz sponsors which include Muslim families and businesses including: UAK Design & Construction, Qartaba Homes, Dzine Kitchens, AAA Rapid Homes Pty. Ltd., ICFAL- Islamic Coorperative Finance Aus Ltd., Pacifik Halal Meats, Kingsley’s Chicken Belconnen, Aashyana Halal Butchery, Health TechKnowLogic Pty. Ltd., Clean Touch Dry cleaners Families can register their children via quiz.ifam.org.au. For further information email quiz@ifam.org.au. Organisers can also be contacted by phone: Br Saif Malick 0480 147 333, Br Syed Altaf Zubair 0452 622 907, Br Mushood Khan 0418 677 788. Manarul Islam is an IT professional, community worker and AMUST correspondent based in Canberra.
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Eid Mubarak Wishing you a happy and safe Eid-ul-Adha
Thursday Receiving Zakat payments light me up like something else. It gives me hope that we are one step closer to creating a better future locally. If you have been looking to help your brothers and sisters, I have a sneaky feeling it’s closer than you think. One day you will realise whether you like the condition of our local Ummah or not, you created this for yourself. Let’s give Zakat locally until there is no one in need.
Jim Chalmers MP FEDERAL LABOR MEMBER FOR RANKIN SHADOW TREASURER
Tamana Ehsan is an employee of the National Zakat Foundation (NZF) and is based in Sydney, Australia.
(07) 3299 5910 Jim.Chalmers.MP@aph.gov.au @Jim4Rankin @JEChalmers @Jim_Chalmers_MP
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Elder abuse awareness in Australia Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was marked on 15 June, a day dedicated to spotlighting the shameful deterioration of the once universal human value of respecting our elders. Elder abuse is so prevalent in Australia that last year there was a Royal Commission into the matter with results that reflect widespread abuse of our senior citizens in aged care facilities. This being the case, it’s incredibly concerning that in June 2021, South Australia passed the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill, to legalise euthanasia. Even with the strict eligibility criteria, the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill is problematic, particularly during this time when there are reports of substantial suffering, abuse and neglect in Australian Aged Care Facilities. The 2020 findings following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality & Safety, estimated that almost 40% of elderly people in Australian residential care have experienced some form of abuse, including “emotional abuse, physical abuse and/or neglect.” (1) This is a blatant demonstration of the failure of our systems and structures that are supposed to adequately support and serve our senior citizens and people in end of life/ palliative care. Neglect of elderly is particularly concerning, with the prevalence in Australian aged care facilities estimated to be 30.8% for people experiencing some form of neglect. “This includes people who reported concerns about how they are helped to shower, eat, toilet, get around, groom and/or use
Autumn Dr Reginald Naulty
continence aids; concerns about how medication is managed, wounds are looked after, catheters are used and/or pain is managed; concerns about accessing a GP, dentist, mental health services, and/or other allied health services; and/or care staff rarely being able to spend enough time attending to the person’s individual needs.” There is also an underlying cultural element that positions senior citizens as a liability, or a hinderance, rather than a fountain of blessings, a source of wisdom, guidance and support. Traditionally assisted dying has been presented as the “ethical alternative” to end unnecessary suffering. Words like choice, dignity, and a-right-todie get used in the arguments that support assisted dying. Dying, like birth, is a natural human process.
We have failed as a society if our most vulnerable citizens, particularly any of the estimated 40% of our senior citizens in aged care facilities experiencing abuse and neglect, ever feel the need to make use of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill to end suffering and leave this earth with dignity. References: https://tinyurl.com/ywwk9cv5 https://tinyurl.com/2cay7jby 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.
The wind-blown leaves pass like shoals of golden fishes, the trees stand bare and bleak in the chilly breeze. For hearty meals against the cold there is a harvest of vegetables steaming from the oven, welcome in the frosty evenings. It is a time of reading and reflection, fond memories and aspiration; it invites dreams and confidences, and loves old songs and poems. Dr Reginald Naulty, originally from Adelaide, has taught at Charles Sturt University and has been a prolific writer since 1972.
Eid Mubarak
Wishing you and your family a joyous and blessed Eid.
Vince Connelly MP Federal Member for Stirling
Celia Hammond MP Federal Member for Curtin
Senator Dean Smith Senator for Western Australia
Authorised by Celia Hammond MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Shop 98, Floreat Forum Shopping Centre, 5 Howtree Place, Floreat WA 6014.
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Order of Australia for Philip Feinstein OAM Continued from page 1 When there were children at Villawood Detention Centre, he taught them theatre, puppetry, and other mind-broadening games, focusing self-esteem. Philip went about getting music instruments (like guitars, pianos, percussion, etc) to donate to Villawood Detention Centre for the refugees Philip then contacted all the other detention centres in Australia and set up drop-off points (via Uniting Churches and Synagogues) so that instruments could also be sent to those centres. He also donated and distributed musical instruments to other refugee and asylum seeker centres throughout Australia, including Christmas Manus Island and Nauru. He then set about finding music teachers to visit those centres like he does at Villawood Detention Centre. Where possible he gives music instruments for free to any refugee or asylum seeker who contacts him. Philip trained a Jazz Band called Music
Philip Feinstein OAM was presented with the Outstanding Writer for AMUST Award in July 2019 by Mr Chin Tan, Race Discrimination Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission. for Refugees including refugees to participate in the annual ScorcherFest featuring 14 Bands where the income went to help refugees.
The band also participated in the 2017 Bondi Shir Madness show to support refugees. Philip has organised outside independent
professional musicians to come into Villawood Detention Centre to entertain the detainees. He often leads protesters at refugee rallies under the banner Jews for Refugees and conducts many talks to various sections of the public showing more care and support for refugees. Philip is also involved with the refugees from the country of Burundi where there is a genocide happening. He has traveled to East Africa to get programs started there. By also teaching refugees and asylum seekers “Theatre Games” their self esteem and use of the English language has improved. With the new outbreak of COVID-19 and families being stuck in isolation, the above “Theatre Games” link has been forwarded to schools, colleges, hospitals, businesses and other organisations for their students and staff members. Along with running charity events, Philip is encouraging people to visit Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, where over half a million Burundian refugees have fled to. Zia Ahmad is the Editor-in-Chief of the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST.
Exclusive interview with Philip Feinstein OAM Zia Ahmad Whats your background, family, childhood? I was born in South Africa and brought up in a conservative Jewish household. Most South African white households had servants, so I grew up with two African servants catering to all our family needs. I could never understand why black people were treated so differently to us white people, sent to different schools, had to live in different areas, and were dealt with as second class citizens. When I was around nine years old I used to sneak away on Sundays to the bush to watch the Africans singing their beautiful church music – they have amazing voices! I think that was my major learning point in music. Like all Jewish boys I had a Barmitzvah (coming of age ceremony) when I was 13 years old. By the time I was 17 my parents realised that I was not following the conservative line of Judaism, so they sent me to Israel “on a holiday”. As a young teenager that was my “passport to freedom!” After 3 weeks on a Kibbutz in Israel, the 1967 Middle East war broke out. Having no knowledge of the history of the conflict, I was quite happy to remain on the kibbutz doing general farm work whilst the war continued. I stayed in Israel for one year. When and why did you migrate to Australia from South Africa? Growing up in South Africa amongst the Apartheid regime was not something I could handle. I joined a left-wing political party and participated in many demonstrations against the government. It was only a matter of time before I realised that I ought to leave the country. I knew the police were following me, so it was time to go. I arrived in Australia in December 1972 with the thought that I had finally escaped the Apartheid system. How wrong I was! It was only a matter of time before I learned of the oppression towards the Aboriginal people. And so my fight for equal rights continued, as they do to this day.
tage of them, I will always stand by them. I visited east Africa two years ago to start my ongoing Burundian rescue program. At the recent Jewish-African communal peace rally in Sydney on 23 May, I rekindled many African friendships. It was also interesting to see that every Jewish leader at that rally expressed empathy for the suffering of Palestinians.
I will always advocate for the rights of refugees, no matter where they come from and what their background is. Humans should be helping humans!
How did you get interested in music? Music has been part of my life from a very early age. Although I enjoy playing music from various countries (playing Cuban music is amazing!) I have always been drawn to composing my own music. Just a pity that I was not gifted with a good voice . . . .To me music is a great stress reliever. Even when just walking in the street there is always a tune happening in my head.
How do you help refugees through music? Knowing that music is a big stress reliever, and knowing that refugees and asylum seekers in detention centres have enormous amounts of stress, I contacted the Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney to start a music program. It was very successful so I then extended it to all detentions centres throughout Australia. The program consists of learning to play instruments and also to participate in jams and sing-a-long sessions. I also provide music instruments to refugees for free, whether or not they are in detention.
What motivates you to advocate for refugee rights? When I came to Australia I was made very welcome. Maybe it was because I was white, English speaking, and came from a rugby/ cricket country. And so I was treated with empathy, kindness and respect. Today I find hard to understand why people who come from a traumatic and dangerous background are treated so badly. Australia is supposed to be “the lucky country”, but lucky for who? The Greeks, Italians, Jews and Vietnamese who migrated here many years ago have proven to be worthwhile citizens and have helped our country grow. But the refugees of today are not given that chance.
Describe you recent activities in helping refugees, minority communities through music and donation and teaching of musical instruments? I produced and staged a musical 3 weeks ago depicting the trauma and difficulties that refugees go through. I know that many people in the audience were in tears. There was a collection at the end which produced over $2,000. Half of that money went to refugees in Sydney and the other half to Burundian refugees currently in camps in Uganda. I recently drove to Auburn in Sydney with a very large number of music instruments. My fellow advocate and I stood in the main road handing out free instruments to refugees
Why you are you so motivated to support African people and their human rights? I am a proud Jewish person despite not being religious. I see the Jewish philosophy of being good to other people amongst my strong beliefs. So being an African and a humanist, I will always stand up for human rights. As African people have always been given a raw deal with other nations taking advanJULY 2021 / ISSUE 188
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just walking by. The joy of the recipients was all over their faces. Last week I conducted an auction for the Blue Mountains Refugee Organisation and collected another $2,000 for refugees. Members of the public donate money and music instruments to me via www.musicforrefugees.org I organise and pay for repairs when necessary. How did you come to know about AMUST and what made you to become a regular columnist for AMUST? I found it very interesting when I discovered that there was an open-minded Muslim newspaper operating in Sydney. After submitting my first story to AMUST, I was ecstatic with their invitation to keep writing stories for them. Your readers would know that I focus on peace between Muslims, Christians and Jews. Both Muslims and Jews came to this country to get away from war and conflict, so hating each other is pointless. In fact, the bible tells us that we are brothers via Abraham. Unlike the approach of other media, I believe that AMUST is a very unique newspaper that tells news and stories exactly as it is. I also know that their readership is quite diverse and is even read by many Jewish people. AMUST plays an important role in media. What are your views re building bridges between Jewish and Muslim communities in Sydney? Firstly I should point out that Jewish people in Australia, including myself, have no control over the action of any Israeli government, despite the fact that many have family and friends living in Israel. The vast majority of Australian Jews believe in the two state solution and the rights of Palestinian people to have self-determination. While many Australian Jews work towards Palestinian rights, it is very sad to see around 400% increase in anti-Semitic attacks and abuse against Jewish individuals and our community – hate speech against Israel is translated directly into hate speech against Australian Jews. I give talks to a variety of audiences and always advocate peace between Jews and Muslims. Sadly I do not get through to many hardliners, whether they be Jew or Muslim. I would love to give a talk to both Palestinian and Israeli leaders, both of who have failed in their own leadership. But I shall keep trying . . . .
