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AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES www.amust.com.au ISSUE # 204
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Multicultural News & Views
NOVEMBER 2022; RABI-UL AAKHIR 1444
Sydney observes ‘Black Day’ for Kashmir NEWS PAGE 2
Alliance of Australian Muslims holds 5th National Summit in Sydney
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Conference focuses on mental health in CALD communities COMMUNITY PAGE 9
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Why Australians are drinking less alcohol AUSTRALIA PAGE 18
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Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Quran EDUCATION PAGE 27
Recreational facility opens for all-abilities in Western Sydney
activateCentral staff. From left: Maarouf El-Khaled, Amir Ajaj, Basim Alansari (CEO, psychCentral) & Tanishka Kapote.
Zia Ahmad The 5th National Summit of the Alliance of Australian Muslims (AAM) was held in Sydney on Sunday 30 October 2022 at the Orion Centre, Campsie joined by leaders and representatives of over 200 Muslim organisations, largely in person and some via Zoom. AAM serves as a collaborative platform to coordinate and enhance efforts of common interest and benefit for the Australian Muslim community and its contribution to the wider Australian society. It is working with both government and non-government organisations to address key challenges facing Australian Muslims and the wider Australian society as well as to convey a positive and accurate representation of Islam and Muslims. The National Summit focused on the key areas of promoting and preserving the Australian Muslim identity, enhancing media and political engagement, strengthening public relations, advocating for the protection of the civil rights of minority groups and religious freedom, countering Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment and matters of special interest to Australian Muslim women. The formal program at the summit started after early morning breakfast with recitation of Quran by Sheikh Anas Yaghmour followed by welcome by Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman together with each delegate introducing himself and herself with name, organisation and state. continued on page 11
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Mehar Ahmad Australia’s largest inclusive all-abilities, all-ages recreational facility activateCentral was opened in Sydney on Thursday 27 October 2022. Located in Western Sydney suburb of Milperra and powered by psychCentral, activateCentral is therapeutically designed specially for families and diverse communities. The impressive 1,400sqm indoor centre visited by AMUST team on Saturday 29 October is designed to promote an inclusive space for
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play, therapeutic and educational programs for people of all ages being the largest all-abilities play facility that is inclusive, sensory friendly, and a safe space for neurodivergent and people with disabilities of all ages. The authentic design of the facility offers an empowering environment of emotional, social, and community-based support network. Additionally, the purpose-built centre provides various allied health, mental health and recreational therapy services powered by a passionate team of health professionals. Run on a non-profit basis activateCentral is managed by psychCentral, a professional psy-
chological and allied health service tailored to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities with clinics located in a number of suburbs in Western Sydney. Registered with NDIS, psychCentral services include occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, exercise physiology behavioural therapy while employing rehabilitation counsellors, social workers and dieticians amongst other professional staff. Continued on page 3
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Sydney observes ‘Black Day’ for Kashmir Lee Rhiannon.
Mohamed Ainullah A seminar was held on Thursday 27 October 2022 at Granville Community Centre to observe the ‘Black Day’, the 74th anniversary of the invasion of the state of Jammu & Kashmir by Indian army, where speakers highlighted the plight of the indigenous people of Kashmir under brutal occupation by Indian military and called on the international community and the Australian government to censor Hindu nationalist BJP government led by PM Modi to refrain from changing the demography of the State and pave way for the self-determination of Kashmiris through plebiscite in accordance with UN resolutions passed more than 70 years ago. The event, organised by the Australian Forum for Kashmir (AFK) and facilitated by the Pakistan Consulate General in Sydney was attended by more than 100 people including community and interfaith leaders, human rights activists, politicians and Australians of diverse background. The formal program started with the recitation from Quran followed by national anthems of Australia, Pakistan and Kashmir. Mr Rab Nawaz, Coordinator of AFK and a Kashmiri himself welcomed guests and representatives of various community organisation and explained the significance of the ‘Black Day’ observed by the people of Kashmir wherever they may be. “On this Day 75 years ago, a great tragedy happened in South Asia. While 390 million people of Indian Subcontinent became the citizens of two newly created democracies, yet tragically four million of their own brothers and sisters in Kashmir became enslaved by a new colonial power, India,” Mr Nawaz observed. The second speaker, Mr Usaid Khalil, Sec-
Usaid Khalil.
Zia Ahmad.
Muhammad Ashraf.
retary General of Islamic Forum for Australian Muslims (IFAM) called on the Muslim Community to understand the issues facing the people of Kashmir and make representation with Australian government to highlight the human rights violations of the Kashmiris by Indian military in Kashmir. The next speaker, Mr Zia Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of AMUST after acknowledging the indigenous first peoples of Australia as the traditional custodians of this land and paying respect to their elders past, present and emerging reminded the audience that the Kashmiri people are also indigenous to their land in greater Kashmir, it’s valleys and it’s mountains with their own unique ethnicity, culture, language and way of living. Comparing the situation of Kashmiris with that of the Palestinians, Mr Ahmad said, “the Indian government is following the same tactics as the Israelis as the occupying power in Palestine with brutal oppression, apartheid and occupation of land and shifting of population to uproot its indigenous people.” Senator David Shoebridge in a video message for the occasion emphasised on the
rights of the people of Kashmir for their self determination and highlighting of their human rights violations by the Modi government during the last three years. Three more speakers Haji Nasib Mohammed, President of IAWSS, Mr Kesar Trad, CEO of AFIC and Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman echoed the sentiments of the previous speakers in urging the influential members of the community to create awareness of the issue of Kashmir amongst the community, mainstream Australians and the politicians. Ms Lee Rhiannon, who last visited Azam Kashmir in 2018 having observed the miserable condition of Kashmir families divided between Indian and Pakistani administered areas of Kashmir said, “we gather together today to mark Kashmir Black Day.I believe it is very impprtant that we collectively remember these anniversaries. We must honour those who have died and those who have suffered and recognise that the international community has a responsibility to stand with the people of Jammu & Kashmir to help ensure that their right to self-determination is achieved.”
Muslim Lawn
“The pressure should be on Senator Wong now. If she can stand up for Muslims in China why can’t she stand up for Muslims in Kashmir and the rest of India. Last month the Foreign Minister spoke about the UN’s report into China’s mass detention of Uighurs. She described it as “harrowing reading” noting that the report found credible claims of torture and ill-treatment.” The final speaker at the event was Mr Muhammad Ashraf, Pakistan’s Consul General in Sydney who gave a historical background of the Kashmir dispute. “To perpetuate its forcible occupation of the IIOJK, India has amassed more than 900,000 armed troops in the territory. Torture, illegal detentions, implication in fictitious cases, indiscriminate use of force under the impunity of draconian laws and systemic campaigns to rob the Kashmiris of their distinct cultural and religious identities mark the reality of India’s brutal occupation of the occupied territory.” The program ended with a Q&A session, dua and dinner for all.
Kemps Creek Memorial Park has a dedicated lawn for the Muslim community with peaceful rural vistas.
Located only 25 minutes’ drive from Blacktown and 35 minutes from Auburn. Single and double burial graves available.
Part of the local community 2
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Recreational facility opens for all-abilities in Western Sydney Professional staff at activateCentral
Flying fox ride with pommet seat and chair.
Continued from page 1 Facilities offered at activateCentral include: • 2 large sensory rooms • 3 rock climbing walls • 2 flying fox rides including a pommel seat and chair • Ninja obstacle course • Trampoline and crash pads • Slides • 3 party rooms • 2 consultation rooms • 1 meeting room
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Vibrant in-house café (coming soon)
activateCentral offers a culturally responsive and evidence-informed educational programs for carers/ guardians, schools, service providers, children, adolescents, and adults. These programs are enthusiastically designed by various allied health professionals and mental health experts’ teams powered by psychCentral, a cutting-edge and leading multidisciplinary healthcare organisation. The all-encompassing centre strives to ensure its services meet the demands for the culturally
and linguistically diverse multicultural communities Western Sydney where activateCentral staff are highly trained in the equipment and are specialised in supporting individuals with different levels of complexities in care and disabilities speaking up to twenty-nine languages. “activateCentral is a unique space that we have established to invest in giving back to the wider community. It is the first of its kind in Australia to close the gap to personalised accessibility to a variety of services,” says Basim Alansari, Chief Executive Officer of psychCentral.
Mr Alansari further added, “To celebrate our opening, we’re offering a discount code to clients of psychCentral. The code will allow you to obtain 1 free open-play session on a date and time of your choosing during the month of November.” Bookings are essential and can be made online: https://activatecentral.com.au/book-now/ Facebook: facebook.com/activatecentral Instagram: @activatecentral Website: activatecentral.com.au Location of activateCentral: Unit 10/202-214 Milperra Road, Milperra 2214.
Sisters win Silver Award in Global Robotics Challenge AMUST Media Syed sisters, two Muslim students at Unity Grammar from Western Sydney represented Australia as members of Team Australia at FIRST Global Robotics Challenge in Geneva Switzerland in October 2022. Daniya Syed, winner of several awards and recognitions in relation to her passion for robotics and community service led Team Australia as Captain while Haniya Syed not only contributed to the design and development of robot but also performed the role of Robot Driver at the global competition. The FIRST Global Challenge is a yearly Olympics-style robotics competition organized by the International First Committee Association. It promotes STEM education and NOVEMBER 2022 / ISSUE 204
careers for youth and was created by Dean Kamen in 2016 as an expansion of FIRST, an organization with similar objectives. It was indeed a great privilege and moment of pride to carry the Australian flag being Muslim girls from Western Sydney at this prestigious global event among 180 nations. In the history of FIRST Global Challenge, it was the first time ever that Team Australia has not only received Silver (2nd Place) under Dr Mae Jemison Award for the International Unity category but also received the Robot Safety award at the same time. On arrival back to Australia, Haniya Syed is now preparing for yet another First Tech Challenge (FTC) regional competition to be held in November and aiming high once again while Daniya Syed is named a Finalist for Western Sydney Women Awards 2022 under Women in STEM category. WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
Daniya Syed & Haniya Syed with their silver medals. AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
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Call on Albanese to increase ambition on climate
Thea Ormerod
Diverse people of faith gathered on Thursday 13 October at St Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral in Parramatta meditating, praying and chanting for the protection of the earth’s climate highlighted in an open letter by 100 interfaith leaders to PM Anthony Albanese to take decisive action to combat climate change by stopping all new coal and gas projects and ending public subsidies to the fossil fuel sector. The event was initiated with a melodious call to prayer, Azan by Ahmet Ozturk from the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA). As well as attending the public services, some devotees spent the whole of last night together in meditation, prayer, chanting and in some cases fasting to show their depth of feeling about the issue. Everyday people of faith showed support for their message by attending multi-faith services for climate justice at cathedrals and other well-known places of worship across Australia. Services were also held in Fiji and Kiribati. Reverend John Gilmore, the President of the National Council of Churches said, “This is about putting loving our neighbours into practice. The government needs to listen to our neighbours in the Pacific. This letter echoes what Pacific leaders said earlier this year at the Pacific Islands Forum: Australia needs to rule out new coal and gas and to stop subsidising those industries.” Signatories to an open letter to Mr Albanese include the most senior leaders of the
Parramatta climate justice service. Photo: Michael O’Farrell Anglican Church in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, the President of the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), the Grand Mufti of Australia, the President of the Uniting Church as well as First Nations leaders and senior leaders of the Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu and Brahma Kumaris religions. Their letter states: “Australia is a wealthy country that profits from exports that are causing the crisis. We hear the cries of anguish from those most vulnerable in the human family who are losing their lives, livelihoods and homes through climate-fuelled disasters.
“The current level of warming is not safe. This moment in history calls for an urgent, courageous, visionary response, especially from those in power.” In their letter, the faith leaders furthermore called on the Prime Minister to restart contributions to the UN’s Green Climate Fund, fully respect First Nations peoples’ rights to protect Country, support for a transition for coal and gas dependent communities, and endorsement of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. The Treaty has already been endorsed by Pope Francis, the World Health Organisation, Vanuatu, and Tuvalu, among others.
The letter and the services were organised by the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change as part of a global faith campaign known as “Faiths 4 Climate Justice”. The campaign is taking place in over forty countries during the lead-up to the COP27 global climate summit in early November in Egypt, and advocates for the endorsement of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Thea Ormerod is the President of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC), a Catholic Christian, retired social worker and grandmother of eight.
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Diversity of community event coverage in AMUST
Last Thursday 27 October 2022, I atHowever AMUST has tended the day-long Muslim Mental limited resources and it can Health Conference in Bankstown, while not cover and report firstI am neither a mental health profession- hand on all events and thereal nor I suffer from mental health prob- fore relies on the organisers lems, I was indeed impressed by the di- of events to upload reports, versity of topics and speakers that were text, images and photos on to be covered during the Conference. AMUST’s online self-sub(See report on the Conference on Page 9 mission system for prompt (of this November issue or online) editing, layout and publicaThere are a number of taboo topics that tion in the shortest time posMuslims in general, family members and sible. our leaders including Imams tend to avoid. This unique volunteer Mental health and psychology itself are base system seems to be intwo of these and others include dealing creasingly working well and with homosexuality, pornography, suicide, we have developed a team alcohol and drug use. of more than 100 volunJihad Dib MP, NSW State member for teer writers Australia-wide Lakemba was asked to say a few words as as well as from overseas an invited guest at the start of the Confer- reporting and writing for ence before the formal presentations. AMUST. He said, “I am amazed at how well This November isthe Muslim Community has desue of AMUST # veloped during the last 15 or 104 constitutes so years, that day in and the 100th isday out we are holding sue since the rebranding of and participating in such AMUST as an English only Zia Ahmad unique events and we full colour publication more have AMUST everywhere than 8 years ago being pubAssalamu reporting on this for the lished with utmost regularity Alaikum wider knowledge, appreand punctuality. ciation and benefit to the With the end of all COVGreetings greater Australian society.” ID-19 restrictions, the Muslim of Peace While I appreciated his recCommunity is buzzing with activognition of our efforts and indeed ity with the organisation of events even we have been highly encouraged, it is true post-Ramadan and after the two Eids. that AMUST has tried its best to cover This issue itself is a showcase covering a community events and activities amongst large number of diverse events, reports and diverse communities and in all places, as opinions from all sections of our communimuch as possible.
EDITORIAL
AMUST ISSUE # 204 FRIDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2022 9 RABI-UL AAKHIR 1444 News
Re: Marree Mosque
Every time i saw this mosque i dissap-
PixelJazz
Re: Major new Islamic Centre takes shape in Brisbane
Please use the library and museum to establish a positive atmosphere for research into our Australian Mulsim community and its past as well as future development. This centre could be a major benefit to our community so long as it is not another usually empty mosque with minimum activity and a closed shop beyond an in-group. Many Muslims feel left out of the various Islamic centres and mosques as they are ethnic or sectarian. Bilal Cleland Thanks Bilal, that is precisely the mission and objective of BIC “to establish a positive atmosphere for research into our Australian Muslim community and its past as well as future development” and to be “a major
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- Shaoquett Moselmane and the ALP - Australia’s reversal on Jerusalem -
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Community
- Conference on mental health - House of Sakinah Annual Event - ‘Mercy to the Worlds’ celebration
Australia
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- Australians drinking less alcohol - AMUST interview: Senator Payman
Lifestyle
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- Tribute to Shireen Abu Akleh - The toxicity of ‘beauty standards’ - Tackling parental stress
Ummah
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- Even babies remember 9/11 - Being Uyghur is not a crime
Education ties held in mosques and Islamic centres, community halls, parliament houses and engagement within the Muslim community as well as with the wider Australian society. We were indeed forced to substantially increase the number of pages for this issue in order to accommodate most of the articles and some that we could not include in the monthly edition have been published online and will be promoted through AMUST Weekly subsequently this month.
bane City Council have also just approved the second stage of the project which will be Brisbane’s first Muslim Retirement Village including a medical centre and child care facilities. Imran Andrew Price
Re: Australia’s reversal on recognising Jerusalem as Israeli capital is simply a return to status quo “Australia supports the recognition and right of Israel and Palestine to exist as two states within secure and recognised borders”. That may be Australia’s policy but expansionist Israel recognises no borders. Until it does it has no right to exist and should be treated like the criminal pariah it is. Gary Dargan
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Reversing the decision of Scott roved of the way people showed our reli- benefit to our community” as the hub for the gion, but after hearing the story i felt proud. Muslim community in Brisbane. The BrisMorrison on Jerusalem Thank you for this article!
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- Recreational facility for all-abilities - AAM holds 5th National Summit
Readers comments It’s a great honest judicious decision made by the Labour government. I was present at an ABC Q&A program few years back. The host was Virginia trioli and the guest was Malcolm Turnbull. In that program answering a question from an audience the PM Malcolm emphatically said Australia will not move its embassy to Jerusalem as Donald Trump did. I wrote a letter to your paper, which was published, asking the question, how on earth Scott Morrison ( who came to power by a dubious means) can change the decision without asking the parliament.. Now my worry is if there is a change of Government then it might happen again. There must be a mechanism in the constitution that this decision cannot be reversed again. Dr Syed Saifuddin Ahmad. Bankstown
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- Freedom of religion by the Quran - ISRE teachers are making impact
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Business - Federal budget for 2022–23 - Ummah funds by non-profits
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- Social spotlights - National Mosque Open Day
Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in articles, and Letters to the Editor, Website Comments are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Australasian Muslim Times.
AMUST Team
Editor-in-Chief: Zia Ahmad Managing Editor: Mobinah Ahmad Graphic Designer: Rubinah Ahmad Multimedia Journalist: Mehar Ahmad 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 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 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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Principled conduct? Shaoquett Moselmane and the NSW ALP AMUST
Professor Stuart Rees OAM
On Wednesday 19 October 2022, before a crowded public gallery and in a packed Upper House of the NSW parliament, Labor MP Shaoquett Moslemane gave his valedictory speech. He did so with dignity, with no bitterness and with gratitude to his many supporters. His standards in public life have been impressive. His treatment by powerful operatives has been disgraceful. Via the secret trickery of senior members of the NSW ALP, Shaoquett had been ousted from nomination for election to an Upper House position in the forthcoming State election, but this was the last act in years of political bastardry. It is salutary to know why. Of Arab descent, Shaoquett was the first Muslim MP in the State Parliament. He supported the human rights of Palestinians, had made positive observations about the Chinese government’s early handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and had championed the interests of diverse community groups, including citizens of Chinese origin. In early 2020, members of Murdoch sponsored media and of the Zionist lobby in NSW, contributed to a ’let’s get him campaign.’ In an atmosphere of paranoia encouraged by the Morrison government’s foreign interference legislation, citizens could be placed under suspicion if they supported Chinese community members, Palestinians or were of Islamic faith. Muslim MP Shaoquett was an easy target. Between March 31 and April 10 2020, as though in search of sensation, journalists and broadcasters produced 32 articles attacking Shaoquett for alleged disloyalty to Australia, 12 items from the Daily Telegraph, 10 from the Sydney Morning Herald, 7 from Sky News, Radio 2GB and 2 from Australian Jewish News. Peta Credlin of Sky News joined radio
shock jocks Ray Hadley, and Alan Jones in attacks on Moselmane. Aided by comments from Peter Dutton and Israel supporting Labor MP Walt Secord, these individuals’ taste for character assassination knew few limits. On 2 April 2020, needing to show how to stifle signs of ‘foreign interference’, Peter Dutton spoke to Radio 2GB’s Ray Hadley, ‘You can’t have an allegiance to another country and pretend to have an allegiance to this country at the same time.’ Hadley amplified this hint that the Labor MP was a traitor. As leader of the head kicking brand of journalism, he demonised Moslemane and influenced the attitudes of ALP leaders. He described the MP, ‘a rather regrettable fellow’, ‘this jerk’, ‘a train wreck’, ‘a Chinese PR spokesperson’, ‘a lunatic’ ‘a low filthy bludger,’ ‘this low life.’ On 3 April, in his interview with Labor leader Jodi McKay, Hadley announced that the people of NSW ‘expect leadership from you and they want this bloke sacked… Can you shut him up.’ Unable to stand up to the shock jock, Mckay said she would comply. ‘Ray his conduct has been appalling.’ On 7 April, Moselmane resigned as Assistant President of the NSW Upper House but the bullies persisted. The next development was more characteristic of a dictatorship than a democracy. High on their James Bond like concern that Chinese government agents may have infiltrated Shaoquett Moselmane’s office, Canberra politicians, members of the AFP and ASIO officials planned a raid on Moslemane’s home. At 6 am on Friday 26 June 2020, a large media contingent waited outside Shaoquett’s house ready to welcome the arrival of 40 Federal police. In two shifts of 20 each, the AFP stayed for 19 hours, told Shaoquett that he was not suspected of any wrong doing, but searched his home, his car and traumatised his wife, his elderly parents and young son. A couple of days later, in her contribution to paranoia about Australia’s security, State Labor leader Mckay suspended Moselmane from par-
liament and from membership of the Labor Party, each act conducted without a shred of evidence against the MP or his staffer. On 22 October 2020, the NSW Parliamentary Privileges Committee exonerated Shaoquett. He returned to the Labor party and to parliament. Labor leaders McKay and Minns, journalists and senior AFP officers were never brave enough to apologise for their actions. In Senate Estimates hearings in late 2020, the AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw was asked who was involved in freezing Moselmane family bank accounts, who had tipped off the media about the police raid. Concealment remained the name of the game. Kershaw needed to ‘take such questions on notice.’ No-one will ever receive answers to those questions. This story of struggle between principled conduct and political trickery teaches several lessons. To restore trust in politics and civility in public life, there must be no repetition of the persecution of a citizen who committed no wrong.
