Video footage
from a western Sydney
abattoir under investigation
for animal cruelty shows
pigs being battered over the
head with a metal pole.
The NSW Food Authority on
Thursday halted slaughtering
at Hawkesbury Valley Meat
Processors at
Wilberforce after it
received video footage
showing "acts of gross
animal mistreatment".
It is
absolutely
hideous.
Last year we
saw footage
from cattle
live exports
in Indonesia
and some of
the most
horrific
scenes in
that footage
was of
cattle being
slaughtered
while fully
conscious.
Here in
Australia,
at this
abattoir, we
are seeing
the same
thing happen.
Emma Hurst
The footage, shown on ABC's
Lateline program on Thursday
night, depicted images of a
slaughterman at the abattoir
bashing one pig seven times
over the head with what
appeared to be a metal bar.
Another pig
was hit 13 times, apparently
because it had not been
stunned properly and
remained conscious ahead of
slaughter.
Other images showed sheep
still apparently conscious
after having their throats
cut.
Cattle were shown repeatedly
being shocked with electric
prods at a rate believed to
be far in excess of accepted
standards.
At one stage, what appeared
to be a rat ran across the
blood on the slaughter room
floor.
Veterinarian Mark Simpson,
who compiled a report based
on the footage, said there
appeared to be more than 100
acts of cruelty.
"The footage I viewed and my
understanding of the law led
me to believe there were
more than 100 breaches of
the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals Act," Mr Simpson
said.
The closure of the Sydney
abattoir comes after videos
showing the mistreatment of
cattle in Indonesia halted
live animal sales last year.
The company
employs
about 20
people and
carried out
halal and
non-halal
slaughter.
Animal
Liberation campaign manager
Emma Hurst said the footage
showed "grotesque cruelty".
"It is absolutely hideous.
Last year we saw footage
from cattle live exports in
Indonesia and some of the
most horrific scenes in that
footage was of cattle being
slaughtered while fully
conscious," she told
Lateline.
"Here in Australia, at this
abattoir, we are seeing the
same thing happen."
The NSW Food Authority said
the video footage, which was
supplied by the ABC, showed
the slaughter of sheep,
cattle, goats and pigs that
breached the Food Regulation
2010 and the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals Act 1979.
An investigation involving
the RSPCA was under way, it
said.
The company employs about 20
people and carried out halal
and non-halal slaughter.
A spokeswoman for the
abattoir confirmed it was
under investigation but
declined to comment further.
Standing (l
to r): Dr Mubarak Noor
(Principal, Islamic College
of Brisbane (ICoB)) and
Mr Mohammed Yusuf (Chairman
of the Board, ICoB)
Sitting (l to
r): Dr Mustafa Ally
(Editor-in-Chief, CCN), Ms
Zuha Ali and Ms Diane
Ross (English teacher, ICoB)
Khan Do Campaign Gets Underway
l to r:
Campaign supporter Mr Faisal Hatia of
Hatia Property Corporation, Candidate for
Moorooka Ms Yasmin Khan and Brisbane Lord
Mayor, Cr Graham Quirk
Lord Mayor’s
Representative for Moorooka,
Yasmin Khan, kicked off her
campaign fundraising with an
intimate dinner with the
Lord Mayor and some donors
and backers.
Mr. Ray Deen
hosted the evening at
Gambaro’s Restaurant with a
selection of business people
from across Brisbane.
This event will be one of
many that Ms Khan will be
holding to raise funds for
her election campaign.
"Anyone
wishing to donate to my
fundraising efforts or help
with campaigning, please
contact me on 0419 025 510,
" Ms Khan told CCN.
Sisters' House Fund Raiser
By Bayaan Weise
Last
Saturday night Brisbane
Muslimahs came to enjoy the
Sisters’ House Multicultural
Fundraising Dinner; with
tickets sold out before the
event. Those who attended
were greeted with a smile at
the door and walked through
to experience Arabian themed
decor, complete with inside
and outside billowing tents
decorated with sumptuous
material, twinkling lights
and floors lined with
comfortable mattresses with
ornate cushions.
