Issue 189 - August 2021

AMUST

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

www.amust.com.au ISSUE # 189

/

Multicultural News & Views

AUGUST 2021; MUHARRAM 1443

Israeli spyware creates global chaos

/

PH: (02) 9158 3020

My tribute to The Late Sheikh Fehmi AUSTRALIA PAGE 12

BOOMERANG PAGE 5

/

Digital Newspaper Available

EMAIL: INFO@AMUST.COM.AU

To veil or not to veil?

LIFESTYLE PAGE 15

ANIC wins case against fake Mufti

continued on page 2

Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman, President of ANIC.

$2

/

My reflections on post-Kemalist Turkey UMMAH PAGE 17

Global network for Indian Muslim diaspora

Zia Ahmad In a media release dated 26 July 2021, The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) has announced that it has won a lawsuit against fake Mufti Moustafa Rashed for defamation.

On Thursday 10 June 2021 ANIC was able to obtain judgement against Moustafa Rashed in the District Court of NSW. This judgement included defamatory remarks made by him claiming ANIC was a terrorist sympathiser.

Moustafa Rashed falsely claimed that he was Australia’s only elected Mufti and the Chairman of the International Federation of Muslims for Peace falsely claiming that it was the only registered organisation in Australia for Muslim Imams.

/

Report highlights Australian experiences of Islamophobia Mohamed Ainullah The Australian Human Rights Commission released a report on Tuesday 20 July 2021, “Sharing the stories of Australian Muslims” highlighting Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate that is routinely experienced in Australia.

The survey of over 1000 Muslims, conducted during 2019-2020, led by Race Discrimination Commissioner, Mr Chin Tan highlights religious discrimination, vilification and hate against Muslims that manifested in the Christchurch attack in March 2019.

Stories, comments and insights shared by Muslim leaders, consultation participants, and National Survey respondents during this project provided a wide-ranging picture of community members’ lived experiences of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate.

“These stories reinforced for me what I have long witnessed, that Australian Mus-

lim communities are active participants in Australian public life, and many are working tirelessly to address misconceptions about Islam in the Australian community,” Mr Tan writes in his message for the report.

The project survey responses and consultation findings demonstrate that Australian Muslim communities are taking the lead in identifying community solutions to the issues they face.

They are calling on the whole Australian community to support greater awareness and understanding of Islam to help strengthen social cohesion.

Community responses during the survey draw attention to the broader context of anti-Muslim hate expressed through a rising incidence of online abuse and hate speech directed towards Australian Muslims and in the increased evidence of far-right extremism in Australia. continued on page 3

Zia Ahmad Members of the global Indian Muslim diaspora have come together to establish the International Council of Indian Muslims (ICIM), a platform to connect and collaborate on issues pertaining to the large Muslim minority in India.

The Chicago based organisation has established links with communities and leaders in various countries to coordinate and amplify advocacy work to improve public opinion and policies that safeguard the welfare, safety, security and interests of Indian Muslims.

ICIM aims to make the world a better place with a particular focus on India through representation in global forums like United Nations (UN), Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), European Union (EU), South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), African Union (AU), and similar global and regional bodies. continued on page 2

Legal win against vilification for Muslims AMUST Media The Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN) and the Islamic Council of Queensland (ICQ) have won a case against the former Senator Mr Fraser Anning, alleging he propagated hateful ideology similar to that of Christchurch terrorist, Brenton Tarrant over several years.

This is the first time a sitting politician has been found to break the law for vilification, also catching out mainstream media and social media companies that platformed him and his views.

It’s the first legal victory by the Australian Muslim community against vilification.

It may also make history as the most prolific win, in terms of the amount of hate speech that the Tribunal ordered to be taken down – 141 artefacts to be exact.

AMAN Advisor, Rita Jabri Markwell lodged the complaint in March 2020 with

the Queensland Human Rights Commission.

The original complaint included ten (10) examples of vilification including Anning’s Press Release on the day of the Christchurch massacre, a video he took outside the Holland Park mosque, and various memes and posts where he ridiculed Muslims and portrayed them as a threat to Australia.

Mr Fraser Anning has been in hiding since he lost his bid at the last Federal Election, and is believed to be living in the United States.

The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal found Anning had vilified Muslims and legally restrained him from continuing to vilify Muslims.

AMAN and ICQ were seeking Anning to take down all offending material, which had to be painstakingly catalogued for the Tribunal - leading to a list of more than 140 posts and tweets for the Tribunal to assess.

Proudly Printed in Australia by Spotpress Pty Ltd

Muslimah Lawyer Rita Jabri Markwell, who ran the complaint for the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network.

Source: Stefan Armbruster/SBS News

continued on page 3 Dispose of this paper thoughtfully - PLEASE RECYCLE

AMUST

NEWS

NEWS 1-3

Global network for Indian Muslim diaspora Continued from page 1 ICIM cooperates, coordinates and supports organisations and leaders that are working that furthers ICIM objectives and is comprised of representatives from Australia, Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, Middle East, Netherlands, Scotland and United States.

Established in 2020, ICIM is in its development phase through 2021, inviting more representations from all other countries and various Muslim communities of Indian origin wherever they may be.

ICIM advocates for a vision of India that is truly democratic, where everyone has equal rights and opportunity free from discrimination to live in peace and harmony.

Given the rapidly worsening human rights conditions in India, ICIM will focus on global level work while leveraging and not duplicating the local work around the world providing platform for coordination.

Scope of work includes identifying gaps of global nature in Indian Muslim diaspora and encourage, empower and facilitate peo-

ple and organizations in ICIM ecosystem to fill the gaps.

ICIM aims to engage regional or global bodies for positive impact on affairs of India and intervene as needed to preserve the democratic values of India and safeguard human rights for all Indians.

ICIM aims to create awareness of the problems that the large Muslim minority is facing in their homeland sharing the true stories of injustice, oppression, and resistance, so their struggles are known and recognised globally as a serious threat to democracy in India and a violation of international law.

ICIM is building a coalition of Indian Muslims and organisations around the world to empower this global movement and speak with one, powerful voice and get involved in advocacy for the rights of Indian Muslims through publicity, dialogue, awareness and empowerment locally and globally.

Check out ICIM’s website: theicim.org Email contacts: ed@theicim.org; vpmedia@theicim.org

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10- 14

ANIC wins case against fake Mufti

Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed, Mufti of Australia.

Continued from page 1 While claiming to be a professor of Islamic law from Al-Azhar University, it has been reported that Mr Rashed also passed a number of ‘fatwas’ (Islamic rulings) which have been unanimously rejected by the wider body of mainstream Islamic scholars, including those from Al-Azhar University.

According to reports, Al-Azhar University has also denied any affiliation with Mr Rashed and refuted claims that he was a professor at the University.

President of ANIC Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman said, “The Australian National Imams Council won the case against Mustafa Rashed. We hope this judgement clarifies this man’s lack of credibility and accordingly his claim as the Mufti of Australia.”

“We reiterate that Moustafa Rashed is not the Mufti of Australia or an Imam in any mosque or any Islamic centre, and he had never ascended a pulpit in Australia, he also

Fake Mufti Moustafa Rashed. has nothing to do with the Muslim community in Australia and has no recognition from anyone from the Muslim community or the Government,” He further added.

It is understood that Moustafa Rashed’s preaching had nothing to do with Islam and the comments he propagated in the media were rejected by all Islamic religious scholars and institutions around the world.

ANIC had warned of Moustafa Rashed’s actions and informed him that he does not represent any component in the Australian Muslim Community.

Moreover ANIC had called on all media organisations not to host Moustafa Rashed and not introduce him as the Mufti of Australia or an Islamic religious authority.

ANIC case was represented by Birchgrove Legal led by Hamza Alameddine and Mostafa Kheir to a successful outcome for their client.

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:

2

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

Call us on 02 9826 2273 from 8.30am-4pm www.kempscreekcemetery.com.au

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

ISSUE 189 / AUGUST 2021

NEWS Sydney lockdown tightens amid record infections LIFESTYLE 15 - 16

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

BUSINESS 21

SOCIAL 22 - 23

AMUST

Mohamed Ainullah With substantial increase in COVID-19 delta strain transmissions, lockdown of greater Sydney in general and western Sydney in particular has been tightened with army called in to enforce it.

Meanwhile the NSW Labor opposition has been questioned over its lack of strategy to hold the Berejiklian government accountable for its handling of the pandemic specially in the Labor dominated electorates in South Western Sydney.

The NSW government has significantly tightened restrictions for Sydney’s southwest and west where residents must stay within a five-kilometre radius of their home and making it compulsory to wear a mask at all times when outside the home in eight local government areas: Fairfield, Liverpool, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Blacktown, Parramatta, Georges River and Campbelltown.

Both the federal and NSW state government has been criticised over mixed and contradictory massaging specially in regards to vaccination and its rollout for the Australian population.

The UK scientist who created the AstraZeneca vaccine, Professor Sarah Gilbert waded into the debate over whether the wider use of AstraZeneca could have shortened or even prevented lockdowns in Sydney and Melbourne.

NSW Labor leader Chris Minns had offered bipartisan support to Berejiklian government in COVID-19 crisis management during the crisis.

Mr Minns, Member for Kogarah, took charge of NSW Labor as the Opposition leader in early June this year when former leader Jodie McKay quit after a crisis over state leadership in May. Residents in areas that have traditionally supported Labor at the state as well as the federal levels in western and south western

have questioned the role of the New South Wales Opposition in holding the state’s Liberal government accountable for its management of the current pandemic.

There is a feeling that the state Liberal government has employed double standards in its treatment of the Labor-dominated suburbs of Sydney which a populated by multicultural communities.

During an interview by Rehan Alavi of SBS Urdu, Zia Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of news portal The Australasian Muslim Times AMUST who lives in the Fairfield City Council’s Bonnyrigg suburb talked about the public sentiment in this local government area.

“Living under strict restrictions, the residents of the Labor-dominated areas of Fairfield, Liverpool and Canterbury-Bankstown feel that these areas have been treated in an

inconsistent manner when compared with those in the eastern and northern suburbs of Sydney,” Zia said.

Irfan Yousuf, who writes in AMUST and other publication told SBS Urdu that the Liberal party’s right-wing is not pleased with Ms Berejiklian’s policies as she announced the lockdown despite the pressure not to do so, following the advice of the state’s chief medical officer.

“New South Wales Labor’s leadership is trying to keep itself away from politics and has adopted a policy of supporting the Berejiklian government’s actions which are based on health experts’ advice,” he said.

Zia has also been critical of the federal government’s vaccine rollout strategy, saying that its failure to secure a supply of vaccines for all Australians and that of the NSW government to develop a vaccination strat-

egy early on during the pandemic, is being seen by people as the cause of the ever-increasing restrictions and the lockdown.

“New South Wales Labor has been silent throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during the second wave starting in June, on the Liberal government’s poor handling of the pandemic,” Zia claimed.

Meanwhile, new data from NSW Health reveals the virus is spreading much faster among younger people and children in the current outbreak.

Residents in the eight areas of concern namely Fairfield, Liverpool, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Blacktown, Parramatta, Georges River and Campbelltown are not allowed to leave the LGA they live in for work unless they are on the list of authorised workers or the business is allowed to be open.

Report highlights Australian experiences of Islamophobia Continued from page 1 In response to these experiences, community members identified the need for the Australian Government and the Australian community to take a zero tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination, hatred and Islamophobia.

Strong leadership, public awareness and other educative and legislative protections were seen as necessary with increased focus on social cohesion and building inclusivity as the best ways to address Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate.

Project participants identified community solutions focused on educating the wid-

er Australian community about Islam and creating inter-faith connections through schools, the media and a wider network of visible allies.

The participants highlighted that this education needs to be supplemented by institutional change through more consistently implemented diversity and inclusion practices and more culturally competent workplace policies and spaces.

The report calls for a National Anti-Racism Framework that would also demonstrate the Australian Government’s strong stance against racism, Islamophobia, and anti-Muslim hate.

This is crucial, not only to ensure Australian Muslims feel safe, included, and valued within the wider community, but also to support strong relationships between Australian Muslim communities and government agencies and organisations.

The report calls for the implementation of initiatives that increase social cohesion and centre the priorities and expertise of Australian Muslims is vital for the promotion of racial equality and the rights of every Australian to fully engage with and participate in the wider Australian community.

Legal win against vilification for Muslims Continued from page 1 Remarkably, the decision shows that vilification takes different forms, not only the limited examples recognised by Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook and Twitter were given many chances to investigate and take this content down but refused to allocate enough resources to monitor their platforms.

AMAN has argued Australian Parliament must impose an enforceable duty of care on platforms, because without it, platforms won’t comply with our laws.

In Queensland, it is unlawful to incite hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule of a group based on a protected characteristic, like their religion.

“Australian Muslims are a diverse peoAUGUST 2021 / ISSUE 189

ples. We all need security, a sense of belonging, and the space to freely express who we are,” said Dr Mustafa Ally OAM, Chairman of AMAN, a body that works to secure the safety of Australian Muslims.

“This decision sends a strong warning for those in leadership and political roles that they are not exempt from vilification laws.”

“AMAN will fight for our safety from those who use their positions of authority to imperil ordinary citizens going about their daily lives.”

President of the Islamic Council of Queensland, Mr Habib Jamal said, “Today our community lives with continual threats in the suburbs we live in, driven by online hate. It carries an immense physical, emotional, and mental toll for all of us, not only

Muslims living in Queensland, but elsewhere in Australia.”

“The African community was also targeted in the most distressing ways. Facebook and Twitter have to do the right thing,” said Mr Jamal.

Both bodies want Facebook and Twitter to disband Mr Anning’s pages and accounts, fearing another person may try to profit from them at the next election.

“These vast online communities have been groomed by misinformation over a long time and are easily incited towards hostility,” said Dr Ally.

“The Queensland Human Rights Commission and Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal are commended for treating this complaint with the seriousness it

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

Former Senator Fraser Anning.

deserved, but it was a tremendous job for everyone.”

AMAN is a law-based advocacy organisation working on behalf of Australian Muslims, funded only by community donations.

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

3

AMUST

BOOMERANG

NEWS 1-3

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10- 14

The attitude of Qaroon and climate change Bilal Cleland The career of Qaroon in the Quran serves to illustrate the short-sightedness of serving one’s own financial interests at the expense of others.

Although of Bani Israel, he was one of those who aligned himself with Pharaoh, assisting him in keeping the slaves under control.

For preventing revolt, Qaroon was well rewarded.

Some of Banu Israel were envious of him but those loyal to Musa (a) had a different view.

They understood that his wealth was not of real value.

He did not enjoy the fruits of his tyranny and betrayal.

“And We caused the earth to swallow him and his home. And there was for him no company to aid him other than Allah, nor was he of those who [could] defend themselves.” (Qur’an 28:81) In the Bible, where he is named Korah, and where his resistance to the mission of Musa (a) is emphasised, his fate was terrifying. [Ch 16:33 Numbers] Qaroon’s attitude did not die with him.

We are seeing it played out in the struggle during the pandemic between “keeping open” versus “lockdown” in the battle

against COVID-19.

Much of the criticism of the NSW lockdown has been that it has permitted large stores to remain open while closing down small businesses, creating the suspicion that only the wealthiest voices have been heard, despite their impact on the efficacy of the health measures.

Another example of Qaroon’s attitude can be seen in the issue of global warming.

The Islamic Declaration on Global Climate Change, launched in Istanbul in August 2015 put the matter bluntly: “Our species, though selected to be a caretaker or steward (khalifah) on the earth, has been the cause of such corruption and devastation on it that we are in danger ending life as we know it on our planet.”

This view that the matter is urgent was supported by the Roman Pontiff in the 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si.” Such awareness has not managed to penetrate the Australian political scene.

The Sustainable Development Report scored Australia last out of 193 United Nations member countries for action taken to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

[Guardian, 1 July 2021 ] That the fossil fuel industry provides funds to the major political parties might help explain this.

A recent Australian Conservation Foundation report found that the coal, oil and gas industry gave $1.9m in 2018-19, more than doubled since the $894,336 it gave in 201516. [Guardian, 12 February 2020]

The G7 conference earlier this year came out strongly on the issue of zero emissions by 2050.

The Science Academies of the G7 nations stated; “Greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced at a faster pace if we are to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. [Royal Society, 31 March 2021] Some ambiguous statements about the 2050 target of zero emissions made by our PM, an observer at the G7, was sufficient to frighten the fossil fuel supporters in the LNP Coalition.

The result was the elevation of a climate change denier to the leadership of the National Party and the position of Deputy Prime Minister.

Australia stands out at present as a place where the short term economic advantages of the fossil fuel and mining industries, the wealth of Qaroon, is placed above the rights of humanity to sustaining life.

“We are in danger of ending life as we know it on our planet.”

Bilal Cleland is a keen reader, a prolific writer and a regular columnist of AMUST based in Melbourne.

A Proposition: It’s premise. Part 2 Dr Mohammed Naushaduddin A valid social contract must have a principled premise for it to work, and for us to achieve harmony that our brains are so hard-wired to seek.

Some ancient history Socrates’ proddings in The Republic were the earliest detailed attempt at reaching a social contract rationally. There are aspects in it that may make us cringe, but those were not the reasons the Greeks were not happy with him.

Armed with Greek reasoning, however contentious or contradictory, the Romans imposed their will on the ancient Egyptian and French lands. With plentiful food grown by the new slaves in the new lands, the republic did not mind becoming an empire.

However as their social contract was limited to the Romans, the Germanic tribes were not impressed. With stagnation, came implosion. By the time the Roman social contract was extended to these Germanic tribes, it was too late.

A Middle Eastern religion saved the Roman rot. The accepted price by its elite, the Roman Church, was relegation of reason to keep peace and order. Neither came: a dark intolerant age descended across Europe by the name of Holy Roman Empire where social contract was limited to the elite of Church and the Holy Roman rulers.

The eastern parts of the world saw development of Caste System: this earlier attempt at civilisation kept peace and order. However the Vedas were considered highly unjust; the chances of upward mobility were certain only for a few select by birth.

Buddhism directly challenged this rigid culture of not only Indian subcontinent but also the lands of the Far East where Confucianism prevailed, demanding complete subservience to the Middle Kingdom. Human dignity was uplifted and offered to all. However, with the division of Buddhism, the dark ages returned.

A historical change In this milieu came the call of the Quran

4

stressing individual piety and authority (4:59). There was this concept but the structure materialised over the next few hundred years, particularly after the stress of major political disruption of the 10th century when Muslim world was ruled by three caliphs – in Andalusia (Ummayad), in Egypt (Fatimid) and in Baghdad (Abbasid).