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Domestic violence challenges in the multicultural communities AMUST Media The particular challenges faced by victims of domestic violence from multicultural communities was the focus of a special round table forum held at NSW Parliament House recently. Trish Doyle, Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence called the round-table which gathered representatives from more than 20 front line services to discuss how government can better support migrant women and children facing domestic violence. “This is an area that needs careful attention for its particular challenges,” Ms Doyle said. “On top of dealing with the trauma of domestic abuse, there are also sensitive cultural issues and stigmas which may prevent some women from coming forward to seek help. “It’s important that police and first responders are trained to be aware of cultural issues in specific communities and that appropriate case management is available.” Ms Doyle said the round-table will formulate recommendations and actions that she will take to the government. “Our job is to listen to those working at the coal face who know what their communities need.” Former Labor leader, Jodi Mckay, also attended the roundtable to meet the participants and acknowledge their important work supporting domestic violence victims from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds. “Domestic and family systems need to
change to include all women, regardless of culture and race,” she said. The key issues discussed at the roundtable include increased support for women on temporary visas, culturally appropriate case management services, reporting abusive relationships and barriers in providing information to migrant and refugee women. Dr Sabrin Farooqui, President of Cultural
Diversity Network Inc (CDNI) and the cohost of the event, says that she is very thankful to the Shadow Minster of Women NSW and the leadership team of NSW Labor for their advocacy on the issue of domestic violence and for being so receptive to the representatives of organisations that work with domestic violence of women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The event provided a good opportunity to the DV service providers in NSW to sit down together, to learn more about each other’s work and to explore how we can support each other. A report will be formulated and presented to the government summarising the recommendations and action points arising from the roundtable.
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An Aussie Muslim exploration through the spiritual marketplace Irfan Yusuf Amal Awad is many things – lawyer, an editor, an author, a critic and a writer of drama, TV and film scripts. Awad’s work has covered big issues like gender, ageing, relationships and religious identity. Her latest book discusses her personal journey through modern (and dare I say commercial?) spirituality. She brings to this topic the unique perspective of an Australian person of Palestinian Muslim heritage. Her treatment of various forms of modern spirituality is sceptical but fair. Awad is no evangelist but she is also no Muslim supremacist. Awad’s journey includes dabbling in New Age literature and practices. She attends a conference in Arizona to watch a concert and learn about miracles and enlightenment. You can almost smell the incense sticks burning. The book contains plenty of anecdotes
about her cultural and religious upbringing – the Arabic prayers and phrases repeated on many occasions, the interaction between her OCD (a brave and honest admission for which she deserves special credit) and her faith (“I don’t pun my OCD on religion; I think it simply gave it form”) and the importance of her culture (“[t]he Arab and the Islamic parts of my existence have always complemented each other, though in some ways they can seem to contradict, too”). Awad speaks warmly of her mother who, like mine, was happy to combine religiosity with a reasonable dose of ecumenical wisdom (in mum’s case, Dr Phil). Conventional or religious solutions didn’t always work for Awad, who needed to dabble. “And this is where I started to see how synchronicity and intuition rise when you’re in a sort of ‘flow’. You start to find solutions, and often in a moment of good timing. I was gradually becoming more receptive to trying out things that didn’t always find mainstream acceptance.” Indeed, truth and meaning are often found on the margins. Awad’s experience also provide context to her many articles published in places such
as ELLE where she wrote about “moving out of home and how it took a while before I started to act like I had this independence I’d won. I had moved out as a single Arab-Muslim woman, but I acted like someone who still lived with a curfew and ever-watchful, anxious parents. It was time to grow up, figure out who the hell I was, or perhaps rather, who I could be”. Many allegedly orthodox Muslims frown upon New Age, self-help and similar stuff. Some argue it is bid’ah (innovation) while others even go as far as to say it is shirk (associating partners with God). But seriously, for how long can we shirk our own cravings for meaning outside our comfort zone? Didn’t the Prophet Muhammad teach us that wisdom is the lost property of the believer? Who cares where we find wisdom? The book is a refreshing combination of autobiography and journalism. I give it 5 out of 5 magic crystals. Irfan Yusuf is a lawyer and an award-winning writer and reviewer. He is a PhD Candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship & Globalisation, Deakin University.
Creeping fascism in Australia Stephen Langford OT On Saturday 6 June I heard Senator Kristina Keneally speak at the Emanuel Synagogue in Woollahra. She did not say much, or anything, about the rights of Palestinians, who are living under Israeli occupation. That is to be expected. AMUST and my friend Dr Vacy Vlazna are admirable on this. We both know a lot about occupation of East Timor by the Indonesian military, because we both campaigned against it. It was a brutal occupation that Australia (and of course the US and Britain) supported. The Labor Party here was very much part of that support, until the eleventh hour. Another bipartisan policy is torture of refugees arriving in Australia. The UN says that the indefinite locking up of people is torture, and that is what Australia does. I suspect this is, apart from racism, a form of money laundering, so that the money given to ‘security’ companies can travel back to the Coalition as donations. And Labor, with no backbone, will not oppose it for fear of being accused of being ‘soft on refugees’ or some such thing. Even without the 1951 UN Refugee Convention (which Australia signed in 1954, under Menzies) this would be a total abomination. Refugees are the most vulnerable, at the same time the bravest of people. They are not saints. My Dad was a refugee from Nazi occupied Austria, and he was not a saint. But he was very lucky to get help from outside, and he got out of Austria with his friend John Offenberger. They got to New Zealand-Aotearoa in 1940. Many other Jews escaping persecuJULY 2021 / ISSUE 188
tion were turned back. The classic story is that of the SS St. Louis, a boat full of mostly Jewish Europeans, who left from Hamburg, Germany, in 1939. Turned back from every port it went to in North and South America, it returned to Antwerp. Many of the passengers ended up in concentration camps and gas ovens. A book was written about it, and a film made in 1976, The Voyage of the Damned. It was a bit like the Tampa in 2001. The attack of conscience from that story resulted in the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. Australia signed it in 1954, as I have written. It gives refugees the chance to start a new life, with the rights to housing and work and, crucially, the right to get to a country any way they can, even ‘illegally’. Why is this? This is because being a refugee is not like being on a pleasure cruise. You do what you have to do to get away from persecution. Australia is breaking just about every article of the Refugee Convention, despite having signed it, and many parts of it having been made part of the Migration Act. The Refugee Convention is no longer part of the Migration Act, because the ultra-racist PM John Howard, took it out. That is the same John Howard who suspended the Racial Discrimination Act to reinvade the Northern Territory under bogus reasons and take away so many rights from Indigenous people there… the 2007 ‘Intervention’. What we have to demand is that the ALP, the Australian Labor Party, bring back the Refugee Convention. That would mean the end of the black-shirted ‘Australian Border Force’, and its secret operations, that famously waved in the Ruby Princess which spread COVID-19. It will mean the end of locking up refugees as if they have done something wrong. By letting the government get away with its
propaganda on refugees (with the help of the Murdoch press and much of the rest of the mainstream media, including the ABC) there has been so much suffering, not only of actually locked up refugees, but those on misnamed ‘Temporary Protection Visas’. This is just a start. If we mean to stop the creep of fascism in Australia, we have to return the Refugee Convention to where it should be…. the heart of the Migration Act. We, as citizens have to get together and act on this. The destruction of refugee rights are the destruction of all our rights. Just as the persecution of Julian Assange, Bernard Collaery and David McBride (the whistle-blower on Australian war crimes in Afghanistan) has means the destruction of all our rights. Very obviously, we need a human rights culture and an Australian Human Rights Act. I don’t think Muslims are doing much, when it is predominantly Muslims who are being targeted. Certainly Catholics are not taking a stand, even when Pope Francis says ‘Welcome the stranger’. Mainstream Jewish organisation seem to have nothing to say about the violation
of refugee rights, which is a bit surprising. Perhaps this is because of the truth about Palestinian refugees, so many created by the theft of their land, and the massacres in the founding of Israel. We need to get honest about the place we want our kids to grow up in. Do we really want a police state where people can be locked up forever? Do we want a place where there is no fairness, and international law is regularly violated? Or do we stand up to be counted? Stephen Langford is a 61 year old retired nurse. He has been an activist in the E Timor struggle, with the Australia-E Timor Association (NSW), now no more. He believes in friendship and cooperation between justice and solidarity groups. His wife, radio broadcaster on 3CR, climate activist, Vivien Langford, recently bought him a badge, ‘I’M ALWAYS IN TROUBLE, BUT IT’S SO MUCH FUN.’ He is trying to live up to this. He is a member of Socialist Alliance, and is campaigning for justice for refugees, an end to the scapegoating of them by the Australian state.
Stories celebrating hope Steve Riethoff Escaping war, famine, disease, discrimination or just the chance for a better life are some of the many reasons that individuals and families have made the journey to Australia to start a new life. What binds all these stories together is Hope. Now, more than before we need to celebrate this hope, the diversity of this country and tell the stories of those families that have made Australia home. 2021 has seen the Australian National Maritime Museum’s Welcome Wall elevated to the National Monument to Migration. There has never been a better opportunity to have your family’s journey to this new country recognised. As we head towards the end of the Finan-
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cial Year, you can show your support and celebrate our multicultural nation by making a tax-deductible donation to the museum’s Migration Heritage Fund and sharing your family’s story on the National Monument. You can join over 30,000 of your fellow Australians by having your family recognised on the National Monument to Migration. Your donation of $500 will see your family’s name registered for prosperity on the Monument and your story can join the online archive. Together we can help build community harmony and celebrate our nation’s diversity. Register before 30 June to be a part of the next special unveiling ceremony. For further information please visit sea.museum/ nationalmonument or ph (02) 9298 3777. Steve Riethoff is the Head of Communications at the Australian National Maritime Museum based in Sydney, Australia
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Relationships: Easy on the glass bottles Rania Ahmed
“... kids
ents to start talking to our kids about emotions. The children need to feel safe enough to express their emotions to their parents without suffering consequences or fearing punishment. We as parents need to learn the art of discussion so our children learn how to express themselves and not avoid dealing with emotions. This way they can grow to be healthy emotionally intelligent adults who do not run away from problems in all aspects of their lives, especially marriage.
are stuck between parents who have come to hate each other...
