Australia 18

AUSTRALIA 18 - 20 The current state of the Australian economy

It continues to inflict financial pains to households

FINANCE Dr Abul Jalaluddin

As of July 2022, the Australian economy is in a confronting state of play. Australians are facing real financial pain as the inflation and interest rates are on the march but the real wage growth is on the back foot. Cost of living out goings on essential shopping, electricity bill, mortgage payments and petrol are increasing fast.

In the year to March 2022, the real wages decreased by 2.7%, the worst outcome in more than two decades.

The major economies of the developed world are either travelling at the slow lane of growth or at the brink of a recession, largely due to global inflation, slow global economic growth, impacts from Covid-19, supply chain issues and war in Ukraine. It would require suffering on behalf of Australian households to tame inflation and avoid recession in the economy.

Inflation

In the year to June 2022, the rate of inflation was 6.1%. The Australian Treasury now forecasts the inflation to peak 7.75% by 31 December 2022. They forecast the headline inflation to be at 5.5% by 30 June 2023, 2.75% by 30 June 2024 and 2.5% by 30 June 2025.

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)’s target range of inflation is 2 to 3% a year. At the current rate of inflation, the purchasing power of the income and wealth of Australians will continue to erode at a higher rate than expected by the RBA till the end of next year. If this high level of inflation is left untreated for too long, it will undermine Australian living standards and wreck the economy on the long run.

Economic Growth

The Australian economy is expected to grow slower than what was forecasted in the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2022. Economic growth forecasts have been cut down by half a percentage point from the financial year ending 30 June 2022 to 30 June 2024. The real GDP is now expected to have grown by 3.75% in the financial year ended 30 June 2022, 3% in the financial year ending 30 June 2023 and 2% in the financial year ending 30 June 2024.

This weaker economic growth outlook is due to various factors including weak consumption, high inflation, increasing interest rates, domestic floods affecting exports, low dwelling investments and constraints in the construction sector.

Rate of Unemployment

In the quarter ended 30 June 2022, the rate of unemployment was 3.5%, the lowest since August 1974 when it was 2.7%. The high rate of employment is expected to be maintained till 31 December 2022. The Treasury expects the rate of unemployment will be returning back to 3.75% by 30 June 2023, 4% 30 June 2024 and 4.25% by 30 June 2025.

Real Wage Growth

The forecast for nominal wage growth is 3.75% in the financial years ending 30 June 2023, 30 June 2024 and 30 and 2025. Given the high rate of inflation, Australian households may not see a real growth in wages and salaries before the first half of 2024. The real wage growth will rely on moderating inflation and getting wages moving up wards again.

National Debt

Federal budget has $1 trillion debt. The Treasury expects that the interest payments on government debt will be the fastest growing area of government expenditure in the coming fiscal years and this will grow faster than the spending in National Disability Insurance Scheme, aged care and health care including hospitals.

For a better economic and financial well-being, there should be more measures to help Australians with cost of living pressures, grow salary and wages by decent pay rises, contain inflation and deal with supply chain issues of the economy..

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

School students engage in Homeless Outreach Program

Can you imagine yourself alone in a 3rd world country refugee camp?

People smugglers boat Year 10 students from Punchbowl Boys High School pack non-perishables for distribution to the homeless community in Brothers in Need’s Homeless Outreach Program.

Food rations for 1 week. Dean Mousad

Philip Feinstein

In early August at the Whitlam Institute in Rydalmere, an exhibition of a refugee camp located in a poor area was displayed. The exhibition was geared up as a camp where refugees were waiting their turn to be accepted by a country and then transported to their new home.

Or they were just waiting for a people-smuggler to transport them to a place like Christmas Island in Australia. And that wait could be anything between 10 weeks and 10 years . . .

Unlike Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney where meals and a bed were provided, they had no guarantee of a bed, food or even water. Everything was rationed.

Some of them who had money were able to buy things, but they were in the minority. The conditions in camps like this were atrocious in every respect.

The exhibition in Rydalmere began with a fenced entrance where a ‘guard’ greeted everyone in a very harsh manner. “Put your bag aside and remove your hat!” he screamed.

The tension was immediately felt by everyone coming in. It gave you the feeling of what it would be like in a 3rd World camp.

The experience, called Refugee Camp in my Neighbourhood, followed the footsteps of refugees and people seeking asylum via a simulated experience. We all gained a better understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers.

Various stories were also relayed to us about these people fleeing their own countries and seeking safety and better lives.

Amongst the various displays were: 1. The UNHCR office in the camp 2. An invitation for refugees to state what 5 things they could be allowed 3. Box minimal rations for one week 4. A make-shift toilet 5. An experience on a people smuggler’s boat

People wanting more information about Refugee Camp in my Neighbourhood should contact refugeecampimn@gmail.com

Brothers in Need has recently been engaging school students in their programs, as part of the Board of Studies’ shift towards project-based learning rather than classroom-based learning.

Unity Grammar’s Year 12 Legal Studies class accompanied Brothers In Need on their Homeless Outreach Program on 23 August 2022. The students gave up their Saturday night for a tour of the Brothers in Need headquarters, packed non-perishables/ toiletries into bags, and then ventured out to Martin Place to distribute the items as well as hot meals.

Other schools which have recently participated in the Warehouse Program include Irfan College and Punchbowl Boys’ High School.

The students brought donations of non-perishables and toiletries which they enthusiastically packed into bags for distribution to the homeless community this coming Saturday night.

The students from both schools were keen as mustard and it was our pleasure to host them here. They learned about the work of Brothers in Need and Project Quran and finished off by playing games in the mezzanine.

“I felt that the students really enjoyed themselves, were well-behaved and felt that they’d really made a difference. One guy asked if our warehouse is always open and if he could come back, although that was whilst playing in the games section upstairs! I’d forgotten how much energy teenage boys have!” says, Dahlia, a staff member for Brothers in Need.

Further information about the school programs, as well as the other work of Brothers in Need, can be found at www.brothersinneed.org.au/ appeals/school-workshop/

Brothers in Need is a Muslim not-forprofit organisation/charitable organisation which was established in 2015. It acts as a family for Australia’s forgotten and aims to transform Australian communities one life at a time. Their largest focus is to assist the homeless community, refugees and asylum seekers.

