CAIR RESPONSE

 

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/15/12) --- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today released a video appeal in Arabic to those protesting an anti-Islam film, portions of which have been circulating on the Internet.

In the video, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad tells viewers in the Middle East that ordinary Americans and the U.S. government should not be blamed for the religious hatred expressed in the film.

He explains that the low-quality production was designed to provoke religious sensitivities and to distract from the positive efforts being undertaken to improve newly-free societies in the wake of the Arab Spring.

Awad's appeal notes that the controversy over the film distracts from more important issues such as the struggle for freedom in Syria, the need for justice for the Palestinian people and ongoing killings of Muslims in Burma.

[NOTE: In 2011, Awad was included on the "Power 500" list compiled by Arabian Business Magazine. In 2009, he was recognized among the world's "500 Most Influential Muslims" by the Jordan-based Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.]

He quoted a verse in the Quran, Islam's revealed text, which states that no soul will carry the burdens of another and asked viewers to emulate Islam's Prophet Muhammad, who did not retaliate in kind to personal abuse. He also urged protesters to put their energies into rebuilding their societies.

 

 

 

Awad's video appeal was filmed against a backdrop of a verse from the Quran, which states: "A goodly word (is) like a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches (reach) to the heavens." (14:24)

It ends with the recitation of a verse from the Quran: "You have indeed in the Messenger of God [Muhammad] a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in God and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of God." (33:21)

Earlier this week, CAIR condemned the killings of American diplomats in Libya and said that extremists must not be allowed to control the political and religious discourse worldwide.

 

 

CAIR made that statement at a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., at which representatives of CAIR and other Muslim organizations condemned both the killings of the U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other diplomats in that nation and the attack on the American embassy in Egypt.
 

CAIR had previously called on Muslims in the Middle East to ignore the distribution of the "trashy" anti-Islam film that resulted in the attacks in Libya, Egypt and other nations throughout the Muslim world.

SEE: CAIR Asks Mideast Muslims to Ignore 'Trashy' Anti-Islam Film
http://tinyurl.com/9z66a44

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

 

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SYDNEY PROTESTS

 

Islamic protest sparks violence in central Sydney

Arrests made after police officers injured at anti-Islamic film protest in Sydney CBD

 

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#MUHAMMAD | INNOCENCE OF MUSLIMS SPOKEN WORD | RESPONSE

 

Tickets are available for sale for the upcoming Awards Night and dinner organized by the Islamic Council of Qld Inc to farewell the retiring Police Commissioner Mr Bob Atkinson and recognise members of the Muslim community for their hard work and years of contribution to the Muslim community of Qld.

Date:   29 September 2012 (Saturday night)
Time:  6.45pm sharp
Place: Islamic College of Brisbane, Karawatha - Main Hall (upstairs)
Ticket: $10 per person including a nice dinner - families and non-Muslims are welcome to attend.

Contact: Amar Ali Khan, Vice President ICQ for tickets
Mob: 0421 976 934
Email: amarali_khan@hotmail.com

 

Follow his one-week journey to the Syrian border

Some practical tips

 

1. HAJJ- PRACTICAL GUIDELINES
2. ADVICE FOR THOSE GOING FOR HAJ

 

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Mecca Train Ticket Prices & Services Announced for its First Hajj Season

 

It was announced during the week that Muslims wishing to use Mecca 's first metro when they converge on the holy city next month for their annual pilgrimage will have to pay SR250 for a ticket that will serve them for seven days.

Three different types of tickets will cover all holy sites in Mecca and will allow the pilgrims to take the train into the city to perform their rites before returning to their residence inside or outside the city, Ajel online newspaper said, quoting Habib Zain Alabidin, Undersecretary at the Saudi Ministry of Municipal affairs.

"The ticket's price is set at SR250 (US$ 67) that will cover a full trip into and out of Mecca for seven days…another ticket is priced at SR100 (US$ 27) for four days," he said.

Officials said last week the train has a capacity to transport 170,000 passengers in its first stage and two million when the third and final phase is completed.

Saudi Arabia has allocated nearly SR6.7 billion (US$ 1.8 billion) for the metro, which begins continuous service next month for the first time in Mecca 's history. Officials expect the project to largely contribute to easing road congestions caused by the accumulation of thousands of cars near Makkah.

Habib Zain Alabidin says the railway would operate throughout the year.

The project is part of a costly programme by Saudi Arabia to tackle massive traffic congestions in and around the city and facilitate access to all sacred sites in Mecca .

