Issue 192 - November 2021

AMUST

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

www.amust.com.au ISSUE # 192

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Multicultural News & Views

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Sport results lead to anti-Muslim pogroms in India BOOMERANG PAGE 5

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PH: (02) 9158 3020

Women Leaders in the Abrahamic Traditions AUSTRALIA PAGE 18

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Digital Newspaper Available

EMAIL: INFO@AMUST.COM.AU

A time-befitting approach to the Shari’ah EDUCATION PAGE 25

Israel’s latest move to silence Palestinians condemned Mohamed Ainullah

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Resilient Muslims in regional and remote Australia TRAVEL PAGE 27

Children & COVID-19: Advice on vaccination

There has been world-wide condemnation including in Australia of Israeli designation of six Palestinian human rights organisations and unions as “terrorist” organisations on Friday 22 October 2021 “designed to criminalise, persecute, and silence Palestinian civil society and human rights defenders for their commitment to the struggle against Israeli occupation, entrenched settler-colonialism, and apartheid.”

Continued on page 2 Mobinah Ahmad With over 64% of the Australian population fully vaccinated and the lockdown restrictions from COVID-19 relaxed, the attention now shifts to children. Will, our children, get infected with COVID, how severe is the effect of infection on children, and is it safe for them to get the vaccine?

Mobinah Ahmad from AMUST conducted an exclusive interview with Dr Habib Bhurawala, Head of Department in Paediatrics at the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.

As schools are reopening, there is a serious level of concern regarding children getting COVID. According to Dr Bhurawala, “we need to be mindful of children being more likely to contract COVID infection if an infection is spreading around in the community. Children are particularly vulnerable and not as well protected as vaccinated adults and other individuals.” continued on page 3

Zia Ahmad recognised with Lifetime Achievement Award Mobinah Ahmad Zia Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of AMUST has been recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Premiers Multicultural Communications Awards (PMCA) 2021 for his dedicated service to the Australian Multicultural community.

“Currently the Editor-in-Chief of the Australasian Muslim Times, Zia Ahmad’s journalistic career has had a significant and long term impact on the community promoting multiculturalism, global outlook and unity of mankind. As the founder of many community organisations and winner of multiple community awards, Zia has dedicated almost 50 years to social cohesion, understanding and harmony.” – PMCA summary of Zia Ahmad’s accomplishments.

Under Zia Ahmad’s leadership, AMUST has been recognised four times at the PMCA 2021. An AMUST supported initiative Reci-

pe for Ramadan won the Best Use of Digital or Social Media and was the finalist for the Publication of the Year category. Under Multicultural marketing categories, Seena Inc. were finalists in the category of Community Campaign of the Year.

The awards were announced in a media release on Tuesday 12 October 2021 by The Hon Natalie Peta Ward, MLC Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans.

Earlier, in the week before the public announcement, the Minister personally informed him of the prestigious award and congratulated him for winning the award and commending him for the achievement.

“When the Minister rang me, I was in my swimming pool doing my 500m daily laps. I am humbled and honoured for having been recognised for living and serving in this country for half a century,” Zia said.

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Israel’s latest move to silence Palestinians condemned AMUST

Continued from page 1 The organisations targeted include: Addameer – Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association; Al Haq – Law in the Service of Man; Bisan Center for Research and Development; Defense for Children International – Palestine; the Union of Agricultural Work Committees; and the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees.

This move allows the Israeli Government to arrest human rights defenders, and confiscate property of the organisations in an effort to silence Palestinians in their efforts to resist the occupation.

According to a statement by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International the designation “authorises Israeli authorities to close their offices, seize their assets and arrest and jail their staff members, and it prohibits funding or even publicly expressing support for their activities.”

A petition put together by the Australian Centre for International Justice condemning “Israel’s latest dangerous attack on Palestinian human rights institutions in the occupied Palestinian territory (OPT)” has been signed by a large number of Australian individuals and organisations.

The signatories include over 70 organisations, including Amnesty, ACTU, Australian Council for International Development, as well as many former diplomats, academics, lawyers and former parliamentarians.

The petition named Australian Human Rights Community Solidarity Statement released on Wednesday 27 October 2021 has been jointly initiated by the Australian Friends of Palestine Association Inc (AFOPA) and Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN).

The signatories have called on the Australian Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to condemn these outrageous attacks on Palestinian human rights organisations and human rights defenders and to demand that Israel’s occupation authorities reverse these arbitrary decisions immediately.

The statement also called for “the Australian Government to end its complicity with Israel’s violations of international law.

Palestinian human rights organisations are critical to documenting decades of grave abuses by Israeli occupation authorities, many of which are said to amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

They undertake their work at great risk to themselves and operate in a context of war and military occupation. Their offices are routinely raided, property, including sensi-

tive evidence and equipment is confiscated, and their staff are subject to arrest, harassment, intimidation, and travel bans. Palestinian human rights organisations also play a critical role in documenting abuses by Palestinian authorities.

The consequences of this new measure will further criminalise their human rights activities and license Israeli authorities to close their offices, seize their assets, arrest, and imprison their staff. It will also prohibit funding and public expression of support for their work.

This move represents an escalation of punitive efforts by Israeli authorities in their ongoing campaign to delegitimise Palestinian human rights organisations and defenders.

Israel’s proxies working with, and for Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, routinely

target institutional donors, supporters, and partners of Palestinian human rights organisations with misinformation and defamatory campaigns designed to defund, discredit and silence their work in exposing Israel’s catalogue of abuses.

This includes successive Australian governments entering into agreements that foster Israeli defence industry partnerships, and Australia’s abysmal voting record and interventions at international forums such as the Human Rights Council, Security Council, General Assembly, and the International Criminal Court.

In addition to the dangers that these designations present to a shrinking Palestinian civic space, it also has implications for Australians and Australian organisations who collaborate with, and rely on the work of, Palestinian human rights organisations.

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ISSUE 192 / NOVEMBER 2021

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EDUCATION 24 - 25

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Children & COVID-19: Advice on vaccination

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Mobinah Ahmad.

Dr Habib Bhurawala.

deed while any person of any age can get COVID. We saw more severe complications and infections in the older population than children, but they get COVID. We have had many cases of children getting infected with the COVID, especially in the recent outbreak in New South Wales and has been seen in Victoria. So they do get COVID, and indeed, we need to be mindful of that.

Mobinah: Absolutely. Should children get the vaccine? Does the vaccine cause any harm, and does it have any side effects on children?

Dr Habib: So I think children do get side effects of COVID vaccine like many other vaccines, and the side effects are again very similar to the other vaccines, and the commonest one which we know of is injection side pain, pain the way the vaccine has been given. And can occur in up to half of the children. Up to 50% of children can get that or one in five children. So up to 20% of children can get a fever, usually within 48 hours after receiving the vaccine, and generally responds well to the pain relief or fever medications, which they can get from the pharmacy or get their local doctors to advise and administer that. It’s no different to many other vaccines, and then they do have those complications.

Serious complications are rare, very un-

common. And for example, there are some rare side effects been regularly reported, such as inflammation or the swelling of the muscle of the heart, which we call myocarditis and inflammation of the membrane or covering surrounding the heart, which we call pericarditis. These effects are much, much rare. There is ongoing monitoring of those effects in children worldwide, wherever it’s been given in children. It’s more commonly seen in male, young adults between 16 and 30 years of age, not as common in younger children under 16. So that’s reassuring, but it is something recommended that we keep an eye on, but it’s much rarer.

Just coming back to your question around, should they get the vaccine? The health advice in Australia is that children up to the age of 12 years of age, all children should get the COVID vaccine. It has been recommended by the ATAGI, which is National Advisory Body on Immunisation for the Australian population and has also been approved

by TGA. The Therapeutic Goods Administration, the regulatory body, approves any vaccine used in Australia as other medicines or devices and antibiotics. So it is recommended.

Read full interview: https://tinyurl.com/3vht3j63

“We also have

had incidents of children requiring intensive care, which is, for severe illnesses condition due to COVID.

“

Mobinah: Wow, that’s so hard to hear.

Initially, the health advice said that children couldn’t get COVID, but now things have changed. Can you advise if that’s the case like that switch?

Dr Habib: Yeah, so I think children do get COVID. It’s all evolving situation, and in-

Muslim wins 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature Zia Ahmad A former African refugee Dr Abdulrazak Gurnah 73, a novelist residing in UK has won the 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature announced by the Nobel Committee on Thursday 7 October “for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents.”

He arrived in UK as a teenager refugee in 1960’s from Zanzibar, Tanzania completing his graduate studies at the University of London, completing his PhD from the University of Kent where he taught as a professor of post colonial literature before his recent retirement.

He has published 10 novels and several short stories where the theme of the refugee’s plight and disruption runs throughout his work.

Dr Gurnah’s writings deal with migration and displacement that he explored in most of his novels, the settings range from East Africa under German colonialism to modern-day England.

They explore the profound impact of migration both on uprooted people and the places they make their new homes.

“People are dying, people are being hurt around the world. We must deal with these issues in the most kind way,” he said.

NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 192

The Alliance of Australian Muslims hold 4th National Summit AMUST Media

Continued from page 1

Mobinah: If children do get COVID, how severely are they affected?

Dr Habib: Up to half of the children don’t get any symptoms of COVID infection.

That’s a good thing. So they do get COVID, but most of them do not suffer from serious illnesses as the adult population may suffer, which is good. The effects of the COVID infection persist in young children. They can have fever, cough, runny nose and other respiratory symptoms. They also may have diarrhoea and vomiting, and also abdominal pain. They may start to feel unwell, not eating and drinking as well and maybe at risk of dehydration.

All of this may sound like other viral infections or illnesses. Still, we need to be mindful that it can affect some children.

A small number of children can also need hospital admission and hospitalisation. We also have had incidents of children requiring intensive care, which is, for severe illnesses condition due to COVID. This is more common in children who have already pre-existing medical conditions. So they may have other health conditions which may make them predisposed to more severe illness because of COVID. For example, having conditions such as cancer, or having some other chronic disease treatment, may have diabetes, obesity, other health conditions, genetic conditions, delayed development, autism, all of these children are particularly more at risk of developing severe complications COVID.

AMUST

Dr Gurnah’s native language is Swahili but who writes in English, and he is the sixth Africa-born author to be awarded the Nobel for literature.

Commenting on his writings, Mr Anders Olsson, chairman of the Nobel Committee for literature said, “His work gives us a vivid and very precise picture of another Africa not so well known for many readers, a coastal area in and around the Indian Ocean marked by slavery and shifting forms of repression under different regimes and colonial powers:

Portuguese, Indian, Arab, German and the British.”

He further added that Gurnah’s characters “find themselves in the gulf between cultures … between the life left behind and the life to come, confronting racism and prejudice, but also compelling themselves to silence the truth or reinventing a biography to avoid conflict with reality.”

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

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

The Alliance of Australian Muslims (AAM) held its 4th National Summit online on Sunday 31 October 2021 via ZOOM. Prominent Muslim organisations and community leaders from around Australia attended the National Summit to discuss important issues of concern to Australian Muslims and the future of the community in Australia.

The AAM is currently comprised of over 200 mainstream Muslim organisations from all Australian States and Territories. It is open to all mainstream and representative Muslim organisations and individuals who are active in the Australian Muslim community.

The AAM aims to serve as a collaborative platform to coordinate and enhance efforts of common benefit for the Australian Muslim community. Further, the AAM continue to stand with and contribute to the Australian community.

The delegates at the National Summit focused on the key areas of promoting an Australian Muslim identity, enhancing media and political engagement, strengthening public relations, and advocating for the protection of civil rights of minority groups.

This includes the serious concern in relation to the rise of Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim sentiment.

The member organisations had reviewed and re-endorsed the AAM Covenant, which outlines the importance of the AAM and the Muslim organisations working together, including the positive role that Australian Muslims contribute to their country.

The 4th AAM National Summit focused on: 1. Preservation of Islamic Identity discussed the National survey to gain a better understanding of the sentiment of the Muslim community in Australia and to better cater to the Muslim community’s needs, in particular the Muslim youth.

2. Media Representation reinforced on Religious freedom, the rise of Islamophobia (Anti- Muslim sentiment) and the real threat of right-wing extremism.

3. Defence of Muslim Rights, addressed Civil rights Awareness campaigns and dealing with the threat of Islamophobia.

4. Public Relations aimed to hold a National Mosque Open Day and National Community Ramadan Iftaar to expand on the community engagement with the wider Australian society.

5. Lobby and Political Advocacy planned for the next Federal Elections 2022, raise awareness on the importance of political activism and involvement.

As part of the 4th National Summit, member organisations from different states across Australia made a presentation on their current activities and programs to exchange benefit and experience with other organisations.

Despite the limitations of using an online platform for the summit, the presentations were of a high calibre, with robust engagement and discussion resulting in a successful event overall.

The Alliance of Australian Muslims aims to meet onsite in Sydney for the 5th National Summit on 30 October 2022.

All Muslim organisations and community leaders are invited to attend and support this initiative. All nominations and expressions of interest to join AAM can directly apply online: australianmuslims.org.au/join/

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Sport results lead to antiMuslim pogroms in India

The unexpected but spectacular win by Pakistan over India in a T20 World Cup cricket match on Sunday 24 October led to a wave of anti-Muslim frenzy in India incited by Hindutva elements under the patronage of the ruling BJP government.

Soon after the game ended, Mohammed Shami, the only Muslim in the Indian cricket team, was viciously trolled and abused online. Social media users accused him of deliberately giving runs to the Pakistani team, while others labelled him a traitor.

A number of TV anchors known for their blind support for the BJP government went on an anti-Pakistan tirade and unsubstantiated accusations of Indian Muslims celebrating Pakistani victory after the match.

There were several reports of mobs in a number of places in India raising anti-Pakistan slogans, intimidating Muslim Indians and vilifying Islam.

In the northern state of Punjab there were reports of attacks on Kashmiri students allegedly for celebrating Pakistan’s victory after the cricket match.

Police in the Kashmir valley charged a number of students and staff at two medical colleges under the draconian anti-terror laws allegedly for shouting pro-Pakistan slogans during the match.

In the city of Agra, UP three Kashmiri university students accused of celebrating Pakistani victory, were arrested by police egged on by a mob raising “Pakistan murdabad” death to Pakistan slogans.

The three students were promptly suspended by their college pressured by members of the BJP and were charged for sedition and treason under IPC Sections 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups) Zia Ahmad and 505 (1)(B) (with intent to cause, or which is likely Assalamu to cause, fear or alarm to Alaikum the public, or to any section of the public), and 66-F Greetings of the Information Technolis not acceptable. It was a decision of Peace ogy Act for allegedly sending of the entire Bar Association that no WhatsApp messages “against the one will represent the youths. As a citizen country” after the India Pakistan match. of this country, one must follow its policies.

The lawyers in Agra have refused to rep- And if the same does not happen, it must be resent the Kashmiri students in the court. criticised.”

The Chairman of the Agra Bar Association It has now become a crime in the largest dePramod Sharma said, “If you raise slogans mocracy of the world to cheer up your favouragainst India while living in the country, it ite sports team or sports star and if you do not

Re: Muslims need to respond via the ballot box

It is a difficult journey, but as a Muslim we must put our trust in Allah. May Allah unite us and lead us to change the state of affairs towards good.

Mashallah, Inshallah.

Ahmedshinwari NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 192

Assalam alaikum AMUST Team What an amazing AMUST Issue!

The articles are varied, have been well-researched, and food for thought! A lot of effort has also been put into putting the publication together.

JazakAllah for presenting information of an ‘Islamic’ nature, which enables the reader to be aware of so many issues.

Ayesha Yusuf You are doing a great job by propagating the ethical values in religious perspectives and contribute a lot to the understanding of the true spirit of Islam, Christianity and other great religions. All the best to you all. I

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- Israel’s latest move condemned - Children & COVID-19 - Zia Ahmad recognised with award

Community

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- SistaHub: vaccination campaign - Minimise COVID-19 in mosques

Australia

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- Premier of NSW went to our school - Women in the Abrahamic Traditions

Lifestyle

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- Home is where the heart is - Divorce: 9 Self-Care strategies

Ummah

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- Dr Fathi Osman remembered - Emancipation of Muslim women

Education

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- Approach to the Shari’ah - Seeking refuge in Allah

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Business - Processing the Future - Breaking the stereotypes

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Travel

- Resilient Muslims in regional and remote Australia

Social

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- Kids Deen Times - Social Spotlights

Disclaimer

comply with this nationalistic jingoism, you can be deemed a traitor or even a terrorist.

Thankfully the Indian cricket team still displayed sportsman spirit and captain Virat Kohli strongly came to the defence of Mohammed Shami trying to keep religion and national politics out of sports.

Re: Justice, not gender dic- Re: Life Skills Workshops help- shall contribute my paper on Islamic Ethics, tates the true Islamic leader- ing migrant woman navigate Islamic spirituality, Islamic Art and comparative study of religions. ship life in Australia

Re: Read AMUST Digital October Issue

News

- Anti-Muslim pogroms in India - Report: Countering violent extremism - Muslims as part of the underclass?

Readers comments Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea its really help me a lot keep posting such amazing ideas.

Sofia

AMUST ISSUE # 192 FRIDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2021 29 RABI’UL AWWAL 1443

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EDITORIAL

I would like to congratulate Dr. Rashid Raashed for his courageous stand when everyone else prefers to remain silent. Dr. Raashed says that the Talibans are inspired by the Deobondi Fikh. I shall add to it by saying the Talibans ae bent on implementing it with their characteristic violent misogyny. They will not listen to anybody unless something comes from Deobond itself.

There is no chance. This is not Islam. They will take Afghanistan to the stone age. Bad for the Muslims and bad for the world.

Farouk Choudhury Bella Vista NSW

AMUST

Prof Latīf Hussain Shah Kazmi Aligarh Muslim University

HAVE YOUR SAY

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AMUST Team

Editor-in-Chief: Zia Ahmad Managing Editor: Mobinah Ahmad Sub-Editor: Nilufer Kurtuldu Graphic Designer: Rubinah Ahmad Chief Adviser: Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad OAM Multimedia Journalist: Mehar 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) Promotion: Dr Wali Bokhari Web Developer: rubinah.design 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

Email your thoughts or comment of current events to

info@amust.com.au

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.

Post: PO Box 111, Bonnyrigg (Sydney),

NSW 2177 Australia.

Email: info@amust.com.au Web: www.amust.com.au Phone: (02) 9158 3020 Facebook: @amustnews Instagram: @amustnews Twitter: @amustnews

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Perspectives on countering violent extremism in Australia AMUST

Dr Nada Roude

This research explores Australian Muslim leaders’ perspectives on the Federal Government’s countering violent terrorism policies and program, the efficacy of the government’s community engagement strategies, and the impact of political/media rhetoric and foreign policy on community trust and engagement.

Using a mixed method approach, the study elicits recommendations from data provided by Muslim leaders for improving Government–community engagement and curbing key indicators that foster extreme and violent ideologies.

The events of 11 September 2001, Madrid, 2004, London and Bali in 2005 generated new government responses and approaches to the threat of terrorism by the United States of America and its close allies- the Five-Eyes Partners, including the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Central to these counter-terrorism policies and strategies is the importance that communities play in defeating terrorism.

Community engagement is an important component in the so-called ‘fight against extremism and terrorism’. Since 2001, Australian Governments has identified the community as an important player collaborating with government to defeat terrorism.

This is supported by literature in Aus-

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tralia and the UK, which has reiterated the importance of community engagement to the success of governments’ countering extremism strategies (Briggs, 2010; Gunaratna, 2011; Klausen, 2009; Pickering, McCulloch, & Wright-Neville, 2008; Spalek & Imtoual, 2007; Spalek & Lambert, 2008).

This research explores the Australian government’s counterterrorism policies and, in particular, the countering violent extremism (CVE) strategy that was implemented at state and federal levels.

The CVE strategy commenced under the Rudd government in 2009 with the creation of a CVE national framework, which was the first of its kind in Australia.

Religious and community leaders in the Australian Muslim communities have expressed concerns about the negative impact counterterrorism policies and legislation have had on members of the Muslim community, resulting in a lack of confidence and trust in working with government authorities.

Political and media rhetoric in Australia has been negative towards Muslim Australians, often contributing to heightened fears and the alienation of Australian Muslims from mainstream Australian society.

This study examined the extent to which negative political and media narratives have reinforced differences and thereby contributed to distrust and radicalisation among Muslims. This study also investigated: how the language used in political and media responses to terrorist attacks has affected the trust of local Muslim communities; and the en-

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

gagement of Muslim communities with the government as partners in countering extremism.