The evening
was highlighted with
delicious international
food, an Islamic quiz with
prizes, an auction and a
talk about the history and
achievements of the Sisters’
House. Those present that
night were informed about
how the support services at
the House have helped Muslim
women in crisis or high need
life situations from diverse
backgrounds, and enabled
them to transition back into
the community with dignity
and confidence, as well as
the many courses that have
been held at the house.
Many lovely moments were
shared between the Muslim
sisterhood that evening,
with all those present
encouraged to get out of
their comfort zone and
introduce themselves to
someone new.
May Allah
reward all those sisters who
attended the dinner and
donated generously,
including many Muslim
businesses, as well as those
in the community who could
not attend but still
contributed to the event in
their own way.
In sha Allah
the funds raised will enable
the Sisters’ House to
continue and grow in it’s
capacity to support the
needs of Muslim women in
Brisbane.
Support Mustafaa Olomi in his quest for the
world title
Mustafaa
Olomi is the first Muslim
from Queensland to be to be
selected for the Australian
National team to compete at
the Junior Taekwondo World
Championships, being held in
Egypt this April.
Mustafaa is a
third Dan Black belt from
Rawlins Taekwondo in
Underwood and he made the
Australian National team at
the championships n Perth
held on the 5th February.
He is the
current Australian National
Champion in his weight group
for Juniors and Seniors.
Mustafaa
needs financial support to
send him to Egypt for the
World Championship in Sharm
El Sheikh, Egypt between 4th
and 8th April.
Have you used
the Government’s health,
employment and
welfare (Centrelink,
Housing, Child Support and
other such) services?
Do you think these services
are easily accessible? Are
you happy with the quality
and standard of service that
is provided to you? Do you
think that language barriers
can be a problem in you
getting the services to suit
your needs? Do you have
suggestions that could make
Governmental Services more
accessible to people from
non-English speaking
backgrounds?
Well here is
your chance to have your
say.
The Islamic
Council of Queensland and
the Griffith Islamic
Research Unit are working
together to get your
feedback to prepare a
submission to the Government
to ensure the community has
a say in the services that
are provided to it.
Your
participation is very
important as an Australian
Muslim. A set of questions
need to be answered. You can
easily answer few simple
questions by going to the
following website:
Deadline for
participation in the survey
is
26 February 2012
Volunteers required urgently assisting Muslim
refugees
The Rohingya
Muslim community are
originally from Burma and
lived in Bangladesh for
18-20 years in refugee camps
prior to coming to
Australia.
There are two categories of
clients who need urgent
assistance:
Priority - Young women and
men who are recently married
and wanting to bring their
husbands and wives over to
Australia, and families who
would like to apply for
their extended family
members to move to
Australia.
You will have access to
interpreters, translators
and other community members
who have a good command of
English.
You are not required to have
any previous training or
experience. Instructions
will be given.
Assistance is to be
delivered at Multicultural
Development Association (MDA)
in Wooloongabba.
These are the days and times
required. You are not
required to stay the entire
duration of time. Even an
hour would be greatly
appreciated.
- Monday from 10am to 2pm
- Wednesday from 10am to 2pm
SMS Naseema Mustapha of
Multicultural Development
Association (MDA) Refugee
Support or email her at
mnaseema@hotmail.com if
you would like to register
to assist.
The aim is to have a group
of 8 to 10 male and female
volunteers.
Identification Bill up for discussion
A Queensland
private members bill giving
police powers to order the
removal of face coverings
for identity checks has been
put on hold, ahead of the
state election campaign.
Independent MP Peter
Wellington introduced the
bill late last year after a
Sydney Muslim woman's jail
sentence was overturned
because her identity could
not be verified.
The bill
applies in 3 main
situations. One is whenever
a police officer’s power to
demand to see photo
identification or a person’s
name or address is
triggered. In those cases
the officer can also demand
to see the person’s face.
Another is when a person
makes a declaration or
affidavit—then the person
taking the declaration or
affidavit will be obliged to
see the first person’s face.
The third situation is when
a person is entering a
secure building—a court
complex, a corrective
services facility or a youth
detention centre.
The bill was
referred to a committee for
community consultation.
The Islamic Council of
Queensland (ICQ) convened a
forum last Sunday to discuss
the implications of the bill
and is in the process of
issuing a draft submission.
