......a sometimes
self-deprecating and occasional tongue-in-cheek look at ourselves and
the world around us ......
Sunday, 30 August 2009
.Newsletter
0251
News you won't find on CNN!
Gaza Gets
Medical Supplies
by Mustafa Kemal Omar
Thank you Brisbane and Melbourne YOUR fantastic
generosity has paid off
Alhamdulillah with the grace of the Almighty 3 X 40ft
containers have finally found their way to the much
needed injured Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, although
the container journey has not been without incident.
By all accounts this was no mean feat, and was it not
for the persistence of 3 key people, Mohammed El-Zanaty
(Melbourne), Bashar Al-Jamal (President Human
Appeal) and Ismail Cajee (Brisbane), we may never
have witnessed this wonderful achievement.
In January 2009 on the day of the ceasefire, after one
of the fiercest onslaughts by Israel against the
Palestinians, which left a trail of destruction, death
injury and disablement, Mohammed El-Zanaty contacted
Ismail Cajee and suggested to him that funds be raised
from the Australian Muslim population and to send much
needed medical equipment to Gaza.
Responding passionately to this appeal and with access
to securing much of the needed supplies, Ismail and his
son Yusuf considered this an excellent opportunity to
engage their Chinese suppliers and request assistance
with the dispatch of these items.
Together with a group of about 5 individuals, a Brisbane
fund raising committee was set up. Ismail then
approached a manufacturer in China whom they had been
dealing with for many years and explained the nature and
purpose of the objective.
The Chinese company was wholly sympathetic towards the
effort and assured Ismail that they would manufacture,
supply and ship the goods at no profit whatsoever. As a
result, the cost of a wheelchair was calculated
approximately at $45 each and $3 for a pair of
crutches. These prices are almost unheard of in the
industry in these times.
The Brisbane collection drive was started during this
time and gathered momentum quickly. In fact it was so
successful that within a period of 6 weeks our Brisbane
community with their generosity donated open heartedly
to the tune of $70,346.95. At the same time the Muslim
community of Melbourne under the stewardship of Mohammed
El Zanaty raised funds totalling $18,900.
Due to it's vast established network and established
offices in Gaza. Human Appeal was selected to ensure the
delivery of the containers met the target destination
into Gaza. The distribution of these containers is being
handled by Br Amr Mahmoud Hadhoud (Managing the HA
office in Al-Remal). Brother Bashar Al-Jamal and Brother
Issam of Human Appeal played a key role in ensuring
successful delivery into Gaza.
Although, the initial plan was to send a 20ft container
of wheel chairs only, we were able to increase the
shipment to 3 X 40ft containers primarily due to the
overwhelming response of donations, but also in no small
part due to the unselfishness of the supplier and
sympathy for the people of Gaza in the price reduction
of the cost of the items. The containers included the
following goods;
1. Wheelchairs
2. Crutches
3. Hospital beds and mattresses.
4. Walking frames
5. Toilet aids
6. Shower aids
7. Bed pans
8. Mobility walking aids
It is unfortunate that so much time has passed for the
containers to have arrived at their final destination.
But it is even more disappointing that Egyptian
Government Agencies seem to be the cause of much of the
delay. But thanks goes to Mohammed El-Zanaty and the
Egyptian embassy in Australia. The Egyptian ambassador
to Australia played a key role in securing the transport
of the containers through the Egyptian-Gaza border.
Hospital beds and mattresses have already been
distributed and other items that were not hospital bound
are being distributed by the Human Appeal warehouse
facility medical assistance units that deal directly
with the hurt and injured brother and sisters, elders
and children in Gaza.
Many words of thanks have been sent from these
institutions in Gaza as well as from the people of Gaza
to the Australian Muslim Community.
The people of Gaza were so thrilled by this effort and
have requested that if Australia had intentions of
sending any more equipment to please restrict these to
wheelchairs only as this is the most needed item. When
asked how many more wheelchairs were required Br Mahmoud
Hadhoud said "Any number of wheelchairs is not enough,
as there are too many injured people confined to
wheelchairs".
Making
the most of the month of Ramadan (Week 3)
Iqbal
Lambat has
compiled a series of articles to assist CCN readers with
maximizing their benefits during the month of Ramadan.
