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RESCENT T IMES Australian Muslim Newspaper
Monthly - Independent
Issue # 30, April, May 2011
Strengthening Our Community www.crescenttimes.com.au
E E R F
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Australian Muslim leadership crisis:
CALL FOR REFORM AND QUIET REVOLUTION
The Arab world revolutions have inspired many, including fair dinkum Aussie Muslims. During my various meetings with a range of community organisations and individual
concerned Muslims it has become apparent that there is widespread dissatisfaction with current Muslim community leadership. The performance of those who purport to be
leaders of our community is substandard and often frankly embarrassing. Of course during the Howard era, Islamophobia generated following the events of 9/11, the
wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan and the subsequent increase in arrival of refugees by boat was partially to blame for the continued last page
Religion of science and scholarship since day one Islamic manuscripts are considered the richest in the world as Islam has encouraged learning since day one. Over centuries, scholars from all over the Muslim world, from all races, colours and languages have contributed to this scholarly heritage.
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Issue # 30, April, May 2011
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‘Erdoğan saved future of Greek Orthodox Patriarchate’
For more information Contact: 0411045900 Email: secretary.cmsa@gmail.com
In an interview with the Star Daily, Anağnos-topulos said there were 12 archbishops on the patriarchate’s Spiritual Board at the time. “Most of [those archbishops] are very old. In order to become a member of this board, one has to be a Turkish citizen. If the patriarch dies one day, it seemed unlikely that a new patriarch would be elected from the board [due to the members’ age]. This danger has now passed. The prime minister attended a luncheon on Büyükada in August 2009 … and said the problem with the Spiritual Board will be overcome if archbishops applied to become Turkish citizens. He assured us that applicants would be granted citizenship,” the spokesperson stated. Anağnostopulos defined the prime minister’s remarks as the “most positive moment in his lifetime.” “After the prime minister’s call, 27 of 35 archbishops abroad submitted applications to become Turkish citizens. Thirteen of them have already been granted citizenship,” he added. The spokesperson also said Erdoğan and Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç were the first state authorities to express their wish to re-open a closed Greek Orthodox seminary on Heybeliada, off the coast of İstanbul. The Halki Seminary was closed in 1971 in accordance with a law that put religious and military training under state control. In addition, Anağnostopulos said the Halki Seminary is of high importance for the Greek Orthodox population as it was once a base where clerics were trained for the religious community. “An argument has been put forward by some people in Turkey. They say the Greek Orthodox population comprises only 2,500 people, and we needn’t train clerics for so few people. They say we may ‘import’ clerics from abroad. However, they should know that the Greek Orthodox patriarch is the most senior among Orthodox churches in the world. This is why he was granted the ecumenical title. We also have followers outside of İstanbul, including in North and South America and some parts of Europe, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. Their priests and archbishops are appointed by our patriarch. And for their appointment, it is a must for candidates to have graduated from a seminary,” he stated.
Issue # 30, April, May 2011
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
NATIONAL NEWS
NSW:
Birth of the Justice and Arts Network
In September 2010, the Sydney Muslim community were introduced to an innovative, fresh initiative called the Justice and Arts Network ( JAAN). JAAN is the latest branch of the community-based, non-profit organisation, Mission of Hope. The launch of JAAN explained that the venture aims to deliver and cultivate a range of services in both the social justice and the arts scene. By developing and delivering a range of workshops, events and other opportunities, JAAN aims to enhance the community’s capacity and encourage development in every sense of the word. On the launch night, a variety of talents from
VIC: Countering anti-Muslim sentiment
The Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) and the Muslim Legal Network (MLN) have called on the Australian Muslim community to contact their elected representatives to request that they to take steps to counter anti-Muslim sentiment in Australia. In a statement, ICV President Hyder Gulam said: “Australians have generally been appalled at the offensive, discriminatory and divisive utterances by a number of our Members of Parliament* against Muslims and Islam. Islamic values encompass fundamental precepts such as democracy, rule of law, tolerance, the sanctity of human life, the right to live in peace, respect for human rights, equality of men and women, the equality of people of all races and ethnicities, the shared responsibility of society and the affluent for those less fortunate and disadvantaged and the protection of the environment for the benefit of future generations. We are all aware that Muslim migration to Australia has brought many benefits to our nation, including a skilled work force. However, there are challenges that have made it difficult for some Muslims to feel part of a wider national collective. Part of that is the perception that Australian society does not respect individuality with respect to religious practice, be it through woeful and biased media reporting, or statements by certain Members of Parliament”. MLN President, Fatima Dennaoui said: “It is important that Members of Parliament unite the Australian community rather than divide it. It is time Parliament came out clearly in favour of Australian diversity, multiculturalism and pluralism. The politics of fear must be rejected”. What you can do: 1) Contact your elected representatives, through the Federal and Victorian state parliament websites: •Commonwealth Senate: http://www.aph.gov.au/ senate/senators/contacts/los.pdf •Commonwealth Representatives (Lower House): http://www.aph.gov.au/house/members/memlist. pdf •Victoria Senate: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/ members/council •Victoria Representatives (Lower House): http:// www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members/assembly You may also contact the relevant Parliamentary Switchboard (have information about your post code and suburb ready) at: •Parliament of Australia - 02 6277 7111; •Parliament of Victoria - 03 9651 8911. 2) Put your mobile phone to good use. Call your friends and family members and ensure that they contact their elected officials. Act as a facilitator for your friends and family to help them express their feelings to their Members of Parliament. For more information, please contact the ICV or visit the website: http://www.muslimlegalnetwork. com/
*Senator Cory Bernardi as cited in http://www.news.com.au/ national/liberal-mps-warn-of-islam-danger/story-e6frfkw91226002547569#ixzz1IDzzEuWW: “I, for one, don’t want to eat meat butchered in the name of an ideology that is mired in sixth century brutality and is anathema to my own values…”.
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the Muslim community, including singers, filmmakers, hip-hop artists, spoken word poets and comedians, such as Nazeem Hussain, one half of the Fear of a Brown Planet duo, were showcased. JAAN is based on the idea that youth, when given an opportunity with appropriate means and knowledge, will feel empowered and confident in their ability to be part of the solution, which in turn benefits them as individuals and the community as a whole. Projects under the JAAN umbrella include the Villawood Detention Centre Outreach Program, legal information seminars, Eid Gift Drive, Ramadan Food Packs, Muslim Youth Leadership Challenge, a series
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of training and skills workshops in various arts, political debates and other art and cultural events. To kick off the year, JAAN set up a two-part Creative Writing workshop with prominent lawyer and author Randa Abdel-Fattah, as well as a graffiti workshop in conjunction with Auburn Council for National Youth Week. A filmmaking and digital arts workshop by Hollywood producer and writer Kamran Pasha, a legal rights information seminar for newly arrived migrants and an exhibition that brings together a plethora of artistic contributions on important and contemporary themes, are just a few of the upcoming JAAN events. If you would like to donate to these very important initiatives or would like to become a volunteer please contact jaan@missionofhope. org.au, or follow JAAN on Facebook ‘Justice and Arts Network’.
Issue # 30, April, May 2011
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NATIONAL NEWS
Life-saving tips from young Muslim Australians – successfully launched
VIC: Eritrean Islamic Society of Australia participates in Clean Up Australia Day On Sunday 6th March the Eritrean Islamic Society of Australia (ERIS) participated in the 21st Clean Up Australia Day. The President of the Society, Mr. Salah Mohamed stated that “This is the first time our society organised this event. Hopefully in future we will participate in the activity in more organised way and we will cover a wider area. We look forward to continuing this work in future insha Allah”. Clean Up Australia Day highlights Australian generosity and community spirit with volunteers coming together to lend a hand and donate their time to clean up their local environment. The activity began at 10am with morning tea and the filling in of registration forms, followed by reading of the possible OH&S risks by the site supervisor. There were 27 participants, predominantly Australians of Eritrean origin, ranging in age from children to teenagers to young and older adults. The participants covered the area around the North Melbourne housing estate on Alfred Street. 25 bags of rubbish were collected, of which 12 bags were recyclable. The waste included all sorts of paper, plastic, cans, glasses, and syringes - which were handled according to instructions given by Melbourne City Council. Volunteers were happy to participate in the event and they agreed to encourage others to participate in the future. Furthermore, volunteers provided feedback, which was documented by Clean Up Australia Day organisers to help improve future events. By way of thanks, the volunteers received certificates of appreciation from the Clean Up Australia organisation. The Eritrean Islamic Society of Australia would like to
Free books from Ethnic Council
Thousands of books will be provided free to the public at the second Book Fair organised by the Ethnic Communities Council of Western Australia at Multicultural House, North Perth on Saturday 7th May. ECCWA president Maria Saraceni said many of the books donated by public
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acknowledge the assistance of the following volunteers: Ms Natalie Warren from North Melbourne Language &
Learning, Ms. Jessica and Mr. Doug Ackerly. ERIS management thanks everybody involved for making this event a success. *Photos: Clean up Australia Day volunteers in action. Courtesy: Eritrean Islamic Society of Australia
libraries and individuals were new. “They include fiction, history, health, religion, art, children’s books, jigsaws, DVDs and CDs. There are also books in languages other than English, including Arabic, Chinese and Polish. All will be available free at our book fair,” she added. “The book fair aims to assist migrants and refugees to integrate by providing them with information on Australian society and culture. It is also a chance for ‘mainstream’ Australians to learn about migrants, refugees, ethnic minority Australians and Aboriginal people through books and DVDs about other countries and cultures”Ms. Saraceni said. “I attended last year’s book fair” explained Amna Hansia, School Secretary, Australian Islamic College.
“We were able to collect dozens of books for our school library, many in Arabic and other languages which our students speak.” Light refreshments will be available and people will have the chance to enjoy a snack and meet new people at the bumper Book Fair. ECCWA would like to acknowledge the support of Blue Travel Pty Ltd, Mickel Smits Stamps and Coins and Polytechnic West who have sponsored this event. The Book Fair will be held on Saturday 7th May 2011 at 20 View St North Perth, from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Entry is by a gold coin donation. For more information call Ananda or Patrick on 9227 5322.
Over the last year, Dulwich Centre Foundation has been involved in a project to create a film, website
and publication in relation to the skills and knowledge of young Australians of Muslim heritage which are then to be shared with young people around the county. This project was recently launched in Bankstown, Sydney. Lobna
Yassine, Sekneh Hammoud-Beckett, Hassan Alizadeh and Nadia Yacoubi all spoke at the launch. Jacinta Manton and Kayleen Manton from the Mt Druitt Indigenous Church were also present to read a powerful letter on behalf of young Aboriginal people. You can read the life-saving tips from young Australian Muslims on the Dulwich Centre website, video-clips of these tips will also be made available through the website: www. dulwichcentre.com.au/life-saving-tips. html. This project was proudly supported by the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship through the Diversity and Social Cohesion program. And was run in partnership with BYDS (www.byds.org.au)
VIC: City of Greater Dandenong Council refuses Al-Furqan mosque plan Last year (2010) AlFurqan IIC lodged an application for a planning permit at its current location (5 Wardale Road, Springvale South) as a Place of Assembly and Information Centre. The idea was to have an information hub where people across south east of Melbourne would have easy access to information about Islam. Prior to the application, regular
prayers were held on site as well as a range of other activities such as Quran and Fiqh classes, children’s classes and Ramadan activities. On Monday 28th March City of Greater Dandenong Council (henceforth CGDC) in its regular monthly meeting as per recommendation of CGDC planning department made the decision to refuse a permit on the grounds of parking, noise and safety. This decision by CGDC has potential for financial, social and other implications for regular visitors and volunteers of Al-
Furqan IIC as well as Al-Furqan IIC itself. Al-Furqan mosque committee has asked the CGDC to review its decision and enable Al-Furqan IIC to continue to work and offer services to local community. Community members who wish to support Al-Furqan can sign a petition of support at Al-Furqan IIC at 5 Wardale Road, Springvale South or write a letter of support to Al-Furqan at the same address. For more information please visit: www.aswj.com.au/
Contributors APRIL 2011: Kamariah Ahmed - Nasya Bahfen - Fa’izah Batchelor - Umar Batchelor - Jack Campbell - Tarek Chamkhi - Lind D Delgado - Shaazlah Hafreth - Aziz Khan - Yasser Khan - Joanne McKeown - Debora McNichol - Aisha Novakovich - Yossi Melman - Sherri Qusay - Yvonne Ridley - Irfan Yusuf - Kevin Zeese PUBLISHER: Tarek Chamkhi
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Issue # 30, April, May 2011
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ISLAMIC LITERATURE
FOCUS: Muslims and Fiction Linda D. Delgado* I recently conducted a 2-hour internet search for a project about Muslims and Islamic Fiction. Who writes about it? Who publishes it? Who promotes it? I turned up some interesting FACTOIDS. One article stated that in 1940 Ahmed Ali became the first Muslim to write and have published a novel in English, Twilight in Delhi. He didn’t live in an English first language country and the book is labeled fiction, not Islamic fiction. I found 25 web sites using the words Islamic Fiction in discussions, sales, and publishing. I found several articles written by non-Muslim university professors about Muslims and their fiction writing. Not one of the articles mentioned the fact that Muslims speaking English and living in a westernised country write/have published Islamic Fiction books. I was not surprised. Most Muslim educators determining which books to recommend to Islamic schools and home schooling associations, from my experiences, avoid any recommendations for Islamic Fiction. I found eight Muslim publishers-retailers using the words Islamic Fiction on their web sites. A couple of years ago the word fiction was never used publicly by Muslims! Another FACTOID at a site I found had the lead article in large lettering proclaiming that ‘Islamic Fiction Dominates Indonesian Novels’. My own IF 4-book series was translated and republished in Indonesia about six years ago. Several times each year I get several emails from Indonesian publishing agents looking for recommendations for English language IF books and authors. This week I received an email from a sister living in Germany. She introduced herself and wanted to tell me she and another sister in Islam created a new Muslim publishing business specifically to publish IF authors and books. Why? Same reason all IF authors run into. She stated that the large Muslim publishers refused to publish anything in fiction other than little children’s picture books with very limited text. They hope to do English translations to the German language sometime in the future. At the Islamic Fiction Books web site there
are 400+ IF books listed and authored by 170+ Muslim writers. I think this list of books and authors is just the tip of the iceberg. With e-books and self-publishing becoming easier and more affordable, many IF writers are not waiting for change to come to the Muslim book industry. They are publishing and selling their books at online retailers and don’t have to deal with the problematic Muslim book world. The really good news I have saved for last. I own a publishing business with the focus of publishing contemporary Islamic fiction books for older youth, teens and adults. I learned recently that the printing company I use (also for distribution) will
She stands in front of the mirror, locks of thick, dark hair cascading over her shoulders. Her deep brown eyes steal away from her reflection as she rifles through an array of coloured fabrics. Blue. Red. Orange. Black. She pulls out the black one and holding both corners of the garment, she whips her wrists, like one airing out a scrunched up sheet at the end of a bed. She elegantly wraps the hijab around her face, pinning it below her chin. She pulls it to the right. Then left. In a matter of seconds, eyes, nose, mouth and eyebrows are all which remain to be seen. She pins it again, catching the time on her watch. With minutes to spare before starting her shift, she rushes through the house and out the front door. Her stomach growls, waiting to be fed. She doubles back. A day is not worth living without Vegemite on toast. Dr Nemat Alsaba works in the emergency department of the Gold Coast Hospital. The devout Muslim left her home in Saudi Arabia to take up a temporary working visa and start a Fellowship in Emergency Medicine in 2006. Five years later, she is finishing her final year of the program and looking after her three teenage children, including a 15-year-old autistic boy. She sees her partner twice a year; he remains working abroad. It’s not an easy life working in the emergency ward. She often rushes out
A mother’s prayer
Pamela Taylor*
Qiyyam I am a jungle gym. My daughter climbs the couch and flings herself across space to latch onto my back, arms whipping around my neck legs encircling my waist with the precision and grace of a baby spider monkey leaping from the limb of a baobab tree to clutch onto its mother. Ruku
Sajda My head touches the floor and she little shinnies up my legs, seats herself on my bottom, scoots forward sliding down my back, taking my sweater with her, baring my ribs and spine. For Maghrib, I think I shall wear an abaya. Jalsa A hand grasps my forehead. A foot appears over my right shoulder. Another over my left. A tug at my scarf, a wrench at my chin, and she is up, balanced precariously, arms stretched above her head Look ma, no hands! Sajda She catapults over my head and runs back to the couch, steps out onto my back -a statue taking its pedestal? a surfer riding her board? Aladdin astride his carpet? My sajda stretches on and on lest I spill her from her perch Oh, that Allah could inspire such devotion!
be opening a printing and distribution plant in Melbourne, Australia at the end of June this year. This means that all IF books I have published will be available to Muslim Australians without the expensive overseas mailing cost. *Linda D. Delgado is the owner of Muslim Writers Publishing. She has authored nine books with some being available in pdf and other ereader formats. She is a mom, grandma, and great-grandma. She lives in southwest USA. www. Muslimwriterspublishing.com and www.Islamicfictionbooks. com and www.islamicfictionbooks.wordpress.com and www. raineywalkerseries.wordpress.com
She is a Vegemite addict... and a veiled Muslim doctor Jack Campbell*
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half-way through one of her five daily prayers to look after the latest broken arm or leg. Or often worse. But despite the challenges, Dr Alsaba calls Australia home. “To be honest, the first time I came to Australia was in 2005 and back then I don’t think people were used to seeing females wearing the hijab,” she says. “I’ve been lucky though, I’ve never experienced any problems, especially working at the hospital because the people there are from everywhere around the word.” She glances at a family photo; her family at Surfers Paradise beach. “When I talk to my children and my family, I call Australia my home. Home is where you feel safe and we put home as the place where you have people that respect you.” The multiculturalism debate is back in the political spotlight. Earlier this year, Fairfax newspapers alleged Shadow Immigration Minister Scott Morrison wanted to launch a fear campaign against Muslim migration. The newspaper’s reports say Morrison urged his party members to capitalise on Muslim immigrants’ fears of their inability to integrate to keep them out of Australia. Morrison rejects the claim as gossip, but the story has ignited a flame which is turning into a raging inferno – the Muslim immigration debate. Imagine Brisbane as a village of 500 people. In the entire village, only five would be Muslim
‘Itidal A little body rises off the ground suspended beneath my chin -a living sutlara. Arms cling to my neck. Tummy presses against my chest. Feet dangle atop my thighs. She brings them up, plants them firmly on my stomach, scales my torso like a soldier climbing the Wall.
