We are very proud and pleased to publish our

500th uninterrupted weekly issue

of Crescents Community News (CCN) today.

 

 

For helping us reach this 10-year milestone, we would like to thank our loyal readers and our valued contributors for making our portal of news, views and reviews the go-to channel of communication for the communities we serve.

 

PS: If you ever wanted to know how the decade went by and feel a sense of nostalgia, simply click here.

 

Two teams of four are training in earnest for the 100km Oxfam charity trailwalker from Mt Glorious to Mt Coot-tha starting Friday 20 June (l to r - Nabil Casoojee, Yaseen Sarfudin, Hamid Kassim, Mustafa Ally, Ali Ghafoor, David Forde, Tahir Abdool Gaffoor and  Shane Johnson (not in photo))

 

One of the outcomes from the participation of these two teams is to raise funds for a six month sustainable development Vocation Education and Training project, for 45 displaced women in the Babussalam Refugee Camp, Syria.

 

If you would like to donate to the project in Syria, please consider donating: $20 or $50 or $100 or any other amount (big or small).

Bank Transfer:
 

Account Name: Muslim Charitable Foundation

Bank: Bank of Queensland
BSB Number: 124155

Account Number: 20897392
For reference: Trail/Your name (and the letters 'RR' if you require a tax receipt)

For further information call 0402 026 786.

AFIC in its Golden Jubilee (50th) Congress held in Canberra on 27 May 2014 amongst other resolutions passed the following motion moved by Professor Shahjahan Khan of Islamic Society of Toowoomba:

“The congress resolved that a special Congress be convened within 8 months from today to finalise the review of AFIC constitution. The review committee should be headed by the secretary of AFIC. The Congress will have no other agenda to discuss on that day.”

The ACRC is headed by the Secretary of AFIC, Dr Shahabuddin Abdullah of South Australia, and the other members on the Committee are
Mr Suliman Sabdia and Prof Shahjahan Khan (QLD), Dr Ameer Ali and Dr Rateb Jneid (WA), Mr Keysar Trad (NSW), and Mr Shujat Mantoo (VIC).

Essentially the resolution of the Congress calls for the institution to be democratic and inclusive, compliant with the corporate governance laws of Australia thus making it, transparent, accountable and engagement of its constituents to be participative in the democratic functioning of the organisation.

To meet the new challenges and reflect the current realities of Muslim communities in Australia, the Committee would invite submissions from the Councils and Societies. Based on the submissions and community consultations, the Committee would to come up with draft recommendations to amend the constitution to be considered in the special Congress.

The Congress also agreed that the next election of AFIC will be held in 2015 on the basis of the revised constitution to be adopted by the special Congress.

Two Fridays ago the Gold Coast Bosnian Community arranged a dinner to support the flood victims of Bosnia. They succeeded in raising $22,750 with an addition $2,600 donation from a group of Pakistani doctors.

 

Last Friday, the Muslim Charitable Foundation and Muslim Aid Australia (QLD) held a collection at the Kuraby Mosque for the same cause.

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) and its members consisting of more than 150 Imams across Australia are offended by the unfair and wrong allegations made by the Head of the NSW Counter Terrorism Squad, Assistant Commissioner Peter Dein, and published on Australian mainstream media last week.
 

Last week in the Australian Newspaper Mr. Dein alleged that senior members of the Sunni Muslim community "have not done enough to discourage young Muslim men from joining the Syrian jihad" adding “The community is being very passive about the problem,’’.
 

ANIC rejects in the strongest possible terms the offensive and provocative comments made by Mr. Dein.

 

"The comments of Mr. Dein were perceived as an irresponsible act of disrespect to the hard and ongoing work, senior members of Muslim community including Imams have put to prevent anyone who might have been affected by the Syrian conflict from becoming directly involved" Imam Mohamadu Saleem, ANIC Public Relations Officer said.
 

"Moreover the divisive comments are not helpful on building relationships with Australia’s Muslim community that has become a core element of counter‐terrorism policing, both at the State and Federal level" Imam Mohamadu SALEEM added.
 