There has been a complete mismatch between the selfless, principled conduct of Shaoquett Moselmane, who championed disadvantaged communities in Australia and internationally, and the shameful behaviour of those who scapegoated him but were never sufficiently brave to apologise. Even some supporters of Shaoquett Moslemane may argue it is best not to expose the cowardly behaviour of powerful people, better to let sleeping dogs lie. However, the attacks on this unusual politician have frightening implications. His experience suggests that in public life, being trustworthy, principled and courageous may count for little. Courtesy Pearls and Irritations (27 October 2022). Emeritus Professor Stuart Rees OAM is a human rights activist, poet, novelist, and author of books on social justice. He is the recipient of the Jerusalem Peace Prize and the Founder Director of the Sydney Peace Foundation.
Sukoon Quteifan Let us reflect upon the following beautiful hadith: The Messenger of Allah (s) said: “By the One in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, the believer is like a bee which eats that which is pure and wholesome and lays that which is pure and wholesome. When it lands on something, it does not break or ruin it.” {Al-Albani} • The bee only eats from flowers that are tayyib (pure and wholesome). It is not attracted to repulsive things, unlike other insects. Likewise, the believer only eats that which is pure and wholesome. • The bee lays or excretes honey which is also tayyib. Likewise only that which is good and wholesome comes forth from the believer, whether it be his words, his intentions or his actions. • The bee is light and nimble and does not break the flowers upon which it lands, nor does it ruin them. Likewise, the believer is gentle in his dealings with the creation and does not harm or ruin any human or animal or plant. Sukoon Quteifan is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Sydney, Australia. She is the creator and the illustrator of “Sukoon Al Quloob - Peace of Hearts”, an Islamic Cartoons facebook page. You can follow her on facebook
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The reputation of the Ummah depends on us Bilal Cleland When viewed from outside, for those without knowledge of the teachings of Islam, who know our Prophet Muhammad (s) only from Western propaganda accounts, the image of Islam is frightening. The media’s presentation of the Islamic world is awful as it has been for generations but when we look from only the surface, via mainstream media, a negative attitude is understandable. On one hand the fabulously rich Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is ruled by people who are prepared to undertake such atrocities as the Khashoggi dismemberment in Istanbul and the imprisonment of Sheikh Dr Abdullah Basfar for 12 years for leading prayers in the courtyard of Hagia Sophia in 2014. [The New Arab, 15 October 2022] It has also come to some sort of rapprochment with the apartheid state of Israel. The other major Muslim nation, Egypt, is under a military dictatorship which cooperates with Israel against the Palestinians, shutting off Gaza at its borders. At the other end, we have the Islamic Republic of Iran where the population is in uproar over the lethal treatment of Mahsa
Amini, a Muslim woman for inappropriate How do we cope with this picture? Due to the paucity of positive internationwearing of hijab. It also assists the brutal Assad Regime in Syria to remain in power. al examples, it is important for individual Muslims to be good examples of Islam. We Israel has been able must begin change to present itself to the with ourselves. world as a defender of We may not be the rights of Muslim aware of the great women in Iran, slickly significance of how avoiding its treatment we behave towards of Palestinian women others, Muslim and and the recent shooting non-Muslim, in creof a female Palestinian ating respect for Isjournalist. lam. Somewhere hoverIslam emphasises ing around the midthe rights of all hudle between the well mans to respect, to organised oppressive decent living condistates is ramshackle tions and protection Afghanistan, abanfrom harm. Racism doned by its erstwhile is the sin of Iblis saviours to a sectarian (Devil) which must group of extremists Dr Abdullah be repelled. who refuse the right Basfar prisoner of A major issue of Afghan women to conscience coming up in Ausreceive education, detralia is the Indigspite Islamic teachings enous Voice to Parliament which must to the contrary. Increasing the blockage to the promulga- involve a referendum and considerable potion of the message of Islam is Daesh, still litical debate. The racists will emerge from called “Islamic State” in Western media. It their holes in shiny scales and they must be murders Shia Muslims at prayer in mosques defeated. People outside the Ummah judge Islam and has apparently extended its activities to blowing up Sunni mosques during prayers by the Muslims they meet, who have a more powerful influence than the media. in Kabul.
If you wear hijab or a sport a long beard and dress differently, advertising your status as a Muslim, and behave like an arrogant idiot, you do dawah for Shaitan (Devil). Loud arguments, clever debating points and expressions of uninformed prejudice in person, damage the name of Islam more than media reports of Saudi, Egyptian or Iranian miscreants. On the other hand, if you are seen as compassionate, helpful and taking a positive role in society, your actions will be noted. Personal experience of Muslims determines attitudes. It is vital that Muslims living in the Australian community be aware of the characteristics of the dominant culture and behave in ways which do not create apprehension in people. Do not assume your ethnic culture can be carried across without examination. Not every aspect of your ethnic culture is “Islamic.” Muslims in non-Muslim communities have a heavy responsibility as they are seen as representatives of the Ummah of Muhammad (s), whether they like it or not. That cannot be forgotten for one minute. Bilal Cleland is a keen reader, a prolific writer and a regular columnist of AMUST based in Melbourne.
Australia’s reversal on recognising Jerusalem as Israeli capital is simply a return to status quo Tony Walker The Albanese Labor government’s decision to reverse its predecessor’s recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital has elicited a predictable reaction from Israel and its supporters in Australia. Israel’s Prime Minister Yair Lapid condemned what he described as a “hasty response” to indications in the Australian media Canberra was about to shift ground on recognition of West Jerusalem. Guardian Australia had noted a change on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website. In Australia, Colin Rubenstein, spokesman for the Australia Israel Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC), called the reversal a “pointless own goal”. This decision by the government is not only deeply disappointing, [it] risks denting Australia’s credibility with some of our closest allies. Is this true? The short answer is that it is unlikely Australia’s “credibility” will be harmed by a decision that reinstates what has been, until recently, a status quo policy under successive Labor and Coalition governments. Rather, the decision announced by Foreign Minister Penny Wong will likely reinforce Canberra’s reputation as a middle power seeking to navigate its way in the shifting sands of Middle East politics. Importantly, Australia’s neighbours in the region, including principally Indonesia, have welcomed the decision. The simple fact is Australia has now realigned itself with all its friends and allies, with the exception of the United States, on this issue. Under US President Donald Trump, Washington had diverted from the policy of his predecessors and recognised West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017. The following year, the US embassy was moved there. The Morrison government then followed the US lead, without moving the Australian embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This was a half, or three-quarter, step towards all-out recognition. NOVEMBER 2022 / ISSUE 204
Circumstances surrounding Canberra’s precipitate decision in 2018 to recognise west Jerusalem as Israel’s capital are relevant. That decision coincided with the lead-up to a knife-edge by-election in the Sydney seat of Wentworth, where there is a significant Jewish population. The byelection was called to fill a casual vacancy caused by the resignation from parliament of former Liberal leader Malcolm Turnbull. As it turned out, the Morrison government’s decision to overturn what had been settled Australian policy did not yield the desired result. The independent Kerryn Phelps won the seat. In all of this, history is important. In the years since the founding of the state of Israel in 1948, successive Australian governments, Coalition and Labor, had adhered to a policy of not recognising West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. This decision was made pending final status negotiations on the future of the city. Until the 1967 six-day war, following Israel’s war of independence in 1948, Jerusalem was a divided city between its west, which is the seat of the Israeli government, and east, then under the control of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. That ended with Israel’s smashing victory over the Arabs in 1967. Israel occupied east Jerusalem, the West Bank, Syria’s Golan Heights, the Gaza Strip until then under Egyptian mandate, and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. In six days, Israel had turned the map of the Middle East upside down. This was followed by the 1973 Yom Kippur war, in which Egypt sought to wrest back the Sinai from its Israeli occupiers. After making initial inroads along the Suez Canal, Egypt was on the verge of a heavy defeat when America brokered a ceasefire and laid the ground for what became the Camp David Accords of 1978. This ushered in a cold peace between Israel and Egypt, with Israel withdrawing from virtually all of the Sinai. In the years since Camp David, repeated attempted by successive American administrations to broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians under a two-state formula have failed, even as Israel has continued to settle territory seized in 1967. This is the background to Wong’s announcement that Australia had “reaffirmed’’ its
longstanding position that Jerusalem is a final status issue that should be resolved in any peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian people. There was a sting in the tail to Wong’s announcement. I regret that Mr Morrison’s decision to play politics resulted in Australia’s shifting position, and the distress these shifts have caused to many people in the Australian community who care deeply about this issue. Labor’s own political interests are not absent from this statement. The government holds a swag of seats in western Sydney and north and west of Melbourne where the issue of Palestine is among voter concerns. Much has been made of the messy way in which the Wong announcement was made. Due to diligent reporting by Guardian Australia, Labor’s pending shift was revealed. Wong was then put in a position of first denying there had been a change without a cabinet decision, and then making her announcement. This clumsiness should not have happened on such an important policy shift, given the domestic political sensitivities involved. All of this brings into focus Labor’s guiding policy on the Israel-Palestine dispute.
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At its 2018 National Conference and reaffirmed at its 2021 conference, its policy states that a Labor government: supports the recognition and right of Israel and Palestine to exist as two states within secure and recognised borders calls on the next Labor government to recognise Palestine as a state expects that this issue will be an important priority for the next Labor government. This does not mean Labor will be in any rush to recognise Palestine as a state separate from a full-blown peace process in which a two-state solution becomes a reality. Since there is little chance of that happening in the foreseeable future, Labor’s national conference policy will remain “on the books” as a potential irritant to Israel’s supporters in Australia, but no more than that for the time being. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article https://tinyurl.com/22futfe7. Tony Walker is a vice chancellor’s fellow at La Trobe University. He is a columnist for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.
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Australia is well-placed to make the long-overdue repatriation of Islamic State women and children work Professor Greg Barton National security is not a zero-sum game. If the past two decades have taught us anything about breaking the cycle of terrorist violence, it is that in the longer-run, treating people well – upholding justice and acting with compassion and humanity – keeps everyone safer. It should not be considered controversial that, three and half years after the final collapse of the Islamic State (IS) caliphate, the Australian government is finally moving to repatriate the 60-plus Australians detained in camps in Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)-controlled northern Syria. Why the repatriation has taken so long Around 20 Australian women and 40 children born to them have been languishing in hellish conditions in two SDF camps near the Iraqi border since the SDF defeated IS and liberated territory under its rule. When the al-Hawl camp rapidly became massively overcrowded in the first months of 2019, holding 60,000 women and children, including thousands of foreigners along with Iraqis and Syrians, the SDF began urging its western allies to repatriate their citizens to ease the load. Other, mostly poorer, countries in the Middle East and Asia swung into action, accepting responsibility to deal with their people. Most western nations took a different approach, citing national security grounds at home to support the SDF becoming dumping grounds for people they didn’t want and problems that they didn’t want to deal with.
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The al-Roj camp in northeast Syria. Save the Children/AAP
From the outset, their cynical behaviour was called out as being inconsistent with their legal obligations. It was also callous and short-sighted. It was not only that tens of thousands of children, born in, or taken to, IS territory by western mothers were innocent victims of terrorism deserving rescuing. There was also a compelling argument that, left without help, those who survived would grow up to become the next generation of terrorist fighters. Australian politicians, following the lead of Britain (but not the US), doubled-down on policies designed to close the door on them ever coming to Australia. This included stripping Australian citizenship wherever possible. This was despite almost all security practitioners and agencies speaking openly against such a move. From ASIO down, the case was made that keeping people offshore, and denying citizenship obligations, was actually counter to the interests of national security. In February 2019, the Home Affairs Minister introduced legislation enabling temporary exclusion orders to be applied to those who had travelled overseas and associated with a terrorist organisation. This delayed their return to Australia for up to two years on the grounds they may “represent a threat to public safety”. This would appear to have been
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designed specifically to forestall the repatriation of Australians from SDF camps. The brutal social dynamics of the massively overcrowded Al-Hawl are dominated by hardcore IS women enforcing control and punishing dissent. The remnant IS fighters maintain strong lines of communication within the camps. Beating and killings are common, along with high rates of death and disease. IS fighters have also launched multiple assaults on the camps to set their people free. It is clear those who were not already radicalised are at great risk of becoming hardened and angry. And, in an era when digital communication and social media are weaponised by terrorist groups like IS, preventing radicalised Australians from returning does not eliminate the potential for them to influence and do harm in Australian society in future. Australia is well-placed to deal with returned IS supporters Ironically, of all countries, Australia is in one of the strongest positions to deal effectively with returning foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) and IS supporters. Not only does Australia enjoy the natural advantage of being a wealthy island continent with well-equipped police forces and other agencies – as well as effective biometric identification measures at
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ports of entry – it also has one of the clearest and strongest legislative frameworks for efficient and effective prosecution. Amendments to counter terrorism legislation in October 2014 meant that travelling to and residing in a proscribed area constituted an offence, unless it could be proven there was no association with IS. This is thought to apply to at least nine of 16 Australian women in al-Roj camp, where the majority of Australians were relocated to remove them from the control of IS hardliners in al-Hawl. Britain, like many European countries, together with Canada, faces a difficult challenge in proving that IS returnees have been actively involved in acts of terrorism. The main challenge has been obtaining robust evidence from a conflict zone of terrorist activities that is admissible in a court of law. France, along with several other European states, has recently begun to repatriate its citizens, strengthening the case for Australian action. Australia is also well equipped to run effective rehabiliation programs. The work is not easy, but it is clear what needs to be done, and Australia has the resources to make it work. The humanitarian imperative, particularly when it comes to meeting the rights and needs of children, is compelling. Their parents need to face justice, but that is vastly more manageable in Australia than in an overcrowded camp not designed for processing terrorism detainees. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article https://tinyurl.com/mrxx9uw2. Greg Barton, Chair in Global Islamic Politics, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University
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Conference focuses on mental health in CALD communities
Zia Ahmad
Jihad Dib.
Hanan Dover.
Ahmet Ozturk.
Hend Saab. NOVEMBER 2022 / ISSUE 204
A two day Mental Health Conference was held in Sydney on Thursday 27-Friday 28 October 2022 at Bankstown Knowledge Centre exploring the mental health experiences and needs of Muslim & culturally linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Australia. The conference brought together international and local presenters, mental health professionals, clinicians, researchers and clinicians exploring the challenges of mental health and its connections to migration, acculturation, refugee issues, and synergies between mental health culture, faith and spirituality. The event was hosted by Mission of Hope, a not-for-profit charity organisation with a focus on health and community development and Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA), a platform for cooperation between Australian Muslims and educational institutions in Australia specifically offering courses in Islamic studies through Charles Sturt University (CSU). The objectives of the conference included: 1. Share knowledge on multicultural mental health as it relates to Australian Muslims. 2. Increase awareness of the mental health issues facing Muslims and CALD clients, and the need for culturally and faith appropriate mental health and wellbeing resources and/or services. • To help raise the profile of mental wellbeing in this population group. • To decrease the stigma of mental illness within this population group. • To share and support evidence-based research. • To provide a platform for learning, discussion, support and facilitation. • To provide psychoeducation to the general public on mental health • topics in the context of spirituality and Islam. 3. To decrease the stigma of mental illness within Muslim and CALD communities. 4. To increase access to culturally and spiritually appropriate mental health resources to Muslim and CALD communities. The conference also included invited Muslim Community leaders and representatives including politicians. Mr Jihad Dib, State MP for Lakemba during his address commended the hosts for organising such a unique conference and how proud he was to see amazing development in the community with a diversity of activities and its reporting by AMUST for the awareness amongst all Australians. The conference on the first day started with a presentation by the invited international keynote speaker Dr Rania Awaad, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Executive Director, Co-Founder of Maristan, a holistic mental health nonprofit institution in US serving Muslim communities.
Dr Awaad talked about her research into historical contribution of Muslims, specifically in diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, centuries before the development of this area of health management in the West. She showcased through data and images the establishment of comprehensive health facilities called “Beemaristan” (anglicised as Meristan) or Dar-ul-Shafa or Shafa-Khan by Muslim physicians and authorities more than 700 years as hospitals treating patients for physical diseases as well as psychotherapy. Hend Saab, a senior Sydney based psychologist talked about her long experiences in the her field specifically Mindfulness in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities. She conducted a workshop session involving the audience present in the practice of Mindfulness. Dr Nooria Mehraby, a senior clinician of Afghan origin gave brief history of the crisis in Afghanistan and described her long experience in working with STARTT supporting traumatised Afghan refugees in Australia. Well known icons in the community, Nasreen Hanifi, psychologist and Hanan Dover, clinical and forensic psychologist talked on The impact of vicarious trauma among multicultural workers and community volunteers, and mitigating risk for service providers. Tareq Ahmed, provisional psychologist and Ziyad Serhan, an experienced educator gave an emotionally charged presentation with alarming statistics on suicide and strategies in the prevention of suicide specifically amongst Muslim Youth. The last presentation of the day was by Teguh Syahbahar, an AOD Clinician on culturally responsive drug and alcohol counselling for Muslim clients. The second day of the conference started with a speech by national keynote speaker Associate Professor Salih Yucel, also a Muslim Chaplain based in Melbourne, with the topic “Islamic Chaplaincy in Australia: Challenges and Opportunities.” Sheikh Bilal Dannoun, a popular Sydney based Marriage Celebrant talked on “Integrating Islamic Teachings and Modern-day Research When Counselling: A Holistic Approach.” Mostafa El-Gashingi, a Psychologist explored the topic as to how does Islamic law view mental illness through a workshop Mariam Ardati, Muslim Chaplain and a Funeral Director conducted a workshop on “ The Other Side of the COVID Death Wave: A Case of Complicated Grieving in the Muslim Community.” The conference concluded with two more workshops, “Effects of Pornography on Mental and Emotional Health” by Wael Ibrahim an Educator) and “Culturally Adapting an Evidence-based Mental Health Intervention for Muslims and Culturally Diverse Groups: Insights and Best Practices from Indonesia” by Ratih Arruum Listiyandini, a Clinician and Educator.
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Dr Rania Awaad.
Dr Zuleyha Keskin.
MC for the event.
Dr Nooria Mehraby.
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IFAM AGM 2022 addressed by invited guests Usman Malik The Islamic Forum for Australian Muslims (IFAM) held its 27th AGM at Eagle Vale Neighborhood Center in Southwest Sydney on Saturday 22 October 2022. attended by IFAM MGM’s from Sydney and Canberra in person and via Zoom from Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. Some youth members of IFAM were especially invited to understand the decision making forum of IFAM and get a better understanding of IFAM’s mission and the dedication required to fulfil it. This AGM was also attended and addressed by representatives of other sister organisations and community leaders including Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman, President of Australian National Imam Councils
(ANIC), Siddiq Buckley from Australian Islamic Mission(AIM), Sheikh Abdur Rahman, from Islamic Practice and Dawah Circle (IPDC), Talal El Sheikh, Vice president UMA NSW and Zia Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of Australasian Muslim Times (AMUST). Hafiz Muhammad Idrees a renowned Islamic scholar of Jamat-e-Islami Pakistan addressed the AGM through a video link. Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman acknowledged IFAM members for their consistent efforts in upholding Islamic activities for decades and he could count on them for support. Brother Talal El Sheikh expressed his feelings of brotherhood and great affiliation with IFAM through many years. He said that all Muslims should co-operate and extend help to each other irrespective of their background, culture and language. Brother Siddiq Buckley emphasised the importance of youth in history and the Islamic movement and focused on how to motivate our youth for holding our mission in future in an effective way. He mentioned
Siddiq Buckley.
Sheikh Abdur Rahman.
that Islam emphasized on developing great characters and holding truthfulness, honesty, good speech and helping and greeting others with a smiling face would make a difference and touch the hearts of people. Sheikh Abdur Rahman talked about the concept of one Ummah above our national, linguistic and ethnic affiliations vowed to co-operate in future for the Islamic cause using the strong ideological links between IFAM and IPDC Brother Zia Ahmad remarked on the great success of IFAM developing into a nation-wide organisation growing from a small youth movement during the 1990’s due to dedication, resilience and persistent daawah work. He expressed his feelings of immense pleasure to see IFAM establishing global connections with other sister organisations inspired by the Islamic movement from USA, UK, India, Bangladesh, Egypt and Pakistan. Hafiz Muhammad Idrees expressed his
Rais Khan.
feelings of gratitude for IFAM’s activities in Australia. He said that he was pleased to see that IFAM was doing great work and had been working tirelessly for Muslims in Australia. Sticking to our values could bring a positive change in our lives and showing good manners would have great impact on others for desired daawah activities with positive image of Islam. Brother Rab Nawaz from Charity Australia mentioned that they had supported flood affected communities in Pakistan, Syrian refugees in war torn areas, Rohingiya Muslims in Bangladesh and thanked donors for consistently supporting Orphan Care program in Pakistan as it was making a huge impact on their lives. Br Rais Khan, IFAM President presented shield to invited speakers for their support to IFAM in the common cause of daawah. Usman Malik is the MGM of IFAM. He is based in Sydney.
