Crescent Times November 2009

.com.au

E E R F Monthly - Independent

Issue N 13 November 2009

www.crescenttimes.com.au

CT first birthday:

CONNECTING AUSSIE MUSLIMS!

Want to pay your Hajj Qurban?

see page 2 and 9

Zahrah Habibullah-Williams is an artist, designer, photographer and business woman.

She is inspired by the sights of bustling life and by the quietude of land for miles and

influenced by the aromas and flavours of the global marketplace. This has come from the opportunity she has had to travel to places like North Africa, the Middle east and beyond.

You can see some of Zahrahs’ work during the Eastern Fusion event.

Image above: courtesy Zahrah HabibullahWilliams

THE Polygyny debate page 16

EDITORIAL: editor@crescenttimes.com.au NSW BUREAU: nsw@crescenttimes.com.au VIC BUREAU: nasya.bahfen@crescenttimes.com.au GENERAL ENQUIRIES: SA BUREAU: safwan@crescenttimes.com.au info@crescenttimes.com.au

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Eid Edhaa

Crescent Times, 13th issue, November 2009

Crescent Times, 13th issue, November 2009

National

Punchbowl, NSW: Musallah’s golden opportunity - call for support!

Above: Punchbowl RSL. Photo: courtesy Zachariah Matthews A development application for a masjid and primary school at the current Punchbowl Musallah site was approved by Canterbury City Council on the 13th of August 2009. It was a difficult but fruitful process and in the end a significant achievement and milestone for the Muslim community of Punchbowl and surrounding areas.

The Australian Islamic Mission (AIM) – Jam`iyyatud-Da`wa Islamiyyah – has been serving the community in the area since 1973 and more specifically in Punchbowl since 1994.

A few weeks ago, a golden opportunity arose with the sale of the RSL to a Muslim brother. It is our dream to acquire this site! Not only will we have our own car park, but the site is also 3 times the size of our current property. In addition, it has a large 3-level building that would be more than suitable for our development of a masjid and school. In fact, we will be able to accommodate a primary and high school rather than just a primary school.

As trustees of a masjid and school project, we are certain that to invest in the RSL site rather than proceeding with the approved development application would be of greater value and significant benefit to our community. We are therefore doing everything in our capacity to

realise this goal and call on the wider community to strongly support our efforts to acquire the former RSL site.

To reiterate, the many benefits of purchasing the site include: the site is 3 times larger guaranteed availability of a car park capacity for a larger masjid capacity for both a primary and high school Capacity to accommodate separate facilities for The Dawn Quranic Institute (Al-Fajr) The new Muslim owner has graciously allowed us to continue to use the car park in the meantime and we are deeply appreciative of this. We are currently in negotiations with him and have offered an amount more than a third in excess of the purchase price. We realise that the owner could possibly gain more financially from the site if he pursued a commercial venture rather a community project.

However, the intangible benefits and rewards he would get if he were to sell it to AIM would be immeasurable. We make du’aa to Allah (swt) to soften his heart toward facilitating this golden opportunity for the community. We ask everyone to join with us in our campaign to buy the site – if there is anything you could do to assist please do not hesitate.

Parliament of World’s Religions in Melbourne

Nasya Bahfen, Melbourne:

Oxford University’s Tariq Ramadan, Din Syamsuddin from Muhammadiyah, and White House advisor Dalia Mogahed are among the Muslim speakers confirmed for the Parliament of World’s Religions being held in Melbourne in December 2009.

The Parliament is the world’s largest interreligious gathering, and is held every five years.

Ms Mogahed is the Executive Director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies and coauthor of the book Who Speaks for Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think.

She is also a member of US President Barack Obama’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, informing the President about Muslim opinions, perceptions, and attitudes.

Professor Syamsuddin is the head of Muhammadiyah, the second largest Islamic

organization in Indonesia with 29 million members.

Tariq Ramadan is Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies at Oxford and heads the European Muslim Network, a Brussels-based think tank.

The Dalai Lama, Reverend Tim Costello and Catholic Archbishop of Sydney George Pell will also take part.

Islam features prominently on the Parliament’s program, with sessions on Muslim women, Islamic finance, and environmentalism from a Muslim perspective.

There will also be a screening of “New Muslim Cool” - a PBS sponsored documentary about a Puerto-Rican American rapper and former gangster and his conversion to Islam.

Crescent Times Victorian editor Nasya Bahfen will be speaking at the Parliament. She is producing an episode of ABC Radio National’s Encounters program on youth involvement in the event.

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Perth: The 16th Eid AlAdha prayer in Kings Park

By Islamic Centre of WA T ime is flying so fast, not long ago the Muslim Community celebrated the blessed Eid Al-Fitr and in only few more days we will be celebrating Eid Al-Adha This is the 16th sequential year in which the Islamic Centre of Western Australia (ICWA) will organise the Eid Al-Adha congregation (prayers).

Sixteen years ago the prayer of Eid Al-Adha was held for the first time at Kings Park under the leadership of our honorable Sheikh Mohamed Jamal Omran (Abu Ayman) Pending moon sighting, astronomical calculations show Eid may fall on the 27th November 2009, or the next day.

As usual, our brothers and sisters in Islam, Eid Al-Adha prayer of this year will insha Allah be held on the usual site at 8.00am.

As an organiser and sponsor of the event, and with your help, ICWA will do it’s utmost to ensure a safe, smooth and enjoyable event. In addition special attention is given to traffic control and public safety in and around the area to ensure the safe arrival of all attendees. ICWA, with WA Police and the Local Authority of Kings Park have been working together to put in place important improvements to ease traffic

movement.

Here are some of the new traffic and parking arrangements:•Saw Avenue closed to two way traffic from 07:00 to 09:00 •Saw Avenue will be open to one way traffic only from Thomas Street. That traffic will travel from west to east towards May Drive •Drop off points will be on Saw Avenue and clearly marked.

•There will be no drop off along May Drive and designated traffic control officers will be directed to move along any vehicle attempting to stop •Right turn on to May Drive from Saw Avenue leads to the families ONLY parking lots whereas a left turn leads to other parking lots •Vehicles will be met by designated parking control officers who will guide vehicles to the nearest vacant parking space in an outward southerly or northerly manner.

•Pick up points will be on May Drive and clearly marked •Traffic on Saw Avenue will be reopened to two way traffic from 0900.

Please follow the instructions of the Police and traffic controllers on site to ensure a safe and enjoyable event.

For more information on the event please contact ICWA on 08 9271 3332.

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Sarah Haynes reporting from occupied Palestine

Tamara Swann

The conflict between Israel and Palestine is often thought of in religious terms, Jews versus Muslims, or colonial terms, west versus east or modern versus traditional. Historically, this may be so, however, when observers of the ongoing conflict become actively involved they come to realise that the conflict is more about greed than creed.

When Sarah Haynes visited Palestine in 2005 she worked as a volunteer for the Arab Education Institute and was involved in the Palestinian-lead International Solidarity Movement (ISM). However, when she returned to the Middle East this year she made a deliberate decision to affiliate herself with an Israeli organisation, to confirm the fact that many Israelis do not support their government’s actions.

She joined the not-for-profit group Israeli Committee Against Housing Demolitions (ICAHD) and found their objectives were aligned with ISM and other non-violent Palestinian groups - primarily to stop the Israeli government’s rampage through Palestinian homes and ultimately bring peace to civilians in the area.

Sarah’s experience with ICAHD was exciting to say the least; she attended a spontaneous housing demolition in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in Jerusalem where she was arrested by Israeli police for “disrupting the peace” and detained for more than 24 hours.

Four other activists were arrested with Sarah including one Israeli girl, who was apparently treated the most harshly, being ranted at by police and guards and asked why she was a selfhating Jew during her interrogation.

A lawyer, provided by Rabbis for Human Rights, assisted in their court hearing where they were ordered not to go within 500 meters of Sheikh Jarrah for 3 weeks, which was much less than the prosecution’s push for deportation from Israel and a life-ban from Jerusalem.

During her experiences in Israel Sarah found that Israelis have been “normalised” by the conflict with Palestine, which she said was only natural as bloodshed has been happening on their doorstep for many decades.

“This normalisation is assisted by the media’s focus on domestic issues and the non-differentiating stances of the state’s political parties,” she said.

However, she did meet many Israelis vehemently opposed to their government’s policies and active in protesting against the oppression of Palestinian civilians.

Most of these people, she said were radicalised by one particular incident which had spurred them to look beyond the skewed views pushed by their government.

“For example, one Israeli girl had a life-threatening experience; she stepped off a bus minutes before it exploded in an attack by Palestinian terrorists,” Sarah said.

“Rather than making her hate Palestinians, she began to question the entire conflict and this lead to conversations with Palestinians who had experienced similar violence by the Israeli Army.”

Sarah said there were many stories like this of Israelis becoming critical of their government’s obsession with territorial occupation, merciless housing demolitions and the conflict in general, but the problem was more to do with the lack of alternative views in their political environment.

Part of FOPWA’s current strategy is to increase awareness of machinery company Caterpillar and their link to the conflict as they are the major supplier of demolition equipment to the Israeli government.

More information on Sarah Haynes and the Caterpillar protest can be found at www.fopwa.org

2010 Muslim Exchange Program (MEP) to Indonesia Applications are open for the 2010 Muslim Exchange Program (MEP) to Indonesia. The program is jointly funded by the Australia-Indonesia Institute and managed by the Islamic Council of Victoria and the Asia Institute at the University of Melbourne. Since 2002, 84 young

Community Events

Crescent Times, 13th issue, November 2009

Australia wide Community Events:

NSW EASTERN FUSION 2009 SPIRIT OF ISLAM LECTURE SERIES with Imam Abdul Latif Host: Al-Ghazzali Centre for Islamic Sciences & Human Development Date: Friday, 13 November 2009 at 19:00 - Saturday, 21 November 2009 at 22:00 Location: Refer to online registration information Imam Abdul Latif will be in Sydney for a Lecture Series as part of the 10-day Eastern Fusion program hosted by AlGhazzali Centre with Azaan Graphics (Peter Gould) and Souk Collective (Zahrah Habibullah-Williams).

For the “Purification of the Heart for the Seeker of Knowledge” lecture, go to: http://www.easternfusion.com.au/imam1.html For the “Three Dimensions of the Deen” lecture, go to: http://www.easternfusion.com.au/imam2.html For the “Taj al-’Aroos” Study Circle, go to: http://www.easternfusion.com.au/imam3.html Phone: 0297081539 Email: info@alghazzali.org AL-GHAZZALI CENTRE OPEN DAY Date: 14th November 2009 Time: 10am-4pm.

Location: 1021a Canterbury Rd, Lakemba Souk, workshops, information sessions.

VIC HAJJ CLASSES – MADINA PRESTIGE Dates: Sunday 25 October, 1 November, 8 November, 15 November Time: 2pm-5pm Location: Coburg Islamic Centre - Fatih Masjid, 31 Nicholson Street,Coburg East Victoria, 3058. Melway Ref: 29 K4 Madina Prestige conducts classes for preparing potential pilgrims both on the rites of Hajj, as well as what to expect and not to expect throughout the Sacred Journey of Hajj.

All classes are conducted by Ust. Mahmud A. Kürkçü. The Hajj classes are open to all prospective pilgrims regardless whether they travel with them or not. Light refreshments will be provided. They will also try to organise livestreaming for the courses. Anyone interested to buy ihram sets($25), ihram money belts ($10) and sisters prayer garb ($15) and Virtues of Haj Book $10 will be available on that day.

NADER KHAN TAKE MY HAND CONCERT FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE Date: Sunday 15 November 2009 Time: 7pm-10pm Location: Aurora Reception Centre, 149 Donald St, Brunswick Cost: $50 per person For registration: www.easternfusion.com.au/nader1 SISTERS ONLY DINNER Date: 6 November 2009 Time: 6:30 pm Location: Rivoli Reception 802 Sydney Rd Brunswick Cost: Tickets $35 (includes Dinner) Carvings of Faith is holding a Sisters only dinner on the 6th of November 2009 for the purpose of show casing Islamic wear. It will be a launch for the latest Eid range for Eid Al Udha , on the night there will be a special launch. Abaya’s, Scarves and Accessories will be on show keeping in mind that you will be able to purchase these items on the night. It will be a Fundraising event for the needy, the money will be going towards a Well through Human Appeal, there will be a special gift for everyone, a donation of a gold coin at entry, raffle tickets on the night will be for free, Auctions, and few

Indonesian Muslim leaders have visited Australia and 28 young Australian Muslims leaders have travelled to Indonesia. All costs are covered for the visit to Indonesia. Applications are due by 27 November 2009. Applicants should be between 21 and 40, and an active member of the Muslim community in Australia. Applications close on 27 November 2009.

For more information, contact regould@unimelb. edu.au or ai-exchange@unimelb.edu.au.

demonstrations that you will enjoy.

No Door tickets available No children under the age of 10, infants are allowed Contact Lalia on 0411 636 353 for more information

SA INTERNATIONAL DEEN INTENSIVE RETREAT Date: Friday 2nd April - Tuesday 6th April 2010.

Location: Conference Centre, Victor Harbour, SA Cost: $350 per person It is with great excitement that ‘Ayn Academy in collaboration with Al-Ghazzali Centre would like to announce the “Seeking the Sacred - INTERNATIONAL DEEN INTENSIVE RETREAT”, to be held in April 2010. We are very honored to be hosting 3 esteemed teachers for this Deen Intensive: Shaykh Yahya Rhodus, Imam Afroz Ali, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani The 4 day Deen Intensive will feature a study of the Classical Texts: Book of Knowledge from Ihya Ulum ad-Din (Imam alGhazali) - commentary by Shaykh Yahya Rhodus Roadmap for the Seeker of Guidance: reflections on the Book of Knowledge - instruction by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani Treatise for the Seekers of Guidance (Imam Al Muhasibi) - commentary by Imam Afroz Ali. The Deen Intensive Retreat will be a very meaningful 4 days, with the opportunity to study sacred knowledge from international scholars in a peaceful environment perfect for reflection, with the chance to meet brothers and sisters from around Australia and New Zealand.

