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www.amust.com.au ISSUE # 180
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Abla Kadous voted Westfield Local Hero NEWS PAGE 3
Overwhelming support for Rudd petition against Murdoch media
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Sheikh Jehad addresses pioneers
Islamic College of Brisbane: 25 years of growth
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UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov retires undefeated
Shaoquett Moselmane returns to Parliament
Shaoquett Moselmane Zahid Jamil Kevin Rudd. Zia Ahmad Within a week, hundreds of thousands of Australians signed the petition initiated by former Australian PM, Kevin Rudd on Saturday 10 October 2020, calling for a royal commission into Murdoch media empire, naming News Corp a “cancer on democracy” and a “protection racket” for the Coalition holding almost 70 percent of print readership across Australia. Mr Rudd said that he was motivated by his passion for the country’s future because many people in Australian society, including in rival media, were afraid to speak up for fear of being targeted by News Corp’s media outlets. continued page 2
AMUST Media Khabib Nurmagomedov, Muslim athlete and champion fighter from Dagestan, was dominant once again as the lightweight champion in UFC, winning his fight against Justin Gaethje on Sunday 25 October, undefeated and unmatched in his 29th victory. This was his first fight without his father by his side. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov who died early July due to complications
stemming from a COVID-19 infection that had seen him hospitalised since April. Nurmagomedov broke down in tears after clinching the title bout, announcing the end of his career. “I talked to my mother three days [ago]. She didn’t want me to go fight without my father, but I promised her it’s going to be my last fight, and if I give my word, I have to follow this,” an emotional Khabib said in the octagon. “It was my last fight”. He is walking away from the sport to honour his mother’s wishes. continued page 2
Mr Shaoquett Moselmane MLC returned to the NSW Parliament on Thursday 22 October 2020 following months of controversy after the Parliamentary Privileges Committee exonerated him and cleared the way for his dignified return to the House. During his return speech at the parliament, he said, “I wish to reiterate the fact that I was never the subject of the foreign interference investigation…..It is almost four months since the (police) raid and I have never been asked a question or accused of any wrongdoing….. No charges have been laid against me and no allegations of any criminal offence have been directed to me.” Mr Peter Primrose, former President of Legislative Council of New South Wales, now chair of this committee, moved the motion on the report submitted by the Privileges Committee which was agreed to. continued page 2
Human Rights violations in India: Round table from NSW Parliament Zia Ahmad A Round Table panel discussion on Human Rights violations in India was organised on Thursday 22 October 2020 at the New South Wales Parliament in Sydney by members of the Australian Greens that included Federal Senator Janet Rice, New South Wales Member of Parliament David Shoebridge and former Senator Lee Rhiannon, in collaboration with The Humanism Project, an Australian based human rights and political advocacy group. Several members of the Indian diaspora from Australia and USA, political activists from India, including Jammu & Kashmir, and Amnesty International Australia took part in the presentations and discussions.
In introducing the panel of speakers, Mr Shoebridge said that the constructive role which parliamentarians, human rights activists and lawyers can play in standing up for human rights not just in their own places but also in India was one of the reasons why there was such a strong take up of the panel for the Round Table. In her opening remarks which included acknowledgement of Australia’s indigenous people, Senator Rice, who is the foreign affairs spokesperson for the Australian Greens in the Australian Federal Parliament saying that the struggle for justice of Australia’s ‘first nation’s people’ had a strong resonance with the struggle for human rights around the world. The first panel at the round table consisted of local speakers including Dilpreet Taggar, Editor, South Asian Today, Dr Vikrant
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From left Joel Clark, Amnesty Australia, David Shoebridge, Australian Greens and Anjum Rafiqi, Stand with Kashmir during the Round table at NSW Parliament on Thursday 22 October 2020. (Photo by Zia Ahmad)
Kishore, activist, South Asians For Inclusiveness, Zia Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief, Australasian Muslim Times AMUST and Anjum Rafiqi, activist, Stand with Kashmir. The panelists discussed the state of play
for human rights in India and how they were trying to create awareness of these issues amongst Australians in general and Indian diaspora in particular. continued to page 3
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Overwhelming support for Rudd petition against Murdoch media Continued from Rupert Murdoch. page 1 He said that the Murdoch family’s media company, News Corp has the power to sway public opinion to protect its own agenda and to damage its political enemies and the concerns was that “Australia’s print media is overwhelmingly controlled by News Corporation” and “this power is routinely used to attack opponents in business and politics by blending editorial opinion with news reporting”. “A decade ago when my government produced one-fifth of the level of debt – onefifth the size of [Prime Minister Scott] Morrison’s deficit and still kept Australia out of recession – Murdoch day in and day out would abuse the news reporting to define us as bad economic managers,” Mr Rudd said. Rudd’s latest move against Murdoch comes after the publication of a media interview by Rupert’s son, James Murdoch, who told The New York Times, that he left the company because he was concerned its newspapers were disguising facts and endorsing disinformation. News Corp owns The Australian and Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph, Melbourne’s Herald Sun, Brisbane’s The Courier Mail and Adelaide’s The Advertiser as well as suburban newspapers in nearly every state and territory, owning the major newspaper in the Northern Territory, The NT News, and Tasmania’s Mercury.
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UFC champion Khabib Shaoquett Nurmagomedov retires Moselmane returns to undefeated Parliament
Continued from page 1 After the fight, Khabib posted a moving tribute to his father on Instagram, uploading an image of the two with the caption: “When ALLAH with you, nobody can broke you, nobody. Thanks Father for everything, you teach all my life, may ALLAH grant you the highest Paradise.” Khabib is an inspiring Muslim in the public and online space. He unapologetically represents Islam while showing up as respectful, hard working, charitable and an extremely skilled athlete. This upstanding demeanour has made people respect his faith. When he wins, he has always dropped into sajdah and thanks Allah first and em-
anates his confidence as a loud and proud Muslim. In a culture that promotes arrogance and boastfulness, he shows humility and attributes all his success to God, always saying “Alhumdolillah, God gave me everything”. He takes responsibility as a Muslim “influencer” seriously. When asked, “How do you feel being one of the Top 5 most popular muslims in the world?”, Khabib responded that everyone has a right to make mistakes but his margin of acceptable error is very small. He takes on the pressure to be a positive role model, which is rare today.
Continued from page 1 Mr Primrose appreciated the members of the committee for their non-partisan and professional work which led to an agreed outcome. Mr Moselmane’s house was raided by Australian Federal Police on Friday 26 June under full glare of the mainstream media as part of an investigation into foreign interference into Australian political system. He subsequently and promptly denied any wrongdoing during a media conference on Monday 29 June 2020 saying, “I am under no illusion that this is a serious investigation,” he said, while emphasising, “Let me tell you, I have done nothing wrong.” Mr Moselmane said at that time that he was not a suspect in the AFP espionage investigation but was taking leave from the parliament while the investigation took place. Hon Shaoquett Moselmane, during his Parliamentary career, spanning more than ten years, has been a champion of disadvantaged communities in Australia and internationally. At times, he faced difficult situation for his outspoken criticism of Israel. In March 2013, Mr Moselmane made a parliamentary speech describing Gaza as “the world’s largest open-air prison camp” and praised resistance groups who fought against the Israeli occupation in Lebanon. He also faced opposition within the Labor party from members of the NSW Parliament’s Friends of Israel group. Pro-Israel lobbyists continued their campaign against Mr Moslemane due to his firm commitment to the Palestinian cause.
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Community support Abla Kadous voted after Gallipoli Westfield Local mosque vandalised Hero for Burwood Abla Kadous’s organisation was awarded a $10,000 grant by Westfield Burwood to help them continue their important work and grow.
Damage caused at the Gallipoli mosque. Zia Ahmad Sydney’s community were stunned after an attack around 6.30 pm on Sunday 25 October on Sydney’s iconic Gallipoli mosque situated near Auburn train station. Antique chandeliers, a plasma television, and 13 large windows were vandalised with estimates of over 100,000 of damage. The same night a 20 year old man was arrested and is undergoing mental health assessment. Dr Abdurrahman Asaroglu, chair of the Gallipoli Turkish Cultural Foundation which manages the Gallipoli mosque operations, said the mosque “serves the needs of our local community here in Sydney, including the promotion of peace and harmony between all communities calling Australia home.” “Being such an iconic Turkish mosque, we have unfortunately become a lightning rod for anyone wanting to express their anti-Muslim or anti-Turk sentiment,” Dr Asaroglu said. “Such attacks, inspired by imported hate from faraway lands, have no place here in Australia. They aim to divide our commu-
nities by pitting us against each other and [ripping] apart the social fabric that binds our communities,” he warned. Statements of condemnation of the act support for the Gallipoli mosque have been issued by a number of politicians, interfaith leaders and Muslim community leaders. On Tuesday 27 October members of the Alliance of Australian Muslims (AAM) in Sydney visited Gallipoli Mosque as a display of unity and solidarity against the attack on the Mosque. Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman, while addressing the gathering said, “It is extremely unacceptable in this country or anywhere else for any individual or group, to attack or cause damage to any public place of worship or religious centre, whether physical or verbal.” Acting Multicultural Affairs Minister Alan Tudge condemned the “appalling acts” of vandalism on behalf of the Australian government. NSW Labor leader Jodie McKay also said the attack should offend all Australians. NSW acting minister for multiculturalism Geoff Lee labeled the incident “disgraceful”. “I strongly condemn the incident which recently took place at the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque. It was disgraceful, offensive and not Australian,” he said.
AMUST Media Abla Kadous from Islamic Women’s Welfare Association (IWWA) has been voted by the community as the Westfield Local Hero for Burwood for 2020. Other two winners are Jenny Smith from the Raise Foundation and Marcel De Maria from Gift of Bread. These inspiring local leaders were nominated and voted for by the community and will now be awarded a $10,000 grant for each of their affiliated organisations to help their important work to grow. Westfield Local Heroes is a community recognition and grants program, connecting and enriching local communities. Launched in 2018, the program spans our 42 trade areas across Australia and New Zealand. In 2020, we are awarding $1.26 million to 126 local organisations. Abla Tohamy Kadous, 70 overcame financial restraints and other challenges to create the Islamic Women’s Welfare Association (IWWA). She leads 50 other volunteers and staff and is active in the activities of the thriving organisation she founded 17 years ago. “IWWA has over 1500 members from 56
nationalities and their welfare has always been my focus,” says Abla, who started volunteering 35 years ago. The association helps Islamic women feel welcome and participate in their communities. It offers anti-discrimination forums, school-readiness programs, youth camps, cooking classes and events for elderly people. Abla has also bridged the gap with other religions and organised inter-faith forums in Western Sydney. One of her most impressive achievements was raising money to buy a state-of-the-art function centre after years of sewing, cooking and sourcing things to sell. One of the association’s most important projects is the provision of food and other essentials to people in need, and people queue at the centre for parcels. “I have seen the need for food packages grow exponentially,” Abla says. Last year, Abla was named NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year. In 2017 she received the Muslim Lifetime Achievement Award for over 25 years of service to the Muslim Community. In February 2021 nominations for the 2021 Westfield Local Heroes program will be opened.
Human Rights violations in India: Round table from NSW Parliament
Round Table on Human Rights violations in India at NSW Parliament on Thursday 22 October 2020. (Photo by Zia Ahmad).
Continued from page 1 The second panel presented the view from India on human rights violations and included Dr Colin Gonsalves, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, Dr Ram Punyani, an eminent activist, Dr Pooja Tripathi, National Convenor, Women’s Congress and Manjula Pradeep, an eminent Human Rights activist and lawyer. Dr Colin Gonsalves said that India could claim to be a country with some of the highest levels of violence, discrimination and state terrorism in the world. Dr Ram Punyani said that apart from attacks on Muslims, attacks on Christians and Dalits has seen a significant increase and any criticism of the government was being labelled as ‘anti-national’. Dr Pooja Tripathi spoke about the National Register of Citizens, which rendered 1.9 million people stateless, the Hathras incident, the denial of basic rights and services to the Kashmiris, the plight of migrant workers made to walking ‘unimaginable distances’ following the COVID lockdown and the arrest of activists. Dr Tripathi said she saw hope in the way common citizens took inspiration from Gandhi and took to the streets to ‘reclaim the constitution’, following the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019, including the Muslim women who led the Shaheen Baagh movement. Manjula Pradeep expressed concerns the NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 180
‘hate speech pandemic’ on social media which was disproportionately affecting the weaker communities, especially women. The third panel talked about the role of third nations and diaspora and consisted of Motika Anand, activist from Chicago, Suniti Sanghavi, activist from Voice Against Fascisim in India (VAFI), Los Angeles, Joel Clark, Amnesty Australia and Iqbal, activist, Stand With Kashmir from Melbourne. Motika Anand spoke about the need to monitor the activities of Hindu Sevak Sangh (HSS), the international branch of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) stressing that HSS had infiltrated political offices around the world in many countries by using their money power to help elect islamophobes and right wing politicians to parliaments. Joel Clarke said that Amnesty International’s work on human rights in India is grounded in the very strong belief that the Australian Government and other third nations have an important role to play in monitoring and addressing human rights violations in India. He said that the strengthening of the relationship between Australia and India provides a good opportunity for Australia to check human rights in India and called upon PM Scott Morrison, Foreign Minister Marise Payne and other ministers to stand up and speak out to prove that diplomacy isn’t just about trade and security but about
promoting human rights and holding each other to account in the way they treat their citizens. He said the Amnesty’s J&K report called upon the Government of India to release all political leaders, journalists and activists from detention and restore the internet, decongest prisons and launch independent investigations in the attacks on journalists in J&K. Mr Clarke said Amnesty had produced another report this year on the Delhi riots where they had forensically detailed examples of Delhi Police officers indulging in violence with rioters, torturing in custody, using excessive force on protestors, dismantling protest sites used by peaceful protestors to being mute bystanders as rioters wreaked havoc. He also spoke about how the work of Amnesty International in India had recently been shut down, shortly after the publication of its
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J&K report and its report on the Delhi riots. He concluded by adding that Amnesty International was committed to mobilising millions of supporters around the world to get their governments to act on these violations. Ruchira Talukdar, who is completing her thesis on ‘coal politics’ between India and Australia, talked about the corporate state nexus and the ‘ground clearing’ of the indegenous people in resource rich regions, grabbing of forest land and weakening of forest rights as some of the ways resource rich regions are being changed. Concluding the event, Senator Rice said that she saw that this forum that David Shoebridge and The Humanism Project had organised as being a beginning and an opportunity to go on and work out a broader forum that can be made intentionally global and could bring people together who are working on these issues from across the world.
