Advertisment
Advertisment
Winner of the Best Australian Muslim Media Outlet Award in 2009!
E E R F Monthly - Independent
Issue N 22 August 2010
www.crescenttimes.com.au Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
ELECTION 2010: AUSSIE MUSLIMS NOT REPRESENTED IN CANBERRA
Opinions: p15, 16, 25
The Submissive Tree While travelling on a journey along a highway,
I saw blooming flowers and new leaves shoot against the bright morning sun. This beautiful sight inspired me to place the declaration of faith or ‘kalimah-syahadah’ above the leaves. Laa ilaa ha illalaah Muhamad Rasulullah which means, ‘I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and Mohammed is His Messenger. In this artwork the trunks of the tree bear one of the ninety-nine attributes of Allah, ‘Al-Jalil’ referring to God as the ‘Sublime One’ or ‘One with an Exalted Position’. Trees and nature are created to be full of submission. They do not rebel or retaliate, but bear fruits, flowers, shoots and leaves to beautify this earth and to sustain the needs of man. This artwork quotes Qur’an 6:59, God says, “not a leaf falls, but Allah knows it.” On the submission of creations God says: “Do they not see that it is Allah whose praises all beings in the heavens and on earth do celebrate, and the birds with wings outspread? Each one knows its own (mode of) prayer and praise. And Allah knows well all that they do.” Qur’an 24:41 From the book Let’s Celebrate Islam in Poems and Art by Kamariah Ahmad Published by Haritha Artworks
Halal Industry Investigation: P7
In this issue more on:
Page 2
Issue 22, August 2010 Š
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Issue 22, August 2010 Š
Page 3
Page 4
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Rashid Alshakshir
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Melbourne: Muslim Legal Network Seminar
On a cold winter’s night, 40 Melbourne lawyers and law students gathered at an inner city law firm to hear from some of the brightest Muslim legal minds for the Muslim Legal Network’s recent professional development seminar. The seminar heard from the following talented Muslims: Br Imran Lum - who provided an overview of Islamic Banking and Finance. Br Lum is a ManagerCommunity Relations at NAB and is completing his PhD in Islamic Finance at the University of Melbourne. Br Fatmir Badali - sharing his experiences as a practicing Muslim from law school to partnership in Melbourne. Br Fatmir is a litigation partner at Gadens following a nine and a half year career at Blake Dawson. Br Adam Akbulut - sharing his experiences as the principal solicitor at Amicus Lawyers. Sr Fatoum Souki - who shared her experience working for the Financial Services Ombudsman, as well as being part of the Committee of Management of the Western Suburbs Legal Service. Sr Fatoum was presented with the Victorian Women Lawyer’s 2009-2010 Young Lawyer - Community Justice Award in recognition of her contribution to the community on a pro bono or volunteer basis, demonstrating commitment to issues related to
women and justice. Sister Fatima Dennaoui, the President of the Muslim Legal Network (MLN) said that the network “is an Australian based legal practitioner and law student association. It was formed in Victoria in 2008, under the auspices of the Islamic Council of Victoria. MLN has been created for all Australian Muslim lawyers and Muslim law students to engage with the wider community of
lawyers, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah and our Australian community.” Sister Fatima said the MLN “strives towards protecting the civil liberties and human rights of all Muslims living in Australia.” Through the MLN, a framework has been created in which Muslim lawyers, law students and those interested in a career in the law can associate and provide mentoring and support with regards to their legal
careers. Of note, Sr Fatima was recently recognised by AFIC (Muslims Australia) for her services to the Muslim community with regards to setting up the Muslim Legal Network. Vice President of the Muslim Legal Network, Jazeer Nizumuddin said “the MLN works diligently towards building a better understanding of the Islamic faith within the wider Australian community through the development of various bodies, projects and dialogue as well as providing assistance to Muslims and Muslim organisations.” He said the Muslim Legal Network had drafted submissions in response to changes in the law, provided legal seminars at various mosques around Victoria on topics such as employment law, criminal law and human rights and discrimination, as well as producing a discussion paper on the proposed burka ban. Jazeer said that the Muslim Legal Network is expanding throughout Australia, with steps being taken to establish chapters in NSW and WA. If you are interested in learning more about the Muslim Legal Network please email: muslim.legal. network@gmail.com Pictured from left to right are: Fatoum Souki, Hyder Gulam (Senior Lawyer - Logie-Smith Lanyon Lawyers), Fatmir Badali (Partner - Gadens), Jazeer Nizumuddin (Vice President MLN) and Fatima Dennaoui (President - MLN).
Melbourne: National Imams Council Annual Meeting The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), the peak body of Imams in Australia, has held its Annual General Meeting in Melbourne. Imams from all over Australia attended the Annual General Meeting 2009/10 on 25th July 2010 at Umar Ibn al- Khattab Mosque in Preston. Melbourne Imam Abdel Aziem Afefi was elected as the new president of ANIC for the next two year term. Imam Abdel Aziem Afefi succeeds the outgoing president Sydney Imam Abdul Moez Nafti who served the council since 2007. Member Imams elected an eleven member executive council for a two year term. The Imams in the new ANIC executive committee for the period of 2010 to 2012 are: 1. Imam Abdulmoez Nafti -NSW 2. Imam Tareq Albikae -NSW 3. Imam Ridwan Rafea -NSW 4. Imam Amjad Iqbal -NSW 5. Imam Abdulaziem Afifi -VIC 6. Imam Mohamad Nawas -VIC 7. Imam Saeed Shah -VIC 8. Imam Yusuf Parker -WA 9. Imam Abduljalil Ahmad -WA 10. Imam Imran Husain -QLD 11. Imam Yusuf Peer -QLD The new ANIC executive committee elected Imams for the following positions: *President: Imam Abdel Azeim Afefi *Vice President: Imam Imraan Husain *Secretary: Imam Mohammadu Nawas *Treasurer: Imam Yusuf Peer Mufti of Australia Imam Fehmi Naji declared the Annual Meeting open and called for unity among Imams. He urged Imams to develop professional skills to deal with the challenges facing the Muslim community including marital dispute resolution, management of mental health issues, drug and alcohol counselling. To contact ANIC, please email: info@ anic.org.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Human Appeal International “Sounds of Light 2010” Concert Human Appeal International Australia has successfully hosted, for the fourth consecutive year, the Sounds of Light Concert in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Over 5000 people attended and 960 orphans were sponsored during the fund raising event. A variety of prominent Islamic nasheed artists from
Among the audience who attended the concert were businessmen and women, prominent members of the community, leaders, chairmen and representatives from various agencies and associations, including the ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic Mr Tammam Sulaiman and the First Secretary of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Ahmed Algadi.
Sounds of light helps orphan children CT Melbourne: Rashid Alshakshir Left: the four visiting orphan children participating on stage. Courtesy: HAI. around the world performed during the concert including Mutasem Bllah Alasali from Syria, Mohammed AlAzzawi from Iraq, Maher El Zein from Lebanon, Gulf Echo from Saudi Arabia, Raihan Band from Malaysia and Ahmad Abugazala from Australia. The main objective of this event is to raise awareness and support for poor and needy children suffering around the world. It emphasises the importance of orphan sponsorships and the huge difference this makes in children’s lives. The artists performed nasheeds that called for reviving human values and praised the Prophet (pbuh). Such outstanding performances produced an atmosphere of joy and happiness among the audience. This year for the very first time the concert was brought to life with the presence of four orphans from Sudan, Jordan, Kosovo and Bosnia, sponsored through Human Appeal International Australia. The orphans played a major role during the concert and captivated the hearts and minds of the audience. Asawer, an orphan from Sudan, delivered a touching heartfelt poem in Arabic, Florentina from Kosovo sang a song in Albanian and Laith from Jordan performed a song in Arabic.
Human Appeal International’s Sounds Of Light Islamic concert has been hailed a success by organisers with more than 1600 Melbournians packing the Dallas Brooks Centre. The charity concert is in its fourth year and ahas raised funds to support thousands of orphaned children. A much anticipated performance by South African singer Zain Bhikha was cancelled as he wasn’t able to obtain a visa in time, but fans welcomed some of the most talented International Muslim artists including Maher Zain, Umar Abdullah Debois, Raihan, Gulf Echo and Syrian singer Mutasem Bllah Alasali. Seven of the orphans sponsored through past Sounds Of Light concerts were present on the night from to take part in a special performance, making many in the audience cry. Organisers of the event said they raised enough money on the night to help sponsor more than 220 orphans from countries such as Pakistan, Kashmir, Jordan and Palestine. Human Appeal has now launched its Pakistan Floods Emergency Relief Campaign For more information on Human Appeal and to donate visit: www.humanappeal.org.au
Victoria Police recruitment drive targeting culturally diverse and rural applicants CT Victoria Bureau
Victorians of non-English speaking backgrounds are targets of a major Victoria Police recruitment campaign, which aims to attract 1,700 new officers over the next five years. The television and radio advertisements forming part of the campaign were featured at a launch in Melbourne, addressed by chief commissioner Simon Overland and Senior Constable Sonali Deshpande, who discussed how she came to be a police officer after a background working in the medical field and other areas. Also supporting the campaign is a web site featuring recruits such as Lebanese Muslim officer Nadia Ha m m o u d speaking about their careers with Victoria Police. The web site includes information
Melbourne: Australia Arab Business Forum In October The Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (AACCI) CEO Ms Cynthia Dearin has confirmed that inbound missions from the Arab world will be attending the Chamber’s inaugural Australia Arab Business Forum and Expo in
packs in different languages including Arabic, Somali and Turkish. Mr Overland said the campaign marked the first time in nine years that the state’s police have engaged in formal advertising in order to recruit new officers. He said country Victorians would also be targeted along with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and warned that policing “wasn’t for everyone”. “It is a tough yet incredibly rewarding career,” Mr Overland said at the launch of the advertising campaign. “The community has high expectations of its police and we have a responsibility to attract the best people for the job.” The police commissioner said he hoped the recruitment drive would increase the diversity of the force. “I think there is scope for us to attract a more diverse range of people so that our police are more reflective of the community they serve. This means attracting people of all ages, life and work experiences, levels of education and qualification, women and men, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds,” he said. Left: Senior Constable Sonali Deshpande describes why she joined Victoria Police. Photo: courtesy Nasya Bahfen
Melbourne in October. Heads of Arab Country’s trade missions that will be attendance at the Forum and Expo include : Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, UAE. “The growing number of sponsors, delegates and exhibitors registering to attend and participate in the forum and expo highlights the importance of Australia’s links with Arab countries,” said Cynthia Dearin. “This landmark event will provide
an information resource to Australian and Arab companies that are seeking to expand their business horizons and opportunities in a region where our bilateral trade was over $10 billion in 2009.” The presence of Arab business and official visitors will provide a unique platform to exhibit and promote products and services, network with potential clients, share experiences and insight, and gain access to valuable commercial intelligence.
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Page 5
Perth: a new look for Langford Islamic College Amjad Mehboob*
the resources required are promptly available. The parents and the community have also been mobilised to provide the necessary impetus for the students to reach their maximum potential, insha Allah, as balanced, confident, productive individuals whose contribution to this land and its people will truly make us proud. Enrolment numbers have continued to increase as a result of the confidence of the community in the College. was to give the Muslims of Perth a Muslims Australia (AFIC) is setting community school where the parents an exemplary track record in providing would have a say in how their children will excellence in education through its be educated. Langford Islamic College schools. All of AFIC’s five schools have achieved excellence was established Langford Islamic College in their 2009 end of with this vision in year results. mind. the former principal resigned at AFIC is currently AFIC’s premier theAfter end of term 3 2009, the new principal, school in Australia Hans Djajamihardja took up the role. Hans’ working on two further school is the Malek Fahd qualifications include: Islamic School BSc major in computer science and mathematics projects: A large site has in Sydney; it Master of Commerce in IS Management Grad Dip Education Secondary School major in been acquired also operates mathematics minor in AIT in Tarneit, an large schools in other capital A number of changes have been implemented outer suburb of Melbourne. Council cities including under his leadership including: in school hours 8:30 am to 3:30 pm approval is due any Brisbane, Adelaide *Increase *Five times per week Islamic lessons moment and, if all and Canberra. *Appointment of a NAPLAN coordinator goes well, this new Work is also *Engage a part time literacy/ESL resource (AFIC’s progressing on two *Weekly meeting of early childhood, primary, school 2nd in Melbourne) more new schools middle, and senior school groups *After school literacy and numeracy remedial will commence to open in 2011 classes for high school students in Melbourne *Teachers to submit programme and assessment operation in January and Sydney. plan. Fortnightly, teacher to submit literacy and 2011. also AFIC’s goal is to numeracy assessment papers congruent to the AFIC One week after the assessment being carried acquired a large site ensure that all its plan. out, teachers to provide sample students’ work in 2008 in Hoxton schools provide *Whole school morning assembly southern the same quality *Carry out strict discipline at the college to reflect Park, Sydney for a new and balanced good Islamic values. education for *Putting in place new school rules and campus of Malek consequences. No chewing gum, mobile phones to Muslim children be switched off at all times during school hours, Fahd. As usual there who are our future no fighting, no bullying, no racial taunting, no are many issues to and the future of swearing. Late comers to obtain late pass before be resolved but it entering class. is hoped that the Australia. extra curricular activities, such as soccer campus will open AFIC has *More club, leadership programme, free breakfast for enrolment in invested millions programme January 2011. of dollars in *Operation of own school bus starting and The college has its first batch of year 12 students AFIC is also keen operating the this year and is therefore a complete K to 12 to establish an College. The college has 350 students in total at Islamic school in the Langford Islamic the moment, with a capacity of 460. Northern Territory. College in Perth. This is still continuing. A new classroom block has just been completed as well as additional n e w facilities for pre-School children. Work is due to commence shortly on a new Multi-Purpose Hall and a new Discussions are on-going with the Islamic Library which will free-up room for more Council of the Northern Territory; a classrooms and specialist facilities. property has already been acquired in Additionally, the College has been Palmerston. revamped with a new Principal and more motivated and highly skilled teachers *Amjad Mehboob is the AFIC schools and support staff. AFIC ensures that consultant. Langford Islamic College (LIC) was set up by Muslims Australia (AFIC) in 2004 on a large campus formerly occupied by Langford Primary School. AFIC’s reason for setting up the College
Page 6
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Muslims & the Australian Story – On the Road to Political Participation
Perth, WA Niqab back in the public eye Amer Ali: I am going to ask the next PM to ban the burqa Perth Tamara Swann
on Wednesday (4/8), there has been a furore across the country. Debate surrounding the burqa has even upstaged the election campaign on newspaper front pages and in television news headlines. Unfortunately, as well as deepening cultural divides between Muslim and nonMuslim Australians, the debate has divided the Muslim community; some chastising the woman for drawing negative attention to Muslims, others vigorously supporting her for standing up for her beliefs. Although the woman has publically acknowledged that it is not a requirement of her religion to wear a full cover, and in fact in an Islamic law court she would be asked to remove her face veil, fear-mongering about Islam and extremism has prevailed. Sadly, there has been no show of unity amongst Australian Muslims to diffuse tensions and it seems the opportunity to foster deeper understandings of the Islamic faith may have been lost.
This week debate over the burqa has again been ignited by the Anwar Sayed court case, in which a woman who is required to give evidence has asked for permission to do so in her usual dress, the niqab. Mr Sayed is facing allegations that he artificially inflated student numbers at Muslim Ladies College in Kenwick to increase funding received from the state and federal governments. However, the case has been overshadowed by a media storm following the request of the Muslim woman, who had been called by the prosecution to give evidence against Mr Sayed. Mr Sayed’s lawyer Mark Trowell raised concerns of fairness for his client claiming it was important for the jury to see facial expressions in considering the evidence put forward by a witness. Since the issue was bought to light in The West Australian
Indigenous political party in race to register A political party aiming to represent Indigenous Australians is facing an uphill battle because it may not be registered in time for the federal election. Northern Territory man Maurie Ryan announced in May that he would be setting up the First Nations political party. He said that he wanted it to be holding the balance of power within a few elections. However, he is struggling to
register the party in time for the looming federal election. The Australian Electoral Commission says it is usually a three month process to establish a new party, and that it has to stop the registration process on the day writs for the election are issued. Mr Ryan says he has collected the required number of signatures, but the Electoral Commission has told him some of the people are not enrolled. Mr Ryan says he is getting legal advice on whether he could get a court injunction to halt a federal election.
Dear new Prime Minister, Please ban the burqa! A leading WA Muslim has risked a backlash from his community by calling on the winner of the Federal election to ban the wearing of burqas in public. Ameer Ali, an economics lecturer at Murdoch University and vice-president of the Regional Islamic Council of South-East Asia and the Pacific, made the call in an opinion article in The West Australian. Dr Ali, describes the burqa and similar robe the niqab as “the lingering relics of a patriarchal, misogynistic and tribal culture” and argues there is no religious obligation in the Quran for it to be worn. The native Sri Lankan, who arrived in Australia in 1977, argues that the niqab - which covers the entire female body apart from a split gap for the eyes - and the burqa, which has a mesh instead of a gap, not only covers a Muslim woman’s anatomy but also “governs her mind-set”. He argues the rise of Islamism, or political Islam, combined with “liberal immigration policies of Western governments”, has increased the worldwide spread of the garments, which make it impossible for the wearer to properly interact with others around them. Dr Ali, who was the chairman of the Howard government’s Muslim Advisory Council, said yesterday he was prepared for an angry backlash from some sections of the Muslim and wider community. But he felt compelled to speak out and not “pander to the whims of political correctness”. “Of course they will create all sorts of personal attacks but you see I am not attacking the religion. I am attacking the culture,” Dr Ali said. He called on the major political parties to make banning the burqa a bipartisan issue. “France, the Netherlands and Belgium have legislated. Even Syria has disallowed this dress from public space,” he said. Former Ethnic Communities Council of WA president and multiculturalism advocate Suresh Rajan said he agreed the Koran did not prescribe that women wear a burqa, but banning the garment would criminalise otherwise lawful cultural behaviour. A spokesman for Tony Abbott said the Opposition Leader found the burqa “confronting” but had no plans to ban it if he won office. A spokesman for Social Inclusion Minister Simon Crean said the matter was still before the courts.
Melbourne Rufiath Yousuff and Hyder Gulam
With the Federal and State election fast approaching and political parties vying the public for their vote, City Circle posed the question: what role can the Australian Muslim community play on the road to political participation. Invited speakers Waleed Aly, political and social commentator, and Mohammed El-Leissy, endorsed Greens candidate for Preston (Victoria) in the November State election, discussed their views on this vital issue. Waleed Aly’s talk focused on differentiating reality from the assumed ideal. He discussed the nuanced differences within the Muslim community itself and reminded the audience that our personal aspirations for change may not be for the same change another fellow Muslim may seek. In fact, as Muslims enter the political sphere, whether as individuals or through lobby groups, we must prepare ourselves for the range of views these individuals or groups bring to the political arena. Waleed also noted that holding onto one’s ideals is never an easy task, especially when change requires working with other parties who bring their own ideologies to the table; a reality the Greens party may have to face if they are successful in achieving the balance of power in the upcoming elections. Mohammed El-Leissy approached the issue from his personal experiences of initially not being active in politics to ultimately joining the Greens in an effort to make a difference in his own local community. He acknowledged that while issues such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are extremely important, efforts to protect children by building school crossings; better transport and the environment are also important issues which should not be neglected by the Muslim community. Mohammed also explained that while negative perceptions are potential barriers to Muslim participation, his experiences have generally been positive, particularly noting that through shared common concerns, people tended to look beyond race and religion. For more information about City Circle visit: http://citycircle.weebly.com/
Source: The West Australian.
Source: The Australian and other news agencies.
New book: “Anzacs & Israel: a Significant Connection” Kelvin Crombie
On Sunday 8 August 2010, at Victory Life Centre, the Friends of Israel Association was launched along with the release of the new book “Anzacs and Israel.” This abridged version of Anzacs, Empires and Israel relates to the special relationship between the Anzac soldiers and the people of Israel during both World Wars. It reveals the strategic role that the Anzac soldiers played, as part of the British Army, in helping to defeat the Turkish Empire in the First World War. This victory helped to facilitate the implementation of the Balfour Declaration and its promise of a National Home for the Jewish people in Palestine. In addition this book also details the strategic role of the Anzac troops during World War Two when they fought in the region to stop the combined German-Italian force from capturing the Suez Canal. In so doing these troops alongside their Commonwealth brothers also helped prevent the SS from implementing their policy of genocide against the 500,000 Jewish people then living in Palestine.