ANIC's executive committee confirmed that the Council will lodge a formal complaint and seek a meeting with Mr. Dein’s superiors to find out whether the comments he made reflect his own opinion or that of both NSW and the Federal Police.

 

Alhamdulillah, through the effort of the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV), a group of Imams and leading thinkers in Islam from Australia had the opportunity to visit Turkey in May 2014. I thank Almighty Allah who made this journey possible for me. I would also like to thank the Diyanet of Turkey (The Presidency of Religious Affairs) for hosting our Australian delegation with such generosity and hospitality. I will never forget that wherever we went, the first thing was Tea, served in a small tulip shaped glass, black with sugar. I never drank so much black tea in my life.
 

The Diyanet accommodated and provided for us the best accommodation, food, guides, transport, educational program and allowing us to meet great respected Ulama , Muftis and leading figures whom the common folk may not have access to. Their humility, wisdom and respect has made a significant impact on my life.
 

I had always heard of the superlative contribution of the Ottomans and frequently heard my late father speaking of them. It was at this phase of my life that I could observe first hand their contribution to the great Islamic civilisation in that part of the globe, Masha Allah.
 

It was really remarkable to witness the educational structure and observe places for higher education and training that continue to operate so efficiently. The administration for the Hifzul Qur'an programs was inspiring.
 

What I found very interesting is that our friends in Turkey have done a wonderful job in preserving the artefacts and relics of our beautiful Islamic heritage, which unfortunately is not the case with other like Muslim countries. Our Turkish, friends have treasured and valued it and kept it for humanity to witness.
 

The Masaajid are absolutely beautiful and the architecture and calligraphy is something not seen very often. The Imams and Khatibs leading Salaat and engaging in Zikrullah, Dua and Qiraat after Fard Salaats was spiritually uplifting. The recital of Qur'an by the Mufti of Konya was magnificent. Libraries are rich with classical books.
 

The few sites we visited were the Fateh Cami or Blue Mosque in Istanbul, which is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world with its six minarets and sweeping architecture built between 1609 and 1616; the Aya Sophia a masterwork of Roman engineering; a cruise on the Bosporus river which separates Europe from Asia; the Grand Bazaar; the Egyptian Spice Market in Istanbul; Topkapi Palace that was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years and contains important holy relics of the Muslim world, including Muhammed's (SAW) cloak and sword.; Tomb of Hazret Abu Ayyoub Al Ansari; Istanbul Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art; Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi in Konya; Whirling Dervishes in Bursa; Centre of Mevlana Ismail Hakki Bursevi famous author of Tafsir Ruhul Bayan; and many other places.
 

Istanbul, Bursa, Ankara and Konya are all beautiful places with a rich religious heritage. People are warm and hospitable and also very welcoming. All the learned scholars, principals and teachers are modest and educated.
 

Turkey's main coded school of thought is the Hanafi Madh-hab and most people are followers of the Naqshabandi Silsilah. I appreciated every bit of the journey. All members of our delegation were truly impressed and overwhelmed at Turkey's accomplishments in the various fields of Ulum, especially in recent times. The Turkish government is giving a tremendous support to the Syrian Refugees.
 

The food that was provided to us could not be better. It was always absolutely delicious and most of us put up weight. It was really nice to share meals with the students at one of the institutes as the students prepared their own meals and hearing their Dua before the meals was touching.
 

This trip was not only an educational trip but also a very spiritual journey and a life experience for me. I feel that Turkey is a great role model country for the rest of the Muslim world. I make Dua that Almighty Allah protect that country and keep the President safe and fulfil his dreams.
 

My special thanks to brother Nail Aykan of Melbourne who arranged this trip and for his hard work and wisdom in leading our delegation so smoothly. He did a magnificent job not only in translation, but in everything.

The IMAGC recently invited Sheikh Yusuf Estes to assist with a fundraising tour along the East Coast of Australia. The intention was to raise money for the new Gold Coast, Worongary Masjid.