Dean Mousad is the Co-founder/Managing Director of Brothers in Need, Co-founder/ Treasurer of Project Quran, a Teacher/Mentor at Alfirdaus College and a registered Counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association.

Silence… the first step towards awareness

Princess R Lakshman

Practising daily moments of silence can calm us and make us attentive to people and things around us. Silence does not mean we need to be away from noise. It means that even in the midst of noise we are still able to hear and listen to our inner voice and keep calm.

We often voice our supplications to Allah, but rarely do we practise silence to hear His answers to our questions because we are caught up in reacting to circumstances.

We behave similarly with other people as well. Have you noticed how we talk more and listen less?

We sometimes ask people how they are but we do not pause to listen to their response. We either walk right past them or busy ourselves with other chores, or we start talking about ourselves.

Sometimes, when another person is speaking, instead of listening to them attentively, we start formulating a reply to their words to make a point.

When we practise silence, we become aware of the incessant chatter that interferes with maintaining inner calm. This awareness enables us to discern, through emotions and physical sensations in the body, thoughts that serve us and thoughts that exacerbate anxiety.

The incessant chatter of the mind is what robs you off your peace in the present moment. Instead, it conjures up mental images of the past or causes anxiety about the future – both existing in the mind as imagination.

It is only through the practise of silence that one can listen to one’s own inner voice – the voice of intuition, the voice of one’s soul. Outside chatter that replays in the mind causes noise that blocks out this inner, soulful, intuitive voice.

The inner voice is quiet, calming, and grounding in nature. It does not cause anxiety. Instead, it guides us to calmly surrender to Allah’s plans. It grounds us to be in the present moment and to experience life as it is unfolding in that very moment. It brings a sense of peace and tranquillity.

Here is a 30-seconds silence practice that you can incorporate in your daily life. 1. After salah, sit in silence on your prayer mat or go outside in nature. 2. Straighten your back and let your upper body feel tall. 3. Breathe in slowly and deeply, so that you feel your belly expanding. 4. Hold for a few seconds. 5. Breathe out slowly. 6. Repeat for 10 long, deep breaths in and 10 long, deep breaths out. Repeating long, deep in-breaths and out-breaths supplies oxygen to all the organs in your body. This abundant supply of oxygen energises the mind and calms the nervous system. 7. If there is an issue that is bothering you, ask Allah’s guidance to find answers to your questions. With each in-breath and out-breath, submit to Allah’s wisdom and His Plans for you. Let go.

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

Pakistan consulate organises flag hoisting ceremony

Shafqat Ali

Pakistan Consulate General Sydney office organised a flag hoisting ceremony in the West Sydney West on the Sunday 14 of August 2022 morning at in The Ponds Community Hub attended by large members of the Pakistani Community and guests.

The ceremony formally started with the recitation of the Quran followed by the flag hoisting ceremony led by Mr Muhammad Ashraf, Consul General of Pakistan.Mr Ashraf welcomed those present and conveyed the Pakistan Government’s message along with his feelings on Pakistan Independence day, 14 of August.

Ms Uzma Gillani, the famous Pakistani veteran actress, narrated a beautiful story fully enjoyed by the audience.

Now that COVID-19 restrictions were over the event this year was attended by a large number of families including kids who came in their traditional green and white dresses.

The ceremony was formally closed with dua for Pakistan and for members of the Pakistani diaspora.

Pakistan’s consulate office organised a traditional Pakistani breakfast for all attendees that included Pakistani Mangos and sweets.

A serious conversation about ageing

Ruwaydah Alliston

When we are young, we can’t imagine the difficulties we will face when we’re old. As we age, our health, mental capacity and quality of life diminishes. We may feel we are burdening the family, adding to feelings of depression.

Just as having youth and good health is a test, so is aging. It is another phase of life with new tests, that, if we have the right mindset and follow Islamic guidance, we can make the most of our twilight years and earn a lot of rewards before we return to our Creator.

“It is Allah Who created you in a state of weakness, then gave strength after weakness, then, after strength, gave weakness and grey hair: He creates as He wills, and it is He Who has all knowledge and power.” (Quran 30:54)

There is a widely accepted expectation that our elders must be cared for by their family only, no matter what. But this expectation must be looked at realistically, both by the families and elders themselves.

The reality may be that family is unable to adequately care for their elder, or an elder may not have anyone to care for from the family.

Families often feel guilt when they have to look for help.

Caring for an elder can become psychologically and emotionally like caring for an unwell child, and it can be extremely distressing to “let go” and let someone else take care of them.

But sometimes it is in the best interests of the elder that they are cared for by people with special training and in a setting where they will get the best help.

It is very important that the dignity of our elders be maintained.

Elders have the right to make decisions about their own lives. Informing them of their options and involving them in the decision-making process maintains their sense of dignity and is best for their mental and emotional well-being.

Islam honors and respects the elderly.

“Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both attain old age, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: “My Lord! bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.” (Quran 17: 23,24)

Most people don’t plan for their old age. When things come to a crisis point, it is the most difficult time to start searching for help and making decisions.

We can’t plan everything ahead but having knowledge of available services and having an Advance Care Plan is helpful.

The National Zakat Foundation’s “Respecting Elders” program is building partnerships with Muslim Community services to raise awareness and working to meet the needs of our elders.

For information about Navigating the Aged Care System, making an Advance Care Plan, and where to get help see NZF’s website www.nzf.org.au/ program/respecting-elders

AMUST

LIFESTYLE How likely are you to get a stroke?

Dr Ghazala Kirmani

Are you at risk of developing Stroke? Stroke or ‘Brain Attack’ can happen to anyone who has certain risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, CAD (coronary artery disease), heart disease, high cholesterol and obesity.

Someone who smokes, drinks alcohol or has a sedentary lifestyle is also at risk. If you have a family history of stroke or heart attack it is regarded as genetic predisposition to stroke.

What are the symptoms of stroke/mini-stroke?

Symptoms depend upon which area of the brain is affected .

Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg (usually on one side), confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, trouble in vision in one or both eyes, trouble in walking, dizziness, loss of balance, co-ordination or sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Is there any warning sign of stroke ?

Mini-Stroke (Transient Ischemic Attack) is a warning sign of stroke. This is a transient loss of function. It is usually caused by a small blood clot in the artery of the Brain leading to brief interruption in the circulation.

