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AFIC Press Release

As most would be aware, the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils Inc (AFIC) has been under Administration since May 2008 following its 44th Congress in which the Haset Sali faction tried to wrench control of the organization from the elected Executive Committee.

The matter has been before the Supreme Court of NSW and halfway through the proceedings those who attempted to stage the coup in the Congress, capitulated.

Yesterday, the Court ordered the reinstatement of the old Executive Committee – the Patel Committee, elected in February 2007 under the supervision of the Australian Electoral Commission.

Mr Haset Sali does not hold any official position in the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, is not the Honorary Legal Advisor for AFIC, and is not the spokesperson for this organization.

Mr Ikebal Patel, President of AFIC said yesterday that he was happy that his position was once again vindicated in the Court.

He said that he was looking forward to carrying out the urgent agenda of rebuilding AFIC after the huge damages, financially and politically that AFIC and the entire Muslim community suffered during 2006, 2007 and this year at the hands of the same people.

The Australian Muslims can now continue working with the greater community in addressing collectively the many issues facing all Australians.

The YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, a civics education and youth engagement forum, brings together a Youth Member from each of the 89 electorates in Queensland Parliament. This year, three of the 89 electorates, are represented by young Muslims: Yassmin Abdel-Magied (Stretton), Omar Issadeen (Springwood) and Abdul-Kadir Obied (Mt Gravatt).

Recently, Youth Members of 87 electorates gathered in Brisbane for the week long Residential at YMCA Camp North Pine.

“The Youth Members held fiery debates in Parliament House,” Youth Parliament Coordinator, Jennifer O’Brien, reported. ”They met the Governor, elected their own leaders, developed practical plans for tackling issues in their regions and made many new friends. The week provided an opportunity to experience political life and advocate for change in an apolitical way in the company of other very talented young people. For many young people, this program provides a life-changing experience.”

MYServices asked the young Muslim Parliamentarians to tell us what it was like.

MYServices-sponsored, Omar Issadeen, Youth Member for Springwood shares:

“(Queensland Youth Parliament) is a great experience that I feel has allowed me grow in responsibility and leadership. Over the five days, I got to know most of the 87 Youth Parliamentarians and the 10 organisers. The highlight of the program for me was debating in the Green Chamber in Parliament House. Just the atmosphere in there with everyone dressed up and actual MPs present, made you feel like you are making a difference.

We were also taken to Government House, where we met the Governor and her husband. Each Youth Member was given two minutes where they could speak on any issue that affected them. I chose to speak on the media’s misrepresentation of Islam and Muslims. The speech was here here’d (No clapping in Parliament House!) and the Deputy Chair and others complimented me on my speech.

I urge youth aged 15 to 25 to consider participating in next year’s Youth Parliament. Now, more than ever, Muslim participation in such events is needed to change the negative perception of Islam. The support and respect shown by everyone including the organisers towards me, really makes me feel we have no excuse not to play an active role in society.”

Yassmin Abdel-Magied, Youth Premier and Member for Stretton, agrees more young Muslims should take advantage of the countless youth leadership development opportunities available.

“The Queensland Youth Parliament experience was definitely one of a kind. Learning the parliamentary process, nominating and voting for youth leadership positions and engaging with fellow motivated youth from all over Queensland was an opportunity that alhamdullillah, I am very thankful to receive.

Like Omar, I encourage anyone interested to check out the website and get involved. There are a number of other opportunities in similar fields available; Youth Peace Parliament and the United Nations Security Council competition are just a few.

In addition, Youth Without Borders (www.youthwithoutborders.com.au ) has opportunities available to get involved in working and collaborating with community.”

For more info on Youth Peace Parliament, email peaceparliament@idpa.org.au .

For info on Security Council, please email: qldsecuritycouncil@unya.asn.au.

It wasn’t all work and no play, as Abdul-Kadir Obeid, Youth Member for Mt Gravatt, told us, he had a lot of fun too!

“Queensland Youth Parliament Residential for me was an experience like no other. From standing up and presenting our views in front of the Hon. Mr Speaker, Mike Reynolds, to getting wet and sliding down tarps saturated with detergent!

