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Australia’s first Islamic bank is coming very soon Zia Ahmad Australia’s first Islamic bank is moving closer to reality with the launch of a waiting list allowing customers to register their interest in joining when the bank is launched. The IBA project has been progressing for a number of years, but in 2020 has accelerated significantly with staff and a full board appointed. IBA has applied for a banking licence from APRA, and is hoping to be granted their first restricted licence around the end of this year. IBA will be aiming to launch in 2021. The bank will offer a range of personal and business accounts, including everyday bank accounts, savings and home finance – all 100% Shari’ah-compliant. By nature it will be an ethical bank. IBA will offer a full suite of Shari’ah-compliant banking products: • Everyday bank accounts with a debit card and digital banking. • Wakala Investment savings accounts,
such as investment term deposits offering profit-share returns.
• Home finance using the Murabahan Mutlaqah mode of Islamic finance (i.e.
cost plus profit, with a deferred payment facility). • Personal finance, such as car finance, home extensions and renovations. • Business accounts and finance (from 2022 onwards). Ethical banking IBA will not bank or deal with haram (prohibited) products, services and industries. Alcohol, pornography, gambling, arms dealings, tobacco and harm to the environment are examples of such prohibitions. Shari’ah compliance guarantee Under the IBA Constitution, all products and services must pass through Shari’ah approval first. To guard against risks, the Chair of the Shari’ah Audit Executives (SAE) serves as a permanent member of the IBA Board. IBA is not yet a bank. When they are granted their banking licence, IBA’s name will become “Islamic Bank Australia” to reflect their place in the community. Customers can join the waiting list by visiting ibagroup.com.au Continued on page 11.
Report blames AMUST International Hindutva leaders for Webinar reaches out February Delhi riots to a global audience Zia Ahmad
Zia Ahmad The Delhi Minorities Commission (DMC) held a press conference on Thursday 16 July after submission of four reports to the Chief Minister and Governor including the fact finding report on Delhi communal riots during 23-27 February 2020, blaming the BJP politicians of incitement to violence and their armed mobs of planned, organised and targeted attacks on CAA protestors, mosques and residences of the Muslim minority com-
munity in North East Delhi together with police complicity. The 130-page report is an exhaustive account of the origins and causes of the violence, damage to properties including religious places, as well as recommendations to form an independent judicial committee to oversee prompt registration of FIRs by Delhi Police, probe complicity, charge the instigators of the riots, order release of innocent people from police custody and ensure compensation for the victims of the riot. Continued on page 21
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AMUST marked its 7th year of publication by holding a highly successful International Webinar titled “One Voice for One Ummah” on Sunday 19 July 2020, addressed by a diverse global panel of speakers and attended by a worldwide audience, in order to reach out and collaborate with similar community media efforts as well as launch three new services namely AMUST International magazine, AMUST TV and AMUST Global network. The aim of the webinar was to link the community based Muslim Media initiatives to learn from each other, cooperate and strengthen each other’s efforts by credible communication and sharing of expertise, skills and rich experience.
The webinar showcased a diverse group of speakers, journalists and thinkers from a number of countries who presented their ideas in brief reflections and then took part in a live Q&A session tackling questions from an international audience. AMUST is a multicultural multimedia news platform, originally established in January 1991 and then restarted in July 2014, run by Seena Incorporated, a not for profit organisation from Sydney, Australia. Currently AMUST is a community based media platform largely catering for Australia & New Zealand region, but now aims to broaden its horizon further to include global issues and strengthen its world wide reach. Continued on page 11
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A former Muslim ruler convicted of corruption, finally Most Muslim nation states are ruled (1MDB) into Najib’s bank account. Police seized 1,400 necklaces, 567 handby powerful dictators, monarchs and presidents/prime ministers for life with bags, 423 watches, 2,200 rings, 1,600 absolute power and as the saying goes brooches and 14 tiaras worth $273 million power corrupts, these countries are at and in the months that followed, Najib was the top of the list of nations marred by barred from leaving the country. The court case has lasted two years and corruption. It has been the same story of high level finally on Tuesday 28 July 2020, the Malaysian High Court has convicted Najib corruption by ruling elites from Sudan on all seven counts, three counts of to Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, criminal breach of trust, three Bangladesh for decades and counts of money laundering lately in democratic Malayand one count of abuse of sia. power becoming the first Najib Razak, Prime Prime Minister of Malaysia Minister of Malaysia Zia Ahmad to be convicted of corrupfrom 2008 to 2018 was tion. deposed after losing in Assalamu High Court judge Mothe 14th general elections Alaikum hamad Nazlan Mohamad in May 2018. Dr Mahathir Ghazali said when reading Mohamad, the next prime Greetings the judgment: “I find that the minister on his second stint of Peace prosecution has successfully in office, called for investigaproven its case beyond a reasonable tions on the 1MDB corruption doubt. I therefore find the accused guilty scandal to be reopened. Najib was promptly arrested in July and convict the accused on all seven charg2018 by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption es.” Besides this trial, Najib is also facing two Commission (MACC), investigating how RM42 million (US$10.6 million) went other 1MDB-linked trials. The corruption from SRC International, a company re- case related to an alleged money laundering lated to 1Malaysia Development Berhad of RM27 million will be tried at Justice Mo-
The exposure of the deep inequality and injustice in American society as well as the ineffectiveness of the American political system have, at the cost of some 145,000 lives to date, been a very expensive lesson to the world. Great national wealth and a high level of national civilisation do not go together. The USA is now seen as a centre of selfish individualism and fanatical religious anti-scientism, no longer any sort of beacon of democracy. We are entering on a new era of history. Bilal Cleland
Thank you Gulhan and AMUST for posting this article. I think in the wake of the transformation COVID-19 has brought about, we Muslims should speak up against the distorted misrepresentation of Islam in the media. I think enough is enough. I did see an apology posted following the unfair and unjust association that was made between Eid and virus and have also heard people in the work place making those associations. Well done! Neenu
Feature Malaysia’s former prime minister Najib Razak in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday 28 July 2020. hamed Zaini Mazlan’s court from 5 July next year. This is a most welcome outcome of conviction of a former corrupt politician in a relatively short space of time in a Muslim country. There are many more cases of corruption going through courts in a number of Muslim countries waiting for convictions of former political elites who have looted the public money in these impoverished nations.
of the hearing at Monday 17 August at 9am. Please join us, if you believe in free speech, and people learning an honest history of Australia, not propaganda, you are welcome to phone me for details on 0451 509 232. Again, I thank the people at AMUST for a superb paper.
Firstly, what a great article. Thank you. Globalisation is one of many issues stemming from the pandemic. COVID-19 has definately had both positive and negative impacts, however I think when looking at it from a personal perspective, the benefits won the tally by far! Taking the time to sit back, reflect and unwind from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life and activities, was priceless. Seeing so many families spending quality family time together whilst out bikeriding or walking was lovely. Isolation gave us the chance to stop and reflect. Now we need to implement what we learnt on a personal level during that time + ensure, as a society, we continue to act responsibly to keep transmissions at an absolute low. Nicole
Stephen Langford
I continue to receive AMUST, and admire
News reports weren’t racist against rich white people in March when the leading hotspots for COVID19 in Victoria was Toorak and the rest if Stonnington. Nez AUGUST 2020 / ISSUE 177
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Covid 19 will have implications big and small but unless the virus came from a mischievous laboratory we should revisit our dietary habits. Vegan, kosher or halal meals would be a better option. Their meals are definitely bat-free! mal
Re: Islamophobia in media your diversity, and inclusiveness. I suggest must stop to others, especially friends who happen to
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“In general African-Americans account for nearly 25% of all enlisted Army soldiers while making up just 13% of the population”. So they are used as canon fodder. They are also encourage to pray in segregated church perhaps not to affront the Diety as perceived by the Whites. Unfortunately the Blacks in America is still being haunted by their legacy of slavery. mal
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Bravo LOVE this topic and it was useful, meaning full and informative ….. merci. wissal rajad
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Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
ar Brothers and Sis ers
The festive season has once again made its return. So on behalf of the team at Human Appeal Australia, I would like to wish your families, friends, loved ones & yourself a delightful Eid Mubarak! During this time, millions of pilgrims around the world would be embarking on their journey to fulfil the pillar of Hajj. Unfortunately, with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, this act of sacred worship has become difficult to perform this year.
ms around the world have completed fasting the holy month of Ramadan and enjoying Eid al-Fitr; it is being a great pleasure to send you my andIbrahim to (AS) However, as hope a major part of identity; we look onto thebest tryingwishes times Prophet to your families andon friends in Australia around world.period. We kindly remind you faced & draw the inspiration needed toand get through thisthe challenging that of the most rewarding acts during this time is to feed the poor & needy that can be done with your Qurban sacrifice.
illah, in Australia we have such a generous community we are proud to be he benefits your generosity and were37,000 felt in 26 countries Lastof year, Human Appeal Australia wassupport able to distribute Qurbans in 27 locations,and provide worldwide.meat to feed almost 1.3 million people worldwide. This is all thanks to the blessings of Allah (SWT) The Almighty & the generous contributions of our community.
of every orphan found education through orphan sponsorship, every widow I ask that Allah (SWT) showers his blessings upon you & your family this Eid. Eid Mubarak ncome through our income generating projects, every thirsty child who cess to clean water, every refugee or displaced who has been fed and given would like to thank you for your generous contributions. Over half a million ies benefited from your Ramadan campaign donations. Bashar Al- Jamal year Director ahead, the Human
k to the Appeal team and I wish you Eid Mubarak; you all will enjoy the season’s blessings and happiness with your loved ones.
ak
90 $ 120 $ 170 $
Qurban to be sacrificed locally in the following destinations:
Somalia, India, Sri Lanka & Nepal.
Bashar Al-Jamal Director Human Appeal Australia
Qurban to be sacrificed locally in the following destinations:
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Islamic teaching on race becoming a universal value Bilal Cleland One of the most outstanding features of Islam is its unequivocal opposition to notions of superiority/inferiority based on race or tribal group. It is one of the characteristics of Islam which has attracted millions of souls to it over the centuries. “O humanity! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Truly the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (the one who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” (Quran 49:13) “Do you not see that Allah sends down rain from the sky? With it then We bring forth fruits of different colours; and in the mountains are streaks white and red, of diverse hues and others raven black. And of humans and beasts and cattle there are various colours. Only those of His servants who possess knowledge fear Allah. Truly Allah is Mighty, Most Forgiving.” (Quran 35: 27-28) This message was emphasised in the Final Sermon of Prophet Mohammad (s). “You are all from Adam, and Adam is from dust. There is no virtue for an Arab over a non-Arab, nor for a non-Arab over an Arab, nor for a white person over a black person, nor for a black person over a white person, except by righteousness.” [at-Tirmidhi]. Although what were Islamic notions are now understood to be basic universal values,
Mansa Musa holding gold.
they were not accepted into the mainstream of Western opinion until quite recently. Enlightened Americans? The 1776 American Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed that all men are created equal, was meant to apply only to white men. President George Washington wore dentures made from the teeth of healthy slaves. The Unitarian Thomas Jefferson, still a highly respected president, raped his slave girl over many years. Although he freed the children produced and did not sell them as
was common practice, he kept her enslaved. One of the scientific greats of American history J Marion Sims, the father of gynaecology, carried our operations on slave women without anaesthetic, as he believed “blacks cannot feel pain.” When he operated on white women, he used anaesthetic. His statue was not removed by the Mayor of New York until 2018. [USA Today, 19 June 2020] What about the Muslims? The Yaqeen Institute provides Talk Toolkits on the matter of “Racism within Our
Ranks.” It reports: “According to an ISPU poll, Black Muslims are just as likely to experience racism from their own faith community as Black Americans are from their own faith communities (ie other Christians), with both groups more likely to report experiencing racial discrimination from the general public. [Yaqeen Institute, 27 February 2019] In the United Kingdom as part of “A study into Anti-Blackness amongst young Muslims within the UK,” 250 non-Black Muslims were surveyed. Most were between the ages of 20 and 30. Most were from the subcontinent –Bangladesh (49%), Pakistan (30%) and India (13%). [Muslim Census, 5 July 2020] It found that over 98% believed that racism exists within the UK Muslim community. Up to 97% said that the UK Muslim community is not doing enough to tackle the issue of racism. Some of the recommendations were: • A substantial increase in Islamic lectures and khutbahs (sermons) around racism and black Muslims in Islam. • Muslim organisations and charities to seriously look at their recruiting structures, especially at executive and board level, to improve black Muslim representation. • Mosques to take an active role in calling out transgressions that involve anti-black racism. After 1400 years of the Quranic message that we have not adequately addressed this issue is a blot on the name and reputation of the Ummah. Bilal Cleland is a keen reader, a prolific writer and a regular columnist of AMUST based in Melbourne.
Seeking the meaning of Divine Signs from the global pandemic Dr Daud Batchelor God Almighty desires that we address His Signs and rectify our aberrant selves: “Surely Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change their own condition; and when Allah intends punishment for a people, there is no averting it.” (Quran 13:11) While Covid-19 originated in China, other countries were most severely impacted as seen in the highest fatalities (United States, Brazil, Italy) and highest death rates (Belgium, UK, Spain). What are common traits of these countries? They were leading colonisers and superpowers who although promoted some positive practices, have not rectified their dishonourable legacies. Some persist in greed for power while disrespecting human dignity, which oppresses deprived groups (African-Americans, Palestinians), and shows in excessive materialistic capitalist-promoted consumption ravaging earth’s sustainability and causing climate change and extinction crises. Let oppressors fear Prophet Muhammad’s (s) admonition: “Beware of the prayer of the oppressed … for there is no barrier between it and Allah” (Hadith, Ahmad) People suffering most are in the US, Britain, Brazil - Britain and the US being Anglosphere-core countries and prime movers AUGUST 2020 / ISSUE 177
of Western civilisation. Their elitist leaders ignored Allah’s Decree with arrogance by disregarding health precautions or lacking concern for vulnerable citizens. Trump acts like a king shooting the messenger - Dr Fauci - for bad news, while Brazil’s President Bolsonaro and Boris Johnson both contracted the virus. Regarding virus suppression, East Asian states displayed superior decision-making in prioritising collective well-being. Contrarily, unequal individualistic Anglo-American societies are ideal pandemic breeding grounds. Anglosphere Five Eyes’ countries aligned with Israel share intelligence aiming for a post-colonial global hegemony with white supremacism, which caused severe hardships especially for Palestinians and the Muslim World. Certain US elites railed against cries for social justice to ensure citizens live at a minimum survival level. Kidnappings of peaceful protestors off Portland, Oregon streets by unidentified Federal agents reflect Israeli police training helping shore up powerful elites. In the US and Brazil, the virus disproportionately affects blacks - legacy of structural racism dating back to slavery. Brazil received the largest number of African slaves and today half the population is black. King Philippe responded to criticism of Belgium’s brutal rule in the Congo, estimated to have caused 10 million deaths under Leopold II, by expressing “deepest regrets.” Increasing calls are heard for reparations
from former enslaving countries, Britain and the US, and communities in Africa hit hardest by Western slavery still have not recovered. Brazil just passed a racial equality law, but removed affirmative action policies. In “Fire Next Time”, James Baldwin called for a moral revolution: “To survive as a human, moral weight in the world, America and all Western nations will be forced to re-examine themselves’’ to “discard nearly all assumptions” used to justify their ‘crimes’. The fire Baldwin imagined is now raging. The Democratic Party belatedly plans a minimalistic social state through worker-protection laws and expanded government-backed health insurance. Australia received our wakeup earlier with the Spring-Summer bushfires. Earlier AMUST articles identified major problems - wasteful consumption levels and excessive carbon emissions; supporting the US in oppressing peoples of Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Palestine with the government’s anti-ICC actions. Principled Australians need support First Australians over historical injustices by promoting a treaty and special parliamentary representation. In reforming, Anglo-core countries have an eminent example - New Zealand. PM Adern just announced that rather than GDP, the Budget adopts citizen’s well-being as its prime objective (an Islamic concept). This is a game-changer that all nations could adopt since the ultimate test of good governance is community-centred well-be-
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Toppled Statue in Bristol, UK of 17th Century Slave Trader, Edward Colston, whose ships reportedly transported 80,000 enslaved Africans to the Americas ing, not that of an exclusive elite. Dr Daud Batchelor, holds an MA in Islamic and Other Civilisations and a Diploma in Islamic Studies from the International Islamic University Malaysia, PhD from University of Malaya, MSc from the University of London.
