......a sometimes
self-deprecating and occasional tongue-in-cheek look at ourselves and
the world around us ......
Sunday, 6 September 2009
.Newsletter
0252
News you won't find on CNN!
Obama
holds Ramadan Ifthaar in White House
US President
Barack Obama has praised
Islam as an integral part of
America, as he feted
prominent US Muslims at an
Iftar dinner marking the
holy fasting month of
Ramadan.
Welcoming his guests in the
state dining room of the
White House, Mr Obama said,
''For well over a billion
Muslims, Ramadan is a time
of intense devotion and
reflection.
''Tonight's Iftar is a
ritual that is being carried
out this Ramadan at kitchen
tables and mosques in all 50
states.
''Islam as we know is part
of America. Like the broader
American citizenry, the
American Muslim community is
one of extraordinary
dynamism and diversity.
''On this occasion, we
celebrate the holy month of
Ramadan and we also
celebrate how much Muslims
have enriched America and
its culture in ways both
large and small.''
Among the guests Mr Obama
praised was a first-year
student at the University of
Memphis, Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir
(pictured right), who
scored more points than any
other girl or boy in the
history of high school
basketball in the state of
Massachusetts.
''She recently told a
reporter, 'I would like to
inspire a lot of young
Muslim girls if they want to
play basketball.
Anything is possible, they
can do it too,''' Mr Obama,
who has a well-known love of
the sport, said.
''Bilquis is an inspiration
not simply to Muslim girls,
she is an inspiration to all
of us.''
The President also
recognised the first two
Muslim lawmakers in the US
Congress, Keith Ellison and
Andre Carson.
In a message marking Ramadan
last week, he pledged
''concrete actions'' to
renew ties with Islamic
countries, less than three
months after his historic
address to the Muslim world
in Cairo.
''I want to reiterate my
commitment to a new
beginning between America
and Muslims around the
world,'' he said in a video
address posted as the
world's estimated 1.5billion
Muslims prepared for a month
of fasting and reflection.
The President, who has
Muslim heritage on his
father's side, also pledged
''unyielding'' support for a
two-state solution to the
decades-long
Palestinian-Israeli
conflict.
He also promised to
''responsibly end the war in
Iraq''.
Islam's fasting month began
on August 22 worldwide, and
ends about September 21.
WASHINGTON DC: Stating that
all religions of the world call for peace and dignity of
human beings, US President Barack Obama has said that it
was his fundamental commitment to foster engagement
grounded in mutual interest and mutual respect between
the United States and Muslims around the world.
Speaking at an Iftar dinner, which he hosted for Muslim
community leaders in the main dinning room of the White
House here on Tuesday night, President Obama said he was
seeking a new beginning between the United States and
the Muslims around the world. And that was the
commitment that could be renewed once again during the
holy month of Ramazan
He said all religions uphold truths. Among those truths
are the pursuit of peace and the dignity of all human
beings. That must always form the basis upon which we
find common ground. And that is why I am so pleased that
we are joined tonight not only by so many outstanding
Muslim Americans and representatives of the diplomatic
corps, but people of many faiths - Christians, Jews, and
Hindus - along with so many prominent Muslims.
Those who attended the dinner included secretary defence
Robert Gates, US Attorney General Eric Holder, senator
Logger, many ambassadors including Pakistan’s ambassador
to the United States Mr Hussain Haqqani and prominent
members of the Muslim community in the United States.
Nashala Hearn, left, and her
parents, Rose and Eyvine Hearn, talk to math
teacher LaDonna Utley, right, in Muskogee, Okla.
The Justice Department filed a complaint against
the Muskogee Public School District, saying
officials were wrong to suspend Nashala for
refusing to remove her head scarf.
President Obama said that for well over a billion
Muslims, Ramazan is a time of intense devotion and
reflection. It’s a time of service and support for those
in need. And it is also a time for family and friends to
come together in a celebration of their faith, their
communities, and the common humanity that all of us
share.
He said that the contribution of Muslims to the United
States is too long to catalogue because Muslims are so
interwoven into the fabric of our communities and our
country. American Muslims are successful in business and
entertainment; in arts and athletics; in science and in
medicine. Above all, they are successful parents, good
neighbours and active citizens, he added.
President Obama said one of
values that we hold dear is the freedom to practise your
religion - a right that is enshrined in the First
Amendment of the Constitution. Nashala Hearn (pictured
left), who joins us from Muskogee, Oklahoma, took a
stand for that right at an early age. When her school
district told her that she couldn’t wear hijab, she
protested that it was a part of her religion.
