In the name of Allah, most Benefi cent, most Merciful

Australia’s Leading Muslim Newspaper! AUSTRALIA FAIR Forum on Australia’s Islamic Relations May 2005 / Rabi Awwal 1426 News-zine Issue 17 Free

Korban Tsunami full report page 10

Mrs Abes and her children stand outside their home where a fishing boat landed and consequently saved their lives and the lives of fifty neighbours. Her house is 4 km from the sea.

It has been over three months since a Tsunami devastated a third of Banda Aceh and many towns and villages in the rest of NAD (Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam). FAIR director and Project Manager for the Australian Foundation for the Children of Aceh (AFCA), Kuranda Seyit, recently returned from the disaster area after establishing a number of orphan support programs and schools projects. More on page 10 Inside

In Profi le New Pope...... p2

Tsunami update ...... p5

Gallipoli- a bond in blood...... p8

Womens Interfaith Network .....p17

Indonesian Exchange ...... p3

Stolen voices of Muslim women .p4

Korban Tsunami ...... p10

Interfaith Relations ...... p9 2 UP FRONT AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426 A word from the editor In profile: How will new Sydney Pope handle ties with Muslims... Islam? by Haroon Siddiqui

Joseph Ratzinger is entitled to his laughing stock Catholic conservatism, his theological rigidity and his opposition to religious once again! relativism. It is up to Catholics to internally debate his traditionalist views on a series The circus that is Sydney Muslims, goes on again after a lull in performance dates. March was of social issues. They already are, even relatively quiet as far as Islam in the media goes. before the applause has died down over However, April gave our ratings a real shot in the arm, once again to record levels. The Daily his election as Pope. Telegraph, Today Tonight and talkback was hot with talk about the Muslim Sheikh who said It is not up to us to dictate what that women who wore revealing clothing had no-one else to blame but themselves if they were Catholics should believe and who they raped. pick as leader. Otherwise, the secular Well, he is entitled to his views. I think we need to understand exactly what Sheikh Feiz was idea of freedom of religion ceases to have trying to say, underneath his public statement. At first hearing it sounds utterly ridiculous and it meaning. is. But what he was alluding to was that Muslims must dress modestly. He was trying to highlight Rather, the relevant issue for the world his message with a very strong and exaggerated example. In retrospect this was foolish. The is: How will Pope Benedict XVI be different Sheikh is very regretful of his statements and has qualified it to say that he did not mean that from his predecessor in dealing with other women are to blame for the actions of a rapist. faiths and nations? Let’s be absolutely clear, Islam does not condone under any circumstances any form of sexual It is only half correct to say he will Good relations: Pope John Paul II assault or violent behaviour. The culpability of a rapist lays solely on the perpetrator and his follow John Paul II’s traditions. He clearly punishment would be severe if proven guilty. would on conservative theology. But for the life of its people, a foundation that While Muslim women are required to wear modest attire as are men, how a Muslim behaves would he continue the papal outreach seems to have escaped from the hands of in public is beyond the control of the Muslim community. Today in Australia, there are thousands to others around the globe that we have old Europe,” he wrote last year. of Muslim women who choose not to wear the veil, although they still dress relatively modestly. been blessed with in the last quarter of a One can read that as a statement There are many women who will dress quite openly but we as Muslims can do little about it. It century? of admiration. But, juxtaposed with his is up to the family to give advice and guidance but we cannot judge or condemn a woman for John Paul spoke up for the poor, concern regarding his flock in Europe, it dressing in immodest attire, revealing her sensual parts and attracting people of the opposite sex, affected by globalization and unbridled may not be. that is for Allah to judge. capitalism. It fits the pattern of thinking of some But the disturbing aspect of the latest debacle was that we as a community once again showed He stood by the oppressed, including conservatives who speak of the increasing our immaturity and impetuousness. Instead of dealing with the situation moderately we over the Palestinians, whom he addressed presence of Muslims in Europe in the reacted and jumped to attack another Muslim publicly playing into the hands of the media. The in Bethlehem: “No one can ignore how same breath as the decline of Christianity chatrooms were alive with debate and most worrying was the fitna that was generated. Most much you have had to suffer in recent on the continent. That implies the two are did not bother to verify what had been said and which context it was said in, regardless of the decades. Your torment is before the eyes related, which they are not. misguided nature of the statements and the extreme notions being put forward, it would have of the world, and it has gone on too long The “culprit” is secularism, and, in the been more fitting to discuss the issue in private as Sheikh Feiz is firstly a fellow brother in Islam ... Only with a just and lasting peace — not case of Catholics, the Vatican’s social and secondly he is a learned scholar at least with the minimum of training in Islam. I think we imposed but secured through negotiations conservatism, which the faithful ignore. have enough senior imams in our community to deal with this without any media influence. — will legitimate Palestinian aspirations Blaming Muslims is cheap politics. Please do not misunderstand me I am not defending the Sheikh and his comments which were be fulfilled.” Ratzinger has long wanted Europe absolutely out of line but calling for more measured and constructive responses to the situation. He believed in the United Nations to rediscover its Christianity. That’s I think that once that the information had become a public issue once again we needed to and multilateralism, which is why he was understandable. But he crossed the line clarify the situation without condemning or attacking the Sheikh. emphatic in opposing the invasion and last year in opposing the entry of Turkey We definitely did not need to drag the show on longer than it was worth. Frankly it was not occupation of Iraq. into the European Union. even worth so much coverage but it only revealed the inane media and their pettiness. It was Much of the commentary of the last 48 “Turkey has always represented a not even worth debating as we all know how ridiculous it is to even suggest that Islam would hours has been about Cardinal Ratzinger’s different continent, always in contrast with condone such ideas. The media sets traps and baits Muslims looking for anything to hang on belief in the superiority of Catholicism. Europe,” he told the Paris newspaper Le Islam, trying to portray it as backward and misogynistic. It strikes other faiths as “chauvinistic Figaro. It’s a shame but that is the present environment that we find ourselves in and we need to be and triumphalist,” in the phrase of Rabbi That is disturbingly close to the racist more dignified than that. Michael Lerner, of the American magazine notion that Muslim Turkey cannot be a Tikkun. It offends Anglicans and other part of Christian Europe. The ignorance GREAT RESOURCE ON Muslims in Protestants. of that sentiment is stupefying, for several Australia: Immigration, Race Relations and But don’t most believers, regardless reasons: The continent is no longer Cultural History (London: Kegan Paul, 2004) of religion or denomination, believe, to Christian alone; Christian majority nations By Dr Nahid Kabir a degree, that they alone possess the do not constitute Christian states, and Muslims have lived in Australia for over 140 years. When and why truth? opposing Turkey on religious grounds did this religious group become a ‘threat’ to Australia’s national security? More instructive is Ratzinger’s makes a mockery of Europe’s self- Is this perception new or did it exist from earliest Muslim settlement, approach to one of the bigger issues of admired secularism, even if that is of little and how does it affect their self-image and relationship with the wider the age: relations with Muslims and Islam. or no concern to the Vatican. community? In Muslims in Australia, Nahid Kabir seeks to understand John Paul — the first pope to pray in a We will have to wait and see whether the basis of mainstream Australians fear by tracing Muslim history since synagogue, visit the Wailing Wall and call Pope Benedict XVI will distance himself the Afghan settlement in 1860. In social, economic and political contexts, anti-Semitism “a sin against God” — was from Cardinal Ratzinger. One of the the author compares Muslim experience with that of other racial and also the first pontiff to enter a mosque, legacies of John Paul II was that he religious minorities in Australia. In the Colonial and ‘White Australia’ open a dialogue with Muslims, condemn helped end the Cold War. Will the new periods, she evaluates their position with that of the Aborigines, Chinese, Japanese, Irish and Germans. In Islamophobia and urge Catholics to join Pope fan the war being waged by the ‘Multicultural’ period, Muslims are compared with the Buddhists and Vietnamese people to present a Muslims in fasting on the last Friday of neo-conservatives and fundamentalist comprehensive picture of Australian race relations history. She explores whether race or religion has kept Ramadan. Protestants against Muslims and Islam, or these people underprivileged in the past and if these factors are still operative in a period when discrimination Ratzinger, however, has reservations will he help diffuse it? on the basis of race, colour, culture or religion has been officially declared unacceptable. not only about outreach to Muslims but Nahid Afrose Kabir is an Honorary Research Fellow in the School of Social and Cultural Studies Islam. Haroon Siddiqui is The Star’s editorial at the University of Western Australia. She holds a PhD in History and an MA in Historical Studies “The rebirth of Islam is due in part to the page editor emeritus. from the University of Queensland, Australia. She also holds an MA in History from the University of new material richness acquired by Muslim Dhaka, Bangladesh. Her research interests include Australian immigration, race relations and cultural countries, but mainly to the knowledge that history, media and society, Islam and politics. it is able to offer a valid spiritual foundation www.fair.org.au THE EXCHANGE 3 AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426 Indonesian Xchange Four Australians were chosen to represent Australia in a Muslim Leader Exchange Program sponsored by the government.