Contributors AUGUST 2010: Kamariah Ahmad - Hussan Alshakshir - Rashid Alshakshir - Shayma Alshakshir - Uthman Badar - Zabrina A Bakar - Tarek Chamkhi - Jamal Daoud - Linda Delgado - Mohammed El-leissy - Ebtisam El Najjarine - Janine Evans - Hyder Gulam - Muammer Guler - Nadeen Hussain - Khalil Ibrahim - Onn Ibrahim - Asem Judeh - Yasser Khan - Joanne McKeown - Debora McNichol - Amjad Mehboob - Judy Nelson-Eldawy - Ikebal Patel Nashat Samir - Aisha Stacey - Tamara Swann - Madiha Syedan - Monique Toohey - Rufiath Yousuff
support the newspaper that Supports you
PUBLISHER: Crescent Press Pty Ltd
DONAE TO SUPPORT YOUR NEWSPAPER ADVERTS: sales@crescenttimes.com.au MAIL ADDRESS: PO Box 628 To advertise your business with Crescent Times: Mirrabooka, WA 6941 sales@crescenttimes.com.au PHONE/SMS: 0414 155 366 Or call: 0414 155 366 ALL ENQUIRIES: Crescent Times was established to support and serve info@crescenttimes.com.au the Muslim community. The journey is long and the
EDITOR IN CHIEF: Tarek Chamkhi
financial hardship of the start is hard to overcome despite the huge success of our editorial content and readership.
editor@crescenttimes.com.au
PRODUCTION EDITOR: Joanne McKeown joanne.mckeown@crescenttimes.com.au MELBOURNE EDITOR: Shayma Alshakshir
To provide for the printing cost of the newspaper, and to deliver a free copy for you we need your financial support. Over 99% of our writers and contributors are working free. Your donation will encourage and assist them to continue their great work.
shayma@crescenttimes.com.au
QUEENSLAND EDITOR: Aisha Stacey
aisha.stacey@crescenttimes.com.au
OPINION EDITOR: Irfan Yusuf:
opinion@crescenttimes.com.au
MELBOURNE OFFICE: Rashid Alshakshir
rashid@crescenttimes.com.au
ADELAIDE OFFICE: Safwan Saparudin
safwan@crescenttimes.com.au
PERTH OFFICE: Khalil Ibrahim
khalil@crescenttimes.com.au
LEGAL AFFAIRS EDITOR: Hyder Gulam
hyder.gulam@crescenttimes.com.au
Donation details: PayPal:use email:sales@crescenttimes.com.au
Send cheque to: “Crescent Times” P.O. Box: 628 Mirrabooka, 6941 WA Online transfer to Crescent Times bank account:”ANZ” BSB: 016498 Account number: 481145891
Subscription Form
Please complete this form and return it with your cheque or proof of payment: Full name:............................................. Profession:.............................................. Full postal address: ...................................... .................................................................... .............State:........Post code:.......... Email address: ...................................... Phone number: ..................................... Type of subscription: Premium: $100 per year Regular: $50 a year Gold supporter: open value (subscription & donation) Method of payment: PayPal Cheque Bank transfer
Signature:
Money order Return to: P. O. Box: “Crescent Times” P.O. Box: 628 Mirrabooka, 6941 WA, Australia (For overseas subscription please contact us for a quote)
Crescent Times is a monthly Muslim community newspaper and as such welcomes contributions of letters, articles and photographs from all members of the community. Contributions sent by email or on computer disk are appreciated; there is no publication charge for articles submitted. The deadline for all contributions is the 25th of the month prior to publication. All contributions and advertising may be sent to: PO Box 628 Mirrabooka WA 6941 or by email to: editor@ crescenttimes.com.au INDEMNITY AND WARRANTY Advertisers and/or advertising agencies upon and by lodging material with Crescent Press Pty Ltd for publication in the Crescent Times or authorising or approving of the publication of any material INDEMNIFY Crescent Press Pty Ltd and the Crescent Times against all claims, demands, proceedings, costs, expenses, damages, awards, judgements and any other liability whatsoever wholly or partially arising directly or indirectly in connection with the publication of the material, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing indemnify Crescent Press Pty Ltd and the Crescent Times in relation to defamation, libel, slander of title, infringement of copyright, infringement of trademarks or names of publication titles, unfair competition, breach of trade practices or fair trading legislation, violation of rights of privacy or confidential information or licences or royalty rights or other intellectual property rights AND WARRANT that the material complies with all relevant laws and regulations and that its publication will not give rise to any claims against or liabilities to Crescent Press Pty Ltd or the Crescent Times, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, that nothing therein is in breach of the Trade Practices Act 1974 or the Copyright Act 1968 or the Fair Trading Act 1987 or the defamation, consumer protection and sale of goods legislation of the Australian states or territories or infringes the rights of any person. Crescent Press Pty Ltd and the Crescent Times accept no responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear according to instructions. The positioning or placing of an advertisement is at the discretion of the editor. COPYRIGHT Where no charge is made for the preparation of advertising material, Crescent Press Pty Ltd will remain owner of the copyright in the advertising material. Such advertising material may be reproduced only with the consent of Crescent Press Pty Ltd and upon payment of such fee as Crescent Press Pty Ltd may require. Original works are subject to copyright and shall not be reproduced without authority. HALAL POLICY Crescent Times does not represent or endorse the halal status of our advertisers’ products, neither the reliability of any of the advertisements, nor the quality of any products, information or other material displayed, consumed or purchased by any member of the public. Every individual shall conduct their own research on matters related to quality of product or its halal status.
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Page 7
Crescent Times Investigation:
HALAL FOOD UNDER THE MICROSCOPE Part1
Shayma Alshakshir* In the July edition of Crescent Times, a range of findings and questions were raised with regard to halal food in Australia, with a particular focus on halal meat. While shopping, one might get a sense of excitement when spotting the ‘halal’ stamp. However, what goes behind the scenes raises doubts in the minds of all those that care about this issue. The concern about halal food is not a new one; it’s more than 1400 years old. Islam has set out detailed teachings regarding foods. It was actually the first matter to receive Islamic legislation in Mecca after the introduction of the Creed belief system (Aqeeda), at a time when even the pillars of Islam (apart from the Shahada) had not been established. Books of fiqh discuss the issue of food and drinks in hundreds and hundreds of pages. Islam has highlighted the importance of consuming halal meat by setting the following rule: “The origin of things and actions is permissible unless there is a text or tradition that negates that. While when dealing with the meat issue, it is the total opposite.’’ It is vital to mention that halal isn’t restricted to meat only, but also includes other types of foods: i.e. breads, chocolates, ice creams, cheese and so on. For the purpose of simplicity, this report attempts to explore the many areas of halal, including the following: 1. The domestic meat market 2. The export meat market 3. Other food products certified as Halal, and 4. Regulations and breaches 5. Consequence, Penalties and Compensation We also want to ensure that our fellow Muslims overseas are not mislead by a halal stamp ‘wrongly used’ in the name of an Australian Halal Authority. Last month, the Director of Australian Halal Food Services (AHFS), Dr Mohammed Lotfi released information on the organisation’s website stating that their halal logo as been used without permission, that investigations were conducted and legal action has been taken.
Domestic Meat Market
According to two former slaughtermen interviewed by Crescent Times, Firas and Amr*, and after investigation, it appears that official government bodies for the supervision of the domestic halal meat market do not exist. Some of the recognised Australian Muslim Halal certifying bodies operating in the domestic halal meat market include: Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC), Halal Certification Authority Australia (HCAA), World Halal Forum (WHF), International Halal Industry Alliance (IHI), Islamic Coordinating council of Victoria (ICCV) and Australian Halal Food Services (AHFS).
Export Meat Market
program known as the Australian Government Supervised Muslim Slaughter (AGSMS) to manage the production of export halal meat and meat products. Two other key elements of the recommendations included the introduction of an official Australian halal stamp and an official Australian Government halal certificate. AQIS has identified a number of Islamic organisations to be responsible for the provision of halal inspection, supervision and certification services for meat and meat products for export. As well as ensuring only practicing Muslim slaughtermen are employed to perform the slaughtering and supervisory work, these organisations provide guidance and expertise on Islamic Sharia and interpretation of halal principles. In Australia, there are 12 Islamic organisations that have approved arrangements with AQIS for the certification of halal meat and meat products for export. Halal certification and the AGSMS program are controlled by the legal requirements of the Export Meat Orders under the Export Control Act 1982, and apply to red meat, edible offal and meat products. The AGSMS p r o g r a m e n s u r e s identification and segregation of meat derived from animals slaughtered by a registered M u s l i m slaughtermen, in accordance with Islamic rites. Muslim slaughtermen must be registered with AUS-MEAT, and be authorised by a recognized Islamic organisation. AUS-MEAT issues the Muslim slaughterman with an identity card, which must be shown to an authorised AQIS officer upon request. Applications for AGSMS program approval can only be made by those establishments registered for export under the Export Control Act 1982. Applications must be directed to AQIS in accordance with the relevant requirements contained in the Export Meat Orders and after approval from a recognised Islamic organization. Halal meat loaded for final export receives an official halal meat certificate signed by both an AQIS authorised officer and a representative of an AQIS recognised Islamic organisation.
2)Another product manufactured by Arnott’s initially certified as halal is Tim-Tams. Again, a rumor began that TimTams contained alcohol. Many were disappointed yet stopped consuming them, others disregarded this rumor on the basis that the ingredients list did not include alcohol. When contacted, Arnott’s confirmed that Tim-Tams contain alcohol and said that alcohol is not listed in the ingredients is because it is under 0.5% of the product and by law they are not obliged to mention it. Recently, however, a Muslim sister contacted them again and Arnott’s said they no longer use alcohol in the manufacture of Tim-Tams! 3) This is also a concern in the area of drinks. At times, alcohol is not mentioned in the list of ingredients as the percentage contained is less than 0.5%. An example of this is Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, which contain minute residual traces of alcohol. The Quality Assurance customer officer for Bundaberg has declared that and provided a written explanation of the manufacturing process.
Official government bodies for the supervision of the domestic halal meat market do not exist......
Consequences, Penalties & Compensation Some years ago in the United States, McDonalds was held legally liable when it was found to be using non-vegetarian ingredients when it claimed otherwise. The Hindu and vegetarian communities lodged complaints, solicitors chased the matter up, they were able to quantify the damage and on these bases they were compensated. Muslims on the other hand didn’t care and neither did McDonalds! In Australia, the AQIS offers a ‘redline’ free call service for people who want to confidentially report information about suspected breaches of Australian quarantine, meat or food inspection laws. Individuals are also able to file a complaint Obligations & Breaches by downloading the form available on their M u s l i m website. certifying bodies have Conclusion set rules for Some people argue that Muslims are a manufacturers minority and should not be allowed to place to ensure that labels on “everybody’s” food. Some have taken they adhere to it further and boycotted every product with the set rules and ‘halal’ stamp. Unless you’re specifically looking p r o c e d u r e s for it, the stamp is hardly visible! in order to On the Australian Islamic Monitor website obtain a halal - one of many anti-Muslim websites - some c e r t i f i c a t e . non-Muslims have voiced their anger at the H o w e v e r , introduction of an element of Sharia law by it seems introducing the halal stamp! most of the One comment on this website stated: “it is responsibility rests with the manufacturer. time to start a campaign against halal food For example, the ICCV states on its website in Australia as it represents an erosion of our that “it is the responsibility of the manufacturer culture. Notice that the Agriculture Minister to ensure that renewal of approved halal Tony Burke was responsible for approving products be carried out before the expiration of the extension of permission for the Victorian the halal certificate or contract. To renew halal abattoirs for the cruel halal slaughter method. certificates the manufacturer must complete and Tony Burke is now the Minister for Population! return the form entitled “Halal Will he give similar concessions to more Muslim Renewal Form” two months immigrants?” before the expiry date on the Another one raised a concern, which might be current certificate. A Halal valid for some Muslims: Renewal Form is required for “I won’t buy products marked as halal, on a each product to be renewed.” matter of principle, but it saying that, a product Discussion with those who being halal, doesn’t mean a thing. They do very work behind the scenes in the little in checking out the manufacturing process, halal meat industry reveals whereas, if you buy a product marked as kosher, that, although Australian law you know that the product is 100% pure.” regulates the handling of halal meat, some Muslim individuals Part 2 of this report, to be published next remain hasty in adhering to and implementing month, will include interviews with some of the rules. Two former slaughtermen, Amr and the Muslim certifying bodies as well as with government meat related bodies in relation to Firas, spoke with Crescent Times: “It is all about the trust. You can only police the following points: the situation for a certain time,” they said. 1.Government watchdog bodies for domestic “Sometimes it dies before slaughter, and they meat and non-meat products 2.A list of recognised religious authorities just say let it go,” and it gets certified as halal. They also narrated an incident where a 3.The fate of the money generated by the Halal government supervisor was doing his job Industry as an inspector and noticed that a Muslim 4.Monitoring the process of Halal at abattoirs, slaughterman had breached an Islamic boning rooms and cold stores condition for halal slaughtering. When the 5.Inspection bodies and regularity of monitoring inspector expressed his concern, the Muslim 6. Halal certifiers and their powers slaughterman got defensive and claimed he 7.Monitoring of Halal certificates’ terms and conditions knew better. *Names have been changed to protect the identity of Obligations for halal slaughter include: 1-The slaughterman must be practising and informants. A copy of this article, including references, can be obtained approved by a religious authority. 2-Halal slaughter should be physically from the editor. * Shayma Alshakshir is a Melbourne based researcher separated from non-Halal slaughter to avoid any and journalist. She is the current Crescent Times editor contamination of Victoria. She could be contacted on: shayma@ 3-Muslim slaughtermen must be able to offer crescenttimes.com.au their regular, Friday and two Eid prayers.
When contacted, Arnott’s stated that the ingredients change regularly and they cannot always guarantee the product to be halal even if it appears on the list of halal products.
“Sometimes it dies before slaughter, and they just say let it go,” and it gets certified as halal.
Every year Australia exports approximately 974,000 tonnes of beef and veal, 150,000 tonnes of lamb and 162,000 tonnes of mutton to more than 110 countries throughout the world. Many of these countries have significant Non-Meat products Muslim populations and, with an estimated 1.6 Muslim bodies certifying non-meat products billion Muslims worldwide, Muslim nations are don’t actually specify on the label or on their important markets for Australian product. website what specific ingredients were approved as Halal. It is essential to differentiate between the From personal experience, ingredients change export and the domestic markets, as they as often as the Melbourne weather. Here are operate under different rules and regulations. some examples: The article written by AFIC in the last issue of 1)Arnott’s is one of Australia’s largest food Crescent Times provided extensive details of their companies. Arnott’s issued a list of halal strict procedures and their inspection processes. certified products to the community and However, these processes relate mostly to the mailed it out directly to consumers on request. export market, which may be of little concern to A rumor spread that the creamy biscuits they manufacture were no longer halal, although Australian Muslims. In 1983, The Australian Quarantine they were included on the halal list originally. and Inspection Service (AQIS), based When contacted, Arnott’s stated that the on recommendations made by the Royal ingredients change regularly and they cannot Commission, introduced the official halal always guarantee the product to be halal.
4-The method of chicken slaughtering must concur with Islamic conventions 5-An animal slaughtered by halal method must not die (ie when stunned) before it is Islamically slaughtered Abattoirs, cooling and boning areas also have their own sets of rules. As observed, the obligations include all the nitty gritty details. The questions yet remain: Do all the manufacturers abide by those terms, and actually pass them? Who inspects them? How often? What happens if they’re found to be in breach of adhering to the set regulations?
Page 8
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Email: editor@crescenttimes.com.au SMS: 0414 155 366 Mail: P.O.Box: 5390 Alice Springs, 0870 NT Banning the niqab in France Dear Editor, What a tragedy that the country which gave us liberte, equalite and fraternite has now allowed their government of nearly 90% men to decide what women may legally wear. France now joins those countries which continue to claim the right to legislate and penalise women for their mode of dress. What is the difference between Sudan punishing a women for wearing pants and France imposing fines of $200 on a woman for wearing a face veil? Where in this law is the understanding and consideration for a woman’s right to choose how she presents herself in public? How does women’s clothing affect the nation? Feminists arise - our sister’s right to choose is at stake. Regards, Pamela Curr, President Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Victoria
Halal certificate providers
My comments about the Australian
‘halal’ certification organisations is from a political perspective. Due to the Western Imperialist Governments’ ‘Invasions’ of Muslim Nations, Muslims living in Western democracies too have themselves been under attack by their governments & media: demonising Muslims as ‘terrorists’ or portraying them as uncivilized and backward. Related and extended is now the attack of the ‘halal’ food industry, via monopolising the halal food industry. Importantly, due to the current Global Financial Crisis (GFC), Western governments are desperate to tap into any industry to save the failing globalised economy. The halal industry, or the Muslim consumer market, estimated at 3 trillion dollars annually worldwide has been targeted as being the next funder to sustain Western Governments World Power over Muslim and non-Muslim nations. ISLAM is a very Political religion, informed of all life matters, hence it is such a popular religion, increasing in numbers, whilst other religions are decreasing or dividing or subdividing – which is what they try to do to ISLAM too, in vain. So, in short, the practice
Middle Way On Polygyny
Muammer Guler*
Since the Dangerous Ideas festival I have been following opinions on polygyny in Islam in Crescent Times and other Islamic venues. But there were few important points untouched in the articles published. There is no doubt the debate on polygyny here in this country and overseas will continue for the coming years and decades due to the controversial nature of the topic. We have to bear in mind that when arguing for polygyny in Islam we cannot fully take the current Judeo-Christian implementation of marriage as our guide mainly because of their permission for adultery (through prostitution and casual sex with boy or girl friends). But we should be able to review current issues in the light of Quran and sunnah and introduce adjustments if there is any scope to do so, again in the light of Quran and sunnah in every age. We all know that Allah Almighty in the Qur’an (4:3) allows men to have up to four wives with the condition of treating them justly and we also know that Our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and some of his companions had polygamous marriages. There is sufficient evidence in the hadith and historic literature in this regard. We have to look at the possible wisdom behind polygyny. The common ones are marrying war widows, having a second wife if the first wife cannot meet the needs of the husband due to sickness and marrying a second wife when there are more women than men in a society. Opposing polygyny in general as indicated by some writers, opens the door to changing other fundamentals of Islam such as daily prayers (salat), fasting. When we analyse Quran and sunnah on polygyny we can see that there is the solution for men and women in a balanced way. This can fulfil the need of men and provide liberty for women. I believe that Quran and sunnah do not oblige all women to accept polygamous marriages. Yes Qur’an says that men can have up to four wives but neither Qur’an nor sunnah explicitly orders every women to be the second, third or fourth wife. As the creator, Allah knows that some percentage of women for various reasons will accept to be second wives and some will not. We cannot force first wives to accept the second wife as her co-wife. But we also cannot prohibit men from polygamous marriage. There should be a framework for interested
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
of certifying non-Halal foods MUST stop immediately, to protect Muslim lives Muslim money must remain with Muslims. For example, foods including: Vegemite, peanut butter, tinned fruit, biscuits, flour, etc., which have nothing to do with the ISLAMIC RELIGION, must NOT be ‘halal’ certified or labelled. Even Kentucky Fried Chicken and Mc Donalds (both incidentally on the Israel boycott list) use the ‘halal’ label to boost their sales, successfully, according to recent media reports. Just because beef or chicken is used, it does not make it ‘halal’ beef or chicken meat: these animals must be raised and slaughtered according to Islamic law – in clean and human conditions, not in ‘dirty and cruel’ environments, ie. non-halal - eg. not in cramped cages or barns, stepping and eating their own feaces and urine, not free to roam in fresh air, grass, sunshine and exercise, fed antibiotic drugs - to make them grow quicker – then slaughtered in similar unclean and cruel methods, ie. rough handling, stunning, beatings, etc., thus inhumanely treated, according even to non-Muslim animal welfare agencies and activists. Halal business’ too can promote their halal meat and food products, with lists of farmers and suppliers, for their consumers to visit and inspect for themselves: the breeding and slaughter processes. I want to quickly mention also the halal butcher in Auburn, across the road from the Auburn train station, how honoured it made me to see a ‘Sorry, closed, for prayer’ sign last Friday afternoon. This is ‘halal’, this is what ISLAM is about.
Ayse Balcilar, Sydney.
men to have polygamous marriage and sensitive women to have monogamous marriage for life. We have to note that in a welfare society it is also women who accept to be the second wife. The possible motives can be wealth, nobility, love etc. According to world gender statistics, apart from China, the male to female ratio is 48%:52% respectively. This means there are four more women than men in every 100 people. As there is only a small excess female population - and as a result there will be a similar small number of polygamous marriages - we should introduce necessary procedures in order to give women peace of mind during marriage that their husbands will not all of a sudden decide to have additional wives without the first one’s permission. My suggestion is this: that if a woman does not want polygamous marriage she can state this before the marriage and put this in the marriage contract. In this way the husband accepts not to have another wife during this marriage. If a man strongly believes that because of general application at the time of our Prophet (pbuh) and his caliphs men should have the right to have a polygamous marriage he can put that condition into the marriage contract. If wife accepts this condition the husband can have another wife when he wishes. As mentioned above there will be some women in the society who will accept polygamous marriage from the very beginning for various reasons in a welfare society. The second part of the suggestion is this: if a husband who had a contract not to have a second wife changes his mind and wants to get married he should pay a set amount of sufficient compensation to the first wife whether she stays or separates. By breaking his promise he undermines his own credibility amongst his relatives and friends and also pays a substantial amount of compensation to his wife. In this way, we keep open and preserve the spirit of the permission Allah Almighty has given to men in Surah Nisa (4:3). After the introduction of marriage regulations, boys and girls, men and women from early ages must learn marriage laws so that they can prepare themselves for marriage and know their rights and obligations about polygyny. There might be some divorce cases in this type of marriage contract but due to clear contract agreements this figure will be much much lower than in the western world and this will minimise secret indecent relations. In conclusion, it seems that the main wisdom of polygamy in Islam is not to fulfil men’s sexual appetite but to provide a husband for every woman. Along the way some privileged men (through their wealth, nobility, handsomeness, knowledge and
so on) get the chance of having multiple wives. It might also be said that maybe Allah protects these privileged and talented men - through decent legal polygamous marriages - from falling into sin and decadence. *Muammer Guler is a Melbourne based writer and specialist in the Islamic studies.
