......a sometimes
self-deprecating and occasional tongue-in-cheek look at ourselves and
the world around us ......
Sunday, 12 April 2009
.Newsletter
0231
News you won't find on CNN!
The
Op-Shop Update
This week's news from the
Queensland Muslim Welfare
Shop.
When sorting out the
donations brought into the
shop, Wilma and
Janeth came across a very
colourful hand-knitted cap
with Ethiopia across the
front band.
It stood out so much so that
the two
decided that they would keep
it aside in the event
someone from Ethiopia came
into the shop.
Sure enough, on Thursday
afternoon, a very thin, tall
African gentleman came
through the doors.
As usual, Janeth's curiosity
got the better of her and
she asked the man which
country he had originated
from. It turned out to
be........yes, you
guessed........Ethiopia!
Wilma
Bothwell (left) show a
couple of visitors from
Manchester, England,
Barbara and Cassim Kola,
around the store .
She gave him a new
T-shirt which had just been
donated to the shop and
pulled out the cap from
under the counter.
He proudly placed it on his
head and was told that its
was a gift from shop and
left with a huge smile on
his face.
The shop had a successful
trading day on Good Friday
thanks to the Foodstore
which was one of the few
grocery shops opened on the
day. Many new faces visited
the store and the customers
were happy with the range of
goods for sale.
Saturday was another
pleasant and fulfilling day
for Wilma and Janeth.
A Samoan gentleman came into
the store and went straight
to the men's
Kurta (loose flowing
clothing) section, picked
out one and brought it to
the counter.
Janeth asked him what he was
using it for as it was a
traditional dress worn
mainly in Muslim countries.
The Samoan proudly informed
them that it was to be used
in their church service on a
person who was to be dressed
as Jesus on Easter Sunday.
"I wonder what the man from
Oman who donated the dress
to our store must make of
all this!" Janeth told CCN.
Not
Just For Laughs!
By
Raeesa Gutta
We’ve
all been emotionally moved by the images of the
devastation and destruction of the Palestinian people in
Gaza (aka Palestine). Yet, after we switch off our
computer screens, it often is a case of ‘out-of-sight,
out-of-mind’. Being sheltered by the media, means that
many of us don’t really know what is still going on in
Palestine today. No, the carnage has not abated, and
the perpetrators of this humanitarian tragedy are still
not being held accountable for the many war crimes they
have committed. The innocent, the unarmed, mothers and
children, the aged and the weak, are still being
targeted mercilessly, as the plan to wipe the
Palestinians out, out of their homeland, escalates with
the backup support of the world’s super-powers and
numerous wealthy global corporate conglomerates.
Most of us feel helpless in this
situation, for many reasons. However, the global voice
of justice, calling for the end to this modern-day
holocaust can only be heard by the world, if we all call
out in unison. A special presentation by Fair Go For
Palestine aimed at educating and explaining what can
be done to help this critical cause progress and gain
momentum, will be a main feature of the upcoming ‘Not
Just ForLaughs’ show, on the 1st
of May 2009.
The main aim of the show is to raise
funds to aid the victims of the war in Gaza, and to
raise public awareness about the reality of the
Palestinian–Israeli conflict. In addition, the show
aims to debunk many of the stereotypes and
misconceptions of Islam and Muslims, through satire. So
come along and be educated and entertained. Call 0405
230305 as seats are limited. (See the CCN dateclaimer
for the poster of this event)
Due to last week’s phenomenal response to
“Dine with the Stars” of the‘Not Just For Laughs’ show,
only 4 dinner tickets remain. Grab these today for a
discounted $200 each, a rare opportunity ideed!
Yah
Bacha: Disparity Among Children in Pakistan
Renowned Islamic Scholar to visit Brisbane
By Mustafa Kemal Omar
Habib
Umar bin Hafidh is a descendant of the Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh) and an erudite scholar and Da'ee.
Born in Tarim, Hadramaut in the Republic of Yemen,
Monday, the 4th of Muharram, 1383 AH (27/05/1963), he
was raised here and memorised the Quran at an early age.
Upon completion, the Sheikh went onto glean knowledge
from the most illustrious minds and hearts of his time
in Yemen as well as at the 2 great sanctuaries in the
Holy Land.