“
The word Qaroora is Arabic for a very delicate glass bottle used to store beautiful fragrances. This is how Prophet Mohammad (s) used to describe women. He was trying to explain how emotionally fragile they can be at times, and how delicate they are to deal with. These days we forget this concept of femininity, whether it is forgotten by men or women. There have been so many disconnections from women towards their spouses because the spouse is unable to meet her emotional needs. Instead, lack of knowledge on his behalf unintentionally breaks her. As a result, and after many attempts to communicate her needs, she eventually disconnects. The poor husband is left stunned and not knowing what just hit him because as far as he was concerned things were not that bad. So many scenarios like this nowadays in our Muslim community occur where kids are stuck between parents who have come to hate each other due to ignorance about each other’s internal language or love language. How can we improve this? Educate our people! It is important that our men and women are educated about each other’s psyche and how they interpret things. For this to happen we need as par-
The family unit is the pillar of a healthy community and it has been falling apart lately. Nearly every second day we hear of another divorce for many reasons, some due to the husband and wife unable to communicate or their needs are not being met. Women have lost their relationships with the elders of the village who had great advice on how to deal with marriage. Men, on the other hand, are too spoilt by their mothers out of love which is eventually harming them. It results in the child feeling entitled to receive what he needs without exerting any effort and therefore we end up with an underdeveloped brain in an adult body. Or another scenario where the man is forbidden from expressing any emotion other than anger or even that can be forbidden as well. He marries and his wife wants him to
be emotional when he does not know what the word means. Hence, we are left with a dilemma where reaching a certain stage where a woman, an emotional being does not get emotional support that eventually leads to divorce and is usually ugly. The answer? It is not necessarily any ones’ fault neither man’s nor the woman’s. It is not a war for we are part of one building, and the believers are brothers and sisters to help and support each other. The answer is awareness and education! Rania Ahmed is a Melbourne based writer and poet. Her aim is to change perspective via her and therefore inspire the change from within.
Wishing you all a safe and joyful Eid ul-Adha with your loved ones
MehreenFaruqi.org.au | fb.me/MehreenFaruqi Senator.Faruqi@aph.gov.au | 02 9211 1500 Authorised Mehreen Faruqi, The Greens, Parliament House, Canberra 2600
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Self-Love for the sake of Allah Princess R. Lakshman Observe your body and your thoughts as you try this little exercise – read this affirmation out loud: I Love Myself. Say it again, a few times. If you’re feeling uncomfortable saying it, ask yourself why. It took me 38 years to learn to love myself. When I do this exercise with my clients, only a handful are successful in the first attempt. Some tell me they ‘hate’ themselves. Some say that ‘love’ is a strong word and they don’t feel they deserve it. Some say, ‘there’s nothing there to love’. I resonate with all these statements. It’s not easy to love yourself. In fact, it’s easier to keep living in shame or guilt. But wait… Ponder on this ayah for a minute… “It is Allah Who has made for you the earth as a resting place, and the sky as a canopy, and has given you shape- and made your shapes beautiful,- and has provided for you Sustenance, of things pure and good;such is Allah your Lord. So, Glory to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds!” (Quran: 40:64) How beautifully Allah tells us to unconditionally love – even own selves. So why is it so difficult for people to love themselves? Perhaps it’s because we forget that we are not our experiences. We forget that we are a force that overcomes experiences, no matter how negative they may be. Whatever you have been through in life, you are still here, well and alive. You made it. When I learned to love myself, I realised
Self-Love Princess R. Lakshman
that it wasn’t that I hated myself – it was that I hated all the choices I made in my life that brought about the negative experiences. It was that I hated my past behaviours that shackled me in shame, guilt, blame and regret. It was that I couldn’t differentiate that my body was different from my soul. I learned self-love when I began to connect with my essential self – my intuitive voice, the voice of my soul. The soul’s voice never misguides because it is pure and isn’t affected by past conditioning. I realised that I am a pure soul created by Allah and I must love this being that dwells inside my body. Daily Practice of Self-Love 1. After salah, sit on your prayer mat and focus on your breathing. 2. With each in-breath, feel your body en-
ergised with light. Imagine light entering through the crown of your head and dispersing through every part of your body. 3. With each out-breath, praise Allah for creating you and giving you this precious body to live in. Imagine the light pouring out of your body and reaching your family members, neighbours, community, the nation, and to the rest of the world. Your mind is powerful enough to create this image. Praise Allah for the power of your beautiful mind. 4. Say these words: I am a beautiful creation of Allah. I love myself. I am love, light, kindness, peace and joy. Princess R. Lakshman is a writer, speaker, qualified clinical nutritionist, life coach and a counsellor. She is based in Sydney, Australia.
You say you care about the world Yet you care not for yourself You say you love the children of the world Yet you love not the child in you You say you forgive others Yet you forgive not yourself You say you want the best for others Yet you embrace not the good that comes your way You say you want to heal from all that causes you pain Yet you choose to re-live painful memories everyday You say you love Allah Yet you are unkind to Allah’s creation that is closest to you Yes, you are Allah’s creation that is closest to you Appreciate yourself Care for yourself Be kind to yourself Be compassionate with yourself Forgive yourself Love yourself Remember… You are Allah’s creation that is closest to you.
The story of the flapping cardigan Kathryn Jones I was coming down from climbing our local mountain with my hiking buddy. As we were walking, she kept looking behind her. “What is it?”, I asked. “I don’t know, something is there, but I don’t see anything.” We both look and see nothing. We keep walking and she turns around again, with a quick spin to try and catch whatever it is in action. Still nothing there. She was starting to be noticeably agitated that something was touching her, but nothing was there. On about the third or fourth look, she saw my long cardigan was flapping against the back of her leg. Instantly she was relieved. The mystery was solved, and she could continue our walk in peace. Watching the visible transformation of my friend by simply understanding what she was experiencing reminded me of this quote from Sydney Banks: “Life is like any other contact sport. You may encounter hardships of one sort or another. Wise people find happiness not in the absence of such hardships, but in their ability to understand them when they occur.” When we understand what is happening to us, we are no longer bothered by it. When I shared this analogy with my friend on the walk she agreed, my cardigan was still flapping against her leg, she was aware it was happening, but it no longer bothered her. Allah has said that He will test is with
many tests, and we witness some coping well and managing to show up in their lives resiliently, while others are struggling to the point they find it hard to function. What is the difference? With the understanding of our human experience, we don’t need to suffer our tests. Yes, we will always have to face them and live through them, but whether we suffer through them is a choice. When I was 19 weeks pregnant with my fifth child we became aware from the ultrasound that something was wrong. After extensive testing it was
“When we
clear that she would be born to die. Her condition was unresolvable. We had tears, many tears and the time leading up to giving birth to her was so conflicting because I wanted the discomfort of the pregnancy to end, but my comfort came with her death. I was inspired to research about what happens to our children who die before puberty. I found solace in knowing that I would have one child in Jannah and that she would be calling for me to join her. I also reflected on how difficult our life would be if she lived and we had to care for her.
I could see the wisdom, that Allah does not burden us with more than we can bear. I experienced her death as peaceful grief. I cried the tears of compassion as describe by the Prophet (peace be upon him). I felt blessed by the experience of having her. I was able to choose not to suffer her death because I had the knowledge and deep understanding of my experience. Kathryn Jones is the CEO and Founder of Back To The Fitrah Mentoring Academy (BackToTheFitrah.com), building emotional and spiritual resilience in the Ummah.
understand what is happening to us, we are no longer bothered by it.
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Food a passport to parts unknown Emma Collins The Cocos Keeling Islands. The name sounds exotic, evoking images of white sands, turquoise beaches, and coconut water on tap. The tourist office promotes an unspoilt island paradise destination. Virgin Australia used to fly there twice a week from Perth. A must for your bucket list when travel is possible again. Just try googling images and let yourself dream. Courtesy of Recipes for Ramadan (www. recipesforramadan.com), I was inspired by Calisha Bennett’s family history and her Cocos Islander Ayam Panggang – a wonderful chicken dish as perfect for these cold days as it is for the balmy tropics – to find out more. Despite thinking that my Australian Geography and History were quite good, before reading Calisha Bennett’s story (and trying out her delicious recipe), I couldn’t have placed the Cocos Islands on a map. I had no idea they are an Australian territory and that the population on one of the two inhabited islands is devoutly Muslim. It turns out few Australians have heard of the Cocos Islands or visited either. Consisting of two atolls, and 27 coral islands, only two of which are populated: Home Island and West Island, a 30-minute ferry ride apart, the Cocos Islands have to be one of Australia’s best-kept secrets! In the middle of the Indian Ocean, 2,700km northwest of Perth, 900km south-west of Christmas Island, from what I’ve read it’s worth trying to get there before developers move in and tourism takes off. The peacefulness of the islands today gives little indication of their past. The recorded history goes back to 1826 when an English merchant named Alexander Hare brought people from Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa and New Guinea to
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the islands as slaves, convicts or indentured workers. They became known as the Cocos Malays and developed their own dialect, similar to Indonesian. A year later, the Scottish Clunies Ross family took over and for 150 years, the newly-formed community of Cocos Malays harvested coconut plantations. In the early years of settlement, the islanders had little contact with the outside world but in the course of both World Wars, the islands became targets due to their geographically strategic position and between 19441946, they were home to many RAF personnel. The British transferred sovereignty over the islands to Australia in 1955, ratified by the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act and then in 1978, the Australian government purchased most of the atoll from the Clunies Ross dynasty and the family formally relinquished authority to Australia. In 1984, in a UN-supervised Act of Self-Determination, the residents of the islands voted for integration with Australia. For five generations, the Clunies Ross family had styled themselves as ‘kings’ of the Cocos; making themselves known as
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Ross I, Ross II and so on. They even developed their own plastic currency: the Cocos Rupee, redeemable only at the company store. The islanders worked laboriously dawn till dusk growing, harvesting and processing coconuts into copra (dried coconut flesh) to be exported. The little ‘money’ they earned went to buy rations of sugar, flour and rice. Wages were appallingly low: $3 a week for male estate workers and $1.50 a week for female workers. There was no real freedom as we would think of it. Travel and trade to and from the islands was not permitted. Except for lighting, there was no electricity, water or sewerage in the housing occupied by islanders. Education was free – although it was not compulsory and there was no secondary school, and no indication that the curriculum was reviewed or monitored. In fact it seems that the Clunies Ross school was run by locals who often weren’t very well educated themselves. A UN Mission sent to the Cocos in 1974 didn’t describe the last of the Clunies Ross
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dynasty, John Cecil Clunies Ross, very favourably. ‘Threatening’, ‘unpleasant’ and ‘coldly contemptuous’ and Calisha Bennett’s story recounts harsh treatment meted out to her grandfather after he rebelled and stole food for the starving islanders. Today, the Cocos Islands are inhabited by just 600 people, and the main religion is Islam. The islanders’ celebration of Eid uses the Malaysian name: Hari Raya Puasa. Its spectacles include colourful jukong boat races and a traditional march through the kampong villages. According to Tourism Australia, there is plenty to keep you occupied on a holiday to the Cocos: motorised outrigger canoe safaris; diving with ocean wildlife in clear warm waters; kitesurfing or fishing for iridescent bonefish. Cultural tours introduce visitors to basket-weaving, learning some Cocos-Malay words and visiting the local museum. There are few hotels, but plenty of villas, guesthouses and holiday apartments to take your pick from and Cossies Beach on Direction Island has been named Australia’s best beach by beach expert and Tourism Australia Aquatic and Coastal Ambassador, Brad Farmer. As far as cuisine goes, Calisha’s mum, whose parents are from the Cocos Islands, says that rice and fish fried in coconut oil is a staple. From oil to candy, coconut products remain an important part of the islanders’ diet; along with rice, chillies and Asian spices. The islands’ cuisine has influences from Europe, due to European colonisation, as well as from Indo-Malay countries, where most of the islanders originated from. Calisha Bennett is an educator, coach, writer and mentor. She works with Together For Humanity (www.togetherforhumanity.org.au) and can be found on Instagram @calisha_bennett and @developing_diamonds.