Individual piety was straight forward: follow the Quran, traditions of the Prophet, the salaf, the imams, even one’s inspiring local maulana. Every other religion had a similar call, some with great stretches of imagination.

It was the Authority that was complicated. Commanders, philosophers, traders and all kinds of groups tried their hands and luck. In Islam, the people who came to be vested with ‘authority’ were the one who spoke for the innocent: the Qaadi/ judge.

To speak for the innocent, was to seek the truth. This was the social contract where justice was to be dispensed to all, and anyone meritorious can be a judge.

In the prevailing atmosphere, only Islam was considered as the rational religion to dispense that justice.

Within a century, the Fatimids (ruling in the name of ‘Ali) were incorporated by their rivals who called themselves ‘Sunni’ (followers of the ‘way of the Prophet’). The Ummayads in the Andalusia were fading out to intense competition by the ever numerous abbeys popping up in the north. In these lands, a broken social contract invited distrust, disruption, displacement and destructive wars.

Then came the Mongols. In 1258, the caliph of Muslims was killed in Baghdad.

However, within a hundred years, the social contract of Sunni Islam helped Mongols accept the very same people they had defeated so spectacularly. However, there was a price to pay. Enquiry into truth ceased; the era of Taqleed started.

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

Our recent history As Muslim jurists looked the other way in complacency or procrastination, the Roman Church was challenged by the protests in the Northern Europe at their emotional and material coercion in the name of blind faith. In 1648, the Papacy gave in. By this time, rivers of gold were following into the Vatican and Holy Roman capitals from the New World.

Freshly liberated Protestants, grouped as nations, had no choice but to go south – sailing – for survival, trade and fortune. The era of navigation and exploration began. However, the social contract was restricted to the national boundaries, in the name of national Christian denominations.

In their attempt to get rid of English/Anglican rulers, and fend off other European suitors at the same time, the founding fathers of United States of America came up with a very unique idea in 1770s: proclaim a social contract with no mention of divine, naming it as the ‘constitution’.

For the first time in the Christian history, the Church was formally removed from judiciary, legislature and executive. Napoleonic France spread this idea across Europe, to be completed by the Communists in the 20th century by their determined tenacity.

The Soviets, however, limited their social contract only to their ideologue nations. As the winner of the Cold War, the United States of America and its allies have inherited the goal of spreading this idea of social contract to all of humanity.

How far the emerging powers, China and India, are willing to shoulder this concept remains to be seen.

We can do our part.

So what does a social contract consists of We do not need history lessons to remind us that our social contract was, is and will be with all of humanity – acknowledging all of its differences (49:13) be it races, castes, religions, denominations or ideologies. History

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

lessons reinforce that division not only limits progress but also spreads grief, misery and destruction.

As the contract is with all of humanity, it must be transparent. There are dividends here: our global village does not need to waste billions of dollars spying on each other – for the fear of the other; the militaries of the world can be remodelled to police our global village; data and research harvested across continents can be used to uplift all of humanity.

Transparency remains a critical element in nurturing trust – knowing, as humans, we are hardwired with animal instincts of fear, impulsive behaviour and self-preservation.

Successful concepts are the ones that can be used at an individual level but also incorporated into human systems (judiciary, legislature, institutions, etc). A social contract that is clear and lucid empowers every person to be responsible to themselves, others and our planet. It also helps to transfer knowledge to next generation, who having learnt from their ancestors, can solve problems their parents could not.

One of the things we are hardwired for is consistency. Imagine waking up in a new hotel every day, or very often, and the hassle of … finding your way, where the utilities are, how the taps work, etc. Human brain wants consistency in behaviour, and a warning when there is an expected deviance.

To be confident and productive, we need to know the accepted gradations of behaviour, and consistency of judgement in its application.

Finally, a contract appealing to reason will likely sustain trust. For this to happen, the bedrock of our interactions with people around us must be based on truth, facts, or the best available evidence.

Helping achieve this will be tools of reason, be it Naas (with its higher notions of human behaviour) or science (with its remarkable ability to uncover and reach material truth).

A structure or framework can be built from this concept: a social contract that is transparent, clear, lucid, consistent, reasonable and based on reason, will eventually bring peace all around.

Dr Mohammed Naushaduddin is a General Practitioner in SouthWest Sydney, Australia.

ISSUE 189 / AUGUST 2021

LIFESTYLE 15 - 16

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

BUSINESS 21

BOOMERANG

SOCIAL 22 - 23

Israeli spyware creates global chaos Last month in July 2021 new targets of current regime in the largest democracy in the the Israeli spyware Pegasus developed world, namely India. and marketed by the Israeli cyberarms There have also been reports earlier in the company NSO groups were revealed in- year that the Bangladeshi government had dicating that the Indian BJP government also purchased the spyware from Israel and led by Modi has been spying on their own has been using it to snoop on any one critical ministers in addition to opposition lead- of the government. ers, election commissioners, journalists Pegasus software sales are licensed by the and human right activists. government of Israel to foreign governments, The list of hacked phones also inand it has been sold for hundreds of millions cluded those belonging to family of dollars to Saudi Arabia, United Arab members of a female employEmirates and the other Gulf States, ee of the Supreme Court of for surveillance of anti-regime acIndia who had accused the tivists, journalists, and political former Chief Justice of Inleaders from rival nations, with Zia Ahmad dia, Ranjan Gogoi, now a encouragement and mediation government MP, of sexual by the Israeli government.

Assalamu harassment.

In December 2020, the Al Alaikum It was reported that the Jazeera investigative show The Indian BJP government that Tip of the Iceberg, Spy partners, Greetings is strongly allied with Israel exclusively covered Pegasus and its of Peace used Pegasus to spy on Pakistan penetration into the phones of media Prime Minister Imran Khan and professionals and activists and its use by diplomats from Iran, Afghanistan, China, Israel itself to spy on both opponents and alNepal and Saudi Arabia among others. lies.

Now there has been widespread media It has been reported that Pegasus has also coverage of analysis by Amnesty Interna- been used by Mexican drug cartels to target tional that Pegasus was still being widely and intimidate journalists and even to spy on used against high-profile targets globally Jamal Khashoggi, leading to his murder by the having the ability to infect all modern ver- Saudi agents. sions of the operating systems of mobile The Pegasus spyware may indeed be the tip phones. of the iceberg where it not only brings billions Although NSO claims that Pegasus is to of dollars of illicit income to the state of Israel, be used against criminals and terrorists, it but also used by its spy agency Mossad to virhas not only been used by authoritarian gov- tually spy on any global citizen that the rogue ernments to spy on critics and opponents but state considers an opposition to its interests. now it seems that it is being widely used by Mossad’s wheeling and dealings last year, many democratic governments including the helped by Trump and his son in law that ex-

AMUST ISSUE # 189 FRIDAY 6 AUGUST 2021 26 DHUL HAJJ 1442 News

Re: Tears and resolve for Palestine in Sydney: The Palestinian Fundraiser Dinner

What a beautiful act of love, concern and compassion experienced by the creators and participants of the fundraiser for Palestine which will have two powerful effects..pragmatic and spiritual.

The pragmatic contribution to water projects will be so welcomed by Palestinians whose land ..and life-giving water has been stolen, plus the spiritual knowing that beyond the borders they are loved and not alone despite western ( and Middle Eastern) government bystanders and supporters of Israeli atrocities.

Dr Vacy Vlazna

Re: Creeping fascism in Australia

Neglect of the human rights of refugees is an Australian weak spot. That our Muslim and Jewish communities are as quiet as are so many Christians is shameful. Fascism grows from xenophobic roots and the neglect of asylum seekers appears to be related to that. Perhaps the slow drip of poisonous media is having an effect.

Bilal Cleland

Re: Conspiracy theories, religion and politics

My wife receive many anti-vaccination and conspiracy theory posts via her social media networks. She doesn’t forward them.

Instead she sends them to me to comment on.

AUGUST 2021 / ISSUE 189

Some simple searching typically reveals the source as an extreme right conspiracy theory site pushing anti-vaccine lies and claiming Trump won the election. What astounds me is that people on her networks have all had family and friends infected with Covid with many of them dying. Despite the carnage around them they continue to believe these lies and complain about the necessary movement restrictions. Many of them refuse to be vaccinated, instead promoting already discredited and useless treatments such as hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin. We are all sailing through this Covid storm in the same ship. The last thing we need or should allow is wilfully ignorant and sociopathic shipworms boring holes in the hull.

Gary Dargan

Re: Islamic calligraphy competition at Gallery One62

Thank you AMUST for sharing the finalists’ beautiful flourishes of hand, brush, heart and Spirit. The exhibition attests to the creative vision in action of private and communal enterprise to showcase the beauty of art and its power to lift all our spirits especially in these covid-stress times.

Dr Vacy Vlazna

Re: Delta strain rages in western Sydney: Lockdown extended to Friday 16 July

The first thing that should be done about the heavy handed police presence is to free the owner of Rashay’s and drop all charges against him for protecting the legal rights two of his juvenile female staff from interrogation without a guardian present by an aggressive and totally out of order policeman. I have seen the video of the event and the owner was firm but unfailingly polite. To end up with 11 police trying to fine and prosecute two young women who were not wearing masks because they were eat-

4-7

Boomerang

- Israeli spyware creates global chaos - South West Sydney, underappreciated - The US: Highly flawed country

8- 9

Community

- Community media workshops - Canberra Muslims provide for all - Q&A with calligraphy artist

Australia

10 - 14

- Tribute to Sheikh Fehmi Imam - Tribute to Ali Hussain Siddiqui - Housing is a human right

Lifestyle

15 - 16

- To veil or not to veil?

- Managing COVID-19 stress - Your child is not you

Ummah

17 - 18

- Reflections: post-Kemalist Turkey - How Islamic are the Taliban

Education

19 - 20

- Book Review: Iran Forty years - How to study during lockdown

21

Business - Australian economic projections over next 40 years

Social tracted recognition of Israel from some of the Arab states indicates how Israel engages in espionage as an instrument of its foreign relations with foes and friends alike.

Readers comments Thank you for sharing a very well prepared and informative Newsletter. Congratulations!

Wishing you continued success.

May Allah accept your efforts and bless you all.

I Uddin

1-3

- Legal win for Muslims - Report highlights Islamophobia - Global network for Indian Muslims

EDITORIAL

Re: AMUST Digital - July issue

AMUST

ing their lunch while observing social distancing was over the top. Especially since at least two of the arresting police were not observing social distancing and were not wearing masks themselves.

Gary Dargan

Re: A budget

classic

pre-election

I like your article, thank you.

Abdi

Re: RSS-BJP vision of Hinduism poses a threat to world peace

It’s ironic there isnt a single comment on this topic. RSS-BJP has started making inroads into Australia & NZ on the lines of US, UK and Canada. Soon you will see Hindu politicians who would put Zionists to shame with their relentless and blatant Islamophobia.

Phaneendra

Re: Uptown Jakarta funk you up

Something interesting about this site is the Muslim exchange programme.

I wonder whether this is anywhere in the Sunnah to publicise it.

Events of this nature is good as there would be an addition to a community.

Zafar Khalid

HAVE YOUR SAY Email your thoughts or comment of current events to

info@amust.com.au

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

22 - 23

- Social Spotlight: Amani Hayder - Shared Snaps: Sheikh Shadi

Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in articles, and Letters to the Editor, Website Comments are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Australasian Muslim Times.

AMUST Team Editor-in-Chief: Zia Ahmad Graphic Designer: Rubinah Ahmad Chief Adviser: Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad OAM Multimedia Journalist: Mehar Ahmad Multimedia Journalist: Mobinah Ahmad Multimedia Journalist: Faseeha Hashmi Columnist: Dr Abul Jalaluddin (Finance) Columnist: Bilal Cleland (Victoria) Columnist: Manarul Islam (ACT) Columnist: Dr Daud Batchelor (QLD) Columnist: Zahid Jamil (NSW) Columnist: Shahjahan Khan (QLD) Columnist: Imam Malik Mujahid (USA) Promotion: Dr Wali Bokhari Web Developer: Shadow Approved Multimedia: iMoby Productions Printers: Spotpress Pty Ltd Distributers: Abul Fateh Siddiqui, Shujaat Siddiqui, Usaid Khalil, Ibrahim Khalil, Usman Siddiqui, Zahid Alam, Shahab Siddiqui, Mahmoud Jaame, Mateen Abbas, Rashid Idris, Sakinah Ahmad, Anjum Rafiqi, Hasan Fazeel, Dr Quasim, Ismail Hossain, Hanif Bismi, Luqman Landy.

Contact AMUST PO Box 111, Bonnyrigg (Sydney), NSW 2189 Australia.

Email: info@amust.com.au Ph:(02) 9158 3020

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

5

AMUST

BOOMERANG

NEWS 1-3

South West Sydney, essential but under appreciated Councillor Nathan Hagarty The Premier’s recent declaration of a national emergency is an admission of the importance our region plays to the State and National economy. I have no doubt we will overcome this pandemic, but we will need a long sought lift in Government investment.

I have lived in and around Liverpool my entire life. In those 40 years, our community has faced many challenges. Some have been man made, like unemployment, corruption and crime, while others have been natural, like flooding and bushfires. The current COVID-19 outbreak, which has heavily impacted South West Sydney, is the latest such challenge.

When called upon, our community always does what’s needed to protect our families, friends and neighbours. We are a loyal, hardworking and community minded people. These qualities are the reason I chose Liverpool as the place to raise my family.

I have been immensely proud to see my community stand up and do the right thing when needed during this crisis. We do not need 100 additional police, what we do need are 100 additional health workers.

The Premier’s declaration of a national emergency was an admission that vaccination is our only way forward. It was also an admission that the people of South West Sydney are the essential workers that keep our city and State going. If you lock us down, New South Wales grinds to a halt.

The government must now match that recognition with appropriate investment in infrastructure and services. Our public

6

Liverpool, NSW. Photo: University of Wollongong.

transport systems are inadequate, roads are congested and schools overcrowded.

Of major concern, is the clear lack of investment in health. A recent State parliamentary inquiry found health services in South Western Sydney are underfunded by almost $800 on average when compared to other areas of Sydney.

We do not yet know the long-term health effects of COVID-19. However, it is likely those with pre-existing conditions and from low socio-economic backgrounds will be most impacted by “long COVID.” With COVID-19 infections continuing to rise in our region, we urgently need substantial and sustained investment in front line health services.

We are Sydney’s teachers, nurses and drivers. We build the office towers, houses and roads. We produce, package and deliver the food. If we must work, we must be vaccinated and we must be healthy.

Councillor Nathan Hagarty is a current Liverpool City Councillor, the Labor Candidate for Mayor of Liverpool and Chair of Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre.

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10- 14

Parliament prayer ban not inclusive Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas Prayer is the instant direct line through which all creation is able to connect with their Creator.

We pray for our loved ones, ourselves, our families, our communities, and our nation.

We pray to be protected from harm, for success, for health, to heal, during times of hardship and times of joy, for the little things and the big things in life, we pray to the Almighty God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth.

Perhaps unfamiliar with the power and importance of prayer in the life of a person who believes in God, in late July 2021, atheist MP Fiona Patten called for the opening prayer to be scrapped from Parliament. She instead proposed that it be replaced with a more ‘inclusive’ minutes silence instead. (1) It’s deeply concerning when politicians hide behind the facade of “diversity and inclusion” to further their secularist, oppressive, divisive agenda. It’s especially alarming when that agenda aims to limit freedom of religion.

Ms Patten does not speak on behalf of the Australian Muslim population when she calls for the removal of the opening prayer from Parliament.

These policies, at heart, are designed to further marginalise and alienate Christian and non-Christian faith communities.

Ms Patten, member of the Victorian Legislative Council for the Northern Metropoli-

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

tan Region is not surprisingly also a leading ambassador for the National Secular Lobby.

The agenda of the National Secular Lobby is no secret and is readily available on their website. It’s frightening to think that they aspire for a society void of any reference to God in all levels of government, in schools and even one odd agenda item regarding home-schooling religious fundamentalists? (2) The Northern Metropolitan region is battling several public health concerns some of which are at epidemic proportions, including family violence, suicide, loneliness, gambling harm, Islamophobia, ongoing systemic racial and religious discrimination against various groups including Indigenous First peoples.

The MPs that represent the Northern Metropolitan region in Victoria need to have a strong grasp of the pressing needs of the communities in this region, be the voice of the people in this region and prioritise policies that address their needs above all else.

What the Victorian Legislative Council really needs is more people from the diverse communities, from the faith communities that they’re supposed to represent, also sitting at the table, in decision making positions.

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.

ISSUE 189 / AUGUST 2021

LIFESTYLE 15 - 16

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

BUSINESS 21

BOOMERANG

SOCIAL 22 - 23

Accusation of anti-Semitism for criticism of Israel Gary Dargan Articles in the May issue of AMUST critical of Scott Morrison’s support of Israel for its attacks on Gaza was too much for Israel’s misinformation machine and a hit piece attacking me and other contributors to AMUST appeared in the July 2021 Australia Israel Review.

In May 2021 after over a week of provocation and attacks by Israelis on al-Aqsa Mosque and attempts to intimidate the Palestinian residents of Sheikh Jarrah, so that illegal Israeli settler-terrorists could steal their homes, HAMAS responded by launching small erratically flying rockets into Israel.

These were little better than glorified fireworks and, in contrast to the damage done to al-Aqsa, inflicted little damage.

Israel’s response to this was a bombing campaign which deliberately targeted residential buildings and a building used by the media with precision guided 5,000 pound, (2268kg) bunker buster bombs supplied by the USA. These buildings were occupied by Palestinian families, a number of whom were obliterated in the attacks. All told 256 Palestinians, including 66 children were murdered by Israel and over 1600 wounded.

Israel later claimed with zero evidence that the media centre was used by HAMAS for communications and the houses had HAMAS communication tunnels under them. Even if remotely true this is no justification for the deliberate precision targeting of civilians.

This resulted in widespread international condemnation of Israel’s crimes against humanity and massive anti-Israel protests in major cities around the globe. This naturally put Israel’s misinformation machine into overdrive.

In an article in the May issue of AMUST I criticised Scott Morrison’s uncritical support of Israel and his dog-whistling in support of Israel’s attacks on Gaza. I also pointed out that young members of Australia’s Jewish community were being actively recruited and trained to serve in the Israeli Defence Force.

A defence force which regularly commits crimes against humanity and which on at least one occasion has bombed Australian citizens holidaying in Lebanon.