It may last for a few minutes to 24 hours and it requires urgent medical attention. Contact your doctor or call the ambulance if you or your family member is having a mini-stroke.

How is stroke treated?

Stroke is treated according to the cause: stroke due to bleeding is treated by a surgery whereas a blood clot will require medication to dissolve it. CT scan and/or MRI will reveal the cause of stroke.

Long term physiotherapy and speech therapy would help improve quality of life.

How can you prevent a stroke?

If you have any risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, CAD and family history of stroke you must be visit your doctor on a regular basis. Take your medications on time to control these diseases. Adapt a healthy lifestyle such as avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, eating low-fat healthy diet, exercising regularly and maintaining an ideal body weight.

Early medical intervention can prevent damage to the brain cells and hence increase the chances of complete recovery. So, if you or someone you know develops sudden symptoms of stroke, seek medical attention immediately.

Dr Ghazala Kirmani is a qualified doctor from India and is based in Sydney. Worked for Priority care health solutions as an Injury Management Advisor. Runs Health and wellness workshops at House of Sakinah educating Women on health issues.

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AUSTRALIA 18 - 20 Developing strong Muslimah leaders and speakers

Khimar Toastmasters Club members and guests during the July 2022 online meeting. Photo credits: Khimar Toastmasters Club.

Maria Nordenswan

Whilst not the first of its kind in the world, the Khimar Toastmasters Club is still a bit of a pioneer. Khimar is an online club created for Muslim women across borders.

The club was put together by Juliana Jamal. Ms Jamal’s vision was to have a Toastmasters Club for professional and educated Muslim women.

According to Ms Jamal, the club was created to “bring together Muslimah from the global community to learn and develop communication and leadership skills”.

The Khimar Toastmasters Club first got together in October last year. The club was chartered in early 2022 as an official club of Toastmasters International.

Toastmasters International is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes public speaking, communication and leadership development.

The Muslimah members of the Khimar Toastmasters Club are diverse in age, educational background and profession. What the members have in common, besides being Muslim women, is the desire to develop into more effective communicators.

The club has members from Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa and the UK. Members meet monthly, on the last Thursday of the month, via Zoom.

Each meeting is an opportunity for members to practice speech giving. There are many roles up for grabs each month: Time Keeper, Evaluator, Toastmaster of the Meeting, Grammarian and so on.

Khimar was set up as an online club so that Muslim women from anywhere in the world could join it. Women can start by attending a meeting as a guest. If they like it, any Muslimah is welcome to join and become a member.

The Club’s members include a copywriter, a lecturer, a lawyer, a student, a teen life coach, a content writer, an entrepreneur, a professional public speaking mentor and many others.

Khimar Toastmasters Club is run by women for women. It offers a safe and supportive environment for Muslim women to get together and practice their public speaking skills.

Khimar is a great platform for professional and personal development. And it’s fun too!

Find Khimar Toastmasters Club on LinkedIn for more information.

Maria Nordenswan is a Content and Web Copy Writer based in Sydney, Australia.

Write your Will for your family’s financial stability

Qasim Abbas

Financial planning in necessary in life for secured future. It should take into consideration future family members in case of sudden and unforeseen circumstances specially death. In some of such cases, complicated matters arise like inheritance, survivors’ wellbeing, legal matters arising for remaining property etc.

Death is certain for everyone. The Holy Quran says about death:

“Every soul shall have a taste of death.” (3:185; 21:35; 29:57).

“But to no soul will Allah grant respite when the time appointed for it (death) has come.” (63:11)

When someone passes away, the funeral cost is certain, which depends upon funeral rituals according to the faith of the deceased, local regulation etc. In Asian countries, funeral cost is reasonable. In Europe, North America, Australia the funeral cost is high. Therefore, the immediate relatives have to arrange for the above amount towards the funeral cost after the death of their loved one.

In most countries, when a person passes away, in absence of his/her registered/notarized Will, property left by the deceased are taken over by the government, and after that, immediate relatives have to go through lengthy and complicated legal formalities and have to pay towards legal cost for the property left by the deceased, which takes considerable time.

In case the deceased has made the Will as per Quranic Orders and/or law of the land, duly registered/notarized, his/her immediate relatives have to complete few legal formalities to recover the property left by the deceased, for which less time is required.

In Arab countries, in case of death of a person having written Will, his/her legal heirs have to go through formalities with Shariah Court, where all inherited properties are distributed by Shariah Court in accordance with Islamic Inheritance Law, as per Verses 10, 11 and 176 of Chapter 4 of Holy Quran.

While my stay in UAE, I have witnessed some such cases, where I was witness at Shariah Court to testify and confirm the identity of legal heirs of a deceased.

Therefore, it is strongly advised that Muslims should write the Will and get it registered/notarized. This will also fulfill the obligation of Holy Quran directives to write the Will as per Verses 2:180, 2:240, 5:106 etc. This is in order that no dispute arises after the death of an individual.

Also, it is strongly advised that the head of the family should open JOINT BANK ACCOUNT with the condition of RIGHT OF SURVIVORSHIP with his wife and/ or his children, with the condition that ACCOUNT TO BE OPERATED WITH ANY ONE SIGNATURE.

In such case, in the event of death of one of the Joint Bank Account holders, one of the survivors can easily, legally can withdraw the money from such Joint Bank Account at any time. In North America, I have witnessed such few cases.

Therefore, it is strongly advised that the head of the family should write the Will, get it registered/notarized, and also open a JOINT BANK ACCOUNT as explained above.

Qasim Abbas is Chartered Accountant, Cost Management Accountant, Arabic Scholar, multi languages writer and writing newspapers columns based on Quranic Verses.

Our community is so diverse, children’s books need to be too

Anhaar Kareem

As a young girl growing up in Australia, I grew up reading ‘classic’ picture books that ranged from magical stories to ones about children that I could relate to. But I could never properly relate to the characters.

They didn’t look the same as me, or celebrate the same as me, dress the same as me or eat the same foods as me.

Every time I picked up a book, there would be the same character on the cover, with blonde hair and blue eyes, staring at me.

Unfortunately, only 18% of children’s books, like the ones I adored, have any representation of non-anglo saxon, children of colour.

More shockingly, only 2% have an authentic and positive representation of these marginalised groups.

What further complicates the issue, is that even when racially marginalised groups are included in children’s literature, the way that they’re presented in these narratives, is often problematic.

