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64 1437 2016
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ALWASAT Issue 64 Jumada Al-awwal 1437 February 2016

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2016 1437 64
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2016 1437 64

25

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Al-Taqwa College has

launched the Dawaah and
Hifz programs
Al-Taqwa College has recently launched the Dawah and Hifz Programs.The Programs runs
during school days where participating students arrive to school an hour early and for
another 3 hours on Saturday.
Al-Hamdulilah, in a very short time, and from a modest start of 25 selected students from our primary
and secondary, the number has increased to 200 participants on Saturdays.
The main aim of the program is to produce Hafazaah (Quran memorisers) and future ambassadors who
will be able to spread the word of Islam and give the best presentation of ourreligion. It will also equip
the participants with ample knowledge about Islam.
www.alwasat.com.au
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2016 1437 64
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64 1437 2016
Islamic association of logan city/Masjid Al salam
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0406914631
please donate and

help us help our local
muslim community.
ANZ Bank
*Account Name: Islamic
Association of Logan City
Incorporated
BSB: 014 279
Account Number: 3728 54728
Please call hajj jamal on
0406914631
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15
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Islamic Museum of Australia & Dubai Culture Present
2016 1437 64
LEGAL & R ELIGIOUS M ARRIAGE C ELEBRANT
Sheikh Moustapha Sarakibi
English/Arabic proficient
ISLAMIC COINS
0402 337 304

m_sarakibi@hotmail.com
A Journey Through Islamic Civilisation Exhibition
12th March 2016 30th May 2016

Celebrate the launch of Australias rst Islamic Coins Exhibition at the IMA, presenting 100
original gold Dinars dating from the Umayyad period
through to the Ottoman era.
Journey coin by coin, through the Empires, Sultanates, Khanates, Caliphates and territories
from which these coins are derived.
The rich his
history of Islamic nance is illuminated in this showcase, comprising part of a vast
personal collection belonging to coin specialist, Abdullah Bin Jassim Al Mutairi. This renowned
Emirati historian and numismatist* has 15,000 coins in his collection, representing one of the
largest and most rare collections in the world.
Al Mutairi is regarded as an international expert in this eld, sought out by fellow coin
researchers and institutions the world over, engaging him to assess their coins.
*A person who studies or collects coins, money and medals
All items are available in Sydney and Melbourne
HISTORY
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info@alwasat.com.au
2016 1437 64
16
Our Muslim Heritage Under Threat

Slowly
sinking
into oblivion, an
important
part
of our Australian
Muslim heritage sits in the old
cameleer north camp at Broken
Hill, in inland NSW.
Although the first Muslims to
our shores were from Sulawesi
in the north and then convicts
from various parts of the British
Empire during the period of
convict transportation, it was
the Afghan Muslims who made
the greatest contribution to
national development. They
opened up the interior of the
continent,
accompanying
every major expedition from
Burke and Wills in 1860 to
the Madigan Expedition across
the Simpson Desert in 1939.
They also proved themselves
during the construction of the
Overland Telegraph Line 187072. They were used in both the
survey and construction work,
carrying loads of materials
into otherwise impenetrable
country.
The cameleers established
camps outside the main white
settlements of the interior, as
they were seen as unsuitable
for co-habitation with white
Christians.
The mosque at Broken Hill was
built in 1887. It was the first in
NSW, and the only one of two
mosques built by cameleers
remaining.
Bilal Cleland
ilal42@bigpond.com
SBS carried a report on the
mosque 20 January 2016,
pointing out: Termites, water
damage and the ravages of
time are all taking their toll.
Caretaker, Mr Shamroze said
The prayer room needs a new
floor on it and the wall checked
on one side, and the windows
fixed But if nothing
gets done, its going to keep
deteriorating, and the timber
will just fall to pieces. As he
reminded SBS and Australia,
Theyve got to remember what
the camel drivers have done
around here. Mr Shamrozes
grandfather, the last imam,
died in 1960 and the council
which had acquired the land,
contemplated
demolition.
This was resisted by the local
historical society.
Inside Broken Hill Mosque , source: www.brokenhillaustralia.com.au

There was a warning to us
from Mayor Wincen Cuy. He
says he would like to see the
mosque preserved for future
generations but in a city
filled with historic buildings,
its not necessarily a priority.
In the present atmosphere
of Islamophobia, and the
racism directed at recent
immigrants and refugees, it
is vitally important that this
part of our Muslim heritage
should be preserved for
future generations. Given
the disarray of the Muslim

community in contemporary
Australia, a concerted effort to
protect this part of our history
is by no means assured.
The history of the early Muslims
of Broken Hill illustrates
the profound changes which
have occurred in attitudes
in the past 120 years. The
Immigration Restriction Act
was passed in 1901 as soon
as the new Commonwealth
Parliament was established.
It provided that all coloured
The Day a Horse Raced a Camel:
people trying to enter Australia

would be required to submit to
a medical examination and to a
dictation test. The 1902 Roads
Act placed a high registration
fee on each camel, and it
prevented any camel from
being driven along any part of
a road or track or within 20
yards of the centre thereof.
The aim was to reduce nonEuropean commerce and nonEuropean immigration. It
worked.
There had been several years
The author is a prominent

Australian Muslim scholar and
activist.
190 km
By AbdulShaheed Drew
The race took place in the 1890s in Australias outback.
The challenge was put forward between a man riding
a horse and Abdul-Wade (possibly Abdul-Waheed), a
cameleer.
Spectators came out early to see the two set-off from Bourke
(NSW). Their final destination was Wanaaring (NSW), a total
distance of 190 kilometres.
The race of endurance took the entire day with both parties
crossing the finish line before sun-down. The horse won the race
by a small margin.
However, on the following day, the horse was pronounced dead.
As for the camel, Abdul-Waheed rode it all the way back to Bourke
before night-fall.
The cameleers and their camels became one of Australias greatest
assets in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Muslim cameleers
were present at many of Australias major exploration feats and
infrastructure projectsAmong the advantages, camels could:
carry up to four times more than a horse
travel long distances
go days without water
access terrain where wagons could not go
thrive on natural vegetation
live for forty years or so
References:
-The Afghans in Australia, Michael Cigler, Australian Ethnic
Heritage Series, 1986, p 18.
AbdulShaheed Drew
shaheed.drew@gmail.com
www.muslimhistoryprojects.com
of intense anti-Afghan and

anti-Chinese
propaganda
in
the
years
preceding
federation. It continued. The
editor of the Barrier Truth in
Broken Hill, R.S. Ross wrote
an article on The Afghan
Menace 13 March 1903, well
after the 1901 Immigration
Restriction Act had introduced
the White Australia Policy. He
attributed everything from
sexual depravity to brutality
and gross superstition to these
people who were by breed and
nature a bird of prey. There
was no apparent awareness
leave alone gratitude shown for
the contribution made by these
isolated and exploited men to
the economic development of
Australia.
Out of respect for these early
Muslim pioneers of Australia
and out of awareness of the
discrimination and insults they
experienced, it is our Islamic
duty to preserve the Broken
Hill Mosque.
By preserving and supporting
this place of worship we are
showing our appreciation for
the courage and endurance
of those men. We are also
reminding ourselves and the
nation of a less accepting time
in our past.
Abdul-Waheed (State Library of Queensland, John Oxley Library)
17
AUSTRALIAN
2016 1437 64
MARK PELLEY
Principle Migration Agent
Assalamu Alaikum
to the Muslim
community of
Australia,
I feel very honoured that Al
Wasat Newspaper has chosen
me to provide regular articles
for the Muslim community about
migration law. I would like that
thank Al Wasat Newspaper and
the Muslim community in general
for this opportunity and I look
forward to working with you.
I would like to introduce myself.
My name is Mark Pelley. I have
been Muslim for 12 years now
and you will see me around
Melbourne with my 5 daughters.
I work in several jobs: I have my
own business working in mental
health, I am a snake catcher
(how Im mostly known in the
community), and of course I am a
registered migration agent.
I have migration agency
offices in Diamond Creek and
Broadmeadows. As a registered
Migration Agent, I can come
to you at your home/business
also where I can provide
expert migration advice and
assist with visa applications,
tribunal hearings, Ministerial
interventions and so much more.
As a registered migration
agent, I can handle any type of
migration case. From spouse/
partner visas to student visas,
business and investment visas,
tourist visas, refugee and
humanitarian visas, work visas
Mark at the office
Mark and his 5 daughters

and so much more. My details are
at the bottom of this article.
Each month,I will provide a
different article about specific
topics in migration law. For
my introduction I would like to
speak about the most necessary
thing for the Muslim community
to understand about registered
migration agents.
The Australian government
Department of Immigration
and Border Protection has the
Office of the Migration Agents
Registration Authority (MARA).
Any person wanting to work
officially as a migration agent

needs to be registered with this
authority. To do so, one must
have post graduate qualifications
specialising in migration law,
pass appropriate character
tests, and participate in ongoing
compulsory professional
development.
Registered Migration agents
such as myself need to abide
by a code of conduct set out to
ensure we comply with rules,
regulations and laws pertaining
to migration agents. If a
migration agent does not comply
with these conditions, or breaks

the law in any way, they may
lose registration and face severe
penalties. If a person claims to
be a migration agent, you can
easily identify if theyre genuine
by looking up their details at
www.mara.gov.au to verify such
claims.
If a person (Australia or
overseas), is not listed on the
MARA website, any claims of
being a migration agent may be
fraudulent and advice given must
be dealt with caution. It is very
unfortunate that I have had a lot
of clients come to me from the
Muslim community advising that
they have previously consulted
with alleged migration agents
in Australia or overseas who
took their money and gave them
bad advice. I cannot emphasise
enough to only use a registered
migration agent.
Mark Pelley
VISA APPLICATION REJECTION

By Mark Pelley
As a registered migration agent,I
notice an increase in both Department of
Immigration fees and the tendency for
individuals to compensate for the fee increase
by attempting to apply for visas without the
assistance of a registered migration agent.
As a result, a lot of new clients come to visit
me with failed visa applications seeking advice
on what to do now. If your visa application
has been rejected by the Department of
Immigration and Border Protection, you will
have several options depending on the type
of visa applied for. These options can include
(but are not always available):
1.Apply again for the same visa: Depending
upon the type of visa you apply for and the
reason it was rejected, you may have the
option to apply again for the same visa. This
is particularly applicable if your circumstances
have changed since the initial application. It

must be noted, that while nothing prevents
you from applying again for the same visa,
each application has its own separate cost.
While each application is considered against its
own merit, the Department will review details
provided in your previous visa application so
be sure to be consistent.
2. Apply for a different visa: You may be
eligible to apply for a different visa depending
on your circumstances. It would be best to
discuss your case with a registered migration
agent. It must be noted that visas exist for
different circumstances. You need to find
the right visa to suit you as oppose to try to
deliberately change your circumstances to suit
the visa.
3.Appealing the decision to the Administrative
Appeals Tribunal: This tribunal reviews
decisions made by the Department of
Immigration and can overrule a rejection.
The Tribunal has extensive waiting periods
and will review individual cases on their

merit. The advantage of the Tribunal is that
it can consider new relevant information
and any changes in circumstances since the
cancellation/rejection of the visa. It must
be noted that just because you apply for an
appeal, it does not mean that your appeal will
always be accepted.
4. Further appeals: If you fail at the
Administrative Appeals Tribunal, you may
have the option to apply to the Federal
Court, and failing that, make an appeal for
Ministerial Intervention. These processes can
be quite lengthy and still have no guarantee
of an outcome in your favour. I will be
discussing in detail the Tribunal, Federal
Court and Ministerial Interventions options in
a different article.
Mark Pelley
visastoaustralia@yahoo.com.au
Police need your help to locate this wanted person.
If you know something,

say something.
WANTED:
Robert MCCURDY
Liwen ZANG
DATE OF BIRTH: 15 October 1971

HEIGHT: 175cm
BUILD: Thin
EYES: Brown
HAIR: Black
COMPLEXION: Tanned
Liwen ZANG is wanted in relation to an

alleged stabbing in Burwood in April
2010.
He has two outstanding warrants for his
arrest.
He is known to frequent to Coburg and
Melbourne CBD area.
Report information confidentially online at

www.crimestoppers.com.au or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
www.alwasat.com.au
info@alwasat.com.au
Refugee Affairs
Downward
Spiral in
Civilisation
Bilal Cleland
ilal42@bigpond.com
A draft cabinet document
recently leaked to the media
suggests the idea that refugees
are a potential source of terrorism
and radicalisation will soon shape Australias
humanitarian resettlement policy.
If implemented, refugees not just boat
arrivals would be seen as a security issue.
By offering only temporary residence
and making Australia a less attractive
destination, it makes deterrence the aim of
the entire refugee program.
This is the introduction to an article by
Michael Humphrey, Professor of Sociology
and Social Policy at the University of
Sydney, in the 18 February 2016 edition
of The Conversation, a rather academic
publication which features well argued
discussion of major issues. It points to the
drift under the Turnbull government towards
treating all refugees as would-be terrorists.
With the numbers of refugees and internally
displaced people at some 60 million worldwide, we as a nation are retreating into a
policy of ever increasing deterrence. The
shame with which the deportation of refugee
babies to Nauru has been greeted and the
wonderful response of the Lady Cilento
Hospital staff in Brisbane to the threat to
return a sick baby to that hell-hole, suggest
that public opinion is turning. Greater
deterrence which means ever worsening
conditions for innocent asylum seekers on
offshore islands, may now be met with more
determined public resistance.
This draft document examined by
Professor Humphreys justifies harsh
treatment of refugees by linking them to
terrorism. The whole Australian community
should be very concerned at the attitudes
expressed. It indicates lingering remnants
of the old White Australia Policy in the
thinking of those who drew it up, the
political apparatchiks of the LNP, whether
in the party or the public service.
It points out that individuals who arrived
on humanitarian-linked or refugee visas
Man Haron Monis, Farhad Jabar and Abdul
Haider have committed recent terrorist
acts.
The document also identifies previous
humanitarian
programs
as
having
contributed to radicalisation and the
increased risk of terrorism. It says
the special humanitarian program for
Lebanese refugees during the civil war in
the late 1970s is evidence refugees can
import extremism, and unsuccessful
integration can make young Muslims more
receptive to extremist beliefs.
Our rulers have not yet understood recent
research into these matters. As Humphreys
puts it: the ethnic stigmatisation
of Lebanese Sunni Muslims highlights
shortcomings with the contemporary
understanding
of
radicalisation
and
terrorism. It equates ethnicity with
extremism and the potential for
radicalisation with social environment.
The type of thinking in this government
document is more like what Geert Wilders
and his disciples publish, than would be
expected in mainstream, developed country,
policy making.
It may suit the Tory wing of the Liberal Party
to develop a justification for its mistreatment
of asylum seekers and refugees under the
banner of fighting terrorism but this may
not satisfy an increasingly aware Australian
public.
The author is a prominent Australian

