To all our dear Muslim readers and their families and friends

 

We hope and pray that you have had a spiritually rewarding Holy month of Ramadan, insha'Allah

 

Islamic College of Brisbane KARAWATHA	InshaAllah the Eid salah will be conducted in the Masjid on either Monday 28th July or Tuesday 29th July depending on the sighting of the moon. Our website will be updated as soon as the moon is sighted InShaAllah. Program will be as follows: Takbir at 6:45 am Salah at 7:15 am All are welcome!   Bald Hills Mosque
Algester Mosque	Australian International Islamic College in conjunction with Darul Uloom Islamic Academy and Durack Islamic Centre

 

Crescent Moon visibility (Sunday and Monday)

Source: Moonsighting.com

(click on thumbnail to enlarge)

Young volunteers from the local community have continued to show their talent in loom band making by donating more than 190 handmade loom bands to Mission Possible's initiative to make a generous contribution to Camp Quality and in particular their July and August Family Camps. Local community member, Faisel Essof approached eager loom banders earlier last month to make 120 loom bands, 60 for each Camp Quality Camp. These ecstatic young volunteers took on the opportunity to show their loom banding talents and support to Camp Quality, a foundation that believes in bringing optimism and happiness to the lives of children and families affected by cancer through fun therapy. The official handover of the loom band creations to the Mission Possible volunteers was completed on Wednesday 16 July at the Mission Possible Headquarters in Logan Central. Mayoress of Logan City Council, Pam Parker came along to meet the talented loom banders and was given an insight into the art of making loom bands. The Mayoress aptly described each band as a symbol of 'Hope for the Future' to the prospective recipients. A custom-made loom band set which consisted of a bracelet, necklace and ring in the Logan City colours, yellow and blue, was gifted to the Mayoress. An Albert & Logan Times news reporter captured the essence of this momentous community initiative. Special recognition is awarded to these skilful young community members for their dedication to this project:   Ammaarah Omar, Naadirah Seedat, Naadiya Omar, Aaliya Omar, Aaliya Abdullah, Farah Solwa, Ameera Hatia, Sanaa Moolla, Zakiyah Latif, Sanaa Latif, Aaliya Khatree, Sabreen Nathie, Sarah Omar, Zahra Meer, Imaan Ahamed, Zahraa Mohammed, Ziyaad Pandie, Zayn Seedat, Suhayl Seedat.

 

This financial year, out team investigated, visited, interviewed and recorded two hundred and sixty nine cases compared to one hundred and seventy seven cases, for the previous financial year. This clearly indicates that the problem of welfare in our local Muslim community is growing and we must, as a community, recognize that there is a genuine need right here in our own back yard.

The vast majority of cases proved to be genuine with only a very small number that were rejected. Most were recipients from the Zakaat account or General account if there arose any uncertainty about the case.

Many clients have limited or no income and don’t have the basic necessities, such as white goods, bedding and household items. Others are struggling to survive from week to week on Centrelink payments or part time work. Many are forced to seek help from Christian based organizations. With constant increases in the cost of living, more people are finding it difficult to pay their rent or bills for essential services, such as electricity and gas.

The introduction of the Halal Food Bank run by Al- Kauther volunteers has provided us with twenty to thirty food hampers per month which we have distributed to the most needy. May Allah s.w.t. reward them and all the donors Inshallah.

We are dealing with an increase in separations, divorces, domestic abuse, homeless cases and family breakdowns. Usually, it is the mother or wife left to manage on a very limited income.

MCF has paid funeral costs for those that cannot afford and see this increasing over time.

Others required urgent medical treatment, purchase of medical aids or payment of medical bills.

It is pleasing to see the recognition given to MCF from Government support agencies, Imams, Societies, and organizations. I sincerely thank our donors for their ongoing generous financial support.

Requests for help are received on a daily basis and much praise must go to all our members for helping with many of the cases.

I must thank all those who have contributed in any way, and pray for those less fortunate and humbly ask forgiveness for any mistakes made during the year.

 

 

Concept plans for the Logan Mosque upgrade have been developed and approved.
 

Construction will commence directly after Eid celebrations.
 

So far the collections and people who have committed to pay in Ramadan now need to confirm their pledges.
 

The fundraising drive is still in progress as the total committed is $50,000.00 and the contract price is $ 75,000 .00 +GST. The balance of $25,000 is required by no later than 15 August.
 

