......a sometimes self-deprecating and occasional tongue-in-cheek look at ourselves and the world around us ......

 

 

Sunday, 5 February 2012

 Newsletter 0378

 

 HOME

QIC convenes

 

The Queensland India Council held its inaugural meeting this week. The Council was established by the Queensland Government to provide advice on trade, investment, education, science, tourism and cultural issues relevant to Queensland's relationship with India.

 

The council members were appointed on the basis of their "specific areas of expertise and their ability to provide strategic advice to the Government on Queensland-India relations" and members include representatives from the business, education, tourism and resources sector, as well as community leaders experienced in engaging with India.

 

The Chair of the Council, Prof Arun Sharma, is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Commercialisation, Queensland University of Technology and the current pro tem National President of the Australia India Business Council.

 

The initial recommendations of the Council are to exploit and promote the benefits, advantages and influences of Queensland's sub-tropical and tropic climate particularly with regard to tourism, fashion and architecture.

 

Queensland India Council

Standing (l to r): Dr Mustafa Ally (USQ), Mr Barry Thomas (Cook Medical), Prof Arun Sharma (QUT), Mr Umesh Chandra (Brisbane Indian Times), Dr Aparna Hebanni (UQ), Ms Michele Fleming (Populous), Mr Bernie Neylan (Mak Max) and Hon Michael Choi MP

Sitting (l to r): Mrs Kam Kaue Athwal (Sikh Nishkam Society), Ms Kay Ganley (Charlton Brown), Hon Andrew Fraser (Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for State Development and Trade), Ms Raynuha Sinnathamby (Springfield Land Corporation), Ms Kim Parascos (iVolve)  and Mr Surendra Prasad (FICQ)

 

Radicalization Roadshow in Townsville

By Yunus Rashid (Project Co-ordinator)

The Islamic Council of Queensland, working in collaboration with the Attorney-General’s Community Resilience Building Program, held an anti radicalisation event on January 28 in Townsville attended by over a 100 local Muslims from many different cultural groups and the local Federal Member for Herbert, Hon Ewen Jones MP.
 

The guest speaker for the night was the Director of the Griffith Islamic Research Unit (GIRU) Dr Mohammad Abdalla. Dr Abdalla spoke passionately and at length to an enthralled crowd about the vice of extremism and radicalization.

 

His thoroughly researched presentation included the views of contemporary ulema (Muslim learned scholars) and quotations from the Holy Quran and the sacred traditions of the Prophet, all testifying to the benefit of adopting a middle ground aiming to harness construction of societies rather than destruction of societies.

The event started after the Magrib salaah and ended with a community dinner at around 10pm.

 

The president of the Islamic Society of Townsville Doctor Prashanta Mitra, welcomed the guests and expressed his sincere and deep gratitude to the ICQ for funding the event.

 

He added that Townsville was extremely fortunate to have a scholar of Dr Abdalla’s standing to be present at the gathering.

 

Mr Jones also expressed words of support for the migrant communities and expressed his desire to see the migrant communities taking their rightful place in the wider Australian Community.
 

The January 28 event was one of a series that ICQ is holding across Queensland in an effort to raise awareness amongst Muslims, specially the youth, about radicalisation and its adverse effects on society.

 

"ICQ believes that the vast majority of Muslims who adhere to the peaceful religion of Islam as espoused by the Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) need to become proactive in countering any radical message that may be propagated within the community at any level. This workshop (to be followed by a series of smaller workshops) hopes to change the passive resistance of the Muslim communities to one of proactive involvement and empowerment of the youth to be able to say no to radicalisation without fear of repercussions knowing that the State and the community is behind them in fighting religious intolerance and radicalisation. While Queensland has been relatively untouched by the same levels of radicalisation seen in New South Wales and Victoria, ICQ sincerely believes that prevention is better than cure."

Charity store in strife

As reported in TheReporter

 

JANETH Deen has never had to ask for help. Until now.

The dedicated volunteer and lifelong champion for community harmony and multiculturalism will have to close her welfare shop this month unless she can get more volunteers and financial support.

The Queensland Muslim Welfare Association store at the Parklands Shopping Centre has assisted hundreds of struggling Logan families and individuals from all walks of life by donating clothes, furniture and whitegoods, or selling them at a low price.

The association, which is based at Logan, also hosts giveaway events and has supported refugees by providing items to help those in need in their home countries.

Ms Deen's decision to shut the store comes just two months after she received the Most Outstanding Volunteer honour at the Queensland Multicultural Awards, in recognition of her work at the shop and in the community.

The mother-of-five said it would be a tragedy if she had to close the store.

"It breaks my heart," she said.

"A lot of people rely on this service and have told me they can no longer afford to buy goods from other welfare stores.

"We have low prices here because I'm not here to make a profit at the expense of the Logan people.

"If someone asks for goods, we give it free of charge."

Determined to inject some hope and normality into the lives of the less fortunate, Ms Deen opened the welfare shop in 2009 and has since become a friendly face in Woodridge and surrounding suburbs.

In its first year of operation the association took out Logan's Davida Steel Memorial Award For Outstanding Community Organisation.

No one could question how much time and effort Ms Deen, a 70-year-old widow, has dedicated to helping rebuild people's lives by offering everything from a simple hug to fully furnishing homes with donated items.