Muslim scholar and activist.
AUSTRALIAN
2016 1437 64
www.alwasat.com.au
info@alwasat.com.au
18
Jihad Dib MP
announces $300,000
of community grants
On Friday February 19, Mr Jihad Dib MP hosted a morning tea to recognise some of
the recipients of the 2015 Community Building Partnership Program. This program
supports the improvement of community infrastructure and is focused on the purchase,
construction or maintenance of capital infrastructure. Grants were open to local councils
and incorporated not-for-profit bodies such as charities, sporting, social and environmental groups.
In the electorate of Lakemba grants totalling $300,000 were awarded.
At the morning tea Mr Dib echoed comments he had made in the NSW parliament earlier that week:
congratulating local community groups and recognising the contribution they make to building of
stronger, vibrant communities.
Being a part of this process was a strong reminder to me and to the selection panel of a
number of important things, especially the diversity of community organisations, the ingenuity
of these groups, the significance and impact of the not-for-profit sector and the absolute
need to keep supporting these organisations with in-kind as well as financial measures.
Reviewing the grants applications was not easy. The panel had the unenviable task of choosing
between many worthy causes. The biggest problem was that we were oversubscribed, with grants
requests totalling almost three times more than the money we had to distribute. That was an
indication to me of the degree of need in my electorate.
I am proud of my electorate and I often talk about the great things people do there. Yet,
knowing all that, I was still struck by the diversity of organisations and their needsfrom
churches and other faith groups through to Scouts, councils, community centres, sporting
associations and a theatre group. To me, this was a great overview of the network of
organisations each working in their own unique way to support a part of the community.
So often the need was not glamorousfixing change rooms, repairing kitchens and repairing
stormwater facilities. These issues are the nitty-gritty of the not-for-profit community sector. I hope
that the grants go some way to alleviating these issues and will enable the groups to get on with their
real work of helping others.
Refugees are
Welcome at
Lakemba Mosque
Dont wait until
its too late
LMA
As a symbol of our solidarity
with those seeking asylum and
refuge, a banner has been placed in
front of Lakemba Mosque that makes
our position clear: Refugees are
Welcome.
Providing refuge to those in need is
a core tenet of our faith. The Quran
states those who gave shelter
and helped, these are the believers
truly; they shall have forgiveness and
honourable provision. (8:74)
The Lebanese Muslim Association
(LMA)
and
Lakemba
Mosque
unequivocally condemn the treatment
of vulnerable people in detention,
including children.
Lakemba Mosque has a long history
of providing support and services to
those who have fled persecution, civil
unrest and war.
The LMA office doors are open for those
in need and we encourage you to come
and see us. We will continue to provide
support and services for those fleeing
persecution, civil unrest and war.
Samier Dandan, LMA president said,
This is not an issue to be utilised
for political point scoring, our
shared humanity demands that we provide security and safety for those who are escaping war and
oppression.
We call upon the Australian government to #LetThemStay and to overhaul their cruel policies that
places vulnerable people, including children, at substantial risk of harm.
The LMA endorsed #LetThemStay rally held last night at Townhall. Ahmad Malas, LMA spokesperson
delivered an address to the crowd stating the LMAs position on the issue.
Bowel cancer often develops

without any warning signs.
Support Bowel Cancer Australia
to help save lives.
19
AUSTRALIAN
2016 1437 64
Bank of Sydney announces the departure of

CEO Julie Elliott and the appointment of
Rob Anderson as new CEO
Media Release /
Bank of Sydney
The Chairman of Bank of Sydney,
Nicholas Pappas AM, announced the
resignation of CEO Ms Julie Elliott from
her role and the appointment of former
ANZ senior executive Mr Rob Anderson
as the Banks new CEO with effect from
1 February 2016.
Ms. Elliott leaves the Bank having
successfully steered it through three
years of record growth since its rebranding as Bank of Sydney in 2013.
Mr. Pappas said, It is with sadness
that we bid Julie farewell given the
significant role she has played during
the Banks exceptional growth over
the last three years. Julie is a born
leader who leaves behind many grateful
customers, devoted staff and a thankful
Board. She leaves with our very best
wishes.
Mr. Anderson joins Bank of Sydney as
CEO having led ANZs Business Bank
in NSW and the ACT for the last five
years. During his time, and in prior
senior roles at both Westpac and NAB,
Mr. Anderson achieved stellar results
and, in so doing, has demonstrated that
he is ready for a leadership role of an
Australian financial institution.
Mr. Pappas said, The Board of Bank of
Sydney is delighted that Mr. Anderson
has accepted our invitation to lead our
Bank through the next phase of its
history. Rob undoubtedly brings with
him banking and leadership skills of the
highest quality, and we are confident
that he is the right person to take
the Bank into the next phase of its
history by building upon the excellent
foundations Julie Elliott leaves behind.
Julie Elliott highlights:
Successfully oversaw the Banks re-
www.alwasat.com.au
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branding
Exceeded $1 billion in both deposits
& loans for the first time in the Banks
history
Achieved record monthly profit of
over $1m in December 2015
Launched the Banks new website in
December 2015
Rob Anderson career highlights:
Thirty years experience at three of
the major banks successfully leading
large front line teams in retail, business
and corporate banking
Set up the Business Acquisition and
Premium Banking teams at Westpac in
NSW
Championed the diversity program
at ANZ and known for mentoring and
supporting bankers
Well networked in the local business
communities and highly respected by
clients and their professional advisers
WORTHY
CAUSES
Australian Islamic Centre VIC
It is with great
pleasure that
we announce
the start of
construction works at the
new Australian Islamic
Centre. Please donate
generously to make this
dream come true soon.
Bank
Commonwealth Bank of
Australia
BSB: 063 152
Account Number: 1009
7396
Account Name:Newport
Islamic Society
Punchbowl Mosque & School NSW

Donate online, by direct deposit or by mail
For Direct Deposit:
Australian Islamic Mission-Building Account
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Branch: Lakemba NSW
BSB: 062191
Acc No.: 10171325
By Mail:
Send your cheque or Money Order payable to AIM to:
PO Box 678
Punchbowl NSW 2196
Islamic Cultural Centre of

Brisbane QLD
The Islamic
Cultural Centre
of Brisbane
(ABN:62 865
323 179) has embarked
on a holly journey to build
the First Youth Centre
with a boarding Madrasah
and Masjid in Brisbane/
QLD.
we have commenced plans
towards a three stage
plan of the first boarding

Madrasah.
DONATE TO NEW
MASJID & BOARDING
MADRASSAH
Commonwealth Bank of
Australia
Islamic Cultural Centre of
Brisbane (I.C.C.B. INC.)
Bsb: 06 4130
Acc: 1066 8026
Swiftcode:CTBAAU2S
Bendigo Islamic Centre VIC

Let us work together to build up the first
mosque in Bendigo.
This mosque will have also Weekend school ,
Indoor soccer , Gym, Different Communities
activities And more
Please donate to this account:
Commonwealth Bank
BSB: 063122
Account number : 10767878
9/15 Nathan Drive CampbellfiledVic - 3061
CONFERENCE
2016 1437 64
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info@alwasat.com.au
20
slamic Schooling Conference

Keynote Speakers
Dr Abdullah
Trevathan
Professor Mohamad Abdalla
Mufti Aasim Rashid
Over 200 delegates from around

Australia, the UK, Canada, the
USA, and New Zealand attended
the conference
From Right: Muhammad Abdullah, Dr Abdullah Trevathan, Mufti Aasim Rashid, Professor Mohamad
Abdalla, Dylan Chown, Omaira Alam, Dr Freda Shamma
Dr Nadeem
Memon
Omaira Alam
Dr Freda
Shamma
Speakers
Founding Director,Islamic Studies (Griffith University)
Muhammad Abdullah
Head Teacher, Alexandria Park Community School
PhD Candidate, Griffith University
Mufti Aasim Rashid
President and Founder of Al-Ihsan Educational Foundation,Canada
Dr Jan A. Ali
Senior Lecturer in Islam and Modernity
University of Western Sydne
Esra Boz
Head of Teaching and Learning, Al Siraat College.
Dylan Chown
Principal Amanah Institute
PhD candidate (Griffith University).
Shaykh Abdullah Elleissy
Member, Colleges Curriculum Committee,
Policy Committee and Management Committee
Darul Ulum College of Victoria
Dr. Al-Tahir Hafiz
President of the British Islamic Association for Spiritual Advancement,UK
Andrew Houghton
Principal, Al Siraat College
Peter D Jones
Teacher of Modern World History and Comparative Religion at The Friends
School ,Hobart
Dr Shaikh Abdul Mabud
Associate Professor, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies
(SOASCIS), University of Brunei Darussalam.
Troy Meston
Member,Australian Council for Educational Research
Anne McDonald
Principal,Nazareth College(Melbourne)
Toni Pikos Sallie
Deputy Principal at the Australian Islamic College in Perth, Western Australia
Nadia Selim
Arabic Teacher(Institute of Modern Languages at the University of Queensland);
PhD candidate (Griffith University).
Ayda Succarie
PhD candidate at Western Sydney University
Goolam Vahed
Associate Professor in the Department of History, University of KwaZulu Natal
Don Walkley
Executive Director of the Australian Institute for School Governance (Institute)
Salifu Baba
Teacher,Minaret College
Chairs/Moderators
Don Walkley
Andrew Houghton
Fazeel Arain
Director, Al Siraat College
Abdullah Saeed
Director, National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies and Sultan of Oman
Professor of Arab & Islamic Studies
Abdullah Khan
Executive Principal of Australian Islamic College in Perth
Silma Ihram
Director of Diversity Skills Training
Aynur Simsirel
Principal,Ilim College
21
CONFERENCE
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2016 1437 64
Australias First National Is

CONTINUITY AND CHANGE:
ENVISIONING THE WAY FORWARD FOR

ISLAMIC SCHOOLING IN THE WEST
For the first time in Australia, a two days
intensive conference on Islamic schools
was held at Melbournes Convention
Centre on 20th and 21st February 2016.

Griffith Universitys
National Centre
of Excellence for
Islamic Studies
(NCEIS), organised the
inaugural Australian Islamic
Education Conference to start
a national and international
conversation in relation to
the challenges, issues and
opportunities facing Islamic
schooling, particularly within
Western contexts. The
conference was sponsored Al
Siraat College, the Council
of Arab Australia Affairs
(CAAR), the National Centre of
Excellence for Islamic Studies
(University of Melbourne), and
Islamic Schools Association
of Australia (ISAA). The
conference was aptly themed,
Continuity and Change:
Envisioning the way forward
for Islamic Schooling in the
West.
Over 200 delegates from
around Australia, the UK,
Canada, the USA, and
New Zealand attended
the conference. Teachers
(the largest group), school
governors and school leaders,
leading researchers and
academics in the area of
Islamic education / schooling,
and Islamic scholars joined.
Leading international
scholars in the field of Islamic
schools in the West included

