WHY AUSTRALIA NEEDS FULL ISLAMIC BANKING, INSURANCE & FUNDS TO EMPOWER COMMUNITIES AND DRAW GLOBAL INVESTMENT
HUMAN APPEAL AUSTRALIA PRESENTS: THE ETERNAL MESSAGE TOUR 2025 11 13 6 4 3
NEW DEPUTY MAYOR FOR CITY OF CANTERBURY BANKSTOWN
THE ISLAMIC COLLEGE OF MELBOURNE WELCOMED PROF. DR. AHMAD ESSA ELMA’SARAWI
19 19 19
Al Wasat Magazine
HUMAN APPEAL AUSTRALIA PRESENTS: THE ETERNAL MESSAGE TOUR 2025
Human Appeal Australia is proud to present The Eternal Message Tour 2025, a transformative program designed to take audiences on a spiritual journey through the realms of the Quran and Sunnah.
This initiative serves as a heartfelt expression of gratitude to our generous Australian community, whose unwavering support over the past 34 years has
Featuring WorldRenowned Scholars and Reciters
This year’s event will feature an extraordinary line-up of international guests and world-class Qur’an reciters, including:
• Dr. Kenan Musić (Bosnia & Herzegovina) – Senior Scholar
• Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim (Australia) – Religious Speaker & Imam
National Tour Dates and Venues
Join us as The Eternal Message tours across six major Australian cities:
• Perth | Fri 21 Nov – Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, 21 Mounts Bay Rd, WA
• Adelaide | Sat 22 Nov –
Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace, SA
• Melbourne | Sun 23 Nov – Hyatt Place, 1 English St, Essendon Fields, VIC
• Brisbane | Fri 28 Nov – Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Glenelg St, South Brisbane, QLD
• Canberra | Sat 29 Nov – QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, ACT
• Sydney (Gala Dinner) | Sun 30 Nov – Waterview, Bicentennial Dr, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW
• Sydney (Conference) | Mon 1 Dec – Sapphire Room, The Highline Venue, Little Saigon Plaza, Level 3, 462 Chapel Rd, Bankstown, NSW
brought hope and change to millions of lives across more than 40 countries.
By immersing ourselves in the beauty and wisdom of the Holy Scripture, The Eternal Message reaffirms our shared commitment to embodying the virtues of compassion, charity and faith – the guiding principles that define both Islam and the mission of Human Appeal Australia.
At Human Appeal Australia, our mission continues to build a world founded on compassion, dignity and opportunity. A world where every family finds safety under a roof, nourishment at the table and the chance to thrive. Proceeds from The Eternal Message will support the Rebuild Gaza Campaign dedicated to restoring hospitals, schools and
A Legacy of Compassion and Hope HUMAN
homes, while also delivering urgent relief including clean water, food, tents and sleeping bags to families in desperate need.
Additional funds will aid critical relief efforts in Sudan, Yemen and Syria – providing life-saving assistance such as food, clean water, shelter and medical care to those facing hardship.
With the continued generosity of our supporters, we are building a legacy of hope by restoring lives, rebuilding communities and renewing faith in humanity.
Join Us
We invite our community to once again stand with us in compassion and generosity to make this campaign a success. Tickets, sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities are now open.
For more information, visit: www.TheEternalMessage.com. au For inquiries, contact us at 1300 760 155 or email events@humanappeal.org.au
Gift of Kindness
SILENT ACTS OF KINDNESS
There is a special beauty in kindness that asks for nothing in return. We see it most clearly in silent acts of kindness. The good that is done without
By Jamilah Samian www.coolmumsuperdad.com
applause, without recognition, and often without the recipient even knowing who helped them. In a world that rewards visibility, silent kindness stands
Silent kindness is not new. Throughout history, people of faith and compassion have chosen to give quietly. In Islam, for example, the Qur’an praises those who spend in charity “by night and by day, secretly and publicly” (The Qur’an:Al-Baqarah 2:274), highlighting the virtue of giving in ways only Allah sees. Silent kindness isn’t about hiding from people. It’s about sincerity. It’s doing good for the sake of Allah.
Leaving Food Anonymously
Think of the neighbour who finds a bag of groceries left quietly at their doorstep during a difficult time. No name. No note. Just a gesture of care. For a struggling parent, such an act can feel like lifeline support. During the pandemic, stories emerged of people leaving cooked meals for doctors and nurses working endless shifts. No one knew who had delivered the food,
but the kindness fed not only bodies but also spirits, whispering, “You are not forgotten.”