If a Palestinian Australian travelled to Palestine to fight against Israel they would be sentenced to a long jail term under Australia’s anti-terror laws yet Jewish Australians can serve in the IDF with impunity.

The article was written by Ran Porat, a Research Associate at the Australia & Israel Jewish Affairs Council and the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation at Monash University and a member of an Israel-based “think tank”.

A Palestinian family sits outside their home after it was hit by an early morning Israeli air attack, in Gaza City, Monday, May 17, 2021.

(AP Photo/Khalil Hamra) He implies that AMUST, I and other contributors are anti-Semitic and promote martyrdom in Australia. Porat further states that my claim that young Jewish Australians are being recruited and trained in Australia for military service in Israel is not true.

I cited reliable sources when I made that claim and I invite him and any others with doubts to look them up.

I have looked up other articles by Ran Porat. Many adopt the mantle of victimhood and complain about the rest of the world attacking poor innocent Israel.

Apparently my “crime” was to call on the Australian government to make it an offence under anti-terror laws for Australian citizens to serve in the IDF or provide financial support to illegal Israeli settlements.

This perfectly reasonable request makes me an anti-Semite in Porat’s eyes. There is a law of debate called Godwin’s Law which basically states that anyone who has no valid argument will resort to making references to

The United States: A highly flawed, socially regressive country Dr Daud Batchelor Growing up in Australia in the 60’s, the US displayed an iconic lifestyle, the American Dream. It helped defeat the Japanese and led innovations in space travel and computers. In 1972, I met American Peace Corps volunteers helping Malaysians. My first and last employers in Australia were American MNCs so I got to know Americans firsthand.

Today, I’ve lost respect for the US, meaning the ruling elite. It’s not a country Australians should emulate.

Many elite seem psychopathically infected with materialism and lack human empathy. It’s a plutocracy and ‘flawed democracy.’

The challenge for Americans is whether to help uplift the downtrodden or join the oppressive elite.

The country in its foreign policies is led by pro-Israeli lobbies. (Mearsheimer and Walt) I ask “Did the Iraq/Afghanistan invasions benefit the average American?” Clearly not!

With neocons, they caused government to divert trillions of dollars from improving US citizens’ well-being, so life expectancy fell below Cuba’s.

Brown University’s War Cost project found 37 million people were displaced

by America’s ‘War on Terror’; exactly the number of Americans suffering food insecurity because of military engagements.

The US was respected as a model of law and political stability. No longer.

On becoming sole superpower, foreign policies engendered lawlessness with excessive civilian deaths.

AUGUST 2021 / ISSUE 189

Assuming the 9/11 catastrophe was purely a Muslim endeavour, which it certainly wasn’t, Muslim deaths from US revenge attacks were 200 times greater than the 9/11 fatalities.

The US encouraged civil war in Syria, Libya and Yemen; and conducted the deadly Iraq/Afghanistan invasions.

The US lost its way with soulless capitalism and democratic ideals compromised by elite self-interest and exploding inequality.

“After WWII, every part of society prospered, but incomes of those at the bottom grew faster … We created the greatest middle-class society the world had seen.

By 2016, inequality reached levels not seen since … the 19th century.” (Stiglitz) Two elements propelled American capitalism to undermine societal foundations.

Firstly, Milton Friedman’s 1970 call to reject social corporate responsibility and maximize shareholders’ profits.

Secondly, Ronald Reagan’s financial liberalization led to the 2008 financial crisis.

Between 1975 and 2020, the top 1% elite took $50 trillion from the bottom 90% in wages that stagnated. Three Americans became worth more than the bottom half of the population!

A Shari‘ah maxim states: “The head of state’s performance is judged according to people’s welfare.” However, “Many on the right are enraged at any suggestions they should consider other people’s welfare.”

America has the weakest social safety net of any developed country.

With America’s money-driven politics, “we seem to be into an economy and democracy of the 1% for 1% by 1%.” (Stiglitz).

The monied use political power to advantage.

The 2008 financial crisis persuaded voters they were governed by morally incompetent elites. Wall Street was bailed out; ordinary people lost jobs and houses.

AMUST

Black Lives Matter movement is essential to address systemic injustices.

Fordham University’s Social-Health Index demonstrates America’s well-being decline since 1973. The US mirrors developing countries; kids’ education now is on par with Mongolia.

COVID-19 crisis mismanagement caused 600,000 deaths. Although US billionaires amassed $1 trillion from government capital injections, 112 million lost their health insurance from high unemployment.

Fukuyama was not optimistic that the political system could be fixed since collective action for the common good becomes extremely difficult.

Australians should question following American dictates on foreign wars.

Lowy Institute found Australians under 30 less likely to trust the US and believe the alliance is less important because the US is declining.

Let’s assess each proposed engagement carefully.

Wrong decision-making by our leaders on foreign wars, and combat against defenders in unjust conflicts adds to the negative toll on our Veteran’s health and suicide.

Correction: Regarding “Palestinians’ moral strength soars in facing Zionist tyranny” (AMUST Issue #187 July 2021), the ICC has not formally indicted Israel. It however, found evidence to investigate alleged Israeli war crimes. ICC chief prosecutor stated: “I’m satisfied war crimes have been or are being committed in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.”

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.

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

Hitler or calling their opponent a Nazi.

Porat ‘s accusation of anti-Semitism is one step short of that, but it is the equivalent of Godwin’s Law when the argument is about Israel. Vigorous criticism of Israel or its illegal settlements and human rights abuses is not anti-Semitism.

I am fully aware of the horrors of the holocaust and am saddened and repulsed by them and the fact that such horrors are still occurring. Denial of the holocaust and attacks on Jews and the Jewish faith are indeed anti-Semitic and I wholeheartedly reject them.

However I am offended by Porat’s accusations. It does him and other uncritical supporters of Israel no service to fighting real anti-Semitism by using that term in such a cavalier fashion.

Dr. Gary Dargan converted to Islam 1986 and has long been active in the Muslim community. He holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in science and has worked for over 30 years in the field of geology and palaeontology. Gary also holds a PhD from the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation, (ISTAC) in Kuala Lumpur, Originally from Australia he now lives in Malaysia and is married with one son and two stepsons and one grandson.

Desert Rock Endowed With Widened Base Hued In Pink And Brown Fazlul Huq The desert rock placed on body of the highland is seen to have widened base and narrowed mount shaped like the slanting face.

As the hue is made in the mix of red and brown, grey and pink not far from the plant life dressed in green.

While the ground in front slanted down away from body of the rock is seen to be full of rocks and stones hued in red and brown.

As the mushroom cloud dressed in white fails to create dents in color of the dome made in blue.

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.

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

7

AMUST

COMMUNITY

NEWS 1-3

BOOMERANG 4-7

The world of COVID and how NZF is helping

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10- 14

Tamana Ehsan When the COVID pandemic swept into our lives community and everything we associate with it, began to take on new meanings and importance. What we know as normal life bonding in family and social gatherings has changed to loneliness and isolation.

The word community has suddenly become more powerful because of the essential part it plays in our lives. What we get so much out of and for the most part take for granted, has now become sorely missed.

When we have belonging in our lives through family and community, we are motivated by things that make us feel good about ourselves, we seek to make the most of our lives and maximise our potential.

When belonging is threatened our deepest fears emerge. Suddenly the panic of simply not being able to put food on the table becomes more prevalent.

Engaging in belonging and community is second nature to us, going around to a friend’s house for dinner or a walk down to the park to chat through life’s events and problems, is the world of community life and support we enjoy. But now it’s changed or even gone as we know it, safety and support are replaced by fear and stress.

Now more than ever, the little things count. Love is expressed in different ways, like using emojis for the first time when communicating with your daughter or zoom

Winter Dr Reginald Naulty

calls with family to celebrate Eid together.

At NZF we see our community’s pain growing with increased calls we receive for advice. We are seeing more people crying out for help. More people needing food, advice about relationships and ongoing financial help.

Some say the world has changed ‘since COVID’ and in many ways it has, but strangely enough, NZF sees that some things have become stronger. One of those things is an appreciation of the importance of our community and the power simple gestures of help can have in giving people hope in a time of need.

We are privileged to be helping people through times of pain, isolation and fear with our programs. We have been addressing the needs of children and youth, family problems, emergency support, education, loss of employment, research and growth, and in essence, community welfare. Before

COVID our programs were vibrantly in action in our community, now they are amplified by domestic pressure and financial hardship.

We are helping the most vulnerable in our community through Zakat and the help is going beyond financial assistance alone. It’s heartening to see the community still strong, supporting each other with programs of opportunity to up-skill, become job-ready, engage in mentoring services, Quran classes and much more.

Thanks to the community we are thankful to be part of, we are really understanding the meaning of the word and the power of giving to make a difference and change the tomorrows of our brothers and sisters, who need our help today.

Tamana Ehsan is an employee of the National Zakat Foundation (NZF) and is based in Sydney, Australia.

The early onset of grey evenings and the cold settled in heavy everywhere over the earth, makes home seem more precious and dear, like a refuge or sanctuary.

The inhospitable cold makes the heart lonely, the familiar faces of home are treasured at last in full measure for their correct worth, which is beyond price.

Winter can make us all wise, apportioning true value and giving praise to those who are near and share our name..

Dr Reginald Naulty, originally from Adelaide, has taught at Charles Sturt University and has been a prolific writer since 1972.

Healthbridge Investments

Investing in the Healthcare Sector

• Net Rate of return for year ended 30 April 2021 of 10.10% * • Assets Under Management $30.1m as at the end of April 2021 • Self-managed Super fund compliant • Income paid monthly • Online User Access to monitor your investments • Professionally managed • For retail and wholesale investors Ask for a Product Disclosure Statement today at 1300 933 034 healthbridgeinvest.com.au linkedin.com/company/healthbridgeinvest

info@healthbridgeinvest.com.au fb.com/healthbridgeinvest

*Disclaimer: This information is issued by Healthbridge Investment Management Pty Ltd (ABN 89 631 971 081) (Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR 001277945) of Quay Fund Services Limited AFSL 494886) as investment manager for Healthbridge Capital (the ‘Fund’). It contains summary information only to provide an insight into the operation and performance of the Fund. Past performance is not an indication of future performance. Any information or advice is general in nature. This information does not constitute advice or recommendations, and is subject to change without notice. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any investor which should be considered before investing. Investors should obtain a copy of the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) which is available from us, and seek their own financial advice prior to investing. The disclosure document explains how the Fund’s Net Asset Value is calculated.

Returns are calculated from exit price to exit price including the payment of any distributions for the period as stated and represents the combined income and capital return.

All financial products involve risks. You should seek independent financial advice prior to acquiring a financial product. Past performance is not a reliable guide to future performance and the capital and income of any investment may go down as well as up due to various market forces. All performance figures are confirmed by the Fund's administrator.

Healthbridge Capital was established on 3rd October 2019.

8

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

ISSUE 189 / AUGUST 2021

LIFESTYLE 15 - 16

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

BUSINESS 21

COMMUNITY

SOCIAL 22 - 23

AMUST

Workshop series on community media in Australia Dr Faroque Amin “It all began with an idea, a thought about how to address a pragmatic issue. We run community media in Australia. We need to know about the actual journalistic practices and legal aspects of media management in this country. So, I thought we could arrange a series of workshops on these issues if we can find some experts and professionals who can enlighten us”, said Abdullah Yousuf Shamim, the Editor-in-Chief of Suprovat Sydney.

Suprovat Sydney is the longest-running Bengali community media platform in Australia based in Sydney. It recently organised a series of workshops where hundreds of representatives from various Australian community media participated listening to experts in the field together with interactive Q&A.

Commencing on Sunday 11 July 2021, a total of six workshops were conducted every Sunday and Friday evening till Friday 30 July 2021, These workshops were rich in practical and professional lessons for the participants.

The topics were chosen by an expert panel focusing on the practice of community journalism in Australia. A number of professionals and experts presented their discussions on various issues related to community media’s potential in this multicultural country, journalism in the western world, ethics of journalism, legal aspects of journalism and the law of contempt, experience with defamation lawsuits.

These workshops were presented by academics, journalists and experts such as Dr Catriona Bonfiglioli, Dr Jahnnabi Das, Ms Fran Molloy, Barrister David Baran, Dr Jan A Ali and Dr Jim Taggart OAM. The various sessions were chaired by community media experts including Ziad El-Daoud, Zia Ahmad, Rafic Hussein, Yuksel Cifci, Syed Atiq ul Hassan, Abdullah Yousuf Shamim, and moderated by Shibly Abdullah and Dr Fazle Rabbi.

Every workshop was concluded with a vibrant Q&A session where the best question was selected and announced at the end for appreciation. Hundreds of journalists from the community media of various languages have successfully participated in this series of workshops online.

Once the COVID-19 situation improves,

the organisers have the plan to arrange a certificate awarding event in Sydney.

This series of workshops were supported

by Multicultural NSW. Dr Faroque Amin works with Suprovat Sydney, a Bengali community newspaper published from Sydney, Australia.

Canberra Muslims to provide services for all Amadu Barrie The ACT Muslim Australia (ACTMA) concluded a successful oneday townhall meeting formulating strategies on how to take the Canberra Muslim community from a net receiver of services from others to a net provider of services that are open to both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and portfolio directors of ACTMA, volunteers, leaders of Islamic communities, community elders, women leaders and members of the public attended the event.

In his opening remarks, CEO of ACTMA, Yusuf Mansuri outlined his organisation’s journey and the challenges faced.

“We have come a long way since late last year, and we have a much longer journey ahead of us. Our community has grown tremendously with conservative estimates between 15,000 and over 20,000 which if put into standard demography, will translate to approximately 7,000 children and youth up to employment age, 6,000 employed or employable age adults and 2000 aged people over 65 years.”

“We have significant challenges; our children need better role models; our youth feel alienated and going through depressions, our sisters and brothers going through mental health issues, alcoholism, drug and pornography addiction, homelessness, islamophobia, discrimination, marginalisation, and domestic violence.”

“Our aging population, refugees, reverts and the socio-economic disadvantaged group need assistance and our funeral services are prohibitively expensive”.

In his contribution, the Director of Funeral Services, Osman Boubakari said his portfolio provides funeral rituals including bathing, transport, enshrouding, burial, support, and other after burial services.

“All preparations of the deceased are performed under strict Islamic guidelines and will be performed at this stage only at Canberra Islamic Centre Sabah Al Ahmad masjid in Monash”.

During her contribution, Secretary of Canberra Muslim Funeral Service ACT Inc Hafiza Yusof said,“many have waited a long time for this moment. It is heartening to finally see ACTMA set up, unifying Muslim

Listening to lectures by Brother Dawoud Gerard Ransom at the Youth retreat at Brother Ishfaq Haider’s farm in Michelago, NSW

AUGUST 2021 / ISSUE 189

Canberrans, addressing key issues and pain points in our community, for a better tomorrow. Sisters need support in crucial areas of their lives, in the many roles they play. It is hoped ACTMA will be the umbrella body under which we can unite and find solutions to our hard-pressed problems”.

Director of Social & Health Welfare portfolio Mohammed Ali said that his portfolio’s initiatives are to improve the quality of life and social well-being of the Muslim community through proper management of social problems and social opportunities are created to meet the needs of individuals, families, groups and communities.

Director of Aged Support portfolio Yasser Dabhoiwala said that his portfolio’s programs and activities are to support seniors aged 65 and above with home support, hos-

pital visits, transportation and recreation.

Director of Youth portfolio Amadu Barrie said that his portfolio programs and activities are to support the youth through spiritual, recreational and leadership activities with a social and faith focus at the CIC and through visits to colleges and universities.

He thanked the leadership of the Canberra Islamic Centre for signing a three year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ACTMA to use the facilities at the centre to run its activities and for the CIC purchasing and installing two basketball hoops for use by the community.

CIC Executive Committee member Mohammad Suhail Khan, who was an officer in the Royal Australian Navy said, “ACTMA and CIC are organisations that have similar synergy and that’s why we decided to offer our strengths for the benefit of our youth.

ACTMA was happy to take the lead and we (CIC) are happy to offer our facilities, buildings and various things around it”.

He thanked the ACTMA CEO, Yusuf Mansouri for signing up a MoU with the CIC. Youth portfolio assistant director, Bilal Berjaoui said, “ACTMA plays an important role as an umbrella body covering every aspect of Muslim needs in Canberra and its regions.”

“It is important that we look after the needs of our youth, the future of our ummah by having fun activities in the mosque areas” He called on parents to bring their children to the mosque so they can be attached to it as place of worship and refuge.

Amadu Barrie is an ICT Systems Analyst with the Department of Human Services.

Community elder and ACTMA founding member, uncle Hassan El-Zein enjoying his hobby of fishing

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

9

AMUST

10

COMMUNITY

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

NEWS 1-3

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10- 14

ISSUE 189 / AUGUST 2021

LIFESTYLE 15 - 16

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

BUSINESS 21

COMMUNITY

SOCIAL 22 - 23

AMUST

Turkey’s failed coup: ‘A Gift From God’?

Aishah Jacobs On the fifth anniversary of Turkey’s most fatal coup attempt, Advocates for Dignity (AFD) screened a documentary, ‘A Gift From God’, a documentary by Jørgen Lorentzen on Thursday 15 July 2021, that uncovers never-before-seen film footage and documents, and sheds light on what really happened that fatal night, through the voices of people who were there to witness it.

The title was inspired by President Erdogan who said that the coup attempt was a “gift from God”, giving him the chance to re-shape the country, and purge the its enemies.

The screening was followed by a Q&A session with director Jørgen Lorentzen, live from Norway, former ABC Radio host John Cleary, and Criminologist and researcher at Charles Sturt University, Leighann Spencer.

Jørgen Lorentzen is a scholar in the field of gender studies, film producer and author. He has published various books and articles and developed a number of widely discussed TV documentaries. At present, he is Director of the Hedda foundation which focuses on human rights, gender equality, democracy and development through artistic projects.

Lorentzen was in Turkey when the coup attempt took place in 2016 and followed the event the whole evening. In the middle of the night his neighbour said: “This is not a real coup, I have experienced many coups and know what a coup is”. From that mo-

ment Lorentzen started the investigation of the event and its aftermath.

Throughout the documentary, Lorentzen interviewed many people from within and outside of Turkey, including former members of the Turkish Naval Force, wellknown politicians such as Dogu Perincek, journalists, Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen and many more.

The most powerful of these interviews was that of the mother and father of one of the young soldiers that were lynched on the night of the coup. Lorentzen referred to these parents as the real heroes of the documentary, for opening up about such a difficult topic and demanding justice for their son.