Translation of Tabloid Republika Dialog Australian Muslims Share Stories Through a visting exchange program facilitated by the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, four Australian Muslim figures study about efforts to strengthen their fraternity. The challenges and obstacles faced by the Islamic community in their daily lives are increasing, especially for those who live in a majority non- Muslim country. Therefore there is no other way [forward] apart from always strengthening fraternity so that Muslims have the strength to face various problems. And at the moment, Muslim communities in Australia are also in the middle of attempting to strengthen fraternal ties and cooperation. This issue was raised by four Muslim guests from Australia who had the opportunity to be in Indonesia through a visiting exchange program from the Australian Embassy. They are, among others, Seyfi Seyit (the founder of Australia Islamic Relations [sic] – FAIR), Monique Sr Afshan Mantoo and Sr Monique Toohey share a smile with Muslim sisters in Jogjakarta Toohey (a Muslim psychologist), Nedal El-Ghattis (an RMIT university However, because they consist of many that were run by a number of Muslim come to a mosque. There they will receive student) and Afshan Mantoo (a member of communities, it is certainly not easy to communities now intend to unite under the an explanation about Islam and the basic the Australian Muslim Community). realise this hope. “If it was a city that As Monique says, along with the growth wasn’t too big, like Adelaide, Canberra in the numbers of the Muslim community and Brisbane, it wouldn’t be too difficult. in Australia at the moment, concern about It’s another matter with a big city like the importance for the Muslim community Sydney and Melbourne,” explained of cooperation has emerged. The reason Monique again. being, with the increasingly strong ties Usually the respective [Muslim] emerging between Muslim communities, it communities have their own is hoped that the aspirations of the Muslim organisations, with a range of different community are heard more and have a activities on their agendas. For this greater impact on society. reason, continued [Monique] the The Muslim community in Australia challenges faced by Australian Muslims consists of many ethnic groups and was also how to coordinate organisations nationalities. They consist of immigrants and religious social institutions from all and from about 70 countries. It is this these communities. that is to be united, in one coordinating Meanwhile, according to Nedal El- organisation, for example, so that all the Ghattis’ explanation, these efforts are activities that support the growth of the progressing in stages. Like what is Islamic religion are well-coordinated. happening in Melbourne, where mosques A street scene in Jogja

banner of the local Board of Ulammas. principles of its followers. “Aside from that, the important central Although these efforts to build mutual role played by the young generation of bridges of understanding are continuing, Australian Muslims should be noted. considered Nedal, they have not completely They are really trying to bring together eroded the suspicions of some Australians the Muslim community from various towards Islam. He himself has experienced backgrounds, ethnicity, nationality and this when he intended to apply for work language into one Australian Muslim with a company. community,” said Monique. “Don’t hope you’ll get work if you bear On the other hand, as people in a a distinctive Islamic name there,” he said. multicultural country, Australian Muslims And because he used the name Nedal, also are undertaking various activities he claims that he has been refused work to raise mutual understanding between several times even though he fulfilled the religious communities. These efforts, criteria. said Seyfi, are being undertaken by Regarding this problem, Afsan Mantoo Muslim groups, Islamic institutions and hopes that the Australian government could organisations, intellectuals and academics. be more persistent in campaigning for inter- “Activities covering seminars, dialogues religious harmony and give a greater chance on religion, publications, and so on are to Muslims to explain the real Islam. “But regularly held,” he said. In Sydney, for what is more important is how can we, as example, for some time now there has been Muslims, together guide the fraternity until Fans! Fans! Going cheap! Friendly Javanese ladies peddle their stock a mosque visit program. At certain times it is capable of synergising efforts to erode students or religious figures are invited to the negative view of Islam.” www.fair.org.au 4 FEATURE AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426 Stolen voices of Muslim women

ByJoumanah El Matrah

Stolen voices of Muslim women how women define, understand and violations requiring attention. Western discourse on the plight of practise Islam. In Australia, the We need to relinquish this Instead of being understood, Muslim Muslim women reflects ignorance at representation of Muslim women has been homogenising equation that veil equals women have been relegated to being best, and racism at worst, deceptively homogenised, particularly oppression or, more absurdly, that saved. The historical discourse on writes Joumanah El Matrah. among public commentators who veiling is the worst form of oppression. Muslim women’s emancipation might be have taken it upon themselves to Continually ruminating on the crudely summarised as follows: The shedding of crocodile tears over speak on behalf of Muslim women. oppressiveness of the hijab has become colonising nations were to save us from the plight of Muslim women has One of the most common strategies in more than a stale obsession; it is Islam’s misogyny, then the socialist/ come to characterise many self- the attack against Muslim women is actively preventing an understanding nationalist movements were to save proclaimed feminists, journalists and the representation of the hijab, or of the situation of Muslim women and us from our imperial masters, then government officials. The plight of head scarf. There appear to be two the various meanings the hijab has the Islamists were to save us from Muslim women has become a paradigm of major arguments: firstly, that most for them. nationalist heresy and the evils of victimhood. Instead of working Muslim women are forced to wear the the West, and now the human rights with Muslim women as one movement offers itself as our saviour. disadvantaged group among “There is now a 1400-year history that resolutely Pardon us if we don’t faint in many in Australia, Muslim women have proves that neither Muslim men nor Western societies anticipation! been misrepresented and used under are fundamentally interested in facilitating our Muslim women have long responded the pretence of feminist discourse rights, and it is perhaps unreasonable to expect to the calling of a movement of and exploring multiculturalism in a otherwise.” themselves and for themselves, working way that reflects at the very least against the historical tendency of ignorance and at worst racism. Muslims and non-Muslims to speak hijab and, secondly, that the hijab The feminist tradition has always about and for Muslim women. There is now The situation of Muslim women globally is by its very nature oppressive. treated women’s voices as sacred, so a 1400-year history that resolutely is too complex and contradictory These arguments not only misrepresent why isn’t it enough when some proves that neither Muslim men nor for one comprehensive critique. In some Muslim women who don’t wear the women state that the hijab is both Western societies are fundamentally nations Muslim women experience hijab, but also those that do. meaningful and empowering for them? interested in facilitating our horrendous forms of violence and The reality is far more complex. Why must the interrogation continue, to rights, and it is perhaps oppression, often under the label of the neglect of all else? unreasonable to expect otherwise. Islam. To explain the reality and In Saudi Arabia and other so-called suffering of women in such nations by Islamic states, Muslim women are The focus on the hijab often conceals In the West, and Australia in reducing it to a simple consequence punished for not wearing the hijab. other, more important issues. In particular, a significant amount of of Islam becomes impossible when, In non-Islamic “progressive secular” Afghanistan, the preoccupation with Muslim women’s time “on air” has been in neighbouring Muslim nations, states such as Turkey and France, the burqa - an all-encompassing used to either explain the hijab or to women occupy positions of power in Muslim women are punished for wearing robe that covers the head, face and advocate women’s right to wear it. significant social and political institutions. the hijab. body down to the ankles - as evidence There are many consequences of this, Without denying the inequities of Islamic excesses blinded many but two urgent issues are that and barriers women face in these Many Muslim women have resisted to what would have been obvious if Muslim women increasingly appear countries, we can say that women in laws enforcing different forms of Afghans had not been Muslim. incapable of addressing any other issue Syria and Tunisia hold 10.4 per cent and veiling. In response to the Ayatollah and that in restricting ourselves to 11.5 per cent respectively of seats Khomeini’s decree that all Iranian The Taliban, among other violations, this topic, an opportunity has been in parliament, compared with 12 per women must adopt the chador, a long excluded women from education on created for Muslim men to monopolise cent in the United States scarf that completely covers women’s the grounds that it was a violation and define Islam. (This is one of the and 11.8 per cent in France. hair and body, women staged massive of Islamic teaching. A basic major issues women have with the In Tunisia, 24 per cent of magistrates demonstrations, sit-ins and work understanding of Islam shows that the current explosion in inter-faith are women and the penal code now stoppages; Khomeini responded by Koran teaches that women have a right to dialogue meetings.) To have defines domestic violence as having women tortured and murdered by education. An astute analysis, men as sole representatives aggravated assault, bringing heavier law-enforcement agencies. then, would have focused on the significantly skews not only the penalties than assaults between unrelated Taliban’s incipient fascism rather than representation of Islam and Muslims, individuals. In Syria, maternity Nonetheless, women continued to questions of Islam’s compatibility with but also what Islam and Muslims will leave and national child care for resist and many religious women human rights and women’s dignity. develop into in this country. many professions are provided by the participated because they opposed the Similarly, allowing ourselves to be state.. Muslim women have arrived at chador’s violent enforcement. In 1981, Judging from the commentary in co-opted by “democratic” movements those positions with greater speed and in part as a result of demonstrations Australia, it would appear that Muslim in the West has also compromised impact than women in Western nations, against enforced veiling of women, women are capable neither of the position of Muslim women, as given that significant literacy and it was widely believed that more understanding nor of speaking on such Western powers have repeatedly education levels are new to many than half the political prisoners in issues as sexism, discrimination, equality demonstrated their delusion that they have a Muslim-majority countries. Iran were women. or justice. In reality, Muslim women God-given right to do as they Perhaps concern for the oppression have a notable and proud tradition of please in Arab and Muslim lands. of Muslim women is more correctly Yet even in such dire circumstances, activism. Why is it, then, that we hear identified as concern at the intrusion Iranian women repeatedly stated so little of it? Perhaps the concern Joumanah El Matrah, a former of Muslim women into Australia. that the chador should not be the for the oppression of Muslim women psychologist born in Lebanon, is manager Just as there are vast differences focus of international activism or is more correctly identified as a of the Islamic Women’s Welfare in the situation of Muslim women, condemnation; there were far more concern about the intrusion of Muslim Council of Victoria. Her comment is there are significant differences in oppressive and life-threatening women into the Australian landscape. adapted from an article in Arena.

www.fair.org.au SOCIETY 5 AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426