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Food cracks disability employment myth Yasser Zaki with Jane Jeffes They used to say that food was the way to a man’s heart. In 2021, the expression seems a bit dated but good food has always been one of the best ways to bring people together and to develop lasting relationships – and in recent years, it’s also become the key to a whole spectrum of work and career opportunities. Over the last year or so, good food has become a central pillar in Tender Loving Care Disability Services’ strategy to support people with a disability develop skills for independent living, community participation and employment, simultaneously building individual confidence and self-worth. In recent weeks, a number of clients have graduated from its Culinary Program under the watching eye of a MasterChef judge. They’ve rustled up an impressive Suhoor in the Recipes For Ramadan kitchen, found jobs with the Culinary Group’s Eighteen28 Espresso Bar & Eatery in the Sydney suburb of Punchbowl and secured roles at new TLC sister company MAYEfoodz, representing, importing and distributing new and unique international food brands to the Australian market. “As an organisation, we call ourselves a family. It seems the best description for the support we want to provide and the life-changing difference we want to make in the lives of the people we work with,” says TLC CEO Yasser Zaki. “Our aim has always been to develop programs that help our participants build important life skills such as cooking, shopping for groceries, and engagement with their community but beyond that we want to help people achieve their goals and to find a place in the world of work.” The disability and employment landscape however is complex and while Australia at large may have enjoyed job growth in recent years, the unemployment rate has grown for people with a disability so finding those places needs to be about more than just skills development. Last year, TLC launched a Culinary Program with the primary aim of developing confidence and enjoyment around preparing and shopping for your own food and putting meals on the table. It involved weekly classes; a partnership with Recipes for Ramadan to encourage thinking about food as a social experience, the opportunity to try new things, share stories, and be encouraged to share your own; a socially distanced iftar and a 12-month four-level program progressing to graduation with a certificate of competition and references enabling participants to apply for jobs in the hospitality sector. A year on and TLC has launched MAYEfoodz as a sister company, importing quality foods and recruiting people with a disability to its staff. “Our plan is for 70% of our staff to be people with a disability in roles right across the business,” says Managing Director Mahmoud Farag. “Our business model is built around breaking down the barriers to
From left: Mahmoud Farag, Yasser Zaki and Billy Etri rustle up a big Suhoor in the Recipes for Ramadan Kitchen.
employment and putting people with a disability at the centre of what we do.” “We think there is a natural synergy between our commitment to provide quality food and career opportunities for those who are not normally given the chance. We know what valuable employees they can and will be and want MAYEfoodz to give back to them the knowledge that they are valued.” Two years ago, only 24% of people registered with NDIS (the National Disability Insurance Scheme) were in paid work. The government aims for 30% of working age participants to achieve their goal of employment by June 2023 and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has challenged the rest of society to come up with ways for people with a disability to find pathways to employment. MAYEfoodz intends to be one such way with the TLC Culinary Program building participants’ confidence to explore what work might look like for them and MAYEfoodz being in a position to offer real world employment to people who may have never dreamed of working, or who may have acquired a disability late in life or may have been in employment and are looking for something new. The business has kicked off with exclusive representation, import and distribution rights for highly regarded Egyptian brands Domty Cheeses and Fruit Juices and similar exclusive rights to Voodz frozen vegetables. Two members of the TLC ‘family’ who recently graduated the Culinary Program Billy Etri demonstrating as much chutzpah as Jamie Oliver in the Recipes For Ramadan kitchen.
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have secured jobs in administration and distribution roles. Billy Etri is one of those first MAYEfoodz employees. “My disability is dwarf syndrome. I suffered a lot from bullying, particularly at school. It affected my mental health as well. I was always down all the time. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know how to overcome it. But TLC gave me the motivation to do stuff. They treated me like anyone else. People can develop life skills and experience. Gain more experience. And confidence. “There’s a lot of people that underestimate me. They say you can’t do this. You can’t do that. You’re too short. The way I look at it – yeah I have a disability but I can do what I want. I wake up in the morning. Go to work. DOMTY and VOODZ are huge international brands. Domty cheese is the world’s best feta! We’re the official Australian supplier and I know we can be strong ambassadors for them. They already have 140 retailers in 27 countries, feeding more than 100 thousand homes. We can definitely add to that in Australia! For anyone who doubted me – look where I am now. People out there who have a disability don’t think you can’t do it.” TLC and MAYEfoodz Director Yasser Zaki says “One of the biggest struggles that people with a disability face is getting the opportunity. There is a perception that people with a disability can’t work, that employers find it too difficult, that they can only manage menial work and so are often underemployed with limited hours and limited options. But my experience is once you
get the opportunity and unleash all the potential and the skills, they flourish. “Billy is a beautiful success story. Sometimes we need to go out there and voice what we want so people hear what we want. It’s the same for all of us. Having a job brings significant social and well-being benefits. It becomes part of our identity – how we see and respect ourselves and how others see us – and it helps give us meaning and purpose and a sense of belonging. Having a job can be really key to becoming independent and the right to work and to independence is something we should all have.” “There’s a responsibility on those of us working in Disability Services to demystify the myth around disability employment. The people we work with honestly blow my mind. The hard work, perseverance and commitment has been incredibly impressive. They blow my mind with how much they are able to achieve and inspire us every single day to work harder and to be better people. We are so proud of each and every one and cannot wait to see them achieve their goals.” Yasser Zaki is CEO of TLC and a Director of MAYEfoodz (www.MAYEfoodz.com.au) Recipes for Lina’s Mloukiya, Ramia’s Bamia (Okra) and Amera’s Egyptian Lamb, Pea and Carrot Stew using Voodz vegetables can be found at www.RecipesForRamadan.com/recipes Across July, look out for Domty and Voodz giveaways with some of Australia’s most popular Muslim foodies.
Masterchef Turkey judge Somer Sivrioglun with one of TLC’s Culinary Program participant
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How social media stopped an enforced disappearance in Bangladesh! Dr Faroque Amin
Abu Taw-Haa.
On the night of Thursday 10 June 2021, Abu Taw-Haa Muhammad Adnan, a 31-year old little-known young Islamic preacher, disappeared in Dhaka while returning from Rangpur, a district around 290 km away from the capital city Dhaka. He was returning from an Islamic lecture program in a rented car. The driver and two of his friends also disappeared. The next day his wife wrote on Facebook that her husband told her the last time they had a phone conversation that they entered Dhaka, but they never reached home. Abu Taw-Haa’s wife also claimed that the local police station in Dhaka refused to accept a general complaint. Concern grew over his disappearance in social media as the enforced disappearance is a common technique employed for many years by Bangladeshi law enforcement authorities to silence opposition. Many speculated that they probably took him due to his religious speeches on YouTube. Abu Taw-Haa was not much of a known person before this incident. Now people
found out that he studied philosophy at government colleges, and he never had a formal religious education. He was a self-taught religious preacher focusing on the end-oftime and apocalyptical topics in his lectures uploaded to YouTube. Although the strict government control over the mainstream media in Bangladesh didn’t allow much news to be published about his disappearance, it has became the most talked-about issue among Bangladeshi Facebook users over the next few days. A Bangladeshi Facebook page named
‘Face the People’, administered from overseas, brought his wife into a live program that was viewed by hundreds of thousands of viewers. After seven days, on the morning of Friday 18 June, the same Facebook page published a screenshot of Abu Taw-Haa’s android phone location through his Gmail account where he was shown to be located at the Military Intelligence’s (Directorate General of Forces Intelligence – DGFI) headquarter in Dhaka. They claimed that his phone was switched on temporarily, and
the family members were able to grab the location. Two days after this screenshot was published, Police claimed that they found him along with his two friends and the driver at a house in Rangpur where he was hiding to avoid family problems! DGFI is widely known as the government agency in Bangladesh behind hundreds of the enforced disappearances; the official number of victims is now more than six hundred over the last decade. A handful of them was returned. However, they never talked about what happened with them, definitely due to understandable reasons. Most of these lost people were leaders, activists, and family members of various leaders of Bangladesh Jama’at-e-Islami and Bangladesh Nationalist Party, two major political parties of the country. Ilias Ali, A BNP Leader, Abdullahil Amaan Azmi and Mir Ahmed Bin Quasem, sons of two Jama’at leaders, are now lost for more than several years. They are among many who never returned. However, it seems that no political affiliation along with the social media scandal has facilitated a different fate for the young Islamic preacher this time. Dr Faroque Amin works with Suprovat Sydney, a Bengali community newspaper published from Sydney, Australia.
COVID-19 in India: Third Wave Imminent: Travelling restrictions more urgent than lockdowns Dr Javed Jamil Now, when the Third Wave is being predicted by the experts as only a few weeks away, it is high time the Government decided to put immediate restrictions on travelling to and from the cities that are coming up with the cases of new variant. If decisions are taken urgently, everyone will ultimately benefit including the industries The major blunder the world has done in its efforts to control Covid spread is that it has not shown urgency in imposing travelling restrictions as soon as the initial cases of a variant appear at a particular place or places, and has imposed lockdowns only when the disease has already spread far and wide. This also happened when Corona made its first appearance in Wuhan. If urgent restrictions on travelling from and to Wuhan had been imposed, first by China and then by other countries, it could never have threatened the whole world. For several months, air and other travelling services between countries that had already reported cases continued. When it entered a country, the country also did not show any urgency of imposing curbs on travelling to and from the affected cities. Despite the rapid destruction and almost uncontrollable situation caused by the Sec-
ond Wave in India, no travelling restrictions between the cities and between cities and villages were imposed with the result that one city after the other and then one village after the other got overwhelmed with patients leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths. Now, with the Delta plus variant already appearing in many cities and the Third Wave staring us, again there is absolutely no talk of imposing travelling restrictions to and from the cities affected. If these are strictly done, surely the need of Lockdown will be much less. Even the experts keep repeating the same old formula of social distancing, masks and vaccines. Of course, these are important but the travelling restrictions are of more primary importance. It is now for decades that I have been writing on the dominance of economics in the world affairs at the cost of everything else including health. The various business sectors including health sector are never interested in eliminating any disease altogether; and are only interested in controlling it up to a point where health sector is able to manage it. Harmful substances and practices including drugs, alcohol, gambling and free sexual life are all big businesses. First the problems are commercialised to the hilt and then the solutions. If there are no diseases, health sector including Pharmaceutical Industry and Private Hospitals will find it hard to multiply their dividends. This is why, as soon as the cases
“The major
blunder the world has done in its efforts to control Covid spread is that it has not shown urgency in imposing travelling restrictions...