The Department of Justice
stood behind her, and she won her right to practise her
faith. She even travelled to Washington to testify
before Congress. Her words spoke of a tolerance that is
far greater than mistrust - when she first wore her
headscarf to school, she said, “I received compliments
from the other kids.”
President Obama said that tonight we celebrate a great
religion, and its commitment to justice and progress. We
honour the contributions of America’s Muslims, and the
positive example that so many of them set through their
own lives. And we rededicate ourselves to the work of
building a better and more hopeful world.
Earlier, the guests gathered in a side by-hall for iftar
where they were served with dates and eastern drinks of
different types. Later, the guests offered maghrib
prayers. Ambassador of Bangladesh to United States led
the prayers whereas Pakistan’s Hussain Haqani called the
taqbeer for salat.
Ifthaar
Dinners Around the Town
Queensland Parliament
House
Hon John Mickel MP, Speaker of the
Legislative Assembly of Queensland hosted a number of
members of the Parliament, faith and community leaders
and members of the Muslim community at Parliament House
for an Iftar Dinner program on Monday.
92 guests attended the event which took
place in the historical Premier’s Hall that was
constructed in 1887 and the event was put together by
the Queensland Intercultural Society (QIS).
Clockwise from Bottom centre:
Hon John Mickel MP, Speaker of the Legislative
Assembly of Queensland
Hon John-Paul Langbroek MP, Leader of the
Opposition
Mr. Shummis Rane, President of the Muslim
Business Network
Mr. Suleman Sabdia, President of the Islamic
Council of Queensland
Mr. Garry Page, Multicultural Affairs QLD
Executive Director
Ms Agnes Whiten, Chairperson of Ethnic
Communities Council of Queensland
Hon Stephen Robertson MP, Minister for Natural
Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for
Trade
Mr. Hashim Hatia, Director of Hatia Properties
Pty Ltd
Mr. Murat Coskun, Director of Queensland
Intercultural Society (QIS)
Left to right:
Mr. Mesut Cukur
Mr. Murat Coskun
Mr. Yasar Savran
Hon John Mickel MP
Hon John-Paul Langbroek MP
Ms Janeth Deen, President of
Queensland Muslim Welfare Assoc.
Mr. Shummis Rane, President of
Muslim Business Network
Mr. Farouk Adam, Executive Member
of Muslim Business Network
Hon Larwrence Springborg MP
Left to right:
Ms. Maria Antonietta Maruca,
Secretary General, Italian Chamber of Commerce &
Industry
Mr. Luigi Casagrande, President
of Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Mr. Fatih Asar, President of
Queensland Intercultural Society (QIS)
Left to right:
Mr. Fatih Asar
Mr. Yasar Savran, QECF
Educational Coordinator
Hon Larwrence Springborg MP,
Deputy Leader of the Opposition
Imam Ahmad Ghazaleh introduces
the audience to spiritual songs
Leaders of faith groups and
government departments
IWAQ and ACCES Services
The Islamic
Women's Association of Queensland (IWAQ) and ACCES
Services joined forces on Thursday to host some 400 men,
women and children at the Clairvaux Mackillop College
Hall, Klump Road in Upper Mount Gravatt.
Representatives
from different organisations, local and state government
as well as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints church group attended the function. A
jumping castle was set up to entertain the children
while the purpose and benefits of Ramadan were explained
to the audience.
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Graham Quirk was also on hand to
witness the breaking of the fast.
Noelene and Des Clamp receive
appreciation for their contributions
Members of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints are explained the
basics of Ramadan
Making
the most of the month of Ramadan (Week 4)
Iqbal
Lambat has
compiled a series of articles to assist CCN readers with
maximizing their benefits during the month of Ramadan.
The fourth in the series of articles pertains to zakat
and is the second of a two part series.
This week the focus is on how to calculate zakat.
Scholars differ on the treatment of some assets and the
articles below cover the various views and indicate
which is the preferred or majority view.