At a young age he received instruction in the sciences
of Sacred Islamic Law including: the Qur’an, Prophetic
Tradition (Hadith), Jurisprudence (Fiqh), Creed (Tawhid),
foundations of Sacred Law (Usul al-Fiqh), the various
disciplines of the Arabic language.
Amongst the scholars was his father, al-Habib Muhammad
bin Salim, the Mufti of Tarim. He began to teach and
invite to Allah when he was 15 years old, while
continuing to study and receive lessons.
The Sheikh will be in Brisbane for only ONE day on 5
May.
The Council of Imams Queensland (CIQ), in conjunction
Griffith Islamic Research Unit (GIRU) and the Islamic
Womens Association of Queensland (IWAQ), is currently
assisting the Sydney based organisers with planning the
activities for the Imam for the day.
Although yet to be confirmed, the Imam is scheduled to
be talking at Kuraby mosque after Esha on the
The
Queensland Young Volunteer Awards are now open for 2009!
Do
you know any proactive, young people whose volunteering
efforts make the world of difference within a community?
There are some outstanding young volunteers working out
there who bring passion and dedication to volunteering
and while they don’t expect it, they deserve recognition
for the great work they do.
The
Queensland Young Volunteer Awards are the perfect way to
reward and acknowledge the efforts of young volunteers
aged 12 to 25. In 2009, the Awards program will present
10 winners across five categories, with each winner
receiving $500 and a certificate of recognition.
If
you know an outstanding young volunteer, or a group of
young volunteers, who deserve acknowledgement and thanks
for their volunteering efforts, nominate them for one of
these prestigious awards today.
Nominations close on Wednesday, 10 June 2009.
For
further information or to access additional nomination
forms, visit
www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au
or phone 3224 5602.
Islam
gives me Peace : AR Rahman
"Islam
gives me peace" - In India’s
film world, people change
Muslim names to Hindu ones
to get success but, “in my
case it was just the
opposite from Dileep Kumar
to Allah Rakha Rahman — and
I’m very proud of it.” A R
Rahman says.
From a non-believer to a
worshipper; from polytheist
to monotheist; from Dileep
Kumar to Allah Rakha Rahman,
the famous music wizard has
come a long way. This
journey, he says, has
completely changed his
outlook toward life.
Rahman is well-known in
India. He revolutionized
Bollywood music, giving it a
new direction. But in Mina,
the man was spiritually
charged, relaxing in his
camp after Isha prayers,
remarkably very far from the
rhythm of success.
He said that in India’s film
world, people change Muslim
names to Hindu ones to get
success but, “in my case it
was just the opposite from
Dileep Kumar to Allah Rakha
Rahman — and I’m very proud
of it.”
Rahman’s music is
everywhere: in discotheques,
in malls, at wedding
parties, on satellite
channels, in taxis. He is a
celebrity in his own right.
His face adorns the cover of
every album he cuts.
Autograph hunters hound him
wherever he goes. A couple
of companies have tried to
lure him into product
endorsements, but he
refused, preferring to
distance himself from the
glare and the sometimes
self-indulgent afterglow of
fame.
MYServices Indoor Soccer Tournament: A good get together
By
Riyad Rahimullah, Muslim
Youth and Community
Development Officer for
Muslim Youth Services
A
decisive move at the MY
indoor soccer tournament .
On Sunday the 5th of April,
100 players from 14 teams
converged at Ozsports
Springwood to engage in
friendly competition.
Players came from all over
Brisbane and even the Gold
Coast.
Play began at 9am amid an
atmosphere of excitement.
Some games were very close.
We had a lot of talented
Muslim youth playing.
Damian Alexander, one of
the referees for the day
observed, “the skill level
on show was great. We were
impressed.”
After 10 rounds of excellent
and entertaining game play,
the following teams
qualified for the semi
finals: Somali Tigers, Saudi
White, Gold Coast United and
Saudi Green. It was a heated
match between the Somali
Tigers and Saudi white,
ending with a score of 7-8
in favour of the Saudi
Whites. Gold Coast united
put up a good fight, but
were defeated by the Saudi
Greens, 10-5. The riveting
final match between Saudi
White and Saudi Green
revealed the Saudi Greens as
the victor, 9-6.
Congratulations to the Saudi
Green team.
