The month of
Ramadan continued into its
third and penultimate week
with community organizations
putting on ifthaar dinners
to share and reach out to
their Muslim and non-Muslim
friends and neighbours.
The following
are some of the events that
were hosted this week:
Community Ifthar at the
Kuraby Mosque
Supported by
the Islamic Council of
Queensland (ICQ) under the
#CreateWelcome BCC/MDA
initiative, the Kuraby
Mosque played host to a
well-attended community
dinner laid out for its
local neighbours and
friends. There was a great
diversity of peoples who
came to enjoy a meal
together.
Community
News reported in the event:
Ifthar with IWAQ
The Islamic
Women's Association of
Queensland (IWAQ) put on
their annual dinner for 400
of their guests at the Greek
Orthodox Hall. The guest
list included politicians,
government officials,
religious and community
leaders and families and
friends.
Dr Nora Amath
played Master of Ceremonies
and Dr Nada Ibrahim
delivered the keynote speech
on the essence of Ramadan.
The event was
sponsored by the Muslim
Business Network (MBN) and
ABD Poultry.
Gatton got to engage with
their local Muslims
The ICQ
sponsored ifthaar at the
Gatton Shire Hall (west of
Brisbane) on Thursday
attracted a number of
prominent businessmen,
councillors and community
leaders.
Hosted by the
Lockyer Valley Islamic
Association (LVIA), the
evening commenced with the
breaking of the fast before
giving the guests an
unobstructed view as Imam
Uzair Akbar of the
Holland Park Mosque led the
maghrib prayers at
the front of the hall.
Local GP,
Dr Mohammed Iqbal Sultan
was the Master of Ceremonies
and coordinator of the
event. The excellent fare
was prepared and served up
by Bosthan's Caterers.
Mr Ali
Kadri (representing ICQ)
and Imam Uzair led a
Q&A session and competently
fielded questions that
ranged from why the Imam
wore a beard and head top,
to what would a Muslim
cricketer do about attending
to an obligatory prayer
while on 99 runs.
Representing
Multicultural Affairs Queensland,
Mr David Forde (who
fasted the day for the first
time in his life "to gain
an appreciation of the
commitment required") spoke of
his positive experiences
living alongside the Kuraby
Mosque and the predominantly Muslim
community for some 20 years.
"The
purchase of a new community
centre by the LVIA has
attracted some negative
sentiment recently and this
ifthaar I, hope, will have
served to dispel some of the
misinformation and
misunderstandings in the
local community," Dr
Sultan told CCN.
Toowoomba Mosque holds daily
ifthaars
The Garden
City Mosque in Toowoomba has
been serving up ifthaar
dinners every evening of
Ramadan. In addition to the
members of the Muslim
community, guests from the
wider community participate
in the daily breaking of the
fast event.
GU & QIS host joint ifhtaar
The 2nd
Annual Diversity and
Dialogue Iftar dinner was
held at the Centre for
Interfaith & Cultural
Dialogue at Griffith
University on Thursday
night.
Griffith
University partnered with
the Queensland Intercultural
Society for a night which
brought together about 100
leaders of faith
communities, University,
police, government and
business from across
Southeast Queensland.
Dr Brian
Adams, Director of the
Centre, (seen in selfie
below) welcomed the
guests as MC for the night.
Australian International
Islamic College Iftar Dinner
Report and
photos by AIIC
On
the 24 June, The Australian
International Islamic
College held its annual
community Iftar Dinner at
the Gold Coast and Durack
campuses respectively.
Many community
representatives from both
government and
non-government organizations
attended the special events.
The student council and
college leaders organized
the event and saw it through
to the very end, assisting
with the clean-up.
There were special prayers
as well as a short talks by
Councilor Milton Dick and
Honourable Sid Cramp Member
of Parliament. A heartfelt
Dua was made by Imam Yousaf
with emphasis on the
importance of appreciating
Gods Blessings during the
month of Ramadan and using
our blessings to contribute
productively to our
Australian society.
It was a great opportunity
to meet and greet with
community members and
welcome our new parents and
staff to the AIIC family.
Community representatives
expressed their remarks and
appreciation to the
Australian International
Islamic College for
organizing such events that
celebrates diversity and
brings multicultural
communities together.
We thank the local
communities and
organizations particularly
the Gold Coast Suns AFL
Football Team for their
support and generous
distribution of tickets and
prizes at the Iftaar Dinner.
We would also like to thank
all the AIIC staff and the
operations team for their
hard work in preparing for
this evening.
Eid Down
Under is
coming to
Karawatha.
Come along
for an
ultimate
family day
out. Plenty
of rides,
activities,
entertainment
and global
cuisines for
the whole
family.
Amazing
giveaways
and lucky
door prizes
to be won.
For more
information
please
contact Ali Ghafoor
(0410 083
975) or
visit
www.icq.net.au.
Tickets will
be on sale
Friday after
Juma and Eid
prayer day.
All day
Unlimited
wristband
pre-sale $20
each.
Today I, Farah
Khateeb, had the
privilege to
visit Iman and
her beautiful
son Isa.
Iman has a
special story.
Her son Isa
despite having
cortical visual
impairment (CVI),
microcephaly,
and epilepsy
deriving from
infantile
spasms, is a
peaceful and
happy boy. At
the age of 8,
Isa is growing
which means that
he requires
certain
facilities that
can allow him to
live a 'normal'
everyday life.
This includes a
lift, wheelchair
facilitated
bathroom and
most importantly
a wheelchair
accessed van for
hospital
transportation
and the ability
for their family
of 6 to travel
altogether.
Being a mother
entails
sacrifice,
patience and
prioritising
your children
before yourself.
So visualise
having a child
who cannot
support himself
and depends
solely on the
mother for
everything for
the rest of his
life. It can be
unimaginable to
some. After
speaking with
Iman i could see
she has tried
everything to
help her son;
researching in
Australia (a
leading country
in medical and
healthcare
treatment) and
international
medical opinion
for a proper
diagnosis for
Isa's condition,
and has yet to
find an exact
cause and
diagnosis. Her
struggle and
patience has
also had a toll
on her health
and well being,
but she is still
positive and
hopeful. In
order to give
this young
mother peace,
which is
something we all
strive for,
requires a
wheelchair
accessed van in
which she is
passionately
fundraising for.