If you would
like more information on
this contact the president
of ICQ, Mr Mohammed Yusuf on
0450 908 786.
Mr Wellington is a five-term
independent and held the
Sunshine Coast seat of
Nicklin by a 16 per cent
margin at the last election.
He told Queensland
correspondent Stefan
Armbruster he plans to
reintroduce the Bill if
re-elected next month.
You can
listen to the 3-minute SBS
interview between Stefan
Armbruster and Peter
Wellington
here.
Muslim Aid Australia Welcomes Diaa Mohamed
Pictured
left with MAA chairperson Ms
Madenia Abdurahman, Mr
Diaa Mohamed –
famous for his role in
starting up
MyPeace.com.au which is
best known for an innovative
Islamic PR campaign in
Sydney – is now bringing his
vision to Muslim Aid
Australia as the newly
appointed General Manager.
MAA's
marketing and fundraising
manager, Mr Riyaad Ally,
told CCN: "Diaa’s start
earlier this week has seen
an improved focus on MAA’s
strategic development,
incorporating a fresh vision
that will lead MAA onwards
to greater services for both
donors and aid recipients."
"His addition to Muslim Aid
Australia is a strong step
forward in the future growth
of the organization.
Combining Diaa’s visionary
leadership with the
passionate and dedicated
team at Muslim Aid
Australia, you’ll be sure to
see us at the forefront of
progress in the field of
international development,"
Mr Riyaad Ally added.
Women's Day for a good cause
Banners have
been placed in Sunnybank,
MacGregor, Kuraby and
Rochedale to remind everyone
of the International
Women's Day Multicultural
Afternoon which is to be
held on Sunday, 4th March
from 2 - 5pm at MacGregor
Primary School, McCullough
St, MacGregor.
This function has been
planned specifically to
showcase cultural events
from the different
continents, in order to
appreciate the makeup of our
multicultural society. There
will be very few, very brief
speeches, no raffles and no
auctions. The emphasis is on
culture and enjoyment. It
will be open to a mixed
audience, not just women.
A high tea, which will
include sweets from
different countries, will be
included in the $20 price of
the tickets. All funds from
the event will go to the
Dzenan Nuhovic Trust Fund.
Tickets can be purchased
from Janeth Deen on 0435 086
796.
Mark this date in your
diary, and please make an
attempt to support this
important cause to ease the
burden of our quadriplegic
brother, whilst having an
entertaining afternoon
mingling with a
multicultural community.
See the CCN
Date Claimer below for more
details.
The CCN Classifieds
Rental house wanted
Young Family
must find a new rental
ASAP. Seeking a 4 bedroom /
2 bathroom home. In the
southside area of Mansfield,
Mount Gravatt, Wishart, and
surrounding areas. Prefer to
go through / deal with
direct owner, but not
required. Prompt and regular
payment. Please contact
bobajan@gmail.com or
0466 22 7003 Your assistance
is very much 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 curtain
for the door of the Ka'ba in the name of the
Sultan Abd al Majid Khan was made in Cairo
in 1846-47.
The Koran
states that the Ka'ba was constructed by
Abraham and his son Ishmael.
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
Muslim500 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. 7
H.E.
Professor Dr
Sheikh Ahmad
Muhammad Al
Tayyeb
Grand Sheikh
of the Al
Azhar
University,
Grand Imam
of the Al
Azhar
Sheikh
Ahmad Muhammad
Al Tayyeb was
appointed as
Grand Sheikh of
Al Azhar in
March 2010,
after the
passing of his
predecessor, Dr
Muhammad Sayyid
Tantawi.
Al Tayyeb was
formerly the
president of the
Al Azhar for
seven years and
prior to that,
served for two
years as the
most powerful
cleric in Egypt
as its Grand
Mufti.
His scholarly
influence as a
leading
intellectual of
Sunni Islam
spans the globe.
He has served as
the Dean of the
Faculty of
Islamic Studies
in Aswan, and
the theology
faculty of the
International
Islamic
University in
Pakistan. He has
also taught at
universities in
Saudi Arabia,
Qatar and the
United Arab
Emirates.