Dr Nadeem Memon, Dr
Abdullah Trevathan, Dr Freda
Shamma, and Omaira Alam.
Local academics, scholars
and practitioners included
(Convenor and director of the
conference); Dylan Chown,
Shaykh Muhammad Abdullah,
Anne McDonald and Andrew
Houghton.
Dynamic presentations and
discussions covered a host
of issues: the purpose and
vision of Islamic schools and
the extent to which this is
understood and implemented
in schools; the extent to
which an Islamic worldview
that shapes Islamic schools;
appropriate pedagogical
methods that can synthesise
productive and prophetic
approaches; effectiveness
and relevance of Islamic and
Arabic studies in Islamic
schools; how best to attain the
Islamic in Islamic schools;
and how best to move toward
a holistic curriculum models as
opposed to add on appended
models.
In his keynote address, worldrenowned scholar, Dr Memon,
explained different models of
Islamic schools in the West
fulfil distinct objectives, and
that we must learn from the

various exiting models. He
also recognised that schools
are often shaped to meet
parents expectations. He
also spoke about creating a
community of schools that can
lead to a complimentary and
not competitive relationship
between Islamic schools.
While this was acknowledged
by other scholars they
argued that a clear vision
that is understood by all
stakeholders, informed by an
Islamic worldview, a dignified
behavioural model (based
on mercy, and compassion),
infused with prophetic
pedagogy can enhance
the learning experience
of students and help to
transform Islamic schools in
ways that are positive. This
case was made by the principal
of a Christian College, Anne
McDonald, who demonstrated
how implementing a clear
vision consistent with their
own Christian values helped
renew and invigorate their
school.
Dr Trevathan (first principal
of Yusuf Islams schools in
the UK), Omaira Alam and our
own Dylan Chown argued that
principles of Hudur (presence);
ikhlas (authenticity), mercy,
compassion and justice are an
integral part of our Islamic
way of life and must be
incorporated in our Islamic
schools. Furthermore, Dylan
Chown and Dr Freda Shamma
argued that an Islamic
worldview premised on
tawhid (unifying principle) can
greatly assist Islamic schools
in attaining their Islamic
aims without compromising
universal values and national

curriculum requirements.
Professor Abdalla shared
his ground breaking Applied
Islam program aimed at
students ages 14-20 years,
and demonstrated through
clear evidence how students
from Queensland, Victoria and
South Australia have engaged
and benefited from an Islamic
studies program that is not
deemed by them as boring,
irrelevant, and out-oftouch with the lives of young
Australian Muslims. Mufti
Aaasim Rashid shared the
experience of Islamic schools
in Canada and he and Shaykh
Abdulla Elleissy (Darul Ulum
College of Victoria) spoke
aptly on how best to attain the
Islamic in Islamic schools.
There was a strong feeling
amongst conference delegates
on the need to continue
this conversation, and
importantly set structures in
place to ensure that we can
work together to develop
solutions to the many issues
and challenges that were
discussed. Indeed, schools in
Australia are well funded and
well placed in relation to the
resources they have, putting
us in an excellent position to
contribute and work together.
Undoubtedly, the conference
raised more questions than
providing answers. As
intended this is a start of
a conversation and these
are healthy questions that
we look to unpack through
collaborative efforts to devise
positive strategies for our
Islamic schools to further
progress and prosper.
EDUCATION
2016 1437 64
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22
ISLAMIC SCHOOL OF CANBERRA

NATIONAL
CURRICULUM
As the Units of work are
released by ACARA, the Islamic
School of Canberra will incorporate
them in its program of studies according
to the guidelines as stipulated by the
National Curriculum. The School has already
made provisions in its units of work for the
introduction of Maths, English, Science and
History.
The Islamic School of Canberra is
committed wholeheartedly in
delivering the finest quality of
education to ALL students.
MOTTO
The Schools
motto is In knowledge
lies the strength. The
school strongly believes
that knowledge provides
strength and ability to
achieve the goals of
life.
CHANGE AND
INNOVATIONS
The Islamic School of Canberra
proactive in its keeping up to date
with the most current teaching practices
in the 21century.
The use of blended pedagogy in
classrooms
Modern technology changes in the
classroom
Being aware of current trends in
education
Recognise that education is a
lifelong process
MISSION
To run a good Islamic school
for all students irrespective of their
faith. Because we as a member of the
Muslim community, value the Islamic pillars
of faith and its expression of Islamic School
tradition we aim to:
Regard Allah and his prophets as a source of our
religion
Encourage a love of Allah and his prophets
Provide for opportunities to pray and practice the
religion of Islam
Foster Islamic values in everyday lives
Instill an understanding of social justice
issues among staff and students
Nurture and develop the Islamic
faith in ourselves and others
IN KNOWLEDGE LIES STRENGTH

Because we believe that knowledge is the
foundation of strength in all curricula activities,
we:
Provide holistic knowledge of Islamic faith and values
as articulated in Quran
Strive for excellence
Offer a comprehensive and relevant range of subject
disciplines
Develop enthusiasm for discovering the world around
Nurture effective communication skills between all
stakeholders
Encourage students to be self motivated learners
Encourage metacognitive development in all Key
Learning Areas
To foster scholastic initiative within each
student.
ADDRESS: 33 Heysen Street, Weston, ACT 2611

Phone: (02) 6288 7358 Fax: (02) 6287 3517
WEB:islamicschoolofcanberra.act.edu.au
Email: isc-act@bigpond.com
INDIVIDUAL
Because we regard every
child as an individual we:
Develop each child spiritually,
intellectually, physically, socially and
emotionally
Heighten the importance of developing
positive self esteem
Foster a sense of self control and self
discipline
Emphasise mutual trust and
responsibility of actions
Provide opportunities to
develop interpersonal skills
PARENT
COOPERATION:
Because we regard the parents
as important partners in education,
we aim to:
Give supremacy to a safe and caring
environment Affirm positive relationships
among the members of the school
community Foster a close cooperation
between parents, students, staff and
religious instructors Encourage respect
amongst the school community
Instill acceptance of all people
regardless of religious
beliefs
STAFF
MEMBERS:
The Islamic School of Canberra
ensures that staff:
Acknowledge attitudes in line with
Islamic code of conduct
Develop high level of professionalism
Show competence, consistency, fairness,
dedication and flexibility in their
responsibility role as educators
Are a caring presence for each other and
for the students
Support and help parents in their
responsibilities as partners
in education
23
EDUCATION
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2016 1437 64
Muslims Australia
Australian Federation of Islamic Councils INC.
AFIC
Schools
Western Australian Schools
Langford Islamic College
NSW SCHOOLS
Malek Fahd Islamic School
Lot 176, Southgate Road, Langford. WA-6108

PO Box: 289. Thornlie WA-6108
Phone: +61 (08) 9458-5206
Fax: +61 (08) 9258-5661
Email: admin@afic-lic.com.au
Website: www.afic-lic.com.au
405 Waterloo Road,Greenacre NSW 2190

PO Box 514, Greenacre NSW 2190
Phone: (02)9642-8766, Fax: (02)9642-5479
Email: admin@mfis.nsw.edu.au
Website: http://www.mfis.nsw.edu.au
Victoria School
Islamic College of Melbourne
Malek Fahd Hoxtn Park Campus

210 Pacific Palms
Circuit Hoxton Park
New South Wales 2171
Phone: 02-8783-5190
83 Wootten Road, Tarniet VIC 3029

Phone: 03 8742 1739
Email: admin@icom.vic.edu.au
Web: www.icom.vic.edu.au
Islamic College of South

Australian Schools
Malek Fahd Beaumont Hills Campus

20 Mungerie Road Beaumont Hills, NSW 2155
Phone: 02 8814 5282
Email: beaumont.hills.dp@mfis.nsw.edu.au
Website: http://www.mfis.nsw.edu.au/
22 Cedar Ave. West Croydon SA 5008

Phone: (08) 8340 7799
Email: admin@icosa.sa.edu.au
AFIC Schools (ACT) Limited

Islamic School of Canberra
CIT Block A&B, 33 Heysen Street,
Weston ACT 2611
Phone: +61 (02) 6288 7358
Fax: +61 (02) 6287 3517
Email: iscact@bigpond.net.au
Website: www.islamicschoolofcanberra.act.edu.au
Queensland School
Islamic College of Brisbane
45 Accacia Road, Karawatha QLD 4117
PO Box 1769 Springwood Qld. 4127
Phone: (07) 3841 3645
Fax: (07) 3841 4320
AUSTRALIAN
2016 1437 64
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24
ANTI-TERROR LAWS
AND THE UNFAIR
TREATMENT OF
AUSTRALIAN MUSLIMS
Whoever builds a Masjid for the sake of ALLAH. ALLAH

will build something similar for him in Paradise (Muslim)
Who We Are:
Mackay is a regional town in Central Queensland housing approximately 80 Muslim
families and has had a strong Muslim presence since the late 18th Century. In 1983,
a 3 bedroom house was bought and converted into a Masjid. By the Grace of Allah,
since early 2014 the community has funded a full time resident Imam.
Our Current Situation:
The current Masjid is not large enough to shelter the growing community and there is
inadequate parking space. With this factor coinciding with the massive fall in the
Mackay property market, our community feels this is the right time to expand and
redevelop our Masjid.
from Right: Alex Bhathal, Sen.Janet Rice, Adam Bandt MP,

Mehreen Faruqi MP0
Our Objective:
To buy adjacent property and renovate the existing Masjid. The refurbished Masjid
will include the following features:
- A bigger prayer area for brothers and sisters
- Facilities for Islamic education run three times a week
- Activity centre for youth
- A larger car-parking area
Our Plea:
Your fellow brothers and sisters of the Mackay Islamic community are in dire need of
your support for Phase 1 of the Masjid's expansion. The total amount required for
our Phase 1 is $500,000.
Please donate generously to the following bank account:
- Account Name: Islamic Society of

-
Mackay
Bank Name : WestPac
BSB: 034150
Account Number: 244778
By Mohammad Safar
Cheques can be drawn out in favour of

Islamic Society of Mackay & mailed to
P.O. Box 5616,
Mackay Mail Centre, QLD 4741
Australia
The Greens have held a community meeting on the subject of

escalating anti-terror laws in the country, and what they mean
to Australian Muslims.
The meeting, titled Terror Laws & other challenges facing
Muslim Australians was held at the Melbourne Multicultural Hub on
Elizabeth street, and featured a variety of different noteworthy speakers.
These speakers included; Adam Bandt, The Greens Federal member for
Melbourne, Mehreen Faruqi, The Greens NSW member of the legislative
council, and first female Muslim MP in Australia, Bayram Aktepe, president
of the Islamic Council of Victoria, and Robert Stary and Samira Zeno, lawyer
and solicitor respectively.
The aim of this meeting was to identify and differentiate between the way
anti-terror laws target Muslim Australians, and the difference in which
they are treated when compared to right wing hate groups such as UPF and
Reclaim Australia.
This talk aims to drive the conversation forward and create an all-inclusive
environment for Muslim Australians, and to deconstruct and analyse the
current anti-terror laws that have put security ahead of community values
and inclusion.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
Contact Details:
- Dr Waheed Haider (President): 0422259891

- Dr Muneeb Khan (Secretary): 0424324519
from Right: Robert Stary, Samira Zeno, Bayram Aktepe
- Br Irfan Baig: 0421822315

- Dr Muhammad Ashraf: 0402554490
Sack Fairfax Columnist Paul Sheehan
#SackPaulSheehan
In light of Paul Sheehans recent

article in which he put forward false
sexual assault allegations made by
a member of an anti-Islam activist
organisation Reclaim Australia, we request
that Fairfax Media terminate his employment
contract.
As many academics and media commentators

have noted, Sheehans work is consistently
guided by an anti-Islam and anti-Arab agenda.
He has continued to display a contemptuous
disregard for journalistic integrity and ethical
reporting, and Fairfax Media has provided him
with a platform to do so.
In this instance, a serious failure of basic
editorial procedure has come at too high a cost
to a widely respected organisations credibility
and reputation. Muslim/Arab men have been
collectively maligned and racially vilified,
raising potential racial vilification implications
and serious irreparable harm has been done to
victims of sexual assault
Members of the Muslim community have,
consistently and repeatedly raised Sheehans
cumulative record of demonising minority
groups, Muslims in particular, with Editor in
Chief Darren Goodsir over the past few years. To
date, no action has been taken commensurate

with the gravity of Sheehans conduct.
Fairfax Media must treat this with the same
gravity it has treated other instances of
professional misconduct if it is to have any
ounce of credibility to its readers whom it owes
both transparency and accountability.
The subsequent apology issued by Fairfax Media
fails dismally on so many fronts and when
compared to past apologies issued in relation
to the Mike Carlton saga, it speaks volumes
about the double standards that continue to be
applied.
The executive leadership at Fairfax Media must
take immediate and appropriate action that is
consistent with the standards of journalistic
integrity that Fairfax seeks to uphold.
Should Paul Sheehan continued to be employed
by Fairfax Media, we the undersigned will:
commence a campaign to contact all Sydney
Morning Herald advertisers raising these
same concerns and urging them to direct their
advertising dollars elsewhere
withdraw all cooperation with Fairfax Media
journalists across the country, including
declining interview requests and ceasing to
offer exclusive media stories to Fairfax Media
staff.
#SackPaulSheehan
LETTER TO
Fairfax Media Limited
Sack Fairfax Columnist Paul Sheehan
#SackPaulSheehan
Community Advocates started this petition
with a single signature. Start a petition today
to change something you care about.
please visit:
https://www.change.org/p/fairfaxmedia-limited-sack-fairfax-columnistpaul-sheehan-sackpaulsheehan?recru
iter=83670820&utm_source=share_
petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_
campaign=autopublish&utm_term=des-mdshare_petition-reason_msg&fb_ref=Default
25
ADVERTISING
2016 1437 64
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kA`AH
ykkYk
MELBOURNE
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MELBOURNE SHOWGROUNDS
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SUNDAY
3 APRIL 2016
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KNOBIN CONSULTING
EVENT MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS
COMMUNITY
2016 1437 64
Aussie Muslim
Diana Abdel-Rahman
receives Order
of Australia Medal
By Mohammad Safar
Councillor,
activist,
volunteer, Diana AbdelRahman has been a lot
of things, but being a
Muslim Australian has always been
at the forefront.
She
spent the past 27 years
serving her community in every
way imaginable. In fact, shes made
such a mark on the multicultural
community of Canberra, that shes
earned one of Australias highest
honours in the process.
This past Australia Day, AbdelRahman was awarded the Medal in
the Order of Australia (OAM) for her
service to the community through a
range of multicultural organisations.
Born to Lebanese migrants in sunny
Queensland, Abdel-Rahman moved
to the ACT 30 years ago, where she
soon began to influence the broader
multicultural community.
This isnt the first award that AbdelRahman has received for her selfless
commitment to her community, but
the latest in a long line of successes.
In 2001, she received the Centenary
of Federation Medal for her
contribution to the betterment of
the Australian Muslim community.
In
2005
she
received
the
international Womens Day award,
and subsequently appeared in the
Diana Abdel-Rahman
Australian Womens Weekly in