Introduction and summary – provides a high level
overview of all the assets/income on which zakat is
levied and the rates of zakat applicable to the
different asset classes
Cash – all cash holdings are subject to zakat and
this section outlines the zakat treatment of cash and
money market instruments
Salaries – explains the position on whether salaries
should be included in your zakat calculation
Superannuation – super is a growing investment and
this section outlines what should be included in zakat
Gold & silver – explains what aspects of gold and
silver are included. It also explains how to treat
jewellery
Business assets – explains what business assets are
included, how to treat partnerships/joint ventures and
trusts
Shares - outlines how to treat shares purchased for
resale and shares held for long term dividends
Property – explains how to treat land, property
purchased for resale and property acquired for rental
returns
Debts receivable – explains what debts are to be
included in your zakat calculation and how to treat
personal debts
Deductions – outlines what deductions you are
entitled to
A
zakat calculation form is also included. The form
contains instructions that will assist you in the
calculation of your zakat.
A
zakat calculator has also been compiled. This is an
excel spreadsheet that is an automated version of the
zakat calculation form.
Next week 5: Next week the Ramadan series will
focus on zaka-ul-fitr (fitrah), laylutul al-qadr and
what to do/pray in the last ten nights of Ramadan.
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 hosted a
zakat workshop yesterday afternoon which attracted
lively debate on the types of assets and the dollar
value to be included in zakat.
The presenters were Iqbal Lambat, supported by Mufti
Ziyaad Ravat.
Yusuf Khatree presented the objectives of the newly
formed Muslim Charitable Foundation indicating that the
organization will be collecting and disbursing zakat
funds this year.
The PowerPoint presentation used in the workshop can be
downloaded here.
Film
festival in Brisbane
The
Palestinian Days Film Festival will be held in
Brisbane at the Schonell Theatre on October 16-17-18,
2009.
The program is sponsored by
Justice for Palestine and the Palestinian Association of
QLD.
Ambassador Izzat Abdulhadi,
Head of the Palestinian Delegation to Australia, will
open the festival on the Friday at 6.30pm.
$20/$12 concession tickets
includes fabulous food and entertainment.
You can buy a special
sponsorship ticket ($50) to cover the whole festival.
On September 3, 2009, in
Washington, DC, the Postal Service issued a 44–cent, Eid
special stamp, designed/calligraphed by Mohamed Zakariya
of Arlington, Virginia.
This stamp was first issued in 2001 with a 34–cent
denomination, and with the same design, a 37–cent
denomination in 2002, 39–cent denomination in 2006,
41–cent denomination in 2007, and 42–cent denomination
in 2008.
AIIC
enrolments now open: Kindergarten to Year 12
Australian
International Islamic College will be extending its
offerings next year to cover Kindergarten to Year 12.
According to AIIC principal,
Dr Seema Mukhtar Khan, the school is currently
offering authority registered subjects such as Physics,
Chemistry, Mathematics B, Modern History, Arabic and
Islamic.
The work programs of these
subjects have been approved by the Education Department.
AIIC is going to introduce new subjects for High School
in 2010, such as Biology, Information Technology,
Accounting, Home economics and Mathematics C.
They are in the process of
introduction of vocational subjects in 2010 in
partnership with the local Institute of Technical and
Further Education (TAFE) and are embarking on a
school-wide effort to redesign their teaching and
learning approaches using modern technology.
This will enable their
teachers to deliver a "challenging curriculum which
facilitates more engaging approaches that focus on
deepening students’ understanding of concepts and
skills".
"We provide Arabic and
Islamic studies at all year levels in addition to the
Curricula approved by the Department of Education".
The school's building
construction has now reached its second stage. A
multi-purpose hall and a wing of eight classrooms is due
for completion within the next 12 months.
"Every student in AIIC feels
proud to be a Muslim and is inspired by teachers to
enter into tertiary qualification and become a
professional in his/her field and contribute to the
society as a model citizen," said Dr Khan.
ICAS Results
AIIC students took part in
the International Competition and Assessments for
Schools (ICAS).
The ICAS provide extensive
independent evaluations of students’ skills, knowledge
and understanding in the core learning areas. These
skills and understandings are important indicators of
success in school and beyond.
Penny Hutton, assessment
manager at Educational Assessment Australia (EAA) said
that “Students from AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC
COLLEGE are to be congratulated on their significant
achievements.”
Those students whose
achievement was outstanding were rewarded with
certificates of Credit, Distinction and High
Distinction.
‘Love of
the Game’ kicking goals for multi-cultural communities
QPS Media Release
Queenslander of the year
Sergeant Jim Bellos is continuing his winning ways with
the 2009 Queensland Police Service (QPS) Multicultural
Football Tournament.