In Islam it is
our obligation
to be
compassionate
and help one
another. I
admire Iman's
strength that
she has built
through her
journey of
raising her son
which is an
inspiration not
only to the
Muslim mothers,
but to all
mankind.
Us as an Ummah
and community
need to perceive
this situation
as an
opportunity to
give back and
Allah Azzawajal
willl not only
reward you
inshaAllah, but
will humble us
as individuals.
The beautiful
ayat in Surah
Al-Baqarah which
I find relevant
to Iman's
journey states:"On
no soul doth
Allah place a
burden greater
that it can bear
(verse 286)."
This is Imaan's
journey. However
this is our
opportunity to
come together
and do our best
to help her. May
Allah Azzawajal
reward her for
her dedication
and commitment
in her
situation.
Also, Imaan will
have a stall at
the UMB Eid at
the park on the
6th or 7th
(depending on
the first day of
Eid
announcement)
until the 9th of
July at the
Rocklea
Showgrounds, and
will have a
cupcake stall at
the Crescents of
Brisbane's
CresCafe at Eid
Down Under.
Mr Ismail Cajee, president
of the Islamic Council of
Queensland (ICQ) issued a
press release thanking
everyone who participated in
a number of Brisbane
Community Iftar Dinners in
Ramadan 2016.
ICQ contributed
approximately $15,000 to
seven Iftar Dinners this
year.
"We would like to thank the
organising teams of each of
the Iftar Dinners and in
particular acknowledge the
efforts of the coordinators.
In addition to the above, Mr
Cajee acknowledged the
efforts of his member
society, the Islamic Society
of Gold Coast, "for
their continued efforts in
hosting multiple iftar
dinners throughout the month
of Ramadan."
He also thanked the
Queensland Government
"for their unwavering
support for these and many
other initiatives which
promote social cohesion."
"In the spirit of
Ramadan, we are grateful for
the many barriers that were
broken and the new
friendships that were formed
while we all shared multiple
meals together. As we
approach the end of this
blessed month, we request
that you remember us in your
prayers and ask God to
continue to support us in
our mission to build a more
harmonious society," Mr
Cajee said in conclusion.
Prof
Mohamad Abdalla will be
leaving Queensland and the
Griffith Islamic Research
Unit (GIRU) at Griffith
University, of which he was
the founder, to set up a new
Centre for Islamic Thought
and Education at the
University of South
Australia.
Dr Abdalla
will also be taking along
with him to South Australia
a team of researchers from
Queensland., These include a
number of individuals
familiar to the community
for the part they too have
played in building a strong
foundation of community
capacity in Queensland. They
are academic staff Dr Nada
Ibrahim, Dr Nezar Faris, Dr
Mahmood Nathie and Mr. Dylan
Chown as well as PhD
candidates Ms Hafsa Khan, Ms
Nadia Selim and Mr. Muhammad
Abdullah.
He
shares
with CCN readers
his journey
over the past number of
years with the University
and the Muslim community of
Queensland and his
aspirations for the future.
[CCN
Editor] A number of
Queensland community
organizations, with whom he
has interacted with over the
years, will present a
farewell gift to Dr Abdalla
at this year's Eid Down
Under on 9 July at around
2pm (after the official
opening of the festival).
Brisbanes own mum and
blogger, Faaiza Osman,
together with Amnah Ibrahim
(US-based mum and blogger)
have together created the
worlds first Muslim-themed
photo editing app for iPhone.
Muslimify, just released
last week, was designed to
give your photos a Muslim
flare! You can choose from
Islamic themed graphics and
phrases that truly speak to
you.
Features
- Unique Ramadan and Eid
greetings and designs.
- Islamic themed designs
and quotes perfect for
everyday.
- Spice up your pics
with over 20 filters to
chose from.
- Packs available for
parents, couples,
occasions and so much
more.
- Exclusive access to
graphics by Peter Gould
by sharing to unlock.
Dont forget to tag #muslimifyapp
when you share your pictures
on social media.
Perth mosque at Thornlie was
firebombed on Tuesday night
at about 8pm
Hundreds of worshippers were
inside for evening prayers
at the time
It's believed a petrol bomb
may have been placed in 4WD
outside mosque
Anti-Islamic graffiti saying
'f*** Islam' was also
scrawled on mosque wall
A suspected petrol bomb
exploded outside a Perth
mosque as hundreds of
worshippers were praying
inside.
The attack occurred at the
Australian Islamic College
mosque at Thornlie,
south-east of Perth, at
about 8pm on Tuesday night.
Hundreds of worshippers were
inside the mosque for their
evening prayers when the
attack occurred.
It is understood a petrol
bomb may have been placed in
a parked 4WD outside the
mosque before it exploded.
Several other cars outside
the mosque were also
targeted.
Footage from the scene shows
firefighters working to
extinguish a fire in the 4WD
parked on the curb.
An anti-Islamic message
saying 'f*** Islam' was also
scrawled on the mosque wall
behind the burning vehicle.
No one was injured in the
attack.
WA Police said four vehicles
parked outside the mosque
and college area were
damaged in the attack.
One was completely gutted by
fire.
'It is believed an
accelerant was used to start
the fire,' they said in a
statement.
Three people were seen
running down an alleyway
next to the college after
the explosion.
'This, undoubtedly is a
criminal act of hate, but it
is the act of a person or
group not the greater
whole,' Yahya Adel Ibrahim
from the college said on
Facebook.
'Despite what just
transpired, everyone stayed
to finish their prayers
refusing to give into the
terror that had just
occurred.'
Local Labor MP Chris
Tallentire posted a photo on
Facebook of himself at the
scene.
'Muslim community of
Thornlie, I feel sick that
you have to endure attacks
like this,' he said.
'The truth is that this was
an attack on all of us.'