House of Sakinah holds Annual Event 2022
Mehar Ahmad
The House of Sakinah (HoS), Western Sydney based Women Support Centre held its annual event on Sunday 30 October 2022 at Himalaya Emporium in Bankstown attended by a large number of invited guests including politicians, community leaders and supporters. The theme addressed by a number of speakers at the lunch time event was Pathways to Resilience: Navigating Barriers and Access to Services. The formal program was started by the MC, Ms Baseerah Khalil welcoming the guests followed by the recitation of Quran by Maulana Abeerul Thanvi. Ms Firdousi Obeidullah, Managing Director of HoS, after acknowledging the First Peoples of Australia told ‘Our Story’, 9 year journey of HoS with a video presentation. Ms Obeidullah went on to highlight the issue of DV saying, “Domestic violence does not discriminate against anyone. It happens across all races, social, religious and cultural backgrounds. These factors do add an additional layer of concern to these victims, who are now often called survivors.” She further showcased the concerns on DV with a number videos of personal touch stories on coercive control and hardships
suffered by vulnerable women and children specifically in CALD communities. Ms Obeidullah concluded by thanking Charity Australia International (CAI) and Islamic Forum for Australian Muslims (IFAM) for providing the platform of HoS for serving the community and providing ongoing support. The audience were also addressed by Minister for Multiculturalism, Mr Mark
Coure, President of IFAM, Mr Rais Khan and the Consul General of Pakistan in Sydney, Mr Muhammad Ashraf who all highly appreciated the noble services being provided by HoS for the vulnerable members in the community. Amira Rahman, Youth Ambassador, Muslim Youth Association gave ABS 2017 statistics where 1 in 6 women reported having experienced physical and/or sexual abuse
before the age of 15 and 1 in 16 men reported having experienced this abuse when they were boys. Jahida El Assad, an Education & Personal Development Coach talked about resilience and our families, friends, and colleagues at work have an enormous effect on our collective capacity to thrive. Princess R Lakshman, psychotherapist, Mind Body Healing Club and author of The Soul Speaks related her personal story of recovery, resilience, and healing from a decade long experience of domestic and family violence. Rahmah Wisudo, a domestic violence survivor also told of her experience and survival from her traumatic experiences. Aisha Homsi, Counsellor, Giving Back Australia Aisha is of New Zealand and Cook Island descent born into a devoted Jehovah’s witness family. she reverted to Islam when she was 14 years old said that firm belief serves life’s purpose and heals all wounds while advising, “Productive lifestyle with systematic beliefs that will keep you empowered in society for success but be humble to see yourself as no better than the next.” The event included lunch and fund raising session to help carry out ongoing and further enhanced services provided by HoS. Photos by Rana Ahmad. Firdousi Obeidullah.
Mark Coure.
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Alliance of Australian Muslims holds 5th National Summit in Sydney Continued from page 1 The Summit was officially opened by Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed, Mufti of Australia with words of advice emphasising the importance of the Summit and the responsibility on its members to serve the interests of The Australian Muslim Community. Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman during his formal address pointed out the import importance of the AAM Summit, listed its goals and objectives, highlighted many key initiatives and achievements specially during the last one year and talked about the future challenges that the community will be facing and how to face them from the AAM platform. There were a number of presentations from the AAM Operation Committee with ample time allocated for delegates, those present at the summit as well as by those on line to comment and pose questions on various issues arising from the presentations. Anas Yaghmour provided further explanation on the national survey to gain better understanding of the Muslim Community in Australia pointing out the significant population of Muslims in Western Sydney Labor electorates. Bilal Rauf gave an update on religious freedom and vilification laws on federal and state level and advocacy for the passing of laws pertaining to religious vilification. Ramia Sułtan talked about the concern and mitigation of Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim sentiment in some sections of AustralRamia Sultan.
Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman with Khalid Mousa.
Ahmed Bassal.
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ian society specially as it affected Muslim women as well as the threat of right-wing extremism on the Muslim Community and
its institutions. Ahmed Bassal proposed a National Mosque Open Day and a National Com-
The 5th AAM Summit passed the following motions: 1. AAM members stress on the unity of the Muslim community is the utmost priority and objective and need to continue collaborating. 2. AAM congratulates the recent federal elected two Muslim MPs and Ministers, the Hon. Ed Husic and the Hon. Dr. Anne Aly and two Muslim Senators, Senator Mehreen Faruqi and Senator Fatima Payman. 3. AAM supports implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart and enshrining an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Australian Constitution. 4. AAM supports the recognition of Palestine and the rights of the Palestinian people. AAM and the Australian Muslim community welcome the recent announcement of the Australian Government that it will no longer recognise West Jerusalem as the Israeli capital. AAM thanks the Prime Minister – Hon. Anthony Albanese, The Foreign Affairs Minister – Hon. Penny Wong, the Leader of the House – Hon. Tony Burke and the Government for this positive step and calls upon the Albanese Government to fulfil the election promise by recognising the State of Palestine. 5. AAM asks for the removal of the legal and administrative category of ‘religious cause’ and ‘religiously motivated’ terrorism so that all terrorism is instead treated as ideological or political, thereby reducing the conflation of our religion as a cause for terrorism in the media, in politics, and online. 6. AAM supports the need for religious freedom protections for faith communities to preach and advocate their faith and belief freely and openly. The right of parents and religious communities to send their children to schools that conform to their moral convictions be recognised as a human right. The ability of religious schools to adhere to their religious ethos should form part of the legislation’s human rights considerations 7. AAM notes the disproportionate impact of terrorism laws on the Muslim community in terms of their legal, civil, and human rights. AAM requests the Australian Government review counter-terrorism laws to ensure
compatibility with human rights, including the human rights of minors, and the human right to rehabilitation. 8. AAM welcomes the Albanese Government’s plan to introduce a religious discrimination bill, including protections against discrimination and vilification. 9. AAM believes it is vital that the Australian Government is transparent and consistent with its application of human rights norms toward foreign countries. Australia is a culturally diverse country. By defending international rules consistently, we uphold the dignity and humanity of the entire Australian community and thus reinforce social cohesion. 10. AAM asks that the Australian Government uses levers of trade and diplomacy to advance human rights, including with countries it considers to be a partner. It should consider Magnitsky Act sanctions, trade conditions and condemnation for: 1. Israel, which is engaged in illegal occupation of and expanding settlements on Palestinian territories, racial apartheid, the bombing of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and numerous human rights violations. 2. China and introduce protections against imports made using forced labour, to defend Uyghurs. 3. Myanmar in relation to their genocide and treatment of Rohingya people. 4. India, which has allowed nationalist political rhetoric, widespread hate and laws that endanger minorities, including Muslims, and which continues the oppressive occupation of people in Kashmir. 11. Commitment to developing and implementing a coordinated Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) 5-year action plan to improve the community’s responses for support, awareness and education, in line with National frameworks aligned with our Islamic traditions. 12. AAM supports the action in combating climate change by stopping all new coal and gas projects and ending public subsidies to the fossil fuel sector.
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munity Ramadan Iftar in 2023 among other activities to expand community engagement with the wider Australian society. Adel Sulaiman reviewed the last federal election and welcomed the change with a forward looking Labor government and presented a debrief on the upcoming state election in Victoria in November and in March in NSW. During comment/question time delegated welcomed the change of policy re Jerusalem by the Albanese government and urged for advocacy for the recognition of Palestine and concern on gross human rights violations of Palestinians by Israeli authorities. Concern was raised against Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate being espoused from India specially via social media and its effect on Indian diaspora in Australia affecting social cohesion and community harmony. Maha Abdo talked about Muslim Women leadership and their empowerment and called for involvement and participation of women at all levels in the society providing them a safe space to live, work and play while mitigating domestic and family violence. The 5th National Summit constituted a new AAM Board for a 3 year term that consists of representatives from all states and territories, including the coordinators of each of the 6 committees. The Alliance of Australian Muslims aims to meet in Sydney for the 6th AAM National Summit on the Sunday 29 October 2023. Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed.
Maha Abdo.
Bilal Rauf.
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Multiculturalism and social cohesion in Australia
Fasihuddin Khan
The Indian Crescent Society of Australia (ICSOA) organized an event titled “Multiculturism and Social Cohesion in Australia” at the NSW Parliament on Wednesday 12 October 2022 attended by politicians, interfaith leaders, community representatives, academics, diplomats and government officials. ICSOA is dedicated for the betterment of Indian Muslims while promoting peace, harmony, inclusiveness, diversity, and social cohesion. The event included more than 10 speakers from different arms of the government, both federal and state, representatives of various faiths as well as First People’s of Australia. Susan Moylan-Coombs from the Indigenous community spoke about the importance of ‘Truth telling’, social cohesion in the current times and how the colonisers have erased the past while building a new society. Russell Davies, a leader from the Christian
faith spoke extensively about his learnings from the Buddhists in Marrickville, where he resides. Jeremy Jones from the Jewish community spoke about the importance of interfaith dialogue and social cohesion with a brief example from his own interpretation of the Jewish symbols. Pandit Jatin Kumar Bhatt, a priest at the first Hindu temple in Australia and New Zealand gave personal experiences of spiritually.
Maulana Nazeerul Hasan Thanvi from the Muslim faith started with reciting the 49th chapter of Quran and spoke how important it is to see everyone equally, as brothers and sisters Green’s Senator David Shoebridge simply asked for commitment at political, religious and community level for any kind of intolerance to be called out. Jodi Mckay mentioned the visit of Dr S Jaishankar (Indian Minister for external affairs)
and the upcoming visit of Nitin Gadkari to Australia. The current NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Hon Mark Coure spoke as a representative of the NSW government in curbing intolerance against people of all faiths in the State. He also went on to say that the NSW government will never tolerate Islamophobia in any way. The other speakers Violet Roumeliotis (CEO – SSI), Peter Doukas (Chair – ECC – NSW), Dr Jan Fizzell (Senior Medical Advisor for NSW) and Lorraine Finlay (Human Rights Commissioner) paraphrased social cohesion, integrity, and unity in various words with different examples from their own fields. The Keynote address was delivered by Craig Foster, Australian Soccer Player and a human rights activist spoke about how social cohesion should be in the bones of every Australian. “Australia is a secular democracy and it accepts every human belief. But in return expects your acceptance of the same in every other human being,” Craig Foster said. This event was held on the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombings that killed around 200 people, including close to 90 Australians. Dr Fasihuddin Khan is the Secretary of ICSOA. He is based in Sydney, Australia.
IPDC AGM 2022: Appreciation by guests Dr Asrar Talukder Islamic Practice and Da’wah Circle (IPDC), a social organisation that has been successfully operating for more than two decades and persistently working for Muslims’ educational and social development held its AGM 2022 on Saturday Saturday 8 October at the Light Foundation auditorium in Melbourne. A large number of Australian federal and state politicians, notable community leaders and social workers attended the opening ceremony in the morning and highlighted various contributions of the Muslim community in this country while acknowledging the achievements of IPDC and wishing it every success. The ceremony started with a recitation from the Holy Quran and welcome by Dr Mohammad Moniruzzaman, General Secretary of IPDC who was the MC for the event. Central President of IPDC, Dr Rafiqul Islam during his inaugural address mentioned that the current world is going through a dire and growing spiritual crisis, and Australia is no exception. Mental illness and domestic violence are increasing everywhere. According to the recent census, “no religion” is an increasing trend. He emphasised that it is the religious belief that can implement appropriate solutions
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to the current world problem, and IPDC is working relentlessly towards that goal. He thanked all the guests and well-wishers for their presence at the event and extraordinary support for IPDC. In his congratulatory message, Hon Tony Burke MP, Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, praised IPDC’s social contribution and expressed his hope that the positive role of IPDC will continue in future in the social service of Australia. In a video message, the Hon Andrew Giles MP, Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, praised IPDC’s various activities in the education sector, social services, and human resource development in the different cities of Australia. In a video message, the Hon Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria, thanked every IPDC leader, volunteer, and member, saying that such social organisations play a role in making the state socially stronger and a more accepting place. Dr Daniel Mulino MP, Federal Member for Fraser during his address at the event mentioned the importance of maintaining this country’s commitment to multiculturalism despite various political differences. During the session, the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education, Senator Fatima Payman, WA, Senator David Shoebridge, NSW, and Christopher John Minns MP, Leader of the Opposition, NSW also delivered their video messages.
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Senator Payman thanked IPDC in her address while talking about her own experience in Australia as a young Muslim Senator and mentioned about the importance of the participation of Muslim community members in mainstream Australian society. Dr Anne Aly MP acknowledged IPDC’s contribution to the Muslim community, especially in the field of education. Other distinguished guest at the AGM included the Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly Sarah Connolly MP, Chair of the Victorian Multicultural
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Commission Viv Nguyen AM, Victoria’s Multicultural Affairs Minister Ross Spence MP, Former Senator Lee Rhiannon, Australian National Imam Council (ANIC) President Sheikh Shadi AlSuleiman. IPDC’s Central Deputy President Engineer Monir Hossain concluded the opening session by thanking all the guests, well-wishers, IPDC members and organisers. Dr Asrar Talukder is a marine geologist and a passionate community activist. He is based in Perth, Australia. ISSUE 204 / NOVEMBER 2022
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The little school that could AMUST
Western Grammar School’s 10th anniversary Hamzah Qureshi The past. The present. The future. All were on quite notable display at Western Grammar School’s 10 Year Anniversary event held on Friday 9 September 2022 at the Novella on The Park reception centre, Abbotsbury in Western Sydney. The landmark anniversary was attended by local politicians, community leaders and a number of Islamic school principals and educationists in addition to parents and students. As guests began to populate the beautifully well set up venue, with all its glitz and glamour, they were welcomed by student representatives of WGS. And so began the night. Attendees were treated to speeches from across the spectrum of those involved with the school, notable community members, current staff and board members as well as guest speakers. All had their unique contributions to share, stemming from their individual interactions with WGS and each reiterated the strange and subtle magic that pulls one into the WGS’ orbit. Much reflection was directed towards the way that the school has developed. The humble beginnings of the WGS project, started from houses converted into the school premises, were given due attention so as to put that beside the current picture of the place. Purpose built buildings, playground facilities, K to 12 infrastructures, growing academic success and much, much
more to come. The principal of WGS, Mr Irfan Afzal announced the good news at the event that the development application for the next major phase of building for WGS had been approved and thanked all those who facilitated in this successful outcome including the Mayor of Blacktown. During his address Blacktown City Mayor, Councillor Tony Bleasdale OAM congratulated WGS on its 10th anniversary celebrations saying that the Blacktown City Council was proud to support Western Grammar through all its growth over the years. “From humble beginnings in 2012 with only 7 students from Kindergarten to Year 4, to 2022, Western Grammar now accommodates 325 students across all grades up to Year 12 and I congratulate the school community on all its achievements over the past decade, and I look forward to witnessing what the next 10 years have in store for
Western Grammar, ” Mr Bleasdale said. The Chairman of the WGS Board, Mr Subhan Ali introduced all members of the School Board thanking them for their ongoing contribution towards good governance, growth and success of the school and acknowledged the leadership of WGS Principal, Mr Irfan Afzal for the highly efficient management of WGS. Amongst the many highlights of the night were two performances in particular, one from the Primary School and one from the High School. The Primary School students, in an utterly overwhelming and heart-melting display of cuteness, treated the crowd to the exclusive launch of WGS’s school song. The enthusiasm, energetic gesturing and innocently discordant vocal harmonizing were a true delight, and the entire hall just wanted to give those twinkle eyes and cheekily smiling group of students a huge awwww inducing group hug. The High School students, the boys with
their perfectly positioned ties and the girls with their hijabs being checked a thousand times over, also performed brilliantly. They presented a powerfully poetic spoken word performance that was humorous, serious, introspective and jubilant in equal measure. They noted how the school has grown to house the hundreds of students it now has, and how the school feels like home, a unique quality that WGS can boast Alhamdulillah. They ended with a phrase that seemed to sum up both the night and the school itself – “ten years on, ten years strong.” The event also showcased two special video productions made exclusively for the night – one highlighting the past and growth of WGS and the other putting forth a confident and headstrong attitude going forward. Alongside it all though, one particularly special announcement was made that received rapturous applause – delivered as a “gift” to attendees. Overall, the event was a night of celebration, projection and unbridled optimism for what may come in the following decade for a school that has grown and developed at a remarkable pace. As a community facing educational institution, Western Grammar School showed just why is it a school that consistently manages to punch above its weight. The event itself was grand, reflective and wonderfully hopeful as students, staff and the broader community joined hands to look back whilst excitedly and simultaneously looking beyond. Hamzah Qureshi is the Teaching and Learning Coordinator (Secondary) of Western Grammar School.
AIMA conducts Lifesavers Program Australia-wide Dr Muhammad Ashraf The Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) conducted a life savers program through mosques and Islamic centres across Australian States and Territories as a part of the Federation of Islamic Medical Association (FIMA) annual life savers program. The Lifesavers program is a unique project that aims to unite healthcare professionals, inspire one another and serve their local communities through teaching life-saving skills in Mosques around the world. AIMA commenced its life savers program on Saturday 25 September 2022 at multiple mosques across QLD, NSW and ACT. Due to a few long weekends, other states have decided to do it at a later date. AIMA aims to conduct life savers programs, throughout the year at mosques and Islamic centres. “AIMA Victoria is continuing to conduct NOVEMBER 2022 / ISSUE 204
CPR programs almost every week at a different mosque including donating an AED to those mosques. We will keep doing community CPR training at Masjids across Melbourne over the coming weeks and months. We aim to reach each and every mosque in Melbourne,” said Dr Chehata, AIMA Victoria President. AIMA ACT life savers program was broadcasted by mainstream media, ABC news Canberra. Lifesaving skills such as hands-on experience with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), management of choking, use of Automated external device (AED) and recovery position were taught. “Mosques and Islamic centres are an ideal place to learn these lifesaving skills, especially for culturally and linguistically different backgrounds communities. These skills can be taught in their own language as AIMA has Muslim medical professionals from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds,” said Dr Wissam Ihsheish, Vice President AIMA ACT. “Mosques are not only a place of worship but much more than that, where other com-
Melbourne grand mosque munity programs and activities are conducted to bring the community closer together. Female participants felt very comfortable to come and learn these skills at a very familiar place,” commented one of the female participants of the programs. In some regional towns almost, the entire community attended the life savers program. Lifesavers program is conducted across the world through Islamic Medical Associa-
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tions (IMA) in multiple countries across all continents every year. AIMA also conducts multiple other activities throughout the year, for further details, please visit AIMA website: www.aimamed. com.au Muhammad Ashraf is a general surgeon in regional Queensland and General Secretary of Australian Islamic Medical association
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‘Mercy to the Worlds’ celebration at NSW Parliament Mehar Ahmad
The parliament of NSW echoed with praise of Prophet Mohammad (s) on Tuesday 11 October 2022 through nasheeds by Ahbab Al Mustapha, Azan and Maghreb prayer, glimpses from his life elaborated by politicians and interfaith leaders and honouring of distinguished guests with acknowledgements and presentations, a celebratory annual event organised by the Rahma Association of Australia at the NSW Parliament House. Rahma, itself means mercy and The Rahma Islamic Association, a non-profitable organisation based at Sydney’s Guildford Mosque was established by young Australian born Muslims to better the current state of Australia’s Islamic communities, specifically Greater Western Sydney through the ongoing social and religious efforts to build relations with the wider Australian community, irrespective of race, religion, or gender. The event to mark the birthday of Prophet Mohammad (s) was attended by many Imams and Sheikhs from various mosques in Sydney, diverse groups of Muslims as well as interfaith leaders, MP’s including ministers and Muslim state and local politicians. There was a large contingent of Ahbab Al Mustafa nasheed group with their elaborate
set up performing a number of segments during the two hour compact program at the celebratory event. The formal program commenced with MC Nasim Zereka’s acknowledgment of the country, national anthem and the recitation of Quran by Sheikh Youssef El Rich followed by the first gnashed segment by Ahbab Al Mustafa. During the welcome address Mr Shady Elriche, President of Rahma Association of Australia acknowledged the presence of honourable guests and elaborated on the aims and objectives of the association and its long track record in serving the community in Western Sydney. The Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure relayed a congratulatory message from the premier of NSW, Dominic Perrottet and acknowledged the contribution of members of the Muslim Community in making NSW a highly successful multicultural state with its diversity, peace and harmony. Mr Shaoquett Moselmane, the current NSW MLC, the first Muslim to enter an Australian Parliament during his address acknowledged the great community work that Rahma Association performed and elaborated on the achievements of member of the Muslim Community and its leadership towards social cohesion. Mr Moselmane was honoured by the Sheikhs and Imams with the presentation of an Arabic golden threaded robe for his services to the community at large and for his advocacy for Palestinian human rights, indigenous people’s rights and services to the
disabled locally as well as overseas. There was a break for Maghreb prayer with Azan by Sheikh Malek Zedan and congregational prayer within the dinner hall of the Parliament. The Leader of the NSW Opposition, Chris Minns gave glimpses from the life of Prophet Mohammad (s) showcasing his compassion, concern, forgiveness and mercy to all humanity, a role model to be emulated in this day and age as well. Other speakers at the event included Mr Jihad Dib MP, Member for Lakemba, Mr Guy Zangari MP, Member for Fairfield, Sheikh Yahya Al Safi, Imam of Lakemba
Mosque, Father Dave Safi, Anglican Priest and a presentation address by young women Amira Tayba Mesto, all elaborating on the various characteristics of the Prophet Mohammad (s) and lessons from his blessed life, Seerah. The final note and supplication was given by Sheikh Azzam Mesto followed by gift presentations to honoured guests and further nasheeds by Ahbab Al Mustafa. Mehar Ahmad based in Sydney is a Public School Teacher and President of Seena Inc, Publishers of the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST.
IFEW AGC/AGM: Maintaining Family Legacy Zia Ahmad The 39th Annual General Conference (AGC) together with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Islamic Foundation for Education and Welfare (IFEW) was held in person from Saturday 24 September to Sunday 25 September 2022. Starting as the Australasian Integrated Family (AIF), IFEW has been one of the pioneers in establishing daawah, education and welfare activities for almost 40 years in Sydney. This was the first in-person AGC after a break of 2 years due to COVID-19 restrictions and that the two first-generation founder members of IFEW were missed, namely Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad and Mrs Jamal Are Ahmad who passed away earlier this year. The theme for the AGC 2022 appropriately was “Maintaining Family Legacy” and was broken down into two presentations, ‘Half a Century of Family Legacy’ by Zia Ahmad and ‘Dealing with blessings, loss and grief ‘ by Najia Khalil followed up by a workshop on ‘Enhancement of Family Leg-
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acy’ conducted by Mehar Ahmad. One of the offshoots of IFEW is the MEFF Eid Festival being organised for more than 36 years at the Fairfield Showground while another one is the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST currently being produced by Seena Incorporated. The AGC brought together four generations of family members participating in a well-structured balanced program with family and business reports for the past year and planning for next year. The event also included the the AGM and
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election of a vacant trustee position and Shura as well as the appointment of office bearers for the next two years 2022-2024. The AGC/AGM concluded with an address by the elected President of IFEW, Mr Zohair Ahmad followed by dua and annual lunch. A number of IFEW members, parts of a large extended family have been associated with Islamic activities in Australia in general and Sydney in particular for more than 50 years having founded many community organisations and working in fields of educa-
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tion, daawah, publications, family organisation, student, youth and women’s activities. IFEW Office bearers (2022-2024): President: Zohair Ahmad Vice President: Sakinah Ahmad Secretary: Aamir Ahmad Treasurer: Hafsah Wahab IFEW Trustees (2022-2024): Mr Zia Ahmad Mrs Mehar Ahmad Mrs Najia Khalil ISSUE 204 / NOVEMBER 2022
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Sydney commemorates life of Prophet Mohammad (s)
AMUST
New Leaves Made In Red Fazlul Huq Davidson’s plum held on body of the lawn placed on southern side of the dwelling, is seen to have made into dented growth from unquenched thirst. year after year While other fruit trees including mango and avocado, blue berry bush and the fig tree, curry leaf tree and pomegranate, are found to have no qualm about continued lack of rain. But then came blast of nonstop rain from the La Nina and confluence of other factors known or the unknown.