Advocate of
Traditional
Islam
Al Tayyeb has
emphasised his
mission to
promote
traditional
Islam since
becoming Grand
Sheikh. He has
stressed the
importance of
teaching
students about
Islamic heritage
– considering Al
Azhar graduates
as ambassadors
of Islam to the
world.
Spiritual
Leader of the Al
Azhar University
Sheikh Al Tayyeb
leads the
second-oldest
university in
the world, where
teaching has
continued
without
interruption
since 975 CE. Al
Azhar represents
the centre of
Sunni Islamic
jurisprudence.
It is a key
institution that
issues
authoritative
religious
rulings and has
provided
extensive
Islamic
education to
Egyptian and
international
students since
its inception
over a
millennium ago.
This history
makes it a
bastion of Sunni
traditionalism.
The university
is considered
one of the most
prominent
Islamic
educational
institutions,
and the foremost
centre of Sunni
Muslim
scholarship
worldwide.
Administers
the Al Azhar
Education
Network
Al Azhar is the
second oldest,
and currently
the largest
university in
the world,
having risen
from a group of
three schools in
the 1950s to its
current state of
over 500,000
students
studying there
at any one time
with an
additional 1.8
million students
in its feeder
schools. It also
has over 100
university
affiliates and
45,000 of the
110,000 mosques
in Egypt are
Azhar Waqfs.
This immense
size and
grounded respect
make the head of
Al Azhar an
extraordinarily
powerful and
academically
influential
person. In spite
of his huge
workload as
president and
now as Grand
Sheikh, Al
Tayyeb publishes
regularly in
numerous
academic
journals,
dealing
particularly
with the
reception of
Islamic culture
and philosophy
in the Western
World. Al Tayeb
is also a member
of the Egyptian
Society of
Philosophy, the
Supreme Court of
Islamic Affairs
and is the head
of the Religious
Committee at the
Egyptian Radio
and Television
Union.
The Arab
Spring
Has Al Tayyeb
issued an
11-point
document in
August which
spoke about a
modern and
democratic
nation-state
based on a
constitution
ensuring full
separation of
the different
branches of
government and
guaranteeing
equality for all
citizens.
He said, ‘We
live at a time
when hopes are
high in
guaranteeing
freedom,
democracy and
the freedom of
opinion. We
reject any plots
against the
stance of Al-Azhar
which supports
freedom
movements inside
or outside
Egypt. The
religion of
Islam
acknowledges and
defends the
rights of people
and supports
nations in their
legitimate right
of justice,
freedom and
honourable
living’.
The unity
between
Muslims and
Coptic
Christians
of
Egypt is
something of
absolute
importance
Sheikh
Al Tayyeb
The Inbox
Dear
CCN Editor
I’m
writing from a London based newspaper called The
Muslim News regarding a twitter row that happened
recently.
The ex-Australian cricket player Rodney Hogg tweeted
some Islamophobic remarks on Australia Day.
“Just put out my Aussie flag for Australia Day but I
wasn’t sure if it would offend Muslims… So I wrote
‘Allah is a s**t’ . he then later apologised saying
it was a 'bad attempt of Australian humour'.
I just
wanted to ask you a few questions regarding the
reaction of the Muslim community in Australia
1. What do you think about Rodney Hogg's comment?
2. Why do you think he has such feelings towards
Muslims after working with them for so many years
(when he was playing cricket)?
3. Do
you accept his apology or do you think he was only
apologising because he received a negative response?
4. What would you like to say to Rodney Hogg about
his actions?
Please add anything else you may feel is relevant.
Thank you
Fatima Sheekhuna, Correspondent
The Muslim News Est 1989
PO BOX 380
Harrow
HA2 6LL
United Kingdom
www.muslimnews.co.uk
While we consider Mr Hogg’s tirade
unworthy of an intellectual or intelligent response
we offer the following comments below in lieu.
1. We think that it was irresponsible
and insulting and hopefully nothing more sinister
than the ramblings of a drunken dotard.
2. Perhaps
Muslims did not take to his surname
too readily. Or he took Australia Day as an
opportunity to vent some very deep seated prejudice
and xenophobia.
3.
Mr Hogg should be invited to deliver
the keynote address at the next Australian
Federation of Islamic Councils Congress.