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Discrimination against Muslim women: an outsider’s view Emily Nield Muslim women in Australia today are treated as second class citizens not just because of their faith or gender, but because of both. Upon being set a task in my social work diversity class at university, I chose to research, analyse, and create a diversity report on Muslim women in Australia and where their position is in Australian society today. And whilst many other students wrote about great advances in legislation and attitudes towards diversity groups such as the LQBTQI+ community, people with disabilities, and other minority groups, I reported on what many already knew and what many are yet to understand: the overt Islamophobia and misunderstanding about Muslim women in Australia today. I am a pale, 20-year-old female student of Irish descendants from the South Coast of
NSW and will be in no way speaking for or representing the Islamic community in Australia. But what I do hope to represent is the future of not only culturally humble social workers, but the future of non-discriminatory Australians. It is with no surprise then when I analysed the rates of islamophobia in Australia, I did not struggle with finding sources, statistics and personal accounts of both the explicit and the subtle discrimination against Muslims in Australia; women in particular. We know that since events such as 9/11 and the 2014 Sydney Siege that incidents of islamophobia in Australia have risen, and due to the easily identifiable hijab many of these victims are women. A notion we often speak of in social work training is intersectionality – the idea of multilayered discrimination. Muslim women often face discrimination for both their gender and their religion, but after speaking with interviewee Mobinah it became clear that there were even more layers – “I am often the minority in gender, religion, race, and age”. I was fortunate enough to conduct multiple interviews with generous Muslim women who shared their struggles and insight into the misunderstanding of their gender and religion in Australia. Aisha* shared many comments and insulting questions she faces, including “Muslim men are chauvinistic and Muslim
“Muslim women
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often face discrimination for both their gender and their religion
women are door mats, they’re culturally trained to be that way”. Not only incorrect, but these comments are dehumanising. However, amongst the stares, spitting, segregation and insults, there is hope in the initiatives and practice in place for future practitioners (like myself) to not only support people facing discrimination, but help ensure that it will one day be a thing of the past. Practicing cultural humility trusts that practitioners not only attempt to understand ‘other’ but understand their own prejudices and privileges to ensure a feminist and human rights approach. I have comprised my own studies that combine experiences with Muslim women and literature reviews that will no doubt stay with me not only in my social work practice, but my day-to-day thoughts and efforts towards a fair Australia. As a future practitioner and member of
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society I must remain aware, be open, investigate, ask tricky questions, offer a voice but above all, I have learnt to simply listen. References Iner, D, 2016, Islamophobia in Australia, Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisations, Charles Sturt University and ISRA. Jasperse, M, Ward, C, & Jose, P, 2012, ‘Identity, Perceived Religious Discrimination, and Psychological Well-Being in Muslim Immigrant Women’, The International Association of Applied Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Nipperess, S, Pease, B, Goldingay, S, Hosken, S, 2016, Doing Critical Social Work : Transformative Practices for Social Justice, pp76-79, pp234-235, Taylor & Francis Group. Emily Nield is a second year Bachelor of Social Work student from the University of Wollongong.
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Macron’s recalcitrant stand over cartoons ignites conflict French President has embarked on a “not to give up on the cartoons” is a highly crusade to reform Islam and offend provocative move against Muslims, within Muslims by insisting on display of in- France and globally. Pakistan’s Imran Khan said that Macron’s sulting caricatures of Prophet Mohammad (s), reportedly recently projected rhetoric alienates his country’s six million Muslims and spreads a culture of hatred on government buildings in France. that encourages Islamophobia. While there has been universal “This is a time when President condemnation, by Muslims Macron could have put healing and all, of the killing of the touch & denied space to exFrench teacher who showed tremists rather than creating his pupils drawings of Zia Ahmad further polarisation & marProphet Muhammad (s), ginalisation that inevitably (See AMUST article “The Assalamu leads to radicalisation,” Presbeheading in France: An Alaikum ident Khan said. act of blasphemy in itself” On Friday 23 October, the by Aslam Abdullah) Macron Greetings Organisation of Islamic Coophas used the tragedy to alienof Peace eration (OIC) condemned France’s ate Muslims and encourage Iscontinued attack against Muslims. lamophobia in France. The OIC said it was surprised that offenDescribing Islam as a religion “in crisis” worldwide, Macron’s comments of seek- sive rhetoric was being used by top officials, ing to reform Islam followed by almost and warned that this moment, for the sake of two billion people around the world and political party gains, could fuel hatred.
EDITORIAL
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the French president needed treatment and “mental checks” over his attitude towards Muslims and Islam. “When truth is spoken to their faces, Europe’s loser racists show up and try to exploit Islamophobia and xenophobia. Time has come to stop Europe’s spoiled politicians with fascist mindset,” Mevlut Cavusoglu, Turkish Foreign Minister said. Muslim leaders and social media activists have called for the boycott of French products with Hashtags such as the #BoycottFrenchProducts. A number companies have pledged not to market French goods and many businesses in Muslim countries have withdrawn French products from their shelves. It looks like with his recalcitrant attitude towards the cartoons, Macron is going to make a cartoon of himself encouraging Islamophobia on a global scale.
Readers comments
Re: Wasatiyyah: The middle denied their right to return just because they press and kill their own citizens is a disgrace to them all. are not Jews. path to success This is what has always attracted me to the Islamic message. The middle way, between extremism on one hand. leading to fanaticism, and agnosticism leading to erratic observance on the other, seems to establish the balance. In these days when legalistic religiosity seems to contrast with the all embracing message of the Quran, this emphasis upon Wasatiyyah is important. Bilal Cleland
Re: Islam in Australia survey results
A very significant study which should be widely shared as a counter to some of the more extreme anti-Muslim nonsense which passes for political debate in some of the more backward quarters of our rightist political class. It shows that our community does not fit the very nasty stereotype the neanderthal variety of politicos tries to foist on us. Bilal Cleland Completely agree with the previous comment. Patricia Wise
Re: Islamophobic Q Society to shut down
My name Margaret Garnaut and my name has appeared on a Q Society message. I am no longer a member of Q Society and do not wish to have my name associated with this Society. Margaret Garnaut
Treasurer reduces Palestinian relief
The Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced a $2.5 million grant for the further development of the Adelaide Holocaust Museum and a $3.5 million grant to build a holocaust museum in Brisbane. On the other hand he reduced Australia’s contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from $20 million to $10 million, as reported in The AJN. This is on top of the millions of dollars previous governments have given to holocaust museums in Melbourne and Sydney. Frydenberg, stated the museum would “allow every South Australian child to learn about this tragic period … about the importance of tolerance and humanity”. Evidently Frydenberg’s tolerance and humanity does not extend to the six million Palestinian refugees who are tragically ethnically cleansed from their homeland and NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 180
While local Jewish leaders welcomed his generosity to build more holocaust museums, they unashamedly praised his punishment to the six million Palestinian refugees in their health, education, work and social wellbeing. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin said, “This reduction in funding is a positive step.” Israel and its lobbies are launching a war to obliterate and cut UNRWA’s international funding. UNRWA was established by the UN to support the refugees’ wellbeing until their return to their homeland. This is to keep the Nazi crimes of the holocaust alive and never forgotten and on the other hand to obliterate the Zionist crimes of the Nakba. Israel and its supporters are using Australia to serve their interest in their war against the Palestinian people. All this is kept away from the Australian public who would be appalled to learn this. Ali Kazak Former Ambassador of Palestine
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Email your thoughts or comment of current events to
info@amust.com.au Re: Trump’s theatrics named Abraham Accords
Israel, like her new, found Arab friends have one thing in common. Their disdain for Human Rights obligation. These Arab ‘winter’ leaders would love to buy the high-tech weapons and spying equipments from Israel to ensure that “spring has sprung” will never happen again in their part of the world. With this Faustian bargain, the Palestinians have been thrown under the bus. Mal
Bilal Cleland
Re: Travesty of justice: Babri mosque demolition accused acquitted
It is evident that the Indian judicial system has been ‘Modinised’ and it is India’s loss. Her judiciary system was erstwhile respected for being non-political but it is not the case now. Demolishing Babri mosque is less of a spiritual conviction and more of a political stunt. Goodness in any religion will not champion the destruction of a place of worship whatever the reason. The politics of religious confrontation and sectarian hate is usually energised with evil intent and the beneficiary of the mayhem is a political aspirant. The frenzy of the unwitting masses is useful energy for dirty politics and politicians. Mal
Re: Living the expat life
I have spent approximately 8 years in Pakistan, 30 years in Singapore, 5 years in Middle East and now in Australia. Would not want anything different. Each place had their charm and Australia continue to amaze me. “Travel through the earth and see how Allah did originate creation;” may have inspired tourism. The various ethnic groups and their take on life, religion and non-religion is a rich tapestry of us all, creatures and mere mortals. Perdasi
Re: Shaoquett Moselmane returns to Parliament
The fact that they took dust and hair samples from their vehicles and ran sniffer dogs through the house means that this had nothing to do with possible Chinese influence on Australian politics. The warrants were a fishing expedition hoping to find evidence of other imagined crimes. The fact that he was denied access to the paperwork used to justify the warrants nad invasion of his family’s privacy with a fleet of miserable excuses for journalists in tow speaks volumes. It is a demonstration of the reach and power of the state of Israel and its nasty influence over Australian politics. If the AFP really wanted to look for evidence of Chinese influence in Australia’s politics it should be raiding Government MP’s offices instead of acting as the personal enforcer of the Liberal-National Party government. Gary Dargan
That they associate the name of Abraham (p) with their shenanigans while they opWWW.AMUST.COM.AU
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AMUST ISSUE # 180 FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER 2020 12 RABI’UL AWWAL 1442 News
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- UFC champion Khabib retires - Moselmane returns to parliament - Human Rights violations in India
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Boomerang
- Discrimination against Muslim women - Prophet Muhammad: Beacon of hope - We must become anti-racist
Community
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- Sheikh Jehad addresses pioneers - Youngest candidate for Wyndham - IWWA celebrates 20th anniversary
Australia
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- Multifaith prayer for UN Day of Peace - Lebanon needs our help
Lifestyle
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- Muslim cyclists for cancer research - IFAM’s online Islamic Quiz
Ummah
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- Beheading in France: Blasphemy - Modi destroying democracy - Doctor denied citizenship
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Education
- Islamic College of Brisbane: 25 years - Study tip: Importance of timetabling
Business
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- COVID-19 Induced Recession - Muslim workers overqualified
Social
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- Social Spotlight: Swim Sisters - Top 6 memes - Top Tweets: #Khabib
Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in articles, and Letters to the Editor, Website Comments are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Australasian Muslim Times.
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Prophet Muhammad (s) A beacon of hope for all times Dr Aslam Abdullah Through his character, Prophet Muhammad (s) inspired people to change their lives; through his message, he empowered people to find the real purpose in their lives, and through his leadership, he motivated them to work as a team to serve humankind. He transformed his environment within 23 years, and his followers changed the world in less than fifty years after his departure in 632 CE. What was so unique in his character, message, and leadership? Why did people responded to him then and respond to him now? Monotheism was not a new idea that he introduced. Leadership was never absent in any community, and the philosopher and sages were always present to guide humans. Yet he did what others could not in a recorded human history stretching almost 7,000 years. A man who stood on a mountain alone, inviting a handful of people to realise the real purpose of life through consistency in their words and actions, created the biggest ever shift in human thoughts and effort. Humans are far from perfection, and nations are still at odds with each other. Justice is a distant dream, and equality is still an illusion. But freedom, justice, equality, and human rights are the goals that every nation considers as its declared goals.
Behind this monumental reconstruct, one can see the face of Muhammad (s), the apostle of God, as viewed by Muslims, who forbade his followers to preserve his facial features in any form or shape except in his character’s description. That character is full of one and only one dominant feature, the quest for dignity for every human being and every creation. It was the dignity of all he stood and lived. He understood that the purpose of divine creation was to empower every human to live a dignified life regardless of the status at birth. His concern was to liberate humans from the shackles of slavery and injustice and the chains of superstition of human domination over the other based on class, creed, wealth, status, or even righteousness. He knew that once human beings achieve dignity, they can conquer all the obstacles they come across, and he offered his life as an example of all that he preached. His concept of dignity included all included his enemies, even with those who planned to kill him. Ninety-nine point nine percent of his followers were his bitter enemy, ready to destroy his character and kill him. Yet, through his example, he brought out the best in their behaviour to show dignity to all human and physical universe. By dignity, he meant that all humans have
their origin in God and all deserve an autonomous without being dependent on others for their life. It meant they have the right to acquire knowledge and choose a path based on their understanding. It meant freedom of expression. It meant courage, to tell the truth, and to fearlessly speak the truth. Above all, it meant to empathise with every fellow human beings, His quest for dignity led women to find equality, slaves to find freedom, people to have a place in the echelons of power, and the poor and needy to work harder for their higher mobility. It also led people to demonstrate discipline and organisation in their work. Dignity is divine because only a higher authority can think for all without any biases. Elegance is the essence of human existence. Only people free from any shackle achieve their best, and self-respect is the motivational force that brings about the change in human society.
Prophet Muhammad (s) restored the confidence in people around him in their ability and right to live a dignified life. In this context, Muslims understand the divine words preserved in the Quran: “And [thus, O Prophet,] We have sent thee as [an evidence of Our] grace towards all the worlds.” (Quran 21:107) “And as a guide towards the truth have We bestowed this [revelation] from on high; with this [very] truth has it come down [unto thee, O Prophet]: for We have sent thee but as a herald of glad tidings and a warner.” (Quran 17:105) “Verily, in the Apostle of God you have a good example for everyone who looks forward [with hope and awe] to God and the Last Day, and remembers God unceasingly.” (Quran 33:21) 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.
ABRAHAM CONFERENCE 2020
INTERFAITH ON THE FRONTLINES
The great reward for a learner Sukoon Quteifan
Rachael Kohn Facilitator
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JEWISH, CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM FRONTLINE WORKERS SHARE THEIR STORIES OF HARDSHIP AND HOPE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
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In order to encourage home learning for students around the world during this pandemic to stay positive at this time of hardship and uncertainty, I wish to highlight the great reward for a learner that Prophet Mohammad (s) has mentioned in his precious Hadith: The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever follows a path in the pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise. The angels lower their wings in approval of the seeker of knowledge, and everyone in the heavens and on earth prays for forgiveness for the seeker of knowledge, even the fish in the sea. The superiority of the scholar over the worshipper is like the superiority of the moon above all other heavenly bodies. The scholars are the heirs of the Prophets, for the Prophets did not leave behind a Dinar or Dirham, rather they left behind knowledge, so whoever takes it has taken a great share.” - Narrated by: Al- Albani. Sukoon Quteifan is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Sydney, Australia. She is the creator and the illustrator of “Sukoon Al Quloob Peace of Hearts”, an Islamic Cartoons facebook page. You can follow her on facebook @SukoonQuteifanArt.
