......a sometimes
self-deprecating and occasional tongue-in-cheek look at ourselves and
the world around us ......
Sunday, 8 November 2009
.Newsletter
0261
News you won't find on CNN!
IWAQ
Dinner
The Islamic Women's
Association of Queensland (IWAQ) held its annual staff
and management committee dinner and a special birthday
celebration during the week at the Michael's Oriental
restaurant.
Guest of honour, the
Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk, Minister for Disability
Services and Multicultural Affairs, was on hand to
witness Carlos celebrate his 100th birthday.
IWAQ Director, Galila
Abdel-Salam, recapped the activities that IWAQ had
been engaged in over the past few years, and the
Minister expressed her pleasant surprise at finding out
the extent and quality of the work being undertaking by
organizations in the community.
(left to right) Nazmun Shahid,
Fahimeh Mousa,
Fathema Bakhshi and
Jonida Ahmed in elegant IWAQ uniforms
Centenarian Carlos with the IWAQ
Team and Guests
Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk
From
the AFIC Desk.....
The President of the
Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Mr Ikebal
Adam Patel informed that the three day Seminar on
Development of Muslim Community : Challenges and
opportunities organised by Islamic Education
Scientific Cultural Organisation in cooperation with
Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Kuwait in coordination with
the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils and
Jamiyah Singapore was a major success.
The Conference was
attended by a number of dignitaries, academics,
community leaders and students and the guests of honour
were Hon. Laurie Ferguson and Hon. Julie Owens, who
expressed complete support to the Muslim Community and
appreciated the contribution made by Muslims in
Australia.
Mr Patel said that the
Australian Federation of Islamic Councils is trying its
best to unite the ethnic and culturally diverse Islamic
Community under the banner of Muslims Australia but the
comments made by Christian Democrat MP, Reverend Fred
Nile in preparation of the campaign for his federal seat
of Bradfield does not help the cause and are in no way
befitting someone who claims to be a representative of
one of the great religions of the world, or in fact of a
Reverend.
Reverend Nile has a
history of bringing up such issues before elections but
one expects that the average Australian and New South
Wales voter is much more astute than to fall for this
ploy.
Instead of looking at some
of the very positive contributions that the Australian
Muslims have made over some 150 years in Australia,
Reverend Nile still wants to impose his bigoted and
divisive values on others, without adding any value to
the lives of ordinary Australians.
Mr Patel added that he was
also dismayed at the outrageous publication of Mustafa
Hamid who is purported to be a senior Al Qa’ida Member
which says “join Muslim Asia or Perish”. Mr Patel said
that all Muslims in Australia condemn and reject those
views.
Mr Patel further added
that the media attention was helping to perpetuate such
individuals and views and called upon the media not to
provide publicity to such views. He said that the former
British Prime Minister Mrs Margaret Thatcher had
astutely advised the media that extremists were thriving
on publicity and if this publicity was denied extremism
could easily be arrested.
The
next Speed Intros event is planned for 20th November
2009, and as it's only 2 weeks away, anyone interested
in attending should apply as soon as possible.
It is a very good opportunity to meet other people who
are in the same situation, and equally importantly, meet
people from outside your own circle. Hopefully we will
have applicants from all walks of life and of all age
groups
Shaykh-ul-Islam
Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is the founding leader of
Minhaj-ul-Quran International (MQI), an organization
with branches and centres in more than 90 countries
around the globe, "working for the promotion of peace
and harmony between communities and the revival of
spiritual endeavour based on the true teachings of
Islam."
Tahir-ul-Qadri will be
making a tour of Australia in June/July 2010.
Minhaj-Ul-Quran Australia
are planning to arrange public forum/conferences in all
of the states.
If you would like further
information contact
Mohammed Janiff President of Minhaj-Ul-Quran Australia,
14 Oxley Street, Fairfield, NSW, 2165 Phone : (02) 9724
0753 or email him at
mjaniff@optusnet.com.au.