The
Australian National Imams
Council condemns the heinous
attacks against innocent
people this morning at
Istanbuls main
international airport. The
senseless and brutal killing
of civilians does not have a
place in any society and
goes against the common
moral fabric that unites us
all.
We offer our
sincere condolences to the
families and loved ones of
those killed in this
mornings attack in Turkey
and pray for a speedy
recovery for all those
injured.
Sadly, the callous attack in
Turkey is not the only act
of terrorism which must be
condemned as the Australian
community too was a victim
of a hate crime yesterday
evening. As worshippers
performed their nightly
prayers during the blessed
month of Ramadan, a school
in Perths Thornlie was
attacked. Fortunately no one
was injured.
We are confident that the
West Australian government
and authorities will exert
every effort to find those
responsible for the bombing
in Perth, said Sheikh Shady
Alsuleiman, the president of
ANIC.
We must also stand together
in solidarity with the
people of Turkey and
confront the scourge of
terrorism collectively, he
added.
VICTORIA: The Victoria
Police Muslim Association (VPMA)
partnered with East Preston
Islamic College this year to
hold its 2nd Annual Ramadan
Iftar dinner.
The theme for the evening
was family bonding and
relationships. The dinner
was at the East Preston
Islamic College with about
140 people attending. Guests
included 30 VPMA members, 12
members of the local police,
students, parents, teachers
and community leaders. VPMA
President, Sergeant Maha
Sukkar and two school
captains splendidly,
conducted the master of
ceremonies duties.
Deputy Commissioner Andrew
Crisp and local Sheikh Alaa
El-Zokm were key note
speakers, both emphasising
the importance of developing
relationships with respect
and understanding. The Q & A
session was facilitated by
the Principal Mr Ekrem
Ozyurek, which provided for
very compelling responses to
questions dealing with
bridging the
intergenerational gap,
respect and building
stronger family and general
relationships. The panel
consisting of 3 parents and
3 students presented an
opportunity for learning
from each other and much to
consider to better our
relationships.
Darebin Police service
areas Inspector Adrian
Dalzotto was awarded a
certificate of appreciation
in recognition for his work
and support to the Islamic
Community. Past Secretary of
the VPMA PSO Mohammed Alam
was recognised for his
dedicated voluntary
community work and tireless
work with the VPMA.
Inspector Dalzotto said it
was a great night.
President of the VPMA Maha
Sukkar said during this
year, the VPMA have been
involved in many initiatives
that include involvement at
a youth Forum, youth camp,
womens activities, Mosque
Open days, football
training, school events.
Maha said, The Association
has grown and now has 52
members.
Sonny Bill Williams set to
play for New Zealand in
sevens at Rio Olympics
Williams has won two World
Cups in union and played
league in NRL
Williams has also won seven
professional heavyweight
boxing fights
He has converted to Islam
and cites his faith as his
motivation
It is prayer time in the
Williams household and Sonny
Bill is leading the sunset
Maghrib ritual with his
brother, Jonny, and cousin,
Eka, in the corner of the
living room.
Sorry, bro,
it will only
take a few
minutes,
says the
converted
Muslim, who
has just
dished up a
generous
serving of
chicken
fajitas at
his Auckland
home.
His wife, Alana, is playing
with their 18-month-old
daughter, Imaan, in the
house where the walls are
strikingly bare of
photographs and sporting
memorabilia.
You
cant have
eyes on the
wall or the
angels wont
come in,
says
Williams.
Thats what
we believe.
I dont need
a pool room
with medals
and
everything
hanging up.
Sipping camomile tea with
honey, Williams is embracing
Friday family time. Weekends
used to revolve around VIP
guest-lists at nightclubs
but here rugby league
provides the television
entertainment.
I grew up in a commissioned
house in the next suburb
over, Mount Abbot, says the
All Blacks double World Cup
winner. It was a
two-bedroom house with me,
my brother and my two
sisters. Mum and dad slept
in the lounge and we didnt
have wallpaper. All my
family lived close by and
Eka was our scary older
cousin that looked after us.
Hes been in and out of jail
a lot.
Working as a labourer and a
stock-taker during his
teenage years, Williamss
motivation was to buy his
mother a house after seeing
her struggles.
His playing career took off
in Australian rugby league
with the Bulldogs, before
taking up union and
representing the All Blacks,
with the unpredictable
journey now reaching the Rio
Olympics with New Zealand
Sevens.
Its been a long while but,
thank God, now Ive been
able to get my mum a house,
says Williams. My manager
in my early 20s put me into
a bad investment and I was
in debt. People thought I
was living the dream in
Toulon but I had to pay
NZ$750,000 (£400,000) to get
out of my contract.
Never
in my
wildest
dreams would
that young
fella that
went to
Australia be
here right
now. Its
such a
blessing to
be with my
wife and
children. I
used to be a
bit of a
scallywag. I
did a lot of
bad things
and went off
course but
Allah was
with me.
Williams has gone from
ratbag to role model.
His global popularity peaked
when he gave away his
winners medal to a young,
star-struck pitch invader at
Twickenham last year. That
generosity shines through
when, after providing
dinner, he insists on a
50-minute round trip to drop
me back at my hotel.
My wife has already said
that if, God willing, I make
it to the Olympics and win a
medal, then its going
straight on my daughter I
cant give it away! he
says. The sevens has
rejuvenated me. My sisters
in the New Zealand Sevens
squad, too, so its massive
for our family.
As the only Muslim in the
squad, both in Sevens and
XVs, Williams has to find a
way to fit the Islamic
prayer-and-diet lifestyle
around the intensive
schedule.
When
Im most
happy is
when Im
doing my
prayers,
he says.
When you
travel you
can
compensate
by joining
the two
afternoon
prayers and
the two
evening
prayers
together,
which is
pretty
sweet.
How can you
not spare 25
minutes of
your day to
give thanks?
I look at
where I came
from and
feel
blessed.
The chefs provide halal
food. I get kind of
embarrassed when they make a
big deal out of it. I just
want to fit in and be one of
the boys, but at the same
time faith is where
everything comes from. If
theres no halal meat, I can
eat seafood. If theres no
seafood, Ill just have a
shake or something. There
are people worse off than I
am.