Tsunami update by Salam Zreika

POST-TSUNAMI IN ACEH- Its not too was also affected, it hit late to help. his heart. The important By Salam Zreika decision was made that he Many of our lives here in Australia have would travel to Aceh to do resumed to the normal living, working, everything he could do to sleeping standards after the brief stop it help with the relief effort took when the Asian Tsunami occurred and alongside trying to locate there were a few weeks of solely trying to an old colleague. Later he gather aid. However in Aceh and other parts unfortunately discovered of the Asian sub-continent life will never be his colleague died in the the same again. Tsunami along with his In February this year the Australian wife and four children. Foundation for the Children of Aceh Dr Aspinall’s main role organised an information seminar on the in Ache came through progress of relief work in Aceh, Indonesia. distributing essential Four speakers with different professions yet supplies to the locals one goal got together to provide the wider and acting as a translator community with a report on the progress of at a private hospital relief work in Aceh. These are their stories: which now echoed in its Donny Amir is the first speaker. Born emptiness because most and raised in Aceh, Donny often visited his of its staff were victims of parents after moving to Jakarta, Indonesia’s the killer wave. capital. The fourth day after the Tsunami Accompanied by real occurred Donny headed back home to photos on a slideshow, see what changes had come about to the Dr Aspinall talked us hometown he once lived in, not surprisingly, through the tragic story Silma Ihram, Dr Ed Aspinall and Donny Amir at the seminar he was shocked by its unrecognizable and of Aceh. “HARI DUKA disastrous condition. 26-DES-04” is the first slide, a picture of sight like that again. He has surely dedicated assistance strictly working alongside an “I never imagined I would see graffiti scribbled on a dingy wall translating the next year of his life to changing the lives Indonesian group. something so horrible and I still can’t what could only mean, Day of Mourning. of many in Aceh, Indonesia. Like all those Before December 26, 2004, Aceh was believe its happening in Aceh”. Still clearly The slides that followed depicted images who spoke before him, Mr. Jacobs had a a city rich in Islamic values, beauty and traumatized by the recent events, he recalls of a devastated area that once thrived with story of his own to tell. An eight-year old traditional culture. This is, until it got a pleasant time when fun trips were made to a population of 240,000, most of them are boy had the courage and strength to hold attacked by tidal waves traveling at 644km/ the city, beach and mosque. Today, despite now gone. Many buildings are stitched on to a tree branch while unfortunately h, caused by an earthquake measured as the remainder of the mosque and beach, down to their foundations, collections of witnessing his parents and siblings get 8-9 on the Richter scale. The world bears life is rare and a picture of surrounding bodies are piled up on one another rotting, swept under the viscous waves. witness to the highest death toll in human helplessness is all too blatant. In Aceh, ready to be picked up by trucks. The prisons Mr. Jacobs passionately urges the history, cholerea and other diseases still to Donny tells us the soldier’s don’t sleep. are empty. The hospitals are empty. The community and general Australian public come. Years ahead are needed to recover. He confronts one soldier who confesses only buildings that remain are the mosques, to help the children of Aceh. There are now You do not need a person or a newspaper he has not slept in five days busy helping conveniently a house of comfort, protection 35,000 orphans with no stable place to be. article to tell you when its time to help. One people. His motivation is driven by the and worship. Our dream is for each country to adopt an picture of a crying mother clinging on to her hope that someone out there, like himself, Ironic and pitiful is the part where entire orphan village which will cater for dead baby should be enough to know that is helping his very own mother. Sadly Dr Aspinall mentions men and women 500 children. To sponsor one orphan costs it is incumbent upon us to do something. and uncontrollably mothers are randomly incarcerated got more than they probably roughly $750.00 annually, and to sponsor Follow your heart, follow your faith and grabbing and hugging young girls in the deserved, the death penalty by drowning. In a school costs $4000.00. In our society make the world of difference. street trying desperately to recapture what one prison however, the men were freed and this amount is less than the school fees of If you would like to sponsor an orphan used to be their own. told to come back when it was over, which one student studying at a private school. in Banda Aceh contact Seyfi Seyit Project Donny Amir stares out at the rest of most of them sincerely did. Taxi drivers The main concern for these victims is that Manager for the Australian Foundation for us. We look on intently holding on to his don’t want money, they do not have any they seek urgent psychological attention. the Children of Aceh. It costs $30 a month to every word. He speaks out on behalf of the family to support, therefore do not need To shake a cup of water in a child’s face is cover food, clothing, medical and schooling victims, “Every living victim of the Tsunami it. On a brighter note he continues, there enough to give him or her nightmares for costs per child. 100% of your donation is requires psychological counseling”. One are teams of medical surgeons conducting weeks. We should give, even if we cannot given to support the orphan. There are no type of solution would be to set up a trauma operations one after the other. There are a afford to. These are wise words from a wise administrative costs at all. Mr Seyit recently healing centre, especially for mothers to huge number of volunteers pouring in from man. returned from Aceh after setting up the help deal with their loss. The centre would other parts of Indonesia and the sudden Silma Ihram, the Principal of Noor Al- Orphan sponsorship program. be run in conjunction with Acehnese people. influx of foreigners was amazing to witness. Houda Islamic College, became Muslim Call now on 0412 318 045 or 02-9708 Other issues that raise concern Donny says We can be proud of our Australian troops in Indonesia many years ago. Once upon 5773 or email: [email protected] to make are land title, where people are randomly cleaning and sweeping out the general public a time the people of Indonesia offered a small sacrifice that will bring a smile to a claiming areas of surrounding land, hospital and setting up water purification their assistance to her. Today, she returns young child’s face. presently vacant of any life. systems. From his experience, he is thinking there to repay her debt. Standing out The financial aftermath of this destruction of writing another book on the Tsunami, it’s front passionately speaking, she says one also requires great healing. Any business after affects and the politics of Aid. sentence clearly, “Allah gave and Allah person wanting to help that acquires some Under any normal circumstances you took”. These are words she captured from type of commodities are urged to go and would never expect to see a grown man one of the victims she met, amazed by their assist. Finally Donny concludes by saying, hold his head in his hands and weep in level of Faith. this is an indescribable situation. Some say front of you. Choking on his words, it is not Silma traveled to Aceh supported by you have lost your past and future all at the difficult to understand why Farouk Jacobs PKPU, a non-government Indonesian same time. is finding it hard to speak. It has been one organization which has done a great deal Dr Ed Aspinall, the second speaker at week since Mr. Jacobs returned from Aceh, for the community. Its motto also serves this gathering is a lecturer at the University after going there alongside Human Appeal well. “Justice caring for the community”. of Sydney. For the last four years he has International. The first thing Mr. Jacobs says Silma urges Muslim organizations to get been conducting research on Aceh. He is after taking a deep (much needed for) breath their act together and work in conjunction currently completing his book “History of is, “I am old enough to know I will never see with other organizations to share resources conflict of Aceh”. Dr Aspinall had many anything like that again”. and communicate information. It is vital that friends in Aceh and was also astounded by Farouk Jacobs is still recovering from the anyone with any kind of experience that can the initial media reports on Sri Lanka and shock and devastation of the Tsunami and aid a community find its feet again get in Thailand. When he heard news that Aceh prays in his heart no one ever has to see a touch with a local organizer and offer their

www.fair.org.au 6 SOCIETY AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426 Terror laws, ASIO, the police and you By Agnes Chong

Just two days reported to have been raided by ASIO, and only Muslims have been arrested and charged. after Bilal Khazal Whether the perception is justified or not, it needs to be addressed. The Human Rights was granted bail for and Equal Opportunity Commission in its consultations for the Isma report found that alleged terrorism the Muslim community in Australia felt they had been unfairly targeted in investigations offences, the NSW by ASIO officers and Australian Federal Police officers following the Bali bombings in Government rushed October 2002. Many participants believed that their human rights were at risk of violation through new laws under these new laws. to make it much During HREOC’s consultation with Muslims in Adelaide, some of the participants harder for suspects reported being questioned by ASIO in the wake of the January 2002 national security to get bail for such publicity campaign. They believed this was done solely on the basis that they were offences. This also Muslim. Another Muslim woman said, “There is a fear in the community that one day you made it easier for the will wake up and your husband will be taken away under the new ASIO laws. The way the prosecution to appeal government treated people who underwent the raids was shocking.” against Mr Khazal’s The report also documented participants’ concerns of surveillance by neighbours and bail. colleagues following the federal Government’s national security campaign launched in

Barely four days after Zak Mallah was acquitted of charges for planning a terrorist act, there was already talk about yet again increasing police powers. The federal Attorney- General, Mr Philip Ruddock said, “If Mallah couldn’t be convicted for planning a terrorist act, a further range of terrorist offences might be necessary.” Mamdouh Habib had not returned to Australia for more than a month before the Government introduced new laws that would allow it to withhold evidence on the basis of “national security”. This would potentially affect any legal action Mr Habib could bring against the Government. These are all examples of knee-jerk law-making. In all these situations, the Government felt necessary to toughen laws when they did not exactly obtain the results they wanted. One could also argue that the anti-terror laws regime introduced since September 11 is knee-jerk law-making, fuelled by fear, propelled by opinion polls, driven by Government self-interest. That is not to say that there is no room for reactive laws or for laws that respond to current crises. However, such laws need to be balanced and proportionate to the crime it is supposed to prevent, and the law-maker must be mindful of its human rights obligations and the civil liberties of its citizens. So what of these anti-terror laws? Since September 11, 2001, no less than 20 separate pieces of legislation have been introduced by the Australian government in the name of combating terrorism. early 2003, where neighbours reported routine domestic activities and family gatherings These new laws ban terrorist acts, but there are also offences related to terrorist of Muslims. organisations that are on a government list. The myriad of offences include training, If injustice reigns, we have a duty to stand up and be counted. Yet what we see instead financing, and directing the terrorist acts or the activities of a terrorist organisation. is non-Muslims standing up for us. When Izhar Ul-Haque, a Muslim medical student from Not only that, it goes leaps and bounds further by making it an offence to be a member UNSW, was arrested, only a handful in the Muslim community publicly defended him, of any part of a banned organisation, regardless of whether any actual terrorism is involved. while scores of Izhar’s non-Muslim university friends and old school mates inundated the It is also an offence to be an informal member, to have taken steps to become member, and media with stories of Izhar’s kindness and compassion. even merely to associate with someone who is a member of a banned organisation with the To be silent in the face of adversity is to no longer an acceptable response from the intention of providing support for its continued existence. And the offence that gets the Muslim community. As Australians, we must ensure that our governments do not compete prize? To possess a “thing” that is connected with preparing a terrorist act. with one another in moving towards this injustice. It is not proper for them to fill the anti- In addition, the laws give ASIO and the federal police extraordinary and unprecedented terrorism canvas with further laws that undermine our rights. We all know the Hadith that powers to question and detain people for up to 7 days in order to collect information. The tells us that if one of us sees something evil (munkar) they should change it with their hand, person does not even have to be suspected of having committed any of the offences referred and if not, they should change it with their tongue, and if not, they should hate it in their to above. When being questioned, there is no right to silence, and the person only has heart, and that is the weakest of faith. limited access to a lawyer. We can all do something about it with our hands, and the first place to start is to have There is no sign that the Government is stopping. As Mr Ruddock analogised, knowledge. It is the responsibility of everyone to understand these laws. It is meaningless Australia’s anti-terror regime is an “unfinished canvas”. The fact of the matter is, this to be free from the fear of terrorism, if we live in fear of governments and laws that are catch-up game is not likely to stop. meant to protect us. The complexity of these laws should not deplete our resolve to fight And what is the effect of these laws? It seems that the Muslim community has borne for our remaining rights. the brunt of these laws. So far, all of Australia’s 18 proscribed terrorist organisations have Over the next few issues, we will look in a little more detail about the laws and how some link to Muslim groups, when the sad reality is that it isn’t just people who claim to they work in practice. be Muslim who are involved in terrorism. Even in the United States, barely 22 of the 40 Agnes Chong ([email protected]), Co-convenor of the Australian Muslim Civil organisations on the Foreign Terrorist Organisation list have some Islamic connection. Rights Advocacy Network (AMCRAN) was production coordinator of Terrorism Laws: Even if this was not an indicator of a problem, the effect of the laws on the Muslim ASIO, the Police and You, a booklet that explains people’s rights as well as responsibilities community itself cannot be dismissed. While the law is of equal application, the general under Australia’s anti-terrorism laws. To download a copy of the booklet, please visit http: perception in the Muslim community is quite different. So far, only Muslim homes have //amcran.org. The sheikh who shakes the sheikhs Salaam, Muslims must hang their heads in shame their own brand of the King James Biblical of corrupt revelation called Hadith that Once again, masha Allah, the Arabs of and should begin to fear Allah. Version of Religion. directly oppose Allah. Sydney have succeeded in making Islam Muslims must know that Allah decrees a Muslims have cast aside the protection Muslims must now produce One Honest the laughing stock of Australian society, matter before it comes to pass. that Allah has given to women against Translation of the Quran, and let Allah be bringing Muslims together to condemn The Australian media and the public exploitation in a male dominated society The Guide. Islam in their usual naïve and sycophantic question the sincerity of Muslims who when charges of adultery and infidelity Muslim males must drop their worship manner. condemn the Sheikh for preaching out of arise, and Allah never fails in His Promise of the Hijab as the ultimate sacrifice and When John Howard and Peter Costello their own belief. and Allah is not a Court Jester. extent of their faith while they oppress the laughingly endorse ignorant Arab and What the media and the public and the Sheikh Faiz Mohomad expresses the very same women with their rejection of Muslim leadership as Court Jesters of the Muslims do not want to know or to admit is normally confused thoughts that are created faith that calls for the anger of Allah. United Kingdom and its allies, then these that the Muslims have rejected the Quran for by a collision of Quran with the innovation By Muhammad Abdur Raheem www.fair.org.au COMMENT 7 AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426 Sheikh Feiz Time to speakout