There is the idea that people of colour can only exist in a tokenistic or performative way in literature.

When minorities are included, they tend to be the side-characters, people in need of saving or even villains. Common portrayals, such as the white saviour narrative which glorifies white characters as ‘heroes’ that save characters of colour embody harmful stereotypes.

So, how does this misrepresentative narrative impact children?

Research shows that 75% of Australians hold implicit bias and much of that is grounded in their upbringing. When books lack characters of colour, children think that white people and white culture are superior to marginalised ethnicities.

Studies have also consistently shown that books can either encourage an empowering or harmful view of the way children see themselves.

Thus, the representation of these children in literature is pivotal in their understanding of themselves and the world around them.

However, improvement is occurring, some progression we are making in this representation, is the rise of discourse and awareness about this issue.

This year, for the first time, a Sydney Muslim Writer’s Festival was held, placing the spotlight on Muslim and minority voices in literature.

Attending this festival and seeing all of the diverse authors and books was incredibly empowering for my family and I and is a testament to the positive trajectory we are travelling on.

In order to better the portrayal of marginalised races in children’s literature we must all play our part in ensuring equality in our books.

We need to support writers of colour by purchasing and reading their books. The next time we buy a book for our younger family members or friends, make sure that it is a culturally authentic story.

Re-analyse the books you’ve read and love, do they represent culturally marginalised groups fairly? Or at all? There is so much that we can all do to make a difference.

That way maybe, sometime in the near future, when I read books to my children and grandchildren, their favourites will be diverse, with genuine characters in an empowering and accurate story.

Anhaar Kareem is a 14 year old student and Western Sydney resident. She is an advocate, writer and speaker who is passionate about issues concerning young people.

‘Reflecting Hijab’ workshop by MWA

Searage Arabi

Muslim Women Australia (MWA) was proud to facilitate an exciting new program ‘Reflecting Hijab’, a workshop on Tuesday 5 July 2022 which aimed to help young Muslim women reconnect with Hijab and Modesty within an Islamic framework.

MWA invited young women aged between twelve and twenty-five to participate in an interactive forum filled with activities and discussions.

Through discussion with MWA’s Youth Advisory Committee, there was a greater understanding of what the Hijab meant for young girls, and that although they knew the hijab was a requirement of their faith, they did not have a clear understanding of its significance.

Reflecting Hijab began with an interactive presentation that allowed participants to share their thoughts and submit questions to the panel speakers.

Dr Ghena Krayem, Associate Professor at the University of Sydney and regular commentator on the Muslim community in Australia, provided an Islamic perspective on the Hijab and reflected on personal experiences as a lawyer wearing the Hijab.

Dr Krayem was able to gauge the interest of the young people by being honest and transparent, allowing opportunity for questions concerning wearing the Hijab and answering them in a way that allowed for careful reflection and instilling hope in their hearts.

The workshop then continued with age-appropriate activities. Girls aged twelve to seventeen years were provided role play scenarios based on potential experiences that they may encounter at school and in everyday life. They presented and performed the scenarios and included how they would respond in that situation.

The second group was made up of young people in the eighteen-to-twenty-five-year range. They engaged in meaningful discussions around their experiences of the hijab in a safe and supportive space.

The insights that were shared and the discussions that the young people had echoed our aim for Reflecting Hijab and really highlighted the importance of fostering community engagement and creating a sisterhood for young Muslim women.

The last interactive session for Reflecting Hijab was light and enjoyable for all. Participants assembled their own travel pin cushions, putting it together and decorating it to their liking.

MWA aimed for the content of Reflecting Hijab to leave a mark on the hearts of those who attended. To remind them of their personal journey, participants were gifted a sentimental bag that included a Reflecting Hijab Booklet curated by MWA, as well as other goodies.

As the final activity of the night, participants were asked to write a letter to their future self, outlining what their modesty goals are and how they expected to achieve it. MWA would then post this letter out in six months’ time to encourage them to reflect on their view of the Hijab, and how they are tracking with their own personal goals and

Dr Ghena Krayem providing attendees with an Islamic take of the Hijab

modesty journey.

The need for a workshop such as the Reflecting Hijab was prominent throughout the night. Providing a space to young Muslim women to discuss topics around modesty while strengthening their relationship with the Hijab and Allah allowed attendees to leave Reflecting Hijab with their hearts feeling full.

Searage Arabi is the Health and Wellness Officer for Muslim Women Australia and is based in Sydney, Australia.

Ustadha Feda Abdo and Dr Ghena Krayem facilitating one of the activities during Reflecting Hijab Attendees of Reflecting Hijab take part in an interactive activity where they create their own travel pin cushion

AUSTRALIA 18 - 20 The Salman Rushdie Saga: A different perspective

Zahid Jamil

The world has reacted angrily to the stabbing incident of the author Salman Rushdie. He was attacked by a young American of Lebanese origin as he was about to give a lecture in western New York on Friday 12 August 2022. He was rushed to hospital with injuries to vital organs and recovering now in a stable condition.

His novel The Satanic Verses led to death threats from Iran in the 1980s.

While the anti-religion narrative has become common in the Western world, it’s essential that we analyse different perspectives of the story.

Salman Rushdie wrote the book “The Satanic Verses” more than 30 years back, which insulted the Prophet of Islam. Except for a brief written statement when the Iranian President suggested that he may be forgiven if he apologised and withdrew his book, he did not show remorse. The book continued to be published and sold in many Western countries.

Salman Rushdie was born and raised in a Muslim family in the conservative Muslim surroundings of Bombay in India. Unlike French satirical cartoonists and others, he knew very well how emotional and sentimental Muslims were about their Prophet.

He knew that if not for Muslims living in the Western world, it would cause unrest in South Asia, and many may get killed during protests. They did, but he continued to show total disregard for his own people.

The British government and its court system, while providing him with the protection and rightly so, following the Fatwa by the Iranian supreme leader, Imam Khomeini, did not allow a fair trial of him in court.

In the UK and most Western countries, the right to religious belief is protected under Human Rights Act 1998, which allows its people the right to profess any religion or belief. Part of any belief system is to have the highest regard for the founders of their religions.

Many religions consider their founders as gods, while in Islam, God is one, but they hold the holy prophet in the highest possible esteem. They love and respect him more than their own parents or any other person ever born on the planet.

