"Muslims Australia’s 46 Years of Amazing Service to Australia and Counting ...."

 

On 15th and 16th May 2010 Muslims Australia – AFIC celebrated at one of Sydney’s prestigious Schools – Malek Fahd Islamic School
in Greenacre the success and achievements of Muslims in Australia.

 

The Chief Guest at the Congress Dinner was Senator Chris Evans, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. Hon Tony Burke, Minister for Population and Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corp also attended. Also present, were Church leaders, local government Councillors, respected community elders and Islamic leaders and guests from across Australia.
 

The President of Muslims Australia, Mr Ikebal Patel and Senator Chris Evan presented Achievement Awards to outstanding volunteers, sports people and community workers to honour and recognise their self less commitment to services to the community.
 

Awards were also presented to the High Achieving students who were recipients of NSW Premiers awards for their excellence in HSC results.

 

Mr Patel on behalf of Muslims Australia acknowledged Senator Chris Evans’ strong leadership and commitment as the Immigration and Citizenship Minister restoring Australia’s well earned and deserved reputation as a country of compassion.
 

The President of AFIC stated, “Muslims of Australia commit to work with the Federal Government for Australia's security and prosperity.
Muslims Australia – AFIC, Australia’s premier Halal certification organisation is also committed to work with Federal Government, primary producers and manufacturers to increase the over six billion dollars Halal meat and food products industry.

 

This is an economic windfall for all Australians,” he concluded.

 

Delegates attending from all States of Australia including Christmas Island, Cocos and Keeling Island, Northern Territory and Alice Springs met over two days to receive reports of activities and to talk about programs and policies for next year.

The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils is the national umbrella organization of the Australian Muslims who are structured in a three-tier system of local associations, state councils and the national body (AFIC).

The 46th Congress discussed issues of the organization and structure of the community, emphasizing the need for proper rules and constitutions for the governance and accountability in the affairs of the community. This highest body also stressed the need for unity of the Muslims in this country under AFIC and the continuing efforts on the educational and spiritual development of the Muslim community in Australia’s multicultural society. The need to continue the current efforts towards improved and friendly relations with the Christian and other faith communities in Australia was widely supported.
 

 

AFIC Congress dinner

 

46 years of dedicated community service to all the Muslims of Australia was in its entirety an event to celebrate.

The Chief Guest at the 46th Annual Congress Dinner was Hon. Senator Chris Evans who was presented with plaque in recognition of progressive changes to Australia’s stance towards Multiculturalism.

Other dignitaries included Hon Tony Burke, Hon. Barbara Perry, Hon John Ajaka MLC H.E. Hassan T. Nazer - Ambassador for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, , H.E. Ms. Fauzia Nasreen - High Commissioner of Pakistan, Mr Izzat Abdul Hadi - Palestinian Ambassador, Revd. Glenda Blakefield of Uniting church, Archbishop Issam Darwish of Melkite Church, Mr Jeremy Jones of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, diplomats and community leaders.

 

 

 

Muslims Australia elected the very first Indigenous Muslims to the Executive of Muslims Australia, a young female company executive, Ms Eugenia Flynn (pictured left) from Adelaide who is expected to bring diversity to the previously male dominated executive committee.

 

"We welcome Ms Eugenia Flynn to the team and look forward to tapping her vast experiences for the good of all Australians", commented Mr Patel.

 

 

 

 

The following speakers addressed the Congress meeting:

Mr Asmi Wood – Challenges for Reverts
Dr Christopher Michaelsen on Human Rights
Dr Hass Dellal – Lexicon of Terrorism
Mr Nadirsyah Hosen, Shari'a and Legal Pluralism in Aust.
Mr David Forde  – Palestinian Homeland Dilemma
Mr Rehan Alavi - Islamic Media

 

Twiggy has!

 

 

Between July 13th and July 22nd 2010, a sponsored trek will take a group of walkers to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

 

Set across the stunning Serengeti plains, participants have signed up to an experience of a lifetime.

 

In this group will be Brisbane's very own Mahmood Twiggy Surtie (pictured left at the summit) who, just a year ago, successfully reached Africa's highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.