4. We
now know why you titled your autobiography The
Whole Hogg - Inside the mind of a lunatic fast
bowler.
Assalamu Alaikum,
This is Ameera here; I had sent in a letter asking
for sponsorships for the leadership conference. If
anyone would like to directly donate, you can send
cheques (made out to Ameera Mahomed-Ismail) to:
Alternatively, you can directly transfer money into
an account:
BSB: 064203
Account Number: 10028034
If you choose to directly transfer funds, if you
could please add something like 'leadership' or
'conference' into the description, it would be most
helpful so that I can keep track.
Thank you so much,
Ameera Mahomed-Ismail
Dear
KBCooks
My
family had a hearty dinner on 6th February.
I
served them the most delicious Mutton Khorma.
I
can now understand why Nazima decided to invade the
kitchen in Kerala for the recipe.
Thank you kbcooks.
My
family are definitely going to make this their
Favourite Friday Family Get-together meal.
The
recipe was perfect, but no curry tastes good without
chillies, so I added 1 teaspoon to the recipe.
I
think it was an oversight on the mood of my friends
on holiday.
Ja’zakallah once again for the recipe, as the family
are going to eat something different from now on,
thanks to kbcooks.
MM of Sydney
Around the Muslim World with CCN
Malaysians
Discouraged From Valentine's day celebration
Malaysia’s
main Islamic opposition party has called on Malaysians not
to celebrate the Valentine's Day, warning that the event
leads to immoral activities, the Malaysia Star reported on
Tuesday, February 7.
“Every year we join forces with various Muslim
non-governmental organizations to create awareness that
celebrating Valentine's Day is against the Islamic Shari`ah,”
Nik Abduh Nik Aziz, deputy of the Parti Islam se-Malaysia
(PAS), said.
“We do not want the celebration to become a trend among
Muslims,” he said, adding that scholars worldwide forbid
Muslims from celebrating the day.
Aziz called on the government to place anti-Valentine Day's
advertisements on television to discourage Muslims from
celebrating the event.
“The best way to disseminate the message is through
television,” he said.
“And the Government can easily do that as it controls the
mainstream media."
Along with the television campaign, the party was due to
meet to discuss its anti-Valentine's Day campaign this year,
Nik Abduh, a son of PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Aziz Nik
Mat, said.
We do not
want the
celebration
to become a
trend among
Muslims
Nik Abduh
Nik Aziz
Islamic officials in Malaysia issued a fatwa in 2005 that
the day is associated with “elements of Christianity”.
Last year, religious authorities arrested more than 100
Muslim couples over the Valentine's Day celebrations.
Islam does recognize happy occasions that bring people
closer to one another, and add spice to their lives.
However, Islam goes against blindly imitating the West
regarding a special occasion such as Valentine’s Day.
Hence, commemorating the Valentine’s Day is an innovation or
bid`ah (innovation) that has no religious backing.
But the PAS's call drew flaks from Malaysian political
parties.
“This is a democratic multi-racial country. We can't stop
people from celebrating whatever event they wish to
celebrate,” Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) Youth chief
Dr Wee Ka Siong told the Malaysia Star.
“Commercially driven events depend on supply and demand, PAS
Youth should not interfere,” Wee said, adding that Chap Goh
Mei was the Chinese version of Valentine's Day.
It is not an
issue with
Muslims, but
PAS Youth
never fails
to make an
issue out of
it.
Kedah
Gerakan
Kedah Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang challenged
opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim to oppose PAS's view on the
Valentine's.
“Anwar should take action if he wants to show Pakatan Rakyat
embraces moderation,” he said, adding that the coalition
should take action against PAS Youth.
“It is not an issue with Muslims, but PAS Youth never fails
to make an issue out of it,” he said.
However, PAS Youth chief Nasrudin Hassan at-Tantawi
reiterated thta the party would never interfere or punish
those celebrating the occasion.
“We are also not trying to assume the role of moral police.
We are not enforcers,” Nasrudin said.
“But, we want to help save the youngsters from falling into
the Valentine's Day trap that promotes immoral activities,”
he said.
With about a million members, PAS is the largest opposition
party in Malaysia.
The party enjoys strong support from the northern rural and
conservative states such as Kelantan and Terengganu.