The IMAGC partnered up with Islamic Relief Australia in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, to assist with their fundraising efforts to support and help the Syrian Refugees.
 

Sh. Yusuf Estes at Moreland City Town Hall in Melbourne

Most of the time was spent in Sydney, followed with Melbourne and Adelaide before arriving on the Gold Coast to do the main event at Logan Entertainment Centre in Brisbane.

The bulk of the trip was spent with Sh. Yusuf Estes visiting major Masjids and musalla’s between the states, focusing on the topic of “Our Youth, Our Future”. He also did a number of sisters programs in Sydney and Melbourne and spoke on relevant issues in today’s society. Most of the interstate events called for donations for Islamic Relief, Guide US TV and the Worongary Masjid.

 

"We were privileged to be able to put the new Gold Coast Mosque on the map in other states throughout Australia and gain new support our cause," a spokesperson for the organizing committee told CCN.

 

Logan Entertainment Centre

Haji Hussin Goss made the trip to Sydney on a couple of occasions to call for the pledges at the major events and masjids in Sydney. His support for this cause has been most appreciated by all concerned.

 

 

On Saturday the 24 May at Logan Entertainment Centre, Sh. Yusuf Estes gave a talk about Islamic Character and reflected on his experiences in finding Islam, which was mainly due to a Muslim brother of good character.

 

Commenting on Sh. Estes' speech, the spokesperson said: "The talk was an inspiration for many to show good Islamic character in our dealings with people, and be exemplary examples as Muslims."

He added: "The night was also special as many guests brought non-Muslim friends to the event, and five people made Shahada (Declaration of Faith to Islam) on the night. This was an emotional experience for the people involved."

Sh. Yusuf Estes at Holland Park Mosque

The Worongary Masjid raised $156,690.00 between donations, pledges and auction items at Logan Entertainment Centre. "This was a pleasing result as we were very aware of the many other fundraising events occurring in Brisbane during the April/May/June period leading up to Ramadan," said the spoeksperson.

 

Sheikh Yusuf Estes continued his tour of Queensland on Sunday with a visit to the UMB Centre in Logan, and later that night at the Gold Coast Mosque (Arundel).
 

His final talk was given at Holland Park Mosque on Monday night after Isha prayer, which was "a memorable experience for those in attendance."
 

He returned back to Sydney for a final lecture at Masjid An Nour in Sydney, where strong fundraising efforts were made as this was his final talk in Australia.

 

Yusuf Estes and his wife being presented with a plaque in recognition of his efforts with the IMAGC in Australia

"Insha’Allah we should have a better indication in the next week of how much we raised around Australia, which Islamic Relief will follow up on."

 

"Alhamdulillah, it was a very successful tour of Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. Insha’Allah in the next 2 weeks we will have a better idea of the figures raised between the states to give an indication to the community of how the Worongary Mosque benefited.

"Jazzakallah to both Yusuf Estes and his wife for taking part in our rewarding journey towards establishing the Worongary masjid on the Gold Coast."
 

"We will be collecting pledges in the next couple of weeks by the will of Allah, and Insha’Allah we can gather all of the money pledged."

 

ANCSCC is providing a free SMS Notifier and Live Updates for Ramadhan, Eid ul-Fitr and Dhul Hijja (therefore 'Eid ul-Adha') 1435.

 

Live Updates: Check Twitter page: http://www.Twitter.com/ANCSCC

 

National SMS Notification : For SMS about Moonsighting updates, please register for free at http://crescentwatch-australia.alghazzali.org/?page_id=170

Teenage boys - Noor Ahmed , Israr Ahmed and Muhammad Cheema - who mow the lawns of elderly residents in their Rooty Hill neighbourhood for free.

NSW: WHILE most teenage boys are sleeping in or playing computer games on the weekend, ­Muhammad Cheema and his mates are mowing the gardens of elderly residents in their neighbourhood; free of charge.