Covering Someone’s Shortfall
Another quiet kindness is stepping in when someone falls short. Imagine standing in line at the grocery store. The person ahead realizes they don’t have enough to pay. Before embarrassment sets in, a stranger discreetly covers the difference. No speeches. No drama. Just a gentle hand to the cashier and a reassuring smile.
Praying for Others in Secret: Prophetic Example
Perhaps the most silent kindness of all is prayer. To raise your hands and ask blessings, protection, or forgiveness for someone who will never know you prayed for them. What could be more selfless?
Abu Dharr reported that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:
“There is no believing servant who supplicates for his brother behind his back (in his absence) that the Angels do not say: The same be for you too.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 2732 https:// sunnah.com/muslim/48)
This example shows that even when the person being prayed for is unaware, the act has real value to both the one who prays and the one prayed for. There is spiritual reward, mercy, and connection, even across the unseen.
Why Silent Kindness Matters
Silent acts of kindness matter because they shift the focus away from the giver’s ego and toward genuine care. They remind us that goodness does not always need an audience. In fact, the quietest acts are often the most powerful because they touch hearts unexpectedly and without expectation.
out because it flows quietly, like a stream that nourishes everything it touches yet makes no noise about itself.
In a society where public recognition often motivates behaviour, silent kindness brings humility back into the equation. It teaches children and adults that kindness is valuable not for likes, shares, or thank-yous, but because it reflects our humanity and our higher purpose.
Practicing Silent Kindness in Daily Life
You don’t have to do something grand. Silent kindness thrives in small, everyday moments:
• Leaving an encouraging note in a library book for the next reader.
• Dropping coins into a charity box without telling anyone.
• Shoveling snow off an elderly neighbour’s driveway before they wake up.
• Slipping a supportive message into your teenager’s school bag.
• Whispering a prayer for the colleague who looks tired and overwhelmed.
Each of these acts is like
planting a seed. You may never see the tree grow, but the shade will bless someone one day.
Closing Thought
Silent acts of kindness remind us that the greatest gifts are not always wrapped in words or recognition. They live in the hidden corners of our lives, where sincerity speaks louder than applause. When we choose to give quietly, we not only lift others but also nourish our own souls, drawing closer to The One who sees all, even when no one else does.
Jamilah Samian is the author of “Cool Mum Super Dad”, “Cool Boys Super Sons”, “Leadership In Parenting”, “Parenting Generation Y & Z”, “The Kindness Miracle”, “Raise Me Right” and “77 Power Parent Tips”. For more resources, visit www. coolmumsuperdad.com
MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITIES BACK TREATY FOR VICTORIA
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), along with over 45 other multicultural organisations including Democracy in Colour, IndianCare, Centre for Multicultural Youth, Settlement Council of Australia and Australian Multicultural Community Services, have proudly signed a joint statement supporting Treaty in Victoria.
With the legislation for Australia’s first Treaty being debated this week in the Victorian Parliament, we call on all politicians to support this historic step towards justice and Self-Determination for First Peoples.
In an exclusive QDOS Research survey of 2,000 Victorians, among people from multicultural communities from post-colonial nations, such as India, 69% of respondents backed Treaty and only 11% opposed. Nearly half (45%) of respondents in these communities were concerned that the Victorian Liberals are stoking fear about Treaty similarly to the way Trump and his allies stoke fear about migrants and multiculturalism. Treaty is about fairness, respect and truth. It enables First Peoples to make decisions on matters that impact them, and lead practical solutions for their local communities. Evidence has consistently shown that when First Peoples lead the way, they get better outcomes for their communities.
Australia’s first official TruthTelling process, led by the Yoorook Justice Commission, found that the legacy of colonisation continues to impact the health, welfare, education and socio-economic status of First Peoples today. Treaty is how we can heal and respond to these truths with action - moving forward to create a better future together.
Treaty invites all Victorians to share in over 60,000 years of culture, language and knowledge - honouring the world’s oldest living culture. It is not only a recognition of the past, but a step towards a more inclusive and united future. Whether we have been here for five years, five generations or five thousand generations, we all benefit from a fairer society that values justice and truth.
We are proud that Victoria is the first state to take this historic step and recognise the sovereignty of First Peoples. Multicultural communities are in solidarity with Victoria’s First Peoples and celebrate this achievement as a beacon of justice and recognition for all marginalised communities. We believe that this historic step will strengthen our shared humanity, enrich our democracy, and guide us toward a more inclusive and reconciled society.