The third in the series of articles pertains to zakat
and is the first of a two part series.
Part one focuses on the laws of zakat whilst part two
(next week) will focus on how to calculate zakat.
Zakat is compulsory yet many people are confused on how
to calculate their zakat and who zakat can be paid to.
The zakat segment of the Ramadan series will answer
these questions.
The focus this week is on:
Introduction – explains what zakat is and why we
have to pay it
Who qualifies to receive zakat – outlines who can
receive zakat according to the Quran and ahadith. This
section also addresses questions as to whether family
members, non-Muslims and religious organizations (to
build Mosques, distribute literature, etc) can receive
zakat funds
Assets exempt from zakat – explains those assets
that are exempt from zakat
Do you have the equivalent of nisaab? – to pay zakat
you need to own a minimum amount of assets. This section
outlines what the minimum is and provides a checklist to
assess whether you qualify to pay zakat.
Next week 4: How to calculate zakat.
Previous Week 1:
Ramadan the month – what to do, what to pray and how to
welcome Ramadan
Previous Week 2:
Fasting rules – who should fast, exemptions, rules on
fasting, what to do if you miss or break a fast
MBN will be hosting a Zakat Workshop next week.
The objective of the workshop is to explain/discuss:
The
laws pertaining to zakat
Who
qualifies to receive zakat
How
to calculate zakat – including practical examples
and a zakat calculation form
The panel will take questions on zakat and any aspect of
Ramadan. The panel will include Imams.
Date: 5 September
Time: 2pm – 3pm
Venue: Islamic College of Brisbane (Karawatha)
Matthew
over the Moon!
In March this year Crescents
of Brisbane and the the Lions Club of Kuraby held a
Harmony Day Dinner at Michael's Restaurant to raise
funds for the Milperra State School and for young
Matthew Holland who suffers from muscular dystrophy and
required equipment to increase his mobility.
Larry Fletcher from the
Department of Communities sent in this update:
I have just come back
from visiting the Holland family and am really pleased
to let you know that the upstairs bathroom modification
is now finished and the family has relocated upstairs
after about 6 years of living in their garage.
I would like to thank you
for your commitment to assisting this family.
Their situation was very
difficult for any one person to make a difference.
It has been a real
community effort in which you have all played a huge
part.
Thank you for your
support with either: funds, home renovations, bathroom
modification, air-conditioning units, the motorised
recliner chair, computer package, therapeutic equipment,
publicity and of course the VW van with a wheelchair
lift.
The Hollands will of
course have more challenges to face in the future but
for now you can’t wipe the smile of Mathew’s face.
Thank you
Larry Fletcher
Facilitator
Family Support Program
Department of Communities-Disability Services
Ifthaar
Dinners Aplenty
Several organizations and
Mosques are hosting ifthaar dinners this month. Many of
them have been open invitations to the Muslim and
non-Muslim communities. The numbers attending these
dinners range from a few hundred to almost 2000 in some
sittings.
The United Arab Emirates has
been particularly generous this year having sponsored
iftaars at the Gold Coast Mosque and the Islamic Women's
Association of Queensland.
Hon J Mickel MP, on behalf
of the
Queensland Intercultural Society, is hosting invited
guests at Queensland Parliament House in the Premiers
Hall next week.
Kuraby Mosque
Under the cool evening
Brisbane skies a car park turns into
an idyllic diner for
hundreds of observers of the fasting month
Gold Coast Mosque
The Ifthaar dinner held at the Islamic Centre of
Gold Coast last night (Saturday) was generously
sponsored by the UAE Red Crescent Authority and
organized by the Embassy of the United Arab
Emirates and the Islamic Society of Gold Coast.
The dinner was attended by more than a 1000
people from all walks of life. An attendee told
CCN that the Muslims and non-Muslims who shared
a meal together demonstrated the feelings of
unity, faith and brotherhood that epitomised the
multicultural flavour of the country.
Mr. Hamad H. Al Habsi, the Minister
Plenipotentiary and his secretary Mrs. Samira
travelled from Canberra especially to take part
in the ifthaar and to witness this memorable
occasion at first hand. They were also very
impressed with the way the local community had
rallied voluntarily and selflessly to make the
occasion a joyous celebration for all.