It’s part of their religious belief which is protected by International Human Right conventions. If a person engages in insulting, mocking and disgracing the holy prophet or, for that matter, any other religious god, he/she deeply hurts the sentiments of the religious followers.

In the West, such people are not questioned but honoured and protected under the false premise of freedom of speech which is very selective. According to Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the right to speech is subject to certain restrictions, which includes the reputations of others.

Having constructive criticism of a religion or any ideology makes sense however, mocking, abusing and insulting other prophets or gods for the sake of it should fall under this Article.

England’s High Court rejected a Muslim group’s request to prosecute Salman Rushdie and the publishers of his novel ”The Satanic Verses” on charges of blasphemy and seditious libel in 1989. The panel of three judges upheld a lower court ruling not to take legal action against Mr Rushdie and Viking Penguin, the publisher of ”The Satanic Verses.”

London’s Chief Metropolitan Magistrate ruled in March 1989 that England’s blasphemy law applied only to Christianity, not other religions, including Islam. At that time, Muslims were the second largest religious group in Britain. The case was brought by the British Muslim Action Front, an organisation that said it represented Britain’s two million Muslims. ”We have no doubt that as the law now stands, it does not extend to religions other than Christianity,” said Justice Watkins. The judge further added, ”Where the law is clear, it is not the proper function of this court to extend it. Parliament alone can change the law. Even if the courts had such power, extending the blasphemy law to other religions ”would pose insuperable problems and would likely to do more harm than good.”

It sounds so unreasonable to an independent person that the legal system of Britain, the champion of justice, failed to incorporate appropriate law for other religions, which were followed widely in the country. Such exclusive law for Christianity only was clear discrimination against the minorities. Justice Watkins also dismissed a contention by counsel for the British Muslim Action Front that ”The Satanic Verses” amounted to seditious libel by engendering discontent and hostility and contributing to the breakdown of diplomatic relations between Britain and the Governments of Islamic countries.”

The court said that for seditious libel to be proven, the evidence must show – ”and it did not” – that an attack was made ”against Her Majesty or Her Majesty’s Government or some other institution of the state.”

Obviously, British law placed the Queen above the historical figures who were admired by people around the world. Surely such a law would not be considered just by the global community. Anthony Lester, the Counsel for Viking Penguin, argued that if Mr Rushdie and his publishers were successfully prosecuted, their rights to freedom of expression and other rights guaranteed by the convention would be violated. It was another silly argument where you would not persecute a person for a grave crime to protect his ill-founded freedom.

Section 5 of Britain’s Public Order act makes it illegal to use “threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour …. likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress thereby.”

However, this law did not seem to apply in this case where an author insults a historical figure admired by hundreds of millions of people and causes distress to them.

The British government is willing to deport Julian Assange to the US for persecution, not giving him the journalistic freedom. Obviously, all conventions and human rights are followed to suit the political agendas of their own while undermining others.

While it’s unfortunate that Salman Rushdie has been attacked, such an incident could have been avoided if the British legal system and Western media would have taken into consideration the religious and humanitarian perspective of faith and sentiments of ordinary people.

Zahid Jamil is an engineering post graduate from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and runs a financial planning practice based in Sydney. He heads South Asian Muslim Association of Australia, SAMAA: samaa.org.au.

Experiencing Hajj in a wheelchair

Farid Ahmed

After my accident in 1998, I became a wheelchair bound person.

Sudden accident and losing the ability to walk was a terrible shock for me. I had to learn new skills to live my day-to-day life confined on the wheelchair. It was a battle against hopelessness, pessimism, and depression. My Faith guided me to enjoy the peace of mind despite difficulties in life.

My Hajj this year on awheelchair increased my faith and brought peace go mind.

I have been sharing my experience of Hajj in wheelchair on Voice of Islam Show as a series with tips for Muslims on wheelchair who are willing to perform Hajj in future.

This can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/voiceofislamNZ

My biggest question was, “Would I be able to perform Hajj one day in my wheelchair?” I was not confident, and lacked courage to take the journey.

With the fear of inability to perform Hajj in a wheelchair, I sent two people twice in the past to perform Hajj on my behalf, called Hajj Badal.

But after performing the Hajj this year, I felt guilty for not trying it before. With Hajj Badal, I was deprived from the wonderful feeling and the divine experience at Hajj.

My advice, if you are in wheelchair, never give up, and never think that you can’t do it. If I could do it, then Insha Allah, you can do it too.

With new technology, medical care, air-travel facilities for disabled passengers, wheelchair accessible hotels in Makkah, Mina, and the facilities in Arafah and Muzdalifah, there is no reason why one should not try to perform Hajj.

For the Tawaf around the Holy Kaba, and the Saee between the Safa and Marwa, Saudi authorities have done wonderful work for wheelchair bound Hajis. I found many people in wheelchair performing Hajj with the help of support persons.

The good news is that wheelchair Hajis gets many advantages, and they should consider these as Allah’s Mercy.

There are provisions on upper floors for manual or electrical wheelchairs under roof to provide shade and cool air, safer than the busy ground level for Tawauwhich is 5.6km giving plenty of time for praising Allah and making Dua. A support person can push the manual wheelchair to make the wheelchair person comfortable.

The Saee between Safa and Marwa is 3.5 km for 7 rounds, and that gives plenty of time to make Dua, Zikr, and saying Darood Ibrahimi.

In conclusion, the experience of Hajj is divine, and no one can describe it for you. It is only you who need to feel it, and experience it. Start dreaming, planning, and working on it. May Allah grant all the ability to perform Hajj one day, Ameen!

The Chinese government stopped me from seeing my wife and son

These testimonies are the stories of Uyghurs and Falun Gong Practitioners affected by the Chinese Communist Party’s attempts to commit genocide against them and other minorities. Their families and friends are at risk of forced organ harvesting. Many have pledged to never source an organ from China if they ever needed one.