By Irfan Yusuf up anti-Western hatred among raped by dressing more modestly. Muslims, some Australian Yet I am yet to read a scripture or makes It is with great reluctance that journalists, shock-jocks and learn of a religion that justifies rape. I enter the debate raging over public figures will behave like Muslims are not the only faith comments made by a certain al-Qaida and will stir up hatred community suffering a crisis Muslim “cleric” in south western of Australians against their of leadership. I am yet to meet statement Sydney some weeks back. fellow country men and women. a Sydney Anglican who is I have never met Shaykh Feiz. I And Muslim community completely happy with his or her SHEIKH FEIZ REJECTS MEDIA have never attended his lectures. leadership will sit back and do church. Many Catholics are not INTERPRETATIONS OF HIS The first time I saw him was next to nothing. Or worse still, exactly jumping for joy at the LECTURE on TV after the September 11 they might actually try and election of a new pope. Jewish Following reports by Australian terrorist attacks. I consciously defend the indefensible comments community leaders were criticised media sources concerning a lecture refuse to follow his ‘salafi’ brand attributed to Shaykh Feiz. by their community members over given by Sheikh Feiz Mohammad of Islam. I prefer the wisdom of Meanwhile, your average their responses to the visit by Dr last month in a Bankstown lecture Turkish sufis to the fires of hate Aussie Muslim will be too busy Hanan Ashrawi some 2 years ago. theatre which accused the Sheikh of that al-Qaida types like to fuel. organising his or her business However, at least most (if not all) holding raped women responsible of I am rarely involved in Muslim or legal practice or career. Most cardinals and archbishops and their attack, Sheikh Feiz Mohammad community activities. I am not Muslims are too busy being rabbis speak English and don’t denied that he, or any Muslim, Lebanese. I did not grow up in south Australians to worry about what need interpreters everywhere holds this belief saying “Muslims western Sydney. Yet I know that I some crackpot is saying. I mean, they go. In the case of Muslims, are extremely far from this kind will be judged by what Shaykh how many Christians listen to Hon. it seems, language ability and of thinking”. He further added Feiz is reported to have said. Fred Nile MLC? And for a secular understanding of local cultures are that, “under no circumstances is it I am your typical Aussie Muslim. equivalent, how many Liberals the last criteria one needs to satisfy allowed for us to say that a woman is I was brought up in a metropolitan listen to Hon. David Clarke MLC? to become a community leader. responsible for being raped, whether city. I went to school here. In For that reason, an average In New South Wales, we have 3 she is Muslim or non-Muslim”. fact, I attended Australia’s only anonymous Aussie Mossie (a competing Islamic councils. Each “Islam reveres and respects Anglican Cathedral School and popular term local Muslims use of them has spent thousands of women and condemns the act of rape represented the school in debating to describe themselves) such dollars fighting each other in the to the extent that a rapist convicted and rugby. I went to universi! as myself has to speak out. Supreme Court for governance under Islamic law faces capital ty, studied accounting and law, Because if we don’t speak out, of the NSW Muslim turf. Over punishment.” played cricket for the university people pretending to speak on 90% of programs broadcast on In a radio interview held with and was elected to the student our behalf will continue to say Sydney Muslim radio stations Sheikh Feiz on The Voice of Islam council. I even joined a political stupid things. And we will be the are in Arabic, not English. Yet 87.6FM, the Sheikh emphasized that party and ran twice for election. ones who will have to hear the I doubt any of them will say his lecture was aimed at Muslims You might read this and think: abuse from fellow Australians a word about Shaykh Feiz. and intended to encourage them to “Look, it isn’t about you”. The on 2GB on the way to work (or Muslims have to speak out. adhere by Islamic rulings such as problem is that it is about me. 2UE if we are running late). We can no longer afford to rely wearing the Hijab (head covering). Whether I like it or not, I and So let me state for the record on our non-English speaking He further added that “…we live 300,000-odd other Australian what I believe most Muslims imams and feuding leaders to in a free, democratic society and it Muslims will be judged because are thinking. Rape is a crime. make incoherent noises while is not my place to dictate a dress- of what one man has said. Rapists should and must be we are too busy getting on with code. I was providing guidance to Including a senior executive of a punished. Women and men our lives. In the current crazy Muslim women about the way they major Australian bank. Including are subject to sexual assault environment, where shock-jocks dress. In illustrating that point I the managing director of a major regardless of what they wear. and poison-penned columnists chose the possibility of rape, and I sponsor of numerous AFL and And sadly, idiots of all are quoting our incompetent now realised that I should have used ARL football teams. Including the denominations often claim that leadership, our silence will be another example. It was a mistake Turkish veterans who marched women could have avoided being treated as an admission of guilt. as it has left people to conclude with their digger mates on that I promote the view that women ANZAC Day. Including Bosnian deserve to be raped. If that is how refugees who were themselves I have been understood, then I the victims of gang-rape. apologise for this.” Just as al-Qaida love to stir

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www.fair.org.au 8 INSIGHT AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426 Gallipoli- a lasting friendship baptised in blood By Irfan Yusuf By the time this article is published, the Most Turks, But more importantly, we have every ANZAC Day holiday will be a faint memory on the other hand, reason to commemorate the sacrifices of for most of us. I will remember sitting in a love Ataturk. the tens of thousands of young Australian Panania backyard stuffing myself with They also share men who fell in battle. We are Australians barbecued kifte meat and drinking it down with Australians also. And by all accounts, these Australian with Indian tea cooked on the smouldering a deep respect troops held no malice for the Turkish foe. coals. We will recall watching TV images for the When the allies finally evacuated, the of old veterans marching on the streets, of ANZAC’s. The Ottomans found letters and messages left dawn services in Turkey and of the usual largest Turkish by the Australian troops. One such letter speeches by politicians seeking to generate congregation said: “Johnny The Turk, goodbye. We left political capital from the whole affair. in Sydney has lots of food for you, enjoy them”. And although the phrase of ANZAC day named their Half-witted journalists might try to is “Lest We Forget”, the sad reality is that mosque the find Islamist conspiracies in Turkish most of us will have forgotten it all. Even if “Auburn Gallipoli road workers building a road over the the traces of that amazing failure of British Mosque”, largely Cannakale coast (at the request of the intelligence continue to live with us. in recognition Australian government!). But most This year marks the 90th anniversary of of the deep Australians, regardless of their ethnicity the landing by allied forces on the coast of friendship or faith, will maintain enormous goodwill Gallipoli. Over 100,000 young men died in between Turkey toward Turkey. And Australian Turks, by the entire campaign. Amongst them were Anzac Cove 1915 and Australia. their generally exemplary behaviour and Australians and New Zealanders. This friendship continuing contributions to Australian life, But the largest number of dead came from be upon him). General Mustafa Kemal was baptised in the blood shed on the will further that goodwill. the Ottoman side. These valiant fighters was without a doubt one of the heroes of beaches and cliffs of Gallipoli. defended what was left of the frontier of the Ottoman military folklore. The broader Muslim communities have Next time you go to an AFL or ARL Ottoman Empire. They defeated the allies, Ironically, Mustafa Kemal (today more every right to commemorate ANZAC Day. game and see “Crazy John” adverts across but not without enormous sacrifice. commonly known by the title of Ataturk, Among the dead on the allied side were the ground, remember that Crazy John Who was their commander? He was father of the Turks) was the man who dealt Indian troops, a fair proportion of whom would not have existed if the ancestors of a the young general of the 19th Division the final political blow to the Ottoman may have been Muslim. We also salute young entrepreneur had not migrated from of the Ottoman Fifth Army. His parents caliphate. And for this, many Muslims those fallen Ottoman troops led by one Turkey to Australia. I am sure the fallen had named him after the Beloved Prophet refuse to recognise him as anything but a of the Ottoman Empire’s greatest military diggers would have been happy to see a Muhammad (peace & blessings of God traitor. strategists. Young Turk at the heart of Australian life. Turk ish women gain expanded religious authority