"It's not a passion for me, I'm obsessed with it (helping)," she said.

"This has given me a new lease on life and keeps me young.

"I'm from a family of 11 and we had to struggle so I know what it is like.

"I empathise with these people."

For the past year Ms Deen has been running the store on her own after her colleague and friend was no longer able to help because her home was impacted during last year's floods.

In order to keep the store open, Ms Deen has had to dig in to her superannuation to combat the rising costs of storage, rent and utilities.

But the reality is unless she can find some more helpers and financial support in a flash, she will be forced to close the store.

Anyone who would like to help can contact Ms Deen on 0435 086 796.

 


Since the above article appeared in TheReporter, Janeth Deen has received many calls of support.

Ms Deen told CCN: "Some of our Muslim members even rang to help out and the Mayor of Logan also offered to donate $1,000 to keep the shop running. The committee had made their decision and the shop had to close. This decision was based on the lack of volunteers and the fact that there was no one to run the shop after Wilma and i could no longer run it. Also the size of the shop and the need for storage was problem."

"It is a shame that the only Muslim Welfare shop in Australia has to close its doors. In the three years of its operation, it has more than fulfilled the objective of helping the less needy in our society."

Word of the Year

 

The Committee's choice for the winning word of the Macquarie Word of the Year 2011 was.....burqini

 

The word “Burqini” is used to describe the full-length swimming costume for Muslim women invented and developed by Sydney designer Aheda Zanetti.

 

The competition is run each year by the wordsmiths at Macquarie Dictionary who assess which new words in the Australian lexicon will make it into their latest addition.

 

They assess whether a word has currency in the community and if it does, the word is given an official definition and put into the online dictionary.

 

Burqini has been defined as:

burqini - ber’keenee - noun a swimsuit designed for Muslim women, comprising leggings and a tunic top with a hood. [Trademark; BURQ(A) + (BIK)INI]
 

The People's Choice award went to fracking and you can find the full list of entrants here.

 

Muslim Chic on Facebook

Appeal for assistance for victims of floods in Fiji: ICQ Appeal

ICQ Press Release

The recent floods in Fiji has caused widespread damage to homes and crops to many parts of the country. Some parts of the country are still under water and it is not possible at present to ascertain the full extent of the loss/damage. Preliminary estimates are that about 2000 of our Muslim families have lost their homes, crops and belongings. For many it would be a long journey ahead before they recover from this disaster.

Considering the current political situation in Fiji and the high rate of unemployment a large percentage of the population face a very gloomy future. Foreign aid is very limited and there is hardly any welfare or unemployment benefits for those in need.

The Fiji Muslim League has appealed to the Islamic Council of Queensland (ICQ) for assistance and we earnestly request our community for their generous support. Cash donations can be sent to the above address or deposited in the following account :

Islamic Council of Queensland
Social Aid Account
Westpac Bank
BSB 034-013 Account No 149416

Your generous support will be greatly appreciated.

In pictures: The History of the Hajj

 

Over the next few weeks, CCN will post images from a new exhibition at the British Museum in London that traces the history of the Hajj:

 

This Turkish Map from 1650 shows the Ka'ba in Mecca, Islam's holiest site, as the centre of the world. 

The World's Most Influential Muslims in 2011

 

There are over 1.6 billion Muslims in the world today, making up approximately 23% of the world's population, or more than one-fifth of mankind.

 

The Muslim500 publication is part of an annual series that provides a window into the movers and shakers of the Muslim world. It gives valuable insight into the different ways that Muslims impact the world, and also shows the diversity of how people are living as Muslims today.
 

The 2011 lists the world's most influential Muslims who have impacted on their community, or on behalf of their community. Influence is: any person who has the power (be it cultural, ideological, financial, political or otherwise) to make a change that will have a significant impact on the Muslim World. The impact can be either positive or negative. The influence can be of a religious scholar directly addressing Muslims and influencing their beliefs, ideas and behaviour, or it can be of a ruler shaping the socio-economic factors within which people live their lives, or of artists forming popular culture.
 

Over the coming weeks, CCN will publish a personality selected from the list:

 

No. 6

H.H. Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Emir of Qatar

 

 

Acceding to power in 1995, His Highness Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is the 9th Emir (also amir, leader) of the State of Qatar. The monarchy of Qatar is increasingly powerful as an economic force, a mediator of peace, and a thriving emirate on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Sheikh Hamad’s leadership is marked by successful reform. As Commander in Chief of the Qatari Armed Forces, he has made significant efforts to modernize the military. Sheikh Hamad has also developed strong international relations, exerting more influence on Middle East affairs over the past few years.

 

 

 

Global Stage
Qatar has become a player on the global stage. Politically, It has been at the forefront of the response to the Libyan Conflict and has even sent its planes alongside those of NATO’s to enforce the no-fly zone. In the sports world, it has gained worldwide recognition by winning the bid to host the 2022 soccer World Cup.
Economic Catalyst According to Global Finance, Qatar is the richest country in the
world with a GDP per capita of $90,149. It is the top exporter of liquefied natural gas, and the site of the third largest natural gas reserves in the world. During Sheikh Hamad’s rein, the country has developed one of the fastest growing economies in the Middle East. Recently, Sheikh Hamad signed a $500 million investment deal with Turkey for agriculture, food, and stockbreeding development. He has also invested billions toward infrastructure, real estate and educational initiatives for Qatar.

