LIFESTYLE 22 - 25
UMMAH 26 - 28
EDUCATION 29 - 30
COMMUNITY
SOCIAL 31
AMUST
Strong support for LMA Iftar 2023 John Mahoney Saturday 8 April saw the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) host some 300 guests at its annual Iftar at the Orion Function Centre in Campsie, Sydney. The guest list included the Consul-General of Lebanon, the Consul-General and Vice Consul of Turkey and many prominent politicians from the three levels of Australian Government including Federal Education Minister Jason Clare and recently appointed State Cabinet Ministers Sophie Cotsis (Industrial Relations) and Jihad Dib (Customer Service). The LMA also welcomed many of its partners, sponsors, members and staff and prominent religious, business, medical, educational and media figures.
It was very pleasing to see a strong rollup from many community organisations,
Celebrating multiculturalism: IPDC QLD Community Leader Iftar
Zerrin Afza On Friday 24 March 2023, the Springwood Tower Function Room was alive with energy as leaders from different communities gathered to break their fast at the IPDC QLD Community Leader Iftar event. The annual event, hosted by the Islamic Practice and Dawah Circle (IPDC), Queensland brought together leaders from different communities to share their perspectives on Ramadan and explore ways to promote multiculturalism and Australian values. Dr Akram Hossain, the Founding President of IPDC QLD and Chairman of the Australian Centre for Unity, inaugurated the event. The event was graced by John-Paul Langbroek MP, Member for Surfers Paradise and Shadow Minister for Seniors, Communities and Disability Services, and Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. Councillor Natalie Willcocks, Logan Deputy Mayor, and leaders from various faiths like Michael Wroe (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) and Sovannary Uk (Secretary, the Khemer Buddhist Society) also joined the program. Prominent community figure Beny Bol, OAM (President, QACC), and Councillors representing different divisions of Greater
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Brisbane also attended the event, along with Acting Assistant Commissioner Melissa Adams. All the guests spoke on various aspect of multiculturalism and Australian values during Ramadan. Dr Abed Majid, Secretary of the Islamic Medical Association of Queensland (IMAQ), shed light on the medical aspects of fasting during Ramadan. At the same time, Imran Price, President of the Brisbane Muslim Fellowship and Secretary of the Brisbane Islamic Centre, discussed Ramadan’s significance and community building’s importance. The event culminated with a speech by Mohammad Zahid Hossain, the IPDC QLD State President. The Iftar meal was delicious, and community leaders from different religions and ethnicities enjoyed the event together. The Community Leader Iftar event is an annual program that allows leaders from different communities to come together, share their perspectives on Ramadan, and explore ways to promote multiculturalism and Australian values. This year’s event was a huge success, thanks to the efforts of the IPDC QLD and the support of the community. Zerrin Afza is a doctoral student researching intergenerational patterns of Islamic knowledge transmission and religiosity in Queensland at the University of Queensland.
while the many high profile religious leaders at the gathering included LMA Lakemba Mosque’s Imam Sheikh Yehya Safi, Australia’s Grand Mufti Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed and ANIC president Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman. Sheikh Yehya spoke passionately about an LMA initiative of which he is justifiably proud, the introduction of the Al-Azhar Project, where full and part-time Shariah students have the unique opportunity to obtain an Azhari College degree through the branch of Azhar (Lebanon) and recognised by the iconic Al-Azhar University in Egypt. In the days leading up to the Iftar, the LMA issued a strongly worded media release in support of Palestine. And Association secretary Gamel Kheir doubled down on this statement at the Iftar – reiterating that the LMA stands with Palestine – and calling upon the Australian government to make a stand by denouncing Israel, its leaders and its army, in the hope that the rest of the world will follow. A graphic video of the recent brutal attacks on Muslim worshippers praying at the sacred Al-Aksa Mosque visibly moved many of the guests present. An earlier video presentation showcased the LMA’s many noteworthy achievements and milestones over the past 18 months, since the election of the current board of di-
rectors. These included the announcement by the board last July of the “LMA: Our Community, Our Future” project: a major upgrade of Lakemba Mosque and its grounds and the nearby Wangee Rd streetscape as well as the LMA Islamic Funeral Services and the four-storey LMA services building. The infrastructure repairs and upgrades of all its buildings are desperately needed by the LMA to support the capacity and delivery of its services. The community is being asked to assist with this project by way of donations, bearing in mind that the LMA didn’t request donations from the public to assist with any of its 2022 property purchases or any of its other recent major projects. A heart-warming sight at the Iftar was that of over 20 Mashaykh from not only Sydney but also interstate and overseas enjoying each other’s company at adjoining tables. The night ended on a superb note when the six-member Nasheed group Ahbab Al-Mustafa manned the stage and delivered some amazing Islamic poetry, accompanied by the beating of drums. John Mahoney is a Content Writer with over 30 years experience and is based in Sydney, Australia.
Virtual talk: Medical insights on Ramadan AMUST Media The Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) and the Islamic Medical Association of Queensland (IMAQ) organised a virtual health talk on Ramadan on 18-19 March 2023, featuring medical experts providing valuable insights on various health aspects related to fasting during Ramadan. On the first day of the event, “Let’s Talk Ramadan,” presented two expert speakers, Dr Fatima Ashrafi and Dr Omer Shareef. Dr Ashrafi discussed “Ramadan & Women’s Health,” covering topics such as breastfeeding, pregnancy, and fasting while having certain health conditions. Dr Shareef spoke about “Ramadan & Brain Health,” highlighting the effect of fasting on brain functioning and providing practical tips to manage mental health during Ramadan. Q&A sessions followed each presentation, allowing participants to ask questions and clarify their doubts. The second day continued with “Healthy Ramadan”, featuring Dr Seema Shah and Professor Usman Malabu. Dr Shah discussed “Gastrointestinal Health during Ramadan,” focusing on the importance of a healthy diet and monitoring gastrointestinal health during fasting.
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Professor Malabu shared his expertise on “Endocrine Management during Ramadan,” offering important health advice for diabetes patients. Attendees actively participated in the Q&A sessions following each presentation. The virtual format of the event made it more accessible to a wider audience, and attendees appreciated the informative talks and engagement with medical experts. The AIMA and IMAQ’s initiative were successful, providing valuable insights on maintaining a healthy lifestyle during Ramadan. Learn more about AIMA by visiting www. aimamed.com.au.
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