......a sometimes
self-deprecating and occasional tongue-in-cheek look at ourselves and
the world around us ......
Sunday, 17 August 2008
.Newsletter
0197
News you won't find on CNN!
This week's CCN is kindly sponsored by
G.M.
Hair Design
Perfect
Planting Day
Mu'aadh makes his mark in
mulch
Yesterday morning
(Saturday), students and
teachers of the Islamic
College of Brisbane,
members of the Kuraby
Lions, the Islamic
Women's Association of
Queensland and
Crescents of Brisbane
helped plant hundreds of
trees in the Kuraby Council
easement at the corner of
Beenleigh and Warrigal
Roads.
Members of the Bulimba
Catchment Creek Committee
were on hand to help the
youngsters with the finer
points of planting supplying
all the trees, the
water-holding crystals and
fertilizers. Crescents of
Brisbane provided the
sausage sizzle and the
Kuraby Lions the
refreshments.
Queensland Hosts ANIC AGM
The
Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) held its Third
Annual General Assembly meeting on Sunday the
10th of August 2008 at the Darra Mosque in Brisbane,
Queensland.
Forty one
Imams representing all the states of Australia including
the Grand Mufti of Australia Imam Fehmi Naji El-Imam
and guests from the Queensland police services,
Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the
Brisbane City Council attended the opening ceremony.
ANIC President, Imam Abdul Moez Nafti, said,
“It’s gratifying to see many Imams from different
backgrounds
working together under one umbrella for the best
interest of the Muslim community and the wider
Australian community. This is possible due to the
relationship of trust among the member Imams and their
willingness to work towards common aims and goals”.
The Mufti of
Australia Imam Fehmi Naji El-Imam (pictured below
right) opened the meeting, in his address the Mufti
recalled the
humble beginnings of the first Australian Muslim
community organizations. He described the establishment
of the
Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) as “a great
step towards fully realizing the aspirations of the
Muslim
community of Australia”. He called upon the Imams to
work together and to fulfill their duties as a sacred
trust.
In his
introductory address Dr. Mohammed Abdalla from
Griffith University’s Islamic research Unit (GIRU) said,
“The Imams play a vital role in the shaping and making
of the Australian
Muslim Community, sustaining social inclusion policies
and keeping multi-culturalism strong. The Imams not only
lead prayers at mosques, but also teach their
communities how to relate the teachings of Islam to the
Australian context”.
He also
pointed out that there are 27 English speaking Imams in
the Council of Imams of Queensland (CIQ) representing
diverse ethnic communities.
Guest
speaker, Commissioner of Queensland Police Mr. Bob
Atkinson (APM), stated that “Queensland
Police
have maintained an excellent relationship with the
Muslim community in Queensland”. He congratulated the
Imams
council for its leadership and said, “We are very
grateful to the leaders of the Islamic community for
their courage and leadership”.
Mr. Garry
Page, Executive Director of Multicultural Affairs
Queensland and Inspector John Fox also addressed
the opening ceremony.
ANIC Executive Committee congratulated the Council of
Imams of Queensland (CIQ) for organizing this year’s
General assembly so well.
The General
Assembly elected a 15 member executive committee for a
two year term which includes the following office
bearing positions:
o President : Imam Abdul Moez Nafti (NSW)
o Vice President : Imam Imraan Husain (QLD)
o Secretary : Imam Shady Alsuleiman (NSW)
o Assistant Secretary : Imam Burhaan Mehtar (WA)
o Treasurer : Imam Yusuf Peer (QLD)
o Assistant Treasurer : Imam Mahmoud Omraan (WA)
o Media and Public Relations Officer : Imam Mohamad
Nawaz (VIC)
o Executive Committee Members :
Imam Naeim Habib (NSW)
Imam Amjad Iqbal (NSW)
Imam Abdulazim Afifi (VIC)
Imam Saeed Shah (VIC)
Imam Sabri Samson (TAS)
Imam Mohammad Swaiti (ACT)
Imam Amin Abou Samaha (SA)
Imam Adam Konda (NT)
CCN @
Facebook
Crescents
Community News (which will reach a new milestone
when its 200th uninterrupted issue will be published in
a few week's time) now has a presence on the social
networking site Facebook in keeping with the
times.