 

Humanitarian
Sheikh Hamad has been recognized in Forbes Magazine’s list of the wealthiest royals in the world with a net worth of $2 billion. What makes him markedly influential, however, is his strategic charitable giving. In February, 2010 Qatar successfully
sponsored a peace deal between the rebel Justice and Equality Movement and the Sudanese government—pledging $1 billion to reconstruction efforts in Darfur which involve establishing a development bank in Sudan.


Patron of the Arts
Sheikh Hamad is noted for his love of the arts. In 2008, he inaugurated the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, boasting exclusive collections of Islamic artifacts from across the globe collected over a period of 20 years. Acclaimed architect I.M. Pei was commissioned to design the award-winning landmark structure on an island off of Doha Bay.

 

The Arab Spring
Has driven much of the Arab Spring through the coverage given by Al-Jazeera, the financial support given to protestors and political support to Libya. He is arguably the biggest enabler of the Arab Spring.

 

 

We are trying to create a Qatari standard: you want us to deal with you, this is our standard; you win, we win, and we go for the long term
 

Emir Hamad Al Thani

The Inbox

 

Assalaamu Alaikum,
In your next issue please put the full details of Ameera Mohamed Ismail (Inbox of CCN376), so the sponsors can deposit the funds in her account.
 

She needs the full support of the community.
 

Wassalaam
Yusuf
 

[Editor] Anyone wishing to donate towards Ameera's trip can contact her on (07) 3273 6603 or by email: blue_shooz2@hotmail.com.

TWEET

TGF174 Thomas francis 

 by RMHogg

“The only person in my street flying a flag for Australia day is my Muslim neighbour. Can someone please tell Rodney Hogg that?”@RMHogg ???

26 Jan

Dear Editor

In reply to Brad Hogg's tweet where he say's something and then he says he is sorry. My dad taught me 50 years ago .................

THINK OF WHAT YOU SPEAK
SPEAK NOT OF WHAT YOU THINK
YOUR WORDS ARE NO LONGER YOURS ONCE SPOKEN

 

Regards

FE
 

Assalamu Alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu,

 

Alhamdulillah by the help of Allah, UMB has started a first of its kind production for the Queensland Muslim community. It is called " UMB Coffee Chat" Insha Allah, every week, we will be producing short videos that will help us keep our eman strong. UMB now has its own channel in Youtube. The following our the first videos:

 

The Napoleon Interview

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwn6-43dekg&feature=related

 

The Aaron Little Interview

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn40eHt1erM&feature=related

 

 

The Yusuf Paul Interview

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-1WD7WnMSc

 

Please share this information to others. Jazakum Allahu khairan. Thanks also to CCN for sharing our first video production with Napoleon.

 

Baraak Allahu feekum. 

wa salaam,

 

UMB Marketing

Around the Muslim World with CCN

 

German Muslim Taxi Launched
 

NORDERSTEDT, Germany – A German Muslim has introduced the country’s first Muslim taxi service through which Germans can arrange shared car rides of the same sex, The Local.de website reported on Friday, January 27.

“Many Muslim brothers and sisters complained that they can’t use conventional offers because the gender segregation stipulated by Islam is not implemented,” Selim Reid, a 24-year-old from Norderstedt, city of about 70,000 near Hamburg, told the Hamburger Abendblatt newspaper.

The idea of the website, Muslimtaxi.de, was first introduced by Reid after a personal experience of his parents.

He said he was inspired to create the site because of Muslims’ bad ride-sharing experiences.

In 1996, his parents, who are originally from Iraq, caught a ride with a Muslim-hating driver who spent the whole time criticizing them.

“The driver and the people with him swore the whole way about foreigners in general and in particular about my mother’s head scarf,” Reid told the newspaper.

“He thought that my parents do not understand German,” he added.

The new site, launched late 2011, is based on the same principle as other popular websites like mitfahrgelegenheit.de , which lets cost-conscious Germans arrange shared car rides.

Those interested in offering rides specify their gender, asking price and how many passengers they can accommodate.

Potential passengers contact the driver directly.

Germany has between 3.8 and 4.3 million Muslims, making up some 5 percent of the total 82 million population, according to government-commissioned studies.


Germans have grown hostile to the Muslim presence recently, with a heated debate on the Muslim immigration into the country.

A recent poll by the Munster University found that Germans view Muslims more negatively than their European neighbors.

According to a 2010 nationwide poll by the research institute Infratest-dimap, more than one third of the respondents would prefer "a Germany without Islam."

Criticism

In operation since late last year, the website has sparked criticism as a trial to create a parallel society for German Muslims.

Reid denied such accusations, saying that the service offers an opportunity for non-Muslim riders interested in knowing more about Islam.

“Those really looking for dialogue will find it by using Muslim Taxi,” Reid said, The Local reported.

He added that the service was welcomed by thousands of grateful riders who said it was filling a niche.

“The separation of the sexes is part of our faith, and Islam is part of Germany's.”

Over the past few years, Germany has been gripped by a fierce debate on immigration and integration.

The controversy was spurred in 2009 by central banker Thilo Sarrazin, who accused Muslim immigrants of undermining the society which is becoming less intelligent because of them.