END TRANSPLANT ABUSE IN CHINA from Urumqi while I was in remand and flew me to Urumqi. We arrived in Urumqi at Rula Mai Hai 11 pm on that night. There were more than 10 police who arrived at the airport in 4 different police cars and transferred me to the My name is Rula Mai National Security Bureau of Xinjiang. Hai. I am 39 years old, They took me to one of their interrogation and I live in Melbourne rooms in Urumqi. I was tied onto a metal Victoria. I am now a Citi- chair with handcuffs and shackles. There zen of Australia. were many police who interrogated me con-

On 29 Jun 2016, I mar- tinuously until 10 am the next day. They ried Mayila Abulizi in didn’t give me any chance to sleep or stop Urumqi, the capital City of the interrogation. current Xinjiang in China. Then I was transferred to the jail about She is now 38 years old and a Chinese citi- 40 km from Urumqi and was locked up in a zen currently living in Urumqi and has a son small room with another 35 people. I stayed from her previous marriage. She is a judge in that room until 13 Sep 2017. During that of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region time, they didn’t give me any explanation High Court. and I wasn’t allowed to talk to anyone or

In 2018, the department of immigration make a phone call to the Australian Embasgranted me a sponsored family visa to invite sy. my wife and her son to come to Australia An Australian Embassy staff member (Visa no: 7579584940363; Visa Subclass from Beijing came to visit me on 4 SeptemUF/309). Unfortunately, her passport was ber 2017. He asked the Chinese Police what taken away by the local authority and she was the reason was for arresting me and dewas unable to come to Australia and reu- taining in Urumqi. The police told him that nite with me as expected. She requested her they were investigating me. passport from the authority many times but He was shocked and angered from the anthe request was denied. swer that he received from the Chinese po-

On 22 Aug 2017, I travelled to China to lice. After he left, they return my passport visit my wife and my stepson, but I was ar- on 27 September 2017, however I was told rested at Chengdu airport of China unlaw- that I could not visit China for the next 5 fully. Chinese police took away my Aus- years. They didn’t explain the reason behind tralian passport and my mobile phone at the the decision. airport and detained me for over 30 hours. I returned to Australia on 29 September Then I was taken to a different location of 2017. Chengdu and detained for further 24 hours. I am aware that I may never be able to

On 24 Aug 2017, two policemen arrived see my wife unless I take some actions to reunite with her in Australia. She has been interrogated and harassed by the authorities several times since my departure in September 2017.

As an Australian citizen, it is unacceptable for me to be separated from my family by the Chinese authorities and it is affecting my way of living as an ordinary Australian family with my family members.

I hope the the Australian government will help me to reunite with my family.

Raise your voice Palestinian Lives Matter

Sadia Shareef

Palestine is a country torn apart by war and conflict, a once peaceful country before its occupation. But all that’s left of it is despair.

On Friday 5 August 2022, a three-day airstrike jeopardized Palestinians lives. Leaving 31 killed including 6 children and 260 seriously wounded.

Why is Palestine suffering like this? Why are Palestinians constantly being targeted? Why is Palestinians not receiving the recognition and justice that they deserve? If people knew more about the atrocious and hostile treatment of Palestinians, would they help?

Since 1984, a day hasn’t gone by where Palestinians are able to live freely without the fear of being killed or arrested. Their homes have been destroyed multiple times, and by the time they finish building their houses again, they are being wrecked by conflict.

Many do not even have homes or even electricity. Medical equipment is low and water supplies are being cut by Israel. How are Palestinians supposed to live without such basic human rights and needs, essential for survival?

We need to change the way Palestinians are treated. No one should be treated like this!

What if you were in the shoes of a Pales-

Palestinians search through the rubble of a building following an Israeli airstrike on Sunday & August 2022.

tinian person, how would you feel fearing for your life every day? Afraid to go outside? Afraid to speak up? Afraid of being punished for what is right? Palestinians have lived for years like this.

When will the day come when Palestinians can rejoice with one another and not be instilled with fear? By supporting Palestinians we can end the pain they have endured for over 50 years.

Palestinian Lives Matter. We need to look for ways to help others and not ourselves. The international community has a duty to highlight the plight of the people of Palestine and should advocate to restore peace in Palestine by helping them get past this unfortunate tragedy. Rula Mai Hai is based in Melbourne, Australia.

The International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China (ETAC), Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC), China Aid and supporting organizations are asking for your help to raise awareness of forced organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience in China and mobilize a global movement to end this transplant abuse.

Take the pledge: endtransplantabuse.org/pledge

Dr Daud Batchelor

“O believers! If a sinful person comes to you with news, ascertain the truth lest you harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of regret for your actions.” (Qur’an 49:6)

It invites the question: “Was there deception in the 9/11 events?” Most Americans now reject the official explanation. Australian agencies need dig below the subterfuges to elucidate the true happenings. 9/11 happened 21 years ago but still the true perpetrators have not been held accountable. A dozen carefully-researched books claim to expose the 9/11 official story to be a fraud.

Evidence suggests that Israel with its overwhelming influence over US government institutions may be behind the planning and conduct of 9/11.

After 9/11, Osama bin Laden emphatically denied responsibility: “I assure the world I did not plan the recent attacks …I have been living in the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan following its leaders’ rules. He does not allow me to exercise such operations.”

The Taliban said if the US provided evidence of OBL’s involvement in 9/11, they would hand him over. The US brushed it off and attacked. Until now they have no convincing evidence.

Alan Sabrosky, Former Director, US Army War College’s Strategic Studies Institute, is “absolutely certain as a strategic analyst that 9/11 was a classic Mossad-orchestrated operation.”

“WTC-7 – the third tower to collapse that day, and the only one not hit by a plane – absolutely was brought down by controlled demolition … so were the other towers (WTC-1 and WTC-2). That gives the plane impacts a gruesome cosmetic role, designed to conceal the true cause of building collapse.”

Sabrosky says, “the WTC-7 case is the single issue to effectively “discredit the US Government’s case and rationale for so many misdeeds [needless wars, infringing civil liberties].”

Some evidence points out that the buildings were brought down by means other than impacting aircraft include “real-time clips of secondary explosions at ground level in WTC-1 and WTC-2 (you can hear detonations).”

Sabrosky says, “neither Al-Qaeda nor affiliates had the expertise and local support necessary to allow them needed access to any of the buildings at the World Trade Center, to cut open the walls and wire them for controlled demolition, then escape.”

He points out to evidence of Mossad complicity being, “New Jersey residents saw five people … filming the attacks and visibly celebrating. They set up their cameras before the first plane hit [indicating foreknowledge of 9/11 and complicity]. Police arrested them. All were Israelis.”

Sabrosky explains: “What is fascinating is how little impact it had on public awareness of details of 9/11. A ‘cloak of silence’ descended over mainstream media discussions of 9/11 that don’t conform to the official interpretation.”