Qa’ada She crawls upon my lap, seats herself belly to belly, lies her head on my shoulder. Worn out at last. I do not know if my prayers have tired her more. Or me. Certainly Allah cannot have been overwhelmed by the athleticism of our genuflectory collaboration or by the intensity of my concentration. “Peace,” my lips say into her ear, though my mind forms words of admonition more reminiscent of God’s Rebuke. When I have finished, she lifts her head, blesses my cheek with a warm kiss. “What a good girl you are, mommy,” she says, commending my prayers with three year old approbation, her dulcet smile a vision of God’s Own Mercy. The harsh words melt from my tongue. How can one answer Love with anger?
compared to 300 Christians, according to 2006 Census statistics. Four years earlier, and the number would have been closer to four Muslims per 500 people. Take another step back. With about 5.8 million immigrants Australia-wide, only one in 29 is Muslim. In terms of the entire population, Muslim immigrants are even less, outnumbered more than 100 to one. So why are people scared of a minority group? A leading expert in immigration studies says it is because of our association of Muslims with terrorists. Australian National University’s Director of The Australian Demographic & Social Research Institute Peter McDonald says all immigrants coming to Australia deserve a fair go at starting a new life. “There is a double fear in society which is a fear of Muslims and a fear of boat people,” he says. “There’s a small group of Muslims who may be dangerous but it’s up the security agencies to look after the matter.” He takes a quick breath. “Of course, we should be careful, but we shouldn’t label an entire group of people as terrorists. The image of boat people coming to Australia is that they’re Muslims and the fear generated is that boat people and Muslims are of the same story when they’re definitely not.” Student Safiyya Azman, 22, knows only too well how it feels to be stereotyped as something she’s not.
She spreads out her towel over the sunscorched sand. Beads of sweat drip from her brow. Bikini clad girls pass her by, staring and making hurried whispers to one another. She tries to ignore them. She can’t help staring back. She sits on her towel beside her friends. These girls don’t judge her. She wipes the sweat from her forehead. Her hijab is suffocating. She stands and makes toward the glistening blue water, anxious to cool down. She stands in the shallows as the waves pound against her knees. People rush past, skin bared to the world. They do a doubletake. A hijab and a wet-suit aren’t your usual attire at a Gold Coast beach. Safiyya is a Muslim from Malaysia who moved to Australia to study Finance and Law at Bond University in 2008. She says Australia is the place she feels most accepted outside her home country. But despite the safety, she thinks Australia’s multicultural strategy has a long way to go. “I don’t know what people are scared of because the terrorist image is not about religion, it’s about politics,” says Safiyya. “You can’t just blame Muslims for the September 11 attacks, there isn’t enough evidence to prove who it was. It could have been the CIA for all we know.” She takes a deep breath. continued next page “Christianity and
I bend down and she leap-frogs my head, landing in front of me with a flying somersault. Her hands clasp behind my neck and she swings to and fro in time to my muttered subhanas.
*Pamela Taylor is an American poet and writer.
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Issue # 30, April, May 2011
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ISLAMICA Free online Islamic LINK TO PROPHET MOHAMMED SAW
Sectarianism is not caused by Hadith Kamariah Ahmad*
In the previous issue, we explained the authenticity of Hadith as ensured by the extensive methodological system in transmitting, compiling and preserving the sayings of Prophet Mohammed. Without the various recorded texts certain people with particular ideologies and motives will try to explain certain surah of the Quran to their own benefit. This will create further division among the ummah. In a warning on wrong interpretation of Quran and hadith Prophet Mohammed said: Avoid relating a hadith from me, unless you know it for a certainty. He who deliberately narrates from me falsely, then let him prepare for himself an abode in the hell-fire. And he who interprets the Quran according to his own opinion, then let him prepare for himself an abode in the hell-fire. (1) The rejecters of hadith argued: “Hadith is a false teaching, which contributes to the rise of sectarianism among the Muslim community”. A reply to this statement: Sectarianism between ‘Shia’ and ‘Sunni’ is not the result of the teaching of hadith. Both sects accept the Quran and sunnah of the Prophet as inspired authoritative textual sources. The Shia have maintained their own collections of traditions including not only the sunnah of the Prophet but also that of Ali and the Imams; while Sunnis are usually defined as followers of the sunnah of the Prophet. Historically they accept the authority of the Caliphate while Shiites derive their name from the name of Prophet’s son-in-law from the word ‘shiat Ali’ or partisan of Ali, as they believe Ali should have taken over from Prophet Mohammed as he was the son-in-law rather than leadership devolving to the Caliphate who were Syaidina, Abu Bakar, Umar and Uthman. The Shia claim the hadith of the ‘event of the cloak’ is one of the foundations of their conception of the Imamate, in which they believe descendants of Prophet Mohammed have a special divine spiritual leadership over the Muslim community. The Shia definition of ‘Ahl al-Bayt’ or ‘People of the House’ is a term used to designate the family of Mohammed, the Prophet is quoted as having said this; further strengthened by their claim from the second part of verse Quran 33:33 ‘the verse of purification’. The hadith reads: “A’isha reported that Mohammed went out one morning wearing a striped cloak of the black camel’s hair. Then came Hasan b. ‘Ali. He wrapped him under it, then came Husain and he wrapped him under it along with the other one (Hasan). Then came Fatima and he took her under it, then came ‘Ali and he also took him under it and then said: Allah only desires to take away any uncleanliness from you, O people of the household, and purify you (thorough purifying).” Sahih Muslim
Book 031, Number 5955 Shia belief claims that Prophet Mohammed, Fatima, Ali, Hasan and Husayn are the sole members of Ahl al-Bayt. They view this as God’s confirmation that they are to be given the exclusive guardianship of Islam, since they alone are sinless. A Sunni writer Abdullah Rahim commented that the Prophet was a very capable religious leader, he always used to talk very clearly and in important matters he used to repeat his words and make sure that all have understood them. On some occasions he used to ask people “did I deliver the message to you” to make sure no doubts remained. Suppose the Prophet wanted to establish a new meaning for the phrase Ahl Albayt, why would such an important matter be done in the privacy of a house where only one person other than people involved can see it or based on the hadith from Muslim,on an impromptu occasion out of the house? Doesn’t such a serious message deserve to be announced formally in the crowd like other important messages that the Prophet delivered throughout his life? If the answer to this is that this was merely an incident and the Prophet did not want to use it to establish the supposedly transformed meaning of Ahl Albayt, then from what clear and strong evidence can a Muslim come to the understanding and conclusion of Ahl Albayt as the sole guardians of Islam. (2) From the above it can be seen that the division between Sunni and Shia was not caused by false teachings of hadith, but the difference in beliefs and interpretation. The motive of Shiism is more political as the authority of their ‘Imam’ covers two roles; spiritual leader who can act as an intercessor and a political leader to govern the country. However, both Shias and Sunnis adhere to hadith on the manner of performance of prayers, rituals and pilgrimage with only minor differences. Regarding those who claim ‘Hadith or sunnah as a source of theology and law is responsible for the disunity, weakness and backwardness of the Muslim ummah today’ more will be said in the next issue. References: (1) Muntakhab Ahadith, compiled by Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Kandhlawi , published by Imran Book Depot, Hadith narrated by Ibne-‘Abbas (Tirmidhi) hadith 53 page 262 (2)A summary of an article written by Abdullah Rahim at http://www.understanding-islam.com/q-and-a/ history/hadith-kasa John L.Esposito, Islam the Straight Path: Belief and Practice, published by Oxford University Press, 1998 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahl_al-Kisa *Kamariah Ahmad is a Singapore based author and commentator. She is a frequent contributor to CT.
university attracts thousands of students
In April, 2010, Dr Bilal Philip’s launched the world’s first tuition-free, Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies in English completely online via the Islamic Online University (IOU). IOU represents a major new step towards helping Muslims across the globe fulfil the Prophet’s command to seek knowledge of the religion. After successfully running a collection of 24 free diploma courses since 2007, in which more than 30,000 students are currently registered from more than 177 different countries, Dr Bilal has taken the bold step of offering a BA in Islamic studies along similar lines. This ground-breaking initiative utilises the worldwide presence of the internet and advanced open source online learning technology to bring tuition-free university level Islamic education within reach of virtually anyone on the planet that has access to a computer and the internet. The program has recorded audio and video lectures and weekly live tutorial classes in a virtual classroom setting on the net. The syllabi are based on the BA in Usool udDeen (Religious Foundations) curriculums of Medina University, Saudi Arabia, Omdurman Islamic University, Sudan, Al-Azhar in Egypt and other similar reputable Islamic institutions. Six subjects are offered each semester. Each semester is 5 months, having an online mid-term exam after two and a half months and a supervised final online at the end of the fifth month. Students are free to access their classes whenever it is convenient for them, however assignments have to be turned in and exams (mid-term and finals) have to be taken at fixed times. There are no fees for the courses. However, there is a fixed modest registration and examination fee each semester which is calculated on a sliding scale (from $10 to $50) depending on the student’s country of residence. Enrolment for the spring semester (March 2011 - August 2011) has just begun at www.islamiconlineuniversity. com and for further clarification or help, the registrar may be contacted at email: registrar@ islamiconlineuniversity.com; mobile: +974 5554 3968, and office: +974 44868458. It is worth noting that the students of IOU are required to take courses in modern fields important to graduates when they return to their communities, like Islamic psychology, Islamic economics and banking, Islamic business administration, teaching methodology, information technology (computers). Students also have the option of doing an additional semester of study in which five of the core courses
for those majoring in these fields are taken. Thus, IOU graduates can obtain BA in Islamic studies degrees with minors in psychology, or economics and banking, or business administration. The success of the Islamic Online University led to its founder, Dr Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips, being mentioned in the media section of the first two editions (2009 & 2010) of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World produced by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Jordan. The benefits of studying the IOU BA or Diploma courses: 1. It provides a non-sectarian, authentic, Quran and sunnah based understanding of Islamic teachings.
2. It clears up the many misconceptions which have led some Muslims into extreme views involving violence and terrorism. 3. It gives those in various professions an Islamic perspective from which to practice their professions while maintaining Islamic values and limits. 4. It empowers Muslim women who rarely get the opportunity to study the religion in depth and to address the contemporary contentious gender related issues. 5. It facilitates easy access to Islamic knowledge, as all its courses are taught in English medium with the exception of Arabic. 6. It offers a structured course for the study of Arabic enabling students to master the basics of the Arabic language and preparing them to be efficient translators in the future. 7. It focuses on a well-rounded program of study by integrating into the syllabus modern subjects such as management, economics, psychology, educational methodology, all taught from a comparative perspective. 8. It is geared to produce upright, productive citizens through its focus on the ethical teachings of Islam in all spheres of life. 9. It promotes religious tolerance among its students and graduates by introducing them to the historical foundations of multicultural societies which Muslims established around the world such as those in Spain, Baghdad, Cairo, and Palestine.
Vegemite addict.....and veiled Muslim doctor continued from previous page Islam are fundamentally the same, we just believe in different prophets. There has to be a lot of time and effort put in place for multiculturalism to work which is the same with most countries around the world. It’s just going to take time.” Amongst the furore in federal parliament over Muslim migration, the Gillard Government is stepping up with its new The People of Australia policy. The strategy, released earlier this month, aims to promote national unity by responding severely to acts of intolerance and racism. It also means the Government has instated a new multicultural council to devise multicultural policies.
Immigrants will hopefully receive more aid for everyday activities like transport and finding housing and jobs as a result. But will the policy solve the multicultural issues facing Australia today? A leading officer from a Queensland-based non-government multicultural organisation thinks it’s a good start. The Multicultural Development Organisation helps immigrants by picking them up from the airport, setting up their bank accounts, helping them look for work and much more. The organisation’s Chair of the Board Warren McMillan hopes the new policy will make immigrants feel more accepted in
Australian society. “We’re delighted to see some leadership in multiculturalism and the promotion of the larger message of immigrant inclusion,” he says. “Refugees and immigrants are desperate to fit in and want to make the most of their new life. That’s why we help them with everyday tasks, because for them it is a daunting task.” He pauses momentarily. “There’s always a fear of the new and unknown which is understandable, particularly with Muslims and their connection with terrorism. But every time there are new people arriving, Australians need to take the time to share and connect with them and they’ll
find most of their unfounded fears dissipate.” After four years of living at the Gold Coast, Dr Alsaba still wonders if she will stay in Australia when she finishes her fellowship. She slumps through her front door. Her children are already fast asleep. She walks into her bedroom, undressing as she goes. The countless lives she helped change today cross her mind. She smiles, unpins her hijab and crawls into bed. ‘Home is where you feel safe,’ she thinks. A minute later, she is fast asleep. *Jack Campbell is a Queensland based freelance journaliast.
Issue # 30, April, May 2011
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Page 7
INTERNATIONAL NEWS Haaretz WikiLeaks China, Russia ‘have lost’ oil race in Libya: ex-minister exclusive : ‘we’re
doomed if Hamas takes power’
Yossi Melman
January 21, 2006 will be a “fateful day,” Maj. Gen. (res. ) Amos Gilad warned the Americans, some four months before the Palestinian parliamentary elections that ended with a sweeping victory for Hamas. Gilad made this remark at a meeting with senior U.S. State Department official Elizabeth Dibble on September 21, 2005. The minutes of the meeting, originally reported in a cable sent from the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Washington, were revealed recently in the latest WikiLeaks cache of documents. These comments by Gilad distinguish him from other Israeli officials, most of whom failed to predict the effect the 2006 elections would have on the Palestinian Authority. Israeli experts told reporters after the elections that they were surprised by the results. Furthermore, the media reported that researchers in the intelligence community also failed to anticipate the outcome. The intelligence estimate at the time was that Hamas would garner a significant number of seats, but would not win; in the end the movement won a landslide victory, with over 50 percent of the vote. Many in Israel’s political and military establishments did not appreciate the historic significance of the elections. This apathy could
also be explained by Israel’s desire to not appear as if it opposed the Palestinians’ decision to act according to democratic principles. Indeed, any local official criticising the move could have been seen as criticising the Bush administration and its preaching for “democratisation” everywhere, especially in the Middle East. Gilad, then head of the political-military bureau in the Defense Ministry, is quoted as saying he was sure the elections would be free, but that they would not result in democracy, as PA President Mahmoud Abbas had already announced he would never dismantle the terrorist infrastructure. Gilad told Dibble that Hamas hoped to replace Abbas: “First they will win 40 percent of the votes. This will give them a good showing, but will not saddle them with responsibility,” he said. “They will offer anything to win votes, and then they will take over the municipalities. They have a plan to take over Nablus and all the jobs it will offer. This will give them incredible power. Then they’ll prepare the Palestinian street so that their frustration will erupt.” The cable said that Gilad admitted he was not sure if the Israeli government had given adequate attention to the elections and their implications, and he went as far as to say that, “We are doomed if Hamas becomes a real power and part of political life, especially as the PA continues to be helpless.”
Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood leaders announce plans for Islamic law
Egyptian media has reported that Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood leaders have said publicly that they plan to establish an Islamic state after achieving power through its newly founded political party. According a report in Al-Masry Al-Youm: Mahmoud Ezzat, the Muslim Brotherhood’s deputy Supreme Guide, said in a forum held in the Cairo district of Imbaba that the group wants to establish an Islamic state after it achieves widespread popularity through its Freedom and Justice Party. Meanwhile, Brotherhood leader Saad al-Husseiny, said at the forum that the group aims to apply Islamic legislation and establish Islamic rule. His remarks rattled the leaders of several political parties, who said the statements, which were at odds with the concept of a civil state, would worry liberals. The Coptic Orthodox Church decided to suspend its dialogue with the group after additional Brotherhood leaders said it was seeking to implement Islamic sharia and declare Egypt an Islamic state, church sources said. The sources said the Brotherhood is trampling over the principles of equality and citizenship, and that its rhetoric changed after the 25 January revolution to adopt the language of the toppled regime. Al-Masry Al-Youm has learned that as a result of the controversy, the church abandoned its intention to invite the group’s leaders to attend Easter celebrations. Anba Bassanti, bishop of Helwan and Maasara, gave church head Pope Shenouda III the prerogative to respond and declined to comment on the Brotherhood leaders’ remarks. Meanwhile, Abdel Maseeh Baseet, the pastor of the Church of Saint Marie in
Mostorod, said he was unsurprised to hear the statements, which he believes represent the Brotherhood’s true intentions. ‘This way of thinking is rejected both locally and internationally. The world is not ready for a Taliban-style state,’ he said. The Coalition of Revolution Youth described the remarks as a step backward, saying they belie the group’s previous statements that it will establish a civil state, while Khaled al-Sayyed, a member of the coalition, called on the group to apologise to the nation for the statements. Mostafa al-Tawil, acting president of the Wafd Party, said the statements are intended to prepare the people for religious rule. He added that Egyptians will respond when they vote in the upcoming elections. The Nasserist and Democratic Front parties expressed similar positions. The statements also elicited angry responses from within the group itself. Mohamed Habib, former deputy Supreme Guide, said the timing is wrong for a discussion of these matters. Brotherhood leader Hamdi Hassan defended the statements, saying they are not new, but that the controversy arises from the inaccuracy of press reports and the improper understanding of Islamic law. Ezzat, meanwhile, filed a report with the attorney general, accusing the media of twisting his statements. Following the 25 January revolution, the Brotherhood worked to counter fears about its political ambitions after establishing the Freedom and Justice Party. It announced that the party would welcome Christian members, and that it would not oppose female and Coptic nominations for presidency.
A former top minister in Mu’ummar Qaddafi’s regime who has fled to Europe in a fishing trawler told AFP in an interview that he believes China and Russia have “lost” the race for oil in Libya. “Qaddafi has no future now,” said Fathi Ben Shatwan, a former Qaddafi ally whose last government post was as energy minister and who made a dramatic escape from the besieged city of Misrata under fire from government troops. “I will help the opposition in any way I can,” said the academic. Ben Shatwan was an instrumental figure in Libya’s bid in recent years to rehabilitate itself with the West following the lifting of sanctions, including by opening up its vast oil wealth to a growing number of foreign energy majors. A chancellor of Garyounis University in Benghazi in the 1980s, Ben Shatwan occupied various government posts from 1987 until 2006 including as energy minister between 2004 and 2006 before returning to academia. “The new democracy will deal very well with the people who helped us” including with oil sector rewards for Italy and France, which have officially recognised the opposition interim national council in
Benghazi. “Russia and China lost. They shouldn’t have done this,” he said, referring to the abstention of Moscow and Beijing from a UN Security Council vote that authorised military intervention by international powers in Libya. He dismissed Qaddafi’s threats to grant oil contracts to Russia and China as “a sort of game” by a desperate man. Ben Shatwan, who has
a doctorate in electrical engineering, arrived in Malta by boat after a 20-hour journey from Misrata. He agreed to speak to AFP on condition that his current location in Europe was not disclosed. He recounted his student activism against the monarchy in the 1960s and his initial enthusiasm for Qaddafi’s coup in 1969. But he said disillusion set in in the early 1980s when the regime
Bahrain: Hospitals being used to capture pro-democracy protestors Medical charity Doctors without Borders (MSF) said that hospitals in Bahrain are being used as bait to snare wounded pro-democracy protestors after security forces took over health facilities. MSF (Medecins Sans Frontieres) said in a report that the crackdown was denying the injured medical care. The report also revealed testimony from patients admitted to the main public Salamaniya hospital who said they had been beaten while in hospital by security forces. One of them said he was beaten on a close range rubber bullet wound to his head following surgery. The agency said it had been required to treat people in their homes after the Gulf kingdom’s hospitals and clinics were turned into “places of fear” rather than safe havens for the sick and wounded. “Health facilities are used as bait to identify and arrest those who seek treatment,” said MSF medical coordinator Latifa Ayada as the agency called for the removal of security forces from Salamaniya. MSF found that Salamaniya hospital was virtually empty during a visit on March 21. It concluded that the use of the hospital first as a venue for demonstrations and then its occupation by the military, along with the targeting of other health facilities, had undermined the provision of impartial medical care in the country. However, MSF said that its offer to set up an emergency medical response in Bahrain had fallen through after it failed to secure guarantees from authorities that patients would not be targeted. MSF underlined that opposition protestors should also guarantee that the hospital would not
became increasingly corrupt and Qaddafi began executing his opponents. “The revolution was very good. Especially in the first 10 years. All the people were with him. There was a lot of development,” he said. But he said he witnessed huge amounts of corruption during his time as minister and believes that many of Qaddafi’s billions are still hidden despite extensive inter nat ional sanctions approved to freeze his assets. “There’s a lot of other money hidden. Billions. They have the means of using other names. There are a lot of tricks,” he said. Most of the corrupt oil money “was taken by the family,” he added. Following the resignation of Libyan foreign minister Mussa Kussa in London last month and his own defection, Ben Shatwan said other government figures are willing to leave Qaddafi but are still too scared to do so.“None of the ministers are with the regime. They would like to do like Mussa Kussa but they can’t because of their families. They are frightened.”
be used as a rallying point for demonstrations. Human rights groups have reported that doctors and ambulance drivers have also been targeted in the crackdown. MSF noted a “high level of trauma” among health workers in Bahrain, with many afraid to even talk about the medical situation.
China issues report criticising US human rights
China has accused the U.S. of pushing for internet freedom around the world as a way to undermine other nations, while noting that Washington’s campaign against secret-spilling website WikiLeaks showed its own sensitivity to the free flow of information. The charges appeared in China’s annual report on Washington’s human rights record, which lambasted the U.S. over issues ranging from homelessness and violent crime to the influence of money on politics and the negative effects of its foreign policy on civilians. The lengthy document published in official newspapers is a rebuttal to the U.S. State Department’s annual assessment of human rights around the world that said China stepped up restrictions on critics and tightened control of civil society in 2010 by limiting freedom of speech and internet access. The U.S. has also protested the detention of government critics including artist Ai Weiwei as part of a recent Chinese crackdown on dissent. “We hereby advise the U.S. government to take concrete actions to improve its human rights conditions, check and rectify its acts in the human rights field, and stop the hegemonistic deeds of using human rights issues to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs,” the Chinese report said. WikiLeaks deeply angered U.S. officials by publishing tens of thousands of secret U.S. military documents on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and secret U.S. diplomatic cables from around the world. Source: www.forbes.com
Page 8
Issue # 30, April, May 2011
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Issue # 30, April, May 2011
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Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
PLANET IRF
Fear of a Funny Planet
Irfan Yusuf* Here’s a tip. Go and watch some stand-up comedy. Laughter is good for you. Admittedly not all stand-up comics are good for everyone’s soul, their work filled with expletives (not that this ever stopped me). Plus not everyone wants to see a show in a place smelling of beer and other unholy spirits. But sometimes comics come to your town and you can watch them without smelling the fumes of someone else’s beer. Indeed, sometimes you can even take your kids along. Aamer Rahman and Nazeem Hussein almost fit into this category. I wouldn’t take my kids to see their show. Why? Well, I don’t have any kids. But also, I doubt too many kids could understand many of the nuanced jokes about culture, religion and politics. Aamer and Nazeem’s most recent show is entitled Fear of a Brown Planet Attacks. It has played at the Melbourne Comedy Festival to sell-out crowds. It will be doing the rounds of the Sydney Comedy Festival in May. I’m not sure where else they’ll be playing, but I understand the UK may be beckoning. Check
out their website. These young lads are in their late 20’s. They are Melbourne-based lawyers, one of Bangladeshi heritage and the other of Sri Lankan heritage. Nazeem reminds me a lot of some of the comics I used to see on the D-Generation, with a jovial laugh-along style. Aamer is far more serious, intense and almost angry. His racial politics slaps you in the face. He doesn’t care if you get his jokes, though inevitably you do and are left in stitches. And like all good comedians, Aamer and Nazeem ensure you are laughing your socks off on topics you’d normally never laugh it. Political incorrectness has never been so easy to partake in, especially when it is at your own expense. And as if to further underscore their hilarity, the very unfunny jokesters at the far-Right Australian Islamist Monitor blog have done a hatchet job on them. Then again, AIM have also done hatchet jobs on yours truly, Waleed Aly, Malcolm Turnbull,
Fiona Byrne, Port Phillip Council, Al Jazeera etc etc.
Photo: Aamer Rahman and Nazeem Hussein at last year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Relics stolen during Egypt uprising
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Thieves have stolen around 1,000 relics from museums and archeological sites across Egypt since protests against the government broke out in January, according to Egypt’s minister for antiquities Zahi Hawass. “We are investigating all the incidents to find the items. Up until now we have identified many culprits, criminals who were looking for gold or mummies and who lacked knowledge of the value of the items they stole,” he told Spanish daily El Mundo. “They were not organised, they lived near the archeological sites where the objects were kept. They would take advantage of the night to enter the archeological sites and pillage,” he added. “About 1,000 objects were stolen, none of them major items. There is an inventory of everything and it will be difficult for the items to leave the country.” The inventory of all the items that were stolen during the uprising and the weeks of unrest that followed will be given to UNESCO, the UN cultural agency, Hawass said. The tomb of Hetep-ka at Saqqara and the tomb of Em-pi at Giza as well as the Egyptian museum in Cairo, which houses most of the King Tutankhamen collection, were among the places targeted by thieves, he added.
Courtesy Crescent Times. *Irfan Yusuf is a senior columnist with Crescent Times, he is a Melbourne based lawyer and writer.
Muslim Bowlers top charts in 2011 Cricket World Cup
The top two bowlers at the recently concluded World Cup Cricket tournament were both Muslims. Zaheer Khan of India and Shahid Afridi of Pakistan took 21 wickets each in the tournament which was televised to cricketlovers all over the world. Shahid Afridi took 21 wickets from 74 overs for 270 runs with an economy rate of 4. His best performance was 5 wickets for 16 runs. He bowled 4 maiden overs in 8 matches.
WA: Burqa debate Stirring the Pot of Intolerance
The latest moral panic calling for the banning of the burqa in public in the name of ‘freedom’ for Western Australia’s Muslim women contains so many contradictions that the issue has become ludicrous. For starters, the West Australian’s attempt to re-ignite the burqa debate was only plausible because it coincided with France’s anti-Muslim dress law which was due to come in force on Monday 10 April 2011. But later, unsurprisingly, the electronic news media jumped the bandwagon feeding off the West Australian burqa story to end another four-day media cycle in a typical Islamophobic week. The “Islam” hype makes good rating for news media nowadays but provides few answers to complex issues facing our society. Unbalanced reporting can have racist undertones designed to marginalise a multi-ethnic religious minority that can unwittingly be designed by sub-editors to perpetuate the ‘them’ and ‘us’ mentality at a time when Australia has many other more pressing issues. It was no surprise that the burqa story made front page news in the weekend West Australian on 9 April. Obviously this was a media interest
story and perhaps a good one at that. From a journalistic perspective it was an opportune time to quiz the Women’s Interest Minister on the public place of the burqa in Western Australia. One could only sympathise with the Women’s Interest Minister, Robyn McSweeny, a Liberal party member for the electorate of Albany who was put on the spot about the burqa dress. She answered the media’s questions based on her own perceived view of the burqa. Robyn McSweeny is clearly entitled to her view that it is an “oppressive garment” and that it is “not part of Western culture”. It is a pity however that she had not had any prior social contact or even a conversation with a Muslim woman as their Women’s Interests Minister. There is no doubt the Minister’s answer to the populist media could have been more balanced, informed and sophisticated. The electronic news media especially Channel
10 and Channel 7 wasted no time contributing to the media frenzy when they started interviewing selected Perth Muslims who were remarkably passionate about the burqa issue. The West Australian published a variety of letters, some against the burqa and some in support, but its editorial surprisingly supported the free choice of women to wear what they like. This demonstrated that the West Australian does have the capacity to report and editorialise sensibly. In contrast the TV news had its usual half-a minute sound bite stories expressing views of Perth Muslims that were broadcast alongside images of women walking in burqas in some Western European city. This was quite amusing because viewers could easily see that the places shown on TV were not metropolitan Perth! It could have been any economically depressed French or English town. What was the purpose of this? This juxtaposition of European Islam with Muslim women in Western Australia was quite misleading given the vastly different political situations, histories and social demographies of the two places. The media interest story became even more hilarious when the recycled Uncle Toms of the
Zaheer Khan took 21 from 81.3 overs for 394 runs with an economy rate 4.83. His best performance was 3 wickets for 20 runs. He did also 4 maiden overs in 9 matches. A full profile of Shahid Afridi can be found here. http://cricket.yahoo. com/player-prof i le/ Shahid-Afridi_2688 A full profile of Zaheer Khan can be found here. http://cricket.yahoo. com/player-prof i le/ Zaheer-Khan_1717
Muslim community purporting to be ‘leaders’, ‘spokesmen’ and ‘President of the regional council’ made their usual appearance. The end result is that these men only succeed in stirring the pot of intolerance. This imprudent approach by opportunistic Muslim laymen, who apparently have absolutely no constituency in our Islamic community, only serves to further mislead and confuse observers. In the end, what did this latest burqa story achieve? Did it bring about a better understanding of the issues? Definitely not. Did it bring communities together? Maybe, maybe not. In essence the burqa controversy clearly illustrates that it is the responsibility of Muslim women to speak to their elected parliamentarians, women should not let unelected men in our community misrepresent them. It’s time that Muslim women’s groups become their own advocates to tackle issues like this with the news media and its subeditors. Perth’s Muslim Imams Council too have a duty to remedy this serious misrepresentation and vigorously support their women folk against orientalist stereotypes; it is time to put the pot stirrers and house slaves in our Muslim community out of business.
Photo: Minister for Women’s Interests Robyn McSweeny MLC. Courtesy: WA Parliament *Aziz Khan is a Perth based writer and law student. He is Crescent Times’ WA editor and can be reached on: aziz@crescenttimes.com.au
Issue # 30, April, May 2011
Page 10
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Issue # 30, April, May 2011
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Page 11
COMMUNITY NEWS
Muslim Brotherhood launches IhkwanBook
The Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s powerful Islamist opposition movement, will soon launch its own version of the hugely popular social networking website Facebook, IkhwanBook. The site which is already up, running and accepting members on: www. ikhwanfacebook . com, borrows many of the same social concepts – such as image and video sharing, live chatting and online “friendships” – that attracted some 400 million users to the original Facebook after only six years. Yet given the Brotherhood’s goals of recruiting new members and popularising its relatively moderate conception of political Islam, the new site seems somewhat counter-intuitive, say some of the movement’s followers and observers. With a subscriber base that exceeds the population of most large countries, Facebook should be the perfect platform for propagating ideas and attracting adherents. But defenders of the site say they envision IkhwanBook as a complementary parallel – not a replacement – for Facebook. The organisation, members say, wants a social networking site of its own that can be tailored to its unique
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need for privacy, security and decency. “I think that it’s important that we have channels which are not contradictory to the original Facebook but which are parallel to it,” said Ahmed Said, an engineer Email
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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.
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.
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IkhwanTube. Many of the sites are published in English and each of their functions is tailored to Brotherhood-related content. Each site demonstrates the Brotherhood’s zeal – if not exactly a perfect technical c o m m a n d – for digital co m mu n i cat i o n and outreach. IkhwanBook is hosted on a server also hosting 18 other Brotherhood domains. The home page of Ikhwangoogle. com, one of those domains, points to a web page listing nine Brotherhood websites including Ikhwanophobia. com which, as described in a previous post, claimed that “it is run by a group of academic intellectuals” a similar description was made for Ihkwanscope.com which is also listed on the Ikhwangoogle.com home page. The Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood can be considered to be the “mother” organisation of the Global Muslim Brotherhood which developed as Muslim brothers fleeing Egypt settled in Europe and the United States, as well as other places, throughout the years.
and a member of the Brotherhood’s media development team. “We will not be isolated. Many groups have their own social network on the net. The name is Ikhwan, but it is not limited to Ikhwan. It is open to everyone.” The report goes on to say that IkhwanBook is part of a suite of Brotherhood-affiliated websites: IkhwanBook joins a veritable suite of Brotherhood-affiliated (“Ikhwan” is Arabic for “Brotherhood”) websites, such as IkhwanWiki, IkhwanWeb, IkhwanGoogle – a “Customized search engine specialized in searching Muslim brotherhood’ websites” – and
http://www.ikhwanbook.com/[21/04/2011 3:23:02 AM]
Mail: P.O. Box: 628, Mirrabooka, 6941 WA
Email: editor@crescenttimes.com.au SMS: 0414 155 366
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
They wouldn’t attack Libya if they exported broccoli instead of oil
Both your editorial and the article saddened me that such learned people can be biased and cannot see the real reason for bombing Libya: OIL. Would the West have attacked Iraq and then Libya if they were exporting broccoli instead of oil? Do you know that Iraq has been divided into 3 parts and now the Christians are wanting a separate autonomous region. Similar fate awaits Libya. No patriotic Libyan would want their own soil bombarded to oust a corrupt ruler. I have visited Libya and Iraq since 1972 and the developments under these so-called tyrants could be summarised by their currency value. It is an attack on the “Crescent” (a term coined to describe the oil-rich nations of Middle East.) There are 3 countries which needs to be taken care of and the reason? M S Akhter Drewvale QLD
our islah. The following two things, I have noticed are invariably and rightly are part of Khutbatul Jum’ah : (i) - “All innovations in religion are Bid’ah, all Bid’ah is misguidance and all misguidance leads to hell-fire” BUT what are the prevalent or common “Bid’ah” is not or seldom explained. (ii) - “ Whomsoever Allah guides none can misguide and whomsoever ......”