Zia Ahmad A highly spiritual event was held to commemorate the seerah of Prophet Mohammad (s) at Dar ibn Abbas mosque at Condell Park on Thursday 13 October 2022 attended by hundreds of men, women and children reciting the praise of the Prophet together with enlightening insight into his personality by a number of Sheikhs including the Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed. Other speakers who touched upon the unique position of Prophet Mohammad (s) amongst humanity and different aspects of his life included Sheikh Khalid Bouchafaa from Malek Fahad School, Sheikh Abdul Moez from Dar ibn Abbas, Sheikh Ahmed Abdo from Shifa Institute and Sheikh Wessam Charkawi from Abu Hanifa Institute. The formal program was held between Maghreb and Isha prayers followed by free dinner for all to eat there and or take away with them. The spiritual part of the program included durood and praise and poetry in praise of the Prophet echoing throughout the masjid, led by various Sheikhs and joined by the audi-
ence. A booklet was provided by the organisers to help with various readings. The Mufti of Australia Dr Ibrahim Abbu Mohamed delivered his address in Arabic translated by Sheikh Ahmed Abdo about the unique position of Prophet Mohammad as a mercy to the world and for the entire humanity and the best person to walk on earth and a model for to be emulated. Sheikh Wessam Charkawi while quoting from Hadith elaborated on the special personal characteristics of the prophet as related by his wives and other sahib, his companions Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed.
and why we need to have a personal connection and love for this unique human being. Sheikh Abdul Moez also elaborated during his Arabic address on various aspects of Seerah, his life and what lessons it has for humanity in general and Muslims in particular. The dinner was generously provided by compliments of Daar ibn Abbas at the conclusion of the event. Zia Ahmad is the Editor-in-Chief of the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST. Sheikh Ahmed Abdo.
And as the rain continues day after day causing inundations of lowlands and others not being so, Davidson’s plum is seen to have gained in laughter and shine. When the new leaves made at the top shaped like sculptures are found to have dressed in shades of red. Dr Fazlul Huq is a retired academic and Editor-in-Chief Emanreserch Journal Of Angiotherapy. He is also the poet “Jujube” at Allpoetry. com with over 35,000 compositions.
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A science fair held by Little Muslims in Sydney Dr Faroque Amin Islamic Practice and Dawah Circle is a notfor-profit community organisation that has been working in Australia for a long time. This organisation organises events and programs for Muslim children through an ancillary organisation, ‘Little Muslims’. Little Muslims has organised a day-long Science Fair for the children Sunday 2 October in Lakemba Chapter Remembrance Hall. Around 100 registered participants and their parents were present when the event started. The participants presented their science projects and explained them to the visitors. The judges also talked to the participants before the noon break for the Zuhr prayer. NOVEMBER 2022 / ISSUE 204
After the prayer and lunch break, there was a science quiz competition in which many children participated. An Islamic cultural event took place in the afternoon, and finally, the event ended with a prize-giving ceremony. Several distinguished community leaders and academ-
ics from the Bangladeshi community were present at this event and joined the judges’ panel. Numerous parents with their children were also present. Among the organisers and the guests were IPDC and Little Muslim organisers Monir
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Hosain, Mahmud Alam, Kamal Mahmud, and Dr Mohammad Yousuf. Dr Faroque Amin works with Suprovat Sydney, a Bengali community newspaper published from Sydney, Australia.
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Full house at AFIC’s Annual Congress Dinner
Alia Sarfraz More than 160 political, diplomatic and community leaders attended AFIC’s Annual Congress Dinner on Saturday 1 October 2022 at Sydney’s Stamford Plaza Hotel. Community leaders from all around Australia joined Multiculturalism Minister Mark Coure MP, Finance Minister Damien Tudehope MLC, Shaouquett Moselmane MLC, Lynda Voltz MP, Senator David Shoebridge and Mayor Philip Ruddock. Diplomats including Russian Ambassador
Alexey Pavlovsky and Azeri Ambassador Ramil Gurbanov also joined the 2022 Congress dinner on the day when AFIC President Dr Rateb Jneid made history being elected for another 3 year term after having served for 5 years at the helm of the Australian Muslim community. Representing the premier of NSW, Dominic Perrotet, Minister Coure reminded the leaders about the great contributions multicultural communities made to Australian society, a message echoed by the Philip Ruddock who illustrated how Australia’s multicultural and multifaith society has made it the safest in the world.
Finance minister Tudehope praised AFIC’s contributions through the treatises from the Da’wa and Iftaa manager which gave advice on Islamic finance and other matters. Dr Rateb Jneid told the gathering that he was humbled to have received such support from the community and promised to take AFIC to higher and better levels in his second presidential term. He told the gathering about the new AFIC initiative to promote better awareness, friendship and goodwill through more literature and more involvement in the important issues that face society. The National Grand Mufti of Australia,
Sheikh Abdul Quddoos Al Azhari spoke about the farewell sermon of Prophet Muhammad (s), as to how the Prophet reinforced human equality and women’s rights and the need for Muslims to strive to bring salvation to humanity through the Grace of Allah. During the dinner, AFIC honoured Dr Ali Sarfraz for his services to human rights in Kashmir, Hajji Sharief Alaeddin for his services to AFIC, Fatimah El Kordy for outstanding achievement in her Masters in Legal Studies and National Grand Mufti Al Azhari for his outstanding contributions to education in Australia and India.
Seminar on Islamic economics, finance and technology Dr Teuku Aulia Geumpana The international Islamic finance seminar on Islamic Economics, Finance, and Technology Australia (IEFTAR) 2022, was organised at the Greenacre Citizen Centre on Saturday 1 October, with assistance from the Faculty of Business Economics at Syiah Kuala University and IIUM Aceh Chapter Alumni (IAAC). Ashabul Kahfi Islamic Center (AKIC) in Sydney worked with Shariah Economic Society (MES) Australia to offer the Islamic finance seminar this year after successfully conducting a similar event in 2021. With a special theme on Ummah Fund Governance, IEFTAR 2022 invited a number of prominent speakers from academics and professional practitioners to the event. IEFTAR 2022 This international seminar on Islamic fi-
nance was opened by Sheikh Dr Chalidin Yacob the founder of the Ashabul Kahfi Islamic Center Sydney and Ustadz Dr Cand Muhammad Saifurrokhman Mahfudz as the president of MES Australia. Sheikh Yacob thanked the participants for their presence and welcomed all the speakers who had taken the time and opportunity to attend IEFTAR 2022. Meanwhile, Ustadz Mahfudz in his remarks emphasized that there are at least three factors needed to optimize the process of managing ummah or public funds, especially in Australia: solid government regulations; proper procedures; and ethics in handling ummah’s funds. To create governance that complies with shari’a, rules, and conscience, all of these factors are critical. Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) The programme chair of IEFTAR 2022, Dr Teuku Aulia, who is also a member of the MES Australia expert council, noted that this year’s IEFTAR implementation was particularly noteworthy because, in addition to discussing Islamic finance issues relating
IEFTAR 2022 speakers (Left to Right) Dr Ratna Mulyany FEB USK, Lama Fadda Launchgood, Dr Cand Muhd Hafidz Lidinillah MES Australia, Andri Nursafitir Amanah Islamic Finance. to the ummah’s funds, IEFTAR 2022 also served as a venue for the signing of two memorandums of agreements between the Ashabul Kahfi Islamic Center (AKIC) and two esteemed academic institutions in Indonesia. Dr Aulia expects that by signing these memorandums of agreements, FEB USK and FEBI UIN Arraniry will be able to support AKIC and MES Australia’s efforts to raise awareness of Islamic finance among
Muslim communities in Australia, particularly in Sydney. Dr Teuku Geumpana is the Head of Development for the Ashabul Kahfi Islamic Centre (AKIC) Sydney, the Chairman of International Webinar on Islamic Economic, Finance and Technology Australia (IEFTAR) and a lecture at the University of Newcastle Australia.
Dr Rateb Jneid re-elected AFIC President AFIC’s Federal council Members.
Alia Sarfraz
In a fiercely contested election held at AFIC Annual Congress in Sydney on Saturday 1 October 2022 incumbent President Dr Rateb Jneid was elected for his second term as president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils. Dr Jneid who succeeded Keysar Trad to the position of President in 2017 told a gathering of Muslim leaders from all around Australia that he intends to intensify efforts to unite the community and lead Australian Muslims to greater participation in all the productive fields of Australian life. “In contesting this election, some of my opponents resorted to slander and vilification to win votes. This slander is grossly
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un-Islamic, unethical, false and counterproductive. I am grateful that our voters saw through this and endorsed the values of honesty, integrity and hard work for which I stand. In the interests of the common good and notwithstanding the slander, I will work tirelessly to embrace, under my leadership, the factions within my community,” Dr Jneid said. AFIC new Executive Committee consists of the following members: Mr Harun Abdullah, Vice President, Mr Mahabub Ali, Secretary, Mr Adam Demir, Treasurer, Ms Siddiga Adam, Assistant Secretary, Mr Mohamad Berjaoui, Assistant treasurer, Mr Ahmed Hegazi, Member, Abdul Wahab Neeman, Member, Ahmad Taleb, Member. ISSUE 204 / NOVEMBER 2022
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MoA between Ashabul Kahfi Islamic Centre and academic Institutions
Dr Teuku Aulia Geumpana
Ashabul Kahfi Islamic Centre (AKIC) Sydney signed Memorandums of Agreements (MoA) with two academic institutions in Indonesia on Saturday 1 October 2022. The two institutions are the Faculty of Business Economics, Syiah Kuala University (FEB USK), and the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business, State Islamic University of Arraniry (FEBI UIN Arraniry). The MoA was signed in conjunction with the second international seminar on Islamic Economics, Finance, and Technology in Australia (IEFTAR 2022) held on the same day at the Greenacre Citizen Centre. As the founder of the Ashabul Kahfi Islamic Center (AKIC) Sydney, Sheikh Dr Chalidin Yacob JP personally signed the Memorandums of Agreements (MoA) between AKIC and these two organisations. Both Deans, Prof Dr Faisal SE MSi MA, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Syiah Kuala University (FEB USK), and Dr Hafas Furqani MEc, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Islamic Business at UIN Arraniry have also signed the documents. The MoA focused on collaboration over a five-year period in the area of community service, the delivery of training, and seminars on designated topics. Both signed MoA documents were officially handed over to AKIC by Dr Ratna Mulyany BACC MSACC the Head of the Diploma III Accounting Study Program at FEB-USK, who was at the time one of the main speakers for the IEFTAR 2022 international seminar. Along with the MoA, AKIC also signed an Implementation Agreement (IA) document, which outlines a detailed strategy for putting the MoA into practise. This document was signed by Dr Heru Fahlevi SE MSc as the Head of the Accounting Department FEB USK and Dr Teuku
MoA signing between AKIC, FEB USK, and FEBI UIN Arraniry (Left to right: Dr Teuku Aulia, Dr Chalidin Yacob, Dr Ratna Mulyany) Aulia Geumpana BIT MSc who served as the programme chair for the event. Organizational Profiles As an Australian non-profit educational organization founded in 1998 in Wiley Park, Sydney, AKIC has a number of programmes for da’wah, tarbiyah, and ‘ibadah that aims to increase literacy in Islamic education for Muslims in Australia. The seminar on Islamic Economics, Finance, and Technology in Australia (IEFTAR) is one of many other programmes that AKIC has initiated along with the Australia
Economic Shariah Society (MES Australia) since 2021. In a similar vein, FEB USK, one of the USK`s favourite faculties, will collaborate with AKIC as a research partner and advisor, especially in the fields of organisational governance and accountability education, two of the organization’s main work programmes for educating a wider Muslim community in Australia and, specifically, in Sydney. FEBI UIN Arraniry is also a favourite faculty, with more than 2600 current students, it has the vision to excel in the development
of economic and business science based on international Islamic values. Syiah Kuala University (USK) and the State Islamic University of Arraniry are among the oldest and largest public universities in Indonesia. Both of these universities were named after the prominent Acehnesse Islamic scholars, Tengku Abdur Rauf As Singkili which is also known as Teungku Syiah Kuala (in Acehnese, which means the sheikh or scholar in Kuala) and Syeikh Nuruddin Ar-Raniry.
Mawlid celebrations by Minhaj-ul-Quran Muhammad Wasiq Hundreds of Muslims gathered at the Auburn Community Centre on Sunday 9 October 2022 for a celebration conference to mark the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (s). Traditionally marked as Mawlid al-Nabi, Prophets (s) birthday is celebrated by millions of Muslims around the world with his remembrance, glimpses from his life (seerah) recitation of Quran, Naat and poetry. The conference, organized by Minhaj-ulQuran International Australia (NSW), started with the recitation from Holy Quran by Qari Hammaad Ahmad Khawaja and a Naat by Mr Samir Ahmad. Several activities for children were organized at the conference including a Kids Qirat and Naat Competition. This competition is held every year to encourage the children (aged 7-15) to participate in the conference with an objective to inculcate the knowledge and love for our Holy Prophet (s). Around 12 children participated in the competition and all were awarded prizes for their efforts the chief guest at the conference. After a short break of Maghrib Salat, Mr Ammaar Saeed recited a beautiful Naat followed by a Youth Quiz Competition about the life of Holy Prophet (s). The quiz competition was solely organized by the members of the Minhaj Youth NOVEMBER 2022 / ISSUE 204
League Sydney including Hafiz Hussain Ahmad, Mr Hassan Ali, and other members. The audience was well engaged during the quiz with a total of 17 prizes awarded to winners. A short video lecture by Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri was presented on the topic of Importance of Mawl-
id-un-Nabi where Dr Qadri addressed the objections various people have on the question of celebrating the Mawlid. Allama Arif Mujaddidi, a religious leaders delivered a speech on the importance of celebrating the Mawlid-un-Nabi followed by multilingual Naat and Nasheed by Mr Fazlur Rehman Qadri.
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The chief guest and the keynote speaker atthe conference, Allama Mohammad Ramzan Qadri Al Azhari, Ameer Minhajul-Quran International Australia from Melbourne discussed the importance of the Mawlid-un-Nabi (s) and shed some light on the life of Holy Prophet (s) He highlighted how the Prophet (s) used to interact with people of all faiths and especially children and emphasized that we should deal with our children with love and compassion and inculcate the love of our Holy Prophet (s) in their personalities. He also told the audience that Minhaj-ulQuran International and its founder Shaykhul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri are spreading the same message of mercy and love since last 46 years and all are welcome to join this organization. A collective Durood and Salams were presented and Dua was made by Allama Arif Mujaddidi for the participants of the conference and for the whole Ummah. A grand Mawlid Dinner was also served to all the guests. The conference was attended by all the Minhaj-ul-Quran International Australia (NSW) officials including Senior Vice President of Minhaj Asia Pacific Council Mr Ruhel Dalvi, the President of Minhaj-ul-Quran International (NSW) Mr Muhammad Wasiq and all other executive and life members. Dr Muhammad Asif Khawaja, General Secretary MQI-NSW was the MC/Host of the conference. Muhammad Wasiq is the President of Minhaj ul Quran Australia NSW and is based in Sydney, Australia.
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Why Australians are drinking less alcohol Dr Mohammed Naushaduddin According to Australian Bureau of Statistics, 25% (some 5 million) of Australians exceeded the health guidelines of alcohol intake in 202021. However, a quarter reported a decreased consumption compared to previous census. This may be partly due to new immigrants and partly due to new perceptions. Even though alcohol is an absolute taboo in Muslim societies and frowned upon in almost all Eastern religions and philosophies, its use is locally endemic – even in places like Saudi Arabia. Here, and everywhere, affluence is directly related to alcohol consumption. Depending on their state of economy and safety nets, users of alcohol are at the mercy of their societies. Herein lies the concern: who pays the bill when pleasure becomes painful to self and the family. Spread of alcohol As humans settled into agrarian life, more than 7000 years back, a few realised the highs of the rotting grain: a feeling of ‘relaxation’, even though the early beer was cloudy, smelly and bitter. Soon wine (a beer made up of grapes) was used in ceremonies and rituals – in small doses, to the select few. When distillation was mastered in the Middle East for the making of perfume, the same process was used in Europe to concentrate more alcohol from the fermented liquids. Now, smaller volumes of distilled alcohol (referred to as liquor, spirits, etc) made its transport easier to ever longer distances. Examples include brandy (distilled from wine), absinthe (flowers/herbs), gin (plant-based), rum (sugarcane), gin (agave plant), vodka/ whisky (grains). Away from Europe, the colonisers weaponised alcohol to control the workers, the natives and the slaves. They came willingly, and complied: “Wine and sugar were consumed at breakfast; at 11:00 and 4:00 workers broke for their ‘bitters’; cider and beer were drunk at lunch and toddies for supper and during the evening”. They lived their short lives on empty carbohydrates of alcohol. The 18th-century industrialisation of distillation process helped spread alcohol to the middle class: they felt ‘respectable’ on par with the nobility and clergy. In 1950’s, this respectability was offered to the women; eg. in Germany ‘Frauengold’ (Women’s gold) was marketed widely as a ‘herbal drink’ to help women ‘relax’. The drink had 16.5% alcohol, equivalent to wine. In the times of scarcity, the elite hoarded it: the spigot was opened to the few and the favoured. In the times of plenty, alcohol was
taxed. The system (manufacturers, distributors, outlets) has heaved on the consumer, throughout our histories. So what is alcohol The workings of the human brain is dependent on harmonious relationship between various chemicals. Alcohol (a chemical compound containing carbon, oxygen and hydrogen) interferes with brain chemicals, in a way that we do not fully understand this game of the molecules. Frustratingly, just like tobacco, we do not know which individual will be the potential victim. At the population level, we know the harm to the society is unequivocal. Effects in the short term In small amounts, alcohol causes changes in these chemical that leads to loss of self-restraint or inhibition. This makes us feel confident, even brave. However, as the amount increases, lack of awareness triggers angry and aggressive response – making a person a risk to self and others. Depending on situations, one cannot predict the transition from a seeming confident state to an horrible nuisance state. Further doses depresses the brain’s general activity – making the person very vulnerable to their environment: being robbed of material, dignity or person. Effects in the long term In the long term, alcohol effects nerves that control memory, balance and speech. It also attacks heart muscle and kills liver cells – causing early heart and liver failures. Effects during various phases of life Pregnancy: CDC (Centre for Disease Control) will tell you this: “There is no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant”. Because alcohol causes a variety of baby problems called ‘fetal alcohol spectrum disorders’ (FASDs). Childhood: The old sages were sane enough to realise that any alcohol is harmful for children. Because of its effects on growing brain, these kids will lack coordination, skills and intellect. Our teens: Teens generally lack wholistic judgement. Taken alcohol, their confidence shoots to stratosphere. In Australia, alcohol lurks in the background of many teen deaths: falling off the boats, pool drownings, carjackings and accidents, other impulsive actions that result in deaths. Youth: In youth, an age where one begins to acquire life’s skills, alcohol becomes an important cause of problems at work and within
families. For some with mental health problems, alcohol’s ill effects may not be appreciated at all. The Middle Age: You think you have settled. Yes, alcohol will make you fat. Alcohol is the only food that gives you ‘empty calories’ (that has no nutritional value) which is converted by the body into fantastic fat. Six beers will give enough energy to last the day, equivalent of three meals. Also, alcohol is addictive. Consumed over long periods, suddenly quitting can cause seizures in strong addicts. As we become older (middle aged!), our ability to kill cancer cells decreases. Alcoholic beverage is a declared carcinogen: oral cancers are 6-times more common in drinkers: oesophagus, stomach, bowel, liver and breast are all at risk. The old: Most old people loses ‘the zing’ of alcohol in their old age, thank goodness. In those still drinking, mostly for insomnia, alcohol causes balance problems, frequent falls and its complications. If not early dementia. Why do people drink alcohol Here are the few major reasons Religious practice: Some religions have incorporated alcohol into their essential religious rituals. When people have profound childhood and celebratory memories, it is hard to part with. They want this tradition to pass onto to the next generation. After more than hundred years of Protestant agitation, the US government tried to ban alcohol in 1920’s. In the ‘Century of Atheism’ – the 20th century – they lost their battle. Many protestants don’t drink alcohol, or drink very moderately. National pride: Where religion does not hold ground, alcohol is propagated as some national pride. ‘Oktoberfest’ in Germany is an example. The organisers will tell you it is not the alcohol that is the problem, it the person drinking that alcohol who is the problem. They will condemn alcoholism and drunkenness, while blessing alcohol itself. It is the contradiction they live with. Anxiety reliever: On an individual level, alcohol relieves anxiety and masks depression. Many will like not to be deprived of one thing that relaxes them. Where medical fraternity is oblivious to their affliction, and their acquittance are unheeding, alcohol and other drugs remains their perceived friend. The fab thing: Again on an individual level, alcohol consumption is something to brag about; to look fab. This is a normal human emotion.