The tremendous control that Erdogan and his party gained in the aftermath of the coup formed the crux of the Q & A discussions following the screening, highlighted by the

colossal number of dismissals, mass investigations and arrests which took place before the dust of the coup had even settled.

“During this time [post-coup], Erdogan had taken measures to cement his control and make it official law, allowing a presidential system and oversight mechanisms for the judiciary to be under Erdogan’s control,” said Leighann Spencer. “You can see why so many people are being persecuted when you don’t have an independent judicial system” “New anti-terrorism laws, allowing dismissal of civil servants, banning gatherings deemed terror-related were introduced… having a big effect on minority rights such as protests for women’s rights, Kurdish rights, etc.” she continued. “People can be detained for up to 12 days for no reason, no charges laid, they don’t have to be taken in front of the court.”

“Everybody is called a Gulenist or terrorist in Turkey if they are opposed to [Erdogan’s] regime.

Even I’m called a Gulenist because I made this film and am critical of what Erdogan is doing.’ said Lorentzen.

Lorentzen, who pursued the production of the documentary to investigate who was really behind the coup, says he still does not have an answer. In the closing scenes of the documentary, he stated that Turkey is now in the ranks of authoritarian regimes and questions why Western leaders remain silent.

He closed the film by stating the greatest tragedy as a result of the coup was the human one. “However,” he says “history has shown us that no tyrannies last forever, because as Erdogan himself has said ‘there is no greater power than the people.”

Q&A with calligraphy artist Samia Khan

The Need To Matter by Samia Khan.

Azlin Ali Calligraphy artists are those we know for their intricate handwork. It is a specialised skill not owned by many.

In this interview, I had the opportunity to dig deeper into the mind of one of Australia’s most talented calligraphy artist. Not only in English calligraphy, but Arabic as well.

Here are the 21 brief questions that were asked and answered precisely.

Name? “Samia Khan” Age? “39” Background and Ethnicity? “I was born and raised in Dubai and am of Pakistani ethnicity.”

Profession? “I am an artist specializing in abstracts and Arabic/ English Calligraphy.”

AUGUST 2021 / ISSUE 189

The Eternal Flame by Samia Khan

How do you do what you do? “I try different color palettes and compositions in my sketch book until I find something that excites me. Then, I’ll paint it on a canvas. And, when I am not painting, I teach art.”

What differentiates you from other artists?

“Most of my paintings are very different from each other. Sometimes I feel like my soul houses 3 different types of artists! Some common theme are the incorporation of text in various forms, be it in English, Arabic or Urdu, which can be verses of the Quran or zikr. This way, the actual painting itself becomes a remembrance of Allah.”

Who is your biggest motivator? “My husband.”

Who inspires you? “People who make a genuine difference in other people’s life and my parents, who have always motivated and given to others without expecting anything in return.”

What inspires you? “The beauty of handwritten text and colors! They always make

Belonging 2 – Qalb by Samia Khan

me want to get up and paint.”

What is your proudest moment? “Being selected to display at the International Museum of Australia.”

What’s your most magical moment? “Each time I became a mother. It’s amazing how new souls come into existence by Allah’s will.”

What are you grateful for in life? “My family and friends.”

Define me-time? “Reading a science based thriller with a hot cup of karak chai. And of course, painting!”

Daily must-do routine? “Having a cup of tea while watching my favorite chef on telly and taking detailed notes on the recipes.”

Best family memories? “The potluck and family get togethers we would have back in Dubai.”

Things your parents used to say? “Always be honest and don’t waste anything.”

Other skills we don’t know about? “Cooking! Another thing is that my formal educa-

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

tion was in chemical engineering.”

What advice would you give to your younger self? “Do a little art everyday. Read Quran. Happiness is now.”

Hopes for the future? “To master different calligraphy scripts and styles Inshallah. I also hope to be exhibited on an international level.”

What do you want to say to the readers?

“Make a difference in people’s lives. The smallest of kindness matters. And take care of yourself, you can’t pour from an empty cup.”

If you have a chance to meet with a person you look up to, who would it be? “If I could, I would want to meet the late Abdul Sattar Edhi, to learn about his daily routines, work ethics and secrets to philanthropy.”

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.

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

11

AMUST

AUSTRALIA

NEWS 1-3

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10- 14

My tribute to a mentor to many

The Late Sheikh Fehmi Naji El Imam AM Moustafa Fahour OAM Allah yerhamak and may you be granted the highest level of paradise.

You were a loved and respected father, Imam, Mufti, pioneer and community leader. Many will know you as the founder of Victoria’s first large scale mosque, but you also established the Islamic Society of Victoria in the 1950’s.

You were also instrumental in the approval of allowing Muslims to be buried according to our religion and part of establishing one of Australia’s largest halal certifiers.

Your legacy though, was in the advice and support you extended to communities all over the country, which I have first had experience in, through your endorsement of the Islamic Museum of Australia.

I still remember the day I came up with the idea, my father asked me to run it by you.

We immediately visited you in your office at Preston Mosque – a space which will forever be remembered with only your presence.

After presenting the idea, you looked at me, ing and Renovation Committee. It gives me right in the eyes, with a smile on your face so much joy to contribute to the legacy you and words I will never forget: “Do it and have left behind, and am cognisant of the don’t let anyone stop you. We need this and significant responsibility that comes with I will support you in whatever way I can.” this. I thank the current ISV committee for So, I did it. After many the trust they have put in me for years, a dedicated team and I the design, build and fundraising established Australia’s first, a n d o f this grand project. only, Islamic Museum. Since we opened You were forward thinkin February 2014, the Museum h a s ing, passionate and caring. welcomed over 100,000 visitors You always put the needs including tens of thousands of of Victorian Muslims first. school students from more than And so when your son, 200 schools through our doors.

Ahmed Imam, so beautifully Most importantly, when they leave said, “my father would be your the Museum, it’s with a better unbiggest supporter,” I knew he derstanding of the faith, the beauty meant it and that you would, if of Islam and the contributions of you were still here today.

Muslims to the world including Lasting legacies only Australia’s Muslim Histostand the test of ry. time when they Fast forward are conductto 2020, I was ed with the honoured to be purest of innamed the Indetention and pendent Chair you are tesof the Preston tament to Sheikh Fehmi Naji El Imam AM. Mosque Buildthis.

This mega project, Insha’Allah, holds the same pure intentions and that’s to rebuild Victoria’s first large scale mosque. To expand and revitalise it, taking the core prayer space of old and transforming it to a new space, almost doubled in size to account for the growing number of Muslims in Melbourne.

The new design focuses on the services required for today and tomorrow’s generations. It includes dedicated classrooms, lecture hall, library, cafe, and office spaces and resources to provide domestic violence support, marriage counselling and youth mentorship. The burial services space will be expanded, so too will the women’s prayer space. A playground will be installed for children, and so much more.

We thank you for your legacy and the foundation you built and ask Allah to bless you for all you have done in serving Islam in Australia, Victoria and our local Preston Mosque. Allah yerhamak our beloved Mufti of Australia.

We will always remember you.

Moustafa Fahour OAM is the founder of the Islamic Museum of Australia.

Building the Future, Inspired by the Past Omar bin Al-Khattab Mosque (Preston Mosque)

Mei Nee Cheong In an unassuming street in suburban Preston, in Melbourne’s trendy inner north, there’s a transformation taking place. Inspired by the past, a team of Muslims deeply committed to their community are leading the redevelopment of Preston Mosque, the first large scale mosque built in Victoria, which has increasingly been in dire need of attention for the last decade.

Their vision will take the Mosque from being simply a place of worship to an exciting community hub with services for youth, women and families, and social and recreational facilities.

But it’s impossible to talk about the magnitude of this vision, without first talking about the late Sheikh Fehmi Naji El Imam AM, the trailblazing immigrant who was instrumental in the development and growth of the Preston Mosque many Muslims have known and loved to this present day.

The son of an Imam in Tripoli, Sheikh Fehmi arrived in Australia as a 23-year-old in 1951. It quickly became apparent that there were no mosques or Islamic Centres in 1950’s Melbourne, and having been schooled in an Islamic religious school, he was soon enough leading a congregation.

Together with other community members, they founded the Islamic Society of Victoria (ISV) in the late 1950’s, raised funds to purchase a property in Carlton and established the first Islamic Centre in Melbourne.

With a lot of support including international donations over the years, they were able to acquire the land at the present site on Cramer Street, and through further fundraising, build the mosque which opened in 1976, with ISV relocating to the site also.

One would be hard-pressed to find a Melbourne Muslim who does not have some kind of connection to Preston Mosque. It has inarguably been the heart and soul of the community since it first opened.

Four and a half decades later, it would be easier for a new generation of community leaders to demolish the mosque with little or no regard for its past history, and simply start afresh. But on the contrary, the project led by Moustafa Fahour OAM, independent Chair of the Preston Mosque Renovation sub-committee, have been inspired by Sheikh Fehmi’s vision.

No stranger to ambitious projects, Mr Fahour, who founded the Islamic Museum of Australia leapt at the opportunity to lead the mega-project. Appointed by the ISV Board, he and the sub-committee are responsible for fundraising, tender process and construction of the Mosque. As an added challenge, they undertook the build process for Stage 1 through the pandemic, managing flow, capacities and closures throughout a period of intermittent lockdowns.

“Stage 1 saw the renovation of the main prayer hall, and as part of this we added new AV technology, which has already proved its worth, giving us the ability to live stream congregational prayer services during lockdown periods,” said Mr Fahour.

Preston Mosque redevelopment.

12

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

Aerial render of the redeveloped Preston Mosque But if the buzz around the local neighbourhood is anything to go by – nearby residents recently watched in awe as the Mosque’s striking 17-ton dome was skillfully removed as part of Stage 2 & 3 renovations - the completion is hotly anticipated, and rightly so.

The mega project will see Preston Mosque future-proofed for decades to come.

The President of the ISV, Mr Tarek Khodr said, “having this project managed and led by a building sub-committee and chaired by an Independent Chair, such as Moustafa Fahour OAM, was necessary for good governance and transparency. I am very grateful that we could attract some of Australia’s finest talent and community leaders to be part of this sub-committee and lead this a Mega Project for the Mosque. We are blessed and thankful to have other independents on that committee such as Dr Hass Dellal AO and Azmeena Husain OAM. The new design and plan fits perfectly to what the new vision of the ISV is and that’s is to be a provider of services to the needs of Victorian Muslims and to provide the wider Australian community a better understanding of Islam through welcoming open doors.”

Stage 2 & 3 will see Preston Mosque set the benchmark nationally for the type of hub Muslim communities so desperately need.

Aside from a traditional place of worship, the new Mosque will have a strong focus on service delivery. Young people will be the main beneficiaries of the 6 dedicated classrooms, school tours, library, function room, which will increase the Mosque’s capacity

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

Preston Mosque’s recently renovated prayer hall. for delivering education programs.

The expansion also means ISV will be better equipped to provide demand-driven services addressing domestic violence, marriage counselling, funeral services and other family services.

Critically, Preston Mosque which already runs the largest Islamic funeral services in Victoria and now will also expand the space and capacity. With the necessary infrastructure to ensure the Islamic practices and health regulations is met.

Finally, the expansion will be rounded out with social and recreational facilities, including a book store, café and a playground for kids.

“The new Preston Mosque will fill a void in the community, striking a balance between being that traditional place of worship, and a space that tends other needs and services. Even the design really encapsulates our vision of being an open, lightfilled, welcoming space for everyone,” Mr Fahour said.

It’s clear that Sheikh Fehmi’s vision is at the heart of this redevelopment, the team are honouring his commitment to community service by building upon what he started, ensuring that the needs of community will be met for decades to come.

Mei Nee is a marketing professional who has worked across the arts, arts education and travel. She is currently the Media and Marketing Manager at the Islamic Museum of Australia and is based in Melbourne, Australia.

ISSUE 189 / AUGUST 2021

LIFESTYLE 15 - 16

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

BUSINESS 21

AUSTRALIA

SOCIAL 22 - 23

AMUST

A tribute to Mr Ali Hussain Siddiqui Nephew and son-in-law, Zia Ahmad shares his reflections on the 10th anniversary of the passing away of Mr Ali Hussain Siddiqui showcasing family history, education, profession and movement from India to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), West Pakistan and finally to Australia.

Zia Ahmad Mr Ali Hussain Siddiqui was born on 3 January 1922 in the village of Anwayan, town of Bilthra Road, District Ballia located in the eastern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. He was generally considered to be four years older than his officially recorded age.

Ali Hussain Siddiqui, 1960s, USA. Education & Profession He completed his High School from George Islamia College, Gorakhpur in 1940; Intermediate in 1943, BSc in 1945 and MSc in 1949 in Zoology specialising in Entomology, all from the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). He underwent training with the Indian Air Training Corps and obtained a certificate of proficiency in 1944.

He also obtained a training Certificate of Achievement in 1961 after spending a year at the Agricultural & Mechanical University and Rice Pasture Experimental Station of Texas, USA. He worked as a lecturer of Biology at the George Islamia college, Gorakhpur from 1949 to 1950 and after migrating to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) held various positions with the Department of Plant Protection, Government of Pakistan as Assistant Entomologist (1951-57), Assistant Aerial Pest Control Officer (1957-71), Assistant Director, Plant Protection (1962) and after migrating to West Pakistan, Deputy Research Entomologist (1973-1981) with the National Agricultural Research Council (NARC), Government of Pakistan.

He specialised in plant protection and pest control in crops, trial of effectiveness of different insecticides and spray systems both in the laboratory as well as in the field, aerial spraying of large areas of farmlands both in East as well as West Pakistan and published five research papers in scientific journals.

Family The Siddiqui family trace their origins from the first Caliph Abu Bakar Siddiq (r), one of whose descendants Sheikh Azeemullah Siddiqui popularly known as Sheikh Paharh (Sheikh Mountain, due to his extra ordinary height) migrated six hundred years ago from Hijaz, Arabia to India and settled in Harhans (borders of Bihar and UP) in 1361 CE (762 Hijri) during the time of Indian Turkish Sultanate of Feeroz Shah Tughluc.

The History and Shajrah (Family Tree) of this family from 1361 to 2005 has been documented accurately in the form of a book Tareekhul Harihans mae Khandani Shajra written by Chaudhury Sheikh Mohammad Zaki Siddiqui (1945), Gorakhpur and finally researched, updated and published by Mashkoor Ahmad Siddiqui (2005), Delhi.

Ali Hussain was born in a Zamindar (feuAUGUST 2021 / ISSUE 189

dal landlord) extended Siddiqui family of Harihans. His great grandfather settled in the village of Anwayan, building a huge extended family housing complex with reception lounges (Kachahri), school (madrassa), masjid, family mosque, living quarters with internal courtyards and gardens, Hata, stables complex housing elephants, horses and other domestic animals and external servant quarters.

The family managed their vast agricultural lands from this housing complex obtaining lagan, taxes from peasants who worked on leased lands from the family.

He was born in British India and spent his younger years during the time when rapid changes were taking place in society with the breakdown of the feudal system in India, end of the British Raj, fight for Independence and partition of the country into independent states of India and Pakistan (purani deewar gir rahi thi aur nai deewar uth rahi thi).

He was the second eldest in a family of two sons and four daughters having lost their mother at an early age and father not fully capable of taking care of the family affairs. His eldest brother, although disabled, but with a sharp mind, managed the affairs of the Zamindari of the family lands and income derived from taxes.

Among the Zamindar family in those days generally, seeking job (nokri) with the British government was frowned upon and therefore higher education was not encouraged. Ali Hussain realised that the Zamindari system was breaking down fast and was therefore not interested in the traditional family occupation.

He was very keen to obtain higher education (aala taaleem), not just for himself but upcoming younger generation of his large extended family in Anwayan.

Marriage After completing High school from Gorakhpur, he moved to Aligarh Muslim University and spent the next nine years obtaining higher education. Many times due to delayed financial support from the family, he had to do tuition in order to support himself during his quest for education.

He encouraged and later managed to get a number of his cousins to seek higher education at AMU and other institutions of excellence in India and abroad.

His eldest sister Khurshedi got married within the larger extended family of Harihans and moved to Gorakhpur.

He met a bright young man Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad completing engineering at AMU and after developing mutual friendship managed to arrange marriages on a reciprocal basis (gulawat) between his second sister Jamal Ara with Ashfaq while himself marrying Ashfaq’s elder sister Akhtar Bano in 1949.

Ashfaq Ahmad and Akhtar Bano, brother and sister had become orphans from a very early age and grew up with their retired magistrate grandfather and aunty (Phoophi) in Mohammadabad Gohna. They also belonged to Sheikhain family of Farooquis and Siddiquis hailing from Ghazipoor, UP involved in legal profession of Qazi in Mughal empire and magistrates and lawyers during the British Raj. Pakistan In 1951 Ali Hussain migrated to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) joining the Department of Plant Protection in Dacca (Dhaka).

His eldest son Shahab was born in India and a second son was born soon after his arrival.

Unfortunately due to an accident, his younger son got burns from hot milk and died. Akhtar Bano, a sensitive and intelligent woman could not bear this loss which affected her mental health around 1954.

This was a great time of tribulation and trial for Ali Hussain and the entire family being in a new country and with no extended family

3 January 1922- Friday 29 July 2011

From left: Akhtar Bano Siddiqui, Ali Hussain Siddiqui, Ashfaq Ahmad, Jamal Ara Ahmad in 2006. support. He took Akhtar Bano to many premier institution of mental health, both in Pakistan and India for treatment, but she did not become better until the early seventies.

Ali Hussain was greatly helped during this long ordeal of his family situation by a Bengali woman, Rabia Khatoon who looked after the household as Booa (governess). He had three more children Mehar Jahan (1956), Abul Fateh (1960) and Shujaat Ali (1964).

Booa, sacrificed her own life and ambitions and looked after Ali Hussain, Akhtar Bano and all the four kids in the household feeding them and training them in their life skills.

When Ali Hussain moved to Karachi, West Pakistan at the beginning of 1971, Booa left her country, her people, her culture and kept looking after the family in Karachi. Ali Hussain, Akhtar Bano and their four kids developed great respect and love for this lady and were ever after indebted to her.

Finally in 1972 while in Karachi, a doctor prescribed some medicine for Akhtar Bano that miraculously worked and she became got better.

Ali Hussain Siddiqui, 1994, Sydney.

Australia Meanwhile Ashfaq Ahmad, Professor and Head of Mechanical Engineering in Kashmir migrated to Sydney, Australia in 1971 and decided to burn his boats and call this great country, Australia, home.

