The Kuraby Mosque Madrassah BBQ Fund Raiser starts at
10am today (Sunday). There's fun and food for the whole
family.
Visit Crescents of Brisbane's famous CresCafe and catch
up with the Team over coffee and cupcakes.
Entry forms for CresWalk2008 will also be available here
for you to register for the Big Day.
Crescents of Brisbane will also be holding a
silent auction of a beautifully framed
photograph montage of Kuraby Mosque (taken
by photographer Richard Posener of
Outlook Photography).
Come to the
CresCafe stall and put in a bid for this
one-off collector's piece.
All the proceeds from the sale will go to
the Mosque's fund raiser.
When
you've got to go.....you got to go!
By CCN's Man-on-the Mussallaah
Planning
a long trip or a jog and want to know where you can stop
for a toilet break or make your wudu?
Then the
National Public Toilet Map is just up your street (pun
intended).
The National Public
Toilet Map shows the location of more than
14,000 public and private public toilet
facilities across Australia.
Details of toilet
facilities can also be found along major
travel routes and for shorter journeys as
well.
Useful information is
provided about each toilet, such as
location, opening hours, availability of
baby change rooms, accessibility for people
with disabilities and the details of other
nearby toilets.
You can plan a trip
with the Trip Planner and enter your
starting and end address to get a turn by
turn description for the quickest route and
the toilets along the way.
Try it out between your
home and some other destination to see how
it works.
The Power of Nightmares, subtitled The Rise of the
Politics of Fear, is a BBC documentary film series,
written and produced by Adam Curtis. The series consists
of three one-hour films, consisting mostly of a montage
of archive footage with Curtis's narration, which were
first broadcast in the United Kingdom in late 2004 and
have been subsequently aired in multiple countries and
shown in several film festivals, including the 2005
Cannes Film Festival.
The films compare the rise of the American
Neo-Conservative movement and the radical Islamist
movement, making comparisons on their origins and noting
strong similarities between the two. More
controversially, it argues that the threat of radical
Islamism as a massive, sinister organised force of
destruction, specifically in the form of al-Qaeda, is in
fact a myth perpetrated by politicians in many
countries—and particularly American Neo-Conservatives—in
an attempt to unite and inspire their people following
the failure of earlier, more utopian ideologies.
The Power of Nightmares has been praised by film critics
in both Britain and the United States. Its message and
content have also been the subject of various critiques
and criticisms from conservatives and progressives.
The Power of Nightmares Part 1: Baby, It's cold
outside (59 minutes)
The Power of Nightmares Part 2: The Phantom
Victory (59 minutes)
The Power of Nightmares Part 3: The Shadows in
the Cave (60 minutes)
Australia Deliberates
Issues
Deliberation Australia conducted a three day forum at
Old Parliament House in Canberra in 2007 to discuss the
issue of Muslims and Non-Muslims in Australia.
The research explored the cultural, political, economic,
social and religious complexity of Australia, focusing
on how the interaction between Islam and Western ways of
life plays out within this complexity.
By the conclusion of the 18 month-long research program,
over 1,700 Australians had participated in the study.
It is possibly the most comprehensive consultation and
research on Muslim non-Muslim relations ever undertaken
in any one country.
The pinnacle of this research - bringing together of a
microcosm of the Australian population to come to
informed and considered judgements on this controversial
topic – was a classic social psychology experiment.
What does happen when a group of randomly selected
people come together to learn more, to get to know ‘the
other’ in a systematic and comprehensive way?