In 1909, President Roosevelt undertook an African safari where he ‘collected’ more than a 1000 ‘specimen’, half of which were the big games (elephants, lions, rhinos, etc) – to impress European monarchs. Today this is very far from the fab: killing to impress is no fun at all. What about Fiqhi understanding For an individual, Quran and Hadith prohibits consumption of sedatives, alcohol being one of them. Wilful losing of sanity and health is heavily proscribed in Islam: science proves alcohol has notoriety in all phases of human life. On a societal level, alcohol causes clear harm to most of the people and their community’s well being. Thus, governments have every right to limit its use in forms they deem fit. However, just like tobacco, enthusiastic and proactive use of resources to monitor its use can be a strain on police, judiciary and lawmakers. A graded response remains the more productive approach to vagaries in human nature. What is totally abhorrent Treating any human being with contempt, coercion or chastising is abhorrent in the eyes of Islam. The harmful acts are dealt with by introspection, or the authority. No Martinez should have to put up with any punitive treatment. A person seeking guidance is advised to see a psychologist or addictive medicine clinicians. Where a correction is needed, that treatment is the realm of the judiciary – based on the premise of lessening harm and guided by science. Why an understanding is needed While authorities are doing their bit, we continue gentle ‘nudge’ in the community. Empower people A knowledge of loss of health, stained relationships and lost assets will make people take better decisions for themselves and their families. Know the trade-offs The drinkers expose themselves to negotiate the trade-offs with their families. Loved ones will seek out guarantees against emotional and physical harm from their use of alcohol. Anxiety should not be a stigma The wider society should make an effort to understand that anxiety and depression are real, that treatment of underlying causes greatly benefits people going through uncertain and confusing times, that use of alcohol can be a reason for an undiagnosed mental health issue. By understanding alcohol and its effects on human body, any society can become resilient to its harmful effects. Dr Mohammed Naushaduddin is a General Practitioner in South West Sydney, Australia.
People of colour: Guilty until proven innocent Rabia Rasul In 2000, a 19-year-old boy from a middle-class family in Baltimore was convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend. 22 years later, he was exonerated of his crimes and all charges against him were dropped. Adnan Syed was his name, and his only crime was that he was born the wrong colour and had the wrong name. Adnan was an American-born Pakistani Muslim who was struggling with his identity, he was trying to reconcile his ethnic self that he was with his extended family with the American version he was at school. For many people of colour, this reflects
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our plight with our own identity, having to constantly balance the different versions of ourselves while trying to make our way in the world. But we were never imprisoned for this, because trying to understand yourself is not a crime. While Adnan may have been sentenced to prison for a crime he legally did not commit, our community – the ethnically diverse community, the people of colour – has been behind bars indefinitely without trial. In the eyes of society, we are guilty until proven innocent. This sentence that we are serving started centuries before 9/11, before apartheid, before the civil war and was borne out of judgement and
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
fear of the ‘other’. It is a fear that perpetuated itself through colonisation. Colonisation legitimised a racial divide, ingrained in society that those with tan skin and dark eyes must always justify their existence in their nation. That we must always prove our allegiance to our home, to the West, to the apparent saviours who rescued us from our ‘backward’ ways yet revel in our ‘exotic’ traditions. For centuries our communities have been silent, acquiescing, integrating by Adnan changing our names to be Syed. more anglicised and politely answering the constant ‘where are you from?’ question. But enough is enough, Adnan’s story represents centu-
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ries of abuse and victimisation of people of colour. It reflects the stories of thousands of people forced to have their homes ransacked and their ideology questioned. Australia is a nation that prides itself on its multiculturalism, but when it comes down to it, are we all that accepting? Has anything changed in the last 22 years? Could this happen to someone in Australia in 2022? As a young woman of colour, I cannot confidently say that it would not happen to someone else. Not because our justice system is broken, but because our mentality has not changed. Because no matter how many degrees I earn, no matter how much money I make, I will always be guilty until proven innocent. Rabia Rasul is a university student currently studying political science and law at Macquarie University. ISSUE 204 / NOVEMBER 2022
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UMMAH 25
EDUCATION 26 - 28
BUSINESS 29
AUSTRALIA
SOCIAL 30 - 31
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Indian minister Jaishankar’s visit to Australia and his message Kazi Haq India’s diplomacy kept languishing between the East and West. The Russian invasion of Ukraine made the people believe India is a close crony to President Putin. Nevertheless, Jaishankar’s interview reveals India wished to gain an advantage from the Western alliance despite its symbiotic relationships with Russia. But both Indian PM Modi and truculent Putin have forgotten that the present world is different from past times. Instead of calling the term “Russian invasion of Ukraine”, India says “Ukraine conflict”, as if Ukraine has created this conflict. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar kept saying “Ukraine conflict”; on the other hand, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong kept saying “Russian invasion of Ukraine” in a press conference held on 10 Oct 2022. What a gift of diplomacy, with a complete opposite and differing understanding on an issue, that allows talking in a pleasant atmosphere to express differing views from the same podium. Although India does not support conflict or killing of innocent Ukrainian, which Jaishankar has said, yet, India did not vote or, at best, abstained in the UN General Assembly against the Russian invasion of Ukraine – what can be more fallacy than this? Jaishankar forcefully said no one was the winner of this conflict which was a despicable lie. Taking advantage of the oil crisis, India was buying oil and gas at reduced prices from Russia. In contrast, other countries like Bangladesh are importing oil and gas at a higher price as the oil price in the world market has shot up due to sanctions on Russia. When the world has been grappling with inflation, India was able to keep inflation managed. If the US does not consider who Putin’s cohorts were, how can the US expect good
allies during times of need? Jaishankar said, “Western countries did not supply weapons to India, and, in fact, saw a military dictatorship next to us as the preferred partner”. It was very ridiculous that such a great diplomat failed to understand the difference between ‘Western partnership’ and ‘Western interest’. The recent Joe Biden’s comment on Pakistan as “one of the most dangerous nations in the world” disregards Jaishankar’s statement. Given Jaishankar’s long experience, he should know why the West did not supply weapons to India instead of blaming the West. India, a proponent of nonalignment, remained strongly allied with the USSR and afterward Russia until now. Jaishankar was quoted from his address at Lowy Institute that the commitment made to the Ukraine conflict is close to USD100 billion. Again, it implies that the West is responsible for escalating conflict in Ukraine. He does not want to blame Putin at all. It is good that his comment opens an opportunity for the US to find out how much India and other cohorts of Russia have contributed to the Russian economy to help maintain its killing machine, taking the vantage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It
should be a matter of noteworthy research to allow history to be written in the future. He even failed to compliment the great leader of Ukraine’s President V Zelenskyy, who has become a role model for leadership. India has openly sided with Russia, decided to vote in the UN in favour of Russia, and evacuated 20,000 students from Ukraine. Yet, he said he was not much focused on individual leadership in that part of the world – a shocking reply from an expert diplomat. It is a fact that the AUKUS (Australia, the UK & the US) was created amidst mistrust of the Quad partnership, mainly with India. Many western think tanks now consider that AUKUS has given tremendous trust among AUKUS leaders to work in defence technology cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region which was lacking in Quad. The US has delineated primarily nontraditional security like climate actions activities to deal with by Quad. Jaishankar, in both the Q&A session at Lowy Institute and the press conference, emphasized that Indian partnerships with Quad got better than before. Albeit among leaders, in formal meetings, India appears extolling Quad, while others agree with banal. It is mainly India that is
propagating the importance of the Quad and India’s importance as a Quad partnership. As a Quad partner, India gets an opportunity to get close to the US because all other options got limited due to India’s support for Putin. Wherever Jaishankar goes, India’s successful partnership with Quad is being questioned (Munich Security Conference, MSC), and he kept challenging the anchor/ moderator. In fact, after the creation of AUKUS, India discovered itself as an outlier in the Indo-Pacific region. As the war drags on, Russia will surely face the downfall of its economy. Weaken Russia might throw India into a situation where India would find it difficult to maintain the present economic growth. The Quad remained the only hope for India to get close to the US and, subsequently, to the western countries. In desperation, the foreign minister started to visit different western countries advocating India’s situation. Everyone understands this subtle diplomacy. India’s partnership is essential for the US to implement its Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) in the Indian Ocean. The West also needs business benefits by engaging 1.4 billion Indian people. With time, the industrial revolution and the far-reaching globalization effect, the world has become a severe competitive place where diplomacy plays a vital role. However, despite having world-famous diplomats in India, its economic engagement with regional forums failed to succeed. It is better to be late than never; Jaishankar, in his desperate move, is trying to revitalize India as a crucial partner of Quad. The question is will the US consider India a valued partner of Quad, given India’s history? Kazi Haq is a retired Commodore from Bangladesh Navy and an electrical engineer. He served as Director in Prime Minister’s Office, National Parliament, and Managing Director of a dockyard. Kazi is the founding member of BIMRAD(Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development). He is now based in Sydney.
An evening of truth & lies with Marcus Enfield Philip Feinstein For decades The Hon Marcus Einfeld has worked tirelessly for human rights and justice in Australia and around the world. On Sunday 2 October, at a special meeting in Woollahra of divulging international truth and lies, Einfeld shared many controversial situations. Marcus Einfeld was appointed to the Federal Court in 1986. He was also a Justice of the Australian Capital Territory. He retired as a judge in April 2001. Einfeld was the founding president of the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. Firstly Marcus focussed on the new Italian government which is opposed to mass immigration, despite almost 70,000 refugees from Tunisia and Libya having Italy currently in their sights. “I shudder to think what their future might be,” said Einfeld. He then said that the Polish government is sacking judges who do not implement its policies. Meanwhile Britain has decided to deport asylum seekers to the African country of Rwanda, despite the current unrest in neighbouring Burundi. Einfeld pointed out that Germany is an exception to this ill-treatment of refugees, NOVEMBER 2022 / ISSUE 204
where the previous Chancellor Angela Merkel allowed almost a million refugees to settle. In the United States former President Donald Trump still advocates that the previous election was illegal and stolen from him. He still has many congress members who agree with his stance. Meanwhile large numbers of Mexican children who supposedly never had the correct paperwork, have been kept apart from their parents for several years. Still in the US, there are about 150 people incarcerated in Guantanamo despite never having been given the chance to defend themselves in court. In looking at the Russian invasion of
Ukraine, thousands of buildings, care centres, schools, and even hospitals have been destroyed. “It is actually a breach of human rights law to attack such places,” he stated. He pointed out that there are many other countries in the world where human rights do not exist. Examples given were North Korea, Nicaragua and Myanmar (Burma) where some of the elected government members have been sentenced to 60 years imprisonment. Then it was Australia’s turn: Einfeld pointed out that 70% of inmates in our prisons are indigenous people, many of whom were incarcerated because of minor offences and should not be there. They now have a prison record which be-
Friendship Group - Sunday Discussions @ Random organising committee celebrating their 5th Anniversary: L-R: President – PresidentTanya Fox, Leon Price, Hilary Katzeff, Jane Chaytor, Shoshana Cochrane, Raymond Garfield, Diane Seeto WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
comes detrimental for any future employment. Upon release from prison, many of them, being untrained and unable to find employment, would resort to crime resulting in recidivism. A very cruel cycle indeed. “If we can’t improve this situation then perhaps we should give up calling ourselves a fair, just and benevolent democracy,” added Einfeld. He covered various other poor situations about Aboriginal people, including the fact that most of them had never seen a dentist. When the subject of refugees came up, Einfeld said, “Australia is the only country in the world that practices permanent, indefinite, indiscriminate, detention of asylum seekers who come here by boat.” And we lock many of them up in far-away places like Nauru, PNG and Christmas Island. In a Melbourne hotel there are currently 70 asylum seekers locked up, some for 8/9 years. Unlike Novak Djokovic, these people have no right to go to court to state their case. Australia has a huge shortage of workers. Many people are currently incarcerated in our various detention facilities, who have not committed any crime. They could be used to fill these vacancies. Many of them are qualified in various fields and could become assets to Australia, but our past and present governments do not see this. Philip Feinstein is a Sydney based writer, musician and activist working for MUSIC FOR REFUGEES www.musicforrefugees.org
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Senator Payman: Passionate about women, young people and workers Manarul Islam West Australian Senator Fatima Payman was elected into the Senate in 2022 Federal Election and became the youngest Senator in the 47th Parliament and the first to wear the hijab. She sat with Manarul Islam from AMUST on Thursday 27 October in her office in Parliament House, Canberra, to speak about her path to this historic role and her mission whilst she is there. Please tell us about your background, before you entered politics. Senator Payman: I spent my years just serving the community, whether it was volunteering for charity organizations or in the position of a youth leader, I really wanted to empower young people. Coming from an Islamic school and then going into a university setting, I noticed that there was this massive disparity between the confidence of young people in general, and especially if they’ve got multiple identities for them to go into society. And having experienced a bit of racism and discrimination, I felt, that the onus was on me to change the discourse around being Australian but looking different, the way I practiced or what I identified as. So, I put myself in positions to deliver on this. For example, involvement with the WA police as part of a Muslim community advisory group where I engaged with young people who didn’t necessarily have a good image of the police force and helped counsel them. Along the way, I became involved with the Labor Party by working as an electorate officer and that opened my eyes: if you want to make change, you’ve got a do it from within. And for me, that was being in a party that shares the same values and ideals as me and stands up for people of all races and all backgrounds and. And I slowly stepped up into becoming the secretary of a branch, became young Labor president, moved into the United Workers Union as an organizer where I met workers. So there are three different areas that I’m really passionate about: women, young people and workers. Essentially seeing the struggles that my dad went through as a migrant trying to make ends meet, establish a new life here. I see the same reflected in the lives of all these workers who were overworked, underpaid in awful conditions, and they actually don’t know their rights, or how to stand up for their rights. So, it was quite an interesting experience. And when I was asked to run for this unwinnable seat I put my hand up thinking it would be a great experience and I campaigned hard alongside all our
federal candidate. and I feel like WA carried the nation through in the election. Everyone has their own unique journeys and I think for me it felt more organic the way I was slowly exposed to the party’s mechanism and structure, but then also understanding. the basis of the Labor Party working so closely with the unions, especially United Workers Union, which essentially covers so many different industries.
What was the key reason or the inspiration for you to go into politics? Senator Payman: For me, it was a way of serving the community. It was my way of being the change I wanted to see in the world, and doing that step at a time, whether it was through political policy reform or whether it was through grassroots level activism and just being a campaigner, I think, came naturally to me. And I enjoyed it. I enjoyed talking to people, educating especially our communities, the multicultural communities or culturally and linguistically diverse communities about what it means to use their democratic freedoms and rights to vote and to have an educated understanding of who they’re g o -
ing to be voting for. And so, I quite enjoyed that also.
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My goal is to continue increasing representation, empowering women and standing up for workers’ rights.
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What were the key obstacles you faced in that journey into politics? Senator Payman: Within the labour community, there was a lot of support, so as soon as I was pre-selected the Union backed me. My own party was quite supportive and there was a lot of guidance and many mentors that I had within the Labor Party, including my former boss Dr Anne Aly, who’s now the minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth. It was really good to have those mentors along the way. But it was the reservations within my own community who, I guess weren’t used to a young person going for a position that they didn’t quite understand and what the implications were. And so they weren’t as supportive initially, also because of the stigma against women in leadership positions. We always hear a woman’s place in the kitchen and so on. And now, obviously, the ripple effect it is on their children, who now see me as a role model and say “oh well, if she could do it, I can do it too.” I think that just shows how far Austral-
Senator Fatima Payman
Mind, Body & Soul
ia has come as a nation, that there was so much appetite for that representation and diversity and wanting to see people in our Parliament that looked like our society so. Look, WA is making us proud and I am a proud Western Australian!
What do you want to achieve in your first term in the Senate? Senator Payman: My goal is to continue increasing representation, empowering women and standing up for workers’ rights. I saw my dad’s struggles and sacrifices and so that it home for me when I see workers being mistreated or were bullied, underpaid, their rights being stripped off them or not being treated with that dignity and recognition. They deserve better. I just want to firstly use the first year to just absorb and learn the ins and outs of the Senate because it’s a very complex place. Some politicians make it look very simple and easy but the committees that I’m on through education, employment, and environment communications like being a voice for young people in matters that are important to them: like accessible and affordable housing and ensuring that climate change agenda is out there. We’ve spread the word and there’s exposure on what incredible things the Labor Party is doing. We’ve already legislated the climate change bill. It’s about continuing the good work that the party has already put into place If I can just empower just one other woman to put her hand up for office I feel like I have done my job. What messages do you have for Muslims and for women in particular? Senator Payman: I think to women in general, I would say: motivate to learn more, to stay curious, to stay hungry and humble, and to keep striving. Women often feel that they’ve got to over explain themselves or over justify their positions, or they’re just not good enough, but I think it’s very important for women to reassure that self-confidence in themselves and put their hand up and do what their heart desires, but at the same time live with that purpose of why do they want to achieve what they want to achieve. But I’ve also got a message for men, our brothers, our fathers, our uncles to let women reach that state of empowerment and go out there because we’re in a country that affords that same equality to men and women and so they should be afforded the same liberties. So why restrain them? Our mothers are the leaders of our future generations, If we don’t have educated strong self-sufficient women as future leaders then we’re crippling the society in the years to come. Manarul Islam is an IT professional, community worker and AMUST correspondent based in Canberra.
S UNDAY 13 N O V 2022 | 11A M - 3PM Venue: Dar- ul-Islam, Bonnyrigg N SW
W O M E N ’ S R E T R E AT
Supported By
AMUST
Facilitator: Princess R. Lakshman
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A Self-Care event for women to gather, relax, foster friendships and feel empowered. 20
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Self - Car e Tips
Henna
Relaxation Activities
Gift Bags
3 Course Lunch
Register : see na5.eventbrite.com.au
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ISSUE 204 / NOVEMBER 2022
LIFESTYLE 22 - 24
UMMAH 25
EDUCATION 26 - 28
BUSINESS 29
AUSTRALIA
SOCIAL 30 - 31
Concerns about racism in Western Sydney’s public hospitals AMUST Media Racism in Australia’s Healthcare System On 28 June 2022, in a Guardian article titled Deadly combination’: unpicking race’s role in three separate tragedies, reporters Joe Hinchliffe and Jane Lee unpack the role played by race and cultural bias in the deaths of three children under hospital supervision. In these cases several doctors have noted that all three occurred to families from the Indian subcontinent and spoke more broadly of a “deadly combination” of factors, including ethnicity and culture, that is being magnified in a healthcare system buckling under the immense pressure of the pandemic. In the same article Race Discrimination Commissioner, Chin Tan, says systemic racism within the health sector is undermining access to services, diagnoses, treatment and care. Individual healthcare workers “may be well intentioned”, Mr Tan says, but “unconscious bias or a lack of cultural understanding and sensitivity” means people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are not always provided with appropriate care. Venkata Chandra Lanka is one the parents quoted in the article. Venkata Chandra Lanka says “there is a different kind of racism in the picture here, where no one says anything to you but your concerns are ignored.”
Racism in Western Sydney public hospitals Between 2018 and 2022, within Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), similar concerns about being ignored, not being listened to and slow staff responses to rapid clinical deterioration have been repeatedly expressed following the death of 27 year of Sydney Dr. Malay Rana at Westmead Hospital in April 2015 , the death of 3 year old Sydney girl Caitlin Cruz at Westmead Hospital in October 2016 and the death of 21 year old Sydney woman Dua following a discharge from Blacktown Hospital in February this year . Disturbingly, all of these deaths occurred in patients from a multicultural background. Further, in the past decade, there have been several reports highlighting similar systemic concerns with poor communication, poor patient experiences, slow responses to rapidly deteriorating patients, poor standards of care and multiple avoidable deaths in hospitals within WSLHD. In November 2012, an article in Canberra Times featured DAMNING internal reports into 85 deaths at WSLHD Hospitals over two years that had revealed that at least 49 of the patients did not receive adequate care. The reports identified poor communication, slow responses to rapidly deteriorating patients and poor standards of care as significant contributors to avoid deaths of these patients. In May 2021, Bureau of Health Informa-
tion figures released in a Sydney Morning Herald article showed that hospital emergency departments in Sydney’s west and south-west scored the lowest in NSW on a patient satisfaction survey, with Blacktown, Westmead and Liverpool hospitals among the under performers. Community concerns about care in Western Sydney hospitals Western Sydney is home to a large multicultural community. This disturbing pattern of being ignored, not being listened to, poor patient experiences, poor care and multiple avoidable deaths only reflect Race Discrimination Commissioner, Chin Tan concerns about systemic racism within the health sector undermining access to timely services, diagnoses, treatment. On 12 October 2022, Dr Rateb Jneid, President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC), wrote to WSLHD Community and Consumer Partnerships. (WSLHD - CCP) to highlight increasing community concerns about the quality and safety of healthcare in the district.
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In his letter, Dr Jneid noted that AFIC has been privy to some troubling stories from consumers and carers about being inappropriately discharged home with life threatening conditions, carers not being heard, their concerns being disregarded and being verbally and physically abused by staff at WSLHD. AFIC awaits a response from WSLHD - CCP. Western Sydney residents continue to be concerned about systemic racism within hospitals in Western Sydney undermining their timely access to timely services, diagnoses, treatment. In light of the impending elections, AMUST will continue to feature a series of articles with interviews with political, community leaders and stakeholders within Western Sydney healthcare sector. These articles will seek to highlight the challenges faced by residents of Western Sydney in accessing high quality healthcare. They will also explore potential solution to address them.