Williams pauses, chuckles
and pushes out his heavily
tattooed elbows: Am I
getting a bit off course,
bro?
Body art is considered
sacrilegious under Islam and
Williams will not be inking
the Olympics rings, but is
equally apprehensive about
laser removal surgery.
No more tattoos for me,
man. Ive been getting
lectures! Ive got too many.
Thats my bad boy days. I
still feel like the same
person but converting has
given me contentment and
happiness that I dont know
how to explain.
I used
to be a
stress head,
annoyed if I
dropped a
ball in
training. I
grew up as a
Christian.
Islam is a
way of life.
Before, if I
went out
drinking or
partying, I
would be
searching
for
something
the next day
with a
hangover,
getting
eaten up
inside.
In pursuit of his Olympic
dream, Williams will follow
in the footsteps of his
idol, Muhammad Ali, who also
tiptoed along the border of
controversy during his
career.
On behalf of the Ipswich
Masjid's community, I wish
you all a very blessed
Ramadhan and Eidul Fitr in
advance Inshah Allah.
The Islamic Society of
Ipswich Inc (the Ipswich
Mosque) is in urgent need of
your financial help during
this Holy month of Ramadhan
to renovate the main prayer
areas and importantly
provide Wudu facilities for
the ladies. Currently, the
Ipswich Mosque has only two
bathrooms side by side in
the men's section and used
one each for men and women.
The ladies have to walk to
the men's section of the
Masjid to use their bathroom
which is separated by a tiny
wall from the men's one.
This is very uncomfortable
for the ladies especially
when more than one woman
wish to use it.
Also, we don't have a proper
Wudu facilities in the
ladies section and they use
a normal garden type pipe
fixed for them, to make Wudu
with almost no privacy. We
have plenty of open space
next to the ladies section
which is a separate and
beautiful building but
urgently need you financial
help in this Holy month to
provide the sistets their
own bathrooms/ Wudu
facilities and privacy.
The Ipswich Mosque had a
fund raising dinner last
year but unfortunately
raised approximately forty
thousand dollars, much less
than the required amount.
Most of that money has been
used to fix the termites
damaged areas in the ladies
section, to pay the regular
bills and Imam for the
Friday prayer. In this
Ramadhan, we have two local
Hafizs performing Taraweh
prayers to read the whole
Qur'aan Inshah Allah.
Please give your financial
help to this ONLY House of
ALLAH in the City of Ipswich
in this Holy month and
achieve the highest rewards
from Allah (swt). You help
will keep the Mosque open
for all prayers. You can
deposit directly into the
Ipswich Mosque bank account
provided below:
Bank - ANZ
Name: Islamic Society
of Ipswich Inc. BSB: 014 610
Account: 4952
83558
Or send your cheque in the
name of the Islamic Society
of Ipswich Inc to: 11 Edwin
St, Kuraby Qld 4112 OR 30
Waterworks Rd, Brassall
North Ipswich Qld.
Please provide your email or
address to send you a
receipt for your kind
donation. The reward from
Allah swt is huge for every
donation in this month.
May Allah shower His
blessings on you and your
family, Ameen.
Amar Ali Khan
Executive Committee
Islamic Society of Ipswich
Inc.
Contact: 0421 976 934.
Women are hardworking, resilient
and marvellous multi-taskers!
These women have shown that
Pakistani women are especially
exceptional because of all that
we have to overcome and yet we
are able to not only become
leaders in our fields but also
pioneer into uncharted
territories. All over the world,
and beyond.
Read on about these super
Pakistani women gathering
respect and accolades the world
over:
7. Huma Abedin
Huma Abedin is an American
political staffer. She has
been a long-time aide to
Hillary Clinton, and was
U.S. Secretary of State
Clintons Deputy Chief of
Staff at the State
Department. She currently
serves as vice chairwoman of
Clintons 2016 campaign for
President.
Since Sadiq Khans election
as Mayor of London, many
people seem to be suggesting
that no Muslim city would
ever be open-minded enough
to elect a Christian as
mayor.
So, in the interests of
accuracy, and because FACTS
ARE OUR FRIENDS, I present a
list of some of the many
Christians who have done
just what Mr Khan has done
been elected to high office
in Muslim countries where
they are a religious
minority:
8. Janel Mikhail
The former mayor of
Ramallah, the capital of
Palestine, is Janet Mikhail,
a Roman Catholic.
A Muslim mother in Sydney
fears her grandchildren will
end up in a concentration
camp. A Victorian father
won't tell his football team
he is Muslim so he doesn't
have to explain himself. To
be Muslim is to be judged
for everything you do, says
a Brisbane woman. An
international student living
in Melbourne says she feels
segregated in class.
What is it to be Muslim in
Australia today?
Fairfax Media asked readers
who are Muslim to speak of
their experiences and how
they explain extremism and
Islamophobia to their
children. Dozens of people
responded.
CCN publishes one response
each week:
"I feel marginalised by
my colleagues"
Ziz, 28, Sydney, Indian
I moved to Australia from
Saudi Arabia with my family
in the 1990s. I'm now an
operating theatre nurse
working at two major
metropolitan hospitals; one
public and one private.
But I have cut down my hours
at the private hospital,
partly because of the
hurtful comments made by a
surgeon-anaesthetist team I
work with. They regularly
discuss international and
domestic affairs and, over
the two-and-a-half years I
assisted on this operating
list, they have made
insulting, hurtful and
racist comments on a daily
basis. Things like, "They
should all be moved back to
the Middle East and wipe
each other out", or, "This
halal food practice is
nonsense".
On occasions, I have been
interrogated. They've asked
why elders in my community
didn't publicly denounce
terrorism and how I could
associate myself with people
like this. This line of
questioning intensified
dramatically after the
Sydney Siege, Paris attacks
and raids in Sydney. I
became increasingly bitter
and jaded and now seldom
work at this facility.
