RAMADAN SPECIAL ISSUE
AMUST
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
www.amust.com.au ISSUE # 150
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Multicultural News & Views
MAY 2018; RAMADAN 1439
Muslim Youth Have Spoken: Be the Change
COMMUNITY PAGE 9
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PH: 0432 608 350
The Beauty of Faith and Art
AUSTRALIA PAGE 17
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E-Newspaper Available
EMAIL: INFO@AMUST.COM.AU
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Faithtech at Lakemba Mosque LIFESTYLE PAGE 25
“Beware of Despot” Sydney protests against Sheikh Hasina Zia Ahmad
Sydney protests at Darling Harbour against Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh PM for gross violations of human rights in Bangladesh.
Massive protests were organised in Sydney on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 April 2018 against the visiting Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina Wazed drawing attention to her primary role in continuing with human rights violations perpetrated in the country. She has been holding power for the last 10 years without fair elections combined with the extra-judicial killing of opposition leaders and activists, arresting and torturing them, enforced disappearances, political prosecution, widespread corruption, institutional extortion and shutting down of all channels of freedom of speech. The atrocities committed by her authoritarian regime for the last decade has been well documented in various reports of international organizations such as UNHCR, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and others. Ironically, Sheikh Hasina was given the Leadership Award at the 2018 Global Summit of Women, organised annually by the Washington based NGO of the same name, held in Sydney from 26-28 April and attended by more than 1200 participants from 65 countries. The demonstration on Friday 27 April was held in front of the summit venue, ICC at Darling Harbour where the protesters held placards of photos of those killed or have disappeared accusing Sheikh Hasina of... Continued on page 4
StoreLocal opens Musallah RAMADAN SPECIAL ISSUE
Shannen Louise The StoreLocal team Campbellfield, Victoria announced their first Prayer room in the StoreLocal chain, opening in perfect time for Ramadan. “We’re an Australian company that believe in catering to the needs of our local communities and really engaging in the people that surround our company.” Immersed with exquisite prayer rugs and beautiful imagery in a peaceful environment, this space will bring customers and local community together, to add convenience and cater to important needs of all cul-
tures and people from all different walks of life. “We love engulfing ourselves in the diverse community of Campbellfield, and focusing on our local community is our key, keeping our customers happy is what differentiates us and makes us extremely proud to be part of the community as ourselves and as a company. We understand the needs of our community and we aim to cater for everyone to make their lives more convenient in a city that’s ever changing.” The intention behind establishing a welcoming and friendly environment was not only to customers, but even extends out to the wider community. Buy one month, get the second month for $1! Ending 31st of July. Terms and conditions apply.
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“Our Prayer room is open to everyone, not just the people who use our storage facilities. Some people run their companies out of their storage spaces, when coming in and out all day, people may not have the time or right space to perform prayers, this is where our concept and idea evolved from. Making times convenient for people in the space they’re in.” StoreLocal Campbellfield, VIC are offering a promotion, buy one month, get the second month for $1! Ending 31st of July, terms and conditions apply.
Ramadan 1439/2018 Zia Ahmad
The Islamic fasting month of Ramadan this year will be starting towards the middle of May and ending towards the middle of June with the festive celebration of Eidul-Fitr. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam and obligatory on all adult Muslims with some exceptions such as for the sick, the elderly and the traveller. During this month which lasts 29 or 30 days, Muslims fast during the day-light hours from dawn to sunset abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking and sex. Fasting is intended to bring about God-conciousness, self-control, inculcate moderate eating habits and develop empathy for those who are less fortunate to have enough to eat. Iftar or ‘the meal for breaking the fast’ at sunset is shared between family and friends. Muslims open their homes to share Iftar with their friends and neighbours of all faiths and no faith. Greetings of “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem” are exchanged during this month, wishing for a “blessed” and generous Ramadan. Islamic dates are subject to the visibility of the new moon and variation can take place if this sighting of the crescent is done globally, regionally or locally. The following possible scenarios can occur this year: 1. Global Sighting (or prediction of sighting) Ramadan (30 days) starting Wednesday 16 May and ending Thursday 14 June with Eid on Friday 15 June. 2. Regional Sighting: Ramadan (29 days) starting Thursday 17 May and ending Thursday 14 June with Eid on Friday 15 June. 3. Local Sighting: Ramadan (30 days) starting Thursday 17 May and ending Friday 15 June with Eid on Saturday 16 June.
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