He was always concerned about his only sister’s family and between him and Ali Hussain, they proposed another marriage on a reciprocal basis (Gulawat) where Shahab will get married to Fauzia, his eldest daughter while His eldest son Zia will get married to Ali Hussain’s daughter Mehar. Their children agreed to this arrangement and the weddings were organised in 1975 in Sydney where Ali Hussain and Akhtar Bano visited Sydney for a few months.

In 1981 Ali Hussain’s entire family migrated to Australia. They tried to obtain a migrant visa for Booa, but the application was unsuccessful. She did visit Australia and stayed with the family for a few months and got her health checked. Finally she got married to a gentleman in Lahore and spend her life happily in the household until she passed away in 1998. Many in the Australian family paid her a visit from time to time in Lahore.

The Ahmad and the Siddiqui extended families flourished in Australia obtaining ed-

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

ucation, getting jobs, establishing businesses, buying homes and properties and multiplying into a clan of more than 75 people now and counting.

Above all they established close family relationships under the guidance of the first generation of elders, meeting together on a weekly basis and sharing the happiness as well as the sorrows together for the last 40 years.

They participated in many community organisations and established institutions for the promotion of Islam, Muslims, Urdu language, Aligarh movement etc. Ali Hussain was very passionate in serving the AMU Alumni of Australia, attended its functions and even made halva (sweets) with his own hands to sell and raise funds for the AMU scholarship project.

In his old age Ali Hussain felt very much satisfied with his family’s achievements and especially proud of his children’s business ventures and higher education (aala taleem) of his only daughter and that of the third generation. His training, guidance, blessings and above all duas were behind this success story of the extended family in Australia.

Ali Hussain Siddiqui initially lived with his eldest son Shahab for a number of years before finally moving with his two younger sons at Condell Park. He spent short periods of his time in his eldest son’s place in Box Hill and occasionally at Dar-ul-Islam in Bonnyrigg with his daughter.

He was looked after very well and greatly cared for by his daughter-in-laws as well as his granddaughters. He regularly attended the weekly study circle Usrah at Dar-ul-Islam as well as various family and community functions till his last days.

His wife, Akhtar Bano passed away in 2005 after a short illness and was buried at Liverpool Cemetery. Mid-2011, Ali Hussain became ill and went to hospital where many members of the extended family, both second and third generation spent time with him on a rostered basis, looking after him and strengthening their bonds with him.

Finally he passed away around 6 am on Friday 29 July 2011 at Bankstown Hospital. His janaza prayer was held at Juma at Lakemba mosque led by Sheikh Tajuddin al-Hilaly and joined by his large extended family, friends and hundreds of Muslims and he was buried that afternoon at the Liverpool Cemetery.

Inna Lillahi wa inna alaihi rajeoon.

Ali Hussain Siddiqui was blessed with a long life of almost 93 years, full of tribulations and trials in his early and middle age, but spent his old age happily served, loved and surrounded by his close family, lovely friends, dedicated carers, active community and living in a great country.

May Allah grant him jannah in the hereafter and make us able to cherish his memories and keep remembering him in our duas, Aameen.

Zia Ahmad is the Editor-in-Chief of the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST.

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

13

AMUST

AUSTRALIA

NEWS 1-3

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10- 14

NAIDOC Week calls us to Heal Country!

Faseeha Hashmi There is a palpable transformation yet to be experienced in this country as this year’s theme, Heal Country! presents an opportunity for Australians of all demographics to celebrate and self-reflect upon the meaning of NAIDOC Week; held on 4-11 July 2021.

The NAIDOC Week occurs every July and aims to create a moment of stillness to honour the history, culture and accomplishments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

The origin of National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) began in the 1920s as a day of mourning observed in Christian churches. On this day Indigenous leaders raised awareness of the plight and status of Indigenous people.

Today, it is now viewed as a week of celebration of our First Nation people and their oldest continuous cultures on earth.

Accompanying this incredible week is a newly released children’s storybook called ‘Story Doctors’ written by Australian Children’s Laureate, Boori Monty Pryor. The

tale has a rhythmic power that takes us on a poetic and elegantly illustrated journey of Australia’s true history and calls every one of us, particularly young people to heal our country.

Pryor is a First Nations’ storyteller, co-writer and subject of the Emmy nominated series The Wrong Kind of Black, currently screening on Netflix, who has shared his words and wisdom with over a million school children in Australia and overseas.

Healing for Boori comes from acknowledging the wrongful claim that this land was once regarded as “Terra nullius” a Latin expression that means “nobody’s land”, prior to European settlement. These words effectively denied Indigenous people’s sovereignty and connection to the land.

Acknowledging this inaccuracy, Boori carefully teaches children the importance

Healing from the trauma of domestic violence:

of discerning pain and how we can heal.

As there is damage caused when sacred Indigenous sites are destroyed; damage that also extends far beyond one’s sense of identity.

“Sometimes people cannot see that you are hurt, and sometimes you need a band-aid for the inside,” illuminated Mr Pryor.

Welding words together while under lockdown, the writer explains how he was able to come to terms with his own need to heal and the difficulty he encountered while doing so. Nevertheless, there is a necessity for this country to be unafraid to speak of the darkness of our history.

Truth-telling, is part of Indigenous culture and is an opportunity share their culture, heritage and history with the broader community. In doing so, healing can become a sombre harmonic experience. An opportunity to enhance our understanding and develop greater compassion.

“Reconciliation meaning to… (fix) something… (because) in any relationship both parties have to be sitting on the table. Our leaders have to get in…(and have a seat at the table).”

This land is inherent to Indigenous iden-

tity. It is more than a place. Acknowledging country is not just to recognise that Australia’s First Nations People are the oldest continuing culture, dating back over 65,000 years; country means family, kin, law, lore, ceremony, traditions and language.

Bringing truth-telling and Indigenous voices to decision-making, Victoria is set to become the first state in Australia to forge discussions on a groundbreaking state-based treaty with its Aboriginal communities.

The Co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria the elected voice for Aboriginal people and communities in future Treaty discussions, Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, explains to the importance of recognising the impacts of the past on future generations.

“Truths need to be told…that our ancestors had to endure genocide…and I think, by that truth being told…it will only draw us closer to the wider community. You will then understand the impacts of past injustices…(and) intergenerational trauma.”

NAIDOC Week is a chance to cherish and protect our First Nation cultural, heritage and develop a greater understanding of their knowledge of our country.

For more information about NAIDOC Week visit: https://www.naidoc.org.au Faseeha Hashmi, based in Melbourne has a Bachelor of International Relations from La Trobe University and a Master of International Relations from the University of Melbourne. A prolific writer, she has an interest in politics and human security.

The missing links Housing is a human Carol Mroue Domestic violence (DV) exists across the globe affecting women from all walks of life (Ibrahim, 2020). Post domestic violence, a new challenge emerges about healing oneself from the DV experiences.

The Australian Muslim community is no exception on the issue of domestic violence There exists a number of supports for Muslim women in the process of leaving abusive relationships.

Muslim women also need to be supported throughout their healing journey.

Women experience rapid and significant changes following the domestic violence (Anderson, Renner, & Danis, 2012).

Helping them in their healing process spiritually, mentally, and physically is key to them finding the clarity and capacity to reconnect with every aspect of their life.

Healing allows reconciliation of past experiences and bringing closure to those experiences (preliminary findings) By shining the light on the darkness of trauma associated with domestic violence, one can grow and become better from something that was once a negative experience.

From an Islamic worldview, healing is associated with the spiritual dimensions of the human being (Rothman, 2018)).

The relationships between the four key human faculties the heart (qalb), spirit (ruh), soul (nafs) and intellect (aql), are key to the healing process as they all need to be working in harmony to return a person to their natural disposition (fitrah).

There is no single way, method, or technique that one is able to draw upon to heal from domestic violence.

Rather, preliminary research interviews indicate that healing constitutes several different methods, tools and Islamic practices

14

that work collectively and in harmony.

Healing is about removing the bandages and exposing the wounds that have been covered up whilst directing towards strategies to heal the underlying wound so that an individual can eventually be mentally healthy and socially functioning at their optimum.

It is about identifying and fusing the different methods, tools and practices to help guide the individual healing journey.

What has preliminary findings found as some methods that have helped women with healing?

There is no single method of healing.

However, a combination of factors can help facilitate this healing journey.

Other strategies: Self-care, writing in a journal, establishing good support networks, seeking help, establishing healthy boundaries, exercise and choosing the right food to nourish the body.

Islamic worldview strategies that some women have used: Dhikr (remembrance of Allah swt), reciting or listening to the Qu’ran, prayer, connecting to Allah (swt), listening to lectures, reading Islamic literature.

Acknowledging that one is not to blame for their DV experiences, and this was never their fault is a powerful tool in the healing journey.

The research into exploring “Islamic psychotherapy’s contribution to posttraumatic growth from domestic violence among Australian Muslim Women.” is still underway.

This research is under the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation is being supervised

by Assoc Prof Zuleyha Keskin, Dr Mahseed Ansari and Dr Nada Ibrahim.

If you would like to share your healing journey from DV please contact me (Carol Mroue) on [carol.mroue@gmail.com].

Please note that the 1-1.5 hour interviews focus specifically on the process of healing from DV. Carol Mroue is currently a PhD student at Charles Sturt University under the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation and is based in Sydney, Australia.

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

right!

Ellisa Parker

On Monday 19 July 2021 local Toowoomba social activist and resident Ellisa Parker hosted the forum on ‘housing is a human right’ where the participants explored the concept of tiny home living and the multiple benefits created for the community, in the concept of emergency transitional and affordable housing options.

There was good attendance at the Toowoomba city library as well as attendees on Zoom which generated great discussion and active collaboration during the Q&A session.

“Those people who spend money in the way of God in a hidden or explicit manner will receive great reward from their Creator.” (Quran: 2:247) Since housing is a human right, within the state of Queensland, homelessness must be appropriately addressed under the Human Rights Act QLD 2019 as well as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The occurrence of homelessness within our community adds great stress to the individual experience in homelessness and services such as health, education, and social services.

In addition, when homelessness is not addressed adequately by the governing bodies, it can create an environment that heightens the occurrence of crime and risk to personal and community safety, thus putting unnecessary pressure on police and emergency services.

The efforts that local groups such as lifelines and other NGOs do to assist in easing the stress of those at risk and experiencing homelessness should not be underestimated.

However, the one issue that has been continually present within this region and Queensland and Australia as a whole is the appar-

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

ent lack of emergency housing, transitional housing and affordable or social housing.

Much of Toowoomba region social housing has been sold off and not appropriately replaced or is inadequate for habitation.

Building designs also suffer from the lacks of acceptable environmental protections from extreme cold in winter and extreme heat in summer.

If Australia should follow suit with the USA’s decision in 2016, where after a rigorous process of examination, US authorities demonstrated the acceptance of Tiny Houses as a legitimate form of housing, thanks to the International Code Council where the International Residential Code (IRC) approved an appendix dedicated to specifying the safety standards for Tiny Houses.

Australia would have an opportunity to implement more sustainable housing diversity, greater land utilisation and genuine housing equality for the community.

Australia is a smart country, we have some of the best universities in the world that offer urban planning and architectural design providing an opportunity for a uniquely Australian approach that could be adopted for tiny home living.

A safe community that eases the pressure on health services, where all have access to an education, then encouraging your representatives in local, state and federal government to amend building codes and planning schemes to adopt tiny home living is a worthy cause.

Ellisa is a Muslim revert from Southern Queensland and the founder of the Al-Mani foundation. She is studying a Bachelor of Islamic Studies at Charles Sturt University.

She regularly participates in the ARRCC Toowoomba Chapter, National Interfaith Peace Conference - Toowoomba interfaith working group, and local Islamic women and girls services.

ISSUE 189 / AUGUST 2021

LIFESTYLE 15 - 16

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

BUSINESS 21

LIFESTYLE

SOCIAL 22 - 23

AMUST

Choices: To veil or not to veil?

Janelle Di Falco Head covering has been a controversial topic in Islam for many years. The question to ask ourselves is not about whether a woman needs to wear it but is it obligatory to wear it? Many young Australian Muslims coming from traditional and conservative cultures have been raised to believe that head covering on a woman is a must and if she does not wear it she has created an enormous sin as if she has just committed a crime.

We need to analyse the Qur’anic verses that refer to a woman’s dress code and understand what the Arabic terms mean when referring to the dress code for women.

The first verse that Allah mentions is: “O Prophet (s) tell your wives and your daughters and the woman of the believers to draw their jilbab all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Qur’an, 33:59) In this verse, the word jilbab that is used according to the Hans Weir Arabic dictionary means a long, flowing outer garment or loose robe-like garment.

The next verse states: “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and protect their private parts and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent and to draw their Khumurihinna all over juyubihinna and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons,

their husband’s sons, their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their women or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the same of sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.” (Qur’an, 24:31) The word khimar comes from the root word kha-ma-ra. This means to cover, hide, conceal. Again it does not refer to head covering but to cover the juyub. Juyub here means breast, bosom, pocket. So the verse is saying clearly that women should draw their coverings, for example a normal particular top you might wear, draw it so that It goes over all of the three pockets that are meant to be covered as they are a women’s sexual connotations.

Plus in the verse that speaks of the jilbab refers to a long loose garment that is then for the bottom of the women’s body. So in all this, the Qur’an speaks of modesty in a women’s dress but does not make it obligatory t h a t t h e head

covering needs to be worn. If the head covering was compulsory the words sharr or ras which means hair and head would have been mentioned.

The word Hijab in the Qur’an which is what most people would refer to as the scarf that women wear has the connotation meaning of curtain, barrier, etc. It does not refer to a women’s head covering but actually refers to a barrier that was used in the time of the Prophet Mohammad (s). Whenever the Prophet’s wives were approached they would speak behind a curtain.

Let’s now examine a very popular Muslim scholar by the name of Khaled Abou El-Fadl who has posed his theological argument about the headscarf. Dr Abou El-Fadl finds it ironic that the headscarf has become a “symbolic of Islamic identity,” as for him it is “not at the core of the Islamic faith.”

He critiques the predominant Muslim position of viewing the khimar as a piece of cloth that covers the head and face or just the head.

For El-

Managing COVID-19 stress and anxiety Zainab Hassib As Australians experience tighter restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a completely normal response to feel stressed or anxious during these uncertain times. Looking after your mental and physical health during this time will support you in getting through this challenging time.

Here are a few tips on looking after yourself.

Get Informed: We often feel anxious when events feel out of our control. Anxiety tricks us into thinking about the worst-case scenarios.

Instead of worrying, try to focus on what is in your control. Ensure you have facts about COVID-19 from trusted professional sources.

Follow government advice and develop a plan about what you and your family will do if you need to be in self-isolation.

Focus on the here and now: Try to focus on the present moment – not the past and not the future. Live in the moment and take one day at a time.

Focus on your deen: Take the time to make supplication, recite Qur’an, perform dhikr, and pray.

Be aware of negative thoughts (or waswas): Just because we are thinking something, does not always mean it is true. When you notice yourself worrying a lot, take a step back, and try to let worries pass by without focusing on them for too long.

Be aware of negative behaviours: Certain actions may fuel one’s anxiety about health and germ-phobia. Focusing too much on bodily symptoms and relying on internet searches can overwhelm an individual with anxious thoughts and panic. Recognising these behaviours, identifying how they are making you feel, and replacing them with helpful coping strategies can alleviate disproportionate feelings of anxiety.

Take a break from the news: Constant exposure to anxiety-inducing stories may convince AUGUST 2021 / ISSUE 189

If you, or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, please call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

Hayat Line 1300 993 398 Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 an easier way of getting in touch, particularly if you are worried about going into a clinic, or in self-isolation. Remember, Hayat Line is available.

While the current situation may be overwhelming, coping with stress will allow you, the people you care about and your community to become stronger.

Source: Black Dog Institute and World Health Organization Zainab Hassib is an AOD Clinician at Hayat House in Sydney, Australia. She is a provisional member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

Janelle Di Falco is a Bachelor/Honors Degree Graduate of Islamic Studies at CSU. She is also a Graduate in Psychology. She is in her second final year of completing her Masters in Counselling as well as a qualified and trained Behavioural Therapist. Janelle is additionally an Academic writer on Contemporary Islamic issues. She is based in Melbourne, Australia.

I’m a psycho, what about you?

Sheikh Emad Hamdy

Lifeline - 13 11 14

us that there is something to panic about. The more we read and hear about it, the more frightening it can become. Information overload can be upsetting. Make an effort to switch off your screens once in a while.

Take care of your body: Exercise, move your body, eat well-balanced meals, take deep breaths. Aside from staying safe, stay healthy.

Take a breath: When you feel overwhelmed, take a few slow, deep breaths to help you calm down. If there are other things that help you relax (e.g. praying, walking) you could try those too.

Stay connected: Talk to people you trust about your concerns and how you’re feeling.

It can make a huge difference when we share our worries with others and connect with supportive people, making you feel less isolated and lonely. You may need to try new ways of connecting that you haven’t before, and that’s OK! Get professional advice: It is OK to ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress and/or anxiety, seek professional support.

Telehealth and videoconference have become

Fadl, the evidence does not exist that pre-Islamic women in Makkah covered their face or hair.

He even mentions a great descendant of the Prophet known as Fatima al-Kubra who refused to cover her hair along with the noblewomen of her time. Moreover, he also points out that slave women had their heads uncovered so the issue for classical jurists on the dress code was not sexual seduction but rather social status.

He concludes that the headscarf is not a legal pillar of Islam but an interpretative issue.

Of course, if women want to wear the headscarf they absolutely can and have every right to. The question is not about if the headscarf is a must or not a must, the question is about if it is compulsory and that Muslim women are free to choose whether they would like to wear the headscarf or not.

Overall, modesty is the message of these verses in terms of loose clothing covering the body. The Qur’an though further tells us that the best garment is righteousness.

“O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness – that is the best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember.” (Qur’an, 7:26)

Psychological diseases, disorders, and problems afflict almost every single human being on the face of the earth, in my point of view, no one is free from it.

The question is: If this is that the case, why do we describe some people who suffer from these conditions as psycho, and not normal human beings?

The answer is: It depends on the symptoms, those who have apparent symptoms are described as psycho, while others do not have visible symptoms are called normal people.

The psychological disorders in spite of their bad consequences, are easier and safer than the diseases of the spiritual health such as doubts, envy, hatred, enmity, betraying, causing harm to others, arrogance, negative prideetca.

