Dear Editor   The weekly bulletin from CCN includes a good blend of local Queensland, National as well as international issues that interest Muslims.   The inclusion of humour, culinary delight, and exercise makes for a well rounded start to the week for most readers.   From the perspective of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, such initiatives as the weekly CCN bulletin and similar makes the Australian Muslims now much more savvy and able to articulate our interests more widely.   And now employing twitter and similar gives the ability to many more to engage with the greater Muslim community and having links to the web sites of different organisations is very inclusive.   From AFIC's perspective, we give full marks to the CCN team of dedicated volunteers and hope that they continue with this valuable work into the future so that in years to come we will celebrate 25 years and more of their bulletins.   To imagine that Mulla Nasruddin will be entertaining us and our future generations can only be a welcome relief to our fast lives.   Congratulations on reaching 250 issues and all the best for the next 25,000.   Ikebal Patel President Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC)	Dear Editor-in-Chief   CCN is a  wonderful independent publication that I always enjoy reading.    I have to read, listen and watch a lot of media in this job and there is almost no other publication that I can say that about.   My office and I religiously (or should that be assiduously) read CCN each week.    I find it a delicious mix of important news and views, debate, announcements, notices, community events, nutritional advice, gossip, and, most importantly, humour.   All of us are nourished, defined and confined by our roots.  And as a politician I am acutely aware of the constraints that come with my upbringing in the “white-bread” west of Queensland – particularly when it comes to representing one of the most multicultural electorates in Australia.    Therefore, my weekly dose of CCN is invaluable in helping me keep in touch with the wonderful people on the south side who elected me.   Muslim Australia all too often has a spotlight put on it – usually by idiots, the ignorant, the uneducated or racists.    I will always do my best to support and defend Australian Muslims – even those who do not live in the electorate of Moreton.  I will continue to do so– not only because I have been befriended and welcomed into the homes of many of your readership – but because it is the right thing to do!   Regards Graham Perrett, MP Ferderal Member for Moreton   P.S. Anybody who has heard me speak locally will know that CCN is the source of all my best (and cleanest Editor's insertion) jokes
Dear Editor   I have been an avid reader of CCN since I was introduced to this publication over a year ago.  The range of information it contains never ceases to amaze me.  There is something for everyone from current events, social gatherings, networking function, topics for debates,  announcement, health issues,  recipes, fashion,  advertisements,  and many more.   CCN plays a role in our culturally diverse society.    For the many people who do not know or understand our fellow Australians who are from a Muslim background,  this publication will open your eyes to many things that they are  not aware of.    Most of us tend to judge others from what we read in the newspapers or see on television.    The information available from CCN may not be the sensational ones we are given by the media  but taken collectively they present a picture of a peaceful, happy, family and community oriented members of the Australian society.    Having CCN is a very effective means of engaging with the community and CCN truly has earned its place in creating a harmonious society.    Agnes M. Whiten OAM Chairperson Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland	Dear CCN   On behalf of the Muslim Business Network, I wish to congratulate you and all the others involved with CCN on the milestone of reaching the 250th issue of the CCN Newsletter.   CCN has played and continues to play a major role in keeping the Muslim community up to date with local, national and international news and events which are of interest to CCN's thousands of readers.   I wish to take this opportunity to thank CCN for its support of MBN and for attending and covering our events in CCN and wish you well for the future, Insha-Allah.   Ramadan Mubarak to you and all Muslim Brothers and Sisters who read and support CCN.   Wassalam,   Shummis Rane & MBN Executive