Islamic Fashion Space Beauty of Ramadan Ebtisam El-Najjarine* Part of the beauty of Ramadan is the fact that you learn great habits for the rest of the year, like how to be more patient, how to think about those less fortunate than you and how to have increased devotion. Through fasting, we experience hunger and thirst, and sympathise with those in the world who have little to eat every day. Through increased devotion, we feel closer to Our Creator, and recognise that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Allah SWT. Through increased charity during Ramadan, we develop feelings of generosity and goodwill toward others. The Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) once said, “A man’s wealth is never diminished by charity.” Through self-control, we practice good manners, good speech, and good habits. Through changing routines, we have a chance to establish more healthy lifestyle habits particularly with regard to diet and smoking. Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world. So how can we benefit from Ramadan when it comes to our clothing? Is there a place in Ramadan to think about our clothing sense? Yes, of course there is. What
Iran: Amiri was our spy
better month than Ramadan to start dressing more Islamically? How about this month you buy a simple black abaya for wearing for Salat al Tarawih or the Night Prayers, at your local mosque? Or for brothers, a classic white thobe to wear for the Salat Al-Tarawih? Even a small change like wearing looser pants, a Kufi Cap, or for women, looser outerwear. Hopefully it will be something to continue on wearing after Ramadan. A person who leaves something for the sake of Allah SWT, Allah sends him a better thing. Allah says in the Quran: “…And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him out of every difficulty, and He will provide for him from where he could never imagine.” [at-Talaq; 2-3] What better time to start than Ramadan. Who knows, maybe your change will affect your family for the better, or your friends, or people on the street. One thing is for sure, only Allah SWT knows the effect of our changes, and that is the most important thing. *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.
“We sought to obtain good information from inside the CIA. While Amiri was still in the US, we managed to establish contact with him in early 2010 and obtained very valuable information accordingly. He was managed and guided (by us),” the source told Fars. The source said Amiri provided more information after his return to Iran last week. “Iran’s intelligence agencies now possess valuable details from inside the CIA, which is a great victory,” it said. To support the claim, the source mentioned the license plate numbers of two cars used by the CIA in Virginia, claiming that some CIA locations, individuals and contacts have been identified. A US official briefed on the Amiri case dismissed Iranian claims of intelligence gains comparable with the information Washington says it gleaned from the scientist.
An Iranian nuclear scientist who returned home last week from the United States provided valuable information about the CIA, a semi-official news agency reported Wednesday, adding that his spy’s tale would be made into a TV movie. American authorities have claimed Shahram Amiri willingly defected to the US but changed his mind and decided to return home without the $5 million he had been paid for what a US official described as “significant” information about his country’s disputed nuclear program. The Fars news agency, which is close to Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards, quoted an unidentified source as saying Iran’s intelligence agents were in touch with Amiri while he was in the US and that they won an intelligence Source: Arab News battle against the CIA. Iran has portrayed the return of Amiri as a blow to American intelligence services that it says were desperate for inside information Rashid Alshakshir on Iran’s nuclear program. Iran 1-Your inspiration is: has sought to make maximum propaganda gains from the affair, My fans inspire me allowing journalists to cover Amiri’s 2-How do you come up with return, sending a senior Foreign ideas for songs? Ministry official to greet him and Mostly when I’m driving, they preparing to make a movie about just come up. the story. “This was an intelligence battle 3-Australians are? between the CIA and us that was Very nice people, I’m serious, it’s designed and managed by Iran,” true. the source was quoted as saying. 4-Do you prefer green tea or “We had set various goals in this water? battle and, by the grace of God, we achieved all our objectives without Moroccan Green Tea with mint. our rival getting any real victory.” 5-Have you had an embarrassing Amiri claims he was kidnapped by moment on stage? American agents in May 2009. I’m trying to think of one...I can’t find one The Fars report suggests Amiri had 6-What do you do before a show to get hyped up? been planted to discover how much information the US had gathered I warm up my vocals, drink tea and drink lots of water. about Iran’s nuclear program, which 7-You are best at: Washington believes is aimed at I don’t like to talk about myself weapons production. Iran says its 8-To you, Palestine is: nuclear work is only for energy A place I’d love to visit production and other peaceful 9-If you weren’t a singer you would be: purposes.
* Maher Zain In 60 Seconds
A driving instructor
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Page 9
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
RAMADAN BLESSED OCEAN OF FORGIVENESS The month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam which is of paramount significance. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no god except Allah and that Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah, performing prayer, paying the Zakat, making the pilgrimage to the sacred house (Hajj), and fasting the month of Ramadan.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, President of the Fiqh Council of North America, states: 1. What is Fasting? Fasting is called sawm in the Qur’an. The word sawm literally means “to abstain”. In Surat Maryam, Allah tells us about Mary the mother of Jesus that she said, “I have vowed a fast (sawm) for the sake of the Merciful, so today I shall not speak to anyone”(Maryam 19: 26) The meaning is “I have vowed to abstain from speaking to anyone today.” According to Shari’ah, the word sawm means to abstain from all those things that are forbidden during fasting from the break of dawn to the sunset, and to do this with the intention of fasting. 2. Purpose of Fasting The Qur’an says: “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who were before you, in order that you may learn taqwa.” (Al-Baqarah 2: 183) Taqwa is a very important spiritual and ethical term of the Qur’an. It is the sum total of all Islamic spirituality and ethics. It is a quality in a believer’s life that keeps him/her aware of Allah all the time. A person who has taqwa loves to do good and to avoid evil for the sake of Allah. Taqwa is piety, righteousness and consciousness of Allah. Taqwa requires patience and perseverance. Fasting teaches patience, and with patience one can rise to the high position of taqwa. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said that fasting is a shield. It protects a person from sin and lustful desires. When the disciples of Jesus asked him how to cast the evil spirits away, he is reported to have said, “But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21). According Imam al-Ghazali (d. 1111 C.E.), fasting produces a semblance of divine quality of samadiyyah (freedom from want) in a human being. Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (d. 1350 C.E.), viewed fasting as a means of releasing the human spirit from the clutches of desire, thus allowing moderation to prevail in the carnal self. Imam Shah Waliullah Dahlawi (d. 1762 C.E.) viewed fasting as a means of weakening the bestial and reinforcing the angelic elements in human beings. Maulana Mawdudi (d. 1979 C.E.) emphasized that fasting for a full month every year trains a person individually and the Muslim community as a whole, in piety and self restraint. 3. Fasting is obligatory In the second year of Hijrah, Muslims were commanded to fast in the month of Ramadan every year. The Qur’an says “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who were before you, in order that you may learn taqwa(piety).”(Al-Baqarah 2: 183) Further Allah says, “The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur’an, wherein is guidance for mankind and the clear signs of guidance and distinction. Thus whosoever among you witness the month must fast....” (Al-Baqarah 2: 185) The Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) explained this further in a number of his statements reported in the books of hadith. It is reported by Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah said, “Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no god except Allah and that Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah, performing Prayer, paying
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 31
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 Tue
Prayer Schedule August 2010 Perth, Western Australia Fajr 5:42 5:41 5:40 5:40 5:39 5:38 5:38 5:37 5:36 5:35 5:34 5:33 5:33 5:32 5:31 5:30 5:29 5:28 5:27 5:26 5:25 5:24 5:23 5:22 5:21 5:20 5:18 5:17 5:16 5:15 5:14
Sunrise 7:05 7:05 7:04 7:03 7:02 7:01 7:00 7:00 6:59 6:58 6:57 6:56 6:55 6:54 6:53 6:52 6:51 6:50 6:49 6:48 6:47 6:45 6:44 6:43 6:42 6:41 6:40 6:38 6:37 6:36 6:35
Dhuhr 12:24 12:23 12:23 12:23 12:23 12:23 12:23 12:23 12:23 12:23 12:22 12:22 12:22 12:22 12:22 12:22 12:21 12:21 12:21 12:21 12:20 12:20 12:20 12:20 12:19 12:19 12:19 12:19 12:18 12:18 12:18
Asr 3:20 3:21 3:21 3:22 3:22 3:23 3:23 3:24 3:24 3:25 3:25 3:26 3:26 3:26 3:27 3:27 3:28 3:28 3:29 3:29 3:29 3:30 3:30 3:30 3:31 3:31 3:31 3:32 3:32 3:32 3:33
Fasting: Meaning & Rules
the Zakat, making the pilgrimage to the Sacred House (Hajj), and fasting the month of Ramadan.” The Muslim Ummah is unanimous that fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory upon every person who is capable (mukallaf). 4. Rules about Fasting: A) Who must fast? Fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory upon every Muslim, male or female, who is adult (i.e. has reached puberty) and sane and who is not sick or on a journey. Sickness could be a temporary sickness from which a person expects to be cured soon. Such a person is allowed not to fast during the days of his/her sickness, but he/she must fast later after Ramadan to complete the missed days. Those who are sick with incurable illness and expect no better health, such people are also allowed not to fast but they must pay the fidyah, which is giving a day’s meals for each fast missed to a needy person. One can also give instead the money for meals to a needy person. Women in their menses and post-natal bleeding are not allowed to fast, but they must make up later after Ramadan. Pregnant women and mothers who are nursing babies, if they find it difficult to fast they can also postpone their fasting to a later time when they are in a better condition.
Maghrib 5:41 5:42 5:42 5:43 5:44 5:44 5:45 5:46 5:46 5:47 5:47 5:48 5:49 5:49 5:50 5:51 5:51 5:52 5:53 5:53 5:54 5:54 5:55 5:56 5:56 5:57 5:57 5:58 5:59 5:59 6:00
Isha 7:00 7:01 7:02 7:02 7:03 7:03 7:04 7:04 7:05 7:05 7:06 7:06 7:07 7:07 7:08 7:08 7:09 7:10 7:10 7:11 7:11 7:12 7:12 7:13 7:13 7:14 7:14 7:15 7:16 7:16 7:17
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 31
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 Tue
Journey according to the Shari`ah is any journey that takes you away from your city of residence, a minimum of 48 miles or 80 kilometers. It is the same journey that allows you to shorten (qasr) your prayers. The journey must be for a good cause. It is a sin to travel in Ramadan in order to avoid fasting. A Muslim should try to change his/ her plans during Ramadan to be able to fast and should not travel unless it is necessary. The traveller who misses the fasts of Ramadan must make up those missed days later after Ramadan as soon as possible. B) Fasting according to the Sunnah: 1) Take sahur (pre-dawn meal). It is sunnah and there is a great reward and blessing in taking sahur. The best time for sahur is the last half hour before dawn or the time for Fajr prayer. 2) Take iftar (break-fast) immediately after sunset. Shari’ah considers sunset when the disk of the sun goes below the horizon and disappears completely. 3) During fast abstain from all false talks and deeds. Do not quarrel, have disputes, indulge in arguments, use bad words, or do anything that is forbidden. One should try to discipline oneself morally and ethically, beside gaining a physical training and discipline. One should also not make a show of one’s fasting by talking too much about it, or by showing dry lips and hungry stomach, or showing bad temper. The fasting
Prayer Schedule August 2010 Sydney, New South Wales Fajr 5:22 5:21 5:21 5:20 5:19 5:18 5:17 5:17 5:16 5:16 5:15 5:13 5:12 5:11 5:10 5:09 5:08 5:08 5:06 5:05 5:04 5:03 5:02 5:01 5:01 4:58 4:57 4:56 4:55 4:53 4:52
Sunrise 6:48 6:47 6:47 6:45 6:44 6:43 6:42 6:41 6:40 6:40 6:39 6:37 6:36 6:35 6:34 6:33 6:32 6:32 6:30 6:29 6:27 6:26 6:25 6:24 6:24 6:21 6:20 6:19 6:18 6:16 6:15
Dhuhr 12:02 12:02 12:02 12:02 12:02 12:02 12:01 12:01 12:01 12:01 12:01 12:01 12:01 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 11:59 11:59 11:59 11:59 11:58 11:58 11:58 11:58 11:57 11:57 11:57 11:56 11:56
Asr 2:55 2:56 2:56 2:57 2:57 2:58 2:59 2:59 3:00 3:00 3:00 3:01 3:02 3:02 3:03 3:03 3:04 3:04 3:05 3:05 3:05 3:06 3:06 3:07 3:07 3:08 3:08 3:08 3:09 3:09 3:09
Maghrib 5:16 5:17 5:17 5:18 5:19 5:19 5:20 5:21 5:21 5:21 5:22 5:24 5:24 5:25 5:26 5:26 5:27 5:27 5:28 5:29 5:30 5:31 5:31 5:32 5:32 5:33 5:34 5:35 5:35 5:36 5:37
Isha 6:37 6:38 6:38 6:39 6:39 6:40 6:41 6:41 6:42 6:42 6:42 6:44 6:44 6:45 6:45 6:46 6:47 6:47 6:48 6:48 6:49 6:50 6:50 6:51 6:51 6:52 6:53 6:53 6:54 6:55 6:55
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 31
person must be a pleasant person with good spirit and good cheer. 4) During fast one should do acts of charity and goodness to others and should increase his/her worship and reading of the Qur’an. Every Muslim should try to read the whole Qur’an at least once during the month of Ramadan. C) Things that invalidate the fast: One must avoid doing anything that may render one’s fast invalid. Things that invalidate the fast and require qada’ (making up for these days) are the following: 1) Eating, drinking or smoking deliberately, including taking any non-nourishing items by mouth, nose or anus. 2) Deliberately causing oneself to vomit. 3)The beginning of menstrual or post-childbirth bleeding even in the last moment before sunset. 4) Ejaculation out of sexual excitement from kissing, hugging, etc. 5)Eating, drinking, smoking or having sexual intercourse after Fajr (dawn) on mistaken assumption that it is not Fajr time yet. Similarly, engaging in these acts before sunset on the mistaken assumption that it is already sunset time. Sexual intercourse during fasting is forbidden and is a great sin. Those who engage in it must make both qada’ (make up the fasts) and kaffarah (expiation by fasting for 60 days after Ramadan or to feed 60 poor people for each day of fast broken in this way). According to Imam Abu Hanifah, eating and/or drinking deliberately during fast also entail the same qada’ and kaffarah. D) Things that do not invalidate fasting: During fasting, the following things are permissible: 1) Taking a bath or shower. If water is swallowed involuntarily it will not invalidate the fast. According to most of the jurists swimming is also allowed in fasting, but one should avoid diving, because that will cause the water to go from mouth or nose in the stomach. 2) Using perfumes, wearing contact lenses or using eye drops. 3) Taking injections or having blood test. 4) Using miswak (tooth-stick) or toothbrush (even with tooth paste) and rinsing the mouth or nostrils with water provided it is not overdone (so as to avoid swallowing water). 5) Eating, drinking or smoking unintentionally, i.e. one forgot that one was fasting. But one must stop as soon as one remembers and should continue one’s fast. 6) If one sleeps during the daytime and has a wetdream, it does not break one’s fast. Also, if one has intercourse during the night and was not able to make ghusl (bathe) before dawn, he/she can begin fast and make ghusl later. Women whose menstruation stops during the night may begin fast even if they have not made ghusl yet. In all these cases, bathing (ghusl) is necessary but fast is valid even without bathing. 7) Kissing between husband and wife is allowed in fast, but one should try to avoid it so that one may not do anything further that is forbidden during fast. E) Requirements for the validity of fasting: There are basically two main components of fasting: 1) The intention (niyyah) for fasting. One should make a sincere intention to fast for the sake of Allah every day before dawn. The intention need not be in words, but must be with the sincerity of the heart and mind. Some jurists are of the opinion that the intention can be made once only for the whole month and does not have to be repeated every day. It is, however, better to make intention every day to take full benefit of fasting. 2) Abstaining from dawn to dusk from everything that invalidates fasting. This point has been explained in detail in the preceding sections. Source: Islamonline
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 Tue
Prayer Schedule August 2010 Melbourne, Victoria Fajr 5:50 5:49 5:49 5:48 5:47 5:46 5:45 5:44 5:43 5:43 5:42 5:40 5:39 5:38 5:37 5:36 5:34 5:34 5:32 5:31 5:30 5:28 5:27 5:26 5:26 5:23 5:22 5:20 5:19 5:18 5:16
Sunrise 7:20 7:19 7:19 7:17 7:16 7:15 7:14 7:13 7:12 7:12 7:11 7:09 7:08 7:06 7:05 7:04 7:03 7:03 7:00 6:59 6:57 6:56 6:55 6:53 6:53 6:51 6:49 6:48 6:46 6:45 6:44
Dhuhr 12:27 12:27 12:27 12:27 12:27 12:27 12:26 12:26 12:26 12:26 12:26 12:26 12:26 12:25 12:25 12:25 12:25 12:25 12:24 12:24 12:24 12:24 12:23 12:23 12:23 12:23 12:22 12:22 12:22 12:21 12:21
Asr 3:12 3:13 3:13 3:14 3:15 3:16 3:16 3:17 3:18 3:18 3:18 3:20 3:20 3:21 3:21 3:22 3:23 3:23 3:24 3:24 3:25 3:26 3:26 3:27 3:27 3:28 3:28 3:29 3:29 3:30 3:30
Maghrib 5:33 5:34 5:34 5:36 5:36 5:37 5:38 5:39 5:40 5:40 5:41 5:42 5:43 5:44 5:45 5:46 5:47 5:47 5:48 5:49 5:50 5:51 5:52 5:52 5:52 5:54 5:55 5:56 5:57 5:57 5:58
Isha 6:59 6:59 6:59 7:01 7:01 7:02 7:03 7:04 7:04 7:04 7:05 7:06 7:07 7:08 7:09 7:09 7:10 7:10 7:12 7:12 7:13 7:14 7:15 7:15 7:15 7:17 7:18 7:18 7:19 7:20 7:21
Page 10
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Using the plight of vulnerable people to get votes Janine Evans*
Book review: Boy vs Girl
Aisha Stacey
Want to be a distributor? (07) 5571 7386 0412 601 152 info@hussana.com.au
H
ussana has just been launched in Australia, working under it’s parent company Dukkaan Ltd. The concept behind the Hussana brand started in early 2008. After researching the market, we found very few, if any, body care and beauty products were Halal certified. The products that were available were mainly cheap imports from the Middle East, with very poor packaging, not widely available.
To purshase our product online:
The aim of Hussana is to introduce a Halal alternative to the current high street products, many of which contain alcohol and other Haram ingredients from different animal parts. None of Hussana’s range contains any alcohol or animal products. The range consists of Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash, Moisturiser, Cleanser, Face scrub, Lip balm, Baby shampoo, Baby lotion, Baby oil and Baby bath. The range is suitable for use by both males and females.
www.hussana.com.au
Author: Na’ima. B. Robert Can a sister save her brother? Can they help each other or will one of them draw the other into danger? Family values, religious obligations, turmoil and life changing choices, it is all there, laid bare and experienced by a couple of kids. I recently read Boy vs Girl, the newly released teenage/ young adult novel by Na’ima B Robert. Young adult fiction is a genre that I usually enjoy because there is something about youthful optimism that keeps us young and Ms Robert’s novel did not fail to impress. Boy vs Girl is set in Britain during the Islamic month of Ramadan. It is a snapshot look at the life of Farhana and Faraz, sixteen year old twins of Pakistani descent. Over just a few weeks we watch them struggle through issues that affect many Muslims, young or old, trying to reconcile a western lifestyle with Islamic values. The twins engage in a personal struggle to achieve their religious aspirations, but find that trying to please God, their various family members and their friends is tough going. Ramadan is a fitting backdrop to their effort and the reader is able to learn about Islam and Ramadan through the lives of the Farhana and Faraz and those that
As a concerned Australian citizen aware of the rights we hold to assist those seeking asylum (not only morally, but legally as Australia is a signatory of the UN Refugee Convention) I wrote to Senator Chris Evans, Minister for Immigration, regarding the Government’s policy on Asylum Seekers. I pointed out to him that a large portion of the Australian public are against this policy and want real ‘leadership’ on this issue. I received a reply that basically restated what I had read in the newspaper, and did not address, in any way, the position I put to him - a Government is elected to ‘lead the nation’ not to top the polls by kowtowing to minority public opinion. But alas this is not to be the case and asylum seekers are again being used for political mileage. For either side of politics to believe it is acceptable to use the plight of desperate, homeless people for its own gain is not only immoral but shows a distinct lack of character. In an article in the Sydney Morning Herald earlier this year Senator Evans attempted to shed some perspective on the issue when he stated: ‘The ‘’flood’’ into Australia if the past week’s rate is maintained for the year is all of 5500 0.01 per cent of the world’s refugees.’ However, the article goes on: “In 1979, Malcolm Fraser’s cabinet faced a refugee exodus from Vietnam that reached 55,000 in a month... as a “regional crisis of major dimensions’’ loomed, foreign minister Andrew Peacock warned: “Between 100,000 and 150,000 boat refugees could arrive in Australia over the next few years.’’ The Fraser cabinet knew the political risks: 61 per cent of voters polled wanted to limit the refugee intake; 28 per cent wanted it stopped. The cabinet discussed the same options as its successors in the Keating, Howard and Rudd governments - turning boats back, detention centres, offshore processing and temporary visas - and rejected them all. With bipartisan support, Australia met its obligations under the UN Refugee Convention and resettled almost 250,000 Vietnamese, including about 220,000 refugees. Their contribution to the nation has been immeasurable. This current “flood” would take 45 years to equal the Fraser Government’s intake. But this election does have one thing in common with the Parliament of 1979; it is taking a bipartisan approach. Both the Liberal and Labor Parties have no real interest in these people except to score political points. Both Gillard and Abbott show equal disdain for this desperate group. Whether is it is ‘Political Spin’ or a true disregard for the plight of another human being it is hard to know, but one thing is clear, in this frenzy of words that is the 2010 Election Campaign, the politicians miss the irony of their position, for our National Anthem reflects Australians as we truly are. (Second verse) ...For those who’ve come across the seas We’ve boundless plains to share With courage let us all combine To Advance Australia Fair. *Janine Evans is an Adelaide based Muslim author and a community activist.
surround them. If I have any criticism at all, it is that the story finished all too quickly. Just as I began to really know and like the characters, it was over. So, is it a case of waiting forever to see what lies in store for the twins and will I ever know what happens to aunty Naj? Perhaps Ms Roberts is setting us up for volume 2. I for one would be keen to know what adventures await this endearing Muslim/British/Pakistani family. A great read, and suitable for all ages.