2006. She was honoured once again
on International Womens Day in
2011, and received a separate award
for her role in developing a multilingual radio platform.
Abdel-Rahman dedicates her latest

award to her daughter, who she
says persevered throughout the hard
working and busy lifestyle thats
become the norm for Abdel-Rahman
over the past few years.
A founding member of Canberras
peak
multicultural
body,
the
Canberra Multicultural Community
Forum (CMCF), which represents over
100 multicultural organisations,
Abdel-Rahman is used to getting
things done.
As founder and current president
of Australian Muslim Voice, AbdelRahman runs an Islamic radio station
from her own home every Ramadan.
She is currently working on getting
the radio station to become a
permanent broadcast, and not just a
Ramadan exclusive.
Abdel-Rahman has also been an
active member at some point within
at least 12 other community based
multicultural organisations around
Canberra.
Its this level of hard work and
dedication thats really been a force
for change within the community.
Being a Muslim in Australia can be
tough these days, but its important
to be tougher, and spread the
message of multiculturalism and
cohesion, Just like Diana AbdelRahman, one of Australias most
decorated Muslims.
The Late
Hajj Abdallah Tabbaa
By Inaam Tabbaa AM
The Late Hajj Abdallah
Tabbaa, of Syrian descent,
was born in Nigeria on
17 June 1950. Even as a
toddler his compassion, empathy and
humanity were evident.
Those qualities amplified with time
throughout his childhood, his
teenage years, his working life and
his so-called retirement.
He worked with State Rail soon
after his arrival in Australia in
February 1973. He was diagnosed
with cancer at 45 years. He resigned
because it was haram to take off
the hundreds of hours accrued in sick
leave to obtain chemotherapy!
He did not want to live off the
community coffers so he worked
with State Transit and then Australia
Post while his health permitted it. In
the interim, he was diagnosed with
polythycaemia vera for which there
is no cure. His bones were wearing
out. His determination to achieve
what he believed he was on earth
for strengthened. Despite his health
issues, some community members
were unrelenting in their requests
for help, which were never declined.
He theorized that the problems
faced by our youth were linked to
a lack of sporting and recreational
facilities and public spaces necessary
to develop them into responsible
members of the community. His
vision was to build a sporting complex

which would play a pivotal role in
creating a positive environment for
building confidence and self-esteem
in young people of various cultures
and keeping them off the streets.
He physically worked on the
foundations of the complex under
the midday sun to save the Club
money. That translated into skin
cancers.
All his life he advocated for everyone
who needed help. He fought every
good cause against what he perceived
as corruption without expecting
any thanks in return and often at
the expense of his family and his
health. As his pain increased and his
time ran out, his temper got shorter
and he became more frustrated.
Unfortunately, he sometimes helped
ungrateful people because he made

the mistake of always giving people
the benefit of the doubt his
favourite expression.
Hazem El Masri was not one of
those. He nominated Hajj Abdallah
who was awarded, in 1999, both
the State and the National Pride of
Australia in the Fair Go category.
On 27 November 2011 his valued
contribution to the construction of
the complex was recognized by an
Appreciation Award.
Before his bad health, he enjoyed
playing table tennis, squash and
basketball. In addition to being
a soccer referee, he held various
positions with the Canterbury
District Soccer Referees Association
(Appointments Officer, Junior Vice
President, Treasurer, Appeals Board
Chairman and Life Member).
Shortly before he passed away,
Abdallah appeared in a video
produced as part of the Radiation
Oncology
Targeting
Cancer
campaign in order to encourage other
persons with the disease.
When Hajj Abdallah passed away on
23 May 2015 from multiple myeloma
he had accomplished what he set out
to do. The complex was completed.
His three daughters were married to
good men and he saw their children.
He ensured that his son was on the
right path studying medicine. He
was not afraid of death when it
came. I miss my brother. May he
rest in perfect peace.
www.alwasat.com.au
info@alwasat.com.au
26
Famous author
arrives in
Australia
Renowned journalist and Islamic author Shaykh Adil

Salahi held a series of Islamic talks in Melbourne and
Sydney this February.
Salahi, who is best known for his highly praised book
Muhammad: Man and Prophet and his time spent at the Arab
News in Saudi Arabia, spoke about family life in Islam and the
teachings of our Prophet (saw) on the subject.
The events were held at Ilim College in Melbourne and at Auburn
Town Hall in Sydney, and were a generally successful affair, with
a decent turnout across both locations.
Salahi has come to Australia ahead of the commencement of a
project to translate Imam Al-Nawawis Al-Minhaj to English, in
collaboration with Islamic Community Milli Grs (ICMG).
If you want to donate to this cause, visit:
www.imamnawawiproject.com.
Asem Judeh
(1958 2016)
You will always be

in our prayers
By Mohammad Helmy
Asem
Judeh
(Abu
Faisal)
passed
away
in Melbourne, after a
battle with cancer, on
the 29th of January 2016. Asem
was of Palestinian origin. He was
well known for his contribution to
the Palestinian cause. Infact, he
dedicated his life to the Palestinian.
I have known him through numerous
initiatives supporting the Palestinian
cause, and more recently the Gazan
cause as it came to prominence.
Asem was not known to be affiliated
with any particular side of the
Palestinian political spectrum. Infact, his liberalism could easily
have led one to believe that he is anti-Hamas. However, he was
known to have stood by justice and he strongly supported the right
of Palestinians to freely elect who governs them and the right of
Hamas to govern on that premise.
Many were used to his electronic publication titled Israeli
Terrorism Monitor which he continued to publish for almost
ten years and stopped only when he became ill. In 2008 he gave
Oral Evidence before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on
Petitions about Israeli atrocities and its destruction of projects
funded by Australian tax payers. Some may also know that in
2009 he made a parliamentary committee submission to re-list
the Hamas Qassam brigades and openly argued that its listing in
Australia as a terrorist organisation was politically incited. When
the Arab spring started, he sided with the plight of the people
for their freedom and right to elect who governs them. He wrote
hundreds of articles, spoke at numerous seminars and organised
tens of events in support of the Palestinian cause.
Many years ago gifted me with a Palestinian kofiah which I
treasure and continue to wear to many public events.
Asem: We are indebted to you to your life long work for the
Palestinian cause. We will not forgot and you will always be in our
prayers. May Allah swt bless your soul and acept you in Jannah.
27
LEGAL
2016 1437 64
More Terror
Laws To Come
By Lydia Shelly
The Parliamentary Joint

Committee on Intelligence and
Security (PJCIS) recently released
their Report on the Counter CounterTerrorism Legislation Amendment Bill
(No.1) 2015.
The inquiry received over 17
substantial submissions from security
and legal experts, as law enforcement
and government agencies. Many
questioned the need and justification
for the proposed changes.
The changes that are proposed by the
Bill are significant. If the Bill is made
into law, it would permit control
orders for children as young as 14
years old, establish a strict compliance
system with the control, order
regime, prevent an affected individual
from accessing evidence that could
be used against them in control order
proceedings and lowers the threshold
for preventative detention orders
to be granted. It is ironic that the
Australian Government, in attempting
to mitigate the risks of terrorism
and to protect our way of life has
introduced suites of counter terrorism
legislation which erodes fundamental
legal rights, curtails civil liberties and
disregards the human rights of its
citizens.
This Bill raises serious questions over
the need for further legislation, the
impact of counter terrorism legislation
on our civil liberties and human rights;
as well as whether further legislation
is counterproductive in achieving the
security of Australia.
Control orders represent a serious
deprivation of liberty. Law Council
of Australia President elect Fiona
McLeod SC raised concerns over the
Bill removing the requirement that
PDOs are only utilised when there is
an imminent terrorist act is capable
of being carried out within a 14-day
period. Ms. Mcleod went on to say:
PDOs are a form of imprisonment
without charge, trial or conviction,
which has always been justified on
the basis of an imminent threat to
public safety. If the PDO regime is
Lydia Shelly is a lawyer and principal of

Shelly Legal, a legal practice located in
Parramatta. She is also a member of the
NSW Council for Civil Liberties and is a
community advocate.
to be retained, it should continue to

require the imminence threshold and
the terrorist act should be one that
is likely to occur, within the next 14
days. Otherwise, a person may be
detained without charge on the basis
of a mere theoretical possibility that a
terrorist act could occur.
The Muslim Legal Network (NSW)
submitted to PJCIS that allowing
children to be placed on control
orders is counterproductive and
misguidedthat we will be kept
safe from such radicalisation by
meaningfully restricting the liberty
of a child without sufficient evidence
to charge him or herthe reality
is, the reduction of any threat that
radicalised children may bring, goes
hand in hand with their rehabilitation
and connection to community and
greater society.
As regards the proposed monitoring
control order regime, it would allow
significant intrusions into the privacy
of unrelated individuals. Ms McLeod
explained that it may, for example,
impact on monitoring computers in
educational institutions where the
privacy of many students may be
affected.
The Bill also demonstrates how the
concept of secrecy is increasingly
incorporated into legislation (not
just counter terrorism legislation,
but also, for example, laws affecting
refugees) by the Government. The
Report recommends that a system of
special advocates is introduced to
represent those affected by control
order proceedings in order to have
access to information that would
otherwise be withheld from them.
The Report also recommends that a
minimum standard of information is
disclosed to the affected person.
The Bill and the recommendations of
the Report will likely be discussed in
Parliament early next week.
Whilst the Report contains many
welcomed recommendations, the
serious questions of whether further
laws are justified and proportionate,
or if they are counterproductive,
remains. As do the serious questions
over the extent we are willing to
curtail our civil liberties and human
rights. As a country, we must have a
serious and open discussion regarding
our foreign policy and our political
support of despots, autocrats and
dictators. As a community, we
talk about the youth; but rarely
do we provide forums where their
grievances are acknowledged; where
they are given a platform to engage
and encouraged to seek social change
within our democratic country.
Clearly, terrorism will not be stopped
with the introduction of further laws.
Will we heed the age old warning
that those who can give up essential
liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor
safety?
Compensation for fraudulent
migration law advice

By Farhan Rehman
If someone has requested
or obtained money from
you for an Australia visa it
may be illegal, dishonest
and could be fraudulent.
There could be serious legal
implications, including pecuniary
criminal penalties, for those who
have obtained a financial interest
unlawfully from you in return for the
promise of a grant of an Australian
visa.
Some examples may include:
An Employer who sponsors you
under a business for the purposes of a
visa grant who does not agree to pay
you your wage entitlements.
Institutes providing fake or
fraudulent completion certificates for
large payments.
Paying someone for the purposes of
obtaining a Partner Visa.
A Migration Agent requesting a

large amount of money from you to
secure you a sponsor employer.
Some key notes that may protect you:
Check to see if the Migration Agent
is registered on the Migration Agent
Authority Register: https://www.
mara.gov.au/
Always request what they purport to
provide to you in writing for example
by email.
Ensure any service provider
discloses their fees, costs and what
they are going to do for you in writing.
You may be entitled to compensation.
If you believe you are a victim of
negligence, misrepresentations or
fraud, please contact RSG Lawyers
on 9350 4440 for a confidential
discussion of your legal options
available.
Farhan Rehman
Partner/Solicitor RSG Lawyers
www.rsglaw.com.au
Ph: 9350 4440
MEL:505 Sydney Rd,Coburg VIC 3058
WAGGA:33
Fitzmaurice
St,Wagga
Wagga NSW 2056
www.alwasat.com.au
info@alwasat.com.au
Legal Corner
Bioethics
in Islam:
The
Principles
ASAK
and
Greetings
All.
This
m o n t h s
article will continue our
bioethical theme from
last months article
about the preservation
of life as a principle
of Islam. We are all
familiar with life being
sacred and the notion
that the entire universe
Hyder Gulam
results and supports
human life, as tenet of
Al wasat
our faith. Life is nothing
Legal Editor
short of a miracle, from
the galactic stars to
the smallest of living
organisms.
Although
Islam treats the life of all creatures as valuable, it gives
greater honour to human life. Knowledge of these Maqasid
of Shariah, that is the higher objectives, can certainly go
a long way to relieving some of the doubt and confusion
that creeps into our lives when reconciling living our life
as a Muslim Minority in Australia, and the Divine gifts and
benefits of these Islamic principles.
Scholars generally divide Maqasid into two general
categories: (1) higher objectives of the lawgiver; and (2)
objectives of those accountable before the law. Like Imam
al-Ghazali (d. 1111), Imam al-Shatibi (d. 1388) concluded
that the major objectives of Shariah are the preservation of
religion, human life, progeny, material wealth and human
reason. Islamic law aims to preserve essential and other
interests by preserving their existence and also protecting
them from annihilation.
So what are these higher objectives in relation to bioethics?
Here are a few key ones.
For every sickness and disease (except aging) God
has already created a cure. This means that scientific
investigations and looking for treatment is encouraged.
Islam has made it an onus upon the sick to seek treatment.
This means that searching for a cure is a responsibility for
the individual and the community.
Human life is sacred. The saving of one life is considered
to be the same as saving the life of all of humanity. This
means that effort ought to be made to save life, however
this must not endanger others or be reckless.
God does not burden a soul greater than what it can bear.
The plain understanding behind this is that we should
not be overwhelmed by our illnesses, instead use the
experience to strive towards piety and be shukr for all the
gifts from our Lord.
Necessity can remove a prohibition temporarily for as
long as necessity is removed. This means that those things
which are clearly prohibited, can be made permissible,
such as their use in a medicine (i.e. alcohol) if there is no
alternative, and for the period of the necessity.
When confronted with two evils, the lesser evil is
preferred. This is not better explained that in our article
in last months Al Wasat, where we discussed the utility
of organ transplant, especially as a superior religious
alternative than choosing to die.
Everything in Islam is permissible unless otherwise
proved otherwise by clear evidence. This means that Islam
approves of most of the biological researches, which aim to
benefit human life.
Our family and lineage should be protected. This is
manifested by the permissibility of IVF within wedlock.
Actions will be judged according to intentions. Intention
plays a critical role with all bioethical matters. In fact, this
maxim is the cornerstone for judging actions generally.
Inshallah (God willing), this article will help you, the
reader, consider these principles and their application, in
your daily lives. Till next time, Masalama.
By SQNLDR (ret) Hj Hyder is a registered nurse (UK), a

qualified lawyer, and an accredited mediator, and co-founder
of the Muslim Legal Network Inc. Footnotes available upon
request.
AUSTRALIAN
2016 1437 64
www.alwasat.com.au
info@alwasat.com.au
AUSTRALIAN HALAL CERTIFIER ALLIANCE