Chancellor Merkel weighed in, saying that multiculturalism has failed in Germany.

But the remarks have drawn angry reactions, with German president Christian Wulff stressing that Islam is part and parcel of German society.

German politicians have also called for recognizing Islam as an official religion in the Christian-majority country.

OnIslam


 

Narratives of Conversion    

 

A project that examines why women choose to convert to Islam – and what the experience is like.
 

A landmark project which seeks to map out the different routes through which women convert to Islam, and describe their experiences on entering the faith, reaches its conclusion this weekend.

“Narratives of Conversion to Islam in Britain”, which is being run at the Centre of Islamic Studies at the University of Cambridge in association with the New Muslims Project at Leicester, is collating the views and stories of female converts in an effort to provide an insider’s view of what the experience is really like. A report, detailing the results of three meetings exploring why they chose Islam, their feelings about doing so, and the responses of family, friends and other Muslims, will be published in the spring.

 

Judging by what the media tends to write about Islam, you would expect liberal-minded, intellectually-engaged women from non-Muslim backgrounds to give it a wide berth 

 

Professor Yasir Suleiman


Those involved in the project will remain anonymous until the final report is released, as a condition of their participation. They include women from a range of age groups, variously of white, African, and Caribbean descent. Among them are former Christians, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs and atheists.

Organisers say that one of the main reasons for the project is “a general sense of frustration” with one-dimensional portrayals of female conversion in the media. Often these focus on women who marry into the faith, and suggest that they do so at the expense of their independence and liberty.

The reality, academics say, is far more varied and complex. “Judging by what the media tends to write about Islam, you would expect liberal-minded, intellectually-engaged women from non-Muslim backgrounds to give it a wide berth,” Professor Yasir Suleiman, who is chairing the meetings and the project’s leader, said.

“It seems to be a religion that clashes with our ideas about modernity. Yet the paradox is that there is a noticeable number of well-educated, intellectually-engaged women with high-flying careers who are choosing to become Muslims. So the question is, how do we explain this?”

Although there are no firm statistics about women converting to Islam in Britain, it is possible that as many as three-quarters of British converts – an estimated 100,000 between 2000 and 2010, were female. To investigate why women convert, three symposia organised by the Centre of Islamic Studies were developed based on an initial discussion in May last year. The subsequent gatherings touched on questions such as family, dress, lifestyle, relationships within the Muslim community, marriage, the media, sexuality, political identity and the tenets of the faith itself.

Despite the myriad reasons for women converting to Islam – which, contrary to popular belief, often do not involve marriage – the project team say that a consistent, emerging theme is that many stressed a strong sense of continuity with the past. Although outsiders view conversion as a break with a previous life, and in extreme cases apparently “racialise” white converts as if they have somehow become non-white by joining the faith, the women who make the change retain many of their fundamental beliefs and relationships.
 

 

It seems to be a religion that clashes with our ideas about modernity. Yet the paradox is that there is a noticeable number of well-educated, intellectually-engaged women with high-flying careers who are choosing to become Muslims. So the question is, how do we explain this? 
 

Professor Yasir Suleiman

Why they convert is a highly complex question, however. In some cases, women simply came into contact with the Qur’an and found that it struck a spiritual chord – sometimes one that, given their background, they initially found it hard to accept.

 

Other cases recorded in the discussions included those of journalists who, dispatched by their editors to write a piece about the restricted lives of female converts, were in practice won over to the merits of Islam itself.

The final report will, organisers say, attempt to portray the experience of conversion in full by expressing the participants’ feelings and stories whether positive or negative. Women who are attracted to Islam because it seems versatile and inclusive, for example, sometimes find themselves struggling with the more conservative views of Imams. Others have encountered a sense of triumphalism from some “heritage Muslims”, who are keen to show off white converts to the wider world because of their social origins, rather than because of their beliefs.

“The report will attempt to describe and explain the journeys converts take in full,” Professor Suleiman added. “The stories are very different, but the women who tell them have consistently stressed that they don’t see conversion to Islam as a break from the past, but part of one greater, continuing journey as a whole.”

The final report from the project, Narratives of Conversion to Islam in Britain will be published online by the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Centre of Islamic Studies, University of Cambridge, in April or May 2012.

 

University of Cambridge

 


 

Rafeef Ziadah - 'Shades of anger', London, 12.11.11    

 

 

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Op-Ed by Safet Avdich (for Bosnian Readers) Op-Ed

 

 

 

Latest issue

 

DISCLAIMER: CCN publishes articles in good faith and takes no responsibility for the contents supplied by its writers. Any complaints regarding any articles should be sent by email to ccn@crescentsofbrisbane.org for us to act on.

CCN Readers' Book Club: You are what you read!

This week a CCN reader recommends

 

After the Prophet
The Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split in Islam

 

 by

Lesley Hazleton

 

 

Synopsis

Narrative history at its most compelling, After the Prophet relates the dramatic tragic story at the heart of the ongoing rivalry between Shia and Sunni Islam.

 

Even as Muhammad lay dying, the battle over his successor had begun.

 

Pitting the family of his favourite wife, the controversial Aisha, against supporters of his son-in-law, the philosopher-warrior Ali, the struggle would reach its breaking point fifty years later in Iraq, when soldiers of the first Sunni dynasty massacred seventy-two warriors led by Muhammad's grandson Hussein at Karbala.