Grants &
Scholarships
AusAid
Community Call to Action is
a 12 month pilot by AusAID aimed at raising awareness
about global poverty and the Millenium Development
Goals.
Grants between $25 000 to
$150 000 are available for organisations that have a
wide reach within the community.
There is also limited
funding for overseas activities that are linked to
awareness raising in Australia.
Closing date is 7 September.
More information is available at:
The Lord Mayors
Multicultural Round Table (Brisbane) is now calling for
scholarship applications from emerging entrepreneurs
from multicultural backgrounds. Successful candidates
will study to complete a Graduate Vocational Certificate
in Enterpreneurship and a Certificate IV in Small
Business Management with Southbank Institute of
Technology or Certificate IV in Small Business
Management with Sarina Russo Job Access.
Attached are the Scholarship Application Information.
Applicants must be residing in the Brisbane City Council
local government region and applications must be
received by 11 September 2009.
If you would like further information please contact the
Lord Mayors Multicultural Unit - Lin or Rosalie on 3403
4404
Introductory
Imam Training Program in Malaysia for youth
Four places are available
for this very unique opportunity.
The course is designed for young Muslims who would like
to further their knowledge and skills in preparation for
further training as an imam.
The four week introductory course will be held in the
Islamic state of Terengganu in Malaysia and conducted at
the largest university in the state, Darul Iman
University. The course covers usul'uddin,
tarbiyyah, Arabic and aqida. You will be
mentored by a local tutor and the program includes
cross-cultural activities, field trips, a conference,
meetings with local dignitaries and sight seeing on
nearby islands.
Course commences on 3rd January 2010 and will end on 30
January 2010.
ALL Airfares, accommodation and tuition fees are
included for successful applicants.
Download an application form from the website
www.aussiemossie.com and send it in by email by 30th
September 2009.
Age limit is 16-24 years and those under 18 must have
permission from their parents.
For more information call 0412 318045
Holy
festival reinvigorates city Muslims
Toowoomba
Chronicle Wednesday
26/8/2009
IMAGINE
giving up eating during the day, smoking and sexual
contact for an entire month.
For Toowoomba Muslims like
USQ associate professor Dr Shahjahan Khan, the
Islamic month of Ramadan isn't just about sacrifice,
it's about becoming a better person.
"The fasting allows you to
experience what the less fortunate feel every day," Dr
Khan said.
"Ramadan is a time for
fasting and charity, a time to give money and food to
the needy. Any good deeds performed during the month of
Ramadan (which began last
weekend) will be rewarded many times."
Dr Khan said that, despite
the restrictions placed during Ramadan, it was also a
time of celebration.
"Muslims look forward to it
every year. It's a chance to strengthen your character
and morality," Dr Khan said.
"At the end of the month,
there is a big celebration called Eid ul-Fitr where
family and friends get together to feast and socialise."
Dr Khan said the number of
Muslims in Toowoomba was growing each year.
"The first big Islamic
prayer meeting I went to in Toowoomba in 1993 just had a
few dozen people there.
"Last year, we would have
had at least 400 people praying at the Islamic Centre."
Because the Islamic calendar
is based on the lunar cycle rather than the solar
calendar, the exact start and end dates of Ramadan vary
each year.
"The fasting lasts between
dusk and dawn, so the exact period of fasting each day
depends on how long the day is," Dr Khan said.
Dr Khan said he didn't find
it more difficult to fast in a predominantly Christian
society like Toowoomba.
"Most Muslims know what
they're doing, so seeing friends around them eating
won't stop them from fasting," he said.
"Then again, it may be
difficult going to a restaurant."
Dr Khan said that fasting
and giving up things in excess was a very beneficial
experience.
"Fasting doesn't mean
anything if you're still committing bad deeds."
Zuma on
Kathrada on his 80th
On 15 August South Africa
President JG Zuma paid tribute to political activist
Ahmed Kathrada on his 80th birthday celebration
dinner:
It is so wonderful to come
together for a celebration and a glorious occasion as
this one. We are here to honour a man who is an
inspiration to all South Africans. A man whose life is a
chronicle of the struggle against apartheid.
A man who belongs to the generation of Sisulu and
Mandela's, the likes of which this country will not
witness again in a very long time. A man who remains a
lion of the liberation movement.