Dear Editor The success of good restaurants depends on the combination of several factors amongst which are a stirring menu, relaxed ambience, swift service, attention to detail, passion of the chef and consistency. So what has a newsletter got to do with the restaurant? The principles are the same and it comes as no surprise that the CCN news has reached its two hundred and fiftieth issue, Alhamdulillah! Like the successful restaurant, CCN news continues to dish out a buffet of news bites to satisfy most palates week after week with attention to detail that keeps readers like me connected to the trial and tribulations of our Down Under families and friends. Congratulation to CCN on reaching the milestone of this 250th issue. May Allah (SWT) accept the efforts and may the passion of the CCN Team continue burning brightly, Aameen EBI Lockhat South Africa	As salaam o’alaikum Dear CCN Team   I take this opportunity to express my humble opinion on this remarkable milestone of CCN reaching its 250th publication.   One can only imagine the time and effort involved in putting together a weekly “not to be missed” edition and all thanks and praise is to Allah swt for giving the CCN team the energy and drive to ensure that deadlines are met timeously.   On behalf of the Islamic Society of Gold Coast Inc I congratulate the CCN team on this fantastic achievement.    Your weekly issues have given us a sense of belonging to the broader community of Muslims and it has been an excellent tool for us to promote the activities that take place in Gold Coast as well.   On a personal level, CCN has helped to fill a certain void in my life.  Back in South Africa  it was a regular habit to wait for the Sunday Tribune and the Sunday Times to be delivered and the rest of the morning was spent lying around reading the Sunday papers before heading off to the once famous Curries Fountain to see and support non racial football.    Those were the days…….   Now it’s getting up and heading for the computer to get the latest issue of ………..CCN.   Well done and keep up the great work!!!!   Habib Jamal Islamic Society of Gold Coast Inc.
Dear Editor Congratulations to CCN on reaching your 250th edition of an online resource which keeps the finger on the pulse of the issues relating to the Muslim community, both locally here in Queensland and more broadly at a national and international level.   CCN doesn’t just celebrate local successes and events (for which there are many), but also provides humorous and very informative articles along with facilitating debate on a range of issues that creates positive dialogue that at times also involves the wider community.   As the member of the Queensland Parliament with a large constitute from the Islamic faith, I know first hand the wonderful social, cultural and economic contributions that the Muslim community has provided to Queensland society over many years.   May I wish CCN all the very best for the many years ahead in what is an excellent online publication.   Regards Stephen Robertson MP Member for Stretton Minister for Natural Resources, Mines & Energy and Minister for Trade	Congratulations on your 250th edition OF CCN, well done! What a great achievement!   I eagerly await the transmission of the CCN newsletter each Sunday morning.  From it I can read about the achievements of members of the local Muslim community, find information about upcoming events within our community, have a chuckle over the latest comic strip, and find the latest cooking recipe and health hints.  Also I can read the news from around the Muslim world and find out about good books to read.   CCN is easy to read and is always on time. The CCN Team is to be congratulated on the end product and thanked for the many hours employed in producing this informative and appealing newsletter.   The CCN has played a vital role in informing the community of the formation of and work of the Queensland Muslim Welfare Association Inc. It has helped us appeal to the community for donation of goods to stock our shop and to help furnish the homes of those who were in urgent need. It has also informed the community of our success in acting when we were called upon.   CCN is a vital link for Muslims to contact and inform, appeal to and respond to  each other.   The committee and welfare recipients of the Queensland Muslim Welfare Association Inc. offer congratulations on the 250th edition and extend our sincere thanks for the time taken to include our segment in your newsletter, which has been at no cost to our organisation, yet it has reaped rewards for those in need and those who have donated goods.   Janeth Deen (President QMWA Inc)
"The CCN is like a good cup of coffee... every time I read the new issue I get energized!" Also, on behalf of Sunnah Inspirations, I would like to sincerely thank you for your assistance and cooperation in advertising the various events organised by Sunnah Inspirations. Best wishes to the whole CCN team, Wassalaam Ismail Mohamed	As Salaam Alaikom from Cape Town   We enjoyed the latest issue of CCN .   Mubarak on your 250th issue and  Insha Allah may you go from strength to strength with your objective and informative publications.   Ramadan Mubarak to all and may The Almighty Allah satisfy all your hearts desires Insha Allah.   Abubaker and Noorjaha Amien
Assalammualaikum If you talk to the Muslims of the other Australian states on the topic of  services for the Muslim community, they might express a sense of envy (in the good sense) because we might be a little ahead of the rest.   May Allah assist your efforts Umar Batchelor Federation of Australian Muslim Students and Youth (FAMSY)	Dear CCN   Ramadan mubarak to all - 500 coming up soon - keep up the great work.   Salaams   Nazir Choonara Manchester, UK