 

Hussein's agonizing ordeal at Karbala was soon to become the Passion story at the core of Shia Islam. Hazleton's vivid, gripping prose provides extraordinary insight into the origins of the world's most volatile blend of politics and religion.

 

Balancing past and present, she shows how these seventh-century events are as alive in Middle Eastern hearts and minds today as though they had just happened, shaping modern headlines from Iran's Islamic Revolution to the civil war in Iraq.

 

After the Prophet is narrative nonfiction at its finest, and an emotional and political revelation for Western readers.

 

"Thrilling in its depiction of long-ago events... Passionately and scrupulously done." -- The Wall Street Journal
 

"A profound story masterfully told... An exceptional book." -- Publishers Weekly, starred and boxed review
 

"A new masterpiece... Thrillingly and intelligently distills one of the most consequential trains of events in all history." -- Booklist, starred review
 

"A remarkable telling of the story of Islam -- a tale of power, intrigue, rivalry, jealousy, assassination, manipulation, greed and faith... but above all a very human story, in a wonderful novelistic style." -- Hooman Majd, author of The Ayatollah Begs to Differ
 

"Lesley Hazleton vividly recreates the personal rivalries and resentment that led to Islam's great schism in the wake of Muhammad's death, and makes one understand how truly contemporary they are with our own time... A terrific and necessary book." -- Jonathan Raban, author of My Holy War and Surveillance
 

"The general Western reader will come away from this book with a newfound respect for the depth and power of the early schism in Islam." -- Professor Wilferd Madelung, Oxford University, author of The Succession to Muhammad
 

"After reading this gripping book, no one will be able to plead ignorance about why the split between Sunni and Shia happened and what it all means." -- Alan Wolfe, Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life
 

"A fine, highly readable history of Islam" -- Harvey Cox, Professor of Divinity, Harvard University

 


 

Would you like to see the cover of your favourite book on our book shelves below?

Then simply email the title and author to thebookclub@crescentsofbrisbane.org

 

Double click a book cover to find out what others think of the book

The CCN Bookshelf

CCN has set up an online Book Club at Shelfari to connect with CCN book readers at:

http://www.shelfari.com/ccn_bkclub

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.

The CCN Readers' Book Club

KB's Culinary Corner

 

 

KB says: The merits and medical benefits of coconut oil were enthusiastically explained to me when I was in Karela, South India and so I purchased a couple of litres over ebay the other day. I must tell you that having used it in this recipe I noticed no noticeable difference in the flavour or the taste of the dish.

 

Mustard Chicken with Sweetcorn and Minted Peas

 

 

Ingredients

 

1 chicken, disjointed
2 tab mustard powder
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp lemon pepper
3 tab vinegar
2 whole dry chillies
1 sliced onion
2 tomatoes cubed
½ cup frozen minted peas
½ cup frozen sweet corn
 

Method
1. Marinate chicken with all the above spices for approx 2 hours.
2. Heat a tab of oil/ghee/coconut oil in a pot and add the mustard seeds.
3. Once they stop spluttering add the chicken and cook until almost done.
4. Add the tomatoes and onion together and allow to cook until the water evaporates.
5. Lastly add the corn and peas cook for a few minutes until done.
6. Serve hot with roti.

 

Do you have a recipe to share with CCN readers?


Send in your favourite recipe to me at kbcooks@crescentsofbrisbane.org and be my "guest chef" for the week.

 

Kareema's Keep Fit Column

 

ACTIVE KIDS DO BETTER AT SCHOOL

 

Now that the school term has started again, be sure not to let the kids come home and sit in front of the TV or play on their electronic games for too long.

 
Studies found a strong link between physical activity and academic performance, so if you want your kids to do well while sitting at their school desk, they need to be active when they are away from it!


Exercise boosts blood and oxygen flow to the brain, and participation in sport or physical activity improves self-discipline and concentration.

 

So make an effort to get the kids to school a few minutes earlier so they can run around before school starts.
 


 

 

 

TOGETHER, LET’S FIGHT GLOBESITY

Kareema

My Health and Fitness

Tel: 0404 844 786

 

Need an answer to a fitness related matter? Send your question to Kareema at  fitness@crescentsofbrisbane.org.

All questions sent in are published here anonymously and without any references to the author of the question.

Flightstar Fozi's Travel Tips

 

 

Q: Dear Flightstar Fozi, I am thinking of backpacking around Vietnam for a month or two, but everyone has a horror story to tell me, is it safe or should I reconsider? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A: For every horror story there are thousands of positive stories, so don't be alarmed.

 

Backpacking is very common and the South East Asian countries are very popular because of their proximity to Australia and the cheap cost of living.

 

Vietnam is a beautiful country and is very popular with foreigners.

 

Backpacking anywhere in the world is a wonderful experience but you really need to be aware of your surroundings whereever you go.

 

The main tips for backpacking is not very different from travelling anywhere: be careful of your belongings and be respectful of the country, culture, religion and people.

 

You will meet lots of people from all over the world and make long lasting friends, and these days it is much easier to stay in touch with loved ones at home with the latest technology.

 

Backpacking is an amazing way to experience any country, and to make it even better try volunteering, staying with locals, and learning the language.