In Turkey, Muslim women gain expanded It’s a path that more In early Islam, there were a number of religious authority women seem to be exploring. female religious scholars. But women were A new class of educated women are In Istanbul, for example, the eventually excluded from taking part in demanding more rights. Some now monitor mufti’s office has 583 women theological debates. the work of imams in local mosques. teaching courses on the Gormez says Diyanet is hoping the vaizes ISTANBUL - Covered in a pink and gray Koran to women across the and deputy muftis will act as advocates for head scarf that tightly frames her round face, city. Women now also make women’s issues in mosques, making them and adorned in a long, dark-blue overcoat, up the majority of students in friendlier environments for other women. Zuleyha Seker hardly seems like a rebel. the theology departments of As one of 18 vaizes in Istanbul, Seker, But as one of 400 women preachers, known several Turkish universities. a university graduate in theology, doesn’t as vaizes, currently working in several of Mehmet Gormez, actually lead prayers or give sermons Turkey’s state-run mosques, Ms. Seker is Diyanet’s deputy head, says in mosques. Instead, she helps organize making waves. the growing demand from seminars and teaches religious classes for “The vaizes like me are seen as women has forced Turkey’s women. revolutionaries in religious circles - we are religious institutions to act. “In the past, [women] believed anything always pushing for change,” she says with “In Islamic doctrine, men and told to them by their older brother, father, a gentle smile. women are equal. This should or teacher. But as they are becoming Indeed, women have brought significant also be applied in practice,” more educated, they are coming up with change to Turkey’s Muslim order in Mr. Gormez adds. more questions,” she says. “We need new recent years. Two years ago, women were The changes begun answers for new questions.” appointed for the first time to lead groups by Diyanet appear to put On a recent afternoon, though, Seker of Turks making the pilgrimage to Mecca. Turkey in a leading position deals with the timeworn topics of tradition And last year, Diyanet, a government body within the Islamic world on and prayer. Teaching in a community center that oversees the country’s mosques and women’s issues. “Turkey in an Istanbul neighborhood, Seker tells trains religious leaders, added 150 women has been more open to the seven head-scarfed women that not all preachers across Turkey. [theological] change,” says of the traditions they have been taught are Now, Diyanet is selecting a group of Yurdegul Mehmetoglu, a vice necessarily part of Islam. women who will serve as deputies to muftis, demand- ing more,” says Nevin Meric, a dean in the theology faculty She brings up so-called honor killings - or expounders of religious law. From this women’s education expert at the Istanbul at Istanbul’s Marmara University. the murder of young women considered to post, they’ll monitor the work being done mufti’s office. “Today they are aware of While there are signs of loosening in have damaged a family’s honor - that still by imams in local mosques, particularly as their rights and they are learning by reading Turkey, Muslim orthodoxy remains clear take place in Turkey. it relates to women. and asking,” she says. that women cannot lead prayers, particularly “There is no such thing in Islam, and While these changes come in response Buket Turkmen, a sociologist at in the Arab Muslim heartland. to kill someone is considered to be the to what Diyanet officials describe as a Istanbul’s Galatasaray University who When Amina Wadud, an American biggest sin,” she tells the women, who sit growing demand from women for more and has studied the role of women in Turkish Muslim and professor, announced that she motionless throughout her talk. She also better religious education, academics and Islam, says that for many women who would lead Friday prayers at an annex of encourages them to read the Koran more. Islamic intellectuals say these developments come from traditional homes where they the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Seker acknowledges that her work might are also being forced by the rise of a new would normally be limited in what they are New York City last month, condemnation not sit well with the husbands of the women class of educated religious women who are allowed to do, religious education becomes rang from orthodox circles. Sunni preacher she teaches. “They feel like their throne is demanding more rights within the country’s a path to a certain kind of independence. Yusuf al-Qaradawi of Qatar issued a fatwa, being shaken,” she says. Islamic milieu. “It’s very paradoxical, but by choosing or religious ruling, saying “that leadership By Yigal Schleifer | Correspondent of “Now, women are more educated, they Islam, they can gain their individuality and in prayer in Islam is reserved for men only,” The Christian Science Monitor participate more in social life, and they their emancipation. In this context, Islam and warning that a women leading prayers • Staff writer Dan Murphy contributed to are mixing more with men, so they are means modernization,” Ms. Turkmen says. might arouse men. this report from Cairo. www.fair.org.au MATTERS OF FAITH 9 AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426 Reflections on inter faith relations

By Dr Jamal Badawi

Qur’anic Foundations of Muslim/Non- accountable in this life 1. It is inconceivable to secure genuine Muslim Relations only if such a moral lasting peace without justice. In fact, doing It should be noted from the beginning that choice infringes on the justice is a prerequisite to peace. the very term Islam implies that peace is the rights of individuals 2. To harm, persecute, or fight against basis and the norm of Muslim/non-Muslim or society, such as any person on account of his or her relations. Islam is derived from the Arabic the commission of religious convictions is one of the worst root S-L-M, whose generic meaning includes crimes or acts of forms of injustice, which is condemned in the concepts of peace and submission. From aggression. In other the primary sources of Islam. a spiritual perspective, Islam may be defined words, no human is Universal human brotherhood: as attaining peace through submission to entitled to dehumanize Addressing the entire human race, the Allah or the state of peace in submission or punish another on Qur’an states, to Allah. Ample references in the Qur’an the sole ground that [O humankind! We (Allah) have created and Hadith reveal that this concept of peace the later is following you from a single (pair) of a male and a embraces peace with God, inner peace as a a different religion female and have made you into nations and result of that relationship with God, peace or no religion at all. tribes, so that you may come to know one with humans, peace with the animal world, This value implies that another. Verily, the most honored of you in peace with vegetation, and peace with the peaceful co-existence the sight of Allah is the most righteous (or ecological order. among followers of all Allah-conscious) of you. Surely, Allah is For Muslims, this “generic Islam” has religions and respecting All-Knowing, All-Aware.] (Al-Hujurat 49: been the core of all prophetic teachings their humanity is not 13) throughout human history. Key theological generations and horizontally to embrace only possible, but also mandated in the It must be noted that this verse does not and eschatological Qur’anic terms are all humanity. In the Qur’an we read [we Qur’an. address Muslims exclusively, but begins derived from the same Arabic root, S-L-M. (Muslims) make no distinction between Universal justice: The Arabic term for with the inclusive address “O humankind,” One of God’s names or attributes is As- any of His messengers (God’s messengers)] justice is adl, meaning “to be in a state of an address that embraces all. It reminds Salam, meaning “the peace” or “the source (Al-Baqarah 2:285). We read also [Behold, equilibrium, to be balanced.” That balance is humanity that they belong to one family of peace.” Paradise is called the home or We have revealed to you (O Muhammad) as inherent in the cosmic order and ecology as with the same set of parents, albeit a diverse abode of peace. As they enter Paradise, We revealed to Noah and all the prophets much as it is inherent in spiritual and ethical family. This is a reminder that diversity in angels greet believers with the greeting after him] (Al-Nisaa’ 4:163). Still in another values. The Qur’an warns against disturbing unity and unity within diversity are possible. “peace be with you,” the same greeting that verse we read [In matters of faith, He (God) that balance. Within that broad context, Humanity is like a bouquet of flowers in will be exchanged between the dwellers of has ordained for you that which He had we can examine the concept of justice as which each flower is beautiful in its own Paradise. It is also the standard greeting enjoined upon Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: it relates to human relationships based right, yet, the combination of all flowers among Muslims worldwide. Peace also steadfastly uphold the (true) faith and make on Islam’s primary sources. Briefly, that and the rich diversity of their colors is more lies at the heart of the universally accepted no divisions therein] (Ash-Shura 42:13). concept has the following characteristics: beautiful. This sweeping statement in the five major objectives (maqasid) of Shari`ah These Qur’anic texts preclude the notion of Justice is not mere “political correctness” Qur’an about broad human brotherhood is a (Islamic jurisprudence), to safeguard faith, narrow partisanship that may lead to hatred or something to be pursued exclusively, for profound basis for peace for and among all. life, mind, honor and property. Peaceful or even violence against communities who worldly gain. For the believer, it is a divine Acceptance of plurality in human relationships among human beings include perceive themselves as followers of other command. societies: While the notion of plurality may various circles such as family, community, prophets. Justice is at the heart of prophetic appear to be a relatively new concept, it society, and humanity at large. It includes Universal human dignity: The Qur’an teachings. is not new to those who are familiar with relationships with fellow believers in gives various reasons why each human Justice is a universal concept that should the Qur’an. The Qur’an is quite explicit in Islam and with humanity at large. The being must be honored and dignified on be observed without nepotism, even with the reminding all that if God willed, He would focus of this section, however, is on the account of being human and irrespective “enemy”: have made of all mankind one nation (Al- universal concepts and values underlying of his or her chosen beliefs. Such honor is [O you who believe! Stand out for Ma’idah 5:48; Hud 11:118). Likewise, the the relationship between Muslims and non- symbolized by the way the Qur’an describes justice, as witnesses to Allah, and even as Qur’an states that had it been God’s will, Muslims. They include the following: Allah’s creation of the human in the best of against yourselves, or your parents, or your He would have made all people believers Faith in the One Universal God (Allah in molds and commanding the angels to bow kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor.] (Yunus 10:99). Arabic): Islam is founded on the belief that down in respect to Adam. (An-Nisaa’ 4:134) This means that forcing people to believe there is only one God , Who is the universal The Qur’an describes the human as the [O you who believe! Stand out firmly for in God runs against His decree of free will, Creator, Sustainer, and Cherisher of all. trustee of Allah on earth. Allah created Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let which includes the fact that some will reject Being the sole creator of all humankind everything on earth and in the heavens for not the hatred of others to you make you Him. The ultimate reward or punishment precludes any notion of multiple, competing the benefit of the human race. Sanctity of swerve to wrong and depart from justice. for accepting or rejecting belief in God is creators, each marshalling his creation human life is affirmed in the Qur’an [Nor Be just: that is next to piety and fear Allah, deferred until the Day of Judgment. This against the other “gods” and their creation. take life, which God has made sacred, for Allah is well acquainted with all that you value inculcates the attitude of being non- Allah is One and is impartial toward His except for just cause] (Al-Israa’ 17:33). do.] (Al-Ma’idah 5:8) judgmental and accepting of people as creation. He provides for all, including The Qur’an confirms God’s revelation to The above concept of universal justice they are, human beings entitled to choose those who reject faith in Him or even previous prophets that [If anyone slays a relates to peace in at least two ways: Continued on page 19 those who defy Him. He cares for the human being, unless it be (punishment) well-being of all and gives them ample for murder, or for spreading mischief on opportunity to repent to Him and end the earth, it shall be as though he had slain state of separateness suffered by those who all humankind; whereas, if anyone saves reject Him or are unmindful of Him. This a life, it shall be as though he had saved belief implies that all humans are equal the lives of all humankind] (Al-Ma’idah 5: Whirling Dervish Productions before Allah in terms of their humanity, 32). Beyond sanctity of life, in the Qur’an Specialising in documentary, corporate, educational and irrespective of their particular beliefs. Only we read [Indeed, We (God) have conferred Allah is the ultimate judge of any person’s dignity on the children of Adam] (Al-Israa’ promotional videos “theological correctness.” No human should 17:70). It is noted that this verse is inclusive be oppressed or mistreated by other fellow of all humans, irrespective of their religion Creativity and Professionalism guaranteed humans because of a perceived “theological or even their belief in God. incorrectness.” Rejection of belief in God will surely have Unity and universality of the core consequences in the afterlife. However, it is 0412 318 045 teachings of all prophets: That core message up to God to determine these consequences. 02-9708 5773 is peace in submission to Allah, literally Such future determination has no bearing Islam. According to the Qur’an, a Muslim on the respect of the humanity of every Director/Writer must accept, revere, and believe in all the person in this life. After all, the human is a Kuranda Seyit prophets of Allah, without discrimination. free agent, and as such, each is individually They all represent one brotherhood of responsible before God for his or her beliefs [email protected] faith extending vertically to include many and moral choices. A person can be held www.fair.org.au 10 TSUNAMI APPEAL AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426