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Page 11
There’s a planeload of reasons why we’re the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline. Again. From the friendliness of our staff to the quality of our brand new fleet, there’s many reasons why AirAsia has been voted World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the second year running. It’s an achievement we’re incredibly proud of, as the Skytrax World Airline Awards are the largest and most respected independent awards for the airline industry, with over 17.64 million passengers from 100 different nationalities participating in the voting. So to all of our staff, and to all of our passengers, we’d just like to say thank you. Again.
Grab a low fare to Kuala Lumpur, then on to over 70 destinations worldwide including Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia and India.
Fly from Gold Coast and Perth daily, Melbourne twice daily.
Book @ airasia.com or call 1300 760 330 Holiday package deals @ airasiago.com
Welcoming Ramadan in Pakistan Madiha Syedain*
a nine to five hour job comes back at 3 o’ clock in the evening,
the day in cleaning and reciting Holy Quran. “I prefer to read
Finally, the dawn of Ramadan is ready to rise over the borders of Pakistan and Muslims all over the country are preparing to fast approximately an hour before sunrise to sunset for a month. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and aims to inculcate spirituality, humility and patience among Muslims by abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking and other kinds of activities. During the month of Ramadan, life goes through a beautiful change. It becomes more spiritual, quiet and harmonious in terms of daily activities like eating, sleeping, shopping. Habits pertaining to religious activities like charity, reciting Quran, praying nawafill, taraweeh and sitting for etakaaf come into the limelight. A feeling of restlessness and tension subsides once a Pakistani wakes up for sahur and waits for his wife to serve him paratha, omelette, chicken, tea, juice or milk. After sahur, he or she offers Fajr prayers either at home or in mosque. School and office hours start early in morning approximately one/two hours to usual schedule. For example a banker who has
whereas school starts at seven and finishes at one in Ramadan. The moment, the clock strikes three, people leave their offices and rush back to their homes. “One experiences a strange kind of urgency and rush on the roads, drivers do not follow any kind of discipline, pedestrians cross roads without waiting for the light to turn red and traffic wardens seem to lose control of the situation, stated prominent sportsman Adnan Aslam. Finally, when you reach home, one performs Dhuhr, and Asr prayers and takes some rest. As compared to men, women of the household if not working, spend
the Holy Book after my husband goes to his office and kids leave for school. The time provides an ample opportunity for devotees to become closer to Allah and appreciate the blessings of life,” stated housewife Mrs Anwar. Cooking time shifts from morning to noon when housewives and working women go into the kitchen. The menu of iftar is vast, traditional and carries special excitement and attraction for children, friends and families. Ladies love to cook rice, (daal chawal), meatballs, chicken roast, mutton karahi, kebabs, pasta, mixed vegetables and salad for dinner. Iftar attractions
begin with dates, milk, juices, traditional pakoras and samosas served with coriander chatni, dahi baray and fruit chat. Ultimately, when the sun sets, families gather around the table and thank Allah for His blessings. “My mother cooks delicious chicken samosas and mutton karahi for iftar,” commented a university student Qasim Abbas. Many local and international restaurants from Chinese to Continental, Italian to Arab arrange special sahur and iftar packages for youngsters and families. People gather around date and fruit sellers, dahi baray and samosa shops at iftar time. After iftar men go to illuminated mosques for Isha’a and taraweeh prayers, TV channels show special Ramadan transmissions. Zakat is also distributed among poor. The government also organises special Ramadan bazaars. Overall, Ramadan is celebrated with religious zeal and harmony in Pakistan with an aim to ask the Almighty for guidance, His forgiveness and to purify ones self through self-restraint and good deeds.
PAKISTAN FACES TOUGH TIMES: APPEAL FOR DONATIONS/ ZAKAT Pakistan Association of WA:
In a country which is already running low on resources due to its involvement in the war on terrorism, the current monsoon season has created havoc. The country was already in mourning last week due to the loss of lives in a plane crash in the capital city of Pakistan when floods hit the country. So far more than 1 000 000 people have been displaced with the number of deaths increasing daily. Pakistan is under huge economic pressures, a high price is being paid for the war against insurgents both in terms of human and physical resources. In a university lecture last week Her Excellency Fauzia Nasreen briefed the audience that more than 2273 Pakistani military and security personnel have sacrificed their lives. The international community has immediately come forward to support flood relief and Australia has already pledged 5 million dollars for the flood relief operation. The Pakistan Association of Western Australia is requesting the community to come forward and pledge donations and zakat. We are particularly asking mosques around the region to request donations at Friday prayer. If you an are owner of a business perhaps you could run a sausage sizzle outside your venue to raise funds. If you need volunteers to assist, please contact PAWA at president@ pakistanassocitaion.com or 0434841705. A flood relief fund has already been established and we appeal to all community and friends to donate generously. The month of Ramadan is approaching and this is the right time to pledge your zakat and donations.
You can directly donate to the High Commission’s account for which details are provided as under or to PAWA Account Bank: ANZ Bank Account Name : Pakistan Association of Western Australia Number: 016464 560693466 Those who want to donate directly to the High Commission of Pakistan in Canberra: Commonwealth Bank *Madiha Syedain is a Pakistani Bank: , Account Name: Main account no: 2 Journalist. Number 062900 10219258
Page 12
Issue 22, August 2010 Š
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
This comic strip is based on book characters in the Islamic Rose Books series. The comics have 2 goals: 1. to be funny 2. to help demonstrate a fiqh point to readers without being preachy. In this one Grandma is a new Muslim revert and
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Page 13
this is her very first Ramadan. Rose is her 9-year- together to support her hijab-wearing school old non-Muslim granddaughter. Camelia and friend, Camelia. A member of the Hijab-Ez is a Reyhannah are her two Muslim Hijab-Ez Friends. girl who wears a head covering regardless of her religious beliefs. Definition: Hijab-Ez (pronounced hijab-ease) Copyright 2006 Linda D. Delgado is a word Rose made up to identify the group of All Rights Reserved. Muslim and non-Muslim friends who joined Reprinted with permission of the author.
Fatwa: The Aged & Pregnant Woman Not Fasting in Ramadan Question: Respected scholar of Islam, as-salamu `alaykum. Is it permissible for an old man/woman not to fast in Ramadan? Also, what is the ruling regarding the pregnant woman and suckling mother? Name of Counsellor: Yusuf Al-Qaradawi Answer: Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Brother, first of all, we’d like to say that we are impressed by your question, which emanates from a thoughtful heart. May Allah Almighty help us all adhere to the principles of this true religion, Islam, and enable us to be among the dwellers of Paradise in the Hereafter, Ameen. In response to your question, the eminent
Muslim scholar Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi are unable have to feed a poor person. But states: whosoever does good of his own accord, it It is permissible for an older man/woman is better for him.” (Al-Baqarah 2: 184) not to fast in Ramadan if fasting would be So, for the elderly man, elderly woman, a big struggle for them or it would be an and the sick who do not expect recovery overbearing difficulty. Old people [who from their sickness, they are not to fast and cannot fast] have to give a ransom, which as charity they are to feed a poor person is the feeding of a needy person for each for each day. day. This is a concession and an easement As regards a pregnant woman or a from Allah. Allah says: “Allah intends suckling mother, if she is worried lest for you ease and does not intend for you fasting should harm her, the majority of difficulty.” (Al-Baqarah 2: 185) jurists are of the view that she is allowed Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with not to fast, provided that she makes up him) said: “It is allowed for the old man for the fast-days she missed. A woman in not to fast. For each day, he is to feed a either of those cases is similar to a patient. poor person, and he does not have to Though jurists have unanimously agreed make up for the fast days.” According to that a pregnant or a suckling woman who Al- Bukhari, Allah says regarding the old apprehends harms to her embryo or her man and people like him: “And those who new-born child is allowed to abstain from fasting, they have disagreed as to whether she must make up for the fast days she missed later, or feed one poor person for each day she missed or both. Ibn `Umar and Ibn `Abbas maintain that she is to feed poor people equal in number to the fast days she missed. The majority of scholars are of the view that she must make up for the fast days she missed. Others yet hold that she is to do both. It seems to me that only feeding the poor is enough on its own for a woman who is constantly either pregnant or suckling, so that she has not got an opportunity to make up for the fast days she missed. So it may be the case that a woman is pregnant this year and a suckling mother the next and pregnant again the following year, and so on. She is therefore unable to make up for the fast days on which she refrained from fasting. So if she is commanded to make up for those days, she will have to fast for several years incessantly, which is definitely going to be difficult, and Allah does not want His servants to suffer hardships. Source: Islamonline.net
Fasting Time Friends M. Hamzah Simmonds b. Abdullah A great month starts tomorrow To end our sorrow The month of the fast Dunya will not last, This month we spend reading the Holy book At ourselves and our lives we are commanded to look To see if we are doing all we can To help our fellow man, We think of those who can’t afford to eat We visit each other as friends and take seat We aid the orphans and those in need We plant the seeds of love and other mouths we feed, We give charity freely as we should We encourage ourselves to do only good We do not fight, neither do we fuss For Allah our lord, commands us thus! About the poet: Muhammad Hamzah Simmonds b. Abdullah is an Australian born in 1979. He embraced Islam in 2000. His interest in poetry started when he first became a Muslim and to date he has written over 150 poems. In the spirit of brotherhood irrespective of religion and race, Hamzah feels that there is an urgent need to build a better understanding for all. From the book Let’s Celebrate Islam in Poems and Art by Kamariah Ahmad Published by Haritha Artworks
Page 14
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
رم�ضان مبارك وكل عام و�أنتم بخير RAMADAN BEST SPECIALS
Medjool dates from USA $9.95kg Dates Deglet Noor Tunis 1kg $5.99 ea Dates Deglet Noor Tunis 500g $3.20 ea Maamoul with Madina dates $2.99 ea Eggnoodles $2.99 kg Red Lentils $2.99 kg Great Northern Beans $2.49 kg Pumpkin seeds $5.99 kg Eggs 50g dozen $2.49 ea Frozen Okra 500g $1.49 ea Frozen Molokhia 500g $1.49 ea Kataifi pastry 500g $3.99 ea
Tahineh 454g $3.49 ea Tahineh 907g $6.79 ea Halawa plain 454g $3.79 ea Halawa plain 907g $5.99 ea Halawa with pictachio 454g $4.49 ea Halawa with pictachio 907g $7.99 ea Tukas tomato paste 700g $3.49 ea Lebanon Garden: Pickled mix 3.2kg $6.99 ea
Grape leaves 1kg $3.99 ea
Pickled pepper 2.5kg $6.99 ea
Somer Red Sella Rice 5kg $12 Somer Red Sella Rice 20kg $45
Somer Blue Super Basmati Rice 20kg $35 Somer 2L canola oil $4.99 ea Somer 3L sunflower oil $7.99 ea Somer 20L sunflower oil $45 ea Safa Juices 1Lt mango $1.99 ea 1Lt Guava $1.99 ea 1Lt Fruit Cocktail $1.99 ea 1Lt pinapple $1.99 ea 1Lt orange $1.99 ea 1Lt Apricot $.199 ea 1Lt Pomegrante $2.79 ea 1Lt Red Grape $2.79 ea
Quality Assured The best products from Australia and the Middle East Mirrabooka Fresh Shop 21/22 Mirrabooka Square Shopping Centre WA PH 9349 0063
Morley Fresh Shop 1044 Morley Centro Galleria Shopping Centre WA PH 9275 6061
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
In response to Jamal Daoud against the Greens:
Why we should vote for the Greens!
Melbourne Mohammed El-leissy
Islam teaches us that goodness comes from many different acts. A society that that nurtures and encourages its citizens through incentive (enterprise), or ensuring a worker is paid before the sweat dries from their forehead (workers rights), or looking after the planet that Allah has made as an Amanah (trust) for us and shunning corporate greed (environmentalism). In a nutshell these are what the three major parties (Liberal, Labor and the Greens) each hold as their core values. The biggest question facing Muslims in this election is: who will be the better deal as a whole for our community in this election. The Greens are usually dismissed simply for their lenient views on gay marriage (even though it was mostly Labor governments that legalised homosexuality as an act) and this focus can detract Muslim voters from a party that generally is showing itself to be a better deal for Muslims in Australia in the long run. After the election, the Greens will most likely hold the balance of power in the Senate, Let’s look at several of the Greens’ policy positions that may be of interest to members of the Muslim Community, in order to help us decide whether Greens really are ‘good for the Muslims.’ Asylum Seekers: One does not need to be Muslim to realise that the policy of the last two governments towards asylum seekers has been more cruel than humane, but it does help. Our experiences of being strangers in strange lands, of crossing borders illegally to save our lives, make many in the community sympathise with the plight of refugees who seek the safety and security of Australia. The Labor Party shamefully decided to suspend asylum applications from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in April, despite evidence that these are still very unsafe countries for Afghans and Sri Lankan Tamils. The Liberal Party’s policy is even worse. They advocate the return of Temporary Protection Visas that leave refugees in limbo for years, as well as sending people to remote islands like Nauru. They also want the Navy to turn around boats at sea. I guess they forgot what happened to the Struma, Exodus and SIEV X. The Greens’ policy on this issue calls for the end of mandatory detention and offshore processing immediately. They are the only party whose policy statement on this issue avoids using misleading words such as ‘border protection,’ ‘illegal immigrant’ ‘queue jumpers’ or Abbott’s ‘peaceful invaders.’ The Greens state unequivocally “Asylum seekers and refugees are no more of a threat to our borders or to our society than anyone else and must be treated with compassion and dignity.” Palestine: Despite the fact that the position of the Australian government on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is unlikely to have significant ramifications on the lives of people there, many Muslims feel strongly that they want their government to hold views in line with their own on this issue. The reality here is that the Liberal party holds a very one-sided view in support of Israel. Labor holds the same. The Greens support a two-state solution and recognise excesses in this war from both Israel and the Hamas (unlike the other two parties that just blindly focus on Hamas). It’s not perfect for many Muslims, but again better then Labor and Liberal. Climate Change: The earth is an Amanah (trust) from Allah. To put it most basically, everyone knows the Greens stance on climate change and water conservation. The other two parties refuse to act over fears from big business. It’s simply un-Islamic to help destroy Allah’s earth (contrary to his order) for financial gain as Allah has created this earth for us and future generations. Conclusion: Through their policies directed to the environment and climate change, we see that the Greens uphold the Quranic notions of valuing the Earth and respecting that which sustains us. Through their policies on asylum seekers and their stance on a more balanced view on the Israeli-Palestine conflict (over the other onesided parties), they place a high value on returning to politics that looks after the community, rather then big business. Most importantly, the Greens ask both the voters and the government to care and be involved, fulfilling the hadith from Aishah in Sahih Muslim “Allah is Kind and likes kindness
in all things.” Unlike Labor or Liberal, the Greens are putting compassion back into politics rather then simple economics. *Mohammed El-leissy is the Greens candidate in the Victorian State election for the seat of Preston in November 2010.
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Caring about local issues isn’t just for everyone else
Mohammed El-leissy*
It would be hard to argue that Muslims are not one of the most politically aware communities in Australia – predominately when it comes to foreign affairs and federal politics. However when it comes to local issues, most Australians (and Muslims included) can be a little uninterested. The Prophet (s.a.w) said “The best of people are those that are most beneficial to people.” When people think of politics, they see greedy and power-hungry men filled with corruption – however the opposite is also true. Being involved in local politics can bring much benefit to the community. Political participation is an opportunity for Muslims to get involved with issues that affect all Australians and be a positive force. You don’t even need to be elected – even in opposition, political
participation is about advocacy for issues that you are passionate about. On a federal and international level Muslims in politics may be about influencing a peaceful change in policy towards Iraq and Afghanistan or ensuring a closer connection with politicians to ensure Muslims are not used for political score pointing. But on a state and local level, Muslims can be equally influential. Things like improving the state of our hospital system, developing more efficient public transport, reducing greenhouse gases and ensuring better policies to help develop the economy aren’t just things that non-Muslims are allowed to do and influence. Also focusing on these issues doesn’t cancel out concerns for issues that affect Muslims overseas. When I ran for council election in 2008, people were surprised to find a Muslim that actually was interested in what their local concerns were. It’s an established fact that Muslims
Page 15
will continue to live in Australia. Our great grandchildren in 2110 will tell stories of how we were the first of their lineage to migrate here. They’ll also wonder what we did as Muslims to help wider society in 2010 – what did we do about the issues that will affect them in the future? Muslim Community Participation in this democracy is inevitable – in fact, this year we will most likely get the first Muslim into Federal Parliament (Ed Husic). It’s not the peak of what a Muslim can do in Australia – nor is it an automatic badge of honour but it’s a start and those that don’t get involved should either find a viable alternative or hold their silence. It’s easy to be critical of our leaders and their policies – but we also have a system that allows us to take part, to be part of the solution. If we don’t, our children most certainly will.
*Mohammed El-leissy is the Greens candidate in the Victorian State election for the seat of Preston in November 2010.
Page 16
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Elections 2010: Voting does not comply with Islamic teaching
Uthman Badar*
The Australian federal elections are looming and as the politicians seek to court the Muslim vote, there is increasing discussion within the Muslim community regarding the issue of political engagement and voting. Without a doubt Islam encourages Muslims to be politically active. Indeed it obliges this, for Islam is a comprehensive message for all of humanity to be implemented as a means of mercy to all the creation of Allah. Yet being politically active does not necessarily translate to participation in any and every political system we find ourselves subject to. Any specific action in this regard – like voting in a secular democratic system – has to be assessed in light of the Islamic perspective. Voting is to select one option from a list of possibilities, and thus in origin is permissible, without question. This permissibility however is dependent on the selected options being permissible. If they are prohibited, the voting itself would carry the same ruling. Thus, for example, voting on who will do the shopping is permissible, but voting on who will lead the next bank robbery is prohibited. The reality of the secular political system is that we are asked to vote for a person or party (as in Australia) who will rule, invariably, by other than Islam – and ruling or judgment by other than Islam is definitively prohibited. In turn, voting for such
an outcome is itself prohibited. Electing someone is also a form of agency [wilayah] whereby the elected person will act on behalf of those electing him. It is part of the conditions of agency in Islam that the action being contracted upon must be a permissible matter, otherwise the agency is invalid and impermissible. Instead of being beguiled into a failing political process – one which effectively serves the economic elite at the cost of the common man - Muslims would do better to be politically active on the basis of Islam. The Muslim community in Australia faces a myriad of problems: persistent propaganda and media attacks on Islam and its values, concerns for our children’s welfare living in a society with many social ills, the killing and exploitation of Muslims in Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, and occupation of these lands, anti-terror laws that unjustly target Muslims, the propagation of a state-sanctioned ‘moderate’ Islam, among many others. Our community’s strength lies in being united in solving these problems. By contrast, responding to calls for us to join Labor, Liberal, the Greens, or the Democrats would divide our community along party lines, creating fitna, division and discord. Our community’s strength lies in self reliance. The record of this community, over many years,
speaks for itself with numerous mosques, Islamic schools, centres and institutes, largely built by the community’s money and effort. These institutions need to remain free from the interference from the government whose ‘counterradicalisation’ strategy uses the excuse of ‘extremism’ to try to take control of our mosques and schools, and thereby to propagate a secular, apolitical, localised version of Islam with the aim of forced ‘integration’. Our community must voice our opposition – in a strong and united manner - to the policies which lead to the killing of Muslims in Palestine, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and elsewhere and the occupation of these lands; and support the global work for the Islamic Khilafah state that will liberate these lands and end the killing and oppression. We cannot rely on the secular parties who endorsed these colonial and murderous policies in the Middle East, Afghanistan and elsewhere. This is the politics we must engage in, in a sincere and diligent manner. It is a politics that requires action regularly, not just a tick on a ballot box once every three years. It is a politics which we owe not only to the Muslims in Australia, but also to the Muslim Ummah as a whole, and indeed to humanity at large, for as the failure of democracy and capitalism becomes all too apparent, it is only Islam that offers feasible solutions for a increasingly troubled world.