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Relatives of a man who died from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) mourn during his cremation at a crematorium ground in Srinagar May 25, 2021. Photo: REUTERS/Danish Ismail start showing slight downward trend, one sector after the other starts opening, including Alcohol Industry and Night Life. Now, when the Third Wave is being predicted by the experts as only a few weeks away, it is high time the Government decided to put immediate restrictions on travelling to and from the cities that are coming up with the cases of new variant. If decisions are taken urgently, everyone will ultimately benefit including the industries. But yes, society will have to think seriously about the commercialisation of substances and practices that have time and again become the major killers.
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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. ISSUE 188 / JULY 2021
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Nationalism: A modern day menace Zahid Jamil Nationalism has become the motto of modern day life. Everyone is expected to blindly commit to the national interest irrespective of personal beliefs, ideological thoughts, emotions and interests. The people in power determine the national interest which may generally be driven by their ideological belief, at times driven by extremism or unholy ambitions. The evil national interests may lead to wars, invasion of other countries for controlling the resources, oppression of people within the national territories or expansionist desires. The concept of nationalism is based on the premise that the individual’s loyalty and devotion to the nation-state cannot be compromised. Since ancient times people had the sense of belonging to their native soil and to the cultural traditions of their society and they were expected to be loyal to the rulers of their land who generally cared for their subjects. This is described as patriotism. Patriotism is a positive phenomenon which is rooted in affection, feeling of pride and devotion to your homeland along with a desire of unity among all its inhabitants. It is an attribute of good citizenship, how-
ever when patriotism becomes politically mandatory, it crosses the fine line, eventually leading to nationalism. Nationalism is the belief that one’s home country is superior to all others and all it’s citizens must follow an ideology. It was only at the end of 18th century that nationalism began to be recognised as a notion moulding public and private life. Nationalists believe in the superiority of their own religious and cultural beliefs. They often stereotype different ethnic, religious, or cultural groups. Their prejudice against minorities leads to intolerance to the extent of the call to get rid the country of those deemed as “different.” In an extreme form, it can lead to ethnic cleansing and genocide. Nationalism also leads to protectionism which discourages global economic interests. Ultra nationalists have become a threat in many Western countries. White supremacists tend to challenge immigration policies and multiculturalism and have run campaigns against immigrants. They have in particular targeted Muslims over the past two decades. Minorities face huge dilemma on how to
handle the situation when their religious and ideological beliefs clash with the majority in their country. The nationalists among the majority community are quick to declare the minorities as anti-national unless they agree with the majority view. Indian Muslims face a difficult situation for this reason which has worsened since Hindu Nationalists came to power in 2014. The country was divided on religious lines when British left India in 1947. India considers Pakistan an enemy nation and fought three wars with this neighbour. At the time of partition, a large number of Muslim families were divided as some members of the family opted to migrate to Pakistan while the rest decided to stay in India. These divided families want to see cordial relations between the all the three countries, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh so that they can visit and maintain contact with their relatives across the borders. Indian Muslims share religious beliefs, cultural traditions and language with their Pakistani and Bangladeshi counterparts. Indian Muslims love and honour Indian nation since Islam encourages respect for other religions and fellow human beings irrespective of their personal beliefs. However they are expected by the Hindu nationalists to hate Pakistan as an enemy nation. Any soft corner for the neighbouring country is treated as anti national. Hindu nationalist have run campaigns against Muslims harming them in different ways including intimidation and violence
resulting in killing of thousands and creating fear. The Western countries do not make it a major issue and they happily promote multiculturalism and accommodate everyone. Such is not the case with many third world countries where even the native minorities face discrimination of differing magnitudes. Ideally, people should abide by the rules of the country they live in. They should pay their due taxes and do not harm the national interest of genuine nature. At large, our material living belongs to the country we live in. We earn a living through the economic set up of the country, we consume products, use infrastructure and avail educational, health and other facilities in the country of our residence. Therefore irrespective of our personal beliefs, our essential life matters relate to the country we live in. Therefore, whether we live in our country of origin or live in another country as a migrant or adopt to take citizenship of a country for a reason, we must abide by the rules of the country, we live in. While every citizen should contribute to the economic welfare of the country and avail the benefits, the government offer, one should have the liberty of thought and be free to practice the religion or the ideology without facing any prejudice. They should have the right to refuse to standby their country in matters where the national policies are unjust or against personal beliefs of an individual or the community. While patriotism is a desired character, there is a need to raise voice against nationalist forces around the world and defeat them for long term good for humanity. Zahid Jamil is an engineering post graduate from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and runs a financial planning practice based in Sydney. He heads South Asian Muslim Association of Australia, SAMAA: samaa.org.au.
MAA relief work in Palestine COVID-19 appeal for India Ahmed Osman India is one of the poorest countries in the world, accounting for up to 90 million people living below the poverty line out of a total population of around 1.4 billion. The country also regularly bears the brunt of disasters both natural and human-made, and over the years, providing emergency relief in such situations has been a top priority for Muslim Aid Australia. The COVID-19 crisis was no different, and with India experience devastating infection rates at the height of the pandemic, MAA was on the ground once more, immediately launching an emergency appeal and providing essential medical aid to those most in need. Despite the slow-down in case rates to some 50,000/day, down from a peak of around a staggering 400,000/day, experts are predicting a third wave that could once again place a strain on the medical system. With Australian ongoing support, MAA can ensure that the community is better preJULY 2021 / ISSUE 188
Ahmed Osman
pared and supported in dealing with a further outbreak in India. Support MAA emergency appeal, and to provide essential aid to those who need it most in India. For all enquiries or donations online visit: www.maainternational.org.au, or call: 1800 100 786, or visit MAA offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or Perth. Ahmed Osman is a Community Relations Officer for Muslim Aid Australia (MAA) and is based in Melbourne, Australia.
The situation in Palestine needs no introduction. During recent escalation of the ongoing violence, over 200 Palestinians including dozens of children have been killed and hundreds have been wounded. Thousands of lives have been affected. Despite the ceasefire, which is no doubt a relief, at least 1.9 million Palestinians still experience, or are at risk of, conflict and violence, displacement and denial of access to livelihoods, among other threats. MAA conducted a needs assessment, and launched an Emergency Appeal to assist with essential humanitarian aid in Jerusalem and Gaza. With your support, we have already been able to provide general medical aid and supplies, clothes, dignity kits for our sisters, and food packs.
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The most vulnerable Palestinians are currently denied or restricted in their access to essential services such as water and health care. Denied freedom of movement and many human rights, thousands of Palestinians are stuck in limbo, unable to enter or leave the Gaza Strip. As a result, they lack access to adequate medical care, and the ability to work and pursue education. MAA has provided humanitarian aid to Palestine for decades now, and continues to do so where its relief work does not only revolve around emergency relief, it also focuses on the long-term rebuilding and rehabilitation of those who have been suffering for such a long time. Donate generously to support the Palestine Emergency Appeal and help the people in Palestine.
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Muhammad Ali: The great boxing legend would be all right. When God is with you, who can defeat you? I put all my faith in God and in return he filled me with courage and strength,” Muhammad Ali said. Dick Gregory, the American comedian profusely praised Muhammad Ali, saying “Ali injected God into the arena. Whenever you saw Ali at the end of the fight, before he said anything else, he would give all praise to God. He injected religion. He injected faith. He injected belief.”
Dr Atif Hussain While a teenager, inspired by the boxing legend Muhammad Ali, I used to attend the Halifax boxing club where our coach was the famous British, European and Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion, Richard Dunn. Richard was a huge guy, six foot and four inches tall fought Muhammad Ali in 1976 and was knocked out by him in the fifth round. Muhammad Ali was a role model then and still is for many people. I recently read his autobiography “The soul of a butterfly” written by his daughter Hana Yasmeen Ali. The book is an amazing account of a man who was daunting, heavyweight, seemed aggressive and violent but inside was a soft and caring person. I have reflected on three aspects of this incredible man’s character: 1. Faith 2. Courage 3. Generosity My other reason for selecting the story of this brave man is that today there is a chronic fear of COVID-19. For society to return to a normal way of living and working, it must overcome this fear so we can enjoy our lives and families once again. Ali’s courage, bravery and audacity As he grew up in the 1950s and 60s, he began to recognise the injustice of segregation in American society. There were restaurants with signs that read “whites only” and “no colors allowed.” Blacks could only drink from water fountains and use restrooms that were labelled “colored.” He first encountered prejudice when he was a toddler, he said “I’ve heard my mother tell the story; we were standing at a bus stop, it was a hot day and I was thirsty, so we walked up the block to a small Cafe, where she asked if she could have a glass of water. The man said, “he could not help us and closed the door in our faces.” This kind of cruelty made him tough and want to stand up to this evil. It developed a deep sense of justice and fairness in him. “When you saw me in the boxing ring fighting, it wasn’t just so I could beat my opponent. My fighting had a purpose. I had to be successful in order to get people to listen to all the things I had to say, I was fighting to win the World Heavyweight title so I could go out and say what’s on my mind. I wanted to go to the people, where unemployment, drugs and poverty was part of everyday life. I wanted to be a champion who was accessible to everyone. I hoped to inspire others to take control of their lives and to live with pride and self-determination. I thought perhaps if they saw that I was living my life the way I chose to live it – without fear and with determination they might get to take the risks that could set them free,” Muhammad Ali explained.
Ali’s love of Allah Muhammad Ali was a firm believer in the existence of God and said “one thing that has always surprised me is how people question the existence of God. They are always searching for proof. Would you believe a man who told you about the supermarket that ran efficiently without a manager or salesperson to look after it? Would you believe that it was protected from robbers without someone to look after it? Suppose a man told you that he has seen a big factory everything was running smoothly, without an owner or manager. Suppose he insisted the factory had been built all by itself, but even the machines have just appeared out of thin air and were now running like clockwork, producing wonderful products. Many people still question whether or not there is a greater power behind the creation of life.”