And in case the narration in practice is some way part of Quran or Authentic Hadiths it is suggested to add to it as below : Whomsoever Allah guides none can misguide and whomsoever Allah does not guide none can guide but Allah allows to go astray only the defiant mischief-makers. [as in surah Baqarah] It is for the Imams and the speakers to ponder and make the choice as above in
DAWAH Literally the word “Dawah” means invitation. Inviting people to T’aam [lunch or dinner] is also dawah. But in religion it is exclusive to “Inviting Non Muslims to Islam “or giving them the message of One True God - Allah. It is also not correct or appropriate to use the word ‘Dawah’ for advising or correcting a fellow Muslim. For this “islah” is the right word. If we call it also Dawah, many people will be content that they are doing the Dawah work and at the same time they will also be diminishing the importance of Dawah. This will be self-defeating. Jama’atu Tabligh never contacts or invites non Muslims to their Ijtama’a, yet they say they are doing Dawah. When you confront them, they say this is for
This is not appropriate. The later part must be something like this :..... and Allah misguides none but leaves the insincere mischief makers [hypocrites etc] to go astray and none can guide them. [ NB : If Allah guides and misguides, many take it as its all up to Him and may become indifferent ] Through this em I request you to propagate and make the above points clear to all you know or are in contact with, anywhere including Australia. Whomsoever Allah guides none can misguide and whomsoever Allah allows to go astray none can guide.
consultation with learned scholars. NB : In any case, to end it with ‘Allah misguides’ is inappropriate and also the less knowledgeable take it as misguidance too is from Allah and in the situation what can they do. Saiyidc A Nabi, Perth, WA. Burqa Issue All Islamic scholars teach that a Muslim woman is required to practice modesty in conduct and dress. However, according to some Islamic scholars, the tradition of Hijab or clothing that covers the arms, torso and
legs is enough. But others argue that Muslim women need to wear a burqa (in Arabic: niqāb) because this is what they understand from the Quran and also the burqa covers the woman more than the hijab. In some Muslim countries, the burqa is viewed as a demonstration of deep faith in Islam. Muslim women wear the burqa for various reasons, whether they are inside or outside the Muslim world. The vast majority of Muslim scholars, past and present, following the idea of wearing hijab, not the burqa and argue that a woman may leave her face and hands uncovered in public because this is necessary for women to be able to undertake their work or to participate in social activities. This Muslim requirement can be addressed in another way which is a variation between hijab and the burqa according to different Islamic schools (in Arabic: Mathahebs). In Islam there are different schools - Hanafi, Maliki, Shafei and Hanbali and others. In Saudi Arabia, for example, the dominant school is Hanbali which imposes the burqa culturally not legally. I believe that wearing the burqa is a religious necessity and that women have to wear it. I also believe that wearing a burqa is the right thing to do. However, I have also studied that such a belief can be flexible. Moreover, in Western countries where there is debate about wearing the burqa, Muslim woman are advised not to wear it if they are subject to any sort of insult or harassment because Islam wants us to be treated with respect and dignity and to not be strangers in any society. Finally, Western countries such as France are also advised to keep going with democracy and not to back to the dark ages when people had limited freedom. Yousef
Page 12
Issue # 30, April, May 2011
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
GLOBAL MUSLIM NEWS
The link between war and big finance Kevin Zeese* Veterans For Peace has joined in endorsing “Sounds of Resistance,” a concert and protest against Wall Street banks that draws the connections between militarism, Wall Street, the wealth divide and the downward spiral of the wealth of most Americans. The event, on April 15 at 11:00 a.m. in New York City’s Union Square Park, is part of a democratic awakening that more and more Americans are joining. Americans are recognising the link between the military-industrial complex and the Wall Street oligarchs - a connection that goes back to the beginning of the modern U.S. empire. Banks have always profited from war because the debt created by banks results in ongoing war profit for big finance; and because wars have been used to open countries to U.S. corporate and banking interests. Secretary of State, William Jennings Bryan wrote: “the large banking interests were deeply interested in the world war because of the wide opportunities for large profits.” Many historians now recognise that a hidden history for U.S. entry into World War I was to protect U.S. investors. U.S. commercial interests had invested heavily in European allies before the war: “ By 1915, American neutrality was being criticized as bankers and merchants began to loan money and offer credits to the warring parties, although the Central Powers received far less. Between 1915 and April 1917, the Allies received 85 times the amount loaned to Germany.” The total dollars loaned to all Allied borrowers during this period was $2,581,300,000. The bankers saw that if Germany won, their loans to European allies would not be repaid. The leading U.S. banker of the era, J.P. Morgan and his associates did everything they could to push the United States into the war on the side of England and France. Morgan said: “We agreed that we should do all that was lawfully in our power to help the Allies win the war as soon as possible.” President
Woodrow Wilson, who campaigned saying he would keep the United States out of war, seems to have entered the war to protect U.S. banks’
interests in 1916. I helped make Honduras right for the American fruit companies in 1903. In China in 1927 I helped see to it that Standard
investments in Europe. The most decorated Marine in history, Smedley Butler, described fighting for U.S. banks in many of the wars he fought in. He said: “I spent 33 years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of my time as a high-class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism. I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. I helped purify Nicaragua for the International Banking House of Brown Brothers in 1902-1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for the American sugar
Oil went on its way unmolested. Looking back on it, I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents.” In Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, John Perkins describes how World Bank and IMF loans are used to generate profits for U.S. business and saddle countries with huge debts that allow the United States to control them. It is not surprising that former civilian military leaders like Robert McNamara and Paul Wolfowitz went on to head the World Bank. These nations’ debt to international banks ensures they are controlled by the United States, which pressures them into joining the “coalition of the willing” that helped invade Iraq or allowing U.S. military bases on their land. If countries refuse to “honor” their debts, the CIA or Department of Defense enforces
Preparations for new Gaza flotilla ‘on track’ A flotilla of ships is preparing to sail to Gaza to mark the first anniversary on May 31 of a deadly Israeli raid against a similar convoy, organisers said Monday. “Preparations are on track, adequate conditions for the departure of the ships will be met by the end of May,” Vaggelis Pissias, an organiser of the Ship to Gaza mission, told a news conference in Athens. Dubbed “Freedom Flotilla II”, the mission will bring together participants from 50 countries in a bid to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Israeli troops raided a previous flotilla last May 31 in a controversial operation that left nine Turkish activists dead and drew international condemnation. For security reasons, organisers said they would not disclose the number of ships taking part this year or their point of departure, although they have previously said 15 ships could participate, compared with six last year. Organisers said in a statement that the Israeli government was threatening to attack the new flotilla and they “called on their respective governments, the international community and the United Nations to not bend” in the face of what they called “Israeli terrorism”. This year’s flotilla will carry “construction materials and pharmaceutical products” among other goods, Greek activist Dimitris Plionis said. Speaking to European representatives earlier this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called plans for a new flotilla a “provocation” and said it was in the common interest of Israel and Europe for the flotilla to be stopped. Netanyahu has also called on UN chief Ban Ki-moon to help stop the flotilla. Israel imposed its blockade on Gaza in June 2006 and Israeli restrictions on imports and exports were tightened a year later when Hamas seized power in the territory of 1.5 million people, ousting loyalists of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas. In the face of international condemnation of its raid on the flotilla, Israel eased some of its restrictions on goods entering and leaving Gaza. But it maintains tight restrictions on items it says could be used by Hamas, including some building materials, and continues to control Gaza’s airspace and sea access.
U.S. political will through coups or military action. Tarak Kauff, Veteran For Peace activist and organiser, stated, “There are trillions for wars and occupations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and now Libya, billions yearly to support Israel’s occupation and oppression of Palestine, again trillions in bailouts to make those at the top of the economic food chain even more powerful, but relative pennies for our children’s education, adequate health care, infrastructure, housing and other necessities of Americans. Yet big corporate banks are thriving and, like Bank of America, pay no taxes. But you do, and I do, and working people all across this country pay taxes. I ask, what are we paying for and into whose pockets is it going? The wealth of this country is disappearing down the tubes into the stuffed pockets of the financial/military/ industrial oligarchs. Americans are being bled dry while people of the world are literally bleeding and dying from U.S.-made weapons and warfare. Do we not see the connection?” More and more people are indeed seeing the connection between corporate banksterism and militarism; they are seeing how uncontrolled spending on war is resulting in austerity at home. In a recent interview, Cornel West brought the issues of the wealth divide, Wall Street and militarism together. Prof. West also spoke about Obama, calling him “a cagey neoliberal at home and a liberal neoconservative abroad” who expanded the wars and military while reenforcing the existing Wall Street-dominated power structure at home, a president who has abandoned the poor and working class and is becoming a pawn of big finance and a puppet of big business.” See the interview with Professor West here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_ y3psTDT58&feature=channel_video_title . *Kevin Zeese is co-founder of Voters for Peace and directs Come Home America .
Istanbul’s Süleymaniye Library: a center for Ottoman and Islamic research
The Süleymaniye library, repository of the largest collection of Islamic manuscripts in the world, underwent major changes in 1916 and has been a trendsetter for Turkish research libraries ever since. Although only a portion of the library’s 130,000 works have been put onto either microfilm or digitised, the location remains invaluable for researchers. In a country that suffers from a dearth of libraries, Istanbul’s Süleymaniye Library stands out as a rare gem with an astonishing array of manuscripts detailing Islamic and Ottoman history. The library is primarily devoted to the preservation of manuscripts, housing the largest collection of Islamic manuscripts in the world. It contains 130,325 works, including 67,152 manuscripts in Ottoman Turkish, Arabic and Persian. There are also nearly 50,000 printed Ottoman Turkish books as well as thousands of books in other languages, such as modern Turkish, English, French and German. Furthermore, the library is the only one in the world that holds the manuscript copies of all the extant works of Avicenna (İbn Sina), the great physician, scientist and philosopher. Some of them date from as far back as the 11th century. In 1950, Süleymaniye Library became the first library in Turkey to provide microfilm and photocopying services, but these were hampered both by a lack of money to purchase the necessary special paper and film and by the general difficulty of finding foreign exchange. Even into the 1970s, obtaining a copy of a manuscript once permission was given
might mean having to provide a copy of a manuscript located in another library in Paris, London or New York. Since then, 5,000 holdings have been transferred to microfilm, as well as
damaged manuscripts and other unique ones that include calligraphy, illumination and miniatures.
Issue # 30, April, May 2011
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Page 13
Muslim marriage: taking care of your relationship Fa’izah Batchelor*
Recollections Of My Life: my little African son, Obama wants to kill me
Mu’ummar Qaddafi*
In the name of Allah, the beneficent, the merciful.. For 40 years, or was it longer,I can’t remember, I did all I could to give people houses, hospitals, schools, and when they were hungry, I gave them food, I even made Benghazi into farmland from the desert, I stood up to attacks from that cowboy Reagan, when he killed my adopted orphaned daughter, he was trying to kill me, instead he killed that poor innocent child, then I helped my brothers and sisters from Africa with money for the African Union, did all I could to help people understand the concept of real democracy, where people’s committees ran our country, but that was never enough, as some told me, even people who had 10 room homes, new suits and furniture, were never satisfied, as selfish as they were they wanted more, and they told Americans and other visitors, they needed “democracy,” and “freedom,” never realising it was a cut throat system, where the biggest dog eats the rest, but they were enchanted with those words, never realising that in America, there was no free medicine, no free hospitals, no free housing, no free education and no free food, except when people had to beg or go to long lines to get soup, no, no matter what I did, it was never enough for some, but for others, they knew I was the son of Gamal Abdel Nasser, the only true Arab and Muslim leader we’ve had since Salah’ a’ Deen, when he claimed the Suez Canal for his people, as I claimed Libya, for my people, it was his footsteps I tried to follow, to keep my people free from colonial domination from thieves who would steal from us. Now, I am under attack by the biggest force in military history, my little African son, Obama wants to kill me, to take away the freedom of our country, to take away our
free housing, our free medicine, our free education, our free food, and replace it with American style thievery, called “capitalism,” but all of us in the Third World know what that means, it means corporations run the countries, run the world, and the people suffer, so, there is no alternative for me, I must make my stand, and if Allah wishes, I shall die by following his path, the path that has made our country rich with farmland, with food and health, and even allowed us to help our African and Arab brothers and sisters to work here with us, in the Libyan Jammohouriyah. I do not wish to die, but if it comes to that, to save this land, my people, all the thousands who are all my children, then so be it. Let this testament be my voice to the world, that I stood up to crusader attacks of NATO, stood up to cruelty, stood up to betrayal, stood up to the West and its colonialist ambitions, and that I stood with my African brothers, my true Arab and Muslim brothers, as a beacon of light, when others were building castles, I lived in a modest house, and in a tent, I never forgot my youth in Sirte, I did not spend our national treasury foolishly, and like Salah’a’deen, our great Muslim leader, who rescued Jerusalem for Islam, I took little for myself… In the West, some have called me “mad,” “crazy,” but they know the truth but continue to lie, they know that our land is independent and free, not in the colonial grip, that my vision, my path, is, and has been clear and for my people and that I will fight to my last breath to keep us free, may Allah almighty help us to remain faithful and free.
*Speech by Col. Mu’ummar Qaddafi, Libyan dictator, on 5th of April 2011. Translated by Professor Sam Hamod, Ph.D. Source: Redress.cc
The backbone of spousal relations begins in the bedroom. It is this intimacy between a husband and wife that fuels the relationship. However, as time goes by and life changes, this intimate relationship can often be neglected. Children while a blessing, are of course the biggest hindrance to romance and intimacy. Here are a few suggestions on how to bring back the spark to your relationship. 1. Have a regular date night or day without children. This can happen once a week, once a fortnight, or once a month. Organise someone to look after the children this can be a friend, relative, local teen, or maybe even an official babysitter. It is important that this is a regular occurrence and that it takes priority over everything else. Also it should happen no less than once a month. 2. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a date. A romantic dinner at home can be very intimate and allows those sisters who cover to dress up for the special dinner. 3. Make sure that you have fun. Do things out of the house that you enjoy doing. Why not go to the park together without the children; it will give you both a chance to be kids again - after all everyone is a big kid at heart. 4. Go for a romantic walk along the beach or anywhere for that matter. Hold hands. Take the time to get to know each other again and again. 5. Both men and women need to focus on clothing. Mix it up a little, very revealing to modest - all can be attractive to your partner. 6. Variety is the key. Get out of your pattern. Try something different. So many things in an intimate relationship can be varied. Some things to try might include the
Tension rises between Iran and Gulf states
Tension between Gulf states and Iran has risen again, with the Sunni monarchies accusing their Shiite neighbour of “flagrant” meddling and Tehran charging Washington with sowing regional discord. In a strong statement, Gulf Cooperation Council member states told Iran to stop its “provocations,” a month after Bahrain quelled a Shiite-led uprising, triggering a tirade of Iranian condemnation. The group called on “the international
look of your bedroom, perfume or cologne, make-up, clothing, without going into too much detail the list is endless and within everyone’s comfort zone. Remember your spouses are halal for you. 7. Remind each other frequently what you love about them. Both men and women have their insecurities. The Prophet always suggested that men approach their wives with kind words. Appreciating the small things reminds your spouse that you notice them. Don’t take anything for granted. All the small things that your partner does for you from going to work, to cooking a meal are blessings from Allah. Be thankful for what He has given you.
Every relationship needs to be rejuvenated. A small amount of effort can reap endless rewards. These are just a few ideas I am sure that you can come up with many of your own and I would love to hear them. *My name is Fa’izah Batchelor and I am for improving relationships, all relationships. If you would like more information on building and improving relationships email me at faizahbatchelor@gmail.com I would love to hear from you.
community and the (UN) Security Council to take the necessary measures to stop flagrant Iranian interference and provocation aimed at sowing discord and destruction” among GCC nations. Saudi Arabia also threatened to recall its diplomats from Tehran unless they were better protected, a week after students protested outside the Saudi embassy against Riyadh’s military intervention in Bahrain last month. Earlier this month, Bahrain said two Iranians were being put on trial on charges of spying for Tehran and Kuwait announced plans to expel Iranian diplomats for alleged links to a spy ring working for Tehran.
