By CCN's Man-on-the-Mussallah

Australian photojournalist Nigel Brennan was held hostage in Somalia for 15 months in 2009. He, Canadian journalist Amanda Lindhout, and three Somalians were seized on their way to a refugee camp just outside the Somali capital, Mogadishu. Mr Brennan and Ms Lindhout were held captive for 462 days and released only after family members paid a ransom. Mr Brennan was the guest of honour of the United Somalian Association of Queensland (USAQ) at their Eid function last night (Saturday) in Woolloongabba where he described his experiences during his time in Somalia.   He thanked the local Somalian community for inviting him to celebrate Eid with them and added:   "I was thinking about how it is to be a refugee, to leave your country, your families, you go to a place where you have no idea where you are going to end up, you have no idea what you are going to do for money." "In some respects I was incredibly lucky to be able to come home to my country while a lot of Somalians will probably never go back to the land of their birth, which is incredibly sad." "For the four days that I was there what I saw was amazingly beautiful  - 6 and half thousand kilometers of pristine coastline and farming land, that if money was thrown at it, would turn the country into a booming economy."   He thanked his family and the local Somalian community for their efforts during his ordeal and hoped that one day he would get a chance to go back to Somalia "if his mother would let him".   Also on the agenda was speeches by the Minister for Communities, Annastacia Palaszczuk, USAQ president, Mr. Hussein Ali Ahmed, community elder, Mr. Mohamed Mohamoud Darman, young Amina Ahmed and USAQ vice president, Mr. Sharif Sheik Farah.   After a number of enjoyable cultural performances, the guests were treated to a dinner and stayed on to enjoy each other's company long afterwards.   Hussein Ali Ahmed   Cultural performance: Alla Maanta Ayaanta     Annastacia Palaszczuk MP Nigel Brennan   Cultural performance: Haybad waxaad ku leedahay dhulkaaga hooyo Mohamed Mohamoud Darman

 

The Indonesian Islamic Society of Brisbane (http://www.iisb.info), an Indonesian Muslim community who reside in Brisbane and suburbs are holding an Indonesian Eid feast today, Sunday 19 September.   All the details can be found by clicking on the image on the left.         Eid Fest Promo

 

The Australian International Islamic College (AIIC) hosted the Eid-ul-Fitr Salah and an impressive crowd of about 2000 attended to observe the end of the month of Ramadan.   On a beautiful morning, Muslim brothers and sisters from all walks of life, gathered and performed their Eid Salah.   After the Salah, the College provided a sumptuous brunch that was clearly enjoyed by all.   There were rides for the young and also for the “not so young.” "It was heartening to observe the spirit of brotherhood and Islam amongst the Muslim community, " a spokesperson for the College wrote.   The images shown here capture just some of the atmosphere and joy from the day.

 

Excerpt from sermon video from Sunday, August 29, worship service, First Community Church, Columbus, OH, with Rev. Deborah C. Lindsay preaching:

 

The Multicultural Assistance Program grants are allocated to projects, multicultural festivals, and cultural events that strengthen multiculturalism, foster harmonious community relations and participation, and build community capacity, including improved access to services in Queensland.   Funding Guidelines The 2010-11 Funding Information Paper provides details of funding available and information about how to develop an application. Applicants must use the 2010-11 Funding Submission Form provided in the Funding Information Paper to submit a funding application. The 2010-11 Funding Information Paper and submission forms are available at www.multicultural.qld.gov.au/be-involved/grants/multicultural-assistance-program/.  You may contact Multicultural Affairs Queensland on 13 13 04 to obtain the Funding Information Paper and submission forms if you do not have access to internet or have a problem downloading the documents. Closing date for submission of applications is Monday 15 November 2010.

 

The Executive Committee of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)  was invited during the week to join members of the Queensland Parliament for dinner in the Speaker's Courtyard of Parliament House.   Minister of Communities and Multicultural Affairs, Annastacia Palaszczuk, played host along with Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations, Cameron Dick (pictured seated second and third from the left respectively).    Also present were Desley Scott MP, Grace Grace MP and Speaker of the House, John Mickel MP.