Australian Halal Certifier
Alliance (AHCA) will be:
Australian Halal Certifier Alliance (AHCA) was established
on 24th of July 2010 because of the demands of Overseas
Halal Authorities. The Australian Halal Certifier Alliance
(AHCA) was established to cultivate harmony amongst
Australian Halal Certification organizations and to
rectify problems on Halal issues in the spirit of Muslim
brotherhood in accordance with Shari a Law (Islamic
teaching).
This umbrella organization AHCA currently has eleven
members. The Adelaide Mosque Islamic Society of
South Australia Inc, Australian Federation
of Islamic Council Inc, Australian Halal Authority
and Advisor, Australian Halal Food Services,
Halal Sadixq Bux, Global Halal Trade Centre Pty
Ltd, Islamic Association of Kataning, The Islamic
Coordinating Council of Victoria Pty Ltd, Islamic
Council of Western Australia, Supreme Islamic
Council of Halal Meat in Australia and Perth
Mosque Incorporated.
Executing consistently and consequently all rules,

criteria and requirements of Halal certification
according to Islamic teaching that is issued by
Overseas Authorities. Halalness is a part of Islamic
faith. Every member of AHCA will honour and
execute fully all Halal issues.
Cultivating harmony amongst members of AHCA to
finalize problems on halal issues in the spirit of Muslim
brotherhood.
Enhancing the status of Halal Standards & Procedures
and to have an unified approach among the Halal
Certifiers in Australia.
Issuing Halal slaughterman/inspector/supervisor ID Cards
to
control and monitor the Halal according to Sharia Law.
Protecting the integrity of Halal.
Establishing harmony amongst the Australian Halal certifiers.
Having cooperation amongst Australian Halal certifiers.
The main aim of Australian Halal Certifier Alliance (AHCA) is to

set International Halal standards that can be used world wide
Australian champion kick boxer
Maseh Nuristani visitet EPIC
Australian champion kick

boxer Maseh Nuristani
(Afghan Muslim) visited EPIC
this month to speak about
anti-bullying and his career
East Preston Islamic College
55 Tyler Street, East Preston, VIC, 3072, Australia.
Ph: +61 3 9478 3323 Fx: +61 3 9470 1255
www.epic.vic.edu.au
28
29
AUSTRALIAN
2016 1437 64
www.alwasat.com.au
info@alwasat.com.au
ISLAMIC
CO-ORDINATING
COUNCIL OF VICTORIA
ICCV
The
Islamic
Coordinating
Council of Victoria
(ICCV)
which
was
established in 1992 is the major
and the largest Islamic organization
responsible for the certification,
monitoring, and supervision of Halal
food exports from Australia. We also
provide Halal Food (Halal Meat and
Halal Processed Food) Certification and
Supervision for domestic market.
Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, The
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman,
Yemen, United Arab Emirates (UAE),
Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Kuwait,
Libya, South Africa and others recognizes
Islamic Coordinating Council of Victoria
as a Halal Authority in Australia (for Saudi
Arabia State of Victoria only) providing
Supervision, Certification and advisory
services to the Halal Meat and Livestock and
Halal food products.
Benefits of ICCV
Halal Certification
With the establishment of high standards
and consumer confidence in ICCV certified
Halal products, business organizations gain
access to the vast marketing potential of Halal
consumers on a global scale.ICCV recognition
provides export opportunities to the global
Halal market which is estimated to be in the
region of US2.3 trillion dollars comprising of
approximately 1.6 billion Halal consumers
Very important competitive advantage is
gained
The unique ICCV certification Mark
(Logo) affixed on all products is a means
of greater promotions and marketing
advantage
The ICCV is the only body in the State of Victoria,

Australia, recognized by the Halal authority of
the Saudi Arabia Government.ICCV IS THE MOST
RESPECTED HALAL ORGANIZATION for the
Supervision and Certification of Halal Meat and Halal
Processed Food from Australia to Republic of Indonesia.
With five office staff, two food technologists, four Sharia
advisors and over 140 registered, Halal slaughtermen/
inspectors ICCV is the largest and the most respected
Halal Certifier in Australia. We have the capacity to
increase 140 registered Halal slaughtermen/inspectors to
more than 250.
We have no shortage of manpower.We are ready
to provide Halal Certification Service to
interested organizations.
Interested institutions/organizations/
Companies/individuals can contact
our office contact details are;
Phone: 61 3 9380 5467 Fax: 61 3 9380 6143

Email: iccv@bigpond.com Website: www.iccv.com.au
The assistance of ICCV personnel

by providing ongoing support
and effective and efficient Halal
marketing strategy
ICCV certified products will be
acceptable with no exceptions by
all Muslims all around the world
Accreditation and certification
is provided whilst maintaining
the confidentiality of company
trade and product details.
The
discharge
of
your
responsibility
in
investigating
and
providing
assurance
of genuine Halal to
the
Halal
product
consumers in the era
of excessive deceit and
false labeling and
certification of Halal.
AUSTRALIAN
THE
2016 1437 64
www.alwasat.com.au
info@alwasat.com.au
30
9 MEMBER ORGANISATIONS OF AFIC
The Muslims Of New South Wales

The Islamic Council Of Victoria.
The Islamic Council Of Queensland.
The Islamic Council Western Australia.

The Islamic Council South Australia.
The Islamic Council ACT.
The Islamic Council Of Tasmania.

Christmas Islands Islamic Council.
Northern Territory Islamic Council.
MEDIA RELEASE
Islamic College of Melbourne
Umrah Trip
Message from
the President
Assalaamu
Alaikum,
There is much
negativity
floated around
in relation to the
administration
of AFICs
MFIS school, in
particular.
I want to reassure our students,
parents, teaching and support
staff, InshaAllah MFIS will
overcome all the adversity and
shine once again as a beacon of
educational excellence in this
State.
The Islamic College of Melbourne will be

sponsoring two Year 10 students for Umrah
this year during the Term 2 break.
The following will be our criteria for the
selection process for the scholarship:
1. Good performance in Islamic Studies, Quran and
Arabic
2. Good Academic performance
3. Good Behaviour at school
4. Akhlaq (manners)
5. A high score in a test on general Islamic Knowledge
AFIC
HALAL
CERTIFICATION
SERVICES
Based on the criteria, a panel of teachers will select the

students who will be awarded the scholarship, which will cover
the Umrah expenses, including flight tickets, accommodation
and food.
We would like to further inform you that two male staff
members will accompany the students on the trip.
The college will also take care of the expenses of the trip for
the staff members.
We are excited about launching this program and we hope
that it will motivate the students to excel in all aspects, both
academic and behaviour.
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils Inc AFIC

is the oldest and longest serving government recognised
Halal certification service provider.
AFICs Halal service has been established over 40 years
ago as the first formally structured Halal Meat certification
service in Australia.
This service has progressed into provision of Halal
certification services for meat and non-meat products.
Revenue generated through AFIC Halal Services is put back
into the community. For details of benificiaries please refer
to AFIC Annual Reports on: www.afic.com.au
For further information on how to obtain Halal
Accreditation for your products, please contact our Sydney
office on
(02) 9319 6733 or
AFICs Melbourne office on
(03) 9329 1228
Or come in for a chat:
932 Bourke Street, Zetland, Sydney,
and 6668- Jeffcott Street, West Melbourne.
Email: halal@afic.com.au or
aficmelb@bigpond.com
Visit AFIC at www.afic.com.au
We are working extremely

hard with the Department of
Education and all stakeholders
to ensure all requirements in
relation to governance and
transparency are complied with
and properly adhered to.
Our focus is the education of our
children. We will not jeopardise
their education and their futures
any longer. Enough is enough
We are reminded:
If Allah helps you no one can
overcome you. If He forsakes
you, who is there, after that, that
can help you. In Allah, then, let
believers put their trust Al
Quran 3:160.
Furthermore,
So patiently persevere: For
verily the promise of Allah is
true: nor let those shake thy
firmness, who have (themselves)
no certainty of faith. Al Quran
30:60
May Allah help and guide our
hearts, minds and deeds at all
times.
Until next time, InshaAllah.
Assalaamu Alaikum
Hafez Kassem
President, Muslims Australia- AFIC
31
AUSTRALIAN
2016 1437 64
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info@alwasat.com.au
AFIC HISTORY
In 1963 the Australian Muslim community
adopted an organisational structure for the
cause of Islam in Australia. At the grass
roots level local Muslims formed Islamic
Societies to serve their basic needs in terms
of education and prayer facilities. The
building of Mosques and providing religious
education became the primary objective.
The Islamic Councils of each State and
Territory united to form State Islamic
Councils representing their respective
Muslim communities at the peak State level.
At the national level the State and Territory
Islamic Councils formed the Australian
Federation of Islamic Councils Inc (AFIC),
as the national umbrella organisation for
Australian Muslims representing Islam and
Muslims at a national and international
level. AFIC has its head office in Sydney
with branch offices in Melbourne.
AFIC Schools
As a democratic organisation, AFIC holds

Federal Council Meetings with all State and
Territory affiliates quarterly and an Annual
Congress with all State , Territory Councils
and Societies participating. The AFIC
Committee of Management is elected every
three years by the Annual Congress.
OUR MISSION
The mission of AFIC is to provide service
to the community in a manner that is in
accordance with the teachings of Islam
and within the framework of Australian
law. To advocate on behalf of the Muslim
community on all such matters that will
affect the communitys relevance, settlement
and integration within Australian society.
The main role of AFIC is to represent
Islam and Muslims of Australia as one
Ummah to the government and other
bodies nationally and internationally. AFIC
coordinates and provides resources for
activities of its State Islamic Councils and
member Islamic societies.
AFIC Publications
Muslims Australia
The Islamic College of Brisbane was established in January 1995.

It offers high quality education at both primary and secondary levels.
The college is situated on the outskirts of the city next to a large nature reserve, the
Karawatha forest.
The Islamic College of Brisbane is :
* a project of AFIC (Australian Federation of Islamic Councils Inc.)

* registered with the Department of Education
* a member of the Association of Independent Schools of Queensland (AISQ)
* funded by both the Queensland and Australian governments
* registered to offer courses from PreparatoryYear to Year 12
* has accreditation to enrol both local and overseas students
The College is proud of its excellent academic achievements and awards won over the years and continues to
maintain this level.
Muslims Australia is a quarterly community

based magazine published by AFICs
Melbourne office and is distributed
throughout Australia. The first edition
of Muslims Australia was published in
June 2007.To be a part of the voice of the
community, we welcome your articles,
editorial comments
Hand in hand for

a brighter Australia
Muslims Australia Head Office
932 Bourke St, Zetland NSW 2017
Tel:02 8303 2100
E-mail:admin@afic.com.au
Muslims Australia Melbourne
Office
6668- Jeffcott St,
West Melbourne VIC 3003
Tel:+61 3 9329 1228
E-mail:melb@afic.com.au
www.muslimsaustralia.com.au
Ph: (07) 3841 3645 Fax: (07) 3841 4320

Ad: 45 Acacia Road, Karawatha QLD 4117
w: www.icb.qld.edu.au
AFIC SCHOOLS
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils. AFIC is committed to provide educational facilities to
all Australian Muslims that will enable Muslim children to be schooled at the highest level in an Islamic
environment which would then enable them to take their rightful place in Australian society.
NSW SCHOOLS
Malek Fahd Islamic School

Email: admin@mfis.nsw.edu.au
Web:www.mfis.nsw.edu.au
Malek Fahd Hoxtn Park Campus
Email:hoxtonparkdp@
mfis.nsw.edu.au
Malek Fahd Beaumont Hills
Campus
Email:beaumont.hills.dp@
mfis.nsw.edu.au
VICTORIA SCHOOL
Islamic College Of Melbourne

Email: admin@icom.vic.edu.au
Web: www.icom.vic.edu.au
QUEENSLAND
SCHOOL

Email: admin@icb.qld.edu.au
Web: www.icb.qld.edu.au
WESTERN
AUSTRALIAN
SCHOOL
Langford Islamic College

Email: admin@afic-lic.com.au
Website: www.afic-lic.com.au
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN
SCHOOL
Islamic College of South
Australia
Email:admin@icosa.sa.edu.au
Website: www.icosa.sa.edu.au
AFIC SCHOOL (ACT)
Islamic School of Canberra