Dear Editor   On behalf of Multicultural Affairs Queensland, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate CCN on the wonderful achievement in reaching the 250th edition.   CCN has proved to be both very informative and interesting in the diversity of issues and events covered which also highlights the positive contribution that Queensland’s Muslim community has made to the social and cultural fabric of our society here in Queensland.   Kind Regards Garry Page Executive Director Multicultural Affairs Queensland Department of Communities	Dear CCN Team   Alhamdolillah, you have reached a significant milestone of the 250th. Edition.   The CCN is a very informative newsletter, coming out weekly, and providing for the much anticipated Sunday morning ritual.   The content is diverse, catering for every taste, for every age bracket, and for those wishing to gain a better insight into the Muslim Community of Brisbane   The wide variety of subjects, the entertainment, the current affairs, and the community news, are all widely researched and printed for community needs.   The CCN has filled a void that has lingered within the local Muslim community.   I know for a fact that it is widely read out there in the general community, by Muslims, and by well wishers of the Muslim community.   I pray to Almighty Allah SWT, to continue to help you to produce such a newsletter, for all to enjoy.   Wasalam Hj. Sultan M. Deen
Dear CCN   With our Theological Director, Moulana Navlakhi having visited you and the number of enquiries received from the SANHA link published on your newsletter weekly, we are a witness to your crusade in nurturing good community relations.   That the CCN newsletter has been delivered to several thousand computers every week without a break for two hundred and fifty weeks is testimony to this.   We offer our duas for the continuing success of the CCN for years to come, Aameen.   South African National Halaal Authority	Assalaamu alaykum   On behalf of the Lions Club of Kuraby I wish to congratulate CNN on the significant milestone in reaching the 250th edition, a wonderful display of commitment by providing a source of information and entertainment to the community via your weekly newsletter.   CCN is viewed with great interest among members of the local community, not least for the coverage of events and projects that assist others less fortunate. May I also take this opportunity to wish all your Muslim readers a rewarding and spiritually fulfilling month in this the holy month of Ramadan, inshallah. Regards David Forde President Lions Club of Kuraby
To the CCN Team   The AMARAH team would like to wish all CCN volunteers and readers Ramadhan Mubarak.   We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate CCN on reaching its 250th issue.   As Queensland’s only weekly newsletter, CCN is such an important resource for our community.   Indeed, many of us cannot imagine a Sunday without CCN in our inbox. Where else would we get our news about what is happening in the Muslim community (local, national and international) written in such a witty and insightful manner?   The AMARAH team would especially like to thank CCN for the support it has shown to our organisation in promoting and supporting our events and causes. We are able to reach many more in the Muslim and the wider communities because of your existence!   Again, congratulations CCN on reaching this impressive milestone, and we look forward to reading the 500th issue!   Nora Amath AMARAH	Dear CCN   On behalf of Alnisa Youth Group Inc, we would like to congratulate CCN on its tremendous achievement to date.   Mash'Allah CCN has assisted Al-Nisa Youth Group by allowing us to advertise all our events as well as any articles we have wanted to publish to the wider community. We would like to thank CCN for its support over the years, and would not have been able to be as successful without your help via a means for us to advertise to the wider community.   May Allah SWT reward those who are behind the scenes of CCN.. we all look forward to our Sunday dose of the newsletter and to see what is happening in our community. Again, thank you for everything, and we look forward to many more newsletters to come Insh'Allah.   Ramadan Mubarak to you all :) Aliyah Deen President Alnisa Youth Group Inc.
Dear Editor, Salam.   Ramadan Kareem to you and your readers.  I have been regularly receiving, and reading, your publication on Sundays. Thank you very much for sending me the publication with many valuable information, particularly issues related to the Muslim community, in and around Brisbane, which is often ignored by mainstream media.   Your publications keeps the readers abreast on the latest happenings in the community and various events that impacts on us.   I didn't agree on everything you published, but I communicated to you when I had any different opinion on some the contents of the publication. You treated them very professionally.   The community event calendar and forecasted dates for Islamic calendar have been useful to many readers.   I thank you and your team for including some stories from the Islamic Society of Toowoomba Inc and about my professional activities.  I could imagine how much time and efforts it take to maintain a regular commitment of this nature.   You have done, and I believe you will continue to do so, if not better.   I wish you and your publication a bright future.   Shahjahan Khan, PhD President, Islamic Countries Society of Statistical Sciences Department of Mathematics & Computin University of Southern Queensland