Also, the adjoining house still needs $40,000.00 worth of work to bring it up to a liveable condition suitable for an Imams quarters, office for the Society and a board room.
 

“There is always a need for support maybe some people can donate materials, as well as labour, if not monies, plus some people may be able to help with hassanah loans,” a member of the fundraising organizing committee told CCN.

 

 

Read all about the activities of the Holland Park Mosque in their latest July newsletter.

 

Topics include:

Message from the Committee

What we've been up to....

Media and Communications

Islamic Centre renovations

Weekly programmes at the Mosque

Imam's involvement

Dr Yunus Solwa is seen receiving recognition at the Lions Club of Kuraby change over dinner for his support.   Club President David Forde said Dr Solwa's contribution in support of the Lions Medical Research Foundation was outstanding and greatly appreciated

NSW Community Relations Commission chair Vic Alhadeff (pictured right) has refused to withdraw controversial comments defending Israel’s deadly force against Gaza that have badly fractured goodwill between Sydney’s Jewish and Muslim groups.

Mr Alhadeff issued a belated apology on Thursday for causing offence two weeks ago. But his insistence on standing by the remarks has done little to placate Arab and Muslim groups or relieve pressure on him to resign from his role on the commission, which promotes racial harmony.

The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia on Friday said Mr Alhadeff must "consider his position" as community relations chief, given the damage his comments caused.

Mr Alhadeff, who is also chief executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, emailed the Jewish community during the early stages of the conflict around Gaza. He said Israel uses “care to avoid civilian casualties” and “pinpoint technologies to hit the targeted infrastructure”.

He condemned acts by Palestinian militant Islamist group Hamas, adding that Israel would “do whatever is needed to defend its citizens. All options are on the table."

The Palestinian death toll in Gaza now stands at more than 720, most of them civilians. At least 15 people were killed and scores hurt when a UN shelter was bombarded by Israeli forces on Thursday. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the attack.


On the Israeli side, 32 troops and three civilians have died.

The email triggered an outcry from Arab groups, who questioned how Mr Alhadeff can hold dual roles requiring him to both support the Jewish cause and promote community unity in NSW.

Outside an iftar dinner at NSW Parliament to mark Ramadan on Thursday night, Mr Alhadeff said, “I don’t resile from the comments,” adding that he did not intend to cause offence and was “pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli”.

In an earlier statement issued on Thursday, Mr Alhadeff expressed “regret that some took umbrage” at his email.

“I am sorry if the comments in the briefing served inadvertently to offend members of some communities in NSW, because I agree with [Premier Mike Baird] that the role of the CRC ... is to work with all faiths and cultures in promoting multiculturalism and harmony,” he said.

Empty tables at the iftar dinner at NSW Parliament House on Thursday.

Mr Alhadeff said every civilian death was “a tragedy” and “pain is felt by local communities with ties to both sides of this conflict”.

He affirmed his commitment to his part-time Community Relations Commission role, for which he is paid $35,000 a year.

The apology angered Australia Palestine Advocacy Network Vice President Issa Shaweesh, who described it as “insulting”.

“He has apologised for the offence his comments caused but not for the comments themselves. His position as chairman of the NSW Community Relations Commission is utterly untenable.”

In a statement on Friday, the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia, a peak national body, said Mr Alhadeff "certainly needs to consider his position ... and whether he can continue in the role given the impact of his comments".

It said Mr Alhadeff showed "poor judgement" and the CRC chairman should maintain "a position of impartiality and sensitivity in the face of increasing global unrest" which can affect Australians with relatives living in conflict zones.

Mr Baird on Thursday said Mr Alhadeff has his “full confidence”.

“He has apologised and he understands that the role of the CRC is to work with all faiths and cultures,” Mr Baird said.

“Few people have done more to promote inter-faith engagement and understanding between multicultural communities in NSW than Mr Alhadeff.”

Joseph Wakim, a former Victorian Multicultural Affairs Commissioner and founder of the Australian Arabic Council, welcomed the apology but said it “does not retract the damage done”.
 

......clearly show a lack of judgment and commitment to multicultural harmony in NSW (and is) an an affront to the Palestinian and multicultural community.    Mehreen Faruqi MP

He said Mr Alhadeff’s dual roles still represented an “intrinsic conflict of interest” and calls for him to resign from the commission were “not negotiable”.

Some Arab and Muslim groups boycotted the iftar dinner, hosted by Mr Baird, leaving a number of empty tables at the event.