This is the outcome of generations of advocacy led by First Nations communities on the decade-long journey towards this first Treaty. We honour the tremendous strength and leadership of First Peoples and are proud to walk alongside them as allies.
Kon Karapanagiotidis, OAM, CEO and Founder Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, said:
‘’First Nations communities have welcomed multicultural communities into their country, land and culture. They have been generous neighbours to our newly arrived communities. They have treated our families, cultures and traditions with respect and care. It’s now our turn to repay that generosity and show that same respect by supporting Treaty.
“Any attack on Treaty is an attack on every culturally diverse community in Victoria, and an attempt to tear at the great multicultural fabric of this state.”
WHY AUSTRALIA NEEDS FULL ISLAMIC
BANKING, INSURANCE & FUNDS TO EMPOWER COMMUNITIES AND DRAW GLOBAL INVESTMENT
By: Shams Alam
Australia’s financial system is strong, well regulated, and advanced. Yet for our Muslim community, the availability of truly competitive Islamic finance remains limited. Too many are forced to accept interest-based or expensive Shariah-compliant alternatives simply because full Islamic banks, insurance companies (Takaful), and fund managers are absent or constrained by regulatory gaps. This is not just a matter of faith—it is about fairness, economic inclusion, leadership, and positioning Australia as a global financial hub.
Australia’s Untapped Islamic Finance Market
• Australia’s Muslim population is over 800,000 people, about 3.2% of the population (2021 Census).
• The size of the addressable Shariah-compliant finance & investment opportunity has been conservatively estimated at A$248 billion.
• The current Islamic finance market in Australia is small— roughly A$2 billion in active products and services.
• Many Muslims remain outside Islamic finance
because providers often charge a premium compared to conventional finance. Issues such as limited product choice, higher indirect costs, regulatory inefficiencies, and insufficient scale drive up price.
Why Full Islamic Financial Institutions Are More Than Just “Nice to Have”
1. Empowering the Community via Jobs, Leadership & Capacity Building
Establishing full Islamic banks, insurance firms, and fund management companies
creates opportunities for skilled employment—finance professionals, Shariah scholars, legal structuring, risk management. It builds internal capacity in the community: leadership, expertise, knowledge of specialised financial structures. Over time, this strengthens bargaining power: not just as consumers, but as producers of financial services.
2. Lowering Costs & Reducing Reliance on Interest-Based Alternatives
With full Islamic institutions operating at scale, competition improves. Costs can fall.
Consumers will have more options, and the premium for Shariah-compliance can be reduced. Rather than relying on interest-based loans (which many Muslims avoid for religious reasons) or paying more for imperfect Islamic alternatives, full-scale institutions can design, structure, and price Shariahcompliant products more efficiently.
3. Fueling Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Access to capital is key for startups, for small businesses with creative and socially beneficial ideas. Islamic banks and Islamic venture / business finance can provide alternative financing models—profitsharing, leasing, trade finance etc.—that may be more flexible and socially aligned. These institutions can help launch new enterprises, boosting job creation and economic growth.
4. Attracting Investment & Positioning on the International Stage
Countries with clear regulatory support for Islamic finance attract investment from the Middle East and other parts of the world where Shariahcompliant capital is abundant. The UK offers a useful example: the UK government introduced legal, regulatory and tax frameworks (e.g. allowing sukuk issuance, enabling Islamic banks, etc.) and has become a Western hub for Islamic finance.
The UK’s Islamic banking assets surged to USD 8.2 billion in 2023, with expectations to reach
USD 15 billion in the medium term.
Through legislation, tax allowances, regulatory adjustments, and clear oversight, the UK has made it easier for Islamic financial institutions to operate, helping them draw foreign investment and capital. Australia, with its stable economy, strong banking sector, and international reputation, is well positioned to replicate and benefit from similar frameworks.
What Needs to Be Done: The Case for an “Islamic Finance Act”
To enable this transformation, Australia should consider passing a dedicated Islamic Finance Act, or legislation that:
• Recognises Islamic banks, Takaful (Islamic insurance), Sukuk (Islamic bonds), Islamic fund management explicitly in law, with tailored supportive regulation.
• Facilitates licensing, supervision, consumer protection for Islamic finance institutions in a way that preserves Shariah compliance without unduly burdening them under rules built only for conventional finance.
• Encourages foreign investment from Islamic financerich regions (Middle East, Southeast Asia) via clear regulatory status, transparency, and accommodating structures.
• Supports education, capacity building, and standards (Shariah boards, legal clarity, disclosure) so that trust and awareness are increased.