Canterbury-Bankstown Council support bid to stop anti-Palestinianism AMUST Media A packed council chambers erupted with applause on Tuesday 29 September before Canterbury-Bankstown Councillors received a standing ovation for unanimously supporting the Sydney Statement on Anti-Palestinianism. The statement, supported by more than 65 community groups, was crafted by the Arab Australian Federation “in response to the incessant violations by Israel of the Palestinian people’s human, political, economic and national rights under international law, including their right to self-determination and nationhood.” The move followed a motion by Councillor Christopher Cahill calling for the council’s support for the statement. He pointed out that the Israeli occupation of Palestine has lasted more than 50 years and is a concern to residents of Canterbury-Bankstown, of diverse faiths and backgrounds. “The statement quotes nonviolent means and international law to achieve a just and lasting peace between the parties,” Clr Cahill said. Clr Khodr Saleh commended the council on its endorsement of the statement while addressing a packed gallery, “I’m very happy to be speaking in support of this motion today and congratulate the Canterbury-Bankstown City Council for adopting this Statement. This statement also aims to support the legality of the defence of Palestine and the lives of Palestinians. It does this by proNOVEMBER 2022 / ISSUE 204
Councillors of Canterbury-Bankstown Council supporting the bid to stop anti-Palestinianism.
tecting the people’s legitimate rights to expose the Zionist occupation and confront the oppressors without being without being silenced by fabricated accusations of anti-Semitism. “Canterbury-Bankstown Community is the home of more than 129 nationalities where people in the local communities value freedom, peace and social justice. I believe the freedom of the Palestinian people is at the heart of the aspirations of our community,” Clr Saleh said. He further added, “The commitment to
support the rights of the Palestinian people, including self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state is at the heart of the aspirations of our community.” President of the Arab Australian Federation (AAF) Mr Eddie Zanariri commended the Council on its endorsement of the Statement. “I call for the end of Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. It’s called theft of the land. Can you imagine that you can be in your house one day and the next day you get
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told: ‘You’re leaving. remove yourself from the house, because tomorrow the bulldozers will come in and it will be gone. Where will you go? Who knows?” Clr Saleh said. He concluded by saying, “Finally , I would like to commend all the efforts of those committed to this cause including the Hon Bob Carr, the Hon Shaoquett Moselmane, and the community organisations from all faith and the media which has made the Statement on anti-Palestinianism possible.
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Artwork pays tribute to Palestine’s Shireen Abu Akleh Fatima Killeen An artwork by Fatima Killeen in the Australian Muslim Artist’s Art Prize 2022 on display at the Islamic Museum of Australia is an homage to the life and journalistic work of Shireen Abu Akleh who was murdered by Israeli troops in May 2022. The plaster frieze artwork titled “Pledge to
Fatima Killeen working on her entry for the Australian Muslim Artists Art Prize for 2022.
the truth and homeland” is embedded with olive branches and a large key, the symbol of Al Awdeh meaning “the return.” The key refers to the many Palestinian homes destroyed by Israeli bulldozers. Though the plaster surface has a wall-like durability, it reveals the fragility of a landscape where Palestinian towns have been replaced over the years by numerous Israeli settlements alongside the legitimised killing of Palestinian people with impunity as the ‘promised peace’ has decayed over decades. The Palestinian house key has become a sacred symbol, laced as a keepsake into the threads of history and ingrained into the narrative of worries and hope for peace by generations of Palestinian women. Shireen Abu Akleh reported for Al Jazeera for 25 years and was the voice of truth about the occupation in her homeland of Palestine. She was one of the most prominent and well-known names across the Arab world. Abu Akleh exposed to the world the daily injustices suffered by Palestinians living in the occupied territories. Shireen Abu Akleh was shot and killed in a targeted attack by an Israeli sniper while covering a raid by the occupying regime in Jenin. Abu Akleh’s tragic death and the subsequent violent disruption of her funeral procession by Israeli forces was broadcast by the Al Jazeera channel, clearly showing the
Fatima Killeen’s artwork “Pledge to the truth and homeland” 2022 paying homage to the Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. pallbearers almost dropping her coffin to the of Australia in Thornbury until 12 Novemground after being attacked by Israeli police ber 2022. hitting them with batons while the entire world watched. Fatima Killeen is an award-winning MoThe outrageous violation of Shireen Abu roccan artist with acquisitions at Australian Akleh’s funeral was cruel and lacked any War Memorial, ANU, Human Rights Comkind of decency and human decorum. mission, Islamic Museum of Australia, NaThe Australian Muslim Artist’s (AMA) tional Museum of Australia, La Trobe Uniexhibition in partnership with Latrobe Uni- versity. versity is on display at the Islamic Museum
How to overcome jealousy Princess R Lakshman Jealousy is a complex human emotion. Originating from the root Greek word, Zeal, meaning extreme passion or enthusiasm. Jealousy manifests in the body when a person has thoughts of envy towards someone’s achievements, relationships, or material possessions. Jealousy usually creeps into the person in the form of fear, anger, or humiliation. From an Islamic perspective, the story of brothers Qabil and Habil, sons of Adam (a), aptly depicts the manifestation and consequences of jealousy. Why do we feel Jealousy? The underlying cause of jealousy is a lack of self-worth. If you lack love, respect, and trust in your own self and your abilities, your self-worth diminishes. It makes sense then to be negatively affected by someone else’s joys and accomplishments. Your negative thought patterns (waswassah) will find ways to justify those
Jealousy with Other’s abilities Other’s wealth Other’s physical beauty Other’s accomplishments Other’s blessings Other’s skills
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feelings of jealousy in ways whereby you hold other people responsible for your own lack of self-worth. Constant comparisons with other people in relation to their houses, cars, clothes, job status, education, and their children’s achievements only lead to a perpetuation of insecurities and inferiority complex. Jealousy is a yearning for approval because somewhere deep in your subconscious mind there is a belief, toxic and unchallenged, that you are beneath others. This negative perception of self convinces you that you are worth less than another and therefore you feel hurt, humiliated, fearful, and angry with your perceived inequality in worthiness. The following strategies may help you rewire your brain to transform thoughts of jealousy to thoughts of Shukr (gratitude) to Allah. 1. Become aware of how your body be-
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haves when you feel jealousy. 2. Acknowledge that you are feeling this negative emotion called jealousy. 3. Express this feeling to someone you trust by saying these words: “I am experiencing feelings of jealousy towards….and I need to understand why.” The moment you express it verbally, you are no longer letting the emotion control you. You empower yourself to respond appropriately to this emotion rather than react mindlessly and be controlled by it. 4. Find a quiet moment to express gratitude to Allah. 5. Remind yourself about all of Allah’s favours by reading Surah Rehman. 6. Spend a few minutes in meditation to listen to the following Shukr Meditation. https://mailchi.mp/f58109fc89a0/shukr
Muslim woman in construction and loving it Hana Kadouh
Allah provides me with comfort and ease. I embrace Allah’s abundant blessings in my life.
Being a young, Muslim, Australian-Lebanese woman in construction is not a common thing to see at all. So, often I get asked what it is like and if I’m treated a certain way for looking the way I do and being who I am. I thought it would be insightful to share a number things that I have experienced while working on site in the construction industry: – I have been asked if I need my own room to pray in and offered help to secure a space – Colleagues have changed the location of lunch just to make sure I can eat with them (they insisted) – Subbies have told each other to stop swearing aloud the moment I walked past (I admit this gesture made me laugh a lot) – I was given the ability to alter my working hours to ensure I could break my fast at home during Ramadan – I get gifted chocolates instead of wine at Christmas (is this an oxymoron? I appreciate the sentiment nonetheless!) Working in the construction industry isn’t always perfect, but at least the struggles have nothing to do with my ethnicity, religion, gender or age. This is the environment that I think all construction companies should strive for. The industry as a whole is making a positive shift in culture and Buildcorp and their subcontractors specifically do this exceptionally well. I hope you’ve taken something away from this post and hope we can all contribute to that positive shift in construction.
Allah gives me knowledge, intelligence, reason, and creativity. Allah helps me in every task I perform that is good for me and my deen.
Hana Kadouh is a Contracts Administrator in the construction industry and a graduate of Western Sydney university.
Princess R. Lakshman is a writer, speaker, qualified clinical nutritionist, life coach and a counsellor. She is based in Sydney, Australia.
Positive affirmation I am unique. Allah has blessed every creation with their own unique abilities. I am enough because I am Allah’s creation. Allah is Ar-Razak. Only Allah provides my sustenance. Allah has blessed my body with health and wellbeing. I am a beautiful creation of Allah. Allah knows my efforts. He rewards me for my efforts. I accept wholeheartedly whatever He has ordained for me to receive as payment for my services.
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The toxicity of ‘beauty standards’
contradicting 90% of the reality; that we all have different bodies and different frames. The so-called ‘imperfections’ social media has convinced us that we all have are not really ‘imperfections’, they are called ‘differences.’
Nesrin Khalifa Body fitness and beauty; two factors that are unrelated, yet the majority of us believe they are. In today’s society, ‘beauty standards’ have been causing many young people around the world to be insecure about themselves. This often causes them to change their bodies, in unhealthy ways, to fit the criteria social media places regarding what’s ‘pretty’ and what’s not. How do we solve this issue? We must abandon the belief that not matching with the beauty standards means we’re ugly, and that we have to change ourselves to suit the images social media displays. We can do this by helping young people embrace their bodies the way they are and inform them that there is no such thing as a ‘flawless’ figure. Why is it crucial to resolve this matter? This will remove the toxic thoughts that roams in every teenager’s mind, which will
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What is the healthy thinking of this subject? If there is something that everyone should always have at the back of their head, regarding their body and weight, it’s whether they are healthy or not. As long as you’re healthy, you don’t need to ever worry about your body image. You don’t need to ever worry about the ‘beauty standards’ the social media represents. And definitely, you don’t need to ever worry about if you look pretty or not; because Allah has chosen every single little detail of our looks to perfect us. potentially lead to decreased mental health issues for young people. Think about it this way, beauty standards change every while. For example, about 20 years ago, having the perfect body, for a lady, was having a skinny figure. But in 2022, it’s about being curvy with a small waist.
If these ‘beauty standards’ are changing every now and then, it means that it suits the new generations’ point of view. So, the simple answer to the question, “who decides if I am pretty or not” is “society”. This is done through social media displaying males and females in an ‘ideal’ image;
Nesrin Khalifa is a 15-year-old student in Al-Noori Muslim School. She is a passionate writer, public speaker and debater who loves to advocate about various matters that interest her and the Australian Muslim community.
Stolen Blessings: A book that tries to steal back Soukina Kassir Having grown up in unfavourable circumstances due to constant wars in Afghanistan, Trina Ehsan, was inspired to show the world the immense gravity and undeniable repercussions wars imprints on an individual’s life. She resorted to the power of the written word and Stolen Blessings was published in November 2021. After witnessing her first draft book in Afghanistan University Library being burnt and bombed as a result of the war; the book which was the product of many years of hard work through war, bombings and pregnancy, Trina Ehsan did not call it a day.
Raising four children and continuing to lecture Mathematics at different institutes and schools in Russia and Kabul, Trina eventually migrated to Australia and published her first book in 2005. Trina Ehsan also continued to teach and even ran her own day-care centre for several years before deciding to dedicate a book to help those in need in Afghanistan and hence Stolen Blessings was published. “Stolen Blessings is an autobiography of what I went through but it is also an important message for today’s world,” Trina explains to me. “It is an outcry echoing the pain, suffering, grief, agony, distress and hardship every parent, child and orphan living in civil unrest has had to witness,” Trina continues with a mixture of passion and bitterness. Trina then extends to illustrate that her book reflects how wars have led to the longing to be accepted by other cultures and
countries; and hence, the demise of culture and the slaughter of inner peace. Trina Ehsan proudly declares that all profit gained from the selling of Stolen Blessings will be used to help disadvantaged Afghani people gain access to water. “It is the least I can do to help the Afghani people back in my country: to use the power of the written word and to raise awareness of what greed, money and power has stolen from us; and perhaps, raise a bit of financial aid too..,” Mrs Ehsan concludes. To donate or purchase the book Stolen Blessings, email Trina_ehsan@hotmail.com. 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 hers.
When cancer uproots families Bakhtiar Alam Aslam and Abu Bakar are two of our recent clients who come from very different backgrounds. Aslam is on a student visa while Abu Bakar is an asylum seeker. Both are married – Aslam has a young family with a wife and two young children while Abu Bakar has a slightly larger and older family with a wife and four children, mostly in their teens. However, there was one common aspect in both of their lives: their wives were the ones who helped look after the kids and keep the family together. And it was their wives who were both diagnosed with cancer which disrupted their lives completely. With limited or no access to government benefits due to the nature of their visas, suddenly Aslam and Abu Bakar were faced with the choice of having to work to earn money or making the time to not only look after their wives but also the rest of the family. Their Australian dream was crushed. Stress levels increased by the day. There was no light at the end of the tunnel. Until Alhamdulillah, they discovered NZF, and our team were able to provide them with the necessary funding to continue taking care of their families while re-adjusting their priNOVEMBER 2022 / ISSUE 204
Trina Ehsan displaying her new book Stolen Blessings at the Spill the Beans Annual General Meeting.
Spring Dr Reginald Naulty
orities to allow them to work. After a few months, they were able to re-structure their lives so they could be self-sustainable. Without your support, many families like Aslam’s and Abu Bakar’s would be broken when hit with sudden challenges, often leading to negative consequences such as children requiring foster care. By being able to assist them in their time of need, we are able to help keep families together, which in turn contributes towards protecting our faith & community. Annually, NZF partners with Dreem Fitness to run the ‘Fitness for Cancer’ Challenge
in October via the Launchgood platform to fundraise. We raise funds for our ‘Caring Connections’ Program, which is designed to assist and support Muslims who are ill, are caring for a sick family member, and families who have lost a loved one. Our goal is to help them reconnect with themselves, their loved ones, and have a good quality of life with the help of the Muslim community. For more information, visit www.launchgood.com/nzfau or follow our social media pages @nzfaus.
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The dreary rain has gone the triumphant sun has come; on the branch white blossoms smile at every passing bird and fly, and honey eaters have their fill while cats observe them, keeping still. And suburban gardens grandly bask while luxuriating trees give camouflaging bark to motionless birds, whose dispassionate regard appraise the scattered shade about the yard, And all is warm, wonderful, welcome and glad. Dr Reginald Naulty, originally from Adelaide, has taught at Charles Sturt University and has been a prolific writer since 1972.
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When you hear Tackling parental stress: Psychological Muslim, think human… not terrorist and Islamic view Sidra Ghanawi
Janelle Di Falco
As a registered and qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, I have seen and researched cases where parents have an enormous amount of stress built up and blame their children as a result. When digging deeper, however, we have found that the root cause of parental stress is due to emotional wounds that are yet to be healed. These emotional wounds vary, however, common cases are a result of financial stress, in-law problems, spousal conflict, or perhaps their environmental stressors that are exacerbated with children. One way to consider parental stress is to think of stress as a good thing as we need a certain amount of stress in order to take action on things that may need to be addressed. When stress becomes too much or overwhelming, this is when we need to avoid the stress of it becoming too much. Too much stress can impact our functioning in daily life. To deal with the overwhelming stress is to take a deep breath and focus on each of the muscle groups in our body. Tensing each muscle at a time and then releasing it. Taking breaths in between can assist with our nervous system which is what needs to be calm. When our nervous system is calm, we will be able to deal with the stressors at a rational level. For example, you could have an infant screaming and at first, it may stress you especially if you’re thinking of all the financial stress you may have and then all you hear is your screaming child and it all just becomes too much. However, when we have calmed our nervous system, picking up the screaming baby will be in a more relaxed state. The baby will calm down and then at a rational level dealing with the financial stress will be more tolerable. When we can deal with minor stressors in a calm manner, it will help us to deal with the major stressors or the root cause of how the stress began. For example, if the root cause is financial stress then again the screaming baby or even receiving a phone call over again in your day will feel super overwhelming. On an Islamic level, I like to use this famous dua (supplication) for dealing with stress. ‘My Lord, indeed I am for whatever good you send down to me, in need.’ (Quran 28:24) I like to reframe the minor stressors now as the things I needed in order to really deal with my actual stress as in the case of mentioning the financial stress. A huge reason psychologically as to why we feel we cannot deal with our minor stress
Janelle Di Falco is a Qualified and Registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist. She additionally advocates and educates in Mental health, She is based in Melbourne, Australia. Contact: jaecounselling8@gmail.com
As-Salammu Alaikum. When translated, the Arabic greeting used by almost 2 billion Muslims out of 8 billion global citizens around the world simply means “peace be upon you.” But, can I be honest, trying to keep the peace is getting pretty exhausting as of late. Despite Islam’s purpose and message of peace, Muslims in multicultural Australia continue to be met with unprovoked hostility to this day. According to the 2021 Social Cohesion Report conducted by the Scanlon Institute, 32% of Australians indicate negative views towards Muslims in 2019. That’s almost 9 million people, let’s unpack that, shall we? Technically, a developed society like Australia, is one that grows and adapts to changes and patterns over time. Hence, a developed society should be progressive, for lack of a better word. But riddle me this, would a developed society really create a Facebook page dedicated to boycotting an entire religion’s beliefs about diet and food consumption? Would a developed society gather to violently riot against the mere existence and settling of a people? Whilst Australia is a multicultural society, it clearly doesn’t mean it is an accepting one. The two should not be mutually exclusive, but sadly, it appears that way. In 2019, an Australian Christian man shot and killed Muslim worshippers at a mosque in Christchurch, NZ. At the time, media and news outlets claimed the Christchurch shooter was a “troubled young man,” and – get this – a “model fitness instructor.” In fact, an entire biographical article was dedicated to Tarrant’s life before the shooting. Without sufficient context, anyone would assume he was the victim. In 2021, an Australian Muslim man crashed into several pedestrians. Despite the man’s faith, ethnicity and political beliefs being irrelevant to the crime, all three were scrutinised by the media. The man was investigated for links to terrorism and terrorist motives even though his actions were a result of mental illness and drug abuse. Now, in no way am I defending this man, or his horrendous actions! But there is something to be said when the police – the very people meant to protect us – automatically peg Muslims as terrorists and yet do any other groups hold this label? I think we all know the answer to that and that’s where we diminish from a ‘progressive society of inclusion’ that falls short of ‘all for one and one for all.’ You want to hear something ironic? Af-
have that led people to the Australian Muslim Human Library events in Sydney on Tuesday 6 September at The Bryan Brown Theatre and again on Thursday 8 September at Shepherd’s Bay. It was a great opportunity for open discussion between Muslims and non-Muslims to build an understanding of the unknown. For some of us, we’ve never had a conversation or even met a Muslim person. Generally speaking, what we know is what we’ve been told by others or the media. Hence, it’s easy to have solid stereotypes and misconceptions about a religious section of the community that we know very little about, lurking in the back of our heads.
But how do we grow or transform into unified, harmonious communities if we sit in our own enclaves and don’t bother exploring? Discovery, enlightenment, understanding, empathy and hope can only arise from that wonderful curiosity. Building bridges between people takes guts and continual effort. There are times in life where we have to get out of our comfort zones, let our guard down, challenge our perceptions and unravel the knots, one by one. I was lucky enough to be a part of the Australian Muslim Human Library event, and let me tell you, the conversations had on the night were nothing short of extraordinary.
is due to pressure in our bodies. At that moment our bodies or our brain is trying so hard to focus on just surviving the stress. So, to actually work on what is stressing us and find solutions to resolve it would be impractical at this point. Hence, it is crucial to engage in those relaxation techniques the moment our stress becomes too much. Finding other ways to respond to stress is also significant. Relaxation techniques may be one. Other sensory inputs is another as it is another way our bodies need to respond to stress. This is in order to go back to that rational state in our minds to deal with as mentioned before again in regards to those major root causes of stress. Islamically, we can discuss a sensory input such as the use of the mesbaha (Islamic) beads. They can assist an individual in feeling relaxed in their bodies through the use of touch and feel grounded on a psychological level. Simultaneously in an Islamic sense, reminding ourselves of saying Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Most Great) with every movement of the beads. There are two things at this moment occurring as a way to respond to stress.
ter the Christchurch massacre, with over 51 victims, 40% of online posts included threats to kill Muslims, 55% of which were threatening mass killing according to the Islamophobia Register Australia. Evidently, no action was taken to hold these people accountable. As alarming as it is, it doesn’t come as a surprise to me, and I’m sure for many of you. Alas, it seems the rest of society are allowed to devalue Muslims. The Islamophobia Register Australia, Scanlon Foundation Research Institute (SFRI) and countless institutions have found that the vilification of Muslims is at an all-time high. Of course, we must consider that hate crimes are severely underreported due to both a lack of understanding what constitutes a hate crime, and fear. Hence, the Islamophobia Register highlighted that this is merely the “tip of the iceberg.” If that is the case, does that mean Muslims are tolerating this behaviour to be accepted? Is this progression? We get it…one Muslim taints an entire community. Now we are all terrorists. When plainly we all know there is always a black sheep in each community. So why can’t the same understanding be given to Muslims. Muslims are the largest minority in Australia, making up 3.2% of the population, and we have worked tirelessly to “earn” our place in the Australian society. But why must we prove ourselves in order to be simply acknowledged? We are held to a higher standard. What would happen if the rest of the population were held to the same standards. If they were, could this lead us all down the golden path of acceptance? Sidra Ghanawi is a Psychology major and is based in Sydney, Australia.