 

In the current climate of an increasing need for Muslims to be involved in inter-faith dialogue to remove misconceptions about Islam, clarify issues related to Muslims, and inform others about Islam, there is a need to educate both Muslims and non-Muslims about issues related to Islam and Muslims. The Council of Imams Queensland (CIQ) invites applicants to express an interest to volunteer in two upcoming projects. 1) Religious education to Muslim students in Queensland Schools Many schools in Queensland have a growing population of Muslims. Many of these Muslim students (primary and secondary) are deprived from learning about their faith or getting the opportunity to pray congregational prayers at school. Many of the Muslim students have expressed the desire to learn more about their faith. Following this emerging need in schools around Queensland, CIQ is looking for committed Muslims who are interested in teaching Religious Education classes, once a week, at schools around Queensland. Full training and manuals for Religious Education classes will be provided to the volunteers by CIQ, including the necessary paperwork to undertake this task Insha Allah. CIQ is also looking for people to lead congregational Jummah prayers at the schools. 2) Religious studies talks on Islam at Non-Muslim schools in Queensland In the past few years, a number of Muslim sisters and brothers have been actively involved in giving interviews to students from private Christian colleges for their Grade 11 and Grade 12 religious studies class assignments. These religious studies classes study Islam as part of their curriculum and are required to interview a Muslim person to get an insight about the influence of doctrinal, ethical and social frameworks of Islamic traditions in their personal lives. Just a few weeks ago, 3 speakers addressed up to 15 students each, in one particular school. The increasing number of requests has called for a need to increase the number of volunteers that can be available to be interviewed to share their experiences of Islam with students from Non-Muslim schools. There are many passionate Muslims in the community who would be ideal to undertake these tasks. This is an opportunity for you to share your knowledge of Islam with others. You do not have to be a scholar to share your knowledge. If you have the passion and the desire to do something to change the perceptions people have about Islam, then CIQ will provide the necessary training to equip you with techniques and strategies in addressing various commonly asked questions. So, if you would like to volunteer for any of these projects, or both of them, please forward your details by filling in the application form and availability form and returning them to the following email:- schoolsvolunteer@hotmail.com.

 By Nora Amath

Amidst the context of the so-called “Burn a Quran day” last Sunday, over 80 people from diverse faith and cultural backgrounds came together to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr at the Multi-Faith Centre, Griffith University.   The event was hosted and sponsored by Believing Women for a Culture of Peace (BWCP), the Multi-Faith Centre, the North Brisbane Interfaith Group and the Nematollahi Sufi order. BWCP chairperson, Nora Amath, was the master of ceremonies and took the attendees on a journey through the spiritual significance of Ramadhan and the diverse practices of Eid-ul-Fitr.   Emriye Yildiz from the Queensland Intercultural Society provided her reflections about Ramadhan from a Turkish Australian perspective, while Amir Mozaffari from the Nematollahi Sufi order moved and inspired the audience with his passionate views about God’s Love for His creation. Garth Read from the North Brisbane Interfaith Group spoke about the context of 9/11, the “planned” Quran burning, and shared with everyone Imam Feisal Abdel Rauf’s vision for the proposed community centre - a centre for all faiths to come together, something as Read reminds us, the media has neglected in its coverage of this contentious issue.   Read clarifies that Imam Feisal’s concept for the centre rests on two commandments common to the Abrahamic faiths: “to love the Lord our creator with all of our hearts, minds, souls and strength; and to love our neighbours as we love ourselves. We want to foster a culture of worship authentic to each religious tradition, and also a culture of forging personal bonds across religious traditions” (Imam Feisal). These profound, deep and inspiring reflections were shared amidst spiritual music and poetry reading performed by members of the Nematollahi Sufi order.   After the formal program, attendees enjoyed a halal meal and continued to engage in meaningful conversations with one another.   Events like this remind us how important it is to continue reaching out to one another; it is only through meaningful engagement that true bridges of understanding can be built.   As one of the organisers remarked: “We are here to defy whatever hatred there is out there, by coming together as Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Bahais, Sikhs and so forth!”

 

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has banned people exposing their shoulders and thighs at an event at a public swimming pool in Dandenong, in Melbourne's south-east. The Dandenong City Council and the YMCA applied for the ban to be implemented during swimming lessons for Muslim women scheduled for next August. It will apply to both Muslims and non-Muslims attending the event. The vice-president of the Victorian Islamic Council, Sherene Hassan (pictured right), says she does not support the restrictions. "I basically believe that individuals have the right to wear whatever they'd like to wear," she said. "I understand the organisers of this event have good intentions. They want to bring Muslims and non-Muslims, but my preference would be no dress code stipulated for non-Muslims." Victoria's Equal Opportunities Commissioner says the ban must be put into perspective. Helen Szoke says the restrictions apply to a two-hour, after hours swimming session, targeted at multi-faith groups. "People are not obliged to attend, minimum standards of dress are very common and where minimum standards of dress are identified on occasions it's often to allow people to participate," she said.