Issue # 30, April, May 2011
Page 14
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
COMMUNITY
Shot twice but still motivated
Umar Batchelor*
Ahmed, you were shot in the leg. Where were you? What happened before and after that moment? Ahmed: I was standing near the cabin entrance on After he spoke about his Freedom Flotilla the second level where there were other brothers and experience at Amnesty International’s Brisbane the helicopter was 4 to 5 metres above us, there was forum, I had the opportunity to share a meal with a lot of blood everywhere as they had already started Ahmed Talib and his wife, Jerry Campbell. Even killing people. There were head shots and chest shots, though they may look like ordinary Muslims, I clear executions. I got shot in my right leg, that went found that they possess sincere dedication and through and severed an artery. Another shot went motivation towards strengthening the Muslim through just missing my knee. At that point in time, I was surprised as I never knew how it felt to be shot. ummah and providing justice to humanity. I realised that I needed to walk to safety. I forced my What inspired you to be involved when it could cost leg back down and walked into the cabin and down the stairs towards the aid area - I blacked out on the you your life? Ahmed: We came back to Islam, and understood way there. I woke up in the aid room where there that Muslims are lacking in their effort. We realised were brothers and many sisters as well as my wife that it became a duty on the Muslim ummah to get involved in every sphere. So when the opportunity arose, this was a test case of whether we are able to do what we felt like. Jerry: I’ve always been interested in humanitarian aid and always wanted to do something but didn’t know how to direct my energy. When this was organised for me, all I had to do was go and it was a big learning curve and it inspired me to do more. Describe the feeling and events that took place on the Flotilla before the intercept by the and sister all dealing with the injured and martyred ones. They took my trousers off and bandaged my Israelis? Jerry: We were on the ship for 3 or 4 days before wound and put me on a chair to rest. Subhanallah in we were attacked. Everyone on the ship was happy this aid room, the brothers were relaxed and calm and and excited to reach Gaza. Nobody expected what doing what they could to help. This can only come happened. The most that we expected was for Israel from Allah and knowing they were on the just side. to surround the ship and block us in, until there was So Allah sent his sakinah and martyrdom to whom enough international pressure. Everyone was in a He wished. Your husband was shot in the leg and passed out. good mood. Ahmed: We think it was one of the nicest days as What were your feelings and thoughts? Jerry: I was tending to a man who was shot in the there were brothers from around the world as well as hand when I saw Ahmed going into the emergency those who are not Muslim, from a variety of religions. There were politicians, journalist, an Archbishop, room. I didn’t panic, to be honest I didn’t really worry someone from the Israeli parliament. There was a about him, he looked good and there were other people in worse condition than he was. So I knew he good mixture of people. The Israelis came close, intercepted the Flotilla and was OK and was happy to leave him and to continue finally boarded the ships. What were your thoughts with what I was doing. at the time knowing that your wife and sister were What was going through your mind seeing your wife was leaving you behind? onboard? Ahmed: To be honest brother, we saw a lot of the Ahmed: On the night before, we could see the two naval ships coming. We could see spy planes. We wounded coming in with more serious injuries; head heard of the news that a submarine was coming. They shots, chest shots. There was definitely not enough got closer and attacked at the time of fajar. People staff, medicine or equipment for any of this. The were still praying or were about to finish. There brothers they were like sahaba in that they thought were about 200 Israel soldiers fully armed in zodiac of everyone else. speed boats and 5 apache helicopters fully loaded. Can you name one thing that took place that disgusted They came like they wanted to invade a country. But you the most? Ahmed:. Apart from treating the wounded so subhanallah, even in this situation where we were facing the most equipped and well trained army in the brutally, their desecration of the bodies of the world, when we looked around amongst the brothers, martyred brothers was disgusting. They kept shooting at the bodies and throwing what rubbish there wasn’t any panic at all. It taught us a very important lesson and that is… they could find on them. They also strip searched the never mind the technicality of the details and women and tried to humiliate them, but by the will of impossibility of the mission, do your part and Allah Allah that was the most they could do. After being separated from your husband, what will take care of the rest. The simple fact of Allah putting fear in the hearts of happened Jerry? Jerry: The worst thing for me after we were the Israeli soldiers caused them blunder and instilled separated, was that I did not know what happened to tranquility amongst the brothers at those stressful moments. In the end, it was a valuable experience Ahmed; it took me more than a day to gain access to for Muslims, through lessons learned as well as the the Australian embassy. I couldn’t call my husband or my family. And this was the case until the fourth day attention finally attracted.
before we left Israel for Turkey until they let me speak to him. That was the hardest thing for me. Looking back, what comments would you like to make in relation to the incident? Ahmed: To our brothers and sisters here in Australia, our community, that life is not worth living just in the normal fashion where you just eat and drink and sleep and worry about your career and your possessions. When you experience what it’s like to join in struggle like this, striving with the blessing and peace of Allah it’s amazing. Whatever is in your hand, try to do it, try to act on it. Try to improve yourself constantly and insha Allah Allah will place opportunities in hand that you can take. Jerry: Just to add to that, I would just like to say, if anyone sees an injustice, it doesn’t have to be
international, it can be local, it could be something they see down the street, whether to a Muslim or non Muslim; they should stand up strongly for justice. Not everyone gets the opportunity to act on an international level but if you start with what’s in front of you, this is the best thing for you. About the future, where would like to be in 10 years time? Ahmed: Allah knows that brother and we will leave it to him to choose us a good destiny. However, we hope that within us we still have the strength to continue doing useful things for Islam and humanity, and that we don’t decide to settle down and focus on ourselves but rather focus on the ummah and humanity. Jerry: so considering I’ve been banned from all occupied territories for 10 years, insha Allah in 10 years time, I want to be in Gaza! (laughter) On a more personal note, who has been the most inspirational person to you in your life? Ahmed: I guess to be honest, my mother more than anyone. The way she raised us, the way she taught us but more than anything, she showed us the way of the sahabah. This was the biggest inspiration for us as they are men like we are men. They were nothing like we were nothing. They become something and we all can do that. When you see the way they lived and the way they behaved, these are our role models. Jerry: Apart from my husband and his family, my mother, because she taught me a lot of values that I’ve carried on today; to respect people, to give charity, to work for others, to strive for justice, all these without being a Muslim. To not know the reward in the hereafter due to these things and still want to strive for it is inspiring. Apart from the Quran, what is your favourite book? Ahmed: A seerah on the Prophet called “Man and Prophet” by Adhil Salahi. It’s written in a way that makes you understand society, economically and the different systems. Once you’ve read this book, you understand how Rasullullah’s time was very similar
to our time now – capitalist era, injustice prevailing, the values were being forgotten. Jerry: It is also my favourite book. I read it twice although it’s quite thick. It’s very readable and you can’t get bored with this book. It’s written in such a way that you don’t want to put it down. It’s not dry. On a lighter note, apart from your spouse, if you were to sit with someone on a long distance flight, who would it be? Jerry: I would like to sit beside Bob Marley (laughter) and convert him. He was very close to Islam. Ahmed: I would like to sit with Malcolm X Sheikh Malik Shabaz, as he is very inspirational, wise and had true courage. Ahmed, you are studying history. Most parents would encourage their child to study and become a lawyer, engineer and doctor. Why is it important to study history? Ahmed: I’m studying international relations and history. Even though lawyers, doctors and engineers can help the ummah, the fact is the only thing that will help is people with understanding. So, understanding can only be developed by those who fear Allah and know history well, who can formulate an intelligent understanding. History is important as by studying history, you know about society, you know about the trends and you know about the possible future, you know about the mistakes and how to avoid them. It is also good for us to study in the areas that can have an impact on political and social affairs. Jerry, why nursing? Jerry: before nursing, I was studying international relations, but I realised nursing is more practical. It gives me the ability to travel the world and volunteer and help those who are less fortunate. I can do more with nursing than I could with understanding politics. I chose to do it because I can help the Muslim ummah. What would you like to say to young Muslims who are currently doing FAMSY’s leadership program in Victoria? Ahmed: Australia is our community just like the Prophet was sent to the nations, this is our nation. Everyone should do what they are strong at, what they are good at but everyone should be doing something whatever it is. Jerry: The most important thing is to get involved and get your hands dirty because whether you realise it or not, the youth have a lot of power to do anything and change the state of the world. Without sacrificing your own time, your own efforts, nothing will be achieved. Ahmed and Jerry are currently residing on the Gold Coast and are aiming to complete their degrees at Bond University and Griffith University respectively. Jerry says “I feel that my life is empty without continuing this work” *Umar Batchelor – is a member of FAMSY, an organisation that aims to develop community workers and leaders, with Islamic values, for the benefit of the Australian society.
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979
ASIO’s main role is to gather information and produce intelligence that will enable it to warn the government about activities or situations that might endanger Australia’s national security. The ASIO Act defines ‘security’ as the protection of Australia and its people from espionage, sabotage, politically motivated violence, the promotion of communal violence, attacks on Australia’s defence system, and acts of foreign interference. ASIO Questioning and Detention Powers Division 3 of Part III of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 enables ASIO to obtain warrants to question, and in limited circumstances detain, a person who may have information relevant to a terrorism offence. There are two types of warrants. One type of warrant is available for questioning a person (without detention), and the other type of warrant is used to detain a person for questioning. A warrant can only be obtained if there are reasonable grounds for believing that issuing the warrant will substantially assist the collection of intelligence that is important in relation to a terrorism offence, and that relying on other methods of collecting that intelligence would be ineffective. An additional requirement for a warrant authorising detention is
that the Attorney-General must be satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that if the person is not immediately taken into custody and detained the person may alert a person involved in a terrorism offence that the offence is being investigated; or may not appear for questioning; or may destroy, damage or alter a record or thing the person may be requested to produce in accordance with the warrant. A warrant authorises ASIO to question a person before a prescribed authority (currently a retired judge) by requesting a person to give information, or produce records or things, that are or may be relevant to intelligence that is important in relation to a terrorism offence. A warrant allows a person to be questioned for a maximum total of 24 hours (or 48 hours where an interpreter is used). ASIO may initially question a person for up to 8 hours, and must then obtain the prescribed authority’s permission to continue for up to another 8 hours each time. The prescribed authority may only permit questioning to continue if the prescribed authority is satisfied that: there are reasonable grounds for believing that permitting the continuation will substantially assist the collection of intelligence that is important in relation to a terrorism offence; and questioning of the person under the warrant is being conducted properly
and without delay. The time limits and process for questioning under a questioning and detention warrant are essentially the same as for questioning only warrants. The key difference is that a person is held in detention, for up to a maximum of 168 hours, for the purpose of the questioning. The questioning and detention process is subject to a strict legislative regime with clear time limits, safeguards and requirements set out in the legislation. These include: •rigorous requirements that must be satisfied before questioning or detention warrants can be issued •a warrant is issued by an independent issuing authority, who is a Federal Judge or Federal Magistrate •strict time limits on the period of questioning (24 hours, or 48 hours if an interpreter is used) and length of detention (168 hours) •further detention would require another warrant based on new information •access to a lawyer •the right to seek a remedy in a Federal Court at any time •a protocol setting out procedures when questioning or detaining someone •a special regime for young persons between 16 and
18 years of age •a requirement for the humane treatment of the subject of a warrant •criminal offences for officials who breach safeguards set out in the Act, and •the ability of a subject of a warrant to contact the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, the Commonwealth Ombudsman, or other relevant complaints body, at any time to make a complaint about ASIO or the AFP. The operation, effectiveness and implications of the ASIO questioning and detention regime were extensively reviewed by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. Following the Committee’s recommendation that the powers are effective and should continue to operate beyond the original sunset period of July 2006, legislation was enacted to continue the powers for a further 10 years, at which time they will be subject to further review.
Source: www.asio.gov.au and www.ema.gov.au To view the current Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 go to: www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2004A02123
Issue # 30, April, May 2011
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
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OPINIONS
of opinions and beliefs to our readers. We do our best to provide space for all schools of thought, personal beliefs and directions of Islamic thought. All are free to submit articles for publication to defend and hold what they see as truth. The Editor In Chief
Niqab: talk to those who choose to wear it Aisha Novakovich* I am a young Muslim woman, who has lived in Australia all of my life. I used to wear the niqab for 7 years. I appeared in the West Australian in 2002, where I spoke about the constant verbal abuse I experienced for fully veiling, post-9/11. Robyn McSweeney’s belief that the burqa and niqab are inherently oppressive, and that all women who wear them, must be forced (the West Australian, “Blight on Burqa”,9/4), is erroneous and needs correcting. When I chose to wear the full face veil, I did it purely and utterly out of my own free will, for religious and spiritual reasons alone. In my family, I have no near male relatives, only three younger sisters and my widowed mother. Also, all the women I know who wear the niqab, do so out of choice. Simply go talk to them. One of my good friends, said that her husband would prefer her to remove it, but that she chooses to keep it on, because she feels comfortable wearing it. Many of these veiled women are fair, blond-haired, blue-eyed Muslims who wear niqab because they want to. Orientalist’s stereotypes about the ‘poor, oppressed Muslim woman’ do nothing to enlighten this debate. Ironically, oppression lies in statements uttered by those in leadership positions such as the Minister for Women’s Interests. Again, this is another example of society deciding which woman should be considered ‘free’ and which woman we should take pity on, according to our own narrow cultural standards. This does not support the broader aims of modern-day feminism. It is my strong belief that the law has no place to legislate either against clothing (eg the French ban) or to impose clothing (eg burqa under the Taliban). There is ample evidence to demonstrate that Muslim women have been the victims of abuse and discrimination post-9/11. This has been well documented by HREOC. The verbal abuse and discrimination from the mainstream only serve to further isolate and marginalise us Muslim women. We want to participate as full citizens. We are active, intelligent, compassionate members of the community. And yet, inadvertently, Robyn McSweeney’s largely ignorant statements give permission to bigots to continue their racism and religious vilification, thus pushing us further to the edges of society. I wish Robyn McSweeney would walk a day in our shoes. She would experience how her comments mean that we have to, yet again, bear the brunt of verbal abuse on the streets by strangers, or face multiple barriers to
participating in Australian society. This so-called ‘burqa’ issue seems to ignore J. S. Mill’s ‘harm principle’ (which is not antithetical to Islamic ideals). This ‘harm principle’ is a touchstone of all democracies, and asserts that nothing can be made illegal unless there is direct and immediate harm to others. He argues that the ‘offense principle’ is not substantial enough to justify legal bans. So far, this debate is being characterised by
a combination of Islamophobia and the worst kind of sexist rhetoric against women. This debate must be evidence-based. It is a debate that cannot afford to be driven by fear-mongering and stereotypes. This debate must be placed within the proper historical, social, cultural and political frameworks. The terms of this debate must change now, whilst still remaining robust. I call for a debate that goes beyond the hype. But most of all, I ask that you listen to the voices of Muslim women who are asserting both a God-given and democratically protected right to choose what they wear. *Aisha Nancy Novakovich is currently studying Law and completing her Honours in political science and feminism at the University of WA. She was the Muslim and Youth representative on Premier Geoff Gallop’s Anti-Racism Steering Committee and takes an active interest in community affairs.
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Page 15
The hijab – standing out to stay in
Sherri Qusay Growing up in America, being raised in the Bible belt represented normality. Even so, my family found me religiously extreme as I loved to preach on the streets, handing out homemade Gospel tracts, sharing my idea of salvation. I was a Messianic Christian, keeping the traditions of Musa in the Taurat. Reading the contradictions and questioning hidden ideas brought me to the realisation that truth wasn’t achieved in mainstream Christianity. I was always searching, questioning, longing for truth. The first time I heard the Athaan, I cried. It was beautiful and uninterpreted. I took a world religions course as part of my applied science degree in 2006. Choosing a religion other than my own and attending their place of worship, I had to write about it. I chose Islam. I went to the mosque, not knowing anything about the religion or how to pray. Sadly,
no one reached out to me to share Islam. I prayed beside a woman, following her movements. The Imam taught that our lives are a canvas, our actions are the paints. The colours are a reflection of our
behaviour. I was always praying asking Allah to guide me on the right path and to never let me out of His grasp; crying out of fear and sincere longing for the truth. I came across a book called ‘What did Jesus really say?’ While reading about the falsehood of the trinity. I went into a vision of a haze. An arm with a white sleeve reached toward me. His hand touched me. Bam! I was back looking at my book. However the feeling of his hand on my head remained. I felt confirmation that Islam was the true religion. I bought a Quran, learned Al Fatiha and studied how to pray. I had no one to show me. I learned everything from the books and the internet. I converted to Islam at the Al Azhar mosque in 2007. My family thought I was brainwashed; forced into Islam by someone, because no one in their right mind converts to a ‘terrorist’ religion. I came to Australia in August 2010. This was my first experience as a Muslim and dressing as one here. I felt out of place with a hijab. Shaitan lies to make Muslim women feel they’re a minority. Muslims are the only ones with proper foundational rules for a successful life. The non believers left their original faith, seemingly to rule the world as a majority, but they rebel, obeying the persuasive, realistic and alluring lies of Shaitan. I have experienced occasional harassments wearing hijab for Allah’s sake: waiting for the bus and having eggs and a milk carton thrown at me, being honked at, flipped off, yelled at, having a fist fight because a woman thought we had a different culture; coming to her country to make problems. A man approached me at the bus stop one day, asked if I was Muslim, then yelled that he wanted to cut our f-ing heads off! On the flip side, Allah provided opportunities through my job at the fruit barn, dealing with many people who ask why I’m American and dress like I do. Allah chose me to stand there as some kind of example to strangers. Maybe I’m a person’s first contact with Islam. Allah has blessed me and taken me from tragic oppression into His perfect Grace. I was blessed, chosen worthy enough to taste of His goodness. I’m the only one in my family who is Muslim. I’m more aware of my actions with hijab, standing out as someone set apart for Allah’s purpose, peculiar and unashamed, unwilling to blend into society striving to be obedient to Allah’s calling, insha Allah. If you are proud of Allah, He will be proud of you!