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An English Test not a Dictation Test Bilal Cleland Apart from tax cuts for the rich, the neglect of much needed social housing and cuts to JobSeeker and JobKeeper the Frydenberg-Morrison Budget had a nasty ‘deeply buried’ in the Budget Papers. It announced an English language requirement for partner visa applicants and for their permanent resident sponsors. Apparently there will be a test, which Scott Morrison said would require “applicants to prove their basic language ability.” [9 October SBS] Labor MP Julian Hill took to Twitter describing it as “this nasty, effectively racist measure.” Melbourne-based migration agent Ranbir Singh called it a “shocker.” He said it was “bad news for permanent residents intending to bring their partners to live with them in Australia permanently.” He called for some “further clarity as to whether the same rule would also apply to Australian citizen sponsors as well.” The minister’s office said the new lan-
guage requirement would not need to be met until someone was applying for permanency, usually after two years of being able to live in Australia on a temporary partner visa. Spouse visas will now cost $8000. A report on ABC News suggested that fears of Chinese influence might be informing this decision. Mr Tudge, acting as Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Minister since David Coleman took leave last year, said “Malign information or propaganda can be spread through multicultural media, including foreign language media controlled or funded by state players.” [28 August 2020 ABC News] There has been a welcome change to the Adult Migrant English Program. The 510 hours of free English language training within 5 years has been changed. “Any permanent resident or citizen will be able to attend English classes free of charge until they have “functional English”, which the government defines as having basic skills to participate in society. There will also be changes to the citizenship tests to include new questions “on Australian values.”[28 August 2020 ABC News] Of course we must ask “What values?” Given our history of the White Australia Policy, and the xenophobia of the fringes of
the Liberal Party and its voting mate the One Nation Party, many Australians have greeted this new provision with deep suspicion. The echoes of the 1930s ring loud and it is up to the government to prove its policies do not stem from such roots. The Australian Natives Association in its 1939 Congress in Warrnambool, demanded that any aliens permitted to enter the country should not be permitted to concentrate together in communities, should not be permitted to have their own schools or teach in their own languages, nor have foreign lan-
Australia: We must become an anti-racist country Senator Mehreen Faruqi I’m proud to have the responsibility of the new antiracism portfolio for the Greens. Alongside Senator Lidia Thorpe, the first Aboriginal Senator from Victoria, I will be leading the Greens to put antiracist work at the core of everything that we do. We will leave no stone unturned to tackle head-on the rising tide of racism and demand justice for First Nations people and people of colour. Side by side with communities of colour, we will fight the growing tide of far-right nationalism and tackle systemic racism. In the words of Angela Davis: “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.” Over the last few years, we have seen the far right emboldened. We have seen again and again the cheerleaders of the far right and the merchants of hate in here and in the media legitimise, normalise and even incite the hate that foments right wing extremism and toxic anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim hysteria. The institutions that are meant to protect us haven’t just failed; they’ve become captive to the hate they’re meant to fight. Any nation where police officers feel comfortable flashing white supremacist hand gestures is not one where people of colour can feel safe. It has led us to become a nation where far-right violent extremism constitutes up to 40 per cent of ASIO’s counterterrorism case load. That’s up fourfold, from as little as 10 per cent just four years ago. Yet politicians trivialise racism and farright extremism. Just as they’ve been denying 200 years of systemic racism against First Nations people, resulting in ongoing oppression, incarceration and deaths in custody, they now also deny the far right and the harm they cause. They draw their inspiration from President Trump in the US. During that awful first presidential debate last week, when Trump was pressed by the moderator to deNOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 180
guage newspapers. They also demanded that they should be subjected to an English language test after three years. Failure to“be a ground for expatriation.” [23 March 1939 Argus] Only a few days before the Victorian Minister for Education had stated that a working knowledge of English should be made a condition of entry for refugees and other aliens. This was at a time when many, including persecuted Jews, were fleeing Europe. [17 March 1939 Argus] He considered it would be too difficult to make adult aliens attend English classes as the state had no power to compel attendance at school beyond the age of 14 years. This represents a narrow minded, racist past when the white man ruled the world. Times have changed. Fear of Chinese immigration and hostility towards Muslims and other Third World immigrants cannot be permitted to form government policy again in the 21st century. If such ideas are not behind this policy it is up to the Morrison government to prove it. Bilal Cleland is a keen reader, a prolific writer and a regular columnist of AMUST based in Melbourne.
The Old Man With Turban Wrapped With Chador Fazlul Huq
nounce violent white nationalism, he said: Proud Boys, stand back and stand by. But I’ll tell you what … somebody’s got to do something about antifa and the left because this is not a right-wing problem. This is a left-wing problem. Many people looked at this in horror, but I’d heard similar things before. I heard this when the home affairs minister, in the days after Christchurch, drew an equivalence between my advocacy and my antiracist activism and the far right and their apologists. Make no mistake: there’s no doubt that what is happening in the US is very bad. But let’s also have some introspection. Trump is a President who has time after time shown his racism, white nationalism and white supremacy. Even moderate US commentators who shied away from labelling the President this way now admit that he’s a racist and a fascist. He has encouraged violence against Black Lives Matter protesters while openly bolstering the far right. He has described Haiti, El Salvador and some parts of Africa as s-hole countries. He has gone out of his way time and again to target and attack Democratic congresswomen of colour, telling them to go back to the ‘broken and crime-infested’ places that they came from. Yet there is little reflection in this chamber on what this means for us. There is a Liberal-Labor consensus of unquestioning and uncritical alliance with the
United States. They are too cowardly to call a spade a spade. They are too complicit to call out Trump’s blatant racism. Australia should be distancing itself from Trump, not cosying up to him. But we’ve also got to get our own house in order and we are far from doing so. We must become an antiracist country. We must proactively dismantle the racist system we live in, a system that oppresses and silences people of colour and a system where there is a dismal lack of diversity in politics, in the media and at the top of Australian companies, institutions and government departments. It is a system that refuses to accept that far-right violence is a serious and growing threat and a system that has allowed increasing hate to be piled on communities of colour, using them as scapegoats when the going gets tough. Well, no more. I look forward to working with communities as we continue to fight for racial justice and focus even more on antiracism, and I call on you to join us in this fight. Dr Mehreen Faruqi is the Australian Greens Senator for New South Wales. She is the Greens’ inaugural spokesperson for anti-racism, as well as the party’s federal representative on education, housing, animal welfare, industry, and international aid and development.
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The old man dressed in dhuthi and loose kurta colored in white is seen to have black chador wrapped around upper part of the body. As it has red turban on the head made into layer upon layer. When the man bent almost like hunchback is seen to walk barefoot on the rugged earth covered with layer of dust. As he holds the bamboo stick pointing towards the upper sky. While the herd of camels dressed in brown are witnessed to follow the old man in eagerness. 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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Community awareness seminar on mental health Dr Habib Bhurawala The Indian crescent society of Australia (ICSOA) organised a community health education seminar on mental health awareness during the COVID-19 restrictions on Sunday 18 October 2020 in Sydney. The online event was attended by large numbers of Australians from a diverse background, including representatives and office bearers of various community organisations. Mr Abbas Raza Alvi, President of ICSOA, welcomed everyone with a formal acknowledgement of traditional owners of the land and provided a brief update of the ICSOA activities, mission and future goals. Mr Fasihuddin Khan, secretary of ICSOA, explained that the objective and purpose of ICSOA is to integrate and have a collective voice for Indian Muslims in Australia, representing them on Indian platforms in Australia as well as contribute towards the welfare of Muslims in India. Dr Habib Bhurawala, ICSOA health co-ordinator briefed on the activities of ICSOA health subcommittee. Dr Bhurawala introduced members of ICSOA Health Committee to the audience such as Dr Abdul Ahad Khan, Dr Zakir Akhunji, Dr Shakeel Abbas, Dr Zainab Ali and Dr Soliman Qurashi. Dr Bhurawala mentioned the partnership of ICSOA with Australian MEFF Consortium and Australian Red Cross blood service with regular blood donation awareness drive during the annual Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair during the last three years except
for this year due to COVID. He also provided details of various other health awareness seminars in the past, such as prevention of obesity, heart disease and identification and management of developmental delay in children. ICSOA Health Committee has planned several health seminars on various other topics in future, using online platforms as well as health information/promotion articles for media channels by ICSOA members. Dr Bhurawala highlighted the burden of mental health illnesses and its effect on physical health, emotional health and family relationships. He emphasised the importance of appropriate prevention and health education programs in reducing the impact of mental health and introduced Dr Raiz Ismail, the keynote speaker at the health education seminar, who spoke on the topic “What everyone should know about mental health.” The keynote speaker, Dr Raiz Ismail is a consultant psychiatrist at Nepean Hospital in Sydney and also in private practice. He has extensively trained and worked in India, UK and Australia. He has a special interest in mental health problems in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community. Dr Ismail explained common mental health conditions, when to seek help and emphasised the need to see a family doctor (GP) ensure physical and mental health screening undertaken early to avoid more severe untreated mental health illness. He also clarified common misconceptions and myths about the mental health conditions in the community, especially in CALD communities. He clarified that not all mental health conditions require medications. Medications available for treatment are highly researched, not addictive and work well
Keynote speaker, Dr Raiz Ismail.
with a focus on holistic care with the help of psychologists and GPs. Dr Raiz Ismail encouraged the audience to be aware of various risk factors for mental health conditions and seek appropriate medical/psychologist help when signs or symptoms suggestive of a mental health problem. He provided an overview of various treatment modalities available for mental health conditions, including psychology support, medication and various support organisations such as Headspace and Beyond Blue. The talk was followed by an interactive question-answer session moderated by Dr Ahad khan. This session generated much interest from the audience. Mr Fasihuddin Khan announced future
programs of ICSOA which will be organised in the next 1-2 months. The seminar program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Habib Bhurawala. Dr Habib Bhurawala (MBBS MD FRACP DCH), based in Sydney is a consultant general paediatrician currently working at Nepean & Blue Mountains hospitals in Sydney. Originally from Gujarat state in India he moved to Australia to gain further training in Paediatrics in 2002. He has strong interest in community work especially health education/promotion. He is the Health Co-ordinator of the Indian Crescent Society of Australia (ICSOA).
Dawat-e-Islami: An introduction AMUST Media Dawat-e-Islami, is one of the largest religious corporate organisation with a mission statement “I must try to reform myself and the people of the entire world”. It has its physical presence in 57 countries, while through its TV channel known as “MADANI CHANNEL”, the message has reached over 190 countries through 6 satellites and internet. Dawat-e-Islami is currently serving in 108 departments, with educational, rehabilitation of society ethics and welfare activities are priority, it has emerged to be an international welfare organization during COVID-19 Pandemic. Dawat-e-Islami’s work was recognized by BBC including many other international and Pakistani news media. Dawat-e-Islami Australia Limited is the charitable not-for-profit organisation working for welfare of community Australia wide and internationally. It has been registered since 1998 in Australia catering for local needs of the community. It aims to promote harmony and cohesion, inclusiveness, Australian customs and values, sense of cultural belonging whilst recognising and appreciating greater diversity which is beauty and integral part of Australian society. It is currently providing services like:
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• Jumah Prayers at least at 6 locations across NSW and Victoria. • Social gatherings on weekly, monthly and on special occasions like Eid in order to maintain and promote community harmony, sense of cultural belonging and identify those needing help etc. • Weekend Islamic Schools for children (face to face and online) Australia wide. • Teaching basic essentials of Islam to children in evenings in NSW and Victoria. Dawat-e-Islami Australia aims to expand its services in response to high community demand. Due to growing demand of community, there has been dire need of Islamic centres where community welfare activities to take place to cater to all aspects of life, irrespective of age and gender, that can be accomplished. Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah, it has been successfully able to secure a bid worth $3.5 million at 7 Everly Road, Auburn, NSw 2144 with land area of 1430 sq metres in industrial zoning area. It aims to establish a place of worship, an integral and essential part of a Muslim, along with range of activities for community upliftment.
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Sheikh Jehad Ismail addresses interfaith cemetery pioneers Zia Ahmad Catholic Cemetery staff and Muslim Cemeteries Board members and advisers including a number of community leaders gathered for an update at the Kemps Creek Cemetery on Saturday 24 October 2020. The guest of honour at the event was the highly poplar globe trotting public orator Sheikh Jehad Ismail, currently forced to stay in his hometown of Sydney due to COVID-19 related restrictions on travel. The event MC, Ms Lauren Hardgrave, Client Service and Operation Manager of Kemps Creek Cemetery welcomed the guests acknowledging the presence Sheikh Jehad Ismail, Catholic Cemeteries staff led by its CEO Mr Peter O’Meara, Muslim Cemeteries Board members led by its Chairman Mr Kazi Ali and various community leaders particularly from Mohammadi Welfare Association and Alamdar Association. Ms Hardgrave acknowledged the presence of invited guests, Mr Asif Mulla from National Zakat Foundation, Mr Hanif Bismi, President of MEFF from 5 News Australia TV and Mr Zia Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of AMUST. She thanked Dr AHM Kamruzzaman and Mr Siraj Islam acknowledging their help with the design of ‘In grave bottomless timber shoring box’ to the satisfaction of religious requirements of community members and complying with Australian standards. Mr Peter O’Meara while pay his respects to Sheikh Jehad Ismail thanked Kazi Ali for closely working with him over the years ac-
Sheikh Jehad Ismail addressing guests at Kemps Creek Cemetery on Saturday 24 October 2020. (Photo by Zia Ahmad) knowledging his resourcefulness, dynamism and encyclopaedic knowledge and experience he had gained in this field during more than 30 years he had been associated with Muslim burials. Mr O’Meara admitted that he spends more time talking with Kazi Ali than even with his wife in order to understand and organise processes associated with the requirements of Muslim burials to the satisfaction of the community. Sheikh Jehad Ismail during his address thanked Mr O’Meara for his patience in dealing with the numerous demands of Muslim burial requirements and his partnership with Kazi Ali while collaborating together reaching successful outcomes.
Sheikh Jehad recalled his association with Kazi Ali going back more than 30 years starting from Surry Hills mosque and commended Kazi Ali for his initiatives, resilience, networking ability in bringing about consensus and successfully reaching outcomes while dealing with our diverse community and its demands. Mr Kazi Ali while thanking all guests for their attendance recalled his association with Sheikh Jihad and Zia Ahmad for three decades and his satisfaction with cooperation from community members and the Catholic Cemeteries in these collaborative processes. Mr Zia Ahmad recalled the passion Kazi Ali showed during the early years in establishing Muslim burial services and processes
where he wanted his close friends to join the project. “Kazi Ali was very keen for both Sheikh Jehad and myself to join the Muslim Cemeteries Board almost 30 years ago, but I excused myself saying that my friend, I am more interested in people alive than dead.” It must be pointed out that, all three long time friends eventually excelled in their chosen field, Kazi Ali in Muslim burials, Sheikh Jehad in public daawah and Zia Ahmad in Muslim media. The guests exchanged thoughts and ideas during refreshments followed by a guided tour of the Muslim Lawn area. Zia Ahmad is the Editor-in-Chief of the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST.
Kazi Ali presenting to Sheikh Jehad Ismail.
From left: Lauren Hardgrave, Azam Khan, Sheikh Jehad Ismail, Peter O’Meara, Kazi Ali, Zia Ahmad. (Photo by Hanif Bismi).
