UMMAH 23
EDUCATION 24 - 25
BUSINESS 26
TRAVEL 27
COMMUNITY
SOCIAL 28 - 31
AMUST
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.
NOVEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 192
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- David Shoebridge Greens MP in NSW Parliament.
About the PMCAs The NSW Premier’s Multicultural Com-
WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
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
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
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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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