The day was really enjoyable
and the brotherhood shown
amongst players was really
something. Nabil Halawani,
player for the Saudi white
team said “even though it
was a competition, we really
felt like one brotherhood,
there was no hitting or
anything.”
Saudi
Green Team, tournament
winners, with event
coordinators Riyad
Rahimullah and Ahmed
Abou El-Yazid
Members of the Matchfixers
team said “It was well
organized, great food, games
were competitive but in good
spirits… we enjoyed the
day.”
Members of the Darra-Fiji
team said “It (the
tournament) was good, well
organized. People were
interacting with other
teams. It was good to get
together.”
Muslim Youth Services, the
sponsors and organizers of
this event would like to
thank all players for
participating and making it
a great day out.
Particular thanks must go to
Ahmed Abou El-Yazid,
Muslim Employment Worker for
ACCESS services inc, who
co-coordinated the day with
Riyad Rahimullah,
Muslim Youth and Community
Development Officer for
Muslim Youth Services.
Also, special thanks goes to
the volunteers from AMYN
(Australian Muslim Youth
Network), FAMSY
(Federation of Australian
Muslim Students’ and Youth),
and Crescents of Brisbane
whose help on the day was
invaluable.
Hear
and Say Drive
The
Hear and Say Centre is
currently raising funds
through their butterfly
appeal.
Buddhists, Muslims & Christians Wash the Feet of the
Homeless This Easter
This Easter, Sydney’s
homeless had their
feet washed just as Jesus
washed the feet of his
disciples.
"Each year I wash the feet
of the homeless at my Exodus
Foundation", said Rev.
Crews. "It is very humbling,
and especially at Easter it
makes the story of Jesus
very real.
Rev. Bill Crews was
joined by representatives of
the Buddhist and Islamic
faiths for this traditional
Christian feet-washing
ceremony held last Thursday.
"I have found the washing of
the feet on Maundy Thursday
is one of the most Holy
things I do", said Crews.
Buddhist monks, Lama
Ngawang Tenzin and
Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe,
joined in the feet
washing wearing traditional
dark red and orange robes.
Islamic author Irfan
Yusuf also washed the
feet of the homeless.
"We often have to cut socks
off the feet of the homeless
as their skin has almost
grown into their socks",
said Rev. Crews. "As I wash
their feet, the homeless
often tell me their life
stories. It’s a very moving
occasion and it always
deepens my relationship with
them."
the University of Queensland
will host a free public
forum on April 23, to
discuss the areas of
Queensland law that present
difficulties for Muslims
living in Queensland.
Organised by Dr Ann Black
from the TC Beirne School of
Law's Centre for Public,
International and
Comparative Law, the forum
will comprise of a panel of
local and interstate lawyers
and Muslim community leaders
who will share their
perspectives and reflect on
ways in which Muslims and
non-Muslim Australians can
harmonise both sets of laws.
The forum will focus on
family law; religious
practice and education;
inheritance; finance and
commerce; and adjustments
for refugee and migrants.
The forum arose from the
findings of a research
project funded by a LPITAF
(Legal Practitioner Interest
on Trust Accounts Fund)
Grant undertaken in 2007 and
2008.
As part of the project a
series of interviews was
conducted with Queensland
Imams, who are the Islamic
leaders and advisors to
their mosque communities.
The findings indicated that
whilst understanding of, and
compliance with, the
Australian legal system was
high, there were some areas
of law that, at times, did
present added difficulties
for Muslims.
The forum will take place on
Thursday 23 April between
11.30am and 1pm at UQ
Business School Downtown,
L17 Central Plaza One, 345
Queen Street, Brisbane.
Registration is free but
essential. To register,
please contact Ms Gill
Richardson on 3842 5818 or
g.richardson@qls.com.au.
Dr Black is a lecturer in
law at the TC Beirne School
of Law who researches and
lectures in the comparative
law areas of Islamic law and
also the law of the Asian
region.
Youth Peace Parliament Liaison and Administration
Officer
A position has become
available with the voluntary organisation the
“International Day of Peace Alliance Inc” (IDPA).
The organisation's
objective is to raise awareness and encourage
participation in the UN decreed International Day of
Peace, (21 September annually) at local, national
and international levels. The Youth Peace Parliament
(YPP) is a program created by the IDPA in 2006 and
with the increasing awareness of the day a contract
position for a Youth Peace Parliament Liaison and
Administration Officer is now available.