The tournament, part of the ‘Love of the Game’ program,
will be held over three days from September 4-6 at the
Brisbane Olympic Soccer Club in Cansdale Street,
Yeronga.
Sergeant Bellos said it would be the largest
multicultural football tournament in Australia with over
48 teams representing their respective countries.
“This is Queensland’s own world cup of 2009 with all 48
teams giving it their all. Football is a sport which is
part of their culture and in their blood. Our
multicultural community is very proud of their cultural
and sporting heritage,” Sergeant Bellos said.
“Qualifying games will be held on Friday and Saturday
with the finals on Sunday. This year also includes
women’s teams.
“The Sunday will also feature a multicultural festival,
fete food and cultural performances to accompany the
football finals.
“Since the first tournament in 2005, the ethnic
communities of south-east Queensland have embraced the
event. Over 6000 young people have played in football
games associated with the program over the years.
“It is about building relationships between these
communities and the QPS. Through this positive
interaction police officers have a greater understanding
and appreciation of the complex issues faced by refugee
and other multicultural communities.
“In addition to the QPS Multicultural Football
Tournament the police also compete in the QPS/Muslim
Rugby League Challenge and the QPS/Sudanese Football
Tournament ‘Bridging the Gap’. Collectively these three
events make up the QPS ‘Love of the Game’ program,”
Sergeant Bellos said.
The public are invited to the tournament over the course
of the three days, particularly the Sunday.
The grand final will be played at 3pm on Sunday,
September 6 with the presentations at 4pm.
New
Prayer Facilities at Johannesburg's OR Tambo
International Airport
In collaboration with
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) the Jamiatul Ulama
has been successful in securing an area in the New
International Arrivals Terminal of OR Tambo airport for
a Muslim prayer facility.
The facility includes a
prayer area for approximately 70 males and 30 females,
an ablution area, a luggage storage space and a baby
changing and feeding area.
Wedding
News
The marriage of Mohammed Raahib, son of Farooq
and ShahinaDudhia of Brisbane, to
Naazmeen, daughter of Musa and BilkisPatel of Perth, took place recently in Thornlie,
Western Australia.
The nikaah was performed by Moulana Burhan in Thornlie
Masjid after Jumma prayers on Friday July 10.
The Waleemah dinner was held at the Princess of India
Restaurant in Perth.
Born in Melbourne, Raahib is a dental radiologist and
Naazmeen, who was born in Chipata, Zambia, is a medical
scientist.
Inspired by former Australian Prime Minister,
Bob Hawke, the foundation of the new research
centre was announced at the University of South
Australia in 2008 at a special ceremony attended
by the former PM.
The Centre is dedicated to research that seeks
to define, understand and transcend the divide
between Muslim and non-Muslim cultures and has
already attracted $10 million in funding support
from the Australian and South Australian
Governments.
“We want research at the Centre to move beyond
basic religious dimensions to examine the
complex cultural, economic, and sociological
factors that affect tensions between Muslim and
non-Muslim communities and to look at how
notions of ‘otherness’ impact on media
portrayals of the issues and influence the
political dynamics within communities
worldwide,” Prof Ahluwalia said.
“We also want to build the Centre
as a place of international engagement, so that
the work we do is accessible to governments and
societies. This supports a guiding principle of
the research Centre - to analyse effective
rapprochement between Muslim and non-Muslim
communities informed by principles of social
justice and reconciliation.”
Vice Chancellor of the University of South
Australia
Professor Peter Høj said that plans for the
International Centre for Muslim and non-Muslim
Understanding included 10 PhD scholarship
opportunities to study in South Australia over
the next three years.
Prof Ahluwalia with Imam
Ilyasi at the launch
“Our goal is to build a worldwide community of
outstanding scholars with a commitment to
understanding and exploring the cultural and
sociological factors that influence Muslim and
non-Muslim relationships,” Prof Høj said.
He said the structure of the Centre would also
emphasise international engagement,
incorporating an international Advisory Board
and Council of Distinguished Scholars that will
include distinguished academics from around the
world including India. Former Australian PM the
Honourable Bob Hawke is an ex-officio member of
the board.
“We are delighted to have strong support for
this initiative from Minister Gillard and the
Australian Government both in providing
substantial funding for the Centre and in
supporting its research goals at the
international level,” Prof Høj said.
“It is an important acknowledgment that
leadership through education can make a
significant contribution to building
international peace and the developing the
research and knowledge that makes a difference
to world communities.”