*Uthman Badar is the media representative of Hizb ut-Tahrir Australia
Voting is in the Interest of Australian Muslims Asem Judeh*
During every election campaign we see politicians from both the major parties rushing to appease the influential, organised pro-Israel lobby. When this happens Muslims are, if not demonized, at least subtly criticised. It is not possible to accept Israel’s Zionist agenda and not also accept an underlying prejudice against Muslims. Muslims have two choices. They can be quiet, and accept the bigotry directed against them. Or they can use the power of the ballot box in the interests of Islam. In this way they can counter the message being pushed by the pro-Israel lobby that there is something suspicious about Muslims. It is well known that the Israeli state has sponsored murderous and terrorist acts, and that it has systematically deprived Palestinians of their land and basic rights. One reason the Israeli lobby is so organised and aggressive is that it has to ensure that Israel is above criticism. If Israel was criticised like other countries, it would be seen as the lawless and fanatical country that it is. The recent callous murder of nine innocent people on a boat bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza is just the latest example of Israel’s aggression. There are many examples of the unhealthy Zionist influence on Australian politics. In the Australian Jewish News, July 23rd 2010, the front page said: “Courting the community: Just days into the election campaign, senior Government and Opposition politicians sought to woo Jewish voters, meeting communal leaders and appearing at a number of special events”. On page 3 there was this: “Abbott swipes at Labor Party’s stance
on Israel”. On page 4: “Bishop visits the King [school]” and “Wentworth candidates do battle over Israel”. On page 5: “Crean confirms Shoah education option” and “Liberal resigns over Danby slur”. The Zionist influence is growing. There are two Zionist Jews Labor MPs, Michael Danby and Mark Dreyfus. After this election another Jew will become Liberal MP for the safe Kooyong Liberal seat, Josh Frydenberg, replacing retired Liberal MP Petro Georgiou. Those MPs are the organised lobby representatives. Their job is to silence any MPs who dare to criticise Israel in the Parliament. They use parliamentary committees to defend Zionism and attack those who criticise Israel. They pressure the government of the day to allocate more funds to the Jewish community to promote the Zionist ideology. There is a way of countering this heavy influence. Australian Jews number about 130,000. Muslims and Arabs (including Christians) number close to one million. So why do we, Muslims and Arabs, blame politicians and the organised lobby? Why don’t we have a voice? Why don’t politicians listen to us? Because we are not using opportunities that are available to us to our advantage. There are very few politicians from Arab or Muslim background. Very few Muslims or Arabs are members of major parties. Community activists do not pressure politicians to be more even handed. It is time to stop blaming the politicians and the Israel lobby and start empowering ourselves.
*Asem Judeh is the president of Australian Muslim Palestine Committee.
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Page 17
Forum Reveals Disheartening Journey For Psych Students Monique Toohey*
It’s nearly that time of year again when universities and TAFEs open their doors to eager beaver learners wanting to gain some certainty over their uncertain and often daunting futures. What potential undergrads are confronted with is a myriad of corridors and rooms manned by happy-smiley badge wearing uni representatives spruiking. After sucking up the feeling of being completely overwhelmed by the university landscape, students experience the rush of excitement as they take the next step in their lives that will lead to a promising and rewarding career. Or will it? Twenty six students attending the Muslim Mental Health Network Victoria forum disclosed being very uncertain about their career prospects and more than 50% revealed lecturers actually discouraged them and their other classmates from becoming psychologists. To register as a Psychologist two pathways currently exist. Both pathways require students to complete an accredited 3-year Psychology degree plus an accredited 1-year Post Grad or Honors. After completion of this stage, students must follow one of two pathways to become a psychologist. One is via the completion of a 2-year Masters Degree in Psychology and the other is via completion of 480 days (2 years) supervised work experience with a Registered Supervising Psychologist. Whilst the latter path is now not enough to gain full membership of the Australian Psychological Society (a professional body), it is enough to gain full registration as a psychologist under National Accreditation. Students reported being told by university lecturers that the only way to become a psychologist was by completing a Masters Program and that the supervision pathway was not an option. To prefer that students complete a Masters program is one thing, but to suggest that registration via supervision was
no longer available as a way to register as a psychologist is utterly false. Why is this a big deal? Psychology is popular. Gaining admission into any 4th year program, let alone a Psychology Masters program is very competitive. Failing to gain entry into a Masters program in that year does not necessarily mean that a student is not good enough to become a psychologist, it may simply reflect the limited post graduate places available. If students do not get into a Masters program, they are completely disheartened as they believe their dream to become a Psychologist has ended. Whilst I absolutely agree that Masters programs improve the general standard of the profession and in the majority of cases psychologists are better off having invested their time and money in a Masters program, the alternate route of supervision is sometimes used by students to continue taking steps towards their career goal. The supervision route enables provisional psychologists to work and get paid, whilst still heading in the direction of becoming a psychologist. The students attending the forum agreed that more accurate information was needed with regard to how their courses ultimately lead to a rewarding career. Students were inspired to
finish assignments this weekend, acknowledge their intercultural and bi-lingual abilities and hold fast to the professional assets of persistence and resilience. Further forums were requested by students to give them more opportunities to meet other psychology students and professionals. Students comments included: “I thought the forum was a great opportunity to meet with like-minded individuals on the same journey as myself. It was great to explore pathways to studying psychology and in particular how to direct your learning to the needs of particular communities” (Natasha 3rd yr RMIT student). “My thoughts about psychology and the whole field have expanded!” (Medine Nur 5th yr
RMIT student) One would think that the most accurate place to get information about a selected career was from the university you are attending. It seems this is not always the case. Students from all disciplines at some point would benefit from speaking to practitioners working in the field, asking real questions and getting real answers. A thank-you to the psychology students who were the inspiration for the forum and those that volunteered their time to pull it together. *Monique has been working in the field of Muslim mental health for over a decade. Comments are welcome at monique@nasihahconsulting.com or visit the website, www. nasihahconsulting.com.
Page 18
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Nurse’s Notes:
On Ramadan Fasting
Judy Nelson-Eldawy*
Australian Snappy Immigration Services
The blessed month of Ramadan is here, alhumdulilah, as is the opportunity to reap the benefits of this pillar of Islam. Allah (SWT) tells us in the Quran about the benefits of fasting. However, fasting is so much more than just abstinence from physical indulgences. Examination of our habits and actions are also mandatory. This year, make Ramadan a holistic experience that encompasses the body, mind and spirit. Medical science supports the holistic approach. Physical benefits of fasting include resting internal organs and improving digestion and circulation. Studies show that fasting can promote clarity of thought and an improved sense of wellbeing. Since fasting bodies are in a state of energy conservation, this month use that energy to implement spiritual changes and to begin replacing bad habits with good ones. Here are some techniques to help one acclimatise quickly to Ramadan: Fast some days prior to the beginning of Ramadan. If possible, schedule lighter duties and rest periods until your body is used to fasting. Headaches and malaise are common while bodies are detoxing from caffeine and nicotine, and adjusting to a new dietary schedule. Using a homeopathic headache stick rubbed across the forehead works well and is safe for children, the elderly, and those on prescription medicines. Make simple, easily digestible meals rather than large, heavy ones. Even the simplest meal is made more delicious by good fellowship, so take iftar with others whenever you can. This builds community ties and feelings of solidarity. As simple meals generally cost less, consider donating the money saved to a worthy charity. Use the time normally allotted to cooking as a time for contemplation and reflection on Allah’s blessings. Reading the Quran daily and performing acts of worship are good ways to focus on one’s Deen and to get through the fast. The Prophet( peace be upon him) encouraged partaking of the blessed suhoor, so enjoy this predawn meal with a large glass of water. There is always a danger of dehydration while a person fasts, especially if he works outside or in a hot kitchen—even in winter. Dehydration may be remedied (though not always practical) by pouring water over the head, using a wet cloth on the back of the neck, and washing one’s hands and feet. Signs of heat exhaustion include headache, pallor, dizziness, achiness, nausea, a racing heartbeat, confusion, and lack of appetite, as well as the expected thirst. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, symptoms of which include agitation, disorientation, and
sometimes even a cessation of sweating or loss of consciousness. Heat stroke is a serious condition and can be fatal. If your job keeps you in a hot, physical environment, and this is your family’s sole means of support, perhaps feeding the poor in lieu of fasting is an option for you. Discuss the matter with your imam. If you do fast, however, let your boss know so s/he may accommodate your needs appropriately. Observing the Ramadan fast is so special and important in Islam, many people who should not fast for medical reasons, do. They may feel guilty, or be made to feel ashamed by those around them. Others still are conflicted about their decision to fast or not. The best way to resolve this conflict is to discuss it with a doctor. Some medical problems can be worked around fairly easily. A visit to an informed doctor before Ramadan can help generate a time table for medicating during evening hours, and switching a medication schedule for Ramadan may require a titration period prior to Ramadan’s start. Each situation is unique and should be addressed by the family physician prior to fasting. Skipping medications and rescheduling medication times without a physician’s knowledge is dangerous. A person with chronic medical conditions or a newly diagnosed medical condition should be cleared to fast by his doctor. Pregnant women should always discuss fasting with their obstetrician as each pregnancy is unique. Diabetes is tricky but under strict medical supervision some may be able to fast. A diabetic’s condition should be well controlled by diet or pills, and there should be no underlying health issues like high blood pressure, heart problems, infections, or pregnancy. Insulin dependent, brittle, and poorly controlled diabetics should never fast. If lab results are good and a strict diabetic diet is followed, fasting should not be problematic. A diabetic should keep lines of communication open with his doctor, and follow the doctor’s advice. Changes from one’s normal state of health should be reported immediately. Allah (SWT), in His infinite Mercy, has granted Muslims dispensation to give charity in lieu of fasting if there are medical problems or hardships. Those who cannot fast should take this alternative route and add it to the list of blessings to be thankful for.
*Judy Nelson-Eldawy is an American Muslim wife and mother who lives most of the year in Egypt. She has a Batchlor of Science in Nursing and over 20 years experience in the fields of psych/mental health, medical/surgical and home health nursing. She advocates a holistic approach to health and the use of alternative therapies in conjunction with more conventional Western treatment modalities.
The Wow-ness of Reciting the Noble Quran
Zabrina A. Bakr*
I was managing my Facebook the other day, you know, the usual stuff: answering some emails, approving some new friends, accepting invitations to events, getting into new groups, reading interesting status updates, commenting and tagging on photos and of course, my favourite - poking my possibly irritated and annoyed family and friends! Truly, Facebook has made it possible for one of my closest friends who has moved across the world to live in the beautiful city of Amsterdam feel like she is still just living next door to me, Alhamdulillah! But then, I noticed another friend who resides in another continent had her status set as ‘Time Out’. Huh, time out? I got curious and naturally, I started wondering if she was all right; so, I inboxed her. ‘Oh, I am doing great. I just wanted to spend more time reciting the Quran as Ramadan is here. That’s all!’ She answered me cheerfully. Subhan Allah, what she said hit me big time. She reminded me of this particular verse from the noble Quran, “The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down as a (pure source of) guidance for mankind. In it are clear teachings showing the right way and the criterion (for judging truth and falsehood.)”(Al-Baqarah 2:185) Subhan Allah! Look at the verse above. Allah has actually told us the exact month when He sent down His guidance to us? Isn’t that exhilarating? It reminded me of how I love to watch the history channel, and get amazed with wonderful great historical facts and happenings. But then I forgot that this month carries in itself one of the most important and critical moments for mankind - the month when the Words of The One and Only Lord were first sent down from their sacred place. Just look at this hadith below, “The Scriptures of Ibrahim were sent down on the first of the month of Ramadan. The Tawrah was sent down on the sixth of Ramadan. The Injeel was sent down on the thirteenth of Ramadan. The Zaboor was sent down on the eighteenth of Ramadan, and the Qur’an was sent down on the twenty-fourth of Ramadan.” (Ahmad) How great is it that we actually know the exact month of when Allah first revealed His Words to us and to the ones before us, right? Isn’t this what the Qur’an really is about, my brothers and sisters? It contains the words of Allah, our Lord. Every single letter in the Quran that makes up the words that we read as a sentence are really the words that came from Allah - our Lord, our Creator, our Maker - literally! Amazing, isn’t it? Subhan Allah... I get goose bumps just thinking about it… I asked myself these questions - now that I know the month in which Allah has sent me His Book of Guidance, don’t I want to know the things that He, the Most Magnificent, has said to me in His Book? Don’t I want to know what my Lord, the Most Glorious, has told me about life? Don’t I want to understand the guidelines He, the Most Loving, has provided me with so that I can live in this world and Hereafter happily, peacefully and full of contentment? In summary, don’t I want to know about
Registered migration agent
Belinda El Kadmiri El Azizi Factory 1/126 Canterbury Rd Kilsyth 3137 VIC
Phone: 03 9761 5259 OR 03 9761 5365
Email:
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
exclusivestyle@bigpond.com.au
Life’s Open Secret which He has revealed to me in His Book using His very Own Words? Of course, I do, right? But…. But what, Zabrina? What? You are too lazy? You’d rather read something else? Or watch the square box? Or fool around with friends on Facebook? Ouch! Don’t say that… Don’t you know how much Allah will reward you for reading His Book? It was then I remembered this particular hadith of my beloved Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him). “Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward
will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif ” is a letter, “laam” is a letter and “meem” is a letter.” So increase your recitation of the Quran to gain these merits, and to gain the following merit as well” (AtTirmidhi) Ya Allah, I felt so ashamed after remembering this hadith. To motivate me to read His Words, Allah has prepared an amazing incentive and reward, you agree? Just like a car advertisement I saw recently that says, ‘Buy a Car with No Down Payment and Receive Cash Back too!’ I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw that advertisement. I was so tempted to actually walk into one of their stores that day.
And this is what Allah has promised me read His Book and get His Guidance, at the same time, He will give me ten rewards for each letter I read. Each letter my friends, each letter! And the reward is multiplied by ten. A big full perfect TEN! Just like if a mother promised to reward her daughter if she can say, spell the word MOTHER. For the letter M - her mother will give her not one piece of candy, but ten. For the letter O - her mother will give her not one piece of candy, but ten. Same goes for each one of the letters T-H-E and R. What do you think this little girl would do? Do you think she is going to say, ‘No…. Sorry mummy, not interested,’ and yawn away? Or
would her eyes shine in delight, and would she jump in excitement, frantically looking for her kindergarten book that has the word MOTHER and start memorising the letters M-O-T-H-E-R? What do you think, my friends? Do I see heads nodding? Yup, I thought so too… So, then, even knowing the greatness of the reward, I wonder, why am I still not eagerly reading His Book every single day? Is reading the noble Book too difficult and hard for me to do? Perhaps because my Arabic language is a little bit rusty than I would like it to be and that has deterred me from reading? Maybe the stammering and stumbling once a while has put me off? But I do remember what Lady `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said when she related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) once said: “Verily the one who recites the Quran beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have TWICE that reward.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Oh my God! Subhan Allah… It is a no lose situation for me. Definitely! If I read His Book beautifully, I will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels; and if I stammer and stumble, I get twice the reward! Okay, you know something? I have heard enough of excuses already. I know that I have to make the change. I know that now is the time for the Today-Me to be better than the Yesterday-Me. If I read 10 verses yesterday, can’t I be better today by reading 11 verses? Would reading one additional sentence from my Lord be too much for me to do? Astaghfirullah, Astaghfirullah, Astaghfirullah… forgive me my Lord for constantly ignoring Your Words, for choosing to spend time reading gossip columns and news headlines written by your creations about your other creations instead of reading Your Words, The Creator of everything that exists in this entire universe…. Ya Allah... Tell you what, my brothers and sisters. To get us started, let us start now by doing it together, okay? … on three… 1, 2, 3... Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim (In the name of Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful) “Alif, Laam, Meem “. Alif – one reward multiplied by ten Laam- one reward multiplied by ten Meem- one reward multipled by ten Total reward in three seconds – thirty! Alhamdulillaah. How great was that? Beyond words… Totally! *Taken from Life is an Open Secret - Ramadan Special book, now available at Darussalam Australia. Sis Zabrina also known as Zabrina A. Bakar, is a Life Storyteller, motivational and inspirational writer and speaker; and author of the Islamic motivational book series Life is an Open Secret. She maintains an active blog at http://www.wisdomthruwords.blogspot.com. Find her pages on Facebook Zabrina A. Bakar and Life is an Open Secret for daily food for your soul.
Retail and seconds outlet shop Orders Welcome
Shop 5 Dyer Road, Bassendean, WA Pies, Pasties, Sausage Rolls, Cakes, Tarts, Slices, Bread, Croissants, Donuts, Muffins - Monthly Specials
Ph: 08 9376 9319
Monday to Friday 7.00am -2.00pm Saturday 7.00am - 11.00am
رم�ضان كريم و كل عام و�أنتم بخير Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
from all Crescent Times team
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Page 19
Read the Crescent online:
WWW.CRESCENTTIMES.COM.AU
Crescent Times, the first national Muslim newspaper, is available free in most mosques around Perth and Melbourne and in selected Muslim businesses in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane.
TELLING THE STORY OF MUSLIMS DOWN UNDER
Ramadan Recipe: Minty Chicken Curry
with Garlic Bread
Recipe from Kamariah Ahmad
1/2 - Chicken 4 tbsp yogurt 4 sprig mint 6 Green chili 2 tbsp Kurma curry 2 onions (medium) 5 garlic cloves 2 tbsp crushed ginger 3 tbsp olive oil Salt to taste 800ml water Method: 1.Cut chicken into 8 pieces 2.Grind onions, garlic and ginger 3.Grind mint leaves with green chili 4.Heat oil and stir in ground garlic, ginger,
onion 5.Stir in Kurma curry and salt 6.Add chicken and water 7.Once chicken is cooked add in yogurt, ground mint and green chili 8.Simmer for 5mins Garlic Bread 10 slices bread 3 tbsp Olive oil 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint Pinch of salt Method: 1.Mix mint and salt into olive oil 2.Spread on bread and toast in oven till crispy Ready mix ‘Kurma’ curry powder is without red chili powder.
Sister Kamariah winner of a reward for her recipe
Page 20
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
In response to Uthman Badar:
Why the Caliphate? Nashat Samir* 1)Why are we advocating a caliphate? Doesn’t history show us that all governments; secular, theocratic or democratic exploit common citizenry? Isn’t the Ottoman caliphate guilty of genocide against Armenians? What checks and balances will be placed to ensure we do not replace one oppressive government with another (Caliphate)? Is there any undisputed Islamic leader capable of understanding the Ummah and their needs throughout the world? I don’t think so. The Ulema are divided into factions and exploit sectarian divisions to maintain their own forms of despotic behavior. We are deluding ourselves if we believe members of the Ummah are infallible. 2) The attacks on Muslims in the media are just manifestations of bias. The media is free to be exploited by Muslims as well. Do we really believe that we cannot be criticised for our beliefs? Every religion is open to criticism and Islam is no exception. Why don’t we respond in kind and take criticism on board. Our religion is perfect, it should stand the test of media criticism. After all its been 1431 years since The Prophet (S.A.W.S) and we have managed to get this far, haven’t we? The Prophet (S.A.W.S) himself was insulted, criticised, made a mockery of and violence visited on his person; in some instances by his own people. His response? Love, Forgiveness, Patience. Our contemporary response? Violence by extremists. A massive deviation from the Sunnah, wouldn’t you agree? I am interested in knowing how western governments created ‘moderate’ Islam? Is that a new sect? 3) There is robust discussion about the hijab and the niqab and why shouldn’t there be? Can we really expect western society to be aware of all aspects of Islam? Isn’t daawah there for that same reason? The truth is some of us find violence easy and picking up the pen too hard. This perpetuates the cycle of attacks and counterattacks on Muslims and makes the life of the rest of the peaceful Ummah all the more difficult. The discussion should be about civil liberties. If some of us choose to be semi-naked on the beach and others choose to wear the niqab or the Burkini that is entirely their right. Let’s not debate theology but rather equality before the law. 4) It is our duty as Muslims to keep the community safe. If democratic governments choose to introduce legislation preventing terrorist attacks then that is an Islamic thing to do. Some of these laws are indeed draconian and are being revised in Parliament (Australia). Is funding for inter-faith dialogue bad? If people of other faiths are making an effort to understand us and our religious belief we should double our efforts in that regard. This might even result in more Muslims which would do more to help our cause than slamming the door shut. Underhanded tactics by ASIO and AFP? Governments around the world are monopolies
in the coercive uses of force. Intelligence agencies use every ‘tactic’ in the interests of their governments. Its a good thing members of ASIO and ASIS are not allowed to carry weapons. We can’t say the same about secret police organizations like the Mukhabarat and the GID in ‘Muslim’ countries like Egypt and Jordan who are known for their brutality. 5) In democratic countries we have been blessed with the rights of secular democratic process. These rights are much more than some our Muslim brethren enjoy in ‘Islamic’ states which are frequently run by Dictators in the guise of monarchies. I might be wrong but it seems to me that at least here we have discussion
elected Government of Bangladesh? Many of their members are now languishing in Bangladeshi jails. Are we to accept that Hizb Ut-Tahrir represents Muslims all over the world and/or presume they know better than the Muslims who choose to participate in democratic processes? In the pursuit of an Islamic Theocratic State should we emulate the creation of the Zionist/Jewish State of Israel? History shows how they were created; through ethnic cleansing and murder. Hizbut ut-Tahrir is behaving like the Haganah (Zionist Terrorists in 1948). Not very Islamic. 6) Innocent Muslims are being made examples of in Australia? Last I checked the five men responsible for planning attacks on the Holsworthy Army Barrakcks admitted to planning an attack. Clearly a criminal conspiracy. How are they innocent? Lets agree that we should not remain ignorant. Let’s agree to participate fully in public and private life like the Prophet (S.A.W.S) and create harmony in the community. Let’s agree to fight racism, religious bigotry, political bias and international double standards by propagating knowledge of Islam, becoming better Muslims and participating fully in upholding the law of the land, be it Sharia Law or secular. Lets fight to be rid of dictatorships in the Middle East and give a chance to the Muslim masses residing there, the rights of citizenship that we enjoy here and then if they choose a Caliphate, support them fully. I believe that after experiencing autocratic governments in the Middle East, Muslims will choose to self-govern according to the Sharia, the Sunnah and the Quran without needing to obey the whims and diktats of a few arrogant and overbearing men who only worship and preach from the minbar of money and power. 7) A close investigation of the Quran and Sunnah enlightens us on some aspects of the above discussion. If the Prophet (S.A.W.S) wanted to he could have appointed a ‘government’ and could have specified what form it should take. He chose not to. What did the Ummah do? They elected Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (R.A). Hizb Ut-Tahrir advocates two institutions (Mahkamat al-Mazaalim & Majlis ul-Ummah) as a check and balance on the executive branch of government. There are already institutions like these in Australia and rather than re-inventing the wheel we should try and change the system internally. The Quran says there is no compulsion in religion. So the decision to obey or not to obey is up to Men and Women whom Allah has blessed with the beautiful machinery of the Human mind. I pray that Allah grants us all Ilm and the ability to confront Fitna and Fasaad on the planet without needing to resort to violence and subversion. Ameen.