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Conspiracy theories and COVID-19
Do we have a problem? as to how we tackle them together. There are more than enough health professionals within the community who would be able to assist. Crisp and clear messaging is vital and the attitude to accept or allow dangerous ideas like this to continue to flourish is wrong. Of course, this is a very sensitive topic for many and needs to be approached with respect but there is no compromise on some issues. We do not argue that seat belts are needed or baby car seats should optional. Vaccines have been shown time and time again to be safe and effective, there is no room for argument or discussion on this. We as a community need to be focussed and clear with our messaging. I’m hoping with persistence and education we can shift this way of thinking. We need to be clear not to support in anyway the spread of misinformation and that may mean refusing to allow these harmful voices to flourish. We need to do this. Our lives are at stake.
Dr Umber Rind Muslims are not immune to the world-wide phenomenon of misinformation and science denialism. It’s been a growing problem, much like coronavirus spreading, through the internet with extra momentum thanks to social media. You only have to jump on Facebook or Instagram to see all kinds of crazy out there. This is especially dangerous at the moment given the current coronavirus outbreak and the recent lockdown measures in Melbourne. Unfortunately, this false information has lead people to question the safety of vaccines and the importance of public health measures such as wearing masks and social distancing rules. Not surprisingly we have within the Muslim community those who use their social media platforms to do this. We have alternative health practitioners questioning the safety of vaccines and promoting anti vaccine propaganda. I have seen vaccine refusal within the community first hand and from women and men who are heavily influenced by this mentality. I’m terrified we may one day witness an outbreak of measles, whooping cough or chicken pox and you can be guaranteed the media will have a field day with this. We only need to look at the media focus
and biased reporting on the spread of coronavirus within the Northern Suburbs and the Flemington flats in Melbourne, Victoria. It’s no secret these are Muslim majority areas. Misinformation puts us all in danger. There have been wild theories floating about that COVID-19 testing is a ploy to implant microchip’s, that 5G spreads the virus, that “they are trying to collect our DNA” and that there is some secret agenda at play. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see
how dangerous this is. This can encourage people not to get tested, ignore the social distancing recommendations and to not seek help or testing when they should, which will in turn cause further spread of the virus. At its absolute worse we may see sections of the community refusing the coronavirus vaccine, when available, again putting everyone at risk. I think it’s time our leaders become aware of these issues and concerns and make plans
Dr Umber Rind is a Melbourne based GP working in the Northern Suburbs. She is a Melbourne University graduate. She is a proud Yamatji Badimaya woman and currently works with an Aboriginal organisation for children. She enjoys community work, advocacy and educates multicultural communities about anti-racism and respect for First Nations peoples. She has been a member of Doctors for Refugees and has been an executive board member for the Islamic Council of Victoria.
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HOPE to engage seniors under isolation Zia Ahmad Human Appeal Australia Community Care (HAACC) have taken the initiative in combating social isolation for seniors during the COVID-19 restrictions by embarking on a new project named HOPE. The project HOPE (Helping Older People Engage) was launched on Thursday 23 July 2020 as part of ‘Combatting Social Isolation for Seniors during COVID-19 Grants Program’ introduced by the NSW Government. The launch event for HOPE was attended by HAA volunteers, community leaders and politicians including Mr Tony Burke MP, Federal Member for Watson, Mr Jihad Dib MP, the State Member for Lakemba, the Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown Clr Khal Asfour, Deputy Mayor, Clr Bilal El-Hayek and representatives of many community organisations. HOPE aims to reduce social isolation for seniors during COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions and will help older people to connect with each other, through online engagement and/or other methods that maintain social distancing. The project will foster social inclusion for seniors through social support phone calls including face to face interactions and will offer a “Walk While We Talk” alternative for those who are not able to use their smart devices, phones or computers. Through HOPE the seniors in NSW will be provided with quality social connection opportunities primarily aimed at Muslim Seniors aged 65 years and above but also extended to help seniors from all faith communities and walks of life. HOPE project will operate beyond the average 9am-to-5pm hours and will offer access for social support calls/mobile faceto-face/dial-in service from 7am to 9 pm, 7 days a week to ensure convenience for its target group. Around 10 Multilingual volunteers will be available on mobile phones specifically nominated for the HOPE clients. Languag-
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From left: Mr Bashar Al-Jamal, HAA Director, Hajj Zaki Kanawati and Mr Riyad Qasim, HAA Chairman. Photo by Fadle El-Harris.
es offered to date include Arabic, English, Bengali, Urdu, Turkish, Bosnian and Russian. The HOPE volunteers have undergone training to cater for increased understanding of seniors needs, to build awareness of local services offered for the aged and to practice social call scenarios. The Hope launch event was MC’d by Mr Omar Al-Jamal and the guests were welcomed by Mr Bashar Al-Jamal, Director, Human Appeal Australia and were addressed by Mr Amin El-Bureeny, Head of HAA Community Care, Ms Souhair Afiouny, Project Manager of HOPE, Mr Tony Burke MP, Mr Jihad Dib MP, Mayor Khal Asfour and Hajj Zaki Kanawati, A long time HAA volunteer for almost three decades. During his welcome address Mr Bashar Al-Jamal articulated the concern for seniors saying, “HOPE aims to help our seniors feel connected to the wider community and let them know that there are people that sincerely care for them and in this way, we can give them that extra boost and plant the seed of hope, the hope to keep going.” The event took place at the newly established section of Human Appeal’s headquarters in Lakemba, in a very warm atmosphere complying with the latest COVID-19 restrictions in NSW. HOPE will be available throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, well towards the end of year 2020 HOPE Application Process includes: • Self-referred • Family referral • Friend Referral • Apply online • Drop in HAA offices • Community Organisation referrals If you are or you know of a senior 65 years and over requiring help from HOPE, please Contact: • online at: https://www.humanappeal.org. au/community-initiatives/HOPE • Call our office: 02 9750 3161 • Email: care@humanappeal.org.au • Visit Human Appeal’s offices at 119 Haldon Street Lakemba 2195.
Audience at the HOPE launch on Thursday 23 July 2020. Photo by Fadle El-Harris
Zia Ahmad is the Editor-in-Chief of the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST.
Tony Burke MP. Photo by Zia Ahmad. Jihad Dib MP. Photo by Fadle ElHarris.
Ms Souhair Afiouny, HOPE Project Manager with Mr Amin El-Bureeny, HAACC Head. Photo by Zia Ahmad. AUGUST 2020 / ISSUE 177
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AMUST Webinar reaches out to a global audience Continued from page 1 The speakers at the webinar included: 1. Ms Mobinah Ahmad, Managing Editor, AMUST, Sydney Australia 2. Dr Hafiz Mohammad Waliullah Bokhari, Member Seena Inc, Sydney, Australia 3. Mr Zia Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief, AMUST, Sydney, Australia 4. Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, Founder Sound Vision/ Producer Radio Islam, Chicago, Illinois, USA 5. Dr Aslam Abdullah, Editor-in-Chief, Muslim Observer, Los Angeles, California, USA 6. Dr Javed Jamil, Chair of Islamic Studies, Yenepoya University, Mangalore, India 7. Professor Dr Khalid Yusoff, Vice Chancellor, UCSI University Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 8. Professor Dr Anwar Gilani, Vice Chancellor, University of Manipur, KP, Pakistan 9. Mr Ahmed J Versi, Editor, The Muslim News, London, UK 10. Mrs Mehar Ahmad, President Seena Incorporated, Publishers of AMUST, Sydney, Australia The Webinar was MC’d by Mobinah Ahmad and stated with recitation of Quran by Dr Hafiz Mohammad Waliullah Bokhari. One of the speakers Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid sent a recorded speech while two scheduled panelists Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas, a Melbourne based AMUST columnist and Sikander Azam, Editor of Radiance ViewsWeekly based in New Delhi, India could not participate due to health reasons. The video of the speeches and Q&A session of the Webinar can be seen at AMUST fulfils the human right of information for all by providing facts with truthfulness and accuracy and uphold freedom of expression with responsibility.
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Australia’s first Islamic bank is coming very soon Continued from page 1 Earlier this year, IBA appointed former CBA home loans executive Dean Gillespie as CEO, and former ME Bank CEO Anthony Wamsteker as chair. Both Mr Gillespie and Mr Wamsteker are passionate about supporting the Muslim community. Mr Sultan Choudhury OBE, the former CEO of the UK’s largest Islamic bank, has also joined the board, as well as Mohammed Shaji, CEO of Abreco Freight in the UAE. There is no other Islamic banks in Australia currently, even though about 3% of the population identifies as Muslim. IBA will be opening a branch in Auburn in Sydney, and is also considering other locations such as Melbourne and Perth. IBA will also offer fantastic digital banking, allowing customers to do their day to day banking on their phones. The CEO of the IBA Group, Mr Dean Gillespie pointed out, “The Muslim community in Australia continues to grow, yet there’s no Islamic bank currently. In places like the UK, there are six or seven Islamic banks supporting the community – but in Australia, we’ll be the first.” “All of the products and services we offer at IBA will be 100% Shari’ah-compliant, meaning our customers can be confident that their banking will be aligned with their faith.” “Islamic banking is different to traditional banking, but we will still be offering products such as savings products and finance to help people buy homes. We won’t be charging interest on our finance accounts, and AUGUST 2020 / ISSUE 177
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Eid Al Adha is an important celebration of love and sacrifice. On this day, I extend my warmest wishes for a happy and prosperous Eid.
TONY BURKE MP
Mr Dean Gillespie, CEO, IBA Group we’ll be offering profit-share on deposits. We also won’t be banking certain haram industries, such as alcohol, pornography and gambling to ensure we are ethical in every way.” “We’re really excited about launching IBA when we’re ready – we’d be delighted if customers visited our website and joined the waiting list. We’re not a bank yet, but we’ll keep people on the list updated over coming months.” Excited about banking with IBA? To join the IBA waiting list, visit their website: www.ibagroup.com. au/survey or simply aim your smartphone camera at this QR code or complete the survey form on page 31 and email it to help@ibagroup.com.au
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HON TONY BURKE MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR WATSON
Office: Shop 29/1 Broadway Punchbowl 2196 Phone: (02) 9750 9088 Email: tony.burke.mp@aph.gov.au @Tony_Burke Tony Burke MP www.tonyburke.com.au
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Four years on: Turkey’s 15 July coup attempt and its consequences Meryem Aydogan
Mehmet Saral
Wednesday 15 July 2020 marked the four-year anniversary of the bloodiest coup attempt in Turkey’s political history; a night that actively changed the country’s political trajectory. On this evening, Advocates For Dignity presented its webinar ‘Turkey’s 15th of July Coup Attempt and its Consequences’, starring guest keynote speaker Jorgen Lorentzen and facilitator, former ABC Radio National presenter, John Cleary. The webinar explored the making of Lorentzen’s 2019 documentary, ‘A Gift from God’, which investigates the truth behind Turkey’s failed coup attempt, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s immediate accusatory response that led to the unprecedented crackdown of his opponents. The evening was opened by Advocates For Dignity President, Mehmet Saral, who said that the masterminds of the tragic coup attempt remain unknown, yet the civil society Hizmet movement, inspired by exiled Islamic scholar Fethullah Gulen, were quickly made the culprit. He further added that when assessing as to who has benefitted most from the coup, it is apparent that it has mostly been President Erdogan and his political allies. Jorgen Lorentzen is a Norwegian film producer, writer, gender researcher and university professor. He became interested in composing the documentary as he was present in Istanbul at the time the failed coup
took place, and quickly became aware of discrepancies in the Turkish government’s narrative used to point the finger of blame at Gulen and the Hizmet Movement. “We all felt that it was fishy from the beginning. One of the older men in my company said that he had been through two coups in Turkey and this is not what a coup is like, and since then I have been working day and night, following different tracks,” he said. During the narration of his documentary, Lorentzen states, “On the very night that the coup attempt unfolded, the mass arrests began. How was it possible to begin arresting people so soon… For three years, we worked intensively to try to understand what really happened.” The hours, days and months following this historic night resulted in the dismissal and arrest of tens of thousands of teachers, journalists, judges, military personnel and health workers for no other reason other than being associated with the Hizmet movement. Through interviews with individuals who
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Jorgen Lorentzen
John Cleary.
witnessed it, the documentary reveals never-before-seen accounts, documents and film footage from the night. Lorentzen explained that he critically examined the chronology of pre and post coup events: from innocent military cadets who were beaten to death on the Bosphorus Bridge by Turkish citizens, to the unusual actions of the Turkish Navy, and the strange document that was circulated, inaccurately detailing the events that did and did not take place on the night of the coup, yet was used to warrant thousands of arrests. He talked about Turkish-Russian relationships, explaining that Turkey is moving its allegiance from the West towards East, particularly towards Russia. Leading up to the coup, Erdogan-Putin relations were excellent and on 15 July 2016, Russians were also in Turkey leading to suspicion that Putin may have a hand in the coup. Lorentzen also briefed the virtual audience at the webinar, on the once positive relationship between Erdogan and the Hizmet movement which ended in 2013, marking
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the beginning of Erdogan’s hostility towards the movement’s associates and supporters. “People belonging to the Hizmet movement were very strong in the judiciary, they were popular and had influence, and when Erdogan came into power, he had control over the parliament and military but he could not control the judiciary. He felt it was absolutely necessary to find a way to get rid of the Hizmet movement,” he said. The movement suffered as a consequence of the coup attempt, in that all of its institutions in Turkey were shut down. This trend continued in many Muslim majority, Erdogan-aligned countries, where schools established by the movement were taken over by the Turkish authorities. “This was his chance to cleanse the country of the movement,” he continued. “For me it was important that I got information from security services such as NATO, Norwegian security, US security etc and they all stated very clearly that they don’t think Gulen was behind the coup.” John Cleary’s thought-provoking questions, and Lorentzen’s detailed explanations, allowed for an extremely informative evening. Lorentzen ended the webinar, inviting more people to instigate discourse surrounding the topic, stating “the puzzle is incomplete, I still need questions answered. We still do not know who was behind [the coup] and we are ready to continue working on this case.” Meryem Aydogan is a final year Law and Journalism Student at the University of Technology, Sydney, and is based in Sydney, Australia.