I don't consider myself a
good Muslim; I don't wear a
hijab, I have tattoos and
barely pray or fast during
Ramadan. I feel marginalised
by my colleagues in a
professional setting and
from my family in my
personal life, who lecture
me about the things I am
doing wrong as a Muslim
woman.
24 of the
Most Influential Black
Muslims in History
6.
Dhul-Nun al-Misri (796
859)
One of the
most prominent early mystics
in the Islamic world, Dhul-Nun
originated from Nubia and
was a legendary alchemist
and thaumaturge. He is
supposed to have known the
secret of the Egyptian
hieroglyphs. His teachings
emphasized the central role
of knowledge (gnosis or
marifa) in attaining higher
spiritual realization in
Sufism.
Poem by
Ruwaydah Shah
Ruwaydah Shah is
a a year nine
student
currently
enrolled with
Qld Distance
Education School
and lives in
Saudi Arabia
where her
parents work.
WAR (free verse)
There was no
warning
The huge streak
of flame in the
sky
Came plunging
down towards us
A shower of dirt
and stones
Covered us the
moment it
touched the
ground
My favourite ice
cream shop was
nothing but
debris
The ground had a
mixture of
brown, black and
red
Swirled together
like on a canvas
Men in uniforms
with some
machine that
spit fire
At innocent
civilians, my
best friend
So many screams
and cries were
heard
People were all
over the place
Not sure of
where to run
Who to trust
War..
Is this how
humanity will be
for the rest of
our lives?
Humans should
support each
other
Not blow each
other up
Fire shot
through my body
I wondered if
this is what my
poor family felt
When death
approached them
Probably worse
Panic and fear
surged through
me
I hid, in
between
buildings whilst
nursing
The ribbons of
red that flow
down my arm
freely
I forced myself
to build some
determination in
me
Determination to
find my safe
haven
Hanan Dover
A Muslim
Psychologist in
a Media Storm: A
Response to my
Critics
By Hanan
Dover
While it is not
in my nature to
respond to
malicious
journalism, the
level of vitriol
inspired by such
attempts to
vilify me both
professionally
and personally
has exceeded my
tolerance.
I was invited by
the editor of
this website to
offer a reply
and I was
compelled by
conscience to
write it because
I believe in my
industry's
professional
codes of
practice and the
mainstream media
is publicly
poisoning it.
Last year, the
Daily Telegraph
and Daily Mail
made false
claims about a
presentation I
gave at an
academic
conference, to
which I
responded. And
here I am having
to respond once
again - namely,
to The
Australian.
The mainstream
media has lost
key aspects of
investigative
journalism.
Articles are
often left
unchallenged and
in many cases
individuals and
organisations
are put on trial
in and by the
media, rather
than alleged
aggrieved
parties taking
appropriate
courses of
action.
Many Muslims
lost confidence
in the
mainstream media
a long time ago.
And to regain
our respect, the
media needs to
take the time to
reflect on the
consequences of
deliberately
engineering
their stories to
conform to their
own biases or
conforming to
Islamophobic
narratives. I
don't give
mainstream media
interviews,
despite repeated
requests,
because it's not
a neutral space
in this current
climate of
Islamophobia.
It's simply not
safe.
With the Fairfax
and Murdoch
media, they are
known for their
contempt for the
marginalised and
the powerless.
These mainstream
mediums do not
have any pity
for the victims
of their false
reporting and
misrepresentations
because their
stories keep
reinforcing the
fears - the same
fears reinforced
by the status
quo. And yes,
our silence can
also be just as
damaging when we
do not speak for
ourselves, but
rarely are we
given such a
platform where
an honest
representation
can be achieved.
I was
surprisingly
punished in the
mainstream media
for over a week
recently after
my name appeared
on a media
statement by
Muslim
representatives
that "voiced
solidarity with
LGBTI Muslims
following the
Orlando
nightclub
massacre." Who
would have
thought that
being a
signatory to a
statement by
Australian
Muslims opposing
the shooting in
Orlando, and
urging deeper
compassion for
LGBTI Muslims in
Australia would
be condemned,
questioned or
second-guessed?
The Muslim
community did
not find it
surprising, nor
did the other
signatories
because they
know me better
than the media
do, because that
is where I exert
my efforts.
ABC
Hanan
Dover is a clinical and
forensic psychologist, and
works in private practice.
She is completing her PhD
research in the area of
religious coping among
traumatised Iraqi refugees
at Western Sydney
University's School of
Medicine.
Gee, What
Could Possibly
Be Inspiring All
These Mosque
Attacks?
The politics of
Islamophobia
manifests in
obscenities
scrawled on
mosque walls and
the violence now
faced by those
who wish to
practice the
religion, writes
Michael Brull.
.........
For those still
wondering how to
vote in this
election, Andrew
Bolt and Tim
Blair have both
promoted a
column in the
Spectator which
urges pro-Abbott
Liberal voters
to include among
their
preferences the
Australian
Liberty
Alliance.
Some cynics have
suggested that
politicians are
cynically
exploiting
communal
suspicion of
Muslims for
political gain.
Maybe if they
come up with
some real
evidence we can
take their
conspiracy
theories a
little more
seriously.
New Matilda
Secular
feminism is
silencing
Islamic feminism
MADRID, Spain
Last month, the
Embassy of
Sweden in
Madrid, Spain,
and the Spanish
think-tank Real
Instituto Elcano
organised a
conference on
United Nations
Security Council
(UNSC)
Resolution 1325,
which
acknowledges the
impact of armed
conflict on
women and girls,
and addresses
the pivotal role
of women in
conflict
prevention,
conflict
resolution and
peace-building
processes.
Although there
are over 25
active conflicts
in the world,
and most of them
are taking place
in the Middle
East and North
Africa region
including the
civil war in
Syria and the
war against the
self-proclaimed
Islamic State in
Iraq all the
speakers listed
on the
conferences
programme were
of European
origin.
As a gesture of
protest, I did
not attend the
conference in
question.
Today, the
participation of
Middle Eastern
and North
African women in
many
international
forums is still
nonexistent or
low. Most
worrisome, their
voices are often
silenced by the
voices of
Western
feminists,
particularly by
those who
advocate and
on occasions
attempt to
impose a
universal brand
of feminism:
secular
feminism.