Educational issues of Indian Muslims Zia Ahmad The Indian Crescent Society of Australia (ICSOA) based in Sydney organised a webinar on Sunday 25 October showcasing top notch educationists to address a worldwide audience from the Indian diaspora including many from within Australia. The speakers included: • Dr M Ashraf Rizvi, President, FAIME • Dr MJ Khan, President, IMPAR • General Zameer Shah, Ex-Vice Chancellor AMU • Dr M Aslam, Ex-Vice Chancellor, IGNOU • Dr A R Nakadar, Founder of AFMI, USA The webinar was moderated by Mr Fasih Khan, ICSOA secretary welcoming the esteemed speakers and audience. Mr Abbas Raza Alvi, ICSOA President gave brief history and account of activities of the organisations. NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 180
Each speaker in turn presented their ideas on the state of Muslim education in India, hurdles, shortcomings and possible solutions. The program concluded with vote of thanks by Mr Chelat Abbasm ICSOA treasurer. The full proceedings of the webinar, around 2 hours can be viewed at the following Facebook link: https://tinyurl.com/y6kd7qs4
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Youngest Candidate nominated for Wyndham Council Faseeha Hashmi With a unique slogan that advocates for access, representation and good governance, Mehak Sheikh hopes to #SheikhThingsUp! by asking her local community to vote for her in the Wyndham City Council election in Melbourne on 23 October. It is rare to meet a young 24 year old with such an impressive resume in our community. But Mehak Sheikh is one of those unique individuals with plenty of years of experience under her belt. Having worked in the community for 8 years, Mehak has facilitated projects for children, youth, seniors, cross-cultural events and small business networks. She also has experience dealing with countless advisory committees across Western suburbs, state and federal levels. Describing herself as a “lifelong learner” with a psychology background; Mehak is a fourth-generation Kenyan and Punjabi Pakistani. Having moved to Australia from the UAE and Kenya in 2012, she has experienced a vibrant cultural upbringing rooted in sound Islamic values. “My parents and religious upbringing always encouraged philanthropy,” said Me-
hak. She is also the youngest candidate running for council in her ward. What inspired her to run for council was a campaign titled “Women Leading Change” which aimed at targeting youth participation in local government. “I became an advocate for cultural diversity and intercultural engagement (where I facilitate and support)…spaces where … (community can) bridge the gaps between cultures for meaningful integration.” Eager to contribute to her community, Mehak has worked with various groups to support young people and newly arrived migrants to develop life skills and civic participation skills, thereby enhancing well-being through the social enterprise, U-Learn. Last year, the city of Wyndham experienced the largest and fastest population growth in Victoria and was the second largest and fastest expanding in Australia. To cater to these increasing needs, she hopes to see a collaborative and progressive council which considers innovation and sustainable development practices on social and environmental issues. “My vision is to see local jobs and opportunities, a safe community inside and outside our homes, a transformed waste management system and sustainable infrastructure that bring value for rates,” expressed Mehak. She is also a highly accomplished can-
didate with a long list of achievements. In 2018, Mehak was an esteemed guest invited to Government House in Melbourne to meet with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Mehak is an all-rounded achiever, who has previous experience as a member of Wyndham’s Youth Task Force Committee. She was also a recipient of the Leaders in Communities Award from the University of Melbourne and the Gorton Young Leaders Award and the 2017 Victorian Young Achiever Awards (presented by Minister for Youth Affairs, Jenny Mikakos). If elected, Mehak’s priority is to ensure that council has a more inclusive voice, with a particular focus on youth as she believes “that we need to invest in the next generation and that the world we create now is the world we leave for them.” “I dedicated myself to this work because I noticed how much young people, amongst other marginalised communities such as people living with a disability or from non-English speaking backgrounds, were
getting left behind in important discussions that affected their lives and futures. As a young person of colour, I experienced this too,” explained Mehak. Mehak’s greatest ambition is to ensure that no one is “left behind” whether they be our First Nations people, people with disability, youth or those from culturally diverse backgrounds. “I’m driven to do something about injustice with my privilege. Seeing the trajectory of people’s lives be determined by their location, finances and identity makes me frustrated and makes me want to demand change.” For more information visit: mehaksheikh.com/about/ Faseeha Hashmi, based in Melbourne has a Bachelor of International Relations from La Trobe University and a Master of International Relations from the University of Melbourne. A prolific writer, she has an interest in politics and human security.
Recognition for DV prevention educator AMUST Media Dr Nada Ibrahim was inducted onto Queensland’s first Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Honour Roll on Friday 25 September 2020 where the Queensland Government recognises Queenslanders who are contributing to the prevention of domestic violence (DV). Nada is involved in the ‘Not Now, Not Ever’ initiatives at a grass-root level in the prevention of, and recovery from domestic violence (DV) amongst the culturally and lin-
guistically diverse (CALD) Queensland Muslim community. These initiatives include: • Workshops creating awareness about how unequal/inequitable gender roles can foster DV producing the social media campaign We Can Stop DV; • The 18-hours intensive Muslim Leaders Empowerment Program that upskills Imams/Community leaders on the prevention and early intervention of DV through collaborations with multiple agencies such as Queensland Police, Queensland court, Relationships Australia Queensland, Islamic
Women’s Association of Australia and Griffith university (also delivered in Melbourne); • The 13-session “inspiredNAFSi Personal Leadership Program” that addresses the recovery needs of Muslim DV victims/survivors to heal and empower them from DV trauma (also delivered in Melbourne). Dr Nada has also authored “Domestic violence: shattering the barrier of silence, a pathway to recovery” (published by Islamic Women’s Association of Australia) and its recommendations align with Queensland’s “Not Now, Not Ever”.
Dr Nada Ibrahim from UniSA Justice & Society, University of South Australia
IFEW AGC/AGM 2020 held online Zia Ahmad The 37th Annual General Conference (AGC) together with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Islamic Foundation for Education and Welfare (IFEW) was held online due to COVID-19 restrictions on Saturday 26 September to Sunday 27 September 2020. Starting as the Australasian Integrated Family (AIF), IFEW has been one of the pioneers in establishing daawah, education and welfare activities for almost 38 years in
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Sydney. One of the offshoots of IFEW is the MEFF Eid Festival being organised for more than 36 years at the Fairfield Showground while another one is the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST currently being produced by Seena Incorporated. The AGC brought together four generations of family members participating in a well structured balanced program with family and business reports for the past year and planning for next year. The theme for the AGC 2020 appropriate-
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ly was “Connect & Collaborate” and was broken down into two presentations by Ibrahim and Hanifah and a workshop conducted by Mobinah. The event also included the annual general meeting and election of trustees, shura and office bearers for the next two years 2020-2022. The AGC/AGM concluded with an address by the re-elected President of IFEW, Ms Sakinah Ahmad followed by dua by Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad. A number of IFEW members, parts of a large extended family have been associated
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with Islamic activities in Australia in general and Sydney in particular for more than 48 years having founded many community organisations and working in fields of education, daawah, publications, family organisation, student, youth and women’s activities. IFEW Office bearers (2020-2022): President: Sakinah Ahmad Vice President: Najia Khalil Secretary: Faiza Siddiqui Treasurer: Hanifah Siddiqui IFEW Trustees (2020-2024): Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad Mr Zia Ahmad Mrs Mehar Ahmad ISSUE 180 / NOVEMBER 2020
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Islamic Women’s Welfare Association IWWA celebrates 20th anniversary Dianna Tarm On Wednesday 23 September 2020 Islamic Women’s Welfare Association (IWWA) hosted its celebration of 20 years of service to the community at Himalaya Emporium Function Centre in Bankstown, Sydney. Speeches were given by the Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown City Council Khal Asfour, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Albury of Campsie Police and Sheikh Shady Al-Suleiman, Founder of the United Muslims of Australia. 20 years ago, a group of Muslim women from culturally diverse backgrounds met to discuss the needs of the many different groups in the community. After six months of debating and researching the Islamic Women’s Welfare Association was born. IWWA is a not-for-profit charity run by a team of volunteers with Sister Abla Kadous as the President. The main aim of the group was and still is to look after the well-being of Muslim women and girls from all nationalities. Currently, we have close to 2,000 members from over 30 different nations. IWWA has concentrated on developing the spiritual needs of our sisters by creating programmes through the teaching of our religion on how to improve their knowledge which when put in practise will make them stronger women, friends, mothers, daughters, wives and excellent members of the Australian community who contribute to
society in a positive and meaningful way. In the last 20 years we have developed many programs to meet the needs of Muslim women and their families through education and socialisation in the way of bus trips to tourist spots, Ramadan Iftars, Eid dinners, picnics, and camps for girls.
These are just some of the outdoor activities that help build the strong bonding and friendship among the sisters. IWWA also offers regular programs including Playgroup, Nursery classes, School Readiness programmes, School Holiday programs and a food program for the needy.
IWWA also runs two Arabic Language Schools at Wiley Park and Birrong. To find out more you can visit our website: iwwa.org.au; Facebook @IslamicWomensWelfareAssociation or Instagram IslamicWomensWelfareAssoc
Motion in NSW parliament Entrepreneurship in the for democracy in migrant community Bangladesh Greens leader Mr David Shoebridge, MLC
Group photo of Entrepreneurs in Migrant community.
Dr Faroque Amin On Wednesday 15 October 2020, Member of the New South Wales Parliament and the Greens leader Mr David Shoebridge, MLC introduced a motion in the state parliament calling on the federal government to take steps to support democracy and human rights in Bangladesh. In that motion, Mr Shoebridge mentioned that Bangladesh does not have a functional democracy as the general election there was marred by violence and lacking a level-playing field for the participants. He also informed the house that the opposition leaders and activists in Bangladesh have been facing politically-biased imprisonment and continuous enforced disappearance. Another important issue he raised in the house is about the spat of ongoing sexual assaults and violence against women all over the country, most of which are linked to the student wing of the current regime. Mr Shoebridge mentioned that these issues are already recognised by various governments and international organisations such as the UK Parliament, the European Union and Human Rights Watch. In this context, the NSW Greens leader – in this motion – called on the Australian federal government to appeal to the Bangladeshi government and encourage it to restore democracy and human rights in the country, along with holding a free and fair general election and releasing all political prisoners including Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister and the leader of the NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 180
Shafqat Ali
Bangladesh Nationalist Party. This motion in the NSW Parliament has already become a subject undergoing intense discussion among the Bangladeshi-Australians living in Sydney and other cities in Australia. Although most of the Bangladeshis are NSW residents, many of them living in other cities such as Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and so on were seen to be expressing their support for this motion in the social media. Dr Faroque Amin works with Suprovat Sydney, a Bengali community newspaper published from Sydney, Australia.
JumpStart Pakistan Sydney Chapter organised a day-long networking event on Sat 3 October 2020, to as part of their Lift Pakistan 2020 Road Show Sydney hosted at Himalaya Restaurant in Granville, Sydney. The program was started with opening remarks by Shabahat Ali (Joint Secretary of JumpStart Pakistan Sydney Chapter). The program was segmented into three sessions. The first one was about Startup Business Ideas moderated by Shaharyar Jawaid (President of JumpStart Pakistan Sydney Chapter) with the following presentations: • H2Z Business Services by Mushir Hussain. • Construction Solutions by Anas and Umar. • Opportunities for Micro-Entrepreneurs by Hamza Jamil. After each presentation attendees were given the chance to ask questions from various presenters. There were networking sessions conducted in between to let people to connect
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with each other. The second session was about successful entrepreneurs moderated by Muhammad Omair (Vice President of JumpStart Pakistan Sydney) and included the following presentations: • MacCastles by Imran Shah. • Secure & Profitable Investments in Islamabad By Muhammad Kashif. • Smart Electronix By Adnan. The third and last session was about success stories of migrant entrepreneurs. This session was moderated by Alia Khan (General Secretary of JumpStart Pakistan Sydney Chapter) with stories from: • Ejaz Khan from Juris Australia . • Munir Hussain from Sydney Forex. • Rashid Khan from Evacuation. The program was very interactive and entertaining and concluded with delicious lunch, live performances, awards to sponsors and thanks to participants. Most of the event was streamed on Facebook and YouTube Live at PakOZ ( fb.com/PakAussie & tinyurl.com/pakozyt) by Young Innovators media team (fb.com/YoungInnovatorsAustralia). You can reach to Jumpstart Sydney at https://www.fb.com/JumpStartSydneyAU.
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Youth PoWR: Vote Multi-faith Prayer for ‘The Sydney Service for UN Statement’ Day of Peace Rev Dr Manas Ghosh, minister of the Uniting Church in Sydney.
Dr Patrick Mclnerney Youth PoWR needs you to vote for The Sydney Statement! After numerous workshops with young adults from different religions, consultations with religious leaders, and 16 drafts, spanning more than 18 months, Youth PoWR (Parliament of the World’s Religions) launched The Sydney Statement, a new charter for interfaith relations, live on Facebook on Thursday 15 October. Youth PoWR Committee members from different religions presented the Statement’s values, principles and commitments for “building bridges between believers from different religions”. They called young adults (18-35) from different religions to vote for The Sydney Statement and to authorise its publication. Voting is online at http://bit.ly/33OLrHA. The launch was a wonderful example of young people from different religions uniting to encourage greater interfaith dialogue in Sydney and beyond. The launch included a Q&A session between the Youth PoWR Committee members and the online audience. The audience put questions to the Committee members via Facebook, asking about their experiences of engaging with people from different religions and their hopes for a harmonious city. • Joshua Moses, a young Jew and educator, spoke of a desire to encourage greater education of different religions to help people better understand religious differences, while also harnessing similarities to establish common ground. • Muslim representative, Zubaida Rubai, shared her goals of gathering people of different religions together to help solve environmental issues. • Joyce Tangi, a young Christian of the
Uniting Church, explained the importance of looking out for one another and building understanding and respect between each other. There was also a special performance by Sina Karimi of the Baha’i community. He performed La Ellah al Ellallah, a tribute to the inherent unity, sacred mysticism, and the divine philosophy of all religions. Sina’s second song, Let Us Put Aside, derived from the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, spoke of the importance of letting go of attachments to be more spiritual and loving beings. There were also messages of support from prominent community leaders: • On behalf of the NSW Government, Dr Geoff Lee, the Minister for Multiculturalism, spoke of The Sydney Statement as a means of establishing new ways of collaboration between people of different faiths. • On behalf of Western Sydney University, Youth PoWR’s research partner in the project, Professor Kevin Dunn said the Statement would encourage peace in our multicultural and multi-religious society. • Rev Dr Patrick McInerney, Director of the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations which initiated both Youth PoWR and The Sydney Statement, urged everyone to share this new interfaith charter with their peers, family and friends. Most importantly, he asked that everyone VOTE for its publication! Voting for The Sydney Statement is still open. Young adults (18-35) in particular are encouraged to vote, but all can add their voice. Read The Sydney Statement and submit your vote at http://bit.ly/33OLrHA. Don’t miss out on this chance to transform interfaith relations in Sydney and beyond. VOTE NOW! To view the Facebook launch of The Sydney Statement see: facebook.com/ watch/?v=680520809232643
Joshua Moses.
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Zubaida Rubai.