We therefore come together to reflect on his life, to
the contribution he has made to the struggle and talk
about the values that he would want us to take forward.
This celebration comes at an auspicious time as we move
closer to the start of the holy month of Ramadan. The
month of fasting reminds us of the plight of the poor
and hungry in our society.
It is a time for reflection
on our role in society and the very nature of that
society. It is these religious underpinnings that have
shaped the character of the man we know as Ahmed Mohamed
Kathrada. His dedication to the cause for freedom is
characterised by the high moral, social, and spiritual
values which Islam sets for all its followers and which
come to the fore during the month of Ramadan.
These values have guided Comrade Kathy and placed him on
the path that has helped shape the history of this
country. Where does one start with Kathy's contribution
to the liberation struggle? A communist at the age of
12; jailed at 17 during the Passive Resistance Campaign
for defying the Ghetto Act, which compelled Indians to
live, trade and own land in specific areas.
We are talking about a leader in the Defiance Campaign
who helped organise the Congress of the People which
drew up the Freedom Charter. He was a treason trialist;
a member of Umkhonto we Sizwe and a dedicated MK cadre
who participated in the early days of the armed
struggle. Convicted in the Rivonia Trial, he served 26
years in prison, mostly on Robben Island and then
Pollsmoor Prison.
This is a cadre who became a
Member of Parliament in the democratic government of
1994; and Parliamentary Counsellor to President Mandela.
Having suffered many banning orders and house arrests,
until his imprisonment, he was intimately involved in
every major event that shaped the early years of
non-racial opposition to apartheid.
It is these
religious
underpinnings
that have
shaped the
character of
the man we
know as
Ahmed
Mohamed
Kathrada.
His
dedication
to the cause
for freedom
is
characterised
by the high
moral,
social, and
spiritual
values which
Islam sets
for all its
followers
and which
come to the
fore during
the month of
Ramadan.
His contribution to a free South Africa, like that of
many of his contemporaries, was immense.
Today we
celebrate the 80th birthday of our Comrade.
Just like
Tata Madiba's 91st birthday, this is no ordinary
birthday.
We're rejoicing the life of an inspiring
revolutionary spanning over 65 years. Comrade Kathy is a
living example of the best traditions and values of the
ANC. His life offers so many characteristics that embody
the best examples of revolutionary existence and
practice.
His life stands out as a testament of who we should be
and how we should conduct ourselves in the cause of a
revolutionary struggle and social transformation. On a
personal level, he has displayed a life of simplicity,
complete humility and honesty. He has maintained a
modest lifestyle despite his considerable achievements.
His love for children, which stems from the years of
deprivation experienced in prison, remains a hallmark of
his character and a guiding force in his work, even
today.
The
2009 Arc Biennial of Art presented by Artworkers
Alliance will open on September 5 2009 at the Howard
Smith Wharves, Brisbane with the World Premiere of
Across the Gulf, an exhibition showcasing an array of
photographic, multimedia, screen and digital works by 22
artists from Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai which will run
until 27 September.
“Across the Gulf will present emerging and established
artists who are all practicing from within their
culture, rather than building their practice in the
west”, Mr Wilson said.
“The artists in the exhibition are making contemporary
art in the face of a cultural landscape that is
undergoing intensive and unparalleled change.
Director and curator of Metasenta
Across the Gulf, Dr Irene Barberis, is set to strengthen
creative relations between Australia and the Middle
East. Closer to home, the exhibition will highlight
Brisbane’s sister city relationship with Abu Dhabi.
For more information on the 2009 Arc
Biennial of Art and the Across the Gulf exhibition,
please visit
www.arcbiennial.com.
What: World Premiere of Across the Gulf
Exhibition When: 5-27 September 2009 Time: 12.30pm-6.30pm weekdays; 10am-4pm weekends Where: Shed E, Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane Cost: Gold Coin Donation
The Brisbane Muslim Burial
Society (BMBS) operates the Ghusl
facilities at the Kuraby Musjid. We assist with funeral
arrangements and the ghusl for the deceased. The Kaffan
and all utilities required to perform the ghusl are
provided by us
.
(Ghusl = washing and shrouding the body of the deceased.