Iqbal Lambat has compiled a series of articles to assist CCN readers with maximizing their benefits during the month of Ramadan.

The second in the series of articles summarizes accepted practice on fasting as codified by the Quran and Ahadith and interpreted/analysed by leading Islamic scholars and academics across the globe. The articles contain basic practical advice on all aspects on fasting.

The articles are arranged as follows:

·         Introduction – provides a classical outline of Quran and Ahadith pronouncements on fasting and the benefits/rewards for those who fast

·         Who should fast and who is exempt from fasting – provides practical guidance for those exempt from fasting – travellers, ill persons and menstruating women

·         How to commence and break a fast – contains advice on the conduct, content and timing of your intention to fast (niyyat), suhur (sehri) and iftar

·         What breaks a fast – provides practical guidance supported by classical references to the Quran and Ahadith and leading global scholars on the circumstances that either break or do not break a fast

·         Sexual relations in Ramadan – dispels a number of myths on what acts can and cannot be performed in Ramadan. Contains coverage on sexual acts, wet dreams and interpretation of the Prophet’s (PBUH) comments on kissing and cuddling your spouse.

·         What to do when fasts are broken or missed – outlines the rules pertaining to those who deliberately break a fast and those who are exempt from fasting

·         Miscellaneous provisions – covers the contentious topic of whether studying/working can gain exemption from fasting

Next Week 3: Zakat part 1 – the laws of zakat

Previous Week 1: Ramadan the month – what to do, what to pray and how to welcome Ramadan

WIN A BRAND NEW LAPTOP AND ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF TAFSEER IBN KATHEER

Just answer 60 Questions correctly to be the Quizmaster of 1430.


CONDITIONS
1st Prize – brand new laptop & 10 Volume English translation of Tafseer ibn Katheer.
2nd prize –10 Vol. English translation of Tafseer ibn Katheer & 9 Vol. English translation of Sahih Bukhari
3rd prize – 10 Volume English Translation of Tafseer ibn Katheer.

* Quiz is open to all Australians.
* 1 entry from each address only.
* Total of 60 questions only
* All questions will be released on Monday August 24.
 

Quiz will cover Quran, Sunnah, Biography and History.
 

Answers can be submitted between the 7th – 13th of September. No answers will be accepted after 13th September.
* All answers must be submitted in one submission. Multiple submissions will be rejected.
* To qualify for prize please ensure that all questions are answered.


Start date – 24th August, 2009; End date 13th September, 2009

Queensland Muslims

Muslim Leader Decries Erosion of Religious Liberties in Australia, calls for Charter of Rights

Dr Ameer Ali says government must pass a Charter of Rights to protect religious freedom

Dr Ameer Ali, former head of the Howard Government’s Muslim advisory group and a leading Islamic scholar, has called upon the Federal Government to pass a strong Charter (or Bill) of Rights to thwart real threats to religious freedom in Australia. Speaking to organisers of a forthcoming conference on the subject of a Charter of Rights, Dr Ali said such a charter was essential not only to save religious groups from vilification but also to strengthen our democracy.

“Muslims and members of other faiths are seeing their liberties corralled and restricted,” said Dr Ali. “For example, the freedom that religious schools have to choose their teachers on the basis of their adherence to a particular faith is under severe threat.”

Dr Ali, who is a visiting fellow at Murdoch University Business School and former president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, said Australia is suffering because it does not have a Charter of Rights that clearly sets out individuals’ rights as well as obligations.

Westender

Looking for a Mosque or mussalla in some part of the world or an Islamic school, a halal restaurant or butcher, or even an international grocer then www.halalmaps.com might be just the place to find it.

You can also add your own link to the map.

The ARC 'Across the Gulf Exhibition' open on the 4th of September. The Exhibition runs from the 5th till the 27th of September, as part of the Brisbane Arc Biennial 09.

There is a forum at 10:00am the 5th of September, where international guests will be speaking about their personal art practice and the project.

There are group tours running from the 5th till the 27th twice a day starting at 1:00-2:00pm and 4:00-5:00pm and evening tours twice a week from 5:30-6:30.

Tours outside of gallery hours can be arranged on request.

Gallery times are 12:30-6:30pm.
 

RSVP to mariam@artworkers.org

AFIC Media release

During the holy month of Ramadan, Fast Break Dinners (Iftars) will be organized through out Australia by many Muslim families, Islamic
organisations, Islamic Schools, mosques, members of the Diplomatic missions and different Government organisations, Universities and
Interfaith bodies.
 

The President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Mr Ikebal Patel encourages the Australian non Muslim community to attend and take active part in these Iftars and share in the spirit of Ramadan with our fellow Australians who are Muslims. And similarly, Mr Patel urges the Australian Muslims to be much more welcoming during this years Ramadan by opening their homes so that the experience of Ramadan Iftar can be shared as widely as possible.
 