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Issue # 30, April, May 2011
Page 16
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ISLAMICA
Meelad un Nabi celebrations: Yes or No?
Dubai International Quran Competition AFIC has been invited to nominate a candidate from Australia to participate in the above competition to be held in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) from 8-20 Ramadan 1432 H. The following conditions will apply to the candidate: Must have memorised the Quran (Hafez) and be conversant with Tajweed rules. Must be a male and not over 21 years of age by 1/7/2011 Must not have previously participated in this competition. Must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia.
address; Email address; Tel; Fax. Evidence/certificate of Hifz of Quran; Costs – following will be provided: Return economy airfare to Dubai; accommodation, transportation, etc. Candidate under 14 or in the case of disability may be accompanied by one companion who must be a relative. Closing Date: A completed application form along with a photocopy of the candidate’s and, if applicable, his companion’s passport, two new passport-size photos of each, together with all the information required above must reach AFIC office by 15 June 2011. To obtain an application form or for any additional information please contact the AFIC office on 02 93197633
Details of candidate to be supplied: Full name; Father’s name; Grand-father’s name. Date of birth; Place of birth; age; nationality. Passport No; Place of issue; Date of issue; Date of expiry. Name & details of any previous participation in similar competition. Residential Address; Postal
Islamic Studies Centre Opens At University Of Cambridge
Last month, a formal opening ceremony took place for the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre of Islamic Studies at the University of Cambridge. Princess Ameerah, Vice-Chairwoman of the Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation, was greeted in Cambridge by the Chancellor, Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz. The Centre, established following an £8 million donation from the Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation, aims to carry out both research and public engagement to enhance understanding, tolerance and crosscultural dialogue between Islam and the West. Princess Ameerah said: “The mission of the Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation, which HRH Prince Alwaleed and I co-chair, is to help address some of the most pressing issues of our time around the world. We believe in commitment without boundaries, without regard to religion, geography or economic status. Further, we share a sincere ambition to build bridges among peoples, nations and faiths as our world is filled with individuals and communities who share far more
similarities than differences.” The two main programmes of current research at the Centre consider Muslim identities in the UK and Europe, looking at notions of citizenship, ethnicity and religious values, and will explore how Islam and Muslims are represented in the British and European media. “These are new areas of research for Cambridge and yet they build on a bed-rock of expertise and scholarship in Islamic Studies,” said the Centre’s Director Professor Suleiman. The Centre runs various public programmes, such as public lectures, conferences and summer schools. Policy-makers and other public figures will be invited to become visiting fellows at the Centre and take part in its research programmes. The Centre’s first major report, “Contextualising Islam in Britain”, was praised last year by the House of Commons Department for Communities and Local Government Select Committee as “a model for the way forward” for policy-makers working in similar fields.
Prayer Schedule May 2011 Perth, Western Australia Date 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Fajr 5:26 5:27 5:27 5:28 5:28 5:29 5:30 5:30 5:31 5:31 5:32 5:32 5:33 5:33 5:34 5:35 5:35 5:36 5:36 5:37 5:37 5:38 5:38 5:39 5:39 5:40 5:40 5:41 5:41 5:42 5:42
Sunrise 6:47 6:48 6:49 6:50 6:50 6:51 6:52 6:52 6:53 6:54 6:54 6:55 6:56 6:56 6:57 6:58 6:58 6:59 7:00 7:00 7:01 7:02 7:02 7:03 7:04 7:04 7:05 7:05 7:06 7:07 7:07
Dhuhr 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:14 12:15 12:15 12:15
Asr 3:17 3:16 3:16 3:15 3:14 3:14 3:13 3:12 3:12 3:11 3:10 3:10 3:09 3:09 3:08 3:08 3:07 3:07 3:06 3:06 3:05 3:05 3:05 3:04 3:04 3:04 3:03 3:03 3:03 3:02 3:02
Maghrib 5:40 5:39 5:38 5:37 5:36 5:35 5:35 5:34 5:33 5:32 5:31 5:31 5:30 5:29 5:29 5:28 5:27 5:27 5:26 5:26 5:25 5:25 5:24 5:24 5:23 5:23 5:22 5:22 5:22 5:21 5:21
Shaazlah Hafreth*
Another controversial topic: celebrating Meelad un Nabi (the birthday of the Prophet): is it a commendable proclamation of spiritual love or a ghastly pagan ritual that horrifically extends to tainting the day our beloved Prophet was born? Before launching onto the details of this highly intriguing matter, it must be noted that our ummah is deeply attached to brandishing the flag of Islam and following in the Prophet’s footsteps (most of the time). But even those bent on carrying out their good intentions arrive at a crossroads, where not always is the left road blatantly wrong and the right one, the sole path to righteousness. There is a hadith in which the Prophet Mohammed is known to have asked two parties of travelers to meet him at a certain place so that they could pray in jammat. However enroute, the stated prayer’s time was running out and both parties were concerned that they would not be able to reach the Prophet in time for the prayer. So one party decided to pray then and there, fearing that their prayer would be delayed and become qaza if they didn’t do so. The second party, so as to not disobey the Prophet, decided to obey him to the word, and carried on, with the intention of performing their salat with him. When both parties reached the Prophet, wondering which one of them had made the right decision, the Prophet proclaimed that neither party had erred, since both had performed their mission with good intentions in mind. However, when the intimidating word ‘bidah’ or ‘innovation’ is introduced to words like ‘Meelad’, it does put the issue in a new light. The Prophet is reported to have said, “Every innovation is a misguidance and every misguidance goes to hell fire.” (Sahih al Bukhari) However, Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani is reported to have said, also in Saheeh Al Bukhari: “Every action which was not in practice at the Prophet’s time is called or known as innovation, however, there are those which are classified as ‘good’ (hasanah) and there are those which are contrary to that (qabihah)”. One of the most important ‘actions’ not undertaken in the time of Allah’s Messenger was the compiling of the Holy Quran into one book. When Abu Bakr had asked Umar how they could do something that the Prophet himself had never done, the
Prayer Schedule May 2011 Sydney, New South Wales Isha 6:58 6:57 6:56 6:55 6:55 6:54 6:53 6:53 6:52 6:51 6:51 6:50 6:49 6:49 6:48 6:48 6:47 6:47 6:46 6:46 6:45 6:45 6:45 6:44 6:44 6:44 6:43 6:43 6:43 6:43 6:42
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
Fajr 5:06 5:06 5:07 5:08 5:08 5:09 5:09 5:10 5:11 5:11 5:12 5:12 5:13 5:14 5:14 5:15 5:15 5:16 5:17 5:17 5:18 5:18 5:19 5:19 5:20 5:21 5:21 5:22 5:22 5:23 5:23
Sunrise 6:29 6:29 6:30 6:31 6:32 6:33 6:33 6:34 6:35 6:36 6:36 6:37 6:38 6:38 6:39 6:40 6:41 6:41 6:42 6:43 6:44 6:44 6:45 6:46 6:46 6:47 6:48 6:48 6:49 6:49 6:50
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Dhuhr 11:53 11:53 11:53 11:53 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:52 11:53 11:53 11:53 11:53 11:53 11:53 11:53
Asr 2:53 2:52 2:51 2:50 2:50 2:49 2:48 2:48 2:47 2:46 2:45 2:45 2:44 2:44 2:43 2:42 2:42 2:41 2:41 2:40 2:40 2:39 2:39 2:39 2:38 2:38 2:37 2:37 2:37 2:37 2:36
Maghrib 5:16 5:15 5:14 5:13 5:12 5:11 5:10 5:09 5:08 5:07 5:07 5:06 5:05 5:04 5:03 5:03 5:02 5:01 5:01 5:00 5:00 4:59 4:59 4:58 4:58 4:57 4:57 4:56 4:56 4:55 4:55
latter had replied, “ But By Allah, it is a good thing!” (Saheeh al Bukhari) From the evidence gleaned so far, it does seem as if things are looking up for the day in question, especially seeing that there is nothing wrong in singing praises of the Prophet. But there are people who argue, “Where in the Quran or sunnah does the word meelad or mawlid turn up?” or “ Birthdays in general are not in Islam.” Both statements have a grain of truth in them. Meelad does not appear in the Quran and the popular cutting of cake, blowing of candles and the entire pagan shebang is a definite stranger in the doorway of Islam. However, regarding the first query, here is an interesting paragraph pinched from the website, www.islamiccentre. org: “…some Muslims think that if the Quran and sunnah do not state something is permissible in clear, black and white, unequivocal terms, then it is forbidden. They therefore think that just because the Quran or the sunnah does not mention the word ‘Mawlid’ it is therefore forbidden. This is not the case, as the jurists and scholars will affirm. Take the following verse as an example. Allah states in Surah Rum: ‘Thus the praise of Allah when you experience evening and when you wake. And for Him is the praise in the heavens and the earth, and in the late afternoon and when the day begins to decline. (Rum, 17-18) All the scholars agree that it is this verse that has made Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha compulsory upon us. This is despite the fact that the verse does not in any way tell us that directly and in explicit terms…” Another tiny push in its favour, would be the hadith where somebody once asked the Prophet about fasting on Mondays, whereupon he replied, “That is the day on which I was born”, thus acknowledging importance of the day of his birth. Addressing the second argument, ‘birthdays are not in Islam’, so why celebrate the Prophet’s birthday? - we should start at the beginning. The word mīlād is a term used to refer to the observance of the birthday of the Prophet, which occurs in Rabi’ alawwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar. Other variations of the word include ‘mawlid’ (Arabic meaning birth) or ‘mulud’( Java meaning the birth) or ‘eid-e-milad-un- nabi’(Urdu) , just to state a few. Many countries hold a national
Prayer Schedule May 2011 Melbourne, Victoria Isha 6:35 6:34 6:33 6:33 6:32 6:31 6:30 6:29 6:29 6:28 6:27 6:27 6:26 6:25 6:25 6:24 6:24 6:23 6:23 6:22 6:22 6:21 6:21 6:20 6:20 6:20 6:19 6:19 6:19 6:19 6:18
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
Fajr 5:33 5:33 5:34 5:35 5:36 5:36 5:37 5:38 5:39 5:39 5:40 5:41 5:42 5:42 5:43 5:44 5:44 5:45 5:46 5:46 5:47 5:48 5:48 5:49 5:50 5:50 5:51 5:51 5:52 5:53 5:53
Sunrise 7:00 7:01 7:02 7:03 7:04 7:04 7:05 7:06 7:07 7:08 7:09 7:10 7:11 7:11 7:12 7:13 7:14 7:15 7:16 7:17 7:17 7:18 7:19 7:20 7:20 7:21 7:22 7:23 7:23 7:24 7:25
Dhuhr 12:18 12:18 12:18 12:18 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:17 12:18 12:18 12:18 12:18 12:18 12:18 12:18
Asr 3:11 3:10 3:09 3:08 3:07 3:07 3:06 3:05 3:04 3:03 3:03 3:02 3:01 3:00 3:00 2:59 2:58 2:58 2:57 2:57 2:56 2:55 2:55 2:54 2:54 2:54 2:53 2:53 2:52 2:52 2:52
Maghrib 5:34 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 5:19 5:19 5:18 5:17 5:16 5:16 5:15 5:14 5:14 5:13 5:13 5:12 5:12 5:11 5:11 5:10
holiday in its favour and countries like India, Indonesia, Kenya and Tanzania are noted for their festivities such as processions, school Quran competitions, singing of nasheeds, spending of charity and so on. Sheikhs and aalims are divided on the issue of such celebrations. Some lean toward the notion that as long as the festivities do not exceed the bounds of the shariah such as mingling of the sexes, music, raucous behaviour, it is permissible. On the flip side, others argue that the entire concept is a heresy and that good actions such as charity giving and generally heightened religious behaviour is frivolous if constricted to just one day. Searching the website, www.islamqa.com, confirms that the concept of celebrating the day of anyone’s birth, regardless of who he is, is a practice that was taken up by the non-Muslims. “With regard to speaking about the Prophet and teaching about him, mentioning his good qualities, virtues and sunnahs, this is mustahab and is prescribed at all times, and this is not called a mawlid, just as celebrating a wedding is not called a mawlid, but it is common in some Muslim countries to call every celebration that is done in an Islamically acceptable manner, a mawlid, and they say: we will do a mawlid on the wedding day or on the circumcision day, and a preacher comes to exhort the people, and a reader comes to read the Quran, and so on. There is no basis for giving it this name, and calling it by this name does not change the ruling concerning it. There is nothing wrong with people celebrating a wedding and having someone address the people and exhort them and remind them of good, or speak about the Prophet and mention his biography and good characteristics. This is prescribed in Islam, and does not come under the heading of celebrating the innovated mawlid.” So having laid out all the cards on the table, where do Meelad celebrations stand? Definitely in the same line as popular arguments such as: ‘Should we wear the niqab or stop at the hijab?” and ‘To wiggle the index finger at tashahhud or not to wiggle – that is the question!” So when one stands at a crossroads where the right and the left paths stretch out into a hazy future, one should stop and think rationally, use sources to augment actions, and always have noble intentions – and Allah knows best. Prayer Schedule May 2011 Brisbane, Queensland
Isha 6:58 6:57 6:56 6:55 6:54 6:53 6:52 6:51 6:51 6:50 6:49 6:48 6:47 6:47 6:46 6:45 6:45 6:44 6:43 6:43 6:42 6:42 6:41 6:41 6:40 6:40 6:39 6:39 6:39 6:38 6:38
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
Fajr 4:55 4:55 4:56 4:56 4:56 4:57 4:57 4:58 4:58 4:59 4:59 5:00 5:00 5:00 5:01 5:01 5:02 5:02 5:03 5:03 5:04 5:04 5:04 5:05 5:05 5:06 5:06 5:07 5:07 5:07 5:08
Sunrise 6:13 6:13 6:14 6:14 6:15 6:15 6:16 6:16 6:17 6:18 6:18 6:19 6:19 6:20 6:20 6:21 6:21 6:22 6:23 6:23 6:24 6:24 6:25 6:25 6:26 6:26 6:27 6:27 6:28 6:28 6:29
Dhuhr 11:46 11:46 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:46 11:46 11:46 11:46 11:46
Asr 2:54 2:54 2:53 2:53 2:52 2:51 2:51 2:50 2:50 2:49 2:49 2:48 2:48 2:47 2:47 2:47 2:46 2:46 2:45 2:45 2:45 2:44 2:44 2:44 2:43 2:43 2:43 2:43 2:43 2:42 2:42
Maghrib 5:17 5:17 5:16 5:15 5:14 5:14 5:13 5:12 5:12 5:11 5:10 5:10 5:09 5:09 5:08 5:07 5:07 5:06 5:06 5:06 5:05 5:05 5:04 5:04 5:04 5:03 5:03 5:03 5:02 5:02 5:02
Isha 6:32 6:31 6:31 6:30 6:29 6:29 6:28 6:28 6:27 6:26 6:26 6:25 6:25 6:24 6:24 6:24 6:23 6:23 6:22 6:22 6:22 6:21 6:21 6:21 6:21 6:20 6:20 6:20 6:20 6:20 6:20
Issue # 30, April, May 2011
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
GLOBAL NEWS
The Kiki Principle: Debora McNichol*
See you next month, insha Allah The March earthquake and tsunami in Japan killed thousands; only time will tell how many will suffer and die due to the ongoing nuclear disaster. In recent history, there have been so many earthquakes, floods, and man made disasters affecting the entire world in one way or the other. All things being equal, I feel rather fortunate to be alive. We are told in the Quran that we will be tested, and the Japanese have been run through the wringer. They have by all accounts been graceful, good citizens, and there are no braver folk than the ones working to keep the nuclear disaster within the zone of least possible harm. Most of us can take a lesson in stoicism, if not wisdom, from the Japanese woman currently living in a homeless shelter because, even though she has grown children, she does not want to burden them with her needs. For all the acts of bravery, selflessness, survival and death, a Muslim has to hope that the brave Japanese, and all victims of disaster, have a spiritual back-up plan. We all will die sooner or later. (Even if science suggests that cryonics is a viable bridge between today and future life extension, a corpse has no control over his environment and no guarantee of physical safety. Consider the claim of author Larry Johnson, a former executive at cryonics storage facility in Arizona, that baseball great Ted Williams’ frozen head was used for batting practice by the facility’s employees.) This week, the United States has been
hit with a wall of tornadoes moving across the country from the Midwest to the East Coast. Many of those tornadoes landed in my neck of the woods, and on my birthday, no less. While I did make sure to spend time on the porch making dua in the beautiful storms, I considered that there would be a trailer park in danger somewhere (they always hit the trailer parks) and that some people would likely die in North Carolina and Virginia, as tornado victims had further west. Relatively speaking, the storms and tornadoes resulted in few deaths, subhan Allah wa alhamdulillah. Trailers had indeed been hit, and a tornado touched down in downtown Raleigh. But a Lowes home improvement megastore was destroyed, and not one person within on this busy Saturday was killed. While my beautiful little girl made sure her daddy bought flowers and planned cake and ice cream for me (but mostly for her), I contemplated the verse from the Quran that states that no one knows when he will die or what the next day holds. Like countless times before, I have come to the same conclusion: we cannot know why Allah does what He does, we must simply roll with it. We are the Submitters, after all. * Debora McNichol has written for Crescent Times since its first issue. Debora is an American Muslim lawyer, editor, restaurant manager, and writer, who lives in Virginia and North Carolina, US with her ever-so-patient daughter and husband. She practices business, intellectual property and criminal law in those states. To contact Debora, email her at DebMcNichol@hotmail.com
Bradley Manning: top US legal scholars voice outrage at ‘torture’ More than 250 of America’s most eminent legal scholars have signed a letter protesting against the treatment in military prison of the alleged WikiLeaks source Bradley Manning, contesting that his “degrading and inhumane conditions” are illegal, unconstitutional and could even amount to torture. The list of signatories includes Laurence Tribe, a Harvard professor who is considered to be America’s foremost liberal authority on constitutional law. He taught constitutional law to Barack Obama and was a key backer of his 2008 presidential campaign. Tribe joined the Obama administration last year as a legal adviser in the justice department, a post he held until three months ago. He told the Guardian he signed the letter because Manning appeared to have been treated in a way that “is not only shameful but unconstitutional” as he awaits court martial in Quantico marine base in Virginia. The US soldier has been held in the military brig since last July, charged with multiple counts relating to the leaking of thousands of embassy cables and other secret documents to the WikiLeaks
website. Under the terms of his detention, he is kept in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day, checked every five minutes under a so-called “prevention of injury order” and stripped naked at night apart from a smock. Tribe said the treatment was objectionable “in the way it violates his person and his liberty without due process of law and in the way it administers cruel and unusual punishment of a sort that cannot be constitutionally inflicted even upon someone convicted of terrible offences, not to mention someone merely accused of such offences”. The harsh restrictions have been denounced by a raft of human rights groups, including Amnesty International, and are being investigated by the United Nations’ rapporteur on torture. Tribe is the second senior figure with links to the Obama administration to break ranks over Manning. Last month, PJ Crowley resigned as state department spokesman after deriding the Pentagon’s handling of Manning as “ridiculous and counterproductive and stupid”.