It is our duty as Muslims to keep the community safe. If democratic governments choose to introduce legislation preventing terrorist attacks then that is an Islamic thing to do.
about vital national interests in Parliament whereas in most Muslim countries dialogue is hard to come by. Parliament is similar to our ‘shura’ councils practiced by the the four caliphs (P.B.U.T). Opinions were heard by the people in the mosques (including by women who also participated) and decisions were made by consensus. Umar (R.A) specifically asked the people to be a check against him if they found any of his decisions unjust. I can’t say the same about Muslim leaders except for democratic states like Bangladesh or Indonesia, although they have authoritarian elements themselves. I took an oath before Allah to be loyal to the Australian people in my citizenship ceremony. Contractual obligations are of paramount importance in our religion and I would like to remind everyone of it. 5) Caliphate for humanity as a whole? How is that achievable? By violence against innocents? Or through discussion and consensus politics? If it is the latter I am all for it. The “us vs. them” mentality is not working and has never worked. Hizb Ut-Tahrir says that they only ‘talk’. If that is the case why are they afraid to participate in the democratic process? Why do they operate in cell like structures emulating terrorist outfits and secret societies (recent articles in The Australian Newspaper)? Why are they * Nashat Samir is a Melbournbe based Muslim. banned in so many Muslim countries? Didn’t they conspire to overthrow the democratically
Stop killing our camels:
The Federal Government defends the killing of whales by the Japanese and then condones murder of hundreds of camels in the outback. Such a move will have no impact on protecting the environment by any means. If, as estimated, there are a million camels in the outback, how can removing 2000 do anything?
Notes from a Stranger Aisha Stacey Allah says in Quran, in chapter 2, verse 261, “The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.” It is comforting to know, that in the upcoming Islamic month of Ramadan, the month of increased charity, Allah will reward out generosity in an even more substantial way. We have needy people across Australia; refugees and immigrants, Indigenous Australians and white Australians. Yet here in Australia and other wealthy western countries we tend to forget that the great majority of the world’s population live below the poverty line. People across the globe go to bed hungry every night. They feel the rumbling tummies and dry mouths of Ramadan every day. This Ramadan we must not forget them, and we must endeavour to make charitable plans can be followed all year round. Last month I talked about my trip to Singapore and the generosity and kindness of the Muslims I met there. Singapore is a small country impressed by wealth and eager to be noticed however Muslims there take their hard earned wealth and direct it where it is needed most. In quiet subtle ways, they adhere to Islamic principles. In this lead up to the holy month I would like to tell you about a sister and a project that epitomises the spirit of Ramadan. For the past 30 years, Singaporeans Sister Mariah Mah and her brother have engaged in charity work for the poor, needy and underprivileged in rural China. Their registered Charity Service Centre organises and distributes Qurban/Aqidah, sponsors poor students and orphan’s education, distributes zakat, food and clothing to the poor and needy, builds toilet facilities in rural areas and sets up kindergartens and study centres in remote villages in China. Islam arrived in China in the 7th century CE and China is now home to more than 30 million Muslims, from ten distinct nationalities, Hui, Uighur, Kazakh, Dongxiang, Khalkhas, Salar, Tajik, Uzbek, Baoan and Tartar. They each have their own written and spoken languages and unique cultural and ethnic traditions but sadly many of them live in abject poverty. If you are searching for a worthy cause, please visit www. chinamuslim.net to read about the wonderful work of Sister Mariah Mah and her dedicated team. Back here in Australia, in Brisbane another dedicated sister keeps the spirit of Ramadan alive throughout the year by providing assistance to families in Chad. FACE (Faith and Cultural Exchange) is currently raising money to buy earthenware water pots and bags of grain, but they also provide wells and sponsor education programs. Face can be contacted at faithandculturalexchange@ hotmail.com May Allah make generosity, kindness and inclusiveness the goal of all Muslims this blessed month of Ramadan. * Aisha Stacey is a journalist and author. She is Queensland editor of Crescent Times.
Future Profiles And Investigations By Crescent Times:
Photo: Tarek Chamkhi and Hassan Alshakshir, Crescent Times Outback of Australia, July 2010.
* Islamic Education Down Under (From September 2010) * Islamic Finance Down Under (From November 2010) * Reverts Down Under: their stories, struggles and achievements (From January 2011) * Islamic Leadership Down Under: The issue of unity, effective leadership and how to best represent all Aussie Muslims (From March 2011) Dear readers and writers: Please contribute and send us all your opinions, comments and information. Your cooperation and participation makes a better, stronger, more effective community.
Editor-in-Chief
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Australia Wide Community Events: Victoria Make an Impact Program Date: 25th August, 1st Sept, 8th Sept Time: 7.00pm-9.30pm Location: Nasihah Consulting, Northern Psychology Clinic Suite 13/ 11-17 Pearcedale Pde, Broadmeadows. Facilitated by Mark Dobson. Mark Dobson has founded and led youth programs and major youth events around the world, is Author of Back off Bully, Rise Above, How to Speak Fluent Teen and soon to be released Parenting FREAKability. He has coached some of Australia’s elite Olympic level athletes and helped thousands of young people tap into more of their potential. The program will focus on the very practical and hands on skills required to lead and impact young people. Skills such as: Managing behavior (both individuals & groups); Designing programs; Increasing attendances and participation; Working with volunteers; Trouble shooting for activities, games and sessions that do not run as planned; Being more effective in communicating a message through an activity (Experiential Learning); Leading group discussions that are engaging and free flowing. This program is by application only. Apply if you believe you are currently making a huge difference in the lives of young people you work with and you want your leadership/contribution to make an even bigger impact! Program open to 15 amazing applicants. REGISTRATION: via 9351-1166. E: monique@nasihahconsulting.com Queensland Shinpads and Hijabs Project Date: to commence in August, Wednesdays Time: 1pm to 3pm Location: Karawatha Cost: Free This project, delivered by Football United (www.footballunited.org.au) and funded by Multicultural Affairs Queensland and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, will provide Muslim women and girls located in
the southern region of Brisbane with a range of football (soccer) activities aimed at empowering them to organise, manage and coach their own programs. Activities include:coach and leadership training for women and youth aged 16 and above, weekly football activities to Muslim youth in targeted regions delivered by trained coaches from within the community, extensive partnerships with community organisations including IWAQ, AlNisa Youth Group and AMARAH, and football sport providers to facilitate coach training, club registrations and build the profile of the initiative. Volunteer opportunities exist as follows: Female volunteers interested in participating as coaches of muslim girls football teams to increase participation. PLEASE NOTE: Coaching accrediation and blue card accreditation will be provided if you do not already hold these certifications. Please register your interest by e-mailing nejla@q-connect.com.au Western Australia ECCWA Pre Election Forum Date: Tuesday August 17 Time: 5.30pm Place: Multicultural House, 20, View Street, North Perth 6006 Featuring: Labor Senator Chris Evans, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. Liberal Senator, Mathias Cormann, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary on Employment, Participation, Apprenticeship and Training. Greens Senator, Rachel Siewert. Following an introduction by ECCWA President, Maria Saraceni, the three senators will each be given up to 10 minutes to address the audience on issues in the upcoming Federal election relevant to persons particularly from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This will be followed by questions. Light refreshments will be served.Please RSVP by 13th August 2010 by ringing Kathy/Russell on 92275322 or emailing eccwa@iinet.net.au
Page 21
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Editorial
Niqab Again! It seems that the “issue” of niqab is never going to be resolved. For a garment worn by at most 500 women Australia wide, it has caused more public outrage than the detention of hundreds of refugee children and families by the Australian Immigration Department could ever do. But what is the “issue” really? Is it about identity and concealed identity or is it about fear and “confrontation”? We now have the bizarre situation where a Muslim woman who is a long term wearer of niqab is being asked to take it off by a brother Muslim in the process of defending himself in a secular court against charges of fraud. Even worse, we see so called community leaders emerging from the Muslim community to tell her that she shouldn’t wear it and in fact no one should be “allowed” to wear either niqab or burka here in Australia. Even if we believe that neither niqab or burka are garments required under the laws of Islam, who are we to say that such garments ought to be banned? What about other forms of cultural dress - should they too be banned as some people may find them confronting? What about Sikh turbans, Indian saris or even Tony’s budgie smugglers - surely they are all forms of cultural dress too, yet there are no calls for them to be banned! And what of the opinion of the wearer of the burqa or niqab? It is clear from the media reports of the Western Australian
case that the sister under scrutiny has worn the niqab for almost all of her adult life. She has chosen to wear it and is not under any pressure to do so. She is from a country where the choice would have been hers initially ie not mandated by law and is now living in another country where she has free choice in relation to the clothing she chooses to wear. Although not a religious requirement, we can assume that the sister has chosen to wear the garment in order to protect her modesty and to take on “hijab” in the truest sense. What right does anyone have to tell her that in order to be an accepted member of Australian society she must undress? And what if we allow our society to make that ruling? It is not very far from there to a ruling that further undress is required in order for a woman to be accepted as a member of Australian society and there goes the hijab. And possibly any other item of clothing that may be seen to be confronting or “foreign” to Australian society and culture. In the WA case, the sister has proposed a sensible, workable compromise. In the event that the court orders her to give evidence with her face uncovered, she has requested that she be able to do so via video from a separate room with a female accompanying her. Bravo sister! Thank you for your positive presentation of yourself as a Muslim woman and of Islam. Our community “leaders” would do well to learn from your example.
More to life than Masterchef? Nadeem Hussain* Over the last few months the nation has been engrossed in the second and latest instalment of TV’s Masterchef. In fact, the Masterchef 2 finale on July 25 pulled 5.2 million viewers, making it the most-watched non-sport event on TV since the current ratings system began in 1991. Coupled with the recent populist and highly scripted federal election campaign, I couldn’t help but ponder about the dumbing down of the Australian community, and the Muslim community within it. As the nation continues in this malaise of indifference to issues of importance, significant events continue to take place around us, shaping the world as we know it. Meanwhile, oblivious to it all, we anxiously await which reality TV contestant will be eliminated next. Recently I was privileged to have met two outstanding and thoroughly inspiring young Muslims, Jamal Kirai and Datuan Magon, from Pattani and Mindanao respectively. No, Pattani and Mindanao are not exotic dishes to be found in the next Masterchef cookbook, but rather conflict ridden Muslim majority provinces of Southern Thailand and Southern Philippines. Pattani is one of the four provinces of Thailand where the majority (88%) of the population are Malay Muslim. They speak Pattani Malay and are similar in ethnicity and culture to the Malays of Kelantan, Malaysia. Historically Pattani province was the centre of the Malay Sultanate of
Pattani Darul Makrif, but over the years has at various points fallen under Siam’s (present day Thailand) control until finally being annexed by Siam in 1909. This was part of the AngloSiamese Treaty of 1909 negotiated with, no prizes for guessing, the British Empire. Since 1909, various attempts have been made to divide, assimilate, and through the settlement of non-Muslim Thai’s, dilute the culture and religion of the people of Pattani. For the past century the Muslims of Pattani have called for central rule, often resulting in peaceful protests being put down with great brutality. In their 2009 report, Amnesty International stated that the current conflict has resulted in 3,500 deaths between 2004 and 2009. The same report also listed that “a 42-yearold man from Pattani reported that three soldiers held him while another burned his foot with a lighter until it was out of fuel. Soldiers made him dig a hole and sit inside it as they filled it with dirt up to his neck.” Jamal, as president of the Muslim Students Federation of Thailand, has been a key promoter of peaceful protests in order to raise awareness and seek a peaceful and lasting solution to the issues faced by the Muslims of Pattani. Yet we here are busy analysing the apparent injustice of the early elimination of Marion from Masterchef. Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines, named after the Maguindanaons who constituted one of the largest Sultanates historically.
During the Spanish colonial period of the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the Sultanate of Maguindanao was able to defend its territory, preventing the Spaniards from colonising the entire Mindanao. Islam had first come to the region during the 13th century on the back of Arab traders who had also passed through Malaysia and Indonesia. The Bangsamoro people, as they are known, having withstood this first colonisation attempt, continued their resistance during the US occupation of the islands, and now the government of Philippines have been attempting to integrate the region into the rest of the country. The Bangsamoro are a proud people who have run the Southern Philippines as an independent nation for many years before, and now continue their push for self-determination. Datuan Magon, a community activist working with NGO’s in Cotabato City and the conflict affected areas, has been heavily involved with United Youth for Peace and Development Inc, seeking a peaceful, negotiated solution through dialogue for the Bangsamoro people. He has served there as Deputy Secretary General for Administration. While Palestine, Iraq, and Afghanistan continue to grab the headlines and collective conscience of the Muslims, these are the Palestines of Asia that very few know about. Perhaps while we are engaged in some of the more trivial pursuits of our life, we should take a moment and give some thought to our brothers and sisters in these parts of the world. Did
not our Prophet Muhammad (sas) say “The ummah is like one body, when one limb is injured, the entire body feels its pain” (Bukhari and Muslim). This collective apathy from which many of us seem to be suffering, is also borne out from our incessant whining about how other religious lobby groups are so much more organised than us. Are they really that organised, or is it just that they are more engaged? Lobby and advocacy groups are effective when their members arise and take the time to ring a talk back radio station, send that letter to their local member of parliament or that email to the newspaper editor. How many Muslims do you know who have actually done this? Yet the calls and letters to the editor seem to be in direct contrast to the dinner party debates that go on at various Muslim households around the country. So I do sense a sincerity of intention, but something seems lacking when it comes to the final step of action and making one’s voice heard effectively. Perhaps let us begin by researching and educating ourselves about issues of real relevance, be it the plight of Muslims around the world or issues closer to home. Only by doing this can we begin to educate others and commence any meaningful dialogue with key public opinion and policy decision makers in the media and government in order to effect any real change. Often in Ramadan we find ourselves coming closer to Allah and feeling a greater sense of brotherhood. Don’t let this annual boost in iman go to
waste, but rather use it as a springboard to get yourself more involved with the Muslim and broader Australian community. Volunteer your time and skills at your local mosque or Muslim organisation. Rather than sitting in your comfortable lounge room chair and criticising the work of others, roll up your sleeves, get involved and fix it yourself if you think it needs fixing. Either way, be part of the solution instead of a disengaged passenger, ungratefully bingeing on the hard work of others. The effort and sweat of the Muslims that came before us has afforded us schools for our children to attend, mosques and musallas for us to pray and congregate, and funeral services for our deceased family and friends in accordance with our religion. We now have our chance to put something forward for the generations after us. And this Ramadan, remember your brothers and sisters in Pattani and Mindanao as well as other parts of the world, particularly before breaking your fast, as the Prophet Muhammad (sas) informed us that supplication made at this time is not rejected. Whatever you choose to do, do not delay any good deed, as we do not know when our appointed time is, so let’s make our intention now to improve ourselves – “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves” (Quran 13:11). Your time starts…NOW! *Nadeem Hussain is a regular khateeb at RMIT in Melbourne.
Page 22
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
The Kiki Principle: Debora McNichol*
Groan and moan about A Ramadan Visit Islam with Bubba
The Muslim community in New York City is planning to build a great big mosque and community center. Like many things that are uncontroversial except when Muslims do it, this building is meant to benefit and fill a void in this town which purports to have 600,000 underserved Muslims. The problem is that it is two blocks away from the Twin Towers site, aka “Ground Zero.” This proposed mosque is not the only one to face opposition in the United States. Plans for the center have been approved by the City, and Mayor Bloomberg has given his own blessing, despite opposition and outrage from many in New York and in the United States. Sarah Palin, bless her heart, has made a plea to “peaceful” Muslims to “refudiate” the community center, calling it a stab in America’s heart. Would someone get that woman a dictionary? (How irrational is it that I fear the emergence of American concentration camps for Muslims, should Palin ever be elected to office?) Opponents of the community center have done what they can to stop it, including attempting to classify the old retail store a historic landmark, and initiating an investigation into the center’s source of financing. I expected a visit from Bubba so we could discuss this subject and my lifestyle choices. After all, Bubba is a goodhearted guy who only wants what’s best for me. He did not disappoint: Hey Bubba, how ya doin’? I guess I’m okay—just a little down about that mosque they’re planning in New York City. Why does that bother you Bubba? It’s supposed to be like a YMCA and a cultural center, as well as a mosque, which is really needed in New York, considering all the Muslims that live there. I think it could really be a great thing for Manhattan. I don’t think so. Them Muslims are desecrating the victims of 9-11 and the Twin Towers. How is that, Bubba? It isn’t being built at Ground Zero. It’s too close! It’s a slap in the face to Americans! Whoa, Bubba, help me understand the slap-in-the-face thing. I’m fasting today and I’m a little fuzzy. Oh, is it Ramadan again? I’ll be careful what I say, because last year you about bit my face off. Bubba, I shouldn’t have done that, but you did call me a cat lover. That just wasn’t nice. And, I apologised, which is more than I can say for a certain good ol’ boy. But you own a cat! And you feed all the cats in the neighborhood. I think you’re just too sensitive. You’re probably right, Bubba, but that doesn’t answer the question: how is a mosque a slap in the face to Americans? Wouldn’t American Muslims be using the mosque? How is that bad? Hello?! Have you heard of 9-11? It’s too soon! And it’s telling Muslims that they’ve won! Bubba, I think you’re the one being too sensitive here. Nine years after 9-11, isn’t it time for Americans to stop being so reactionary and wake up to the fact that Muslims are here—actually, American Muslims are here—and we aren’t going away any time soon? I really take offense to the fact that some Americans want to deprive other Americans, especially me, of our constitutional and human right to our own religious choices, all in the name of America itself, and that, my friend, is an unconstitutional act. It’s not right and is completely illogical. It’s really starting to burn me! Slow down, now, Missy. Maybe you should take a pill and have a glass of wine, because you’re getting a little too worked up. It’s only a mosque, for goodness’ sakes. Argh! That’s what I’ve been saying all along! Debora, you’re starting to scare me. Could you stop banging your head on the table? I think you need to leave now. Are Muslims supposed to do that when they get angry? I thought y’all strapped C-four to your chests and— Not another word, Bubba. It’s time for me to pray. I’ll see you after Ramadan. Have a nice day.
*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 neighbours.