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Wassim Dabboussi named Australian Global Peace Ambassador Mobinah Ahmad Wassim Dabbousi has been named as a Global Peace Ambassador representing Australia, for the Global Peace Challenge 2020 while spreading the mission of sharing stories about peace-themed events, organising events and recruiting other supporters. Being involved in both the business and employment environment for decades and soaking in the experiences, Wassim was highly empowered to be the person that he is today. “As a migrant to Australia at the age of 10, growing up in one of Sydney’s toughest areas in the 90’s, I had to quickly learn to overcome adversity, bullying and peer pressure at a young age to survive in the South West,” he said. Known as a man who is humble, real, and am-
ANIC sues fake imam Moustafa Rashed for defamation
bitious, despite being without a job a year ago and staring at a life-altering decision, he never backed down from challenging situations. “Whether it was falling out of love with my wife, or losing $100,000 in one day when my business partner walked out on me, being diagnosed with high blood cholesterol at an early age and other health challenges and addictions… Having a weak, negative, fixed mindset and being in the depths of depression and on the verge of suicide… I have faced many challenges in my life and every time I was able to dig deep and find a solution and that is what I bring to my clients,” said Wassim. At that point in his life, he was teetering between trying to decide whether to find a new 6-figure, 9-to-5 job or break free to chase after his dream of helping others. He chose the latter. “You Will Get All You Want In Life If You Help Enough Other People Get What They Want,” said Wassim. Wassim strongly believes that when he makes his primary goal to help others his top priority, he will inevitably find people who will help him get what He wants in life. His selfless nature has finally bore fruit. The Global Peace Challenge 2020 is a year-long celebration featuring local and worldwide events dedicated to promoting peace around the world. By uniting like-minded people around the world and sharing their stories and experiences on social media, the message of peace
will be heard by millions of people. When millions of people of all races, religions, and countries demand and promote peace, people will listen. “My mission and purpose in life is to make a positive dent on the world to be a better place. One human, one family, one community at a time, ” said Wassim. More specifically, the purpose of the movement is to build and grow an online community of peacemakers and peace seekers to encourage, promote, and chronicle peace-focused activities throughout the iconic year 2020. The mission is to provide a positive force to offset all the negativity and violence people encounter daily, whether through personal experience, news media, or social media. Wassim, being a part of this local and worldwide event to promote peace around the world is befitting to the T. With his unique background and experiences, he will be able to help millions of people of all races, backgrounds, and from all countries around the world by sharing his stories. As one of the strongest proponents against injustices and racism, he will be at the forefront of THE CHANGE we desperately need. Because positive changes take one human, one family, one community at a time, Wassim is the perfect one-person to embark on this human journey.
Wishing you and your family an
Al A
The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) has commenced legal proceedings relating to defamatory statements by Mr Moustafa Rashed considered the Fake Imam No 2, following the fate of Fake Sheikh Tawhidi exposed by ABC Media Watch in May 2017. The internet based statements/publications have been purportedly made by Moustafa Rashed, who claimed to be the only elected Grand Mufti of Australia and the Chairman of the ‘World Federation of Muslims for Peace’ – an entity which Mr Rashed claims is the only organisation registered in Australia for Muslim Imams. While claiming to be a professor of Islamic law from Al-Azhar University, it has been reported that Mr Rashed also passed a AUGUST 2020 / ISSUE 177
number of ‘fatwas’ (Islamic rulings) which have been unanimously rejected by the wider body of mainstream Islamic scholars, including those from Al-Azhar University. According to reports, Al-Azhar University has also denied any affiliation with Mr Rashed and refuted claims that he is a professor at the University. Some of Mr Rashed’s reported past ‘fatwas’ have included declarations that fasting during the month of Ramadan is not obligatory for Muslims and that the consumption of alcohol is not strictly forbidden in Islam. ANIC has instructed Birchgrove Legal and will pursue claims that Mr Rashed made a number of false and potentially defamatory statements about ANIC and its constituent members. ANIC is the peak body for Muslim Imams in Australia, made up of more than 200 member Imams from each State and Territory. WWW.AMUST.COM.AU
Julie Owens
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AMUST Media
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Rising from ashes: Toowoomba mosque moving to second stage Professor Shahjahan Khan How Muslims feel when a mosque is burnt by hate mongers and extremists? What do you think about the community that experienced the horror and psychological trauma when their mosque was burnt? Is it normal for Muslims to abandon the burnt mosque and give in to the criminals? Don’t you take the challenge as an opportunity to be a part of rebuilding the burnt mosque? Muslims in Toowoomba have gone through all these and taken the challenge to rebuild their burnt mosque. The first ever mosque in Toowoomba region, only mosque to the west of Brisbane was bunt twice in 2015, a year after it was established in an old church property. The second arson attack took place during midnight on 17 April seriously damaging the main Mosque building beyond repair. After settling with insurance company, it was decided that the burnt church building would be extended to make a purpose build Mosque under one roof to meet the growing need of the community of over 2000 Muslims. The Toowoomba Regional Council approved the Development Application in 2017, and the rebuilding work started in 2018. The First (Lock-up) Stage of the project, the construction of the new mosque building was completed in 2019. The cost of the First Stage was over
$750,000 in addition to cleaning, surveying, drawing, town planning, and application fee costing nearly $200k. About 60% of the project is now completed. The building will fit over 500 worshippers at a time. The work for the Second Stage of the project includes all internal fittings including electrical, plumbing, toilet, plaster, aircon etc, from July 2020. This contracted work
will be completed in 18 weeks at the cost of $334,850. The current short fall for the Second Stage is $95,000. In addition, funding is required for carpet and rainwater tank. The Third Stage will be concreting 42 carparking spaces with two drive-ways, ramps, retaining walls, landscaping and acoustic fences. Once completed, the mosque will be ecofriendly and a part of Annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers visiting sites. Solar panels have been installed on top of the buildings already generating surplus electricity and bringing extra income to the mosque. Rainwater will be used to avoid or minimise the use of town water. An electric car charging station will be added as part of community service. Almost 60% of the rebuilding work was completed last year, and with the completion of the Second Stage 80% of the total project will be completed before December 2020 Inshaa Allah.
Toowoomba Muslims have been working very hard and wish to convey their thanks to everyone who have been or will be a contributing to the project. May Allah take care of everyone who takes care of His house. All Muslims is welcome to share the obligation to complete the remaining reconstruction work of a burnt house of Allah. A 3:15 minute YouTube video on the progress of the rebuilding work is accessed at https://youtu.be/fwBFbdeP0sQ Donations via Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Toowoomba Plaza Branch, A/C Name: Toowoomba Islamic Charitable Organisation, BSB: 064459 A/C Number: 1034 1586. Swift Code: CTBAAU25XXX. Professor Shahjahan Khan is professor of Statistics at University of Southern Queensland, Australia. He is the former President of Islamic Countries Society of Statistical Sciences and Expatriate Fellow of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences.
Free haircuts for Sydney’s homeless
Dean Mousad After months of inactivity due to the COVID-19 restrictions, Brothers In Need held their first BBQ on Saturday 11 July 2020 as part of their Saturday night youth program in order to help feed members of Sydney’s home-
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less community. Special thanks to Baz from Tapered The Barbershop who provided free haircut services that made the night even more memorable. Thank you all who supported and attended the program! #BrothersInNeed Dean Mousad is the Co-founder/Director of Brothers in Need, Co-founder/treasurer of Project Quran and a teacher/mentor at Alfirdaus College. ISSUE 177 / AUGUST 2020
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Support Southport Masjid, Gold Coast Dr Shafiq Flynn The story of the Southport Masjid, Gold Coast, is likely one you are familiar with. Protests, opposition, damage to premises, intimidation, confusion and frustration. Sound familiar? Many of you reading this have probably heard of such stories association with attempts to build a masjid in a Muslim minority country, and some of you may have possibly been through that process. The Arundel Masjid was built nearly 25 years ago, to accommodate a population of around 2000 Muslims. Where would the people go for salaat if there is no room at Arundel? Where would our brothers and sisters go if the city council cracked down on parking? Every week, some Musallees run across a 4-lane highway to get to the Masjid for Jummah. The Gold Coast Muslim community is some 10,000 strong – and it continues to grow. One masjid, at the north end of the coast, is simply not enough to cater for this growth. Our need for a second masjid is pressing. A masjid is more than just a building; it is a refuge from the distractions of this world, reminding us of what is truly important. It
is a beacon of light that guides us when we have lost our way. It is a symbol of hope and transformation for all those who are overcome by the pressures of this world and need to recentre and refocus. It is a place where you can feel safe being a Muslim. Where parents teach their children to connect with Allah and pray in jamaa’ah. For those who are alone, with no Muslim friends or family, it is a place to connect with other Muslims. It is where many of us learn how to be Muslims. Where we learn to read Allah’s words, hear of the sacrifices and dedication of our Prophet Muhammad (s) and learn lessons from the other Prophets (a) and the companions (r). It is where we are inspired to be better
Muslims and better human beings. The masjid anchors us and keeps us tethered to Allah. The past few years we have been trying to establish the second masjid and have faced all sorts of hurdles. Nevertheless, despite the opposition and challenges, Allah writes what He writes and people’s protests cannot distinguish the light of Allah. With Allah’s blessing, we have purchased and converted a church to a masjid in the heart of the Gold Coast and a stone’s throw from Surfers Paradise, rendering it convenient for Muslim visitors. The masjid has Quran, Tafseer, Fiqh, Sisters, Revert, and Youth Programmes in addition to the regular solat. The masjid was purchased through qard
President addresses AFIC issues John Stapleton Only a few short years ago the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC), the country’s leading Muslim organisation, faced ongoing controversies. AFIC, became a household name for all the wrong reasons, a byword for scandal. “Like a script from a mafia movie” blared one headline. Now, facing election, the President who claims credit for getting the organisation out of the news, speaks publicly for the first time during an exclusive interview completed on Friday 24 July 2020. AFIC President Dr Rateb Jneid was elected in 2017 after an extremely messy internal dispute which included one group raiding and occupying the Sydney offices and appeals to the NSW Supreme Court, which ruled the raid illegal. In a three-way contest. Outside runner Jneid faced two opponents: The incumbent president Keysar Trad, a figure of controversy in Australia since he successfully sued and gained a public apology from high profile conservative commentator Alan Jones after the shock jock called Lebanese Muslims “mongrels” and “vermin”. Also in the running was Professor Shahjahan Khan, an academic from Toowoomba, who saw off two arson attacks on the city’s only mosque. Back in AFIC, Trad declared: I’m donating my time and energy to unite the community and help make this a clean election. For once in his long career, Trad is avoiding the media spotlight. Regarding the highly competitive Halal certification side of AFIC, Jneid said: “Since AFIC pioneered Halal certification in Australia many decades back, Halal certification had become cost intensive because many international standards must be met. AUGUST 2020 / ISSUE 177
Today’s standards look at food safety, hygiene and slaughter methods.” “If it bears the AFIC stamp, then it has gone through the highest standard of testing, you can trust AFIC Halal to be 100% Halal. Our Halal section includes a Sharia committee that combines the skills and experience of several Imams.” Despite issues impacting his family’s reputation in the broader community Jneid fought for his beloved WA Islamic Council. Within a few months he had successfully lobbied Muslim leaders around Australia and was elected AFIC president. And then something amazing happened: AFIC disappeared from the headlines. Arguably his greatest success. Jneid has not given press interviews since taking the Presidency. But now he is keen to face his critics, ticking off his achievements. Dr Jneid says all disputes with Malek Fahad school have been settled and the government has restored funding to the school, their rents were adjusted and everything is back to normal. “One of my proudest achievements is to play a role in restoring the funding of Malek Fahd so that our children, our students, can have certainty and stability.” “Our bank had threatened to reject our business because of past infighting. But, Alhamdulillah, with the help of Allah, right after we settled our disputes, we concerted our efforts on repaying our loans.” “The AFIC loans were taken by previous committees who were desperate to fund school building projects and make sure that there are more classroom seats in Muslim schools for our kids. And he cut the bank loan in half, from $10 million to less than $5 million. “This is a great blessing from Allah. I have to say here to all our brothers and sisters, try to avoid taking bank loans.” Asked about a number of controversial emails now circulating which contain allegations of corruption and nepotism, Dr Jneid responded: “Unfortunately, every time a member, a society, a council president, or a former employee do not get their wish-list approved,
hasanah (benevolent loans) from several members of the community. Some of those members are feeling the pinch of COVID-19 economically and have requested support from the masjid to pay them back. If we are unable to do this within the coming months, then we are risk having to sell the masjid in order to meet our financial commitments to them. We are sending the call out to the Muslim Ummah to support us in this time of need. Please visit our website or YouTube Southport Mosque Gold Coast, learn about our story and share it with others. Your support is needed and makes a difference. Dr Shafiq Flynn is the Imam of the Southport Masjid, Gold Coast. He has a PhD in Islamic Thought and Heritage from the International Islamic University, Malaysia and works as an academic editor for Flynn-Harris Proofreading.
The Elements Fazlul Huq The words are a bind and a freedom, Thoughts are a rhyme and a rhythm. Mind is the boundless universe within, Fate is the scroll trapped in the unseen. Life is like a giant act and a play, Death is the gate on the way. Birth is a point in space and time, Spark is a flash in tapestry of the mind. Youth is a fire mixed with the tempest, The aged is a field laden with the harvest. Friends are like the dots in the mind field, Wants are like the steps on the treadmill. Work is the lotion and the potion, Quarks are the divide and fraction.
AFIC President Dr Rateb Jneid. they start making accusations of favouritism and corruption. This has been the unfortunate history of AFIC for more than 20 years. “I assure everyone, AFIC financial affairs are structured in accordance with the regulatory authorities’ requirements. All our books are audited by an external auditor who also scrutinises all Finance Committee activities.” “AFIC is the most transparent and most democratic organisation in the Muslim community. Every allegation is being addressed in detail.” In a closing pitch to his constituents and a tilt to the future, Dr Jneid says: “AFIC is the peak body for Australia’s Muslims, AFIC has thrived for 56 years, it is older than I am and Insha Allah, it will continue to grow and thrive long after I leave. John Stapleton is an Australian journalist having worked with The Sydney Morning Herald as well as The Australian newspapers and currently writes for “A Sense of Place Publishing”.
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The gaze is a probe and vision, The rage is a clout and addiction. Prayer is the witness and submission, Meditation is the harness and rejuvenation.
Dr Fazlul Huq was an Associate Professor in Discipline of Pathology in the School of Medical Sciences University of Sydney (just retired). Besides being a poet over 29,000 compositions, he used to lead Cancer Research Group focused on drug discovery and therapy. Dr Fazlul Huq is a retired academic and Editor-in-Chief Emanreserch Journal Of Angiotherapy. He is also the poet “Jujube” at Allpoetry.com with over 35,000 compositions.