The major conclusions from all components of this work
are:
There has been a proliferation of mutual
misperceptions and lack of understanding by both Muslims
and non-Muslims in Australia
Misperceptions and lack of understanding fuels a
mutually reinforcing negative spiral: fear of the
‘other’ and aggressive behaviours feed stereotypes on
both sides which may work as selffulfilling prophecies
Young Australian Muslims are becoming increasingly
alienated because of the near relentless questioning of
their ‘Australian-ness’. In searching for their
identity, they turn to others who share this experience,
and therefore gravitate away from mainstream Australian
culture which appears to reject them. The danger is that
they may turn to more radical sects of Islam
Stereotypes and prejudice are fuelling a widening of
the divide from both sides, not just in Australia but
globally
The international political arena matters. Discontent
and frustration in the Australian Muslim community about
the lack of resolution of the Israeli Palestinian
conflict and the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian
people impacts Muslim Australians’ attitudes about the
West
Australia’s foreign policy, particularly in the Middle
East, is very relevant to how Muslim non-Muslim
relations play out in Australia
The language of political leaders is seen to have a
direct impact on the level of racism in the wider
Australian community
Fear, stereotypes and prejudice are seen to be fuelled
by an imbalance of negative media coverage that
perpetuates misunderstandings and misperceptions of
Islam and Muslims to the West that affirm stereotypes
not true of all Muslims
Fear, stereotypes and prejudice break down with
learning about the ‘other’ and getting to know the other
There is willingness by the majority in both the
mainstream Australian community and the Australian
Muslim community to be ‘good neighbours’ and ‘good’
Australians. Neither group seems to know how to reach
out
A CD has been produced from the event and will be
presented to Federal Parliament in May 2008.
Different Identities
We
should be careful about trying to impose a single
identity on Islamic communities in this country, argues
LIZA HOPKINS
IN
RESPONSE to concerns about the place of Islam in
Australian society, the federal government has announced
that a new Muslim group of advisors will be convened,
apparently to replace the ill-fated Muslim Community
Reference Group which John Howard established to such
divisive effect.
The aim,
no doubt, is to improve communication between government
and citizens and to enhance the participation rates of
those who appear to be marginalised.
Yet such
top-down attempts at creating active citizens and more
engaged communities seem fraught with danger.
Even in
advanced democracies the proportion of citizens who
choose to participate actively remains very low.
So giving
a tap on the shoulder to a small group of hand-picked,
high profile citizens who also happen to be Muslims
might do little if anything to overcome broader
community disengagement and in particular youth
alienation.
A
committee of so-called “irreligious” leaders, whether
sports stars, academics or business leaders, is no more
representative of Muslims in Australia than a committee
of religious leaders.
Yassmin
Abdel-Magied is one of 18 Queenslanders who have
made it to the Youth 2020 Summit due on 12-13 at
Parliament House in Canberra.
The Youth 2020 is the precursor to the Australia 2020
Summit that the PM Rudd has announced as bringing
together some of the best and brightest brains from
across the country to tackle the long term challenges
confronting Australia's future - challenges which
require long-term responses from the nation beyond the
usual three year electoral cycle.
After an overwhelming response the final 100 young
delegates were announced by Kate Ellis MP, Minister for
Youth.
"The delegates, aged 15 to 24 years, are a true
reflection of the diversity of Australia's young people.
They will bring a tremendous balance of skills, talents,
backgrounds and knowledge to the discussions. The final
100 delegates will discuss the ten critical areas on the
agenda for the Australia 2020 Summit, as well as options
for the establishment of an ongoing Australian Youth
Forum."
World
wide webs: Diasporas and the international system
by
Michael Fullilove / Lowy Institute for International
Policy
This paper argues that diasporas (communities which live
outside, but retain their connections with, their
homelands) are getting larger, thicker and stronger –
with important implications for global economics,
identity, politics and security.
The author compares diasporas to 'world wide webs'
emanating from states, with dense, interlocking, often
electronic strands spanning the globe and binding
different individuals, institutions and countries
together.
World wide webs offers a fresh take on globalisation
which raises difficult questions for national
governments, including the Australian government.
Algester Mosque annual Miladun Nabi (sallallahu alaihi
wassalam)Programme.
The Islamic Society of Algester is pleased to invite
everyone at its Annual Miladun Nabi programme.
Date: Sunday 6th April 2008
Venue: Logan community centre , Wineglass Drive
Time: 2:00PM
Our guest speakers will be Sheikh Sideek Nasir
from the West Indies, who will be delivering the speech
on the the status of prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam. The world award winning Qari Sayyed Sadaqat
Ali from Pakistan will recite Qiraat.
Our local Imams, Qura, Huffaz and
Naatkhan (reciter of naat) will also be present in
this blessed programme.
All are welcome with your families.