Kaffan = Shroud)
After the Ghusl is performed and the Janazah salah is
completed the Janazah proceeds for burial to the Mt
Gravatt Cemetery. There is a designated Muslim section
at the cemetery. Once the council digs the grave, the
grave is then prepared internally with blocks and timber
to cover the grave, before being filled up. This
internal preparation is currently and has been performed
by the Deen family for many years.
An average funeral in Brisbane costs approximately
$4500. This may vary and cost may increase to over $6000
on weekends and outside normal hours. These fees are
payable at the time of the funeral to the funeral
director. The fees comprise of approximately $2800 for
the council fees (for normal office hours and this fee
increases after hours and weekends), $350 for the grave
preparation costs (donated to the Holland Park mosque on
behalf of the Deen family), $100 BMBS (facility fee includes
kaffan) and the balance is the funeral director's fees.
In the event of a funeral
kindly contact any of our committee members listed below
or your local Islamic Society.
BMBS also provides an SMS
service to the community by sending out an SMS message
of funerals taking place in Brisbane to mobile numbers
on our database at no cost to the subscriber. There is
also no charge to the family of the deceased for all
funerals taking place within the local Brisbane and Gold
Coast community..
ALL other messages including
funeral notices from outside the Brisbane area will
attract a $50 donation to recover costs incurred.
If you would like to receive
the SMS, you may send your mobile number to
janaza786@hotmail.com, to be included in our
database.
To send an SMS message for a
funeral contact Br Yusuf Chothia on 0404 834 786 or Dr
Iqbal Sultan on 0412 845 786 / 5462 2155 (office).
We are a non-profit
organization. Donations to BMBS are welcome. This will
assist us in continuing to provide our services.
Kindly make donations to:
:
Yusuf CHOTHIA 34230379 / 0404
834 786 Riaz GUTTA 32198726 / 0400 105 786 Mabrouk
HOUDCHIA 32199120 / 0433 128 430 Dr Fuzlahuck MOOLA
38417886 / 0419 773 570 Feisal PARUK 3219 8469 / 0403
755 652 AK SURTIE 3272 6391 / 0434 288 257 Dr Mohammed Iqbal SULTAN 3219 0786 / 0412 845 786 / 54622155
Study
Tour of Istanbul and Rome
A joint tour to Istanbul and
Rome with a group of Australian Muslim and Catholics
leaders took place in April and May of this year.
This was the first of its
kind enabling religious leaders from both faith groups
to study and understand each others religious
principles, customs and significant institutions by
means of a close encounter.
The tour was organized under
the umbrella of the historic MOU signed between the
Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Australian
Intercultural Society.
The community of Cairns and
surrounding areas are inviting donations for the
building of the first mosque in Cairns.
Click on image for all the
details.
Sunnybank
Saints Go Down to Fighting Tigers
After last week’s defeat at the hand of
the Tigers, Sunnybank Saints squared off against their
old nemesis for a place in the 2nd semi-final play offs.
With the bulk of the Saints team fasting, the boys began
the game at a slower pace than normal, content to hold
the ball and soak up the pressure from the Tigers. The
game plan worked to perfection as the Saints scored the
first goal against the run of play, to lead the game
1-0. A sweet counter attacking move saw the Saints top
goal scorer Naeer Ahmid give his team the lead.
At the much anticipated half time break, (with the
majestic sun setting in the back ground), the Saints
players were able to take on board some much needed
liquids…and a samoosa or two.
The Saints kicked off the second half knowing that a
semi final play off was 45 minutes away. The second half
began at a frantic pace as both teams looked to score
some goals. With 7 minutes left on the clock, Tigers
were awarded a dubious free kick just outside the
penalty box. An awkward bounce made it tough for the
goalie to make contact with the ball and the Tigers, who
never really threatened the Saints goal mouth until
then, drew level. The final whistle blew with the score
reading 1-1.
The game continued into extra time as it did in the
first 90. 10 minutes into the first half of extra time
and a Tigers corner kick ended up in the goals. The
gusty nights wind was the goal scorer. Tigers 2,
Sunnybank Saints 1.
That goal proved to be the winner and a tiring group of
Sunnybank players could not muster a final spurt of
energy to claw back in to the game.
A solid display by the Saints backline made up of
Mohsin Sabdia, Mohammad Raja, Justin
and Ben but man of the match accolades goes to
Ziyaad Hassan for his spirited performance in the
midfield.