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CEO at 22: How Khalef b Mobinah Ahmad
At age 21, Khalef started a small security company whilst also working multiple other jobs. Khalef’s childhood friend Omar offered him to take a temporary junior Building Manager role for a couple of weeks. Khalef received his first big break when the director of the company saw his work ethic and decided to bring him on as a Building Manager. This gave Khalef a taste of working within building management. A year later in 2011, one night Omar showed Khalef a sketch of an idea he had thought about. “Omar was the ideas guy,” said Khalef. Working within several industries, Khalef realised he needed to scale back and pick what he wanted to do. He left the other jobs and focused on working as a building manager whilst developing the side business of MYBOS – which was still at the theoretical idea stage. Khalef got to work, as a salesman – cold calling buildings and pitching and presenting an idea to see how it would fair to test the market. He observed a gap and a pain point in the market and noticed that this idea would solve many problems building managers go through. Khalef believed he could get himself out of his own difficult situation. He developed a strong sense of independence, self-belief, passion and relentless ambition. He says, “We all have a drive in us. That drive, that fire, when used right can set you ahead of the rest.” Khalef harnessed his inner fire and directed it towards developing and building his business. Although the idea was fantastic, turning it into a thriving business took a lot of rejection and failure. Still, Khalef didn’t let that stop him. If anything, he used the challenges he faced as opportunities to strive to something better. “When I got rejected, I would think where I could be 5 or 10 years from today if this business becomes successful. I go back to the reason why I’m doing this, and the reason why I want to help. That was my goal, and I was persistent in achieving it,” said Khalef. He had to make the decision to devote his focus to MYBOS. He left his building management job and dedicated himself to developing this business without receiving a salary, relying on savings. Working on his dream, Khalef received a lot of pushback – with hate calls, ugly emails and rejection. “When I hear NO, I know it’s not a NO forever, it’s just for today,” said Khalef. He knew persistence paid off when it comes to convincing people about his software. Khalef had the utmost belief that his product was necessary and it would work. Rejection didn’t affect him to the point where he questioned what he was doing or thought about giving up. One night when distributing flyers in mailboxes in Pyrmont, he was grabbed and kicked out of the building in the rain by one of the building owners. Khalef didn’t let his emotions paralyse him or give up, instead, he used that negative incident into working even harder. Where many would call it a night, he fuelled himself to keep going. “After being kicked out, I spent another 3 hours that night distributing my flyers,” he said. MYBOS as an idea was great, but it need-
We all face some level of adversity at different points in our lives, but it’s what we do in those difficult situations that can change the direction of how our life turns out. Sam Mohamad Khalef’s journey involves coming from an underprivileged background with many hardships in building a multi-million dollar international company in such a short amount of time primarily by himself. How did he do it? Now at 32, Khalef shares his journey to success and what life lessons, inspiration and wisdom we can gain from his story. Khalef is the founder and director of MYBOS: Powerfully Simple. MYBOS stands for MY Building Operating System. MYBOS is a powerful, extendable, scalable cloud-based building management platform for Managers, Owners and Tenants in Multi-Occupancy Buildings. Born in Lebanon, I have never looked and coming to Australia at the age of 5, at life and thought, Khalef entered the ‘this is how my workforce at the age of 12 and under unfortu- life is going to be nate circumstances, he left home in his teens. forever’. This is just Khalef spent most of his time at a youth a temporary phase, centre where he met a I’m going through. I lifelong friend, Omar, with who a decade later have always looked together he developed the idea of a building at the result. The management software. Living in housing way I persisted was commission and pay- by always looking ing rent in his teens, Khalef worked as a towards the future. cleaner, labourer, security officer and courier for a number of years. Khalef did not have the opportunity to attend university and instead got straight into work. Working multiple jobs, without a stable and comfortable home environment, Khalef developed a sense of discipline and knew the value of hard work. With 6 of his friends from the youth centre, Khalef got his first taste of business when he was a part of starting a manufacturing company that eventually failed. “When I look back, I realised there were just too many people involved,” said Khalef. It was this experience that taught Khalef that for a business to succeed, having too many voices up the top without solid vision, will divide the business. Which explains why Khalef tends to operate best on his own with a clear idea of what he wants to achieve long term.
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ed to be built. Having $20,000 in Khalef’s savings, he and Omar decided to go with a company to build the software. This company built a prototype, but the code just didn’t work. The company had spent all the money and were asking for more. Khalef and Omar saw it as part of the learning process, decided not to give up, and went looking for an alternative way to build a product they believed in. Khalef admits, “The beginning is always difficult, there are a lot of sacrifices you need to put in.” In choosing his career path, Khalef had to make some big decisions and sacrifices that challenged his personal ethics and faith. He trusted his intuition and was never distracted by money, despite being in a dire situation. “Money isn’t enough. Experience and challenges in life are what creates a fundamental belief to do what we do,” he said. With his experience in failure and severe financial loss of thousands of dollars, Khalef had the wisdom that financial opportunities come and go and not to be hung up on letting go this business idea. It’s quite an admirable principle for someone to live by: rejecting a tempting offer to pull you out of financial hardship because it is not in line with your values takes courage, wisdom and long term thinking. “I was still living in a housing commission accommodation, I had a $1000 Mazda 323 I got from an auction,” said Khalef. Living from paycheck to paycheck, Khalef had used whatever money he could save and outsourced the programming. His second big break was received, the software was created, a prototype was coded and it worked.
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Khalef worked all hours convincing building managers and lot owners to allow him to demonstrate the benefits of the system. Khalef received his third big break, and this was by far the biggest! His first client. The CEO of a reputable company liked his ambition and persistence and gave him the opportunity to use his software. Challenges Without formal education, Khalef demonstrates the knowledge he has acquired from life that has led him to be well versed and articulate in expressing ideas and thoughts. Going through many personal and professional challenges, Khalef doesn’t look back at his life experience as a life to be wary of. He remembers, where he came from and adopted the values and principles along the way as a form of motivation. “Remembering my roots gave me the fire to burn through when most people would give up,” said Khalef. Being conscious of his past, acted as an accelerator to keep going, keep building and not to give up. Khalef knew precisely where he would be if the business were to fail or if he were to give up. By having a positive outlook on past challenges and looking at them as an opportunity for growth, Khalef has generated his success at a faster rate compared to his contemporaries. “You need challenges to grow. A lot of us, we look at our lives that might go through a difficult
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built his software empire
nged an industry
His second purpose was to help others by believing that his business would help residential and building management companies run a lot smoother – this is the value of service. And the third purpose was to keep focused and persistent in his goals and not to let failure or rejection deter him – the value of perseverance. Whist values lay the foundation; the structure of Khalef’s success is built with business wisdom that involves providing solutions, diagnostics and gaps in the industry. “If you’re in an industry and you want to create a business, you need to find a pain point that people are willing to pay for. Your value has to outmatch the cost that they’re paying. You want to see more value in return against money,” said Khalef. Client-Centred Approach Khalef has an inspiring commitment and loyalty to his clients, ensuring that the relationship he has with them is built on trust, sincerity and transparency. “Business is my passion. Seeing people’s success through our business and seeing the overall business growth has been a great passion of mine,” he said. One of the examples of a solution-based client-centred approach is that during COVID-19, Khalef’s business developed a free COVID-19-Tracker software free of charge that was picked up by 300 buildings and featured in mainstream media. Khalef believes that the success of his company is predicated on the success of his clients and helping others. He has a growth mindset, and he continually is looking at his industry, observing current issues (pain points) and trying to find ways to solve them. As he achieves each goal, a new set of goals is determined – with bigger and more significant strides. Khalef says, “I ask myself, is my company better than it was yesterday? If so, then we’re heading in the right direction. Moving forward, even if its incremental improvements, is important. As long as it progresses, that’s the main thing.” Starting a business isn’t easy especially when it begins to develop some level of traction, where people start offering critique. Khalef, while considering any advice, did not let the criticism of others deter him from his end goal. He knew not to take criticism personally and to focus on remembering his vision and relying on his evaluative reasoning. Uncertainty & Risk Khalef received advice from friends and family as well as criticism that the business wouldn’t work and he should give up. “They didn’t understand the software industry, but I had the conviction that I knew what I was doing. I believed in the software
and knowing that people needed it gave me the confidence to pursue it.” he said. “People sometimes don’t know what they want, until you create something. Then they realise they need it.” By always focusing on the user experience, he believed in the need and in the product. Khalef isn’t afraid to take risks in business, he doesn’t let uncertainty and the fear of the unknown hold him back. Being willing to leap forward and make decisions to test out new ideas to identify what works and what doesn’t. Although Khalef is open to taking risks, they are well-thought-out, carefully considered and calculated risks. “When it came to marketing and advertising, I wasn’t overly cautious about the financial cost, however, certain decisions that require a sense of long-term commitment, such as hiring staff, I took with a lot more consideration,” he said. Khalef is currently navigating the pathway to develop the business he built with his blood, sweat and tears to a trusted management team. MYBOS has grown from strength to strength. As a business owner, being willing to identify when to take a step back, when to lead requires foresight, calculated risk and wisdom – which add to the many strengths that Khalef has.
“You need challenges
upbringing, and we think it’s a negative thing. It’s actually the best thing that could’ve ever happened to you,” said Khalef. He appreciates that every hardship he went through had to happen in order to make him the man he is today. There is a verse in surah Al Mulk, the chapter of The Kingdom, “In all cases, trials can be good for the true believer. If he is tested with prosperity, he should remain grateful, and he will receive a reward. If he is tested with hardship, he should remain patient, and he will receive a reward” (Quran 67:2) Khalef operates on the wisdom that whatever circumstance he is in, is temporary. He has a strong belief in the fluidity of life that he and his business is in constant flux or continuous change. By having the foresight to know that he is never a victim of his circumstance and never trapped in a dire situation. This reminds me of one of my most favourite quotes, from the French novel, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas; “Life is a storm, my young friend, you will bask in the sunlight one moment be shattered on the rocks the next what makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes.” In the first three decades of his life, Khalef has been through trials that have tested his moral character and principles. He has carried those principles through to
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how he runs his business now. Khalef’s core values are commitment to his business, loyalty to his clients and family. Long term Vision By keeping his eye on the long term goal, Khalef doesn’t get caught up in obsessing on the current challenges he faces. “I have never looked at life and thought, ‘this is how my life is going to be forever’. This is just a temporary phase, I’m going through. I have always looked at the result. The way I persisted was by always looking towards the future,” said Khalef. Instead of getting bogged down within the challenges he has faced, Khalef lives his life and runs his business by looking at the big picture through a lens of purpose and long term success. This purpose is what predicates his persistence, drive, sacrifice and motivation to build his business. Khalef says, “business is a very long term dedicated relationship that takes complete commitment. You need to be in it for the long haul. It takes time. Be ready for that.” Having that type of long-term vision and real belief is what has led Khalef to motivate himself in times of struggles. The life experience he has gone through has led him to hold particular core values that he lives and works by. They formulate his priorities, and in essence, have become drivers to his success. Khalef has three purposes, and each one hold’s a more profound core value. His first purpose was to find a solution to a pain point in his industry – this is the value of contribution.
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to grow. A lot of us, we look at our lives that might go through a difficult upbringing, and we think it’s a negative thing. It’s actually the best thing that could’ve ever happened to you.
Be Your Own Mentor Khalef’s life experience has led him to believe in himself, and he knew that if he were to succeed truly – he had no choice but to do it on his own. Over the years, he didn’t find himself relying on mentors or advisers, and used the experiences in his personal journey as lessons to learn in business. “You can mentor yourself, through your own experiences and challenges,” said Khalef. This autonomy and self-reliance are what has crafted Khalef into being an intelligent, wise and ambitious young man. Khalef’s story is inspiring to everyone who gets the privilege to listen to his journey. He is a great role model for young entrepreneurs wishing to start their business as well as to current business owners across all industries. Khalef’s MYBOS is now serving more than 490,000 residents across Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore. With rapid global expansion, the Asia, Europe and the Middle East and North Africa region is on the agenda. I wish him all the best and I’m excited to watch him and his business grow. Mobinah Ahmad is the Managing Editor of AMUST and the Executive Officer at the Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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Palestine braces for COVID-19 impact as Australians rally in support Michael Krape Australians from every walk of life have rallied behind Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza as the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to overwhelm their beleaguered health system. Leading the initiative is Project Rozana, an international not-forprofit charity that started in Australia in 2016 to build the Palestinian health system by leveraging Israel’s medical expertise. It has been endorsed by the Palestinian Authority, the governments of Israel and Australia, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union. Project Rozana responded to an urgent request from the Palestinian Authority for help in getting their hospital Intensive Care Units (ICUs) COVID-19 ready, by mounting a global fundraising campaign. Central to the request is for hospital-grade invasive life-support ventilators, which are in desperately short supply in Palestinian hospitals. The focus of the campaign is two-fold: to raise funds to purchase ventilators and associated equipment necessary to outfit four dedicated COVID-19 ICUs in the West Bank, and the transfer of key treatment learnings from the Israeli COVID ICUs to the Palestinian medical teams . Project Rozana is raising $1.2 million to fund the purchase of the full suite of needed equipment for these dedicated ICU’s including extremely hard to find ICU invasive ventilators. These have been secured and
delivered through Australian manufacturer, ResMed. PA Foreign Minister, Dr Riad al-Malki, said “We are facing a global enemy that knows no boundaries and challenges us in ways that we haven’t been challenged before.” The speed of the COVID-19 transmission is frightening and in the last 14 days it has hit many Palestinian communities, with its epicentre in the Hebron region of the West Bank. According to figures released by WHO, there are now more than 3,3 00 infections and 11 deaths across the West Bank and Gaza. Significantly, the majority of these are women and the largest group is the 18 to 29 age range. Project Rozana founder and Chair of its international board, Ron Finkel AM, described the situation as alarming. He said the dramatic surge in cases will hit Palestinians hard in the coming weeks and the lack of ICU facilities will result in needless suffering and death. “If we don’t act now to fund this critical need, the health impact on Palestinian society will be unprecedented,” he said. “Although Australia is a world away from Palestine, we have become a key partner with the PA in addressing the need for ICU-enabled ventilators.” Mr Finkel said that, this is a moment for Australians to shine, and to demonstrate that it punches above its weight when it comes to helping Palestinians and Israelis bridge the divide between them through healthcare. He urged Australians to contribute immediately to its COVID-19 Palestinian Emergency Ventilator Appeal (mycause.com.au/
Naeem al-Bayda, West Bank coordinator of transportation for Project Rozana, with a youngster he brought to an Israeli hospital. events/projectrozana) “It’s a wonderful start,” Mr Finkel said, “but additional ventilators and related equipment will make the difference to a community reeling under the pressure of the coronavirus. To support Project Rozana’s COVID-19 Palestinian Emergency Ventilator Appeal,
Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association (MDAA) is a disability advocacy organisation based in NSW. Since 1995, MDAA has been advocating for the rights of people with disability from CALD/NES backgrounds, their families and carers for better outcomes and improved access to services, opportunities and participation in the disability sector. Below are the details of two important projects being run at MDAA of the many projects. MDAA NDIS Appeals Are you unhappy with a decision made by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)? We at the Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association (MDAA) can help people with disability with Appealing or Reviewing decisions made by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). These types of reviews include but are not limited to, being rejected from the NDIS or reviewing for more reasonable and necessary funding. We provide a no cost service, funded by the Commonwealth Government to help people with disability navigate and provide advice for people who need assistance with the NDIS. AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
Michael Krape is an experienced public relations consultant, journalist and travel writer with many years of experience working in the not-for-profit sector.