8th April 2009: US President
Barack Obama's efforts in Turkey
to repair the relationship
between Washington and Muslims
won praise in the Arab world on
Tuesday, more than seven years
after the 9/11 attacks.
"This is a first important step
towards lessening tensions that
have existed in recent years
between the Muslim world on the
one side and the United States
and the West on the other,"
Egypt's Foreign Minister Ahmed
Abul Gheit said.
He said Obama's initiative had
put the two sides "on the path
towards rebuilding bridges of
trust between the US and the
world's more than one billion
Muslims".
In a speech to the Turkish
parliament on Monday, Obama said
the United States "is not and
never will be at war with
Islam".
He also warned "you cannot put
out fire with flames", arguing
that brute force alone could not
defeat extremism, in implicit
criticism of his predecessor
George W Bush who went to war in
Iraq and Afghanistan.
Obama said US ties with the
Muslim world could not be simply
defined by opposition to
terrorism, decades into a US
struggle with extremism that was
sharpened by the September 11
attacks in 2001.
"We appreciate the new more
advanced position of the US
towards the Muslim world," Abul
Gheit told journalists in Cairo,
while urging action to also
advance the Middle East peace
process.
"The Arab-Israeli conflict and
the continuation of Israel's
occupation of Arab lands
constitutes a main cause of
tension in the world which feeds
extremist and terrorist forces,"
he warned.
'The
United States is not
and will never be at
war with Islam. We
will be respectful,
even when we do not
agree. And we will
convey our deep
appreciation for the
Islamic faith, which
has done so much
over so many
centuries to shape
the world, including
my own country. The
United States has
been enriched by
Muslim Americans.
Many other Americans
have Muslims in
their families, or
have lived in a
Muslim-majority
country. I know,
because I am one of
them.'
Spain ready to aid US rapprochement
with Muslim nations
Spain Tuesday announced that it was ready to help the US
in reaching out to Muslim countries that President
President Barack Obama announced in his speech to the
Turkish parliament Monday.
'The United States knows that Spain has the ability,
influence, understanding and experience (in the Muslim
countries) and, therefore, we're going to work in that
regard,' Spainsh Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos
said here Tuesday.
This was one of the issues that Obama and Spanish Prime
Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero discussed at their
meeting in Prague last Sunday, Moratinos told EFE.
Obama and Zapatero were 'on the same wavelength and
(there was) a very positive atmosphere' between the two
men, the Spanish minister said, adding that Spain and
the US 'are partners, friends and allies', and they want
to 'strengthen and intensify their relations'.
Regarding Obama's participation Monday at a reception in
honour of those invited to the Second Alliance of
Civilisations Forum, Moratinos said he was 'convinced'
that there is a rapprochement under way between
Washington and the initiative devised by Spain and
Turkey.
Now, a mobile application to alert
Muslims to prayer times
Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have
developed a religious application that alerts Muslim
mobile users when it's time to perform the five daily
prayers called salat.
The application known as Sun Dial is currently being
discussed this week at the human-computer interaction
conference, CHI, in Boston.
"We have to understand religion because it's such a
central part of peoples lives," said Susan Wyche,
doctoral candidate in the College of Computing and GVU
Center at Georgia Tech.
The researcher also highlighted the difference between
designing technological devices for religious use and
making devices for traditional use in office settings.
"Efficiency and productivity tend to be driving forces
when designing technology for offices, but these are not
as central when designing applications for the home or
religious settings. Why would you design a device that
makes someone pray faster?" said Susan.
She revealed that the reason why her team chose to focus
on Islam for their study was partially because of the
religion's popularity worldwide, and partially because
Muslims have historically used technology like compasses
and telescopes to help them determine the direction to
face during prayer.
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.
Q: Dear Kareema, you mentioned
Yoga last week but didn't really expand on it. Although
I know what it involves, could you please mention a few
poses and it's benefits?
A: The following are a few great poses
that are suitable for all fitness levels. If you're not
sure of any, be sure to look it up (try looking at some
pictures) to ensure correct posture / alignment.
Why each pose is good for you:
Child's Pose
This go-to rest pose opens hips and relieves low back
tightness.