The research focuses on Muslim community leaders’ perspectives on the effectiveness of the CVE strategy and the engagement processes, in order to identify factors that currently impede or might improve the likelihood of its success. In particular, the research aims at identifying better approaches for engaging Muslim communities as partners in developing counter-extremist strategies.

The research employed a mixed method of gathering data. A purposive sample was selected focusing on leaders of peak, state and local organisations and its leaders (or representatives) from Australia’s

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diverse Muslim community. These leaders were first asked to participate in an online questionnaire, and then a one on one semi-structured interviews In this study, a Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis method was used to analyse data collected from the research participants on the reasons, factors and suggestions for improving the government CVE programme’s approach to countering violent extremism.

Dr Nada Roude is a consultant advising on cross cultural and religious issues. Her research addresses government approaches for engaging Muslim Communities as partners in countering violent extremism.

ISSUE 192 / NOVEMBER 2021

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Muslims as part of the underclass?

Bilal Cleland The notion of ethnic or social superiority is absent from Islam, if not from the practice of all Muslims.

“O humanity! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Truly the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (the one who is) the most righteous of you.

And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” [Quran 49:13] There is a notion in western thinking of “blue blood.”

Not much openly discussed these days, it originated in Spain in the ninth century.

The Gothic nobles of the north proved that they were of pure pedigree by displaying the blue veins on their inner wrists, unlike the darker skinned Muslims.

Eventually it came to divide the lower and upper classes throughout Europe, with the original racist religious origins forgotten.

We saw a very clear illustration of the continuation of this ruler’s attitude towards “the other” in Pru Goward’s recent article.

[AFR, 19 October 2021] Ms Goward, NSW Liberal minister for community services until 2019, and a former federal sex discrimination commissioner, was appointed Professor of Social Interventions and Policy in August 2019 by Western Sydney University, of all places.

Likening the “underclass, ” which she

seems to think is linked to the proletariat, to the stoats and weasels of “The Wind in the Willows,” she writes…..”They were to be feared and were, to use my mother’s words, not very nice.”

“Government agencies view them with alarm as huge cost centres; they are over-represented in their use of government crisis services and are always the last to give up smoking, get their shots and eat two servings of vegetables a day.”

Echoing Malthus she says: “Their birth rates far outstrip those of professional couples and they are now a significant potential contributor to our workforce.”

They not only breed like rabbits but they are also mentally deficient: “… their children languish in the growing number of behavioural support classes in general high schools where they learn little.”

They might suffer from mental illness, cognitive disabilities and traumatic childhoods but they can be of service, presumably to the “blue bloods.”

They can help avoid the importation of large number of workers by being made more amenable to exploitation with some undefined but “well designed” social policy.

“I am convinced we can do better to harness the force that the people of the underclass represent. We need to make it a focus of social policy, not a by-product of it. We have little choice, or we will continue to import our workforce …”

This approach, coming from a Western Sydney Professor of Social Interventions and Policy, is concerning.

“A Demographic, Social and Economic Profile of Muslims in Australia 2015,” by Professor Riaz Hassan, pointed to evidence

The Hapsburg Family was so focused upon preserving blue blood that it became inbred and produced generations of the Hapsburg Jaw. of social injustice, rather than inferiority, behind the picture.

Australian Muslims’ level of educational attainment compares favourably with the total population.

They are more likely to have completed Year 12 and Muslim men are more likely to have a bachelors or postgraduate degree.

A larger proportion of Muslims are in fulltime education compared with all Australians.

Muslims live near employment opportunities, 75% living in Melbourne or Sydney.

The Muslim population is young, going on the profile of immigrants to this country, with over 60% of our Muslim population

Scholars need freedom to persuade Taliban to Islamic practices Dr Daud Batchelor To sell occupation of Afghanistan as part of the US led Western coalition destructive wars for over 25 years on the Muslim world, Neocons promoted to Westerners that it was to establish democracy (which they could manipulate). However, this perspective was not fully embraced by Afghans who refrained from strongly supporting the US-installed, corrupt Afghan government. Further, would you expect to change ingrained cultural mores of battle-hardened guerillas on women’s rights, facing the muzzle of a gun?

The overriding issue today is preventing further harm to Afghan-resident citizens, who experienced 40 years continuous warfare, and w h o s e well-being Gallup Poll surveys demonstrate, has slumped to abysmal levels. This statement applies to all – Hazaras, Pashtuns, Tajiks etc.

W e shouldn’t be distracted by those who wish to keep the conflict raging, rather than addressing dire needs of long-suffering Afghans.

Following rapid takeover by the Taliban, we saw their relative restraint shown to diverse groups, and in facilitating the emigration of erstwhile adversaries.

It is likely the Taliban will shut down NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 192

opium production facilitated by the former government, which will save countless lives. Taliban also provides a higher level of statewide security.

However, the Taliban are not yet reflecting Islamic teachings in many of their practices.

Probably, the best way to influence their leadership, often raised on a narrow rigid view of Islam, is for Ulama to engage them and draw attention to their many un-Islamic practices.

As an example, Iranian women were notably successful after the 1979 Iranian Revolution in engaging the Ulama, putting forward persuasive fiqhi arguments, thereby bringing positive change in women’s treatment.

AFIC’s initiatives in trying to engage with Taliban leadership should be supported, perhaps in consultation and inclusion of representatives from the Australian Afghan community including women.

There should not be any ill-advised government censorship over zealously-protected freedoms of speech in Australia, especially in preventing Muslim scholars persuading Taliban leadership to a softer, compassionate, more inclusive governance of their majestic country and its courageous citizens.

In this respect, AFIC appointed Grand Mufti of Australia, Sheikh Abdul Quddoos Al-Azhari, in his talk prepared in advance for the cancelled webinar, requested the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan: firstly, to educate all Afghans without any gender-based

AMUST

discrimination; secondly, to provide equal treatment of citizens without discrimination based on gender or clan, treating them honourably and compassionately; and thirdly, to ensure justice in providing people their legitimate Islamic rights, including their right to choose representatives, and governance through a Shura’ process.

As Islam reformed pre-existing Arabian Jahiliya society, so there is no place in Afghanistan for Asabiyyism tribal/ethnic solidarity that excludes participation of all communities.

Also keep in mind that a recent public debate was won by the team advocating engagement with Taliban.

The Australian Institute of International Affairs NSW hosted a debate that “Australia should establish full diplomatic relations with the Taliban government in Afghanistan.”

Adjudicator, Kevin Boreham, awarded victory to those affirming that dealing pragmatically with the government in effective power in Afghanistan would help Afghans by promoting better conditions and support Australian objectives, facilitating humanitarian aid, assisting refugees and preventing its use as a terrorism base.

If Taliban’s current refusal to open female high schools is due to financial shortfalls, the Australian Government could provide foreign aid to cover emergency operating funds.

We call on Islamic scholars worldwide to reach out to the Taliban and help persuade them to implement teachings befitting a state calling itself Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan – to protect all Afghan citizens and shows the true face of Islam, not one coloured by just Pashtun lenses.

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

immigrant.

What does not match this well educated and productive profile is the level of income, of unemployment and ease of obtaining employment.

Muslim Australians are significantly underrepresented in the high-status occupational categories and overrepresented in lower socioeconomic categories.

Their rate of unemployment is about double that of all Australians and there is blatant discrimination in employment practices.

“To get as many interviews as an Anglo applicant with an Anglo-sounding name, an Indigenous person must submit 35 per cent more applications, … and a Middle Eastern person 64 per cent more applications.”

Blue blood mentality, Malthusian starve the poor to stop them breeding, God favours the good through prosperity, are all anti-human attitudes which still exist under the surface, only occasionally vomiting forth.

The Muslim community needs to step up front on such issues and defend basic morality.

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

Kangaroo Made Into Jungle King Fazlul Huq Bush beyond fire trail is seen to be covered with native trees including gum and casuarina, banksia and paper bark, bush magnolia and tree of the unknown heritage.Where kookaburras and cuckoos in multitudes are witnessed to remain perched on the gum tree branch in preference to others as they are seen to fly in the air.

While you also seen deer and wallaby come out of the bush as do mighty lizards and flowing reptiles, the kangaroo hued in brown is found to have made into Jungle King.

Dr Fazlul Huq is a retired academic and Editor-in-Chief Emanreserch Journal Of Angiotherapy. He is also the poet “Jujube” at Allpoetry.com with over 35,000 compositions.

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SistaHub launches vaccination campaign

SistaHub are a group of Melbourne-based Muslim women hailing from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds united by a common cause – preserving the wellbeing of Muslim women by catering to their specific needs and addressing their concerns.

The team have launched a vaccination campaign recently that has garnered tremendous community support and positive media attention. The campaign aims to address the very valid concerns of Muslim women but to also offer solutions, by organising two vaccination hubs for Muslim women.

“SistaHub:

The hubs are located in Hume and Wyndham, and will be women-only spaces that cater to religious and cultural sensitivities. The staff present will only include women. The team have aimed to provide bicultural volunteers to assuage concerns and answer questions.

Bookings can be made via the SistaHub website, which also offers insights into the campaign’s focus and other valuable information.

SistaHub are proud to be affiliated with the values of compassion, integrity and human welfare, rather than with a particular organisation. The team aim to branch out into other areas of community need and interest once the vaccination campaign includes.

SistaHub are a great example of how much momentum and traction can be gained when com-

preserving the wellbeing of Muslim women by catering to their specific needs...

“

Nada Kalam

munity advocates band together at short notice for a common cause.

For information and bookings, visit SistaHub.org and follow their social media pages.

Nada is passionate about technology disruption in evolving and rapidly growing markets. She is currently working at Telstra Energy as the engineering lead on a suite of projects. She is also the founder of two operational organisations – one focussed on waste management (Why Waste Waste), and a professional mentoring and networking organisation (Muslim Professionals Association).

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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.

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Recommendations to minimise COVID-19 transmissions in mosques Dr Asif Raza.

Dr Habib Bhurawala

The Australian Islamic Medical Association in collaboration Quakers Hills Masjid brought together health professionals and imams on Friday 8 October 2021 to discuss COVID-19 infection and transmission risk in mosques and Islamic centres and measures to reduce the risks as the mosques are allowed to re-open in NSW. The online event moderated by Shaykh Youssef Hassan was attended by AIMA members Dr Fariha Dib, general practitioner, Dr Asif Raza, intensive care specialist, Dr Imran Haque, respiratory specialist, Dr Mohamed Assoum, infectious disease epidemiologist and public health researcher and Dr Habib Bhurawala, Paediatrician.

Dr Wajdi Hadi and Dr Naim Islam, members of AIMA, also attended this session.

Grand Mufti of Australia Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, Shaykh Ahmed Abdo from Australian National Imam’s council (ANIC), Shaykh Abu Hurairah, Imam of St Marys mosque, Shaykh Dr Shabbir Ahmed, Imam of Masjid Qubaa and other scholars, masjid committee members and a large number of community members including representa-

Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed.

Shaykh Ahmed Abdo.

tives and office bearers of various community organisations spoke at the event.

The programme commenced with the welcome from Shaykh Youssef Hassan provideing an overview of the current situation regarding mosque re-opening and the need for such a session. Then he invited Dr Ibrahim Abu-Mohamed, Grand Mufti, who spoke about the importance of consultation with health experts to minimise risk to the worshippers when masjids re-open and quoted from Islamic history about the contribution of Muslim surgeons and physicians in the field of Medicine.

Shaykh Ahmed Abdo summarised and reiterated Grand Mufti’s message.

Dr Asif Raza, Sydney based intensive care specialist, NSW co-ordinator and central executive committee member of AIMA, welcomed everyone and provided a brief update on the event’s purpose, especially

Dr Fariha Dib.

the imminent re-opening strategy for NSW and needs to have appropriate plans and processes in place for mosques and Islamic centres in NSW. Dr Asif Raza further explained that the objective and purpose of AIMA is to unite and inspire Muslim health professionals in Australia. In addition, he stated that AIMA members wish to serve and contribute towards the welfare of Muslims and the broader Australian community.

Dr Mohamed Assoum and Dr Imran Haque gave a short presentation followed by an interactive Q&A session where Dr Fariha Dib, Dr Asif Raza, Dr Habib Bhurawala and Dr Wajdi Hadi contributed.

They pointed out the precautions that would be recommended using available published research, protocols and information from national and international sources in both mosque and church settings.

Dr Habib Bhurawala.

They have also discussed at-risk populations and other preventive measures that can be taken to minimise harm. This session generated significant interest from the participants.

The seminar program concluded with a vote of thanks by Shaykh Youssef Hassan.

Recording of this session and details of other activities conducted by the Australian Islamic Medical association is available on the website: www.aimamed.com.au Read the recommendations on page 32.

Dr Habib Bhurawala (MBBS MD FRACP DCH) is a consultant general paediatrician currently working at Nepean & Blue Mountains hospitals in Sydney. He has a strong interest in community work, especially health education/promotion.

Zia Ahmad recognised with Lifetime Achievement Award

Dear Zia, Congratulations on receipt of this Lifetime Multicultural communications award in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding work for your community . You work has brought many communities closer together. Well done to you and the AMUST Team, most deserving.

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- Peter O’Meara, CEO, Catholic Cemeteries & Crematoria

Congratulations on your well-deserved Life Time Achievement Award.

May Allah (swt) give you more strength, with long and healthy life to continue to serve the community.

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- Dr Nakadar, USA

Hi Zia, I wish you a very warm congratulations on your lifetime achievement award. Your ongoing contribution to our multicultural community is significant and much appreciated. Regards, David.

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- David Shoebridge Greens MP in NSW Parliament.

About the PMCAs The NSW Premier’s Multicultural Com-

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Heartiest congratulations Zia Bhai. You rightly deserved this.

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- Prof Javed Jamil, India

Dear Zia Bhai, Mobinah and the wonderful team at AMUST, I hope you’re doing really well. I am writing to you with my warmest congratulations on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Premiers Multicultural Communications Awards, in recognition of your invaluable service to the community. Thanks for all the work you do for the community.

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- Dr Mehreen Faruqi, Greens Senator for NSW

Alhamdullilah Brother Zia as I feel so privileged to have known and worked with you. Your thoroughness and devotion, and the radiating smile over lips and face, eyes and the forehead have ben an inspiration for many across cultural and religious divides.

May Allah accept your good deeds and enable to do even more in the service of the community.

Good on.

- A/Prof Fazlul Huq

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- Lee Rhiannon, Former Greens Senator for NSW

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Warmest congratulations.

Wonderful your work has been recognised.

munications Awards (PMCAs) recognise excellence in the multicultural media and marketing industry.

The PMCAs recognise the valuable contribution multicultural media and marketing make to Australian society in NSW by connecting people to their culture, identity, and language.

These awards celebrate and recognise the important role journalists, editors and publishers in text, radio, television and digital media play. They also honour innovative and creative marketing campaigns that inspire social cohesion and community harmony.

Stories of survival in the face of persecution and investigative reports about scams targeting diverse communities are among the winners of the 2021 Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards.

“These awards recognise the vital role our multicultural communicators play in delivering critical information and connecting with our diverse communities,” Mrs Ward said.

“Our multicultural media professionals have been tireless in sharing crucial health messages throughout the pandemic and have been instrumental in helping keep our community safe.”

“I commend this year’s winners and finalists and would like to thank them for their ongoing support in communicating with diverse audiences across NSW.” Mrs Ward said the winning media and marketing entries were recognised across categories including Best Audio-Visual Report, the Public Interest Award and Business Campaign of the Year.

“Unfortunately due to COVID-19 restrictions, an in-person event to announce this year’s winners can’t take place, but that of course doesn’t take away from the importance of their work in our community,” Mrs Ward said.

“We look forward to celebrating the outstanding achievements of our winners at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner next year.

“I sincerely congratulate our outstanding winners and finalists for bringing an important voice to topics such as racism, migrant exploitation and the impact of COVID on our diverse communities.”

“I am delighted that the NSW Government is the only state in Australia to recognise multicultural communicators with a stand-alone awards program.”

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Continued from page 1 Zia Ahmad’s Dedicated Service Over the past five decades, Zia has established multiple community organisations and initiatives that has served the multicultural and interfaith community. It is a testament to his legacy as he continues to provide a servant leadership style to the multiple management and influential positions he has held and currently holds.

The 68 year old’s vision of strengthening and excelling the Australian Muslim Community, Zia has continuously provided opportunity and inspiration to those who meet him.

With his open minded approach, Zia has developed a trusted and beloved reputation with an extensively wide network including community leaders, religious leaders, advocacy organisations, businesses, mainstream and multicultural media, government officials and police.

His passion for actively getting involved, showcasing his life experience and making sure his voice is heard has led to making effective change and has played a significant impact to the pivotal and successful growth of Muslims in Australia.

“We are a dawah family. I have committed my life and involved my loving family into inviting all to see how grateful I am of the opportunity Australia has provided us with.

We have benefitted with freedom of religion, freedom of establishing Muslim communities and freedom to ensure our voices are heard,” Zia said.

He has personally won a number of awards including the Premier’s Multicultural Communications Award 2019 (PMCA 2019) in the category of Best Print Report of the year, Interfaith Dialogue Award 2018, Excellence Award 2018, Multicultural Communities Council of NSW, Premier’s Multicultural Media Awards 2016, in the category of Best Editorial/Commentary of the Year; AMU Alumni of Australia Award 2016 and University of Sydney LS Medal in 1998. He is an Ambassador of Peace appointed by the Universal Peace Federation. He was the SBS Lifetime Community Service Medal Finalist at the 2020 Premier’s Multicultural Community Medals.

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Lockdown Zoom series for seniors concludes Niyazi Brothers Qawwal.

AMUST Media As NSW government announced lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, South Asian Muslim Association of Australia Inc (SAMAA) held the last session of the popular lockdown Zoom series for seniors on Sunday 10 Oct 2021.

The programs commenced with the recitation of Hamd or Naat by local Naat Khwans including Shagufta Zia, Kashifa Khan, Faiza Khan, Zimam Thanvi and Abdur Rahman.

Maulana Nazeer ul Hassan Thanvi recited from Quran, gave a religious sermon and answered questions from the audience on important religious matters and made supplications to conclude the programs.

Apart from many other services, SAMAA organises regular get togethers including picnics, cruises, information sessions and social entertainment to alleviate social isolation of ways to stay fit to minimise the risks and imseniors.

As COVID-19 pandemic spread like wild portant health guidelines for seniors during fire in March 2020, seniors faced fear and the pandemic.

Over the past few months important sesisolation. They were unable to meet their sions were held about vaccination and related children as family gatherings were disallowed. Other social interactions, including concerns were addressed. Other health matSAMAA events, could not be held and most ters of seniors were also included. Psychiaof the seniors had to confine themselves to trists and psychologists gave presentations on how to overcome related stress to uplift the their homes in isolation.

SAMAA therefore decided to hold regular spirits and ways to stay relaxed. zoom events which continued for one and Salman half year with a short break early in the year Gilani when cases reduced to minimal in Australia and lockdown was lifted. However as delta variant surged, SAMAA resumed the online sessions.

A total of 20 zoom events were held which were well attended and recordings of the programs were circulated among hundreds of seniors, volunteers and community groups.

The programs included important information sessions by the community doctors, Half Page Ad_OL.pdf 25/10/2021 health professionals and aged1 care providers 12:55 PM who spoke about COVID-19 disease, the

Fasting by seniors during the month of Ramadan is a challenge and therefore related medical aspects were also addressed.

The eminent speakers at SAMAA Zoom series included Dr Faizia Ahmad, Dr Soofia Khan, Dr Aejaz Sheriff of Melbourne, Dr Jalal Khan, Dr Nisa Sheriff, SAMAA senior Dr Noorjahan, a retired Psychiatrist, Anju Mathur, the dementia consultant, Dr Asif Saber, the geriatetician, Dr Raiz Ismail, the Sheikh Yaqub Dahelvi.

psychiatrist, Ms Shehzi Yusuf, Sydney Psychologist, Sr Galila Abdel Salam, Director IWAA. Seniors actively participated during question and answer sessions, seeking clarifications on many health issues.

All zoom events included entertainment sessions. In 2020, local poets and singers entertained the seniors while in 2021, overseas guests were invited including famous Urdu poets Dr Nadim Shad, Popular Merruthi, AM Turaz of India and Dr Mohammad Izhar ul Haq and Syed Salman Gilani of Pakistan.

A renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Yaqub Dahelvi gave spiritual sermons during the month of Ramadan. Famous qawwali group Niyazi Brothers of Rampur gave a special performance to mark Eid ul Fitr in May 2021.

SAMAA seniors also presented items including poetry, their own stories and jokes.