 

Try a motorbike or bicycle tour while you're there, and try and go over the border to see Cambodia and Laos, also beautiful countries.

 

So go with an open mind and don't just go to see the country, experience it!

 


Flightstar Fozi's Travel Tips

brought to you by

 

Need an answer to a travel related matter?

 

Send your question to Flightstar Fozi at  ccn@crescentsofbrisbane.org.

 

All questions sent in are published here anonymously and without any references to the author of the question.

The CCN Chuckle

 

While cruising at 40,000 feet, the airplane shuddered and one of the passengers looked out the window. "Oh my word!" he screamed, "one of the engines just blew up!"


Other passengers left their seats and came running over; suddenly the aircraft was rocked by a second blast as yet another engine exploded on the other side.

 

The passengers were in a panic now, and even the stewardesses couldn't maintain order.

 

Just then, standing tall and smiling confidently, Jallalluddin the pilot strode from the cockpit and assured everyone that there was nothing to worry about.

 

His words and his demeanour made most of the passengers feel better, and they sat down as the pilot calmly walked to the door of the aircraft.

 

There, he grabbed several packages from under the seats and began handing them to the flight attendants. Each crew member attached the package to their backs.


"Say," spoke up an alert passenger, "aren't those parachutes?"

 

Jallalluddin said they were.

 

The passenger went on, "But I thought you said there was nothing to worry about?"
 

"There isn't," replied Jallalluddin as a third engine exploded...
 

"We're going to get help."

The CCN

A fish is the last to discover water.
 
                                                                   Chinese Proverb

 

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Events and Functions

 A Spiritual Evening with Muft Ravat

 

 

 

 

 

 

TONIGHT

5 February

An Evening of Qir'aat

 

 

 

17 February

Milad un Nabi

 

 

 

18 February

Waseem Ravzi Lectures

 

 

25 & 26 February

The 2012 CBA/Brisbane Indian Times Multicultural Awards

NOMINATION FORM

International Food Festival

Gold Coast

 

 

 

 

 

6 May

 

 

Islamic Programmes, Education & Services

Tafseer Workshops

with Mufti Ravat

 

NOTE NEW TIMES

Every Thursday night from 7.30 to 8.15pm and than after Esha

HALL HIRE

Islamic College of Brisbane

 

New Multi-Purpose Hall

 

Facilities include :
a) seating capacity for about 800 people
b) kitchen
c) cold room
d) sound system
e) stage

Call 07 3841 3645

Inspiration talk, pizza, BBQ, fun and games
 

Topics that are relevant, Iman-boosting and mind-capturing.
 

Where: AMYN Islamic Youth Centre, 16/157 North Rd, Woodridge
When: Every Sat, after Maghrib

Info: www.AMYNweb.com
Everyone is invited

Girls Game Night

ISCQ

Weekly Programmes

AIIC Enrolments

Now Open

Table & Chair Hire

 

Additional contact:

Ahmed Hassan

0433 531 593

Qari's Classes

 

Sisters House

Accommodation Register

Maths Tutoring service

From years 6-10

Math A, B and C for years 11 &12
Ahlam Haddad

Tel: 32191554

email: haddada5@hotmail.com.

 

Qu'ran Reading & Islamic Studies

Kuraby Mosque

Quran  & Tajweed Classes

Community SMS Service

Al-Mustapha Institute of Brisbane

Brisbane  Muslim Burial Society (BMBS)

pdf version


AIIC Scholarship

Lord of the Worlds

Weekend Course

Al Kauthar Brisbane

18 & 19 February

AMYN

40 Gems

Weekly programme

email CCN

email CCN

email CCN

 

 

Businesses and Services

 

DIRECTORY
 
ACCES Removal Services Removalist Kuraby Mosque Hire Services Hire Services
Ahlam Haddad Tutoring Tutoring (Maths) Lawung Clothing Islamic Couture
Baalbak Lebanese Cuisine Love ur Body Beauty Treatments
Biltong in Brisbane Biltong Mansur Omar Real Estate
Bismillah Repairs & Maintenance Repairs & Maintenance MaXimize Accountants Accountants
Brisbane Diagnostics Radiography Monavie Health Drink
Calamvale Physio & Sports Injury Clinic Physiotherapy Mo's Handyman Services Repairs & Maintenance
Car Body Removals Used Car Dealer Muslim Directory Australia Directory Services
Carpet Lifesavers Carpet cleaning Nando's CALAMVALE CENTRAL Restaurant & Takeaway Portuguese Chicken
Centre for Easy Language Learning (CeLL) Tutoring (Arabic) Nandos MT GRAVATT Restaurant & Takeaway Portuguese Chicken
d'Lahorie  Traditional Indian & Pakistan Cuisine Nazima Hansa Realty PTY LTD Real Estate
efxshop Computers Islamic College of Brisbane Hall Hire Hire Services
EliteFX Computers OurWorld Travel Travel
Excelanz Migration Agency Pappa Roti Cake & Coffee
Fathima Adat Tutoring Tutoring (School subjects) Pizza Lane Restaurant & Takeaway Pizza
Gabriel Hair Studios Hairstylist Rejuven8 Body & Beauty Beauty Treatments
Haseera Plastic Mats Samoosa Pastry Distributors Samoosas
Henna by Fatima Henna Shakira Kolia's Driving School Driving School
Hummy's Automotive Car Repairs Siitra Clothing
Hussana Australia Halal Body Care range Stick On Labels Label
InWear Fashions Clothing Fashion The Quran Pen hussana.com.au
Junaid Ally Properties Real Estate Yasmeen Seedat Accounting Services Accounting
Kimaya Fashions Clothing Lily's Fashion Wedding dresses etc. 
Personal Training with Layla Personal Training Marketing Co-Op Internet Services
Angelz Dental Care Dentist Queensland Islamic Book Services Bookstore 