Email: iscact@bigpond.net.au
Website: www.
islamicschoolofcanberra.act.
edu.au
AUSTRALIAN
2016 1437 64
www.alwasat.com.au
info@alwasat.com.au
32
MLN Presents
on Cultural
Diversity and
Inclusiveness to
the Law Institute
of Victoria
First On Monday, 8 February 2016, The
Muslim Legal Network presented to the Law
Institute of Victorias Conference of Council
on Diversity in the workplace - emerging
challenges and opportunities.
The conference is the premier event of the LIV and
is attended by up to 60 delegates including legal
leaders, chief executive officers of state based law
societies, section chairs, suburban and regional legal
professionals, council members, representatives of the
large law firm group and the Law Council of Australia.
MLNs presentation on cultural diversity, inclusiveness
and bias was made alongside similar presentations
by esteemed panelists including Fiona McLeod SC,
President Elect, Law Council of Australia.
MLN President, Jazeer Nijamudeen
Walk for Justice for Refugees

Palm Sunday Rallies Around Australia:
Walk for Justice wherever you are.
Melbourne: 2.00pm, 20/3/16. State Library cnr Swanston and Latrobe street.
Adelaide: Parliament House, North Terrace, 2.00pm
Brisbane: Reddacliff Place, 3pm
Canberra: Garema Place, 1pm
Darwin: Nightcliff Jetty, 5pm
Newcastle: Railway Sheds, Newcastle Foreshore Park, 11.30am
Perth: St. Georges Cathedral, 1pm
Sydney: Belmore Park, 1pm
MLN focused on the value of inclusiveness to the

workplace but also its benefits to wider society and the
importance of ensuring that the community can have
confidence in the legal system. MLN President, Jazeer
Nijamudeen, explained how cultural diversity brings
diverse skill sets, networks and perspectives which
can lead to increased innovation, opportunities to
expand into untapped markets and a workforce that is
more capable of leveraging connections from language
and culture to benefit business. Mr Nijamudeen also
explored how the failure to be inclusive can result in a
drain of talent including senior practitioners leaving to
start their own practice instead.
The delegates listened attentively to an outline of
the issues that may affect Muslim employees and
how successful firms have implemented small
accommodations to be inclusive about Friday prayers,
Halal food, Alcohol, daily prayers and the Hijab.
Mr Nijamudeen also stressed that [d]iversity is not
just important for the workplace but also for those that
our profession serves before moving onto a jarring
anecdote.
Conference delegates were speechless as Mr
Nijamudeen quoted a racist remark from just last
week where a senior legal officer told a Muslim client
of an MLN member, This is not Morocco. In Australia,
women have rights. Do you understand me? Women
have no rights in Morocco, do they?
LIV President, Steven Sapountsis emphasized this
quote in his article on the LIV website titled: Cultural
Inclusivity in the Legal Profession: This is Not Morocco
- Its Australia 2016, Isnt It?. He stated: [t]hat such
bigotry and prejudice is openly paraded in Australia is a
surprise, but that it is done so by anyone holding senior
positions in the law, is shocking and unacceptable
Conference delegates agreed that bad behavior such as
racism must be called out and Mr Sapountsis echoed
these sentiments in his article to make some small
changes in your workplace...make the law a much more
culturally inclusive and diverse profession and to call
out the racists and bigots
It was impressive to see the LIV CEO, Ms Nerida
Wallace, inform delegates that LIV is proposing
legislative changes that will enable LIV to investigate
and call out such bad behavior and maintain community
confidence in the institutions of justice.
The presentation concluded on a positive note with Mr
Nijamudeen recommending some proven strategies to
address the opportunities and challenges of diversity
in the workplace. Education and a courageous senior
leadership were important elements of these strategies.
You can seek more information about the speech or
provide your feedback to contact@muslimlegalnetwork.
com or at
www.facebook.com/muslimlegal.
33
AUSTRALIAN
2016 1437 64
South Eastern Islamic Forum

Consultation Dinner
Islamic Council Of Victoria (ICV)
The ICV in partnership with the

SMCT Southern Metropolitan
Cemeteries Trust hosted the
first South Eastern Islamic
Forum Consultation Dinner with Muslim
religious and community leaders of the Sth
Eastern suburbs of Melbourne on Tuesday,
23rd February 2016 at the Springvale
Botanical Cemetery.
30 leading community members attended
and became aware of SMCTs vision
and future planning and contributed to
valuable discussions regarding Muslim
burial needs and practices.
Michele Blyth, General Manager
Engagement and Partnerships hosted
the dinner and shared SMCT plans and
opportunities for the Muslim communities.
Michelle says I am really looking forward
to going on the journey with the Islamic
Council of Victoria and all of the Muslim
communities.
ICV Vice President Mohamed Mohideen,

ICV Imam Sheikh Magidih Essa and
Dandenong Interfaith Networks Helen
Heath all presented and felt the evening
to be very insightful with a very wide
representation of the diverse Muslim
communities and groups. A follow up
For the first time in history,

educational
institutions,
language
colleges,
and
international students gathered
to show the world that Australia is a top
destination for study and travel.
On the 12th February 2016, the ICONIC
Bondi Beach received 3000 international

students. In total, students from 62
different nationalities attended an
unprecedented outdoor live English lesson
and a Guinness World Record attempt! With
backing from the NSW State Government
and English Australia.The latest global
education data from the OECD showed
Australia was the third most popular study
To highlight diversity in
the multicultural seat of
Batman, the launch is being
held at the much-loved Cedar
Bakery in Preston
Indian-Australian
social
worker
Alexandra Kaur Bhathal is running to
win the Greens second most winnable
lower house seat of Batman.
More than 250 people packed Prestons
Cedar Bakery to Alex Bhathals campaign
launch, which Adam Bandt MP, Sen.
Richard Di Natale, Sen.Janet Rice spoke
to encourage people to volunteer and
donate to a people powered campaign to
win the seat of Batman in 2016, using
similar tactics to Adam Bandts winning
campaign in 2013.
Alexandra Kaur Bhathal, a well-known
in the community for her work with
young people, multiculturalism and
equal rights of diverse communities,
especially women and work for Peace
and people seeking asylum.
I have lived and worked in this seat for
many years and I cant imagine living
Alex Bhathal For Batman

anywhere else in Melbourne I love our
multiculturalism and the generosity of
people here. Im deeply committed to
getting the representation that lives up
to our values said Ms Bhathal.
To
highlight
diversity
in
the
multicultural seat of Batman, the
launch is being held at the much-loved
Cedar Bakery in Preston.
Batman has the highest primary Greens
vote in Australia after the federal seat
of Melbourne and since 2010, the twoparty electoral contest in Batman has
Reform in
Superannuation
Taxation is
Looming
By Dr. Abul Jalaluddin

The Government is effectively considering a
radical reform plan for superannuation system
as super tax concessions are poorly targeted,
providing hugely disproportionate benefits to
high income earners. The measure is expected to save the
budget $6 billion a year. The superannuation regime is a
vehicle to accumulate savings for retirement and not a tax
planning opportunity.
Under the current rules based on the Superannuation
Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992, superannuation
contributions are taxed at 15%, earnings of
superannuation funds are also taxed at 15% and you get
the superannuation benefits tax free when you reach the
age of 60 and above. This rule applies to taxpayers of
all income levels (low, middle and high income earners)
which creates the basis for inequalities in superannuation
tax concession benefits.
destination for international student after

the USA and UK and one of the few major
destination countries to increase its global
market share over the last decade. The
standing also proves Australia is punching
well above its weight internationally,
with the sector forecasting to grow to $30
billion by 2020.
Alex Bhathal and Adam Bandt MP launched the biggest

campaign to win the seat of Batman for the Greens
Media Release
Financial Column
Dinner is planned in April at Bunurong

Memorial Park.
SMCT manages a total of 8 cemeteries for
further information you can visit:
smct.org.au
The Biggest English Lesson in the

World Bondi Beach, Australia
English Australia
www.alwasat.com.au
info@alwasat.com.au
between Labor and the Greens, making

a Greens win in the seat possible. Adam
Bandt MP and Greens Leader Richard Di
Natale have both expressed their strong
commitment to the Alex Bhathal for
Batman campaign.
Liberal and Labor have let Australias
migrant communities down.
Our
nations family reunion scheme is does
not work, with 20 plus year waiting
lists. And both parties are watering
down the basic democratic right,
in a multicultural nation, to hold
dual citizenship said Ms Bhathal.
The Greens are deeply committed
to Australias multiculturalism, the
most successful in the world. We are
committed to restoring the family
reunion program, to treating all
Australians equally in matters of
citizenship and to making things easier
with access to jobs and services for
newly arrived migrant communities.
We have the courage and vision to lead
for all Australians said Ms Bhathal.
Ms Bhathal and Greens party leaders will
be hosting a dinner on multiculturalism
and migrant rights in the near future.
The reform plan being considered is to abolish the current

concessional tax rate on superannuation contributions,
treat superannuation contributions as income in the
hands of the individuals, tax contributions at marginal
personal tax rates and provide a 15% tax rebate to all
superannuation contributors for the amounts contributed
to superannuation funds. This plan would equalise the
tax incentive for making contributions to superannuation
funds for everyone at 15% in the dollar and make
the system fairer for low income earners. Because of
progressive rate of tax, a 15% tax incentive to a low
income earner with an annual income of, say, less than
$100,000 will not produce the same tax benefit for
someone with an annual earnings of, say, over $200,000.
The Murray Review into Financial System completed in
November 2014 documented the highly disproportionate
superannuation tax benefits to people in the high income
brackets. It found that only $1 in every $200 tax benefits
goes to bottom 20% of income earners and more than half
(more than $100 of every $200 tax benefits) goes to top
20% of income earners. The review also found that 10%
of Australians receive 38% of Australias superannuation
tax concessions, more than the combined benefit of the
bottom 70% of Australians.
The concept of flat-rate tax concession was mooted in
the Henry Tax Review in May 2010. The specific details
of the plan were recently provided by the Deloitte Access
Economics in a report entitled Shedding Light in the
Debate: Myth Busting Tax Reform which concluded that
we should consider making tax incentives for contributing
to superannuation the same for everyone at 15% in the
dollar.
Australians need reform to superannuation system
that ensures the sustainability of this system in a way
which delivers fairness and enables retirees to maintain
a comfortable standard of living in retirement. This
proposed plan seems to be a step closer to achieve these
goals of sustainability and comfortable living standard in
retirement phase of our lives.
EDUCATION
2016 1437 64
How to Approach Higher

Islamic Learning in the West
By Pro Mehmet Ozalp
How
does
one
approach
establishing higher
Islamic
learning
in Western countries and
Australia? The challenge stands
before us on one hand, there
is the obvious inclusion of the
vast array of classical Islamic
sciences and disciplines; on the
other, there are inconspicuous
contemporary
needs
and
academic
standards.
This
challenge is precisely what we
set out to address in the last six
years of continually improving
our course design for the Islamic
Studies programme at ISRA and
Charles Sturt University.
Since the tenth century,
madrasas have been the
primary education providers
in the Muslim world. Ever
since the introduction of
Western-influenced educational
institutions in the nineteenth
century, there has been a
chasm
between
madrasa
and university educational
approaches, not only in the
study of Islam but educational
approach in general. The
result was the fragmentation
of Muslim countries into two
segments that had dramatically
different visions for society.
The problems facing Muslim
societies could be traced to this
chasm in education that has
continued to widen for the last
200 years.
Even though madrasas and their
influences have diminished in
the twentieth century, they
have survived in their traditional
form in many Muslim countries.
Islamic higher education in
Australia and the West has also
gravitated towards madrasastyle traditional education,
mainly due to its low cost,
being offered through mosques
unencumbered by regulation,
and esteem held about the
sheikhs and the institution in
Muslim religious circles.
Madrasa-style education is
characterised by a study of
traditional Islamic sciences,
including tafsir (exegesis),
the Quran, hadith (Prophetic
traditions),
fiqh
(Islamic
law) and usuli (foundational
methodology)
disciplines,
along with Arabic and logic.
The advantages of this style of
education are: it focuses on usuli
or method-based disciplines;
it places greater emphasis on
Arabic and therefore allows
access to primary sources
and
classical
texts;
and
the thorough coverage and
memorisation of the Quran and
hadith literature.
Madrasa-style
education,
nevertheless,
has
its
disadvantages
that
are
particularly accentuated in the
Western context. Shortcomings
include: limited curriculum
constituting
only
classical
disciplines; lack of or poorly
designed assessments; overemphasis
on
information
recollection and memorisation;
and limited focus on research
skills and critical thinking.
Madrasas also fall outside
the structured and formal
educational system and their
quality assurance processes;
therefore,
there
is
no
acknowledgement by way of
qualifications,
accreditation
or
awards
for
students.
Consequently, while madrasastyle Islamic education gives an
excellent grounding in tradition,
graduands are usually not
prepared well for the societies
in which they live nor is there
formal acknowledgement of
their efforts and standard of
education.
Although
Islamic
studies
programmes
offered
at
Western universities provided
a contemporary approach and
rigour of academic standards,
a brief examination reveal
shortcomings
here
also.
For the last few centuries,
university
departments
34
SHINING
LIGHT
Hanan Dover
dedicated to Middle Eastern
and Near Eastern languages
and civilisations often housed
Islamic studies. These were
historically
dominated
by
Orientalist approaches and nonMuslim academics who did not
share Muslim sensitivities and
priorities.
Further, the courses offered
often exhibited an exaggerated
emphasis on culture and
politics, rather than Islam as
a faith tradition. As a result,
Muslims generally did not
trust courses on Islam offered
through Western universities
and
students
often
felt
frustrated at their lecturers
lack of knowledge of Islam and
lack of depth in how Islam is
understood and practiced by
Muslims.
Hence, it seemed reasonable
that, rather than picking one
or the other, there was a need
to bridge the chasm between
the madrasa and university
styles of education to provide
a comprehensive, integrated
and balanced course profile for
students of Islam. It was with
this specific intent that ISRA
partnered with Charles Sturt
University to establish CISAC
(Centre for Islamic Studies and
Civilisation) and design new
bachelors and masters courses
in Islam.
CISACs Islamic Studies course
design constituted three core
components: classical Islamic

sciences;
contemporary
academic liberal arts; and
human
development
and
leadership. The combination
of these three components
ensured
balance
between
traditional and contemporary
disciplines as well as setting
a platform for encouraging
desired graduate attributes of
grounding in the tradition of
Islam, being relevant for the
society in which we live and
prepare ourselves to address
deeply rooted issues affecting
all humanity.
Added to this is our approach
to knowledge: Quran, Sunnah
and authentic historical reports
as well as the knowledge of
the universe and natural world
are essential sources. Human
reason is the critical instrument
that seeks correlation between
the revealed sources and
creation to correctly understand
both.
The Muslim world and Muslims
in Australia need men and
women who have acquired
a balanced higher education
of grounding in core Islamic
sciences, a deep familiarity
with the contemporary world
and human reality, and a
competence
in
academic
and liberal arts offered by
universities.
ISLAMIC COURSES
INFORMATION PROGRAM AT ISRA
ISRA (Islamic Sciences Research