The first few days they had us doing the chicken dance, so naturally, I felt like escaping. However I endured the 'ice breakers' and before I knew it we were playing soccer on a field about the size of an average backyard with 87 people - I loved it!

We had straw building competitions, water fights, bingo nights and went bowling at night while watching State of Origin. It’s not easy supporting NSW when there are 80 people bidding against you. The fun did not stop, even presenting ourselves at Parliament House was entertaining, with witty interjections being yelled out constantly.

I believe that due to some stereotypes constructed by the media, Muslims question the integrity of the Australian people excessively.

As Muslims we should honour this country for allowing us to practice our religion and thank Allah for our freedom.

I believe all Muslims, while holding onto to our Islamic principles, should engage in social affairs, and excel so that Muslims who come after us, will see that it is possible to contribute to Australian society and live in harmony.

I now work for the Minister of Police, Corrective Services and Sport, Judy Spence; and on the 24th level of the State Law Building they have even allocated a place for prayer for me.”

The core message from these brilliant young people seems clear: make the choice to be proactive, not reactive – the opportunities are aplenty, so make the initiative and just do it!

Everybody is a leader. You don’t have to be a Yassmin, Omar or Abdul-Kadir.

Stay informed of upcoming leadership development opportunities, email shaimak@myservices.net.au with ‘add to list’ on the subject line.

Al-Nisa has great pleasure in announcing the election of three new management committee members, Alia Rane, Amina Ghafoor and Ayesha Orozco.

We also take great pleasure in announcing the newly appointed President, Aliyah Deen.

The Al-Nisa membership approved their appointment at the 2008 Annual General Meeting.

They each bring a repertoire of skills and experience from different fields that will add value to the organisation and its members.

The group meets once a month at the Muslim Youth Service premises in Sunnybank Hills to discuss its activities and various projects they are involved in.

Al-Nisa’ Youth group was founded in July 2005 and is a not-for-profit organisation providing young women in the Muslim community with opportunities to express themselves, become empowered and influence their own futures through programs, activities, networks and services.

Al-Nisa’s values stem from the Islamic principles of equity and include Access, Equity and Advocacy for young women of the Muslim community and their families.

Be informed about Al-Nisa’s exciting events coming up in 2008/09 by registering your email online at www.alnisagroup.com.au or contact thesecretary@alnisagroup.com.au or 0403 009 003.

The Islamic Society of Algester will be celebrating miraj un nabi (sallalahu alaihi wassalam) on 30th July after ishaa salaat (7.40pm).

You and your family are cordially invited to participate.

Imams will be delivering lectures on the significance of the event.

The Saturday evening BBQ at the Kuraby Mosque carpark is proving increasingly popular with the local residents and the Mosque-goers.

Imam Akram Buksh serves up a steak and sausage in lieu of a sermon

Having a go at table football

Kuraby Mosque is carrying out a collection to help Mohammed and Muzzamil who suffer from a debilitating degenerative disease.

If you would like to donate to this cause (described below) you can contact Imam Akram Buksh on 0431 672263 or 32197994.

Zakaat monies are also being collected for these persons.

If more information is required you can contact Rozina or Elias Ali directly on 0433 388675 or 3805 3918.

After gorging himself on McDonalds for a month in Super Size Me (2004), Morgan Spurlock attempts another risky feat, travelling to the world's most volatile region to locate Al-Qaeda's chief honcho.

Confronted by impending fatherhood, Spurlock falls prey to paternal concern for the welfare of his offspring-to-be and resolves that it is his responsibility to make the world a safer place.

He figures that Osama bin Laden is by far the biggest threat his child will face.

After preparing himself by learning about the enemy and undertaking self-defence courses for war zones, he heads off. Granted, most of the places Spurlock visits a Saudi Arabian shopping mall; the Cairo home of one of bin Laden's wealthy relatives; and the poorer backstreets of a Middle Eastern town, where, as is customary in Islamic culture, hospitality reigns supremedo not seem too threatening.

But he gets pretty close to some action in Jerusalem, when he is all but assaulted by angry elderly Orthodox Jews who resent media disturbance.

When Spurlock finally comes face-to-face with a sign at the border of Pakistan's hostile tribal areas warning foreigners not to enter the inhabitants' lands, he wisely decides it is time to go home.

Wisely, because Spurlock (playing the innocent abroad) has confirmed that, despite a different political perspective, most Muslims aspire to the same things as most Westerners.

Moreover, he demonstrates that Middle Easterners are generally more generous in not tarring the people of a country with the same political brush as the country's regime.

Like Westerners, they have a multiplicity of viewpoints. Spurlock shot nearly 800 hours of digital footage while exploring 'every nook and cranny of the Middle East' on his quest.

His political message is tastily wrapped in lashings of humour, throw-away lines, imaginative animated sequences, and toe-tapping raps.

A hugely entertaining doco with a timely political message.

31 July 2008 7:00 PM, The Regent Cinema

Six years after her controversial Women's Prison (2002), Manijeh Hekmat returns with a strong, naturalistic drama about Iranian women searching for their roots amid questions about their country's heritage.

With a rebellious daughter reaping the problems of contemporary youth, a middle-class mother standing for the 'burned generation' that came of age with the Islamic Revolution, and a grandmother symbolising traditional ways, 3 Women offers a compelling sociological portrait that ranks among the cream of the current Iranian crop and should be appreciated abroad.

Combative, 40-ish carpet conservator Minoo is searching for college-age daughter Pegah, who's been away from home for several days and doesn't answer her mobile.

Minoo is taking her senile mother to a doctor's appointment when she makes a detour to Tehran's main bazaar to confront a merchant who sold an historically important piece promised to the National Carpet Museum.

Minoo audaciously snatches up the carpet but ends up losing it, as well as her mother. Meanwhile, Pegah is speeding along dusty desert roads when she picks up young hitchhiker Babak, who's part of a nearby archeological excavation.

Spiritual Babak immediately recognises Pegah's existential crisis. Divorced Minoo's fruitless search for mother, daughter, and carpet proves more revealing of her own life and her lack of knowledge about Pegah's.

An encounter with Pegah's musician friends features a short number by underground alt-rock band 127 and perfectly encapsulates the disaffection of Iran's young generation.

6 August 2008 5:00 PM, The Regent

10 August 2008 4:30 PM, Palace Centro Cinemas

The rare ability to make intelligent, entertaining cinema from hot-button current issues is beautifully illustrated... a multi-faceted drama straddling the Palestinian Israeli chasm that's marbled with irony, generosity, anger and pure crowd-pleasing optimism.

Derek Elley, Variety A middle-aged Palestinian widow, Salma, is living on her family lemon grove when the Israeli defence minister moves in next door.

The trees are deemed a security threat by the powers that be, who issue orders for them to be cut down.

Watch towers are set up and the area is kept under surveillance.

In trying every legal avenue to defend her family inheritance and livelihood, Salma establishes a close friendship with her young lawyer and unwittingly wins the empathy and respect of the defence minister's wife.

Powered by a standout performance from Hiam Abbass (seen previously in Riklis's The Syrian Bride [2004]), this allegorical drama is a well-judged and finely performed film with, despite the seriousness of the setting, some light comic relief.

A true crowd-pleaser.

6 August 2008 7:00 PM, The Regent

8 August 2008 12:00 PM, The Regent

In Persepolis, French-Iranian émigré Marjane Satrapi adapts her stylish and incisive autobiographical graphic novel into a hand-drawn animated feature about a young girl growing up in Tehran.

By turns humorous and tragic, the film integrates the personal with the political in its portrayal of the life of a spirited young girl born under the Shah but growing up in the Islamic Republic.

Persepolis champions resistance on a personal level, something Marjane learns by example from many members of her intellectual family most inescapably from the political resistance by her uncle who was persecuted under both regimes and ultimately executed for his convictions, and from her beloved grandmother's individualistic moral resistance.

Consequently, we see the young Marjane debating issues with both Karl Marx and God!Although the film employs some of the popular ciphers for women living in the Islamic Republic headscarves and the moral police, speaking out against propaganda in class, and embracing rock music and Western clothing it transcends these codes with an astuteness born of first-hand experience.

No less incisive is the representation of Marjane's alienation in Austria, where her parents send her when they begin to fear for the safety of their rebellious only child; when she returns to Iran after some years abroad, she encounters the identity crisis that confronts many émigrés no longer sure where they belong.