 

Over 10 gruelling days, Twiggy will trek 20 000 feet up high through alpine rainforests, deserts, glaciers, and even volcanic mounds.

 

The aim of this trek is to raise money for the children of Afghanistan as part of Green Ribbon Week — an annual Muslim Hands initiative supporting innocent children who have had their lives destroyed by the war.

 

The money will go towards providing prosthetic limbs for children injured in landmine explosions, and psychological care and support.

 

If you would like to sponsor Twiggy in this worthy cause call him on 0411 172 786 or email him at twiggy@ecn.net.au.

 

or you can donate directly to Muslim Hands via virginmoneygiving.com (please include the donor number 389928 in the message box).

 

Note that interest/zakkat/lillah monies qualify as donations.

 

 

Direct payments can also be made using Muslims Hands' International banking details:

Bank Name :Natwest Bank
Account name : Muslim Hands
Account # 22820000
Sort code – 60-11-33
Swift Code : NWBKGB2I

 

The Sydney Morning Herald

 

The Reverend Fred Nile tried to introduce a bill to the NSW Parliament this week calling for a ban on the burqa, a head and body veil worn by some Muslim women.

But his motion to have a private member's bill read and debated failed by three votes to 29 - only he and two Shooters' Party members voted for it.

The Christian Democrats MP wanted NSW to follow a growing list of European countries that have moved to ban women from wearing the full head and body covering in public.

Mr Nile's Full-face Coverings Prohibition Bill was modelled on legislation recently passed by the Belgium Parliament.

He says concealment of a person's face - male or female - for any purpose, including terrorism, anarchism or discrimination against women, should be banned.

"We must do all we can to protect women, especially Muslim women, from discrimination and oppression so they live an open lifestyle," Mr Nile said.
 

 

 

 

 

Watch Religious Affairs writer Jacqueline Maley interview author and Middle East commentator Reza Aslan (pictured left), a guest of the Sydney Writers' Festival as he explains why it is wrong to ban the veil (slide the video to 5:45 minutes).
 

 

The President of Muslims Australia – AFIC, Mr Ikebal Patel welcomed the Governments’ White Paper into Islamic banking in Australia.

 

Mr Patel said measures to comprehensively analyse Australia's tax laws to ensure that, wherever possible, they do not inhibit the provision of Islamic finance, banking and insurance products is long overdue. Islamic banking is a reality, attracting $1 Trillion dollars in revenue and growing at a healthy and remarkable rate.

 

Mr Patel commented on the impact of greed, inequitable banking and investment practises that led to the recent global financial crises which has impacted so many families so drastically and said Islamic banking services can play a much better role in ensuring a fairer and more ethical system which is intent on community benefit rather than individual greed.

 

Mr Patel stated, Islamic banking is the fasting growing industry worldwide.

 

This is an opportunity for Australia to attract lucrative foreign investment that will enable Australia to become the financial hub of this region.

 

Australia has proven its maturity and resolve in the banking and financial sectors through it’s strict regulatory and legislative controls which prevented Australia being plunged into a recession or worse!
 

This will create more job opportunities for thousands of Australians. Mr Patel said, Australia is ready to offer it’s citizens a choice in banking and financial products based on morals and ethics.

 

Related articles

Retail Banking Review: Finance with Faith
Money Management: Terms of reference released for Islamic finance tax review

 

 

Lectures by visiting international scholar and orator, Imran Siddiqi, were well attended in Brisbane by both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities.

 

The Australian Muslim Youth Network (AMYN) has announced the Grand Opening of the AMYN Library tonight (Sunday 6.45pm) to coincide with Imran Siddiqi's visit to the AMYN Centre (6/157 North Road, Woodridge, QLD) where he is scheduled to deliver another lecture tonight (6.45pm) immediately after his dawah workshop at the Gold Coast Mosque which starts at 9am today.

For a small monthly fee, patrons will be able to borrow from a huge range of Islamic books from the AMYN Library. All books can be found and tracked on the online AMYN cataloguing and barcoding system.

 

Darra Mosque (Saturday)	University of Queensland (Thursday)
University of Southern Queensland (Toowoomba)	Islamic College of Brisbane (Friday)
University of Queensland (Friday)	Griffith University (Dawah course Saturday)

This tour has been organised by HikmahWay Institute. For more information visit www.HikmahWay.com.