The train project, initiated three years ago, followed a series of incidents that have killed thousands of pilgrims in stampedes, building collapses and other accidents during the few days of the Haj season.

More than two million Muslims from Saudi Arabia , the Gulf Co-operation Council countries and other nations descend on Mecca every year to perform the pilgrimage.

China Railway Construction Corp, part of a Saudi-French-Chinese consortium which won the contract, is carrying out the project, involving nearly 5,000 workers. The train is the Gulf’s second metro system after the Dubai Metro.

Muslims Australia (AFIC) in it’s capacity as the counterpart organisation (CPO) of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) will be nominating candidates from Australia for an IDB scholarship programme for the third year in a row.

IDB is offering scholarship in the following fields of study: Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture and affiliate subjects for undergraduate study only.
 

Interested students need to complete the application form and provide all the requested information.

Australians should not travel to Syria or border regions in neighbouring countries - the situation is extremely dangerous and the government's ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited.

• Those Australians who are still in Syria should depart as quickly as possible.

The government has introduced sanctions in an effort to limit the conflict in Syria. It is illegal under Australian law to:
 

• Engage in fighting for either side
• Fund, train or recruit someone to fight, or
• Supply or fund weapons for either side in Syria.
• Similar sanctions apply to supporting conflict in Lebanon and Iraq.

The best way to help the people of Syria is through humanitarian assistance provided by UN agencies and non-government organisations that do not support either party to the conflict. It is the responsibility of each individual to deal with legitimate organisations when providing humanitarian assistance.

The actions of the Assad regime do not make it acceptable for Australian citizens to return to fight the Assad Government

• Australian Government sanctions against Syria prohibit travel by Australian citizens to Syria to fight; fund, train or recruit someone to do so; and supply or fund weapons for either side in Syria.

A key priority for the Government is to minimise the loss of Australian lives in conflicts overseas.
• Travel advisories issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provide up to date information on the safety and security situation overseas.

Australians are urged to be aware of the dangers and not to travel to conflict zones in Syria and Lebanon.

Australian Sanctions against Syria and Lebanon:

Australia has imposed an arms embargo on Syria
 

• This means it is illegal for any person in Australia - or any Australian citizen (including dual citizen), anywhere in the world - to provide any kind of support to any armed group in Syria - government or opposition; Syrian or foreign.
• This includes providing weapons or other equipment for use by armed groups in Syria (even if those weapons or that equipment is sent to another country first).
• It includes raising funds to support armed groups active in Syria, such as through the purchase of weapons or equipment or payments to combatants (even if those armed groups are based in another country)
• and it includes offering one's own services to fight, or train others to fight, in Syria.

The United Nations also retains arms embargoes in relation to Lebanon and Iraq - countries neighbouring Syria
• this means it is illegal for any person in Australia - or any Australian citizen (including dual citizen), anywhere in the world - to provide any kind of support to any armed group in Lebanon and Iraq as well
• even if that support is intended for use in Syria, or another country.

Australian law imposes serious criminal penalties for a breach of these arms embargoes, including up to ten years' imprisonment, or very heavy fines.

What Can You Do?

Use constructive methods to voice your concerns, including through our democratic processes
 

• participate and engage in peaceful legal protest activities, or
• write to a Senator or Representative of Federal Parliament.

If you want to donate funds to support civilians in Syria, be aware of the scope of Australian Government sanctions against the Syrian regime and choose United Nations agencies and non-government organisations that do not support either side in the conflict.

Information provided by the United Nations on the situation in Syria and humanitarian response efforts can be found at here.

For Sale

 

Simple and modern Garden Gazebo 3x3m (click on image to enlarge)

The outdoor gazebo is quick and easy to assemble and features a polyester canopy and matching full side curtains with insect screens. Great for outdoor bbqs and gatherings. Only used once and is in perfect condition
 

Price: $260.00
Contact: Samed: 32190800

 

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A local homegrown initiative to offer the Muslim community an Islamic investment option has finally come to fruit after some 18 months of planning and processing. The brainchild of Mr. Yousuf Alikhan of FinancialFirst,  the Barkat Super Plan has been approved as a superannuation fund tailored for Islamic sharia compliance.

 

CCN caught up with Mr. Alikhan to learn a little more about how the fund will operate. 

 

[CCN] Let me start by asking you what the Barkat Super Plan is all about.
[YA] Barkat Super Plan is public superannuation fund like any other superannuation fund offered by financial institutions like AMP or AXA. The Fund is compliant with the Australian Law as such Barkat Super Plan members can claim special tax concessions associated with the superannuation structure. The members can make employer SGC contributions, personal contributions, spouse contribution, salary sacrifice etc. Employer can also offer Barkat Super Plan to their employees as their preferred superannuation provider.