We are anticipating a large turnout for this program from both within Australia and internationally. Please register your place via: http://www.aynacademy.com/component/chronocontac t/?chronoformname=SeekingTheSacred WA FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE – AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE Date: 27 November 2009 Time: 9:30 -12:30pm Location: 1127 Albany Highway, Bentley Round table discussion about family and domestic violence from an Islamic perspective. For more information please contact the Muslim Women’s Support Centre on 08 9451 5696 or info@mwsc.com.au * PUBLIC LECTURE SHK ABDULLAH EBRAHIM from the USA Thornlie Masjid Mon 9th Nov After Esha - 8.25pm Topic: PRESERVING ISLAM IN THE NEXT GENERATION ORGANIZED BY : JAMIATUL ULAMA WA WWW.JAMIAT.COM.AU CONTACT: SHK BURHAAN 0416 332 507 FOR SALE: Hand-made Bonbonniere (decorative wedding gifts), more than 100 pieces. Gorgeous white boxes with peach and green floral decorations. Make an offer, funds raised will go to Muslim Women’s Support Centre. Phone Sr Zalina for further details, 9472 3209 or email: jellybean@smartchat.net. au

POSITION VACANT: Community Settlement Officer, The Muslim Women’s Support Centre (MWSC). Part time position - 14 hours per week. Experience in community/social services or relevant qualification desirable, however some training will be provided. Please contact Wajma for a full job description and selection criteria, 9451 5696. Applications close Friday 20th November.

National writing competition:

Will your bright idea take you to London? The Young Writers Competition is open to 18-28 year old Australians who have progressive and practical solutions to the big issues facing Australia today and can communicate that idea in a 700–1000 word opinion piece. The winner will receive a free flight to London to undertake an internship at Demos, a leading UK think tank, and have their winning entry published in The Australian. Entries close on Monday 14 December 2009. For further details, go to http://www.youngwriters.org.au.

Crescent Times, 13th issue, November 2009

Immigration

New immigration advisory council: not representing the community Jamal Daoud* The Minister for Immigration has recently announced the formation of an Advisory Council to advise him on immigration, refugees and multicultural issues. Given the hysterically racist nature of recent debates initiated by certain Liberal Party politicians, we believe that these issues will have particular importance in Australian politics for years to come.

The Minister’s formation of this committee is convenient given Labor’s engagement in the politics of race and fear, currently on display with the political row surrounding the Oceanic Viking. Labor wanted to send a strong message to the racist voters that Rudd will follow in Howard’s footsteps and adopt similar draconian measures if necessary to keep their grip on power. At the same time Labor wants to keep the progressive voters on side too. Hence the Minister decided to form this council, to give his racist decisions a legitimacy of the wider community’s approval.

This could be easily realised when we read the names chosen to be members of this council.

While the majority of refugees and asylum seekers are Muslims (Arabs and non-Arabs) we understand that the most important member of this council should be the “representative” of the Muslim and Arab communities. And here we realise the real agenda behind establishing this council and the role it supposes to play.

In his first public appearance since his appointment to the Advisory Council, the “representative” of the Arab Muslims on the council reaffirmed Labor’s racist arguments and policies. He outlined the role of the council to include: suggesting methods to stop the “influx” of the “illegal immigrants” coming by boats to Australia.

The Minister knows that many sections of the community oppose his government’s tough treatment of asylum seekers. We can easily assume that most Australians would oppose spending more than $50 million to keep 78 asylum seekers away from Australia.

Ok I’m going to say it and get it off my chest before I change my mind.

I suck at parking.

There. I’ve admitted it. It’s only taken me 15 years of driving to say that.

Yes, I’m the timid female who parks a mile away at the shopping centre because there might be two spaces together to give me more manoeuvring room. I only stalk people at university parking lots when I’m desperate and even then I always offer a ride. My parking dramas have included my horrific, earth shattering experience of having someone scratch my car when I parked in the ‘pit’ at Curtin. I cried for hours. That’s in spite my Datsun 120Y being one year away from becoming a classic worthy of a museum (or scrap yard depending on your perspective).

I once snapped at a guy who’s door touched mine as he opened it to get in his car. I wasn’t sure if his denial was from shock or the fact that I looked ready to pounce on him and scratch his face.

As a scarved Muslim (aka poster girl for

NOT SO WELCOME Rashid Alshakshir Welcome to the land where you’re not welcome. On commencement of your unwelcome stay you will see a host of wildlife - kangaroos and emus, racists and white supremacists. Is that too much for you? Well, that’s the disturbing picture painted by those posting comments on Barney Zwartz’s blog in response to his post Sharia in Australia: sanity or shocking? (THE AGE October 18, 2009).

Most comments were blatantly attacking Islam, Muslims and, of course, lawyer Haydar Gulam’s sharia tribunal proposal. Few had the brains to understand that those tribunals would be voluntary and their decisions nonbinding. The echoed comments of ‘I don’t want to live under sharia law’ showed that those commenting either didn’t read the article or don’t fully understand the only language they claim to possess. Australian laws are slowly adopting sharia principles, not knowingly, but because many have started to see common sense. Australia made dummy bidding illegal in 2004, sharia made it illegal 1400 years ago, and now we as a society are discussing issues Islam has previously discussed, the latest being drugs and alcohol.

Many said Muslims should leave the country if they are not happy with its laws.

Have they forgotten they are nothing more than descendents those who occupied and took control of the land of others, flouting indigenous laws in the process? Where do the Australian reverts and Aboriginal Muslims go?

Two weeks later, posts to the forum were discussing the dangers of Muslims having too many children and their eventual majority in numbers. To say it bluntly, why Muslims breed like rabbits and non-Muslims breed like penguins. Would you like to control what we eat too? One comment stated that the global halal meat market and Islamic banks in Western and European countries are evidence of Muslims slowly taking over the world.

Muslims, do you realize that what you have is

And we had expected that the “representative” of Arabs and Muslims in this council would voice the concern of the community he supposes to “represent” rather than falling into line with government policy.

It’s very clear that this Labor government is masterful in deceiving the masses by creating all these councils and committees to play the role of “false witness”. Then the Labor government would claim that it did consult the “community” who wants the government to be tough on “illegals”.

If the minister was genuine in consulting the community, he would appoint real experts on these important issues. One wonders what expertise this “expert” has when he cannot differentiate between “unauthorised” and “illegal” arrivals.

We understand that the majority of our community wants more compassion and humanity from our government towards these most desperate and vulnerable peoples (the refugees and asylum seekers, including unauthorised arrivals by boats). In a democratic society our representatives should reflect our opinions. Alternatively, members of an Advisory Council should be experts in these issues (including experts on legal matters as well as humanitarian considerations).

Compared to previous experience with such advisory committees, we do not expect a lot to come out of the work of this council. At the same time we insist the expressed opinion of any Muslim or Arab on the Council is treated as their personal opinion and work. Unless elected directly by our community, their views don’t represent us. passenger and park a bit further away only to *Jamal Daoud is a Sydney based actiovist have 4 cars park behind me on the verge. They can leave whenever they like but they’ve halved my reversing space. Now when it’s time to leave I am left with the following optionsa) Risk ramming the cars behind me when reversing (tempting and seriously considered for 5 minutes) b) Have a panic attack trying to reverse lucky Muslim woman who gets to drive in c) Play helpless damsel in distress and ask this country) I’m well aware of the social someone for help (must maintain image of responsibility I carry in setting a good example strong, independent Muslim woman so not an on the road. But put me in a parking lot and option) I transform to anything from sugar-sweet elf d) Find the owner and ask them to move to fire-breathing witch. So what has lead me e) Get a flying car to this epiphany - this realisation that I’m a Option d seemed the logical thing to parking freak? do considering there had been at least 5 A Muslim brother at the Eid fair. announcements already for people to move Yes, I was one of those lucky enough to attend their cars so others could leave. the Eid fair at Centenary Park. Beautiful day, Armed with my two rego numbers I had the loads of entertainment for the kids, Muslim announcement done and one brother made his community spirit and of course - a parking way to move his car. I stealthily followed him nightmare. I’ve heard of double parking but is (why the stealth I have no idea but it seemed there such a thing as quadruple parking? Well if a good idea at the time). I told him to please there isn’t we just invented it. be more considerate next time and he smiled, My passengers that fateful day included pointed at my car and said ‘This is your car, I someone with a disability so of course I can get out’. Now I know he meant well. He was headed straight for the disabled parking bays. probably indirectly offering to reverse for me All full. Can’t do much about that - but the but the parking devil inside me wasn’t about to van parked behind the disabled cars - what are let all this frustration go without some drama. you thinking!?! (My gripe with those who park Like a 3 year old I responded with the mature without ACROD parking permits in disabled come-back ‘But I can’t’ and then I mumbled bays - a loooong story for another day) something about it being illegal anyway.

I was fortunate enough to drop off my End result. He moved his car, I reversed (3

Dilemma of Eid parking!

Amatullah Mohamad*

Page 5

something so special that so many don’t want you to posses?

Just as the debate was cooling down, Kevin Andrews pulled out his bigotry by declaring the intake of Muslim immigrants to Australia has to be specifically discussed. “To have a concentration of one ethnic or one particular group that remains in an enclave for a long period of time is not good”. Let’s bring back the White Australia policy and make it applicable to Muslims only because now were being sorted according to our religion. If he isn’t racist and he’s only worried about the growing number of immigrants in enclaves, then maybe he should turn towards the direction of those of the Buddhist faith for they are far greater in numbers. Would he like to discuss the Jews in St Kilda and the Italians in Brunswick? What Kevin Andrews is advocating is a system similar to communist China, where they separate Muslims and distribute them like envelopes to deprive them of the sense of community.

Muslims are being microscopically studied.

It’s flattering isn’t it? Not so much, unless we rise up and fulfill our responsibility of being living models of the perfect religion we have been gifted with. Hopefully, people will study Islam closely too. Maybe this time we are in the media for good reasons. Our contributions are countless but can we make them noticeable and productive?

goes) and the realisation hit me that my parking standards are not up to par with Muslim parking requirements. If 50 bays are availablelet’s fit 60. We can work our way around it.

My experiences transcends Eid fairs and shopping centres. I’m sure many of you are well aware of the Muslim event parking saga. How many of you will read this and nod in agreement when I state how difficult the parking jihad becomes at the mosques. And Fridays! How much do you think we contribute to the local council yearly budget with our parking fines?

There’s a serious point to this story - as Muslims we have to think past our own comforts and convenience. Please consider other’s convenience along with your own next time you pull on that hand brake. We are all familiar with the Hadith of the Prophet (saw) who said“None of you has faith unless he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”

So what am I suggesting - Obey the rules.

They are there for a reason. One of which is Muslim women drivers who can’t reverse in less than 5 goes.

And remember, if I see you parking in a disabled parking bay without a permit - don’t blame me for the tirade that will ensue - you’ve been forewarned. *Amatullah Mohamad is a Perth based writer. She is too humble to provide us with her bio.

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National

Crescent Times, 13th issue, November 2009

Moderate Southeast Asian Editorial Islam “needs qualification” DUE THANKS TO OUR FAITHFUL SPONSORS Crescent Times newspaper, while celebrating its first anniversary, has to confess that it does not pay GST to the tax department yet! Not because our accounting is too slack to lodge the forms, but because the offset is always in our favour. In short, we did not start to cover our costs yet or make any profit after twelve months operation! Well, this is not the business of the readers unless we are talking about a special sort of Islamic business - media!

We are not addressing the financial matters of a halal butcher or kebab shop. Though many deal with us as if we are a Muslim business such as a halal butcher! Many believe that we print money so they decline to place their adverts to support us in our journey. It hurts most when your people fail to understand your heart and intentions, rather than the number of dollars in your pocket.

We believe that it is the duty of all Muslim businesses, professionals and ordinary people to support CT in it’s journey in order to deliver a better service, to convert soon to a half monthly or weekly newspaper and to cover all states and territories of Australia. Is our collective responsibility to make our first national Muslim newspaper a huge success and make it open to wider society where non Muslims will have the opportunity to read about our concerns, connect with our thoughts and explore us as human beings, as equal citizens and partners in this land down under.

In our first anniversary, we would love to thank pioneer sponsors and supporters of Crescent Times, who tested our newspaper and found it worked in terms of advertising for their goods. We appreciate their support, contribution and sacrifices too. We mention especially: Brother Nail Aykan from MCCA as prime sponsor, brothers Omar Abdullah and Ben from Al Hidayah School in WA. They promised from the first issue to support the new newspaper and they did without stopping or hesitating. Brother Bilal Rifei, from Tilco who has been a long term supporter of the newspaper. Brother Firas from Bentley fresh, brother Khalid from Perth Lebanese bakery, Dr. Mateen Jaber in Melbourne, the Danish Patisserie in Perth, Cherry Blossom and Australian Snappy Immigration from Melbourne, and sister Hanan Dover from PsychCentral, Sydney. To all of them many thanks for your continuous support and making the story of CT a reality.

Thanks are due to all those advertisers who have worked with CT in it’s first 12 months – your business and contribution has been much appreciated.

Nasya Bahfen A prominent political scientist says the idea of Malaysia and Indonesia as “moderate” Muslim majority states needs to be questioned.

Dr Farish Noor, research fellow at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University and adjunct professor at Universitas Muhamadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia, was addressing journalists and academics at Monash University Caulfield.

He believes a new American political environment has emphasised the rush to label Australia’s nearest Muslim neighbours as progressive Islamic countries – a notion he said needed interrogation.

“With the advent of Obama who is on the lookout for moderate Muslim partners, southeast Asia is seen as an “alternative” space and a source of progressive partners to be brought into the US stable of allies,” he said.

“Malaysia and Indonesia are happy to play this role and in fact promote their moderateness.”

Dr Noor argued that metaphors in the media and in academia spoke of what he called a “Carmen Miranda” version of Islam in Indonesia.

“These metaphors speak about the benign

Health Care Around The Globe Amanda Charmand-Mazumder

Islamic Fashion Space Ebtisam El-Najjarine* Have you ever looked around and realised most hijabi sisters wear the colour black and wondered why? Well apart from the fact that you may think it’s just a popular colour this season or makes you look slimmer, you would begin to think there must be a secret everyone knows except you.

In fact, with at least 80% of sales in Islamic clothing stores, garments are requested in black, you have to sit and wonder what all the hype is about.