Please feel
free to post an entry on our Wall, start up a
Discussion thread and/or become a Fan.
Tennis
Ace in the Making
Zia Sabdia
(12), son of Rafik and Saadia
Sabdia, succeeded in becoming the Number Two tennis
player in the Metropolitan East State School Division.
One of 54
boys under 12 invited to try out for the Queensland
State Team, Zia attended a six day tournament held at
Longreach, Queensland.
This was
Zia's first try out in this competition and, despite the
clay surface not being his favourite, achieved a State
ranking of 26 for his age group and even scored a win
against the player ranked 10 in the State of Queensland.
However, only
7 boys were chosen for the State Squad and Zia just
missed out this time.
Well done
Zia! We'll be keeping a keen interest on your progress
over the years to come.
Interesting Islam!
Ms. Nora Amath was
invited to give a group of
students at the St Peters
Lutheran College in
Springfield a talk on Islam.
The following is the report
that the students submitted
to their teacher describing
what they had learnt:
Interesting Islam!
St Peters
Lutheran College – Springfield Year 8 World
Religions Unit
This term, the Year 8s at St
Peters Lutheran College – Springfield have
been researching different world religions.
As a part of our integrated SOSE and
Christian Studies Units, we studied both the
gods of ancient Egypt and one of the
predominant religions of modern Egypt –
Islam.
On Tuesday, 29 July, we were
privileged to have a guest speaker called
Nora Amath talk to us about Islam. She is
the Managing Director of the Australian
Muslim Advocates for the Rights of All
Humanity (AMARAH). Apart from this, Nora’s
day occupation is the Electorate Officer for
the Member of Stretton, Mr Stephen
Robertson, who is also the Minister of
Health for Queensland.
Nora spoke about the beliefs
of Islam and the ways in which Muslims
worship. In addition, she talked to us about
how Islam is a way of living – it is
integrated with every part of a Muslim’s
life. She explained that in some Islamic
countries, the religion also impacts on law
and economics.
The information that Nora
provided was very interesting and was
helpful in the lead up to our assessment. It
was enjoyable and educational to learn about
another world religion. Through Nora’s
speech and our studies, the Year 8s have
developed a greater understanding,
appreciation and tolerance of Islam.
By Sophie Moir and
Shaelyn Downing
Year 8 students
Medicine and Muslims: The Road Ahead
Sunnah Inspirations has
launched the "New Muslims
Support Group" to cater for
the needs of new Muslims in
Australia.
This is a three-part course
for new Muslims, covering
the following:
1) Introduction to
Ramadan & Fasting
Sunday, 31 August, 11am to
2pm
2) Learning &
Appreciating the Prayer
Sunday, 7 September, 11am to
2pm
3) Internal Happiness
through Islamic Beliefs
Sunday, 14 September, 11am
to 2pm
The venue is:
Building 1, Room E303
University of Queensland
St. Lucia
Medicine and Muslims: The Road Ahead
Khalid Baig
delivered a talk at the 28th
Annual convention of the
Islamic Medical Association
of South Africa in Durban on
6 July 2008.
He
covered the following topics
in his speech:
Rise of Medicine in the West
Western Medicine in Muslim
Countries
Differences Between Islamic
Medicine and Western
Medicine
MYServices
recently tracked down Youth Parliamentarian Member for
Springwood, Omar Issadeen, to find out what makes
this young leader tick.
MYServices: Thanks for agreeing to be interviewed,
please start by telling us a little about yourself.
Omar: I
was born in Botswana next to South Africa, lived there
most of my life and both my parents are from Sri Lanka.
I’m in QUT doing a degree in Civil Engineering which
insha’Allah I will be completing next year. I’m a sports
fanatic and strongly promote it, as Muslims we don’t go
to the pub or club, so sports are a great way to unwind.