Islamic
Society of Holland Park: New Executive Committee
President:Saheed Ali
Vice President:
Ismail
Cajee
Secretary:
Shaheek Hasan
Asst. Secretary:
Yusuf
Cajee
Treasurer:
Intaz Hussen
Asst. Treasurer:
Mubarak Hussain
CommitteeMembers:
Nizam Deen
M.A.Gaffar Deen
Ismail Khan
Mohammed Kabir
Imam: Uzair Akbar
Australia-Indonesia Young Leaders Exchange: 2010
Invitation for Applications
Applications
are invited from young Australian Muslims to travel to
Indonesia in 2010 under the Australia-Indonesia Muslim
Leaders Exchange.
The Exchange was established by the Australia-Indonesia
Institute in 2002 to enable young Muslim leaders in
Australia and Indonesia to visit each others’ countries
for approximately two weeks to meet Muslims and
non-Muslims, to
exchange views and to share experiences.
Since 2002, 84 young Indonesian Muslim leaders have
visited Australia and 28 young Australian Muslim leaders
have
travelled to Indonesia.
All costs are covered for the visit to Indonesia.
Applications are due by 27 November 2009. Applicants
should be between 21 and 40, and be an active member of
the Muslim community in Australia.
More information on the
programme can be downloaded from
here.
The Australia-Indonesia
Institute (AII) supports a range of people-to-people
exchanges aimed at promoting greater mutual awareness.
The Muslim Leaders
Exchange Program is intended to raise the level of
informed opinion about Islam in both countries, increase
awareness about the diversity of cultures and faiths in
Australia and Indonesia, and encourage the development
of links between Australian and Indonesian Muslims.
The Exchange is managed by
the Islamic Council of Victoria with the support of the
Asia Institute, University of Melbourne.
[Editor]: The organizers hoping to have some
applications from Queensland this year as they have not
had any from here to date.
Little
Mosque on the Prairie: Season 3 Episode 15
Colour Me Excited
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Hajiis
Head Out
A group from the 60 strong
contingent of the Laibbaik Travellers left Brisbane last
night on their journey to Mecca and Medina under the
guidance of Dr. Mohamad Abdalla (seen leading the final
prayer at the airport before the start of their
journey).
It is believed that they
will meet up with some 500 fellow pilgrims from all over
Australia who are travelling with the agent.
The Inbox
Brothers & Sisters In Islam
As Salaamu Alaikum
“BASIC
ESSENTIALS for MUSLIMS” with transliteration ……… is
a book of everyday duas. (See Image) Duas written in
Arabic with English Translation and English
Transliteration which is recommended for New Muslims
(reverts) and people who cannot read Arabic and for
those at Maddressa.
This book is available from South Africa and in the
past 2000 copies were brought in and distributed to
Masjids, Maddressahs and Reverts. It was kindly
sponsored by a couple of brothers. We need to get
more of these books and are looking for sponsors.
The books costs 8.00 Rands each but they are
prepared to give it to us at 4 Rands each plus
package & postage. It is hoped to bring in another
2000 copies. Anyone interested in giving towards
this project are asked to contact:- FAISEL ESSOF –
Mob 0402 575 410
One may give as Lillah, Sadaqa or Esale Sawab.
For clarification one may speak to Ml. Peer, Ml
Imran Husain (Gold Coast) and Mufti Ziyad. This book
was also passed onto Daud Batchelor and Aisha Dennis
for the Reverts.
Jazaak Allah and May Allah reward you for your
efforts.
Faisel Essof
Around
the Muslim World with CCN
Clinic Apologizes for
Telling Muslim Doctor She Can't Wear Headscarf
DALLAS — A
suburban Dallas medical
clinic has apologized to a
Muslim doctor for telling
her during a job interview
that she would not be
allowed to wear her
headscarf while at work.