Labor MP Shaoquett Moselmane, the first Muslim elected to the NSW Parliament, also pulled out of the event along with other Muslim Labor councillors. Liberal Auburn councillor Ronney Oueik did attend, saying later he was unaware of the controversy.

NSW Greens MP Mehreen Faruqi, the first Muslim woman elected to a parliament in Australia, was not invited.

She said Mr Alhadeff’s comments “clearly show a lack of judgment and commitment to multicultural harmony in NSW” and his explanation was “an affront to the Palestinian and multicultural community”.

She called for the comments to be withdrawn.

 

Source: SMH

Hussin Goss, one of the speakers at the rally, in full cry

In Brisbane thousands of people gathered at King George Square last week (Sunday) to protest the Israeli ground invasion of Gaza demanding the Israeli government to quit their offensive in Gaza, while urging the Australian government to discontinue their support for the Israeli carnage.

The march was organized by the Socialist Alternative of Brisbane and the Students for Palestine from UQ and QUT, and other organizations such as the Queensland Greens, The Socialist Alliance and a number of Faith and Cultural community organizations also endorsed the protest.

As the march moved down Queen Street, various demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and other banners with defaced Israeli flags, replacing the Star of David with swastikas. When the crowd moved into Charlotte street, the air was gassed with non-toxic smoke bombs to ignite the emotions even more.

The protestors chanted slogans such as “Free free Gaza, down down Israel,” and “Tony Abbot, you can’t hide, you are supporting genocide” .

An estimate of over two thousand people gathered to demonstrate their disgust for the Israeli onslaught.

After a very vocal march around the streets of Brisbane, the demonstrations ended with the protestors chanting “In our thousands, in our millions, we are all Palestinians.”

Even though the protest was a peaceful one, the event was targeted by counter-demonstrators who tried to sabotage the peaceful nature of the protest by heckling the gathering and tried to instigate a violent reaction, but the trouble makers were immediately ushered away by the organizers before any disturbance erupted.

Meanwhile the Facebook page which promoted the event was targeted by spammers who posted comments such as, ‘it does not matter how big that protest will be tomorrow, or how many people in the world will protest against Israel, Israel will finish the job there soon. You and your friends can say and scream as much as you want.’

 

During his speech, a Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy spokesperson, Mr. Boe Spearim, inspired the people to keep fighting by citing the words of an aboriginal elder, “As individuals we only dream. But once we come together, we make that dream a reality, ” he quoted.

Ms. Rutaba, a member of the students for Palestine and socialist alternative raised her voice to question the Tony Abbot government, “Does Tony Abbot know the names of the 342 Palestinian men, women and children his government has backed to slaughter in Gaza?”

Mr. David Forde, a long time advocate for Palestinian self-determination and an independent candidate for Stretton, shared his concerns for the ongoing crisis and lack of political intervention to resole the issue.

“I struggle to comprehend what’s happening in Westbank and Gaza, and the fact that we are one of the few countries that support this situation and that needs to change,” Mr. Forde said.
 

"Yes, a complete ceasefire must be supported to protect lives, but it must include a complete lifting of the illegal blockade, otherwise Palestinians will just keep dying - just more slowly,” he added.
 

"I ask you to undertake one simple step - do the one thing that politicians do not want you to do on this issue – that is engage with them," he said.

During his speech, Dr. Halim Rane, an associate professor at the School of Humanities at Griffith University, said, “Israel has lost this war as far as world public opinion is concerned.”

Phil Monsour, a singer and a songwriter, rephrased the lyrics of the song “we will rock you” by the Queens, into “We will boycott Israel”, to set the tone for the protest.

To see a photo album of last Sunday’s protest, taken by the Westender’s Sam Navin, go here

Source: Adapted from Westender

Muslim head scarves in all 18 AFL team colours are now on sale for fans as the league’s multicultural round gets underway.

The AFL has licensed the Unity Sports Wrap, a headscarf designed for fans and players.

AFL League boss Gillon McLachlan announced the AFL-approved headwear range today at the 2014 AFL Multicultural Round at the Many Cultures, One Game breakfast in Melbourne.

Designer Shanaaz Copeland thought of the idea after she dropped her kids at school on football day, when children were wearing AFL jumpers with traditional head scarves.

Ms Copeland hoped the range would break down barriers.

Mr McLachlan said it was important the football code embraced all cultures.

Bachar Houli, an icon for Muslims in the league, said the head scarves were “a huge thing’’ for Muslim women who were passionate about footy.
 