A number of political leaders also attended special events including Federal Minister for Seniors and Aged Care Richard Colbeck, Geoff Lee MP and Julia Finn MP. Mr Zahid Jamil, on behalf of SAMAA, welcomed the seniors and other attendees during all sessions. He spoke about various SAMAA services and initiatives and urged the community seniors and their families to contact SAMAA coordinator Mrs Kaukab Saulat for all their needs.

You can watch the recording of zoom events here https://mega.nz/folder/IopkBIrZ#epmk0stw6RIVgsAa-NIkqA SAMAA, a Public Benevolent Institution, has been providing various services to the South Asian Muslim seniors of metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW for past twelve years.

SAMAA’s Services include developing innovative and effective Service Modules to facilitate the provision of culturally specific needs of South Asian Muslim seniors.

For more details, please visit SAMAA website: www.samaa.org.au

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IPDC attracts record numbers at its AGM 2021 Dr Faroque Amin Islamic Practice and Dawah Circle (IPDC) held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday 2 October 2021 with the opening session joined by a large number of politicians, community leaders and well-wishers from all over Australia, numbering to over 530 participants, a record for a Zoom online meeting.

IPDC is an Australia wide Islamic community organisation that has been serving the community for more than two decades. This year’s AGM of this organisation demonstrated its growth and social contribution and indicated its most significant role in the Australian society.

The online meeting was commenced at 10 am AEST with the Qur’an recitation,

by Shaikh Akram Buksh, Imam of Slacks Creek Masjid Brisbane, with several verses from the Surah Qaf that describe the creation of this world and the human journey towards a life in the hereafter.

The Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, honoured the opening session.

During his inauguration speech, the Central President of IPDC, Dr Rafiqul Islam, said that although the current pandemic is a global crisis, this might also be a reminder to renew humanity’s struggle for sustainable living through better environmental and climate-related changes worldwide.

“This crisis also presents an opportunity to understand the value of family and community and religious and spiritual resources can make an outstanding contribution in overcoming the current crisis,” he said.

The President of the IPDC thanked all participants for joining the inaugural session of the IPDC AGM. A short video presentation about the establishment of IPDC as a community organisation, its historical development and current projects and activities in various cities around Australia was showcased for the audience during the inaugural session.

Several Australian political, religious and community leaders addressed the AGM attendees during this opening session.

The federal and state political leaders who addressed the AGM participants included The Hon Tony Burke MP, Manager of Opposition Business in the House (Australia), Mr Andrew Giles MP, Member for Scullin, Victoria and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs in Victoria, Senator Janet

Rice, Senator for Victoria, Mr Christopher John Minns MP, Leader of the Opposition in NSW, Mr David Shoebridge, MLC, Member of the Legislative Council in NSW, Ms Natalie Suleyman MP, State Member for St Albans in Victoria, Ms Sarah Connolly MP, Labor Member for Tarneit in Victoria and Ms Lee Rhiannon, former Senator of Australia.

Hon Andrew Giles MP represented Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Leader of the Opposition (Australia) and the leader of the Australian Labor Party, and Ms Natalie Suleyman MP represented Hon Ros Spence MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Community Sport and Youth in Victoria.

Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Hon Daniel Andrews MP, Premier of Victoria, Mr Jihad Dib MP, Member for Lakemba in NSW, and Adj Clin Prof Brett Sutton, Chief Health Officer of Victoria also sent their written messages.

The notable religious and community leaders who addressed the AGM included Shaikh Shady Alsuleiman, President of the Australian National Imams Council, Mr Adel Salman, President of Islamic Council Victoria and Shaikh Muhammad Nawaj who was representing Shaikh Isse Abdo Musse, President of the Board of Imams Victoria.

During his speech, Hon Tony Burke MP appreciated the contribution of community organisations like IPDC in providing support to the people and families in need. In his view, this cooperation represents the ‘best of Australia’ and he thanked the IPDC workers for their selfless work.

Hon Andrew Giles MP, representing Hon Anthony Albanese MP also, asked the audience to reflect on multiculturalism and its challenges to create a better society. He suggested that various challenges such as Islamophobia still exist in our society, and everyone should come forward to overcome

those challenges.

Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, the Grand Mufti of Australia, said that this organisation is a true reflection of the contribution of Islam and Muslims in this great country.

At this time of racism, extremism and violence, such organisations will make a great difference and authentic religious practice is essential to remove misconceptions from the public mind.

Senator Janet Rice emphasised the importance of acknowledgement and rights of the First Nation people in Australia, which can lead to a thriving multicultural country. She praised the social supports provided by the IPDC to many people around the country and expressed her hope for peace, a better environment and justice in a better world through bringing people together.

Mr Christopher Minns MP appreciated how IPDC started humbly more than 20 years ago in NSW and expanded continuously around the country, providing valuable support to the community members.

According to him, such organisations are essential in explaining faith in an Australian context, providing space for people to practise their faith and celebrate their culture.

Mr David Shoebridge MLC said that this is the time when we are in most need of peace and unity in Australia and worldwide.

When the crisis was severe and the situation was fragile, the multicultural segments of Australia stepped up and worked in the forefront, he acknowledged.

Ms Natalie Suleyman MP, representing Hon Ros Spence MP said, the more we learn about the culture and tradition of others, the better we understand one another.

This understanding reflects the core values of Islam: respect, compassion, gratitude and generosity.

Ms Sarah Connolly MP described her experience of visiting the local mosque and Is-

lamic community centre in her constituency and its contributions to society by providing educational and spiritual support.

Ms Lee Rhiannon emphasised the need for support for organisations like IPDC in creating a cohesive and multicultural society tackling racism and other challenges. She talked about the importance of respect and cooperation instead of authoritarianism for a better and equal economic future.

Shaikh Shady Alsuleiman said that Prophet Muhammad (s) was the best model for us to learn how to remain optimistic during the toughest and harshest of times. According to him, organisations like IPDC can serve the community and serve Islam more in difficult times.

Mr Adel Salman commended the partnership and cooperation between various community organisations, including the IPDC and their significant roles in fighting Islamophobia in the Australian society by creating awareness in the larger society about this hateful narrative.

Shaikh Muhammad Nawaj, representing Shaikh Isse Abdo Musse, also expressed his thank to the IPDC for its growth through hard work and dedication of its members and its valuable contribution in building productive younger generations.

A short video presentation on the education and sports activities of the younger generations of the IPDC members called ‘Next-G’ was presented during the meeting.

Among the participants from all states and various cities of Australia included Zia Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of Australasian Muslim Times AMUST, Khodr Saleh, former Councillor of Canterbury-Bankstown City Council, Mainul Hoque, former President of Canberra Muslim Community, Dr Naim Islam, Chairman of Charity Right Australia, Abdullah Yousuf Shamim, Editor-in-Chief of Suprovat Sydney, Feroze Ahmed and Kamran Ahmed from Al-Ehsan Centre, Shaikh Abu Huraira, Imam of St Marys Masjid, Rashed Khan and Ibrahim Khalil Masud.

Mohammad Moniruzzaman, Secretary-General of the IPDC, moderated this opening session of this year’s AGM. The extraordinary and inspiring meeting was concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Monir Hossain, Central Deputy President of the IPDC. On behalf of the IPDC, he expressed sincere gratitude to all the guests, IPDC organisers and workers, including the IT team and Next-G team members, and all speakers at the event.

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

Muslim school hosts Australian Citizenship Ceremony in Brisbane Janeth Deen One hundred new Australians received their citizenship in the main hall at the Islamic College of Brisbane on 16 October 2021 in a ceremony hosted by the year 10 students from the College dressed in their school uniform and attended by 250 people.

The students set up the stage for the officials which included a member of the three levels of government and welcomed the invited guests and conferees to their seats, ensuring that the overheads for the National Anthem and the pledges were projected for NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 192

the audience.

The highlight of the event was when the ICB primary choir performed the National Anthem and We Are Australian. They also sang the final song by inviting the children from the audience to join them.

The presiding officer, Dr Jim Chalmers joined the students at the end of the ceremony and congratulated them for an excellent effort.

Sumptuous afternoon tea was provided and served to the guests by the year students After the ceremony.

The event was enjoyed by all and the school received many congratulatory comments praising the students of the school for their excellent efforts in community work.

The Australian Home Affairs Officials who attended the ceremony also took photographs for their own publications. The entire event was live-streamed by Academy Alive.

Janeth Deen is a descendant of the first five Muslim families to settle in Brisbane. She is a retired secondary teacher and is a voluntary community worker. She is the Director of the Muslim Charitable Foundation, Trustee of the Holland Park Mosque, Pres-

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ident of The QLD Multicultural Council, co-founder and President of the QLD Muslim Historical Society. Curator of the QLD Muslim Museum and Board Director of the Islamic College of Brisbane.

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EM P OWERM EN T T HROU G H FAIT H & K N OWLEDGE

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A determination to develop outstanding citizens who are proud of, and contribute to, the social and economic prosperity of our country.

Islamic Education. Reimagined.

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JMI Alumni Victoria celebrates Jamia Foundation Day AMUST Media Members of Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni from Victoria and NSW held a virtual celebration on Saturday 30 October 2021 to commemorate the post-centennial first anniversary of Jamia Millia Islamia, an iconic New Delhi based University in India.

The Zoom event hosted by JMI Alumni Association, Victoria, Australia was attended by around 30 participants from Australia and India including members of the Victorian AMU Alumni community.

The session opened with the recitation of Quran by master Ismaeel after Dr Vikrant Kishore, Vice-President of the association and MC for the event welcomed the participants including the three invited guests.

A minute silence was observed in memory of those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Syed Asif Hasan, President of the association, after welcoming the guests and alumni members spoke eloquently and passionately about Jamia’s history and its contribution to the nation. Mr Hasan introduced his office bearers and informed about the alumni’s future plans and activities.

Amongst the distinguished guests who addressed the gathering included Mr Zia Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of AMUST, Prof Mohammad Ibrahim from Jamia Millia Islamia who has been involved with Sir Syed Coaching Centre and taught and led

research in the area of Engineering, Chemistry and Materials and Prof Farhat Bashir Khan, renowned author, media practitioner, communication strategist and media & communication design innovator who has been associated with the prestigious AJK MCRC in Jamia Millia Islamia.

Mr Zia Ahmad was recognised recently with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards 2021 from the government of NSW in October this year.

Mr Ahmad, Prof Ibrahim and Prof Khan reflected on an amazingly personal highly successful journey from Jamia Millia Islamia and recounted their experiences and special memories as well as the Jamia’s contribution to the millions of students who have built up successful careers in their lives.

These presentations were most interesting and received very well by the audience.

Reports were presented by Ms Yasmin Siddiqui, Mr Saad Ahmed, Mr Shoaib Alam about various activities of the association.

Mr Fahad Ahmad provided an overview of the Alumni website development work being undertaken. Mr Gaurav Ghai introduced the new members of the association.

Mr Akhtar Shamim conducted an interesting and enjoyable Trivia related to Jamia Millia Islamia which was participated by all.

Mr Shamim announced the winners of the Trivia, topped by Dr Vikrant Kishore, who will be awarded at the next in person meeting of the alumni.

After an open house with members re-

flecting on the memories of their time at Jamia, a recorded video of Jamia’s Tarana was played which happened to be directed

by Prof Khan.

Dr Kishore and Mr Hasan closed the session thanking all participants, particularly, Prof Ibrahim, Prof Khan and Mr Ahmad.

JMI Alumni Association, Victoria, Australia Incorporated is a registered body under Section 8 of Association Reform Act 2012. The Association was formally registered with Consumer Affairs Victoria in May 2021; however, the alumni group has been working informally for some time to promote engagement in various social and community activities.

The Association is an enlightened, resourceful and dynamic group of individuals residing in the state of Victoria who share a common vision of promoting the values of

their institution.

Members of the Association dearly uphold the principles of universal education, sharing knowledge and skills, supporting and caring for each other, responding to the needs of the broader community with empathy and compassion; both at a local level as well as overseas, particularly during unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances affecting fellow humans in anyway.

Association members fully embrace the spirit of giving back to the community in various capacities as well as promoting and preserving human rights globally.

The Association maintains a strong ongoing connection with Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi to exchange common interests and work on areas of mutual co-operation.

Website: https://jmialumnivic.com.au

Inauguration of MWA Community Centre in Western Sydney Mr Mohammad Ashraf, Consul General Pakistan in Sydney

The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales

Zia Ahmad The inauguration ceremony of the newly completed Muhammadi Welfare Association (MWA) Community Centre in Kemps Creek, was held on Saturday 23 October 2021.

MWA is a not-for-profit organisation serving the large community in Sydney since 1989.

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In 2013, a 22-acre block of land located at 81-89 Clifton Avenue, Kemps Creek NSW 2178 was acquired in order to construct a centre to cater for the growing needs of the community.

The event was attended by a large number of invited guests including politicians, community and interfaith leaders, business community and a number of diplomats.

The chief guest was The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales who cut the ribbon to inaugu-

rate the centre and addressed the guest present at the event.

Other eminent guests who joined the inauguration included: • Clr Karen McKeown, Mayor Penrith City Council • Mr Paul Gerard Lynch, MP • Mr Shaoquett Moselmane, MP • Mr Stephen Louis BALI, MP • Mr Philip Ruddock, Mayor Hornsby Shire Council • Mr Mohammad Ashraf, Consul General

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Pakistan in Sydney On behalf of the hosts MWA office bearers addressed the audience including Dr Syed Haider Abbas Naqvi, President, Syed Abul Hassan Jafri General Secretary and Mir Hani Hussain Treasurer.

The program started with the recitation of Quran and Naat, speeches by guests and hosts followed by the ribbon cutting ceremony and a guided tour of the centre.

Photos courtesy of Sadae Watan, Sydney

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UN World Refugee Day: AIMA conducts Lifesavers program Every action counts nationwide

Brisbane, QLD. Dr Muhammad Ashraf Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) conducted Lifesavers programs at Mosques and Islamic centres across different Australian states and territories, both physical where possible and virtual in states with COVID-19 lockdown.

On Saturday, 25 September 2021, AIMA conducted a Lifesavers program in Queensland (Brisbane, Mackay and Townsville) Adelaide, South Australia and on Saturday 2 October 2021, in Perth Western Australia.

Lifesaving skills such as hands-on experience with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), management of choking, recovery position and use of Automated Electrical Defibrillator(AED) were taught.

Between 15 to 40 community members, including men, women, and children, attended this program at each site. We had excellent feedback from the attendees and a suggestion to conduct these programs regularly.

AIMA ACT team (Canberra) refused to bow down to COVID restrictions, conducting an online lifesavers program, where 30 people attended this online session.

This tells us that “where there is a will, there is a way.”

Once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted,

AIMA aims to run these lifesavers programs in every Masjid and Islamic Centre across Australian States and Territories.

The lifesavers program was started in the UK by British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) in 2014 as the ‘BLS Mosque Project’, teaching life-saving skills in three Mosques in London.

The project has expanded each consecutive year through the immense efforts of the team, in 2019, over 840 volunteers came together to teach BLS to over 4000 members of the public in 114 Mosques nationwide.

Lifesavers is a unique project which aims to unite healthcare professionals, inspire one another & serve their local communities through teaching essential life-saving skills in Mosques around the World!

Lifesaver program was so successful that it was co-opted by the Federation of Islamic medical association (FIMA), and now it runs across all the continents in multiple countries.

This project led to increased attendance of both Muslim men and women to the mosques, including some mosques opening up their doors to Muslim women worshippers.

Details of other activities conducted by the Australian Islamic Medical Association is available on the website: www.aimamed.com.au Muhammad Ashraf is a general surgeon in regional Queensland and General Secretary of Australian Islamic Medical association

Adelaide, SA. Perth, WA.

Mackay, QLD.

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On World Refugee Day 2021, Advocates for Dignity (AFD) along with partnering organisation Talent Beyond Boundaries hosted an online webinar on Friday 6 August 2021 to discuss skilled stream migration for refugees in Australia.

The Panelists included Sathya Gnanakaran, Australia and New Zealand director for Talent Beyond Boundaries and joined by two of the program participants, Fadi and Derar.

The robust discussion was moderated by Assala Sayara, a social justice worker and activist both locally and globally.

Rabia Ceylan welcomed all viewers to the webinar on behalf of the partnering organisations Advocates for Dignity and Talent Beyond Boundaries.

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees globally and its falls on 20 June every year. Each day across the world thousands of families are forced to leave their homes and leave everything behind in search of a better life and future for themselves.

Today, there are over 80 million displaced people and over 25 million refugees across the world. These aren’t just numbers but real people with real stories and these numbers are simply not good enough. There’s no doubt that we’re in a global refugee crisis and the question shouldn’t be IF we should act but rather WHAT we should do.

Talent Beyond Boundaries is the first organisation in the world to focus on pioneering labor mobility as a complementary solution to traditional humanitarian resettlement. Already, others have begun to implement aspects of their model. They’re committed to sharing resources and supporting governments and other organisations to replicate and expand on this critical work.

A collaborative approach is the fastest and best route to a more equitable system; one that extends life-changing work and migration opportunities to displaced people everywhere.

Refugees are doctors, engineers, skilled trade workers, software developers, and more. Many refugees have marketable skills, yet find themselves in countries where they don’t have the right to work locally and are locked out of international skilled migration systems.

By engaging governments, refugee-serving organisations, the business sector, and local communities, TBB is creating safe, legal pathways that enable displaced people

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“Refugees

to move for work, resume their careers, and rebuild their lives with dignity.

In the panel Sathya mentions that she “has always wanted to do something with skills and experience in order to make a bigger impact”. The work of TBB reflects this goal perfectly.

Derar and Fadi shared moving stories about their own involvement with the TBB program. Fadi tells us that “In 2017 I was a stateless person with no kind of legal identification at all, I had no direct connections to Lebanon… I made a decision that I’m not going to die as a stateless person in Lebanon…TBB was different because they asked me about my skills and languages – for the first time someone was asking me not about my weaknesses but about my strengths”.

Fadi now works as a management consultant at Accenture.

Derar tell us “I had been in Jordan for 6 years, knocked on many doors looking for an opportunity to improve my life for myself and my family. When I saw TBB, I thought it would be similar to many things I already tried but I got a call within a few days of registering and then we started an interesting journey over 2 years until I reached Australia…I still remember the day I was told I got the job offer – it was one of the most exciting moments of my life.”

Derar now works at internationally recognised financial technology company, Iress.

The key message we were left with was that refugees have hopes and dreams like the rest of us and only need the opportunity to thrive just as much as anyone else.

Fadi says, “They (the general public) are under the assumption that refugees are just people that want to survive, but we are people who have ambitions and dreams, we want to have a chance at life. People don’t take that into consideration, we will give you some shelter and food and live a happy life because that’s all you want as a refugee.

That is what sets TBB apart from all the other organisations. No one else allows us to have a life and keep our dignity”.

The program was officially closed by Mr Mehmet Saral, President of the Advocates for Dignity, who thanks TBB for joining AFD in making this event possible. He also thanked each of the speakers and particularly the success story of Fadi and Derar in informing our viewers of their inspirational journey to Australia as refugees.

Mehmet mentioned of the Turkish refugees currently living in Greece, who could also jump on the TBB program to migrate as skilled resources to democratic nations such as Australia, England, USA and others where TBB has an office.

Link to the webinar: https://tinyurl.com/2zydwt92

are doctors, engineers, skilled trade workers, software developers, and more.

“

Aishah Jacobs

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AIMA webinar: The Digital transformation of Health

Dr Habib Bhurawala

Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) organised an online seminar and Q&A session for medical and health professionals and the community on “The Digital transformation of Health” on Saturday 16 October 2021. Professor Shafi Ahmed, a professor of Surgery, futurist, health technology innovator and entrepreneur from St Bartholomew’s and Royal London Hospital, was the guest speaker at this event.

The online event was attended by medical and other health professionals from different Australian states, internationally, and many Australians from diverse backgrounds, including representatives and office bearers of various community organisations.

The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Ali Kashif, followed by a welcoming address by Dr Muhammed Afzal Kahloon, Canberra based Urologist and President of the Australian Islamic Medical Association.

The host for the event Dr Zeina Merhi, Senior obstetrics and Gynaecology registrar introduced Dr Saleh Khwaja, President of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) branch of AIMA. Dr Khwaja said that the objective and purpose of AIMA was to unite and inspire Muslim health professionals in Australia where

Professor Shafi Ahmed.

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Concept of seven skies Frazia Ali

Using Virtual Reality, Professor Ahmed hopes to improve healthcare and access to surgery worldwide, especially to those in developing countries.