Dr. Hena Zaki (pictured
left) of Plano said
Friday that she was shocked
when officials at CareNow,
which operates 22 clinics in
the Dallas-Fort Worth area,
told her in person and later
by e-mail that a no-hat
policy extended to her hijab.
Zaki had been on a tour of a
CareNow clinic in Allen,
Texas, two weeks ago when
she said the regional
medical director told her he
didn't want her to be
surprised about the policy
during orientation.
"He interrupted the
interview and said he didn't
want me to take this the
wrong way," Zaki said. "Like
an FYI."
Zaki demanded an apology and
a change in CareNow's
policies to accommodate
expressions of religious
belief — "whether it be a
turban or facial hair."
On Friday, CareNow President
Tim Miller told the
Associated Press: "I would
apologize for any
misunderstanding, definitely
... but I don't really feel
like there is anything that
we did that is wrong and our
policy is wrong."
Fox News
Epic Muhammad movie in
pipeline
An epic movie about Islam's Prophet
Muhammad is in the pipeline, backed by a producer of the
Lord of the Rings.
American Barrie Osborne, who also produced The Matrix,
told Reuters the film would be an "international epic"
aimed at "bridging cultures".
In accordance with Islamic rules, the Prophet cannot be
depicted on screen. Images of the Prophet are considered
blasphemous by Muslims.
The $150m (£91m) English language film should go into
production in 2011.
Qatari media company Alnoor Holdings, which is behind
the plans, said it wanted to attract the "best
international talent" for the film.
"The film will educate people about the true meaning of
Islam," Osborne said.
Raja Sharif, vice president of international projects at
Alnoor, told Reuters he expected to conclude deals next
year.
Italian Court Convicts
CIA Agents Over Muslim Cleric's Abduction
A
court in Italy on Wednesday
convicted 23 Americans,
including 22 CIA agents, and
two Italian secret service
agents over the 2003
kidnapping of an Islamic
cleric in Milan.
Twenty-six Americans and
seven Italians faced charges
of kidnapping Egyptian
cleric Abu Omar (pictured
right), a suspected
terrorist, from Milan and
flying him to Egypt. Omar
claims he was tortured and
held for four years without
charges before being
released in 2007.
Judge Oscar Magi, who
presided over the case
dealing with the alleged
"extraordinary rendition"
carried out by the CIA on
Italian soil, acquitted
three Americans and five
Italians in the case.
Those acquitted on Wednesday
included CIA chief for Rome
Jeffrey Castelli, former
head of Italy's military
intelligence agency, Nicolo
Pollari, and his deputy,
Marco Mancini.
However, the judge sentenced
Robert Lady, CIA's Milan
station chief at the time of
the incident, to eight years
in prison and the 22
remaining Americans each to
5 years in prison for their
role in the cleric's
abduction. Two Italian
secret service agents were
also given three-year prison
terms each.
“Never doubt that a
small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”
- Margaret Mead
This week
CCN
recommends
ANSWERS
TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON PARENTING by
Drs. Ekram & Mohamed Rida Beshir
Book description
This book provides the
reader with answers to the most frequently asked
questions on the subject of parenting in North America
from an Islamic perspective. The answers cover a variety
of topics such as correcting behavior, schooling,
environment, celebrations, sex education, and others.
The answers to the FAQs in this book represent crucial
issues of concern occupying the minds of many parents.
The methodology used in answering these questions draws
heavily on verses of the Qur'an, teachings of Prophet
Muhammad SAAW, and events in his Seerah, as well as the
authors' wealth of practical experience, gained from
their countless parenting counseling sessions over the
years, and their knowledge of child psychology.
Drs. Ekram and Mohamed Rida Beshir as a wife/husband
team, together co-authored several best-selling
parenting books such as "Meeting the Challenge of
Parenting in the West," "Muslim Teens, Today's Worry,
Tomorrow's Hope," "Blissful Marriage" and "Parenting
Skills based on Qur'an and Sunnah." They have also
authored parenting books in Arabic. Some of their
parenting books have been translated to French and
German languages. They are teaching two courses on the
subject of parenting with the Islamic American
University. They are both regular contributors to the
family section of several magazines such as "American
Muslim," "Islamic Horizons", and the "Message magazine."