The final whistle brought an end to a fantastic first
season for the boys. Next season the team believes they
have the ability to go all the way. Special thanks to
all who supported the team over the season. Your support
was most appreciated.
Science
in Parliament
By Nada Ibrahim
Nada Ibrahim with Prof Peter
Andrews,
Queensland Chief Scientist
during question time
It was quite a privilege and an honour to be the only
Muslim invited to be among the 200 scientists who
attended the Science in Parliament event on 19 August
2009 that was officiated by the Honourable Anna Bligh
MP, Premier of Queensland, at the Parliamentary
Annexe, Parliament House, Brisbane, Queensland. Science
in Parliament is a yearly event that brings together
scientists and Members of the Parliament to discuss
important issues impacting on Queensland's future. This
year’s theme was “From publication to policy:
how science shapes our future”.
We got an opportunity to listen to media experts
(Michael Coombes, Susannah Eliott, Maggie Gentz and
Brendan O’Malley) about how to add our voice as
scientists to the national discussion on scientific and
technological issues affecting our future. This was a
golden opportunity for me as a researcher/social
scientist to get feedback from the media gurus on how to
pitch my research to the media without having negative
repercussions on the Muslim community, given the current
anti-Muslim sentiments.
We also got to hear from various experts (Brett De hayr,
Prof Sandra Harding, Prof Mick McManus) on critical
challenges and opportunities we as Queenslanders will be
facing in the future in the areas of education, society,
economy and environmental issues and some possibilities
on how to address them.
I then got the privilege of a personal meeting with Hon.
Desley Boyle, the Queensland Parliament’s Minister for
Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Partnerships, where we discussed my current
research (Marital Relationships and/or Conflict:
Exploring attitudes, beliefs and direct involvement) and
its potential to impact on future Queensland social
policy. The Minister was very much interested in my
research and was keen to know what the findings will
show towards recommendations in policy development.
This opportunity made me further determined to do
something to empower the Muslim community in the area of
how to address their marital needs.
We then had some interesting discussions into the areas
of chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes,
aboriginal health, etc in the assigned Science for
social development working lunch. It was an excellent
opportunity to network with other researchers and social
scientists and exchange business cards for future
reference. We also got the opportunity during the lunch
to rub shoulders with parliamentarians such as Desley
Scott, Desley Boyle, Lindy Nelson-Carr, among others, so
they could hear it directly from scientists on the
issues of concern and engage in discussion.
After the working lunch, we
watched community leaders grapple with a hypothetical
pandemic scenario of the swine flu in the City of
Utopia. It was interesting to see how varying roles and
responsibilities filtered into how the issue was being
addressed.
The day concluded with award
ceremony for outstanding achievements in Queensland
science. Overall, the day was quite a success where I
got to hear about the key areas of Queensland’s
future development and the Queensland Government's
Toward Q2 policy initiative and where my current
research may make a difference.
Ramadan
Appeal
Ramadan
Timetables
Kuraby
Mosque
Islamic Society of Toowoomba
Ramadan fasting
Timetables for major Queensland Cities
A CCN Reader forwarded
the following email from Unilever regarding their
Flora products in Australia:
Thank you for
contacting Flora.
We are always interested to hear from our
consumers and welcome your comments and
enquiries.
The gelatine used in Flora Light and Ultra Light
Spreads is derived from pork.
Flora Original does not contain any gelatine.
We thank you for your communication and hope
this answers your enquiry.
Hello I am a Pakistani Muslim,
currently in year 9.
I heard about CCN through many
people. Also, my mum is a subscriber.
I was wondering if I could write
articles for CCN because I may want to pursue
Journalism.
Could you sent me some more
information?
Regards Sunnya
[Editor] Dear Sunnya, you are
most welcome to submit articles for publication. Our
long suffering readers would certainly benefit from
any improvements your writings may bring to the
mediocrity that currently masquerades for journalism
in CCN (and for which it's Editor takes full
responsibility)
Around
the Muslim World with CCN
Jose Mourinho's Ramadan
row over fasting Inter Milan star Sulley Muntari angers
Muslim leader
Jose Mourinho has been
heavily criticised by a
Muslim leader after claiming
Sulley Muntari should not
have been fasting during
Ramadan.