Onn Ibrahim
There is no use moaning and groaning about the loss of religion among ourselves: the Constitution guarantees that we lose our religion. Unfortunately, not many Muslims know about it. In particular, The Commonwealth of Australia Constitute Act, 116 states that The Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion, or for imposing any religious observance, or for prohibiting the free exercise of any religion, and no religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the Commonwealth. For Muslims to “free(ly) exercise of any religion”, that is their religion, Al Islam, they have to fight for that right. It is jihad in the fullest sense of the word as it involves struggle, test and strive. Despite being mentioned in the Constitution, religion isn’t something you can take for granted in Australia. The way the Constitution is worded, it simply means that Muslims have to ensure that their religion and its practice are not eclipsed through a natural erosion, and possibly attrition, of our principles and values. If we want to stand our ground we have to participate more vigorously now than ever to preserve our rightful place in society. To do that, we have no choice but to select one among us in the Muslim community to represent us in Parliament. Islam demands that its believers practise their religion openly in public. For Muslims, Islam cannot be practised individually. It is an individual as well as collective responsibility. In other words, Islam is more a society religion than it is a private religion. This is where the problem lies. The Australian Constitution doesn’t see religion playing an active role in society this way. It adopts a laissez faire attitude as well as approach toward any form of established religion. As such, religion as Muslims see it is faced with competition from other ideologies and social-isms. In performing our compulsory obligations for example, Muslims are commanded by Allah to perform prayers five times each day on specified times. This ruling is not negotiable. To miss prayers is almost tantamount to “losing faith” and losing faith is tantamount to nearing kafir, or a state or condition of losing belief. Since Islam already commands its believers to pray five times a day we can easily say that this form of ibadah actually forms the identity of the Muslim therefore we have to ensure that the country’s laws and regulations should allow us to carry out this command easily. However, as mentioned above, this may not be possible or permitted under the present laws and conditions of Australia. Being allowed to pray easily at a specified time during the day could result in penalties to ordinary Muslims working for employers who do not see religious duties and obligations as Muslims do. There is definitely a conflict of interests here. What this means for Australian Muslims is that there is no guarantee that they can preserve their religion and Islamic tradition in the way Islam wants it to be. Ironically, there is ambiguity in the way the Constitution is worded such that whilst it disallows anything “for imposing religious observance”, or “(not) for establishing any religion”, it somehow, allows “the free exercise of any religion”. The unfortunate consequence of this definition therefore is a laissez faire condition which means that the onus now is upon the believers of established religion to take action to be in control of their own religion and therefore, exercise their right as a natural citizen of this country. Unfortunately, the converse is also true: the ambiguity of the Constitution promotes an ambivalent attitude toward religion, one which results in people viewing religion sceptically as a result of which religion is rendered strictly a personal belief. Thus, it is not surprising that any leader of the country can come from any of the belief philosophy or systems, including those who somehow, “go against the order of nature”. This carefully and intelligently written document is brilliant and could only have come from an ingenious mind. It was designed to make Muslims as well as any other believers take a low key approach to religion or any other matters relating to beliefs. The ingenuity of Constitution 116 cannot be underestimated because there is simply no political role for religion to play in society. As such, religion and its values are looked upon as merely a social instrument for regulating and controlling ethical standards and/or norms in society. Constitution 116 does not seek to control, regulate nor censure leaders. Religion has been secularised because political power determines religion’s role in society. In other words, the people who elect their leaders cannot comment on the morality of their leaders.
These leaders can conduct themselves at whatever standards they choose with impunity. Thus, Constitution 116 cannot achieve a moral government. In fact, the Constitution relegates morality to immorality when it says precisely that “no religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the Commonwealth.” Given such a situation, is it any wonder that Muslims are now asking the government whether the role of religion in society is deemphasised or is there a greater significant device or element unbeknownst or even secret to the citizen as yet which is actually contained in Constitution 116. The definition of Article 116 itself is vague, indeterminate and perplexing. It is somehow clever but it opens up to some serious speculation. Could there be a plan to bring in Muslim migrants yet at the same time empty them of their beliefs when they take up permanent residency in the country. If such is the case, then Constitution 116 is as sinister as the intent to make it liberal. It is like saying Muslims are welcome to the country but their religion should be set aside or downplayed in national politics. Isn’t this typically secular? Is this another typical ploy of secularists so much a characteristic of modern governments? Is it symptomatic of things to come for all believers in Australia especially Muslims. I believe the intention is clear: bring the Muslims into the country but ensure that they slowly lose their religion the more they gradually believe in the values of the country which is guided strongly and affirmatively by the Constitution of Australia. Here are ten examples of loss of religion, in this case, Islam in Australia. It is forwarded to remind us all as food for thought. Example One. When Muslims greet each other “assalaamualaikum”, only some will respond to it spontaneously and enthusiastically. Others will give you a queer look while others will murmur something meant to be inaudible, a response meant to convey the meaning, “I know what you are saying but I am too embarrassed to reply the Islamic way.” Example Two. When Muslims have a choice of eating out at a halal restaurant, they decide it is easier to enter a restaurant which doesn’t serve pork and then say, “Bismillah” before consuming the food. Example Three: When Muslim children decide to leave the family house at the age of 16 or 17 as soon as they receive their Youth Allowances, that will be the last time you see them adhering to Islam. Example Four: When Muslim children go to public schools, they will soon forget to pray especially on Fridays where Congregation is compulsory. Example Five: When Muslim children go to private Islamic schools and colleges, the curriculum of these colleges, leaves much to be desired. In reality, there is no Islamic-approved curriculum which is standard across all Islamic schools and colleges. The administration of these educational institutions also needs to further improvement and development. What models of educational instruction are these institutions formed and what policies and goals do they subscribe? Example Six: When Muslims don’t hear the adhaan, they become deaf to it. Example Seven: When Muslims hear the adhaan from an electronic blast, they think adhaan is another iPod. Example Eight: When Muslims celebrate eid, they look forward to see their children take rides. Example Nine: When Muslims socialise with non-Muslims, very soon, there is no distinction between them. Muslim parents have terrible memories of losing their children to kufars when they are in a boyfriend-girlfriend or girlfriend-boyfriend relationship. Example Ten: When Muslims change their names to Western names that spells the end of their Muslim identity and hide their origins. Muslims constitute 1.7 percent of the population so whatever we do; we do as a minority. As far as the non believers are concerned, we live in the periphery and can hardly effect any change on their system and lifestyle. Conclusion: Muslims must change the laws of this country so they do not lose their religion. To do that, they have to participate in the political process of the country. The first step is to send the first Muslim to the Parliament of Australia in Canberra. Are you ready for this? Exercise your vote on August 21 but do remember there is a lot of work and reflection to be done ahead especially during this blessed month of Ramadhaan.
Muslim Writers Publishing Quality Books That Reflect The Very Best Of Islam! Publisher: www.MuslimWritersPublishing.com Author: www.widad-lld.com IWA Founder: www.islamicwritersalliance.net Blog: www.islamicfictionbooks.wordpress.com
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
USA:Top secret America in chaos
Barbara Ferguson Arab News
The Obama administration’s nominee to be the next director of US national intelligence (DNI) faced tough questions from Congress over the expansion of top-secret agencies, after reports in The Washington Post showed these efforts had become ‘’so unwieldy and so secretive’’ that effective oversight was impossible. Retired Air Force Gen. James Clapper is the current under-secretary for intelligence at the Pentagon, where more than two-thirds of intelligence programs reside. Clapper had a tough task explaining how he would streamline the massive flow of information from the intelligence community’s 16 agencies. He has already answered more than 80 questions from the Intelligence Committee, providing some 90 pages in responses that were posted to the committee’s web site at the start of the hearing. Arguably one of the most powerful and influential members of the intelligence community, Clapper faced a whole new set of questions after The Washington Post series on the US intelligence community called “Top Secret America.” Reporter Dana Priest, who investigated the story for two years before releasing it, said too many agencies are doing too many reports about the same thing. Priest said no one she spoke to in the intelligence community could answer a simple question:
Are we safer today than we were nine years ago after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks? Col. David Lapan, a Pentagon spokesman says the issue of redundancy within the intelligence community is a “well known” problem. “We’ve been fighting two wars since 9/11, and a lot of that growth in the intelligence community has come as a result of needed increases in intelligence collection and those
supposed to be doing: To ensure that the country’s most sensitive duties are carried out only by people loyal above all to the nation’s interest, federal rules say contractors may not perform what are called “inherently government functions.” But they do, all the time and in every intelligence and counterterrorism agency. ‘’We have seen a lot of disorganisation in the intelligence community,’’ said Republican Christopher Bond, vicechairman of the Senate intelligence committee, which is holding Clapper ’s confirmation hearing. Clapper also faced hard questions over a memo drafted by his Pentagon staff that expressed concern that some authority that would be given to the DNI in the 2010 intelligence authorisation bill could encroach on the Defense Department’s authority. Clapper’s hearing was delayed as part of a debate within Congress over whether to prevent the nomination from going forward until the White House signed off on that bill. Passed in the Senate, the 2010 bill is still in a holding pattern on the House side, as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, bargains with the administration over further expanding intelligence oversight.
..too many agencies are doing too many reports about the same thing... types of activities to support two wars,” Lapan told reporters. Congress created the Director of National Intelligence post in 2004 because of a perceived lack of coordination that preceded the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. But critics of the intelligence community in the White House say the intelligence chief ’s role is ill-defined because lawmakers did not want to give the director the authority to override decisions made by the agencies under his or her purview, and whose real authority rests on the ability to persuade others to listen to his or her recommendations. On Tuesday, the Washington Post series focused on outside contractors who it said are doing sensitive work they are not
Irish activist converts to Islam on memorial visit to Kayseri Irish peace activist Ca o i m h e Butterly converted to Islam during a trip to Kayseri to visit the family of Furkan Doğan, a 19-year-old Turkish-American peace activist slain during an Israeli commando raid on a flotilla of ships bearing humanitarian aid to the blockaded Gaza Strip in May. Butterly, who was born in Ireland but spent much of her youth traveling throughout West Africa and Latin America because her parents worked for aid groups, has spent the last nine years working as a volunteer with refugee camps in Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon. Inspired by Doğan’s tale, she traveled to the Turkish province of Kayseri this past week to visit his grave site and family and offer her condolences. During the trip, she decided that the time had come for her to convert to the Islamic faith and become a Muslim. She said her long experience in the Muslim world was part of her decision to convert to Islam but added: “But my reason for becoming Muslim at Furkan’s grave is that he was exemplary. For him - in the spring of his life at only 19 years old - with his purity, belief and strength, to choose struggle for the sake of the freedom of Palestine and the Palestinians is an example for everyone young and old in the world.” “For long years I have felt a closeness to the religion of Islam. But our fallen Turkish brothers on the Mavi Marmara, like Furkan, Ali Haydar, Cevdet, Nejdet and the others - they were an example to me that led me to join this community,” she said. Upon converting to Islam, Butterly chose a Muslim name, Aishah, after one of Prophet Mohammed’s wives. Butterly noted that while she felt conversion was an important step for her spiritually, in a political sense it also held meaning as she was from the Western world but did not let this stop her from standing up for justice in the Middle East. “For I believe in Palestine’s struggle for freedom, I believe in the intifada. I believe that people from everywhere in the world should support Palestine’s rightful struggle for freedom. As someone from the West, I feel that taking part in this struggle is a human responsibility,” Butterly said.
Page 23
August 2010
The Islamic Council of Victoria would like to wish the Muslims of Australia a blessed Ramadan and a joyous Eid. May Allah (s.w.t) accept your fasting and make this a Ramadan where we can grow in faith and harmony. The Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) would like to communicate the following announcement from the Board of Imams: The first day of the holy month of Ramadan 2010 will be on Thursday the 12th of August 2010. We wish you all a blessed month filled with piety and goodness. People are advised to contact their local mosque to check on programs in their area for the month. From the Islamic Council of Victoria, we also wish you all a blessed and holy month in which we can grow stronger in faith and piety. The ICV will also be holding nightly Iftar (breaking of the fast) and people are welcome to join us at the City Mosque. Taraweeh prayers will be starting on Wednesday night after isha prayers. RAMADAN MESSAGE FROM RAMZI ELSAYED PRESIDENT – ISLAMIC COUNCIL OF VICTORIA Ramadan is the holiest month in the Muslim calendar. It’s a month of sacrifice, dedication and steadfastness in order to bring us closer to the Almighty. Moreover, Ramadan is a month of blessings, forgiveness and overwhelming generosity and goodwill. In this month of forgiveness, I ask on behalf of all ICV members, staff and supporters to forgive us for any wrongdoing or shortfall. To allow us the opportunity to reconcile any difference and collectively benefit from the month of mercy. In the Ramadan spirit we say to all Ramadan Mubarek. May your Ramadan be blessed and a source of connection with the most Compassionate. RAMZI ELSAYED
Mossad sent agents on aid convoys: Hamas Hisham Abu Taha Arab News
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Hamas government’s Interior Ministry in Gaza has accused Israel’s intelligence services of sending agents on humanitarian aid convoys to the Strip. Ministry official Khaled Issa said “(Mossad) agents were discovered collecting information on the situation in Gaza and writing reports on the tiniest detail,” while alleging they were participating on aid convoys. The official’s remarks were made during a conference for the National Campaign against Communicating with the Enemy. The campaign was launched several months ago, he said, and has achieved “positive results reducing the number of spies for the Israeli intelligence,” which he said had increased over the last three years. Issa added that Israel was attempting to recruit collaborators in Gaza via the Internet by using social networking sites such as Facebook, messengers, and mobile phone technology, as other efforts to secure the whereabouts of captured soldier Gilad Shalit have failed. The official called on Gaza residents “not to yield” to suspicious phone calls allegedly from Mossad asking young Palestinian men to help them in return for money.
Turkish Court Orders Arrests In Coup Plot A Turkish court has ordered the arrest of 102 people, including at least three retired military commanders, to be jailed pending trial on charges of conspiring in 2003 to overthrow the Islamic-rooted government in a coup plot. The court set the trial date as Dec. 16. It had indicted a total of 196 people on Monday, accusing them of planning to create chaos and pave the way for a military takeover in an alleged conspiracy dubbed “Sledgehammer.” Police are now expected to round up 102 of those people, including Ret. Gen. Dogan Cetin, former commander of Turkey’s first army, former naval force commander Ozden Ornek and former air force commander Ibrahim Firtina. The other 94 indicted will remain free. The accused face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of attempting to bring down the government and having membership in an illegal organisation. Most were detained in February — but subsequently released — after a newspaper, Taraf, published what it said were leaked copies of documents detailing their plans. The newspaper claimed the officers and others plotted to blow up mosques in the hopes of stirring chaos that could trigger a military takeover, and even planned to turn
MUSLIM RADIO SHOW
stadiums into open-air prisons capable of holding tens of thousands of people if they challenged the troops. The newspaper handed over the documents to prosecutors. The military, which has overthrown four governments since 1960, has denied such a plot, insisting the documents were from a military training seminar during which officers simulated an internal strife scenario. More than 400 people, including pro-secular academics, journalists and politicians and soldiers, are already on trial on separate charges of plotting to bring down the government. They are suspected of a range of offences, including attacks on a newspaper and a courthouse, and plots to kill Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk. Critics allege these cases are built on flimsy evidence and illegal wiretaps. They say the accusations are a government attempt to silence opponents who accuse Erdogan of trying to undermine Turkey’s secular Constitution, a charge that he denies. The court cases reflect the growing confidence of civilian power in Turkey, whose politics were once dominated by the military.
Hosts: Rashid and Shayma Alshakshir Radio station: 3CR 855am (can be streamed online) When: Last Sunday of every month from 6pm-7pm Discussing issues related to Muslim youth, politics, world news and interviews with international muslim artists/singers To make suggestions for guests or topics to be discussed on the show Or if you are a muslim organisation or business and would like us to air your advertisements Contact Shayma on 0432 517 364 or email : shayma.alshakshir@live.vu.edu.au
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
TILCO
DENTAL CARE:
Amalgam Fillings Yasser Khan* Most of us might have had or know someone who has been to a dentist for fillings.Through this article we look to educate ourselves on one of the most commonly used materials for dental fillings. Dental fillings are used to restore worn or damaged teeth and treat tooth decay. A dentist would consider various factors before deciding the best filling material for your tooth. Some of the commonly used filling materials are dental amalgam and cosmetic filling materials Dental amalgam (often called ‘silver fillings’) is an inexpensive and highly durable material commonly used for filling teeth, especially those that are subject to a lot of wear and tear, such as molars. It is reported that it was first invented in China during the second century, and its formula was recorded in 1505 by Liu Wen-t’ai Modern dental amalgam is a metal alloy that is generally made up of mercury, silver and tin, with small amounts of copper and zinc. It is pliable when first mixed and can be moulded into a tooth cavity. Mercury in dental amalgam Concerns have been raised about the use of dental amalgam because it contains mercury. The metal alloy in modern dental amalgam has a low mercury content. Repeated international reviews of the scientific evidence have been unable to link the use of dental amalgam directly with ill health. Situations when amalgam should be avoided People who are advised to avoid getting new amalgam fillings or to have existing ones removed or replaced (where possible) include:
•Pregnant women •Women who are breastfeeding •People with kidney disease. While there is currently no scientific evidence directly linking amalgam with either ill health or birth defects, these recommendations have been made for precautionary reasons. Replacing amalgam fillings Deciding to have your amalgam fillings replaced is your choice and should be made in consultation with your dentist or other oral health professional. If you are considering having them replaced, it is important you consider the following: •Replacement can be expensive. •Replacing your filling often causes more of the natural tooth to be lost. •During replacement of your amalgam filling, exposure to mercury can be reduced by using a rubber shielding device called a ‘dental dam’ and the use of suction. •Dental amalgams if any in the aesthetic zone(front teeth)can be replaced with tooth coloured filling materials to improve the smile. •With regular maintenance some amalgam fillings have been seen to last for even 40 yrs. Today, silver amalgam is still the most popular tooth filling material in the world. It has been used extensively worldwide for over 200 years. It is estimated that up to 100 million amalgam restorations are placed in decayed teeth every year. Alternativly tooth-coloured filling materials are also available. We shall discuss this in the coming issue. *Dr Yasser Khan is a Melbourne based dental surgeon.
Julia Gillard’s Labor Party Supports Zionism Unconditionally Khalil Ibrahim * In the last few months Australia has witnessed political challenges by the Zionist state of Israel. First, it launched a military offensive against civilians in Gaza killing 1,434 Palestinians, as many killed in 22 days as in 22 years of Israeli casualties. In total, 960 civilians lost their lives, including 288 children and 121 women, 239 police officers were also killed. 5,303 Palestinians were injured in the assault, including 1,606 children and 828 women. Israel also challenged Australia by faking an Australian passport in the plot to kill Mahmoud Al Mabhouh in Dubai earlier this year. Julia Gillard, who was acting prime minister when the invasion of Gaza took place, put out a statement at the time criticising the Palestinian group Hamas for firing rockets into southern Israel, but declining to criticise Israel for causing civilian casualties. “Clearly the act of aggression was engaged
Building & Maintenance Tiling Painting Kitchen Renovation Bathroom Renovation
CALL BILAL 0401 817 921 We sell all sorts of tiles and build or renovate kitchens and bathrooms Contact
Open by appointment
Bilal your building maintenance specialist today to book for your job or to visit the showroom
FREE quotes for Crescent Times readers Get special prices and peace of mind!
Over 10,000sqm of tile stock on sale!! Come in NOW for a great deal!!
UI/4 Malcolm Road Maddington, WA
FREE SUBSCRIPTION FOR NEW REVERTS:
in by Hamas which commenced shelling with rockets and mortars into Israel,” Gillard said at the time. “That is what breached the ceasefire, and Israel responded.” At a dinner at King David Hotel in Jerusalem, senior Israeli minister Isaac Herzog paid a warm tribute to Gillard for her support for Israel during the Gaza conflict in January. “You stood almost alone on the world stage in support of Israel’s right to defend itself,” enthused Herzog, an act of courage he said would never be forgotten by the people of Israel. Four Australian passports were used by Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency for terrorist operations, in the killing of a Hamas leader in Dubai. The illegal use of passports put Australia in an embarrassing situation, as serious action had to be taken to satisfy the public. 117 President Street Rudd, a strong supporter of Israel, had come under fire from Jewish leaders WELSHPOOL, WA for expelling an official from the Israeli Embassy in Canberra. Julia Gillard stayed largely silent on the controversial affair, *Flat bread *Halal pizza & savouries making sure she is not *Manakeesh *Nuts & grains going to lose votes on one *Middle Eastern groceries hand. On the other hand *Beans & dried fruit the blessings of the Zionists will pave the way *And much more! for her to fulfil her ambitions of becoming the Visit us today.. just like home! first female prime minister of Australia.
Crescent Times team offer a 6 months FREE subscription to Crescent Times for NEW MUSLIMS. Please mail or email Crescent Times to get your FREE subscription if you have just reverted to Islam.