Korban Tsunami by Kuranda Seyit The road to recovery has begun in Aceh. People are trying to regain some sense of normality writes Kuranda Seyit from Aceh.

Everybody had a story to tell and they were water continued to eager to do so. rise. Then someone One man explained that he was working on saw the boat and his farm on a coastal village when he looked called out to climb at to the sea and saw a large wave which he onto it. Somehow all judged to be about 30 meters high. He then 54 people climbed rushed to gather his children and only managed on board as the to find three of them. He then made his way to water submerged a hill behind the village with others but there the house and the was little time to react as many perished. He people were safe said that he saw three waves approaching. on the boat. Four Then he heard three large explosions and then hours after the the waves hit different parts of the coastline. water subsided and He lost his wife and child. The village was the people climbed totally destroyed. down and walked I spoke to a girl whose family was visiting into the town centre their father’s grave site near the coast. where they found Mrs Abes outside her battered home with the reminder of the Tsunami on top of it. Afterwards the family went to the seaside many disoriented for some leisure when the tide suddenly people and many corpses littered the streets. establish an orphan aid project in banda Aceh vanished two kilometres out to sea. Many The owner Mrs Abes wants to leave the house which I did alhamdulillah. The Australian started to make their way onto the sand in as it is with the fishing boat on the roof as a Foundation for the Children of Aceh has astonishment. The earthquake had happened monument and museum for visitors to see. employed a project co-ordinator named Kiki. only minutes before. Then a man in a car And finally in Durru village I met an old She will be responsible to oversee that the drove down to the family and called them to man who walked with a heavy limp. He was funds are being used to assist the orphans and A fruit vendor shouts out, “Korban quickly get in and he drove them up towards a caught in the raging torrent of the wave as it to report back to the Foundation. Tsunami” as he indicates four fingers. He mountain road. Many drove along the coastal hit his coastal village. He lost his children and We have entered into a Memorandum repeats the words to me and then my friend road and were feared lost when the giant wave his wife. As the water carried him along he of Understanding with the Committee for tells me he has lost his wife and three children hit. They stopped once to look back and saw tumbled in the water and managed to hold onto Humanitarian Relief in Aceh (KKIA) to to the Tsunami of December 26th 2004. In what they described as smoke which was a branch of tree and when the waters subsided support 52 orphans in a village called Desa Aceh if you died in the Tsunami you are Pagarayir. These children are living in a rented referred to as Korban or a sacrifice. This term house and have two carers living with them. you will hear hundreds of times if you stay These carers have become like their parents. long enough in Aceh. Almost everyone was The boys and girls live in separate premises. affected by the killer tidal wave. A family There are 22 girls and 28 boys. member, an uncle or an aunt, a cousin or a We have also entered into arrangements grandparent, a friend or a colleague. There with five boarding schools and one is no escaping it. The Tsunami has left a kindergarten to assist with the education of psychological scar on many, the sadness 348 orphans. is evident in the eyes. But remarkably the The average cost per orphan is $75 resilience and ability of the Acehnese to deal per month which includes medical, food, with the tragedy is astounding. clothing and educational material. However, Many people speak casually about their it is possible to stipulate where you want losses, about their loved ones and some your donation to go and therefore donate less are quite comfortable about talking about than this amount. For example giving $35 per it. I did some further investigation into this month just towards education is also possible. asked many people about this phenomenon. That’s about a dollar day. I discovered from imams and locals alike AFCA would like to invite you to help that the Tsunami was a blessing from Allah. these orphans and allow them to rebuild their People as sad as they are in their hearts know shattered lives. They have only those willing that this is a great test of character for the Mr Suardi and his children. “Please say thankyou from the people of aceh.” to care for them and noone else. When I Acehnese people. met them and promised them that Australian They know that those who perished were probably the spray of the wave. There were he found himself almost 20 metres above the Muslims, your brothers and sisters in Islam, martyred. Many saw that their survival meant many people who were washed away calling ground. His leg was broken and it has not will help you, they were so pleased. Many that Allah had chosen them to serve and for help in vain. healed three months after the Tsunami. people were moved that Muslims in Australia worship Allah, to raise their children with Another story was from a 45 year old All these people are in destitute situations. were willing to help. They asked me to thank Allah consciousness and piety. But I also Agricultural scientist, Mr Suardi, who lost Most are struggling to make ends meet and the people of Australia. found that the Acehnese are a very unique his wife and four children. On the day of the to find enough money to pay for their basic race of people. They are devoutly Muslim earthquake, which was a Sunday morning, needs. Some are living in refugee camps Alhamdulillah, terimah kasih. and for them their religion is the best form many people were outside of their houses, where they receive aid from international of counselling and trauma management. Most inspecting for damage. Suddenly people were and national NGO’s. They live in squalid turn to their faith and to Allah for guidance shouting, “Water, water! Run for your lives.” conditions in tents with little sanitation and patience to deal with their losses. Some Mr Suardi gathered his wife and 8 children. A and clean water. Most of the water is have lost their entire family, their home, neighbour came with his car and said that he trucked in. The children are suffering their belongings, their photo albums, their was going to drive to a safe place and so he from skin disorders, eye infections or cell phones, their favourite books, yet they placed his wife and four children in the car and intestinal viruses. Some attend schools have strength in their faith. I did not meet they drove off. Then the water rapidly came but some cannot as their local school has anyone who was grieving or showing their and began to rise. He helped his remaining been destroyed and the closest school is grief at least. Most spoke openly about it, four children onto the roof of the house and too far away. candidly talking about the dead bodies and he climbed up himself. They survived but his But they are all happy and can still the thousands of sick and dying friends and wife and four children did not. afford a laugh. Maashallah. family. An extraordinary story of survival involved My visit to Aceh was not just to see Personally, I found this astonishing. It a large fishing boat which was wedged on top the damage first hand, neither was it just took me some days to get used to it and then of a house as the Tsunami ripped through the to distribute zakat monies given to me after that I was talking to everyone about the village. The family and 48 other neighbours by caring people in Australia. May Allah Tsunami, recording their stories on video. crowded into the top floor of the house as the reward them. But my mission was to

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www.fair.org.au 12 MATTERS OF FAITH AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426 The Hudaybiyya treaty