The Inter Milan boss subbed
Muntari after just half an
hour of Sunday's draw with
Bari - and later claimed
that his lack of energy was
down to his fasting.
Muslims abstain from eating
or drinking during daylight
hours in the Islamic holy
month of Ramadan.
Mourinho
said: 'Muntari had some
problems related to Ramadan,
perhaps with this heat it's
not good for him to be doing
this (fasting). Ramadan has
not arrived at the ideal
moment for a player to play
a football match.'
But the
former Chelsea boss was on
the receiving end of an
attack from Mohamed Nour
Dachan, president of the
Union of Islamic communities
and organisations in Italy.
'I think
Mourinho could do with
talking a little less,' he
said. 'A practising (Muslim)
player is not weakened
because we know from the
Institute of Sports Medicine
that mental and
psychological stability can
give a sportsman an extra
edge on the field.
'A player who
is a believing Christian,
Jew or Muslim is certainly
calmer psychologically and
that improves his
performance.'
Even the the
player's personal trainer
Stefano Tirelli disagrees
with Mourinho.
'Not everyone
reacts in the same way to
the abstention and change of
habits that Ramadan
induces,' he said.
'Some
athletes suffer a lot and
have less energy in training
and in matches. However,
others due to their
character, emotions and
genetics manage to perform
just the same. Muntari is
one of the latter.'
Mail Online
News Ltd to pay out for
'offensive remarks' against Muslim
The Rupert
Murdoch-owned Nationwide
News Pty Ltd has apologised
and agreed to pay damages
after one of its journalists
wrote an article in which an
English Muslim cricketer was
subject to "offensive
remarks".
The England and Wales
Cricket Board (ECB) said
yesterday that Sydney-based
Nationwide News would pay
"significant damages and
costs as well as offering an
unreserved apology for
offensive remarks".
In a piece about the alleged
time-wasting that helped
England escape with a draw
in last month's first Ashes
test, Australian journalist
David Penberthy said that a
friend had sent him an SMS
abusing Bilal Shafayat.
Penberthy was incensed that
12th man Shafayat twice came
onto the field to apparently
supply a batsman with spare
gloves, holding up play with
Australia on the verge of
bowling out its opponents.
Brisbane Times
Malaysian Muslims told
'Peas refrain'
Malaysia's
government has barred
Muslims from a concert by US
hip-hop stars the Black Eyed
Peas next month because the
event is organised by Irish
beer giant Guinness, an
official said on Thursday.
The prohibition comes amid a
clampdown on alcohol
consumption among Malaysia's
Muslim majority.
The Black
Eyed Peas will perform at a
theme park near Kuala Lumpur
on September 25 as part of
worldwide celebrations
marking the 250th
anniversary of Guinness'
flagship brewery in Dublin.
Malaysia's largest city is
one of five places hosting
Guinness' concerts.
The Malaysian show's
official Web site said "the
party is only open to
non-Muslims aged 18 years
and above."
Previous major pop concerts
in Malaysia, including one
by the Black Eyed Peas in
2007, have always been open
to Muslims.
Islam
as a religion is central to the lives of over a billion
people, but its outer expression as a distinctive
civilization has been undergoing a monumental crisis.
Buffeted by powerful adverse currents, Islamic
civilization today is a shadow of its former self.
The most
disturbing and possibly fatal of these currents—the
imperial expansion of the West into Muslim lands and the
blast of modernity that accompanied it—are now
compounded by a third giant wave, globalization.
These forces
have increasingly tested Islam and Islamic civilization
for validity, adaptability, and the ability to hold on
to the loyalty of Muslims, says Ali A. Allawi in his
provocative new book.
While the
faith has proved resilient in the face of these
challenges, other aspects of Islamic civilization have
atrophied or died, Allawi contends, and Islamic
civilization is now undergoing its last crisis.
The book
explores how Islamic civilization began to unravel under
colonial rule, as its institutions, laws, and economies
were often replaced by inadequate modern equivalents.
Allawi also
examines the backlash expressed through the increasing
religiosity of Muslim societies and the spectacular rise
of political Islam and its terrorist offshoots.
Assessing the
status of each of the building blocks of Islamic
civilization, the author concludes that Islamic
civilization cannot survive without the vital
spirituality that underpinned it in the past.