These events can also be used as a forum for Muslim leaders to inform the guests from the wider community of the religious beliefs and practices of Islam. "The Iftar dinner will also be an opportunity to renew old friendships and to make new acquaintances." said Mr Patel
 

Mr Patel added that the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils encourages the Muslim Community to use the month of Ramadan to actively show case one of the pillars of Islam thorough acts of charity, sharing and caring within the community: "We believe that these strong relationships will be of mutual benefit to all Australians and together we will be able to set the foundations of a truly harmonious nation that exemplifies the term 'pluralistic society'".

AFIC Ramadan Message

By Laura El Alam, IFN Columnist
 

Please wear proper safety equipment upon entering the masjid

Imagine this scenario: There is a group of young children. Many of them have not eaten anything all day; however, one hour ago, they bolted down two chicken kebabs and a few tablespoons of rice, chased by three cans of Coke, two syrup-soaked ethnic pastries and eight miniature Snickers. Right around their regularly scheduled bedtime, these sugar-saturated children have been herded into a huge hall with about 100 other youngsters.

There is little to no adult supervision, because all the grown-ups are too busy. What would you call this situation? Chaos? Madness?

Go ahead and call it by its name: Taraweeh prayers at the local masjid.

I have heard brothers and sisters from nearly every masjid complain about the same issues during Ramadan.
Our taraweeh prayers are continuously disturbed by uncontrolled children running amok.

Even the mosques that are organized and generous enough to offer babysitting seem to be thwarted somehow by unsupervised children who weave in and out of rows of praying people, cavort in dark parking lots, scream, squirm, squeal and crash into prostrating people with their Razor Scooters.

That last example is, unfortunately, not a figment of my imagination.

Apparently, Razor Scooters were last year’s must-have accessory for children attending taraweeh prayers in the outdoor musallah of a local masjid.

Perhaps this year their parents will let them bring badminton equipment, a trampoline, or maybe a few Frisbees for their enjoyment. After all, we wouldn’t want our children to get bored during prayer.

In fact, I can see that many parents are bored with those “annoying” suggestions that everyone keeps making during Ramadan, like having spouses take turns praying at the masjid so their children can get a good night’s sleep.

Or the crazy idea of keeping our children right next to us during prayer – clearly impossible. And to suggest that someone break their prayer or even – gasp! – leave the masjid and pray at home when their children get out of hand?! No way!

The people have spoken, and they are clearly saying, “Let the masjid volunteers skip their sunnah prayers and attempt to supervise our children all night long so we can rack up our rewards!”

Given the prevailing laissez-faire attitude toward parenting during taraweeh prayers, I feel compelled to suggest the following ideas for Ramadan this year:

1. Each mosque can set up a giant inflatable bouncer right in the middle of the prayer hall. Anyone who wants to pray taraweeh can squeeze in around the bouncer and do his/her best to hear the Qur’an over the loudspeaker. The mosques can start advertising these events as “Taraweeh Fun Nights.”

2. At the entrance of the masjid, volunteers will hand out helmets and pads for adults to wear during prayer. That way, when we get trampled by children or crashed by Razor Scooters, it will not hurt quite as much.

3. Children will all be equipped with glow-in-the-dark wristbands so that when their parents let them play unsupervised in the dark parking lots and streets near the masjid, they are slightly less likely to be hit by a car.

4. Each masjid can provide a cordoned-off area especially for cell phone and Blackberry use, right in the middle of the prayer hall. Clearly, our technologically-advanced brothers and sisters need a place where they can simultaneously text and pray.

5. Cozy coffee and tea lounges will be established near the prayer hall so that parents who like to chat and relax will not be disturbed by the sounds of their children screaming in the lobby or, worse yet, by the worshippers.

With implementations like these, taraweeh prayers are bound to be more exciting, user-friendly, indulgent and entertaining. They might end up being so much fun that we’ll all forget why we’re in the masjid in the first place.

Or have we forgotten that already?
 

InFocus News

AFIC President, Ikebal Patel, recently returned from a visit to Papua New Guinea where he met with the young and growing local Muslim community.

"AFIC acknowledges the hard work and dedication displayed by the local PNG Muslim community to further their knowledge and practise of Islam."

"Their enthusiasm is impressive and it remains our duty to assist this young Muslim community in all respects to achieve their full potential as an exemplary Muslim community."

The Queensland Muslim Welfare Association Inc. wishes all its supporters and donors Ramadhan Mabarak.