Why This Matters Economically & Socially
• By better aligning finance with faith and ethical values, more individuals may fully participate in home-ownership, business ownership, investment, retirement savings, insurance etc., resulting in greater social inclusion.
• Wider participation means broader base for savings & capital, which feeds into more investment, more jobs, better economic diversification— especially for small business and startups.
• Leadership: community members trained and leading in financial services strengthen representation, governance, voice.
• Global partnerships: with Islamic banks, investors, governments in OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) countries, with agencies like IDB (Islamic Development Bank), Australia can deepen trade, investment, cultural ties, bringing capital, knowledge and returning benefit to the domestic economy.
Lessons from the UK
• The UK has been successful in issuing sukuk (Islamic bonds) – for example London’s maiden sukuk al-ijarah issuance, attracting strong international orders.
• UK regulatory authorities (FCA, PRA) have adapted rules to facilitate Islamic finance, while maintaining oversight.
• The UK has used Islamic finance tools to attract capital, build financial-services specialization, and enhance its global position in ethical / sustainable finance.
What Australia Risks If It Doesn’t Act
• Continued exclusion or higher cost burden for the Muslim community – many will continue using interest-based or expensive stopgap solutions.
• Loss of opportunity: jobs, entrepreneurship, leadership potential go under-realized.
• Missed investment: foreign capital that could come in may go elsewhere (countries with more hospitable legal frameworks).
• Weaker voice in global Islamic finance networks, missing out on cooperative opportunities, trade, cross-border finance, etc.
Conclusion
Australia stands at a crossroads. There is a real, growing demand among the Muslim community for Shariah-compliant, ethical, competitive finance. But until we have full Islamic banks, insurance firms, fund management companies, and a supportive regulatory framework (via an Islamic Finance Act or equivalent), we will continue to lag not just in meeting community needs, but in seizing economic opportunity.
A strong, well-regulated Islamic finance sector will not only help community members stay away from interest-based products they believe are unjust; it will boost employment; nurture leaders; enable entrepreneurship; attract investment; and help Australia to take its rightful place among nations that successfully harness Islamic finance for inclusive, ethical economic growth.
It is time for policymakers, financial regulators, community leaders and investors to work together to build what is possible—for fairness, for growth, for Australia’s future.
ICCV
ISLAMIC CO-ORDINATING COUNCIL OF VICTORIA
Helping Australian businesses export
halal products to over 140 countries
ICCV is the largest Halal certification organisation in Australia servicing clients locally and internationally.
ICCV is responsible for the certification, monitoring, and supervision of Halal food for the domestic market as well as the export market.
Clients cover a range of sectors including abattoirs, food processing businesses, transportation and cold storage operators.
We are the largest halal certification body in Australia. Professional, experienced and trusted.
AB A T T OIR
We monitor the certified businesses for compliance of halal requirements.
We provide a means for direct supervision in house for quality assurance.
We work with abattoirs to get and keep their halal certification.
ACCREDITED MARKETS
ICCV is specifically accredited within these Muslim majority countries.
Our certification is approved for all halal importing countries.
We provide full turnkey solution for FGMs to get halal.
Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Brunei, Oman, Kingdom of Bahrain,Tunisia,Yemen, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Libya, Qatar, Afghanistan, Albania, Bangladesh, Bosnia, Iran, Kosova, Morocco, Maldives.
We provide logistics companies for cold room and transport to get halal.
Our certificate is approved in countries that now require halal certificate if goods have halal stamps:
Canada, South Korea, China, European Union (EU), New Zealand, Russia Federation, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, United States of America (USA).
NEW DEPUTY MAYOR FOR CITY OF CANTERBURY BANKSTOWN
Councillor Rachelle Harika has been elected unopposed to serve as City of Canterbury Bankstown Deputy Mayor for the next 12 months.
A lifelong Yagoona resident, Councillor Harika began her career on Council in 2017 when the community voted her in to serve as a representative of the Bass Hill Ward.
Since then, she has been a tireless advocate for improving community access to Council services, building better infrastructure across the City , ensuring the residents of the Bass Hill ward get their fair share of investment.
“It is an honour to be appointed as Deputy Mayor of CanterburyBankstown,” Councillor Harika said.
“This is my third time serving in this role and I am deeply grateful for the trust and support of Mayor El-Hayek, Councillors and our local community.
“I remain committed to working hard for our diverse and vibrant community, ensuring that every voice is heard and that together we continue building a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive city.”