Dr Patrick Mclnerney This year’s International Day of Peace Service on Monday 21 September was unique. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was held online rather than face-to-face. Eighty-seven people from all over Australia joined via Zoom. Since it was live streamed on Facebook, many from overseas were also able to view it. Thus, for the first time, this year it was truly an “International” Day of Peace. It was very much appreciated that at this unprecedented and uncertain time, people from such diverse backgrounds were able to gather together for our common quest for peace. In 2001, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution designating 21 September as the International Day of Peace. At the United Nation’s Building in New York and in different parts of the world, prayers are offered by different religious groups on this day for peace. For the last seventeen years, Rev Dr Manas Ghosh, minister of the Uniting Church in Sydney, has been organising a multi-faith peace service on this occasion, for ten years in Lindfield and for the last six years in Parramatta. Rev Dr Manas Ghosh welcomed all the participants and provided the context: COVID 19 has taken nearly a million lives around the world and many more millions are suffering from it. In this service we remember those who have lost their lives, and those frontline workers and scientist and researchers who are working tirelessly to bring healing and comfort to the sufferers and to find a vaccine. The service began with the lighting of the Peace Candle by Dr Zeny Edwards and everyone recited the International Payer for Peace: Lead us from darkness to light, from falsehood to truth; Lead us from despair to hope, from fear to trust; Lead us from hate to love, from war to peace; Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe. The words are adapted from the Upanishads and were used by Mother Teresa in 1981, who urged people of all faiths to use the peace prayer daily at noon. Prayers were offered from 16 different traditions, literally from A to Z, from Aboriginal to Zoroastrian. Some of the prayers were in their original languages, but English
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translations were provided in the order of service which had been circulated in advance and also on the screen. Prayer from the First Peoples of Australia: Ms Pearl Wymara, Armenian Apostolic Church Prayer: Deacon Nishan Basmajian, Baha’i Prayer: Mrs Niloufar Khalajabadi, Brahmakumari Peace Reflection: Ms Margaret Parker, Buddhist Prayer: Venerable Sr Thubten Rabdrol, Catholic Church Prayer: Rev Dr Patrick McInerney, Coptic Orthodox Church Prayer: Rev Dr Shenouda Mansour, Hindu Prayer: Pandit Jatin Bhatt, Islamic Prayer: Mr Neil Ei-Kadomi, Jain Reflection: Ms Priyanka Jain, Jewish Prayer: Ms Kati Haworth, Mandaean Prayer: Prof. Dr. Brikha Nasoraia, Sikh Prayer: Mr Manjinder Singh, Sufi Prayer: Dr Fazeela Zolfaghari, Uniting Church Prayer: Rev Keith Hamilton, Zoroastrian Prayer: Dr Pheroza Daruwalla After each prayer there was a short pause for silent reflection, then all prayed in unison: Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe. Dr Sue Wareham OAM gave the Keynote Address: “Peace – The Key Ingredient for Building Our Future”. Dr Wareham stressed the need for and importance of peace, especially in our current context when there are many forces that seek to provoke conflict and divide us. Dr Deidre Palmer, President, Uniting Church in Australia, National Assembly, gave a response, expressing appreciation for the peace message of Dr Sue Wareham. Ms Shaalane Srambikal then sang the popular peace hymn, Make Me a Channel of Your Peace, based on the Peace Prayer of St Francis. As is the custom at this service, all the participants then lighted a peace candle. However, they did so at their computer desks, each in their own home. May the light of peace dispel the darkness of violence, conflict and war. Finally, Rev Simon Hansford, Moderator, Uniting Church in Australia NSW & ACT Synod, thanked Rev Ghosh for organising the online event and gave a benediction to conclude the service. Rev Dr Manas Ghosh extended a vote of thanks, to the participants, to the speakers, to the technicians who made this online service possible, and to all who joined this online multi-faith service of prayers for peace on the 2020 UN International Day of Peace. The service can be viewed at: facebook.com/UnitingChurchAu/ videos/621482611871120 Rev Dr Patrick McInerney is the Director of the Columban Mission Institute and Coordinator of its Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations and is based in Sydney. ISSUE 180 / NOVEMBER 2020
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MPs calculate own slavery footprint ahead of government announcement Jane Jeffes Thursday afternoon, 24 September 2020, NSW State Parliament: the NSW MP for Prospect Hugh McDermott MLA urged parliamentary colleagues in the Legislative Assembly to calculate the number of people their individual lifestyles keep in slavery. (You can do the same by scanning the QR code.) Prompted by not-for-profit project War on Slavery to take the Slavery Footprint survey, Mr McDermott expressed abject horror at discovering his family’s lifestyle depends on 63 slaves. ”The phones in our pockets, tea and coffee we drink, clothes and jewellery we wear, tinned tuna and chocolate in our kids’ lunchboxes…. all these things and much more have known slavery in their supply chains,” he told AMUST. “When the NSW Modern Slavery Act was passed two years ago, an estimated 42 million people – roughly five times the population of our state – the combined population of London, New York and Tokyo – were believed to be in slavery around the world. More people in slavery than ever before. It’s a number that shouldn’t exist and not one person in NSW can confidently say they have a slavery count of zero. We are all complicit.” The impassioned speech was delivered against a backdrop of concern that the Government has abandoned its commitment to the NSW Modern Slavery Act, unanimously passed and assented in June 2018. The legislation is regarded as ground-breaking but after the 2019 election, instead of bringing the Act into force the government referred it to an Inquiry. The Inquiry received over 100 submissions overwhelmingly urging the implementation of the Act as world-leading legislation. The Inquiry Committee’s Report
Scan QR code for Slavery Footprint Calculator tabled on March 25 recommended the Act be enforced by 1 January 2021 with a few minor amendments to ensure legal comity with the Commonwealth. The six-month window in which the Government must table its response ends today, Friday September 25. Concerned that the government will say the 12 remaining sitting days are not enough to get amendments through parliamentary process in 2020, anti-slavery campaigners, NGOs, survivor support groups and lawyers lobbied MLAs and MLCs yesterday. The modern-day abolitionists – including a descendant of one of the great British abolitionists more than 200 years ago – told the parliamentarians that the people of NSW do not want to be funding this $150 billion a year crime and hope that enforcement of the Act without further delay will mean NSW can come out of COVID with real and lasting improvements to the way we do busi-
“We are all
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complicit.
Hugh McDermott MLA, NSW Member for Prospect and UNSW Emeritus Professor of Law Paul Redmond with campaigners including War On Slavery, Baptist World Aid, Hope for Justice and Be Slavery Free. ness and society in NSW. War on Slavery’s Becky Honey said “The numbers of people in slavery have shot up in the two years since the parliament unanimously passed the Act and the effect of the COVID pandemic now increases the risks for the vulnerable exponentially – affecting the millions in supply chains overseas and the growing numbers of people who are socially and economically marginalised in our region and here including ‘ordinary’ workers in NSW – people doing it really tough – people we might previously have called Aussie battlers.” Campaigners say that the NSW Modern Slavery Act is world-leading legislation which if enforced would provide a new benchmark for other governments and would provide NSW with a modern slavery equivalent of a carbon offset to begin reducing our slavery footprint. “Business cannot afford not to comply,” Ms Honey continued. “The mood is changing amongst investors, shareholders and consumers and they’re making themselves heard. They want and are demanding human sustainability alongside climate sustainability.”
The first-ever NSW Parliament ePetition has been launched by Greg Donnelly MLC to support the NSW Modern Slavery Act being brought into force. Anticipating the government does not accept the Inquiry recommendations and prioritise bringing the Act into force on January 1, 2021, the ePetition requires 20,000 e.Signatures by November 3, 2020 to trigger a debate in the NSW Parliament. The number of signatures is expected to exceed 10,000 by Friday. Previous paper petitions required 10,000 signatures. Please sign and share the petition. You will find it here: https://bit.ly/3haI3el The Hansard recording of Hugh McDermott’s Private Members Statement can be found here https://spaces.hightail.com/ space/SqPBoRAdEt. Scan the QR code above to do the Slavery Footprint Calculator or visit slaveryfootprint.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.
Lebanon needs our ongoing help Chris Hayes MP
A man reacts at the scene of an explosion at Beirut’s port, Aug. 4. Ibrahim Amro / Getty Images.
‘By not engaging with the roots of dispossession and conflicts, international powers promote short-term versions of resilience, stability and humanitarian protection. This papers over dysfunctional institutions and deteriorating livelihoods.’ This is a statement by Tamirace Fakhoury, an associate professor of political science and international affairs at the Lebanese American University. It puts into perspective the need of international communities to assist in the longterm transformation of Lebanon. In August this year, Lebanon was rocked by a catastrophic explosion which ripped through the heart of its capital, Beirut. At the time we saw an outpouring of support by the international community to
“The
explosion in Lebanon was the last straw...
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assist Lebanon and its people to get through this catastrophe. Unfortunately, it has now been more than two months since the calamity and Lebanon and its people seem to have disappeared into a distant memory.
The explosion in Lebanon was the last straw when considered alongside the ongoing turmoil of a dire economic situation—an economy on the brink of collapse—widespread corruption, homelessness and poverty. The collapsing Lebanese economy is testing the Lebanese people like never before, with the value of the Lebanese pound reduced
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fivefold and with inflation so high that people are unable to afford the basic necessities and put food on the table. Despite this, Lebanon has been extremely generous, opening its borders to over a million refugees who have fled the decade-long civil wars of both Syria and Iraq. Added to these issues it has also had to grapple with an unprecedented health crisis, as the already overstretched Lebanese healthcare system attempts to provide care and support to those impacted by the Coronavirus. If these issues are not strong enough to command the attention of the international community, then we must question our collective humanity. As part of the international community we must show an enduring will to help return a stable and independent government in Lebanon, one that is focused on its people and their welfare and one that will help Lebanon achieve the transformative changes that it so desperately needs. Given the fact that Lebanon is still hosting millions of refugees and struggling to cope with its own mounting internal issues, as part of the international community we must be prepared to lend our ongoing support and share in this humanitarian responsibility. Mr Chris Hayes MP is the Federal Member for the NSW seat of Fowler and Chief Opposition Whip.
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Canberra’s Muslim youth trainer joins marathon Amadu Barrie The nation’s capital is not only the most active and healthy Australian city but also home to arguably one of the fittest Muslim families. Husband and father Bilal Berjaoui was among hundreds of fitness consciousness minds that participated at the 34th Weston Creek Half Marathon & 10K Community Fun Run held on Sunday 18 October, 2020. Competitors participated at different categories of the gruelling race. Bilal Berjaoui participated at the Half Marathon category. When asked why he chose to participate at the event, he said he hoped it will inspire him to participate at the 42.2 km full marathon race next year. He also revealed that he was actually planning to participate at a different event; The Canberra Times Marathon
Festival that was scheduled on 8 November this year but has now been postponed to 11 April 2021 citing COVID-19 restrictions. “I didn’t want to miss out on a race this year so I decided to opt for the Weston Creek Half Marathon race even though it came a month earlier than my initial practice schedule. “I have worked out my schedule around the The Canberra Times Marathon training program by doing 30 minutes of run 4 times a week and on Sundays I try to increase on my previous distance starting with 6 kms right to the race distance. Unfortunately, I had to run this race more than a month earlier and without been able to complete my training program. This said, All Praises to God, I am very happy with my performance. I went into race aiming for under 2 hours but ended it just 5 minutes more than the time I anticipated. On the positive side and by the Grace of God, I think overall, the race has not only inspired but made me better prepared for the big one in April next year”. Bilal Berjaoui is an avid runner and sports enthusiast. He regularly participates at the 5
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Bilal Berjaoui running the 34th Weston Creek Half Marathon & 10k Community Fun Run on Sunday 18 October 2020.
km Tuggeranong Park Run, a Brazilian jujitsu practitioner and enjoys bike riding with his family. He said his love for running made him join the Park Run in 2014. He also reveals that his best time at the 5 km run is 20 minutes 39 seconds. Prior to COVID-19 restrictions Bilal Berjaoui provided Jujitsu training to Youths at the Canberra Islamic Centre (CIC) in Monash. Bilal is employed by the Citadel Group as a Data Migration lead. His wife, Linda Berjaoui holds a cer-
tificate IV in Personal training and have her own fitness business ‘Sista PT’. Linda currently trains women out of the family’s home garage and at the CIC. The President of the CIC Executive Committee Suhail Khan described Bilal as “an old and respected member of the CIC community and someone who is contributing greatly to Youth development through his Jujitsu lessons”. Amadu Barrie is an ICT Systems Analyst with the Department of Human Services.
Tribute to Late Azra Ahmed Rana Syed Inna lilahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon Indeed we belong to Allah and to Allah we shall return. (Quran 2:156) On Monday 24 August 2020, Pakistan Australia Women’s Association (PAWA) lost one of its very beloved founding member and President Azra Ahmed. She was farewelled with the tears of grief to her final resting place. May Allah grant her special place in Jannat-ul-Firdoos (Ameen) Azra Ahmed also adorably referred by many people as “Aunty Azra or Azra Baji”, she was the epitome of PAWA’s core purpose and beliefs. She selflessly supported
Fortune and Future Dr Reginald Naulty What matters, is what the gold puts in the soul, not what it buys. The riches that go inside to the inner reaches of the heart , are from some other art: wisdom, gratitude, forbearance, build the soul; in the end, the soul is all that goes over to the other side. The soul is where the fortune and the future reside. Crossing over is a short, lonely journey; on the other side is company.
and served the Indian Subcontinent communities for over 15 years. She was one of the founding members of PAWA which started as a small social support group in mid 90’s, it was incorporated into an Association in 2010. The group was supported by Advance Diversity formerly known as St George Migrant Resource Centre Rockdale. PAWA played major role in mentoring and aspiring emerging communities in the St George area with following objectives; • Promote the awareness of South Asian women and their families on issues of concern and available services; • Provide social support to house bound women; • Establish interactive networking opportunities with other communities and organisations • Advocate on social issues in the community Azra’s distinguish role in serving to local sub-continent communities was so well recognised that she was twice elected as an Executive Board Member of Advance Diversity Services. She was a source of inspiration and support. She was a guiding light for new migrants. For many women, she was a mother,
Azra Ahmed (second from left) at the Faith Conference University of South Australia, Adelaide. a sister and a friend in a time of need. She helped countless vulnerable women regardless of their ethnic and religious background. She played a leading role in various
Azra Ahmed (right) with then-Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian and Rockdale MP John Flowers, at Arncliffe station, for the lift approval in 2014. Picture: Jane Dyson.
Dr Reginald Naulty, originally from Adelaide, has taught at Charles Sturt University and has been a prolific writer since 1972.
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community events, fundraisers and projects in the St George area. Azra helped the community gain recognition through Quran classes, she ran the weekly Quran classes with special focus on reading with Tajweed. Indeed Azra’s love of the Quran will continue to light the lives of the many children to whom she taught its passages and its meanings. Azra’s community work was not only limited to subcontinent communities. Despite her health issues, she tirelessly worked for the general community especially in her local Arncliffe area; she successfully played a prominent role with Sydney Alliance in lobbying the NSW Government to install lifts at Arncliffe Railway station. Now thousands of people especially with wheel chairs and seniors are benefiting with the lift access to station, May Allah rewards her for the community work (Ameen). We surly have lost a wonderful and truly remarkable human being. This loss is irreplaceable and she will be immensely missed. We take comfort in knowing that she is at peace. We pray to Allah to grant her forgiveness and reward her highest rank in Jannat-ul-Firdous. May Allah also grant sabre-jameel (patience) to her family and friends (Ameen). ISSUE 180 / NOVEMBER 2020
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Muslim cyclists for cancer research Monique Cowper The Great Cycle Challenge may be a big test of strength, endurance and resilience for your average bike rider like Tanja Kubitza and her daughter Mariam Moeladawilah – but it’s nothing like the challenge that kids with cancer face every day of their little lives. Every October, tens of thousands of Australians take to their bikes to raise money for the ground-breaking cancer research being done in the labs at Children’s Medical Research Institute in Sydney. In the eight years since the challenge started, the riders have raised more than $25million for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and ultimately finding a cure for childhood cancers. Tanja Kubitza, Mill Park (VIC) has been an active advocate for the Challenge since the inaugural event in 2013. Two years later, in 2015, Tanja’s daughter Mariam started riding with her. The passionate mother-daughter duo has been trying to train as much as they can during Victoria’s extended lockdown. As official Ambassadors for the challenge, Tanja and Mariam have raised more than $36,000 for kids fighting cancer. This year, the challenge has hit very close to home for 13-year-old Mariam: “In July, I lost a friend to cancer so I know pretty well what the Great Cycle Challenge is all about. Losing a friend this way still came as a shock and has had a big emotional impact on me. No doubt 2020 has been tough and challenging for any one of us, and it’s even more so for kids fighting for their
Mariam Moeladawilah.