Many Executive Branch members (especially ‘neo-conservatives’) were authors of the “19-named-Arabs-in-4-planes” thesis. A surprising number were on the pro-Israel Project for a New American Century when it reported some ‘catalytic event’ was needed to move the US.

He claims that, “The largely Zionist-owned mainstream media [allowed] the official US government view of 9/11 to go virtually unchallenged.”

Sabrosky emphasises: “having a positive incentive to make the 9/11 attacks, only Israel had essential expertise and local support to make the 9/11 attacks, expertise and local support to bring down the three WTC buildings with controlled demolitions, and leverage within/around the US Government to let their operatives evade detection, to be released … if apprehended, and cloak their actions from public scrutiny.”

Raimondo in “9/11 and the Israeli Connection,” concludes, “Israeli spies closely observed the terrorist network that assisted the hijackers between 2000 and April 2001, and ‘during their undercover investigations, the Israelis came very close to the later perpetrators of 9/11,’ (Der Spiegel). In Hollywood, Florida, Israeli spies lived close to Mohammad Atta (terrorist suspect), ‘observing the seemingly normal flight school students around the clock.’”

French intelligence reported that [Mossad] leader, Hanan Serfati, rented several dwellings. “One of Serfati’s apartments was located on the corner of 701st St and 21st Avenue, right near Atta’s apartment.” (Die Zeit)

Raimondo notes, “It’s possible [Mossad] was protecting the 9/11 plotters: surrounded by Israelis from San Diego to Texas to Florida, the hijackers operated in what appears to have been a protective bubble provided by Mossad.”

In this scenario, it is alleged that Arab hijackers were involved, protected in their mission by Mossad.

There is evidence that Mossad had prior knowledge of terrorists’ plans to attack the Twin Towers but rejected effective preventive action.

Claims are often countered by the weaponized term, ‘conspiracy theory,’ which could be used by any defendant, to demean valid evidence against them, even if that evidence contributes to their eventual conviction.

Can we really believe the US Government’s version of the 9/11 events when we know they lied when they said Iraq had ‘weapons of mass destruction,’ which led to a 20-year long War of Terror against Arab countries killings millions?

Global authorities should properly investigate these leads, which suggest that 9/11 was a major deception to get the US to embark on serial wars in the Middle East that benefited Israel weakening its Arab foes.

Following Soviet collapse, the sole superpower US, highly influenced by the Zionist lobby conducted costly wars for decades, killing over 600,000 Muslims and destroying a number of Muslim countries.

“Shock and Awe” 2003 Destruction of civil infrastructure, Baghdad, in deceptive “War on Terror”.

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.

Donate for Derby Mosque in WA

Shariful Islam

Derby, a tourist destination is a regional town in Western Australia’s north located in Kimberley Region with a population of around 8,500 with a vibrant and growing community that has welcomed Muslims.

There are 10-12 Muslim families living in Derby with no place for warship in the form of Mosque/Masjid/Musallah. The nearest Mosque is 750 km away in south Headland.

Muslims Malays from Singapore, Java, Timor, Kupang, Sulawesi and elsewhere in the Indonesian Archipelago began arriving in WA from the 1869s, mainly as indentured labourers working in the pearl-shelling industry.

From 1960’s onwards pearl-shelling industry wound down but many Muslim Malays who arrived as young men in the late 1950s and 1960s remained in Western Australia’s north where a significant number married local Indigenous women and today there are many Indigenous-Malay Muslims people in the Derby, Broome, Kununurra and elsewhere in the Top End towns of Western Australia.

Due to the lack of a place of worship, many Muslims have been losing their spiritual connection to Islam and moving further away from Islam. Although the majority of the local Muslim population’s descendants still use Muslim names, they do not adhere to Islam.

For the revival of the Indigenous-Muslims a place of worship/Mosque is essential and therefore the Muslim community in Derby intends to construct a mosque and has registered an association (established a website, bank account, PayPal account, and Facebook account, among others), got Shire/ Council clearance for the proposed Mosque project, and in the process of joining ICWA and AFIC.

First phase of the mosque project is to acquire the land (See photo) and then construct the mosque in the second phase.

Muslims from all over Australia are requested to donate towards the Derby Mosque by depositing funds into ANZ Bank, Derby BSB: 016620 Account No 6448-57077 or via Pay ID 0480 379 400 or PayPal Account: derbymosque@gmail.com

How an Australian Imam’s foresight influenced modern Islamic astronomy

Prof Dr Mohammad Ilyas

Astronomy is a priority area in Islam. Starting from the last Khutba of Prophet Muhammad (s) at Arafah in 632 CE until well into the 19th century, it received continuous State patronage but colonization impacted Islamic astronomy with absolute confusion for almost 150 years.

Imam Ahmed Skaka, of Albanian origins, at Adelaide Mosque recognised the modern urgency to revitalise Islamic Astronomy.

I arrived in August 1971 on Australian International Competitive Fellowship at Adelaide University’s Physics Department for a PhD program. Aged 21, I felt greatly honoured as the youngest theoretical physicist to join rocket and satellite based atmospheric research group at the campus.

I met Imam Skaka soon after, at the historic Adelaide mosque build by Afghan cameleers, the only one in the city at the time, that I attended for my prayers. Regular Friday Prayers at Adelaide Mosque started late in 1971.

Halal food, specially meat was hardly available anywhere in the city. Finally after my arrival the same year, an abattoir was persuaded for regular supply of Halal meat in Adelaide for the first time.

While involved in the Inter-faith discussions and being a co-editor of a student magazine, Reflections brough me close to Imam Skaka.

One of the ‘first’ Main-Frame computers in Australia was installed at Adelaide University. With my early love with mathematics and theoretical physics, I found learning computer use handy for astronomical research.

Research with high altitude rockets required learning positional astronomy.

Once in a serious discussion Imam Skaka said, “Ilyas, if you are doing high sounding science, can’t you do something about the moon sighting problem that we face in Australia and elsewhere?”

I realised the responsibility, this beingfarde-kifayah, an obligation on the Muslim community.