AIMA members wish to serve and contribute towards the welfare of Muslims and the broader Australian community.

He provided a brief overview of AIMA activities, including blood donation drive, CPR training sessions in Islamic centres and Mosques for community members and more recently, community and school awareness sessions on COVID-19 and vaccines.

Dr Naim Islam, Sydney based senior general practitioner and member of the AIMA NSW executive committee, welcomed and introduced the guest speaker Professor Shafi Ahmed.

Professor Ahmed trained in the UK as a colo-rectal and cancer surgeon. He is a multi-award-winning cancer surgeon that has changed the face of medical education. He has been recognised as the world’s mostwatched surgeon, with his video reaching 140 countries and 4.6 million people on Twitter.

Professor Ahmed has delivered over 250 keynote presentations in more than 30 countries. He is an acclaimed academic with numerous publications in reputed international journals, authors of books and editor of professional journals. He has won multiple awards and was interviewed by numerous

international media and TV channels.

Professor Ahmed gave an overview of the digital transformation of health and exceptionally rapid changes occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also discussed and explained various modalities such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, digital health records, connected and virtual care, wearable technology use in healthcare, Robotics, Augmented reality, Apps, Mobile 5G rollout, and its utility in delivering novel mobile health care solutions.

He explained how digital transformation could reduce the cost of providing health care and its utility in resource-poor settings and improve global health.

The question-answer session was moderated by Dr Zeina Merhi and Dr Muhammed Shakib. This session generated much interest from the audience.

The seminar program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Habib Bhurawala, Sydney based Paediatrician and a member of the AIMA executive committee.

Recording of this session and details of other activities conducted by the Australian Islamic Medical association is available on the website: www.aimamed.com.au

In the observable Universe There are 125 billion galaxies Where as only 1% is observable and 99% is unoberservable Universe The name of our galaxy is Milkyway There are 100 thousand million stars in our galaxy Radius of sun in solar system is 432690 miles Radius of earth is 3963 miles Can we imagine how tiny our Earth is and how big this Universe is But when we compare this Universe with skies then we find that how is every sky bigger and bigger If we consider this universe is like a balloon and this balloon is wrapped in another balloon which is wrapped in another balloon and so on and so forth Then according to the information in the Quran First sky should be ceiling of this universe and second sky should be ceiling of first sky and so on and so forth “It is Allah who has made for you the earth as a resting place and the sky as a canopy place” -Surah Ghafir 64 Quran Allah we Akbar Allah is great Frazia Ali is a Pakistani American Muslim single mother. She has two children and lives in San Ramon California, USA. She started writing poetry to spread peace and love through her writing.

Webinar: Feeling down in Lockdown Dr Habib Bhurawala Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) organised a Mental Health awareness session, “Feeling down in lockdown”, for the community on 9 October 2021. The purpose of the session was to explain the effects of lockdown on mental health and the prism of mental health from the Islamic perspective. This session also highlighted the ways to identify mental health concerns and where and when to seek help.

The online event was attended by many community members, including representatives and office bearers of various community organisations.

The programme commenced with the recitation of the Quran

by Qari Shafeeq, followed by a welcome from Dr Jaweria Shoaib, a psychiatry trainNOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 192

ee and a member of AIMA who was the host for the session.

She welcomed everyone and provided a brief update on the event’s purpose, especially the impact of the lockdown on mental health in NSW and Victoria and the need for education and awareness sessions to benefit community members. She then introduced Dr Nadir Hafiz, Consultant Psychiatrist based in Sydney and executive committee member of AIMA NSW. Dr Nadir further explained that the objective and purpose of AIMA is to unite and inspire Muslim health professionals in Australia. In addition, he stated that AIMA members wish to serve and contribute towards the welfare of Muslims and the broader Australian community.

He further highlighted the burden of men-

tal health illnesses and their effect on physical health, emotional health and family relationships and emphasised the importance of appropriate prevention and health education programs in reducing the impact of mental health.

Dr Nadir introduced Dr Omer Shareef, the keynote speaker at the health education seminar, who spoke on the topic “Feeling down in lockdown.”

Dr Shareef, is a consultant Neuropsychiatrist based in Queensland. He has extensively trained and worked in India, UK and Australia. He is interested in mental health problems in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities and Islamic mental health perspectives.

Dr Shareef explained common mental health conditions, when to seek help and emphasised the need to see a family doctor (GP) ensure physical and mental health screening is undertaken early to avoid more severe untreated mental health illness. Dr Shareef provided Islamic and spiritual perspectives regarding mental health.

He also clarified common misconceptions and myths about the mental health conditions in the community, especially in CALD communities and within the Muslim community.

Dr Shareef encouraged the audience to be aware of various risk factors for mental health conditions and seek appropriate professional help in the form of medical/psy-

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Dr Omer Shareef

chologist help when symptoms suggest a mental health problem.

He provided an overview of various treatment modalities available for mental health conditions, including psychology, family support, medication, and other support organisations.

An interactive Q&A session followed Dr Shareef’s presentation. This session generated significant interest from the participants.

The seminar program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Nadir Hafiz.

Recording of this session and details of other activities conducted by the Australian Islamic Medical association is available on the website: www.aimamed.com.au

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Concern over Alhadeff’s appointment to SBS Board

Mohamed Ainullah

The hand picked appointment of the former CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Vic Alhadeff by the Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher without the selection process may “politicise SBS” due to Mr Alhadeff’s pro-Israel track record.

Mr Alhadeff is currently a part-time consultant with the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. He had previously edited the Australian Jewish News.

In 2014, Mr Alhadeff resigned his position as the Chair of the then NSW Community Relations Commission of NSW (CRC), currently known as Multicultural NSW following intense community protest.

His open public support and defence of Israel during its onslaught against Palestinians in Gaza in that year rendered his position untenable.

There is a panel process that nominates candidates for board positions for the Communications Minister. The Coalition government seem to have overlooked the selection panel’s recommendations to appoint its preferred candidate in this instance.

Since Mr Alhadeff’s name was not put forward in the selection process, Mr Fletcher will have to table his reasons for the appointment in Parliament.

In a letter to the Minister, Chair of the Arab

Australian Federation, Mr Eddie Zananiri called for the reversal of the appointment of Mr Alhadeff to the public broadcaster due to his controversial position in the community.

“The community was rightly concerned about Mr Alhadeff’s capacity to execute his duties with complete objectivity as the chair of the CRC.” “Mr Alhadeff used Fact Sheets provided by the Israeli military to advocate the Israeli point of view. This was done at a time when more than one thousand (1,000) people, mainly women and children, were killed by the Israeli army to which Israel faced the condemnation of the UN and most of the world.”

“We justifiably have grave concerns about his proven inability to discharge his duties equitably and objectively in a manner that advances inclusion and positive community relations.”

“In fact, his appointment is divisive, would politicise SBS and would alienate a large segment of the Australian public. SBS must not become a party to the Palestine-Israel conflict.”

“We therefore call upon you to reverse the appointment of Mr Alhadeff to the SBS Board as a matter of urgency.”

The President of The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils was surprised over the appointment of a divisive figure at the much loved multicultural public broadcaster that stands for diversity and inclusion.

“We were shocked to see a blatant Israel

Vic Alhadeff. propagandist appointed to the SBS board.

Such an appointment is not merely judgement in its poorest, but a clear anti-Palestinian bias that adds to zionist imbalance in the Australian media landscape. This appointment must be immediately overturned. SBS should never be turned into a propagandist for apartheid Israel,” Dr Rateb Jneid, AFIC President said.

NSW MP Shaoquett Moselmane also raised concern over the appointment of Mr Alhadeff fearing that this may lead to the silencing of Palestinian narrative on SBS. “The community’s response in overwhelmingly condemning the Minister’s board ap-

pointment is telling of the broader community’s fear of politicisation of the SBS.” “They fear the decision condemns the SBS and it’s staff to years of implicit monitoring and silencing. Resulting in potentially shutting down frank and fearless discussion on Israeli transgressions and reporting on the terrible plight of the Palestinian people.”

“The cumulative effect is the creation of a culture of silence, compliance and self censorship across the SBS, will become the norm.”

“If the Minister cared about the SBS, then he ought to have done his due diligence and selected a more suitable candidate.”

Changes to Equal Opportunity Act targets religious institutions Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas Freedom of Religion is under attack in Victoria where the state government is looking to introduce new legislation that restricts Islamic, Christian and other faith schools on who they can and can’t employ.

This would mean that Islamic schools may be forced to employ staff members that disagree with their Islamic ethos and religious beliefs. The worst part is, this infringement of religious liberties, a birthright of every human being, is done beneath the sheep’s wool of “equality.”

In a country where 80% of Muslim people have experienced unfavourable treatment, it’s no surprise the Andrew’s government is taking a top down approach to further fueling division and discrimination by using the Equal Opportunity Act changes as a facade to further marginalise faith communities. (1) The Guardian reports, “Religious schools in Victoria will be banned from discriminating against staff on the basis of their sexuality, gender identity or marital status, under legislation to be introduced by the state government later this year.

Religious schools in Victoria currently have the power to sack or refuse to hire LGBTIQ+ people on the basis of their sexuality or gender identity, and marital status.” (2) There is no other country in the world with these types of proposed laws. (3) It’s interesting how such aggressive measures were never taken for equal opportunity where Australian Muslims were concerned.

This includes the systemic discrimination against hijab wearing Muslim women, who’ve repeatedly had to settle for jobs they’re overqualified for, or the young people who’ve been denied equal opportunity

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in employment due to their ‘Muslims sounding’ name.

Understandably many faith based school communities are deeply concerned with the proposed changes. One of the main reasons why parents choose to send their children to Islamic schools is the distinct Islamic values and ethos the school is built upon.

It’s been a tough couple of years and in the lead up to the federal and state elections, Australia’s faith communities must take their vote seriously.

It’s no longer an option to keep voting for the same familiar members, who aren’t doing enough to protect freedom of religion or proactively advocating against racism and Islamophobia in Australia.

Australian Muslims must side with mem-

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bers who demonstrate a commitment to protecting freedom of religion for all, in line with International Human Rights. (4) It’s important to especially be cautious where words like “Equality” and “Inclusion” are being thrown around. These don’t necessarily mean they support policies that are inclusive of Australian Muslims or in the best interests of marginalised ethnic and faith communities.

A campaign by National Secular Lobby with the slogan Don’t Divide Us, is one such example of a campaign that appears to be about inclusion, but is run by a lobby group who are committed to “removing religious privilege in legislation.” How is that inclusive of faith groups?

Groups with aggressive ideologies that

are anti-religion or anti-God sometimes use these words to lure in voters from ethnic, migrant and faith communities, many who mistakingly believe they’re voting for someone who will stand up for their human right of religious liberty.

Instead, vote for members that explicitly advocate for protecting freedom of religion in Australia, are commitment to tackling Islamophobia, dismantling institutionalised racism and oppression in all its forms.

These are the underlying issues causing intersectional barriers and inequality in employment, housing, quality education, participation in politics at all levels of government, in leadership positions, in sports, and ofcoursr the reduced services and infrastructure per capita in our highly diverse, low-socioeconomic regions.

The same can’t be said for all minority groups.

Instead of using the EOA to pit one minority group against another with these ‘othering’ legislations, we really need leaders that can develop policies and legislation that don’t infringe on the freedoms of vulnerable and marginalised communities, and call it equality.

Pitting one minority group against the other is not equality nor inclusion. It’s a part of an aggresssive secular agenda with the greater end goal of erasing all trace of God from society.

At the next election, vote for members that are pro-collaboration, pro-community building and anti-racism and Islamophobia.

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.

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Muslims need to respond via the ballot box Ahmed Kilani The Muslim community in Western/South Western Sydney appears to be in a justifiable state of communal anxiety and anger from the manner in which the NSW Police has been imposing government sanctioned health orders in these areas.

From the countless personal accounts of many and the public media exposure to confirm it, any reasonable person can only conclude that the excessive use of force of certain members of the NSW Police has been disproportionate and hypocritical when compared to how they have imposed the health orders in other parts of Sydney.

Are they going to be held accountable?

How are they going to repair the huge damage they have inflicted on the relationship with the community? How are they going to return to a community based approach of protect and serve?

These are all questions that only the NSW Police and the State Government can answer……or chose to answer.

At the end of the day, as with everything in life, we may not be able to control the actions of others, but we can always control how we respond to it.

I want to remind myself and others that Allah is the best of planners.

All that is happening is for a good reason and there is always Khair in everything, Alhamdulillah. If we can’t see it or understand, Allah in his divine wisdom knows.

Do not feel despondent, Do not lose hope.

This is unbecoming of a true Muslim.

Muslims, whether locally or globally, have been and will continue to be the focus of attention and bigotry. This is the age we live in.

Our current role is to be patient and uphold our Faith in all of our dealings, especially with non Muslims. We have our own noble standards and we should not dishonour these in responding to the lowly acts of others.

The best response we can make to non Muslims to soften their hearts, is to always maintain our dignity and the best of manners, no matter what the situation is.

Over time, like water dripping onto a stone, we will make a positive impregnable

permanent mark on society.

But this does not mean that we accept and allow ourselves as individuals and a community to be a punching bag to illegal thuggery from the NSW Police – indirectly endorsed and sanctioned by the State government by not holding them to account for the use of excessive force.

The community of South Western/Western Sydney – especially the Muslim community – need to realise they have enormous political power that they need to harness and exercise.

There is a Federal election due anytime from now till March 2022. There is a NSW state election due in less than 18 months.

Community leaders should organise mass enrol to vote drives, and teach and guide your community to be politically active.

The community needs to run respected courageous independent candidates who can get at least 10% – 20% of the vote and control the balance of power in the seats – state and federal.

This will then mean that the major political parties will need your votes to win the seat and ultimately government. You need to marginalise all the seats. This is how you exert pressure on politicians to gain real change.

As Muslims make up a significant minority in many state and federal seats, if we

alone were able to unite and mobilise, we could have a huge impact on who wins government.

This is not some words of outburst or rhetoric to make us feel good. It is a factual statistic reality that can be transformed into real world political power and change with some grassroots organising and determination.

If we want to have honour and dignity, we need to stand up and take it! Stop whining and being a victim and do something about it.

If you want to see a change, individually become politically active so collectively we can make real change.

Spiritually we must all work harder to perfect our manners, show love for all living creatures and have full trust that Allah will protect us.

Now is the time to be thankful for being honoured to be part of the Nation of Prophet Muhammad (S). Have confidence in who we are and what we represent.

As the Quran teaches us we are “khulafa alarad” (custodians of the earth) and we must never forget this role that Allah gave us and make sure we live up to the high responsibility it carries.

Now is the time to step up our ibadaah and our daawah. It is not time to go back under your shell or go into hiding as others would

want.

Our best response is to smile back at the world and be proud of who we are and what we represent! Allah will always protect our faith and community.

Our job is to act with knowledge, wisdom, kindness and most importantly these days courage with full trust in what Allah has decreed.

May Allah make us those that will uphold and practice Islam in its pure true and exemplary essence.

May Allah enlighten our hearts and minds and make us of those who that can see beyond what our two eyes see.

May Allah make us those of who will use their hearts, minds and bodies to aide the causes of justice and empower goodness in others.

May Allah aid, uplift and protect all those that are suffering – Muslim and non Muslim – from injustice and oppression.

May Allah make those that are suffering have patience and diminish the sorrow and sadness that they feel.

May Allah unite the hearts and minds of those that are challenging the forces of injustice, inequality and oppression and allow them to confront and defeat them in a manner that does not transgress.

May Allah keep us patient, steadfast and acting in complete conviction that the victory of good against evil has been assured by you Allah, whether we witness it in our lives or not.

May Allah make us of those that will get up in the middle of the night and call upon you, with sincerity in our hearts and tears in our eyes, to uplift the oppression and suffering of those innocents that are in pain.

May Allah protect us and our loved ones from the tyranny of our times and make us to be in the company of those that will revive the Islamic Ummah and the world.

May Allah make these sad days be days we will look back on with fondness in years to come as the time that the Ummah truly woke up from its deep slumber.

May Allah protect us from tribulation/ corruption, internal and external, and raise amongst us those that will restore justice and peace to all; and make us and our progeny be of those who will share their company.

Ameen, Ameen, Ameen.

Ahmed Kilani has been involved in community work for over 20 years as a advocate/ advisor.

Premier of NSW, Dominic Perrottet, went to our school Imran Afiouni & Moses Afiouni A mere week out from ‘freedom day’, Gladys Berejiklian’s resignation saw a shift in leadership at a time of unrest and uncertainty. So who is our newly elected Premier of NSW? School Captain in 2000 and State leader in 2021, Dominic Perrottet was sworn in as the youngest Premier in NSW’s history based on a 39/5 vote.

However, do the people of NSW truly know who their leader is?

Dominic Perrottet, one of 13 siblings and a father of 6, prides himself on the centrality of family in his life. “Being a father is my number one priority, and it’s fair to say being Premier comes as a close second,” says Perrottet.

The focus placed on core values including the centrality of family for Dominic Perrottet roots from his days as a schoolboy.

Dominic attended Redfield College from Year 3 and later graduated Year 12 in 2000.

“He (Perrottet) was keen on political and social issues back then,” says Chris Cullen, NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 192

a current teacher at Redfield College.

Unlike most schools, Redfield College places academics second to character building, focusing on “education of the whole person”. Part of the PARED foundation, Redfield College prides itself on supporting students as they grow and develop from boys to young men.

Dr Andrew Mullins, the longest serving principal at Redfield stated “It is not what the community gives to you, but what you can give back.”

Why is it then that a man who is willing to serve his state, has faced criticism over so-called being too ‘conservative’? A nation which promotes freedom of one’s lifestyle and advocates for diversity, ironically have made assumptions on a man’s right to believe.

One’s ability and service to the public should not be disregarded because of their faith but rather promoted as part and parcel of diversity.

Being Muslim students at a Catholic School has taught us the valuable lesson that identity including one’s faith should not hinder an individual’s participation let alone leadership in society.

Dominic Perrottet is an inspiring leader and we have confidence that his core values will be at the forefront of his leadership.

Traditional family values have been diminished in the public eye where the gift of

Perrottet in 1994.

Perrottet (left) in 2000.

family is seen as a threat to society instead of a blessing.

Imran & Moses are brothers and school students at Redfield College. Imran is com-

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pleting his final year and is soon to graduate Year 12. Moses who is in Year 10 enjoys playing sports and is keen on exploring the similarities between all faiths.

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the game plan must be for 2030

Thea Ormerod

Faith communities across Australia held vigils on Monday 18 October, outside the offices of members of parliament, including that of the Prime Minister with their unified call for Australia to take stronger climate policies to the United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, especially a stronger target for the year 2030.

A group of 50 people, including a dozen clergy of various faiths and Catholic Religious, rang bells and held a liturgy outside the office of Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Groups from various faiths also held vigils outside the offices of other MPs, some Coalition and some Labor. They included Nationals Leader Barnaby Joyce, Trevor Evans in the seat of Brisbane and Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Warren Entsch. were held in 43 countries. With a unified

message about protecting the earth, they were held in places as different from each other as New York and Nairobi, Lilongwe in Malawi and London, some with corporate targets such as BlackRock and others challenging deforestation.

Over 120 diverse faith communities across Australia were involved on Sunday and hung banners on their places of worship or held events, calling on Scott Morrison to set much bolder climate targets for 2030.

As the Government considers a target of net zero emissions by 2050, faith communities say that only an ambitious near-term goal would make that goal meaningful.

Venerable Bhante Sujato, Buddhist monk of Sutta Central, who attended the vigil outside Scott Morrison’s office, said, “We are distressed that the Coalition’s internal debate is about a 2050 target when the main game is slashing pollution this decade. We need targets closer to those of our partners the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union. Indeed, the world needs reductions now.”

In Melbourne, Pentecostal Pastor Rob

Buckingham of Bayside Church, said, “Our prayers are for the Morrison Government, that they will take the bold action needed to protect the integrity of God’s creation. We can already see the early but escalating effects of climate change. We must rise to the challenge now, in order to protect the future of humanity.”

“We share the Nationals’ concern for regional communities but, with the world moving away from fossil fuels, it is more compassionate to assist these communities to diversify their local economies. Otherwise, we abandon them to an uncertain and bleak future. Especially so because people

in the regions are also bearing the brunt of fires, floods and droughts made worse by climate change,” Pastor Buckingham said.

In Australia, actions were organized under the auspices of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC), a founding partner of GreenFaith International.

View Photos at https://bit.ly/3oLpVhU. Thea Ormerod is the President of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC), a Catholic Christian, retired social worker and grandmother of eight.