The CCN February Business of the Month

 

Personal Training

for Ladies

Marketing Co-Op

Training in Blog Building Techniques

www.marketingco-opgroup.com

Lily's Fashion

Queensland Islamic

Book Services

www.qibs.com.au

Calamvale Physio & Sports Injury Clinic

Ask for

Ms Muntazira Girach

Nazima Hansa

RE/MAX

your one-stop

real estate shop

www.nazimahansa.com

Carpet Lifesavers

Rejuven8

Body & Beauty

Brochure (pdf)

Stick On Labels

Bismillah

Repairs & Maintenance

Biltong in Brisbane

 

 

d'Lahorie

Traditional

Indian & Pakistan

Cuisine

MENU

Shakira Kolia's

DRIVING SCHOOL

BAALBAK

Lebanese Cuisine

 

pdf version

Consumers

Businesses

 

Migration Agent

WWW.EXCELANZ.NET

MaXimize

Accountants

OurWorld Travel

www.efxshop.com.au

Islamic Couture

Mo's

Handyman Services

AK Surtie

www.monavie.com

Henna

by

Fatima Ismail

Gabriel Hair Studio

BOOK ONLINE

Hussana Australia

Halal Body Care range

www.hussana.com.au

Pappa Roti

Warrigal Square

Junaid Ally Properties

RE/MAX

www.junaidally.com

Siitra

Love ur Body

Nandos Mt Gravatt

ACCES Services

Removal Services

Nando's

Calamvale Central
Compton Road
CALAMVALE

Tel: 07 3272 2299

Yasmeen Seedat

Accounting Services

Kimaya Fashions

Samoosa Pastry

Distributors

Used Cars Wanted  

The Quran Pen Reader

online at

www.hussana.com.au

Hummy's Automotive

Prop: Mohammed Shabbir

 

EliteFX

 

Brisbane Diagnostics

 

InWear Fashions

 

Haseera

Plastic Mats

 

email CCN

 

The CCN Date Claimer

(provisiona

"If it's not here ....it's not happening!"l)

To claim your date for your event email ccn@crescentsofbrisbane.org.

 

Date

Day

Event

(Click on link)

Organizer

Venue

Contact

Time

5 February

Sunday

A Spiritual Evening with Mufti Ravatr
 

Mufti Ravat

Islamic College of Brisbane, KARAWATHA

 

8.20pm

11 February

Saturday

Eid-E- Milaadun Nabi (S.A.W) Night and Dinner
 

Islamic Society of Queensland (ISQ)

Rochedale (Bosnian) Mosque, 2674 Logan Road

0407 156 527

5.30pm to 8.30pm

12 February

Sunday

Laelat ul Meelad program
 

Islamic Society of Algester

Beenleigh Community Center (cnr Crete & Kent St)

0419 786 092

from 2.30pm

17 February

Friday

An Evening of Qir'aat: Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali
 

Al-Mustapha Institute of Brisbane

Gold Coast Mosque, Cnr Allied Cr and Olsen Ave, ARUNDEL

 

Maghrib to Isha

18 February

Saturday

Milad un Nabi 2012
 

Al-Mustapha Institute of Brisbane

Runaway Bay Community Centre, Lae drive, RUNAWAY BAY

0411 119 786

6.30pm

25 & 26 February

Sat & Sun

Waseem Razvi Lectures
 

UMB

Griffith University, NATHAN

0412 386 839

7.15pm

4 March

Sunday

International Women’s Day
Celebration

 

Qld. Multicultural Council

MacGregor Primary State School, McCullough Rd, Macgregor

0435 086 796

2pm to 5pm

6 May

Sunday

International Food Festival

Islamic Society of Gold Coast

Gold Coast Mosque, Arundel

 

All Day

16 June

(tentative)

Saturday

Lailatul Mehraj

5 July

(tentative)

Thursday

Lailatul Baraat

21 July

(tentative)

Saturday

Start of Ramadhan 

15 August

(tentative)

Wednesday

Lailatul Qadr

19 August

(tentative)

Sunday

End of Ramadhan   

20 August

(tentative)

Monday

Eid-ul-Fitr     

25 August

Saturday

EidFest2012

Mt Gravatt Showgrounds

0418 722 353

All day

9 September

Sunday

CresWalk2012

Orleigh Park, West End

0402 026 786

9am

26 October

(tentative)

Friday

Eid-ul-Adha

26 & 27 October

Fri & Sat

Eidfest Dreamworld

Dreamworld

0418 722 353

All day

 

NB: The Islamic date changes to the next day starting in the evenings after maghrib.

Therefore, except for lailatul mehraj, lailatul baraat and lailatul qadr – these dates

refer to the commencement of the event starting in the evening of the corresponding day.
 