We thank you for all the support in making the welfare shop a successful enterprise in that it is capable to respond instantly to give support to the needy who enter our store. May Allah grant you all your wishes and forgive any wrongdoing. We will offer duas for all our supporters during this holy month and beyond.

We are happy to report another success story from our welfare shop.

Our Pakistani brother who was retrenched from his job whilst on a 457 visa, has met with a firm in Toowoomba who have offered him a permanent contract.

This will allow him to remain in Australia once the sponsorship is approved and he has applied for permanent residency.

It was fortunate that this brother remained in Australia in spite of not being permitted to do any paid work, and that our welfare funds could help support him while he was in such a vulnerable position, as the Australian government cancelled entry on trade visas in July.

There is nothing more frightening to be stranded in a foreign country with a wife and three children through no fault of your own.

Our brother wishes to thank the Muslim community for your contributions which helped him in his time of need.

He and his family will offer duas for you all.

The QMWA Team
 

Question: I am a Muslim mother of 5 children aged between 2 & 15 years. Ordinarily it is a hectic task to tend to their upbringing and ensure that all their needs are looked after including my husband.

In Ramadaan the pressure heightens to such a degree that I sometimes wonder whether I will cope.

At times it becomes very difficult to exert oneself in ibadah and also to perform the 20 rakaats taraweeh at night. Every mum like me will know what I am talking about. However, I do it for my family and the pleasure of Allah.

I feel as women we miss out on many of the benefits of Ramadan due to our household chores. Please advise me on how I could spend Ramadaan in a way that I will be achieve the objectives of Ramadaan with fulfilling my household duties. I am very grateful .
 

Answer: Darul Ihsan Islamic Services Centre (South Africa)

The Audio Islam website provides access to High Quality Downloadable audio Islamic sounds in mp3 format.

The files are uncompressed and of high CD quality sounds.

Their charges cover downloading costs.

With the audio files you would be able to listen to Islamic sounds on your computer. You may also copy them onto a blank CD and listen to them on your CD player in your car, home and office or listen to them on your ipod or mobile phone or use them as ring-tones.

There are two complete Qur'an sets available and you can listen to a juz a day with Sh Muhammad Jibreel and Sh Nabeel Rifaa'ee.

Click here to listen to a sample of Sh Nabeel Rifaa'ee's recitation:
sample

And, click here to listen to a sample of Sh Muhammad Jibreel's recitation:
sample

The UK Ramadan health guide provides information and advice on maximising health gain during the Muslim fast.

pdf document

By: Momina Ahmed Allahwala

Last Saturday, over 250 members of Brisbane’s Pakistani community turned out in full force to celebrate the country’s Independence Day (14th August). The gala dinner event was held at the Kimberly Park Community Centre in Shailer Park.

The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Quraan by Imam Aslam (of Algester Mosque), followed by the national anthems of Pakistan and Australia respectively. The programme consisted of a children’s presentation and national songs, as well as a quiz about Pakistan, its rich culture and history.

The occasion, celebrating the independence of Pakistan from British rule in India and subsequently from India itself, was organised by the Pakistan Australian Cultural Association of Queensland (established 1988).

The committee organises two major dinner functions every year, on Pakistan Day (23rd March) and Pakistan’s Independence Day (14th August), as well as various picnics, BBQs and Eid events.

Many thanks to the 2008-09 Management Committee consisting of Mr Adnan Khalid (President), Mr Nizam Deen (Vice-President), Mr Javed Rahman (Secretary), Mr Fazal Karim Muhammed (Treasurer), Dr Shafiq Ahmed Allahwala (committee member), Dr Tariq Masood (committee member) and Dr Ishtiaq Rashid (committee member) for all their hard work, making the event a success.

If anyone would like to know more about PACAQ, the events that they organise or would like to become a member, please contact Mr Javed Rahman on 0413 140 610.

 

Check the CCN Gallery for enlarged images

Xinjiang province, in the remote north-west corner of China, is home to many ethnic groups, several of them Muslim.

It borders a number of central Asian countries, which, in turn, border middle eastern ones.

This means the area has a fascinating mix of culinary influences, most notably in spicing, not seen elsewhere in China.

And, unlike most Chinese restaurants, these Muslim ones are pork-free zones.