Women Leaders in the Abrahamic Traditions

Kim Chong

The annual Abraham Conference was held on Sunday 10 October 2021 with the theme ‘Women Leaders in the Abrahamic Traditions: Role Models for Our Time’, highlighting the contribution and difference women leaders in the Abrahamic traditions made in their time.

The Conference, livestreamed on Zoom for the second year in a row due to COVID-19 restrictions, featured a speaker from each of the Abrahamic faiths: Jacquie Seemann Charak, co-founder and committee member of Or Chadash, a Modern Orthodox Synagogue, and the Sydney’s Women’s Tefila Group; Associate Professor Michele Connolly rsj, lecturer in Biblical Studies at the Catholic Institute of Sydney; and Yamamah Agha, general manager of the Humanitarian Settlement Program at Settlement Services International.

Gunditjmara woman, Aunty Shirley Gilbert, opened the Conference with an Acknowledgement to Country. She shared her appreciation for the Aboriginal women who made their Aboriginal communities strong through their generosity and spiritual wisdom.

The MC, Jane Jeffes, producer and director of a range of documentaries, former executive producer of The Religion and Ethics

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Jacquie Seemann Charak.

Report on ABC Radio, and a mother of two daughters, opened the discussion.

The context of this year’s theme was the Me Too and Black Lives Matter movements and the revelations of abuse in our federal parliament early this year, all of which brought thousands of women onto the streets in protest. “[These movements] bring into question patriarchal attitudes. They demand a new 21st century respect for women and have shone a light on the objectification and the abuse of women, whether that’s sexual abuse and domestic abuse or simply the denial of their full participation in society at whatever level,” Ms Jeffes said.

“This is about women’s agency and what

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Associate Professor Michele Connolly. that can do for all society. This theme is particularly relevant now, where we have watched what has been happening in Afghanistan and the impact that will have on Afghan women and girls.”

Jacquie Seemann Charak shared the millennia–old stories of two women from Jewish texts, Devorah and Beruriah.

Devorah was a prophetess and a judge of Israel, “a woman of valour, diligent in her ways and as quick as a fire torch”. Devorah’s leadership resulted in a sustained period of stability for the Jewish people.

The second is Talmudic sage Beruriah, who lived in Israel during the second century of the Christian era. She is one of the few women whose authority in law and ethics and spiritual leadership feature in the Talmud and on par with the male scholars.

Associate Professor Michele Connolly rsj spoke of two lay women and one group of women from the 21st century, who inspire her as they live their Catholic faith.

For Sr Connolly, these women are inventing new ways to keep their spirituality alive and lead women in their faith, without much support from the official structures of the Church. The women are Andrea Dean, Christina Gomez and the Wagga-based women’s group, Spirit Weavers.

Yamamah Agha spoke of the wife of Prophet Muhammed S), Khadija (r), “the first woman of Islam”. A successful businesswoman, Khadija wielded great economic and political power and influence.

Impressed by Prophet Muhammed’s (s) character when he worked for her business,

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Yamamah Agha.

Khadija (r) proposed to him. During their marriage, when the Prophet told Khadija (r) about his divine revelations, she encouraged him to leave the business and preach full time.

Almost every year since 2002, the Abraham Conference has brought together Jews, Christians and Muslims by celebrating the common bonds of ancestry and faith that unite them in their various approaches to Abraham, Sarah and Hagar, who are foundational figures for each of the Abrahamic religions.

The Conference seeks to overcome ignorance and prejudice and promotes better mutual understanding and cooperation among them in pursuit of the common good.

This year’s Abraham Conference was again organised and hosted by the Coordinating Committee of representatives from Affinity Intercultural Foundation; the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations; the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies; the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of NSW & ACT; Australasian Muslim Times AMUST; the Diocese of Parramatta; the NSW Ecumenical Council; the Australian Egyptian Forum Council; and the Indian Crescent Society of Australia.

The 2021 Abraham Conference is available to view at https://youtu.be/8tLqfaNAwQ0 Kim Chong based in Sydney is Media & Community Liaison, Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations.

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Raising Peace: Peace Festival attracts 1000 attendees

Philip Feinstein

A group of peace minded people and organisations recently created a spectacular Zoom program of 37 diverse and interesting talks over a 10 day period from 16 to 26 September 2021 with an array of topics available to over one thousand attendees!

The subjects ranged from work that heals conflicts in refugee and migrant communities in Sydney, to an Afghan panel discussing the crisis and a peaceful future for Afghanistan.

There were talks on faith and peace featuring Zia Ahmed from AMUST, a day devoted to and run by First Nations people, workshops on permaculture for refugees, including work undertaken in camps for Rohingya and among Syrian refugees, as well as a session by PEN, talking about journalists and writers in detention in Western China, Afghanistan, Iran and elsewhere.

After a warm conference opening address

by David Shoebridge (MLC), Rita Warleigh of International Volunteers for Peace expanded the introduction of Raising Peace to everyone.

Rita explained the name Raising Peace: “It was chosen because we believe it is time to celebrate peace, to bring it back into

the public discourse, and to recognise past achievements of those working for peace.”

While looking at governments spending vast amounts on wars and nuclear armaments, she said: “We need to recognise peace as a process to change the focus of dialogue when it comes to our relationships with other nations, our environment, and our community.”

The keynote address of Raising Peace was given by His Excellency Mr Armando Vargas Araya, Ambassador for Costa Rica, a country that sets an example to the world by their decision not to have a standing army.

He said: “‘Blessed is the Costa Rican mother who knows when her child is born

that he will never be a soldier.’ This proverb has a double connotation: The mother need not worry that her child will be asked to die for the state. But just as importantly, she need not worry that he will be conditioned to kill for the state.”

He concluded with the words: “Like freedom, peace is not an original or permanent state. We have to build it again and again every day.”

With the aim to foster collaboration amongst those working for peace, the organisers were totally thrilled with so many young people being involved in various events throughout the festival, as well as organising a session on Youth for Peace.

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People Chris Hayes MP

In the federal Australian parliament on Monday 25 October 2021, I moved that this House: (1) notes that 29 November 2021 is the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People as declared by the United Nations in 1977; (2) recognises the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self determination and a future built on peace, dignity, justice and security; (3) acknowledges the obstacles to the ongoing peace process, particularly the need for urgent action on issues such as settlements, Jerusalem, the Gaza blockade and the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories; (4) further recognises that the ongoing humanitarian situation in Palestine is far-reaching, with many in the Australian community affected by this ongoing conflict; and (5) calls on the Government to ensure Australia is working constructively to support security and human rights in Palestine, in advance of a just and enduring two-state solution in the Middle East.

As we approach 29 November, I take the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the Palestinian people and stand united in their struggle for self-determination. When the Oslo agreements were drafted in 1993, they were intended to give the Palestinian people autonomy. However, 28 years later the military occupation continues to control the lives of Palestinians and their access to the basic necessities of life, including the vital water supply.

Under the Oslo agreements, Israel retains exclusive control over almost all the water resources. The agreements allocate 80 per cent of the mountain aquifer water to Israeli NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 192

use and 20 per cent to the Palestinians. Apart from the human rights implications that arise, it is quite concerning given that over the last 28 years the Palestinian population of the occupied West Bank has nearly doubled. Due to these restrictions, the Palestinian authority is forced to purchase significant water supply from Mekorot, Israel’s national water company.

This issue is further complicated by the very poor Palestinian water pipelines, which mean that about a third of the water supply, I am advised, is being lost to leakage. The water shortage in the West Bank is acute in summer and Mekorot restricts the water supplies for the higher demands of the Israeli settlements. As a result, the average water consumption for all Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza falls well behind the World Health Organization’s recommended minimum levels.

Access to necessities such as water is an inalienable human right and, unfortunately, these rights are not being realised due to military occupation. Clearly this is inhumane and unjust.

We must work towards affording self-determination to the Palestinian people, including a future that’s based on peace, dignity, justice and security.

I acknowledge there are many obstacles in the ongoing peace process, particularly the need for urgent action in respect to settlements, Jerusalem, the Gaza blockade and the humanitarian situation in the occupied territories. I believe it falls to countries like Australia, who believe in the dignity of all people, to become more engaged in addressing the need for a tangible process towards the creation of the Palestinian state while ensuring respect and security for a Jewish homeland.

I genuinely accept the right of the Jewish state to exist and for it to be able to defend the rights and freedoms of its people. However, I firmly believe the future of the Jewish

state and, indeed, the region depends on Israel’s ability to live in peace with its neighbours, including a Palestinian state.

On this note, I call on the government to ensure that Australia’s working constructively to support security and the human rights of Palestinians, including the unequivocal commitment to adjust an enduring two-state solution consistent with international law.

While slightly digressing, I’d also take this opportunity to reiterate my concerns about Mohammed El Halabi, the former director of World Vision Australia in Gaza and the West Bank. Mr El Halabi has been charged on allegations of funnelling $50 million of World Vision aid money to a terrorist group, Hamas.

Although investigations have been conducted by the Department of Foreign Affairs, independent auditors as well as World Vision itself, they have all failed to show any evidence that money was actually diverted, Mr El Halabi remains in prison. He’s been severely restricted in his legal defence throughout his four-year ordeal, depriving him of a fair trial, and has been forced to attend over 150 court appearances without any substantial evidence to support the allegations against him.

I have been in contact with Mr El Halabi’s distressed father on a number of occasions now regarding his son’s plight and, accordingly, I use this opportunity to renew any call for the international community to continue to place pressure on Israel to finalise Mr El Halabi’s trial without further delay. I look further to a future where Israel and Palestine can coexist in peace and harmony and I echo the views of Pope Benedict—let the twostate solution become a reality, not remain a dream.

Mr Chris Hayes MP is the Federal Member for the NSW seat of Fowler and Chief Opposition Whip.

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AMUST

It was wonderful to see attendees from all parts of the globe with some of them wearing spectacular costumes from their respective countries to give an exciting atmosphere to the festival.

Nick Deane from IPAN, Independent and Peaceful Australia Network said: “It’s been a very exciting journey for the many people involved. For me it began in 2019 when we began discussing the idea. We had no idea that it would reach the scale that it has – the festival was much bigger than we expected and of a high quality.”

Nick further added, “At short notice, as events were moving very swiftly, we managed to include an event about Afghanistan.

And then we were overtaken by the now infamous announcement that Australia will be part of AUKUS and obtaining nuclear powered submarines.”

There were many inspiring events at the conference, whether one had an interest in peace on the micro-level, peace within, peace with our First Nations brothers and sisters, or peace in international relations.

So, what will be the outcomes of this festival? The hope is that everyone will be inspired to start a discourse about peace, to take up peace studies, to sing songs for peace, to wear a blue scarf, to volunteer for peace, and to write to a politician or become a politician.

So what does peace mean to you and how can we all create it?

James Cox, Executive Director of Peacifica and one of the organisers of Raising Peace, pointed out: “People out there want peace above all. Many people are upset about rising militarisation. Many are upset that we are heading down a path that has war at its end.”

While there is huge concern about the course that this nation is headed, readers can access many of the positive presentations from Raising Peace on Festival Recordings – Raising Peace And as James Cox concluded: “Peace needs us all!”

Philip Feinstein is a Sydney based writer, musician and activist working for MUSIC FOR REFUGEES www.musicforrefugees.org

Khodr Saleh to lead the Labor Team for Canterbury Bankstown Roselands Ward AMUST Media The NSW Labor Party officially endorsed Mr Khodr Saleh OAM to Lead the Labor Candidates team for Roselands Ward Canterbury Bankstown Council on Friday 29 October 2021, for the upcoming council election on Saturday 4 December 2021.

“I am proud to be running with Bhadra Waiba and Md Kabir as trust integrity skills team reflecting community diversity and work hard for our local community,” Mr Saleh said.

Mrs Waiba is a front line nurse who worked tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic to support vulnerable people in our local community being the first Australian Nepalese Indigenous woman to run for public office in Australia and if she get elected, she will be the first Nepalese Indigenous woman elected at the public office in Australia.

Md Kabir is a well respected hard working local family man known for his integrity, dignity, honesty.

“I look forward to speaking with every local resident about our vision for the future of our City and also hearing your ideas on how together we can make Canterbury Bankstown City even better.”

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Home is where the heart is AMUST

Dr Amna Rehman

“Welcome Home,” exclaims the recording of our GPS as our car enters the driveway of our current accommodation.

Whenever I hear these words set on the mobile map, I start to feel relaxed. It’s time to take off my hijab, and stretch my legs, eat, drink, and simply unwind. My home is my comfort zone. There is no place like that.

But last night, for the first time, it struck me when I listened to those words, “Is this really my home”? I walked from the front yard and thought in my mind if it really were my ultimate dwelling? Then I instantly realized that we are actually thinking about relocating to some bigger place in a few months; it’s actually a rental place. And even if it were my own house, will it ever be my final resting place?

Is there any “rest” inside our homes in this mortal world? I started questioning myself.

There is always something going on; some chaos, some struggle; from carrying out domestic chores to fights and uproar among the dwellers, to toil and trouble of living a fast paced life leading to the death of its inhabitants; there is no such thing as rest in our worldly abodes.

And as my restless soul was pursuing the veracity of the world, the word of Allah came into my mind and reminded me of

the reality of my belongings including my home. The truth is, that as a matter of fact, we are living in a bubble. This world is a transit.

Even if I invest all my money and energy in building a house for myself; I can’t guarantee to live there, even for a day. And even if I were to live, I can’t expect to live there in absolute tranquility; because that’s not what God promised us to provide in this mortal world.

Have you ever found yourself frustrated or upset because something you planned didn’t work out how you imagined it?

I have found that it isn’t the plan changing that is causing us grief, it is the way we are seeing it.

Allah has told us in the Qu’ran, “They were planning, and Allah was planning, and Allah is the best planner.” [Quran 8:30] He is talking about those who were scheming in this verse, but it still is a good reminder for us that we are not the ones in control!

You see, there was a time when I needed everything to go as I planned it, or it seemed like everything was out of control. The funny thing is, it always is out of my control, it’s just that I couldn’t see that at the time. It was my own way of thinking about it that had me so stuck.

The way it actually works is … none of us has control of the outcome. It is always in Allah’s hands. All power and might is with Allah! We have the choice to fight that or accept it. If we fight it, then we feel frustration, sorry, disappointment and grief and can often miss the opportunity to enjoy the moment.

We sabotage our own experience.

On the other hand, if we accept that the outcome will be however it will be, go with the flow, we have th opportunity to enjoy that moment, no matter what it looks like.

Our experience is in fact coming through

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Hena Jawaid

the way we think about it!

Let’s take an example to understand this deeper …

You planned to catch the train to an important event and just as you arrived at the station the train was pulling out and you missed it. In the end you have to call for an uber to get there on time because the next train will arrive too late.

Scenario one, you are upset because you don’t really have the money to be catching an uber and the entire trip in the car you are stressing about how you can pay the bills.

By the time you arrive at the event you are feeling depressed and don’t really want to be there anymore and because you are wearing a sad face, no one really socialises with you at the event. You go home feeling like the whole thing was a waste of time.

Scenario two, you are not excited about the idea of spending money on an uber but you recall that Allah is the Provider so everything will be fine. You show up at the event on time and in good spirits and have an amazing time. The next day you find out that the train you would have caught broke down and so everything had worked out for the best that you missed the train.

The situation was the same in both cases, but the experience of it was completely different, simply by the way you thought about it!

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

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Dr Amna Rehman is a Psychiatry Registrar in Central Coast Local Health District NSW, Australia

Share or not to share?

The psychology of narrations

When it doesn’t go to plan!

Kathryn Jones

At that particular moment, the superficiality and shallowness of this perishable world hit me very hard; and I felt scared.

Actually, our real welcome party will be when the gates of paradise open for us and we are invited to go inside that.

“O soul at peace, Return to your Lord, well pleased, well-pleasing. Join my servants, enter my paradise.” (Quran 89: 27-30.

That is our final accommodation; our ultimate resting place, where there will be no

grief, no hunger, no heartbreak, and injustice. And this idea merely is sufficient as a counselor for us.

It’s also a wake-up call for us in case we have forgotten the hereafter. It’s crucial to ask ourselves every now and then if anything in this insubstantial world is worth losing the Paradise for?

Let’s search our soul to see if Jannah lies there as a permanent destination.

Let’s strive to get there.

Let’s pray for that.

“Oh Allah, I ask you for Paradise”.

Investigate and find out how truly beautiful and impeccable it is, and how to get there. It’s a lifetime job but will pay us in the end if we work hard for our Master. He is calling us there. He is Al Wuduud, and He loves us more than we can ever imagine, and is looking forward to saying “Welcome Home” to those who believe.

Home is where the heart is. And when your heart belongs to Allah; no place feels better than Paradise.

“For such the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath – an eternal dwelling. How excellent a recompense for those who work (and strive)!” (Quran 3:136)

As a human being, we come across various life setbacks which we want to share with our friends and family members. But it has also been noticed that sometimes our emotional ventilation/sharing gets us on the wrong path or leads us to take inappropriate decisions or make insensitive measures to address a problem.

Perhaps, because a person with whom we are sharing a problem is; 1. giving us a flawed advice or suggestions, 2. not guiding us appropriately, 3. not properly listening 4. not understanding our concerns and circumstances Therefore, we end up questioning is it worth to share our experiences of suffering with anyone in this world or not? Sharing personal experiences which shape our lives is the most critical aspect of living.

One has to be very mindful while disclosing personal matters with anyone.

The content that we share with other people around does shape our personality because it is important how the person is interpreting our fears, matters, perceptions, and experiences. People with whom we share our worries constructs our perception of an experience which ultimately defines the future course of our lives.

The conversation is not only significant for oneself but also for one’s future. It is crucial as what kind of directions and perceptions other people are offering us after listening to our narratives.

These suggestions and opinions influence our view of an experience. Not only it impacts our way of thinking it also affects our behavior and actions towards people and event.

It is always a better idea to communicate our feelings and emotions with someone

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who has a neutral background and offers active listening.

Active listening means one is giving you impression that they are there to acknowledge your doubts and apprehensions about something which is significant for you without passing any judgment or offering their personal views on the matter because we want to identify ourselves through our experiences.

When we narrate our thoughts and perception about an event or occurrence, we simultaneously detoxify ourselves from implicit emotional barrages. Once we unpack pandora box of feelings and able to see the picture clearly there we start perceiving the issues from different aspect to resolve it rather than reappraising the situation every time with new suspicions. Our brain simultaneously starts working on a solution as soon as we unladen turmoil from our senses.

The function of a brain to seek solution by itself is usually hindered when our experiences are primed by others’ opinions and analyses.

Just like physical health, mental well-being should be taken care by regular expressions of stress and concerns in front of a person who observes unconditional positive regard and follow non-judgmental attitudes.

Hena Jawaid is a mental health professional having trained in Pakistan and US completing 5 years of medicine and then 4 years training in psychiatry. She has contributed to international and national newspapers, magazines and scientific journals on professional and community issues and spends many hours volunteering for various NGOs. ISSUE 192 / NOVEMBER 2021

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9​ ​Self-Care​ ​strategies​ ​when​ ​going​ ​ through​ ​separation​ ​or​ ​divorce Princess R Lakshman Practise these self-care strategies and have faith that Allah has put you to this and He will put you through it and give you what is best for you and your Deen, Inshallah.

1. S e l f - C o m p a s s i o n blame keeps one stuck in the past. Live “through” the pain and grow from it to be better and to move on with hope and faith. Blaming causes further pain and anguish. Express gratitude for everything, even those experiences that were painful. Thank Allah for helping you survive them. Thank Allah for making you stronger and wiser.

2. Re-visit your life’s purpose and dreams – write down your dreams or goals and envision the best life for yourself. Now that you have started a new chapter in life, use your energy into realising your purpose.

3. Talk it out but don’t gossip - speak to positive people and a trusted professional about your feelings. Let things out and unburden, instead of bad-mouthing your ex-spouse. Refrain from talking all day, every day about your breakup to differ-

ent members of the family and relative circle. This inevitably turns into a gossip session.

4. Eat, pray, sleep, exercise - keep focussing on the daily basics of life. Eat healthy meals on time, engage in daily exercise so that your body releases endorphins, the “happy hormones,” sleep for at least 6 hours, and be sure to commit to daily prayers, dhikr, and silent mo-

ments of reflection.

5. Tahajjud salah and silence - try getting up for Tahajjud salah as much as you can.

This will help you overcome any kind of confusion you may be going through regarding your separation or divorce.

After your Tahajjud salah, ask Allah the questions you need answered and sit in silence. Have faith that He will give you wisdom, signs, and inspiration to make

choices that will be good for you and your Deen.