The Australian Muslim Human Library Lola Taleb “You know that feeling when you walk past a fellow human being and you gaze at each other momentarily? You may wonder what their story is, why the lines on their face are where they are or why they are dressed the way they are. Our curiosity is justifiable, because without it we’re in the dark, we can’t learn anything about the world or each other. It is the nature of being human. It is why we’ve made the advancements we’ve made in civilisation, in technology and in medicine. Our curiosity prompts us to ask, explore, learn and grow. It is this wonderful inbuilt curiosity we
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There’s joy, laughter, tears and hope in every one of us. We’re all human with different stories, interesting stories that touch our hearts and challenge our minds. I do hope other Australian cities get the chance to experience this wonderful concept of opening up to a pure stranger, only to realise that our similarities outweigh anything else we thought in the past. The most beautiful thing about Australian society is our cultural diversity, so start a conversation today and open a door to the world we live in.” Lola Taleb is an Experienced educator who has worked within the Muslim community and is currently an English teacher at Arkana College. ISSUE 204 / NOVEMBER 2022
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Even newborn babies remember 9/11 Anum Sikandar & Derya Iner
A survey carried out between 2020-2021 among 188 number of Sydneysiders, for PhD research at Western Sydney University (Sikandar 2022) found that majority of the participants (27%) mentioned 9/11 as the most significant terrorist attack. This was followed by Lindt Café Siege 2014 (26%) and the Manchester Arena bombings in 2017 (19%). The last two examples are due to the recency effect, a tendency of humankind to remember the recent events. Personal ties with the incident also made it more memorable. Lindt Café Siege taking place in the homeland and London bombings including victims from Australia made these attacks significant for many Australians. Despite being neither recent nor directly connected to Australia, 9/11 attacks still stand out as the most outstanding terrorist attack. Bombing of the twin towers which was broadcasted repeatedly in all corners of the world is entrenched in everyone’s memory. The surprising fact here is that almost half of the survey participants (15%) who mentioned 9/11 as the top terrorist attack were either babies or unborn at the time of the 9/11 (i.e., 18-21years old cohort). Undoubtedly, 9/11 attacks were a bigscale terrorist attack with the killing of 2996 people. Yet, it was not the only big-scale terrorist attack of the 21st century. The Camp
Speicher massacre by ISIS killed 1700 people in Iraq in 2014. Baga massacre by Boko Haram killed more than 2000 people in Nigeria in 2015. Yet, they are not recognised and even known by many people despite their recency effect. Nor were Muslims recognised as the prime victims of these big-scale terror attacks. Whose memory, is it? Selective prevalence and displacement have shaped the content and direction of knowledge in the context of 9/11. Whose memory is 9/11 terrorism? Certainly not that of toddlers and unborn children. Yet, they immediately recall 9/11 as the most significant terrorist attack of the century. A collective memory is created through American political and media discourse with the start of War on Terror Era, the global counter-terrorism campaign by the US, which legitimised wars in Afghanistan and Iraq while increasing military expenditure and military-assistance for allied countries. For instance, the collective memory of the same young cohort on 9/11 attacks is completely different for Muslims. It is the kick start of heightened Islamophobia and hyper-surveillance. Beyond remembering 9/11 terrorist attacks, majority of the participants in the above mentioned survey indicated the close connection between terrorism and jihad (86%) and the role of media (84%), which interchangeably and repeatedly used Islamic terms like jihad and sharia with terrorism, ISIS and Al Qaeda.
Around the 21st anniversary of the 9/11, it is time to question the roots of our knowledge and memories and reset our prior knowledge and memories by starting and conscious consumption of the imposed information and images. It is especially needed for the newborn and unborn babies of 9/11 who deserves to start a new age cleaned from the destructive imprints of 9/11. Anum Sikandar is a PhD Researcher at
Western Sydney University and works as a Research Integrity and Ethics Officer at USYD. Dr Derya Iner is a senior lecturer and research coordinator at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation, Charles Sturt University. She is the chief investigator of the Islamophobia in Australia Reports I (2017) and II (2019) and is also an executive board member of the Islamophobia Register Australia (IRA).
Being Uyghur is not a crime: Taking my two brothers is 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
Horigul Yusuf I, Horigul Yusuf, write this statement as a Uyghur currently living in Australia. I have grave concerns for the safety and whereabouts of my family members in East Turkistan. I came to Australia with my children at the end of 2005 to re-unite with my husband. I have maintained phone contact with my parents and my brothers and sisters since my arrival. I was always grateful I had the means to hear their voices and check their well-being. Things took a turn for the worse. I last spoke with my parents on 22 October 2017. It was a short and sharp conversation. My
mum warned me to cease contact for fear of being sent to prison. I wanted to talk to my brothers, but mum told me that they were not around to speak with me. She told me that they went to a school (a re-education camp). I could hear the fear and concern in my Mum’s voice, but she didn’t say much and hung up on me. I have great concerns for my two brothers, namely, Abdulahad Yusuf and Abdulsamad Yusuf. My brother Abdulahad was born on the 16 April 1974, and my brother Abdulsamad was born on the 4 April 1972. They have three children each. I am concerned for the well-being of their children as they do not have their fathers to support them. I was also advised that my dad passed away, but my brothers were not able to attend his funeral.
Mr Zubair Sayed with members of the Afghanistan cricket team in Perth.
I demand justice for my innocent brothers. I want to able to talk to my family again. It has been five years and it has negatively affected me and my children greatly. My family in East Turkistan is only a phone call away, yet I am not able to hear their voices. We have done nothing wrong, and our only crime is we are Uyghur. The International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China (ETAC), Victims of
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Reception for Afghan cricket team in Perth AMUST Media
The President of the Islamic Council of WA Zubair Sayed welcomed the Afghan and English cricket teams at Forest Chase in the city of Perth on Friday 21 October before their Cricket Mens T20 qualifying match. The event was attended by WA Minister Mr Bill Johnson, Lord Mayor of Perth, AfNOVEMBER 2022 / ISSUE 204
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.
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ghan diplomats and community leaders. Mr Sayed, of Afghan origins himself, praised the Afghanistan cricket team who have grown from their humble beginnings into a world class cricket team who qualified for the super 12 competition in T20 tournament being held in Australia. Although Afghanistan lost the match, Mr Sayed had the honour of presenting the trophy to the English team after the match at the cricket ground.
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True love for Prophet Muhammad (s) Farid Ahmed Muslims must have true love for Holy Prophet Muhammad (s). Love is a huge part in Islamic faith. It is a divine gift from loving Allah, and it needs to be practiced properly. On the Day of Judgment, Allah will question about his gifts, and blessings. Holy Quran states: “Then, shall you be questioned that Day about the joy (that you indulged in!)” [AlQuran 102:8] Why must I love Allah’s Messenger, and how much should I love? These two questions are very important for a believer who has Imaan (Islamic Faith). To find the answer, let us see what Allah’s Messenger (s) said: “No one can be a true believer until I am
more loved by him than his father, child or all other humans.” [Muttafaqun Alaih] “No one can be a true believer” is the answer to the first question. True love for Allah’s Messenger is therefore a basic requirement for Imaan (Islamic faith). Besides, the love for Allah’s Messenger must be more than any creation of Allah. Love comes from the heart, and the faith in Allah and on His Messenger also settles in the heart. That’s why, without true love for Allah and HIS Messenger there is no true love at all. Imaan with true love is sincere, and free from any impurity. How should I love Allah’s Messenger? What is the way Allah has recommended for me to love His Messenger 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week? The answer is in the Holy Quran: Allah says: (O Prophet) Say, “If you love Allah, follow me: Allah will love you, and forgive you for your sins: And Allah is Often Forgiving, the Most Merciful. Say “Obey Allah and HIS Messenger.” [AlQuran 3:31-32] Here, we find the answer from Allah. True love for Allah’s Messenger is to obey his teachings in every second, hour and day. We also find answers for another two obvious questions in this verse. One question is, if I don’t obey the teachings of Allah’s Messenger every second, then what will I lose?
The answer is, I will lose everything, meaning, I will lose Allah’s love, and Allah’s forgiveness. Another question is, if I follow the teachings of Allah’s Messenger 24/7 for my true love for him, then what am I going to gain? The answer is, I will gain everything, meaning, I will gain Allah’s love and His forgiveness. In conclusion, how will I know whether I have true love for Allah’s Messenger or not? The answer is easy? If I follow Holy Prophet’s teachings every day like in speaking, manner, in character, in prayers, in wor-
ships, in dealings, in human rights, in business, in family, in neighbourhood, in justice and fairness, in kindness and compassion etc, then I have true love for Allah’s Messenger. If not, I am not yet a true Muslim, and I need to improve myself.
Across the week, the Saudi delegation aimed to enhance cooperation in the industrial, mining and critical minerals sectors and supply chains and to expand cooperation in innovation and R&D. They also introduced and promoted Saudi products and explored increased collaboration on export and import between Australian Made and Saudi Made. Meetings were held with state and federal ministers, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, Australian Stock Exchange, Australian Made and the heads of Australian and international investment and mining companies. They also visited the halal food processing facility of Fettaylah, Australia’s leading provider of quality halal meats. The new Ministry is part of a national industrial strategy to diversify the country’s economic base in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. A key part of that strategy is to exploit the Kingdom’s mineral wealth to transform the country into a leading industrial and mining powerhouse and make mining the third pillar of the national industry. Since the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016, the Kingdom has issued 145 licenses and attracted US$8 billion from foreign direct investment and the goal now is for the mining and mineral production sector to attract further investments worth $32 billion with the aim of increasing the contribution of the mining sector to the Saudi GDP to a target of 64 billion US dollars by 2030. As part of the strategy to accelerate exploration, Minister Al-Khorayef announced a range of mining and exploration investment, collaboration and licence opportunities including five new copper, zinc, silver and lead ore collaborations between the Ministry and Australian and other international companies. With the Kingdom’s national industrial
strategy largely built on the role of the private sector creating an agile and competitive sustainable industrial economy, he said the role of government is to provide the right environment for strategic international partnerships with the private sector to thrive and take the lead – similar to that which the Kingdom has with the United States – with the overall goal being to cultivate innovation and know-how, to grow the industrial base and unlock international trade and build world class supply chains. The Kingdom was positioned as a highly attractive market for international investment with the availability of capital and high purchasing power; stable political and monetary policies; an evolving regulatory environment determined to ensure transparency and ease of conducting business; an abundance of natural and energy resources waiting to be exploited and the country’s regional leadership and geographic position in the middle of the world making Saudi Arabia an ideal place for investment and exports. Saudi Arabia and Australia have a long-standing and friendly relationship underpinned by commercial ties, shared membership of the G20, and Australia’s engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) head-quartered in Riyadh and Jeddah and last year, more than 3,110 Saudi students studying in Australia and larger numbers pre-Covid. On a lighter note, the Ministers hosted a colourful Saudi Night at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The Najdi Ardha, a welcome dance traditionally performed by men at official events and weddings, was led by the ministers and beautifully made videos drew out cultures and passions shared by Saudia Arabia and a myriad of countries around the world. One simple short speech made by Minister Al-Khorayef set up a video unveiling the Kingdom’s attractions for visitor and an invitation to visit Saudi Arabia: “Our country is open now for tourism. We are proud of our culture and heritage, of being the heart of the Islamic world and mostly of our people who will be honoured to welcome you to our shores, mountains and deserts. I would love to welcome you as a visitor and tourist.”
Nobel Peace Prize 2022 recipients Saudi mining showcase in Sydney at IMARC Sadia Shareef
Jane Jeffes Human rights advocates in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, Ales Bialiatski, Memorial, and The Ukrainian Centre for Civil Liberties were the recipients of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize 2022. The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to these three winners, for their hard work in uncovering war crimes, the violations of human rights, and the misuse of power. Since 1901, many have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. It has been awarded yearly to those who deserve the highest level of recognition. For their tremendous efforts in statesmanship, political activism, promoting peace and shedding light on the truth. Ales Bialiaski, a Belarusian human rights activist, is one of the three winners of the Nobel Peace Prize 2022. Mr Bialiski is also the founder of the Human Rights Centre named ‘Viasna’, founded in 1996. Viasna is a non-governmental human rights organisation, created to help individuals and their families who were arrested during anti-government demonstrations. Mr Bialiaski is currently being held in prison without trial. Accompanying Mr Bialiaski is Memorial, an International Human Rights Organisation founded on 28 January 1987, during the fall of the Soviet Union. Memorial has spent over 30 years attaining justice. For those people who were imprisoned, killed, or persecuted during the soviet era. Unfortunately, Memorial was shut down by authorities earlier this year. The third recipient of the Nobel peace prize is The Ukrainian Center For Civil Liberties (CCL). The Ukrainian Centre For Civil Liberties is Ukraine’s leading human rights organisation, founded in 2007. After the invasion of Ukraine, the CCL has put much effort into documenting and identifying Russian war crimes against civilians in Ukraine. All three winners of the Nobel Peace Prize 2022 showed great devotion to encouraging peace and exposing the truth. Hopefully, this award will be presented to many more deserving individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions in making the world a better place.
The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) was held from Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 November 2022 at Sydney’s International Conference Centre in Darling Harbour attended by some 7,500 delegates and more than 470 companies and organisations where global mining leaders connected with technology, finance, and the future. On 1 January 2020, just ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic, the first Saudi Ministry for Industry and Mineral Resources opened as its own dedicated ministry. This week has seen its Minister, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, and Vice Minister Khalid S Al-Modaifer visit Australia in an official capacity as part of the Kingdom’s involvement in IMARC together with the message that Saudi Arabia is open for business and for tourism. The ministers hosted an impressive pavilion in the Expo, a Saudi Mining Showcase, private sector roundtable and a Saudi Night dinner organised by Rahaf Ahmed and her local agency White Flame. The Ministry believes that Saudi Arabia is an important trading partner for Australia in the Middle East and that there is significant potential for economic ties to grow particularly in the areas of agriculture, mining services, education and construction with many opportunities arising and existing and potential collaborations including Food and Beverages Processing as well as Mining, Monitoring and Evaluation, Petroleum, Coal, Chemicals, Aluminum, Rubber, Fertilizers and Metals.
Jane Jeffes is a producer and director and former head of ABC Religion & Ethics. A UK-Australian dual national she is based in Sydney, Australia.
Sadia Shareef is a high school student based in Townsville, QLD. She is passionate about writing topics that affect our society & humanity.
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Farid Ahmed is a survivor of Christchurch attack on 15 May 2019, a peace advocate, author of HUSNA’S Story and Quran teacher in Christchurch.
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LIFESTYLE 22 - 24
UMMAH 25
EDUCATION 26 - 28
BUSINESS 29
EDUCATION
SOCIAL 30 - 31
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Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Quran Dr Rashid Raashed Refusing to believe in the Qur’an, as a true book from God, is obviously an individual’s choice. On its part, the Qur’an is committed to honour such preferences by individuals. The Quranic verse 02:256: “There can be no compulsion in the matter of religion”, provides an absolute guarantee to this end[1]. When the Qur’an is contextually understood, nothing could be more compelling than this: “O disbelievers in the Qur’an! You already have a religion of your choice and opting, which is absolutely fine by me. Please let me enjoy this right on my own”.[2] After such an outstanding statement, one would be anything but fair to claim that the Qur’an forced itself on those who opted to disbelieve it. To an Islamic state or to a practicing Muslim individual, the rights of religious minorities and the rights of those who opted to live without a religion, emanates from the verses of this category in the Qur’an. Factually examined however, one would also acknowledge the fairness and justice attached to this freedom is an absolute individual choice. So is the issue with the consistency between the contexts of various arguments within the Qur’an. Over 1400 years of coexistence between
the various religions under the rule of Islam and Muslims, provides the strongest proof to it. To put the relevant verses on this subject in their true contexts, one however would need to make a legal and holistic approach to this category of the verses in the Qur’an as legal texts. It is enough a credit to the Qur’an that the provision of freedom of choice and religion has been set out in an outstandingly clear term. Providing the freedom to make an individual choice a s t o one’s religion, is a religious faith and practice of a believer in the Qur’an. No other scripture has set out the religious freedom in this clarity. The believers in other scriptures, religious philosophies, the positive laws, including those who believe in no religion, may provide this freedom as a goodwill or as a social norm. In a challenging situation of rivalry and social contrition, this goodwill maybe compromised. To a believer in the Qur’an however, providing this freedom is a religious faith and practice. It must therefore, be upheld at
all times and at any cost! The various verses that deal with a specific topic, both in their content and the deriving a ruling from them, are often found scattered in various chapters of the Qur’an. The accuracy of a legal reading of a particular verse would only be achieved if such a reading does not defeat a distinct principle or rule. A compartmentalised reading of the verses therefore, is bound to lead to a misplaced construction of meaning or conclusion. To make such an approach to the Qur’an, a professional training in Islamic legal knowledge, as a discipline is necessary. The Book invites all individuals to make logical approaches to its content: “Certainly in the above logic are the many lessons for those who put their logic into practice” [3] Where the Qur’an handles the interlinked issues diversely in scattered verses, making a legal approach to understand them analytically and critically becomes necessary. This will lead to a logical common ground as to their applied meaning. Due to their lacking in the techniques to formulate such a holistic approach to the
Qur’an, most free thinkers end up misunderstanding the Book. The fault thus lies with the readership and the approach they make but not with the revealed texts themselves. Here is an example: The verse 33:07 asserts on the Prophet Muhammad (s): “Be mindful of the event when We took the compelling and binding covenant from all the prophets, including You, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus the Son of Merry” [4]. Here the verse makes no mention as to what was the content of this divine covenant. The verse 03:81 however, explained the detailed nature of this covenant. Putting the two groups of the verses together will make it clear that all the prophets were under the divine pledge with God that the prophets at all times would validate the missions of the ensuing prophets. [1]. The Qur’an 02:256 [2] The Qur’an 109:06 [3] The Qur’an 02:164 & 16:12. [4] The Qur’an 33:07. 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.
Prominent Australian Professor appointed Vice Chancellor of the Asian University Dr Zahirul Hoque After serving the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), Australia for nearly 30 years as the Founding Professor of Statistics, Dr Shahjahan Khan has decided to return to his native country, Bangladesh. He has accepted an appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the Asian University of Bangladesh (AUB). Prof Khan received his PhD and MSc degrees from the Western University, Canada, and MSc and BSc Honours degrees from Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. He started his academic career as a Lecturer of Statistics in the University of Dhaka in 1980 and held various academic positions in the Western University, Canada; King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia; University of Bahrain, State of Bahrain; Sultan Qaboos University, Oman; and Dhaka University, Bangladesh. Prof Khan served as the President of Islamic Countries Society of Statistical Sciences (ISOSS) from 2005-2011, and was the main organiser of successful international statistics conferences in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2007); Dhaka, Bangladesh (2008); Cairo, Egypt (2029); Doha, Qatar (2011) and Bogor, Indonesia (2014). The construction of the building of ISOSS Head Quarters in Lahore was completed when he was the President of the ISOSS. Prof Khan is an elected Member of International Statistical Institute (ISI), Netherlands; elected Fellow of Royal Statistical Society (RSS), UK; Member of Institute of Mathematical Statistics (IMS), USA; Statistical Society of Australia; and Life Member of Bangladesh Statistical Association and ISOSS. For his outstanding research and international professional leadership, Prof Khan was awarded ISESCO Gold Medal in 2001 and ISOSS Gold Medal in 2007. He is the last and the fourth recipients of the prestigious Qazi Motahar Hossain Gold Medal (2012) of Bangladesh Statistical Association which was introduced in 1990. In recognition of fundaNOVEMBER 2022 / ISSUE 204
mental research contributions, Prof Khan was elected as an Expatriate Fellow of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences (BAS) in 2013. Prof Khan has been serving as the Founding Chief Editor of Journal of Applied Probability and Statistics (JAPS), USA since 2006. He has also edited a number of conference proceedings. In 2011 the Islamic Countries Society of Statistical Sciences organised an International Conference in honour of Prof Khan. Prof Khan’s research interest includes Public Health, Evidence-based Decision, Meta-analysis, predictive inference, linear models, preliminary-test and shrinkage estimation. He has published over 250 peer reviewed journal articles in high quality international journals. He has presented over 20 research workshops in different countries, presented 25 keynote addresses in international conference, and more than 100 invited talks and professional seminars. He has travelled to about 40 countries for his professional assignments and engagements. His recent book published by Springer Nature on Meta-Analysis Methods for Health and Experimental Studies already has over 17,000 downloads in about 20 months. At the USQ, Prof Khan served as the Head of Statistics Discipline for many years and as an elected Member of the Academic Board for six years. Prof Khan has supervised 20 PhD and three MPhil students. Among his higher degree students, he has supervised/nurtured five Bangladeshi MPhil and PhD students. He has mentored many post-doctoral fellows and young research colleagues from many different countries. Recently Prof Khan has been appointed as an Adjunct Professor at USQ. In a rare honour, University of Southern Queensland, Australia has established Prof Shahjahan Khan Scholarship for students who are enrolled at USQ from Bangladesh, Malay-
sia, Pakistan, Indonesia and Afghanistan. As a visiting scientist/professor Prof Khan visited Tokyo University, Japan; Carleton University, Canada; Calcutta University, India; National University of Singapore, Singapore; United Arab Emirates University, UAE; University of Malaya, University Putra Malaysia, University Science Malaysia, and University Technology Malaysia, Malaysia; Karachi University, Pakistan, to mention a few. Prof Khan was very active in serving the community with outstanding leadership outside his academic job. In recognition of his exceptional service, he was awarded Multicultural Service Award (2002), and highly prestigious Cultural Diversity Ambassador Award (2014) from Queensland Government, Australia; Islamic Council of Queensland Community Service Award (2011); Queensland Police Service Award (2017); and USQ Diversity and Inclusion Award (2018). He was instrumental to establish the USQ Islamic Centre in 2000 and served as its Coordinator until 2014. He served as the President of the USQ Multicultural Staff Network 2013-2021, and organised a number of very successful seminars on Multiculturalism in Toowoomba, and an international symposium in International Islamic University, Malaysia (2019). He has also written several articles on this topic. As the Founding President of Islamic Society of Toowoomba and Chairman of Toowoomba Islamic Charitable Trust Prof Khan led the creation of Garden City Mosque in Toowoomba. After the burning of the Mosque twice in 2015 he took the lead to raise funds to reconstruct the Mosque. The project is near completion at the cost of around $2 million. Prof Khan also served as the Vice President of Islamic Council of Queensland for two terms (2007 and 2014). He was also elected as the interim President of Australian Federation of Islam-
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ic Councils (AFIC) in 2016. He served as an elected Director of the oldest and largest Islamic Finance Institution in Australia (20142017), Melbourne based, Muslim Community Cooperative Australia (MCCA). Prof Khan wrote a series of thoughtful articles highlighting various social and community issues to educate the members of the community and appeal to the policy makers. He also played a key role in initiating and organising petitions to Australian Parliaments to protect the rights of oppressed people. Australian Federal Parliament Member, Hon Dr John McVeigh MP acknowledged Professor Shahjahan Khan in his maiden speech in the Federal Parliament. State Member for Toowoomba South, Hon David Janetzki MP also mentioned Professor Khan’s name in his maiden speech in Queensland Parliament. In her speech at the 9th Annual Toowoomba International Food Festival and Garden City Mosque Open Day – 2022, the honourable Vice-Chancellor of USQ Professor Geraldine Mackenzie paid tribute to Prof Khan stating “Professor Khan’s community service has been second to none.With his constant focus on the promotion of understanding, respect for different cultures, internationalisation, and multiculturalism, Prof Khan has been a shining light in the University community, and the Toowoomba community.” Prof Khan was born in a respectable Muslim family in Gopalgonjdistrict and studied in his village Primary School and S M Model High School in Gopalgonj. He is married to Mrs Anarkali Lutfun Nahar. They are blessed with three sons. Two of their sons are well educated entrepreneurs running their manufacturing industriesin Australia and the eldest one is a world reputed IT professional. Given his unparallel academic experience, leadership roles, and community development activities in an abroad, I strongly believe that AUB will reach a new height under the leadership of Prof Shahjahan Khan. I wish him all the best in his new venture as the Vice Chancellor of the Asian University of Bangladesh. Dr. Zahirul Hoque PhD is an associate professor of statistics at the United Arab Emirates University, UAE.