For more information contact:
Maulana Muhammad Nawaaz Ashrafi 0423734438
Maulana Muhammad Aslam al Qadri 0431620629
Mahmud Osman 0403286305
Algester youth programme
There will be a youth programme on Saturday 5th of April
2008 after SalatulMaghrib at Algester
Mosque.
Our overseas guest speaker, Sheikh Sideek Nasir,
will address the youth and Qari Sayed Sadaqat Ali
will be reciting Qiraat. All male and female youngsters
are welcome.
Address: 48 Learoyd Road, Acacia Ridge
AFL
Rising Star
ESSENDON’S flying start to the home-and-away season has
received another boost with young midfielder Bachar
Houli winning the NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for
round one.
The 19-year-old was in terrific form during the Bombers'
55-point win over North Melbourne on Easter Monday,
picking up 26 disposals and taking four marks.
"It's a great individual award, nothing that I ever
looked at, and it's just a bonus after round one," Houli
told reporters.
"That was the best game I've played so far. From a
confidence point of view, it was a full strength team
from both teams and just to go out there and do what I
did with the help from the boys was just fantastic.
"What a way to start as a team and as an individual."
Of Lebanese descent, Houli is the first devout Muslim to
play AFL football and broke his Ramadan fast while
training at the Draft Camp after seeking advice from
Muslim leaders.
This devotion to his faith, which involves praying five
times a day and abstaining from alcohol, has cast Houli
as a role model for young Muslims and a spearhead for
educating other Australians about his culture.
"At the end of the day, being young and good at what you
want to do, you want the best for others and that's what
I want to try and do," he said.
"I want to be a role model for kids growing up, for kids
from the community and outside the community. When you
see a good role model out there and someone who's doing
well, you want to follow him.
"Hopefully, I can be that right person that people can
follow, especially in a professional sense. I'll
continue to work hard and try and set the right example
for kids out there."
The Islamic Women's Association has vacancies for the
positions of Home And Community Care (HACC) Coordinator
and Day Respite Coordinator. For a copy of the position
description and Key selection criteria, please contact
IWAQ on 3272 6355.
To commemorate Harmony
Day, IWAQ hosted a Harmony Day Celebration
on 25th March. We had a group come from the
Gold Coast and join our regular Tuesday
Group.
IWAQ's driving classes is conducted by a qualified
instructor. Lessons cost $35 per lesson. Booking is
essential for these lessons and a current Learner's
Permit must be available to be sighted by the
instructor. Please call the office on 3272 6355 or 3272
6422 for further information and to book your lessons
PASSERS-BY often look twice at the Sefton mosque in
Sydney's west. It used to be a church and vestiges of
that architectural heritage remain. But the building is
now demanding attention for a different reason. It is at
the centre of a power struggle by members of a group
accused of being a conduit for terrorism.
Tablighi Jamaat is a secretive and little-known Islamic
group that has hardly rated a mention in the Australian
media until recently.
Now some of its Sydney members are being accused of
staging a brash takeover bid for the Sefton mosque, so
they can install their own more extremist preacher and
wield their fast-expanding influence over its followers.
The CCN Readers' Book Club:
You are what you read!
Imagined is a
memoir of a Muslim boy, born in Pakistan,
who moves to London at the age of one in the
1960s.
With his Islamic identity and desire to
embrace the West, the book paints a
beautiful picture of growing up in a strange
culture.
.[Imagined]
..... is a book written with an artless
integrity which has the powerful ring of
truth because it is more about wandering,
bumbling and stumbling than being clear-eyed
and reaching out for the glittering prizes.
Almost coincidentally, it is also a
fascinating insight into what it is like to
grow up as a Pakistani Muslim in modern
Britain.
Sydney
Morning Herald
No book better
describes the confusions and agonies of the
immigrant trying to fathom the mystifying
social rules that will enable him to become
an accepted and respected citizen of his (or
her) new chosen country.
The
Daily Mail
Unimagined provides much food for
thought....
Alison Terry
This week's new
addition to the first row of the CCN Book Club
shelves is:
Leap of
Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life by Queen Noor
of Jordan
Using our book
club you can see what books we at CCN have
on our shelves, what we are reading and even
what we and others think of them.