MDAA NDIS Appeals and Community Voices
Abu Bakar Sadozai
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please give generously through mycause. com.au/events/projectrozana
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We also assist people with disability navigate the processes of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal when appealing NDIA decisions. If you need someone to assist in lodging an NDIS review or help in filling out the correct documentation needed, please do not hesitate to contact us as timeframes to reviews and appeals apply. Please call us on (02) 9891 6400 or email mdaa@mdaa.org.au and ask to speak to an enquiry officer for assistance. MDAA Community Voices This is about improving our community’s understanding of disability! Together we can stop discrimination, unfair treatment, stigma, and injustice against people with disability in our community! • Are you a person with a disability? • Do you have a family or friend with a disability? • Do you experience discrimination because of your disability? • Do people in your community treat you differently due to your disability? Join our passionate voices who go to the community to educate people on different disabilities, to share our experiences and where to seek support in the community To join for free please call – (02)98916400 OR email mdaa@mdaa.org.au Abu Bakar is a disability advocate at Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association (MDAA) based in Sydney. ISSUE 177 / AUGUST 2020
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State government allows NSW Modern Slavery Act to languish as enslaved numbers soar Jane Jeffes A consortium of 117 organisations, academics, lawyers, community and faith leaders have signed an open letter to New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian, urging her to bring the state’s historic Modern Slavery Act into force by 1 January 2021, two and a half years after it was passed unanimously by both houses of Parliament. Signatories calling for an end to delay include the Grand Mufti Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, Muslim Women Australia, the NSW Ecumenical Council, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, AMUST and its publishers Seena Inc. The letter, coordinated by anti-slavery group Be Slavery Free and anti-slavery project War on Slavery, says if NSW is serious about its commitment to ending modern slavery, the law must be implemented as a matter of urgency. Stressing that the delay has significantly increased the numbers of people in slavery around the world, it warns that the COVID-19 pandemic will dramatically increase levels of risk inside Australia and overseas. Signatories also expressed concern that the unprecedented delay reflects badly on democratic processes amidst fears the business community is pressurising the state government to delay the legislation indefinitely. In the two years since the Act passed, estimates suggest that worldwide as many as 18 million people may have been deceived or coerced into different forms of modern slavery. 9 million per year. 25,200 per day. 1,050 per hour. 1 new slave somewhere in the world every 4 seconds.* “The numbers are unconscionable”, says Jane Jeffes of War on Slavery. “Entirely avoidable delays have had a profoundly adverse effect on the lives of millions, with women and children the most vulnerable.” “Other states are now looking at legis-
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Be Slavery Free and War On Slavery with the letter to the NSW Premier, urging the enforcement of the NSW Modern Slavery Act passed in June 2018. From left: Fuzz Kitto and Carolyn Kitto (Be Slavery Free) and Becky Honey and Jane Jeffes (War on Slavery) with a hard copy of the letter to the NSW Premier. lation that will strengthen Australia’s fight Emeritus Professor of Law, Paul Redmond against modern slavery and we fail to un- explained the consortium’s grave concerns derstand why the NSW government hasn’t that its future is so uncertain. “The Act was passed and assented in June put the NSW Act into force as a source of 2018. Bringing it into force should have pride.” The NSW Modern Slavery Act has been been a formality. Rather than proclaim the lauded internationally as world-leading leg- legislation into force, Gladys Berejiklian’s islation with some of the world’s strongest government took the unusual step of delayanti-slavery reporting provisions and penalties for those who fail to comply. The Act requires companies with a turnover of more than $50 million to search for slavery in their supply chains and to report publicly in the form of an annual modern slavery statement, including detailing the steps they are taking to eliminate slavery. Failure to prepare or publish the required statement or providing false or misleading information will incur criminal penalties up to $1.1m. Significantly the Act also directs all NSW government agencies to respond to the risk of modern slavery in their own procurement. The Premier herself identified the ‘moral imperative’ of the NSW Act but UNSW
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ing its proclamation and then launching a parliamentary inquiry into the Act.” NSW barrister Philip Granville Wallis draws parallels between the current battles and those fought by the original abolitionists more than 200 years ago. “I am connected on my mother’s side to Granville Sharp (1753 -1813), one of the first British campaigners for the abolition of the slave trade, and along with all firstborn sons over the last two hundred years, I proudly carry Granville as my middle name. As a barrister, I share my ancestor’s passion for opposing injustice and denial of human rights and find it incomprehensible that two centuries on, we are still having these battles with governments and big business.” The renewed demand for the nation’s strongest anti-slavery laws to be enacted was delivered on Monday July 20. The letter was also sent to the leaders of all political parties in the NSW Parliament, requesting a response and NSW voters are being urged to write to their state MPs. Further information including a copy of the letter to the Premier, a full list of signatories, media coverage and a pro-forma to contact your MP to support the Act being put into force without further delay can be found at www.beslaveryfree.com/nsw-msa. *source – https://themekongclub.org Jane Jeffes is a producer and director and former head of ABC Religion & Ethics. A UK-Australian dual national she is based in Sydney, Australia.
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The report card for Muslim women can lure the guy or become a bait of any kind. You are more precious than that, Your Lord said that to the angels when He the Almighty decided to make the human being a representative on Earth. You are much more than culture makes you out to be, remember that. And finally, to our beautiful women, as you search our history you will find many personalities of women. We had scholars, homemakers, nurses, warrior, all very strong women, so do not let the eastern culture conform you into being fragile and do not let the western culture conform you into losing your femininity. We, are Muslim women, which means we are all in one. We raise generations, we educate, we are student, we are teachers, we are hard workers, we have each other’s back, and definitely our husband’s back. If we are not married then we are definitely loved by everyone around us, and we love everyone whom Allah the Almighty loves. Remember my sister, only Allah’s opinion of you matters!
Rania Ahmed The memory of my report card in primary school was very joyful. The more marks I achieved, the more my parents were proud of me. This remained to be the case until I turned sixteen, then things somewhat changed. As a Muslim woman from and Egyptian background, other avenues of success started appearing, like marriage and status. As I grew older, status shrunk and marriage was the only means of success, no matter how much you succeeded in other avenues. This was very traumatizing. As I speak to other Muslim women, I find a similar story, and sadly a similar trauma. We raise girls to believe marriage is the fulcrum of their lives and that is wrong, especially nowadays and in the future when marriage will be difficult. If they are destined to grow older and not be married then they are pressured or looked upon with sympathetic looks. Unfortunately, the young women feel helpless and, in some situations, settle for less than they need in order to be socially accepted. Why when we were younger, our effort, was what we were judged or marked on, and now we are judged on things that Allah destined? There are so many women who are suf-
“We raise girls to believe marriage is the fulcrum of their lives and that is wrong...
fering emotionally from this and it needs to stop. I want them to concentrate back on their report cards. Yes, you have one! It has your deeds in it, what you spent your life doing. Life doesn’t revolve around marriage, but it does revolve around pleasing Allah and worshipping him. Focus on what matters and don’t worry about culture. Culture paints women with one paint brush and that is not fair, but Allah is very fair. Muslim women are painters, and poets, doctors, and artistic home makers, cooks, and everything you can possibly imagine and that is all loved by Allah and that is all
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Eid Al - Adha Mubarak Wishing you and your family a blessed and joyous celebration.
Jodi McKay MP
Leader of the Opposition | Member for Strathfield Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism
P: (02) 9747 1711 E: strathfield@parliament.nsw. ov.au A: Suite 2, 36-38 Victoria St, Burwood NSW 2134 Authorised by Jodi McKay MP and funded using parliamentary entitlements .
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that should matter. You are loved and cared for. You are special and you certainly do not need to lower your moral standard so you
Rania Ahmed is a Melbourne based writer and poet. Her aim is to change perspective via her and therefore inspire the change from within.
Positive thinking for magnetic personality Hena Jawaid It is our day-to-day life observation that we are attracted to some people and not to others. When we go to any party we can feel that we are reluctant to talk to some people but are drawn to others without any clear cause. The study of spirituality and psychology have invested a lot to infer about continuous series of notions also the way we perceive and frame things in our minds with its effect on ones aura. Psychological sciences have vigorously researched as how thinking can shape our personality? It further investigates the way it designs and develops ones magnetic field. This is the main thing, which actually repels and appeal other individuals. The unceasing series of thoughts build our magnetic field which can be positive or negative depending on the nature of a thought content. The habit of deleterious thinking, suspicion and paranoia mark ones magnetic field with damaging effects. On the other hand, if you work on a thinking process and look at adversities from a progressive perspective then it would impact ones magnetic field differently. The later field would attract positive people. Thinking habits have a close link with our magnetic field. It reciprocates with each other and have a major impact on how we want to design our magnetic field. Apart from this discussion about negative and positive fields, we may want to know more about how to develop a habit of thinking positive? every individual gets thousands of thoughts every day. It is very hard to filter each and every thought but we may want to know how to inculcate the habit of thinking positive for most of the day? What are the things which can help us to do so? 1. Reading biography or autobiography of those people who have been through crisis and difficult situations which nurtured and grew them 2. Increase the emotional vocabulary for
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appropriate expression 3. Focusing on once hobbies. because hobbies are outlets which may help us to detoxify 4. Talking to a friend 5. Writing a journal 6. Reading 7. All these activities would help us to work on positive lines. While, indulging into gossiping, talking bad about people, getting into fruitless conversation and wasting ones time, doing nothing productive can render ones thoughts to be unhelpful. According to Imam Shafi “Your Nafs – If you do not keep it busy with truth, it will keep you busy with falsehood.” In other words, if you will not engage it into positivity then it will put you onto unconstructive path. It is easier for a person to think negative than positive. This is just like a backyard garden, if you leave it then weeds would come out by itself but for plants, fruits and flowers you have to sow seeds, water it and exposure to sunlight and proper temperature are essential and only then you can harvest fruits and flowers. In the same way, one has to work on his or her thinking pattern and content to flourish positive magnetic field. Hena Jawaid is a mental health professional having trained in Pakistan and US completing 5 years of medicine and then 4 years training in psychiatry. She has contributed to international and national newspapers, magazines and scientific journals on professional and community issues and spends many hours volunteering for various NGOs. ISSUE 177 / AUGUST 2020
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Report blames Hindutva leaders for February Delhi riots Continued from page 1 The four reports submitted by DMC included: 1. Report on Muslim women in North-East district of Delhi 2. Report on Survivors of anti-Sikh riots 3. Report of the Fact-Finding committee in NE riots 4. DMC annual report 2019-20 The first is about Muslim women in the North-East district of NCT of Delhi. This study has been prepared for DMC by Development Oriented Operations Research Surveys (DOORS). The field work for this study was completed before the riots in the area last February. This report is available online here: https://archive.org/details/dmc-northeast-delhi-women-status-2020 The second study is about the socio-economic and educational conditions of the survivors of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. It has been prepared for DMC by Human Development Society. This report is available online here: https://archive.org/details/DMC-sikh-status-report-1984-riot . These two studies have been presented to Delhi Government with the hope that their recommendations will be adopted to uplift the two most deserving segments of our society. The third is the report of the fact-finding committee which the Delhi Minorities Commission had appointed on 9 March 2020 to probe the riots of the North-East Delhi late last February. This report is available online here: https://archive.org/details/DMC-delhi-riotsfact-finding-2020 The forth is the annual report of the Delhi
Zubair being attacked by mob. Minorities Commission for the year 201920 which is the third and last year of the DMC’s current team’s tenure which ends on 19 July. It is a statutory requirement of DMC to present to the Government of Delhi its annual report along with its recommendations which are to be considered by government and later presented to the Delhi Legislative Assembly with an action taken report in accordance with the Commission’s Act. This report is available online here: https://archive.org/details/dmc-annual-report-2019-20_202007 . As usual, this 250-page report offers a summary of the Commission’s work during the period covered (2019-20) and offers a
glimpse of the kind of problems faced by minorities in the National Capital Region. DMC constituted a Fact-Finding Committee on 9 March 2020, headed by Mr M R Shamshad, Advocate-on-Record, Supreme Court of India, to look into the violence that took place in different areas of North East Delhi during 23-27 February 2020. The Committee made efforts to invite victims of violence to come forward with information, documented individual victim testimonies at various sites of North East Delhi and conducted physical surveys of the damage to religious sites. Both the Committee and DMC sought information about FIRs and arrests etc from Delhi Police but neither of them got any
DMC Report on Delhi Riots released Thursday 16 July 2020. response. Considering the overall situation, the time period of the Committee was extended by the Commission till 30 June, 2020. The Committee completed and submitted its 130-page report on 27 June 2020. Thereafter, the Commission considered the report and accepted it. The report has now been presented by the Commission, with request for further action, to the Chief Minister of Delhi, Mr Arvind Kejriwal, Lt Governor of Delhi, Mr Anil Baijal, Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Mr Manish Sisodia and all Delhi Ministers and Speaker of Delhi Legislative Assembly.
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Paving the way for women’s progress in Afghanistan Mahboba Rawi Since the fall of Taliban, more and more women in Afghanistan have taken up public roles including as ministers, governors, police and even soldiers. More girls than ever before are now enrolled in schools with many going on to earn university degrees. Perhaps the biggest win in women’s progress, has been the acceptance of them as integral players in uplifting Afghanistan’s economy. Women have taken up jobs in factories, retail and healthcare. Oxfam has also noted the crucial role women play in the global food system, both as producers and workers in plantations and processing plants. At Mahboba’s Promise, we understand the need to make women an integral part of the food system in Afghanistan. This is why our projects, such as the permaculture farm in Kabul and the Parwan Garden in the province of Parwan, are geared towards providing opportunities to women to develop agriculture based skills while having access to income generating work. Projects like these can help to empower women especially those most vulnerable such as widows, to gain financial stability and food security for their families However, women’s progress in Afghanistan still has a long way to go and is constantly hampered by ongoing resistance from various factions. The ongoing peace
talks have created an air of trepidation regarding women’s rights. In such an environment, reiterating the need and creating the opportunity for women to have access to education, health care and work is imperative. In these testing time, our charity will seek to continue with its education based projects to tackle the gender disparity in Afghanistan by providing equal opportunity to education to both boys and girls. The Abdara Girls School in Panjshir Valley opened in 2003 for example, has seen hundreds of graduates, and today provides education to over 350 girls. In fact, some of the school’s graduates have even gone on to pursue further education at various universities in Afghanistan. Education must remain a key focus to enable the children and youth of Afghanistan to develop key skills to bring about sustainable change within the society. Such ongoing international support is crucial for helping women make progress in Afghanistan. Much work is needed at grass root levels to tackle some inherent issues women face on a daily basis such as domestic violence, discrimination and denial of basic rights. Global institutions, charities and development agencies must play their part in undertaking development projects that have a lasting impact for the people of Afghanistan. The education and vocational training programs must aim at providing a platform for young people to play a more conducive
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Widows with Premaculture Products.