Downward Facing Dog
Down-Dog is a top-notch upper body-strengthener. And as
an inversion (meaning your hips are higher than your
heart), it increases circulation.
Warrior III
This powerful pose will grant you long, lean, toned arms
and legs as well as firmer core.
Plank Pose
Plank is a simple but challenging way to build upper
body strength - it works all of the major muscles in
your arms, back, and core and requires only your
bodyweight.
Fierce Pose
This pose is injury insurance, strengthening quadriceps,
which provides stronger support around your knees,
making them less prone to injury. Fierce pose also
improves posture.
Tree Pose
On days when your mind feels scattered, practise this
pose to get centered.
Garland Pose
Boat a bulletproof core without straining your neck like
crunches do.
Bridge Pose
Bridge opens the chest and ribcage, deepening the breath
and with more oxygen you can reenergise the body.
Half Lord of the Fishes
This pose massages improves digestion and increase blood
flow in the low belly
All questions sent in are published here anonymously and
without any references to the author of the question.
KB's Culinary Corner
Butternut Soup
Ingredients
2 cups butternut, peeled and cubed
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 cup water
2 teaspoons aromat
1 cup cubed chicken fillets
1/4 cup pasta (alphabets, stars or rice
noodles)
1.5 litres boiling water 1 tablespoon butter
1 x 125ml fresh cream
1 green chilli, sliced
Chopped spring onions, to garnish
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled, grated
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
Method
1. Cook butternut in ½ cup
water until soft. Puree with remaining ½
half cup of water and set aside.
2. Braise green chilli, garlic and cumin in
butter. Add chicken, pepper and aromat and
cook until chicken is tender.
3. Add carrots, butternut and boiling water
and allow the soup to simmer for
approximately 10 mins. Lastly add pasta and
simmer further until pasta is done.
4. Stir in cream and heat through.
5. Garnish with chopped spring onions.
6. Serve hot with croutons.
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
Every morning
Jallalludin stepped onto his front porch, raised his
arms to the sky, and shouted: 'ALLAHU AKBAR!'
One day an atheist moved into the house next door.
He became irritated at Jallalludin.
Every morning he'd step onto his front porch after him
and yell: 'THERE IS NO GOD!'
Time passed with the two of them carrying on this way
every day.
One morning, in the middle of winter, Jallalludin
stepped onto his front porch and shouted: ALLAHU AKBAR!
Please Allah, I have no food and I am starving, provide
for me, oh Allah!
The next morning Jallalludin stepped out onto his porch
and there were two huge bags of groceries sitting there.
ALLAHU AKBAR!' he cried out. 'HE HAS PROVIDED GROCERIES
FOR ME!'
The atheist neighbour jumped out of the hedges and
shouted: 'THERE IS NO ALLAH; I BOUGHT THOSE GROCERIES!!'
Jallalludin threw his arms into the air and shouted:
ALLAHU AKBAR! HE HAS
PROVIDED ME WITH GROCERIES AND MADE SHAITAN THE DEVIL
PAY FOR THEM!'
University of Queensland,
323 Hawken Drive,
St. Lucia
Every Monday
Event: Weekly Learning Circle: Sharh
Riyad-us-Saliheen (An Explanation of
'Gardens of the Righteous'
Venue: Prayer Room, University of Queensland
Time: 6.45pm to 7.30pm
Every Friday
Subject:
Fiqh Made Easy
Venue:
Room E215 Building 1 (Forgan Smith),
University of Queensland
Time: 6.30pm to 7.35pm
Every Friday
Subject:
Tafseer al Qur'an (Explanation of the
Qur'an)
Venue: Room E215 Building 1 (Forgan Smith),
University of Queensland
Time: 7.45pm to 9pm
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.
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.
Habib
Umar bin Hafidh is a descendant of the Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh) and an erudite scholar and Da'ee. 
"Islam
gives me peace" - In India’s
film world, people change
Muslim names to Hindu ones
to get success but, “in my
case it was just the
opposite from Dileep Kumar
to Allah Rakha Rahman — and
I’m very proud of it.” A R
Rahman says. 
The
Hear and Say Centre is
currently raising funds
through their butterfly
appeal. 
Youth Peace Parliament Liaison and Administration
Officer
Catch
Crescents
Community News at