Both Drs. Ekram and Mohamed Rida Beshir are also
advisers on the Islam online website family section.
Drs. Ekram and Mohamed Rida Beshir are the recipients of
the City of Ottawa Certificate of Appreciation for the
year 2003 for their volunteer work in the area of
Education. They have traveled extensively, presenting
workshops to various Muslim communities all over the
world.
Dr. Ekram Beshir
- She is a medical doctor by profession, with a
background in child psychology.
- She is the founder of both Abraar full-time Islamic
school and Rahma School, a weekend Arabic and Islamic
school, in Ottawa, Canada.
- She is the recipient of the Director's Citation Award
of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board for the
year 2000 for her contribution in the area of education
from among 7000 employees of the board.
- She has been very active with the Muslim community in
Ottawa in the areas of study circles, children and youth
camps, sisters programs, and marriage counseling.
- She has traveled extensively to various parts of the
world to present parenting workshops.
- She has also authored other books for teaching Arabic
to Muslim children living in Non- Arabic speaking
countries.
Dr. Mohamed Rida Beshir
- He is an engineer by profession, with over 25 years of
experience in Da'wa work in North America.
- He has held various positions with MSA and ISNA, MAS
on both national and local levels.
- He served as a member of the training and development
department of the Muslim American Society (MAS) for over
two decades.
- He is actively developing and delivering training
programs to various Muslim communities all over the
world.
- He is a regular speaker in ISNA, ICNA, MSA, MAC and
MAS conferences.
- He is the recipient of the Ottawa Muslim Association
and Ottawa Muslim Community Circle appreciation awards
for years 1993, and 1999 for his volunteer Islamic work
in the National Capital region.
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.
Ingredients
¼ cup olive oil
½ kg steak or chicken cut into strips
1 tsp green chillies
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt
½ cabbage- shredded
1 ½ cups carrots- cut into julienne strips
2 onions chopped
1 cup green pepper chopped
½ cup soya sauce
1 tab corn flour
¼ cup steers peri-peri sauce
¼ cup steers barbeque sauce
¼ cup spring onions
½ cup dhania (coriander) chopped
Method
Heat oil and stir fry the meat add green
chillies, lemon juice and salt. Remove meat
and in the same wok stir fry the vegetable
for 2-5 min then add in the cooked meat. Mix
the corn flour and the soy sauce and stir it
in then add the sauces and cook until light
and crunchy. Lastly add dhania and spring
onion. Serve with either pita or bread rolls
or on a bed of noodles or rice.
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
Dear Kareema, we are an active family who loves our
weekend outings such as hiking, cycling, etc. We are not
getting out as much as we would like these days and are
therefore putting together a gym at home. What are your
thoughts on a cross-trainer & bike (our next big choice
in gym equipment).
A:
I think your family will benefit most from the
cross-trainer.
It works both upper & lower body and is great for
improving cardio fitness.
The bike is a great tool as well but focuses on lower
body and cardio only.
If you're looking at getting a bike sometime in the
future, I suggest a spin-bike as you can stand and do
mountain / hill climbs as well. N-JOY your gym & keep
challenging yourselves!!
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.
Shaykh-ul-Islam
Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is the founding leader of
Minhaj-ul-Quran International (MQI), an organization
with branches and centres in more than 90 countries
around the globe, "working for the promotion of peace
and harmony between communities and the revival of
spiritual endeavour based on the true teachings of
Islam."
Applications
are invited from young Australian Muslims to travel to
Indonesia in 2010 under the Australia-Indonesia Muslim
Leaders Exchange.
A
court in Italy on Wednesday
convicted 23 Americans,
including 22 CIA agents, and
two Italian secret service
agents over the 2003
kidnapping of an Islamic
cleric in Milan.
C