role in the Country’s progress. The most effective way to help Afghanistan is to use its people to build their own future. Now, more than ever support is required in order to provide a secure and better
future to those most in need in Afghanistan. To find out more and to donate to Mahboba’s Promise current projects, please visit https://mahbobaspromise.org/projects-2/
Abul Asad: a newspaper editor slowly dying in prison in Bangladesh
Editor Abul Asad was denied bail in the court. Dr Faroque Amin Abul Asad, the Editor of one of the oldest national newspapers in Bangladesh was attacked by a group of government party zealots in his own office and later arrested by the police on 13 December 2019. Since then, he has been locked up in the prison facing trial for sedition. In Bangladesh, the draconian Digital Security Act is used by the government to silence any opposing views. This preposterous and tyrannical law has been condemned by various international human rights organisations including the Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. However, the Bangladeshi government has chosen to disregard any criticism and to continue its oppression. Abul Asad is one of the leading intellectuals of the country. This 78-year old Editor is also a prolific writer who has authored several important books on politics, history, religion and so on. He is known in the country as a mentor of many renown journalists. He was denied bail during the first hearing at the court in December 2019 and was sent to prison. According to the Bangladeshi prison
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law, he is eligible for some facilities such as books, newspapers, bed, chair and table and so on inside the prison cell as an Editor of a national newspaper. However, the government mechanism did not grant him any of those facilities intentionally, rather he has been treated as a general prisoner in an inhumane system continued from its colonial tradition. All appeals by his lawyers regarding this matter were denied without any explanation. The fragile health of this 78-year old Editor has been since deteriorating, he is now suffering from hearing loss, blood pressure, severe weakness and other health issues. His family members and lawyers have applied several times over the last 7 months requesting his medical treatment in the prison hospital but in vain. It seems that the government is determined to let him die in the prison cell without any medical care only because his newspaper published news that was not accepted by the government. It’s a shame in this 21st century that such an intellectual scholar is suffering by a fascist regime where the rest of the world choose to remain silent and ignore this matter. Dr Faroque Amin works with Suprovat Sydney, a Bengali community newspaper published from Sydney, Australia. ISSUE 177 / AUGUST 2020
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Statement: Australian artists & academics against annexation in Palestine
We are deeply concerned by the Australian government’s complicity in enabling the Israeli state to suppress the aspiration of the Palestinian people to self-determination. Last week, Australia was one of only two countries (with the Marshall Islands) to vote against a UN Human Rights Council resolution condemning the illegal annexation of significant parts of the occupied Palestinian West Bank by Israel. With the deadline set for July 1, the proposed annexation seeks to formalise ongoing de facto annexation of Palestinian lands since before 1948. The policy purports to solidify the ongoing attempts by successive Israeli governments to systematically and illegally expropriate the lands and homes of Palestinian families, in order to depopulate the land of Palestinians and thus clear the way for more illegal Israeli settlements and Israeli settlers (now numbering over half a million) in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The State of Israel was created on stolen land 72 years ago. Its illegal military occupation of the West Bank - which imposes a punitive legal system on Palestinians in contrast to their Israeli settler counterparts, who enjoy the rights of full Israeli citizens - has been ongoing for 53 years. Throughout this time, Israel has continued to commit war crimes in breach of the Geneva Con-
ventions, and to violate the most basic of Palestinian human rights, ultimately denying Palestinians the right to be sovereign in their own homeland. Israel’s annexation plan will cement the apartheid reality that currently exists. It confines Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza within 115 bantustans that are physically, economically, socially, and politically cut off from each other. The Israeli state has subjected Palestinians to land confiscation, ethnic cleansing, forcible population transfer, home demolitions, settler violence, severe and discriminatory restrictions on their right to freedom of movement, excessive use of force, torture, and a racist legal system and state apparatus which explicitly operates by granting preferential political, legal, social, cultural and economic rights to Israeli Jews. Israel’s annexation plan has been universally condemned. UN human rights experts from across the globe have said that annexation “would violate a cornerstone principle of international law”, and have called for Israel to be held accountable. One thousand European parliamentarians, political leaders, diplomats, religious leaders including 600 Jewish clergy, over 250 leading international lawyers, and an unprecedented 50 independent UN experts have
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Annexation illustrated. all deplored the plan as a grave violation of international law. The European Union is considering sanctions. We draw great inspiration from current global justice movements committed to the eradication of racism, fascism, imperialism, and apartheid — a collective and intersectional emancipatory process of decolonisation. As iconic civil rights campaigner Angela Davis writes, “When we are engaged in the struggle against racist violence...we can’t forget the connections with Palestine. In many ways, we have to engage in an exercise of intersectionality. Of always foregrounding those connections so that people remember that nothing happens in isolation.” As Davis makes clear, an unequivocal stance against all forms of racial oppression must include support of Palestinians. From Minneapolis to Jerusalem to Gadigal land, all sites of recent state-sanctioned violence, we affirm the critical ongoing and historic solidarities between different movements against systemic and institutionalised state violence, systemic oppression, and brutality. Palestinians in Australia are positioned as settlers of colour and have proudly sought and affirmed solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
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Islander peoples in our indivisible anti-colonial struggles. Israel has acted with impunity for decades. Against all odds, Palestinians remain hopeful. Palestinians continue to resist occupation, apartheid, dispossession, and racist political domination in a struggle to secure their inalienable rights to justice, dignity, and freedom. Consistent with the aspirations of any human being, Palestinians want to live free: to control their own lives, and to determine and build their own futures with the people they love. We the undersigned: · Publicly condemn the Israeli government’s unilateral, unlawful annexation plans. · Demand the Australian government publicly oppose the Israeli government’s annexation plans and cease greenlighting Israel’s violations of human rights and fundamental principles of international law. · Call on people of conscience everywhere to continue to support the Palestinian people in their struggle for self-determination and their aspirations for freedom, justice, dignity, and equality for all. See list of 874 Signatories by scanning the QR code.
Negotiations on Ainullah New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern’s filling Ethiopia’s achievements at 40 Mega-Dam: GERD Mohamed Ainullah
Ethiopian Embassy, Canberra The Ministers of Water Affairs of Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan concluded the eleven day African Union (AU) led tripartite negotiation on the Guidelines and Rules on the first filling and annual operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on 13 July 2020. The GERD’s construction began in 2011 and successive rounds of negotiation have failed to reach a comprehensive agreement. The meetings were attended by the observers from the Republic of South Africa, EU, USA, and experts assigned by the chairperson of the AU. The three countries have communicated the first progress report to the chairperson of the AU on 10 July 2020 and the second report on 14 July 2020. “Ethiopia appreciates the initiative taken by the AU and its current chairperson H. E. AUGUST 2020 / ISSUE 177
Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa. Ethiopia recognizes the AU-led process is at a very encouraging state. The countries have managed to reach understanding on their interests instead of reiterating their positions.” “Ethiopia would like to stress negotiated agreement is the only way out. The most outstanding issue is the impact of the guidelines and the Rules on Ethiopia’s future water use upstream of the GERD. In this respect, the absence of a comprehensive treaty governing the relations of Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan with regard to the Nile is the major factor that poses a challenge.” *The Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Energy – Ethiopia The three countries were unable to reach an agreement. The negotiation is expected to continue after review of the outcome so far by the Chairperson of the AU Bureau Members and leaders of Ethiopia, the Sudan and Egypt.
New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern just turned 40 and now claims record high approval ratings in Newshub latest polls for herself and her Labor party. The following are her landmark achievements recognising internationally her highly successful leadership: 1. At 37, she became the world’s youngest head of state in 2017, as New Zealand’s Prime Minister. 2. On 21 June 2018, less than a year into her tenure as PM, she became the first sitting New Zealand PM to give birth and the second female state leader to do so in the world. She became the first world leader to bring baby to the UN general assembly and challenged more expectations. 3. She has transformed public assumptions about women in leadership. She offers the world transparency (frequently posting videos, updates and news on social media and about her role as a parent). 4. She received universal praise for her leadership in the aftermath of the Christchurch shooting, where an alt-right white supremacist killed 51 people and injured 49 in two mosques. 5. Just six days after the shootings, she announced gun control measures to ban all types of semi-automatic weapons. She banned military-style semi-automatics less than a month after Christchurch shootings. 6. She pledged to to provide period products to all girls earlier this year, She made
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New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern. a public commitment to end “period poverty” by giving all school-aged people who have periods free sanitary products. 7. In late April 2020, she announced that there was no longer any undetected community transmission of COVID-19 in NZ and that her country had effectively “eliminated” the virus.
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Limited Hajj and unlimited opportunities Dr Aslam Abdullah This year, the Hajj will take place in the most unusual circumstances. The pilgrims will wear masks and maintain social distance when standing at Arafat, stoning Satanic pillars and staying at Mina or circling the House of God. Non-Saudi Arabian residents will not participate in the annual pilgrimage that hosts millions from all 200 plus countries. The pandemic does not discriminate and loves people’s assembly. The Hajj is one of the largest gatherings of Muslims and a fertile occasion for the Virus. The decision by the Saudi authorities, to limit the pilgrimage to a few, painful as it is, offers a sensible and practical strategy to protect pilgrims from
harm. Epidemics and pandemics hit pilgrims at least nine times from 1814 until 1987. Up to 100,000 perished in those epidemics in 1814, 1831, 1837, 1846, 1858, 1864, 1892, 1895 and 1987. Hopefully, 2020 will not add significant numbers to those who died during the epidemics in the past. Human life is sacred and a divine gift. Prophet Mohammad (s) respected human life and, on one occasion, looking at the Kaaba, said: “You are dear to me, but the life of a human is more precious to me.” The Quran says: “… It may well be that you hate a thing the while it is good for you, and it may well be that you love a thing the while it is bad for you: and God knows, whereas you do not know.” (2:216) Muslims will feel the absence of millions from Makkah and Madinah, but most likely this year, the interest of people in the Hajj may multiply. Muslims around the world may turn on
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their televisions and computers during the first 13 days of Zill Hijja to watch the Hajj proceedings with increased interest. Even people of other faith and no faith may like to view the Hajj and rituals associated with it during the COVID-19 lockdown, a great opportunity indeed. This year’s limited Hajj will be an opportunity for Hajj administrators as well as the pilgrims to showcase to the world at large, the discipline and organisation in their observation of Hajj rituals. It will offer an example to other religious communities to organise large gatherings of people in a safe environment by following the regulations and restrictions in order to
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limit transmission of the coronavirus. It will also allow others to learn about an Islam that respects human life, believing that God is in the hearts of the people, and the real purpose of rituals is to experience the closeness with Him. It is this spirit indeed, that is dear to God. Dr Aslam Abdullah is a resident scholar at Islamicity.org. He is also the editor of the Muslim Observer published from Detroit, MI, USA. He is based in the USA and is a trustee of the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin. He has taught at several colleges and universities in India, England, and the USA.
Hagia Sophia reverts for prayers Dr Rashid Raashed On Friday 24 July 2020, Friday prayer was resumed in the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofia) Mosque. Originally, it was built to be a place of worship (monastery). Historically, the first religious services in the “new” Hagia Sophia were held on December 27, 537. At the time, Emperor Justinian is reported to have said, “My Lord, thank you for giving me the chance to create such a worshipping place.” After conquering Istanbul in 1453 CE, the Sultan Mehmet Fatih, bought the Ayaofia Monastery from its rightful owners in cash, and converted it into a mosque. With this conversion, Ayasofia became a permanent mosque and waqf (perpetual trust) property. He could have declared it as a mosque by force. This is what the victors generally do anyway! This is exactly what happened to many mosques in in Muslim Spain when it was re-conquered (history of Reconquista) by the Christian rulers in 11-12 centuries CE. Ayasofia mosque was never open to be converted into a museum. It was thus, a grave mistake for the then secular Turkish Council of Ministers in 1935, to convert it to a museum. By reverting it to its original intended, Raceb Tayib Erdogan, the current President of Turkey, has done the right thing. Prophet Issa (a) and his Mother, the Virgin Marry, are the most revered figures and respecting them is a significant part of the Islamic faith. As their symbol thus, by keeping it as a mosque and in the hands of Muslims, Ayasofia is also at the safest hands of right custodians! Today’s use Ayasofia is not only as a
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mosque, but also as a significant place of history. Similar to a museum thus, it will remain open for all visitors, regardless of their faith or orientation. This is what happens anyway, to Sultan Qanuni Mosque and many other mosques in
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Istanbul. The negative reaction from the Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches is very much unwarranted and misplaced. Given the above, the global Christians community or peoples of interest for the historic places,
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has nothing to be worried about! Dr Rashid Raashed based in Sydney is currently the Director of Islamic Financial Services Australia (IFSA). ISSUE 177 / AUGUST 2020
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Kashmir under military lockdown for one year.
Dr Aslam Abdullah
One year since the lockdown:
Stand with Kashmir Anjum Rafiqi On Monday 5 August 2019, BJP Modi government in India unilaterally altered the interim constitutional arrangement between Indian state and the disputed state of Jammu and Kashmir, pending implementation of UN Resolution dating back to 1948. On the anniversary, Wednesday 5 August 2020, as the Indian state continues to erode rights and subject the Kashmiris to collective incarceration and change the demographic makeup of what is still muslim majority state, I seek your support once again in highlighting the issue of Kashmir to the wider muslim community and other fair minded people in Australia and globally. Once you are aware of the true situation in Kashmir, you can feel appropriately informed and empowered to engage the wider community to counter or at least challenge the Indian narrative, created by India’s ruling Bharataya Janata Party (BJP) – a political arm of Hindu extremist organisation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and actively being pushed globally by Indian media and state agencies. Currently there’s international pressure building on India especially with regards to their anti-Muslim policies across India on a number of platforms. At this juncture it is important that we try to leverage international opinion and seek that Indian state puts an end to the torture and disenfranchising of the people of Kashmir and hopefully also resolve the long outstanding Kashmir issue. I appeal for you to lend your voice to #StandWithKashmir. We request the Muslim community in Australia: • To dedicate Juma khutba on Friday 31 and/or 7 August for Kashmir; • On Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August dedicate Eid Khutbah and remember Kashmiris in our Eid duas; and • On 5 August join a Twitter storm to engage the Parliament on Kash- m i r using the hashtag #DeColonize Kashmir We call on the Australian government to: 1. Advocate to members of the Security Council to support resolutions that would facil- i tate self-determination for the people of Kashmir; 2. Renegotiate trade agreements between Australia and India so that they include a human rights clause; 3. Adopt travel sanctions against Indian army officers involved in human rights abuses in Kashmir; and 4. Strongly urge the Indian Government to: • Restore the human rights of Kashmiris AUGUST 2020 / ISSUE 177
Talking Points on Kashmir 1. Kashmiri Muslims have been peacefully struggling for freedom since 1935; 2. Kashmir is a disputed territory according to the United Nations’ resolutions; 3. Kashmiris have been demanding the right to self-determination since 1948, which Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the United Nations promised them via UN Resolution 4. India currently maintains some 900,000 troops in Kashmir, making the disputed territory the most militarized space in the world; 5. Since 2016, the Indian security forces have caused mass blinding by shooting metal pellets at Kashmiri protestors, leaving many, including toddlers blinded; 6. On August 5, 2019, the government of India suspended Articles 370 and 35A of its constitution, thereby revoking the long-protected semi-autonomous status of Jammu & Kashmir without consultation with the Kashmiris; 7. The Indian occupation has caused 100,000 Kashmiri deaths and suffering of the millions; 8. India has ruled Kashmir through the illegal use of force and torture, as documented by the United Nations and Human Rights Watch; 9. Indian army and paramilitary soldiers operate with absolute impunity and have never been punished for committing crimes against humanity in alincluding the freedom of speech and assembly, the right to communicate and to access education and health services; • Remove military and paramilitary forces from where the civilian population lives; • Withdraw its draconian emergency laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and Public Safety Act that provide impunity to security forces; • Release wrongfully detained Kashmiri children in distant jails of India; • Stop any move to change the demographic structure of Kashmir;
most 30 years; 10. The Indian government has imposed a communications ‘siege’ on the Kashmir Valley, and put into place other coercive measures to effectively imprison the whole population of Kashmir. Journalists are also arrested and harassed by police. 11. Authorities in Indian-occupied Kashmir have last month issued a new law, under which the government has given itself absolutely infinite interpretative leeway to censor any journalism it does not like and to impose its own narrative. 12. Indian state has introduced a new Domicile Law for Kashmir, to allow non-Kashmiri Indian settlers to settle as Permanent Residents of Kashmir, leading to settler-colonialism and demographic change in the region. This is illegal under international law. 13. As suggested by Indian officials, “Israeli-like” settlements can now be introduced in J&K Demographic flooding of Indians could make the region’s Muslim-majority into second-class citizens, a demographic minority, & pave way for ethnic cleansing. And more importantly impact the results of a yet to be held plebiscite or referendum in India’s favor. 14. Genocide Watch has issued a ‘Genocide Alert’ for the disputed territory of Kashmir; 15. We stand in solidarity with the Kashmiris in their struggle for freedom, liberty and justice for all; • Engage in credible dialogue with Kashmiris and other related parties, in line with UN resolutions to bring the 73 year old issue to a peaceful settlement; • Provide immediate, unimpeded access to Kashmir for local and international journalists, the United Nations, and other humanitarian actors; and • Engage with the international community and introduce sustained dialogue with Kashmiris and other related parties, in line with the UN resolutions, to arrive at a mutually acceptable resolution for all inhabitants of the region. Anjum Rafiqi is the spokesperson of Stand with Kashmir and a community volunteer associated with the Riverstone Muslim Cemetery Board.
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Millions languish in India’s prison for bailable offense or no offense. Seventy percent of these inmates are Muslims and Dalits (untouchables). A religiously driven political elite that believes in racism and controls the judiciary and legislative and executive branches in India determines who gets bail and who does not, who lives in prison, and who gets freedom from life. The judicial system is quick to grant bail to an upper-caste criminal accused of killing eight law enforcement officers but slow in taking up innocent detainees cases. Dr Kafeel Khan is one such detainee. Two years ago, he was on duty at an Eastern UP Hospital when the oxygen supply failed, causing multiple infant deaths. He tried to replenish the oxygen cylinders to save as many lives as possible.