By Stuart R Clark In 628 Prophet Muhammad, as leader of As Australian Muslims we have given hated by the rest of the community, we Australians are against us, and that the Medinans, agreed to a ‘cease-fire’ with up all rights to fight against this country, must engage that community – in fact everyone else is to blame, shows the Meccans, not to perform Hajj that year either secretly or openly. This means that this is the only way we can follow our (evidently) our weakness. The strong (to return next year for `Umrah only), and the best way for us to change this country mission of spreading Islam. Why did the person does not blame anyone else, but to return any Meccan Muslims (of minor (apart from waiting for a miracle), is Prophet spend so many years struggling to asks herself – could I do better? By status, i.e. under the age of forty) fleeing to actively participate and engage it in gain only a few followers in Mecca? He yelling about our distrust of Australia, or to Medinah back to Mecca. Many of the dialogue. Whether it be through being tried his best, like Moses with Pharaoh, to the West or whatever, we are showing that Companions questioned the rightfulness part of the political process, peaceful convey the Message. Although his mission we do not place our trust in Allah alone. of the Prophet’s decision – should the demonstrations, or just by being an might have failed in the short-term, he The one who has complete trust (of God) Muslims of Medina make peace with the example to our fellow Australians. only left when the lives of the Muslims is not in need of distrust. unbelievers especially when the Medinans We have to move beyond inter-faith were in severe danger. We cannot know Unfortunately, Muslims seem to seemed to have the upper hand? dialogue, and into the realm of dialogue the chance of success or failure of our have a reputation for being uncouth, As Australian Muslims, it is our duty as citizens qua citizens. In other words, mission here, we can only do our best loudmouthed, unclean, etc. etc. Let us to consider our treaty we have with this as Muslim citizens we should try and to engage the entire community, to make then be extra careful not to encourage country. The Prophet returned a number of engage the entire community of citizens them aware of Islam. these ideas about ourselves, but call to Muslim youth to the non-Muslim Meccans of this country in some aspect or another, “Call with Wisdom” says the Qur’an, Islam with wisdom, by making ourselves under the Hudaybiyya treaty! We have whether secular or religious. Further, we in a community founded on democracy attractive (attractive – pulling towards made a similar treaty to Australia, either should not represent ourselves (or our and dialogue, this order must involve i.e. the action associated with calling defacto by being born here, or by word group) as being completely representative engaging in the same manner. In fact, effectively) to others, so that Muslims in our citizenship ceremonies. This of Islam, but rather as one way of Muslims are encouraged to be exemplary gain a reputation of excellence, as once understanding means that although we are seeing Islam, since each of us have our in all that we do, so we must be better- we did! May Allah grant us patience, part of the Ummah, our word as Muslims different cultures and priorities within the than-average citizens of this country of wisdom, and a good character to achieve to be loyal to this country must take boundaries (we hope) of the religion. ours that we have chosen to be our home. the purpose he has gathered us here in precedence over general concerns for the Therefore, as much as we make dislike Yelling and screaming about how Australia. Amin. Ummah, where the two are in conflict. the politics of certain parties or fear being we should mistrust this system, that Hundred days of Abu mazen By Uri Avnery according to taste) agreed to a cease- government has sunk to only 90 percent, or praises him publicly, rejects Sharon’s fire vis-a-vis Israel, in spite of the perhaps as low as 80 percent. efforts to belittle him, sends him respected Arab News fact that Israel did not declare an Abu Mazen’s personality must be emissaries. But nothing has changed official cease-fire vis-a-vis them. True, credited for a considerable part of these on the ground: The Israeli occupation has It has been 100 days since Abu Mazen the informal agreement is being violated achievements. Yasser Arafat, the not been eased, the daily humiliations (Mahmoud Abbas) assumed the office of here and there, sometimes by the leader of the fight for liberation, was a at the checkpoints go on, and so does President of the Palestinian National Israelis, sometimes by the Palestinians, forceful, colorful, theatrical personality, the building of the wall. Not one single Authority, Jews will celebrate Passover, but all in all it is honored much more who attracted blind admiration and “outpost” has been removed, the settlements in memory of the Exodus from Egypt than could have been expected. burning hatred. Nearly everyone around are being expanded. The Israeli Army - one of the great stories in human annals. This is not the result of the weakness the world knew the man in khaki with the carries on in the West Bank as if According to the story (Exodus 5), of the armed factions. On the contrary, keffiyeh headdress. Abu Mazen is almost nothing has happened, killing here and Pharaoh ordered the Children of Israel to it is possible only because the Palestinians the exact opposite: An introverted, arresting there. There is no significant produce bricks from straw, but did not have recovered their self-respect. moderate person without colorful mannerisms. movement towards the release of provide the straw. “And the Children of In the four years of the second Intifada, When I got to know him first, some prisoners. Israelis continue addressing Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, they have shown they have hundreds and 22 years ago in Tunis, he was already the Palestinians in the same saying: ‘Wherefore dealest thou with thy thousands of fighters ready to sacrifice wearing a business suit and tie. He does overbearing, humiliating tone used by servants? There is no straw given unto their lives. They have improvised arms, not arouse opposition. He fights for military governors towards their subjects. thy servants, and they say to us: Make like the mortars and Qassam missiles, his convictions without much ado. When Bush talks about a “Palestinian brick!’” to which the Israeli Army has not yet Perhaps the negative column for Abu state with temporary borders”, every Abu Mazen might voice the same found an answer. In these circumstances, Mazen derives also from these traits. Arafat Palestinian understands that this means complaint. He is being asked to fulfill the task the cease-fire is not seen as was a commander. Abu Mazen is an educator. the permanent occupation of most of the he has taken upon himself, without humiliating. Abu Mazen is expected to consolidate West Bank. Sharon’s “redeployment” getting the minimum necessary to do so. (The Israeli side accuses the the armed organizations into three looks to them like a plan to turn the Gaza After 100 days, what does Abu Mazen’s organizations of using the cease-fire for services. That is easy to do on paper, Strip into one huge prison, cut off balance sheet look like? In the positive rearming. Of course. That is the nature but difficult to carry out. There are from the world and the West Bank. column, there appear some of any temporary cease-fire: Both sides many commanders, most of them with Sooner or later, the Palestinian public is impressive achievements. use it to prepare for the subordinates who are fiercely loyal to them. going to ask Abu Mazen: Are these the First of all, the very existence of his resumption of the fighting.) None of them is looking for fruits of the cease-fire? Is this the regime. That is a striking achievement Third, unification. The agreement of an opportunity to resign. value of American promissory notes? by itself, which is being ignored because Hamas to join the Palestinian Authority In any case, it is difficult to carry out There must be no illusion about it. This people have become so used to it. (and perhaps also the PLO) and take the reforms asked for. In every Arab is exactly what Sharon is hoping for. The sudden (and still unexplained) death part in the elections is a very important society, and especially in Palestinian For him, the sympathy Bush holds for of Yasser Arafat could have caused achievement. The birth of a national society, the extended family is hugely Abu Mazen presents a great danger. It is chaos. Instead, there was an astonishingly contract augurs well for the future important. Any attempt to ignore it in very uncomfortable for him to share smooth transition to the new regime Palestinian state - especially as it the implementation of reforms will meet American favors with a Palestinian leader. and democratic elections took place happens in an intense national liberation with stiff resistance. Abu Mazen must Any wavering in Washington’s without violent incidents. Very few people struggle. move cautiously, slowly, trying to build position of total support for the Israeli have managed to do that after the death Fourth: The change in the American consensus. That is a prolonged process, government turns on a red light in Jerusalem. of the Father of the Nation. The entire attitude towards the Palestinian people. This which aims for durable rather than quick Sharon is too shrewd to attack Abu Mazen Palestinian public must be given credit should, perhaps, be put on top of the results. frontally. That would infuriate Bush. for this. It understood the gravity of list. Up to now, the American attitude But the most serious failure of Abu Therefore, the pitch is: Abu Mazen is the hour and united behind the successor. towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Mazen, in the eyes of his people, is on the a good person, but weak. His regime is Second, the cease-fire. That is an was at least 100 percent in favor of national level: In the first 100 days he collapsing. He is lost. impressive achievement, too. The armed the government of Israel; now there has not obtained one single significant For the time being, it has not succeeded. Palestinian organizations (“resistance is a shift in favor of the Palestinians. concession, neither from Israel nor from the US. Bush needs Abu Mazen no less than Abu groups” or “terrorist organizations”, American support for the Israeli Bush does really want to help him. He Mazen needs Bush. www.fair.org.au MATTERS OF FAITH 13 AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426 Islamic history till Spanish conquest