The team of five boys — Cheema, 15, Noor Ahmed, 17, Israr Ahmed, 18, Salim Elakawi, 15 and Ahmad Mohanna, 16 — started up their business, Cutting Grass Boyz, six months ago to help the elderly and disadvantaged residents of Rooty Hills.

Fuelled by the smiles and gratitude they receive from grateful neighbours, the boys are nominated in the Young Achiever category of The Daily Telegraph and News-Local’s Champions of the West awards; a grants competition for the Fair Go for the West campaign that consists of 13 categories, each offering a $10,000 grant.

 

“It’s better than sitting around wasting time on computer games and TV,” Cheema, the group’s founder, said.

“When we go around and do the gardening for free, ­people are just so happy and pleased to see us. It feels good to be giving back to the community like that.

“At first they were hesitant, it was like they couldn’t believe we wanted to do this just to help for free, but a few weeks into it they started trusting us and got friendlier.”

The plans were hatched after the boys saw an elderly man in their local park picking up rubbish. When they asked him if he was being paid he ­replied he was just doing it to help keep the community clean and tidy. The boys lent the elderly gentleman a hand.

The idea to extend their ­enterprise followed. They got together and printed up pamphlets which they put up around their neighbourhood.

They complete around three jobs each weekend while still putting in the hours to clean their local parks and study, some of them for their Higher School Certificate.

“I think more people our age should do things to give back to their community,” Cheema said.
 

Source: News.com

Yusuf and Anver Omar show off their well-earned medals at the Sahara Cricket Stadium in Durban after completing the gruelling 89km Comrades Marathon.   Next year Omar Senior plans to take on his 10th run to secure his permanent number.   Well done lads!

 

A delegation of five young Australian Muslims are in Indonesia for a bilateral exchange program aimed at strengthening links and understanding of Islam in both countries.

During the two-week Australia-Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program, Kashif Bouns, Laila Ibrahim, Mohamed Dukuly, Nur Shkembi and Reuben Brand will go to Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Bandung.

The group will meet Islamic organizations, community leaders, academics and the media. Their program includes cultural and interfaith experiences such as attending Waisak celebrations at Borobudur, playing futsal with Rumah Cemara, an organization that supports people living with HIV/AIDS, and an overnight stay at Pesantren Daar el Qolam in Tangerang.

The Australian ambassador to Indonesia, Greg Moriarty, said the delegation reflected the cultural diversity of Australia’s Muslim community.

“This year’s participants have family connections to Lebanon, Pakistan, the Palestinian Territories, Albania and Liberia,” the ambassador said.

“It’s important for young Australians to gain a better understanding of the role of religion in Indonesia and have the chance to share their views about how Islam contributes to diverse, democratic and tolerant societies like Australia and Indonesia,” he said.

Laila Ibrahim, from Sydney, said she had enjoyed her time in Indonesia so far.

“It is an amazing experience for me to see how warm and generous Indonesians are and it is very rewarding to learn about Islam at a pesantren here,” Ibrahim said.

Ten Indonesian Muslim delegates will also visit Australia as part of the program.

The MEP was established in 2002 by the Australia-Indonesia Institute and is organized along with Paramadina University.

The iInstitute, which supports friendship and promotes understanding between Australians and Indonesians through projects in interfaith, education, youth, civil society, media, sport and the arts, is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary.
 

Source: Jakarta Globe

 

Kuraby Madrassah Mualimas – left to right Ayesha, Naaz Begum; Suzan Turkman; Leila Umar; Soraya Bulbulia; Saphena Aku; Anisah Buksh; Rianna Summut.   Not Present: Aaminah Buksh; Saalihah Khan; and Reyhana Razak

 

Kuraby Madrassah teachers were honoured by students and parents this week in a special Assembly ceremony. The teaching team, pictured below with their certificates recently completed module 1 in an on-going professional learning series. The workshops themed, ‘Instructional Approaches’ focused on pedagogy, the science and art of teaching.