WESTERN ORIENT
173 Forest Rd, Hurstville, 9570 8588

APANDIM UIGHUR RESTAURANT
Level 1, 8 Dixon St, Sydney, 9283 3223

SILK ROAD
13/8 Quay St, Haymarket, 9281 9658

The Sydney Morning Herald

We would like to remind CCN readers about the MBN Annual Gala Eid Dinner that will be held on Sunday 27 September 2009 at the Coffee Club Auditorium at the RNA Showgrounds, Insha Allah.

Tickets are: $50 for adults and $25 for kids 4-15 years.

We only have 600 tickets available and they are selling fast! So get in quick so you don't miss out! You can register for a table of 10 if you wish.

We have a classier, more upmarket venue this year and we've also taken care of parking costs - so parking for our guests will be completely FREE!

As usual, we will have a sumptuous dinner prepared for you and your family and our programme will be short and sweet so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and socialising in the great spirit of Eid!

Be there by 4.30 for a prompt 5pm start. There'll be entertainment for the kids too!

How to book:

Send us an email: secretary@mbn.net.au and tell us how many tickets you require and the best way to arrange for ticket drop off.
Register on our website: Click here
 

Or contact any of the following people::

Shummis Rane: 0402 794 244
Farouk Adam: 0422 191 675
Bilal Rauf: 0411 625 462
Naseem Abdul: 0419 797 862 (Gold Coast)
Jaaved Khatree: 0402 779 425
Sultan Deen: 0418 722 353

Eid Dinner Booklet: If you would like to advertise in this year's MBN Eid Dinner Booklet, please get in touch with Jaaved Khatree (0402 779 425) or e-mail: secretary@mbn.net.au:


If you have any questions, send us an e-mail: secretary@mbn.net.au

We look forward to seeing you all there at the MBN Annual Gala Eid Dinner 2009!

Ramadaan E-mails: MBN will be sending out a daily e-mail to all members during Ramadaan with a Hadith and the times for Sehri and Iftaar - Insha Allah. This information will also be available on our website (www.mbn.net.au) for easy reference.

Dates Distribution: MBN will be distributing dates to all Masjids and Musallahs this Friday 21 August 2009 - this is an MBN initiative in conjunction with Human Appeal International (from Sydney). This is part of our effort to foster a strong spirit for Ramadaan.
 

Ramadaan Mubaarak once again from MBN!

Wasalaam,
MBN Executive Committee
 

VICTORIAN Jewish and Islamic schools are getting millions of taxpayer dollars to upgrade their security against possible terrorist attacks and racially based vandalism.

It has been a bumper year for the schools, with most already swimming in grants from the Rudd Government's $14.7 billion stimulus package for education.

Eleven Melbourne religious schools will share about $3.5 million for security measures including fencing, CCTV, alarm systems and glass protection, under the federal Secure Schools Program.

The biggest grant, $600,000, goes to Burwood-based Jewish school Mt Scopus College for fencing and security camera upgrades.
 

This is on top of $325,000 it received in April for other capital works under the Rudd stimulus package.

The Herald Sun

After last week’s success against the top ranked team Sunnybank Saints now faced a ’Tigers’ football outfit who needed a win to assure themselves of a place in the top 4. In what was the final round of games before the semi final play offs, Sunnybank went down 4-1.

Having dominated possession in the early period of the game, Sunnybank were unfortunate to go down 1-0 in the 20th minute after the ball took an awkward bounce and found its way into the back of the goal. 10 minutes later and the referee awarded a penalty to Tigers after adjudging a Sunnybank player to have held back the Tigers front man during a corner kick. A well taken penalty added a 2nd to the score line.

2-0 down at half time… chasing the game in the second half against a strong Tigers team would always prove a difficult task. Things got worse early in the second half when come poor communication between the Saints goalkeeper and their centre back resulted in a 3rd goal for Tigers. To compound the misery Sunnybank were then reduced to 10 men for ill-discipline.

Tiger made sure of the win with a 4th goal with 20 minutes still remaining on the clock. The Saints kept their heads up and pulled one back a couple minutes later through Naseer Ahmid, but that goal proved only to be a consolation.

The Saints now face the Tigers in next week’s semi finals clash. Having failed to beat the Tigers on all three occasions this season, next week’s game promises to be a tough dual. Despite the stats stacked against them, the Saints coaching staff and players still believe they have the ability to beat the Tigers. Team coach Iqbal Esat believes that despite the score line, tonight’s performance still brought out many positives. He also mentioned that next week’s game will be tough but the Saints definitely have the capability to win it.
 

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