Home
Affairs Committee warns of far-right terror threat
UK:
MPs have warned the government not to neglect
the threat from extreme far-right terrorism.
In a report on radicalisation, the Home Affairs
Committee said it had heard "persuasive
evidence" about the potential danger.
The MPs also say internet service providers
should make greater efforts to remove violent
extremist material.
The committee interviewed jailed radical Muslim
preacher Abu Hamza as part of its research.
Its report examines the roots of radicalisation
and the government's Prevent strategy designed
to counter it.
The MPs said violent Islamist radicalisation
appeared to be declining but there may be
increasing support for non-violent extremist
views fuelled by "feelings of alienation".
"A view was expressed by some of those giving
evidence to us… that the revised Prevent
strategy only pays lip service to the threat
from extreme far-right terrorism," the report
added.
"We accept that Prevent resources should be
allocated proportionately to the terrorist
threat. However, we received persuasive evidence
about the potential threat from extreme
far-right terrorism."
We
received
persuasive
evidence
about the
potential
threat from
extreme
far-right
terrorism
The committee cited the growth of far-right
groups with links to similar organisations in
Europe.
"The ease of travel and communications between
countries in Europe and the growth of far-right
organisations… suggest that the current lack of
firm evidence should not be a reason for
neglecting this area of risk," the MPs say.
BBC
Sophy Ridge, political correspondent at
Sky News reflects on the media coverage of the report
published yesterday by the Home Affairs select committee
on the ‘Roots of Violent Radicalisation’
“Reading the newspaper headlines, you
would be forgiven for thinking the latest report into
extremism by the Home Affairs Select Committee of MPs
was yet another stark warning of the growing threat of
radical Islam.
“"Al-Qaeda bid for Brit girl bombers"
(The Sun), "Internet fuels radical Islam" (The
Independent), "MPs visit Abu Hamza at Belmarsh" (the
Daily Mail), "Radical Muslims target young inmates in
prison" (The Daily Telegraph), "Hamza in Terror War Rap"
(the Daily Star).
“But just look at the conclusion of the report, entitled
the Roots of Violent Radicalisation - "We suspect that
violent radicalisation is declining within the Muslim
community."
“The MPs conclude: "There also appears to
be a growth in more extreme and violent forms of
far-right ideology. Indeed it is clear that individuals
from many different backgrounds are vulnerable, with no
typical profile or pathway to radicalisation."
“The case that immediately springs to mind is that
of Anders Breivik, who committed the appalling shootings
in Norway last year.
“He arguably seems to fit exactly the profile of the
"lone wolf" using the internet to get "far-right ideas"
that the committee specifically warns about.
“At the time David Cameron ordered a review into
far-right groups, acknowledging that insufficient
attention had been paid to them in the past.
“This is not to say, of course, that violent Islamist
extremism is no longer a concern and should be forgotten
about.
“But perhaps the report should act as a warning against
lazy assumptions about terrorism and extremism."
Islamophobia
is America's real enemy
The hysterical campaign to
stigmatise US Muslims poses a far greater
threat than radicalisation to America's
civic union
US: A
report released this week has at
last confirmed what Muslim Americans
have long known to be true: the threat
posed to US national security by the
radicalisation of its Muslim community
is minuscule.
The study, by the
Triangle Centre on Terrorism and
Homeland Security, found that only 20
Muslim Americans were charged with
violent crimes related to terrorism in
2011, and of the 14,000 homicides
recorded in the United States in that
year, not one was committed by a Muslim
extremist.
We are thrilled that an
objective, comprehensive investigation
has revealed that only a tiny percentage
of American Muslims support violent
acts. However, we remain concerned that
the greater danger to America's civic
union comes from an increasingly
organised campaign that portrays all
Muslims as potential terrorists and
traitors.
Yes, there may be some
Muslims who resort to violence; but it's
clear that these individuals signify
nothing more than a statistical
aberration, and are no more
representative of the Muslim community
as a whole than Timothy McVeigh, Jared
Lee Loughner, or Anders Behring Breivik
represent Christianity.