Dr Kafeel Khan. Instead of acknowledging his services, the Hindutva Indian government charged him with the deaths of children. The government imprisoned him, but the court could not find any evidence of the charges. The government arrested him again for speaking against it. He is now languishing in jail without bail. India’s medical community is silent, political parties are quiet, and the judiciary is indifferent. India’s human rights groups are inactive in pursuing his case. Even his community organisations are reluctant to take up his cause at a national level. He is in prison because he is a Muslim. The government of Uttar Pradesh is Islamophobic and determined to reduce Muslims as second class citizens. Dr Kafeel is the victim of the government-sponsored religious hatred and bigotry. Dr Kafeel recently wrote a letter from prison, where he describes the horrible living conditions in detail. Here are a few excerpts: “I don’t know why this punishment. I don’t know when I will see my children, my wife, my mother, and my brothers and sister.” The condition inside the jail ai ‘hellish.’ He is in a prison that has a capacity of 500 prisoners but hosts 1,600. He further explains” “With just one attached toilet, 125-150 inmates, the smell of their sweat and urine mixed with unbearable heat due to electricity cuts makes life hell over here: A living hell indeed.” The food provided in the jail is not eatable. Drawing a picture of the overcrowded jail, he wrote, “The entire barrack seems like fish market infused with all kinds of smells including someone coughing, sneezing, farting, urinating or sweating. Some people snore, some fight, some scratch themselves”. “I try to read but cannot concentrate. It sometimes feels that I might fall due to dizziness caused by that suffocation. So I keep on drinking water.” His arrest is a message to all Muslims and Dalits that if they criticise the government and question the Hindutva leaders, they will lose their freedom and their lives. It is a clear violation of the Indian constitution, international law, and fundamental human rights. Human rights activists must take up his cause to make people aware of this prisoner of conscious and bigotry of the Hindutva groups.
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The spirit of Qurbani: Sacrifice Farid Ahmed Qurbani is sacrificing the animal in the name of Allah and for the pleasure of Him. The Holy Quran describes, “And to every nation We have appointed rites (of sacrifice), so that they might celebrate the Name of Allah over the food He gave them from animals (fit for sacrifice). But your Ilaah (God) is One; then submit your will to Him.” [22: 34] The question here is, what is the spirit of Qurbani, or what should we learn from it? Spirit is like a soul in the body which is unseen but without it the body has no meaning. Similarly, in Qurbani, there is a spirit or the main teaching, which is very important for us to grasp. If we do not grab the spirit of the Qurbani, then our animal sacrifice will be ritual only like a scallop shell without the
scallop in it. Once a year sacrificing at the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha is a training for us to sacrifice what Allah has given us, in our daily lives according to Allah’s commandments. Sacrifice means giving up things dear to us if Allah wants us to. For example, Allah commands us to sacrifice our wrong faith, bad manners, immorality, bad talks, bad feelings and intentions. In our daily lives, we are tempted to lie, cheat, hate, feel greedy, be selfish or stingy, swear with anger, fight unfairly, and do all sorts of things that Allah prohibited for us.
The spirit of Qurbani is to sacrifice all sinful actions. Holy Quran indicates for that spirit: “Say: Verily, my Salah, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the universe.” [6:162] The spirit of Qurbani includes thankfulness to Allah in every situation. Whether in giving or in receiving. Sacrificing an animal is an act of giving. But what we give is not owned by us. The real owner is Allah as the Creator. He provided the animals for us and gave us control over them. Therefore, we should thank Allah for His
provision and for granting us the ability to sacrifice His gifts in His cause. Allah says in the Quran, “We made the animals at your command, so that you may be thankful.” [22:38] Finally, meat or blood from the sacrificed animals is not important in the Sight of Allah, and that is not what Allah wants from His servants. Allah asked Prophet Ibraheem (a) to sacrifice his beloved son, not to take the life of his son but to test their spirit. That spirit was their submission to Allah. Allah reminds us in the Quran that He likes to see our spirit (the devotion) in our Qurbani: “It is neither their meat nor their blood, that reaches Allah: It is your devotion (to Allah) that reaches Him.” [Quran 22:37] Therefore, may Allah help us keep practicing the spirit of Qurbani in our daily lives, Ameen! Farid Ahmed is a survivor of Christchurch attack on 15 March 2019, a peace advocate, author of HUSNA’S Story and Quran teacher in Christchurch.
The power of social sciences to solve society’s problems Dr Jan A Ali The coronavirus as the topic of public discourse and intellectual discussion is here to stay for some time. Its longevity will be determined by the solution (cure) of the coronavirus. Until then, the talkfest surrounding coronavirus will continue. So, what kind of discussions should we be involved in? This piece suggests that discussions about coronavirus need to be multidimensional involving medical scientists as well as social scientists. For a long time political figures, populist leaders, and anti-science activists have been engaged in delegitimising the power of social sciences to solve society’s problems and afflictions. In relation to coronavirus epidemiologists, biologists, medical experts, clinicians, and medical doctors have been acquainting us with hard facts, that is, the pandemic doesn’t stay stagnant but moves every day, its strength is greater than flu, and it takes thousands of lives in a single swoop in different parts of the world. However, social scientists can also offer facts that are indisputable, valid, and indispensible. The virus itself is a biological agent that may infect a pool of individuals, but not everyone in that pool will be affected in the same way because our bodies react to it differently and the virus’ consequence is not only death but various other adverse outcomes. Thus, we have learnt that the COVID-19 pandemic is not only a sanitary crisis but a multidimensional calamity. It is also a socio-economic and political crisis which has produced major transformations in our lives, our societies and our global village. While often dismissed by policy makers, bureaucrats, technocrats, and politicians the contribution of social sciences as petty, the fact of the matter is that social sciences have proven that their dealing with the coronavirus pandemic have been as pivotal as, and in many ways complementary to, hard sciences. From the very beginning of the pandemic, we have seen a very strong return of the nation-state across all realms of life. States have placed border restrictions and in many
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cases have shut-down their borders and the citizens have turned to their national government for assistance, guidance, security, care, and protection. At the same time the international institutions such as the United Nation and the European Union have disappeared in the global crisis and the transnational solidarity has been rocked to its core. How can we understand all this? Using various tools of social sciences we can not only understand all this and better understand the urgent challenges we face in times of pandemic but gather successful experiences, warn on threats, and develop solutions and combative strategies to design for ourselves a better life and sound feasible alternative future.
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It was the British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (1979 to 1990) who gave the impetus to a social revolution in which nationally owned industries were privatised and the welfare state was significantly diminished in size. She did this to transfer the responsibility of life from the government to the individual and practically made the society disappear. She, therefore, famously said that “There’s No Such Thing as Society”. For the last thirty years we have been living with her legacy of a societyless society or a soulless society where economically rationalised way of life has been the norm – a deregulated economy, a free market economy, privatisation of state-owned industries, and a reduction of the size of the welfare state.
Almost thirty years later in the same country her successor, incumbent British Prime Minister Boris Johnson during his self-isolation realised that Margaret Thatcher was wrong because the coronavirus crisis proved that there really is such a thing as society. This was very heartening to hear for social scientists as they have shown over and over again that societies shape individuals and individuals shape societies – there is inseparable reciprocal relationship between the two. One only needs to gaze at the coronavirus to see this. Social scientists such as sociologists have been helping us understand human collective behaviour and its social implications. For example, what is panic-buying (the toilet paper hysteria)? and the role of online communities during a global crisis. In a pandemic like the coronavirus being isolated and stuck at home can be demoralising and has painful consequences and therefore sociologists highlight and explain the fact that being connected to others matters greatly for human wellbeing. They show that we need social connections to survive and succeed in the society, especially during a crisis. They explain to us that social isolation and loneliness have terrible and lasting consequences to individual health and the vitality of the community. An absence of social connection reduces individual satisfaction with life, increase the risk of a series of illnesses such as depression and chronic pain, and exclude us from society. Whilst it is true that COVID-19 is making our lives miserable and wrecking widespread havoc, it is at the same time giving us an opportunity to seriously reflect on our way of life and reconceptualise our society in which we want to pursue life. We need social sciences to assist us with this and help understand what is currently happening and how to navigate through it and envision a better future. Now or ever is the time to dismiss the contributions social science can make to solve society’s problems. Dr Jan A. Ali is a Senior Lecturer in Islam and Modernity in the School of Humanities and Communication Arts at Western Sydney University. He is a Sociologist of Religion specializing in Islam with a research focus on existential Islam.
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What is ATAR and why is it important? Umar Khan A common misconception is that the ATAR is an average of your HSC (NSW Year 12) marks or that it’s a mark in general. It’s not! It’s a rank and here’s why it’s important. Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a rank calculated by the University Admission Centre (UAC), not a score. It ranks you against all the other students who complete the HSC in your year. To put that into perspective, 67,915 students completed the HSC program in 2019! You are being ranked against that competition. The ATAR ranges from 0 to 99.95 and increases in 0.5 increments. But what does the rank really mean? Let’s say you got 95% on a test in a class of 10 students, that’s pretty good, right? But with the ATAR you are going to be ranked against the rest of the competition. So, if everyone else got a mark higher than 95%, your rank would be last and your ATAR, 0. Alternatively, if you got something like 55% and ranked first, your ATAR would be 99+. What you need to take away from this is that, it’s not just how well you do, it’s how well you compared to others sitting the HSC. That is, the other 60 odd thousand students!
So, to recap an ATAR of 80 means that you have performed better than 80% of the students sitting the HSC, or are in the top 20% of students attempting the HSC, whichever way you want to look at it. The average ATAR is usually around 70.00. This is because many school students leave school early and therefore don’t receive an ATAR. If every student stayed at school the average ATAR would be around 50.00. Now calculating the ATAR is a really complex process, considering that many students choose different subjects of varying difficulties. In fact, there are roughly 27,000 different combinations of subjects selected by HSC students! How can you get them all on the same ranking system? This is where Math comes in handy. So, to be able to rank students with different subjects, your HSC marks are scaled to reflect what the marks would have been had all courses been studied by all students and all courses had the same mark distribution using a scaling algorithm. Your ATAR is calculated using these scaled marks, which are not released to students. Your scaled marks of your best 2 units of English, and the scaled marks of 8 units from your remaining units (only 2 units from Category B courses) are used to calculate your ATAR.
Most students get marks in the 70 to 80 range, and therefore students who get marks in this bracket vary in ATAR considerably, sometimes even from 50 to 80. So, if you are getting marks in the low 70s, it is important to try and push that mark towards 80, as every mark you earn may bump you up several ranks in the ATAR. Now, this is obviously dependent on the subject you are studying and how it scales and how the competition is like in your HSC year
Have we forgotten “the Enlightenment”?
(so these numbers aren’t set in stone and can change from year to year, and should be used as an estimate). Anyhow, it’s probably best you push yourself as much as possible! The ATAR is important as a tool used by universities in selecting students for courses. Your admission to a tertiary education course is based on your selection rank (ATAR + any adjustments), though some universities use other criteria such as personal essays, interviews, portfolios and extra-curricular activities, to help select students for a course. So, while getting a good ATAR is helpful, it is not the only thing that counts. It’s important to remember that your ATAR is a key for you to get into your desired course. But all is not lost if you don’t get the ATAR you strived for. You can start another undergraduate degree and reapply the next year with your university marks (you will have to keep them up!).
Dr Nahid Kabir My favourite topic that I teach in my history course “The Modern World” at Brac University in Dhaka, Bangladesh is “The Enlightenment”. It was a period of European intellectual and cultural development that began in the late seventeenth century and lasted through the eighteenth century. The Enlightenment encouraged Europeans to view their world from a more rational perspective. It led to social and political changes in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. “The Enlightenment” is also known as the “Age of Reason”. It produced great physicists such as Isaac Newton, economists such as Jeremy Benjamin, and political philosophers such as John Locke, Voltaire and Rousseau. The ideology of the English political philosopher John Locke inspired American and French revolutionaries. Locke argued that all people possess a natural right to life, liberty and property. This was quickly endorsed by American revolutionaries but they replaced property with pursuit of happiness. French revolutionaries embraced John Locke’s philosophy of liberté, égalité, fraternité (liberty, equality and fraternity). French intellectual Voltaire’s Encyclopedia changed French people’s traditional outlook. They began to value logic and reason. As I appreciate the enormous contributions of the Enlightenment intellectuals, I am saddened by biologist Charles Darwin’s race theory, particularly his statement that the Caucasian race was at the top of the race ladder and people of colour were at the bottom. AUGUST 2020 / ISSUE 177
Longing and Loss Dr Reginald Naulty
Americans protest against US President Donald Trump’s Executive Order on a Muslim Ban, in Washington DC, USA, 29 January 2017. Copyright: Nahid A. Kabir In his publication Descent of Man (1871) Darwin stated, “At some future period, not very distant as measured by centuries, the civilised races of man will almost certainly exterminate and replace the savage races throughout the world”. Social Darwinists undermined the humanitarian, multicultural and cosmopolitan sentiments of the Enlightenment intellectuals and damaged their vision of progress. I would interpret Social Darwinism as a way to justify the white races’ colonisation strategy. During my stay in the USA, I noticed that some politicians created social division. On 27 January 2017, US President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order that banned foreign nationals from seven predominantly Muslim countries from visiting the US for 90 days. But on the other hand, on 29 January 2017, I was impressed to see some Americans protesting against Mr Trump’s Executive Order, and standing up for human rights.
Later that year, in September 2017, as I was taking a leisurely walk in the National Mall of Washington, DC, a Black Lives Matter banner caught my attention. Then, on 25 May 2020, with the killing of the unarmed African-American man George Floyd by white American police officer Derek Chauvin in the city of Minneapolis in Minnesota, I realised the horror African Americans face in their everyday life in the USA. And in recent times, when I saw that people of all colours rallied for the Black Lives Matter Movement, and stood against racial discrimination, I realised that the “Enlightenment” has not disappeared after all! Dr Nahid Afrose Kabir is Professor of History in BRAC University, Bangladesh; a Visiting Researcher at the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University, USA; and Adjunct Professor at Edith Cowan University and the University of South Australia, both in Australia.
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Unforgettable songs sing of longing and loss; strange, we may have never seen sheer beauty, but the heart knows that it exists. There are approximations: a beautiful face, a woman full of life divine, the face of a child in quiet joy, a tall tree in sunset`s glow; they come into our lives and go. And music does it best, telling tales of unimaginable loveliness, knocking lightly on the door of another dimension and we thrill for it to open, though it does not. Surely one day it will, and we shall see that the beauty which has haunted our years is beyond expectation, and we are re-made by joy. Dr Reginald Naulty, originally from Adelaide, has taught at Charles Sturt University and has been a prolific writer since 1972.