 

The experience challenged and extended teachers and facilitators. It also allowed for the sharing of best teaching practice approaches across the Madrassah. Teachers completed the theoretical components of this module in their own time over the December and January holiday break and have been implementing and reflecting upon the practical aspects in the classroom throughout semester one.

Islamic education research highlights teacher training as a critical area in need of attention. Extensive educational research adds weight to this as the most rigorous school studies reveal that the classroom teacher has the largest effect size on student learning. The Islamic tradition has always placed great emphasis on the value of the teacher, over and above that of the institution. The teacher after all offers something even greater than the transmission of subject specific knowledge, which is the sharing of adab in the learning process and the example or embodiment of good character.
 

Students present at the ceremony may have been a little surprised initially to learn that their Mualimas at the same time consider themselves students. However, Dr Abdalla shared with the audience that learning never ends until we meet Allah. He spoke of great scholars who referred to themselves not as experts, rather as students. This thinking reflects the learning for transformation philosophy of the entire Madrassah, where everyone involved is always learning and focused toward the learning that connects us with our purpose.
 

Saalihah Khan (pictured left), currently a support volunteer is a Mualima in the making, Insha’Allah. Saalihah sacrificed her holiday, also completing the module. The small ceremony was therefore further proof that the tireless efforts by the teaching team at Kuraby Madrassah does not go unnoticed. The Kuraby Madrassah Committee would like to acknowledge and congratulate all Mualimas for the successful completion of module one and thank the facilitators, Dylan Chown and Gregor Shepherd. May Allah reward them all abundantly for their efforts with the children and young people of our community.

 

CLOSING DOWN SALE
 

After 10 years in the Lighting industry, Lighting Direct in Underwood is shutting its doors to the public.

The team at Lighting Direct would like to take this opportunity to thank all our valued customers and the community at large for their ongoing support over the last ten years.

 

Your support has been greatly appreciated by us and whether you came by for a small bulb or a quick chat, it was always a pleasure to see and serve you all. Lighting Directs last trading day will be the 25th June 2014.

Thank you all once again from the Hussein family of Lighting Direct.

Lighting Direct will continue to trade via our online store and for any queries please do not hesitate to contact us at sales@lightingdirect.com.au. Remember to like our Facebook page for member only deals - facebook.com/lightingdirectunderwood.

Final days of Lighting Directs closing down sale. Everything must go. Massive range of crystal chandeliers, modern and traditional pendants, fans, downlights, outdoor lighting and a huge variety of floor and table lamps. All stock must be cleared. Prices never to be repeated! Hurry only available until 25th June. Don't miss out on your great bargain! Showroom located at 38 Kingston Road Underwood. Open 7 days. Call us on 3341 9001 or visit our website at www.lightingdirect.com.au
 

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Underwood and Pinelands (Sunnybank Hills) NANDOS

 

HALAL CERTIFICATED by Halal Certification Authority - Australia

(click on image to enlarge)

 

Miloud Chaabi $2.1bn ($2.4bn) Morocco                
 

84-year-old Miloud Chaabi is Morocco’s richest man, beating out the likes of Othman Benjelloun and Anas Sefrioui to take the top spot.

 

He is the founder of Ynna Holding and the owner of Ryad Mogador hotel chain and group of supermarkets Aswak Assalam.

 

He might be one of Morocco’s wealthiest businessmen today but Chaabi’s career started in very modest surroundings.

 

At just 15 years old he taught in a mosque and worked as a goat herder before saving up enough money to move to Kenitra where he started his first construction company. Chaabi established his own ceramic company in 1964 and started to look for investment opportunities.

 

He acquired the Yeyeena Group, which became one of the most powerful groups in Morocco.

 

Chaabi is renowned for his philanthropic and charity work. He is the operator of one of the largest charity organisations in Morocco, the Miloud Chaabi Foundation, and donated 10 percent of his fortune to build the first American university in Morocco in conjunction with the University of Maryland. 
 

Source: ArabianBusiness