I might be an Aussie but still love Chilli-lankan food,
which as you guessed is SPICY! Seafood is yum,
especially lobster!
Alhamdulillah I’ve had the
opportunity to travel to Europe, America, Middle East
and parts of Asia - it’s a great way to have an open
mind and learn tolerance, especially Hajj!! e-bay is a
recent hobby, and being with family, is the best
company ever!
MYServices: What
would you consider as your most significant achievements
to date?
Omar: All achievements
are from Allah and I was blessed to memorise the Quran
and turn away from a teen period that I’d rather not
have memories of. Not to expose myself I mention this
but rather to inspire others who are still stuck deep.
Take the first step away and your next will be into
heaven insha'Allah.
MYServices: What is
a little-known, random fact about you?
Omar: I still can’t
type without looking at the keyboard!
MYServices: Why and
how did you decide to get involved with YMCA Youth
Parliament? What does your role as a Youth Member for
Springwood entail?
Omar: I was forwarded
an email from Shaima Khan (who behind the scenes is
doing a lot! May Allah reward her!) encouraging Muslim
youth to apply for Youth Parliament. I looked up the
Youth Parliament website and filled out the entry form
and was accepted some weeks later. As Youth MP for
Springwood, I stand and speak for the youth there. This
I did at Parliament House in Brisbane, whilst debating
against the Government on immigration and the media.
MYServices: What does ‘being a leader’ mean to you?
Who is one Muslim leader in our Brisbane community that
you admire, and why?
Omar: A
leader is someone people recognise for his or her
virtue. Leaders are not those who spend hundreds of
millions of dollars so others think they are virtuous. I
admire Dr Mohammad Abdalla, he has been a source of
inspiration for me. He not only fits the description
above but has helped bridge the gap of misunderstanding
of Muslims created by the media.
MYServices: What is
your lifelong dream/s?
Omar: Ultimately to
enter Jannah with all the Muslims insha’Allah, but would
love to own a Ariel Atom 500 sports car, have heaps of
kids and insha’Allah to be the best representative of
Islam possible.
MYServices:
Pineapple or French fries?
Omar: Sri Lankan
pineapple.
MYServices: If you
had a magic wand, nothing was a problem, what are the
two things you would do for/about young Muslims in
Brisbane? Or for the community?
Omar: Firstly I’d like
to see all the young Muslims submit wholeheartedly to
Allah and be granted the honour and courage that was
bestowed to the Sahabah RA. Secondly, I’d like to see
laziness and obesity disappear.
MYServices: You are
about to be left stranded on a deserted island for a
long period of time, and only allowed to take three
items that already belong to you. What would they be?
Omar: My car, for
exploring and lodging. My wife, whoever she might be. My
phone, to get back home when I’m ready.
MYServices: Tell us
a short inspirational story or quote that means a lot to
you or that you can relate to.
MYServices: Thank you so much for your time, Omar.
We hope you will continue to inspire Muslim youth to
take advantage of the many leadership opportunities out
there. All the best with your future endeavours!
`Around
the Muslim World with CCN
Jury warned Muslim religion not on trial
A judge has warned a jury
the Muslim religion is not on trial as they hear the
case against a Sydney man accused of producing a Jihad
instruction book.
Justice Megan Latham told the NSW Supreme Court jurors
they should not jump to the conclusion Belal Saadallah
Khazaal was guilty on the basis of his clothing,
language or religion.
"The Muslim religion is not on trial here, ladies and
gentlemen," she said on Monday, directing them to keep
an open mind and to consider all the evidence.
Khazaal has pleaded not guilty to knowingly making a
document connected with assistance in a terrorist act
and to attempting to incite the commission of a
terrorist act.
Indian Muslims on Haj promote global goodwill:
Government
New Delhi
: The government has
told the Supreme Court
that Indian Muslims
performing Haj promote
international goodwill
and understanding.
The government stated
this in an affidavit to
the bench of Justice R.V.
Raveendran and Justice
L.S. Panta, which Monday
admitted for regular and
elaborate hearing a
lawsuit by former
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
MP Praful Goradia
opposing the grant of
subsidy to Haj pilgrims.