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Economic response to coronavirus
The Australian experience FINANCE Dr Abul Jalaluddin To cushion the blows of coronavirus, the Australian Federal Government have provided stimulus packages for workers, households and businesses. These packages are designed to support businesses in managing short-term cash flow challenges, provide support to individuals, affected industries, regions and to ensure the continued flow of credit in the Australian economy. The main elements of the stimulus packages are as follows: JobKeeper Scheme From 4 May 2020, eligible businesses whose turnover had reduced by over 30% if they have an annual turnover of less than $1 billion or by over 50% if they have an annual turnover of more than $1 billion are entitled to claim $1,500 per fortnightly for each eligible employee, till 30 September 2020. This scheme provides funds to cover cost of wages and retains jobs for Australians. JobSeeker Scheme Due to coronavirus and the need to stimulate the economy, from 27 April 2020, the government temporarily doubled the JobSeeker allowance (previously known as Newstart) to $1,100 a fortnight which used to be $550 a fortnight. This is paid to both existing and new Centrelink recipients of Jobseeker Payment, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, Austudy, ABSTUDY, Living Allowance, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit till the end of September 2020. Two Lump-sum Payments of $750 Social security, veteran and other income support recipients as well as eligible concession card holders will receive two separate payments of $750. The first payment was made from 31 March 2020 and the second payment will be made from 13 July 2020, to create confidence, domestic demand and employment in the Australian economy. Early Release of Superannuation From 20 April 2020, the Federal Government allowed eligible superannuants affected by Coronavirus to access up to $10,000 before 30 June 2020, with an additional amount of up to $10,000 available from 1 July 2020 to 24 September 2020. Only one application can be made for each financial year. These superannuants will not need to pay tax on amounts withdrawn and this will not affect their Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs payments. Reduced Drawdown Requirements for
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Superannuation There have been significant losses in the financial markets due to Coronavirus. For the benefit of retirees, the Federal Government has reduced the annual minimum drawdown rates for account-based pensions, annuities, allocated pensions and market-linked pensions by 50% in the 2019–20 and the 2020– 21 financial years. This measure will save the retirees from selling investment assets in sluggish markets to fund minimum drawdown requirements. Reduced Social Security Deeming Rates For social security purposes, the deeming rates are reduced through which the Government deems your income to be from your financial assets such as cash in the bank, shares, managed investments and bonds. From 1 May 2020, the upper deeming rate is 2.25% and the lower deeming rate is 0.25%, applicable to various thresholds for singles and couples. This measure will allow receiving more money from social security payments. Instant Asset Write-off for Taxation From 12 March 2020 until 31 December 2020, the Government has increased the instant asset write-off threshold from $30,000 to $150,000 for businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (increased from $50 million). This policy will support over 3.5 million businesses or over 99% of all Australian businesses, employing over 9.7 million employees. Cash Flow Boost for Employers From 1 March 2020 to 30 September 2020, the Government is providing temporary cash flow support to businesses and not for profit organisations with Annual turnover under $50 million. These entities will receive tax-free cash flow boosts of between $20,000 and $100,000 through the lodgement of their Business Activity Statements.
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These payments will be equal to 100% of their employees’ salary and wages withheld. Supports for Apprentices/Trainees Till 30 September 2020, Small business employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50% of the apprentice’s or trainee’s wage up to a maximum of $21,000 per eligible
apprentice or trainee. Where a small business is not able to retain an apprentice, the subsidy will be available to a new employer that employs that apprentice. This measure will support over 70,000 small businesses, employing around 117,000 apprentices or trainees. Support for Regional Australia The Federal Government has set aside $1 billion to support regional communities significantly affected by the Coronavirus outbreak. These funds will be available to assist during the outbreak and the recovery. Low Cost Credit Facility by Reserve Bank of Australia The RBA will lend over $90 billion to banks on the proviso that they will pass on that cash to small and medium sized businesses at a fixed interest rate of 0.25%. This will reinforce the benefits of a low cash rate by reducing funding costs for banks, which in turn will help reduce interest rates for borrowers. Dr Abul Jalaluddin is an Islamic Finance expert, taxation advisor and a regular columnist for AMUST. He is based in Sydney.
Australia: We are better than this
of course without consent of the indigenous people of this country. Incredibly, my bail was refused after I was arrested, and I was locked up overnight in the A group of diverse peoSurry Hills police station lockup. This is an ple named ‘WE ARE appalling place... the penal colony under our BETTER THAN THIS’, feet. mainly men from Iraq, There are no clocks, no natural light, no refugees who are being communication with the authorities. People really ill-treated by the are strip searched when they are sent there. Department of ImmigraHandcuffs are put on you when you leave the tion have been demoncell. The toilet is in the middle of each cell. strating outside David Thank goodness for Chen and Boo I shared Coleman MP’s electoral office in Revesby. the cell with. They could have stayed a week He is the Immigration Minister. Apparently he has health problems, and there. I was there for only one night. A territhere is an ‘acting minister’, Alan Tudge MP, ble, brutal, punitive place. This is the Australia reserved for marginin Queensland. Neither of alised people; ‘wogs’ and them have answered our the poor and Indigenous letters. Coleman has repeople. fused to see us. I am charged with We meet at 11 am every damaging and defacing Wednesday outside Colea protected monument. I man’s office. We have did neither. I have a wonplans for further peaceful derful lawyer who was protests. Much of our foformerly one of the best cus is on the Biloela famjournalists on SBS, Mark ily, trapped on Christmas Davis. I admired so much, Island. his honest reporting on Priya and Nades and East Timor when it was their two Australian-born under occupation of the daughters are being Indonesian military (supthreatened with deportaported by the US, UK and tion to Sri Lanka. They Australia). are Tamils. They have We will be having a been locked up for three Australian born daughters of demonstration outside the years, the better part of Priya and Nades. Downing Centre courts one year in Christmas Island camp... ‘Like a graveyard’, says one of on the day of the hearing at Monday 17 August at 9 am. Please join us, if you believe the Iraqis who was there for a few days. Priya has health problems and is in Perth in free speech, and people learning an honest at the time of writing. Dutton and Coleman history of Australia, not propaganda, You are welcome to phone me for details are spending huge amounts of our money to persecute and hound this family that should on 0451 509 232. clearly be given asylum and citizenship here. Stephen Langford is a retired nurse. He was You are welcome to join us. On Thursday 18 July, I was arrested for part of the struggle for freedom for E Timor. simply sticking a piece of paper on Gover- He now campaigns for justice for refugees nor Lachlan Macquarie’s statue in Sydney’s and an end to Australia’s scapegoating of Hyde Park. I stuck (with water soluble glue) them. His father was a refugee from Austria a notice on the statue, quoting his 1816 order in 1938. He likes jokes and fun, and coopto kill Aboriginal people, in the lead up to the eration and friendship between groups. His favourite chant is ‘WE ARE HERE AND 1816 Appin Massacre, south of Sydney. It was ruthless, and hardly a surprise, be- WE WILL FIGHT. ASYLUM IS A HUMAN cause this land was stolen by violence and RIGHT’. He says he made it up himself.
Stephen Langford OT
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Is another crash coming on the share market? Moin Zaman With growing apathy in the share market, The ASX 200 is struggling to make any meaningful breakthrough 6000 points. Cash or correction. What is the difference? A downward movement of 10% or under is considered a correction and anything larger, leading to a prolonged period of economic hardship is considered a crash. It could be argued we’re still in the process of recovering from a crash. Some sectors have recovered more than others. I am convinced that we are looking at another correction taking place before the year ends. It may not affect all sectors and companies. Some companies are trading at insane premiums, and this can’t be sustained. We understand the role of fear and greed in investing, however, the more understated, but impactful emotion, is hope. A base built on hope is shaky and the underlying sentiment driving retail investors (a non-professional individual investor) into the ASX. We’re passionate about educating readers why a correction is not a bad thing, the fac-
tors that lead to it, and how to identify the tell-tale signs preceding it. Corrections or crashes are buying opportunities Astute investors should always look for companies that are trading at a discount to their fair value. Over the next few months, this mini recovery will likely end and lead to a correction. Corrections, like the word implies, are a reality-check for a market flooded with retail investors with the “fear of missing out”. This results in money pouring into the market and inflating prices. More demand = price increases. If everyone is buying, why would the market correct itself? Shouldn’t it keep increasing? Unfortunately, this is where large investors come into play. Think banks, super funds and other large financial organisations. Let’s take an example of a popular company that, BHP. Over 60% of the company is owned by major entities like HSBC, JP Morgan, Citicorp, BNP Paribas etc. When large investors want to realise profits and think prices for BHP are inflated, they sell their substantial amounts of BHP shares. What happens when these shares get sold? More supply = price drops. When retail investors, like you or me, see
large volumes of shares being sold, we instinctively feel panic and think, the price is dropping, maybe something is wrong and get tempted join in the selling. This triggers a further price decline. Large institutions, who are active investors, are looking to sell high and keep selling even if the price drops. What they’re looking to do next is sometimes not obvious until it’s too late. They are waiting to buy the same shares back at even lower prices from retail investors who will end up selling. 80% of the share market is owned by large investors, governments and pensions. The remaining 20% is us, retail investors. So how can we as retail investors, make money? Simple. You play a long game.
Watch, understand the market and the companies. Look for buying opportunities or invest regularly in the same companies, so your average price ends up being discounted. Finally, we’re not in the game of making grand, fluffy predictions at Tabarruk. We do make educated estimates of the probability of certain movements in the market. We look at all the facts, analyse macro-economic indicators and have a plan to act on, regardless of the market moving up or down. This is not financial advice. Please view our disclaimer at tabarr.uk/disclaimer/ Moin Zaman is the co-founder along with Fahd Dameer, of Tabarruk, a website that teaches halal investing on the ASX share market in Australia.
Rewiring our minds as new investors Fahd Dameer Successful investing needs a rewired mindset. To get there, we need to start with some key knowledge, which is what separates the rich from the poor. Liabilities and Assets Boring economic terms? Not so! Easy to understand, with our simple definitions: A liability is something that takes money out of your pocket. An asset is something that puts money into your pocket. A house is really a liability, not an asset. Many may disagree with this but let’s look at it with our definition above. Is the house you live in putting money in your pocket or taking it out? Most definitely out. A house may grow in it’s ‘worth’ but it will only be an asset if you rent it out and have a surplus after making any payments. What’s an asset then? So by our definition above, then, what are examples of assets? I consider dividend-paying stocks, businesses, rental properties and education to be an asset. Non-dividend-paying stocks become an asset when they grow in value and you sell them for a profit. With education, if you were to learn something and apply it – it is an asset. The biggest reason people are afraid to invest in assets is that assets could lose money. Eg after purchasing a brand-new car from a dealership, it’s worth 20% less the minute you drive it away. Whereas with an asset like education, when you learn something that makes you money, you take that learning and repeat it to make more money. When you lose money from something you learn and apply, it’s still an asset because you hopefully won’t repeat that mistake. Assets pay for liabilities Here’s another concept that underpins fiAUGUST 2020 / ISSUE 177
nancial freedom: Building an asset is the best way to pay for liabilities. Talking to many successful business people, I find that they always focus on building assets to make more money – in order to invest in additional income generating streams. When they do purchase liabilities, they have a minimum of two or three assets to pay them off. It’s not how much you make, its how much you keep We often ask or get asked; “How much do you make?”. The real question that matters is “How much money do you keep?” Let me use a scenario to help you (and you can come to your own conclusion at the end of it). In the outer suburbs of Melbourne, live two young men, Alex and Ahmed. Alex makes 1 million AUD a year and Ahmed only makes 35,000 AUD a year. Alex spends 990,000 AUD a year. Ahmed spends only 15,000 AUD. After 12 months, Alex has a bank balance of 10,000 AUD. Ahmed has 20,000 AUD in the bank. Who is better off? Hopefully, your answer is Ahmed. Rewiring your mindset is realising that how much money one keeps is more important than how much one makes. This is because the money you make leaves your pocket at the end of the day. If you can increase what you keep, you can use it to work towards building an asset that over time will pay for your liabilities without having to rely on a job. Assets are the true way you can get ahead and on your way to financial freedom. You can read the full article on Tabarruk, including the 3 rules to start rewiring your mind and a common mistake. This is not financial advice. Please view our disclaimer at https://tabarr.uk/disclaimer/ Fahd Dameer is the co-founder along with Moin Zaman, of Tabarruk, a website that teaches halal investing on the ASX share market in Australia.
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Social Spotlights Peter Gould @petergouldart Alhamdullilah, it’s a blessing to share the news that I’ve been named an @AustraliaForUNHCR Ambassador for Refugees. I’m looking forward to furthering the support that UNHCR provides to refugees around the world. Although many of us have faced challenges this year, let’s remember those who need our help the most.
Tony Burke MP
Jihad Dib
@burke.tony.mp
@JihadDibLakemba
Do you remember the terrible images from a few months ago when a car came through the front window of Hijab House in Greenacre? Fortunately at the time no one was seriously injured and today, the community came together to celebrate the re-opening. In the photo you’ll see Zead Houchar, the owner and his two daughters, Fatima and Amarni who were both working there on the day the car crashed through the front windows. Congratulations on the re-opening of Hijab House.
In hard times, it’s important to remember there’s much goodness out there! Riverwood Community Centre have been hosting One Meal - it makes a difference every Monday to support our community. People travel from the surrounding areas of Riverwood for warm a meal and an extra sweet treat. One Meal – It Makes a Difference is a not for profit community organisation that helps to feed, clothe and support the homeless and underprivileged. Thanks to all people who volunteer to help those in need.
Life Matters Academy @LifeMattersAcademy
Helping ACT Toys for kids: Purchasing and packing of toys to gift to kids of asylum seekers and refugees families is continuing. These gifts will be given in the coming week before Friday, which is the festival day or Eid Day. Eid is a happy occasion and Gifts and toys will be for all kids of all refugee families without any discrimination of religion and race. If you wish to be part of this drive please donate a small amount enough for a gift may be ten to fifteen dollars to the following account: HelpingACT BSB: *112908* Acc: *489279325* Ref: *Toys for kids [write here your Name for reference] Sincere thanks for your support as always.
Muslim women are told “hijab is your crown”— I don’t like this metaphor. A crown is for those who desire world prestige, titles and status... A crown is what kings and queens wear, and the the best of humans (s) refused to be king when given the option by the King of Kings... A crown offers self pride and a pretentious identity... those with crowns live like performers do... Muslim women don’t wear a crown: We wear our love for our Creator... We hijab our heart out... We are walking mujahidat fighting a daily moral battle... We do not wear a circular decoration for the head that is made of gold and other stones... So please don’t tell us that they wear a crown again, when we are wearing our faith. Hold on to your faith sisters
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Zuleyha Keskin @drzuleyhakeskin It was 25 years ago that the massacre of around 8,000 Muslims at Srebrenica in Bosnia began. I still remember the absolute devastation I felt when this war was taking place. Probably because it was the first genocide I was ‘witnessing’ as a young adult (on television)...it was a real shock to my system... Over 101,000 dead in the duration of the war, mainly Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslims). First genocide in Europe since World War II.
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The Age of the Community Journalist
Zia Ahmad The videos taken by ordinary members of the community witnessing the brutal treatment of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers on 25 May 2020 became the catalyst for the world wide movement of Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality. This was the dawn of the Age of the Community Journalist where ordinary community members with no training or experience in journalism got empowered in getting their voices heard and effect change. Thus in this day and age the monopoly of rich and powerful media barons with their own vested interests and agenda are beginning to be broken by ordinary citizens, thanks to the internet and the various social
media platforms. You don’t necessarily need to build media houses by collecting and investing tens of millions of dollars in building infrastructures and appointing highly paid staff in order to disseminate news and views and raising your voice against injustice and oppression. The humble community journalist can simply be empowered by using his/her ordinary phone to share images and videos in order to convey effective messages that can mobilise citizens to bring about change. AMUST has successfully, for the last six years, provided the community journalist a platform to share positive good news and raise their voices against oppression and injustice through, simple writings and images, sharing of community news, articulating their views and opinions in a responsible manner.
To join the IBA waiting list, please visit our website:
When completed, please send this page to IBA, Shop 3, 18 Harrow Road, Auburn NSW 2144 or scan and email to help@ibagroup.com.au. You’ll receive an email confirmation. We look forward to welcoming you to IBA when we launch!
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Australia’s first Islamic bank is coming. IBA will launch in 2021 offering a full suite of banking services:
Everyday bank accounts Investment deposit accounts Home finance plans Small business accounts
… all 100% Shari’ah-compliant. Excited about banking with IBA? Fill out the survey at www.ibagroup.co.au/survey
or simply aim your smartphone camera at this code or fill in the form on page 31.
Join the waiting list today: www.ibagroup.com.au
IBA is not yet a bank. We are aiming to launch in 2021. Our banking licence application is currently under consideration by APRA. IBA Group Pty Ltd (ABN 37 609 971 280). IBA cannot offer deposit or credit products at this time. 32
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ISSUE 177 / AUGUST 2020