Firstly going back to the roots of the Quran and Sunnah, is there is a Hadith or verse that states women should wear black? Simply put, no. However being generally less transparent than colours like white and pink, it does meet the Islamic Shariah ruling of the Hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) “Eat what you feel like and wear what you feel like. But avoid two things: extravagance and arrogance.” [Bukhari].

Looking at the benefits of black clothing, you come to realise you can never go wrong, the colour matches every other colour without having a clashing affect.

Any colour of hijab, shoes, gloves etc will automatically suit perfectly.

Black can be simple, stylish, sophisticated and never outdated.

With the prices of Abayas being less affordable in the

variety of Indonesian Islam compared to Middle Eastern or Arab Islam. Indonesian Islam is seen as exotic, lush, verdant, and funny.”

He told the audience that the space being given to discussions about political Islam in Malaysia was being reduced, citing the recent administration of former Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.

“During Badawi’s rule in Malaysia there were, more than ever, very public ideas of racial supremacy and exclusive claims to Malaysia by the Malay Muslims. (British author) Karen Armstrong could come to the country to speak yet her books were banned. Despite this, Malaysia’s image as a moderate, model Muslim state is accepted without question,” he said.

The Malaysian academic and writer’s visit to Melbourne was organised by LaTrobe University’s Centre for Dialogue as part of the Visiting Islamic Scholars Programme, funded by the Victorian government and organised in collaboration with the Islamic Council of Victoria.

tough times people are facing, many sisters tend to buy a couple of good quality ones, so having at least one of them in black is an absolute must. Especially as a mother raising a family where you tend to put your own needs last, it’s even more crucial.

And with the amount of accessories available in stores today, you can accessorise without breaking the budget.

My fashion studies teacher once said to me ‘ the only way to be able to afford a whole lot of clothes without breaking the Islamic bank account, is by having black items on hand, ( she didn’t mention the Islamic bank, I added that part) and you will always feel like you own something new.”

Oh and yes, it is a slimming colour, but that doesn’t mean hiding the stuff on the outside makes its more acceptable, it’s one of those temporary diets till you get home and change into that pink and white more transparent number. So yes girls calorie counting isn’t off the list. *Ebtisam El-Najjarine, created Sissta Designs, in 2005 to suit the needs of Muslim women and import quality designed clothing that would suit the needs of men, women and children. Her website: www.sissta.com.au.

Most of us like to moan about the health care system in Australia, as the media does negatively influence us most of the time, like when a baby is born in the toilet of the Emergency Department, or someone dies because they received an incorrect diagnosis. But the fact of the matter is Australia has one of the best health care systems in the world. Australia ranks better than countries like Denmark, New Zealand and even the United States of America. Interestingly enough, the United States is the only wealthy, industrialized nation that does not have a universal health care system, according to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. The National Center for Health Statistics reported that more than 40 million adults in the United States stated that they needed but did not receive health services because they could not afford it. The United States ranks 43rd in lowest infant mortality rate, Singapore has the lowest and other countries such as Cuba, Hong Kong and Slovenia have among the lowest infant mortality rates.

Many of us in Australia can visit the GP for free with our Medicare card (God Bless those things), but in the U.S, it is reported that it costs between US$100 and $500 to see a GP for a check-up.

It has also been reported that an emergency visit to the hospital could set you back thousands of dollars. Heck, even in one of the poorest countries in the world, Bangladesh, visiting a GP costs between nothing and maximum US$20 without any procedures or diagnostic measures.

My point really is that we should be grateful for the health system we have in Australia, for the mere fact that even in developed first world countries like the United States, basic health care costs an arm and a leg and many people just have to go without seeing a doctor. Pharmaceutical companies take advantage of doctors, they practically bribe them to prescribe their medication, which in turn sets back a patient many hundreds of dollars and gives more sideeffects than a cheaper medicine equivalent, but let’s not get started on the pharmaceuticals.

I know I am very grateful for our health care system, having seen and heard about other health care systems around the world. So next time you wait 3 hours to see the GP for free, don’t whine about the wait, being a patient means you have to be patient .

Crescent Times, 13th issue, November 2009

Hajj season

The Generous Native Generation

Matters Eugenia Flynn

I recently spoke with a brother who has been living in Australia for the past few years. Pleasantly, I was surprised when he told me of his desire to start a program to better the education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

When I quizzed him about it, he stated that he did not feel that it was right to be visiting Australia and not try to do something for the Indigenous people.

This one simple statement has stayed with me ever since, as it struck me with its uniqueness and rarity. This is a sentiment that I have not heard in such a long time, nor articulated so well and it is definitely a sentiment that is rarely thought and spoken. With this statement came the acknowledgement that Indigenous people are disadvantaged in this country – the recognition of Indigenous Australian’s special place in Australian society as people who are, on some level, owed something better than our current circumstances, because our sovereignty was taken away.

To me, this statement indicated a turning point in the type of support that I, as an Indigenous Australian who is also Muslim, can hope to expect from the Muslim community in Australia. Whilst this brother does not reside in Australia permanently, I have seen a slow but sure change in the Muslim community over the past seven years. There is much more interest and solidarity from a small cohort of Muslims who really do support the cause of Indigenous Australians, not only with their minds and hearts, but also with their actions.

For this I am most grateful to Allah.

Whilst I acknowledge (quite vocally I think!) that the majority of Muslims still do not know, understand or even care about the cause, I think it is important to recognise the work of key people I have met who do support. These sisters and brothers, mostly young people, have a mindset that I hope will spread throughout the Ummah – one of justice and equity – as the generations grow. These sisters and brothers give me hope and inspire me to continue my work – so here’s to them – the generous generation.

Eid Al-Adha Sacrifice (Qurban) The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) was asked “What is the Qurban?”, He answered, “It is the sunnah of your father Ibrahim (PBUH). For every hair of the Qurban (sacrified animal) you will receive a reward from Allah and for every hair in the wool you will receive a reward”.

(Hadith - Ibn Maja and Tirmidhi).

Qurban is the Eid Al-Adha Sacrifice which is carried out by millions of Muslims every year during Hajj. It is a tradition that was started long ago by the Father of the Prophets, Ibrahim (PBUH).

Allah (swt) says in the Quran: “It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, it is your piety that reaches Him”. (Al Qur’an, Ch:22 v:37) Human Appeal’s Qurban Project One of the major projects undertaken by Human Appeal International Australia on an annual basis is the Qurban Project.

Last year, with the will of Allah (SWT) and with the generosity of the respected donors, we were able to distribute more than 34,000 qurbans to the poor and the needy in 17 countries worldwide.

The cost for Qurban for this year is AU$100.

Our duty is to facilitate and help our donors send their Qurbans to the countries of their choice. This also provides the most efficient and cost saving means to ensure that your sacrifice reaches its destination.

During this project Human Appeal International approaches the Muslim communities in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji,

Malaysia, and other countries for donations to purchase the Qurbans.

Human Appeal International implements Qurbans in 3 ways. The first method; where it is viable livestock is purchased and slaughtered in the destination country. This allows the poor and needy to enjoy fresh, local meat on the days of Eid Al-Adha.

The second and the third methods are implemented in Australia. Livestock are slaughtered in Australia and then sent to the poor and needy either canned or hard-frozen.

Canned meat is pre-cooked and has a long shelf life without the need for refrigeration. It is hygienic and ready for immediate consumption and can be transported to almost anywhere around the world.

Hard-frozen Qurban is cut into 6 pieces and individually wrapped. Each Qurban is shipped in a separate carton to its intended recipients via refrigerated containers.

The poor and needy from the following countries will greatly benefit from your Qurban: Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Sudan, Somalia, Eritrean Refugees, Bosnia, Kosovo, Pakistan, Kashmir, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Fiji and Sri Lanka.

We encourage all brothers and sisters to participate in our Qurban project. We would like to remind you about a saying of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “Oh people, it is compulsory for every household to make a sacrifice yearly” (Narrated by Al-Tirmithi & Ibn Maja)

Page 7

Sunstroke and Hajj Rituals

Musa Al-Khateeb*

It is well known that the KSA is located in one of the hottest spots in the world. The temperature may range between 44-50 during Hajj season. Also the rate of moisture may range between 10-15%. Sunstroke occurs after being in a place where both temperature and moisture are high. Accordingly, the body temperature grows high as a result of the failure of the human brain center to control body temperature. It has been found that race has a great effect on falling a victim to sunstroke.

Uncolored peoples, who never used to be subject to high temperatures, are more liable to sunstroke than the residents of tropical regions and the colored races. In addition, the aged, the people with frail bodies, the overweight, and patients with high blood pressure, diabetes and heart failure are easily attacked by this malady.

It is crystal clear that the sooner the patient is treated, the sooner he becomes well and his safety becomes greater.

Sunstroke does not attack only those who are subjected to sun. Rather, it occurs also to those who stand before ovens and those who live in high temperature spheres for a long time and in the meantime, have a high rate of moisture.

The main remedy in this case is preserving the body temperature lest it loses high amounts of sweat. Sunstroke also occurs in case of the evaporation of sweat in which case the body temperature increases causing the body to fall victim to sunstroke.

It should be noted that some pilgrims subject themselves to sun for a long time thinking that this brings them abundant reward. This, in fact, has nothing to do with religion as Allah says: “Cast not yourselves into destruction by your own hands.” (Al-Baqarah: 195) Symptoms: The symptoms of sunstroke may be represented in the sudden increase of temperature, dryness and redness of skin, headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness, stomach disturbances, belly pains, and the increase of white blood cells (leukocytes).

There may be also some sort of imbalance represented in the form of hallucinations. In some cases the person may be plagued with coma and high temperature. Often, he is plagued with anhydrosis, dryness of the skin, and rapid pulse. In severe case, this malady may result in the death of the patient. In some other

cases, there may be diarrhea and vomiting.

This will further take the person into a state of severe and serious shock. This disturbance may cause failure in any bodily system.

The bodily parts mostly affected by sunstroke are brain, heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, and muscles. It has been found that a form of bleeding occurs within the cells of these bodily organs. Also, in some cases the person may be subjected to hemiplegia or loss of balance.

How to Defend Yourself against Sunstroke?

It is very important to defend yourself against sunstroke. The first procedure is to keep remote from direct contact with sunrays. Here comes the importance of educating the people about the dangers of being under the sun for long periods. In case one has to be subject to sun, this should last for short, not long periods.

Also, arduous efforts are to be avoided. In addition, there should be plenty of water and drinks. White baggy clothes are to be worn.

Ways of Treatment: 1 - Taking the victim away from places with high temperature.

2 - Taking his clothes off and laying him on his back with his head upwards.

3 - In case the victim is aware, he is to be offered cold water. In case he is fainting, his body is to be sprinkled with water and he is to be put under a fan so that the water would be evaporated soon.

4 - He should be taken to the hospital immediately so as to hasten his recovery.

Important Notes: It should be the first concern of those who are around the patient to reduce the high temperature. Some people put the patient in a bathtub filled with cold water so that the patient regains his consciousness, and resorting to this means leads to a high rate of death. The best ways to reduce the high temperature of the patient is to put him in an air conditioned room, cover him with a light wet sheet and turn on the fan. This is to be kept on until the temperature of the patient becomes 38.

In this case, cooling is to be stopped and the patient is put under observation until he becomes well again.

*Dr. Musa El-Khateeb is Professor of the faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University. Source of article is Islamonline.

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Special: First anniversary 2009

Page 8

Crescent Times, 13th issue, November 2009

Crescent Times first anniversary: a huge collective effort Why should we bother writing for a Muslim national newspaper?

Irfan Yusuf* One of the best books I’ve read this year is entitled Leave to Remain. It’s a memoir by an associate professor of environmental engineering at the University of Sydney. The author talks about his experiences growing up in a country wracked by civil war, his studies and work in the United Kingdom and his eventual settlement in Australia. Of particular interest to me was reading about how the author gets along with people of his own ethnic and religious heritage.

That author’s experiences are somewhat similar to my father’s. Dad completed his PhD in Canberra during the 1960’s before moving back to his home country of Pakistan. He was about to be transferred to what was then East Pakistan when he was offered a job in Sydney.

Had that job offer not come through, he and his family may have been caught up in a civil war.

My father has an Indian Muslim heritage.

He privately practices his faith. The author of Leave to Remain, Dr Abbas El-Zein, has Lebanese Muslim heritage. He publicly professes to be a non-believer. They could both be described as “Muslim migrants”. They both migrated in similar circumstances.

But can these migration experiences really be compared? Isn’t it like comparing chalk and cheese? And isn’t comparing one Muslim experience to another a little silly?

Greg Sheridan, the Foreign Editor of a foreign-owned newspaper calling itself The Australian, doesn’t seem to think so. Recently he wrote a column suggesting we need to have a debate in this country about the desirability of having Muslim migrants. Or migrants from Muslim backgrounds. Or migrants from Muslim-majority states. He message wasn’t very clear.

Sheridan’s editor gave him the headline of “Uncontrolled Muslim influx a threat”. He acknowledged in the 4th paragraph that: “It is extremely difficult to talk honestly about Muslim immigration. All generalisations about it are subject to countless exceptions. Muslims are very different from each other.”

Sheridan then proceeded to praise a book which made all kinds of outlandish generalisations in the service of a conspiracy

A supportive letter from Melbourne As an avid reader of The Crescent Times I felt obliged to let you all know what a great job you are doing. As a young Muslim in Australia I believe that your newspaper is providing not only a great forum for Muslims but a much needed service to the Muslim community here in Australia.

It has been an absolute pleasure and insightful reading the many articles with such a wide range of opinions

PLANET IRF

theory that Muslims are on the verge of taking over Europe. It was real “Eurabia” stuff.

Apparently Muslim migration leads to certain problems for host societies that Sheridan describes as “the Muslim problems”.

These problems include: they outbreed us; they tend not to integrate, they have a strange kind of victimhood, they all seem to hate Jews.

Sheridan says that the solution is that we should not have uncontrolled Muslim immigration.

Since when has Australia had uncontrolled Muslim immigration? Indeed, since when has Australia had an immigration policy that is built on religion? Yes, we had the White Australia Policy. But this policy did not stop Albanian Muslims from migrating here in the 1920’s or Yugoslav Muslims in the 1940’s and ‘50’s.