AFL players Jimmy Bartel and Bachar Houli with the designer Shanaaz Copeland’s daughters, Zarina, 19, Yasmin, 15, Aqeelah, 14, and Sideekah, 12.                                                                               Picture: Jay Town

 

“There are so many Muslims who attend the footy, but at times don’t feel like they are part of supporting their team,’’ Houli told the Herald Sun.

Houli was born in Australia to Lebanese parents.

The 26-year-old left-footer began playing football with Spotswood Football Club Under 12s in 2000.

After consulting with a Sheikh, Houli decided to break his Ramadan fast for three days during the physical endurance tests at the AFL Draft Camp – this allowed him to record good enough times to impress recruiters and be a viable selection in the draft.

Houli has said it was tough growing up a devout Muslim while playing Australian rules football.

There was little amount of sport being played in Islamic schools, and he had to sneak out when he was young to play games without his parents knowing.

His persistence finally led to his parents supporting him, which led him to become an AFL player.

Round 18 of the Toyota AFL Premiership season will celebrate Many Cultures, One Game to highlight the contribution multicultural communities make to Australia’s Game at all levels.

There will be a number of multicultural performances on field at AFL games including Shiamak Davar Dance Group, a group of 120 Bollywood dancers who will perform prior to Western Bulldogs v Essendon match at Etihad Stadium.
 

African drumming groups will perform from the cheer squad areas at the Carlton v North Melbourne game.
 

West Coast Eagles will host Chung Wah Association (Chinese Dragons) entertainment on match day in the Kids Zone.
 

Greater Western Sydney Giants and Port Adelaide will have multicultural performances and citizenship ceremonies on field.
 

AFL players from multicultural backgrounds will toss the coin.
 

The AFL will host Iftar dinners in Melbourne and Sydney, to celebrate Ramadan.

Source: Australian Muslim Times

Australia's spy agency has been enlisted to help crack down on radicalisation in jails after revelations Aboriginal prisoners are converting to Islam and risk becoming extremists.

Sheikhs and imams are being brought into prisons to deliver de-radicalisation messages during Friday prayers, but two prominent Sydney sheikhs have told a high-level forum that chaplaincy services are grossly under-funded and prison converts are misinterpreting the religion.

A small but high-risk group of radicals are causing concern to Corrective Services NSW and it is believed recruitment to Islam is active, particularly among Aboriginal inmates.

Sheikh Omar Habbouche, who has worked with inmates and prison chaplains, says faith is a powerful tool in the reformation of prisoners but the lack of Muslim chaplaincy services in NSW means prison converts are misinterpreting Islam.

There are just two Muslim chaplains spread across 10 of the state's prisons.

Sheikh Omar told a Corrective Services-sponsored forum at Sydney University's Law School last month that Islam was primarily taught face-to-face and knowledge needed to be properly explained.

He cited the case of one of British soldier Lee Rigby's killers, who wildly misinterpreted a line from the Koran - "kill the unbelievers wherever you see them" – to justify the stabbing on a London street.

"There isn’t enough capacity to address the needs and the requirements of the Muslim inmates," Sheikh Omar said. "When there are insufficient chaplaincy services appointed, we find that people then rely on other means to get their Islamic education ... Yes, you may be able to police the information they have, the books they receive but you can’t police the understanding they take from that or the application."

About 9 per cent of inmates in NSW are Muslim, even though only 3 per cent of the general population identifies as Islamic.

Sheikh Omar said many had a poor understanding of Islam. "Dare I say, if they knew their religion ... they wouldn’t be in prison in the first place so they need that face-to-face instruction."

Some imams and sheikhs struggled to communicate effectively with inmates. Senior management began consulting with the Muslim community in western Sydney a year ago and sharing information and contacts with intelligence authorities.

Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman, secretary of the Australian National Imams Council, told the forum many prison imams were avoiding hot topics such as jihad, Syria and Iraq for fear of being labelled jihadi supporters.

"These are topics our youth want to hear," he said. "If I’m not going to address it in the proper form, then they will go listen to someone else."

Dare I say, if they knew their religion ... they wouldn’t be in prison in the first place so they need that face-to-face instruction.    Sheikh Omar Habbouche

Australian National University researcher Clarke Jones, who is writing a book on prison radicalisation, said extremist conversions were rare because terrorism inmates tended to be at the bottom of the prison pecking order in Australia.