He was very proud of that, so much so that he said “Islam has changed my life in every way. It pulled me up and got me clean as a human being.” He further explained, “On my journey, I found Islam. If I were not a Muslim, I might not have taken the stands that I did. If I were not a Muslim, I would not have changed my name, sought to spread peace and I would not have meant as much to people all around the world. If I were not a Muslim, I would not be the person that I am today and the world would have never known me.” He had a deep spiritual root and said, “I have always been a spiritual person; God doesn’t speak to me in a voice. It’s more like a feeling, a sense of what I must do. Whatever that is, I’m in tune with it. First time I felt truly spiritual in my life was when I
walked into the Masjid in Miami Florida. I felt like I had finally come home.” The day Muhammad Ali met Islam “I found the power within myself that no man could destroy or take away. When I first walked into the mosque, I didn’t find Islam; it found me.” After he became World Champion, he was summoned to join the American Army that was fighting in Vietnam, but he objected to taking part in an unjust war, consequently, he was stripped of his title and banned from the ring. However, during this trying time, he kept his faith: “not as part of some deal with God, where I would come out on top again. I didn’t know what was going to happen or if I would ever be allowed to box again. But I believed confidently that in the end, even if it meant going to jail, I
Ali’s heavyweight faith Muhammad Ali said, “I can remember, when I was just a kid in Louisville, Kentucky, my mother would wake my brother and me early every Sunday morning. She would come into our room, kiss us on the forehead and say a gentle whisper, “wake up tinky baby, wake up, Rudy we’re going to thank the Lord!” This upbringing in a family made him faithful, a strong believer in God. “Everything that God created has a purpose. Earth has a purpose. Clouds have a purpose. Rain has a purpose. Trees have a purpose. Animals have a purpose; even the smallest insects have a purpose. Regardless of how large or small, we are all born to accomplish certain tasks. It is the knowledge of that purpose that enables every individual to fulfil itself,” Muhammad Ali said. Although his parents were Christians, Muhammad Ali chose Islam as his religion.
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Ali’s generous spirit One of the beautiful names of Allah is Al-Karim, the generous, one who gives freely, freely without being asked and doesn’t expect anything in return either. This generosity is a hallmark of a truly loving and considerate person. Muhammad Ali was generous. He told a story, “Once, I took a walk down the street in Harlem, New York, I came across a man who asked me for a dollar. There were a few other people before me, but they passed by without glancing his way. I stopped and handed him the money. As I turned away, he reached out and shook my hand. Looked me in the eyes and said, ‘I will bless you.’ Now I’m not saying that was God himself. But how do we know that it wasn’t someone working for Him, walking around in disguise?” Being charitable is a quality of true believers, Allah says, “Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and do not follow it up by reminding the recipients of the favour, or causing them offence shall have reward from their Lord: they shall neither fear nor grieve. A kind word and forgiveness are far better than a charity that is followed by an insult. Allah is The Self- Sufficient and Most Gentle.” (Quran 2: 262-263) Muhammad Ali practised this teaching saying “Some people give in order to feel good about themselves, others to show pity, so they hand in some change. Others give to receive praise and that praise is their reward, but the purity of their generosity is diminished because they receive something for it. True giving happens when we give from our heart. Giving because you generally want to help a person or a worthy cause while remaining anonymous, true charity that is the kind of giver I want to be… Giver from the heart.” Dr Musharraf Hussain is an Islamic scholar and the Chief Executive of Karimia institute Nottingham. He was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty the Queen in 2008 for his services to community relations in Britain. Formerly he was the chairman of the Christian Muslim forum (2008-10), the director of the PGCE teacher training course and vice-chair of the Association of Muslim schools (2000-2003) and he trained and worked as a research scientist before becoming a fulltime Imam and Islamic teacher. He recently translated the Quran from Arabic and it has been published by Invitation Publishing and is an Amazon bestseller. His translation has been described as a paradigm shift in the genre of Quran translations.
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ISSUE 188 / JULY 2021
LIFESTYLE 18 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 23
EDUCATION 24 - 26
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Al-Zamakhshari: The celebrated theologian, linguist and writer Professor Irfan Shahid Al-Zamakhshari was a highly admired philologist of Islam and a celebrated theologian of his time whose book al-Mufassal is acclaimed as a great work of grammar and philology. Abu Qasim Mahmud ibn Umar al-Zamakhshari of Iranian origin was born in 467 AH/1075 CE at Khwarizm in Central Asia. After the completion of his studies at his birthplace, he travelled to different parts of the Islamic world for acquiring higher studies. By the time he left for his native city, he had achieved a considerable degree of fame for his knowledge. As a result, when he reached Baghdad he was given a good reception by a scholar there. At Mecca he studied under Ibn Wahhas. Although Persian was his mother tongue, yet he believed in the superiority of the Arabic language and he wrote most of the books in that language. He spent his life in reading, writing and teaching. He was patronised by the superscalar of Khwarizm to whom he dedicated his book Muqaddimat. He fell seriously ill in 512 AH /1118 AD. After recovering from the illness, he wrote a series of moral discourses. He also wrote poems, including an elegy (marthia) on the death of his teacher Abu Muzar.
He died at al-Jurjaniya, near Khwarizm in 538 AH/1144 AD at the age of seventy-one lunar years. The great traveller, Ibn Batuta visited his grave in Khwarizm two hundred years later. Al-Zamakhshari possessed a remarkably rich knowledge of Arabic language which he masterly presented in his books. He wrote on grammar, philology, proverbs, syntax, dictionaries, etc. He also wrote a tafsir (commentary) of the Quran popularly known as al-Kashshaf. He compiled a geographical dictionary called Kitab al amkina wal jibal which was published in Germany in 1856. He wrote a series of books on proverbs. Asas al-balagha was written in two volumes, is a dictionary of classical Arabic. It is noted for its systematic arrangement of material. Kitab al-faiq is devoted to the peculiar expressions of the language of the Hadith. To make Arabic language and literature available in Persian, he composed Muqaddimat al adab with explanations in Persian. He wrote his famous commentary on the Quran al-Kashshaf an haqaiq al tanzil when he was 61 years of age. In this tafseer he also highlighted the linguistic aspects of the Quran, like philology, grammar and rhetorical beauty. He believed in the aijaz (miracle) of the Quran. The book was widely read in the Islamic world. Ibn Khaldun ranked it above other commentaries of the Quran. He wrote his major grammatical work al-Mufassal in 515 AH / 1121 AD. It has been highly admired for its brevity
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The land of shared prophecy Aisha Abdu In memory of my grandfather, who fled his home in Gaza, and journeyed to Australia to protect his children. Always gentle and patient. How did the Great Exodus lead us here? Sneakers of young boys sprinkle the streets like carnations Martyred blood stains the palms of matriarchs Yet unshaken are the defenders of Al-Aqsa. A land once laced with the wealth of Soloman (a) The man who made winds subservient to him By the will of his Creator. A land of shared prophecy From the progeny of Abraham (a)
and masterly analysis. During the recent two centuries, it was published in Christiania (1851,1879) Delhi, Alexandria and Cairo with several commentaries. Al-Zamakhshari also wrote a book on grammatical puzzles. Taftazani, another great grammarian and scholar of Islam wrote a commentary on his works. Professor Irfan Shahid, based in India is a prolific writer on Islam and Muslims. He is an Islamic Economist and a Sharia Scholar. For more details please visit his personal website www.irfanshahid.net
A land where slingshots meet bulletproof vests laden with cowardice And bare skin bears the bruises of batons But there is no shame in the bruises of this fight For David met Goliath with not stature nor height Simply God’s sanction as his might There is no shame in the bruises of this fight. Born to Bethlehem, a healer, a man of holy scripture Jesus (a) preached love for one’s brother In a city now defined by disdain for the Other A checkpoint to sustain prey versus predator But which prey will flee When God is its protector? Omar (r) entered a land scarred by its predecessors Yet he stitched a wound of millennia With one noble gesture “No life or home is to be stolen” Declared the humble conqueror And it is our demise that this lesson we no longer ponder Lakes of innocent red Haunt Jerusalem’s memory Its streets shutter at the day of 1099 When synagogues and mosques became graveyards When people fell on swords instead of in prayer The ghost awakens in Al-Aqsa While worshippers weep tear gas on the holy Night of Destiny And the world waves its white feather, The Crusade returns As subtle and insidious as ever But from a grave, a flower blossoms The earth revives for a chance at redemption The days of Saladin The days of a Jerusalem exclusive to no creed, Home to all who believed. The Catastrophe The severing of an artery The generations whose ancestry is rooted in the yellow and green palms of Haifa Of Akko and Jaffa And the lost cities They have never visited But can hear in the murmur of their grandfather’s heartbeat – Home. Home. Home. The ongoing catastrophe, Of a land where dead children are murdered children And martyrs rise above rockets And God above them all
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So glistening red and brown cheeks Summon a resistance of stones and keffiyehs Because there will be no white flag On God’s soil.
Aisha Abdu is a medical student at UNSW and a conference organiser at UN Youth NSW. AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
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Amina, the swooping eagles and the Mountain of Sacrifice the mountain.