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NEWS 1-4
BOOMERANG 5-8
COMMUNITY 9 - 17
AUSTRALIA 18 - 21
Dare to count Allah’s favours? AMUST
Sheikh Soner Coruhlu
Allah says ‘if you were to count the favours of Allah, you could not enumerate them’ [Qur’an 16:18]. Many of us are aware of this verse, many of us are conscious of its general meaning but how much impact does such a verse have on our lives? In order for one to be truly affected by such verses, one must immerse themselves in it. ‘Never could you enumerate them.’ What? Allah’s favours. The favours of Allah that permeate the entirety of the universe are indeed too numerous to count but what if we were to restrict those favours to one single human-being. You. Surely, in this instance, you can count the favours related to your body alone? Can you? Your body has around 40,000,000,000,000 cells[1]. Each cell contains approximately 42,000,000 proteins[2]. Within each protein there are some 500 amino acids (give or take a hundred or so)[3]. As such, the number of amino acids in your body alone is 40,000,000,000,000 x 42,000,000 x 500 = 8.4e+23. What, what is that you may ask?
You tell me. Even if we do not know what this number translates to, we can at least ascertain if it exceeds our ability to count this number, the number amino acids in your body. Jeremy Harper was a computer engineer from Birmingham Alabama. What does Mr Harper have to do with Quranic Surah 16:18 you ask? For this analysis, quite a lot. Mr Harper set the record when he counted to a million, out loud. It took him approximately 3 months to do so.[4] If he were to spend his entire life counting, the average life expectancy is 70 years[5],
he would count 1,000,000 (3 months) x 4 (1 year) x 70 (life expectancy) = 280,000,000. That is, if you had a Jesus (a) like miracle of counting as soon as you were out of your mother’s womb and stopped counting a breath prior to your death (70 year average), you would count to 280million. The average person may not comprehend the number of amino acids in a single human body, 8.4e+23, but we can comprehend that if you did nothing other than try and count the amino acids in your body from birth to death, minus 6 hours sleep per day, you would fall short of this number & only
be able to count 280,000,000 of the 8.4e+23 amino acids in your body alone. What if all of humanity were to aid you in this task, they did nothing but count different amino acids in your body to help you count them cumulatively? All of humanity, trying to count the amino acids in your body together would be 280,000,000 x 7 billion people = 1.96e+18. Yes, a weird number yet again but we can tell it too is lower than 8.4e+23! What if all of all of humanity, for 450 generations, did nothing in life other than aid you in this task? That equates to 7.84e+20, even then we fall short. Alhamdulillah. [1] https://www.nationalgeographic.com/ science “How many cells are in your body” [2] https://www.sciencedaily.com/ “A cell holds 42,000,000 proteins” [3] https://medlineplus.gov/genetics “What are proteins & what do they do” [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/ “Jermy Harper” [5] https://www.worlddata.info/ Sheikh Soner Coruhluis an AFIC Sharia/ Imam’s board member. He is on the board of Islamic & Arabic Research League (UWS and UNE) and is the VP of MUSIAD Sydney. He is a Director of InfoTech Providers and Revive Naturally Clinic and President of Sacred Outreach.
How ISRE teachers are making an impact Elias Attia Islamic Council of NSW (ICNSW), under its program of Islamic Special Religious Education (ISRE) has been educating and empowering Muslim youth in NSW since 1982. Over the years, thousands of volunteers have visited hundreds of public schools teaching foundational lessons ranging from Tawheed to addressing the contemporary issues of the youth today. The assumption that being born into an Islamic home guarantees Islamic knowledge, manners and sound upbringing is widely off the mark. The reality is for a large number of Muslim students, ISRE is the only source of Islamic knowledge they receive. ISRE programs do not get delivered in a vacuum. A team of volunteers work behind the scenes to produce resources such as videos, online content, worksheets for teachers to use as well as training modules. The resources are distributed by dedicated regional volunteer supervisors to over 500 teachers across NSW. Just the printing costs are astronomical, exceeding $100,000 each year. The syllabus is also designed to teach Muslim youth how to navigate their way in life by applying Islamic guidance and using reflection as a tool to develop their Islamic identity. In turn the lessons encourage students to be accountable, responsible members of the community who demonstrate excellent character. Community to support for ISRE is rendered by volunteering their time as a teacher, giving us feedback and helping in finding ways to support the volunteers. There is always need for more volunteers. Many volunteers cannot commit to a ISRE class if the school has placed it at the beginning or end of the school day. The commitment sought is just 30 minutes in a week. Following ISRE volunteers lunch on Saturday 3 September, the SRE team were inundated with messages of support and thanks by ISRE volunteers. One of these volunteers is Megan and her story is reproduced below: Assalamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh, My name is Megan, I am a volunteer scrip-
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ture teacher at two schools in Sydney, Alhumdulilah. I am writing to express my gratitude and thanks to all those involved with ISRE. Firstly a thank you for organising such a successful event to celebrate, inspire and encourage the community leaders, members, existent (and future) volunteers. It was fantastic to have the opportunity to meet other volunteers and hear their experiences and listen to such speeches that moved me to tears and cemented in my heart that I am where I am meant to be. That my time spent with scripture is so precious, not that my time is precious, but that my time in scripture class is precious. I feel so privileged to be able to be a part of this. Thank you for allowing it to be so accessible and easy to be a teacher, making it easy to qualify takes away the pressure to have a certain background or skills or experience to participate. I moved from the central coast to send my kids to be in a school surrounded by Muslims, to have scripture and ultimately for me to teach them scripture. As I know how important it is for children to have access to this, to share it with their school peers and have something in their school that celbrates their beleifs. I was able to do this and feel so honoured that there has been ground work done to enable parents to do this. Thank you. I thoroughly enjoy the content that we have been teaching this year and find it is so beneficial to not only my students (kindy, year 4, year 2 and 3 – now switched to year 1 and 5 for term 3), but also beneficial to myself! I am learning and so dedicated to understand and love what I am teaching. I find myself researching more and practising my lessons on friends and family who also benefit from these topics and learn more or re-new their love for the deen. Alhumdulilah.
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
The work booklets and content is just so relevant and enjoyable for the students. They are taking in so much and hanging off my every word. Teachers from each school/grade are commenting on how relevant these topics are to what’s going on in the classroom and so important for the students to hear. Also they express how having a muslim teach them these lessons are significant for them. I have had positive feedback from the teachers and assistants on how well the lessons are received, how well the students behave, focus, engage and participate. What has made this comment so profound is that they explain how this class (year 4) is the “toughest” or “most misbehaved” class with many “difficulties”, therefore for them to be engaged, respectful and learning is a big deal and incredibly rewarding for the teacher to see. SubhanAllah. I do not take any credit for this, I tell the teachers they are wonderful students and they have such love for their deen and just want to be seen, heard, understood and loved. I believe bringing Islam into their classroom lights up their day and connects them to Allah again. As soon as we recite surah Al Fatiha you can feel the room covered in Allah’s mercy and blessings. Such a big shift. There are those who are learning this surah and feel shy yet encouraged to try. This always brings me to tears. This is so crucial to their wellbeing, to their schooling and to their life. I truly think this 30mins a week is making a difference. Again it’s not from me, it’s from the content we are sharing, the fact we are there for them, and offcourse its from the love and power of Allah swt Allah Akbar. They appreciate we are volunteers and not being paid to spend time with them, this makes them feel we truly do care. I’ve been
asked by the students do I actually care about them and why? Do I enjoy coming here? Will I always come back? And they are delighted to know my responses, mashaAllah. They just want to share everything they know and be involved. How privileged and blessed am I to be able to see them grow and learn. Alhumdulilah. The students I am told that are “naughty” tend to be the ones who want to engage the most and so this cements for me in my heart that they just need to be given a chance, to be given this space to feel at home and Safe hearing about Allah and that Allah loves them, sees them and is with them always. Allah Akbar. I have had a substitute teacher who sat in on the class interrupt the class and say, “wow, I am learning so much about your religion that I did not know before. I am actually learning your religion is good, and those who are trying to follow their religion are trying to do good. This is so important to know as a non Muslim as I do not see this in the classroom. I have seen it during this lesson and I hope you can continue with these good things in the classroom…”. At first I was taken aback by her comment, but then I realised her honesty and raw feelings were truly important to hear. That this dawah work is important for teachers who are supervising, and for the kids to learn the importance of character, manners and so many more life lessons. To respect all people and creations of Allah. Alhumdulilah I pray that all the work done by ISRE and the volunteers will always be beneficial and rewarded highly in this life and on the day of judgement. That there will be ease for the volunteers to continue their work, that Ar Razaq will provide for them to continue to take time out to do this important work. I pray that all the lessons taught will be instilled in the student’s hearts and be outwardly expressed throughout their life so that they too can continue the dawah work and be the best of representatives for our beautiful religion. Ameen. I pray that the community and leaders will prioritise the importance of Islamic scripture in schools and enable this to continue with ease and great volume and success, Aameen. Elias Attia is a solicitor who has worked as a research assistant and community development consultant addressing social issues in Sydney as well as in rural Australia.
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BUSINESS An economically sensible federal budget for 2022–23 LIFESTYLE 22 - 24
UMMAH 25
EDUCATION 26 - 28
BUSINESS 29
SOCIAL 30 - 31
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fee-free TAFE and vocational educational places in areas of skill shortages. Schools have over $770 million for qualified teachers and buildings. Universities will receive $485 million to create 20,000 new places over the next two years for students from disadvantage backgrounds.
FINANCE Dr Abul Jalaluddin Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivered an updated Budget 2022–23 on Tuesday 25 October 2022. The budget measures were sensible in containing inflationary pressures and providing a modest cost of living package around cheaper child care, more paid parental leave, cheaper medicine, affordable housing and reforms to get real wages moving for Australians. Although Australia is expected to avoid a recession in the years ahead, the budget was rationally curated in challenging global economic conditions including the war in Ukraine, shaky Chinese economy and a sharper downturn in major developed economies. In this financial year ending 30 June 2023, the economy is expected to grow by 3.25% before slowing to 1.5% in 2023–24, the rate of unemployment 3.5% which will increase to 4.5% in 2023–24, the inflation 7.75% before moderating to 3.5% in 2023–24 and the wage growth 3.75% which is expected remain at the same level in 2023–24. The budget deficit is expected to be $36.9 billion in 2022–23 which would rise to $44 billion in 2023–24. The main measures of the budget include the following: Child care The budget allocated $4.7 billion to increase child care subsidy rates for families with children in care. From 1 July 2023, this will reduce 90% of the child care cost for the first child and up to 96% for any additional child in care aged 5 and under for eligible families earning less than $530,000 a year. Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) will conduct a study and report by 31 December 2023 on the drivers of childcare price increases and budgetary affordability of offering a universal 90% subsidy in the sector.
Environment The budget allocated $20 billion to upgrade and expand Australia’s electricity grid, $500 million to build charging stations on highways and waive fringe benefit taxes on electric vehicles (EVs), the Government plans to have 75% of all new Commonwealth car purchases and leases to be EVs by 2025, $1.2 billion to protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef and established a $1 billion fund to mitigate potential losses and damages due to natural disasters such as flood and fire. Paid Parental leave A funding of $531.6 million is provided to pay for an extension of paid parental leave from 18 to 26 weeks, increasing by a fortnight each year until the full 26 weeks are available on 30 June 2026. This measure is expected to close the gender gap by increasing workforce participation of over 100,000 women in the economy. Affordable housing The budget establishes a Housing Accord to build 1 million homes over 5 years from 1 July 2024. For a start, the budget commits $350 million to build an additional 10,000 new affordable homes. The government will invest $10 billion in the Housing Australia Future Fund and from its returns it will build 30,000 new social and affordable homes in the next 5 years. Health care An allocation of $235 million is made over 4 years from 2022–23 to roll-out 50 Urgent Care Clinics in order to reduce the pressure on the hospital system. The maximum co-payment is reduced from $42.50 to $30 from 1 January 2023 which will pro-
vide Australians with cheaper medicines. An incentive payment of up to $10,500 is committed to General Practitioners for encouraging them to practice in rural and reginal communities. Other measures include $314.5 million to strengthen First Nations health, $452 million to support the establishment of 2 world class cancer centres and $327.7 million to support Australians with type 1 diabetes. Aged care At a cost of $2.5 billion over 4 years, aged care facilities will be afforded a registered nurse on site 24/7 and the residents will receive better food, which is fresh, healthy and safe. There is a funding allocated for a pending Fair Work Commission pay rise to be given to over 30,000 aged care workers. Other budget initiatives include capping management fees and banning exit fees for residential aged care services and the establishment of an Aged Care Complaints Commissioner as well as an Inspector-General of Aged Care to serve the needs of the senior Australians in this sector. Education An amount of $1 billion is provided for
Migration In 2022–23, the migration program will be increased to 195,000 people, 90% of which will be skilled migrants. Student and secondary training visa holders will have their work restrictions relaxed until 30 June 2023 to allow them to work additional hours. Other budget measures The Government will establish the National Reconstruction Fund to provide $15 billion of capital to transform and strengthen priority industries which will help build a manufacturing base in Australia. The budget increases the amount of money pensioners can earn from $7,800 to $11,800 before their pension is reduced. At the cost of $37.7 million, a Fraud Fusion Taskforce will be established to strengthen fraud detection in NDIS. The budget drops the age from 60 to 55 at which Australians can contribute a lump sum into superannuation funds which will increase housing supply in the real estate market. Dr Abul Jalaluddin is an Islamic Finance expert, taxation advisor and a regular columnist for AMUST. He is based in Sydney.
The governance of ummah funds by non-profit organisations Dr Teuku Aulia Geumpana Islamic philanthropic organisations are non-profit organisations because they handle a significant portion of the public’s donations. These organisations must always put transparency and accountability first when performing their tasks. However, in practise, philanthropic organisations still lack adequate transparency and accountability, which leads to several fraudulent activities. Also, insufficient control of the organization’s expenditures neglects local culture and fails to notify the community about its activities. This appears to have occurred as a result of numerous scandals and power abuses committed by non-profit organisations. A seminar was held on Islamic Economics, Finance, and Technology Australia (IEFTAR) 2022 where four prominent speakers were invited to address these issues on Saturday 1 October 2022 at Greenacre Citizen Centre to start a community discussion. Dr Ratna Mulyany from the Faculty of Business Economics, Syiah Kuala University (FEB USK) Indonesia, Dr Cand Muhammad Hafidz Lidinillah from the Australian Sharia Economic Society (MES) Australia, Andri Nursafitri from Amanah Islamic Finance, and Lama Fadda from Launchgood shared their researches and professional practice on this special theme related to the governance of ummah funds. Session One The first session of the seminar featured two speakers; Br Andri Nursafitri from NOVEMBER 2022 / ISSUE 204
IEFTAR 2022 speakers with the founder of Ashabul Kahfi Islamic Centre Sheikh Dr Chalidin Yacob and Hj Darliana (two in the centre).
Amanah Finance and Sr Lama Fadda from Launchgood. Andri discussed Amanah Islamic Finance’s function in overseeing money for Islamic home financing. Amanah offers a variety of ijarah products that incorporate shariah-compliant goods that the Muslim population in Australia can utilise, such as musyarakah and mudharabah. Amanah also employs a competent audit institution to audit each of its shariah business activities and has a strong control function in place to manage the funds it receives. In the meantime, Lama went into further detail on how Launchgood, one of the international platforms for Islamic crowdfunding, aids Muslim communities worldwide in obtaining finance for the success of various
ummah initiatives. According to Lama, it is crucial to establish a link between the campaign and the goal of the funds being raised by making use of the power of social networks and the internet to provide a way to raise money or support people who are in need. Session Two In the second session, Dr Ratna Mulyany a researcher in Islamic finance from the faculty of business economics at Syiah Kuala University (FEB USK) discussed the importance of implementing accountability in Islamic philanthropic organizations. Accountability is a topic that many Islamic philanthropists have to pay more attention to. In order to be accountable to donors and
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the community, Islamic philanthropic organisations have to prioritise financial openness and responsibility. In her ongoing research, Dr Mulyany outlined the suggested accountability framework to be based on al Maqasid As-Syariah, stating that the accountability report’s goals were to safeguard the values of human life, safeguard the human self, safeguard the society, and safeguard the physical environment. Despite the fact that almost all gifts and donations are made sincerely by individual donors without the need for additional documentation, it is the responsibility of every Islamic charitable organisation to uphold the organization’s obligation to be accountable to the donors and the community. As the final speaker, Dr Cand Muhammad Hafidz Lidinillah who is the secretary general of MES Australia and also an employee at the Indonesian Ministry of Religion concluded the discussion by bringing up the topic of the Indonesian Hajj Fund Management. Dr Lidinillah claims that a fiduciary relationship is presently used in the administration of Indonesia’s Hajj Fund. This is to include the interaction between representatives (wakeel and muwakkeel). Such a relationship necessitates the creation of a wakalah contract between parties. Dr Lidinillah concluded his presentation by recommending that the wakalah contract should include clauses that allow for more transparency for pilgrims and freedom of choice for any portfolio investment possibilities.
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Islamophobia Register Australia Australian International Islamic College @aiicqld
Mrs Sefina Hassam, the Head of Teaching and Learning at The Australian International Islamic College has been acknowledged as one of Queensland’s finest teachers by the Government’s peak body for school teachers. She is now one of the finalists for Queensland TEACHX State Awards. The TEACHX Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of teachers in Queensland, showcasing the outstanding work of teachers and shining a light on the extraordinary work being done by remarkable individuals within the profession. Commencing in 2009, the TEACHX awards attract thousands of nominations for registered teachers across the Catholic, Independent and Public schools who have achieved exceptional outcomes. Being a Finalist for the TEACHX signifies the exceptional quality of Sefina’s abilities and recognises the dedication she has to educating members of our Muslim community.
United Muslims of Australia (UMA) @UnitedMuslims OfAustralia
Incredible atmosphere. Islamic knowledge to boot. Enthusiasm from our youth. Love for the Prophet (peace be upon him). These were the defining themes of an amazing weekend which saw hundreds in our community attend our Seerah Exhibition. By the blessings of Allah (SWT), dozens of guided group tours took place and an incredible amount of Islamic knowledge was shared with our community. A massive Jazakumullah khayr to our community for the support, to our volunteers for their hard work, to our du’aat for sharing the knowledge, and most of all to Allah (SWT) for giving us the chance to champion the life of the best of creation (peace be upon him). If you attended, we hope you benefited immensely, insha Allah!
@islamophobiaregister australia
The Register is proud to announce our newly appointed Board of Directors who have extensive professional and lived experience in various sectors and come together with a passion to combatting Islamophobia within Australia. Joining the board we have, Dr Susan Carland, Hilal Yassine, Diana Sayed, Mobinah Ahmed and Dr Nora Amath. The board’s Chair is our founder Mariam Veiszadeh and the Deputy Chair is Dr Derya Iner, Author of Islamophobia in Australia reports (2017,2019 & 2022). We are still adding to our board so stay tuned for further announcements.
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Unity Grammar @UnityGrammar
Bachar Houli Foundation @bhfoundationau
Congratulations to the 12 NSW Girls involved in The Bachar Houli Girls Leadership Program. The Two Day Camp discussed topics on Identity, Team Building, Leadership & Nutrition. Thank you to Hannah from SHE Empowerment Coaching for facilitating together with Zena, Bachar Houli Employment Trainee & GWS Giants for hosting.
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FIRST Global - Team Australia 2nd Place WINNERS!! Our students shone like bright stars at the 2022 FIRST Global Challenge in Geneva. They won silver medal in the following award: Dr. Mae Jemison Award for International Unity awarded to teams that emulate the best qualities of FIRST Global by breaking down barriers, demonstrating Gracious Professionalism, and building bridges with fellow teams. Congratulations Team Australia you did us proud.
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@educaidau had the opportunity to be part of delivering the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) workshop for Malek Fahad Islamic School alongside @livingworksaus A group of 23 people including counsellors, teachers and well-being coordinators from the school gathered during the school holidays to learn the important skills to create a suicide safer community. Ziyad, Tareq and Chris worked alongside each other to deliver the workshop. The discussions were robust, and the participants appreciated the trainers ability to deliver the workshop effectively while remaining aware and respectful of cultural and religious considerations. Thank you @mfis.school for a memorable workshop and for everyone that turned up to learn these important skills.
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National Mosque Open Day Jihad Dib MP
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Thank you to Mosques across the country for your participation in National Mosque Open Day. Orginating from Lakemba Mosque, it’s an annual event aimed at enhancing a better understanding of one another. Good to be back after a couple of years and it was so lovely to meet people from all walks of life/faiths (and none) and across the city.…also, thanks to the young man who gave me a bit of his ‘chip on a stick’
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30 Year Anniversary Community Celebration Day 12 NG
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