Imam Imraan Husain 
 

  22 May 2010 (Saturday) at 11.00 am
Revert Classes between 11 am to 12.30 pm. It is going very smoothly Alhamdulillah. Please encourage reverts to join our class as we are duty bound to impart sound and true teachings to those in need. Classes will continue for another 5 weeks.
 

  22 May 2010 (Saturday) at 5 pm

Mufti Zeeyad, Athar Shah and I will be attending and participating in a Gold Coast "Interfaith Program". The theme is "Standing Together against Narcotics and other Drugs". ALL ARE WELCOME! We would truly appreciate your attendance. Maghrib will be read at 5.02 pm at there. Program commences immediately thereafter.
 

  23 May 2010 (Sunday) starting at 9 am
Br Imran Siddiqi will be conducting a one day workshop on "Dawa Training Course". It is a golden opportunity to learn from an expert in comparative religion the methodology and approach of Dawa.
 

  24 May 2010 (Monday) 7 pm
Qur'an Classes for adults. We are now starting the Reading of Qur'an. Hence I appeal to all our Musallies who are able to read Qur'an, but need to fine tune their reading, should join now. Basic Tajweed rules will be taught. These classes are conducted on Thursdays as well.
 

  28 May 2010 (Friday Night) at 7 pm
Tafseerul Qur'an Classes conducted by our respected Mufti Zeeyad Ravat every Friday Night after 'Isha. We are very impressed by your active participation and attendance. It gives us the zeal to continue this noble task. May Almighty Allah accept it from us.
 

  30 May 2010 (Sunday)
Our Madrasah football team will be playing in the tournament in Brisbane. Each Madrasah was required to raise $250 for the purchase of the trophies, medals and lunch for all players and spectators. The Dara Masjid Brothers have taken the responsibility of food. Look out for the poster at all the Masaajid and Islamic Schools. This event will take place at the Karawatha Islamic School of Brisbane. Make sure to come with your family and make this day a success insha Allah.
 

  6 June 2010 (Sunday)
CIQ Council of Imams QLD will be holding a meeting at the Gold Coast Masjid. We will be preparing the food for the 20 Imams who will be coming over. Your Imams are welcome to use our beaches only after Fajr.
 

  7 May 2010 (Monday) at 10.30 am
Trinity Lutheran College will be bringing 100 year 7 students to our Masjid for an educational tour as part of our program "Islamic Awareness". They will be accompanied by 5 staff members.

  13 June 2010 (Sunday) starting at 10.30 am
The Islamic Society of Gold Coast’s International Food Festival is upon us again! The annual event raises funds for the running of the Masjid and has become an event marked on the community’s calendar. Last year’s festival attracted over 2500 people and raised approximately $35000, Masha’Allah! In 2010, the festival will boast international cuisines from 15 different nationalities, an auction, fun activities for the kids and stalls with basic information about Islam. The event is intended to promote understanding of Islam, and is surely a way of bringing about respect and compassion in the community. Our Brisbane Muslim communities have always supported us and hope it will be the same this year. All members of the community are cordially invited; so bring along all your friends, try some of our delicious food and make it a fun day out! The event takes place at Gold Coast Islamic Centre, 144 Allied Drive, Arundel.
 

  18 June 2010 (Friday Night) 7 pm
Madrasah Jalsa will be held and students will be given reports, certificates and prizes for their dedication and hard work.
 

 

New awnings have been installed at our Masjid to protect the shoes and the pathway between the Masjid and Madrasah when it rains.

 

Many thanks (Jazaakallahu Khairal Jazaa) to the Brother who made a substantial donation for this improvement. Thanks to Almighty Allah for the wonderful, supportive community that he gave us here in the Gold Coast.
 

We are collecting blankets or sleeping bags to give the homeless here in Gold Coast. Please contact the Imam or Doctor Kader as we will pass it on to the organization that looks after the homeless. Allah will help those who help others in need.
 

 

 

Given the turmoil in the economy in the last week Iqbal Lambat has prepared a “Business Highlights” publication to inform the community on just what happened and the outlook.