You can even
create your own book shelf, find out what
your fellow CCN readers are reading, get and
give recommendations for what to read next,
create book lists, and even share your
opinion on a book with us.
Come see the
books we have selected and see if we have
any in common.
Then pick our
next book so we can all keep on reading.
Q: Dear Kareema, can you explain how our bodies burn
fat. Is it through our sweat?
A: No, the answer to your question comes down to our
muscles.
When our muscles require energy to work, they call on
our fat stores to give it to them, hence why exercise
which effectively works our muscles, burn fat best.
The more muscles we have, the greater our ability to
burn fat.
Examples of great exercises are those which require
whole body strength which burn fat as you do them and in
turn, build more muscle (hovers, chin-ups, push-ups,
tricep dips, etc).
These exercises are tough and cause a huge demand on
your muscles – but they simply shed fat.
2 bananas chopped - 4
peaches chopped - 1 mango chopped - ½ cup fresh cream -
½ litre milk - 2 Tbsp corn flour - 8 Tbsp sugar - 1 pkt
halaal strawberry jelly - 2 Tbsp china grass - 6 Tsbp
sugar - Rose essence.
Make jelly in 2 cups boiling water, cool and set then
cut into pieces.
Soak china grass in
water. Boil 3 cups of water with 6 Tbsp sugar and add
the china grass.
Cook until it dissolves
and turns thick.
Cool it it and mix rose
essence and set.
Then cut into pieces.
Boil milk add corn flour
and keep stirring until it becomes thick and creamy.
Remove from heat and mix
8 Tbsp sugar.
Cool and add cream. In a
bowl put the chopped mixed fruit and pour over custard.
Decorate the top with
jelly pieces and china grass.
Chill and serve.
Source: Radio Islam Newsletter - Tuesday, 25 March 2008
Do you have a recipe to share with
CCN readers?
Send in your favourite recipe to
theteam@crescentsofbrisbane.org and who
knows, you could be our "guest chef" for a future
edition of CCN.
The CCN Chuckle
Mula Nasruddin was
walking past a pet store when a parrot said, ''Hey, old
man! You're really stupid!"
Our Nasruddin was
furious but continued on his way.
On the way home, Mula Nasruddin passed by the pet store
again and the parrot once more said
"Hey, old man!
You're really stupid!"
Mula Nasruddin was
incredibly annoyed by this now.
So he went into the
store and said that he would sue the store if they did
not get the parrot to stop insulting him.
The store manager
apologized profusely and promised he would make sure the
parrot didn't say it again.
The next day, Mula
Nasruddin deliberately passed by the store to test the
parrot. "Hey, old man!" it said.
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
Share
your thoughts, feelings and ambitions for our community
through CCN.
If
there is someone you know who would like to subscribe to
CCN please encourage them to send an e-mail to
theteam@crescentsofbrisbane.org with the words
“Subscribe Me” in the subject line.
Disclaimer
Articles and opinions appearing in this newsletter do
not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Crescents of
Brisbane Team, CCN, its Editor or its Sponsors,
particularly if they eventually turn out to be libelous,
unfounded, objectionable, obnoxious, offensive,
slanderous and/or downright distasteful.
It is the usual policy of CCN to include
from time to time, notices of events that some readers
may find interesting or relevant. Such notices are often
posted as received. Including such messages or providing
the details of such events does not necessarily imply
endorsement of the contents of these events by either CCN
or Crescents of Brisbane Inc.
Planning
a long trip or a jog and want to know where you can stop
for a toilet break or make your wudu?
Issues
Deliberation Australia conducted a three day forum at
Old Parliament House in Canberra in 2007 to discuss the
issue of Muslims and Non-Muslims in Australia.
Yassmin
Abdel-Magied is one of 18 Queenslanders who have
made it to the Youth 2020 Summit due on 12-13 at
Parliament House in Canberra.
Algester Mosque annual Miladun Nabi (sallallahu alaihi
wassalam)Programme.
![[unimaginedcovericon.jpg]](../images/CCN/CCN177/unimaginedcovericon.jpg)