 

SBS Insight Tuesday 21 September 7.30pm   Banning the Burqa   The French Senate has voted to ban the burqa in public places making it the first European country to outlaw full face Islamic veils. Similar laws are now being considered in Belgium, Spain and some Italian cities. President Sarkozy said in Parliament "We cannot accept that in our country some women will be imprisoned behind a fence cut off from all social life, deprived of identity. This is not a principle that the French republic has about women's dignity." In Australia, a recent decision by a judge to have a witness remove her face veil has sparked controversy and recent polls show that the majority of Australians support a ban. But what exactly is driving the ban?   Guest on the live show are: Jacques Myard Jacques Myard is a member of France’s ruling UMP party. On September 14 the French Senate passed a bill banning Islamic face veils in public. Jacques Myard initiated a proposal to ban the burqa two years ago. He believes these types of Islamic headwear go against the values of the French Republic.   Tariq Ramadan Tariq Ramadan is Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies at Oxford University, England. He believes banning the burqa is counterproductive and will force women to stay indoors. He has condemned the recent ban in France.   Cory Bernardi The Liberal Senator believes that the burqa has no place in Australian society because it represses women but his primary concern is that the wearing of it is a security issue.     Amina Ghafoor 22 year old Amina (pictured here with her husband Ahmed Saghir) has been wearing the burqa for more than a year. It was her choice to wear it and she feels banning the burqa will oppress other Muslim women as they'll lose their right to choose

 

The celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Earth Charter started on Thursday with a Day of Inspiration at St John’s Cathedral on Ann Street, Brisbane.   AMARAH president, Nora Amath, joined in the celebration by providing the message of peace and endorsement for the comprehensive charter.   Illustrious speakers for the day include: Mirian Vilela, The Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall, Swami Mahamandalesh war Swami Jasraj Puri, Dr Ian Lowe, Professor Brendan Mackey, Bishop Browning, The Venerable Cheuh Shan, Fr Denis Edwards and Dr Noel Preston.   The Day of Inspiration also included voices from the youth who provided profound reflections on the different Earth Charter Principles.   A dialogue with Pacific Islander leaders and the challenge of climate change The highlight of the day for many was the passionate forum on “The Earth Charter Meeting Global Challenges- Pacific Islands Meeting the impact of Climate Change”.   Rev Leaupepe Kasiano, Ursula Rakova and Fiu Mata’ese Elisara La’ulu spoke poignantly and passionately about the plight of their people in the context of climate change.   They reminded those in attendance that for some it may mean a little inconvenience to their lives and even expense; but for them it is a matter of life and death. They urged the Australian government and everyone to be mindful of how important this issue is to the very future of their islands and their people.   The second day of the festival, the Day of Action, included forums for 3 separate streams. They include: Communities Stream: Living and Breathing Communities; Corporate Stream: Harvesting the Benefits; and Education Stream: Brisbane City Council Earth Charter Festival stall Seeds of Change.   These forums presented participants an opportunity to hear from renowned experts in their fields who are making a direct, sustainable impact on their communities. The forums also provided practical action-oriented solutions people can incorporate into their lives.   The festival concluded on Saturday, the Day of Celebration, with a Peace and Sustainability Fair, at Musgrave Park, South Brisbane.   The Fair showcased diverse multi-cultural performances, informative dialogue forums, as well as the plethora of community groups and social enterprise initiatives interested individuals can join.   For more information on the Earth Charter please visit: www.earthcharter.org.au.

 

Mufti Zeeyad Ravat leaves for Pakistan on Wednesday 22 September.   The aim of this self sponsored trip which is to observe, at first hand, the situation in the flood stricken areas and to personally coordinate relief efforts with funds received through MCF.   Anyone wishing to donate to his efforts and for more information contact Mufti Zeeyad on 0421 342 108.

 

At the AGM held last week the following were elected on the Council of Imams Queensland (CIQ):   • President: Imam Yusuf Peer (Active Worker in QLD) • Vice President: Imam Osama Al-Treki (Imam of Lutwyche Mosque) • Secretary Imam Imraan Husain (Imam of Gold Coast Mosque) • Assist. Secretary: Br Ismail Mohamed (AMYN Centre) • Treasurer: Imam Aslam Hussain (AMYN Centre) • Assistant Treasurer Br Ahmed Hassen (Active Member at Kuraby Mosque)   Members: Imam Akram Buksh Imam Fida-ur-Rehman Imam Shazad Khan Imam Mabrook Houadchia Imam Ziyaad Ravat Imam Bashir Khan Imam Syed Tariq Imam Uzair Akbar Imam Ikraam Buksh Imam Abu Ghazaleh Imam Junaid Akbar Imam Mohammed Tauab Raza Imam Tawfique Chowdhury Imam Adnaan Goder Imam Recep Utku Imam Dr Mohamad Abdalla Imam Khairettin Yilmaz Imam Ihsan Arafa Imam Abdul Basit Imam Mohamed Aslam Imam Mohamed Nawaaz Imam Sifet Omerovic Imam Hamidullah Buttu Imam Nurul Hasan Br Aziz Yusuf Br Hamid Goran Br Ismail Zaki Br Daud Bachelor Br Masroor Shariff Information supplied courtesy of the Secretary of CIQ