The passion in poet Behzad’s couplets im-

Ahmed Skaka graduated from famous Gazi Husrev Bey Medresa Sarajevo. He served voluntary Imam since 1950 at the Majestic Afghan built Adelaide Mosque.

mortalized by Nayyara Noor (Ae Jazbae dil gar men chahoon…) followed:

Oh passionate heart, if I wish, everything will be possible

I need walk but a few steps and there my destination will be! …Is it not possible that in the ensuing storm, a new shore flows in.

By 1976, I wrote on prayer times calculations in a journal Salam, produced by the Australian Federation of Muslim Students’ Associations,.

I prepared the First Adelaide Prayer Time Table and later wrote on the sciencific aspects of prayer times and Islamic calenda in Impact International, UK and Journal of Rabeta al Alam al Islami.

I also advised Australian Imam’s conference in August 1976 and pointed out that more needed to be done.

Later I resigned from my Adelaide University physics teaching position for an appointment in Malaysia to establish new atmospheric programme at the Science University in Penang.

The exclusive balloon-borne ozone layer study put me in the elite global research group and by the age of 34, I was recognised as a global expert in the field With memberships to a dozen international bodies and UNEP Panels receiving a number of awards.

I hosted an international UNEP Ozone conference Officiated by the then Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Addressed Prime Minister Thatcher’s London Ozone Conference Plenary.

It kept me very much focussed and engaged with my Islamic astronomy mission together with building an observatory and publishing my book establishing modern Islamic Astronomy on a global level.

I received encouragement and support from a number of governments, OIC, COMSTECH, Rabita, ICTP, Nuffield Foundation, UK, London University Observatory and many individuals in academia as well from the community.

Fifty years on, the global institutionalization has progressed well overcoming the chaos thanks to my mentor Imam Skaka’s initiative and can do again attitude.

In appreciation, I quote Poet Fazli’s couplet popularized by Chitra (Aap ko bhool jaen ham, itne to bewafa nahin):

That we forget you, we are not that disloyal.

My book, Author’s book, “A Modern Guide to Astronomical Calculations of Islamic Calendar, Times & Qibla” was well received by the scientific community”

“After a lapse of nearly a millennium, a guide book has been published…”. (Science & Technology in the Islamic World)

“… Ilyas has brought closer the day when a Universal Islamic Calendar will come about.” (Royal Astronomical Society, Canada)

Prof Ilyas taught physics at Adelaide University, in Malaysia revived modern global Islamic Astronomy, published numerous books, recognized in Noble Peace Prize 2007 to IPCC .

Author’s rocket borne atmospheric project which contributed greatly to his astronomical research: A Cockatoo rocket ready for launch that included an instrumented payload incorporated in the central scientific payload to measure UV radiation and transmit it to a ground receiver. Author’s book, “A Modern Guide to Astronomical Calculations of Islamic Calendar, Times & Qibla”

AUSTRALIA 18 - 20 New Chief Executive brings global focus to Unity Grammar Dr Sayd Farook.

Andrew Harrington

Leading private independent Islamic school, Unity Grammar College, is poised to embark on a fresh era of growth following the appointment of a new Chief Executive, Dr Sayd Farook.

Dr Farook brings a wealth of education and business experience to Unity Grammar, with advanced degrees (including a PhD) in Business, Law, Islamic Finance and Behavioural Economics from the University of Technology, Sydney.

In addition, he has previously fulfilled roles including Strategy and Innovation Advisor to the Executive Office of the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Global Head of Islamic Capital Markets for Thomson Reuters (now Refinitiv).

According to Khalil Hafza, Chairman of Unity Grammar’s Board of Directors, Dr Farook stood out as a candidate during the recruitment process.

“Dr Farook’s vision for Unity Grammar very much aligns with our goal of becoming an international benchmark in Islamic education,” said Mr Hafza.

He further added,“We couldn’t be more pleased that he has agreed to lead the College and help us further increase our standing as a role model for values-based Islamic learning.”

Dr Farook commenced in the role on 11 July 2022, and has already hit the ground running as the college prepares to deliver a new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) building for senior students, as well as a new junior school campus.

According to Dr Farook, it is an exciting time to be joining Unity Grammar College.

“I feel very fortunate to be joining Unity Grammar at a time when we are poised to grow and increase our educational offering to our learners,” said Dr Farook.

He further aded, “We have an amazing new STEAM building coming up in early 2023, as well as a purpose-built, state-ofthe-art junior campus with space for 850 learners, both of which will enable us to deliver first-class, future-ready education.”

In his role, Dr Farook will also draw on his global experience for the benefit of Unity Grammar.

“My previous experience has shown me it is important that we don’t just benchmark against other Australian and Islamic schools, but that we look at who is delivering the best personalised learning outcomes around the globe,” he explained.

“Ultimately, my aim is to develop an ecosystem of learning experiences that allow Unity Grammar’s learners to self-select and acquire the tools and skills to become creators, innovators and pioneers in the fields of discovery, science, entrepreneurship and human development.”

“Faith-driven education will be essential to these outcomes,” adds Dr Farook.

“Our school is based on five values – namely our connection to our Creator; our mental and physical wellbeing; our relationships with those around us; our ability to learn for life; and our initiative, drive and tenacity.”

“By helping our learners to adopt these values, we believe they will be able to become the best versions of themselves in their service to Allah.”

“A mentality that is focused on service and responsibility will allow our learners to build character and leadership while achieving their dreams and aspirations,” Dr Farook concluded.

Andrew Harrington is the Head of Content & Narrative for Polymer Studios, a boutique built environment focused communications and public relations firm in Sydney.

Unity Grammar College students A representation of Unity Grammar College’s future STEAM building.

Quiz competition at Pakistan event

Shayyan Ali

The Young Innovators team ran a quiz for the local community at the 75th Pakistan Independent Day celebrations on Sunday 14 August 2022 at the Himalaya Emporium Bankstown.

The customised quiz was designed specifically designed and developed for the particular event and occasion.

The questions were prepared by Ayaan Ali and Shayyan Ali using Kahoot and were related to different performances and speeches given at the event.

There were almost 400 people who attended the event and were informed twice during the event that there will be a quiz at the end of the program so, please watch and listen to every performance appearing on the stage.

Shafqat Ali conducted the quiz where the majority of the attendees participated for the quiz using their mobiles

After each question, the winning leaderboard was shown on the projector to spice the competition. In the end of the quiz competition, there were three winners all girls of different ages.

Everybody enjoyed the quiz activity as it allowed all the attendees to participate dur-

Quiz winners