He identifies
a key set of principles for moving forward, principles
that will surprise some and anger others, yet clearly
must be considered.
Ali A. Allawi
has served as Minister of Defense and Minister of
Finance in the Iraqi postwar governments. The author of
the acclaimed Occupation of Iraq, he is senior visiting
fellow at Princeton University.
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.
Dough
2 cups cream
2tsp Baking Powder
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups cake flour
Filling
2 tab butter
2 cups chicken fillet, cubed
1 tsp ginger and garlic
1 tsp salt
1tsp crushed green chillies
1 tab poppy seeds
3 tab ground almonds
¼ cup grated tomato
¼ cup lemon juice
1 tab sago
Method for Filling
1. Mix all the ingredients for the filling
together with the exception of sago and cook
over medium heat until meat is tender and
fairly dry. Allow to cool.
2. Boil the sago in a ¼ cup of water until
thick. Cool then add to the remaining
ingredients,
Dough
Sift all dry ingredients and add the cream
to make a soft dough.
Roll the dough out onto a floured surface,
cut into rounds using a round cutter.
Place a spoonful of filling in the centre of
each round and seal edges with beaten egg
forming a moon shape,
Brush tops with beaten eggs and sprinkle
with sesame seeds.
Bake at 180 degrees until light brown –
serve hot with chutney
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.
Kareema's Keep Fit Column
GREAT EXERCISE GADGETS
TO SUIT ANY BUDGET
If you find that taking out a gym membership is just not
an option in these trying times, invest in some
good-value, versatile equipment that won't 'break the
bank'.
Try some of the following and work your way to a
stronger, better YOU!
PEDOMETER: Price
range $10 - $50
As a nation, we are less active and fatter that ever
before. If you're not suited to high-intensity
exercise, then walking may be the solution for you. A
pedometer is a great way to make sure you are taking
your 10,000 steps a day.
SKIPPING ROPE:
Price range $5 - $40
Small enough to take anywhere, a skipping rope will get
your heart-rate up in seconds! You can incorporate
intervals of skipping into your strength circuit and
boost your cardiovascular fitness.
DUMBELL SET OR RESISTANCE
BANDS: Price range $10 - $50
These are key pieces if your focus is muscle-tone and
strength. They will complete any strength-training
workout and will also assist with your fitness.
STAIRS: FREE
Great for indoor / outdoor circuits. Make use of the
stairs around you, they are really good for leg
strengthening too.
BEACH: FREE
Soft-sand running is a great way to mix up your workouts
and keep your motivated by challenging your legs.
Walking / jogging will give those who need to keep the
intensity low, a good workout as well!
All questions sent in are published here anonymously
and without any references to the author of the
question.
The CCN Chuckle
Mula Nasruddin
asked the children in his Madrassah class, "If I sold my
house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my
money to the Mosque, would I get into heaven?"
"NO!" the children all answered.
"If I cleaned the Mosque every day, mowed the yard, and
kept everything neat and tidy, would I get into heaven?"
Again, the answer was "NO!"
"Well," he continued, "then how can I get to heaven?"
In the back of the room, a five-year-old boy shouted
out, "You gotta be dead!"
University of Queensland,
323 Hawken Drive, St. Lucia
Every Friday
Subject:
Fiqh Made Easy
Venue: Room E215 Building 1 (Forgan Smith),
University of Queensland
Time: 7pm to 7.50pm
Every Friday
Subject:
Tafseer al Qur'an (Explanation of the
Qur'an)
Venue: Room E215 Building 1 (Forgan Smith),
University of Queensland
Time: 8pm 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
ccn@crescentsofbrisbane.org.
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.
AusAid
IMAGINE
giving up eating during the day, smoking and sexual
contact for an entire month. 
The
2009 Arc Biennial of Art presented by Artworkers
Alliance will open on September 5 2009 at the Howard
Smith Wharves, Brisbane with the World Premiere of
Across the Gulf, an exhibition showcasing an array of
photographic, multimedia, screen and digital works by 22
artists from Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai which will run
until 27 September.
Islam
as a religion is central to the lives of over a billion
people, but its outer expression as a distinctive
civilization has been undergoing a monumental crisis.
Buffeted by powerful adverse currents, Islamic
civilization today is a shadow of its former self.
C