These disorders are fatal and destructive since they not only destroy the person, but affect the community as a whole and become great hurdles in the way to peace, prosperity and success.

Sheikh Emad Hamdy is the Imam at Cabramatta Mosque, South West Sydney, operated by LMA. He has a High Degree in Islamic studies in English from Alazhar university in Egypt and has served as an Imam in the Alawkaf in Egypt for 13 years.

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

15

AMUST

LIFESTYLE

NEWS 1-3

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10- 14

From What and Who to Why and How Rania Ahmed I have been reading a book called Time Travels in my Worlds, by Summayyah Sadiq-Ojibara, and it mentioned that we tend to be caught up in the “What” and “Who” that we never get to the “Why” and “How”. This really had me thinking about our problem-solving skills as an ummah especially with our families.

Are we too busy playing the blame game and not using any constructive means to solve the clear dilemma the community is facing?. Are we concentrating on who did what when we really should be analysing why this is happening and how to make it better?

When I asked myself this question I found

I too fall into this trap and so do many of the people I know. Especially with couples, how many times do we worry about what they are doing and not finding a minute to work out why they are doing it and how we meet in the middle.

I remember watching a clip called “the nail in the head” where a couple are arguing. The woman is telling her husband about his splitting headache she gets while the husband is trying to explain to her that is clearly because she had a nail in her forehead.

He could clearly see the nail, but she kept on asking him not to give her solutions and just listen while she explains that her headache is caused by the stress in their relationship. Watching

the clip, I was frustrated for the husband, who clearly saw exactly what was wrong but chose to listen and see things from her end.

Sometimes we don’t see that the person in front of us cannot see our point of view even if it is obvious. We are too busy concentrating that “she has a nail in her head” that we forget to think “how will I get her to see she has a nail on her head”.

Now I understand it is frustrating however think how many people would be happy if we all concentrated on why we behave the way we do. Some people are raised with insecurities or negative images about themselves which make them behave in a certain way, knowing that fact can reduce our angry reaction

towards their actions because now we know the “why”.

With that in mind, things are not taking as personally, and you begin to find ways of “how” to communicate in a way to get the desired outcome.

Imaging with me if this month only, we try and use this strategy with our spouses?

Just for this week? When something silly happens from their side, take a breath and do not think of who or what happened, instead why did it happen and how can I make it better.

I look forward to hearing your responses on the online comments.

May Allah help us reach the form of a human being He is pleased with.

Rania Ahmed is a Melbourne based writer and poet. Her aim is to change perspective via her and therefore inspire the change from within.

Trauma or test: It all depends on you Kathryn Jones Everyone is talking about it now. Trauma affects our lives including both our physical and mental health.

Perhaps you have experienced something that you feel might be behind why you are not living the life you really want for yourself and your family and have connected it to your past experiences, or even your current situation.

One of the challenges of this movement to wake people up to the impact of trauma is to not recreate the trauma in the process.

What I mean is, when we keep revisiting in our minds the difficult experiences we have had and then we add in the context that this experience is meant to be traumatic, we can become traumatised by experiences that we had navigated successfully at the time. All after the event!

We are always experiencing life through thought in the moment. It is our perspective that makes something traumatic or not, not what actually happened.

Allah has already warned us that He will test us, “you are sure to be tested through

your possessions and persons …” (Qur’an, 3:186) and He concludes this verse with “…

If you are steadfast and mindful of Allah, that is the best course.”

Allah gives us the answer here, these events in our life are a part of our test. He has tells us that being mindful of Him is our way through those tests. He also tells us that in the remembrance of Allah we will find our heart at peace (Qu’ran, 13:28).

It will not be more that we can cope with because He has said, He will not burden us with more than we can bear (Qu’ran, 2:286), so that means that this test has been tailored for us and not to break us.

This shows us that our life is not meant to be traumatic. However, as humans we experience it that way often and it affects us emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

So why is that?

The answer lies in what I have already shared with you. The moment we see an event in our life as traumatic, we will experience it as traumatic. When we see it that way, we have simply forgotten in that moment how Allah fits into the picture.

We have forgotten that we are living in this world, Dunya as a test for the Akhirah. We are believing that something is wrong. And we have lost sight of what is right.

If we believe it is traumatic, we will expe-

rience it as traumatic. If we believe it is a test, we will struggle through that test as best we can without the suffering included.

You may have been through a lot and my words may sound flippant. Before you allow that thinking to direct you away from this truth, ponder a moment. Give yourself permission to experience your tests without the trauma.

The answer lies within our own selves and how we think about our experience. When our thinking changes, we can see that it is in fact a love letter from Allah!

3. If your questions are concerns, what are you concerned about?

4. If your questions are fear-based, what are you fearful about?

5. Identify your fears and concerns.

6. Sit with your child and express your fears and concerns using the phrases “I am fearful that…” or “I am concerned that…” Doing so will show your child that these are your fears and concerns and

not your child’s.

7. Hug your child and tell him/her that you trust Allah to keep him/her safe and well.

8. Thank Allah for making you aware of your fears and concerns instead of imposing them on your child.

Kathryn Jones is the CEO and Founder of Back To The Fitrah Mentoring Academy (BackToTheFitrah.com), building emotional and spiritual resilience in the Ummah.

Your child is not you Princess R. Lakshman Parenting is super challenging. Some years ago when my daughter was packing for her school camp, I began bombarding her with questions…

Have you labelled this?

Have you packed this?

Have you packed that?

Why do you need headphones, can’t you just look at the stars and not listen to music…It’s camp, not a concert! Do you have to swim in the lake? What about crocodiles? And the bushwalk…what about the reptiles and spiders?”

She literally had to march me out of her room and say to me: “I will talk to you when you calm down and behave yourself.”

I thought, hang on a minute, this is what I used to say to her when she was little. Oh how the tables have turned, I realised.

Reflect on your own relationship with your child/children. Do you ever feel that your worries are governed by your own fears and that at times you project those fears on your child?

Your child is not you. Your child has his/

16

her own preordained path, bestowed upon him/her by Allah. No matter how much you try to impose your own fears on your child, understand one thing…your child will either absorb your fears and live life with inherited fears or your child will completely reject your fears, plus all the other good advice you may give, because he/she will find it easier to rebel than to conform to your fears.

So why do we impose our fears on our children? Our fears too have been inherited from other people around us. Somewhere cocooned inside us lives a child yearning to blossom into a fearless butterfly.

When you are able to address your own fears and parent your inner child to overcome those fears, you will fearlessly fly out of that cocoon, a butterfly who surrenders to the preordained path that Allah has put you on. Until you parent your inner child, you will struggle with parenting your child. It’s a daily practice.

Below are some steps you can implement if you feel the constant need to control your child: 1. Catch yourself when you are asking your child too many questions. Stop.

2. Reflect on the questions that you are asking your child.

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

Princess R. Lakshman is a writer, speaker, qualified clinical nutritionist, life coach and a counsellor. She is based in Sydney, Australia.

ISSUE 189 / AUGUST 2021

LIFESTYLE 15 - 16

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

BUSINESS 21

UMMAH

SOCIAL 22 - 23

AMUST

My reflections on post-Kemalist Turkey Zia Ahmad This year, 15 July marks five years after the coup attempt in Turkey that failed miserably with minimum loss of life and damage to Turkish institutions, but it brought disastrous impact on the Turkish society afterwards leading to gross human rights violations on a mega scale.

Being of Indian Muslim origin, I am very much familiar with Turkish heritage, culture and language. Many modern Turks are not aware of the fact that the Indian Muslim rule that spanned for almost 1000 years, was largely led by Turkish rulers initially and ending with almost 350 years of Mughal rulers, who were also of Turkish ancestry.

My mother tongue Urdu, itself a Turkish word meaning ‘army’, developed with the confluence of Muslim Arabs, Turks, Persians and native Indians, is a mixed language consisting of almost a quarter each of Arabic, Persian, Turkish and Sanskrit.

During the Muslim rule, the main court and administrative language in India was Persian, while the Ulama used Arabic, but the rulers spoke, read and wrote in Turkish within their royal surroundings.

Indian Muslims, although not part of the Ottoman Empire, respected it as the seat of the Khilafah and supported them during WWI against the British. After the formal abolition of the Caliphate by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk during the early 1920’s, Indian Muslims started the Khalifat movement to restore the Caliphate that was also supported by Mahatma Gandhi.

Although not happy with the radical westernisation of modern Turkey, Indian Muslims still admired Turkish people and the fact that Turkey was the only Muslim country that was never colonised and maintained pride and self-respect specially in comparison with the fractured Arab world.

Arriving in Australia almost half a century ago towards the end of 1971, together with my father, as a young man I had to engage with the two main Muslim communities at the time, (Lebanese and Turks) in an effort to organise Muslims, especially in and around Sydney.

I found the young Turks to be very nationalistic, to some extent anti-Arab and largely conservative, while a small cohort of elites being highly westernised. During the seven-

ties we had a few sessions with Milli Gorus members that we somehow identified with, ideologically being inspired by Said Nursi.

We supported the Turkish community in the establishment of the Erskineville mosque where the first formal five daily prayers and Juma prayers were established and later also helped with the establishment of our local Bonnyrigg mosque that we used for our own Islamic activities.

It was only after the year 2000 that my imagination caught up with the Turkish community again. I saw a new breed of young Turks, either born here or raised here, who were in the forefront of establishing face to face and eye to eye contact with the mainstream community, engaging the diverse Australian community in their programs and innovative institutions.

This was a new trend as opposed to other sections of the Muslim community that were largely insular – engaged within their own ethnic community and limited to their suburban mosques.

I was curious as to where this new energy among the young Turks in Australia came from. I later found out that they were inspired by Fethullah Gülen’s global educational movement, using his highly success-

ful methodology of engagement with mainstream civil society irrespective of religious, ethnic and ideological affiliations.

A lightening but highly productive study tour together with my wife, daughter and niece to Turkey visiting several cities including Gallipoli, where we attended the Anzac Day Dawn Service in April 2012 and engaging with diverse group of Turkish civic society movement members including academics, religious scholars, health professionals, educationists and journalists, completely transformed my view of modern Turkey.

I found that post-Kemalist Turkey had shed its indifference with Islam and there had been a rapid Islamisation of the Turkish society during the last two decades. I got the impression that the Kemalist forces were on the run and Turkey was again ready to take on the leadership of the Muslim World coming back to its Islamic roots establishing a modern Islamic civil society.

However, my dreams and hopes were soon dashed when I realised that the Islamophilic forces that had transforming Turkey from Erbakan to Erdogan helped by the Islamic grass root movements inspired by Said Nursi like Milli Gorus and the Gülen

movement were having splits from within.

Then came the 15 July 2016 coup attempt against the Turkish government in general and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in particular, which was apparently carried out by a faction of the Turkish Armed Forces, which had a track record of conducting coups from time to time against elected governments in Turkey.

The coup attempt failed miserably with minimum loss of life and damage to Turkish institutions, but it brought disastrous impact on the Turkish society afterwards, leading to gross human rights violations on a mega scale that are still continuing.

The government blamed the Gülen movement, which was earlier designated as a terrorist organisation by the Republic of Turkey and resulted in a witch hunt.

Similar to Communist purges, unexpected in a democratic Muslim country, immediate mass arrests followed after the coup, with nearly 100,000 arrested, including 4,463 judges and over 300 journalists.

So far more than 500,000 people have been investigated and over 150,000 dismissed from their jobs, on reports of connections to Gülen. Over 3,000 educational institutions, primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions that has any association with the Gülen movement were shut down while over 6,000 academics lost their jobs.

All educational, health, aid, media organisations and institutions either closed or taken over with any formal or informal association with the Gülen movement including those in many other countries under pressure by the Turkish government.

In Australia and during my overseas trips to various cities in USA in 2018 and in Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa in 2019, I had firsthand experience of meeting a large number of victims, both men and women, highly successful businessmen, academics, educationists and journalists who have been the victim of these purges and fled Turkey to avoid persecution and now living as refugees and asylum seekers out of their home country.

As a non-Turk, this makes me feel incredibly sad, where just a decade ago I had a vision of Turkey providing a viable leadership for uniting the fractured Muslim world but now seem to have imploded because of internal division, corruption, and gross violation of human rights.

Afghanistan: How Islamic are the Taliban Dr Aslam Abdullah With the departure of foreign forces from Afghanistan, the Taliban’s aim of re-establishing their ‘Islamic Emirate’ would not only continue the conflict but the world would now understand Islam through their policies and practices, many of them highly questionable from Islamic point of view.

Some diktats the Taliban have introduced in areas they control are already creating conflicts.

These champions of Islam want all men to grow their beards, stop smoking and give the names of their girls over 15 and widows under 45 so that eligible Taliban men can marry up to four wives.

Additionally they would have the option to divorce anyone at will to marry the replacement.

Smoking is injurious to health, so are marijuana, hashish, and poppy seeds.

Afghanistan is a significant global producer of methamphetamine. The country’s opium poppy fields are the source of the majority of the world’s heroin. Now, the crystal meth could eventually become just as big an industry.

The Taliban do charge the drug traffickers AUGUST 2021 / ISSUE 189

a tax. They earn $4m a year from Bakwa district alone, though they deny links to the drugs trade. They make over $2 billion annually through drug trafficking.

Their diktat to ban smoking while profiting from drug trafficking is a slap in the face of their faith. It is a mockery of every value that Islam promotes for human dignity.

If they are sincere in their efforts to ensure a healthy, smoke-free Afghanistan, they should begin with a ban on narcotics.

Their diktat about the growing beard is ridiculous.

Beard is not a criterion to determine one’s commitment to divine guidance.

Muslims learn about facial hair not from the Quran, but through hadith – or sayings – attributed to Prophet Muhammad (s).

One such hadith stipulates: “Cut the mustaches short and leave the beard.” It is an ambiguous statement, and it is not an obligation. If it were so, most Imams would

have their mustaches cut.

It was a recommendation to his companions in a society where everyone sported a beard. Many non-Muslims at the time of the Prophet had longer beards. No single incident exists in any book of hadith that the Prophet punished anyone for not cutting mustaches and trimming his beards.

The diktat of the Taliban is their subjective preference imposed in the name of God. If they punish anyone for flouting the rule in the name of religion, they will commit coercion.

Islam strictly prohibits intimidation in its name.

The ruling on reporting girls over 15 and widows under 45 to the Taliban for marrying them to its fighters are the most offensive of all three dictates.

No one can marry a girl without her free consent. Women are not the state’s property or any religious group, as they have a right to education and decide on their life partner.

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

It is the obligation of those who understand the Quran and the Sunnah to challenge these Taliban’s diktats.

If the Taliban want to establish the Islamic Emirate, they must ensure the following.

1. Religious freedom to all 2. Human dignity to all, women included.

3. Human rights for all 4. Education to all 5. Withdrawal of the offensive diktats 6. Representation of women in all aspects of national life 7. Banning the narcotics 8. Ensure that the law and not the barrel of guns protects justice 9. An economy that guarantees self-reliance 10. A health system that secures the healthy future Islam and monotheism make sense only when human dignity and rights are under the protection of the law. But, unfortunately, what The Taliban has done so far violates everything Islam stands for on human dignity and human rights.

Dr Aslam Abdullah is a resident scholar at Islamicity.org. He is also the editor of the Muslim Observer published from Detroit, MI, USA. He is based in the USA and is a trustee of the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin. He has taught at several colleges and universities in India, England, and the USA.

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

17

AMUST

UMMAH

NEWS 1-3

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10- 14

RSS-BJP vision of Hinduism poses a threat to world peace Dr Aslam Abdullah Hindu religious leaders need to promote their faith as a spiritual path of coexistence and tolerance rather than an instrument of hate and violence being hijacked by the BJP-RSS led government in India and their subsidiaries in different parts of the world.

Over the last eight years, India has witnessed a rise in violence against people belonging to the non-upper caste population of India, especially against Muslims, Dalits, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, and liberals.

The attackers had affiliations with the BJP-RSS leadership directly or indirectly.

They found protection in law enforcement agencies and judicial institutions. The media applauded their hateful and violent talks and presented them as national heroes.

The BJP-RSS vision of India focuses on the idea of a Hindu Rashtra or nation. Therefore, India is for Hindus, and if non-Hindus want to live in India, they have to live as second-class citizens.

In their analysis, Christians and Muslims are either foreign invaders or forcibly converted Hindus who betrayed the caste-hierarchy of their faith and broke rank with the way of life introduced by the upper-caste Brahmins.

Additionally, Muslims created their homelands in Pakistan and Bangladesh, and their presence in India is a threat to Hinduism and India.

When the BJP-RSS talks of Hinduism, they refer to the vision of Hindu upper-castes

and values as Dalits never enjoyed equality and humanity under any Hindu rulers. Even today, Dalits have their places of worship, and their presence in Brahman-controlled temples is unwelcome.

However, the upper-caste-controlled BJPRSS fails to explain the rise of Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. These three faith traditions challenged the notion of Brahman supremacy and perpetual inequality based on caste.

In the BJP-RSS vision, these three faiths are indigenous, even though they rip apart the foundation of Hinduism as presented in its holy scriptures.

The tirade against Christians and Muslims is the beginning of a never ending cycle of violence that would engulf India if the ideology of BJP-RSS elites succeeds. Jain, Buddhists, and Sikhs would also pay the price of challenging the ethos of Hinduism and would find it difficult to survive in an upper-caste-controlled India.

The Hindutva vision has severe implications for the world. The campaign against Christians and Muslims would not stop in India. It would spread in the region and the world. After all, the proponents of this vision believe that the world once was Hindu; Christians and Muslims forcibly converted it to their faiths.

Hindu upper castes associated with the BJP and RSS elites believe that they are purest. Hence, they promote the idea of racial superiority and agree with Hitler’s notion of the supremacy of the Arayan race.

They assert that due to strict caste hierarchy, they maintain the purity of the Arayan

race. It explains their closeness to white supremacists and neonazi groups in Europe and the US. The support that white nationalists have enjoyed from RSS subsidiaries in the West speaks of the influence of the racially biased ideology.

Hitler promoted his racial superiority ideology through democratic means proving that this system of government is not a guarantee to stop violence and hatred. The RSS-BJP led elites also rely on democracy

to promote hate and violence. Like Hitler, they would not stop lynching non-upper caste Hindus, making their opponents their next target.

Their presence in the US and Europe poses a threat to world peace. The sooner the world realises it, the safer it would make itself. Their presence in interfaith dialogues constantly threatens genuine discussions among the faiths for peace and harmony.