Maureen Farah Usman In this Eid-Ul-Adha short story for children, you will get to appreciate the act of sacrifice, Amina’s own sacrifice, adventure atop a mountain with swooping eagles, and the priceless power of books. As always for Amina, in being a seeker of knowledge, knowledge seeks her. On the great Mount Arafat Allah tested loyalty and faith A setting for a miracle divine Twas indeed a blessed sign Allah’s command to Ibrahim to sacrifice his beloved son Ismael A ram appears in Ismael’s place! tears of gratitude fall from Ibrahim’s face! (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon all of the Prophets, including Ibrahim and Ismael) Eid-Ul-Adha, a very important date in the Islamic calendar, was when the whole muslim world celebrated Ibrahim’s sacrifice, faith and loyalty. With Eid-Ul-Adha approaching, Amina had been reading Surah As-Saffat. She had also been reading about Ibrahim’s story at school; of how Ibrahim intended to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail atop Mount Arafat in order to follow what he thought was Almighty Allah’s command. Allah however had taken mercy on them both and performed a miracle, presenting a ram in his son Ismail’s place! This was the belief in Islam to perform this activity of sacrifice every year to commemorate what happened at Mount Arafat. Amina would soon be visiting a mountain to help her own reflections of this journey. Amina also read to her beloved camel and faithful companion, Ruhail, saying how cows, sheep and goats, even camels, were sacrificed every year during Eid-ul-Adha, and given to families and the poor (the practise was called qurbaani). Ruhail would listen very closely, though his eyes became wider when Amina mentioned camels! Not so long ago during Ramadan, brave Amina fought scary Hunger Bugs and defeated the formidable Noonday Dragon. With the guidance of Allah, she was victorious in retrieving a precious book called “The Month of Magnificence” from the Garden of Knowledge. Similarly, Amina knew what sacrifice she needed to do for Eid-Ul-Adha, even though it may be a small gesture but priceless was the weight of words. Amina looked over to her bedside table where an invitation sat; her name was written in golden calligraphy with painted ornate Arabic symbols in turquoise and pink. Her friend Sitara was having a celebration at the very same time as her village library was having a charity afternoon. Amina needed to be there at the charity afternoon as she had been invited to be their guest of honour. Amina had promised to give “The Month of Magnificence” to the library. Although she felt deeply disappointed that she could not attend Sitara’s celebration, she knew it was the right thing to do to be there at the library and give the book to Khabir Baqir, a very knowledgeable librarian who had the shiniest of eyes and wore the finest spectacles on his face. Amina couldn’t go to sleep that night thinking of the reflective journey she would undertake for her own appreciation and understanding. When she finally drifted off to sleep, Amina dreamt of a large mountain. Amina could see the sun glistening in the sky, she could feel its warmth. Though Amina moved closer to the mountain, it blocked the sunlight. Suddenly, out the corner of her eye, Amina saw something swoop towards her! She ducked and nearly fell! Amina woke in a sweat. Maybe reading and thinking about mountains, especially the great Mount Arafat, had manifested themselves magically in her dreams…
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Because her successful journey during Ramadan gave her much encouragement and confidence to take up a reflective journey like this, with Allah’s blessings and protection, she would take strong steps forward…and up… *** The day of the mountain journey arrived. The sun shone bright and golden. Although Amina was only visiting the nearby mountain for reflection, she would not travel so far up and would be careful as she did not know if she would confront any obstacles. Her dream a few nights before of something swooping at her had led her to believe that she might. Her beloved mother spoke wise words, gave her a kiss and some dates; her beloved father gave her a warm embrace and lasting advice. “Amina darling, you must understand that in sacrificing something, you will always gain something else” Amina thought about these words for a moment; she knew the lesson would come at the right time. Her father always encouraged her to be strong, to see the world and all its riches. As an obedient muslim, she had no doubt that reliance upon Allah’s blessings would make her journey a success. “Be safe and be vigilant, my brave Amina. If you encounter obstacles, always believe that Allah’s protection and blessings will be with you. Allah Hafiz”. Amina set off with Ruhail, the journey had begun! As Amina reached the desert, Ruhail trod on proudly. He made giant prints in the sand and even bigger noises that filled the dessert. “Eeeeeeooooooggggggrrrrrrhhhhhh!” “When we climb the mountain, try not to be giddy Ruhail! You must focus”. “Eeeeeeeeeeoooooooooggggrrrggrrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhh!”. Amina loved Ruhail for his faithfulness and simple servitude but she was sure this sounded like a protest. As Amina and Ruhail neared the mountain and ascended, she thought of Mount Arafat itself, where Ibrahim’s and Ismael’s journey happened, a miraculous event showing great sacrifice. As she finally reached a spot on the mountain to sit, Amina reflected on the meaning of Eid-Ul-Adha. She prayed, ate some dates and nuts, and gave Ruhail some water. She took out the flyer from her bag from the village library ‘Muslim Books Donation’, and held the precious book that would be given, “The Month of Magnificence”; she then placed it into her bag for precious safe keeping. She started to talk to Ruhail. Ruhail started to look very worried, his eyes widening. Amina laughed. ‘My dear Ruhail, do not worry, we will
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
not sacrifice you!’ A little later, a sharp sound pierced the sky. “Eeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwww”. Amina could see eagles circling beyond perhaps this was the obstacle she needed to be ready for. The ominous eagles began to traverse tufts of wind, stretching their giant wingspan of shiny black feathers. Ruhail started to do a nervous dance of his own, prancing on his hooves. Getting closer, the eagles’ shadows cast over Amina’s face as she stood up. Amina’s hazel-brown eyes darted straight in their direction. Suddenly, one of the eagles flew past, clipping Amina from behind. One of the gold and pearl brooches she had pinned to her hijab fell off. As Amina regained her composure, she saw another brazen eagle with ice blue eyes had outstretched its claws to claim her bag, catching its handle. Amina entered a tug of war with the great bird! She fought with all her might to release the eagle’s grip. Ruhail continued to dance nervously and make loud yelps every few seconds. He was like a golden, fluffy alarm clock! Finally, Amina pulled so hard, she released the eagle’s grip and landed back a step or two. The eagle however saw the book come undone from Amina’s bag and swooped to hook its claws around it. “Nooooooooooo!”, cried Amina of her precious book flying away. With the quickest thinking, she dived into her bag to find a rope. She lassoed the rope towards the ascending eagle, using her arm to expertly swivel the long rope towards the eagles claws. Amina missed the first time but she would not give up. The eagle landed on a nearby mountain tree, and nestled for a moment into one of the branched nooks. As Amina started to lasso the rope again, the eagle then started to fly off. “O’Allah, help me!”, she shouted using all her might. This time, Amina’s lasso stretched farther and the eagle made a screeching sound as the rope caught one of its claws. While the eagle managed to escape unharmed, the book landed precariously near the edge of the mountain. Amina walked over very carefully and was extremely delicate to scoop the book back to safety, stepping back from the edge of the mountain within no time. “That was so close, Ruhail!” Ruhail let out a huge sigh. Amina gave Ruhail a kiss on his nose, thanking him for being such a devoted companion who would never leave her side, though he was dancing nervously! Amina held one of the eagle’s shiny black feathers. It tickled Ruhail all the way down
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**** Amina attended the village library the following day and Khabir Baqir, the wise librarian, commended and thanked Amina for her sacrifice. “May you be blessed my dear child in your quest to enlighten others’ knowledge of Islam, may every muslim child aspire to have the same intentions to gather and share knowledge”. As she left the library, Amina walked through the village market and saw her friend Sabrah and her brother Adnan who were walking with their mother. “O’ Amina, you didn’t make it to the celebration”, Sabrah said. “Here, have some cake, and here is a little carry bag that Sitara gave to everyone”. Inside the bag was a beautiful prayer book of the Surah Yaseen. It may have been small in size but it was so grand in meaning, and filled Amina’s heart with so much joy. It was then that Amina remembered her father’s words. “Amina darling, you must understand that in sacrificing something, you will always gain something else” On her return back home, Amina’s proud parents listened to Amina talk about giving the precious book away to charity, and she recounted how her recent adventure atop the local mountain took place. They said she must always believe in the power of Allah’s blessings to be successful in whatever she did in life, but that one had to help themselves too. They then discussed how they would celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid-Ul-Adha. Amina said she would invite Sitara, Sabrah, Adnan, and some of her other friends as she ate the delicious semolina cake from Sitara’s celebration. She got some icing sugar on her nose, and her mother and father laughed. Amina would wear her finest clothes, devour meat given as part of celebrations, and eat sweets - and remember that devotion to Allah is what makes life sweetest. As she cast her mind back to the day of the mountain, she remembered the faith, devotion and obedience of both Ibrahim and his son Ismael, passing the hard test of Allah’s command. She touched the eagle’s feather - she had passed her own test! That something could take away the measure of a good deed but it was always witnessed by Almighty Allah, Al-Basir, and one will always remain victorious with Allah’s blessings and protection. She would keep the feather as a reminder of her bravery and sacrifice. Finally, for accomplishing her successful journey she thanked Allah again and knew she would exhaust from thanking Allah many times over and over as if all the grains of sand in the desert would not be enough. Amina made dua to Allah for all of humankind and all the world’s children, and for all muslims, young and old, in their pledge to acquire knowledge and goodness in this world. “Ameen”, she humbly said, lifting her palms to her face, passing the unique black half moon upon her upper lip. That night, she dreamt of Eid-Ul-Adha; of a happy Ruhail wearing his finest velvet robe and leather muzzle; of white eagles with yellow beaks flying across an inky sky full of sitar, then landing atop a beautiful mountain; and the librarian giving the precious book from his hands to the hands of another…which would pass to another… and again, to another... Amina knew the story of surrendering to the will of Allah, of sacrifice and of gaining knowledge would be an eternally lit candle, burning bright and strong in muslims’ hearts and minds forever… You can read more about Amina’s first journey in Edition 185, our special April/ Ramadan 2021 issue on page 37. Maureen Farah Usman is a children’s & young adult’s writer and poet of general & religious poetry. lllustration by Ziyaad at Ziy Art @ziy_art. Ziyaad is a photorealistic, comic and cartoon artist and produces both hand drawn and digital art. ISSUE 188 / JULY 2021
LIFESTYLE 18 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 23
EDUCATION 24 - 26
BUSINESS 27
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AMUST
NSW Budget 2021-22: An economic plan to recover from pandemic estate sales. Stamp duty is now the state’s largest source of revenue, overtaking payroll tax.
FINANCE Dr Abul Jalaluddin NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet released the state budget on 22 June 2021 to recover the NSW economy from the pandemic-induced recession. NSW regained all jobs lost in the pandemic and created an additional 36,000 jobs in 2020-21. The state budget was in deficit with $7.9 billion in 2020-21 which will climb back to $8.6 billion in 2021-22. It will return to surplus with $466 million in 2024-25. The NSW government has borrowed over $33 billion since the beginning of 2020 to offset the effects of COVID-19 and paid an average rate of interest of just 1.5%. In 2020-21, the NSW government received $21 billion in GST revenue, $2.9 billion in gambling taxes and $2.2 billion from poker machines. The closure of international borders is hitting the NSW economy hardest. It is costing state coffers $300 million a month. The salient features of the Budget 202122 are provided below. Family Support Families with children aged three to six will receive $100 vouchers to learn swimming at a cost of $44 million to the budget over two years. Healthcare The budget allocated $10 billion for health infrastructure over the next four years. An amount of $36.4 million will be
Public Service Employees A significant allocation of $2.7 billion over four years will be made available for the state’s more than 400,000 public servants including nurses, police, paramedics and teachers to provide a pay rise of 2.5%. Public sector employees and their spouses will also be entitled to five days of paid leave after a miscarriage or stillbirth to ameliorate their grieving.
spent on mental health to support rural and regional communities which will fund over 57 Response and Recovery Specialists to work in the sector. The funding for palliative care will be boosted by $82.8 million over the next four years to create 120 full-time equivalent positions. The NSW Ambulance will receive $1.4 million to enhance its services. Education The state will embark on its largest building program in the history with $2.1 billion over four years for 44 new and upgraded schools around growing areas of Sydney. The budget also allocated $196 million to develop a new online syllabus with capabilities for students, teachers and parents to find educational resources at fingertips. Free pre-
school for NSW families will be extended to 2021-22, saving them up to $4,000 a year. Domestic Violence The budget has allocated $60 million over two years for domestic violence frontline services. Another $32.5 million for the Staying Home Leaving Violence initiative to assist fleeing partners from abusive relationships. Stamp Duty Higher property prices and transfer transactions are swelling the state coffers. In 2020-21, NSW collected almost $7 billion in stamp duty on property transfers which will leap to a staggering $9.4 billion in 2021-22. In 2022-23, the budget estimates to reap a windfall of $11.4 billion from real
Electric Cars Promoting electric cars is a priority for the NSW government. It aims to increase the number of these cars sold by 50% by 2030 towards zero emissions by 2050. From 1 September 2021, stamp duty will be waived for electric cars under $78,000 and $3,000 in rebates will be offered for the first 25,000 people to purchase battery and hydrogen fuel cell cars under $68,750. This will cost the budget an estimated $500 million. Tourism An amount of $200 million will be spent on arts and tourism in NSW over four years. To revive struggling Sydney CBD due to COVID-19, the budget provides $100 vouchers for city workers to spend on lunches/dinners on Fridays as well as $100 accommodation vouchers to encourage NSW residents to spend a night in a city hotel in the winter. This will cost the budget $50 million. Dr Abul Jalaluddin is an Islamic Finance expert, taxation advisor and a regular columnist for AMUST. He is based in Sydney.