You’d think an experienced editor of a national newspaper would get his facts right. But sadly when it comes to issues even vaguely related to something vaguely related to something deemed Muslim, facts and logic are thrown overboard. This is what happens when we allow others to write our story instead of writing it ourselves.

If for no other reason than this, we need a national newspaper that reflects the diversity of opinion among those Australians who feel inclined to tick the “Muslim” box on their census forms. The newspaper you are holding in your hands or reading on your screens is put together by a bunch of writers and editors who disagree on more things than they agree on.

Yet we still are civil in our disagreements and appreciate each other’s criticisms. After all, as the greatest of men said, disagreements among his followers are a mercy from God. So celebrate the first anniversary of the Crescent Times. And if you disagree with anything I or anyone else writes here, put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and give readers a piece of your mind. You’ll only be adding to our collective store of divine mercy. * Irfan Yusuf is a Sydney based lawyer, a writer and columnist. He is the opinion editor of Crescent Times.

and views presented.

I look forward to many more editions of The Crescent Times and pledge to contribute my ideas and money to such a great cause.

I believe you guys are doing groundbreaking work within our community and Insha Allah this newspaper will continue on for the foreseeable future and beyond. Great job guys and happy 1st anniversary!

Sincerely, Abboma Abdi

What Crescent Times editorial team have to say about their newspaper: Debora McNichol, USA

Allah has let the Crescent Times weather the year! Alhamdulillah! When I was first approached by Brother Tarek to contribute to CT, I wondered how on earth anyone could stand regular personal and political rants from a person so adamantly dead center. I continue to wonder about that, but I don’t sweat it any more; Brother Tarek is, as always, very gracious.

Asalaam alaikum and congratulations to CT, Tarek, and Jo from the USA. May CT continue its quest to reach the Muslims in Australia for many, many more years, insha Allah.

Zabrina A. Bakar, Malaysia:

Lao Tsu once said ‘A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.’ And that courageous first single step was taken by Brother Tarek and his team a year ago. Congratulations to Crescent Times team on their 1st year anniversary!

Writing for Crescent Times has been nothing but great joy for me. The team’s dedication, hard work, commitment, enthusiasm and zeal to give the best newspaper for the community have been an inspiration. If these are the foundation of success, I believe Crescent Times surely had theirs lay out firmly.

To Brother Tarek, it has been a great pleasure working with you. To Crescent Team members, your creativity, resourcefulness and dedication in delivering the best month-in-month-out is simply phenomenal.

I look forward to our next thousand miles together.

Congratulations again!

Mohd Safwan Saparudin, SA:

Alhamdulillah, thanks to Allah for answering our prayers and for His guidance. It is He who bestows all things good & useful. The Crescent Times (CT) is no doubt one of them. CT plays a great role in reaching out and connecting Muslim societies in Australia. Personally, I am grateful to our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters for promoting Islam through the Islamic media. Media as a medium for daawah is a very effective and important method in our efforts to spread the Islamic message in Australia. Without media such as newspaper, television, internet etc, it would be very hard to get across the message of Islam and almost impossible to defend ourselves when Islam is under attack!

Congratulations to CT on it’s

first anniversary! May Allah give us steadfastness in our efforts to uphold Islam as a way of life.

We support Islamic media!

Shayma Alshakshir , VIC:

I remember the first time our eyes met.

A bundle of the CT paper lay at a table at the nearby Masjid looking untouched and abandoned. I picked it up only to find that it was an old issue but I took a copy anyway.

I noticed as I was flicking through it that it had a variety of topics, written by national and international writers. What fascinated me more was that the topics and discussions were actually interesting; an element I noticed is usually missing in other Islamic publications as such.

Things got better for me when I read that contributors are welcome. Ever since, I placed CT on my duty list; I felt that it was my religious responsibility to be supportive of such a cause. Every issue that came out convinced me even more that I should keep going; to spread the word, to hand out the paper and to even Facebook it!

Rashid Alshakshir , VIC:

The Crescent Times has been the voice of the Muslim community for the past twelve months and unless there is more support your Crescent Times will be Historic Times gone forever.

Islamic centers and mosques that hold a negative stand towards the newspaper because of some of the advertisers and/or opinions expressed and until now refuse to allow Crescent Times be distributed in the places they run should review their decision. We criticize the non-Muslims for judging the whole Muslim community on the negative actions of one Muslim, while many judge the paper exactly the same way.

I’m celebrating and hoping the newspaper will be a long-term investment for the Australian Muslim Community. I encourage those with different opinions to contribute to the newspaper and make their voices heard too.

Eugenia Flynn, SA:

I have been writing for Crescent Times since May this year and have loved every second of it! The Times provides such a valuable service to the Muslim community, providing news and current affairs as well as fostering a sense of community – I am so happy to be a part of the team.

On this, the Times’ anniversary, I would like to take this opportunity to thank

Crescent Times, 13th issue, November 2009 Special: First anniversary 2009

Page 9

to give back to our people their hijacked voice!

Tarek Chamki and his wife for finding me and then having the trust and faith in me to provide a monthly column. I look forwarding to contributing to many more editions of the Crescent Times and seeing it pop up in more and more places!

Aisha Stacy, QLD:

I am very pleased to have joined the hard working team at Crescent Times.

It is a delight to work with brother Tarek and sister Joanne and all their supporters around Australia and across the globe. This newspaper is a breath of fresh air, allowing the people of Australia to read the diverse opinions of Muslims across the country. It is a perfect example of unity in diversity.

Muslims are Aussies too and it gratifying to see Aussie and Islamic cultures blended between the pages of Crescent Times. This combination of a good old fashioned read with the principles of Quran and sunnah is sure to be a winner. Congratulations for making it through the first 12 months. May Allah be pleased with every word printed in this community newspaper. Ameen.

Amanda Charmand-Mazumder, NSW: It is the First Anniversary for Crescent Times Newspaper, and I think it has come a very long way. It has taken blood, sweat and tears to create a media form like this, to say the least. CT has given a voice to the Muslim Community like no media source has ever done before. It has given an opportunity for Muslim Writers to be revealed, for news in our community, in our country and around the world to be spread. We encourage our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters to financially support CT, as this is our voice, our chance and our opportunity to be seen by our country as a hopeful and talented community, not to mention a great way of communication and media. I urge you all to support Crescent Times as it has indeed opened the eyes of many Muslims and Non-Muslims around the nation. Jazak Allah Kheir.

Islamic media in the West The Kiki principle:

Debora McNichol* As we thank Allah for allowing the Crescent Times to start its second year, we find at least one of its columnists evaluating the worth of Muslim media in the West. Whether Muslims in Western countries need media outlets would seem almost too self-evident to discuss.

However, considering the difficulty that all media, especially traditional print newspapers are having these days, perhaps the importance of Muslim media should be talked about a bit.

So here’s the plug: As an American Muslim, I am particularly annoyed by the West’s inability to ‘get it right’ when it comes to Muslims and Islam. Also bothersome is the Arab media’s joyfully antiAmerican slant. Neither of those opposites represents me.

Muslims everywhere need representation.

Yet Muslim media outlets face challenges that others do not.

First, of course, they are Muslim controlled, with Muslim perspectives, so are under the scrutiny of the entire world. It is hard to find a Muslim perspective that will satisfy everyone.

I could say that the earth is round and mothers should love their children, and some hater somewhere will accuse me of being an evil, backward, oppressed, circumcised, socialist rag-head Muslim who hates my own freedom, and won’t be happy until the West is destroyed and Islamics take over the world. (I have no idea what that even means.)

The diversity of Muslims in the West means strength for the community, but the diversity brings, well, diversity. Differences in fashion,

culture, and madhab lead to clashes of opinion.

At the end of the day, however, we all say “La ilaha il Allah” and we live our lives accordingly.

So Muslim media is, or should be, a method of bringing the extended Muslim community closer and giving Muslims a forum for expression and information sharing.

I appeal to you, Dear Readers, to support the Muslim media available to you. The

costs involved in keeping a medium running are high. HIGH! Acquiring advertisers and developing readership are difficult at best.

These independent publications, not funded with millions of corporate dollars, are labors of love. Insha Allah, there will be a time when Muslims in the West, by sheer strength of numbers, can support many brands of Muslim media. But until that time, please help this emerging industry and Crescent Times by buying advertising space and subscriptions, patronizing its sponsors’ businesses, giving feedback, taking an interest in your community, and most importantly, making dua’a for the industry’s (and CT’s) strength.

Page 10

National

Crescent Times, 13th issue, November 2009

ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF GOLD COAST CONFERENCE QLD, Habib Jamal*

The Management Committee of the Islamic Society of Gold Coast Inc. held a conference day at their masjid on Sunday, 11 October 2009 and it is believed that this was the first time ever that such a meeting had been undertaken by any Islamic society in Queensland.

The theme of the conference “Islam in Gold Coast….The next 10 years and beyond” showed the vision and foresight of the current management committee and proved their commitment towards discussing issues relevant to the broader community and thereby laying down the future path and direction for Islam and the community to flourish in their parrt of the world.

The gathering of over 80 brothers and sisters was presented with a stirring lecture by Mufti Zeeyad Ravat whose topic was “The Role of the Masjid in the Community”. The Mufti outlined the various activities that took place within the masjid and surrounds during the time of our beloved Prophet Mohammed s.a.w.

The Mufti stressed the “spirit” of the masjid being more than just bricks and mortar.

A well deserved morning tea was followed up with a presentation by the vice president of ISGC, Hj. M. Ruhul Amin. His topic was “Analysis of Community Growth and Trends”.

Hj. Ruhul Amin did an excellent job and his facts and figures showed the detailed research that he undertook in presenting to the delegates the number of Muslims that we could expect to

see in Gold Coast in the future and the need for future facilities to cater for their needs.

The next speaker for the morning was the resident Imam of Gold Coast, Imam Imraan Hussain, who delivered an in depth talk and power point presentation on his topic which was “Our Community – The Challenges from a Spiritual Leaders Perspective”. Imam Imraan covered an array of situations from the leading of the daily salaats, performing marriages, giving spiritual and psychological advice, teaching madressah classes, counselling youth, answering questions from various sources to shrouding and burying the dead and much more. Had the Master of Ceremonies not been strict with time limits set for each presenter, many more challenges would have come to light.

Another forceful presentation by Mufti Zeeyad Ravat on “The Rewards of Spending in the Path of Allah” brought a very emotional and interesting morning session to a close.

After Zohor salaat and a sumptuous lunch the delegates gathered once again to a presentation

by Imam Imraan on “Islamic Education – Future Plans and Programmes” for Gold Coast. He outlined the needs of present day Australian Muslim children and the need for our teachers to be well trained to cope with the challenges This was followed by a talk by Hj. Hussin Goss on “Infrastructure – Future Plans”. He outlined a long list of possible avenues that the

management committee would be looking at in the future. The list covered the need for more masjids/mussallahs, cemetery places, Islamic schools, student accommodation and other important needs to fulfil the needs of Muslims in Gold Coast.

The next session was conducted by Dr. Kader Mohamed which entailed the division of the various delegates into discussion groups.

Delegates chose to be in one of the following groups: Building & Infrastructure; Education & Training; Finance & Future Funding; Reverts Needs & Issues; Womens Issues and Student & Youth Issues. Each group was appointed a facilitator and were allocated specific areas to discuss their topics. They were allowed approximately an hour to discuss and report back to Dr. Mohamed after Asr salaat and afternoon tea.

The day ended with a vote of thanks by the Master of Ceremonies, Professor Ahmed Khalid and a closing dua by Br. Weam Tunsi, one of the student delegates.

It was an absolutely amazing and fulfilling day for the organisers because the response from the delegates and broader community was so positive and constructive and we pray to Almighty Allah for guidance in achieving some of the challenges that we are faced with in Gold Coast. *Habib Jamal is a QLD based writer, admin member of QLD Muslim Times newspaper.

Nader Khan performing in Melbourne

Erin Rutherford , NSW:

Nader Mohammed Khan is a Canadian Muslim singer & social activist. He is the Programs Director of Relief Works (http:// www.relief-works.com), an organisation dedicated to raising funds and awareness for local relief causes, and select international ones, through Islamic music and art. His first album was released in December 2008.

Nader lives in the glorious city of Toronto, and is currently taking Relief Works’ “Feed Me” Campaign across Canada, USA, and now Australia.

Nader Khan will be performing first in Melbourne on the 15th of November then in Sydney on the 21st of November. Tickets are available online, please go to http://www. easternfusion.com

Movies

Crescent Times, 13th issue, November 2009

Life Storyteller

Page 11

Documentary film: “Muslims in Australia since the 1600s” Amir Almir Colan*

Zabrina A. Bakar

The Hat or The Head?

I was watching a news channel and was amazed to see a group of people reminding everyone about the many good things they did for others.

I know that we need to always be thankful to the ones who had helped us, right? Doing so would keep us humble and would remind us to extend our help to others too.

In fact, a Chinese proverb once said, When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them Absolutely!

Just as we should be remember and be thankful to our parents who raised us up, teachers who taught us A-B and C, people who taught us wisdom in life; and friends who woke up in the middle of the night to listen to our songs of joys and sorrows.

In fact, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has asked us all to be thankful for the favour done by others for us: “Whoever does you a favour, then reciprocate, and if you cannot find anything with which to reciprocate, then pray for him until you think that you have reciprocated him.”(Abu Dawood) So, yes, we should reciprocate equally. If we could not find a way to return the favour equally, the least is we pray for goodness for this person, inshaAllaah.

But this is not the point in this story.

The point here is this - What if the ones who did the good deeds are the ones who remind us of their own good deeds; and who constantly and repeatedly demand that we should remember their deeds? What about the people who are given the responsibility to perform those so-called-good-deeds and then, demand that others thank them for doing their job?

I could not help but wonder if they knew the consequences of their actions.

Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) once said, “There are three people that Allaah will not speak to on the Day of Judgement, will not look at them, will not purify them; and for them is a painful punishment: one who lets his Izar hang below his ankles, the Mannan with what he gives, and the Munffiq who does his business with false oaths.” (Muslim) A mannan is one who always reminds others of the favours and good that he has done for them.

The fact that the Almighty said He will not speak, will not look, will not purify and will punish the Mannan on the Day of Judgement made my tummy squirm.