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
Page 17
Florida pastor bigger threat to US security than Bradley Manning
Yvonne Ridley*
US Army Private Bradley Manning was arrested, tortured and put in solitary confinement based on the absurd allegation that he is a threat to American national security. His alleged crime is that he handed over classified military and diplomatic documents to the whistleblowing website, WikiLeaks. Among the accusations thrown at him by Pentagon top brass is that he endangered the lives of serving soldiers overseas by allegedly exposing US war crimes to the world. Now, in an apparent act of revenge, his captors are subjecting him to sleep deprivation, prolonged time in isolation and continuous nude spotchecks - conditions said to be right out of the manual of the CIA for ‘enhanced interrogation’ as used and refined in Guantanamo Bay. So you see, when the US government wants to act in a swift, unconstitutional and vengeful way nothing can stop it. Ergo torture, water boarding and rendition as seen in the War on Terror. The truth is Bradley Manning’s actions have not cost anyone their life. However, someone whose actions have triggered a killing spree of mayhem and murder is the American Pastor Terry Jones. His inexplicable act of burning a copy of the Holy Quran has caused a tsunami of revolt among ordinary Afghan people, and with the striking of a single match he has undoubtedly put the life of every US squaddie based over there in danger. Sadly, I suspect what is unfolding in Afghanistan will be repeated in other sporadic outbreaks of violence in the Muslim world. Yet no one has lifted a single finger to stop this deranged, evil old man from setting fire to a holy book revered by more than a billion Muslims ... a book, by the way that is also hugely respected by countless Christians, Jews and people of other faiths and no faith. Now I’m sure some will claim that what he did was an expression of freedom and that he had every right to act in the way he did because America is the “Land of the
Free” after all. If that is the case can someone tell me why US authorities are very quick to act against those who dare to criticise Israel for instance? The University of California at Irvine suspended its Muslim Student Union for a year when members heckled Israel’s Ambassador to the US in February 2010. Other students and teachers elsewhere in the US have been punished, sacked or suspended for expressing anti-Israeli views or criticisms of the Zionist State. In fact, if you are too vocal about the evils of Zionism or voice your support for the Palestinians in the west Bank or Gaza, you can expect a home visit from FBI agents. So if US authorities can jail Bradley Manning and punish him in an obscene way even before his trial, and they can sack, suspend and intimidate US citizens for daring to criticise the Zionist State why did no one act swiftly to rein in the demented pastor? In September last year the socalled most powerful man on the planet, Barack Obama, urged Pastor Jones not to burn a copy of the Quran, saying it could cause “serious violence in places like Pakistan or Afghanistan”. General David Petraeus and even Ban Ki-Moon joined in pleading with the pastor. Terry Jones backed down and he resumed preaching his hatred to his tiny flock in Florida which numbers less than two score and ten. But the attention seeking cleric, who was banned from entering Britain earlier this year because he is seen as a preacher of hate, went ahead anyway a few days ago and desecrated a copy of the Holy Quran. At a mock trial conducted by the mad cleric a “jury” found the Quran guilty of promoting violence. Only
The intervention of Tribe and hundreds of other legal scholars is a huge embarrassment to Obama, who was a professor of constitutional law in Chicago. Obama made respect for the rule of law a cornerstone of his administration, promising when he first entered the White House in 2009 to end the excesses of the Bush administration’s war on terrorism. As commander in chief, Obama is ultimately responsible for Manning’s treatment at the hands of his military jailers. In his only comments on the matter so far, Obama has insisted that the way the soldier was being detained was “appropriate and meets our basic standards”. The protest letter, published in the New York Review of Books, was written by two distinguished law professors, Bruce Ackerman of Yale and Yochai Benkler of Harvard. They claim Manning’s reported treatment is a violation of the US constitution, specifically the eighth amendment forbidding cruel and unusual punishment and the fifth amendment that prevents punishment without trial. In a stinging rebuke to Obama, they say “he was once a professor of constitutional law, and entered the national stage as an eloquent moral leader. The question now, however, is whether his conduct as commander in chief meets fundamental standards of
a handful of people were present for the kangaroo court which was held on Sunday March 20th, but it was streamed live on Truthsat-tv and went global thanks to the social networks. A violent reaction, as previously predicted by the US President et al, was anticipated. President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan while condemning the incident urged the US government to arrest Pastor Terry Jones. It was wise advice, foolishly ignored. As a result, riots erupted across Afghanistan which left 12 dead, including at least four Gurkhas and three United Nations staff. Not one US soldier posted in a Muslim country would be wise to step out of a bunker or foxhole in this incendiary climate created by the American pastor. He has put all of their lives in danger and so must now be regarded as a very genuine threat to the national security of the US – far more so than young soldier Bradley Manning who was slapped in irons last May. The actions of those who went on a killing rampage are beyond belief, but we have to remember that for every action there is a reaction. And it is quite possible that the anger unleashed in Afghanistan was already bubbling just beneath the surface, thanks to incidents including the dozen soldiers from the Stryker Brigade who killed Afghan civilians cutting off body parts as trophies, then covered up their crimes. If the actions of the so-called Kill Team drove Afghans wild then it is possible the tipping point was the actions of Pastor Terry Jones who provided the ubiquitous straw to break the camel’s back. This could all have been avoided if the authorities in the US had acted in an appropriate manner way back in September. There was no such dithering or navel-gazing over what to do about Bradley Manning who has been confined for 23 hours a day in a sixfoot by twelve-foot jail cell since his arrest.
*British journalist Yvonne Ridley is a patron of Cageprisoners - www. cageprisoners.com She is a regular
contributor to Crescent Times.
decency”. Benkler told the Guardian: “It is incumbent on us as citizens and professors of law to say that enough is enough. We cannot allow ourselves to behave in this way if we want America to remain a society dedicated to human dignity and process of law.” He said Manning’s conditions were being used “as a warning to future whistle-blowers” and added: “I find it tragic that it is Obama’s administration that is pursuing whistle-blowers and imposing this kind of treatment.” Ackerman pointed out that under the Pentagon’s own rule book, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Manning’s jailers could be liable to prosecution for abusing him. Article 93 of the code says “any person who is guilty of cruelty toward any person subject to his orders shall be punished”. The list of professors who have signed the protest letter includes leading figures from all the top US law schools, as well as prominent names from other academic fields. Among them are Bill Clinton’s former labour secretary Robert Reich, President Theodore Roosevelt’s great-great-grandson Kermit Roosevelt, the former president of the American Civil Liberties Union Norman Dorsen and the writer Kwame Anthony Appiah.
Issue # 30, April, May 2011
Page 18
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
NATIONAL NEWS
Visit to Al Hidayah school:
amongst the best of the best Tarek Chamkhi Al-Hidayah Islamic school in Bentley, Western Australia, began as a grass roots project for and on behalf of the local Muslim community. It is now a beacon of Islamic education in Western Australia. The school was set up on the basis of transparency, fair use of public resources and aiming to be among the best of the best. Recently, I spent a morning meeting the teaching staff, visiting classrooms, meeting the Principal as well as the school administrator and founder Umar Abdullah. Facilities The atmosphere was quite interesting with its ease and simplicity. It is apparent that the school is not amongst the richest private schools around but despite this, the classrooms are well equipped and the students have access to resources including laptop computers and electronic white boards which have no doubt contributed to the improved student results in the latest academic year. In response to our question about the laptops and electronic whiteboards, which are fitted in all classrooms, Umar Abdullah said that “ Preliminary research indicated that this was the way to go. Schools already using this technology have noted an overall improvement in student performance, student/ teacher motivation and engagement; punctuality and absenteeism also improved. The improvements in many cases were significant. The potential for improving the education process is almost immeasurable as more information becomes accessible and new software becomes available”. He added “We need to petition those Islamic organisations that currently produce multimedia software in Islamic studies to tailor new material specifically for this technology at all levels in consultation with Islamic schools”. Such technology is likely to assist in improving overall School performance results over the next 2 to 3 years under the existing testing and evaluation processes such as NAPLAN and ‘EasyMark’. Student Body The maximum student capacity of the school is 240. Total current student enrolment is 232. Most classes in the lower and middle primary years have waiting lists for admission. The school grades run from kindergarten to Year 9. The school administration is currently investigating the possibility of extending the campus to allow for classes up to year 12 and duplicate classes for some grades. “A high school has always been on the agenda, but there are no firm plans in the short term. To establish a high school
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
and make it viable and permanent in today’s circumstances would require an initial investment of tens of millions of dollars” said Umar Abdullah, the school
Akhlaq Flag The school uses an “Akhlaq flag” [akhlaq loosely translates to good conduct - Ed]. The raising or lowering of the flag, which is
administrator. He added that a second primary school campus north of the river in the next 3 to 5 years is more feasible. Accelerated Learning Class The primary function of the Accelerated Learning Class (ALC) is to get students
located in the central playground of the school, is used to indicate the level of akhlaq of the School on a weekly basis. “At the beginning of this term the flag was going up and down barely more than half way up the pole, but as the idea is now sinking in, over the last few weeks we have seen the flag remain consistently near the top of the pole”, said Umar Abdullah. The flag is just one of the strategies being used to improve the general manners and behavioral performance in the School. Multicultural Harmony The teaching staff, enjoy workplace harmony and the benefits of multiculturalism. On the day I visited the school, staff were participating in a morning tea which gave them an opportunity to break up the routine and benefit from the very diverse range of
who are assessed as being normal range students but operating at a significantly lower standard than is routine for the Al-Hidayah Islamic School, up to speed so they can rejoin the mainstream educational programs of the School as soon as possible. As a matter of policy, since the beginning of this year, no student who is assessed as being more than one year below the School’s standard will be accepted for enrolment. Feedback from staff and students indicate that the ALC is proving to be highly successful in dealing with the disproportionate numbers of remedial students in the School and should become redundant in 2 to 3 years. This project costs the school around $90,000 per year.
food experiences available due to their many different points of origin. I asked why this type of experience is not extended to the students - the school has chosen not take up this option for health and safety reasons. Students are encouraged to eat what they bring from home, in keeping with School’s No Junk Food policy, and not to share with others. This may seem a contradiction with the Akhlaq efforts but reflects the wishes of most parents. The School has two fetes a year. They are run by the School Staff and are highly successful fund-raisers in addition to promoting good public relations with the Muslim Community of Perth.
*Photos: Al Hidayah students in their classrooms. Courtesy: Crescent Times.
WA: Donations required for temporary prayer facility
The Muslim C h a r i t y Community of WA (MCCWA) has received approval from the City of Gosnells to build a temporary prayer room on the grounds of the future proposed Community Centre and Masjid Alrahman. Once the Community Centre and Masjid are built, the temporary prayer room will be used as a teaching facility, specifically for free teaching of Arabic and Quran to children and adults. MCCWA is requesting support for the building of the temporary prayer room along with an extension and 24 bays (car park). The following resources are required: • 24 steel G150 60-3 mm channels, 6 metres in length for the floor • 72 square metres of hard wood to cover the steel channels • 72 square metres of carpet • 22 batts of insulation, • 52 hardy flex
• 8 windows • 2 split system air conditioners • lighting, • plumbing. To build the extension, the following resources are required: • Room 6 by 5 Meter = 30 sqm, 2 toilets - and one for disabled access, 4 taps for ablution, shelves for shoes. If you are able to donate any of the above resources please contact Hajj Amer Hawchar on email: hajjamer@hotmail.com If you are able to donate money towards the building of the prayer room, please send a cheque any amount big or small to: PO Box 683, Gosnells WA 6990 :Under the name of MCCWA. Or deposit your donation to the following bank account: CWB Account Name: Muslim Charity Community of Western Australia, Inc. Account Number: 06 6162 10398315 If you would like a receipt for your donation please email your name, address and amount donated to Hajj Amer Hawchar on the above email address.
DENTAL CARE Cleft palate
Yasser Khan*
Cleft palate, an opening in the roof of the mouth, and cleft lip, an opening in the lip, develop in the early stages of pregnancy. Repairing a cleft lip and palate can be done within an infant’s first year, but the timing depends on the baby’s health and other considerations. Typically, a team of specialists is required to repair a cleft lip and palate: a dentist, to evaluate any special dental needs; an orthodontist, to monitor jaw growth and bite problems; an oral surgeon, to perform tooth extractions, restorations and reconstruction; a prosthodontist, to develop oral appliances; and a pathologist, to help with speech. In this section, you’ll find informative resources on cleft lip palate causes, care and repair. CLEFT PALATE FAQS Q: Is cleft palate genetic? A: Cleft lip and palate are the most common birth defects associated with the head and neck. While doctors aren’t certain yet what causes cleft lip/palate, an infant may be more likely to be born with the condition if a mother uses certain medications, drinks alcohol or takes illegal drugs, smokes, or is exposed to radiation during the pregnancy. A family history of cleft palate can also play a role. Q: Can cleft lip and palate be detected early? A: In some cases, yes. With a fetal ultrasound, a cleft lip and palate may be detectable as early as 14-16 weeks into the pregnancy. This is most successful if the cleft lip or cleft palate is severe. Because an ultrasound is not always a dependable way to detect a cleft lip palate, doctors don’t rely on it for diagnosis. Q: What’s involved in cleft lip/palate repair? A: Cleft palate surgery is required to repair clefting in the lip, palate or both. Treatment plans for complete cleft lip and palate repair typically include multiple surgeries, starting at 3-6 months and continuing until age 18. The first surgery involves creating a functional palate; other surgeries may be required to close a cleft lip, improve appearance, improve breathing and stabilize the jaw. Professionals ranging from plastic surgeons and oral surgeons to an orthodontist and prosthodontist may be involved in cleft lip/palate repair. After surgery, the help of a speech pathologist and audiologist are often necessary to help with speech and hearing problems. Q: Will my child have problems learning to speak after cleft lip palate surgery? A: A child who has cleft lip repair should have few, if any, problems learning how to speak. A child with a cleft palate, however, may need the help of a speech therapist or pathologist. Keep in mind that cleft palate and cleft lip repair can take several years to complete, during which time a variety of specialists will help your child address problems as they arise. * Yasser Khan is a general dentist with special interest in cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry. He has been actively involved with various organisations locally and abroad in promoting the awareness and importance of oral hygiene care. He works mainly in Mansfield north east of Melbourne and part time in Pascoe Vale South.