The Shaikh Zayed
Grand Mosque organises the
countrys biggest iftar. The Abu
Dhabi Armed Forces Club and
Hotel prepares iftar for over
25,000 people a day and around
35,000 a day on a weekend, over
the 30 days of Ramadan, which is
then served at the Shaikh Zayed
Grand Mosque.
India: Muslim women
fight to overturn triple talaq
INDIA: An online
petition against triple talaq has been
signed by 50,000 Muslim men and women
across the country
..........
According to this
practice, a Muslim man may divorce his
wife by speaking the word "talaq", which
means "I divorce you", three times in
quick succession to her.
The practice has been outlawed in many
Muslim majority nations, but is
permitted in India under the Muslim
Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act
1937 ( PDF ). According to this act, in
matters of personal disputes, the state
will not intervene and a religious
authority will instead pass judgments.
According to a survey conducted by the
Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA),
a women's rights advocacy group, which
is campaigning against triple talaq, 59
percent of divorced Indian Muslim women
were divorced through triple talaq.
........
India does not have a uniform civil
code. Every religious community has its
own set of laws pertaining to personal
issues such as marriage, divorce,
property, adoption, inheritance and
maintenance. While Muslims, Christians,
Zoroastrians and Jews have separate
personal laws , Hindus, Buddhists, Jains
and Sikhs are governed by a single law
known as the Hindu Law.
NYPD to review beard ban
after Muslim officer sues
Masood Syed,
NYPD Staff, after he won Court
case against the NYPD who
suspended him for refusing to
cut his beard.
US: The New York Police
Department is reviewing its policy
banning beards after a Muslim officer
filed a lawsuit over his suspension.
Officer Masood Syed, an adherent of
Sunni Islam, was suspended during
Ramadan for refusing to shave his
inch-long beard down to 1 millimeter in
accordance with NYPD policies.
He said that his beard was required by
his religious beliefs, and filed a suit
in a Manhattan federal court last week,
which resulted in him winning an order
to be reinstated.
Im excited to be back at work, Syed
said in a statement issued by his
lawyers. It seems like the Department
has taken the crucial first step in
addressing an important and growing
concern of officers of many different
faiths.
Syeds lawyers said that the rule
infringes on the rights of more than 100
officers who want to practice the tenets
of their faiths.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified financial
damages and a court order preventing the
NYPD from enforcing the rule.
US District Judge Kevin Castel has
ordered a July 8 hearing to determine
whether the policy should be blocked and
reversed for good.
The NYPD has said that the beard ban is
in place so that officers can safely use
gas masks, which might not properly seal
if the wearer has a beard.
However, the department is conducting
its own internal review of the beard
rule, which is expected to take 120 days
to complete.
What makes New York City unique are the
many cultures and religions represented
here, said Joshua Moskovitz, one of
Syeds lawyers, according to Newsday.
By embracing those differences and
having officers of all walks of life in
positions at every level of the
department, the NYPD will be a better
and more effective police department.
Syrian refugee praised
after handing in 50,000 he found hidden in
donated wardrobe
Muhannad
points to the shelf where he
found the money
GERMANY: Syrian refugee
has been hailed a hero in Germany
after he handed 50,000 (£41,000) cash
he found hidden in a wardrobe over to
the authorities.
The 25-year-old, named by German tabloid
Bild as Muhannad M, found the money in a
wardrobe he was given by a charity after
being granted asylum in Germany.
But instead of pocketing the cash, which
could have transformed his life, he
handed it in to the authorities in
Minden near Hannover, the small town
where he has been staying after fleeing
from the war-torn Syrian city of Homs
last year.
For the police and the town he is the
hero of the day, the local police said
in a statement.
This young man has behaved in an
exemplary fashion and deserves major
credit, a police spokesman said.
Its quite often the case that someone
finds a smaller amount of cash and hands
it in to the police. But for it to
happen with such a large sum is
absolutely exceptional.
Muhannad found the money between two
shelves as he was reassembling the
wardrobe, which he was given by a
charity to help furnish the flat where
he is staying.
Human rights groups call
for Saudi Arabia to be booted from U.N.
council
Saudi Arabia's
Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin
Salman, center, during a meeting
in Paris on Monday.
SAUDI ARABIA: Two
international human rights organizations
on Wednesday called for Saudi Arabia to
be suspended from the United Nations
Human Rights Council over its conduct in
the military campaign in Yemen.
In a joint statement, Amnesty
International and Human Rights Watch
said Saudi Arabia had committed gross
and systematic violations of human
rights during its two and a half years
on the Human Rights Council. They said
the Saudis had used their position to
block independent investigations and
criticisms of how the country has waged
war in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia leads a coalition that has
been accused of using cluster bombs and
launching indiscriminate airstrikes
against civilians in its battle against
rebels in neighboring Yemen. The U.N.
High Commissioner for Human Rights has
estimated that more than 3,500 civilians
have been killed and 6,200 wounded since
the war began in March 2015.
Eight memorisers
shortlisted for most tuneful recitation
contest
DUBAI: After 22 days of
valuable lectures and relentless tests
till 2am, curtains were brought down on
the 20th edition of the Dubai
International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA)
at the Dubai Chamber on Wednesday night.
From a shiny list of 81 full Quran
memorisers, only eight have shown
exceptional performance in terms of most
beautiful yet perfect recitation that
left the arbitration committee and
audience stunned.
Those are from Thailand, Panama,
Bahrain, Senegal, Turkey, Bangladesh,
Libya, and Niger, according to Ahmed Al
Zahid, Member of the Organising
Committee, and Head of the Media Unit.
"However, the names of the top winners
in both the 'Memorisation' and
'Beautiful Recitation' contests will be
announced later during the concluding
ceremony to be held at the Cultural &
Scientific Association, Al Mamzar, on
Saturday, June 25, at 10pm."
The 10-night international Quran
competition, the main branch of the
Dubai Int'l Holy Quran Award, saw 81
contestants this Ramadan as compared to
76 last year; five more participants, he
added.