The lawsuit also
questioned the
constitutional validity
of the law providing for
budgetary allocation for
annual financial
assistance to Muslims
performing the Haj.
The government defended
the financial assistance
to such pilgrims saying:
"The Haj pilgrimage has
certain foreign
relations and foreign
policy aspects. It is
important to note that
the Haj is taking place
in a foreign country,
Saudi Arabia, which is
an Islamic country."
"India has one of the
largest Muslim
populations in the
world, next only to
Indonesia, and
friendship and better
relations within the
comity of nations,
including Arab
countries, is an aspect
of international
relations and foreign
policy," the government
said.
"Taking into account
various factors, which
go into promoting better
relations, the
government has thought
it fit that Muslim
brothers from weaker
sections too get the
advantage of performing
the Haj," said the
government.
"Moreover, Indian
Muslims performing the
Haj promote
international goodwill
and understanding," it
said in its affidavit.
Opposing Goradia's plea
to scarp the Haj
subsidy, the government
said: "It is important
to note that the amount
of subsidy is allocated
in the Union Budget. The
court ought not
interfere with budgetary
allocation made by
Parliament after due
consideration of all
relevant issues."
Britain's first Sharia-compliant insurance firm launched
LONDON:
Britain's first Sharia-compliant
insurance company was
launched Monday,
offering motoring
policies in line with
the Islamic legal code.
Salaam Halal insurance
uses Takaful principles,
whereby the risk is
spread between all
policy holders. In
contrast, conventional
insurance policies shift
the risk from the policy
holder to the insurance
firm.
People taking out a
policy with Salaam Halal
pay contributions into a
pool, with that money
then put into Sharia-compliant
investments -- avoiding
companies that are
involved in alcohol or
pay interest.
The central pool of
funds is used to pay any
claims that arise, and
at the end of the year,
if the pool is
over-funded, the excess
will be distributed back
to policyholders through
a discount on their next
premium.
............and now a word from this week's CCN
sponsor..... G.M. Hair Design
Mention CCN to Farah and it might stand you in good
stead for a discount!
The CCN
Readers' Book Club:
You are what you read!
This week
CCN
recommends
Muslim Women And Sports
in the Malay World: The Crossroads of Modernity And
Faith
by
Wirdati Mohammad Radzi
Muslimah
(Muslim women) have long been and continue to be an
enigma not only outside of Muslim society but also
within—despite the radical differences between these two
perspectives. What Muslimah can (and cannot) do, and
what they want (and do not want) remain topics of great
interest and debate to Muslims and non-Muslims, women
and men, as well as scholars and the general public
alike.
One of the most
controversial issues currently being discussed in
Southeast Asian societies is that of Muslimah and their
involvement in sports. Despite widespread interest in
this topic virtually no research has been done, even
though there is an increasing body of literature on
Muslim women in general, and their participation in
sports.
Most of the research that
has been done, furthermore, concerns the Middle East
(particularly Egypt, Turkey, and Iran) rather than
Southeast Asia. The majority of the work also comes from
researchers who are on the one hand critical of, or on
the other, sympathetic towards, the issue.
This study differs from
previous work in a number of important ways. First, it
is written specifically about Malay Muslimah and sports
in Southeast Asia. Second, it is written from the
perspective of a practicing Malay Muslimah. Finally, it
takes a neutral stance on the issue of Malay Muslim
women’s participation in sports, and focuses on
illustrating their diverse experiences as competitive
athletes.
As Muslimah have become
more visible in the various “modern” public spheres of
Muslim communities, their experiences represent a unique
interface between Islam and modernity. This study, in
which “modernity” is manifested in the form of modern,
elite competitive sports, poses two questions: how
has Western modernity affected the Muslim community, and
how has the Muslim community reacted to Western
modernity?
Look for this book on our book
shelf
Would you like to see the cover of
your favourite book on our book shelves below?
Using the book
club you can see what books fellow CCN
readers have on their shelves, what they are
reading and even what they, and others,
think of them.