Astaghfirullaah. Scary, isn’t it?

Shaykh Muzaffer Ozak once said, “If someone gave you a beautiful, expensive new hat, wouldn’t you be grateful for the generous gift? But shouldn’t you be even more grateful for the One Who gave you the head to put that hat on.”

Think about it…

I will never forget it. It was election day and the last day of Howard’s government in office. We held the premiere screening of our documentary film “Muslims in Australia since the 1600s”. All the viewers were ready to be proud of Muslim’s rich contribution to Australia.

Thinking about it now still sends shivers down my spine. That was a particularly hard time for Muslims as we were challenged on the very basis of our beliefs and values.

Debate was depleting our sense of identity as well as our right to live in Australia. Many felt psychologically affected and did not know enough about Islam or Australian history to construct a meaningful response.

This is hardly surprising considering the fact that before this film most of us never even realised that Islam and Muslims were part of Australia long before Europeans were.

At the end of the screening, the audience was overwhelmed by the newly discovered sense of empowerment that can only come from confidence that is linked with history and the contributions that helped build this

country. One of the attendees summed it up when he said ‘hey, this is our country, I feel so proud”.

Unfortunately, one would think that such a positive film would be appreciated by the media too, but, old habits die hard. After watching the documentary, reporters from ‘The Age’ and ‘Herald Sun’ advised

us that they doubt their editors would allow them to publish their stories. They were right. I guess positive stories don’t sell newspapers. Similar responses were received from ABC and SBS who came up with their own excuses as to why they can not air it. We have to understand: if we don’t promote ourselves, no one will.

We have to start our own ‘education revolution’ by sharing this knowledge with family members and everyone we know. After all, it is only with knowledge that one can turn stereotypes and misconceptions around.

The film covers the following topics: Level of knowledge on Islam and Muslims, Early Indonesian contact, The Afghan cameleers, First Mosques in Australia, Islam and Aboriginals, Muslims of Today, Islam and new Muslims, The Hijab issue, Halal economic impact, Uniting against Racism and more. For more information and to see the trailer go to our website at www.muslimsinaustralia.com and don’t forget to join our Facebook group. * Amir Colan is the producer of the movie. He could be contacted on: acolan@gmail.com

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Review: Journey to Mecca Erin Rutherford, NSW: On the 21st of October, Al Ghazzali Centre, in collaboration with IMAX presented the Australian premiere of Journey to Mecca - In the footsteps of Ibn Battuta. For the first time, IMAX was allowed to take their giant screen cameras in to film the Holy Pilgrimage that is Hajj. Joining this is the story of one of history’s greatest travelers, Ibn Battuta, a little known scholar and traveler from Tangier, Morocco. A man who travelled further in his lifetime than Marco Polo.

The film follows Ibn Battuta, then in his 20’s, and his attempt to reach Mecca. Following his dream, literally, he leaves home alone on a horse, with some gold, his Ihram (Hajj clothing) and little more than the clothes on his back. He travels the miles through Algeria and Tunis, in attempt to reach Mecca via Cairo. On his way he is set upon by bandits, and then befriends one who becomes his protector for the remaining journey to Cairo, and beyond. When finally reaching Mecca, with the company of a caravan from Damascus, the film shows footage of Mecca in the present day - with millions of pilgrims, circumambulating the Kabaa. This is interjected with Ibn Battutas’ own experience of Hajj.

For the uninitiated, Journey to Mecca may come across as a bit heavy. For those who are familiar with the ritual and spiritual aspects of Hajj, the film is mindblowing. With a happy medium of both dramatic and documentary footage, this is definately one to watch.

I was left wanting to know more about Ibn Battuta, wanting to see more of Mecca, and wishing the film was called “Journey to Mecca and Beyond” so that it would go on and on. I’m reminded now, everytime I look at the moon, that one of Islam’s great scholars and travelers has a crater named in his honor.

See the film at IMAX Sydney, only for a limited time.

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Crescent Times, 13th issue, November 2009

When Islamic bookstores are like “Borders”!

Mohd Safwan Saparudin & Wan Fauziah Wan Kadir* Once a month I will pay a visit to Borders, and sometimes to Dymocks in the Rundle Mall, looking for popular books and bestsellers. I enjoy observing people reading or just browsing, some of them with children in tow. Many seem to make reading a family activity. Inculcating good reading habits from young is important, be it to increase one’s knowledge or just for the fun of it.

Reading is the source of knowledge. Allah swt stated in His first revelation: Read! In the name of thy Lord who createth; createth man from clot; Read; and thy Lord is the Most Bounteous; who teacheth by pen; teacheth man that which he knew not. (Surah Al-Alaq: 1-5).

Through His prophet, Mohammed s.a.w, Allah commanded us to read and study to seek knowledge in order for us to spread the message of Islam to mankind.

From the time of the prophet (610 AD) until the time when Islam was at its peak (before the attack by the Mongols in 1258 AD), Islam had brought the world civilisation out of darkness, and knowledge is the key to this.

It is true that paper was first invented in China but the Muslim merchants had brought paper to the world through the Silk Road in the eight century! The use of paper then spread to other parts of the world including North Africa and Europe. England then revolutionised the use of paper in the 1450s by discovering printing and publishing methods. This could not have happened had not the Muslims introduced paper to the world!

Jonathan M. Bloom a professor in Islamic and Asian art, Boston College in his book “Paper Before Print: The History and Impact of Paper in the Islamic World” (Yale University Press) made clear the advances of Muslims in using paper.

With the discovery of paper, writing and research by Muslim scholars in various fields of knowledge led to new discoveries and great inventions. Among the great Muslim inventors and scholars are Jabir Al-Hayyan (Geology), AlKhwarizmi (Mathematicians), Mohammad Ali Rostam (Clocks), Ibn Baytar (Gunpowder), Najmuddin Hassan Al-Rahmah (rocket) and more others.

In conclusion, Islam teaches us the importance of knowledge. It has moulded the civilisation of the world.

We thus have to educate ourselves and our children to continuously seek and love knowledge as the love for knowledge is the key to understanding Islam. With knowledge we can differentiate the good from bad, right from wrong and will be able to make wise and informed decisions in order to live our lives in accordance to the Qur’an and the Sunnah of beloved Prophet Mohammed s.a.w.

To quench the thirst for knowledge, especially Islamic knowledge, Muslims in Australia should strive for great Islamic bookstores with quality books, a huge range of selections, easy access and customer-friendly service, as can be found in Borders. How wonderful if we can recreate Baytul Hikmah (833 AD, Baghdad) in Australia! *Wan Fauziah is a ex-architecture student from the University of Adelaide. Currently, is a Women’s wing of Selangor State and Educational & Human Development committee member, Malaysia Reformation Group (JIM).

PUBLISHER: Crescent Press Pty Ltd MONTHLY - MODERATE - INDEPENDENT

Community

Page 13

Global Moment for a Global Calendar

Hasan Alshakshir*

Relying on moon sighting or astronomical calculation to decide the beginning of the lunar months is an argument that begun centuries ago. Today’s technological advancements and the exploration of the opinions of the scholars will reduce those disputes and only knowledge, sincerity and leadership will resolve this issue.

1.Methods of determining the start of new months Ibn Hajar in Alfateh mentions that knowing the localities of the crescents and calculations are two additional methods to decide the start of the new lunar month, but the disputes amongst the scholars in accepting or rejecting those methods are due to the high possibility of error in the guess-work involved and the inconsistency among the astronomers at the time.

Alshafie considered the calculations of the astronomers, but did not deem it necessary to make the general public fast on their calculations alone .

In light of the above, if the calculation method does not involve guessing and it is consistent, would those scholars still reject it?

2.LOCAL VS GLOBAL SIGHTING? Hanbali, Maliki and Hanafi agreed that fasting is a must for all Muslims once the crescent is sighted anywhere in the world, regardless of the distance between those countries.

Shafei said if a country saw the moon, then only the neighboring countries should follow.

If a trustworthy person sees the moon and it was rejected by the Muslim leader then that person must fast . In doing so, he is not breaking unity or alienating himself from the Ummah.

3.Do we fast because of sighting or because of knowing that the new moon has been born?

It is imperative that we agree that the birth not the sighting of a new moon marks the beginning of a new month. Sighting the moon was the only available means at the time of the Prophet (pbuh).

If we do not come to this conclusion, we can not be universal in our business dealings or social occasions; can you imagine planning a flight on the ‘first day’ of Ramadan which might fall on a Friday in Turkey, Saturday in Australia, but Sunday in the United Arab Emirates. If we don’t accept the global moment then we are implying that the lunar calendar is impractical for our everyday tasks and occasions including our ‘rituals’ and that it only brings feud.

We don’t dispute the fact that the time between the birth of the new moon and actually seeing it belongs to the new and not the previous month. Hence, the fasting is marked by the birth and not the sighting.

Completing the month to 30 days is a solution for exceptional circumstances. However, relying on this principle might bring us to a point where we have twelve months of thirty days totaling 360 days a year, which is impossible for the lunar year as it is only 354.37 days. The calculation approach will handle the discrepancy on a monthly basis and eliminate the possibility of dealing with accumulated differences.

The local moon rise/set times are not linked with the birth of the global new moon as it can be born anywhere at any time of the 24 hour day. The following Fatwas relate to the new moon’s age and time of its birth in the 24-hour day. *If the moon was seen during the day on the 29th of Sha’aban we must fast the following day according to Maliki and Hanafi. Shafi and Hanbali see no value for the crescent if it was seen during the day; it has to be seen after sunset to be considered . *If the crescent was seen during the day of the 29th of Ramadan, then we should keep our fast and the following day will be Shawwal. This is according to some companions, including Omar (RAA). Imam Hanbali is with this view. *Some Hanbali believe if the crescent was seen before noon on the 30th of Sha’aban, then it is for the previous night and therefore marks the first day of Ramadan. Hence, we should fast the rest of that day and make it up (Qada’a)

EDITORIAL TEAM: EDITOR IN CHIEF: Tarek Chamkhi: editor@crescenttimes.com.au PRODUCTION EDITOR: Joanne McKeown: editor2@crescenttimes.com.au MELBOURNE EDITOR: Nasya Bahfen: nasya.bahfen@crescenttimes.com.au MELBOURNE OFFICE: Rashid Alshakshir: rashid@crescenttimes.com.au ADELAIDE OFFICE: Safwan Saparudin: safwan@crescenttimjes.com.au OPINION EDITOR: Irfan Yusuf: opinion@crescenttimes.com.au

*Some Maliki scholars recommended fasting until the middle of the day on the 30th of Sha’aban as a precaution, by then it will be known if it is a fasting day or not *The above Fatwas provide a solution to problems, which may arise from the difference in time between countries. In Australia, it will be possible to sight the moon only after it is at least 17 hours old. With the method of calculation we can avoid all the above hassle and identify the exact time and place for the birth of the new moon.

What is the “day of doubt”? *Imam Ahmad said if the people do not put the effort to sight the moon, then it is deemed a “doubtful day”. *However, if the doubt has surfaced as a result of a cloudy or rainy sky on the 29th day of Sha’aban, where the crescent cannot be seen, then it is not considered the “doubtful day”. Ibn Omar fasted the following day of the 29th day of Sha’aban if it was cloudy that night, but if it was clear and no one spotted the moon then they will take the following day as the 30th day of sha’aban . Several companions including Aisha (RA) adopted this view. Zad V.2 Pg.42-49. *Zad concluded that this doesn’t breach the Hadeeth “if it is obscured by clouds then ‘oqduru lah’ as it holds a valid interpretation of ‘calculate’ and another is ‘lessen’ i.e. going for the lesser number of days in a month;29 days. So it is permissible to fast that day as a precaution but it is not a must nor is it prohibited.

In conclusion, Allah (SWT) is the perfect creator “the sun and the moon are perfectly calculated”, but due to mankind’s limitations Allah allowed ‘sighting’ as it was the only available mean, however, those who rely on sighting review their decision, so that any error in their starting day is adjusted in the first few days of the new month.

The dominant view of the major Salaf scholars is that we as an Islamic nation should adopt the ‘global sighting’. Hence, sighting does not necessarily coincide with the beginning of the new lunar month. Relying on the global sighting will gives us longer time to sight the moon internationally if we are unable to sight it nationally.

The companions fasted the day of doubt as a precaution. Hence, we should be more comfortable fasting that day because we know the moon is born and can be seen in other places around the world. *Hasan Alshakshir is a civil engineer and an active member in the Melbourne Muslim community. His interests lie in reading and research.

(Editorial note: If you want a copy of this article with full references please request one from the editor.)

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Contributors in this issue: Musa Al-Khateeb - Hasan Alshakshir - Shayma Alshakshir - Rashid Alshakshir - Nasya Bahfen - Zabrina A Bakar - Tarek Chamkhi - Amir Amir Colan - Jamal Daoud - Linda Delgado - Sabrine Elkhodr - Ebtisam El-Najjarine - Eugenia Flynn - Han - Habib Jamal - Wan Fauziah Wan Kadir - Zakariah Matthews - Amanda Charmand Mazumder - Amatullah Mohamad - Debora McNichol - Erin Rutherford - Mohd Safwan Saparudin - Aisha Stacey - Tamara Swann - Keysar Trad - Irfan Yusuf

Opinion

Page 14

UNCOMPLETED PREORDAINED PROVISIONS (RIZQ) Shayma Alshakshir*

Crescent Times, 13th issue, November 2009

East - West This year’s harvest

Photo: Olga Ramahi.

This is not based on a true story. It is a true story; my story. I neither shared it to gain sympathy nor pity. Rather, I shared it in my sincere hope that it may force open the eyes and hearts of those who have preoccupied themselves so with this Dunya, forgetting what’s yet to come. Who have convinced themselves that they will be given a free pass into Jannah. That other people’s trials and tribulations will ‘not happen to me’ Olga Ramahi 2009.

Olga was going about her life just fine.

She was on her maternity leave and also on holiday visiting her homeland Palestine. She was preparing to return to teaching in few weeks. That was what Olga had planned, but Allah’s plan decreed a different fate. One night, while many people were deep in their sleep, Olga was attending to her new baby boy: “Ah, the joy of motherhood”, Olga thought to herself. Suddenly, her hand innocently caressed her neck, only to discover a painless lump. Lymphoma…

Olga’s life was changed forever.