America leaves Afghanistan in a stalemate Zahid Jamil As America blamed Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden for September 11 attacks on American soil in 2001, it attacked Taliban ruled Afghanistan where Osama Bin Laden lived under regime protection.

The 20 years of conflict since then has killed more than 170,000 Afghans including 47,000 civilians and 3500 US and allied military troops according to official estimates.

Actual number of Afghan civilians, Afghan military personnel and Taliban fighters killed is likely to be far higher. It is hard to count additional deaths due to disease, loss of access to food, water, infrastructure, and/ or other indirect consequences of the war.

These 20 years saw political turmoil in the country as US failed to establish a government in Kabul who could govern the country in an effective manner. At the same time, US

18

forces failed to defeat or weaken Taliban.

Tired with this failed mission and after spending more than 2 trillion dollars, Donald Trump negotiated an agreement with the Taliban to withdraw all US forces by a May 2021 before he left the White House.

Interestingly, not represented in that agreement were members of the Afghan government.

Joe Biden, after winning the Presidency, expedited the withdrawal of the US military, who departed from the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan on 2 July in a remarkably unceremonious way. The Americans had been using the massive, heavily fortified facility, the size of a town for more than 20 years.

The news of American decision to withdraw its forces from the country, reenergised Taliban as they celebrated it as a victory.

Within weeks, Taliban insurgents took control of more and more territory as US trained Afghanistan government forces failed to put any resistance.

Taliban also took control of the equipment, machinery and armaments left behind

by US army in large bunkers across the na-

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

tion.

As US decided to withdraw from Afghanistan, Chinese officials stepped up contacts with the Taliban leadership. China found a golden opportunity in positioning itself to play a defining role in the region.

Beijing, well aware that Taliban are an undeniable part of Afghanistan’s political future, became keen to build rapport with them. Taliban leadership, in consultation with Pakistan, viewed Beijing as crucial for its international legitimacy and a much-needed potential investor in the country.

Pakistan is cheering Taliban success as it may pave the way for strategic partnership between China, Pakistan and Afghanistan to boost security and economic cooperation between the three countries. Imran Khan, always seen by Taliban as a friend, may play a key role in developing this strategic alliance.

The Taliban leadership has learnt lessons from their hard-line orthodox stance in past and are likely to be more pragmatic in future. They claim that they have changed their views on women and female education.

They now say that Islam gives women rights in areas such as business and ownership, inheritance, education, work, the choice of a husband, security and well-being. Thus the Taliban leadership is seeking international approval by leaving the conservative and medieval tribal approach in understanding of religion, to the disappointment of ultra conservative groups among them.

The developments of past few months in Afghanistan are seen with huge concern in New Delhi. After a break between 1996 and 2001, when India joined the world in shunning the previous Taliban regime (only Pakistan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia kept ties), New Delhi re-established ties with new US backed government in Kabul after the 9/11 attacks.

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

India saw an opportunity to return to the war torn country and benefit from reconstruction projects. India’s investment is now estimated to be worth well over $3 billion with multiple projects in pipeline. If Taliban government comes into power, all these projects are likely to be shelved.

Iran also faces a dilemma in dealing with Taliban due to ideological differences and threats that Hazara may face from hardliners, creating another refugee crisis. Iran is however keen to establish ties with Taliban led government to benfit from economic growth.

Disturbed by rapid advancement of Taliban, the US has launched several airstrikes against the Taliban in the last week of July.

Taliban condemned the airstrikes calling it violation of the Doha deal which promised ceasing of military operations by US after May 2021.

How the situation in Afghanistan will evolve in coming months is hard to predict.

Yet, it is more likely that China and Pakistan will play critical role in bringing stability to the country as Western powers may find themselves in a helpless situation after US withdrawal.

Bringing various Taliban factions together is a challenge and so is to bring to the negotiating table various ideological and ethnic factions and war lords.

China’s economic interest in having an alternative to the current Kazakhstan-Russia overland route as well as alternative route to Iran’s oil and gas fields for its Belt-Road Initiative is of high significance. It is extremely important for China to put in its best effort to establish a government in Kabul, favourable to its objectives.

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.

ISSUE 189 / AUGUST 2021

LIFESTYLE 15 - 16

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

BUSINESS 21

EDUCATION

SOCIAL 22 - 23

AMUST

Book Review: ‘Iran Forty years of Revolution, Resistance and Resilience’ Zia Ahmad Hanif Bismi presents an analytical study on the politics, security and defence of the Islamic Republic of Iran which was developed from a paper submitted by the author for the International Conference on the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran at Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran: “The Efficiency and Working Experiences: Politics, Security and Defence of Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Since 1979, many books are written with the pursuit to besmirch the Islamic Revolution and portray the Islamic Republic as a radical state. However, Iran continues to influence beyond religion and region. This book seeks to translate the continuous challenges that the Islamic Republic of Iran endures.

“Iran – Forty years of Revolution, Resistance and Resilience’ by Hanif Bismi is indeed a monumental work that presents the readers with a summary of almost five millenniums of Persian civilisation and Iranian

history together with the unique Islamic revolution and its achievements.

This book will give you comprehensive knowledge about Persian civilisation and empires, revolutions including the Islamic revolution and its causes, the Islamic Republic and its continuous resistance and resilience.

For me Iran is a special place, having visited it in 1985 following the Islamic Revolution in order to attend a conference where I met many great people including Imam Khomeini and then again in April 2006 with my wife, Mehar and daughter, Mobinah on a private study tour, visiting various cities of Iran and catching up with many friends (read my travelogue in AMUST with photos published at https://www.amust.com. au/2016/07/safarnameh-a-two-week-studytour-of-iran/).

With my North Indian background, our history, culture, food, dress and language owes a great deal to Iran. Farsi was the court language and that of elites for many centuries for a great majority of Muslims from Ottoman Empire in the West to the Mughal Empire in the East.

Literacy in Muslim majority countries Dr M.I.H Farooqi Muslims around the world during the last four centuries showed great interest in every aspect of life except education. Poetry, music, painting, ceramics, architecture, metal work etc became important activities throughout the Islamic world.

But very little interest was shown to the fast developing modern education emerging from Europe.

Probably the most harmful act was their refusal to take up the use of Printing Press in the 15th Century, a turning period for Europe. Through the Printing Press, scientific revolution was made possible in all the spheres of scientific and industrial activity in Europe.

After a long spell of slumber, Muslims have now started to understand that without modern knowledge and higher literacy their exploitation by the West cannot be checked.

Fortunately, education is re-emerging in the Islamic World during recent past few decades.

According to the survey by John Miller, 5 Muslim majority countries namely Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan find places amongst 25 countries with highest literacy rates of 100%.

While the World Bank and UNSECO data for 2018 shows that 25 Muslim Majority countries have achieved average literacy above 90 per cent. These include Saudi Arabia (95%), Indonesia(94%), Malaysia(94%), Iran(90%), Jordan(96%), UAE (94%) and Turkey (95%).

Nine countries, including Syria (86%), Tunisia (82 %), Iraq (79%), Egypt (75%) Algeria (73) and Morocco (72%) were reported to be in the bracket of 70% to 89% of literacy.

Unfortunately fifteen countries including largely populated countries of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nigeria still lag behind in literacy (Less than 62%). However, compared to the literacy Data of 1980 (Aerage 30%), 2018 data is highly satisfactory.

Global literacy rate (2017) is 82% (men, 87%; women 77%).

A redeeming feature is the fact that the gender difference (men and women) in literacy in many Muslim countries have also fallen sharply. At least 21 countries have the AUGUST 2021 / ISSUE 189

difference 0% to 7% only.

Tertiary Education (Higher education in all the disciplines of knowledge) in the Muslim world needs serious attention. Yes it is true that scientific awakening is under way in Muslim World, but it needs some sustained effort.

Tertiary Education in Western countries is generally above 40% whereas barring few countries like Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, it is between 2 to 6% in most Muslim countries.

Research spending in Muslim countries also needs serious attention. Research spending in many countries, like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, Turkey has been raised substantially. Qatar is reported to have proposed to raise the Science budget from 0.8% to 2.8% of its GDP. Many Muslim countries have already established centers of higher learning (Universities) with emphasis on the modern sciences.

According to The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2018 (for 2016-2017), ninety six universities from Muslim countries have been listed amongst the top 1102 Universities of the world.

Of these, 22 belong to Turkey followed by Iran 18; Pakistan 10; Malaysia and Egypt 9 each; Saudi Arabia 5; UAE and Indonesia 4 each; Jordan and Morocco 3 each; Tunisia 2 and Algeria, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Lebanon, Nigeria, Oman and Qatar 1 each.

A redeeming feature in the rankings is the fact that in 41 universities, female students are higher in numbers than male students.

Eleven Universities have more than 65:35 female:male while in Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (22,257 students) of Saudi Arabia having the highest ratio of 81:19, followed by United Arab Emirates University (7,492 students) 79:21, Qatar University, (13,342 students) 73:27 and Kuwait University, (37,752 students) with the ratio of 72:28.

Scientist/Deputy Director (Retired), National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow (Govt. of India), Member of UNESCO Panel on Quranic Botanic Gardens, Member State Biodiversity Board & Author of Plants Of The Quran, Medicinal Plants In The Traditions Of Prophet Muhammad, Animals Mentioned In The Quran & Dictionary Of Flora & Fauna Of Quran And Sunnah.

A great majority of Muslim scholars, scientists, poets and writers were of Persian origin and Farsi speaking. This includes Islamic scholars like Imam Bokhari, Imam Muslim, Imam Ghazali, Imam Abu Hanifah, scientist like Ibne Sina and sufis, writers and poets like Rumi, Saadi, Hafiz as well as the descendants of Ahle Bait who are buried there.

This book, ‘Iran Forty years of Revolution, Resistance and Resilience’ by Hanif Bismi is indeed a monumental work that presents the readers with a summary of almost five millenniums of Persian civilisation and Iranian history together with the unique Islamic revolution, its causes and achievements and the resistance and resilience of the Islamic Republic of Iran for more than four decades against all kinds of global opposition and hegemony.

In this comprehensive account, Hanif Bismi analyses a number of post revolution developments in Islamic Iran including the war with Iraq, precarious relations with its Arab neighbours, and ongoing hostilities from Israel and the United States with an annex that includes the author’s recent articles published on various issues dealing with Iran in recent times.

The book is studded with relevant geographical maps and historical timelines and tables as well as a number of photographs showcasing Iranian architecture, its revolutionary leadership and the popular base for Islamic Iran that continues to thrive as a re-

sult of its pragmatic policies.

The author of the book, ‘Iran Forty years of Revolution, Resistance and Resilience’ Hanif Bismi is an Australian writer, political analyst and anchor based in Sydney.

He writes regularly on current affairs and anchors weekly “Hanif Bismi Show” on 5 News Australia. He is also a fitness enthusiast.

Your HSC roadmap

Umar Khan

portunity to improve your School Assessment mark. Make it count!

There are just over 3 months before HSC exams start in October! Hard to fathom, but you are nearing the end of your schooling journey. Now is not the time to be complacent or slow down, but rather you need to sprint to the finish!

Your HSC Roadmap can be divided into 5 distinct stages.

Post-Trial Study Once you have finished your trials and received your results and feedback, work on that feedback. Work on filling any last-minute gaps, any topics that you may not have completely grasped. Check in with your teachers – they want to help you!

Term 2 Holidays This is where you currently stand. Term 2 Holidays are nearly finished, but you still have time to study before your trials start.

Spend this time sticking to a routine. Try to give equal time to all your subjects – they are all going to count towards your ATAR! But if you feel you are falling behind in a certain area, ensure to work on that too.

Make use of this time to review your Year 11 & 12 content before the trials. As you would have finished the HSC course (or at least the majority of it) by now, take this opportunity to practice under exam conditions.

Do past papers! Do questions!

HSC Trials The HSC Trials is your HSC test run. It is a full mock of what to expect in your final exam. Practice makes perfect! Use the opportunity to improve your exam strategy and review content. It is also your last op-

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

Term 3 Holidays Term 3 Holidays is your final chance to study before the HSC exams. By now, you should be doing many past papers, trial papers and questions. Any weaknesses should be addressed, exam timings should be improved and content revised. By now, you should be entirely focused on the HSC. HSC Examinations The big one! Your HSC exams have rolled around before you even blinked an eye. Take one exam at a time. Once you finish one exam, forget it and move onto the next one.

If you’ve studied sufficiently in the months leading up, you should feel confident and stress-free. Congratulations on reaching the finish line.

Umar Khan is a recent IBDP graduate, now attending Macquarie University and is based in Sydney, Australia. You can check out his blog at https://katutoring.com/blog/.

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

19

AMUST

EDUCATION

NEWS 1-3

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10- 14

How to study during lockdown Umar Khan Studying from home, but not sure how to get started? Studying from home is can be hard for many students, so here are some tips for you to not only get by, but to excel!

Motivation Motivating yourself to study at home is extremely difficult. It’s hard to stay focussed, and your usual group of classmates and friends aren’t around to help keep you motivated. But this doesn’t mean that you should lose hope.

To stay motivated it is important that you stay in touch with your peers and teachers.

As humans, we are social creatures. By communicating with your peers and teachers, you will remain focused and connected with your school or uni community. Your teachers are pivotal in helping you remain organised in an uncertain time. Teachers can also help with ensuring that you focus on your work.

Connecting with your peers is also essential. You can create group chats on various platforms to keep in touch, participate in Discussion Groups or setup daily Skype or Zoom calls with your peers. Stay connected with others doing the same subjects as you.

Two brains are better than one they say .

With your group of peers, you can discuss hard questions, question answering techniques & set up group study goals so ensure accountability. Remember, at times like this, you are all in this together!

Apart from friends and your teachers, your family support network is super important. Your family is there is to support and push you to succeed! Your family is there to support you when you feel overwhelmed with your workload, and also there to help you when you fall into a slump. Remember this! They are your well wishers. Use their support.

A goal is also key in staying motivated.

Whether this goal is an ATAR, or a certain grade at university, by having a big picture view of why you are putting in this effort you will be able to maintain your focus and motivational drive.

Map out where you are at You can’t get to your goals if you don’t know where you are at the moment. Before you start to set up your routine and start studying, assess where you are. What work have you done already? What topics have you studied? What topics do you need to study? These questions will help you get your work organised.

You will also need to work out which subjects need more of your attention. You need to determine your strengths in each subject, and what areas need to be worked on.

Once you know what you’ve covered, what you need to cover and what subjects you should focus on, you can set up your study schedule and get organised!

Organisation Your day at school is organised – so your ‘school day’ at home should be as well!

1. Study Space: You need to have a dedicated study space. The reason why we are able to do so much work in the classroom is because the environment is conducive to learning. You need to replicate this environment by having a dedicated space.

Ideally you’ll want this space to be away from any distractions (prime suspects – the television and your bed).

2. Routine: Another reason why you get so much done at school is because your time is effectively organised. You need to mimic this by developing your own timetable. The best way to do this, is to stick to your school timetable. But, if you want you can develop a new timetable, taking into account your strengths and weaknesses and which subjects need more of your attention.

3. Breaks: Schedule breaks throughout the day similar to your school timetable. You can’t focus for more than 2 hours at a time, so it’s essential to take short breaks to stay refreshed and maintain focus. In your breaks you can exercise, get a snack or scroll through memes.

Studying in isolation is hard – but not impossible. By staying motivated, reflecting on your strengths and weaknesses and getting organised, you can stay productive and get your work done.

Happy studying and stay connected!

Islamic Haj and Biblical Haj Sukkot Rabbi Allen Maller Both the Holy Qur’an and the Holy Bible stress the religious importance of an annual pilgrimage to a sacred location (Haj in Arabic, Hag in Hebrew). In Biblical times the Hebrew word Hag was pronounced Haj. The Qur’an states: “So keep the three Haj (Pilgrimage) days and seven fasts when you return.” (2:196) and the Torah states: Three times a year all your men are to appear before the God of Israel. (Exodus 34:23) Few Jews today realize that for more than 1,000 years, while Jerusalem’s First and Second Temple–Bait ul Muqaddas/Beit HaMiqdash stood, the week long Jewish festivals of Hag/Haj Sukkot and Hag/Haj HaMatzah were celebrated as a Haj, a pilgrimage festival.

In the centuries after the Jerusalem Temple was destroyed; pilgrimage ceased. Today the overwhelming majority of Jews outside the Land of Israel live in Protestant countries where pilgrimage plays little or no role in religious life.

Thus, it is very hard for most Jews to feel the tremendous spiritual uplift that can occur to pilgrims on the long path to, and amidst the mass tumult of, a uniquely holy and sacred place.

We can however see in the Muslim Haj, some of the spiritual uplift that occurs when large numbers of people from all over the world travel to one holy place and join together in a traditional religious ceremony.

Muslims in turn, can see some similarities, especially during Haj Sukkot, with the ancient Jewish practice of Haj ceremonies.

The Torah declares, “Celebrate Haj Sukkot for seven days after you have harvested the produce of your threshing floor and your winepress. Be joyful at your festival—you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, Levites, foreigners, orphans and the widows who live in your towns.

For seven days celebrate the festival to the Lord your God at the place the Lord will choose. For the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete.

Three times a year all your men must appear

20

before the Lord your God at the place He will choose: at the Haj of Matzot, the Haj of Weeks, and the Haj of Sukkot.” (Deuteronomy 16:13-16) The Haj of Sukkot was chosen by Prophet Solomon to dedicate the First Temple in Jerusalem. (1Kings 8; 2). Haj Sukkot was so important during the centuries when Solomon’s Temple stood that the holy day week of Sukkot was often called simply “the Haj” (1 Kings 8:3; 8:65; 12:62; 2 Chronicles 5:3; 7:8) because of the very large numbers of Jews who came up to the Temple in Jerusalem.

On each of the first six days of Haj Sukkot it was traditional to circle the Temple alter while reciting psalms of Prophet David. On the seventh day of Sukkot the custom was to circle the Temple alter seven times. As the Oral Torah says: “It was customary to make one procession around the altar on each day of Sukkot, and seven on the seventh day.”

(Mishnah Sukkah 4:5).

Each of the seven circles done on the seventh day is done in honor of a prophet; Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron and David, all of whom both Jews and Muslims revere. Muslims will see some similarities and some differences between the Jewish Haj and the Islamic Haj. For example Islamic tradition urges one who goes on Haj to remember his or her parents and other close relatives who have passed away with pious prayers; and makeup for them if they could not fulfill their obligations for Haj. And Jewish tradition has a special service on the last day of Haj Sukkot and Haj HaMatzot called Yizkor; to remember parents and other close relatives who have passed away with pious prayers.