All questions sent in are published here anonymously and
without any references to the author of the question.
The Inbox
Dear Editor
Could you please
publish the following good wishes to our daughter:
To our beloved
Ameera, happy birthday.
Twenty one years
ago today you were born at 9.15 pm and ever since
you have brought joy and laughter to everyone you
have touched.
Allah bless you
with everything good in this world, this day and
everyday of your life.
Lots of love Mum &
Dad
KB's Culinary Corner
Chicken Satay
Ingredients
500g Chicken fillet
1 cup coriander leaves chopped
1 tsp crushed garlic
1 tsp ground green chilies
½ tsp salt
½ tsp coarse black pepper
1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
4 Tab lemon juice
4 Tab tamarind juice
1½ tsp crushed cumin
1 tsp crushed coriander
Method
1. Cut chicken into 6cm x11cm strips
2. Process coriander leaves, spices, sauces,
lemon juice and tamarind juice.
3. Pour into bowl and add coriander and
cumin
4. Mix well and add chicken strips and
marinate for 2-3 hours.
5. Skewer chicken, concertina style and cook
on a non stick frying pan or barbeque.
6. Serve with Satay Sauce.
Satay Sauce
½ x100g bottle of Peanut butter
1 tsp tamarind concentrate
½ cup lemon juice
2 tsp ground green chillies
Mix the above ingredients and cook the
mixture for 2 to 3 minutes adding salt to
taste, cool and serve.
Do you have a recipe
to share with CCN readers?
Send in your favourite recipe to
ccn@crescentsofbrisbane.org and be our "guest chef" for
the week.
The CCN Chuckle
Mula Nasruddin was
at a trustees’ meeting of his local Mosque and during a
heated debate exploded in mid-session and began to
shout, "Half of this committee is made up of cowards and
corrupt trustees!"
All the other trustees demanded that Mula Nasruddin
withdraw his statement, or be removed from the remainder
of the meeting.
After a long pause, Mula Nasruddin acquiesced. "OK," he
said, "I withdraw what I said. Half of this committee is
NOT made up of cowards and corrupt trustees!"
Venue:
Room S201,
University of Queensland, 323 Hawken Drive,
St. Lucia
Contact: 0421 731 797
Time: 6.45pm to 9.00pm
Sunnah Inspirations is a
non-profit organisation to cater for Muslim
social support and supplying information to
Muslims and non-Muslims. They have
been doing various activities around
Australia, and have organised Da'wah
information stalls at various universities
in Brisbane. More info can be found on
their website above.
Write For Us
The
best ideas and the best feedback come from our community
of readers. If you have a topic or opinion that you want
to write about or want seen covered or any news item
that you think might be of benefit to the Crescents
Community please e-mail
Share
your thoughts, feelings and ambitions for our community
through CCN.
If
there is someone you know who would like to subscribe to
CCN please encourage them to send an e-mail to
ccn@crescentsofbrisbane.org with the words
“Subscribe Me” in the subject line.
Disclaimer
Articles and opinions appearing in this newsletter do
not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Crescents of
Brisbane Team, CCN, its Editor or its Sponsors,
particularly if they eventually turn out to be libelous,
unfounded, objectionable, obnoxious, offensive,
slanderous and/or downright distasteful.
It is the usual policy of CCN to include
from time to time, notices of events that some readers
may find interesting or relevant. Such notices are often
posted as received. Including such messages or providing
the details of such events does not necessarily imply
endorsement of the contents of these events by either
CCN or Crescents of Brisbane Inc.
The
Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) held its Third
Annual General Assembly meeting on Sunday the
tralian
Muslim Community, sustaining social inclusion policies
and keeping multi-culturalism strong. The Imams not only
lead prayers at mosques, but also teach their
communities how to relate the teachings of Islam to the
Australian context”. 
Crescents
Community News (which will reach a new milestone
when its 200th uninterrupted issue will be published in
a few week's time) now has a presence on the social
networking site Facebook in keeping with the
times.
Rise of Medicine in the West