Olga’s heartbeats raced and battled with her thoughts as she tried to push away the dreadful truth that struck her deep inside, her intuitions told her where this lump was heading. Olga admits however, that there was more to her fear than that of the painless lump.

“All my bad deeds flooded into my head. I wasn’t ready to meet my creator.

I couldn’t die just yet! I still had so much to change in myself and so many sins to repent for,” she said.

Although the lump was the size of a golf ball, Olga says she has not noticed it or takewn her 30kg weight loss, fatigue and the eczema-like itch as symptoms of anything threatening.

“After rushing to the hospital, all symptoms strongly pointed to a form of cancer of the lymph nodes called lymphoma,” Olga said.

Plans changed for Olga and her holiday had to be interrupted. She rushed back to Australia to seek the medical assistance she urgently needed. A week later, Olga received her results and the lymphoma cancer was confirmed. She says she did nothing but run to the only one who responds to the distressed one, when his servant calls on Him: Allah (SWT).

“I started waking up to pray Qiyam Layl (night prayer) every night before Fajr. I

prayed like I had never prayed before. I prayed for Allah’s mercy. I prayed for Allah to cure me. I prayed for Allah to soothe my heart. But more importantly, I prayed so hard for Allah to forgive me. To forgive my sins that were weighing so heavily on my conscience. I felt like a hypocrite turning to Allah in my time of need, but neglected to do so when I had it good.”

Over the last three months, Olga has attended seven cycles of chemotherapy sessions but says whether she makes it is yet to be seen.

“Whatever is written for me will come to pass,” she said.

A door never closes without another one opening. Olga describes her stressful journey and the countless blessings it has brought.

“In the face of what has clearly been a hardship, so much good has come out of it. Unbeknown to me, my heart and soul were dying a slow and tormented death. It’s ironic that it took a deadly lifethreatening disease for me to restore what was slowly dying from within.”

While many of us might be waiting for a magical sign before we can seek the path of Allah (SWT), Olga reminds that not everyone is given a second chance.

“I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones. I was given another chance to make amends Alhamdulillah. InshAllah this sickness will be atonement for my sins.

But how many will get this opportunity to change before moving on to their final abode? How many of us will frantically wish they could turn back time the moment they glimpse the coming of the angel of death?

“Don’t wait for that something traumatic to rock your world. It might be too late then. Make changes today…now.

Contemplate over the health of your Iman. Contemplate over your readiness to leave this world. Would you be living the way you are right now if you knew you had a similar life-threatening disease? You will only be given one chance to get it right,” Olga said.

Clearly, for Olga it was just not meant to be; Allah (SWT) has more goods in store for Olga waiting to be distributed - only when it’s time.

Simply, fate will not allow you to breathe your last until you capture all that was written for you.

When I established CT twelve months ago with my business partner and wife (Dr. Jo the production editor), we were not certain whether the project would succeed. Our main aim was to achieve financial stability for Crescent Press. To be accurate, the business goals were driving our dreams not the aims of Islamic media.

Today, while I celebrate the first anniversary with my editorial team, and see the popularity of CT in four capital cities around Australia (Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide) I am surprised and overwhelmingly grateful to all my editorial team as well as our readers across the country.

The only goal that remains unmet is that of financial stability – this dilemma is faced by many new publications around the world when they are not funded by imported capital (or owned by foreign billionaires as in the case of The Australian) or backed by a huge budget from local businessmen! We are, alhamdilillah, ordinary citizens who own and operate CT, without any external support, except that provided by our advertisers.

Several months ago, we sought support from major Australian Islamic organisations such as AFIC “The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils”. They promised to place their generous advertising; they did so once then changed their mind for unknown and unstated reasons. Never mind! Which is from the hands of Allah is much better!

Since then we have continued seeking the help of Allah the almighty, and over time we find our intentions changed from seeking the halal income of CT as a business to the sweetness of Iman, when we fund CT from our family income. This was initially frustrating, but over time I have started listening to my wife more often: “Come on! Keep going, do it fisabilillah!” Alhamdulillah for such blessings.

For the first 12 months the advertising revenue did not cover more than 60% of expenses! Around $5000 of overdue accounts are still unpaid by Muslim businesses that have placed advertising. No single cent has gone to the pocket of any of the editorial team, except in one case for around 5 or 6 months due to special circumstances, one writer was paid for her contribution. We have all ended up putting together our first national Muslim newspaper fisabilillah. I pray that Allah will reward all of the CT team, sisters and brothers in Australia or overseas, my wife and myself included, in this life and in hereafter, ameen.

Due to the community acceptance of CT, the huge need to inform, educate and enlighten

Aussie Muslims, it will be very hard for me at least to stop it in the foreseeable future. I believe strongly that we deliver an Islamic message and in strengthening our community. I believe that my wife and the rest of CT team do the same so far Alhamdulillah .

Sometimes I just fall in tears when I read a compliment from one of our readers, or receive a small donation. The deep appreciation of what we deliver, the belief in our team’s work of excellence and professionalism, simply touches my heart and makes me forget at least for a while the financial struggles.

If I have to explain the success of CT in just twelve months, I won’t say it is because I am a brilliant editor, who has experience in journalism for years and years (although that could be true in some context). It is due to ALL the efforts of the editorial team. I would mention in particular a few of them: Irfan Yusuf, who promised to contribute from the very first issue of CT and is still going with no hesitation or complaint. Irfan in the early period of CT, seemed not totally convinced of CT as an Australian Muslim community newspaper, questioning even whether there was such a thing as an Australian Muslim community. Now he writes in this issue that: “we need a national newspaper that reflects the diversity of opinion among those Australians who feel inclined to tick the “Muslim” box on their census forms”.

The two USA sisters: Debora McNichol, and Linda Delgado, who have contributed to CT from the early issues, adding their excellent life experience and the experience of the Western new Muslim, in their view on Islam in the West.

Sister Nasya Bahfen, the lecturer in journalism in RMIT University, who sends professional reports and articles from Melbourne, meant to be part of her journalism or academic work, but till now she is content to be our Melbourne editor for the sake of Allah.

Brother Adam Parker, the Perth community elder, who does his best to contribute articles and even distribute the paper despite his age and other commitments.

Brother Keysar Trad from Sydney, who joined CT team earlier this year to be an integral part of our editorial team. Keysar is the sort of person who would write all day if you asked him to.

For sure I would not forget sister Eugenia Flynn, from Adelaide for her excellent coverage of Indigenous Australian affairs, her insight into the need for the Muslim community to support such a disadvantaged part of Australian society.

Same for sister Zabrina Baker from Malaysia, who contributes with her life stories, which attract the hearts of readers as well as their minds.

Others, either new or occasional writers, also deserve our thanks including: Sabrine El Khodr, Amanda Charmond Mazumder, Jamal Daoud, Yvonne Ridely, Hyder Gulam, Erin Rutherford, Tamara Swann, Hanan Dover, Shayma Alshakshir and Abdullah Khan. The two new writers Safwan Saparudin from Adelaide (Adelaide CT manager ) as well Rashid Alshakshir from Melbourne (Melbourne CT manager) both deserve respect and gratitude for their great work in these two capital cities to promote and distribute CT within our community.

Crescent Times, 13th issue, November 2009

FIRST ANNIVERSARY

Crescent Times editorial team: a short Biography

Debora McNichol is a Muslim wife, mother, daughter, business owner, editor, and attorney in the USA. She has a general law practice in Virginia and North Carolina, and especially takes pleasure in discussing intellectual property and business law with willing clients, friends, and neighbors.

Tamara Swann is a freelance journalist based in Perth. She studied at Curtin University and in 2008 established her own media consultancy, Proverbial. Tamara is actively involved in several local community organisations and is the PR & Publications Coordinator at The Muslim Women’s Support Centre of WA.

Debora Keysar

Shayma Alshakshir is a professional writing graduate. Her various works have been published in the Leader newspaper, Islamonline (youth4the future), SEED Magazine and Assabeel Daily Newspaper ( Jordan). Her fascinations lie in pens as she believes they are a powerful tool to bring positive change into the world. Her interests lie in writing, reading, politics and traveling.

Hanan Dover is a Forensic Psychologist and Director of PsychCentral Psychological and Counselling Services and Happiness 4 Wellness.

She is also the President of Mission of Hope (www.missionofhope.org.au) and an Executive Committee member of the Psychology from an Islamic Perspective Interest Group of the Australian Psychological Society and UWS Psychology and Spirituality Society.

Zabrina

Aisha Stacey is a writer and researcher based in Queensland. A revert to Islam, Aisha spent 4 years working as a da’eh at the Fanar Cultural Islamic Centre in Doha, Qatar before returning to Australia to complete her BA in Security, Terrorsism and Counter Terrorism Studies. She currently writes a weekly column at www.islamreligion.com, is a regular contributor to www.readingislam.net and is studying for her Masters Degree in Writing.

Jamal Daoud has a B.Sc. in Vet. Medicine, a Grad Dip in TESOL, and postgraduate studies in International Relations. He has worked as a senior Arabic journalist, in addition to writing articles for other media outlets. Participated in establishing Social Justice Network, which is now in progress to become political party.

Erin Rutherford converted to Islam in 2002, and has been volunteering at Al Ghazzali Centre in Sydney since. She is a registered nurse by profession, but is currently working at home looking after her 2 children. She has always had a passion for writing and volunteering, so has taken advantage of this whilst being away from working in hospitals.

Nasya Shayma

Page 15

Eugenia Flynn is an Aboriginal, Chinese and Muslim woman. In 2007 Eugenia founded the Indigenous Muslim Support Network (IMSN), which she continues to lead. Eugenia is the Deputy Chair of the National Indigenous Youth Movement of Australia (NIYMA) and is the Company Manager of an Indigenous youth performing arts company based in Adelaide.

Safwan Saparudin is a very active in Islamic activities in Australia. He is married to Wan Afrah WA Nizar and bestowed with one little daughter, Wafiyah. Graduated from International Islamic University Malaysia in Laws (Bachelor) and Shariah Laws (Postgraduate studies), he is Managing Director of Hidayah Store Australia and Director of Hidayah Quranic Centre, Fellow Researcher for Palestine Centre of Excellence (PACE).

Amanda Charmand-Mazumder, is a registered Mental Health Nurse in the Sydney Area Health

Service. She is currently living in Bangladesh with her Bangladeshi husband working as a content writer for an IT company. Passions include World Politics and Islam, Medicine, Psychiatry and Nursing.

Rashid Alshakshir is a Multimedia and Professional Writing student at Victoria University. He is a Roving Reporter for Youth Central and has published works in SEED and OFFSET magazines and Assabeel Jordanian newspaper. His first film Outlawed was screened at The Artists Formally Known as Vince two week public gallery. It can be viewed on the Crescent Times Facebook page.

Zabrina A. Bakar, is a Life Storyteller, blogger, speaker, international columnist and has author of the Life is an Open Secret book series. http://www.

LifeOpenSecret.com She passionately writes about life daily happenings aiming to inspire her readers to live a life that is grounded in spirituality, and maintains an active blog at http://www.WisdomThruWords. blogspot.com.

Hanan

Tamara

Linda D. Delgado lives in the USA and is a Muslim revert, published author, and publisher of Muslim Writers Publishing at www.MuslimWritersPublishing. com. Her email address is widadld@yahoo.com Sabrine Elkhodr is the President of the Green Scarf Day Foundation which she co-founded in 2007 whilst serving on the executive committee of the Sydney University Muslim Students Association.

Sabrine is currently a third year Pharmacy student at the University of Sydney.

Erin

Irfan Yusuf is a Sydney-based lawyer and writer whose columns have appeared in over 15 newspapers in Australia, New Zealand and Brunei. He is the opinion editor of Crescent Times. You could reach him on: opinion@crescenttimes.com.au In May 2009, Irfan released his new book: Once Were Radicals.

Tarek Chamkhi is a journalist and academic with two university qualifications in Islamic studies and political sciences from Lebanese University and faculty of dawaa Islamiyah (Beirut- 1995). His works have appeared in such prestigious Arab and Lebanese newspapers as Al-Nnahar and Al-Hayat during the 1990s. He has also published books on Islamic thought in Arabic. (1994- 2001) Tarek still writes in both Arabic and English. You can read his Arabic works on: http://chamkhi.maktoobblog.com Tarek is the current editor in Chief of Crescent Times.

Joanne McKeown is: daughter, sister, mother, auntie, doctor, accountant, secretary, writer, journalist, reader, editor, go to woman for details, sports coach, chief cook and bottle washer, Muslim. Joanne is the Production Editor for Crescent Times when she is not working full time as a medical specialist caring for the terminally ill.

Nasya Bahfen lectures in journalism at the School of Applied Communication, RMIT University Melbourne. She is also a reporter for ABC Radio Australia and SBS Radio. She was recently awarded her PhD She is the Victorian editor of Crescent Times newspaper. She could be reached on: nasya.bahfen@crescenttimes.com.au Keysar Trad is the president of the Islamic Friendship Association of Australia Inc (IFAA).

Keysar Trad is a Sydney based speaker on issues relating to Islam and the Muslim community. He has given thousands of interviews and background briefings to various media organizations. He regularly delivers cultural and religious briefings to community groups, churches, government and quasi-government bodies. Keysar Trad is a regular speaker at various events including peace and human rights rallies and gatherings.

Irfan

Rashid

Amanda

Safwan

Jamal Eugenia

Page 16

W

hen we publish opinion articles in Crescent Times, we do not necessarily endorse their content. Opinion articles do not necessarily represent the opinion any of our team members, editors or publishers.

However, we are not afraid of opinions!

Our role is not to teach a particular package

Opinion of opinions and beliefs to our readers, but we do our best to provide space for all schools of thought, personal beliefs and directions of Islamic thought! All are free to submit articles for publication to defend and hold what they see as truth!

The editor in chief

Why polygamists should move to Utah Sabrine Elkhodr *

There’s a time old-tradition amongst the polygamists of Utah that perpetuates a practice better known for the problems it creates than the solutions it provides. Deep within the insular ranks of this minority of American Mormons [ED: most Mormon religious authorities don’t endorse polygamy], a weekly barn dance provides married men with the opportunity to scout for new talent.