Email: editor@crescenttimes.com.au
Perth Lebanese Bakery
Quality flat bread and groceries
Phone: 08 9362 4281
Mobile: 0419 624 281
Cherry Blossom
Jewellery Clothing & gifts
www.cherryblossomjewellery.com
Page 24
658 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC
Next door to the Brunswick Masjid Tel/fax: 03 9383 1865
Wholesale & Retail Leading brands including AKER (silk scarves), TEKBIR & ARMAY. Large ranges of scarves and bonnets in all styles and colours. Handbags, jewellery, bridal jewellery, accessories and gifts
OPINIONS
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au When 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 of opinions and beliefs to our readers. We do our best to provide space for
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au 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
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Australian Politics and Muslims Engagement
Pulpit in Parliament
Hassan Alshakshir
Despite the long presence of Muslims in the Australian society, it may appear that we have no interest in the political racecourse. Muslims of other western societies such as Britain, US and Europe are miles ahead of us in this field. It is believed that poor organisational structures and the lack of vision are the main contributors to this delay. This also led to the absence of any real Muslim community; instead we have fragmented groups who are not on common grounds. However the increasing number of educated and professional Muslims in society is among the promising signs which will bond the community and broaden the scope of our contributions to society on all levels. Community leaders and prominent Muslim figures need to dedicate more time and energy to raise the status of our community, to educate our community and our younger generation. It is unfortunate that as Muslims we have limited our involvement to compulsory voting for representatives, who have no place on their agendas for our community’s needs and concerns. It is disappointing that we usually participate in elections with no preparation. A significant proportion of our community believes that the only way to escape the sin of participating in elections is by submitting empty ballots. We need to debate and educate the community on the importance of the political participation before presenting ourselves to the wider community. Australian Muslims should use the system to protect themselves and to improve their lot within the system to achieve a positive tangible influence. The first step to improving this situation is to conduct a thorough study and attempt to address all concerns. This needs to be completed by qualified people who have both the knowledge and the understanding of the system. Some aspects of this study should include: •What the Fuqahaa (Muslim scholars/jurists) have said about a particular issue, taking into consideration the conditions of implementing those Fatwas (religious rulings) and any necessary modifications required. •Is the controlling parameter of the Fatwa the benefit for the community “ijtehaad and maslaha” or is it totally a principle of faith “‘aqeedah”? •Similarities and differences, pros and cons of other international societies, whether it is in the West or in the East, where Muslims are the underlying minority. •Does involvement in legislative, judicial and executive authority have the same Islamic ruling? •Outlining the permissible level of participation. •Guidelines and conditions of affiliation, support
and boycotting of parties and independents. •Exploring all possible participation with other parties. •Demonstrating the effectiveness of any proposed approach. •Feasibility of having our own representatives. The most obvious advantages of having our own political representation are as follows: 1.A Muslim voice to address our concerns and needs, who shares the same background issues; like racism, anti terrorism laws, educational premises, religious institutions and Islamic courts, etc. Muslims will improve opportunities to practice Islam and improve the conditions for Muslims to promote and propagate Islam much more freely. It will reduce or even eradicate the negative impacts of the law on our community. 2. To help achieve an unbiased foreign policy, particularly to issues relating to Al-Quds or Baitul-Maqdis (The Noble or Sacred Land in Palestine) as well as unjustified wars on Muslim soil. As an example: “Suhail Khan a second generation American Muslim was employed by Congressman Tom Campbell of California. Due to their close relation, the pro-Zionist congressman was neutralised. Congressman Tom Campbell presented a bill to the House proposing to stop all forms of aid to Israel and Egypt” 3.Letting our voice be heard against the unfortunate decisions made by elected governments; supporting righteousness and propagating Islamic views and solutions to the wider community to show that Islamic solutions could be in their best interest, which is a valuable method of Da’wah (Invitation to Islam). 4.Influencing politicians and decision makers to be more accepting of the Islamic culture which will help in normalizing the view of Islam by the community. 5.Participating in serving the wider community will gain us the trust of the public.
Page 25
Ikebal Patel*
Yet another federal election, and yet another election with the Australian Muslim community by and large in a state of apathy with regards to articulating our priorities, interests and areas of most pressing needs to the aspiring politicians. The presence of Muslims in Australia goes back centuries but we are still behaving as political novices. We complain amongst ourselves when politicians attempt to use us as a political football, and we see the power and impact of the statements of the political representatives, yet many of us look at politics as something beyond our comprehension. Many of us still think as new arrivals to this country. Now, we are Australians, this is our country and political involvement is possible for every citizen. There are some of our Muslim brothers and sisters who are members of political parties, some have stood as candidates and we are now fortunate to have some representation in the Victorian and NSW State Parliaments and also many local councils. However, we continue to be underrepresented because not enough of us are involved in contributing to the making of the future of our country. There have been numerous instances of Muslims putting themselves forward as candidates in electorates which have large Muslim populations. These are dreaming words which will not find But history has shown that a different party will their way to interpretation without a finalised use another Muslim to try and undermine the business plan. main Muslim candidate, the votes end up being * Hassan Alshakshir is a Melbourne based engineer and split and our Muslim community is undermined. We need to stand together as a community and a frequent contributor to CT. ensure that we are not undermining each other in
the political process. Looking to the future: The Australian Muslim community is an astute and well educated community, we certainly have the maturity to command respect and to negotiate preference deals and negotiate other matters that are of importance to our community. We do not necessarily have to pick or choose Labour, Liberal or Greens in each seat or state but we can work with individual candidates and parties and put up our own candidates and work on issues that are of concern for us in each area. Above all, we need to make sure that every member of our community who can vote will actually make his or her vote count. Strategic Alliances I respect that some of us may have different priorities and goals. As a community, our main goal is to be able to live as effective individuals, successful in the workplace and able to contribute to the betterment of society. We want our children to have access to good education that will equip them to either develop their aptitudes at university or enable them to compete successfully in the workforce. We want access to good, professional and proficient healthcare and we want our government, regardless of party politics to have fair foreign policies. We need to make our government accountable for its decisions with respect to conflict zones such as the subcontinent, Africa and especially the Middle East. To do this, we need to show that our votes can make a difference. First and foremost, Muslims should be politically supporting and creating partnerships with the Indigenous Australian community. Unless the Muslim community’s engagement in Australia’s political system is founded on principles of justice and equity for Indigenous Australians it is meaningless to engage in such a system. Secondly, in order to make the greatest impact, our community can form partnerships with other communities such as the Hindu, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and other communities. Alone, it may be that none of these communities can realise its potential, but together, we can become a force for good and for the betterment of this country. This paper is meant to start discussions on this topic before the upcoming elections, and even to encourage some Muslims to put their hand up for elections. I am aware that there are some of our Muslim brothers and sisters who have already been endorsed and I urge us all to get behind these people. Even if none of our Muslim candidates win a seat in this election, this is great experience on which we can build for the future. We have established a coordinating committee at Muslims Australia to ensure that we enter the process in a professional and effective manner. I call on current candidates to register with the committee. Any aspiring candidates or volunteers who wish to strive with us in this cause should also contact the committee as soon as possible to register your name and area of interest as soon as possible. Contact can be directed to me or through AFIC in the first instance. I would welcome comments, suggestions and critical thought on this matter.
* Ikebal Patel is an engineer and the President of Muslims Australia “AFIC”.
2010 Election: boring campaign with no real choices! Jamal Daoud* I never saw such a boring election campaign. Even the candidates are not putting the posters with their pictures in streets or on shop fronts. As if they are ashamed from themselves. And they should be. Common features of the main political parties: 1-There is no political party that runs on concrete achievements in parliament. All parties are making big promises. 2-There are no actions, stunts or big announcements. There are only boring media conferences and releases. 3-Multiculturalism and related issues are not mentioned by any party, regardless of its own classification of its degree of progressiveness. 4- The level of lying and deception coming from leaders of all three mainstream media-made
parties. The last deceptive “promise” came from the Greens leader who promised to spend 4 billion dollars on dental care if he will be elected. He had the courage to insult our intelligence thinking that we do not know that senators like him can block or pass legislations, but cannot produce and implement one. It can be claimed comfortably that this election is really about nothing: no real choices, no real alternatives and no real solutions. So the voters will choose between the bad and the worse Now, let us examine why a Muslim or new non English speaking migrant would vote/not vote for this party or that. -The Liberals are extremely racist with a deep xenophobic agenda. Their leader does not hide his racist and Islamophobic ideas and commitments. -Labor, while less racist, has no courage to enforce real change in society to reverse the devastating policies of their Liberal predecessors. While they
stopped the official attack on multiculturalism, they did not take any real steps to counteract existing racism and Islamophobia. No changes were introduced to fix the inhumane welfare system. And no real big investment in public education, public health and public transport. -The Greens have no achievements on any front and a very poor track record of achievement on any issues important for new migrants and Muslims. With all the media attempts to brain wash us, I think that the result will be differ from media expectations. My expectations are: - Labor will win with comfortable majority. - The Greens will not increase their primary vote compared to the last election. Depending on luck, they may keep their current representation. They definitely will not increase their representation significantly to the point of winning a senate seat in every state. -The Greens most likely will not win Melbourne
seat, despite the retirement of Labor sitting minister. Australian politics is currently at a standstill at the moment with three mainstream parties that have no real differences. While the changes in Australia are very slow for many reasons, significant changes to the system will emerge within the next decade. But for now we should stress that any promulticulturalism element in society will put the Liberals and the Greens last on ballot papers in this election. While the Liberals were vocal racists, the Greens are practical racists. The only bright side in this election will be the fact that we will most likely see the first Muslim federal politician elected to the parliament. The Labor party should be proud of this achievement. Maybe this will be the only achievement Labor can be proud of. * Jamal Daoud is a Sydney based activist and politician.
Page 26
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Making a bequest for the benefit of the Muslim community
Hyder Gulam* Introduction
A Bequest is a gift made under a Will. It is a private and personal decision and can be one that maintains a person’s legacy. After family and friends have been provided for, making a bequest is a significant way to support a cause that is close to a person’s heart and a reflection of their values. As Muslims
•A scholarship to give extra incentive to a highperforming Muslim research student to continue with PhD research into curing a disease or solving an environmental issue
the donor specifies the particular initiative to benefit.
Conclusion
For more information about bequests, please discuss with your personal lawyer or feel free to contact to me at: hgulam@logielaw.com
iTech Network & PC Support NEW ADDRESS:
20/53 Cecil Avenue Cannington WA 6107 “next to DA Kebab Cafe”
*Lawyer with Logie-Smith Lanyon Lawyers (www.logielaw.com). Hyder is a registered nurse, a qualified lawyer, an accredited mediator as well as a Fellow of the Royal
We now build systems •Tune-up PCs •Remove viruses •Secure Windows •Laptop service and repair •Setup networks: wireless/ADSL •Data Recovery •Web Design •Laptop screen replacement
Ph: 08 9358 3737 Mob: 0434 492 972 www.itechsupport.com.au
There are generally two types of bequest: •A residuary bequest, where a donor bequeaths (gives) a potion of the donor’s residuary estate (i.e. what remains after all gifts and costs have been paid); or •A specific bequest, where a donor bequeaths a specified sum or an assets such as shares, property or items of value.
•A travelling scholarship to assist a Muslim student to study abroad for one semester experiencing other cultures and educational environments (ie Al Azha, Medina, Qom, International Islamic University – Malaysia etc). Muslim Community Organisations A bequest can help to maintain the excellent work undertaken by the various aspects of the Ummah by funding a particular Muslim Community organisation, for example: •Islamic Council of Victoria; •Australian National Imams Council; •Board of Imams of your State (i.e. Victoria); •Victorian Arabic Social Service; •Multicultural Youth Centre (Broadmeadows); •Muslim Legal Network; and •Crescent Times
How does your bequest help?
Libraries and Muslim Cultural Centres
we are all aware that Prophet Muhammad taught that three things continue to benefit a [believing] person even after death - charity which s/he had given (which continues to benefit others), beneficial knowledge which s/he had left behind (i.e. authored or taught), and supplication on her/his behalf by a righteous child (Narrated by Saheeh Muslim). A bequest represents the first of these things.
Types of Bequests
Through a bequest a person can specify which part or activity of a Muslim community organisation a gift should be used to support. Below are some examples of the many possible bequests, provided as a guide only. I encourage any interested person to contact their lawyer to discuss their particular interest and determine the level of support needed to achieve their wishes.
Muslim Students
A bequest can fund a Muslim student award (scholarships, prizes and bursaries) to help provide educational opportunities for the best and brightest Muslim students regardless of their financial circumstances, for example: •A scholarship to support a high achieving Muslim student in financial need to undertake their studies;
A bequest can help preserve, document and make available for the benefit of the Muslim Ummah Islam’s rich and varied collections of precious historic materials, which includes books, archives, artworks etc. An example here could be the rich legacy of the Afghan cameleers, or those of the Muslim migrants to Australia from various parts of the globe in settling into Australia, or even contemporary Muslim art in Australia. Describing the purpose of your bequest There are two categories of bequest for a Muslim community organisation: •A bequest for general purposes, where the Muslim organisation will decide which projects are to be funded by the bequest, being the projects of the organisation with the greatest priority at the time of the donor’s death; and •A bequest for a stated purpose, where
College of Nursing in Australia. He has post graduate qualifications in business/management, law and nursing. This article is for information only, and is not a substitute for specific legal advice.
Aisha Stacey*
A tired old cynic’s view of the last month Labour and the Coalition have clearly committed the Australian people too for another X many years, at the cost of another X many lives. According to newspaper reports from the New York Times, British daily the Guardian and German weekly Der Spiegel the files contain details of unreported cases of Afghan civilian deaths, a special force that hunts down Taliban leaders, to kill or capture, without trial; and a growing insurgency abetted by Pakistan. The publication of these secret US military documents was strongly condemned by US National Security Advisor General James Jones who said the action could put lives at risk and threaten national security; dare I say, a bit like the burqa. The documents span parts of two US administrations and “illustrate in mosaic detail why, after the United States has spent almost 300 billion dollars on the war in Afghanistan, the Taliban are stronger than at any time since 2001,” the Times reported. So how do wiki leaks and Labor party leaks link up? Both make me wonder just how accountable governments are. What happened to governments being elected by the people for the people? Do the people, the little people like you or I, ever really know what is going on or are we sucked into illusions? Australian lives are on the line everyday in places we have no business being, like Afghanistan, but the newspapers across the country print pictures of politicians kissing babies. Indigenous Australians are treated like prisoners in their own country but newspapers are fixated by Ms Gillard’s earlobes and hair colour. Personally this old cynic is probably going to vote for the first one to offer me another $950.
What a month. First Julia Gillard stabs poor Kevin Rudd in the back and makes him cry on national television. Next she calls an election that seems to be more focused the size of her earlobes and the appalling sight of Tony Abbott in Speedos then anything of political substance. All the while the whole country seems to be arguing about a little piece of fabric, the niqab to be exact, although everyone is calling it a burqa, which is actually a large piece of fabric. It is just my opinion, but hey, this has got to be the one of the biggest political red herrings of all time. Let’s debate the “security issue” of a handful of Australian women covering their faces in public, instead of focusing on real topics of concern. There has been little mention of the real issues, except the usual palaver setting us all up for more broken promises. Climate change, mining tax, asylum seekers, health care, mental health care, now there is a forgotten issue, but suddenly suicide prevention is a hot topic. And so it should be and should have been for a long time, but mental health has been low on the radar for a long time. And there is still no word about the Northern territory intervention. What there is word about however are the damaging leaks threatening to derail Ms Gillard’s campaign. And speaking of leaks, it is actually wiki leaks that are making headlines all over the world. Time Magazine calls wiki leaks ‘as important an information tool as the freedom of information act’, due mainly to the fact that on July 25th they released a document set of over 90,000 files relating to the *Aisha Stacey is a Gold Coast based journalist and researcher. She is QLD editor of Crescent Times. war in Afghanistan. Yep, that same war that both
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Page 27
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Ramadan Quizzes For Adults And Children answers, including your name and address, to be sent by mail to: P.O.Box 5390, Alice Springs, NT 0870. The deadline is the 27th of Ramadan (6th of September 2010). All Prize winners will be published in October issue of Crescent Times. Prizes include IBC products and subscriptions to Muslim Newspapers and Magazines
Quiz for adults: (17 years old and over)
1. a- b- c- d- 2. 3. a- b-
4. a- b- c- d- 5. a- b- c- d- 6.
How many months are sacred in Islam? 12 months 4 months 3 months 2 months What are the names of the sacred months? Are the sacred months consecutive? Yes No What is the status of sins and good deeds during these months? Sins and good deeds have the same status as in any other month Only good deeds are counted Bad deed are erased Sins and good deeds count for more What is the best fasting after Ramadaan? Muharram Shab’aan Dhu’l-Hijjah Shawwal
a- b- c-
They do not differ They bring the most rewards, better than Jihad They are a preparation for the coming Hajj
7. a-
Is there any special virtue in fasting during the month of Rajab? Some days are singled out for fasting This fasting is better than any other fasting There is nothing special about fasting during this month.
b- c- 8. a- c- 9. a- b- c- 10. a- b-
An Egyptian security official has announced that an underground steel wall built by Egypt to stop smuggling under its border with Gaza has been breached hundreds of times. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to brief reporters. A footage filmed by Associated Press
Did the prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) fast all of Sha’baan? Yes, all of it No, most of it He fasted the usual number of naafil (volunteer) days Are the months of Ramadan and Shab’ aan part of the four sacred months? Yes No
Manhattan, Usa: Ground Zero In Tensions Over Islamic Center
Gaza’s underground steel wall breached
Is hunting in the Sacred months haraam? Yes No
How do the first ten days of the Month of Dhul Hijjah differ from other days of the year?
After months of controversy, approval has been granted for the construction of an Islamic community centre and mosque two blocks away from the site of the World Trade Centre in New York City. The $US100m dollar building that will boast a gym, childcare centre and a couple of restaurants has raised several questions about religious tolerance, cultural freedom and national healing, leaving New Yorkers divided and one of their biggest questions un-answered: when will the United States pull out of Afghanistan? Opponents of the centre and the Cordoba Initiative, the group responsible for its construction, have come from far and wide. The Anti Defamation League described the project as “counterproductive to the healing process” while at the other end of the spectrum, The Guardian reported Sarah Palin tweeted the site was “unnecessary provocation” that “stabs hearts ... [the] twin towers site is too raw, too real”. Other community members in protest rallied the Landmarks Preservation Commission and asked that the existing building be recognised as a heritage site; a request that was turned down. New York City’s Mayor, Michael Bloomberg is among the most vocal of
Quiz for kids
the Islamic centre’s supporters and spoke out about the healing properties of the proposed building. In an emotional speech, Bloomberg urged his constituents to reflect on the historical significance of New York’s immigrant culture and the importance of religious acceptance in the healing process: “Our doors are open to everyone everyone with a dream and a willingness to work hard and play by the rules. New York City was built by immigrants, and it is sustained by immigrants - by people from more than a hundred different countries speaking more than two hundred different languages and professing every faith. And whether your parents were born here, or you came yesterday, you are a New Yorker. “The World Trade Centre Site will forever hold a special place in our City, in our hearts. But we would be untrue to the best part of ourselves - and who we are as New Yorkers and Americans - if we said ‘no’ to a mosque in Lower Manhattan,” he said It’s a powerful and emotive speech that was reported to have left the Mayor and bystanders “quite choked” but at the same time, still failed to address the one thing the construction of a mosque won’t do: end the war and bring home the troops.
1. a- b- c-
What is Ramadan? The Muslim fasting month A little bird A time for celebration
2.
What do Muslims do to prepare themselves for the month of Ramadan? They fast before Ramadan They try to do more good deeds They try to avoid bad deeds All of the above
a- b- c- d- 3. a- b- c- 4. a- b- 5. a- b-
What month comes just before Ramadan? The month of Shab’aan The month of Shawwal The month of Dhu’l-Hijjah Does Ramadan always come at the same time of the year? Yes No What should you do if you commit a sin in order to erase it? Ask for forgiveness Immediately replace the bad
c-
deed by a good deed All of the above
6. a- b-
Is a good word or a smile considered a good deed? Yes No
7.
How many times more will the good deed count during Ramadan? 100 times more 20 times more 70 times more
a- b- c- 8. a- b- c- 9. a- b-
What do Muslims do the month before Ramadan in order to get more rewards? Visit all of their friends Fast Go more to the mosque Are kids punished for their bad deeds? Yes No
10. Can we fast the second half of Shab’aan? a- Yes b- No
DA Kebab Cafe Special: *1 Whole Portuguese Chicken $10.95 Ramadan special meal: rice, chicken, salad, yogurt, soup $9.95 Ramadan Mubarak
Shop 19/53 Cecil Ave Cannington, WA (next to Halal Meats) 08 93583737 0434 492 972
FREE tea with any meal!
Lucy Kippist. The Punch
Television News showed one smuggler cutting through the barrier with a blow torch. Smugglers say the wall was never a serious obstacle and that they are more concerned about consumer goods coming in through legitimate crossings now that Israel has eased the Gaza closure. Hundreds of tunnels run under the border. They are used to import goods as well as weapons to the besieged territory. Last year, Egypt started building the wall to stop smuggling. Source: Agencies
Future Profiles And Investigations By Crescent Times:
effective leadership and how to best represent all Aussie Muslims (From March 2011) Dear readers and writers: Please contribute and send * Islamic Education Down Under (From September 2010) us all your opinions, comments and information. Your * Islamic Finance Down Under (From November 2010) cooperation and participation makes a better, stronger, * Reverts Down Under: their stories, struggles and more effective community. achievements (From January 2011) * Islamic Leadership Down Under: The issue of unity, Editor-in-Chief
Page 28
Issue 22, August 2010 ©
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
maddington meats Halal
حالل للم�سلمين
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Ramadan Specials تخفي�ضات بمنا�سبة �شهر رم�ضان الكريم All the meat you need Top quality & great service! maddington Meats
Centro Maddington Shopping Centre
Burslem drive, Maddington, WA Ph : 9459 7590 M : 0421377622 or 0413994959
Our Specials: Beef mince $6.49kg Chicken drum stick $3.99kg Chicken breast fillet 11.99kg
Lamb roast $11.99kg Baby lamb cutlet $8.99kg Topside steak $9.49kg Diced beef $9.99kg
Whole round steak $8.49kg
All small goods and cold meats available
BENTLEY FRESH MARKET & CONTINENTAL DELI RAMADAN SPECIALS: Durra foul $0.99kg Turkish halwa $1.99 20kg Baghlan rice $56 2kg Lulu dates $13.99 1kg Tunisian dates $6.99 3kg Hohn bull tomato paste $5.99 850g Altaghzia meat/chicken$6.99 700g Paprika paste$3.99 2kg yoghurt $6.99 1 litre Harvey Fresh milk $0.99 850g Tomato paste $2.49 5kg Aahu barah rice $14 20kg Somer rice $45 10kg white flour $16.99 5kg Watani rice $14 Frozen molokhia $1.79 ea
!لكل احتياجات االجالية العربية من �أجود و�أجدد منتجات ال�شرق الأو�سط و�أ�ستراليا
Shop 49, 140 Albany Hwy Bentley Shopping Centre Bentley WA Ph: 08 9258 0787