 

 

 

Iqbal writes......

 

Three months ago economists were predicting a faster return to good times for Australia. The Australian dollar was expected to reach parity with the US dollar within ‘months’. Since then we have seen a savage dumping of Australian equities and the dollar in the past week. At the same time, consumer sentiment is falling as interest rates bite. The housing market, whilst having performed admirably in the year to March 2010, is expected to be a modest performer for the remainder of this year and retailers are deeply discounting in order to meet sales projections.
 

So, what went wrong?
 

Firstly, the rapid increases in interest rates has curtailed consumer expenditure and cooled the housing market. Mortgage interest rates are expected to further climb to approx 8.5% by the third quarter of 2011 with ongoing negative impacts on discretionary consumer spending and on property prices – especially in the mortgage belt areas.
 

Secondly, the Greek and Euro crisis (the bailout of Greece and the potential impacts on the Eurozone and support for the Euro currency) have led to the global rout of share prices and Australia was heavily impacted by investors withdrawing from the Australian equity market and dollar in favour of the US dollar (this is a result of investors shifting to the ‘low risk’ US dollar in times of uncertainty).
 

Thirdly, the introduction of a higher mining tax has significantly impacted local equities and the Australian dollar. Whilst Kevin Rudd has been reported as denying that the mining tax had any impact on this week’s events, some economists, such as Robert Gottliebsen, writing for The Spectator are of the opinion that the sell off of Australian equities by European and Japanese investors is due to the government’s ‘horrendous mining tax mistake’ affecting the ‘sovereign risk’ of Australia.
 

Sovereign risk? Last time I used those words was to assess investments in West Africa and the former satellite states of Russia – it’s not a term one would associate with Australia. But economists are concerned. In my opinion, on its own, the mining tax would have had some impact on global investors who have the choice to invest in countries with a lower tax regime, but coming in tandem with the Greek crisis, it has spooked international investors more than it should have done.
 

With property forecast to be in the doldrums, this provides those of you who are gutsy with a perfect opportunity to buy into a stock market that has shed approximately 6.6% in value this last week alone. Whilst the short term outlook is uncertain, the market should rise once the dust settles.
 

This edition of Business Highlights provides an overview of the Australian economy, and the property and share markets, including suggested share purchases.

 

 

the full analysis

 

 

 

 

With the World Cup a few weeks away and many Australians making their way to South Africa, CCN will, over the next few weeks, bring readers, heading out to the Rainbow Nation, up to speed with world cup news, and the local politics, idiosyncrasies, personalities and culture of the country.

 

 

SA Muslims 2010 is a website especially set up by the Muslims of South Africa for Muslims from around the world who will be attending the event in South Africa.

 

"The Muslim community of South Africa is really excited about your upcoming visit to the country for the FIFA World Cup 2010 - so excited that we have decided to embark on this initiative especially to help make your stay in our country as pleasant and as easy as possible. That’s right - we’re here to assist you whether it’s halaal food you’re looking for, prayer times you’re confused about, or whether you’ve simply had enough of your hotel room and are looking to learn something new about your surroundings!
Simply click on the host city of your choice and you’ll find all the information you need!"

 

The ‘SA Muslims 2010’ project was established in October 2009 to coordinate the activities and projects of the Muslim Community of South Africa for the 2010 World Cup.

"Our vision is to coordinate a structured and integrated program of local, provincial and national events to mobilize Muslim communities across South Africa into a united effort that portrays the Muslim community as an integral part of the diverse, multi cultural society in South Africa, while presenting a warm and coherent welcome to local and foreign Muslim guests travelling to SA during the World Cup 2010 period."

In addition to the information on this website, there are also guest services brochures available for all your travel needs. These are readily available at local hotels, airports, shopping malls and our nerve centres located in each of the host provinces.

 

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Spot the poor sense of geography on American News TV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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2010 FIFA World Cup Private Functions at the Blue Room Cinema in Brisbane
Entertain clients or friends at a 2010 World Cup private function. Projected in HD with surround sound, coupled with our premium catering options, the Blue Room is the ultimate venue to experience the pinnacle of the world game. Click here for the Stage 1 Group Calendar and to submit an enquiry
 

 

 

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