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said he wished Councillor Harika all the very best in her new role.
“Councillor Harika’s experience, strong connections to the community and passion for Canterbury- Bankstown make her a great choice for the important Deputy Mayor role,” Mayor ElHayek said.
“I look forward to working with Councillor Harika and continuing to ensure our communities are well serviced by Council.”
Mayor El-Hayek paid tribute to outgoing Deputy Mayor Karl Saleh OAM who served in the role for the past 12 months.
“Councillor Saleh’s dedication and commitment to the role has been very much appreciated by Council and we thank him for his service,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
From right: Mayor of “Canterbury-Bankstown” Bilal ElHayek, Deputy Mayor Councillor Rachelle Harika
ICOM’S ANNUAL STUDENT JOURNEY
ICOM
20 of the Year 9 students, accompanied by 6 dedicated teachers, embarked on ICOM’s annual student journey from Melbourne to the blessed lands of Makkah, Madinah and Istanbul during the Term 3 break.
The purpose of this journey was to nurture the students’ spirituality, strengthen their leadership skills, and deepen their connection with Islamic history.
In Madinah, students performed all five daily prayers in Masjid Al-Nabawi, visited the Rawdah, Jannatul Baqi’, and reflected upon key historical sites such as Uhud and Khandaq.
In Makkah, students performed Umrah, prayed in Masjid AlHaram, and visited significant
locations related to the Hajj pilgrimage. A highlight was hiking Jabal Al-Noor, where our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first revelation in Ghar Hiraa.
The journey continued to Istanbul, where students explored the legacy of the great Ottoman Empire. They visited historical landmarks including Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace, Panorama Museum, and the tomb of Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari.
Students also enjoyed a Bosphorus cruise, a visit to Bursa (the first Ottoman capital), and some time exploring the city’s grand bazaars.
Throughout the trip, students visited numerous museums, prayed together, and reflected deeply on the unity, sacrifice, and excellence that shaped the Ummah.
THE ISLAMIC COLLEGE OF MELBOURNE WELCOMED PROF. DR. AHMAD ESSA EL-MA’SARAWI
ICOM
On Monday 20th of October 2025, the Islamic College of Melbourne (ICOM) had the great honour of welcoming Prof. Dr. Ahmad Essa El-Ma’sarawi, one of the world’s most respected Qur’an scholars and former Grand Sheikh of the Egyptian Qurra’.
Dr. El-Ma’sarawi shared his journey with the Qur’an, including heartfelt stories from his childhood. He recounted how, on the night of his birth, his father raised his hands in du’a, asking Allah (SWT) to make him among the people of the Qur’an – a prayer that was fulfilled as his voice and scholarship came to inspire the Muslim world. He reminded students that sacred knowledge is the foundation of a strong and righteous nation, and that scholars are the heirs of the Prophets, carrying the light of guidance to humanity. He spoke about the duty of the people
of the Qur’an to spread truth, nurture faith, and reform hearts, and that true leadership begins with self-discipline, learning, and noble character, rooted in sincere devotion to the Qur’an and its teachings.
Dr. El-Ma’sarawi also highlighted the importance of Tajweed, encouraging students to perfect their recitation as a form of worship and respect for the words of Allah.
Later, during his visit, Dr. El-Ma’sarawi led the Dhuhr prayer and recited verses of the Qur’an to our entire secondary cohort, captivating the students through his unique, heartfelt recitation that conveyed the depth and emotion of the Qur’an beautifully.
Finally, Dr. El-Ma’sarawi toured the college grounds, including a visit to our Qur’an Accelerated Program (QAP) room, where he expressed admiration for the students’ commitment to learning and living by the Qur’an.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants announce that, in accordance with the provisions of Article 113 of Law No. 44/2017 dated 17 June 2017, registration will be open for Lebanese citizens residing outside Lebanese territory to vote in the 2026 parliamentary elections.
The registration period will begin on 2 October 2025 and end on 20 November 2025 at midnight (Beirut time), through one of the following methods:
1. Online registration by accessing the dedicated website: https: //Diasporavote.mfa.gov.lb or through the Ministry’s official website: www. mfa.gov.lb, and then navigating to the designated registration page.
2. In-person registration at the nearest Lebanese consular mission, either directly or by submitting a signed and duly authenticated written request (pursuant to Article 113 of Law No. 44/2017). The registration form may be completed manually, in which case the mission will enter it into the electronic platform before 20 November 2025, or directly through the electronic platform, depending on the facilities available at the mission.