"Initially, 92 memorisers were confirmed
for this award, but five from China,
Liberia, Uzbekistan, Djibouti, and
Guinea Conakry apologized, and six
others from Iraq, Chechnya, Angola,
Ukraine, Belgium, and Macedonia were
disqualified for failing to score the 70
percent required to pass the initial
tests."
The seven contestants examined on
Wednesday night June 22, included Toufiq
Abdelli - Algeria, Jasim Khalifa -
Bahrain, Salim Alshuwaiea - Kuwait, Aung
Htet Shine - Myanmar, Emran Faqiri -
Afghanistan, Mahmoud Barake - Canada,
and Anwar Shoaib - Australia.
Tussle over Tablighi
Jamaat global leadership leads to violence
DELHI, INDIA: In a
shocking development for the Muslim
community at large, follower of the two
senior leaders of Tablighi Jamaat
clashed physically purportedly over the
issue of assuming top most leadership at
the world headquarters of Tablighi
Jamaat at Bangle Wali Masjid located in
Basti Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi.
The clash between the two group that
left many injured occurred on Sunday
June 19th. Eleven were taken to the
hospital and police were deployed in
large numbers.
People familiar with the incident
informed TwoCircles.net that last
Sunday, after Iftar and maghrib prayer
the groups belonging to Maulana Saad and
Maulana Zuhair ul Hassan were discussing
the issue of Amarat (leadership) and
soon it turned into brawl leading to
violent clashes inside the mosque. The
situation became so aggressive that
police was called from eight police
stations to control it. As many as 11
injured were taken to hospital for first
aid.
The ban on the
hair treatment is likely to have
a huge impact on the South
African hair-care industry.
Cape Town - Muslims have
been banned from using one of the most
popular hair smoothing treatments in
South Africa.
This comes after an SA National Halaal
Authority (Sanha) probe declared it
interfered with the obligatory ablution
and ritual bathing necessary before
prayers or other acts of worship.
The treatment, Brasil Cacau, offers
frizz-free, shiny and easy-to-manage
hair, but Sanha said it wasnt halaal
because it created an impermeable
coating which prevented water from
reaching the hair shaft.
The issue has been referred to Islamic
jurists across South Africa and, once
their rulings are made, Sanhas
theological committee will make a formal
pronouncement, its spokesman confirmed.
In the interim, it has advised Muslims
to avoid the product.
The warning is likely to have a negative
impact on South Africas hair industry.
Stats SA says Islam makes up the
countrys largest minority religion.
Aron Collins, spokeswoman for Hair
Health and Beauty in Johannesburg which
imports the brand, said Brasil Cacau was
the most widely used treatment of its
kind in South Africa.
Buddhist monks serve
iftar for Muslims in Bangladesh
Monastery has been serving iftar
meals to underprivileged Muslims
during Ramadan for the past six
years.
Dhaka, Bangladesh - Every
day during Ramadan, hundreds of Muslim
men, women and children queue in front
of a Buddhist monastery in the
Bangladeshi capital to receive iftar,
the food with which Muslims break their
fast at sunset during the holy month.
The initiative by Dharmarajika Buddhist
monastery to distribute food to poor and
destitute Muslims is a rare example of
social harmony between two groups from
two different religions in a country
that has witnessed a spate of fatal
attacks against minorities and secular
activists.
The Dharmarajika Buddhist monastery
began this project six years ago, and
monks say Ramadan is the best
opportunity to help poor Muslims.
The high priest of the temple,
Shuddhanando Mohathero, who initiated
the project, believes that "humanity is
the ultimate goal of humans".
Abul Basahr, a shopkeeper living in the
area, told Al Jazeera that monks at the
Buddhist temple engaged in several
social welfare activities. "The best
thing they are doing is the distribution
of iftar food to the poor people," he
said.
Established in 1951 in Basabo area of
Dhaka, the monastery, monk Karuna
Bhikkhu says, works for harmony in the
society.
Karuna says it is an effort to build
good relations with Muslim community,
who form nearly 90 percent of the
population. Buddhist comprise less than
one percent of this nation of 160
million.
Harun Miah, the owner of a local
restaurant, has been working with the
monastery for past five years to cook
iftar meals.
He says the iftar consisting of potato
chops, peyaju (onion tempura), beguni
(eggplant tempura), chhola-boot
(lentils), khejur (dates), muri (puffed
rice), and jilapi (a sweet made of sugar
syrup) are served in a box.
Buddhapriya Mahathero, the second-high
priest of the monastery, said at least
300 poor people are served daily.
KB says:
This is the perfect recipe to set the tone for
the celebrations for Eid Day and while you are
at it why not make an extra batch for the
CresCafe stall at Eid Down Under on 9 July -
see the details here.
Rainbow Cup Cakes
Ingredients
4 eggs
1 cup oil
1 cup sugar
1 tsp essence
2 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
Method
1. Beat the first 4 ingredients together in an
electrical mixer for +- 4 minutes.
2. Fold in flour and baking powder and mix well.
3. Separate mixture into 5 bowls, each bowl
adding a different colouring to it you can
make the colours pastel or bright as you desire
4. In your cupcake pans add one heap teaspoon
per colour at a time creating a coloured layer
effect.
5. Bake in a pre-heated oven for approx. 10mins
or until light brown.
6. Cool and top with fresh cream or icing of
your choice.
Q: Dear
Kareema, with school holidays upon us again,
what suggestions do you have if were looking at
taking a break?
A: Why not make it an active break.
Theres nothing
better than sightseeing on two wheels, so pack
up your bike and head outdoors to the mountains
or coastlines and find the scenic tracks to take
it all in.
Dont have a bike?
Most holiday parks offer bikes or canoes, etc.
if they have the facilities, so running out of
activities is not an option.
Be sure to take your hiking boots along and get
lost along the beaten track.
Mint thrives in boggy,
swampy or very damp
conditions. Most people fail
with mint because the soil
is too dry.
If you are growing mint in
a container, have a deep
saucer or tray under the
container and ensure it
always has some water in it.