The Guardian
Good
wishes to the Muslim Community from President Zuma on the
birthday of the Great Prophet
Presidential Press Release
5 February 2012
SOUTH AFRICA: The Prophet of Islam (Peace be
upon him) was born on the Islamic date of the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal
which in the Islamic calendar is today.
Within a period of twenty three years he changed the Arabian
society and brought about reforms that have had a profound
impact on humanity as a whole. His traditions have a
universal value and if correctly implemented can greatly
reduce the suffering of many people around the world.
One such example is a narration in which he says: "None of
you is a genuine believer until he loves for his brother
what he loves for himself." If, within the context of our
society, this narration can be implemented and acted upon,
we can undoubtedly establish a more caring society.
Today, the almost two billion followers of this great
Prophet (Peace be upon him), including those who live in
South Africa will be commemorating this day, and I take this
opportunity to wish them all well and may the day be a
blessed one.
Like the followers of all other religions in this country,
Muslims too have made a positive contribution, and there is
space for that to continue.
Saudis
fear there will be ‘no more virgins’ and people will turn
gay if female drive ban is lifted
Repealing
a ban on women drivers in Saudi Arabia would result in ‘no
more virgins’, the country’s religious council has warned.
A ‘scientific’ report claims
relaxing the ban would also see more Saudis - both men and
women - turn to homosexuality and pornography.
The startling conclusions
were drawn by Muslim scholars at the Majlis al-Ifta’ al-A’ala,
Saudi Arabia’s highest religious council, working in
conjunction with Kamal Subhi, a former professor at the King
Fahd University.
Their report assessed the
possible impact of repealing the ban in Saudi Arabia, the
only country in the world where women are not allowed behind
the wheel.
It was delivered to all 150 members of the Shura Council,
the country’s legislative body.
The report warns that
allowing women to drive would ‘provoke a surge in
prostitution, pornography, homosexuality and divorce’.
Within ten years of the ban
being lifted, the report’s authors claim, there would be ‘no
more virgins’ in the Islamic kingdom.
And it pointed out ‘moral
decline’ could already be seen in other Muslim countries
where women are allowed to drive.
In the report Professor Subhi
described sitting in a coffee shop in an unnamed Arab state.
‘All the women were looking
at me,’ he wrote. ‘One made a gesture that made it clear she
was available... this is what happens when women are allowed
to drive.’
The astonishing report comes
after Shaima Jastaniya, a 34-year-old Saudi woman, was
sentenced to 10 lashes with a whip after being caught
driving in Jeddah.
There has been strong protest
in the country about the sentence - and about the law
generally.
But resistance to reform and change remains strong among
conservative royals and clerics.
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We have god news for all Bosnaian and
ather riders
We hav agest Miralem from Novi Sad,ho
com to exsplaindet attention about
buikld a frst Mosqe in NOVI SAD capitol
Sity of Vojvodina.
I laike to expland in Bosnian for all ex
Yugoslavs piopel
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
A World Without Islam
by
Graham E. Fuller
Synopsis
What
if Islam never existed?
To some, it's a comforting thought: no clash
of civilizations, no holy wars, no terrorists.
But what if that weren't the case at all?
In A WORLD WITHOUT ISLAM, Graham E. Fuller
guides us along an illuminating journey through history,
geopolitics, and religion to investigate whether or not
Islam is indeed the cause of some of today's most emotional
and important international crises.
Fuller takes us from the birth of Islam to
the fall of Rome to the rise and collapse of the Ottoman
Empire.
He examines and analyzes the roots of
terrorism, the conflict in Israel, and the role of Islam in
supporting and energizing the anti-imperial struggle.
Provocatively, he finds that contrary to the
claims of many politicians, thinkers, theologians, and
soldiers, a world without Islam might not look vastly
different from what we know today.
Filled with fascinating details and
counterintuitive conclusions, A WORLD WITHOUT ISLAM is
certain to inspire debate and reshape the way we think about
Islam's relationship with the West.
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.
KB says: In keeping with its
name, this torte recipe has no flour but salt crackers and
nuts instead. I garnished it with whipped cream and fresh
strawberries making each mouthful a unique experience. You
can also use this recipe to create mini tortes for
individual servings which I did using a miniature square
cake pan.