Professor Ahluwalia said the 10 international
PhD scholarships, worth more than $A26,000 each
plus relocation expenses would help to attract
some of the brightest minds to the Centre.
“I am hoping to welcome strong applications from
India that can build long lasting bilateral
research relationships between Australia and
India in this vital area.”
The Queensland
Association of Fiji Muslims (QAFM) is a registered
organization comprising of ex-Fiji residents.
QAFM is hosting iftars on
behalf of the local Brisbane Muslim at the following
Mosques:
KURABY Mosque 23rd August
--------completed
LOGAN MOSQUE 29th August -------------completed
DARRA MOSQUE on Saturday 5th September
------------completed
HOLLAND PARK MOSQUE on Saturday 12th September
ROCHEDALE MOSQUE on Sunday 13th September
These iftars are put
together by QAFM through contributions from the local
Muslim community.
QAFM extends an invitation
to all brothers and sisters in Brisbane to all these
Mosques for iftars.
Contributions to the iftars
are most welcome.
For the last eight years
QAFM has been collecting ZAKAAT, LILLAH, FITRANA and
sending it to the following :-
FITRANA to Darool Yatama in Lautoka, Fiji where children
are given Islamic education and this centre is a feeder
centre for higher level overseas Islamic studies.
ZAKAAT collection is used to provide BUS FARE, UNIFORM,
SHOES, and BOOKS for the poor and needy children in
FIJI.
QAFM invites anyone who
wishes to inspect their system of money distribution to
contact Anwar Noor on 0422355185 and the full procedure
used by QAFM will be on display for you.
Please call 0422 355 185 for donations so that QAFM can
issue a receipt.
You could also make all ZAKAAT and LILLAH donations
direct to dedicated childrens' funds bank account:
NAME: QAFM
BANK: ANZ
BRANCH: Mt Gravatt
BSB: 014 254
ACCOUNTNO:
3510 20361
or post to QAFM PO BOX 2161 RUNCORN 4113
Inside
the Seven Wonders of the Muslim World
This visually stunning
program traces the history and message of Islam by
following the journeys of six young pilgrims from across
the Muslim world to Mecca. It explores their lives and
beliefs as well as the beautiful and historic mosques
where they worship.
They leave their homes and
families, travel to Saudi Arabia, and share their
responses to the culmination of their journey of a
lifetime – the pilgrimage to Mecca, where the prophet
Muhammed (pbuh) was born.
Within decades of the death of Muhammed (pbuh), Islam
spread fast and its history can be traced through the
flowering of exquisite Muslim architecture. Over the
next few hundred years, fabulous mosques from Spain to
Iran, and from Turkey to Mali formed a focus of Muslim
life, as they continue to do today. The Seven Wonders of
the Muslim World starts its journey at six of these
locations and completes it at the mosque towards which
all practising Muslims turn when they pray.
The Seven Wonders of the Muslim World (Part 1)
The Seven Wonders of the Muslim World (Part 2)
The Seven Wonders of the Muslim World (Part 3)
The Seven Wonders of the Muslim World (Part 4)
The Seven Wonders of the Muslim World (Part 5)
The Seven Wonders of the Muslim World (Part 6)
The Seven Wonders of the Muslim World (Part 7)
The Seven Wonders of the Muslim World (Part 8)
This documentary will be
shown on SBS on Friday 11 September at 7.30pm (Well
worth setting up the DVD recorder for this one)
Burqini
design battle
A WAR of words has erupted
between two Australian swimsuit designers over safety
issues surrounding versions of the Islamic cozzie, the
burqini.
Sydney-based burqini creator Aheda Zanetti claims the
swimsuit banned this month in France and Italy for
hygiene reasons is also unsafe because it contains lycra,
which can make it heavy and liable to drag in the water.
Ms Zanetti said its unattached hood was also a hazard.
Her claim was quickly rejected by the costume's
Dubai-based Australian designer Jenny Nicholson.
The Sydney Morning Herald
Cairns
Mosque Appeal
The community of Cairns and
surrounding areas are inviting donations for the
building of the first mosque in Cairns (proposed
model pictured left).
The Cairns Muslim community
is small and they would appreciate as much assistance
they can get to build the mosque.
Click on image on right for all the
details.
Karratha
Community Appeal
The
Karratha Muslim community has been gathering regularly
for Friday prayers since February 2009.