The ritual slaughter of Qurbani (Korban in Hebrew) Halal/Kosher animals toward the end of all the ritual reenactments comes to teach everyone that: “Their flesh and their blood do not reach Allah, but the devotion from you reaches Him.” (Quran 22:37) This is the same basic understanding that the Hebrew Prophets and the Rabbis gave to the offerings in the Temple of Solomon.

Prophet Muhammad (s) was once asked by his Companions: “O Prophet of Allah!

What is this qurbani?” He replied, “It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim.” To that I say: Amen.

With the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE, the pilgrimage

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

aspect of the week long harvest festivals of Haj Sukkot and Haj HaMatzot began a gradual decline in the spiritual consciousness of the Jewish People.

Most of the many thousands of Jews from foreign lands outside the land of Israel; and the tens of thousands of Jews from all over the Land of Israel outside the city of Jerusalem; who used to came each year to celebrate the week of Haj Sukkot and Haj HaMatzot in Jerusalem at Bait ul-Muqaddas, the furthest sanctuary; ceased coming.

Two generations later, after a second major Jewish revolt (132-135 CE) in the land of Israel, the Romans rebuilt Jerusalem as a pagan city filled with idols, That stopped all Jews from coming to the ruined site of the Jerusalem Temple–Bait ul Muqaddas/Beit HaMiqdash.

But even centuries after the destruction of the Temple, and the end of pilgrimage, generations of Jews repeated wonderful tales about pilgrimage experiences in Jerusalem and at the Holy Temple.

Crowded as Jerusalem was, there always seemed to be enough room to squeeze everyone in. Indeed, every year it seemed a continuing miracle that pregnant woman didn’t suffer a miscarriage, a rain shower never quenched the fire on the alter, the wind never blew smoke from the fire into the crowds of worshipers, and no one was ever bitten by a scorpion or a snake. Most amazing of all, no one complained, “It is difficult for me to find lodging in Jerusalem”. (Pirkay Avot 5:8) The wonderful fragrance of the Temple incense was so widespread throughout the city that brides in Jerusalem did not need to use perfume. (Yoma 39b) Monobaz, king of Adiabene, and his mother Queen Helene, who were well known converts to Judaism, contributed a very large golden candlestick that was placed over a Temple entrance.

When the sun rose in the east, sparkling rays were reflected from it, and people knew it was time to recite the morning prayers.

(Mishnah Yoma 3:10 and Tosefta Yoma 2:4) Only a rare outside observer can experience even a small fraction of the spiritual feelings of those who belong to a pilgrimage tradition. One such observer, Mark Twain, wrote: “It is wonderful, the power of a faith that can make multitudes upon multitudes of old, weak, young and frail enter without hesitation or complaint upon such incredible journeys and endure the resultant miseries

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

without repining.”

For Muslims, the Furthest Sanctuary is located in Jerusalem. “Glory to He Who carried His servant by night, from the Holy Sanctuary to the Furthest Sanctuary, the precincts of which We have blessed. so that We might show him some of Our signs. Surely He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.”

(Qur’an 17:1) It is significant that the ruins of the Jerusalem Temple was the site of Prophet Muhammad’s (s) ascension, meraaj, up to the heavens.

One might say the destruction of the Furthest Sanctuary center of monotheistic pilgrimage in Jerusalem by the pagan Romans, was five and a half centuries afterward overcome by Prophet Muhammad’s (s) ascension (meraaj) up to the heavens, and the soon to be realised removal by Prophet Muhammad (s) of all the 300 idols from the paganized Ka’ba in Makkah. The Ka’ba of Abraham.

The Prophet Zechariah envisions a future time when God helps all humanity to establish worldwide peace. All the nations in the world may then travel to Makkah and Jerusalem to worship God. Then during Haj Sukkot, Jerusalem will welcome both Jews and non-Jews, even including those who were previously Israel’s enemies: “Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem, will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate Haj Sukkot.” (Zechariah 14:16) Just as the Ka’ba has always welcomed all Muslims from all the nations of the world, who answer the call: “And proclaim to mankind the Haj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Haj).” (Quran 22:27) Allen S Maller is an ordained Reform Rabbi who retired in 2006 after 39 years as the Rabbi of Temple Akiba in Culver City, California. His website is: www.rabbimaller. com. Rabbi Maller blogs in the Times of Israel. His book ‘Judaism and Islam as Synergistic Monotheisms: A Reform Rabbi’s Reflections on the Profound Connectedness of Islam and Judaism’ (31 articles previously published by Islamic web sites) is for sale ($15) on Amazon.

ISSUE 189 / AUGUST 2021

LIFESTYLE 15 - 16

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

BUSINESS 21

BUSINESS

SOCIAL 22 - 23

AMUST

Australian economic projections over next 40 years

Prophet’s advice on pandemic and lockdowns Sukoon Quteifan As we have witnessed the thousand of people going out in demonstrations last week opposing the decision of Sydney’s lockdown made by the government; I felt the urge to share this remarkable story from the second caliph Umar ibn al Khattab (r), highlighting this important Hadith from our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s).

During the winter of 638-639 CE virulent plague broke out in Syria, Egypt and Iraq. The plague exacted its heaviest toll in Syria, particularly Amwas, and the plague came to be known as the Amwas plague.

When Umar (r) heard of the outbreak of the plague, he decided to proceed to Syria personally to watch the measures to be adopted to suppress the epidemic.

When he reached Surgh, a few stages from Madina, he met Abu Ubaida (r) and other officers of the Muslim army in Syria and was told that the virulence plague was increasing and that people were dying in thousands. Abu Ubaida (r) suggested that Umar should visit the infected areas.

Umar (r) held a counsel. There was a differences of opinion as to whether they should proceed further or go back to their homes in such a situation.

Some said that since Umar (r) has set forth for a task, and, therefore, he should not go back, whereas others said that since he was accompanied by many blessed companions of Allah’s Messenger he should not expose them to danger and refrain from proceeding further.

After consulting the people and the companions Umar (r) made the

announcement to return back.

Abu Ubaida (r) said: “Are you going to run away from the Divine Decree?”

Thereupon Umar said: “Had it been someone else to say this besides you! Umar (in fact) did not approve of his opposing (this decision) and he said his famous quote: Yes, we are running from the Divine Decree (to the) Divine Decree. You should think if there had been camels for you and you happened to get down in a valley having two sides, one of them covered with verdure and the other being barren, would you not (be doing) according to the Divine Decree if you graze them in verdure?

And in case you graze them in the barren land (even then you would be grazing them) according to the Divine Decree. “ Next day another companion of the Prophet, ‘Abd al-Rahman bin ‘Auf (r) arrived and on hearing about the discussion said, ” I have with me a knowledge of it, that I heard Allah’s Messenger as saying: “If you hear of its presence (the presence of plague) in a land, don’t enter it, but if it spreads in the land where you are, don’t fly from it”.

Thereupon Umar ibn al Khattab (r) praised Allah for making the right decision and then went back to Madina without entering the area of the pandemic.

FINANCE Dr Abul Jalaluddin The Federal Treasury has recently released the “2021 Intergenerational Report,” forecasting a smaller population growth, rapidly ageing citizens and slower economic growth over the next 40 years to 2060-61.

The Australian economy will continue to be debilitated by the COVID-induced shockwaves, hitting Federal budget bottom lines, employment and migration in the succeeding 40 years.

As part of the Charter of Budget Honesty, the intergenerational report is handed down every five years to prognosticate the longterm impacts of the Federal Government’s social and economic policies.

Australian population will reduce markedly over the next 40 years. The 2015 Intergenerational Report projected Australia’s population would grow to 40 million by 2054-55. This report (2021 Intergenerational Report) predicts it will reach 38.8 million by 2060-61.

This means Australian economy will be smaller than what was forecast in 2015. In 2020-21, the population growth was 0.1% due to restriction on migration in response to COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected to recover to 1.3% per year by 2023-24, but it will then gradually fall to 0.8% per year by 2060-61.

Australia’s population growth has been driven by net overseas migration. In the decade ended 31 December 2020, the net migration accounted for 60% of the population growth in Australia. This is expected to increase to 74% by 2060-61.

Australians are expected to live longer.

On average, men born in 2060-61 are expected to live to 86.8 years, compared to 81.4 years for people born in 2020-21. On the other hand, women born in 2060-61 are

expected to live to 89.3 years, compared to 85.4 for those born in 2020-21.

The ageing population will reduce the labour force participation rate from a record high of 66.3% in 2021 to 63.6% by 2060-61.

The 2021 Intergenerational Report predicts that 23% of the Australian population will be over 65 in 2060-61 which is 16% in 2020-21. The ratio of people of working age to those at retirement age will continue to reduce.

In the early 1980s, there were more than six people working for every Australian aged over 65. In the early 2010s, that ratio has decreased to just four working Australians. By 2060-61, it will be less than three working age people to support a retired Australian.

In the next 40 years, Australian Federal budget will be under a major pressure from health and aged care spending. As a share of the government spending, health care outlay will spike from 19% in 2021-22 to 26% in 2060-61.

In dollar terms, the health spending will increase from $3,250 per person in 20182019, to $3,970 in 2031-32 and then to $8,700 in 2060-61. As a share of the economy, the aged care spending alone will nearly double from 1.2% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021-22 to 2.1% by 206061.

Australian economy will grow at a slower pace over the next 40 years than it has over the past 40 years. The GDP is projected to grow at 2.6% per year over the next 40 years, compared with 3.0% over the past 40 years.

The budget is expected to remain in deficits at least another 40 years, thanks to Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020-21, the Federal budget was in deficit with 7.8% of GDP which is projected to be 2.3% of GDP by 2060-61.

Dr Abul Jalaluddin is an Islamic Finance expert, taxation advisor and a regular columnist for AMUST. He is based in Sydney.

References: https://www.alim.org/history/ khaleefa/umar/18/71/ https://sunnah.com/muslim:2219a

Sukoon Quteifan is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Sydney, Australia. She is the creator and the illustrator of “Sukoon Al Quloob - Peace of Hearts”, an Islamic Cartoons facebook page. You can follow her on facebook @SukoonQuteifanArt.

AUGUST 2021 / ISSUE 189

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

21

AMUST

#SOCIAL

NEWS 1-3

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10- 14

Social Spotlights

Islamic Museum of Australia

@ISLAMICMUSEUM

Brothers In Need @brothersinneed.org

Amani Haydar @amanihaydar It’s finally publication day! Thank you so much to everyone on here for the love and support.

I’ve carried this book around in my heart for so long. I’m grateful to finally split the weight of it into lots of little pieces that other people can read and carry and discuss.

I want to say something about the bitter-sweet nature of this moment. I’ve been asked, would I have written a book if the awful events documented in this one hadn’t happened?

I believe I would have - it would have been a different story, but I believe that I would have written and maybe I would have written later and maybe I would have written sooner and maybe I would have written better and with less fear. I think now that I can put this down, I will be able to write more and make more art.

So whilst I celebrate this milestone and this book I am mindful of the suffering that came before it. I am glad I have written this.

I wish I didn’t have to.

I hope the conversations it prompts are fruitful and deep and complex. Thank you to my agent Grace at @leftbankliteraryagency, my publisher Cate at @macmillanaus for helping me bring this to life and to all the wonderful friends, family and fellow writers who have supported me along the way.

Image Description: Amani Haydar holding a copy of a book titled The Mother Wound.

She is wearing a maroon dress and cream coloured hijab. The wall in the background is covered in paste-up artworks.

22

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

Butter chicken with rice, fresh naan and cookies were this afternoon’s menu for our Soup Kitchen Program. With the Sydney entering a lockdown, we wanted to treat our Homeless Community to a special treat tonight. A huge thank you to our team of sisters who participated in our Soup Kitchen at the The Culinary School.

That being said, we can’t forget the staff at The Culinary School for helping us out as well.

“My family and I came to Australia when I was four-and-a-half years old to escape the war in Lebanon. We lived in the firing line and left in a hurry as the conflict got very heated. I remember having to sleep in the corridor of our apartment, where I saw bullet holes in the walls. We boarded a cargo ship to Cyprus that was evacuating people from Lebanon. We waited in Cyprus for several months before receiving our visas and making our way to Australia. I remember the plane ride.

I didn’t know a word of English when I arrived, but thankfully received ESL (English as a Second Language) support in the early years of my schooling. I think that’s one of the reasons why I am so passionate about my role as a Multicultural Education Aide. I feel the need to give back and to help others who are facing similar struggles to what my family and I faced when we were new arrivals to the country.” #MissingVoices closes tomorrow, 16 July.

See this important exhibition archiving the contemporary Muslim experience now at the Islamic Museum of Australia, or on our online gallery: https://loom.ly/bZZ-_mQ

Activate Youth @activateyouthau Our Terracotta Pot Painting and Planting event, in collaboration with the @islamicmuseumaustralia was a huge success!

With the theme of showcasing gardens as a place of growth, nourishment and beauty, the participants evoked their creative spirits to decorate their pots. The sold out event also brought the youth together as a stress-buster from day-to-day challenges, revitalising their mental wellbeing.

We were pleased to have @amran.mohamud.abdi and @sumayadesigns, helping us facilitate the event.

We look forward to many more unique Arts and Craft events to come.

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

Amal Abou-Eid @booksbyamal It’s a good feeling seeing your work alongside Aussie greats. It’s a really good feeling Alhamdulilah.

Check it out at www.aus-reads.com More on this website to come Insha’Allah.

ISSUE 189 / AUGUST 2021

LIFESTYLE 15 - 16

UMMAH 17 - 18

EDUCATION 19 - 20

TOP 6 Memes

BUSINESS 21

#SOCIAL

SOCIAL 22 - 23

AMUST

TOP 6

SHARED SNAPS

Tweets

#ClimateCrisis

Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman Sheikh Shadi receiving his first COVID-19 vaccine.

Assalamu Alaikom Wa Rahmatu Allahe Wa Barakatuh, I am overwhelmed and thankful for the gratitude and support from hundreds of community leaders, Imams, doctors, health experts, and community members, after posting the video of my COVID vaccination yesterday.

I extend my sincere gratitude to all those who called or messaged me, whether privately or openly, and I ask Allah to reward them greatly.

Whilst I acknowledge that there have been negative comments from some members of the community who disagree with my post or who are anti-vaccination, I reiterate that everyone is entitled to express their opinion openly and freely, whether that opinion is based on proof and evidence, or on advice from experts, or none of the above.

I do believe that the vaccination is safe, and it is the right thing to do. I also believe that people are entitled to their own decision on whether or not to proceed with it.

I based my view on the overwhelming majority of Muslim and nonMuslim doctors and health experts who advised me that it is safe, and who also underwent vaccination themselves. From an Islamic perspective, the vast majority of Imams and Muslim scholars locally and abroad have said that it is permitted to be undertaken.

As mentioned in my video, that I will not put the word of a common, uneducated and unqualified person in this area over the word of a specialist, educated and qualified expert and person.

Reviewing some of the negative comments emerging from certain groups of people, with their questionable style and colourful language, wholeheartedly re-enforced my belief that my decision and action to proceed with COVID-19 vaccination was correct, and I confirm that I have no regret in doing so.

I want to thank those who called me and openly discussed their opposition to the vaccination respectfully, and I appreciate their openness and sincere advice. Unfortunately, none who called me or communicated with me were experts in the medical field and they were unable to convince me otherwise. Nonetheless, I admire their courage in having this dialogue.

I excuse and forgive those who personally attacked me, slandered me, and made serious accusations against my character and my religion. Time and time again when a person wants to debate or argue a point without proof or evidence, or “facts” based on nonexpert advice, they will always resort to personal attacks and make accusations, rather than having a civil, educated and respectful dialogue with proofs and evidences, and unfortunately this was displayed by some of our brothers and sisters. I ask Allah to forgive them all and guide them.

Their accusations are utterly untrue and false, including claims of me getting paid for the video, reading from a script, having an agenda, and so on. The fact that some people will remain adamant in their accusations without producing any proof backing their claim (and they will never do so), only inspires me to be stronger and continue moving forward with my conviction that this was the right thing to be done by my religion, myself, my family and my community.

Once again thank you all for your support and I ask Allah to guide us and make it easy upon us all during these difficult times.

AUGUST 2021 / ISSUE 189

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

23

NEWS 1-3

P rotect

OUR PEOPLE

BOOMERANG 4-7

COMMUNITY 8-9

AUSTRALIA 10- 14

Why should I get vaccinated for COVID-19?

Protect yourself and the community Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against infectious diseases.

Vaccines strengthen your immune system by training it to recognise and fight against specific viruses.

When you get vaccinated, you are protecting yourself and helping to protect the whole community.

Prophet Mohammad (s) SAID:

Make use of MEDICAL TREATMENT,

FOR ALLAH

HAS NOT MADE A DISEASE WITHOUT

APPOINTING A REMEDY FOR IT. [Sunan Abi Dawud 3855] [Sunan Abi Dawud 3855]

24

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

Help reduce COVID-19 in the community COVID-19 can spread quickly and widely. It has resulted in the deaths of over 1.9 million people worldwide and over 900 deaths in Australia.

When enough people in the community are vaccinated, it slows down the spread of disease.

Achieving herd immunity is a long-term goal. It usually requires a large amount of the population to be vaccinated.

Studies will monitor the impact of COVID-19 vaccines in Australia and whether herd immunity is developing over time.

For this reason, public health practices will stay in place until evidence shows that: • vaccination prevents transmission and • herd immunity is achieved in Australia.

• The best strategy to manage the potential public health risk posed by incoming travellers to is mandatory quarantine with regular COVID-19 testing.

Reduce the health, social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic Higher vaccination rates makes outbreaks much less likely. It also reduces the need for preventive measures, such as border closures and travel restrictions.

This will reduce the health, social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It will help save lives and livelihoods.

Source: health.gov.au

Current vaccine preventable diseases Diseases for which vaccinations form part of the NHMRC Standard Vaccination Schedule • • • • • •

diphtheria tetanus pertussis (whooping cough) poliomyelitis (polio) measles mumps

• • • • •

rubella haemophilus influenzae type b infections hepatitis B influenza pneumococcal infections

Other diseases where a risk may arise for a particular person or group of people in specific situations • cholera • hepatitis A • meningococcal disease • plague • rabies • bat lyssavirus Source: health.gov.au

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

• • • • • •

yellow fever Japanese encephalitis Q fever tuberculosis typhoid varicella-zoster (chickenpox)

Let’s work together to eradicate COVID-19 and add it to this list!

ISSUE 189 / AUGUST 2021