Pecan Nut Torte
Method
1. Whisk 3 egg whites until stiff
2. Add 1 cup of castor sugar, a little at a time
whilst continuing to whisk
3. The mixture must be glossy
4. Add ½ tsp vanilla essence
5. Fold in the following ingredients:
a. 1 tsp baking powder
b. 1 ½ cups chopped peanuts
c. 12 salty cracker biscuits which have been
crushed
6. Give it a good mix with a wooden spoon and
then pour mixture into a greased 23cm loose –
based cake tin.
7. Bake at 170degrees until mixture turns light
brown
8. When cool, turn out and decorate with whipped
cream, chopped pecans and strawberries
Q: Dear
Kareema, I’m an office worker who loves to work out and tend
to wear high heels most days. My lower back gets a bit sore
especially after a long day. Any tips? A: Try not to jar your body by running or doing
high-impact classes when you get to the gym. Instead, opt
for yoga or take a brisk power walk.
Also book
yourself in for a massage towards the end of every week if
possible.
This may ease the
pain and also relax the muscles preparing them for your next
week’s workout sessions.
Be sure to take
your time stretching after every workout as well.
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, we are travelling to Borneo
in a few months and will be spending a few weeks in the
jungle. We know we will need to get immunisations but I
understand that even taking those horrible Malaria tablets
you can still get malaria, what else can we do?
A: I have taken those horrible Malaria tablets
so I really feel for you.
However, it is best to speak to your GP or the travel doctor
specialist to get all relevant medical advice.
Travelling to Borneo will be such a wonderful experience,
but you really need to be up to date on what medications and
immunisations you will need to get before you travel.
Make sure you have a good medical kit with you which should
include a very strong insect repellent.
It is better to be overprotective in the jungle because even
though it will be an amazing place there are many things
that can make your trip uncomfortable.
All questions sent in
are published here anonymously and without any
references to the author of the question.
The CCN Chuckle
CCN's
Man-on-the Mussallah has had a long and abiding interest
in gender roles amongst Sunni Muslims particularly in
Afghanistan.
Back in the 1990s
long before the current Afghan hostility he spotted that
women walked about four paces behind their husbands.
When our Man-on-the Mussallah returned to Kabul a couple
of weeks ago he noted with regret that women still
walked behind their husbands.
He pondered why,
despite the establishment of women's rights, wives still
paced behind their husbands.
Later our intrepid reporter fell into conversation with
one of the Afghani women and asked, 'Why are you so
happy with an old custom that you once tried so
desperately to change?'
The woman looked at our Man-on-the Mussallah straight in
the eyes, and without hesitation said, "Land mines."
He filed his report back to CCN with the leader:
Behind every Afghan man, there's a smart woman!
The CCN
The prison of life and the
bondage of grief are one and
the same
Before the onset of death,
how can man expect to be
free of grief?
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
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 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.
Last
Saturday night Brisbane
Muslimahs came to enjoy the
Sisters’ House Multicultural
Fundraising Dinner; with
tickets sold out before the
event. Those who attended
were greeted with a smile at
the door and walked through
to experience Arabian themed
decor, complete with inside
and outside billowing tents
decorated with sumptuous
material, twinkling lights
and floors lined with
comfortable mattresses with
ornate cushions.
Mustafaa
Olomi is the first Muslim
from Queensland to be to be
selected for the Australian
National team to compete at
the Junior Taekwondo World
Championships, being held in
Egypt this April.
Pictured
left with MAA chairperson Ms
Madenia Abdurahman, Mr
Diaa Mohamed –
famous for his role in
starting up
Sheikh
Ahmad Muhammad
Al Tayyeb was
appointed as
Grand Sheikh of
Al Azhar in
March 2010,
after the
passing of his
predecessor, Dr
Muhammad Sayyid
Tantawi. 
Malaysia’s
main Islamic opposition party has called on Malaysians not
to celebrate the Valentine's Day, warning that the event
leads to immoral activities, the Malaysia Star reported on
Tuesday, February 7.
UK:
MPs have warned the government not to neglect
the threat from extreme far-right terrorism. 
Repealing
a ban on women drivers in Saudi Arabia would result in ‘no
more virgins’, the country’s religious council has warned.
What
if Islam never existed? 
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7
August 2011