[CCN] How is it different from the other Superannuation Funds
[YA] It has been my dream and dream of many in the community to offer Australian Muslims with an alternative superannuation fund that conforms to Islamic values. However, as Super is probably the single most important component of our retirement income, we wanted to ensure that the Islamic Superannuation Fund is not only based on Islamic values but also provides above average returns into and after retirement. We wanted the Barkat Super Plan to be associated with some of the best product providers in Australia.
 

[CCN] Who will manage the funds?

[YA] Alhumdulilah, I am pleased to state that the Trustee of the fund is Equity Trustee – one of the oldest trust companies in Australia, established in 1888 by an act of Victorian parliament, the administrator is Emplus - part of Millennium 3, one of the largest Financial Planning groups in Australia and is ultimately owned by ANZ Banking Group. The investment managers have over 20 years of experience in the financial markets and have a proven performance track record.

 

[CCN] So what makes the fund an Islamic fund?

[YA] In addition to offering a reputable and trust worthy stakeholder, the main point of difference Barkat Super Plan offers is the way the funds are invested. It is most likely your current public superannuation fund has no ethical or religious restrictions on how its member’s funds are invested. As there are no restrictions and guideline, the investment could be in alcohol producing or distributing companies, gambling and entertainment companies or non-halal food products companies. Barkat Super Plan fund managers start by filtering out any companies involved with non-halal activities such as gambling, alcohol, weapons and conventional financial services and then apply traditional financial analysis to construct the investment portfolio. Our aim is to offer a guilt-free prosperous retirement income.

[CCN] Have you obtained sanction from the Ulema?  

[YA] The fund manager investment process has been examined and endorsed by Sheikh Nizam Yaquby and Dr. Daud Bakar - eminent Islamic finance scholars to ensure that it conforms with Shariah.

[CCN] Who can contribute to the fund
[YA] Any individual who is employed can direct their employer to make their contributions to Barkat Super Plan. They can also make salary sacrifice contributions, spouse contribution or personal non-concessional contributions. Any self employed individual can make personal contribution or spouse contribution or non-concessional contributions. Any individual who currently has a superannuation account with another provider can roll-over the superannuation into Barkat Super Plan. Any employer could nominate Barkat Super Plan as their preferred superannuation and contribute the employee SGC into the fund.

[CCN] So, in a nut shell, what are the stand out features of the fund?
One of the main benefits of Barkat Super Plan is that it offers an Islamic alternative to the conventional superannuation Fund. It has most of the features offered by other conventional superannuation funds including online access. In addition, it has no entry or exit fees and aims to provide value for your superannuation dollar. It also provides a free lost super recovery service.
Finally, it has some of the best know companies in the industry associated with it.

[CCN] Who are the people involved in structuring this fund together?
[YA] There are many people from the community who have been involved in the development of Barkat Super Plan.

I have personally been involved in the development of the product. I have over 32 years experience in the financial services industry. Having worked with the likes of Merrill Lynch and Macquarie, have learnt a thing or two over the years about the financial markets and products.

Dr. Mahmood Nathie, Islamic Scholar and a PhD (Islamic Banking and Finance) has provided invaluable support, guidance and advice from the Shariah perspective.

Fouad Fattal, an experienced financial service professional and a prominent member of our community has also provided ongoing support and guidance.

[CCN] How hard has it been to get the fund to this stage?
[YA] This product is the culmination of years of deliberations and consultations in our community. The seed for this product were sown some 17-18 year back and during that period several unsuccessful attempts were made to develop an alternative Islamic Superannuation Fund. I am grateful to Allah, that our efforts have finally been successful.

Barkat Super Plan is the result of over 18 months dedicated hard work and financial commitment by several people. We have endeavoured to put together a quality product. I urge the community to support it.

Barkat Financial Services and other providers have several alternative Islamic financial products in the pipeline, however without the support of the wider community we cannot continue to offer an Islamic Investment alternative.
 

[CCN] Where do CCN reader go to get more information?
[YA] If any of your readers require further information on Barkat Super Plan, they can visit our website or call me on 0401 006 430 or 1800 336 911.

 

[CCN]  Thank you Yousuf and good luck with this venture.

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.
 

Each week, CCN publishes a personality selected from the list:

 

No. 38

H.H. Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Al Missned

Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation