New Domestic Violence Initiative The CCN Inbox: Letters to the Editor The CCN Food for Thought
Just days before Kuraby Mosque Fun Day The CCN Classifieds An Ayaat-a-Week
It's a Father and Son Reunion What's happening in other necks of the woods Events and Functions
iQraa Centre open for business and activities Around the Muslim World with CCN Islamic Programmes, Education & Services
Redlands College transfers Muslim student teachers CCN Readers' Book Club Businesses and Services
Trad sounds out Labor, Liberals for federal seat KB's Culinary Corner The CCN Date Claimer
Oldest Mosque in Australia at 126 years Kareema's Keep Fit Column CCN on Facebook
Food sales at Kuraby Mosque top $48K
The CCN Chuckle Useful Links
"Muslim community �too lax� on jihad risk" Write For Us
Opening of Perth Mosque
The Muslim DNA Analysed
Jumma in Roma
Perrett in Parliament on Racial Discrimination Act
Second mosque to be built in Cairns
AIIC Students of the Month with Sqt Jim Bellos
AFIC turns 50
QLD rejects to making Muslim women remove burqas
Monthly gathering at Bosnian Mosque
Muslimah Night Bazaar
Gym under threat of closure by Bankstown Council
Looking At Muslim American Women
The world's richest Arabs 2013
New Domestic Violence Initiative across interfaith groups
Ms Tracy Davis MP and Ms Yasmin Khan
The launch of the QLD Eidfest Association initiative on Domestic Violence awareness within the Muslim and Sikh communities took place last Saturday during the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month at Griffith University's Centre for Interfaith and Cultural Dialogue.
The Hon. Tracy Davis MP, Minister for Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services was in attendance to launch the program.
As part of a nationwide campaign targeting domestic violence among religious communities this project also aims to encourage victims and witnesses to report cases of abuse.
"We have collaborated with the Sikh and Hindu communities and will be distributing posters to all mosques and temples across Queensland and northern New South Wales," said Ms Yasmin Khan, Eidfest's president.
Ms. Khan said, �I believe this is first for Australia and possibly the world, where these three faith groups have come together to work on a domestic violence project.�
�It was important to bring these faiths together as their cultural traditions were very similar, especially across sub-continental countries, such as Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.�
The campaign is a series of four posters that will be sent to every Mosque, Gudhwara and Temple across Queensland and community groups that work with migrant women. The initiative has garnered much attention with the posters being sent around the world via social media.
The design and concept of the posters was Ms Khan�s idea and they have been praised by community groups and the Queensland Police Service. Chief Superintendent Allan McCarthy from Brisbane South Region said, �This is the best campaign I have seen in over 30 years of policing.�
Some of the posters are being translated into other languages to gain a wider reach.
Posters creating awareness
Just days before Kuraby Mosque Fun Day
It's a Father and Son Reunion
Father and son Anver and Yusuf Omar take on the downhill Pietermaritzburg to Durban 89km Comrades Marathon in South Africa today (Sunday).
This will be 56-year old Dr Anver Omar's ninth consecutive run in this event. He has done most of his pre-event training around Caboolture where he practices as a dentist.
Yusuf, who is a reporter for South African TV channel, eNCA, flew back from an assignment in Germany to join his father for his 3rd go at teh Comrades.
"I've reported from the frontline in Syria, and tiptoed through minefields in the Congo, but there is no fear quite like the Comrades," he writes. "You'll find me in prayer, moments before we begin. On a small strip of grass - men with long beards and shorts. I'm asking Allah for strong knees, all the while involuntarily humming to Chariots of Fire, blaring in the background."
"I've seen my father cry twice, Omar Jr. told CCN, "when his father died, and when he crossed that finish line holding my hand, the first time I entered the run."
You can follow Yusuf's race on twitter @yomar89 or any of the runners at http://results.ultimate.dk/comrades/resultshistory/front/index.php from Brisbane lunch time Sunday 1st June.
iQraa Centre open for business and activities
The recently opened iQraa Islamic Centre at 2/2932 Logan Rd, Underwood is a not-for-for profit store with all profits going back into the store and to charity.
They sell a vast range of Islamic books, Islamic clothing, perfumes, canvases and other accessories.
They also have a Mursala area in which prayers can be performed, except for fajr for now, but will soon be performing all five daily prayers. There will be Taraweeh here as well and women will be catered for.
In the Mursala area there are a wide of activities for adults and youth which include table tennis, archery, Mu Thai, other marshal-arts, Arabic lessons, quran lessons and lectures by Sheikhs.
The Centre will be hosting an event on 6 June called ''The Plea Of The Refugee'' at Michael's Oriental restaurant aimed at raising funds for Muslim Global Aid and their efforts in helping the Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. All proceeds will go to Muslim Global Aid.
There will be guest speakers from Sydney (Sheikh Khalid Isa, Sheikh Mohammad Doea and Sheikh Fias), a 3 course meal, auction night, appeal and other activities.
"Not that we need incentives to raise and give money to great causes as such," Samir of the iQraa Islamic Centre hastened to point out.
Tickets are $60 per person or $600 per table of 10. Businesses are encouraged to buy tables and donations are welcomed as well (click on poster thumbnail on the right for details).
Redlands Christian College transfers Muslim student teachers
Principal of Redlands College, Mark Bensley, transfers Muslim student teachers after they wear hijab to school
HE principal of a Christian College has come under fire for transferring two student teachers after they turned up for work dressed in traditional Muslim headwear.
The two women, in their final year of a teaching degree, had started a work placement at Redlands College this year.
In a newsletter addressed to the school�s parents on Tuesday, principal Mark Bensley (pictured below) outlined his reasons for dismissing the pair, explaining he had acted out of a �duty of care�.
�I have a duty of care to ensure that those teaching at the College are actively supporting the Christian principles, practices and beliefs of the College,� he wrote.
�I see the wearing of the hijab as openly acting in a manner that is contrary to or inconsistent with these principles, practices and beliefs.�
The principal explained that he had arranged for both students to transfer to another school to complete their respective field work.
�While I respect their desire to wear a hijab, I feel it�s inappropriate to do so at Redlands College,� he wrote.
A statement issued to The Sunday Mail said, as a Christian school, Redlands College �respects and loves all people, from all backgrounds and religions�.
�However we don�t hide our Christian values and we provide an important educational option for families seeking Christian education.
We are not aware that they (student teachers) had any concerns, and it is our understanding that all parties came to a mutual agreement for the benefit of all.�
Some parents at the school are believed to be unhappy with the student teachers� transfer, and leaders in the Muslim community have been left stunned.
Section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 allows employers to enforce a �genuine occupational requirement that workers act in a way that is consistent with the religious beliefs of the school�.
According to Independent Schools Queensland executive director David Robertson, Redlands College was within their rights to dismiss the two student teachers.
But that has done little to calm the Muslim community, with Islamic College of Brisbane principal Mubarak Noor disappointed by the news. �This is not good news, it�s a matter of concern to me,� he said.
Redlands College denied moving the students was at odds with Christian teachings of tolerance. �This has nothing to do with religious intolerance, which we condemn outright,� a school spokesman said.
Uniting Church Minister Reverend Anneli Sinnko said Mr Bensley�s actions directly contradict the basic foundations of the Christian faith.
Public slams Redlands College for transferring Muslim student teachers
QUEENSLANDERS have hit back at the principal of a Christian college after he organised a transfer for two student teachers who wore traditional Muslim headwear during a work experience placement this month.
The issue has sparked heated debate from Muslims and non-Muslims alike, with many angered by the schools� disregard for tolerance and equality.
One Redlands College parent, Jennie Duke, took to social media to express her disappointment at the school�s decision.
�So very sad that my daughter attends this school and my university sends our student teachers there,� Ms Duke wrote.
While some have labelled Redlands College �Redneck College�, others have questioned Mr Bensley�s Christian faith.
�It�s not very �Christian like� for a Christian school to tell student teachers that they are not welcome to teach and learn because they wear a hijab,� one user wrote.
�Shame on you Redlands College. This could have been a very good way to show Christian love and acceptance.�
It comes as a reader claiming to be one of the teachers says she called the school before starting to advise them that she was a Muslim and that she wore a headscarf.
Commenting on The Sunday Mail�s original story, reader �N� said she called the school to see if that would be a problem.
�I was advised that it would not be a problem as long as I was mindful of the school�s values and respected them,� the reader commented.
�I did meet Mr Bensley in the morning before I attended any observation lessons and he did not express any concerns with regards to my headscarf.�
The student teacher was advised the next day that Mr Bensley had sought a transfer for her and another Muslim student teacher who had been at the school for two weeks.
While the reader said she did not hold any grudges toward the school for the decision, she said the situation could easily have been avoided.
�I understand the need for Mr Bensley to consider the values of his school and the Christian faith when accepting or denying employees, students teachers or visitors to the school.
�However ... I do question why the school did not say something earlier.�
She also pointed out that students do not choose the schools for their placement � they are allocated schools by the university. She recommended more communication be made between schools and the university so the same thing did not happen again.
Head of Islamic Studies at Griffith University associate professor Dr Mohamad Abdalla said the situation was a very �unfortunate way of introducing two student teachers to the world of teaching.�
�These women are trying to become part of an education system to help our children and are met with prejudice,� Dr Abdalla said.
�Such behaviour goes against the very good work done by many churches and Christian groups in trying to build bridges of understanding between communities.�
�Nobody would have expected that a principal of a Christian college would have behaved in this way.�
According to Dr Abdalla, Mr Bensely�s decision could have a detrimental affect on the student�s he claimed he was acting on behalf of.
�It�s sending a message about people who are perceived as different, despite the fact that the student teachers had no impact on the students in terms of their persuasion because they were in training,� he said.
�If the principal of the school can behave in this way, it legitimises the similar behaviour of students of that school.�
The controversial principal has made headlines before after he openly supported the use of corporal punishment in In Queensland schools.
In a Sunday Mail article from 2009, Mr Bensley, who was then the principal of Bundaberg Christian College, said using a paddle to discipline students was a way to instil �boundaries, fairness and consistency.�
``A growing number of parents come to our school and say the school got their attention because it uses the paddle,�� Mr Bensley said.
``I would never use the paddle unless we have spoken to both parents and have their blessing for it to be used,�� Mr Bensley said.
``It is always administered in a loving way. In fact, we pray with them afterwards.��
�Christianity is about people showing respect to one another, but they haven�t, it�s discrimination,� Rev Sinnko said.
�He [Mr Bensley] may have been born in this society, but he needs to understand that other people come from other societies and respect them,� Rev Sinnko said.
�He has given a very bad example of Christianity to these people. That doesn�t give a good example to the students either, to condemn the teachers somewhere else.�
Sydney Muslim community leader Keysar Trad sounds out Labor, Liberals for federal seat
Sydney Muslim community leader Keysar Trad says he has spoken with both Labor and the Liberals about running for Federal Parliament, but neither has given him the nod.
Mr Trad has told the ABC he was in eight months of negotiations with the Labor Party before the last federal election, but they went nowhere.
But a senior Labor source says the talks were aimed at discouraging him at running as an independent in the Lower House seat of Blaxland, which is held by Labor's Jason Clare.
Mr Trad was invited to join Labor and continue making a contribution from within the party.
But Mr Trad did not take up the invitation, and says he is now interested in seeking preselection from the Liberal Party to run in the Senate.
"I haven't joined any political party, however I would not discount the possibility of one day joining a party," Mr Trad told the ABC.
"I've raised the issue with improving the community's representations with both parties, but they've made no promises.
"I've had a couple of casual discussions with Liberal figures but there are no promises of anything."
He said a Muslim friend active in the Queensland Liberal National Party had talked to him about filling a Senate vacancy in Queensland but "nothing eventuated".
"I'm interested in giving more representation for my community, for me my preference is federal, my preference is an Upper House seat," he said.
Mr Trad said he supported socially progressive policies as well as traditional values.
He said his priority was human rights and he would be at home in either party if they allowed him to continue being outspoken on the issue.
"My ideology is to serve humanity, I'm sort of the harmony between the two [parties]," he said.
But he said if he joined the Liberal Party, his first "stumbling block" would be over the issue of free access to Medicare and the Coalition's proposed fee for GP visits.
"I would be fighting within the party and sending a strong message that Medicare should always be accessible to everybody," he said.
Cory Bernardi not convinced Liberals need a 'party shopper'
But Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi has cast doubt on whether Mr Trad would be welcome in the party, because of his views on issues involving Islam.
"I'm not convinced the Liberal Party needs a 'party shopper' in search of a political career - particularly one whose agenda includes the acceptance of sharia law in Australia and advocacy for polygamous marriage," Senator Bernardi told the ABC.
"Of course that's ultimately a matter for the respective party organisation."
Mr Trad has previously advocated for some aspects of sharia law but has said that he does not advocate its penal code.
Today he said some Coalition figures had made "very Islam-phobic statements" and said they needed to "interact more with Muslims".
He said Government whip Phillip Ruddock and NSW Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells attended a multicultural event he held at Parliament House on Tuesday night, while Attorney-General George Brandis had planned to attend.
Mr Trad said that was evidence many in the Liberal Party would welcome increased input from the Muslim community.
But he condemned New South Wales Senator Bill Heffernan's fake pipe bomb stunt, claiming it was directed at him and his event.
"I am very concerned that Bill Heffernan pulled his security stunt the night before our function," he said.
"Obviously that sends the wrong message to my community.
"The only way to address that cynicism is to educate them. This makes it crucial that the Liberal Party needs many more Muslims working with it to help them see that Muslims are part and parcel of Australian society.
"We are here and part of Australian society; there is nowhere else for us to go.
"This is one of the reasons why we need to be in there. There are clearly people in the party who don't have correct information about Islam," he said.
Oldest Mosque in Australia at 126 years
The Friday Food Team at the Kuraby Mosque has raised in excess of $48 000 this financial year from its curry and rice sales.
Not only does this provide a delicious lunch for the Mosque attendees on a Friday afternoon, but it is a significant income source for the ongoing upkeep of the Mosque.
Mr Waqar Khan, a leading member of the Team, told CCN: "It was a great effort by everyone and please include all the donors and volunteers in your duas."
Mr Imraan Nathie, speaking on behalf of the Mosque trustees, told CCN: "Alhumdulillah, they have made a fantastic contribution. May Allah give them the best of rewards and long may they continue, Insha'Allah."
"Muslim community �too lax� on jihad risk"
THE Muslim community has failed to grasp the serious threat posed by young men travelling to the battlefields of Syria and has become �passive� in the face of a growing problem, one of Australia�s top police officers has warned.
The head of the NSW Counter Terrorism Squad, Assistant Commissioner Peter Dein (pictured left), has issued a rare rebuke to senior members of the Sunni Muslim community, saying they have not done enough to discourage young Muslim men from joining the Syrian jihad.
With the number of extremists travelling to Syria believed to be escalating, Mr Dein said the Muslim community had failed to grasp the serious threat posed by returning fighters.
�The community is being very passive about the problem,�� Mr Dein told The Australian. �They�re not openly discouraging fellow community members from travelling. There are some that do, but some community spokespeople who are well respected are not necessarily taking an active role in trying to convince the community not to travel and get involved.��
More than 150 Australians are believed to be actively involved in the conflict in Syria. Almost all are fighting with one of two rebel jihadist groups: Jabhat al Nusra or the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Both are banned terror groups.
Authorities worry that when the conflict ends, they will face a wave of trained, battle-hardened extremists, some of whom could attempt to strike at targets here in Australia. Mr Dein stressed there was �no evidence�� that was happening yet, nor was there any acute threat to the community. However, he expressed concern at the feedback police had received from members of the Muslim community � that Syrian jihadists were interested only in toppling the regime of Bashir al-Assad. �Now the community�s saying to us, that�s never going to be a problem,�� Mr Dein said. �Some community spokespeople are basically saying, well, those that are interested in going over there are only interested in acting on overseas soil and would never come back to the homeland with an intention to do any harm. I hope that is the case. But I just don�t know.�
Building relationships with Australia�s Muslim community has become a core element of counter-terrorism policing, both at the state and federal level. The NSW Police and the AFP meet regularly with Islamic leaders and relations between the parties are considered good.
However, police often complain about the fractious nature of Islamic politics, particularly in southwest Sydney, where much of the engagement work takes place.
And Mr Dein�s comments are a public expression of a frustration police often express privately: that the Sunni Muslim community has failed to �own�� the Syrian problem. The president of the Lebanese Muslim Association, Samir Dandan (pictured right), emphatically rejected those claims yesterday.
His community had not been supine in the face of the Syrian problem, he said, describing Mr Dein�s comments as �very unfair��.
�The community has gone out of its way to address this,�� Mr Dandan told The Australian. �The extremity of the problem is felt by the community. If people are killed, it�s felt by family and friends.��
The majority of Muslims �don�t necessarily agree with the youth going to Syria��.
Mr Dandan did echo one of the concerns raised by Mr Dein � the belief Australians in Syria are a threat only to the Syrian regime, not their communities.
�We see this as being blown out of proportion because these guys are going to fight for a cause and Australia is not part of that.�
Masjid Ibrahim in Perth was officially opened on Saturday
Some 150 delegates attended the Al Kauthar course, The Muslim DNA, held last week.
For a report on how the course was received click here.
Al Kauthar Institute is an academic education provider of Islamic Studies, operating in 9 countries worldwide. In Brisbane, they offer weekend, university-level courses roughly every 3 months. Disciplines include Islamic theology, jurisprudence, Qur�anic studies, history and personal development.
Attending an Al Kauthar course will give you access to the course audio recordings (easily downloadable from your profile) to brush up after the course, or if you were not able to attend the entire weekend, as well as student forums, if you have any further questions. You will also get the course notes and Q&A sessions with the instructor during the weekend. We provide free refreshments during the breaks and lunch is available to order on the day.
For more information go to www.alkauthar.org, and mark your calendar for 20th and 21st September for their next course, Prayer make Perfect. Look out in CCN for more details to follow soon.
This week the town of Roma in west Queensland commenced jum'ah prayer in one of the local houses.
The contact persons are Brs. Abdul Wahid on 0449092925 and Sarwar from Bangladesh on 0459 996 939
A SECOND mosque will be built in Cairns after the council gave the nod for a new worship centre in Bungalow.
Cairns regional councillors yesterday voted unanimously to allow a 180sq m shed in the city�s industrial precinct to be turned into a mosque.
The proposed Indonesian Community Centre and accompanying caretaker�s residence will use an existing house and industrial shed on the Newell St property.
The centre is backed by the Association of Islamic Da�wah in Australia, which also has mosques in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane.
Cr John Schilling, whose southern division includes a Sikh temple on the Bruce Highway, was concerned about potential parking issues if the mosque congregation grew.
But founder Laode Fasihun said the mosque was expected to attract only a small number of worshippers, predominantly made of up nine local families.
�As a community centre, we would welcome anyone who comes but at the moment it will be only a small group,� he said. �If there is future growth we�d look at buying a bigger place with more parking.�
A report to councillors showed the proposal included nine on-site parking spaces, several on-street parking spaces and a planned upgrade to the road reserve to allow for another space.
Peak usage will be on Wednesday and Friday nights between 6pm and 8pm and on Friday between 12.30pm and 1.30pm, when an estimated 20 people will be in attendance.
A comparison between the Dunn St Islamic mosque in Cairns North shows the planned Bungalow mosque will be on a bigger lot size and attract fewer worshippers during peak times.
Mr Fasihun said the group had worked closely with council to find a suitable location for the mosque.
The council received only one submission � in support of the project � during a 28-day public notification period.
Source: Cairns Post
Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) held its 50th Anniversary Congress on 27th May, followed by its 50th Anniversary Dinner in the Great Hall of Parliament House, Canberra.
In attendance were Their Excellency's General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, and Lady Cosgrove who joined with members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, community members from across Australia and invited guests from the broader community and the religious fraternity.
Senator the Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services and representing the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, and the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Leader of the Opposition, led a large delegation of political leaders attending the function.
The event was chaired by the former Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Gary Hardgrave and featured His Grace Bishop Kevin Manning (Retd) as the keynote speaker addressing shared values.
"We are honoured and privileged to be hosting the Governor General and Lady Cosgrove for this very important occasion for Australia�s Muslim community and for the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils," said Mr Hafez Kassem, President of AFIC.
"My most earnest prayer at this occasion is for peace on earth and for harmony in our world.
�I am very grateful to the members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, Members of Parliament and all the community leaders who have joined in celebrating this special event," he concluded.
Hon Bill Shorten's speech on the night is available here.
Queensland rejects push to make Muslim women remove burqas
Independent MP's bill would have empowered police to require people to remove any face covering to establish their identity
The Queensland government has rejected a push by independents and minor parties to force Muslim women to remove their burqas or veils to prove their identity.
The bill, introduced by the independent MP for Nicklin, Peter Wellington, would have allowed lawyers, police, prison officers, justices of the peace and other �persons of responsibility� to require a person to remove any face covering to establish their identity.
Wellington said the measure was especially necessary in light of the upcoming G20 meeting in Brisbane. �It is not about religion; it is about doing the right thing, about making sure there is security in Queensland,� he said.
He said the bill has �nothing to do with Islam� and cited a 2011 statement from the Australian National Imams� council permitting Muslim women to prove their identity by removing their veils if ordered to do so by authorities.
The private member�s bill was supported by the independent Gladstone MP, Liz Cunningham, as well as members of the Palmer United party and Katter�s Australia party.
�This bill is about security in Queensland,� KAP�s leader in Queensland, Ray Hopper, said. �When your face is covered up and you have a big overhanging coat or dress on, you do not know whether you are male or female. All you can see are the eyes of someone, and that is a very dangerous situation that the people of Queensland may be facing.�
The state attorney-general, Jarrod Bleijie, declined to support the bill, saying he believed in �a free and democratic society�.
�This government believes in a multicultural Queensland. This government respects the rights of its citizens and individuals to practise the religion that they so choose,� he said.
Labor also voted against the bill.
Similar legislation was passed in New South Wales in 2011 after a Sydney woman, Carnita Matthews, used the fact that her identity was obscured by the religious garment to dodge a six-month jail sentence for deliberately making a false statement.
Matthews told police that an officer tried to tear off her burqa when she was pulled over in traffic, a claim that patrol car footage proved was untrue. She successfully argued that because her face was completely covered when she made the false statement there was no way to prove it was her.
Wellington took to Facebook on Thursday to voice his displeasure, saying it �beggars belief� that Bleijie labelled the law as racist, as he was the �architect of VLAD [Queensland�s anti-bikie legislation], the most racist laws ever adopted in this state�.
Every fourth Sunday of the month the Brisbane Bosnian community holds a lunch and fundraising event at the Rochedale Mosque for their new building nearing completion.
Brotherhood Boxn: Gym for young Muslim men in Greenacre under threat of closure by Bankstown Council
NSW: A boxing gym, established after the Cronulla riots in Sydney in 2005, has been offering young Muslim men a positive alternative through a unique mix of sport and religion.
Now, the weekly Friday prayer sessions at Greenacre's Brotherhood Boxn gym are at risk of being shut down after the local council threatened legal action.
In a statement to the ABC, a Bankstown City Council spokesperson says the current site has consent for a boxing gym but not a public place of worship.
"We have been advised by the owner he will submit a new development application for use, which will incorporate a place of public worship on Fridays," the statement said.
"To date, we have not received an application."
The council says they have received many complaints about parking in the area on Fridays. These are being investigated.
Gym owner Muhummad Alyatim says he will comply with council requirements but refuses to stop the weekly prayers.
We've stopped some shootings, we've stopped families going to war, we've stopped brothers going to war against each other.
Muhummad Alyatim
"We started to hold sermons, the Friday sermons as this is part of our religion," he said.
"I've started to take it on a new level, reach out to them [youth] obviously to speak their language and give them the reality of what's going on in their life and what the religion teaches and how to behave in today's life.
"We'll keep fighting to whatever it takes to make Bankstown Council understand that we need this place here for them, especially Friday sermons."
Mr Alyatim says if the gym ceases to offer Friday prayers or is shut down, it will be a disaster for wayward youth.
"If Brotherhood Boxn wasn't here or to be closed down or anything like that, then obviously these children will stay on the streets where these gangs or bikie groups are open and taking them in," he said.
'It all starts in the hood'
At one of the Friday prayer sermons, Mr Alyatim preaches that worshippers should turn away from the streets and go back to respecting their parents.
His style is raw and straightforward.
"They say live by the street, die by the street. But let me tell you something, you're living on the edge," the gym's head boxing coach says in the sermon.
Every Friday up to 100 faithful come to Brotherhood Boxn gym for the prayer service.
Mr Alyatim, who is 41 and a father of two, set up the gym in 2005 after the Cronulla riots.
He says it began as a refuge for young men of Middle Eastern backgrounds who felt angry and disenfranchised after the series of events that year.
"A lot of the youth struggled [with] where they wanted to go, so we said we'll set up a place, a home for these young kids where they can come to," he said.
Nine years later the gym has grown into a small community and its motto is "It all starts in the 'hood".
There are boxing classes for adults and children every day. Children as young as five take part.
The gym has also become a refuge for current and former criminals to box, pray and get their lives back on track.
"A lot of people known to police do come here, but they are slowly changing their lives," Mr Alyatim said.
"We are talking about gangs, whether it's bikie gangs or regular gangs out on the street, and we are open to all these gangs, obviously on the condition of them turning their lives around.
"It'll never happen in a flash but they have great character and they are working towards that."
'We've stopped brothers going to war against each other'
Mr Alyatim says the gym is helping to stop crime occurring.
"We've stopped some shootings, we've stopped families going to war, we've stopped brothers going to war against each other," he said.
"This is what we're all about and we'll go to extreme lengths to stop all these type of things. You would want them inside here than out on the streets.
"I've had a lot of boys that have left gangs that have come here and they put their trust in me."
Head boxing trainer Yasser agrees.
"There are some boys that came here every day, not to train but to hang out," he said.
"The truth is the majority of our clientele aren't here to box, they're here for community help. It gets them off the streets.
"It's a bit of a jungle out there and it's easy to do bad things."
The trainer says the focus is on building a culture of brotherhood rather than a gym of professional boxers.
"We're not really here to breed fighters, if we do it's a bonus," he said. "It's more a gathering for all brothers.
"The gym is for all people, we have different types of nationalities, different religions and different colours."
He says if the gym closes it will be a disaster for the local community, particularly Greenacre.
Young men find refuge in gym's 'brotherhood'
Ibrahim Nemre was a young man caught up in a life of crime.
"It was all about fun, going out, making easy money, having a laugh," he said.
"There are drugs, gangs, hanging out at night, just making trouble."
The 21-year-old said the turning point was when he realised he needed to change and decided to join the gym.
"Once I got into a bit of trouble with the law, I thought to myself I need to change, I need to do something," he said.
"The brothers here kept inviting me ...'come to the gym, come to the gym'.
"The times that I have come I've found it keeps me away from everything bad. It has actually brought me closer to my religion, they stop training, they pray."
The Greenacre local says the gym is now part of his daily life.
"I come here nearly every day," he said. "It keeps me away from a lot of bad. I relieve my stress on [punching] bags."
He says the gym culture of the brotherhood is a big attraction.
"We've built a brotherhood here. It's not he's my [boxing] trainer, it's like he's my older brother," Mr Nemre said.
"If he tells me off, I don't take it as him putting it on me, he's helping me out, he wants what's best for me."
Mr Nemre says he can see the effects the gym is having on others as well.
"I see a lot of people that I used to see outside on the streets coming and changing," he said. "Personally, I wouldn't know what to replace it with."
Other gym attendees say the gym offers a unique space for young people to gather.
"Every week I look forward to Friday prayers," said 20-year-old Hamza.
"We sit with each other, we speak, we have a laugh, and it's a beautiful gathering."
Gym regular and Greenacre local Anas Koueider agrees.
"If this place was to close, there are a lot of kids that will be lost," the 24-year-old said.
"They'll be on the streets, up to no good. This is their outlet, this is their program."
We are seeking a qualified and experienced Primary Teacher for our
BURANDA CAMPUS
Please forward CV to:
ATTENTION PRINCIPAL
Email: admin@aiic.qld.edu.au
Applications close 15th June 2014
PH: 3372-1400
CERTIFICATE III IN AGED CARE
Nadhmi Auchi $2.2bn ($2.3bn) UK (Iraq)
Nadhmi Auchi is a British-Iraqi businessman, who moved to the UK in the 1980s, and is chairman of the Anglo-Arab Organisation with stakes in construction and trading companies in Iraq.
Auchi founded Luxembourg-based General Mediterranean Holdings, which has business segments in banking and finance, real estate, construction, hotel and leisure, industrial, trading and pharmaceuticals, communications, IT and aviation.
Its interests today span across the Mediterranean and beyond with over 120 companies employing some 11,000 staff with representation in the Middle East, Northern Africa, Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, the Asia subcontinent and the Pacific Rim.
The group�s consolidated assets now exceed $4bn. Hotel holdings include Le Royal in Luxembourg, Amman, Beirut, Tangier and Tunis.
He has been honoured for his services to the business community by the Queen, and Pope John Paul II, among others.
Source: ArabianBusiness
Photos To Change The Way We Look At Muslim American Women
By Basma Sayedi
THRIVAL ROOM
To commemorate Women�s History Month, we collected photos of Muslim American women.
We�ve compiled thirty-two images. One for each day of March, plus another because no one month can contain the awesomeness of Muslim Women.
These images show the status and the importance of Muslim women in our society. Muslim women are liberated, educated, and play the most important roles in our society.
Update: The purpose and intent of this article is not to showcase the ethnic and racial diversity of Muslimahs. No one article can do that. We meant to express the diversity of the roles Muslimahs play in society and to begin to re-frame how they are thought about. Going forward we will make sure to be all inclusive.
(9) Aliyah Mohammed � Professional Journalist
Another from the collection in next week's CCN.
Source: Trivial Room: Your eye into Muslim America
Need for more stringent rules of conversion to prevent abuse, say Shariah lawyers
MALAYSIA: Recent protracted custody battles involving Malaysians who have converted to Islam and the conversion of children highlight the need to tighten the rules of conversion to ensure they are not misused, say Shariah lawyers.
They said more stringent rules were needed for conversion to Islam, including when a person wants to convert for marriage. Those wanting to marry Muslims in Malaysia must convert to the faith, which is the country's official religion.
Shariah lawyer Zaini Zainol urged the government and religious authorities not to get over-excited when individuals of other faiths convert to Islam as many were merely conversions of convenience.
He warned that this would only result in some of these individuals wanting out of the religion at some point as their reasons for embracing Islam were not sincere in the first place.
He said that many were converting to Islam because their marriages ran into trouble and they wanted to have custody of the children.
"I appeal to the religious authorities to recognise these issues before they get over-excited about conversions to Islam.
"Let us not allow Islam to be used as a game for certain individuals who want to use it for their unfair advantage," Zaini said, adding that it would only give the religion a bad name.
His advice comes in the wake of the Court of Appeal�s rejection on Wednesday of a Muslim convert's bid to get custody of his children from his ex-wife, S. Deepa (pictured above), a Hindu.
Saudi policeman caught resting shoe on Kaaba, sparks media outrage
SAUDI ARABIA: A picture of a Saudi policeman leaning on Makkah�s sacred Kaaba with his shoes against the wall has prompted media outrage on Wednesday.
Makkah governor, Prince Mishal Bin Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, has ordered an investigation into the incident, saying such an attitude would not be tolerated.
Prince Mishal also called for disciplinary action against the policeman for failing to live up to the privilege and honor of serving in such a holy place.
Saudi newspapers reported the news, expressing shock at the image, while on social media, reactions to the picture varied.
Reactions ranged from �gentle understanding of his condition after hours of confronting challenges to outright condemnation for not respecting the sanctity of the place,� according to Gulf News.
Displaying the sole of one�s foot or touching someone, or something sacred, with a shoe or with feet is considered highly offensive in the Arab culture.
The Kaaba is at the center of Islam's most sacred mosque, al-Masjid al-Haram, in Makkah.
Multiple parts of the Hajj pilgrimage requires pilgrims to make Tawaf, circumambulation, seven times around the Kaaba.
Source: Al Arabiya News
Provocative Islamic sign that says 'Do not walk your dog here! Muslims don't like dogs' investigated by police
UK: A sign declaring a London park an �Islamic area� and ordering dog walkers to stay away because �Muslims do not like dogs� is being investigated by police.
The warning, branded �alarming and divisive� by the local council, appeared in Bartlett Park in east London�s Poplar.
It read: "Do not walk your dog here! Muslims do not like dogs. This is an Islamic area now."
Local Labour MP Jim Fitzpatrick alerted police to the sign after a dog walker complained.
"The question is whether it was put up by the EDL to be provocative or by religious zealots to be racist," he told the Evening Standard.
"It's another facet of intolerance, or, because there's no guarantee it was done by Islamists, it could be those in society who are trying to polarise and divide us."
He called on the culprit responsible for the sign to �pack it in�.
Police have removed the offending message and conducted additional patrols in the area.
"Bartlett Park does not have any history of community tension; however we are investigating the posting of these signs and conducting additional patrols to ensure that community reassurance and confidence are maintained in the area,� Tower Hamlets Borough Commander Dave Stringer said.
A Tower Hamlets council spokesman said the poster was "alarming and divisive".
Source: The Independent
What was pork doing in a chocolate factory?
MALAYSIA: Chocolate lovers were this week shocked to discover that some of Cadbury�s products were recalled after it emerged that they had traces of pork. This discovery makes the affected products haram but it�s yet to be established what the source of the pig DNA contamination was. Until now, consumers � notably members of the Muslim community in Malaysia, where the news of contaminated Cadbury chocolate broke � were under the impression that this product was halaal.
As things stand, notes Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) spokesperson Uma Ramaswamy Iyer, Malaysia lacks proper halaal-related laws. To this end, CAP has written to that south Asian nation�s government to have this situation fixed. But, the civil-based organisation predicts resistance from the multinational and industrialist private sector lobbyists who, Ramaswamy told Sabahul Khair this morning, stand to benefit from the prevailing lack of clarity. Meanwhile, Malaysia is a major halaal product-exporting nation.
Muslims in Malaysia call for Jihad on Cadbury and Mondelez after pig DNA found
ANGRY Muslims in Malaysia demand a Jihad, or holy war, be declared on confectionery company Cadbury and their parent company after traces of pig DNA were found.
In response Cadbury Malaysia is pulling Cadbury Dairy Milk hazelnut and Cadbury Dairy Milk roast almond from shelves in the Islamic country, Reuters reports.
A group of more than 20 Muslim organisations condemned the UK-based company, owned by Mondelēz International, saying �it has crossed the line.�
�They have betrayed us Muslims by putting �haram� elements through the foods we consume in our body, to weaken us Muslims,� said Abu Bakar Yahya, chief of Muslim group, Perkasa Selangor, at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaymailonline reports.
Some Muslim organisations even called for a Jihad to be declared against Cadbury for its �betrayal.�
The Malaysian Islamic Development Department was urged to take legal action against Cadbury.
The Malaysian Health Ministry confirmed that traces of porcine DNA had been picked up in a routine check for non-halal substances in Cadbury products. According to Islamic law, Muslims cannot consume pork or any products derived from it.
�Ensuring that all our products made here in Malaysia are halal is something we take very seriously,� Cadbury Malaysia said in a Facebook posting.
Malaysian Health Minister Subramaniam Sathasivam told press that Cadbury was now cooperating with the Ministry and sharing samples to ascertain where the porcine DNA came from.
�We want to know how the product became contaminated with pig DNA. The health ministry will also do additional tests,� said Subramaniam.
Cadbury Malaysia sales are a small fraction of the around 15 per cent of the company�s revenues that come from the Asia-Pacific region, but concerns over halal standards could jeopardise sales in bigger Muslim markets, such as Indonesia and the Middle East.
Malaysia Example Of Political Wisdom Of Muslims In Modern World - Muslim Scholar
PUTRAJAYA, May 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is an example of the political wisdom of which Muslims in the modern world are capable of, says prominent Muslim scholar Dr Farhan Ahmad Nizami.
In his observation, he said Malaysia had demonstrated that where social and historical circumstances permitted and outside influences did not prevent, Muslims could build a stable society alongside non-Muslims.
The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies founder director said Malaysia was a thriving nation whose Muslims, through their embrace of modernity, remained true to what was universal in their cultural and religious values.
"I know there are tensions. But the point is that ways have been learnt to contain the tensions, and they are ways of peace. Differences, intelligently managed have been converted into the advantages of diversity and moderation," he said when delivering his lecture at the Putrajaya Premier Lecture Series at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) here Tuesday.
Five Muslims among Forbes� list of 100 most powerful women
Five Muslim women have made it to Forbes� list of the 100 most powerful women published online on Wednesday.
Prime Minister of Bagladesh Shiekh Hasina Wajid has been given the rank of 47 on the list, the highest among the five.
Following Wajid is Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi ; Minister of International Cooperation and Development in United Arab Emirates at number 55.
From the ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia, Lubna S. Olayan; CEO of Olayan Financing Company, was listed as the 86th most powerful woman.
The fourth Muslim woman who made it to the list was Sheikha Mayassa Al Thani; daughter of Qatar royal family and chairperson of Qatar Museums Authority. Al Thani has been ranked on 91.
The fifth wonder �Muslimah� was Fatima Al Jaber at 94th rank. She is the Chief Operating Officer of leading construction firm Al Jaber Group in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The list is topped by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, followed by United States� head of Federal Reserve Janet Yellen on second. The third spot was won by Melinda Gates; founder of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation who has granted more than $26 billion for global philanthropic causes.
The list, dominated by Americans, constitutes of women excelling in their fields of politics, finance, philanthropy, business, technology, media, showbiz, real estate, mining, fashion and retail, health care, engineering and oil.
Three women from India were also included in the list.
Source: Pakistan Today
Saudi Arabia anger over Playboy model wife of Al-Hilal�s new football coach
SAUDI ARABIA: ONE day after signing to a US$2.5 million contract, a major football club�s new coach faces the sack because of his wife.
Romanian Laurențiu Reghecampf�s appointment as coach of Saudi Arabia�s most widely supported and successful club, Al-Hilal, is already shrouded in controversy.
Reghecampf�s wife Ann Maria Prodan, the first female FIFA-licensed agent in Romania, has posed nude for Playboy, is a noted Las Vegas gambler � which has angered fans in the Islamic kingdom � as have her tattoos.
Fans of Al Hilal, who famously beat Manchester United in a testimonial match in 2008, have taken to Twitter to express their condemnation of Prodan, Al-Arabiya News reported.
�The wife of al-Hilal�s manager works as club president, activist, agent and former addict. My comment is: a coach who is unable to control his wife, how can he control [al-Hilal player Nawaf] Al Abed,� wrote Faisal al-Mohlaki (@faisalalmohlaki).
Alumni Distinguished Service Award: Khalid Latif
Pakistan wins at the International Gourmand Awards
Pakistan�s independent publishers Markings� first dessert based cookbook, Deliciously Yours by chocolatier Lal Majid won prestigious Gourmand Award for Best Pastry Sweets Cookbook in the World, beating culinary giants Italy and France who were also shortlisted for this category at the International Gourmand Awards Ceremony held in Beijing during the first Beijing Cookbook Fair which took place from May 19 to May 21. According to a press release, the cookbook was also nominated in two other categories: Best First Cookbook and Best Chocolate Cookbook.
This is the first time that a book from an independent Pakistani publisher has been recognised and awarded on an international platform, competing against 187 countries. Indeed the annual Gourmand Awards have established themselves as the premier cookbook recognition authority and are widely regarded by international journalists as the Oscars of the Cookbook Awards.
Speaking about Pakistan�s win at the Gourmand Awards, CEO of Markings, Kiran Aman said, �This has been a very proud moment for us as Pakistanis � it is the first time that the work of an independent publisher from our country has been awarded internationally. It is a great source of pride to have our work recognized by one of the world�s most prestigious authorities in cookbooks, winning the Gourmand Award for our first ever dessert based title.�
Source: The Express Tribune
KB says: Aakifah Suleman's version of this most enjoyable of desserts which she loads with nuts, marshmallows, Turkish Delights, chocolates and fresh raspberries is heaps better than you can buy from a confectioner. Try it and you won't be disappointed, its much more delicious than it looks!
Turkish delight and rocky road ice-cream log
Preparation time: 25 mins plus overnight freezing time
Cooking oil spray, to grease
2 cups frozen raspberries, partially thawed
2 Tbsp icing sugar mixture
600ml thickened cream
� cup pistachios, chopped
1 cup pink marshmallows, chopped
150g rose flavoured Turkish delight, finely chopped
� cup shredded coconut, lightly toasted
100g dark chocolate, finely chopped
Fresh raspberries, to serve
1. Spray base and sides of a 25 x 15cm deep loaf tin with cooking oil. Line with baking paper.
2. Put berries and icing sugar in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Set aside.
3. Put eggs, yolks and caster sugar in a large heatproof bowl. Put bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Beat, using a handheld electric mixer, for about 5 minutes or until thick and pale. Remove from heat and beat for a further 8 minutes to cool to room temperature.