Persepolis has received boisterous popular and critical applauseon aesthetic grounds for its striking black-and-white animation, and for the sensitivity and authenticity of its story, which has resonated among expatriate Iranians.

1 August 2008 12:00 PM, The Regent

8 August 2008 7:00 PM, The Regent

The morally repulsive invasion and colonisation of Iraq by the 'Coalition of the Willing' has resulted in horrendous bloodshed and political instability reverberating throughout the world.

Brian De Palma's astonishing polemical response to the Iraqi 'conflict', the US military's thuggery, and those on YouTube who have beamed the atrocities onto our desktops pulsates with requisite rage and a kind of dazzling formal experimentation far closer to Hi, Mom! (1970) than De Palma's recent mainstream productions.

The film plugs into a host of media forms of which we are all too aware in the 'information age' YouTube protest posts, video diaries, CCTVas it follows the members of a military unit on their daily grind.

The soldiers' sexual frustration and pent-up aggression eventually spills over into rape and murder as they target a teenage girl and her family (inspired by a true story).

The growing sense of horror at the actions of the soldiers and the broader network of senior military figures and politicians finally reaches a crescendo with a photo montage of wounded and deceased Iraqis a bracing reminder of the everyday victims still suffering as the occupation drags on.

Redacted is the film we need right now to ensure warmongering politicians and murderous soldiers are held to account for the rivers of innocent blood spilled on Iraqi soil.

De Palma is a filmmaking institution, a shining light in current US cinema, and with Redacted he has fused perfectly and precisely his striking formal stylishness with political content of immense importance.

Mandatory viewing.

Fri 1 Aug 5:00:PM The Regent
Sat 9 Aug 7:00:PM, The Regent

Sitting on the boundary between documentary and fiction, this partly scripted, partly improvised Australian film shot in Pakistan made a stunning début in Pusan last year.

Son of a Lion is set in the tribal areas of the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan (bordering Afghanistan), home of the Pashtuns, an ethnic Afghan group.

A widowed gunmaker and his son pass the days in their workshop.

Sher Alam expects Niaz to take over the family business, but Niaz wants to go to school.

Although he has the support of his city-dwelling uncle, he is reluctant to confront his father.

A paramedic by profession, Australian writer-director Benjamin Gilmour spent eight months living in the province researching and forging relationships with locals before returning two years later to shoot an inspired collaborative effort.

The entire film was shot undercover, with the scenes filmed in the gun market posing a particular risk of being caught by the Pakistani authorities.

Executive producer credit goes to Hayat Khan Shinwari, a local man who was instrumental in making the shoot possible and whose son appears in the lead role of Niaz; Gilmour also gave a script credit to the local people.

Impressively authentic, the characters and situations seem natural and ring true a sure reflection of Gilmour's empathic insightfulness.

Even-handed direction captures the contradictions of fundamentalism, the day-to-day gossiping and political chitchat in the barbershop, and the craft and skill of the local artisans.

Impressive visual composition and a score composed of authentic ethnic sounds of the region make this a balanced and accomplished début.

Fri 8 Aug 4:30:PM, Palace Centro Cinemas
Sat 9 Aug 2:00:PM, The Regent

A MUSLIM-style turban is seen as a threat by the average Australian, even to those who think they are free from racial prejudice, psychologists have found.

A study of university students playing a computerised shoot 'em up game has revealed strong stereotyped bias against Muslim-looking people.

Innocent figures in the game were more likely to be shot at if they were wearing turbans or hijabs, the University of New South Wales researchers said.

Dubbed the "turban effect'', the trend was seen in both male and female shooters.

Read the rest....

The Muslim Business Network held a workshop on Islamic Wills.

The speakers, Iqbal Lambat and Rafik Sabdia gave an indepth explanation of the Islamic law and Australian law as far as drawing up a will is concerned.

It was stressed that everyone has to have a will and Muslims are given clear injunctions by Allah in the Quran as to who can inherit and in what proportion.

An Islamic will is not optional, it is compulsory upon every Muslim.

Those that attended were provided with an Islamic Will Kit and a CD which explains the details of drawing up an Islamic Will.