Tanja Kubitza.
lives or those caring for them. This year, I am dedicating my rides to his memory, so the challenge has been much more personal. And we have been keeping our rides within the 5km radius during restrictions.” Ms Kubitza said that it was important that her daughter understood both the charitable element to the ride as well as the impact a young person like Mariam can have to not only raise awareness for young cancer patients but also to better the lives of others. “Mariam is very aware that kids should be living life, not fighting for it, and I think
it’s particularly important at the moment for us all to realise, yes lockdown is hard, but fighting cancer is harder.” “As long as cancer is still the largest single killer of children from disease in Australia, we will continue to be part of this annual fundraiser and the wonderful community of cyclists brought together by the challenge to support and ultimately help save little lives,’’ Ms Kubitza said. Children’s Medical Research Institute’s scientist Dr Tony Cesare studies the causes of cancer from the time that our cells are
forming. His lab, and many others at CMRI, are trying to stop cancer in its tracks from the very beginning of life. He thanked all those who have taken part in the Great Cycle Challenge from its inception to today. “I am enormously thankful for the community fundraising efforts in Australia,’’ Dr Cesare said. “Every advance in cancer treatment started as a new research project which required funding to make the discoveries that unlocked a medical breakthrough. “Community efforts, like the Great Cycle Challenge, have provided my laboratory with essential funding for new cutting-edge projects. Without community funding, I worry the well of new ideas can run dry and sacrifice the potential of improved treatments for our older selves and our children. The positive impact of community efforts inspires our work and gives hope to cancer patients.’’ The Great Cycle Challenge can be done anywhere, anytime throughout October! You can hit the road or do it inside on a fixed bike. You choose how many kilometres you want to aim to ride and how much money you’d like to raise – then you just ask your family and friends to sponsor you. To support Tanja and Mariam, please visit https://greatcyclechallenge.com.au/Riders/ TanyaKubitza Donations can be made online until late November 2020. Monique Cowper is the Communications & Media Manager at Children’s Medical Research Institute in Sydney.
National participation for IFAM’s first online Islamic Quiz Usman Malik IFAM Islamic Quiz for the year 2020 was held online on Saturday 25 July under restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 epidemic, but first time simultaneously all over Australia. This year participants were not required to appear physically as required previously when quizzes were arranged face to face in some halls or auditoriums in various states of Australia. Some 230 kids of various age groups and educational level participated. Four groups were formed from A to B, C and D from Year 1 through all grades up to year 10. Islam Forum for Australian Muslim (IFAM) has been organising Islamic quizzes for the school students for several years now. IFAM first quiz was held in ACT some 14 years ago and due to its popularity and
Aisha Akra from NSW with her First Prize laptop. NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 180
overwhelming support by the community, it was later started in NSW and Victoria too. The purpose for these quizzes is to make our young people aware and familiar with Islamic information and teachings that enables them to educate themselves with important Islamic history, Islamic Moral values, life of Prophet Muhammad (s) and his companions, and importance of daawah work and upholding our Prophet’s Sunnah. The quiz is also designed so kids can understand Islamic perspectives on contemporary affairs like environment, Climate change, sustainability and cosmology etc. IFAM volunteers designed and prepared the booklets according to kids’ level of education and their age. Individual booklets were sent to all participants, for the preparation purpose, well ahead of this Quiz. The IFAM team responsible for organising this quiz worked diligently towards the success of this event and used “Moodle” software for online implementations of this Quiz. All the participants of quiz were given gift vouchers ranging from $40 to $ 200. However winners were awarded with special prizes as well. For small kids in group A, the quiz was noncompetitive however all participants were given gift vouchers. It aimed at encouraging them and building their interest for future too. However in group B (Year 2 & 3), Aaisha Akra (NSW) won the first Prize which was a laptop of worth $950. Hamza Imran and Haya Majid got second and third position were given gift vouchers of $200 and $ 100 respectively. Similarly in group C (Year 4-6), Saliha Zameel (from VIC) was declared winner. She was awarded with a laptop of worth $950 as well. Jana Akra and Maira Shaikh stood second and third were also given gift vouchers of $200 and $100 respectively. In the last group D (Year 7 -10), Nawal
Nawal Usman from ACT won first prize in group D (Years 7-10). Usman (ACT) won the first prize which was a Umrah ticket (worth $1500), Israa Muhammad and Mariam Akra got second and third prize, $200 and $100 gift vouchers respectively. Brother Nazim Farooq Khan from IFAM ACT, who was the in charge of this Quiz competition, has mentioned that three kids from the same family have got distinguished achievements in their respective groups. It is an indication that the household environment and parents educational interaction with their kids can give highly inspiring overall results. So it is extremely important to develop healthy intellectual atmosphere at homes for good upbringings of kids. This Quiz was sponsored by individuals
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and businesses like Qartaba Homes, ICFAL, UAK designs and construction (Sydney), Dzine Kitchens, Pacifik Halal Meats (Canberra and Queanbeyan), AAA Rapid homes Sydney. All the prizes were posted to the kids and were appreciated greatly for their involvement. IFAM President Mr Rais Khan has vowed on consistent efforts for doing such activities which promotes healthy competition among kids and put their energies towards valuable learning. Usman Malik is the MGM of IFAM. He is based in Sydney.
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Travesty of justice: Babri mosque demolition accused acquitted Mohamed Ainullah On Wednesday 30 September 2020, the special CBI court acquitted all the 32 accused belonging to the ruling BJP Hindu nationalist party, some of whom had publicly admitted and boasted of their involvement in the 1992 demolition of 16th century mosque in Ayodhya in India. In November 2019 the Supreme court, although called the demolition of the mosque illegal, paved the way for the construction of a temple on the same land whose foundation stone was laid by PM Modi on 5 August 2020. Muslim and opposition groups have claimed both verdicts as a result of compromised judiciary in India under the Modi government. After the demolition of the mosque on 6 December 1992 by extremists of Sangh Parivar, a coalition of Hindu Supremacist organisations led by a number of BJP leaders, on 16 December 1992, the Union home ministry set up the Liberhan Commission to investigate the destruction of the Mosque, headed by retired High Court Judge M. S. Liberhan. After hundreds of sittings over 16 years, the Commission submitted over a 1000 page report to the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 30 June 2009 concluding that the events of 6 December 1992, in Ayodhya were “neither spontaneous nor unplanned”. In April 2017, a special Central Bureau
of Investigation court framed criminal conspiracy charges against BJP leaders, L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti, Vinay Katiyar, and several others. But on the court verdict delivered on 30th September 2020, all 32 accused including L.K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti, Vinay Katiyar and several others in the case were acquitted on account of inconclusive evidence where the special court judge stating “The demolition was not preplanned.” The witness testimonies, video cassettes, voice recordings, and photographs presented by the CBI were not considered as sufficient evidence to prove that the accused “gathered in a room to plan the scheme”. Indian Muslims have accused the ruling BJP government of increasingly compromising the traditionally independent judiciary since Modi came to power in line with the idealogical agenda of converting India from a secular democracy towards a Hindu Rashtra or state. This has been evident in a number moves by the government in passing anti-Muslim legislation, clampdown in Muslim Majority Kashmir, police and mob violence against protestors and sedition charges for opposition and Muslim individuals airing their opinions against government policies. All India Muslim Personal Law Board and other prominent Muslim groups have sharply reacted to the judgment of the special CBI court, Lucknow saying it is another big jolt to the Indian judicial system after
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Demolition of Babri Mosque by Hindu extremists in 1992.
the 9 November, 2019, Babri Masjid title suit verdict. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) also expressed disappointment at the verdict given by the designated CBI special court in the Babri Masjid demolition. The JIH President, Syed Sadatullah Hussaini said even after 28 years, the justice that people were seeking has not been delivered. He said the designated court has acquitted all the accused citing lack of evidence notwithstanding the fact that just 10 months back the Supreme Court of India had called the demolition a criminal act and a violation of the law. “How the court arrived at the conclusion that there was no conspiracy to demolish the masjid and that the act was spontaneous and not pre-planned is difficult to understand.” “The entire Ramjanmbhoomi movement and the Rath-yatra initiated by L K Advani one of the main accused in the case was nothing but a mission to construct a temple at the exact same site where the masjid stood. If the self-proclaimed mission repeated by the accused several times to replace
the existing mosque with a temple, hundreds of times and recorded in full public view is not evidence of a conspiracy of the criminal act perpetrated by thousands of frenzied kar-sevaks on 6 December 1992, then what is?” Hussaini asked. In its reaction, the Social Democratic party of India (SDPI) said the verdict was not unexpected in the present Indian political scenario which is highly frustrating and will shatter the hope of the common people in the Indian judiciary. MK Faizy, National President of SDPI said the Court observation that the demolition was not a planned activity and the accused were not involved in the crime is nothing less than mockery of justice. The nation has once again been betrayed. Justice in India has become a reverie, he said. He pointed out that the Sangh Parivar through meticulous planning has gradually erased democracy and developed a strong network of pro-Sanghi bureaucracy and judiciary to support all their “illegal and anti-democratic acts and activities”.
Afghanistan: Bringing Sameer home from the streets Eight year old Sameer was living on the streets begging for food and sleeping wherever he can
Banafsheh Serov On a busy Kabul street traffic moves steadily with morning commuters. None slow or glance at the dirty sugar cane sack lying on its side in the middle of the median strip. Two street dogs lay guard at the foot of the sack. Next to them, cold ashes of a makeshift fire flutter in the breeze. At the approach of two strangers, the dogs bare their teeth and pulling flat their ears, let out a rumbling growl deep within their chest. Inside the sack is eight year old Sameer. Orphaned at five, Sameer’s parents were killed during the conflict that has gripped Afghanistan for the past four decades. Sameer has lived on the streets, scraping an existence begging for food and sleeping wherever he can. The two street dogs are his only friends, laying guard at his feet when he sleeps. With no access to school, adequate shelter or healthcare, Sameer never knows where his next meal is coming from. Malnourished and with little hope for a better life, he begs for long hours every day and falls asleep hungry and exhausted. Child labour in Afghanistan is a common occurrence. Among this group, the most vulnerable are the children working on the street. According to UNICEF, decades of conflict and instability In Afghanistan has eroded the family unit and the societal safety nets that protect the children. Access to basic services such as water, health and education are seriously compromised. Additionally, the street children face daily humiliation, stigmatisation and physical abuse. Since
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‘I’m glad I can study so one day I can become an engineer or a doctor.’ Sameer after being rescued by Mahboba’s Promise.
COVID-19, dangers to children have compounded as they are locked out of healthcare to keep the virus at bay. Since rescued from the street by the staff of Mahboba’s Promise, Sameer has joined the other boys and girls from the Hope House in attending regular school classes. Dressed in new clothes and his hair cut, he looks refreshed. His brows crinkled at the bridge of his nose, he copies the letters on the blackboard. Later, playing football in the yard, he’s brimming as he kicks and chases
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the ball with other boys. Though he misses the street dogs, Sameer is grateful to have a warm bed, clean cloths, plenty of nutritious food and new friends to play with. No longer forced to scrape an existence, Sameer can once more dream of a better future for himself. ‘I’m glad I can study so one day I can become an engineer or a doctor.’ Contributions to Mahboba’s Promise make a real difference in the lives of children, such as Sameer. Rescued from a life
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of poverty with no prospect of a livelihood, Sameer is given the chance to rewrite his future. He lives in a safe and secure home environment, has access to healthcare, nutritious food and education. He is given a second chance at life, to reach his full potential, and to be a major force in rebuilding his country. You can help make a difference in the lives of children like Sameer. Please donate to our Rescue the Street Children of Afghanistan project and give the children a better future. Donate today at: https://mahbobaspromise.org/street-kids ISSUE 180 / NOVEMBER 2020
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Destroying Democracy: Modi’s authoritarian rule in India
Panelists of the Reclaiming India virtual conference.
Bilkis Dadi: Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2020. Zia Ahmad Indian Hindu nationalist BJP government has become authoritarian, destroying democratic institutions, undermining minority rights, equality under the law, freedom of religion, the right to dissent, independence of the judiciary and press freedom, leading jurists, civil rights activists, journalists and students have said. Participating in various panel discussions last weekend 3-4 October at a virtual con-
ference, Reclaiming India, panelists said the only way to combat the Modi government’s authoritarian conduct would be to strengthen the institutions, including the judiciary, and create South Asian solidarity. Speakers also drew parallels between the ongoing struggle of India’s Dalit community with the Black Lives Matter movement while examining the similarities between Hindutva and white supremacist ideologies. The diverse variety of speakers laid out the state of democracy in India providing vision and forward-thinking strategies to
Kashmiri leaders form alliance to restore Article 370
Kashmiri leaders, Farooq Abdullah with his son former chief minister Omar Abdullah and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti during a joint press conference on Thursday 15 October 2020 in Srinagar. Mohamed Ainullah Freed Kashmiri leaders, imprisoned for the past one year, on Thursday 15 October 2020, have announced the formation of an alliance of political parties in Jammu and Kashmir in order to campaign for the restoration of the special status of Kashmir before the abolition of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution last year. The announcement was made by the National Conference President and Member Parliament Farooq Abdullah in the presence of his son, former chief minister Omar Abdullah and Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti during a joint press conference on October 15, 2020 in Srinagar, Kashmir. The BJP central government scrapped the Jammu and Kashmir’s special status last year on 5 August 5 and has put the state into lockdown ever since. The alliance meeting was attended by Mufti, Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone, CPIM leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami and Peoples Movement leader Javaid Mir, Omar Abdullah, vice president of NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 180
National Conference and other senior leaders. The formation of all-party alliance took place at a meeting held at the National Conference chief’s residence to discuss ‘Gupkar Declaration’. ‘Gupkar Declaration’ is a joint effort of all the regional mainstream political parties of Jammu and Kashmir – the National Conference, the Peoples Democratic Party, the Peoples Conference, the Awami National Conference and the CPI (M) – to fight for the state’s special status. “We have named this alliance as People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration. Our battle is a constitutional battle, we want the government of India to return to the people of the State the rights they held before 5th August 2019,” Farooq Abdullah said. The alliance will hold talk with other parties and stakeholders on all issues related with Kashmir. Farooq Abdullah said the alliance also seeks a dialogue between all stakeholders for resolution of the issue pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir. “We will be informing you about the future course of action in due course,” the Jammu and Kashmir’s NC president added.