Issue # 30, April, May 2011
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Nasya Bahfen* NYU imam and NYPD chaplain Khalid Latif heads a group of people redefining – and battling with – what it means to be Muslim in the US today, reports Nasya BAhfen from New York. Khalid Latif ’s office is like the rest of the Islamic Center at New York University: slightly ramshackle and kind of disorganised, but also hectic, laid-back and welcoming. The Center’s temporary home is the basement of a church on West 4th Avenue, near the NYU campus in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. Our appointment is for 3pm, half an hour before Imam Latif, a University chaplain, will lead the Asr afternoon prayer. He politely declines my offer (made by text message) to bring him coffee and I wait on a sad-looking sofa perpendicular to his desk that has seen much better days, as he types up an email. I wander over to read the names of the board games stacked haphazardly at eye level on a crowded bookshelf by the door. “Do you want to start [the interview]?” he asks. Imam Latif is not married, and if his Twitter feed is any indication he spends an inordinate amount of time at work. A friend from Melbourne once said that because Muslims avoided alcohol, our parties were all fun and games – literally. “When your community doesn’t drink,” she had said dryly, “you tend to play a lot of Monopoly.” Better board games than whisky for a single guy stuck in his office late at night, I figure, as I turn back to him. “I’m waiting for you,” I reply. He motions towards the sofa. “Okay, let me just send off this email.” I sit down again and Imam Latif turns his chair so that he’s facing me, his Macbook on his lap. He hits send and I start the dictaphone on my mobile. Seeing that I’m recording the interview, he asks if I’d prefer to close the door to his office. This innocuous suggestion makes me think of home again. Board games in the office, the Macbook, the stylish wardrobe (unless he’s delivering a Friday khutbah, he rocks fashionably ripped jeans, preppy v-neck sweaters and blazers) – clearly, he isn’t the typical imam, or he isn’t typical of the imams I’ve come across. I was struggling to think of any imam in Melbourne, or even Australia, who would be comfortable talking to a strange woman one on one in a closed room. Imam Latif tells me how his position at NYU became full time in 2007, and how he’s also a part time chaplain with the city’s police force. “Mayor Michael Bloomberg had reached out through one of my professors who I’d written my honours thesis with, asking whether or not I’d be interested in taking on a position with the NYPD.” His full-time role with the University, however, has an ambitious dimension to it. “We have a project here to build the first fully established and institutionalised center for Muslim student life in the country at a University, similar to what most Jewish communities and a lot of Catholic centres have: fully staffed professional models responsible for catering to the needs of students from that specific faith based community.” He says the Islamic Center at NYU is the first of its kind in the United States. I think it’s a safe bet to declare it the first of its kind anywhere. *** The scene in the large sports hall and auditorium on the fourth floor of NYU’s Kimmel building is one of organised chaos. The IC’s undergraduate wing is holding a re-scheduled carnival, which had originally been slated for the end of Eid ul Adha last year. The move to the end of January, when spring semester had only been in session for a week, meant the event was very well attended by students as yet free of any impending exams or imminent deadlines. In one corner a group of young men and women take turns shooting hoops. Along the back wall, soft drinks and pizza are being served. These are Muslim college students, so in the absence of booze, board games (again) rule the day, with small groups of people queuing up for huge versions of Connect Four and Snakes and Ladders. In another corner, two male desi students furrow their brows as they concentrate on a gigantic chess board. “About half an hour” is the response, when I ask them how long they’ve been at it. Tragicomically, someone has forgotten to turn off the cotton candy machine, and a couple of young women desperately give out masses of pink fluff. I had been trying to pin down Imam Latif for an interview for a couple of months and had hoped to do so at the carnival, but our arrival and departure times clashed – he was making preparations to leave just as I hung up my coat near the pizza stand. He gives me his mobile number and suggests calling him when I am free. Looking around for any of the older graduate students or alumni, I spot Rayad Khan, a computer science and math graduate who oversees the Islamic Center’s technology and multimedia. The imam’s plans for the evening have fallen through, so he ends up staying for the rest of the carnival. Rayad is
Too cool for school
talking to him about the Twitter feed for the Center’s upcoming annual conference – a topic Rayad has broached with me for advice. He waves and I head over to join them. Imam Latif gives me a cursory glance, then turns around and walks off. I look at Rayad. “Do I smell?” He laughs. “No, Khalid’s just a busy guy,” he explains. “You’re a new face and he doesn’t know you very well.” He pauses, then adds, “Plus you’re married, and he’s in a position of religious authority, so there’s an extra level of formality there.” The NYU Islamic Center promotes itself as (and, compared to Muslim student organisations elsewhere, is) an inclusive and open organisation, but it still operates within the context of social norms. Like any social group, demarcation lines naturally evolve in its fabric. For instance, the carnival is overwhelmingly an undergraduate event, although a few older members of the community are present, including couples with children. A gap opens up in one of the gigantic board games – it’s Connect Four – and Rayad and I swoop. As we place our red and yellow counters, a young female student and carnival organiser, Iram Shehzadi Ali, approaches us and reminds us that whoever triumphs in the game should put a winning slip into the draw for some prizes, including a coveted pair of tickets to a New York Knicks match. Rayad says no. “I don’t want to turn up to an undergrad event and steal all their prizes!” “Come on! The prizes are for anyone, not just the students,” Iram protests. I agree with Rayad and explain that I’m at the Carnival because my husband has been working late every night on a demanding project. “It was a choice between this and a hot date with Prime Time on Demand.” A girl of about seven approaches us and asks to play. I give her my counters and she beats Rayad. Twice, though I am unsure if he’s letting her. *** My first real experience with the Islamic Center was for Eid al Adha prayer, though I’d googled it before arriving in New York in November 2010 for our summer (and their winter). The prayer attendees were like the people featured in pictures on the website: a Benetton advertisement. In his office Imam Latif is describing how, when he was growing up, the only other Muslims he met were those who were from the same country as his parents (he is 28). “My family came from Pakistan – we’re Kashmiri in background. I would be an example of growing up with an Islam that was rooted elsewhere. It made sense, but not necessarily here, entirely. For us being in New York we have to be reflective of the dynamic that exists here.” Straight away, I saw parallels between what he was talking about, and the dynamics of the Muslim communities I’d grown up with in Australia, and witnessed in the United Kingdom. The vexed issue of faith communities reflecting the requirements of its members seemed to be one common to minority Muslim populations in Western countries. For several years, the Australian media has debated the presence of Islam and the situating of Muslims as foreign and “the other” (despite the lengthy presence of Muslims in the country’s history), set against a paradigm of ugly words like “assimilation” and “integration” – and all of the cultural whitewashing those terms imply. Recent reports of some politicians from the federal Coalition debating the use of antiMuslim sentiment in parts of the country, or calling for bans on the full face Muslim veil and halal meat, are the latest manifestations of this debate. Under the Howard government, imams were told ad nauseam to deliver sermons in English, with no recognition of the particular needs of a community that was comprised of different language groups and whose members had spent massively varying periods of time as first, second and third generation Australians. In a few brief sentences, Imam Latif succinctly explained why many mosques in the US still do not use English. “You can’t set up a community at the expense of someone else’s needs, right? There are populations that need the sermon to be given in the language that they understand. Is it wrong for me to say ‘I need it in English’ and so you have to do it in English as much as it’s wrong for someone to say ‘Well I can only speak in Urdu and so I need it done in Urdu’? There has to be like a way of creating a medium as we transition through generations. It’s not like let’s break off [from our heritage] or do something new, it’s just that there’s a need that has to be met, so how do we
meet that need?” It made me kind of sad thinking about how no Muslim leader in Australia had been able to articulate that justification, as well as he just did – to be able to undermine a false narrative in a calm, rational and logical way. Or perhaps someone had, but no one had tried to get it out to the media, or no journalist had spoken to anyone who had. At any rate, I wished, and still wish, we had someone like him. *** The Carnival winds down at around ten thirty, and Rayad and I head towards the station at West Fourth as our homes are on the same subway line. A homeless man asks us for money, and starts verbally abusing us when we refuse. “Jihad, jihad, jihad!” he screeches. He is clearly mentally unstable, but he at least had enough of his faculties to be able to associate – however inaccurately – a random bearded man and headscarfwearing woman with a particular so c i o p ol i t i c a l phenomenon. I’m impressed. Rayad, who stands a good head taller than the homeless man, is not. “Welcome to New York,” he tells me, shaking his head at the departing bum. The E train is whizzing towards uptown Manhattan. Rayad tells me about what the Islamic Center has done for him. “They’re trying to build a strong sense of community, and they’ve succeeded. I’m not a student at NYU anymore but I still hang out with the friends I’ve made there.” Despite being a temporary Manhattanite, I understood what he meant. I was a visiting scholar at NYU with very few friends in the city. I did not resent my husband’s crazy working hours – after all, back in Melbourne he was always supportive whenever I agreed to a week of 430am shifts at Radio Australia – but it did mean that I had to actively look for a social network if I was to avoid going insane with loneliness. I found it, at the IC. *** Maybe it was my strange accent, tempered in its “Aus-trayan-ness” by three years living in Singapore, or my ability to talk the hind legs off a horse, but the people around the IC were open and accepting, sharing mobile phone numbers, inviting me to dinners and, sigh, the inevitable board game nights. I tell Imam Latif that I’m impressed with how nonjudgmental the people at the IC seemed to be, but he says not everybody agrees with what they do. “It’s a community, you still have individual…” His voice trails off as he tries to explain some of the blocks the Center’s run up against. “Not everyone feels comfortable here. So if you come in on any given day you can meet someone who’s really nice to you and you’re like, oh this is a great place. Or you can meet somebody like myself – you emailed me and it took me three months to get back to you and you’re like, this is not somebody who respects or appreciates me.” I assure him that I never thought that, and just figured that he was busy. “But you know what I’m saying, right? It all depends who you’re engaging with and what experience you have with that individual interaction. We’re trying to create an atmosphere where individual interactions are based on looking at what’s good within somebody as opposed to dealing with someone in a condescending way, or with arrogance, or obnoxiousness.” The few times I’d heard Imam Latif speak to an audience in person, I’d been blown away not strictly speaking by his style but more by the choice of topics and the content he picks for his Jumah sermons. You can view them on the Islamic Center’s website and see how very earnest he is when he delivers a khutbah. I have a personal distaste for overly earnest sermons (and I acknowledge the ridiculous nature of that criticism, directed as it is at a religious speech which by nature can’t help but be earnest). Earnestness is hardly unique to Imam Latif, however, and it does not detract from the fact that he is a charismatic and powerful public speaker, who is passionate about treating women with respect. Some of the topics he’s addressed during Friday prayer include forced marriages, and domestic violence among Muslims. Yet again, I find myself wishing we (Muslim communities in Australia) had an imam like him. “When I started working here we had people saying ‘you’re too progressive, you’re too liberal’ and those same people now say ‘you’re very accepting’. I think the idea of being progressive or liberal is rooted in doing things differently,” he says. “For many people when they see something different that might be something that’s problematic
Page 19
and they use qualifying terms that carry kind of a pejorative understanding, like liberal, right? Or even ‘progressive’ turns into an insult.” From speaking to the female students, I know that they were consulted on the use of the Islamic Center’s prayer space, and that they were specifically asked if they wanted a barrier to be placed in front of their section of the space (which is no smaller than the men’s). A movable room divider currently covers half of the women, taking into account that some of the female students were uncomfortable praying without the barrier while others were happy to go without it. The physical premises of the Islamic Center at NYU reminded me of the biggest mosque in southeast Asia even if the IC (being a temporary space in the basement of a church) might not have been as well maintained or aesthetically pleasing. That mosque in my city of birth is Jakarta’s Masjid Istiqlal, which can accommodate more worshippers than the huge Melbourne Cricket Ground can accommodate sports fans. At Istiqlal, women pray on the left in the main hall and men on the right. I think back to my first experience of praying there. Did it feel a little strange, having grown up in Melbourne praying in little rooms added for women almost as afterthoughts or behind – not next to – the men? Admittedly, it kind of did – but only at first. This is the kind of effect, Imam Latif says, the Islamic Center has for some people. “It creates a very safe space for people, where they feel comfortable engaging the other. So it’s not just Muslims who dress a certain way or Muslims of a certain skin colour who will interact with one another. You get into a place where authority legitimises for you engaging people who practice differently, and you still feel okay with that.” If ‘liberal’ and ‘progressive’ have become dirty words, I ask him, how do you respond to charges of liberalism and progressiveness? “Almost everything that we do, if not everything, is rooted in something authentic – we’re not trying to create a new religion, we’re trying to practice Islam. Legitimacy is built through consistency and so the idea is not that we’re trying to cater to, or please, people, but we do what we do for the sake of Allah. Not everybody is going to be in tune with our longer plan or vision. We want to be able to assess where we are now, and what we want to be a generation from now, and how we need to systematically get there.” He believes that the American Muslim community at large has not made, in a cogent and effective way, such plans for the future. “We’re not really doing that well on a broader level so it’s going to mean that we have to do things differently – if everyone was doing things in the best way, people wouldn’t think of us the way that they do.” *** The sizable remnants of an audience of three hundred people are on their feet, applauding filmmaker Jacob Bender in a cavernous auditorium at the United Nations headquarters on First Avenue in Manhattan. Jacob is taking questions and posing for photos, following a screening of Out of Cordoba, his award-winning documentary reflecting on the lives of Averroes (ibn Rushd) and Maimonides. His two young daughters are distributing his business cards to the rapturous audience. The setting of the screening – a massive conference room with the name of UN member countries in alphabetical order on desks – is too tempting to pass up as a photo opportunity for me, Rayad, systems administrator and NYU Polytech alumni Mohammad Umer Alam, and Columbia University visiting scholar Muhammed Esat Altıntaş. Sadly, we couldn’t find Esat’s native Turkey, but we do find Umer’s parents’ country of origin, Pakistan. One of the photos we later post on Facebook shows two UN staff members in the background watching our antics, either bemused or unimpressed. Later on, at a halal Mexican restaurant in midtown Manhattan, I reflect on my time in New York, which is drawing to a close. Umer reiterates the sentiment Rayad expressed after the carnival: the Islamic Center at NYU has been so successful in its pursuit of “community” that years after he was a student, he still spends a significant amount of time hanging out with the people he met through its religious and social events or programs. I am feeling melancholic – at having to leave New York, the friends I’d made through the IC, and the memories whether serious (like Quran classes or documentary screenings) or silly (board game overload, and corny photo taking sessions while pretending to be diplomats). I bring up Imam Latif ’s role in the Center’s development. “You know, I really wish I could clone him and bring him back to Australia in my suitcase.” “You know, he could probably fit in your suitcase,” Rayad muses, referring to Imam Latif ’s diminutive height. Maybe. But the breadth and depth of his ideas and vision couldn’t. Photo: Imam Khalid Latif addresses the Islamic Center of NYU annual conference. Photo courtesy Yusef Ramelize *Dr. Nasya Bahfen is a journalism lecturer; she is a regular contributor to Crescent Times.
Page 20
Issue # 30, April, May 2011
EAST - WEST
Web: www.crescenttimes.com.au
Email: info@crescenttimes.com.au
by: Tarek Chamkhi
continued from front page
Australian Muslim leadership crisis: Call for an Australian Muslim revolution
However, the fact remains that some of them have done a very bad job of representing our community and advocating for the interests of our community. Regardless of the fact that some of these men have been good mannered, trustworthy gentlemen, and pious Muslims in many instances they have no skills that lend themselves to performance in the public arena and little or no knowledge of media and politics. Some commentators have focussed on issues such as English as a second language, education in foreign countries or lack of understanding of Australian context to explain why these community leaders perform so poorly. However, it appears to me that these same people would perform equally badly in their motherlands if they involved themselves in politics and leadership there too. I believe the situation arises out of a lack of political skill, poor understanding of the meaning of leadership and lack of democratic (or “shuracratic”) election of our leaders. Obviously many leaders past and present have not attended University political science or economic departments, have never studied war and peace strategies, have never been trained in understanding the smartest political actions and choosing the best solutions available, but they have nonetheless been charismatic, talented leaders, respected by their people. I would list my favourite Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as one of them. A major underlying problem with local Muslim community leadership is that our leaders are not elected by the people they are supposed to represent. The situation is as grey as the following description: we go to mosques, which were initially constructed by the community, but somehow the management of those mosques is taken over by a handful of people who run them as private businesses – even
And at the top, we have the Australian Federation to the extent of passing on the business to their sons. Under Australian state legislation, mosques should of Islamic Councils – membership made up of be run as incorporated associations, where the unelected individuals from state organisations trustee or the board members should hold annual resulting in a private club for the select few who meetings, make members aware of the financial hold the power in their local organisations. For situation of the association and hold elections for the record, AFIC’s leadership war has cost the office bearers. A famous mosque mobster in Perth community significantly in dollar terms – but has managed to retain “his” mosque as part of his the closed nature of the club means that few of us family’s empire from the late 1960s until now. He are even aware of what has been going on. And has even changed the association’s rules in many it looks as if this war will be ongoing – there is plenty of money there derived from occasions to avoid a coup every time an outsider halal certification, overseas donations, threatened his controlling role in the “business”! Islamic schools and so on - so why I am aware that many Muslim H WIT should people stop fighting over the associations across the E S S TI E R AFIC presidency? country have E M T TI INESS OR ADV N Solution: same fate! E US SC In my humble opinion, which Very few are CRE E YOUR B N T O is subject to free wide discussion managed by I O T M SA PRO ANI on Crescent Times pages, I professional G R O would call for a new Islamic young Muslims, organisation to be established and those that are as soon as possible. Of course generally trying if the current Islamic councils their best to sort out S and their federal body are the dodgy business U AIL M willing to reform, to change that came before E OR L their constitutions towards them. L AY: CA open membership for And what happens 6 TOD 5 36 every Muslim male or when the dodgy board 5 1 4 female, choose leaders by members elect dodgy 041 free elections and so on, leaders? Well, those then I would gladly withdraw my associations then send their above submission. Is that going to happen soon? “elected” representatives to Will these organisations welcome every Muslim the state Islamic council to represent their interests. Thus the Islamic as a full active member in their local mosque councils are not run by popularly elected members association, in their state Islamic council and their either. The higher ups swap management positions Federal peak body? I hope so! However, the new body I propose should be between themselves every two years or leave the open to every Muslim regardless of their race, presidency to their “heroic” old boss.
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