Already flanked by several wives and a clan of children, the concept of monogamy is lost on them. Evolution, it seems, has predisposed them to a need for constant sexual gratification that cannot be fulfilled by one partner. One disillusioned former clan wife has described this ritual as “little more than a meat market”.

Any reasonably minded person would find it impossible to disagree.

Now, let’s move our focus closer to home.

In recent weeks, a prominent member of the Australian Muslim community has issued statements that encourage the institutionalisation of polygamy to dissipate the “conjugal frustrations” of men in a monogamous relationship. This, he claims, is for the betterment and continued harmony of society. He argues that men are more inclined to have multiple relationships than women, citing statistics suggesting that “a third of women and two thirds of men in Australian society cheat on their partners” and as such, polygamy is necessary to curb the desire for illicit relations amongst men.

Conveniently forgetting to provide a solution for the thirty three percent of women who also engage in such debauchery, he paints a utopian picture of polygyny where “ the ultimate in giving is for a woman to give a fraction of her husband’s time and affection to another woman who is willing to share with her”.

To all those women reading the above comment, please take for granted that I feel and share your pain! Such a proposition is as laughable as it is contemptuous. For the men out there (at least, the ones in a monogamous marriage), I can feel you cringe at the thought of your wife’s reaction to that comment. In a society where we are apparently “deluded by a Justinian façade that promotes monogamy as a perfect institution”, such an idea does not hold water in the face of reality. In a country where Muslims are brought up to value monogamy and accept polygamy only in exceptional circumstances, the prospect of being in a polygamous marriage is deplorable to most.

We’ve all the heard the stories of marriages that have broken down because a man has decided to take on a second wife without the knowledge or permission of the first.

In fact, if memory serves me well, a certain public figure faced a similar dilemma some years back when he publicly announced that he wanted to engage in polygamy. This then begs the question - do the conjugal benefits of taking on a second wife outweigh the very real risk of a marriage breakdown? If taking on a

second wife is going to create a situation where divorce rates will undoubtedly soar and leave many divorced women in its wake, how can it Keysar giving his speech be claimed that society will ultimately benefit from the practice?

To answer this question, let’s take a look at the historical impetus for polygamy and the circumstances which brought about its regulation in Islam. The Qur’anic verses that permit polygyny were originally revealed after the Battle of Uhud when the ratio of women to men drastically increased. Since men are traditionally seen as the protectors and maintainers of women, God permitted men to take up to four wives in order to protect the widows and orphans left to fend for themselves.

It should not be understood that the Qur’an is exhorting the believers to practice polygamy, or that polygamy is considered as an ideal. In other words, the Qur’an has tolerated polygamy to address the needs present in a specific social context. Any exegesis of the Qur’an will point out that if a man cannot treat his wives equally, then it is strictly prohibited for him to engage in polygamy. A severe punishment is promised if he cannot adhere to the stringent rules applied to polygamy. Nowhere is there an indication in the stories of the Prophet and his Sahabah (companions) that polygyny was intended as a means of controlling men’s sexual desires.

In fact, it is common knowledge that all of the Prophets wives were taken for social, political or humanitarian reasons.

The circumstances that transpired after the Battle of Uhud cannot reasonably be said to reflect those of modern times, at least in an industrialised country like Australia. The majority of men who take on a second wife in these times do so out of a desire to indulge their carnal inclinations. The strict conditions placed on polygamous marriages by Islam renders it near impossible to be practiced fairly and justly in this day and age. It is hard enough for the everyday man to afford one rental contract let alone several. The cost of living today is very high and the 9-5 rat race makes it hard enough to spend adequate time with one family without the added pressure of another.

Furthermore and perhaps most importantly, most women brought up today simply will not accept their husbands taking on a second wife.

To do so without her permission will lead to an acrimonious situation that will either end in divorce or a miserable marriage.

However, if a man feels that his carnal desires are too overwhelming to consider the compelling factors listed above, please do not take on a second wife in the name of Islam.

You’re better off moving to Utah. * Sabrine Elkhodr is the President of the Green Scarf Day Foundation which she co-founded in 2007 whilst serving on the executive committee of the Sydney University Muslim Students Association. Sabrine is currently a third year Pharmacy student at the University of Sydney.

Crescent Times, 13th issue, November 2009

The Sunna of polygyny has again created debate

Keysar Trad

The Sunna of polygyny has again created debate.

As the person who has seen fit to attack my humble contribution to the debate has done so without mentioning my name, I will reciprocate by referring to her contribution without mentioning her name. I am certain that you, our valued Crescent Times readers, would like to know that there was a private discussion with our friend on facebook after she requested me to add her as a “friend”. To my shock though, no logic seems to have convinced her to spare the Sunna from her criticism, in the process, as you will see below, she made unfair and incorrect claims about the Qur’an, the Sunna and the mothers of the believers.

She wrote “a third of women and two thirds of men in Australian society cheat on their partners”. Whilst most of her other quotes seem to be from me, this quote on which she builds two paragraphs is not in my public articles or speech on the topic, please refer: www.fulfilledlives.blogspot.com.

Whilst our sister or any other woman has a right not to practice polygyny, no person has a right to misrepresent Islamic teachings to suit their own mindset. We are consistently told that Islam needs to be reinterpreted, needs to be modernised.

The critics are so jealous that we guard the pristine purity of our Islam and are ready and willing to defend it with every ounce of our intellect and logic.

They have expended huge sums of money in their attempt to rewrite Islam. The Howard government for example established so called “Centres for Excellence in Islamic Education” to reshape Islam. As if the centuries of Islamic scholarship do not already inform us on the meaning of the Holy Qur`an or the Noble hadith.

In their conference last year, Melbourne’s Centre of Excellence received studies from “luminaries” who claimed that Imams were forcing women into violent homes, please see my comments: http://www.onlineopinion. com.au/view.asp?article=8216 Of course the other two centres are not free from controversy, Sydney’s taught erotic material as examples of women in Arabic and Islamic literature: http://www.onlineopinion. com.au/view.asp?article=7345 Brisbane wanted to reinvent Islam and teach a new moderate version to Saudi Arabia: http:// www3.griffith.edu.au/03/ertiki/tiki-read_ article.php?articleId=16101 And we get swept along and carried away as our dear sister who concluded incorrect rationalisations about our beloved Islamic teachings.

She writes: “If taking on a second wife is

going to create a situation where the divorce rates will undoubtedly soar and leave many divorced women in its wake, how can it be claimed that society will ultimately benefit from the practice?”

On what do we base this premise? For a union to be polygamous, it means that the first wife is still there, polygamy does not cause divorce.

One of the aims of polygamy is to protect the first marriage. Secularism’s alternative is divorce the first in order to marry the second.

Allah provided the drive to remarry and the solution, you don’t need to divorce the first in order to also honour the second.

Then she rehashes the ridiculous claim that polygamy was introduced to cater for Uhud widows. This is incorrect for many reasons.

The reason for the revelation of the verse according to our mother Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, was to stop unjust or fraudulent marriages to orphan wards.

Our friend cites the gender disparity after Uhud, the Hadith books tell us that the numbers of Muslims martyred at Uhud are between 40 and 70. If the reason was the excess number of women after the battle of Uhud, which has not been proved nor is it something to be found in the exegesis of the scholars in relation to this verse, then why does the verse limit the practice to four and why did the prophet, peace and blessings upon him instruct those who had more than four to divorce some so as to reduce their number of wives to four? Surely the number would have been left open rather than restricted after so many war-widows had been created?

Then the audacity against “our mothers of the believers” to claim “all of the prophets wives were taken for social, political or humanitarian reasons.” (sic) Was Khadija married for such a reason? Was Sawda? Clearly not!

Our friend claims that the majority of those who take on a second wife now do it to “indulge their carnal inclinations”. The reality of “now” is that you can “indulge” your “carnal inclinations”, without being married at all and your partner does not need to be single. This century, you can engage in almost any carnal pursuit without any accountability unless you have children or unless you become regular with the same person. Casual relationships are increasingly becoming the norm in modern society, many of these are plural.

As God-fearing Muslims we should not feel threatened when the Sunna of polygyny is raised. And we certainly should not regurgitate unproven claims about the Qur`an and the mothers of the believers to justify a personal aversion to a particular tradition!

I entered the debate not to persuade or dissuade from the practice, but to pose the question: Why should polygamy remain a crime?

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International

Crescent Times, 13th issue, November 2009

Page 17

New book reveals the arrest of Saddam A new book reveals details and hidden facts about the arrest of Saddam Hussein and his execution.

Was the Iraqi president executed or killed, and why was the execution rope deliberately so long, and why did the execution take place in the ex intelligence agency, and why were groups planning to kidnap the body?

Questions were put and answered by the deceased president’s lawyer for the first time. Khalil Alduleimi, Saddam’s lawyer, documented the events of the final stages of the life of the deceased president Saddam Hussein, the book has been published under the title “Saddam Hussein the American cell: what happened”.

Mr Alduleimi said Saddam insisted that he document all that he said, because he expected that the Americans would kill him at any time.

He recounted the story of

the arrest through Saddam’s own words: “I used to visit the house of a friend in the district of the dour at Salahuddin’s suburb, I did pick this place because it was the same place that I chose in 1959, it was on the Dijlah River...

He mentioned the name of the owner of the house whom he believed to have informed the American about his place of hiding. He said he used to visit with 2 very close friends so the Americans would not suspect them, he always left a motorcycle, a horse and a boat ready for emergency and he also had an underground shelter.

One day he was surprised by the owner of the house warning that the Americans were coming.

He went to the underground shelter and within a minute they discovered his hideout.

He said: the Americans were ordinary soldiers, it would have been a dereliction of my responsibility as leader to fight with them, however, if it had

been Bush coming to arrest me, I would have fought him until one of us perished.

As for the president’s last wish: He asked for his copy of the Qur’an and his personal belongs to be given to his lawyer to pass to his daughter Raghad and to inform her that her father was on his way to paradise and he will meet God with clear conscience and clean hand and he is going as a soldier who sacrificed himself and his family for Iraq and its people.

Saddam believed the leadership in the Iraqi forces did not betray the Nation.

And when asked if there he had a double the Iraqi president reassured his lawyer that there was not.

The book details the former president’s views about collusion between the US and the Iranian government leading to the invasion of Iraq, it will be the first of a series of books on the former Iraqi president.

Article courtesy: Han

Australia and it’s long history of racism Aisha Stacy

Before the catastrophic events of September 11 and the horrific Bali Bombings, Australia considered itself to be a peaceful nation. A tranquil country far removed from the horrors of war, poverty and destruction sweeping the globe.

Bombings and mayhem were seen to be happening over there to others. Suddenly the world changed. Over there was now here. As for the others, they were amongst us, and a major threat.

Consequently, a culture of fear developed. Fuelled by government rhetoric and unfair media attention, the others become targets and scapegoats. Our differences became important; people became divided because of religion, race, or nationality.

Australia became our country; if you did not fit the mould, you were no longer welcome. The Australian government enacted new legislation directed at terrorism.

They created new crimes, introduced draconian counter terrorism measures, and trampled on once enviable civil and political rights.

In the name of safety and security, hard won rights were eroded and new laws enacted. Detention without

charge, organisations banned, children kidnapped off the street.

These are not laws that belong in a country like Australia. Surely, a peaceful, prosperous country such as this would create laws to protect its citizens, not to defile and harass them.

We do after all have the Racial Discrimination Act (1975) to protect people of all races, colours, and ethnicities. Right?

Wrong! We do not have a Racial Discrimination Act. It was suspended in late 2007 to allow the Federal Government to defile and harass Aboriginal Australians in the Northern Territory. More then 600 military personnel marched into remote communities to humiliate and oppress Australian citizens by, among other draconian measures, quarantining welfare payments.

Indigenous Affairs Minister, Jenny Macklin promised to reinstate the Act in October 2009, but this failed to eventuate. We the citizens of Australia are unprotected.

As unbelievable as this may seem, when we think about it, was there ever a law that guaranteed protection

Prayer Schedule November 2009 Sydney, New South Wales

for all Australians? Perhaps those of us who rightly rail against the erosion of civil liberties should have spoken up sooner. Over there has always been here, in Aboriginal Australia. The new counter terrorism laws appear to be directly targeting Muslims however, the threat is not only to the Muslim community, it is to all sections of this diverse country.

Humane laws should aim to protect the weakest members

of society, not erect barriers to exclude them from protection.

Shamefully Australia has a long history of racism. Our country was born out of the need to consider one section of the population as “other”. The shadow of the White Australia policy still looms over us. The traditional owners of this land have been abused, humiliated and even slaughtered because they were different, not the same, they were and still are the “other”. Aboriginal Australia understands very well the concepts of wrongful detention and kidnapping of children.

Welcome to their world.