4. Beat cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold through egg mixture until just combined. Fold in pistachios, marshmallow, Turkish delight, coconut and chocolate. Spoon into prepared tin. Top with berry mixture and gently fold through to create a swirled effect. Freeze for 8 hours or overnight.
5. To serve, turn out log onto a chilled serving plate. Top with fresh raspberries and slice, using a large serrated knife.
Q: Dear Kareema, it�s time to turn things around and start leading a healthier lifestyle. I�ve put on far too much weight and can really feel it �dragging me down�. Please help..
A: Good on you! It sounds like you have already taken the first step which is to recognise that your lifestyle needs to change. Your time is now! So start making these changes today.
For weight loss results that will last, studies have shown that starting an exercise and eating plan at the same time is key. Make sure you have a clearance from your GP and start by walking or do activities that you enjoy.
Plan healthy meals and watch your portion size. Be sure to include at least 5 � 9 servings of fruit and veg daily and limit your intake of saturated fats.
Gradually increase the intensity of your exercises and always remember that you have to be consistent. So challenge yourself and never give up.
N-JOY!
Mula Nasruddin and his wife had been out shopping for hours when his wife realizes that her husband has disappeared.
So she calls his cellphone.
�Where are you!?� she yells.
�Habibi,� Mula Nasruddin says, �do you remember that jewellery shop, the one where you saw that diamond necklace you loved? But I didn�t have enough money at the time, so I said, �Habibi, it�ll be yours one day�?�
�Yes!� she shouts, excitedly.
�Well, I�m in the store right next to it buying some coffee.�
...If a husband divorces his wife (irrevocably), he cannot, after that, re-marry her until after she has married another husband and he has divorced her. In that case there is no blame on either of them if they re-unite, provided they feel that they can keep the limits ordained by Allah, which He makes plain to those who understand.
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:230
Al-Khitan Circumcisions
Continental Meats GOLD COAST
NOTE NEW NO. 0468342127
Desi Thread
Compton Mediclinic
Sleeves for Sale
SunKids
Pari Collections
Shariff's Computer Services
Computer Servicing
CassonIT Solutions
Computer Servicing & Systems
Lil Umah
Watany Man-oushi Lebanese Foods
Dial a Local Doctor
Baby Care Solutions
(read information sheet)
Early Parenting Guidance
Goss Bros
Refrigerated Transport & Cold Storage
Shailly Beauty & Reiki
Fathima Abdoola
United Hearts
Family Day Care Scheme
Apparel by Aliyah
Hijab Friendly Fashion
Modern Muslimah
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Loan Market
HD Arabic TV
Brisbane Valley Gold
Achar (Pickles)
1 Stop Pizza & Kebab (menu)
Precise Consulting
GOSS BROTHERS GROWING
Goss Brothers is a Muslim family business based on the Gold Coast and having over 30 years experience in Cold Storage and Refrigerated Logistics, with a fleet of over 30 vehicles have just added another addition to the fleet, the latest model Isuzu FVL1400 Refrigerated Truck. This specialised vehicle is capable of reaching temperatures of minus 30 degrees.
The fleet of Goss Brothers trucks covers the whole of the South East QLD area from our base on the Gold Coast to Northern NSW, including Brisbane all the way up to the Sunshine Coast and out to Toowoomba.
40 years working with the community the Managing Director Hussin Goss has for a long time supported the Muslim community through fundraising and community charity events.
Goss Bros Refrigerated Transport supports the new charity organization called the AYIA FOUNDATION and are encouraging other Muslim businesses to unite and help their brothers and sisters that are in need.
Find out how to get your full size ad in this box by emailing
1/8/15/22 June
Ramadan Recharge Skype Lecture Series
Sisters' House Services Inc. Sisters' House, RUNCORN
10am & 11am
The Plea of the Refugee: Fund Raising Dinner
iQraa Islamic Centre Michael's Oriental Restaurant
International Food Festival hosted by Kuraby Mosque
Kuraby Mosque Islamic College of Brisbane
45 Acacia Rd, KARAWATHA
6.30pm to 10.30pm
Lailatul Bhahraat (Nisf of Sha�baan 1435)
Millatu-Ibrahim Part2
Muslims4
SoundKnowledge Kingston Butter Box Theatre, Milky Way Lane, Kingston, Qld
Fund raiser dinner for Logan Mosque
Islamic Society of Logan City Islamic College of Brisbane, KARAWATHA
6.30pmx`x
Islam & Democracy PLUS Muslims In The West
Giltz & Glamour Night (for women only)
Al-Nisa IWAQ Hall, SPRINGWOOD
1st of Ramadhan 1435
Lailatul Qadr (Night of Power)
End of Ramadhan 1435
Eid Fund Raising Dinner for Palestine
AMARAH Michael's Oriental Restaurant
Eidfest Rocklea Showgrounds
1st Muharram 1436 (Islamic New Year)
Day of Aashooraa (10th day of Muharram)
Prophet�s Birthday 12th Rabi-ul Awwal 1436
Topic = Tafseer lessons
Venue = Masjid Taqwa, Bald Hills, Qld 4036
Day = Every Monday | Time = After Esha salah | Period = approximately 30 minutes
Presenter = Mufti Junaid Akbar
Cost = free, and InShaAllah Allah will give great reward
Who can come = All brothers and sisters are welcome to attend
Please note that these recordings will be available for downloading from our website masjidtaqwa.org.au.
Thursday 22 May 2014 Mt Gravatt Police Station, 2132 Logan Road, Upper Mt Gravatt
Thursday 21 August 2014 Mt Gravatt Police Station, 2132 Logan Road, Upper Mt Gravatt
Thursday 20 November 2014 Mt Gravatt Police Station, 2132 Logan Road, Upper Mt Gravatt
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