save democracy and protect human rights India and Supreme Court lawyer Ms Indira and religious freedom in India. Jaising said “criminal procedure has been The conference was organised by Global eroded and become a plaything in the hands India Progressive Alliance, Hindus for Hu- of [Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s] govman Rights, India Civil Watch International, ernment.” Power in the legal profession was Indian American Muslim Council, and Stu- now “emanating from the executive, and the dents Against Hindutva Ideology. judges know this.” Bilkis Dadi from Shaheen Bagh, who was Condemning the arrests of activists unrecently featured in Time Magazine among der the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) the 100 most influential people in 2020, Act (UAPA) on charges of conspiracy in made a video appearance in which she stat- violence in Delhi that killed 50 people, ed, “We are not begging the government to two-third of them Muslims, last February, give us alms. We are only asking for equal she said protesting the Citizenship (Amendrights. Modi is also my son. If I didn’t give ment) Act did not amount to a “conspiracy birth to him, my sister did. Women have to undermine the sovereignty and integrity achieved (in these protests) what men were of India.” not able to do.” Renowned journalist Ms Arfa Khanum Speaking on the topic Sherwani added, “I of “Independent Judiciwould classify the Shaary Under threat”, Vetheen Bagh movement eran civil rights activas a feminist movement ist and Supreme Court because I saw for the lawyer Mr Prashant first time women who Bhushan came down had never been to any heavily against Prime political protest or site, Minister Narendra making the journey Mr Hamid Ansari. Modi’s government. from their kitchens to “This government has singularly tried to the protest site within 24 hours.” subvert the independence of the judiciary, Congress party’s Member of Parliament firstly, by not making the appointment of Shashi Tharoor said, “I am glad that the orindependent judges and getting independ- ganisers of the Reclaiming India conference ent judges transferred,” Mr Bhushan said. have chosen to focus on some of the most “This government is using post-retirement important issues confronting India’s democjobs to subvert the independence of the ju- racy, and pluralism today.” diciary and, worst of all, it is using agencies Mumbai-based human rights lawyer Mito blackmail judges… If the judiciary has to hir Desai who is the convenor of People’s be saved, this government must go.” Union for Civil Liberties in Maharashtra, Former Indian Vice-President Hamid An- said the Modi government had “mastered sari said the mass protests by Muslim wom- the use of these [draconian] laws to turn en against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act victims into the accused. in Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh had been “unique Congress party leader, Salman Soz, said in more than one sense. One, that it was all the CAA and the National Register for women; two, it was spontaneous; and three, Citizens (NRC) were “wrong” and it was the majority, but not the totality, of partici- important to criticize them openly. “If you pants were Muslim women.” don’t say it, it may seem like it’s politically He said that the same Muslim women the right thing, but actually you’re empowwho were being said to need “saviours” just ering the other side.” a couple years ago “had suddenly turned out Sunita Viswanath, Co-founder of Hindus to save India’s democracy… It was a very for Human Rights closed the conference powerful movement [and] it sent a very with, “Over the past two days we witnessed powerful message.” so much courage from frontline activists, Mr Ansari said the way the government politicians, intellectuals from India; and responded to the anti-CAA protests by at- also the fierce unwavering solidarity from tacking campuses showed that the police all of us, your brothers and sisters in the was “more politicised” than earlier, the me- diaspora. Reclaiming India was born over dia was “communalised to the core”, and these two days and we pledge to stay tothe bureaucrats were “literally airing their gether and grow our coalition globally and views” in support of the government’s auto- be back for our second conference this time cratic and ideological response. next year: ReclaimingIndia@74.” Former Additional Solicitor General of
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The beheading in France
An act of blasphemy in itself Dr Aslam Abdullah The beheading of the French teacher by a young man because he disapproved of showing a cartoon of Prophet Muhammad (s) was not only a crime in French law but also a crime as well as a sin in Islam. Life is sacred, and no one can deprive fellow human beings of their right to live. The gruesome murder was more than an emotional act. It has its roots in the rulings by several medieval Muslim scholars who have defined insults to God and Prophet Muhammad (s) as blasphemy subject to punishment. Qadhi Iyad ibn Musa (1083–1149), a judge in the Emirate of Granada, summarised scholars’ consensus in the following words. “Certainly, a blasphemer against Allah, Exalted be He, from among Muslims shall be deemed a disbeliever, and killing him shall be declared lawful.” The Quran, the divine book, Muslims consider their major source of guidance, speaks contrary to what many scholars have argued. It tells the believers: “But do not revile those [beings] whom they invoke instead of God, lest they revile God out of spite, and in ignorance: for, goodly indeed have We made their doings appear unto every community In time, [however,] unto their Sustainer peo-
ple must return: and then He will make them [truly] understand all that they were doing.” (8: 106) There is no punishment suggested against those who ridicule or revile God or His messenger. People may control their emotions, but when a questionable theology incites them to defend their faith and justifies violence, not many care for a due process for getting their grievances redressed. They act on their self, approving their
action to defend God and his messengers. Muslims are not the only people in this violent reaction. Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and even atheists have often resorted to individual violence to defend their beliefs and practices. The mob that lynches an unarmed Muslim or Christian under the suspicion of slaughtering a cow is no different than the French Muslim beheading a French man insulting the Prophet. The Jewish settler shooting a native liv-
ing in his home while defending it is no different from Muslims putting a bounty on Salman Rushdie’s head to write an insulting book about Prophet Muhammad (s). People often use religious interpretation to defend their nefarious acts against the basic creed of their faith. God is not sectarian, ethnic-centred, or racist. Every faith defines him as universal embarrassing everything that exists, and does not need humans killing humans or other creations to please him. He did not appoint some humans his deputy on earth. He is powerful to defend himself. He does not take revenge from his creation for their deviation because he understands their limitation. The argument that believers in God must avenge every act against Him has no connection with his divinity. Criminals and Mafias indulge in such acts. Glorifying violence and murder goes against the essence of God in almost all religions. The Muslim theology has to clean itself from the violence that scholars have tried to justify and promote in the name of God. Muslim scholars of the 21st century must challenge the theology of blasphemy and ensure that violence is not a solution to any problem. Violence against fellow human beings is, in reality, violence against God and a flagrant act of blasphemy.
Muslim doctor denied Lessons from the Christchurch massacre citizenship for not Part 2: Death shaking hands Rabbi Allen Maller A high achieving medical doctor with an MD who aced the German naturalisation test, but refused to shake hands with the female official handing over his citizenship papers has had his citizenship request rejected by a German court. The 40-year-old Lebanese doctor, who came to Germany in 2002, said he refuses to shake women’s hands for religious reasons. The Administrative Court of Baden-Württemberg ruled that people who reject a handshake due to a “fundamentalist conception of culture and values” because they see women as “a danger of sexual temptation” are thereby rejecting “integration into German living conditions.” The doctor studied medicine in Germany and now works as a senior physician in a clinic. He applied for citizenship through naturalisation in 2012, for which he signed a declaration of loyalty to the German constitution and against extremism. He passed the naturalization test with the best possible score. Nevertheless, he was not granted citizenship because he refused to shake hands with the responsible official when the naturalization certificate was handed over in 2015. The woman therefore withheld the certificate and rejected the application. The court found that anyone who refuses to shake hands on gender-specific grounds is in breach of the equality enshrined in the German constitution. In addition, the man’s
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refusal in this case had the effect of lending validity to a “Salafist perspective” on the social ramifications of relations between men and women. As a Rabbi I would point out that ultra-orthodox Jewish men also do not shake hands with a woman; and I am sure that they have not been rejected for for German citizenship. The situation is similar to other movements in various European states to forbid Islamic and Jewish slaughter rituals. I believe that a joint Jewish and Muslim appeal to a higher court based on religious rights for minorities would be be a better path than saying, as the doctor did, that it was a promise to his wife. For example, five years ago on 1 October 2015 the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe nullified its earlier recommendation that European countries ban ritual circumcision, when it passed (736) a resolution on religious freedom. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe did not reverse its earlier recommendation due to recent scientific discoveries which explained the health benefit of circumcision; but due to the active political pressure of an alliance of Jewish and Muslim organizations. Allen S. Maller is an ordained Reform Rabbi who retired in 2006 after 39 years as the Rabbi of Temple Akiba in Culver City, California. His website is: www.rabbimaller.com. Rabbi Maller blogs in the Times of Israel. His book ‘Judaism and Islam as Synergistic Monotheisms: A Reform Rabbi’s Reflections on the Profound Connectedness of Islam and Judaism’ (31 articles previously published by Islamic web sites) is for sale ($15) on Amazon.
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Farid Ahmed The second lesson for me from Friday 15 March 2019 tragedy is about that Death can come anytime and I should be ready for it. My wife and I went to Deans Avenue Mosque together. We talked about picking up our daughter from the school soon after the Jumma Salah. We did not want our daughter to wait outside considering her safety. We made our plan without considering about death. But death was waiting for one of us. The death was waiting for many more wonderful brothers and sisters from my devastated community. People ask me, how could someone kill the worshippers of Allah? Killing action and the death are two different things. Allah has permitted humans freedom of choice in their actions as part of the test. Allah says, “Surely, We have created man--in order to try him, ---. Verily, We showed him the way: Whether to be thankful or not (freedom of choosing either way).” (Quran 76:2-3) The killer on Friday 15 March, misused his freedom of choice and has acted wrongly for which he will face the final Judgment in Allah’s Court. But the death part is not in the killer’s hand. Death is the separation of the Soul from the body, and it can only happen when Allah permits. He has appointed an angel for death to separate the soul exactly when He permits. That’s why we often see despite attack, people survive because their death is not permitted yet. Therefore, death comes with Allah’s permission. Holy Quran confirms it: “No soul can die except by Allah’s permission, the term (of life) being fixed as in writing.” (Quran 3:145)
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When I informed the heart-breaking news to my daughter about her mother, I could not use the word “Dead”. Instead I said, “You mother is with Allah.” I did not dare to use the word “Dead” for one of the Shuhadaa because Allah has forbidden to call them dead in the Holy Quran, “Do not call them dead who are killed in the sake of Allah. No! They are living, even though you do not perceive it.” (Quran 2:154) Yes, I did not die on Friday 15 March like many worshippers, but I got the sharp reminder that death will embrace me one day sooner or later without giving any notice. It reminded me to follow the Islamic teachings as following: 1. Prophet Mohammad (s) said: “Remember the death much which bring distaste (Aversion to sins) in the (excessive wrong) enjoyment in this life.” (Tirmidi, Nasaee, Ibn Maajah) 2. Prophet Mohammad (s) said: “Live in this world like a traveller (without forgetting your final destination in next life).” (Bukhari) 3. Allah says, “O you who believe! Fear Allah (His fair Judgment) and let every soul look to what (Good deeds, not bad deeds) it has put forward for the future (next life for paradise).” (Quran 59:18] 4. Regular supplication to Allah for noble death, “(Allah) Take my soul (at death) as Muslim and join me with the righteous.” (Quran 12:101) 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. ISSUE 180 / NOVEMBER 2020
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Islamic College of Brisbane
a quarter century of sustained growth Dr Daud Batchelor The Almighty blessed efforts of the early pioneers and subsequent contributors in development of the first Muslim school in Queensland, The Islamic College of Brisbane. It opened in 1995 and now has 1267 students. It was part of the growing movement in Australia to develop Islamic schools for the burgeoning Muslim community. Great benefits include providing Islamic teachings, strengthening Islamic identity and inter-ethnic relations, and Muslim employment. The School is an initiative of Brisbane-based Muslims. A committee formed at a meeting of founding members at West End Mosque in 1993 under the wing of Islamic Council of Queensland (ICQ) Chairman, Haji Mohammed Tomoum, agreed to investigate project viability. While it was conceived as a Community project, the main concern was funding. Queensland representative of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC), Dr Bavadeen Habibullah, received AFIC commitment for project support. Together with Dr Daud Batchelor, they visited AFIC and were briefed by Amjad Mehboob on the approach setting-up an Islamic school based on AFIC’s Malik Fahad School success. AFIC President, Omar Lum, was a great well-wisher. Yusuf Hussein, Dr Mohamed Deriche and Dr Shahid Khan also participated.
Opening of the Islamic School of Brisbane by Imam Abdul-Raheem Rane on January 30, 1995. Seated (left to right): Suliman Sabdia, Dr Daud Batchelor, Haji Mohammed Tomoum, Imam Ibrahim and Mohammed Ally. Good support was gained at a Community forum at University of Queensland with encouragement from King Khalid School, Melbourne. Advice from Queensland Education was that a site should be sought on the southern outskirts of Brisbane. A great blessing was in discovering that the best land we identified was Government-owned, ear-marked for school development. The Interim Committee worked hard and succeeded in justifying the school to QLD Education, obtaining Independent Schools Association of QLD membership for Block Grant Funding, and status of a Non-State School in Receipt of Funding. This resulted in governments covering two-thirds of operating expenses. The school opened with the lowest tuition fees
Mothers at the School Opening with their children, the first student cohort.
of any Queensland private school. The Inaugural Board directors when the school started as the Islamic School of Brisbane (ISBL) were Mohammed Tomoum (Chairman), Dr B Habibullah (Deputy Chairman), Suliman Sabdia (Treasurer), Dr Daud Batchelor (Secretary), Yusuf Hussein and Manzur Ul-Haq. The school was opened on 30 January 1995 by respected Imam Abdul-Raheem Rane. Stephen Robertson MLA also attended. Dr Habibullah approached Bosnian Islamic Society who generously provided their facilities as classrooms until the move later that year to demountable buildings on the permanent site. The Board appointed Mohammed Ally as Principal. His wife Mairoon Nisa, as well as
Faten Idriss (Arabic) and Miss Elder were appointed teachers. Imam Hamadullah Bhutto taught Islamic subjects. Twenty-six students, including my daughter, commenced at Grade 1 and 2 levels. With strong approaches by Board members and Stephen Robertson to Education Minister, David Hamill, the Queensland Government approved sale of the beautiful 15-acre Karawatha site in June 1995. AFIC purchased and leased it to ISBL. Funds were raised, especially by P&C school fetes. The Brisbane Muslim community and leading families - the Deens, Raines and Goss’s - backed the school. The school’s first large donation, $50,000, was made by Malaysia, delivered personally by Deputy High Commissioner, Puan Halimah in 1997. During 1998 AFIC took-over full control of the school. Importance of local management was however, vindicated by events in 2015-2017 when the school came under ICQ control. This writer retains the beautiful image just prior to purchasing the school land of happily frolicking cows in what was then a cow paddock. They seemed to perceive the blessed nature of the land that would soon become the major communal institution for the Queensland Muslim community. We thank Allah Almighty for His blessings and guidance for those who contributed sincere efforts for success of the school. 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.
Queensland Muslim community and AFIC leaders discussing school development at Holland Park Mosque, with Imam Abdul Quddoos Azhari.
Study Tip 4: The importance of timetabling Umar Khan With the current climate of independent learning, self-discipline and timetabling have never been more important. Timetabling is an essential skill for any student to develop, however, in the final two years of schooling it becomes of paramount importance to organise your time so that it can be used effectively. The demands on students and their level of intensity in their studies vary quite dramatically over a schooling year - particularly for Year 12 students. Stress and workload often increase before examinations and assessments, before students often dip into semi-hibernation in school holidays. Before trial exams and the final HSC/IB exams, students stress and workload levels rise dramatically. NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 180
If we were draw a graph of the levels of workload in a typical student’s year, it would look like the image on the right. However, this rollercoaster does not have to be your Year 12 or indeed schooling journey. Rather than applying yourself for a limited amount of time with great intensity, you would be able to work more efficiently if you applied yourself consistently over a greater and longer period of time. It is important to try and flatten the drastic rises and falls, and work steadily towards the final HSC/IB exams. Now to do this, students need to timetable so that they can make the most of their time. Timetabling allows you to keep track of time, plan your day to use it to its fullest potential and reduce your daily stress of trying to keep on track of your homework, study and other commitments. An effective timetable will help you accomplish more in a shorter period of time, reduce
your procrastination and help you focus on the tasks at hand. Umar Khan is a recent IBDP graduate, now
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attending Macquarie University and is based in Sydney, Australia. You can check out his blog at https://katutoring.com/blog/.