6. Start learning something new - whether it is a new craft or a new language, now is a good time to start learning something new. This will help you keep your mind engaged in something productive instead of allowing your mind to dwell on the past and bring about anxiety for an imagined future.

7. Rearrange your room and de-clutter your living space - the movement of energy and positive vibrations in the home are vital. Create a space for yourself which will be your sanctuary. Rearrange furniture and add new colours in order to breathe new life into your home, filling it with light and joy.

8. Detox your body daily - one of the best strategies for detoxing your body is to drink water and excrete toxins from your body. When your body repairs and replenishes from the inside, your immunity and overall health improves.

9. Daily awareness practice – perform a 3 to 5 minute body scan meditation activity. This daily exercise of the mind brings about clarity and awareness.

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

Sakinah: Peace IFAM elects central team for 2021-2024 of mind

Farid Ahmed

What is peace of mind?

It is a pleasant calmness, serenity, and tranquility in the human mind.

It is essential for human happiness. It is a deeper feeling that is very hard to explain, but the urge or the longing for it is present in every mind. It is an urge that we cannot see or touch or buy. Every human is after the peace.

A story about a king and the peace A king had no peace of mind. His counsellor advised him that if he could wear clothes from someone who had peace of mind, then the king would find peace of mind. The king’s soldiers could not find anyone with peace of mind. Eventually a couple of soldiers found a man in the bush, who said: “I have peace of mind, but I have no clothes. I live in the bush and cover myself with tree leaves.”

Where can we find peace of mind?

I am not suggesting going for you to find peace of mind in bush, but I am pointing to the real source of peace.

That source is not clothes, buildings, lot of money, luxurious life, glittering costumes, glamour, name, fame, expensive living, high position, holding power, sleeping on money, sleeping pills, strong drugs or intoxicants, alcohol, exotic foods etc.

The real source of peace according to Islamic faith is the Creator (Allah), and He has installed the urge for peace of mind in humans. Therefore, Allah is the real source of peace, and He did not make the peace available for sale or purchase. Allah says in the holy Quran: “Allah is He, Other than Whom there is no other god: The Sovereign Ruler, The Holy One, the Source of Peace (As-Salaam).”

[Quran 59:23] NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 192

AMUST Media The Quranic term for peace of mind is As-Sakinah. In calamities, or in stress, or in danger, or in anxiety, or in sickness, a believer can receive Sakinah to pass tests and tribulations.

Allah is the creator and the controller of our hearts, and only He can send the true peace that we need. That’s why, true believers turn to Allah for peace whenever they need it. Then, Allah sends peace in their hearts. Holy Quran confirms: “It is He (Allah) Who sent down the peace and calmness (As-Sakinah) into the hearts of the believers.” [Al-Quran 48:4] How to program the mind for receiving peace?

1. Believe & relax: Strongly believe in what Prophet Mohammad (s) said and feel positive: “Whoever for Allah wishes best, puts through hardship.” [Bukhari] 2. Surrender to Allah & stop worrying: For life or death, trials, or tribulations, simply surrender to Allah’s Guardianship. Remember to say, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihin raajeoon (To Allah we belong and to Allah is our return.” [Quran 2:156] 3. Pray to Allah for peace: As Prophet Mohammad (s) used to pray, “Allahumma Antas Salam, wa minkas-salaam (O Allah, You are the source of peace, real peace only comes from You).” [Muslim] Farid Ahmed is a survivor of Christchurch attack on 15 May 2019, a peace advocate, author of HUSNA’S Story and Quran teacher in Christchurch.

The Islamic Forum for Australian Muslims (IFAM) held its 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) online via Zoom on Saturday 23 October 2021.

An overwhelming number of Members of General Meeting (MGM) participated in addition to some observers at the AGM. The Islamic Forum for Australian Muslims is a leading Australian Muslim organisation dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values.

Since 1993, IFAM has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.

The AGM started with the Quran recitation by Br Faraz Mahmood President of IFAM Perth, followed by Hadith by Br Abdul Gaffar Khan a MGM from Brisbane.

The State Secretary of IFAM Victoria Br Qaizer Nasir presented ethics and etiquettes of AGM and followed by Imam Jawad Ahmed, Director “Why Islam” USA (ICNA) giving a motivational talk, Nasiha.

Various reports were presented including the annual financial report, consolidated IFAM central report, IFAM State and Halaqah reports and Presidential report.

The election for Central Office Bearers – 2021-24 was conducted in stages by Br Siddiq Buckley (AIM) as the Chief Election Officer, Br Muhammad Moniruzzman (IPDC) and Sheikh Ahmed Ibrahim Oaf (AIM).

A. The first election was held to elect

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IFAM Central President where Br Rais Ahmed Khan was elected President.

B. The second election were held to elect 9 IFAM Central Shura (Consultative Body) Members: 1. Dr Chaudhary Kashif Aziz 2. Br Chaudhary Rab Nawaz 3. Br Irshad Ahmed 4. Br Muhammad Anis Qureshi 5. Br Muhammad Hamid Abbasi 6. Br Muhammad Khurram Jawaid 7. Br Javed Akhtar 8. Br Usaid Khalil 9. Br Wajahat Ali Khan Rana C. The third election were also held for States Shura members. The following Brothers were elected as Shura members by MGM of their respective states to represent their State in Central Shura: 10. Br Khurram Ali Khan, Australian Capital Territory 11. Br Shaukat Cheema, New South Wales 12. Br Jamil Chaudhry, Victoria D. The fourth election were also held for Central Sisters Shura members. The following Sisters were elected as Shura members

by MGM of Women Division: 13. Sr Nabeela Rais 14. Sr Humaira Saeed 15. Sr Najia Khalil E. The fifth and final election was also held for Vice President and Secretary General among the Shura members. The following brothers were elected by President and 15 shura members: Dr Chaudhary Kashif Aziz, Vice President Br Usaid Khalil, Secretary General

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The Soul Speaks: Reflections and poems by Princess R Lakshman Asiya Bharadia

Princess R Lakshman.

The first time Princess R Lakshman heard the word ‘author’, she was only nine years old. While many young people go through hundreds of different career options before finally settling on one, becoming an author was always something Princess knew she was going to do.

Currently residing in Sydney, Australia, Princess is a third generation Fijian-Indian.

She is a revert Muslim, mother, wife, and wears numerous professional hats - writer, clinical nutritionist, life-coach, counsellor, and narrative therapist.

But more than that, she’s a human with a soul that speaks so clearly that she feels compelled to share her soul’s messages with her readers.

Speaking about her new book The Soul Speaks, Princess states, “I know there are many books that talk about healing and recovery, but this is my word on healing and recovery.”

The Soul Speaks is a collation of the poems and reflections written over several years by Princess, capturing moments in her life as she was healing and recovering from mental illness that began when she was battling a brain tumour, adjusting to life as a single mother after a sudden marriage breakdown due to domestic violence, and facing rejection and disownment from family due to her choice to embrace Islam as her chosen spiritual path.

During this healing phase, she worked on herself and received professional help to overcome substance addiction, suicidal ideation, and violent outbursts as a result of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder related to triggers from her childhood experiences of familial inter-generational paedophilia.

As part of her healing journey, she began penning poems that came to her during the most mundane of tasks. “I’d be doing the dishes or folding laundry and I’d hear a voice within me. And I knew I had to get these messages down.”

The Soul Speaks

by Princess R Lakshman

ISBN-13: 9781984508195 Publisher: Author Solutions Inc Pages: 158 Available as paperback, hard cover, and eBook.

Amazon https://tinyurl.com/47y68yun Barnes & Noble https://tinyurl.com/px9b4jy9 Xlibris Publishers https://tinyurl.com/eeydf4pk Princess found that these poems emerged in the moment when she first began recognising the light within herself. It was during these moments of self-awareness when she truly understood what her soul was trying to convey.

Princess explains that her writing process was unique. “It was like I was being spoken to, told to just release that particular voice I was hearing, and it was coming so strongly from within me, I knew this wasn’t just a message for me but a message that needed to be written and shared.”

Princess’ teenaged daughter is the closest person to her heart and was also the first person to witness her mental illness.

When the first author copy of The Soul Speaks arrived, she clutched it to her chest and read from it, stating that she was beyond proud of her mother.

“She said ‘Mum this is amazing! This is you staying with me even when you’re not with me because these are your words,” Princess fondly recalled.

“I’ve dedicated this book to her, and I felt

“I’d be doing

the dishes or folding laundry and I’d hear a voice within me. And I knew I had to get these messages down.

extremely grateful when she said that,” she The Soul Speaks is a collection of poems further added. that truly speak to the soul. They resonate Princess has strong faith in the healing with readers and render them into looking ability of someone inside themselves, who has been through searching for their trauma and abuse. voice, a reminder of “There are many Allah to always love voices in our head Find that place within you themselves and be that belong to oththe person they were That can’t be violated ers…when we are meant to be.

That can’t be cursed little we start hearing Her words are also That can’t be manipulated people’s opinions on echoed throughout That can’t be rejected who we are and who the book and espewe should be. Our And can’t be disowned cially in her favourite authentic voice about poem from the colFind that place within you ourselves and our lection, titled ‘Find That is soulfully you own potential gets that Place’ (page 139 And not the perception of you drowned by these difof The Soul Speaks).

Recognise that pure place ferent voices.”

Princess is cur“But I feel if you Yes, that place within you rently working on a sit in silence and memoir, two novels Is what returns to God surrender yourself to (women’s fiction), Because that’s the place Allah’s divine plan and a daily journalfrom which you’ve grown for you, then you ing prompts book for when first in you will hear an intuitive Muslims. voice - low and soft the soul was blown.”

Her first novel The in volume but feels Girl Child is also right, and good, and available on Amazon. ~ Find that Place, joyful, and that’s The Soul Speaks when you know it’s To contact your soul speaking.

Princess, visit There’s no judgement or doubt, it’s a very www.princesslakshman.com sure voice without any yelling, shouting, and belittling. This voice isn’t telling you Asiya Bharadia is a writer and journalist what to do, it’s guiding you.” based in Brisbane, Australia.

“

Being part of an Australian skin care campaign Lara Hawwash When I was approached to be part of the Neutriderm Campaign I was so excited to be a Hijabi representative! I wanted to show that there are plenty of Muslim women out there that love to take extra care of themselves, hair and beauty regime.

As a Muslim hijabi women, being part of an Australian Campaign was great as I’ve felt a sense of inclusivity and belonging.

On the day of the photoshoot I was able to meet wonderful influencers whom held a strong passion towards skin care. We had conversations about the different products used and discussed which worked for us.

We realised that the product itself catered to diverse skin types just as the campaign promoted cultural diversity!

The Neutroderm Campaign is being fea-

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tured on different social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

It has also been featured on Australian TV such as 9Now, SBS, etc. @neutriderm_australia interviewed me on set asking about not only how I take care

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of myself from the outside but also from the inside!

We emphasised the importance of taking care of our mental health so that the external care can come about with utter love and gentleness.

Lara Hawwash (in grey hijab) at the Neutriderm photoshoot.

I personally take care of my skin by drinking plenty of water and using natural skin care products. I have been using the Neutriderm moisturising lotion and I love it, as it has kept my skin feeling fresh and smooth.

I feel my presence in the campaign brought about a positive feedback. As many Muslim Australian women shared the ad with me, they were pleasantly happy to view a hijabi figure on the screen to allow them to feel a sense of inclusivity.

One message I’ve always sent my followers is that no matter what they want to do, they can do it if they put their hearts to it.

So if there is any person who has a goal or passion I highly recommend you do it with your head held high, and remember you are beautiful, and nothing can stop you from doing what you love.

Lara Hawwash is an event planner, that does events for the community, through my events I try to help out business that need exposure.

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Dr Fathi Osman: A contemporary Muslim thinker Mohammad Yacoob In 1996 Dr Fathi Osman received an award at the University of London (UK) by prominent Islamic Institutions and distinguished scholars worldwide. His voice was a new voice that presented Islam as a religion that gave the world an open-ended system constantly developing and dynamic. His significant contributions to Islamic thoughts is his legacy. He joined Muslim Brotherhood in the 1940s, worked on its weekly journal, but broke away in the 1950s.

Dr Fathi Osman devoted much of his life to writing. He spent time explaining Islam to both Muslims and non-Muslims, arguing its dynamics & applicability in any part of the world, and showing that Islamic law is easily applicable in contemporary life because of its flexibility to adapt to modern times.

In addition, he wrote more than 40 books in English and Arabic to make Islamic civilization and culture more understandable.

His writings addressed Muslim scholars.

First, he explained Islam and its flexibility in simple terms to those who are very unyielding, conventional. Second: He seems to have exposed tendencies of those who are over-cautious. His overall explanation was to show that Shariah is constantly evolving within the framework of Islam and has relevance to our time.

Economic, political, and social development is possible through an interaction between tradition and modernity. To emphasize, he said, it should be scrutinized and put to work by Muslims, forcing Muslims to think more closely, carefully, and rationally and to liberate themselves from each others’ influences by thinking deeply and independently.

Time and again, he emphasized that the divine sources of Islam are permanent and unchangeable. However, the Islamic thinking in dealing with them has been changing because of the interaction between particular and general.

He said intellectual history and Islamic heritage have proved that Islamic dynamism, when put to use to allow the general to interact with the particular for a given time and place, has yielded results in the presence of ever-changing circumstances.

He reminded Muslims about the example of Imam al-Shafi’i, who changed his teaching when he changed his residence from Iraq to Egypt.

He mentioned that a jurist might have different views on many issues under varying circumstances. According to other possibilities and understandings, a jurist who lived in different countries might have different opinions about the same issue.

Fathi Osman intellectually took it upon himself to explain dynamism within Islam and its divine sources, to make the contemporary mind understand that these sources can cope with changing needs in different times and places, confirming that Islam came for humanity – for the entire world.

Things and events are permanent in this world, irrespective of time and place; others are changeable and variable liable to vary and change. Keeping in mind that Allah Mighty God is the Lord of the world, Dr Fathi Osman emphasized Islamic dynamism and stressed the need to provide the combination of general and particular for the given time and place.

He wrote that we should apply permanent divine principles to tackle the ever-changing human circumstances, especially the law.

However, he saw it as a challenge and felt that Muslims and non-Muslims alike will always face difficulty understanding the divine law and changing circumstances.

He added that in this era of globalism, emphasizing human rights, rights of children, youth, women, and non-Muslims, Muslim societies should revert to the original guidance to draw their strength. He always felt, and rightly so, that Islam is for the entire humanity and divine laws are applicable everywhere and any time.

Humans have brought about globalism, which made many forces of nature subservient through advances, accomplishments, and achievements in scientific fields. Most of these scientific achievements are in use worldwide and do not allow any country to be left alone to manage its affairs separately from the entire world.

Fathi Osman is evoking interest in Muslims and powerfully and irresistibly forcing them to change their thinking about Qur’an and God’s revelations, and at the same time indicating that we certainly have a lot to learn. He also drew our attention to the fact that the views held in the past are frustratingly similar. Yet, his message, in a very subtle way, was that we should not give up hope to explore ways to find solutions to issues at an international level for everyone to benefit from it worldwide.

The human mind gets influenced by socioeconomic circumstances in a given society

or a country, so much intellectual discourse may lead to different conclusions at different times and places. Using human behavior and cognition, and intelligence Muslims must interpret the guidance provided in the Qur’an for the betterment and welfare of a society at a given place on this planet. It is essential to ensure that it is applicable and available in other parts of the world.

Dr Fathi Osman wants Muslims to think and reflect using reasoning, intuition, or perception at the individual level. He said,”The divine sources of Islam are permanent and unchangeable. Still, the Islamic thinking in dealing with them has constantly been changing, as Islam’s intellectual history and heritage have strongly proved.”

He reminded Muslims and non-Muslims alike that the era of physical miracles has ended with the coming of Prophet Muhammad (s) when God in the Quran, through the very first revealed verses, emphasised reading and urging its readers to observe & reflect on God’s signs.

He made an attractive and micro observation and said that Quran was gradually revealed over the years to respond to the changing circumstances of the message. He says and rightly so that nothing happens all at once, things happen over some time, and that’s why he argued his point, saying that Quran was revealed piecemeal in 23 years.

Dr Fathi Osman explained that Islam as a faith accepted by God, and the Quran in the belief in One God, must be understood at all levels of human thinking. He says this is because the whole universe, its various phenomena, and the laws and systemic orders are continuously put in place in a very coordinated and systematic manner.

But for human beings, the use of analogy (Qiyas), juristic discretion (Istihsan), and intellectual practices (Ijtihad) are available to make rules within the framework of Quranic commands. It is a centuries-old practice for a country or a community to decide contem-

porary issues and needs when there is no text in the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Edicts of the past are not binding if the message is for all periods of all time.

The real essence of Islam, Dr Fathi Osman believes and has shown in his writings, is truth and morality – the moral elements and axiom. The best lesson from his writings is God-consciousness, compassion, and commonsense, which could help a human being move toward welfare and the improvement of humanity.

Dr Fathi Osman wrote books, helped Muslims and non-Muslims understand Islam and Muslims. He did this by individually analysing, interpreting, and explaining in detail every concept of Islam in the Qur’an, Including Faith, Worship (Ibadat), Shari’ah (Mu’amalat), and Moral Values and Manners. In addition, he discussed laws, human dignity, rulers-ruled relations, socioeconomic justice, women in society, civil and commercial dealings, and universal relations.

Dr Fathi Osman wants us, the Muslims, to think, think and think, and put our minds to work.

In his book Concepts of the Quran, he explained that the belief in the finality of divine guidance “does not prevent human efforts to understand, interpret, infer by deduction or induction or any other intellectual method, developed according to the general principles, and implement this text.”

(Concepts of the Quran – a topical reading

by Fathi Osman)

their role without getting due respect and reward.

Tracing the developments, he says the world witnessed the ‘great emancipatory leap’ for women with the advent of Islam.

There was a qualitative change in the condition of women in general. This was because Islam judged people not on the basis of gender, race, caste or wealth but ‘taqwa’ (piety).

Motherhood was called a blessing and women were given the right to education, property besides economic and legal rights.

From being buried alive at birth to a status of parity with men, women emancipation turned full circle.

Haider dwells at length on the subject and cites Quranic verses and Hadith to show how Islam provided a variety of rights leading to their true emancipation when the world considered women to be no more than a chattel.

In recent centuries women in Muslim societies regressed intellectually even as

women in Europe and West progressed. But of late Muslim women have turned to education again. And this time the impetus comes from modernity and not Islamic scholars.

Haider sees an ulterior motive in the talk of contemporary Muslim women being backward and suppressed. If they are not sufficiently educated today the reason is not religion but historical, political and cultural ones, he argues.

The book discusses in detail contemporary female issues, historical social changes affecting women and root cause of female suppression.

Giving the Muslim perspective, Haider says enlightenment of women, providing them education, financial freedom, legal recourse, physical security, love and respect is more important. “Islam doesn’t consider commodification of female body or the public display of lust to be emancipation.

An ivy league PhD holder may not necessarily be a good person”, he says.

Mohammad Yacoob is a retired industrial engineer and an engineering proposals analyst who lives in Los Angeles, California. Mohammad Yacoob is originally from India and settled in the US for 5 decades.

He is one of the founders of the Consultative Committee of Indian Muslims and former vice president of the Islamic Center of Southern California

Emancipation of Muslim women: The real story J.S. Ifthekhar Oppressed, submissive, veiled, uneducated and deprived of rights. That’s about forms a word picture of Muslim women today. Labels are for clothing, not for people. Society, however, tends to judge Muslim women through the prism of stereotypes. The status of women in Islam remains the most controversial of subjects with people taking diametrically opposite views. The widespread misunderstanding of Islam and the typecasting of the females only adds to the confusion.

A just released book, Daughters of Eve – Islam and Female Emancipation, seeks to dispel the erroneous perceptions. It examines the position of women and how their condition changed down the ages. Through a comparative study the book tells how women fared in the ancient age (pre 7th century CE), in the Islamic age (7th-18th century CE ) and in the modern age.

The book raises critical questions which are waiting to be answered.

“If it was difficult to be a woman in the NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 192

past, it has become more difficult to be a Muslim woman in the present”, writes Haider, the Australia based author, referring to the misleading information going around.

More often than not female modesty is defined as some kind of ‘forced oppression’. Slave girls in dazzling jewellery and flimsy silk is how Muslim culture is often defined. What precipitates matters is lack of correct information about Islam among non-Muslims.

And when it comes to Muslim women many are not just ignorant abut also misinformed, writes Haider.

The condition of women, he says, has been awful through all ancient civilisations.