Prayer Schedule November 2009 Adelaide, South Australia

Date 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Day Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon

Fajr Sunrise Dhuhr 4:40 6:13 1:00 4:39 6:12 1:00 4:38 6:11 1:00 4:36 6:10 1:00 4:35 6:09 1:00 4:34 6:09 1:00 4:33 6:08 1:00 4:31 6:07 1:00 4:30 6:06 1:00 4:29 6:05 1:00 4:28 6:04 1:00 4:27 6:04 1:00 4:26 6:03 1:00 4:25 6:02 1:01 4:24 6:01 1:01 4:23 6:01 1:01 4:22 6:00 1:01 4:21 6:00 1:01 4:20 5:59 1:01 4:19 5:58 1:02 4:19 5:58 1:02 4:17 5:57 1:02 4:16 5:57 1:02 4:16 5:57 1:03 4:15 5:56 1:03 4:14 5:56 1:03 4:14 5:56 1:04 4:13 5:55 1:04 4:13 5:55 1:04 4:12 5:55 1:05

Asr Maghrib 4:43 7:46 4:43 7:47 4:44 7:48 4:44 7:49 4:44 7:50 4:44 7:51 4:45 7:51 4:45 7:52 4:45 7:53 4:45 7:54 4:45 7:55 4:46 7:56 4:46 7:57 4:46 7:58 4:47 7:59 4:47 8:00 4:47 8:01 4:47 8:02 4:48 8:03 4:48 8:04 4:48 8:04 4:49 8:06 4:49 8:07 4:49 8:08 4:50 8:09 4:50 8:10 4:51 8:11 4:51 8:12 4:51 8:13 4:52 8:14

Isha 9:13 9:14 9:16 9:17 9:18 9:20 9:21 9:22 9:24 9:25 9:26 9:27 9:29 9:30 9:31 9:33 9:34 9:35 9:37 9:38 9:38 9:41 9:42 9:43 9:44 9:46 9:47 9:48 9:49 9:51

Date 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Day Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon

Fajr Sunrise 4:23 5:55 4:22 5:54 4:21 5:53 4:19 5:52 4:18 5:51 4:17 5:50 4:16 5:49 4:15 5:48 4:14 5:47 4:12 5:47 4:11 5:46 4:10 5:45 4:09 5:44 4:08 5:44 4:07 5:43 4:06 5:43 4:05 5:42 4:05 5:41 4:04 5:41 4:03 5:40 4:02 5:40 4:01 5:39 4:01 5:39 4:00 5:39 3:59 5:38 3:59 5:38 3:58 5:38 3:57 5:37 3:57 5:37 3:57 5:37

Dhuhr 12:39 12:39 12:39 12:39 12:39 12:39 12:39 12:39 12:39 12:40 12:40 12:40 12:40 12:40 12:40 12:40 12:41 12:41 12:41 12:41 12:41 12:42 12:42 12:42 12:43 12:43 12:43 12:44 12:44 12:44

Asr Maghrib 4:21 7:24 4:22 7:24 4:22 7:25 4:22 7:26 4:22 7:27 4:22 7:28 4:22 7:29 4:23 7:30 4:23 7:31 4:23 7:32 4:23 7:33 4:24 7:34 4:24 7:35 4:24 7:36 4:24 7:37 4:25 7:38 4:25 7:39 4:25 7:40 4:25 7:41 4:26 7:41 4:26 7:42 4:26 7:43 4:27 7:44 4:27 7:45 4:27 7:46 4:28 7:47 4:28 7:48 4:28 7:49 4:29 7:50 4:29 7:51

Isha 8:50 8:51 8:52 8:53 8:54 8:56 8:57 8:58 8:59 9:01 9:02 9:03 9:04 9:06 9:07 9:08 9:10 9:11 9:12 9:13 9:15 9:16 9:17 9:18 9:19 9:21 9:22 9:23 9:24 9:25

Prayer Schedule November 2009 Melbourne, Victoria

Date 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Day Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon

Fajr Sunrise 4:35 6:13 4:34 6:12 4:32 6:11 4:31 6:10 4:29 6:09 4:28 6:08 4:26 6:07 4:25 6:06 4:23 6:05 4:22 6:04 4:21 6:03 4:19 6:02 4:18 6:01 4:17 6:00 4:16 6:00 4:15 5:59 4:13 5:58 4:12 5:58 4:11 5:57 4:10 5:56 4:09 5:56 4:08 5:55 4:07 5:55 4:06 5:54 4:05 5:54 4:05 5:53 4:04 5:53 4:03 5:52 4:02 5:52 4:02 5:52

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha 1:04 4:51 7:55 9:27 1:04 4:52 7:56 9:29 1:04 4:52 7:57 9:30 1:04 4:52 7:58 9:32 1:04 4:53 7:59 9:33 1:04 4:53 8:00 9:34 1:04 4:53 8:02 9:36 1:04 4:54 8:03 9:37 1:04 4:54 8:04 9:39 1:05 4:54 8:05 9:40 1:05 4:55 8:06 9:42 1:05 4:55 8:07 9:43 1:05 4:55 8:08 9:45 1:05 4:56 8:09 9:46 1:05 4:56 8:10 9:48 1:05 4:56 8:11 9:49 1:06 4:57 8:12 9:51 1:06 4:57 8:14 9:52 1:06 4:58 8:15 9:54 1:06 4:58 8:16 9:55 1:06 4:58 8:17 9:57 1:07 4:59 8:18 9:58 1:07 4:59 8:19 10:00 1:07 5:00 8:20 10:01 1:08 5:00 8:21 10:03 1:08 5:00 8:22 10:04 1:08 5:01 8:23 10:05 1:09 5:01 8:24 10:07 1:09 5:02 8:25 10:08 1:09 5:02 8:26 10:09

Prayer Schedule November 2009 Perth, Western Australia

Date 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Day Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon

Fajr Sunrise 3:50 5:19 3:49 5:18 3:48 5:17 3:47 5:16 3:46 5:16 3:45 5:15 3:44 5:14 3:43 5:13 3:42 5:12 3:41 5:12 3:40 5:11 3:39 5:10 3:38 5:10 3:37 5:09 3:36 5:09 3:35 5:08 3:34 5:07 3:33 5:07 3:33 5:06 3:32 5:06 3:31 5:06 3:31 5:05 3:30 5:05 3:29 5:05 3:29 5:04 3:28 5:04 3:28 5:04 3:27 5:03 3:27 5:03 3:26 5:03

Dhuhr 12:01 12:01 12:01 12:01 12:01 12:01 12:01 12:01 12:01 12:01 12:01 12:01 12:01 12:02 12:02 12:02 12:02 12:02 12:03 12:03 12:03 12:03 12:04 12:04 12:04 12:04 12:05 12:05 12:05 12:06

Asr Maghrib 3:40 6:42 3:40 6:43 3:40 6:44 3:41 6:45 3:41 6:46 3:41 6:46 3:41 6:47 3:41 6:48 3:41 6:49 3:41 6:50 3:41 6:51 3:42 6:52 3:42 6:53 3:42 6:54 3:42 6:54 3:42 6:55 3:43 6:56 3:43 6:57 3:43 6:58 3:43 6:59 3:44 7:00 3:44 7:01 3:44 7:02 3:44 7:02 3:45 7:03 3:45 7:04 3:45 7:05 3:46 7:06 3:46 7:07 3:46 7:08

Isha 8:06 8:07 8:08 8:09 8:10 8:11 8:12 8:14 8:15 8:16 8:17 8:18 8:19 8:21 8:22 8:23 8:24 8:25 8:26 8:28 8:29 8:30 8:31 8:32 8:33 8:34 8:36 8:37 8:38 8:39

Focus

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The Blessing To Mankind

Are You Too Busy?

I am a busy person. I am a productive Muslim publisher. I am a busy published author of seven books. I am busy working as the Financial Officer of a professional Muslim organization dedicated to promoting literacy. I am a busy wife and grandma/great-grandma. I am busy marketing books. I am busy, busy, and busy. I am also frequently discouraged that books I publish for others don’t get promoted as I think they should be and my sisters and brothers in Islam are too busy to help with projects they agreed to help with and need to be involved in. I have high expectations. I work hard.

Let’s see…how many times did I write the letter “I”? Fourteen. How many times did I write the word “busy”? Eight Last week I even decided I would just stop doing this busy work and save myself the frustrations. Who cares, anyways? This was what I was thinking.

A few days ago I was complaining… make that whining…about all this “I” and “busy” stuff to a brother-friend and about the lack of support for the work “I” do. “I” was feeling pretty sorry for myself!

He gently and diplomatically asked me a question (paraphrased) “Do you work for yourself or is your work intended to be in service to Allah?

As I read his question I glanced at the print proof of a book I had just published for the Islamic Writers Alliance Inc. organization, Many Voices, One Faith II – Islamic Fiction Stories. As I stared at the beautifully designed book cover I was struck with the fact that the art work created by Sister Uzma Mirza is one of the beautiful names of Allah: Al-GhafurThe Forgiving.

“I” hadn’t been very forgiving of my sisters and brothers in Islam because they were “busy”. I was busy whining and blaming them for my tale of woes.

In fact, it was appalling that in my diatribe….about me… my “I” stuff…

I had temporarily forgotten the most important thing in my life, Allah.

I realized that it is for Allah that I work.

It is to Allah my gratitude had been lacking for all the opportunities that have been in my personal and work life.

And most importantly, in remembrance of Allah there is certain knowledge that He is never too busy to hear my prayers, my sorrows, my gratitude and my thankfulness.

Are you too busy?

Linda D. Delgado lives in the USA and is a Muslim revert, published author, and publisher of Muslim Writers Publishing at www.MuslimWritersPublishing.com. Her email address is widadld@yahoo.com

Great array of shine illuminated the earth.

Beautiful blessed and gifted since birth.

Sparkles of light overcame the dark.

Our Prophet set the standard. Set the mark.

The Holy Qur’an naturally flowed out his heart.

Nothing! Nor hardship could tear it apart.

Soul so perfect with heart so strong.

Sending light upon his Ummah. Removing the wrong.

He is our role model who shone our hearts with light.

Provided Islam that was flawless and right.

He had exceptional character. So unique and kind.

He gave oceans of wealth to charity even the blind.

Subhan Allah our heart craves to be like him.

He provided wisdom during hardships when things were dim.

Unlock your imagination with the illuminating key of success.

Follow the Sunnah and strive towards your Islamic Potential. Eternal bless.

Time is essence. He was super productive with time.

He repented to Allah daily. O what a shining dime.

Only one straight path leads to Jannah. Assirat al-mustaqim [1] .

He was the most compassionate of mankind.

Most loving and the most rahim [2].

Recite Durood Shareef [3]. Meet him in Jannah so work towards your dream.

May Allah at our last breath make us die as a shaheed.

Shahadah [4] we keep close to our heart. The Qur’an we read.

Our Prophet cried tears and tears during Prayer at night.

Making Sincere du`aa’. As his feet swelled.

Begging for his Ummah to the Al-Might.

He was tortured. Spat on and deeply abused for his Ummah.

Still we neglect prayer, neglect Islam, and neglect Jumu`ah.

He was an orphan. Our Beloved. The Blessing To Mankind If he saw the Ummah today. What would he say? Would he mind?

Rose so blossomed. Rose so red.

Why? Because it was watered with my tears. My soul craves for him. He’s dead!

[1]As-sirat al-mustaqim: Arabic for the Straight Path [2] Rahim: Arabic for merciful [3] Durood Shareef: In Persian; A du`aa’ in praise of the noble Prophet Muhammad [4] Shahadah: Arabic for martyrdom and shaheed is the martyr. iPOET www.islamicpoet.com *Aaqib Ahmed, known as iPOET, is an Islamic poet, writer, speaker and also an entrepreneur. In 2008 he was Head Brother for Marketing and Dawah for the Islamic Society at Birmingham University.

Crescent Times, 13th issue, November 2009

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Page 20

Shayma Alshakshir Hundreds gathered at Monash University to attend the Vice Chancellor’s annual Public Debate earlier this month. The topic: The West Should Engage With Hamas: A Solution to The Israel/Palestine Conflict?”

The 61-year old conflict between Israel and Palestine has been approached by many ‘peace makers’. It is evident however, that all peace talks have failed to date.

Although the Palestinians elected Hamas for government in June 2007, many Western and even Middle Eastern powers refuse to accept Hamas as a democratically elected body; rather they consider Hamas as a terrorist organization.

With no flattering intended, the Obama administration decided to do its homework on its own this time, and has avoided copying the policies entrenched within the previous United States administrations.

The question still remains: Would the engagement with Hamas be of benefit or disadvantage to the peace process?

Speaking for the Affirmative team was Australia’s former prime minister the Right Hon Malcolm Fraser, Monash academic and expert in Global Terrorism Debra Smith and Public Advocate for Australians for Palestine (AFP) Michael Shaik.

Speaking for the Negative team was Dr Danny Lamm, a general dentist and President of the Zionist Council of Victoria, Tim Jeffries, Australasian Debating Champion and Mark Dreyfus MP, a Labor member for Isaacs.

Mr Fraser believes “every serious problem can be solved through discussion, even if it means to negotiate a deal with the ‘enemy’”.

He raised some concerns regarding the

Crescent Times, 13th issue, November 2009

Debate: Is engagement with Hamas a solution to the Israel/Palestine conflict? settlement policy.

“Israel has not paid much regard to President Obama’s demand that Israel stop its illegal settlement building, which raises the question about Israel’s real intentions.” Mr Fraser said.

“Not engaging with the ‘enemy’ is a sign of weakness,” he said.

In response, Dr Danny Lamm strongly stated that Hamas is an oxymoron to peace, and Israel does not seek to negotiate with Hamas.

“The west chooses life, Israel chooses life, Australia chooses life, Hamas chooses death,” Dr Lamm said.

Debra Smith emphasized that political actors are not fanatics, thus should be the case for Hamas. As a terrorism expert herself, Smith ruled out the possibility of placing Hamas in the terrorist’s list.

“Putting out Hamas further hinders the possibility for peace,’’ she said.

“Supporting dialogue with Hamas is not a radical concept,’’ Smith said.

In response, Tim Jeffries from the negative’s team admits that their team accepts Hamas is a political actor, but says that does not grant it the right to sit at the negotiating table.

Jeffries confesses that while many Palestinians are not fond of Fattah, he says at least they don’t seek violent measures.

“Fattah agrees to have Israel exist,’’ he said.

AFP’s public advocate Michael Shaik says that if the negative team is referring to the Hamas charter, then it should be fair to also refer to the current Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s

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Likud Party charter, which states: “the Government of Israel flatly rejects the establishment of a Palestinian Arab state west of the Jordan river.”

Shaik then turns to another claim made by the negative team that Hamas must renounce violence reminding them of the violence the Israeli occupiers carry out on a daily basis.

“Occupation is violence; eviction of Palestinians from their homes is violence,” Shaik said.

“Checkpoints, curfews, torture chambers, assassinations, house demolitions, land confiscations and water theft are all acts of violence inflicted on defenceless civilians,’’ he said.

Mark Dreyfus MP from the negative team introduced Hamas, accusing it of using its people as human shields.

“Hamas is not willing to compromise. Dealing with Hamas will not deal with peace,” he said.

“We should choose life and not the way to death,’’ Dreyfus said. **** The debate ended with no official results announced. My

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evaluations were that the affirmative team have stuck to the topic and have presented their arguments constructively.

As for the negative team, many of their arguments were baseless, and even when they supported their arguments with evidence, they misquoted the Quranic verses or/and took it out of context.

The full recording of the debate is available on the ABC’s Radio National “Big Ideas” program.

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