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The COVID-19 Induced Recession of 2020 The Worst Economic Downturn on Record FINANCE Dr Abul Jalaluddin Australian economy is officially in recession as two consecutive quarters of March 2020 and June 2020 were in negative GDP growth. This is a Coronavirus induced recession in almost 3 decades, after the recession “we had to have” in 1990-91, mainly caused by restrictive monetary policy in response to high inflation. The quarter ended 31 March 2020 had a negative growth of 0.3% and the quarter ended 30 June 2020 experienced a negative growth of 7%, the previous largest fall in GDP growth was 2% in 1974 during the 1970s recession due to economic stagnation. In comparison with 1990s recession, the quarter ended 31 March 1991 produced a fall in GDP growth of 1.3% while the negative growth in the quarter ended 30 June 1991 was only 0.1%. Different sectors of the Australian economy were affected at different levels as activities in them varied widely. Aviation and Tourism had virtually no economic activities while retail sector had some sales to satisfy basic needs. In the quarter of June 2020, the largest hit in growth was experienced by accommodation & food sector with a negative growth of 39%, followed by arts & recreation (-23%), transport (-22%), other business services (-19%), wholesale & retail trade (-14%), manufacturing (-10%),
construction (-9%) and healthcare (-8%). Wages, household expenditure and savings play an important role in the GDP growth of the Australian economy, two of which experienced high falls in the June 2020 quarter. Over all, wages went back by 2.5% and the household expenditure reduced by 12.1%, both of which will have significant adverse impacts on the economic growth in the next quarters or years. Only good news story of this Covid-19 induced recession is the rate of private savings which had a growth of 20% in the June 2020 quarter. This was a 50-year high in the rate of savings in Australia, where ordinary rate of private savings is around 6%. Australians
saved highly as there was practically no opportunity to spend due to wide-spread lockdowns as well as these are prudent people who tend to behave in accordance with current economic conditions. Although this recession is the biggest economic plunge on record, it could have been worse in the absence of appropriate health and economic response by the Federal and State/Territory governments. The economic response package that shielded the Australian economy include JobKeeper scheme, JobSeeker scheme, lump-sum payments for welfare recipients and retirees, early release of superannuation, instant asset write-off for taxation, cash-flow boost for employers,
support for apprentice/trainees, support for regional Australia, low cost credits for small businesses and measured changes in bankruptcy regulations. In this pandemic in a century, Australian economy has performed much better than comparable economies in the World, due to a good management of health and provision of appropriate economic response. In the quarter ended 30 June 2020, Spain had a negative GDP growth of 22%, United Kingdom (-21%), France (-19%), Italy (-17%), Europe (-15%), United States (-13%) and, comparatively, Australia’s negative performance was 7%. An economic recession is generally characterised by low aggregate demand, high unemployment, low interest rates and low economic growth. Australian economy currently has all these characteristics. Many Australians have lost jobs, had to reduce working hours, got pay cuts, had to put mortgage payments on hold and couldn’t afford the level of expenses to maintain their life style. In the years to come, it will be hard to find a job, there will be a stiff competition in the job market and businesses will not hire widely. Young people are particularly in a general disadvantaged position. They will have to compete with experienced workers who lost jobs in recent times. For Australians in jobs, generally speaking, there will be no pay rises and wage growth will be very slow in probably years to come. Dr Abul Jalaluddin is an Islamic Finance expert, taxation advisor and a regular columnist for AMUST. He is based in Sydney.
Research shows Australian Muslim workers overqualified Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas A recent research paper by Social and Global Studies Centre, RMIT University has revealed that Muslim residents in Australia are different from any other religious minority groups and are one of the most deprived socioeconomic groups in Australia. One of the most important findings was that “Muslim residents in Australia often
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have higher levels of education than what is needed for their jobs.” The research also indicates that Muslims in Australia have higher unemployment rates than other groups, so they’re overqualified and underpaid. The same is not true with other minority religious or ethnic groups. In another recent research project, Melbourne University Social Equity Institute in partnership with Women’s Health West, explored the Employment Barriers for Tertiary-educated Muslim Australian Women. This research also presents similar findings where Muslim women commonly reported taking jobs well below their qual-
AUSTRALASIAN MUSLIM TIMES
ification level. This highlights the discrimination and bias against Muslim women in Australia who are seeking employment relevant to their qualifications. In this research Muslim residents are once again reported as being higher educated than the general Australian population, but the income levels and employment rates are more greatly impacted. In another further survey, young Australian Muslims report being discriminated against because of their ‘Muslim-sounding’ names for positions they are overqualified for and have then been forced to pursue lower paying jobs outside their profession. This reduced income and lack of equal opportunity in employment forces Muslim families to choose more affordable fringe suburbs to settle in, forming a “cluster” of Muslims in some regions. In Victoria this is predominantly in Melbourne’s north, outer north and Melbourne’s western regions. There are several reasons for this and both research papers argue that greater research is needed. The findings however also offer some possible reasons including Islamophobia in Australian media and its social, economical and political impacts which drive biases and discrimination in the workplace. This makes Kevin Rudd’s petition against the Murdoch empire a significant step forward towards greater social inclusion and equal opportunity in employment. In Victoria the increase in the Muslim population in Melbourne’s north, outer north and western regions is driven largely by affordability of these suburbs. With increased population comes the growing need of inclusive and culturally appropriate services to be made available in these high Muslim demographic regions.
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One project that is taking a holistic approach to community needs is the Quba Mosque Project, positioned in the heart of Melbourne’s north on Hume Highway. It’s an accessible complex built in the tradition of Prophet Muhammed (s). Sharing the same complex with Quba Mosque is the Islamic Sciences & Research Academy (ISRA), a platform where Muslims can move from being studied to studying themselves, their beliefs, values and history. With a large dome, currently in construction stage, Quba Mosque offers a space for regular prayer and congregation as well as a 500 plus person community centre feature. Once completed, families will be able to make use of the centre’s funeral services, sports and leisure facilities, childcare facilities and the dedicated Information & Cultural Education Centre, to name a few. Projects like Quba Mosque project are much needed in high Muslim demographic regions to cater to community needs and to foster a greater sense of belonging. People wanting to contribute to finalising the Quba Mosque project can go to qubamosque.org/ Gulhan Eryegit Yoldas is on the advisory board for ECCV Gambling Harm project, in the advisory group for Whittlesea Interfaith Network and currently works as the Community Engagement Facilitator for Al Siraat College. Gulhan has a robust history of advocacy for gambling industry reform and Interfaith dialogue. She is passionate about developing Muslim youth as spokespeople for their communities.
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UMMAH 16 - 18
EDUCATION 19
BUSINESS 20 - 21
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SOCIAL 22 - 23
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Do we have financial skills as a community? Fahd Dameer Over the past few months, I have come across some common phrases. Both from young and old, male and female. Things like: “I don’t really care about money” “Money doesn’t bother me, it comes, it goes” “I just want to live my life to the fullest” Or my favourite - “I have never needed money”. This got me thinking, as I found this trend to be very worrying and irresponsible. The more I reflected on this, the more it saddened me as I started to realise the predicament we’re in. We have blanketed our ignorance behind a false sense of tawwakul (reliance on God alone) and that everything will work out. The balance comes from the expectation upon us to struggle to better ourselves. “Surely God does not change the condition in which people are until they change that
which is in themselves”. (Quran 13:11) Change starts with switching the lights on Economic crises arise from individual irresponsibility (knowingly or otherwise), causing a snowball effect, as more individuals are financially irresponsible, it leads to the disappearance of the middle class, which in turn causes community-wide frustration, anger and invariably oppression. It’s almost 2021, and we still don’t learn financial literacy in school, instead, the focus is on getting good grades, to go to university and get a full-time job, start the grind to the next step up and so on. Unless you do a course on economics or finance your exposure to financial literacy is almost nil. I did a course and it helped a little, but most of what I learnt, I wish I’d learned earlier. Regardless of whether you graduate as a lawyer, doctor or an engineer a basic level of understanding when it comes to personal finance goes a long way towards setting up
for one’s future. This is doubly important for stay at home full-time parents. So how do we as an ummah and community change this predicament we find ourselves in? We can start by switching on the lights in the room and seeing our reality for what it really is. Let’s break this cycle and start the conversation We start by talking it more openly, the more uncomfortable the conversation is, the more it needs to be had. Financial literacy starts at home, 9 out of every 10 young Muslim adults, say that they get most their financial knowledge from their parents. However, when asking this same group of individuals about how many of their parents talked to them about finances, the answer was a worrying; ‘Not many, we learnt
by watching and picking things up’. The fault is not with our parents though, they more than likely didn’t get taught by our grandparents either. It is a generational issue we find ourselves in. So, what can we do about it as a community? I don’t know exactly, but it’s a conversation I want to have with you. What do you think? 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.
The essence of making money work for you Scenario 1
Moin Zaman What does ‘Make your money work for you’ mean? The rich and successful people put their money to work by investing. This was a habit my father taught us from a young age and it helped even more when both my father and Fahd’s were experienced in the field of Islamic Banking and investments. Our fathers told us that the average person, regardless of age, religion or ethnicity, do one of two things when they get paid; 1. They spend it 2. They save it in a savings account Thinking about this, one day, I asked my father, ‘Why should I bother saving? Shouldn’t I invest all my money? He said; ‘How can you learn to invest NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 180
Scenario 2
over time if you do not have the structure to save money, enough to cover 6 months of expenses. They both go hand in hand.’ He then explained to me, if all you do is save your money every month, your money hardly grows, in fact, your money loses value over time. ‘The trick is to save and invest you money, making it work over long periods, and the earlier you start investing the better’, he said. He then showed me some scenarios of what could be possible. I recall them clearly, even today, and more so from being in the process of experiencing it now with Fahd. Scenario 1 - over 28 years, $400,000 was grown to $486,000 at a rate of 1.3% p.a. He said; ‘Imagine, you decide, instead of investing $1200 every month, just to put all the money into a savings account, which pays a profit (wakala) rate of 1.3% p.a. (this imaginary islamic bank is being very generous). Let’s say you did that from when you
Scenario 3
turned 32, until you were 60. After 28 years, this is what your money would look like.’ Scenario 2 - over 28 years, $400,000 was grown to $1,042,000 at a rate of 6% p.a. ‘Now imagine, you chose to put $1200 every month into an ethical fund instead of researching and picking your own companies. The average fund returns is 6% p.a. If you did that till you were 60, this is how your money has worked for you.’ I said ‘That’s not bad at all!’, ‘Patience, my boy, we’re getting somewhere, I have one more scenario for you’, he replied. Scenario 3 - over 28 years, $400,000 was grown to $2,677,000 at a rate of 11% p.a. ‘Now let’s say you take the amount of $1,200 every month and do something that takes a little bit of learning and work, but it’s what only 5% of people do’ . invest the same amount of money and do what 95% of the population is not doing.’ ‘What is that?’, I asked eagerly. ‘You research and study companies that
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are halal and have the makings of good investment opportunities. You learn and go through the financials of these companies and invest in the best ones. You can expect an annual return of 11-15% p.a.’ ‘Want to see what a 11% growth looks like when your money has worked for you till you’re 60?’ Needless to say, I nodded with excitement. Goes to show, a little bit of effort consistently will reap the benefits. This is the core of what we try and teach at Tabarruk, our philosophy of making our money work for us to get the best returns, ethically.. 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.
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BOOMERANG 4-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 11
AUSTRALIA 12 - 13
Social Spotlights Swim Sisters Sisters Hand in Hand @SistersHandinHand We had the honour to visit Liba at her brand new kitchen a day before opening!! Liba’s Authentic African Cuisine is located in Thornlie Square, a few doors down from Spudshed and across from Woolworths. If you remember, Liba first featured in our Black lives Matter video, catered our recent Brunching On The Swan event and now is the first supporting business to feature one of our Bottle bins for our “Cents Drive” Her grand opening is tomorrow!! Come down and support this sister in business. Thank you Liba for joining with Sisters Hand in Hand. Remember all, drop your bottles in to donate to Sisters Hand in Hand
@swimsistersquad This bigger than life woman celebrated her 40th birthday with many of her swim sisters and loved ones on World Mental Health day. Az has been a ray of sunshine since she joined the Swim Sisters upon returning back to Australia at the MS24 hour swim last year. For her, swimming has been integral to her mental health recovery which is something she has been brave in sharing. In the Guardian piece Swim Sisters was featured (link in bio) this weekend, Az has shared the role swimming has played to improve her mental health. “In 2019, she was on a downward spiral after a series of tragic and challenging events that took place while she was living overseas. She returned to Australia for treatment and her doctor convinced her that exercise was as important as taking her medication.” “Swimming became more of a life force for me. It got me out of the house, got me into a routine. It wasn’t the reason why I have recovered since but it’s played a huge role.” We are so proud of you Az. Happy 40th birthday from your swim sisters. We look forward to seeing you accomplish your first ocean swim this year and take on surf life saver training She has embraced swimming and seeing the value of the group, has been a keen supporter of the group joining the volunteer led organising committee. We love you Az. Photo: @yas.nrl **If you’re experiencing mental health challenges, you’re not alone. Speak to your GP to set up a mental health plan, reach out for support and assistance.**
City of Canterbury Bankstown @ourcbcity Meet Hanan Dover, Director of Mission of Hope’s Hayat Line. A mindful listener, Hanan helps the Muslim community, and anyone in need, get through tough times with the free crisis line. Hanan told us, “It’s very difficult for people from diverse cultural backgrounds to seek out emotional help… a free and confidential crisis line makes it easier for them to open up to receive the support they need.” Hanan is the face of our next special edition of Keep Connected, out 28 October. Need help? Talk to someone. You’re never alone. Hayat Line: 1300 993 398 or missionofhope.org.au | Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au | Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au | Kids Helpline Official: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au | headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org. au | Black Dog Institute: 9382 4530 or blackdoginstitute.org.au | Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Jihad Dib MP @JihadDibLakemba Thank you to the team at Punchbowl Family Health Care for hosting a Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser and holding a raffle which will be announced at 1pm. All funds will go to breast cancer research. It is great to see our local businesses come together to support such a good cause. If you are in the area, head on over and support this wonderful cause. If you can’t make it today, they will be happy to accept donations whenever you are around.
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Brothers In Need @brothersinneed.org
IFAM Australia @IFAMAustralia #IFAM Rooty Hill, NSW Kids outdoor activity after completing 3rd term.
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We’re grateful to have Sr. Edita as our Project Manager lead in Brisbane. Every Tuesday and Saturday night you’ll find her assisting those in need, as well as coordinating both volunteer participation and sponsor partnerships for our programs. Thank you as always, Edita
ISSUE 180 / NOVEMBER 2020
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UMMAH 16 - 18
EDUCATION 19
TOP 6 Muslim Memes
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#SOCIAL
SOCIAL 22 - 23
SHARED SNAPS
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AMUST
TOP 7 Tweets #Khabib
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BOOMERANG 4-7
COMMUNITY 8 - 11
AUSTRALIA 12 - 13
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.
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. 24
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ISSUE 180 / NOVEMBER 2020