But despite the suppressing environment some women made their mark as poets, rulers, warriors and priestesses in the ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome and other civilisations.

However, a whole lot of women played

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J.S. Ifthekhar is a senior journalist with nearly four decades of experience. He is based in Hyderabad, India.

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EDUCATION Read Lubna Anwar

“Read” – he said, And then he read, and what he read was for all times to come ahead…..

The laws that changed the world forever, the rules that guided humanity and came as a savior The phrases that made each one to ponder… the existential issues which we were so far left to wonder….

A Book, a guide, a mentor, a light Yes it came to illuminate— illuminate the darkness within the soul, the emptiness of a desolate life Some accepted and were awed, some repudiated and would only find it flawed, to each his own “it reflected”, the heart you approached it with, is what recoiled ……

It didn’t need your approval; your life needed this guidance Mundane and arcane brought together like never before.

Stop, Pause, and Reflect was the modeYou were taught to live by this, in this transitory abode.

Encouraged emancipation in an epoch stuck with slavery addressed women’s rights which they could fight for bravely.

Gave women a fair share in inheritance, was not stopped to have her financial freedom, she could chose the groom and send proposal, and could ride a horse and fight a battle….who gave her that freedom before, none other then and even not after, for many more years to come.

Listed the rights of the destitute on you, every penny you earned had a share for them too What did it not cover, essentially nothing…..from the drop of sperm to the vastness of the universe, from the morals of the upright to the upcoming plight of the imperious…..

Gave way to the unstructured-ness, the Prayer set the routine of an aimless life, In the spirituality of it did the hearts find comfort, burdens were lifted and challenges were subvert.

Some were lost in their hedonism, and ‘to comply’ they found burdensome, Some got so caught in introspection, every second they wanted to move towards redemption….none was the way prescribed, balancing between the two was the divine advice Talks to you, and talks to me…. talks to all humanity Give it a heart without bias, give it a mind sans doubt, and see how it turns your life around…..

Not a book to swear by, it’s a book to Live by……..

Lubna Anwar is a Freelance Writer and Educator with a Master’s degree in Information Technology.

A certified Life Coach , mum of 2 and a member of Raising Young Scholars an Islamic Education Academy, for which she writes parenting and educational blogs, she is an education enthusiast, and believes in quality and affordable education for all. She has recently come up with a Mindfulness Journal for Muslim women.

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The importance of a Wassiyah Denise Il Hearing of death is always hard. Debilitating when it’s a family member. Often, grief obscures our focus and judgement, making the practical elements like organising the burial and settling of affairs for the deceased, challenging. But when there is the absence of a legal Will, the process can become exceedingly difficult.

Recently, we were notified of a revert brother who died suddenly. He was unmarried and had a strained relationship with his family, who weren’t Muslim. He had not organised a will prior to his death and his burial rested on the shoulders of his parents, who wanted him cremated.

National Zakat Foundation (NZF) and our service partners were approached to advocate for an Islamic burial. After a series of negotiations, the family finally agreed for us to take over, if we bore the costs of the burial. And with that, it was settled. We were fortunate because they agreed. But it was in their right not to, in which case we wouldn’t have been able to take the case any further.

We are living in the most uncertain times.

Because of the pandemic, deaths are on the rise. We are seeing severe, even fatal symptoms, sweep across the community in such a short span of time. Recovery is far from a certainty. So many of us are not familiar with the Islamic rulings regarding a Wasiyyah (Islamic Will).

Misconception that it’s only about inheritance but it’s a lot more than this; Islamic burial, custody of children, sadaqah jaariya options. We should also break misconcep-

tions that people might have that you can simply hand write a Will and say we should follow the Shariyah, this will not be accepted in Australian courts, hence the importance of an Islamic Will that’s legally recognised in Australia.

Our team at National Zakat Foundation (NZF) are committed to assisting families in our community who have lost a loved one, but the circumstances aren’t always straightforward. Particularly during the pandemic, we are facing issues such as having to negotiate with non-Muslim family members; or reassuring families who have lost a loved one so suddenly that they are under the strain of not being able to afford the costs of a burial; or trying to make arrangements for a burial

of a brother or sister who is alone in Australia with immediate family who are overseas and unable to enter the country because of border restrictions.

NZF along with our service partners, will help you in the process of setting up your Wassiyah according to your wishes, while making sure it is compliant with Islamic Shariah and Australian law. An Islamic Will is one thing that you can control during these uncertain times.

Let NZF help you have peace of mind; you can contact us at info@nzf.org.au or 1300663729.

in deep spiritual crisis. In Australia, on average 300 murders are committed every year. Whereas annual suicide rate is 3000 and the number are on rise.

People are leaving organised religions en masse but flocking to meditation and wellbeing centres. Thousands of Yuga centres have been established recently in Australia and the number has been growing ever since. It does not mean in any way that the people of no faith are condemned to unhappiness. Lest, they become egoist, arrogant, and self-righteous.

On the other side of the arguments, those of us who believed in divine revelation, do we need to have blind faith. Or are we allowed to ask questions about our understanding of the divine. I think, yes, we can if we are humble and aware of our limitations.

My favorite example is of Ibrahim (a).

He had seen in his flesh and skin the miraculous power of Allah. Nevertheless, once he asks to Allah, O Allah if you would show how you give live to death. Allah replied don’t you believe me. He said, “sure, but it will satisfy my curiosity”. Allah did not scold him. Instead, Allah gave him a demonstration. Curiosity and doubts are beneficial when we are anti-thesis of shaitan that is remaining humble.

The religion is much more than theology. Only the people of clear understanding will be able to remember his or her creator with true essence. Asking questions while remaining humble and conscience of our self-limitations is the way to achieve it.

Read full version: https://tinyurl.com/yurj832w Dr Asrar Taluker is a marine geologist and a passionate community activist. He is based in Perth, Australia.

Denise Il is a writer at National Zakat Foundation Australia, and is based in Victoria.

Seeking refuge in Allah before Quranic study Dr Asrar Talukder “So, when you recite the Qur’an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan, the expelled [from His mercy].” (Quran 16:98) Before going to share my reflections upon this verse, I would like to give a disclaimer that this is not a theological explanation of the Quran, but some rational thinking shaped by the Quran.

In the Quran, the story of Adam (a) and Shaitan is described in seven places. In summary, we can define the Shaitan by his ego, arrogance, and self-righteousness.

As such, if we fail to understand the limitations of our capacity to acquire knowledge, ie, limitations of scientific methodologies, there is a big risk that our arrogant and egoistic reading of the Quran can lead us to astray instead of guidance.

In the West, broadly speaking, scriptures are replaced by culture and divine books by sciences. The science tells us what is right or wrong. Therefore, we must know the limitations of our scientific methodologies.

We get our experimental knowledge from our laboratories. We can carry out experiments only using what we can measure by our five senses. Our miraculous technologies can’t to go beyond our material/physical realities. Science can tell us what is good or bad for our bodies. We are not only bodies but embodied soul, which transgress our physical realities.

In the West, despite enormous development of health and wellbeing, people are

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A time-befitting approach to the Shari’ah

approaches and never on the Sharia’h itself.

The content is never to be judged by the colour of the container! But at the same time, the one cannot be delivered and effectively utilised without the beneficial help of the other! So, both are important. But to serve their respective roles, both the content and the container need to be applied diligently.

Without engaging with one’s conscience, applied logic, and critical thinking, a contemporary Islamic scholar will never interact with the true message of the Qur’an and the Shari’ah. It may now be safely concluded that on engaging its researchers with a serious mind and the legally pragmatic thought, the Qur’an, as explained by Hadith where relevant, will live on as the unique champion of the Shari’ah law! The Qur’an 04:82, 47:24, 22:47 & 13:02-03.

Dr Rashid Raashed The Applicable Qualification: 1. The verses of the Qur’an in this article are rendered, in a contextual translation, by the author himself. As opposed to the literary and textual translation, the contextual rendition helps the divine message being delivered closer to the reader’s heart, making it easier to grasp!

For an easy reference to a reader however, the Arabic texts of the relevant verses are also produced (in the online version).

2.

The opinions expressed and the conclusions drawn in this write up are that of the author himself. They don’t necessarily represent the positions of AMUST. The applied approach to life and the Shari’ah: The ever evolving public interests will always have to be accommodated within the main frame of the Qur’anic dictums: “God intends to make life easy for you and He does not intend to make it difficult.” .

(Qur’an 02:185) In another theme of this mainframe, the Qur’an dictates: “God intends to make life light and bearable for you, because the humans are created weak.”. (Qur’an 03:28) The revealed phrase that “God intends to make your life easy and light”, would live on as highly charged with its universally applied legal implications!

Legally speaking thus, as God expressed His “intention” to be ‘making human life easy and light’ none, must dare to make life difficult for them. Sometimes, people make difficult choices in the name of being chaste, pious or extra careful! But when judged by the Shari’ah matrix above, this approach will prove to be wrong! Understood in their true contexts, these verses lay down the universal principle of Islam to be accommodating the ever evolving public needs, interests and comforts of humanity at all times and places.

According to the Qur’an thus, God intends to make the human life easy and liveable eg on issues of fasting, praying, eating and dealing with halal. By the same authority, God also intends to make life easy and enjoyable on the streets and marketplaces. This is to be achieved, by avoiding the clearly stated practices of haram (the prohibitions).

The universal scope of the Qur’an and the rebuke: The Qur’an expressly states that the mission of the Prophet Muhammad (s) was meant for the entire humanity: “O’ Prophet!

The only objective for which your mission was meant was, for it to benefit the entire humanity, delivering them good news and warning at the same time. But the majority of the humanity does not realise this!”

(Qur’an 34:23) For the ‘majority of the humanity not to realise this’ identity aspect of the Qur’an, is a tacit warning and rebuke!

The verse 07:158 presented the universal scope of the Qur’an in the form of a public proclamation by the Prophet Muhammad (s) himself: “Declare! O humanity, I am the Prophet of God to you all. To Him alone belongs the kingdom and the control of the heavens and the earth. Beside him there is no other God! He alone grants life and death…” (Qur’an 34:23) With such a clarity of the revealed statement, limiting the scope of the Qur’an among the believers only, will be a great disservice.

A holistic and pragmatic understanding of the Qur’an would prove that ‘the mission of Islam is indeed, the blessing for the entire universe and the mankind.’ the Qur’an: 21:107. But to realise this, one must not judge the Qur’an by the reactionary and historical practice of the Muslim rulers or societies, at one time or another. Instead, while passing a judgement on the mission of the Qur’an, one must be just and fair-minded NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 192

at all times. This is the applied meaning of “But the majority of the humanity does not realise this”! ( Qur’an 34:23) Here comes the true consequence of such a pragmatic understanding of the Qur’an today: As an equal members of the universe and the humanity, the contemporary scholarship must prove that in the same way as the Qur’an is the blessing, for Rashid, Mohammad and Ahmad, it also is the blessing, for Michael, John and Haripad in India!

This is where the accommodation of ‘public interests’ at all times and places, as a legal tool and institution, comes into play.

The freedom of choice in its true meaning: With the universal guarantee for the freedom of choice, lifestyle and religion for all, the Qur’an has no case to answer. Nothing could be more compelling than the public declaration to “those who opted not to embrace the Qur’an”: “…..You already have a religion of your choice, which I both accept and respect. Please let me have my own religion as well and grant me the same right”.

This is the applied meaning of the Qur’an in verses 109:06 & 02:256.

However, one needs to apply the Shari’ah, led by the Qur’an, within this wider scope today, yesterday and at all times in the future. Whether the contemporary scholarship of Islamic law and legality, would dare to entertain such an introspection of the Qur’an, would build a credit or discredit for their legal conclusions! Clearly thus, sticking to the watertight traditionalism, possessed by the fear that ‘what if I am wrong’ will never serve the cause of the universal Islam. In turn, this will defeat the application of verses 07:158, 34:23 & 21:107 of the Qur’an.

How the Shari’ah is to be approached today: The application of the Public Interests, as a legal institution of the Shari’ah, would bring an Islamic scholar face-to-face to the measured application of the relevant principles on the reality of life i.e. a problem before him/her. A legal professional would then accommodate the public interest, by keeping his finding within the upper and the lower ceilings of the Shari’ah do’s and don’ts. In dealing with a reality of life, the professional would employ the relevant legal texts from the Qur’an and authentic Hadith. In doing so, he/she will also refer to the relevant legal matrixes. But in drawing a conclusion i.e. the solution, he/she would make a justified, middle-ground and custom-made decision.

To draw the time befitting solutions from the Qur’an and Hadith, one needs to be of the sound legal thinking and socially prag-

matic at the same time. The holistic understanding of the Qur’an and the authentic Hadith, in the light of life and living, is the only way to understand the Shari’ah at all times. To understand them in isolation from the realities of life, time and space, would be an outright rebellion on the universality of the mission itself.

The comprehension of the Sharia’h therefore, has to accommodate the finding of solutions on the issues and challenges at every time and place. This is the direct implication of the Shari’ah being guided by the Qur’an and for it to be the universally applicable revealed law. The onus for it, squarely falls upon the contemporary Islamic scholarship of the law and legality.

Let’s now put in perspective to some 20th Century scholarly understanding. Abdul Wahhab Khallaf is one of the outstanding scholars who guided the contemporary Islamic legal thought as an institution.

According to him, the most useful tool in this space, is to utilise effectively, the legal instrument of “Securing the ever evolving cases of public interests, by providing the custom made solutions”. Re. Abdul Wahhab Khallaf, ‘Ilm Usul al-Fiqh. Pp. 84-88. Dar al-Qalam Kuwait, 1983.

As the issues of life are continuously changing, so must be the Islamic Shari’ah solutions. Finding the custom-made solutions for the ever evolving issues of life and living, without violating mainframe of the permanent principles and the underlying legal values, would require professionally trained scholarship.

The underlying objectives of the Shari’ah: All the Islamic rulings have an underlying objective. This is known as ‘the Shai’rah objectives’ Upholding this objective dictates whether a ruling is to be deduced in the affirmative or in the negative. It makes a distinct case that without one attaining first, the skills of life, living, street and marketplace, along with their underlying socio-political values, tastes and limits, a contemporary Islamic scholar is never fit to find a dynamic Shari’ah solution.

Call it a restriction or a qualification, this is how the legislative Qur’an and Hadith are to be studied, comprehended and correctly applied on a moving life. Short of attaining such an applied and dynamic legal skill, one would be the liability on the Shari’ah law itself! We obviously don’t expect a legally made out judgement from the clerk of a court. The same applies to the Shari’ah skill and most of the Islamic leadership.

Measured by the above tool, an abortive approach to the Shari’ah will fail to deduce a time-befitting Sharia’h solution. The onus for this failure, would fall on the half-baked

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A pragmatic approach by the Prophet himself!

The Qur’an was revealed to reform a moving life and living. The Prophet (s) has introduced the principle of commercial honesty and transparency as a part of the faith.

He had physically inspected the shady trade practices in the marketplaces.

Besides being a Prophet of God, a prayer leader at the Grand Mosque of Madinah, he also acted as the inspector of quality in the delivered goods and services in the marketplace. Adopting him as a role model, while carrying out the socio-political reform, there is no alternative to this type of pragmatic Islamic leadership today and for all time in the future.

While visiting a market place and stopping at the stockpiled food grains, the Prophet (s) suddenly ‘took an inquisitive interest in a pile of food grain. He then pushed his bare hand deep inside the pile. Eventually, he exposed the wet grains from the underneath’ . What is this O’ trader? He inquired? “It was affected by rain, O’ Prophet of God”, the trader replied “Why didn’t you then display it on top, so the buyers can see it?”, the Prophet encountered.

The Prophet, then introduced the principle: “Whoever dared to cheat us commercially or otherwise, is not in fact a true believer”. Sahih Muslim, Section Iman: Hadith No. 102. Sunan Tirmidhi, Section: Buyue’ Hadith No. 1315.

Honesty and integrity aside, the point of focus here is that a true Islamic model of life must not be considered in devoid of empirical living experience that are shaped up by the human needs, necessities and comforts.

What else is the ‘cheating’ if it is not, one delivering contrary to what he had pledged?

The most compelling aspect of this experience is the Prophet’s keen interest to interact with life and living in the street and the market place.

Here is the Qur’an supporting it: “O Prophet, We have revealed to you the Book that contains the ultimate Truth in order that you may resolve the disputes amongst the people, according to the judgement that God has guided you to….” (Qur’an 04:105) The Shari’ah scholars today, are dealing with the same function of the Prophet (s) as described above. Hence is the duty for them to employ their guided logic as a legal tool.

Without dealing with the reality of life thus, one will never follow the prophetic model of Islam, now and never in the future.

In conclusion thus, the solutions that are claimed to be Islamic but don’t meet the empirical lifestyle on the streets, eye to eye, are in fact neither Qur’anic nor Islamic!

Dr Rashid Raashed based in Sydney is currently the Director of Islamic Financial Services Australia (IFSA). He graduated with speciality in Hadith from Islamic University, Patya, Chittagong, Bangladesh, BA (Hons) in Arabic and Islamic Studies, Tripoli, Libya, MA (Usyd) and PhD (Macquarie Uni) in Islamic Financial System. He has served as Imam at Surry Hills and Sefton mosques and is founder and Chairman of Leadership University and College, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

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With the release of Windows 11, it is a bittersweet reflection on how far we have come from early days of Windows and our $2,000 family PC, we used to share as children.

Flexing at the time what was a cutting-edge Intel Pentium 4 processor, the internet was our oyster. As the years went on, each generational leap of processing power would catapult us into the future.

Until now a typical CPU of a personal computer has been a centralised super calculator, requiring a whole sequence of other silicon chips to compute and provide the complete experience we look for as users.

A CPU alone can fetch data from memory and in turn perform arithmetic or logic-based processes on that data. To perform such procedures a CPU is reliant on memory to hold data, an audio chip to decode music, a graphics processor to draw images on your display and hundreds of smaller essential components to provide a functional user interface.

This method of computing has weathered the test of time and has been the staple for personal computers globally, until now.

We are on the cusp of a new generational leap in personal computing technology with the release of Windows 11, the operating system framework is very much purpose-built to house and operate on the next generation ARM chipsets.

The application of ARM based chipsets has typically been limited to mobile devices, which in comparison to a fixed workstation has several limitations one of which being processing power and

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the other being physical real estate for more battery space or other supporting hardware.

The ARM chipsets in comparison to conventional CPU’s have what the industry is referring to as a system-on-a-chip or SoC for short. The significance of this new way of computing and processing is exactly what the name suggests, it integrates almost all the components into a single silicon chip.

Along with a CPU, an SoC contains a GPU, memory, USB controller, power management and wireless radios. Making the possibility of building an entire machine with just a single SoC a reality.

Aside from the advantages of a compact form factor, the use of a SoC chipset provides great computing abilities for a significantly low energy consumption trade off, as well as creating more room for batteries, freeing people, enabling users to achieve new applications on the go for longer.

Until now SoC’s have been ideal applications for mobile phones, tablets, and small wearables. As technology advances, the processing capabilities of mobile devices and laptops come closer and closer to that of a fully built PC powerhouse.

Users in the future can look forward to such products that completely unlocks the way we use and think about computers. Where previously a static workstation was necessary for large scale rendering and encoding heavy functions, SoC systems running on the new ARM based chipsets will facilitate such heavy functions in mobile friendly formfactors.

Sadly this may sound like the nearing of the end for the world of tricked out custom-built PC’s, but will surely lead to new frontiers in the way we use technology.

Muhammed specialises in Business IT solutions for Australian small businesses.

He’s the Head of customer relations for LayerTwo. Muhammed is born and raised in Melbourne’s highly diverse western suburbs.

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Breaking the stereotypes of overseas trained doctors

Processing the Future Muhammed Eryegit

BOOMERANG 4-7

Dr Ayman continuing his career and working as an ICU doctor in Australia.

Soukina Kassir When Dr Ayman ElHaj decided to come and settle with his family in Australia and practice medicine as an Intensive Care Doctor here, he faced nothing but discouragement.

“It’s very hard for overseas trained doctors to find a job”, many forewarned the doctor.

“A lot of overseas trained doctors end up giving up on medicine altogether to make ends meet after years of failing in the accreditation exam,” others cautioned.

The apprehension was everywhere. But Dr Ayman took the leap of faith.

“The discouragement shocked me but here I am to prove that hard work, dedication and perseverance can break any stereotype threat existing,” Dr Ayman proudly unfolds.

It’s a well known fact that the Australian Health System is one of the strictest health systems in the world. Medicine is one of toughest and most competitive majors to get into in Australian Universities. Graduating is even a bigger challenge.