He cited the recent case of Sydney man Khaled Sharrouf, who posted images of himself fighting in Iraq and standing over slaughtered bodies, as an unusual case of an inmate committing acts of jihad upon release.

Sharrouf served four years for his role in the Pendennis terror plot and recently said on Twitter he received weekly lessons from al-Qaeda leader Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi via the jail phone, a claim that had not been verified.

"The problem is a lot of these de-radicalisation programs are very generic ... and tend to be a one-size-fits-all model," Dr Clarke said.

Asmi Wood, senior research fellow at the National Centre for Indigenous Studies, was aware of Aboriginal conversions in prison and said elders were concerned that converts would join foreign jihad but he had seen no evidence of it.

Rod Moore, chaplaincy co-ordinator for Corrective Services NSW, told the conference NSW had "a long way to go" to increase chaplaincy services but the program led the way globally.

 

Source: SMH

Mosques help raise funds for Gaza

Over the last 2 weeks the Kuraby, Holland Park, and the Buranda Mosque community raised a massive $30,000 for Muslim Aid Australia and Muslim Charitable Foundations’s Gaza Appeal.   All donations will be used to implement food and medical supplies to assist the families affected by the conflict.

Muslim Aid Australia Queensland team received overwhelming support from the Kuraby Mosque community last Friday after Jumah

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Simply Sweet for Gaza
 

The atrocities in Gaza have been shown all over social media, with many asking the question, “what can we do to help?”

 

Sisters, Ayesha and Sahrah Goder came up with a fantastic idea to help raise funds for those affected by targeting the communities most vulnerable area during Ramadan, the “sweet spot.”

 

Both Ayesha and Sahrah made, packaged, and sold fairy floss and Eid lolly bags, raising over $1400 for the women and children affected.
 

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Cupcakes for Gaza

 

Last week, Brisbane’s most sought after cupcake creators, Sweet Swirl Cakery and Luv 2 Party teamed up to bake, decorate, and package over 360 delicious buttercream cupcakes for the Gaza appeal.

 

The group consisting of Sameera Docrat, Raeesa Ally, Sarah Goder, and Tasneem Deen worked tirelessly to ensure everything was ready for Saturday, 19th July’s pick-up at Svoboda Park.

Initially estimated to raise about $900, the generosity of those who purchased the cupcakes helped lift the donations to $1,250.
 

Muslim Aid Australia would like to thank the Queensland Muslim community for joining hands to support the humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza and wishes you all a safe and joyous Eid. May Allah SWT accept all of our efforts of helping our brothers and sisters in need around the world this Ramadan.

8. Lagos, Nigeria

9. Nablus, West Bank

10. Tehran, Iran

Source: World.mic

Shirin Ebadi (Iran, 1947-Present) In 2003, Shirin became the first Muslim woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.   As a judge in Iran, she was the first woman to achieve Chief Justice status. However, she was dismissed from this position after the 1979 Revolution.   As a lawyer, Shirin has taken on many controversial cases and in result, has been arrested numerous times.   Her activism has been predicated on her view that, "An interpretation of Islam that is in harmony with equality and democracy is an authentic expression of faith. It is not religion that binds women, but the selective dictates of those who wish them cloistered."    Source: Huffington Post   Next week in CCN: Another of the 10 Muslim Women you Have To Know

Administrative Assistant – Kuraby Mosque

 

Kuraby Mosque is a dynamic and vibrant Mosque with a diverse Muslim community, located in Kuraby on the south side of Brisbane.

We are seeking a full time administration assistant with the following skills and experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in office administration including intermediate experience with Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office and Microsoft Excel.
• Exceptional organizational, planning and time management skills.
• Excellent English communication skills in a group environment and one on one.
• The ability to deal professionally with a range of diverse people.
• Comprehensive and concise written English skills including documenting and detailing processes and procedures, recording minutes of meetings and accurately maintaining records.
• Assisting with communications including the website/face book updates, newsletters, and publications.
• Ensuring the office is managed and maintained to a high standard including answering phone calls and emails, managing the help desk professionally, filing of documentation and other records.
• Attention to detail.
• A friendly, polite and helpful disposition is essential.

Remuneration commensurate with experience and skills.

If you have these skills and experience, please email your CV to contact@kurabymosque.org.au.

 

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Townhouse to Rent in Runcorn/Kuraby
 

Highly sought after area, 3 generous sized bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, open plan living area, air conditioning, swimming pool, close to public transport (bus and train) $400/week.
Available a.s.a.p. please call 0413913724.