Academy) Melbourne started
the new year by organising an
information session on Saturday
30 January, providing course details and
information for the academic year of 2016.
The program commenced with a speech
from Omer A Ergi, General Manager of ISRA
and Lecturer at Charles Sturt University.
Omer emphasised the importance of
knowledge, reminding the audience that
the first command to Muslims in the
Quran is Iqra (read). Omer also gave the
alarming fact that Islamic Studies courses
are predominantly taught by non-Muslims
in the West due to the insufficient number
of Muslim academics, stressing the need
for more Muslim academics in the West. Dr
Zuleyha Keskin, Course Coordinator of ISRA
and Lecturer at Charles Sturt University
provided detailed information about the
courses. One of the key points Zuleyha
made is the extensive experience the staff
at ISRA have in teaching at the academic
level. Zuleyha also noted the flexible nature
of the courses; students are able to study 1
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subject to 4 subjects per session depending

on their other commitments. The program
continued with a number of student
testimonials.
Waeza
Mahomed-Osman
delivered a heart-felt reflection about her
studies at ISRA, highlighting how studying
Islam at the academic level had transformed
her in so many ways, generating love and
passion for knowledge. Waezas speech was
followed by a testimonial by Muhammad
Harris Siddiqui who has been studying Islam
for 6 years. Whilst Muhammad admittedly
has immense Islamic knowledge, he noted
his appreciation for the application of that
knowledge into the contemporary context
in the course he was studying at ISRA. He
also expressed his gratitude for the support
shown by the staff. Ahmet Demir, a Masters
student who is also the General Secretary
of the Board of Selimiye Foundation,
commented on how he has been able to
successfully study this course despite his
extremely busy lifestyle. The staff are
aware that their students are extremely
busy, they have clearly designed the course
accordingly he said. Matthew Wallis, the
Enrolment Officer, provided enrolment

information to the potential students and
reminded them that the courses are covered
by HECS which means Australian citizens
do not need to pay any money upfront.
The night concluded with a question and
answer session followed by refreshments.
There was a positive buzz in the air as
the participants got excited at the idea of
starting their new course.
ISRA is an academic institution that has a
centre (CISAC) within Charles Sturt University
offering the following courses: Bachelor of
Islamic Studies, Master of Islamic Studies,
Master of Arts (Classical Arabic). It is the
only university course in Australia that offers
classical subjects such as Usul al-Tafsir, Usul
al-Fiqh and Usul al-Hadith combined with a
contemporary understanding of Islamic Studies.
Melbourne contacts details:
melb@isra.org.au and (03) 9305 2858.
Sydney contact details:
info@isra.org.au and (02) 9649 9040.
Hanan Dover is a clinical and

forensic
psychologist
and
managing director of psychcentral. She has completed
four degrees in area of psychology and is
currently enrolled in PhD at the school of
medicine at western Sydney university.
Her PhD research is on the role of
religious coping amongst traumatised
Iraqi refugees. Her current research also
includes exploring Islamophobia. Current
counter terrorism law and surveillance
on Australia Muslims and its impact on
their psychological health. Hanan Has
presented internationally and nationally
as an invited speaker on issues relating
to psychology. Mental health,Islam,and
Muslims Hanan Is the Founder of mission
of hope and is the project Director of
Hayat House. She is also an executive
member of the psychology from an Islamic
perspective interest group of the Australia
psychological society. A member of the
APS College of clinical psychologists and
the APS college of forensic psychologists.
Dr Ghena Krayem
Dr Ghena Krayem is a senior

lecturer at the Faculty of
law university of Sydney.
Since 2000 Ghena has been
s legal academic teaching in the areas of
constructional law , public law and legal
ethics. She has researched and published
in many areas to do with Islam in Australia
particularly focusing on Muslim women
and Islamic family law. Ghena is a regular
commentator on the Muslim community
in Australia. She is also the author of the
recently published book Islamic Family
Law in Australia. To Recognise or not to
Recognise.
35
OPINION
www.alwasat.com.au
info@alwasat.com.au
2016 1437 64
Shariah is a
controversial topic in
Western eyes
When I was
to Himself whoever turns
preparing my
back [to Him]. (Quran
Masters thesis
42:13)
in
Islamic
Accordingly, what Muslims
Studies at the Sydney
have as Shariah is what it
University, one of my
was given to people before
classmates asked me about
them. So every tradition
the title of my thesis.
before Islam had a path, a
When I answered that I was
methodology or a Shariah.
preparing a thesis titled
According to the Muslim
Shariah and its relevance
scholar Khaled Abou El
to Muslims in the West, she
Fadl, Shariah: is about
opened her mouth and said
a process, methodology
Dr. Rawaa El Ayoubi Gebara
in a shocked voice:Why
and morality. At the core
do you Muslims want to
of this morality is the
Sydney
bring your bad Shariah
value of beauty. Human
everywhere?
understanding of the law
This event was an incentive for me to conduct
(fiqh) engages the process and searches the
further research about Shariah, to personally
various normative values of Shariah, but human
learn about it and to help clear up some
understanding can never be the embodiment
misunderstandings in the minds of others. As a
of Gods beauty. In Islamic scholarship,
Muslim, I was at the beginning of developing my
Shariah means broadly the way to well-being
understanding of Shariah principles. From my
or goodness and the fountain or source of
experience and the discussions that take place
nourishment. This journey leads to God (Allah),
in the media and academic fields, I noticed,
but the way for Muslims has been shown by God,
when the term Shariah is mentioned, a dark
the Creator, through the Prophet Muhammad
image of Islam comes up in peoples minds about
(pbuh). Since Shariah is a path to religion, it
physical punishments, the repression of women
is primarily concerned with the set of values
and other similar negative comments. Shariah
that are essential to Islam and the best manner
has become a controversial topic in Western
of its protection. Therefore, Shariah refers to
eyes and its manner of representation has been
guidance, beliefs, commands, prohibitions, laws
infuriating for Muslims. It has reached the extent
and principles that God addressed to humanity
that many intellectual Muslims are ashamed to
relating to their conduct in this world and
mention the term Shariah and usually replace
salvation in the hereafter.
it with Islamic law. However, this is a mistake
The second point that I want to make here
because Islamic law is just a small entity under
that Shariah tells Muslims that in order to be
the large umbrella of Shariah.
faithful to the principles of Islam they have to
As a practising Muslim woman living in a
act with good morals in the society. Therefore,
modern secular society, I noticed the difficulties
they should understand the constitution and
faced by some Muslims in navigating their way
the ideals of this country because a lot of
through actualising Shariah in their daily lives,
Australians values are very similar to the values
which represents their faith and identity, while
of Shariah. For instance, social justice, respect,
living as good Australian citizens. This challenge
social security, health system, taking care of
takes on another dimension when one is also
the elderly people, equality in front of the law,
a student and a researcher. Therefore, after I
humanitarian values and moral principles are all
finished my research, I thought it is a must, to
from Shariah.
share its outcomes and to point out some of the
Shariah is also about accepting what is good
dimensions of Shariah.
and ingrate it in the system and rejecting what
As a starting point, it is important to mention
is bad. Also, Shariah fulfils the criteria of
here that there is a connection between the
justice and legitimacy, and binds the governed
message of Islam and the previous messages, as
and governor alike, because it is based on the
the Quran states in chapter 42:
rule of law and thus deprives human beings
He has ordained for you of religion what He
of capricious authority over each other. Then
enjoined upon Noah and that which We have
there is the concern for justice, which is a major
revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what We
preoccupation of Shariah: Justice is concerned
enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus - to
with the manner in which God wants creatures to
establish the religion and not be divided therein.
be treated, expounded mainly under the general
Difficult for those who associate others with
heading of muamalat (civil transactions). I will
Allah is that to which you invite them. Allah
expand more about the importance of justice in
chooses for Himself whom He wills and guides
Shariah in my following article.
GIFT OF KINDNESS
The No. 1 Reason

You Might Fail
As A Parent
By Jamilah Samian
Most of us agree that parenting
is arguably the most important job anyone
could do. In this post, I want to talk about
the No. 1 reason why many parents today
fail in their parenting job. The key word is
Time.
When Internet hit the world, the complaints
poured in from parents. Parents complained
of children addicted to computer games,
Internet chat rooms, demanding to have
their own mobile phones and devices,
so they could access anything online,
anywhere.
A recent report illustrated that things have
changed. The balance has now swung to the
other side: A growing number of children
are now complaining that their parents
are so attached to their mobile phones
and devices, it makes these children feel
ignored and neglected. The word that came
up repeatedly was, sad.
An eight-year-old boy said that pretty
often, when he came to his mother to ask
her about something, she would ask him
to wait, so she could finish whatsapping
a friend or finish her post on Facebook or
Instagram or reply an email related to work
the list goes on.
It reminds me of the time when I was at
a restaurant, waiting to be served. At the
next table sat two women and a young
girl, not more than five years old. As the
two women checked their mobile phones,
posed and snapped photos of themselves
and rechecked their mobile phones, the
little girl buried her head in her arms and
looked away. There was such sadness in
her face, I wish I could get up and tell the
women to stop whatever they were doing
and start paying attention to her.
The drama went on until I left.
Here is to remind you that TIME is the most
valuable, important investment you could
ever make as a parent. Take the time to look
at your child when he comes to you. Take
the time to listen and understand what she
is saying. It wont be long before they grow
up. If you dont give them your time when

they need it, it is unlikely for them to make
you their reference point when they need it.
At times, it is good to remind ourselves
of the difference we parents can make to
shape our childrens thoughts and actions.
Perhaps you have heard of the oft-quoted
saying, It takes a village to raise a child.
To an extent this is true, but taken to the
extreme, it might imply as if we parents
are off the hook and other people should
bear the responsibility in case our offspring
dont turn out right.
So let us make the record straight. As a
teacher of mine said, Yes, it takes a village
to raise a child, but what a parent can do
is much much more than what a village can
do. Never underestimate the power and
influence that you, the parent, can make.
All the little things that you do on a daily
basis, which your kids observe, are the
most powerful lessons you are imparting
to your children. Never mind if the world is
showing them something on the contrary.
Let me share a personal experience.
Growing up, my parents never bought any
entertainment magazine, the pages of
which were filled with reports and photos
of actors, singers and entertainers. Ever.
What they did buy were other reading
materials that were worth reading.
I saw plenty of entertainment magazines
whenever I visited my cousins and
neighbours homes. My parents never told
me not to buy those magazines. Yet it never
crossed my mind to read, let alone buy
them. When it comes to raising the future
generation, action speaks louder than
words. Case closed.
Jamilah Samian is the author of The Kindness

Miracle, Cool Mum Super Dad, Cool
Boys Super Sons, and The Groovy Guide to
Parenting Gen-Y & Z. Visit her website
www.coolmumsuperdad.com
Check her out at
www.coolmumsuperdad.com
Come on Australia Lets Go!