Even the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is very strict when it comes to approving prescribed medications and even vaccinations in the health market.

And when it comes to overseas doctors, the rules and regulations become even tougher. Even international medical graduates with honours need to go through several, rigorous examinations both medical and communicative, theoretical and practical, in order to become fully registered doctors in Australia.

The process is not easy and does indeed

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take time.

“Partially because of the tough process overseas doctors have to go through, a stereotype threat has been formed regarding overseas trained doctors,” Dr Ayman explains. “Some people have this image that overseas trained doctors are less competent while others just don’t appreciate the non-Aussie accent,” Dr Ayman claims.

“It can be challenging for an overseas doctor to have the sense of belonging with such a stereotype threat,” Dr Ayman explains.

“It’s a real issue that needs to be addressed,” he further added.

“People need to realise that overseas trained doctors can be just as competent.

I passed my examinations from the first go and scored among the top 10% in my AMC (Australian Medical Council) exams.

That was the result of years of hard work in my country overseas,” Dr Ayman relates with content.

“My performance reports at the hospitals I’ve worked at here in Australia mostly rank me as ‘above expectations’ in most categories,” Dr Ayman tells me.

“People should have more faith in the Australian Health System regardless of the gender, race, ethnic background or social status of a doctor.

Where you come from doesn’t matter.

Your performance, competence and dedication to your work does,” he states.

“I hope more people grow to appreciate the contribution overseas trained doctors have made to the Australian Health System.

We have covered shortages in times of need, areas of need and specialities of need,” Dr Ayman finally concludes.

“Where you

come from doesn’t matter. Your performance, competence and dedication to your work does.

“

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Soukina Kassir (Juelliet) is a mum of two, an image consultant and a former instructor (in Lebanon). Charity and non profit work has always been a passion of mine.

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Resilient Muslims in regional and remote Australia

Cairns, QLD.

Gladstone.

Rockhampton.

Mareeba.

Townsville. dent), Dr Oyelola Adegboye (whom I met in University of Qatar twice), Dr Rabiul Beg, Dr Robiul Islam and a past President Dr Alok Mitra.

It was an honour to join the dinner hosted by the family of Dr Shahead Chowdhury.

Very big thankyou to the family, especial wife, of Dr Shahead for their warmest hospitality. Along with delicious food we enjoyed the company of our senior colleague Dr Rabi Beg and friend Dr Rafi Uddin Ahmed, both of whom work at James Cook University.

Professor Shahjahan Khan I was always very keen to visit Mosques located in the regional and remote areas of Queensland and know directly about the communities and leaders who are so resilient and dedicated to live by Islam and uphold its teachings in a very difficult environment and situation. Finally, from 11 June to 24 June 2021 we visited all six Mosques and communities in central and north Queensland, Australia.

Starting from Toowoomba/Brisbane we visited Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns and Mareeba. In this long waited road trip we drove over 5,500km. It covered, the vast eastern part of Australia from Toowoomba/Brisbane to Port Douglas stretched over 2000km northsouth plus several cruises and ferry trips to see the diverse creation of Allah.

A long-time close friend of mine from Brisbane joined my wife and me with his wife for the unforgettable and memorable trip.

This unforgettable visit took us to the scenic places like Gladstone harbour area, Eungella National Park near Mackay, Proserpine Tourist Park, magnificent sea view in Bowen, tropical city of Cairns and Green Islam, exciting mountain drive to Mareeba and Milaa Milaa Falls in Atherton Tablelands, rail journey to Kuranda scenic area and return by sky rail and cable car, open ocean views in Port Douglas and Cardwell, Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island and bright white silica sands in Whitsunday region, amazing Capricorn Caves near Rockhampton, and many other attractive places.

We had the opportunity to see first hand how the marine lives in Australia’s great barrier reef, especially the coral and other aquatic creatures, are vulnerable to global warming and undeniable climate change.

Destination #1 Gladstone Mosque The first Mosque visited in the trip was the Gladstone Mosque on Saturday 12 June.

It is a temporary Musallah in a rental property. The community is in the process of building a permanent Mosque after getting approval from the local Council and winning a court case.

This is a very well organised community under the leadership of Eng Moslem Uddin.

We met him, Dr Khondoker Ashraf Islam, and Syed Midhatullah Qadri who was an NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 192

Mareeba.

Mackay.

Engineering student at USQ long time ago.

Destination #2 Mackay Mosque The second Mosque we visited is the Mackay Mosque on Sunday 13 June. This Mosque was established in 1983 with the help of AFIC. The key founder of this Mosque was Br Omar Selimich (May Allah be pleased with him), a Bosnian origin Muslim who used to lived in Toowoomba and later moved to South Australia.

I made a short speech after Dhuhr prayers and joined the Monthly Community Lunch with so many members of the Community.

It was great to catch up with Dr Muntaser Musameh (current President), Dr Muhammad Ashraf (past President), Imam Mujib Ullah, Mustafa Akbar (Vice President) to mention a few.

This community is very well organised and very actively engaged within and between communities.

Destination #3 Mareeba Mosque On Wednesday 16 June we visited the second oldest Mosque in Queensland. This Mosque was built in 1970 by the Muslims of Albanian origin who started settlement in the region in 1920’s.

I was very honoured to meet Br Binyamin Murat and Br Eskander Murat, decedents of early settlers and enjoy their company briefly. They were allowed to migrate to Australia even under the `White Only’ migration policy because they were Caucasians.

Interestingly, Br Eskander is an engineering graduate from University of Southern Queensland. A very successful farmer, who brought his wife to Toowoomba after their marriage to show her where he used to live in the Garden City.

Dr Akil Islam and his family invited us

for a family dinner in his farm home. A big thankyou to the family, especially Sr Diana Murat and her lovely mother for the warmth and delicious food.

Destination #4 Cairns Mosque The fourth Mosque we visited in our tour was the Cairns Mosque. It is also known as Abu Bakr As-Siddiq Mosque. Br Abdul Aziz Mohamed (May Allah be pleased with him) was one of the key founders and Imam of this Mosque.

This Mosque was built in 2009. Br Rafiqul Chowdhury is a Trusty of the Mosque and manages its affairs along side other active members of the community. I also met Br Aboo Auckbur and Br Rafeek Mohamed. It was exciting to meet Eng Mahmudul Hoque who was in Toowoomba and worked in the Toowoomba Second Range Project before moving to Cairns.

The Imam of this Mosque was also serving as Imam in Mareeba Mosque. He has moved to another city and the community is now in the process of hiring another Imam.

Destination #5 Townsville Mosque On Saturday 19 June we visited the fifth Mosque on our tour, the Townsville Mosque.

It was established in 1987, four years after Mackay Masjid was built. Interestingly the carpet in this Masjid looks exactly the same as that of old Toowoomba Masjid.

This Masjid was funded by Saudi Arabian Government. The community is very well organised, dynamic and active. Both Ishaa and Fajr prayers were very well attended. I was specially impressed by the number of young Muslims who joined Fajr prayers.

It was great to catch up with my old friends, Professor Dr Osman Malabu (past President), Dr Shahead Chowdhury (Presi-

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Destination #6 Rockhampton Mosque On Tuesday 22 June we joined a dinner in the Rockhampton Mosque. This Mosque was established about 20 years ago. We met Br Abdur Razaq (President), Associate Professor Delwar Akbar (past President), Dr Zaman and Dr Sweet along with other members of the community. It was exciting to know that Br Abdur Razaq lived in Toowoomba briefly on his arrival to Australia.

This is a well established community and very actively engaged with wider community.

Associate Professor Delwar Akbar is a great host and once again his family invited us for dinner at his home. Very big thankyou to his family for the warm hospitality.

On our way to Toowoomba, we prayed evening (Maghrib and Ishaa) prayers in Ipswich Mosque on Thursday 24 June.

We were very impressed by the spirit and engagement of the Muslims in the remote and regional Queensland. They are resilient and proud to be Muslims and making great effort to live as Muslims.

The Mosques are key to the unity and future of Muslims. All this Mosques run Madrasa to teach Islam to the children and adult.

The Muslims in these communities are highly committed to their faith and genuine effort to maintain the Mosques and strengthen their communities, and engage with people in the wider community to live in peace and harmony.

We pray for everyone served/serving and supported/supporting these Houses of Allah and communities only to please Him and achieve successes in the Hereafter. May Allah bless all of them with the best in both worlds.

Professor Shahjahan Khan is professor of Statistics at University of Southern Queensland, Australia. He is the former President of Islamic Countries Society of Statistical Sciences and Expatriate Fellow of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences.

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KIDS DEEN TIMES Stories on Keeping Promises Ayat Farukh

Esa Adnan

There was a boy named Noah. He was very clever and mischievous boy.

One day his mom looked for him. She looked everywhere but couldn’t find him. She cried, ‘’Noah come here’’, this is not funny! He tried to trick her mom by saying that he found something moving. But it was just his cat, Coral. ‘’Noah this is not funny’’, she said. You promised you would not scare me like that. He jumped out of cupboard and his mom hugged him.

Then suddenly she found something off his cheek. His mom got furious and shouted, did you eat Nutella (Chocolate spread) again?

You had promised that you wouldn’t eat sweet again, but you ate. Now you will do the dishes as a punishment.

He was repenting on not to keep his

Allah says “O you who believe, why do say that which you do not do? It is hateful to Allah that you should say that which you do not do” Once there was a Shepherd and he was talking his sheep to the fields to eat the food.

Suddenly the naughty idea came to his mind. He planned to make the people of the town fools.

He started shouting for help. Help, help, please help me, is there any one who can help me.

There is a wolf, he will eat all my sheep’s. People heard his voice and ran to help him but when they reached there, he started laughing at them. HA! HA! HA! I’ve tricked you all. It makes the people so annoyed but he enjoyed it a lot. He decided to do it again. he shouted in the same way and people were not sure if they

promises.

Allah always asks us to keep our promises.

In Sura An-Nahl, God forbids Muslims to break their promises after they have confirmed them.

Moral: Never break your promise.

Ayat Farukh is seven years old and in grade 2. She is based in New York, USA.

Allah’s Creation

Allah is the centre of the Qur’an and Islam, as it’s reflected in the Islamic testament of Faith, “There is no God but Allah.” He is Rabb al-Alamin, Lord of all the Worlds— Human, Animals, the Earth, the Universe, Angels, this world, and the next.

Our mission of the Kids Deen class is to teach and gives understanding to kids about: • That Allah is the Creator of

Esa Adnan is eight years old and based in Sydney.

Everything.

• That Allah provides sustenance for all for all His Creations.

• That Allah is the One who gives life and death to all His Creations.

• That Allah has control over everything.

The following drawings are of Allah’s Creation drawn by students in Kids Deen Class for Kids Deen Times News.

Drawn by Muhammad Umar Ajmairy

Drawn by Huzaifa

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should believe him this time, he shouted I promise there is a wolf so people ran towards the fields to help him. The shepherd enjoyed making them be fooled and laughed at them again. On the third day, the shepherd saw the real coming towards his sheep’s. This time he shouted for real and said “I promise, I’m not tricking you this time please help but no one listened to him and his sheep were killed by wolf.

Before the shepherd broke a promise.

The people did not trust him anymore, they stopped believing him and would not even come if he promise again. His promise became weak.

So, what we learnt from this story is “Don’t lie and never break your promise” The Prophet PBUH further states that “He whose has these three things should be considered as a hypocrite, even if he performs the daily prayers, observes fasting and thinks that he is a Muslim: breach of trust lying and breach of promise.

AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

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#SOCIAL

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Drawn by Momina Ali, 4 years od, Sydney.

Drawn by Essa Adnan.

Drawn By Syed Fatima Zehra Husain

Created by Zunairah NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 192

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Drawn By Emaan Malik, 9 years old from Sydney.

Drawn by Moosa, 10 years old from Sydney.

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Created by Abeera AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

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Social Spotlights Zuleyha Keskin

Tu Le

@TuLe2166 WELCOME HOME. This morning I had the pleasure of dropping off some essentials and meeting a few of the Afghan women and their families we helped to come to Australia.

It made me think back to all the times my family would reminisce about the generosity of Australians who donated food, clothes and the basic necessities when we came here with nothing, so we could start a new life in Australia.

It feels so good to play my small part to pay it forward.

Like many migrant and refugee communities before them, these amazing women will contribute so much to our society.

Thank you for reminding me of what makes Australia one of the best countries to live in, and how bright our future can truly be. #UBelongHere

One thought that naturally comes to our mind when our parents are alive is “what can I do to make things better for them.”

Their happiness makes us happy. I have learnt very quickly that this thought does not change when a parent passes away.

When my dad passed away, it was almost an instinctual reaction I had: “What can I do to make things better for my dad. I want his life in the grave to be a good one and I want him to be in the highest level of paradise. I want the best for him.”

A Hadith came to my mind which comforted me: “Verily, Allah Almighty will raise the status of His righteous servants in Paradise and they will say: O Lord, what is this? Allah will say: This is due to your child seeking forgiveness for you.” (Musnad Ahmad 10611) So easy to do but yet so powerful.

And then this Hadith: “When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three things: sadaqah jariyah (endless charity); knowledge which is beneficial, or a pious child who prays for them (for the deceased).” (Sahih Muslim, Book 13, Hadith 1383) It is so reassuring that, we can still do things which will benefit a parent or parents that have passed away. Otherwise we can feel disheartened and completely helpless.

That desire “to make things better” can still be fulfilled, even if they are not in this dunya (world) with us. Alhamdulillah.

@ifamaustralia_

@islamicwomens welfareassoc Volunteering to help pack bread for our needy. Say hello to our wonderful sisters Maria and Chom. Thank you also to Baker’s Delight Roselands. #lockdown #foodrescue #charity #iwwa #canterburybankstown #volunteer #volunteering

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@brothersinneed,org

Our friends at House of Sadaqa were on hand last night to provide free clothing items for our Homeless Community. As always, they were greeted with open arms by the wider community who really value their service in providing much needed clothing apparel for them.

Thank you as always!

Craig Foster

@fozzfootball 30 c2

IFAM

Islamic Womens Welfare Assoc.

Brothers In Need

Alhamdulillah! IFAM-Rooty Hill, NSW Chapter today has breakfast after Fajr prayer at Plumpton Park. Due to restrictions 30 brothers of Rooty Hill were present. It was great to meet all brothers after a long lockdown period. Breakfast of Halwa Poori was very delicious. The game of volleyball was also great.

Masha Allah great team and Alhamdulillah really we enjoyed.

May Allah swt accept our efforts for His Deen and increase in our taufeeq and give us himmat to continue our sincere efforts for the establishment of His Deen.

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This photo is very special.

It represents two people that will contribute so much to Australia, and who travelled here in very different ways. @mostafaazimitabar is a courageous humanitarian, speaking out against all forms of injustice, a trait that forced him into exile as an asylum seeker and who had 8 years ripped from his young life by Australian refugee policy.

He’s an immensely talented painter, singer, songwriter who is focused on helping others and giving them the voice he was denied. @marwa_moeen is a young women’s rights activist who abandoned a prosperous shop and University study in Kabul when the Taliban took over. Having spoken out, she had to flee and along the way, took 15 young girls with her, getting them to safety at incredible risk to all their lives.

They met this week at @addiroad, a community where good people from walks of life, all ethnicities, cultures, religions come together to support each other, and their community.

Moz & Marwa are extraordinary human beings.

One came by boat and his life was ripped apart, the other by plane.

Their life paths are similar, fleeing from tyranny as advocates for others, and has brought them together at Addi Rd. Refugees are just people in trouble, like you and I in different circumstances.

You are both gifts to Australia.

Welcome

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Israel’s classification of human rights organizations as terrorists

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TOP 6 Tweets

#StandWithThe6

What does it mean?

Ramy Abdu What does the Israeli classification of NGOs and human rights organizations as hostile and terrorist bodies mean?

From past personal experience, I present some thoughts on the practical repercussions of this classification in this #thread.

Isolation Israel aims to isolate these orgs and limit opportunities for interaction with the international community. Israeli encourages entities around the world to stop communicating & cooperating with the listed institutions. It also aims to damage local interaction.

Credibility Israel aims to damage these orgs credibility, thus allowing the human rights narrative to be questioned. Any narrative issued by these institutions will remain in a non-neutral context, while many media & research centers will avoid dealing with them.

Financial embargo Donor countries and organizations around

the world stop providing funding to these organizations while pursuing their bank accounts, including the Palestinian ones, where their property may be subject to confiscation and prosecution.

Prosecution These orgs staff are subject to arrest if Israel decides to do so according to “justifications” provided by the listing and the travel ban, which leads to staff inability to work in these institutions and prevent them from engaging in their activities.

Paralysis of activities This classification will make it impossible to organize or document victims’ testimonies & communicate with them. The institutions cannot perform legal representation for victims, including prisoners, before the Israeli courts.

Decline Civil society orgs play a vital role in the resilience of societies under occupation.

This classification will make individuals reluctant to form civil gatherings and force current orgs to reduce their activities and the ceiling of their anti-occupation discourse

“Launch Ayat Al Kursi”

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NEWS 1-3

Although the majority of Australians are vaccinated and lockdown laws and restrictions have eased – it doesn’t mean things will go back to “normal” as such!

As we adjust back into our social and professional lives, it is important to keep up to date on what the new rules are, that are put into place to protect us. Take note, that each state has different rules, and that you need to do your own research gathered from authentic sources.

NSW & VIC Indoors: 20 people fully vaccinated Outdoors: 50 people fully vaccinated This applies for groups of people exercising and at: restaurants, shops, services, weddings, funerals, and religious services.

Entertainment venues cannot host people indoors, but can host 50 vaccinated people outdoors. These numbers are subject to change as vaccination rates increase.

BOOMERANG 4-7

All residents over 16 years of age MUST be fully vaccinated.

Even if you are fully vaccinated, do not enter a home if there is someone above the age of 16 who is not vaccinated or if there are more than 19 visitors.

VIC 10 visitors fully vaccinated (including dependants) are allowed to visit and gather in a home.

Groups of up to 15 people can gather outside.

There are different rules for regional Victoria, so please check if that applies to you.

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AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES

AUSTRALIA 16 - 19

LIFESTYLE 20 22

Masks must still be worn everywhere, except for in your home.

How to stay safe at the Mosque Recommendations to Mosque attendees • Wear a mask properly and keep it on at all times whilst at the mosque.

• Do not attend the masjid if you are or anyone around you is ill, even if it is mild, • Performing wudu at home is preferable, • Limit gathering inside and outside the masjid, • No hugging, kissing or hand shaking before or after salah, • Bring your own, clean and washed, prayer mat, or use disposable ones provided.

• For those who come in shorts, bring your own sarong.

• It is recommended that you change your clothes once you get home and place them in the wash. Always wash your hands afterwards

Recommendations to Mosque committee NSW 20 visitors fully vaccinated (children under 12 do not count) are allowed to visit and gather in a home.

COMMUNITY 8 - 15

• Ensure the building is properly ventilated, • Keep congregation to under 15 mins – aerate between sessions • Make mask wearing mandatory • Sanitise attendees upon entry • Apply social distancing in queues • Congregants to bring their own prayer mats or provide disposable mats, • Temperature checks at the door, • Limiting of aloud recitation, • Limiting use of communal items • Each masjid will need to decide on a capacity according to density limits (1 person per 4sqm, and 1 person per 2 sqm from 1/12).

They should clearly display this capacity to minimise any risk and to avoid fines Read more recommendations at: https://tinyurl.com/69vadj8m

WWW.AMUST.COM.AU

Indoor areas such as apartment buildings require a mask.

This includes both indoor places and outdoor areas – unless you have a medical exemption.

It also applies to public transport, all workplaces, shopping centres, libraries and secondary schools.

In regional Victoria, masks may be removed in hairdressing and beauty salons if the service requires it.

It is recommended that all primaryschool-age children wear masks indoors and outside, except for when at home.

Exemptions do apply, therefore do your research to see if you qualify for any of them.

Even if you wear traditional or religious garments, you still need to wear a fitted face mask in designated settings.

There are face masks available that can be worn with traditional and religious garments.

If you are wearing a face covering, it is recommended that you wear your face mask underneath.

You are not required to wear a mask if you have a physical illness, mental health condition, or disability, which makes wearing a mask unsuitable.

If you cannot wear a face mask due of a disability, physical illness, or mental health condition, you must carry either: a medical certificate or letter signed by a registered health practitioner (such as a doctor) or a registered NDIS provider, or a statutory declaration with you at all times.

Please be respectful to people who are not wearing a mask as the reasons for not wearing a mask are not always visible or obvious.

ISSUE 192 / NOVEMBER 2021