Currently there are more
than 50 Muslims working and living in Karratha - Western
Australia a two hour flight (1600 Km) from Perth.
Contributions to the
development and welfare of this community can be made
at:
Bank:
Commonwealth Bank
Name: Karratha
Muslim Community
BSB No: 066531
A/c No: 10251490
Branch: Karratha branch
If you would like to have your Mosque's Ramadan
timetable posted on CCN email an electronic version to
ccn@crescentsofbrisbane.org
Largest
Mosques of the World
Number 9
The CCN Inbox
Dear All
After a recent trip to Fiji and
driving through one of the little villages in the
north eastern part of the Island my partner and I
were touched by the enthusiasm and friendliness of
the locals.
We were privileged by being invited
into the home of the Village Chief and Family and in
the course of our conversation with him he asked if
we would be able to send any second hand clothing
that would be suitable for adults and children…… If
you have any old Footy Jumpers of any type they
would just LOVE those, as they’re trying to put
together a local football team!! We thought that we
would try and get this clothing package there before
Christmas, which means I need to start the ball
rolling now.
I’m located at Gardens Point in Z Block, Level 8
Room Z806 - You can drop of clothing to me directly
if you’re able to, but I understand that it’s often
difficult to bring these items in if you’re on
public transport because they’re bulky, so I can
collect clothing on a week-end from your home if
this is easier.
Faculty of Business
QUT
For more information contact Mukhtar
Sharif Phone: 33415396
Eid-ul-Fitr Programmes
Australian
International Islamic College
Darul Uloom
Islamic Academy
Durack
Islamic Centre
If you would like to have your Mosque's Eid-ul-Fitr
programme posted on CCN email an electronic version to
ccn@crescentsofbrisbane.org
Who Speaks For Islam?: What
a Billion Muslims Really Think
by
John L. Esposito and
Dalia Mogahed
Synopsis
In
a post-9/11 world, many Americans conflate the
mainstream Muslim majority with the beliefs and actions
of an extremist minority.
But what do
the world’s Muslims think about the West, or about
democracy, or about extremism itself?
Who Speaks for
Islam? spotlights this silenced majority.
The book is
the product of a mammoth six-year study in which the
Gallup Organization conducted tens of thousands of
hour-long, face-to-face interviews with residents of
more than 35 predominantly Muslim nations — urban and
rural, young and old, men and women, educated and
illiterate. It asks the questions everyone is curious
about:
Why is the
Muslim world so anti-American? Who are the extremists?
Is democracy something Muslims really want? What do
Muslim women want?
The answers to
these and other pertinent, provocative questions are
provided not by experts, extremists, or talking heads,
but by empirical evidence — the voices of a billion
Muslims.
Counterintuitive
Discoveries
in
Who
Speaks
for
Islam?
Who
speaks
for the
West?
Muslims
around
the
world do
not see
the West
as
monolithic.
They
criticize
or
celebrate
countries
based on
their
politics,
not
based on
their
culture
or
religion.
Dream
jobs
When
asked to
describe
their
dreams
for the
future,
Muslims
don't
mention
fighting
in a
jihad,
but
rather
getting
a better
job.
Radical
rejection
Muslims
and
Americans
are
equally
likely
to
reject
attacks
on
civilians
as
morally
unjustified.
Religious
mainstream
Those
who
condone
acts of
terrorism
are a
minority
and are
no more
likely
to be
religious
than the
rest of
the
population.
Admiration
of the
West
What
Muslims
around
the
world
say they
most
admire
about
the West
is its
technology
and its
democracy
-- the
same two
top
responses
given by
Americans
when
asked
the same
question.
Critique
of the
West
What
Muslims
around
the
world
say they
least
admire
about
the West
is its
perceived
moral
decay
and
breakdown
of
traditional
values
-- the
same
responses
given by
Americans
when
posed
the same
question.
Gender
justice
Muslim
women
want
equal
rights
and
religion
in their
societies.
Respect
Muslims
around
the
world
say that
the one
thing
the West
can do
to
improve
relations
with
their
societies
is to
moderate
their
views
toward
Muslims
and
respect
Islam.
Clerics
and
constitutions
The
majority
of those
surveyed
want
religious
leaders
to have
no
direct
role in
crafting
a
constitution,
yet
favor
religious
law as a
source
of
legislation.
Ms.
Dalia Mogahed will be one of the
keynote speakers at the Parliament of the Word's
Religions (see the CCN Date
Claimer for details).