It is better to grow mint
away from other plants
because it can spread
rapidly.
Pick mint regularly to
encourage more growth.
Keep mint plants weed-free
because they hate
competition.
No special fertiliser is
needed but manure helps.
Once established, the mint
plants should survive for
life.
Allah accepts the repentance
of those who do evil in
ignorance and repent soon
afterwards; to them will
Allah turn in mercy: for
Allah is full of knowledge
and wisdom. ~
Learn to identify a punch
coming. As with many attack
moves, recognizing the move
that's about to happen is a
big part of defensive
strategy. Signs to look for
include: Formation of a fist
Gritting teeth, angry jaw
movements Shallow, forced
breathing Once foot suddenly
shifted in front Chin drops
(to protect the throat)
Shoulder drops (this is
where the power of the punch
starts). Body turns to side,
away from you.
For more info on self
defence classes please
contact Taufan on 0447004465
or
info@sscombat.com.au. Or
visit our Facebook page for
updates and info on
Southside Academy of Combat
- Silat PD
Parenting Toolbox Workshop with Ahmad
Fakhri Hamzah and Jamilah Samian
ICQ & IWAQ
IWAQ Hall
9am to 4pm
3 October
(tentative)
Monday
1st Muharram
1438 Islamic New Year 1438
8
October
Saturday
Al Yateem Fundraising Dinner
Islamic Relief
Australia
Greek Hall, 269
Creek Road, Mt Gravatt
0456 426 523
6.30pm
8
& 9 October
Sat & Sun
The First Kingdom by Sh Bilal Ismail
Al Kauthar
Brisbane
Griffith
University NATHAN
0438 698 328
8.30am to 5.30pm
12 October
(tentative)
Wednesday
Day of Ashura
12 December
(tentative)
Monday
Birth of the
Prophet (pbuh) / Milad un Nabi
PLEASE NOTE
1. All Islamic Event dates given above are supplied by
the Council of Imams QLD (CIQ) and are provided as a guide and are
tentative and subject to the sighting of the moon.
2. The Islamic date changes to the next day starting in
the evenings after maghrib. Therefore, exceptfor Lailatul
Mehraj,
Lailatul Bhahraat
and
Lailatul Qadr these dates refer to the commencement of the event
starting in the evening of the corresponding day.
7:15 pm Esha salah
7:25 pm Taraweh salah Kathamul Quran
There will be a talk for 15 minutes every day after Taraweh
salah covering the following topics:
1. Daily sunnats of our beloved Prophet
2. Intentions for good deeds
3. Salaat according to sunnat
4. 40 small Ahadith to memorise
Al-Mustapha
Institute of
Brisbane
39 Bushmills Court, Hillcrest Qld 4118
Zikr - every Thursday
7pm, families welcome
Hifz, Quran Reading & Madressa - Wednesday & Friday
4:30 - 6:30pm, brothers, sisters and children
New Muslims Program - last Thursday of every month,
6:30 - 8:30pm
Salawat Majlis - first Saturday of every month.
Starting at Mughrib, families welcome
Islamic Studies - one year course, Saturday 10:00 -
2:00 pm, brothers and sisters
Ilm-e-Deen, Alims Degree Course - Three full-time and
part-time nationally accredited courses, brothers
Quran Reading Class For Ladies (Beginners
or Advanced)
Every Saturday 2 - 4pm
Lady Teacher
Algester Mosque
RAMADAN PROGRAMME
Naath
and Queesadah session every Saturday night,
after Taraweeh
On Going Activities
1. Daily Hadeeth reading From Riyadusaliheen,
After Fajar and after esha .
2. After school Madrassah for children Mon-Thu 5pm to 7pm
3. Adult Quran classes (Males) Monday and
Tuesday after esha for an hour.
4. Community engagement program every second Saturday of the
Month, interstate and overseas speakers, starts after
margib, Dinner served after esha, First program begins on
the 15 August.
5. Monthly Qiyamulail program every 1st
Friday of the month starts after esha.
6. Fortnight Sunday Breakfast program. After Fajar, short
Tafseer followed by breakfast.
7. Weekly Tafseer by Imam Uzair after esha followed by
dinner. Starts from 26 August.
For all activities, besides Adult Quran,
classes sisters and children are welcome.
For further info call the Secretary on
0413669987
Click on images to enlarge
IPDC
Lutwyche Mosque
Weekly classes with Imam Yahya
Monday: Junior Class
Tuesday: Junior Arabic
Friday: Adult Quran Class
For more information call 0470 671 109
Holland Park Mosque
Queensland Police Service/Muslim Community
Consultative Group
Next Meeting
Time: 7.00pm Date: 12 JULY 2016 Venue: Islamic College of Brisbane - 45 Acacia Road
Karawatha
The next QPS/Muslim Communities has been postponed.
Discussions with key stakeholders has resulted in the
meeting date now being moved to 12 July 2016 same time and
location (7pm at the Islamic College of Brisbane, 45 Acacia
Rd, Karawatha).
This will enable people to participate in the many
Ramadan/Eid functions and provide an opportunity for a
subsequent debrief of these events on the 12 July. If there
are any additional agenda items could you please forward
them to
Maat.Michael@police.qld.gov.au.
Articles and
opinions appearing in this newsletter do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of the CCN Team, 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 CCN
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 us..
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 enter their details
here.
Births, Marriages,
New Migrants and
Condolences
Community Ifthar at the
Kuraby Mosque
On
the 24 June, The Australian
International Islamic
College held its annual
community Iftar Dinner at
the Gold Coast and Durack
campuses respectively.
Prof
Mohamad Abdalla will be
leaving Queensland and the
Griffith Islamic Research
Unit (GIRU) at Griffith
University, of which he was
the founder, to set up a new
Centre for Islamic Thought
and Education at the
University of South
Australia.
.jpeg)
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Perth mosque at Thornlie was
firebombed on Tuesday night
at about 8pm
Dear
brothers and sisters
Assalamu Alaikum wr wb.
Inside the kitchen of UAEs
biggest iftar 
post comments on
our Wall
7
August 2011