Is an airline obesity tax fair? Christine Osbourne The imposition of an obesity tax for morbidly overweight airline passengers has been mooted for years, but with travel starting up post-Covid, some passengers may indeed be required to step on the scales. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 42.4 per cent of Americans are obese with the British not far behind. We won’t mention citizens of Tonga or Nauru, but people from Asian countries have no need to fear such a decision. Have you ever seen a fat Bangladeshi? I personally tend to support a “fat tax.” Or what really amounts to a hefty air traveller being obliged to buy an extra seat on the plane. But while I sympathise with someone who has a glandular disorder, I have no truck with big eaters hoisting the discrimination flag. It has not been an isolated occasion when I’ve observed obese people – sometimes a whole family – in an airport café, stuffing on burgers and chips, washed JULY 2021 / ISSUE 188
down with 1600 calorie thick shakes. And try standing behind a large person at check-in when they sail through but you are charged extra for schoolbooks you’re taking out to Africa. One blogger invites us to imagine being squashed by a 300 pounder seated next to you on a three hour flight from Las Vegas to Minnesota. Well imagine this on the twenty-two hour flight from London to Sydney! But it’s not just the discomfort of someone overflowing into your space: it’s the security aspect when an aircraft must be emptied quickly. I was once on a flight out of Singapore when the starboard engine caught fire and lucky to make it back safely we had to evacuate via the emergency chutes. Just as smokers are cautioned they may not be eligible for medical treatment if they don’t quit, so obese folk must accept that if they wish to fly, it may cost more. Some airlines already apply the extra seat rule if a passenger cannot fit into his seat with the armrests down and without encroaching “significantly” on their neighbour. In the US the weight of an average adult passenger with a carry-on bag is currently 86 kg for a man and 66 kg for a woman which at 64 kg, I would just scrape through. Although 64 kg
for a height of 1.72m is on the slim side. Should the proposal be ratified by the Federal Aviation Administration the obvious solution is a weigh-in before departure. Scales exist for hand luggage; why not to weigh passengers. And add a height measure for a fair BMI calculation? Anyone wisely accepting they are overweight could purchase two tickets in advance to avoid hassle and should the flight not be full, apply for a refund at their destination. The alternative is discomfort. Equally for the obese traveller such as one woman who said she didn’t sleep for nights before flying, due to anxiety about her size. But perhaps there is good news on yonder
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blue horizon. New aircraft are being designed with one or two rows of “economy wide seats” and in acknowledgement of the obesity epidemic, several countries have these on order. Frequent fliers of a “certain size” will have first option to avoid the purchase of a second seat. Christine Osborne is the author of many books on Islamic countries including Pakistan. She is also the CEO of www.worldreligionsphotolibrary.com a multi- faith collection specialising in the mainstream faiths. She has visited more than 30 Muslim majority countries.
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Individual & marriage counselling. Helps clients improve their quality of life by supporting them through their personal challenges.
Provides holistic advice and guidance to men and women in areas of media, psychology, faith, social relationships, health, business, & community.
Metamorphosis Coaching Jahida El Assad High Performance Coach, Teacher, Norwex Senior Executive Sales Leader, Business Mentor, Entrepreneur, Digital Marketer,
Dalya Ayoub Dalya is passionate about helping women reclaim their God-given rights and powers for themselves and others.
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Ahmed Ismail Ahmed Ismail is a Certified Life Coach, Entrepreneur & Speaker. Ahmed has a unique passion for helping adolescent boys and fathers.
Princess R. Lakshman Clinical Nutritionist, Speaker, NLP Life Coach, Counsellor, Narrative Therapist & Author. She explores self care, clarity of mind & holistic well being.
Leads to SelfEmpowerment
Wassim Dabboussi Wassim Dabboussi Wassim helps purpose driven entrepreneurs make a positive dent on the world to leave a legacy behind and live an inspiring life.
Advance Minds
Shuv Homsi Drug & Alcohol Counsellor. Shuv Homsi comes from a diverse background of Business, Social Services, Community Services and Mental Health.
Advanced Building Concepts
Aaliyah Yco Aaliyah Yco is the founder of Leads To SelfEmpowerment, and an accredited Coach, facilitator and trainer.
Ziad Hafda Ziad has a passion for leadership, people, the science of decision making and building.
that conscious life
Aisha Meguid Aisha is dedicated to empowering women & youth to learn how to easily & effectively manage and lead their life successfully – on their own terms.
Developing Diamonds
Ethosau
Calisha Bennett Through the coaching, workshops, courses and retreats offered by Developing Diamonds, Calisha Bennett intends to provide the strategies and learning required to overcome these challenges Inshallah.
Aamon Sayed Aamon has worked with at-risk youth, people struggling with addiction, victims of domestic violence and those who feel alienated because of their culture, faith or economic situation for years.
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
Muslimah Mind Matters
Influential Pillar
Mobinah Ahmad
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
Hiba Sayadi Personal Coach, Motivator, Teacher1:1 and Group Coaching, NLP Timeline Therapy.
FITRA HEALING Ronya Naboulsi Breaking through negative self beliefs and emotions and aiding women in overcoming depression, anxiety & negative self beliefs.
ISSUE 188 / JULY 2021
LIFESTYLE 18 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 23
EDUCATION 24 - 26
BUSINESS 27
#SOCIAL
SOCIAL 28 - 31
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Seek advice and strive for success! FINANCE
Moin Zaman
Fahd Dameer
Investor – Technologist – Co-founder Tabarruk
Halal investment expert – Co-founder Tabarruk
PARENTING
Coach EQ Maysaa Fahour Maysaa is a Master Coach, NLP practitioner, EDISC Behaviour Profiler, and Parent Mentor.
Awaken & Thrive Motherhood
Back to the Fitrah
Khadija Al-Kaddour Kathryn Jones Is a Awaken & Thrive Back to the Fitrah Mentoring Motherhood Expert who Academy: Building an empowers Muslim Mothers emotionally and spiritually to rediscover & reclaim YOU! resilient ummah
PORN ADDICTION Sumaiya Afzal
Anisa Khan
Sumaiya passionately helps Co-Founder Dar al-Ihsan women finding their inner and Grow With Me Childcare Centre and CEO of Chantik strength and be resilient. Botanika.
Wael Ibrahim
Dean Mousad
Founder of The Aware Academy. Author, international speaker, mentor, Student counselor at The Australian Islamic College.
Experienced counselor with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry.
BUSINESS
HEALTH
PT with Mya Mya Ari Personal trainer coach mentor, physical and mental health Empower, inspire and aspire for truth
Sohret Hussein
Abdul Fattah
Sohret helps overwhelmed, purpose driven women kick start their dream business.
Leadership Trainer and Coach, here to support business owners and executives in achieving success in their company.
Bizri Academy Houssam Bizri
Bizri Digital helps you take the guesswork out of building a successful digital strategy for your startup or business.
JULY 2021 / ISSUE 188
Burn Fitness
Rashaqa By May
Rowaa Hassan Ladies Only Gym | Personal Training | Group Fitness
May Zaki May is a certified professional in weight management, sports and exercise nutrition/ children nutrition.
Dreem Fitness Reem Khan Rana The Fitness Trainer – Tranquil Soul Empowering Muslim Aisha A Kaddour women through physical health and fitness. The Tranquil Soul is all Fitness Programs – about gaining a state of inner Events & Workshops peace and mindfulness in everyday life.
Holistic Figure Samah Medlej Holistic Health Coach
Learn More: https://tinyurl.com/4en7zk3a WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
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AMUST
#SOCIAL
NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 4-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 13
AUSTRALIA 14- 17
Social Spotlights
Steve Dabliz @SteveDabliz Subhana’Allah the look of sheer happiness on the face of this beautiful young girl Rawwan Dwaik from Jordon, who is the first female with Down syndrome to have completed her memorisation of the whole Quran, may Allah preserve and protect her Ameen <3 Credit: Umm Jamaal ud-Din
Islamic Information
@TheIslamicInformation China has destroyed 33 mosques since 2016, forced Muslims to denounce their faith, forced Muslim women to marry non Muslim men, locked more than a 2 million Muslims in concentration camps, separated toddlers from their parents, prohibited Fasting but no one is talking about it.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi @mehreenfaruqi From Gadigal to Gaza, our struggle for justice and freedom is universal. So is our solidarity and resistance. Enough is enough.
Adam Bandt @AdamBandtMP
Brothers In Need @brothersinneed.org Tonight was the first night of the Sydney lockdown, as we took a small number of volunteers to a deserted Sydney CBD. Masks and gloves were the order of the night, as volunteers from Brothers In Need and the team from House Of Sadaqa, provided food, drink, sanitary and clothing items to our Homeless Community. Thank you to everyone who attended tonight’s program. At Brothers In Need - we are here to help.
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AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
This photo broke me. Three-year-old Tharnicaa is Australia’s youngest political prisoner. You don’t know her surname, but you know where she’s from, and it’s the town where her parents met – Biloela, Queensland. This story has made headlines worldwide and is Australia’s shame. The ongoing, indefinite imprisonment of this family is illegal under international law. Tharnicaa has been sick for days, stuck in detention on Christmas Island. She’s finally receiving medical support in Perth for pneumonia, but it shouldn’t be like this. With the stroke of a pen by Minister Karen Andrews this whole nightmare could be over. Tharnicaa, her mum Priya, dad Nades, and sister Kopika could all be returned to the open arms of their awaiting community in Biloela. Minister, pick up a damn pen. #hometobilo Photo credit: Bring Priya, Nades and their girls home to Biloela WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
Fadlullah Wilmot Post from Pudak Nayati about Westall mosque in Victoria, a renovated old house used not only by Indonesian Muslims but also with others of different cultural and language backgrounds. Sisters got a fully-heated carpeted big room. Brothers got half of it, plus back terrace. Even during this pandemic season, when Melbourne/Victoria limits the number of worshipers who can attend houses of worship, women still get a share of the place at Westall mosque, even though the number is limited. MORAL OF THE STORY: We don’t need to wait until we have a grand mosque to respect women. #IndonesianStyle ISSUE 188 / JULY 2021
LIFESTYLE 18 - 21
UMMAH 22 - 23
TOP 7 Memes
EDUCATION 24 - 26
BUSINESS 27
#SOCIAL
SOCIAL 28 - 31
AMUST
TOP 5
SHARED SNAPS
Tweets
#OurLondonFamily
Ali Kadri This is what came to my mind when Graham Perrett MP asked me to share few words about late Duncan Pegg. Today we bid final good bye to someone who I admired as a leader and a good man. Thank you Graham for sharing my words. “Most people live a lifetime without impacting anyone except themselves and those closely around them. Than there are those few whose actions shape lives of many in a city, town and country. Many of the latter spend a lot of time and energy to make a little impact beyond themselves. But Duncan Pegg was none of the above, in little time he spent on earth and even little as a representative, he left a legacy which will continue to impact those he represented and beyond. If anyone ever asks me to give an example of life well lived, my friend Duncan Pegg will be right on top of that list”
Lisa MacLeod Appreciate @ldnontmayor and those at the London Muslim Mosque for sharing their memories of the Afzaal family during a visit to lay flowers at the memorial last week. We must continue to fight against hate & Islamophobia to ensure this tragedy never happens again #OurLondonFamily
JULY 2021 / ISSUE 188
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NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 4-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 13
AUSTRALIA 14- 17
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