She is a Senior Analyst and
Executive Director, Gallup Center for Muslim Studies.
Mogahed provides
leadership, strategic direction, and consultation on the
collection and analysis of Gallup's unprecedented survey
representing the opinions of more than 1 billion Muslims
worldwide. She also directs the Muslim-West Facts
Initiative (www.muslimwestfacts.com),
through which Gallup, in collaboration with the Coexist
Foundation, is disseminating the findings of the Gallup
World Poll to key opinion leaders in the Muslim World
and the West.
Subject Matter Expertise
Politics; Religion; Leadership Approval; Social Values;
Politics; Mood of the Country; Safety; Consumer Views of
the Economy; Citizen Well-Being Measures
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.
Pancakes with Blackberries: A healthy meal at Sahur time
by guest chef and
budding journalist
Sunnya Khawaja
Muslims around the world are observing
Ramadan these days. It is one of the holiest
and spiritual months in the Islamic
calendar. During this month Muslims fast
from Fajar (dawn) to Maghrib (sunset). It
starts with a pre-dawn meal, which is called
Sahur, and it ends with a meal at Maghrib
time. Furthermore, a person has to keep away
from bad deeds and aim at becoming closer to
Allah. It is essential that Sahur meal is
healthy so that we can still do our daily
work in a best possible way. It is also
important to cook something quickly at the
pre-dawn time. The following recipe is
suggested for Sahur. The recipe is pancakes
with blackberries.
It is tasty, has a wonderful appearance and
aroma. The reason why I chose this recipe
for Suhur is because it is nutritional, easy
to prepare, and it doesn’t take a lot of
time. It is also possible to freeze and it
is nut free. It is high in Calcium and
Folate. It is important to note that Calcium
strengthens bones and teeth. It regulates
muscle function, such as contraction and
relaxation. Calcium also regulates heart
function, improves blood clotting, assists
in the transmission of nervous system
messages and enzyme function (regulates
digestion), and helps the production of
hormones. Calcium produces energy and
assists maintain all cells and connective
tissues in the body. Calcium also reduces
the chance of heart disease and periodontal
disease (gum disease).
Ingredients
1 cup wholemeal self-raising flour
2 teaspoons sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup skim milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 X 430g can blackberries, drained (see
Notes)
canola oil spray
Method
1. Sift flour and sugar into bowl. Return
husks to bowl.
2. Gradually stir in combined milks and egg
to make a smooth batter. Gently fold in
blackberries. Allow mixture to stand for
approximately 15 minutes to thicken.
3. Spray a non-stick frypan with canola oil
spray. Pour 1/3 cup pancake mixture into the
heated pan. Cook over a medium heat. When
bubbles appear, turn the pancake. Cook until
golden. Remove from pan and keep warm.
Repeat with remaining mixture.
4. To serve, dust each pancake with icing
sugar. Serve plain or with reduced fat fruit
yoghurt, honey, maple syrup or Orange and
grapefruit salsa.
Notes: Frozen, canned or
fresh blueberries or raspberries can also be
used.
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
Q: Dear Kareema, I missed out on the Bootcamp
sessions you ran recently, but a group of us have
decided to enrol in a similar program within the next
few weeks. Can you tell us a little of what to expect?
A: Bootcamp programs are designed to not only
improve your fitness, but also challenge you in a team
environment while 'taking on' the great outdoors!
Expect a lot of running drills, body-weight exercises
and possibly a whole lot of exercises you haven't done
before.
Most programs will run for about 6 - 8 weeks, and if you
push yourself to do your absolute best, you will be
amazed at the results at the end of the program!
It's great fun and there's nothing better than to train
outdoors, taking on the elements.
WHAT TO TAKE:
• water
• towel
• a CAN DO attitude!!!!
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.
The
Palestinian Days Film Festival will be held in
Brisbane at the Schonell Theatre on October 16-17-18,
2009. 
Australian
International Islamic College will be extending its
offerings next year to cover Kindergarten to Year 12.
Australia’s
Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard (pictured
left) was in New Delhi during the week to
launch the South Australian-based
International Centre for Muslim and non-Muslim
Understanding globally.
The
Karratha Muslim community has been gathering regularly
for Friday prayers since February 2009. 
In
a post-9/11 world, many Americans conflate the
mainstream Muslim majority with the beliefs and actions
of an extremist minority.
Ms.
Dalia Mogahed will be one of the
C