RECURRING EVENTS

Tafseer and basic laws programme for Ladies only - Every Tuesday @ Kuraby Mosque @ 11am – Contact Apa Layla on 0405 968 665


Ladies Taalim programme - Every Thursday @ Kuraby Mosque @ 11am


Classes for teenage girls - 7pm to 8:30pm – Every Thursday evening – Contact Apa Layla on 0405 968 665
 

Muslim Events Forum (MEF)

 

Need help in planning or promoting an event or function?

 

ALL WELCOME

 

For more information and RSVP:

Mr. Ismail Mohammed at i_m_006@hotmail.com

 

Queensland Police Service/Muslim Community Consultative Group

 

VENUE: Metropolitan South Regional Office, 1993 Logan Road, Upper Mt Gravatt
 

Commencing at 5.00pm
(Times may change throughout the year pending salat)

Wednesday 29 February 2012
Wednesday 20 June 2012
Wednesday 17 October 2012

Please note: Wednesday 29 February 2012 is a leap year.
 

ALL WELCOME

 

For more information and RSVP:

Sergeant Jim Bellos at Bellos.Dimitrios@police.qld.gov.au

 

CCN on Facebook

Catch Crescents Community News on

 

Please feel free to

post comments on our Wall

start up a Discussion thread

become a Fan

and

Like our page

 

Useful Links

 

Sunnah Inspirations

Providing information about Islam - its beliefs, culture, practices, dispelling misconceptions

Kuraby Mosque

Holland Park Mosque

Al-Nisa

Provide young Muslim women in Queensland with support and opportunities to express themselves

MUSLIMS AUSTRALIA / Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) Islamic Schools, Halal Services and a whole lot more...

AFIC Schools

      www.mfis.com.au (Malek Fahd Islamic School, Sydney, NSW)
      www.icb.qld.edu.au (Islamic College of Brisbane, QLD)
      www.icosa.sa.edu.au (Islamic College of South Australia, SA)
      www.afic-lic.com.au (Langford Islamic College, Perth, WA)
      www.islamicschoolofcanberra.act.edu.au (Islamic College of Canberra, ACT)

Karratha Muslims (Muslims in Western Australia)

Islam TV

Recording of lectures and events in and around Queensland

Muslim Directory Australia

Carers Queensland

Free service for multicultural clients who are carers, elderly and people with disabilities

Brisbane Muslim Burial Society (BMBS)

Muslim Charitable Foundation (MCF)

Coordinated collection & distribution of: Zakaah, Lillah, Sadaqah, Fitrana, Unwanted interest

Islamic Medical Association of Queensland (IMAQ)

Network of Muslim healthcare professionals

Al-Imdaad Foundation (Australia)

Australian Muslim Youth Network (AMYN)
Find out about the latest events, outings, fun-days, soccer tournaments, BBQs organised by AMYN. Network with other young Muslims on the AMYN Forum

Islamic Council of Queensland (ICQ)  

Umbrella body representing various Mosques and Societies in Queensland

Current list of businesses certified halal by ICQ  7 August 2011

Islamic Friendship Association of Australia

Blog of the Association's activities

United Muslims of Brisbane

Crescents of Brisbane's CRESCAFE (Facebook)

Muslim Women's eNewsletter

Sultana’s Dream is a not-for-profit e-magazine that aims to provide a forum for the opinions of Australian Muslim women

Islamic Solutions

Articles and Audio recordings

Gold Coast Mosque

South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA)

Muslim Womens' Convert Support Group (MWCSG)

Network of Muslim women converts from the Brisbane and Gold Coast areas of Queensland.

Australian International Islamic College (Durack)

Kotku Mosque - Dubbo NSW

Islamic Society of Algester

Jamiatul Ulama Western Australia

Body of Muslim Theologians (Ulama, Religious Scholars)

Islamic Women's Association of Queensland (IWAQ)

Community based, not-for-profit organisation providing Settlement, Aged Care, disability, social activities and employment opportunities.

Federation of Australian Muslim Students & Youth (FAMSY)

Queensland Intercultural Society (QIS)

GIRU – Griffith Islamic Research Unit

          Qld Stories link or YouTube link

Gold Coast Halal Certification Services (GCHCS)

Muslim Aid Australia

Serving Humanity

Human Appeal International Australia  Always with you on the road to goodness

Al-Mustapha Institute of Brisbane  

Preserving the Past, Educating the Present to Create the Future

Islamic Society of Darra

Qld Muslims Volunteers

Islamic Shia Council of Queensland

Muslim Reverts Network

Supporting new Muslims

Muslim Funeral Services (MFS)

 Funeral Directors & Funeral Fund Managers for the Brisbane and Gold Coast communities

Islamic Society of Bald Hills (ISBH)

Tafseers and Jumma Khubahs uploaded every week.

Muslim community & Qld floods

How the community helped out during the 2010 QLD floods

The CCN Young Muslim Writers Award (Facebook)

The Queensland Muslim Historical Society  (Facebook)

Muslim Women's National Network of Australia, Inc (MWNNA)

Peak body representing a network of Muslim women's organisations and individuals throughout Australia

If you would like a link to your website email ccn@crescentsofbrisbane.org.

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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.

 

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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 libellous, 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.