Register today to Clean Up Australia in 2016
Clean Up Australia
Its time to take a look around your
local area your streets, parks,
sporting grounds, beaches, bushland and
waterways to find those rubbish hotspots that
need attention and register a local site for Clean
Up Australia Day on Sunday 6 March 2016.
2015 was the year when, with your support, we
saw great progress with the announcement of a
container refund scheme in NSW, and discussion
about how we reduce the number of plastic bags
being handed out at checkouts.in NSW and Qld.
But it is imperative that we also keep on top of
all the other litter that accumulates areas around
us.
According to Chairman and Founder of Clean Up
Australia, Ian Kiernan AO, registering a local
site on Clean Up Australia Day is the perfect
way to identify local trouble-spots and free your
favourite local areas of senseless rubbish.
Come on Australia Lets make this Clean Up
Day the biggest one yet! Our website is open
for registrations and once again we need your

generosity and passion for the environment to
make 2016 a success, said Mr Kiernan.
In 2015 more than 535,000 volunteers removed
an estimated 14,000 tonnes of rubbish from
6,890 sites across Australia.
I am pleased once again to work with all of our
volunteers who continue to tirelessly remove
rubbish from your local area. However, this year
I would like to challenge everyone else to get
involved in what is now the biggest community
mobilisation event in the Southern Hemisphere.
[can we support this?]
First option is to find a local rubbish hotspot or
favourite location and then organise your family,
friends, neighbours and colleagues to join your
team.
But if that doesnt appeal there is another
way YOU can be involved. In 2016 YOU can
have your say in programs Clean Up develops
as we continue our efforts to stop rubbish. YOU
donors choose the rubbish item that annoys YOU
the most and Clean Up allocates your donation
towards development of a program that focuses
on that item.
Becoming a YOU donor is as easy as texting
CLEAN to 0437 371 371 or follow the prompts
on our website. said Mr Kiernan.
Clean Up Australia is a not-for-profit charity
which relies on donations from individuals and
businesses to help us fund the free materials
we provide for the thousands of volunteers at
community sites all year round. Membership of
YOU will help us eradicate those rubbish items
that consistently plague their efforts.
Come on Australia - 2016 is your chance to get
involved and join the hundreds of thousands of
volunteers who will grab their white and yellow
bags and don their gloves to clean up their local
community. Over the last 26 years volunteers
have donated more than 29.8 million hours
towards caring for the environment through
Clean Up Australia Day, by removing the
equivalent of 315,776 ute loads of rubbish from
158,809 sites across the country.
Registrations for 2016 Clean Up sites are now
open. To register go to:
cleanupaustraliaday.org.au
CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY 2016

WHAT: Australias biggest community participation
event. Come on Australia Lets Go, Get your Clean
Up Team together and register your chosen Clean Up
Site or let us know some of the rubbish hotspots in
your local area.
WHEN: Clean Up Australia Day Sunday, 6 March
2016; Business Clean Up Day Tuesday, 1 March
2016; Schools Clean Up Day Friday, 4 March 2016.
WHERE: Local rubbish hotspots nationally
WHO: Everyone is welcome friends, family, kids,
community groups, work colleagues, organisations or
anyone else.
HOW: Register your Clean Up Site and local rubbish
hotspots for Clean Up Australia Day 2016 now on
www.cleanup.org.au or call 1800 CUA DAY for more
information.
YOU: To become a YOU donor, text CLEAN to 0437
371 371 or go to www.cleanup.org.au and follow the
prompts to YOU
NEWS
2016 1437 64
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info@alwasat.com.au
36
Is the term anti-Semitic defamatory?
Sharri Marksons about to find out

BY MYRIAM ROBIN/
Crikey media
Calling critics of the
Israeli governmentantiSemites might prompt
a call to the lawyers,
pending the outcome of a defamation
case brought against Australian
journalist Sharri Markson and her
employer.
The case revolves around a column
Markson wrote in the midst of
the(somewhat successful) push by
some within NSW Labor to force those
going on educational trips to Israel to
also spend an equivalent amount of
time in Palestinian territory. Under
the
headlineALPs
anti-Semitic
views behind push for trip ban, she
strongly criticised NSWs first Muslim
MP, Labors Shaoquett Moselmane,
for
broadcastinganti-Semitic
sentiment when he used terms
likecancerous and malicious to
describe the Australian Israeli lobby in
a speech made in Parliament in 2013.
Moselmane is suing for defamation.
Rick Mitry of Mitry Lawyers, who is
acting for the MP, told Crikey this
morning that the criticisms of his
client were dishonest and unfair.
If you look at original speech in
Parliament, it didnt say anything
about Jews or the Semitic race. He
criticised Israeli government policies.
Thats why he began these
proceedings. [News Corp] didnt
retractif they had we might have
withdrawn. But now that theyre
insisting that [the column] wasnt
in any way dishonest or defamatory
of him, we have to pursue. First to
recover damages to his character, but
also, so it does become a test case.
Mitry says his client would be open to
Rick Mitry of Mitry Lawyers

a settlement,if they withdraw [the
accusation in Marksons column],
which is false, and apologise, and pay
appropriate damages.
There isnt anabundance of cases
dealing with this kind of thing in
Australia, Mitry says.
Sydney University defamation expert
David Rolph could only name a
handful of defamation cases involving
a charge of racism. And there were
fewer, if any, involving charges of
anti-Semitism.Theyre
relatively
rare. And it does create some difficulty
for judges sitting alone or for juries,
he said.
In many of these cases, the defence
that might arise is honest opinion or
fair context. But it depends on the
context in which the allegation is
made. If youre raising a range of facts,
it might be defensible as comment. But

if youre baldly asserting somebody is
a racist, defamation law might treat
[that] as an assertion of fact. Which
throws up the difficult issue of how
many instances of dubious actions or
iterations prove someone is a racist?
Mitry says his client didnt say
anything
against
the
Jewish
people.He only said something
against the Israeli parliament. Often
when you say something against
Israeli policy, the race card gets
played. Which is rubbish.
Markson has levelled charges of antiSemitism towards critics of Israeli
policy before(though she is hardly
alone in how she uses the term). For
example, after then-Fairfax columnist
Mike Carlton left The Sydney Morning
Herald in explosive circumstances,
she wrote that his abuse of readers
on Twitter wasanti-Semitic. Going
by the tweets used to illustrate the
article, it appears that the claim
revolved around Carltons use of
terms such asLikudniks(a reference
to
Israels
conservative
Likud
party) andJewish bigot towards
detractors.
Carlton told Crikey this morning
he never considered suing Markson
over calling his conduct anti-Semitic,
though he says the claim isutterly
untrue. He added that the charge of
anti-Semitism was hurled to counter
theslightest criticism of Israel.
And its very effective. Its a very
hard charge to rebut. Once youre
smeared with that tag, its got you. It
terrified Fairfax all the way up to the
board.
Its a criticism seconded by Peter
Slezak,
a
Jewish-Australian
philosophy academic who is a vocal
critic of both Israeli groups in
Australia and the Israeli government.
Shaoquett Moselmane MP
Sharri Markson
He says the charge has a chilling

effect on discussion of Israeli policy
and detracts from incidences of real
anti-Semitism.
The charge [of anti-Semitism] is
used against anyone who raises their
voice against the crimes of the state
of Israel, he told Crikey.They
should be called on it.
The annual report on anti-Semitism
of the Executive Council of Australian
Jewry(ECAJ) gives an example of how
anti-Semitism is tracked by Jewish
groups, and how the term is used
with relative ease in an Australian
context. The ECAJs 2015 report
distinguishes between anti-Semitic
discourse and anti-Semitic incidents,
and notes thatantisemitism will
never disappear or be destroyed.
While it says criticism of Israeli policy
isnt of itself anti-Semitic, it says one
source of anti-Semitism in Australia
ispolitical antisemitism disguised as
anti-Zionism and the denial of Jewish
peoplehood, history and rights. In
other words, criticism of Israeli policy
can act as a smokescreen for antiSemitic sentiment, both through the
use of symbols or caricature or more
explicit sentiments.
This was the argument made about a

Glen Le Lievre cartoon accompanying
the column that led to Carlton parting
ways with Fairfaxwhile Le Lievres
cartoon was clearly about Israeli
military tactics, the fact that the
Jew in the cartoon was depicted with
a Star of David and a stereotypical
Jewish nose, in a manner said to be
reminiscent of anti-Semitic imagery,
brought the charge of anti-Semitism
by some Australian Jewish groups.
The ECAJs report initially emphasises
anti-Semitic incidents such as
harassment or physical assaults of
Jewish people(of which it tracked 190
in 2015). But it argues such behaviour
does not exist in a vacuum: it is
legitimised through anti-Semitism in
the mainstream media and society.
Much of the Australian media is, in
the report, accused of publishing antiSemitic content. This includes Crikey,
which is criticised both for some of
the claims in articles published in
2014 and for the reader comments
allowed under the articles.
Source: www.crikey.com.au
First International Conference

of Muslim Councils in the West
The President of the
Islamic Council of Western
Australia
Dr.
Rateb
Jneid attended the 1st
International Conference of Muslim
Councils in the West - a major initiative
for Muslims in Western nations - in
Washington, D.C., February 1-3 in
Arlington, Va.
This conference was the first of its
kind to bring Muslim leaders around
the world together to exchange
experiences and to discuss common
issues of concern to our communities.
A conference of this scale, uniting the
voices of Muslims across the Western
Hemisphere and world, is vital to our
continued growth and development
as a global community. The 200
attendees included representatives
from Muslim Councils and their
member organizations from North
America,
South
America,
the
Caribbean, Australia, and Europe.
International
representatives
presented reports on Muslims in their
respective countries.
Conference discussions focused on:
Identifying and developing strategic
priorities for the Muslim communities
in the West,
Exchanging ideas and developing
strategies to address the rise of
Islamophobia and anti-Muslim bigotry
in the West,
Developing ways with which to
challenge and counteract the problem
Dr Rateb Jneid
President-Islamic Council of WA
of violent extremism in all its forms,

Enhancing the integration and
positive contributions of Muslim
communities in the societies in which
they live,
Developing strategies for the

resettlement of the new waves of
refugees and exchanging experiences
and resources.
The Conference was a successful and

productive event with participants
discussing issues and working
together to propose solutions. The
leaders were able to come up with a
set of initiatives and proposals for
further deliberation. The conference
resolved that:
The leaders participating in the
conference have acknowledged the

need and have agreed to form a
Coordinating Body of Muslim Councils
in the West and have formed a
steering committee to implement this
decision.
We will continue to engage in civic,
social, political and educational
areas to better integrate the Muslims
in their own countries, as well as

internationally
The historic conference was a vibrant
open discussion with enthusiastic
participation from a diverse set
of leaders who represented the
Muslim community in the West.
A commitment to continue such
meetings, which bring leaders
together for a common purpose and a
vision for our community, was agreed
on by all.
Dr Rateb Jneid
President-Islamic Council of WA
37
EDUCATION
2016 1437 64
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The principal of Al-Taqwa College

made a visit to some Historical Mosques
and Educational Institutions in China
By Mohammad Safar
Melbourne
In December of
2015, principal
of Al-Taqwa
College and its
campuses Omar Hallak made
a momentous visit to China
in what was a grand tour of
its historically significant
mosques and Islamic
landmarks.
In a tour that spanned over
five days, Mr. Hallak was
guided through a total of
seven of the Countrys most
notable mosques and quite
a few Islamic schools and
colleges along the way.
This trip by Mr. Hallak aimed
to increase the reach and the
influence of Al-Taqwa college
to the far east. Seeing the
Countrys great mosques and
Islamic institutions is crucial
in order to truly understand
the Islamic culture in China,
and what life is like for
Chinese Muslims.
Starting in the Chinese city
of Guangzhou, located in the
Guangdong province in the
south of China, Mr. Hallak
began his tour by visiting
one of the oldest mosques,
Huaisheng Mosque. This
mosque is said to have been
built in 627AD by Sad ibn
Abi Waqqas, the uncle of
the prophet Muhammad
(SAW). This is an extremely
significant site to not only
China, but to the Islamic
world, as it illustrates the
reach and influence of Islam
from almost 1400 years ago.
As a result of this influence,
there are more than 120
million Muslims living in
China today, and more than
100.000 mosques.
Mr. Hallak also visited
one of Chinas largest and
most famous mosques, the
Shuncheng street mosque.
This mosque is located in
Kunming city, in the Yunnan
province in south west China,
and covers almost 10,000
square metres of land. The
mosque was originally built
almost 600 years ago in the
year 1425, and serves as one
of the busiest mosques in the
country.
During his trip, Mr. Hallak
also attended meetings and
talks at many Islamic schools
in china, where Al-Taqwa aims
to foster an exchange program
for students and staff related
to the schools. This can be
a major learning experience
for all parties involved, as
it can increase the exposure
and power of Islam as it is
practiced in many different
cultures.
The trip was a great success,
and has made a great impact
in strengthening ties between
Islamic institutions in both
Australia and China.
The Grand Mosque of Shadian, one of the biggest in China. Grand Mosque of
Shadian is consisted by main buildings of prayer hall, vault and four minarets.
This grand mosque has inherited the decoration style for its galleries, arches
and pillars from Nabawi Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Leaders from the Girls School of Dianbaimu Mosque
Mr. Hallak visited the Kindergarten and Girls Islamic School of the Shigoutou
Mosque of Yuxi
At the Dazhuang Mosque of Kaiyuan
Mr. Hallak gave a speech and answered questions from the students and
teachers at the Girls school of Dianbaimu Mosque
Life outside Huaisheng Mosque of Guangzhou
Mr. Hallak at the classroom of Islamic School of Shuncheng Mosque.
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2016 1437 64
VCE High Achievers 2015

DUX OF SCHOOL
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ARABIC & ENGLISH NEWSPAPER Issue 64 Jumada Al-awwal 1437 February 2016
How to Approach
Higher Islamic
Learning in the West
34
Bioethics in
Islam: The
Principles
27
Aussie Muslim Diana

Abdel-Rahman receives
Order of Australia Medal
26
Australias First
National
COINS:
A Journey
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Islamic
Civilisation
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Schooling
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ALWASAT Issue 64 Jumada Al-awwal 1437 February 2016

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EFSOL EasyHome Saver

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ALWASAT Issue 64 Jumada Al-awwal 1437 February 2016

ALWASAT Issue 64 Jumada Al-awwal 1437 February 2016

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ALWASAT Issue 64 Jumada Al-awwal 1437 February 2016

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Our Muslim Heritage Under Threat

Inside Broken Hill Mosque , source: www.brokenhillaustralia.com.au

the disarray of the Muslim

The Day a Horse Raced a Camel:

people trying to enter Australia

The author is a prominent

of intense anti-Afghan and

Abdul-Waheed (State Library of Queensland, John Oxley Library)

Mark at the office

Mark and his 5 daughters

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Bowel cancer often develops