“Thus We have appointed you a middle Umayyads, shifted the capital to Baghdad nation, that you may be witnesses upon which soon developed into an incomparable mankind.” (Quran, Surah [2:143]) center of learning and culture as well as General Characteristics of Islamic the administrative and political heart of a Civilization vast world. They ruled for over 500 years Islam was destined to become a world but gradually their power waned and they religion and to create a civilization which remained only symbolic rulers bestowing stretched from one end of the globe to the legitimacy upon various sultans and princes other. Already during the early Muslim who wielded actual military power. The caliphates, first the Arabs, then the Persians Abbasid caliphate was finally abolished and later the Turks set about to create when Hulagu, the Mongol ruler, captured classical Islamic civilization. Later, in Baghdad in 1258, destroying much of the the 13th century, both Africa and India city including its incomparable libraries. became great centers of Islamic civilization While the Abbasids ruled in Baghdad, and soon thereafter Muslim kingdoms a number of powerful dynasties such as were established in the Malay-Indonesian the Fatimids, Ayyubids and Mamluks world while Chinese Muslims flourished held power in Egypt, Syria and Palestine. throughout China. The most important event in this area as Global religion by Islam also succeeded in activating during whose rule Islam spread extensively far as the relation between Islam and the Islam is a religion for all people from the mind and thought of the people who east and west conquering the Persian Western world was concerned was the whatever race or background they might entered its fold. As a result of Islam, the empire, Syria and Egypt. It was ‘Umar series of Crusades declared by the Pope and be. That is why Islamic civilization is based nomadic Arabs became torch-bearers of who marched on foot at the end of the espoused by various European kings. The on a unity which stands completely against science and learning. The Persians who Muslim army into Jerusalem and ordered purpose, although political, was outwardly any racial or ethnic discrimination. Such had created a great civilization before the the protection of Christian sites. ‘Umar also to recapture the Holy Land and especially major racial and ethnic groups as the Arabs, rise of Islam nevertheless produced much established the first public treasury and a Jerusalem for Christianity. Although there Persians, Turks, Africans, Indians, Chinese more science and learning in the Islamic sophisticated financial administration. He was at the beginning some success and local and Malays in addition to numerous smaller period than before. The same can be said of established many of the basic practices of European rule was set up in parts of Syria units embraced Islam and contributed to the the Turks and other peoples who embraced Islamic government. ‘Umar was succeeded and Palestine, Muslims finally prevailed building of Islamic civilization. Moreover, Islam. The religion of Islam was itself by ‘Uthman who ruled for some twelve and in 1187 Saladin, the great Muslim Islam was not opposed to learning from responsible not only for the creation of a years during which time the Islamic leader, recaptured Jerusalem and defeated the earlier civilizations and incorporating world civilization in which people of many expansion continued. He is also known as the Crusaders. their science, learning, and culture into its different ethnic backgrounds participated, the caliph who had the definitive text of the North Africa and Spain own world view, as long as they did not but it played a central role in developing Noble Quran copied and sent to the four When the Abbasids captured Damascus, oppose the principles of Islam. Each ethnic intellectual and cultural life on a scale not corners of the Islamic world. He was in turn one of the Umayyad princes escaped and racial group which embraced Islam seen before. For some eight hundred years succeeded by ‘Ali who is known to this day and made the long journey from there to made its contribution to the one Islamic Arabic remained the major intellectual and for his eloquent sermons and letters, and Spain to found Umayyad rule there, thus civilization to which everyone belonged. scientific language of the world. During also for his bravery. With his death the rule beginning the golden age of Islam in Spain. The sense of brotherhood and sisterhood the centuries following the rise of Islam, of the “rightly guided” caliphs, who hold Cordoba was established as the capital and was so much emphasized that it overcame Muslim dynasties ruling in various parts a special place of respect in the hearts of soon became Europe’s greatest city not all local attachments to a particular tribe, of the Islamic world bore witness to the Muslims, came to an end. only in population but from the point of race, or language--all of which became flowering of Islamic culture and thought. In The Caliphates view of its cultural and intellectual life. The subservient to the universal brotherhood and fact this tradition of intellectual activity was Umayyad Umayyads ruled over two centuries until sisterhood of Islam. The global civilization eclipsed only at the beginning of modern The Umayyad caliphate established in they weakened and were replaced by local thus created by Islam permitted people of times as a result of the weakening of faith 661 was to last for about a century. During rulers. Meanwhile in North Africa, various diverse ethnic backgrounds to work together among Muslims combined with external this time Damascus became the capital of local dynasties held sway until two powerful in cultivating various arts and sciences. domination. And today this activity has an Islamic world which stretched from Berber dynasties succeeded in uniting much Although the civilization was profoundly begun anew in many parts of the Islamic the western borders of China to southern of North Africa and also Spain in the 12th Islamic, even non-Muslim “people of world now that the Muslims have regained France. Not only did the Islamic conquests and 13th centuries. After them this area was the book” participated in the intellectual their political independence. continue during this period through North ruled once again by local dynasties such as activity whose fruits belonged to everyone. A Brief History of Islam, The Rightly Africa to Spain and France in the West the Sharifids of Morocco who still rule in The scientific climate was reminiscent of Guided Caliphs and to Sind, Central Asia and Transoxiana that country. As for Spain itself, Muslim the present situation in America where Upon the death of the Prophet, Abu Bakr, in the East, but the basic social and legal power continued to wane until the last scientists and men and women of learning the friend of the Prophet and the first adult institutions of the newly founded Islamic Muslim dynasty was defeated in Granada from all over the world are active in the male to embrace Islam, became caliph. Abu world were established. in 1492 thus bringing nearly eight hundred advancement of knowledge which belongs Bakr ruled for two years to be succeeded Abbasids years of Muslim rule in Spain to an end. to everyone. The global civilization created by ‘Umar who was caliph for a decade and The Abbasids, who succeeded the Massacres on both sides Turkey Says 523,000 Were Killed widespread anti-Turkish feeling. It is and Russians. Turkey contends that, “Europe should also face her own by Armenians Between 1910 and 1922 also concerned that the issue could instead, hundreds of thousands of Turks history.” By SEBNEM ARSU interfere with its plans to start talks were killed by Armenians as they Hirant Dink, a leading figure IZMIR, Turkey, April 17 - The with the European Union in October tried to establish themselves as the among Armenians in Turkey called the Turkish State Archive issued today a for possible membership. There have majority population in that list an official attempt to create list of more than 523,000 Turks whom it been growing calls from other countries region. Prof. Yusuf Sarinay said. an alternate version of an said were killed by Armenians in Turkey for Turkey to acknowledge its internationally recognized reality. He between 1910 and 1922. role with regard to the Armenians. The list issued today was compiled said that such documentary analysis Last week, Prime Minister Tayyip based on reports by the regional and confirmation of its accuracy The move appeared intended to Erdogan and the Turkish Parliament authorities sent to Ottoman officials should be left in the hands of counter longstanding Armenian called for an international study of in Istanbul, as well as the written international academics. contentions that Turkish Ottoman the events of that period, but senior accounts of international observers, “Figures and documents should be officials committed genocide during a Armenia officials turned down the proposal. said Mr. Sarinay, the director of the researched and analyzed,” Mr. Dink period of mass deportations of Turkey flatly denies that there was Office of State Archives. said, “However, talking merely in Armenians that began in 1915. any systematic effort at killing “Europe has used Armenians as a figures means that Turkey doesn’t Turkey fears that the 90th anniversary or forcing the Armenians out of eastern tool in extension of their policies understand the pain of the other of the start of the violence, Anatolia, where the Armenians were over Turkey, for which Turks and Armenians side; what is undermined here is the which Armenians and their supporters trying to establish a separate state. suffered,” Mr. Sarinay was quoted conscience and human factor behind all.” plan to mark on April 24, will cause with support from the French, British as saying by the Anatolian news agency. Courtesy: The New York Times www.fair.org.au 14 FINANCE AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426 Islamic benchmarking When we discuss the Golden Age of Islam, of debates that has taken place? Does the the Islamic empire fared in comparison. It our understanding of ourselves and how we do we qualify why a particular point of time publication of books at a particular period is possible for us to utilise the pax Romana interact. It is with benchmarking that we is in fact “golden”? Since Golden Age refers and its continued reference reflect the as a benchmark of our own history. But the are able to make comparisons. Rasulullah to the period when an empire is at its peak, intellectualism of an age? Or is keenness Roman empire lasted for hundreds of years (s.a.w.) is the benchmark for every Muslim. it means that other periods of the empire is to debate, intellectual or otherwise, a desired and it is impossible to pick out one era for He is the point of reference. Benchmarking somehow lesser than the Golden Age. How characteristic of the Islamic mind? comparison. We can choose to benchmark our generation to the time of the companions do we then, determine an age as being better Or should it be the size of an empire? If Rasulullah’s (s.a.w.) society against any other provides further insights into our own conduct than another? so, then is military might the sole or main times in Islamic history. and ways to improve ourselves. And what is the significance of determinant of a nation’s progress? And do But that will mean that Rasulullah’s How did Rasulullah (s.a.w.) behave with understanding the importance of one age we compare a nation to others (s.a.w.) period will be left his family? How did he behave with his over another? Should we assume that Islamic in its time? That cannot be as out of our estimation of what companions? How did he behave with those history is a plain ground or one that undulates that will mean that a nation will constitutes a Golden Age as who disagree with him? How did he behave with hills and valleys? have multiple Golden Ages in it is being used as a reference with those who abused and persecuted him? Islamic history tells us of heights of glory different times. We should then point. Or should that be the His qualities serve as our benchmark. It and lows of disaster. It tells us of periods compare the size of a nation in reason why we should use it is only by looking at Rasulullah’s (s.a.w.) when Muslim scholars carried the torch of different periods. as a benchmark, since being conduct can we determine whether our actions knowledge and times when the population But then, it will mean that the best of communities, and values are Islamically proper. was massacred. It is a history wrought with Russia reached its Golden Age Rasulullah’s (s.a.w.) There has been a lot of discussion about contrasting periods. The challenge for us is to between 1945-1989. While generation is by default the substance and form. Some groups prescribe understand the influences that shape a period it was the most dominant member of the Golden Age? the value of following the visible forms of in order for us to fashion a suitable approach Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Benchmarking is not a new concept. And it Islam. Others argue that it is the essence, the towards developing the society. Big Brother of the Eastern bloc, Russian is not an alien concept in Islam. Various issues substance that is more important. And that is the significance of understanding history bears testimony to far greater times in Islamic jurisprudence rely on benchmarking. However, if we are to benchmark ourselves the Golden Age. It is about learning the where culture, the economy and the Russian For example, Islamic financial institutions use against Rasulullah (s.a.w.), we can come to forces that determine an outcome. How did civilization as a whole flourished. national interest rates to benchmark their own only one conclusion. That form and substance the Muslims develop into the strongest force Should it be wealth? Or culture? Or the profit rates. It does not mean that they are are used to reinforce each other. Rasulullah in the known world and how did they end piety of its rulers? Or should that be the directly tied by interest rates, but benchmarking (s.a.w.) instructed the performance of form up as a people persecuted? Determining the population? How do we measure piety? to national rates removes arbitrary decisions as as it impacts on the substance. And the Golden Age allows us to aim for our bright If piety is immeasurable except by Allah clients can have clearer expectations and the substance, the intention, the essence, is the sparks and hopefully, move us into the quest (s.w.t.) alone, then what should be the best institutions are better able to determine their primary value of actions in Islam. of replicating the values and strengths that measurement? And to make it even more own costs and value of financing. Benchmarking to proper indexes, whether brought us there. difficult, while there are some overlaps, the When the Reserve Bank of Australia it is the time of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) and his While the term “Golden Age” has been development of piety, culture, military, wealth raised interest rates recently, MCCA decided companions for Islamic civilizations, national carried and bandied about ad nauseam, the and intellectualism also existed at different to make similar adjustments. While MCCA rates for Islamic Financial institutions, only way we can determine an age, if we are times in the ages of Islam. was not obligated to follow the adjustments, Rasulullah (s.a.w.) for the Muslim character inclined to do so, is by comparing it with other What then is the measurement of the benchmarking and adjusting to the rates means and the generation of the companions for our periods. Golden Age? One way is to measure an that those who deal with MCCA are assured that community is the way for us to understand But what should be the items for age not just with itself, as different ages will changes are not arbitrary. MCCA’s decision ourselves and self reflect. comparison? Should it be the amount of have different emphasis, but to measure it reflects the removal of uncertainty in its trade It is a mean to understanding without intellectual debates? How do we determine, against another empire. One way is to look and provides for a clearer expectation. arbitrariness. hundreds of years after a period, the number at the Roman Empire and determine how Benchmarking removes uncertainty in New Islamic functions and sports centre MANILDRA for hire HARWOOD SUGARS

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www.fair.org.au FAMILY 15 AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426

www.fair.org.au 16 NEWS AND EVENTS AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426 Real casualty rate of US war

By Chalmers Johnson- ZNet

Most young Americans who enlist in our were first explained away by the Pentagon has since sacked him for criticizing NATO warheads are essentially “dirty bombs,” not all-volunteer armed forces -- roughly four as “post-traumatic stress disorder,” “combat commanders for not adequately protecting very radioactive individually but out of five -- specifically choose non-combat fatigue,” or “shell shock,” so the Bush their troops in areas where DU ammunition nonetheless suspected of being capable in jobs, becoming computer technicians, administration is now playing down the was used, such as Kosovo in 1999. Dr. quantity of causing serious illnesses and personnel managers, shipping clerks, truck potential toxic side effects of the Rokke notes that many thousands of birth defects. mechanics, weather forecasters, intelligence ammunition now being widely used by its American troops have been based in and analysts, cooks, or forklift drivers, among armed forces. The implications are around Kuwait since 1990, and according to In 1991, U.S. forces fired a staggering the many other duties that carry a low risk devastating, not just for America’s his calculations, between August 1990 and 944,000 DU rounds in Kuwait and Iraq. of contact with an enemy. They often enlist adversaries, or civilians caught in their May 2002, a total of 262,586 soldiers The Pentagon admits that it left behind at because they have failed to find similar work country-turned-battlefield, but for American became “disabled veterans” and 10,617 a bare minimum 320 metric tons of DU in the civilian economy and thus take refuge forces themselves (and even possibly their have died. His numbers produce a casualty on the battlefield. One study of Gulf War in the military’s long-established system of future offspring). rate for the whole decade of 30.8%. veterans showed that their children had state socialism -- steady paychecks, decent a higher possibility of being born with housing, medical and dental benefits, job The first Iraq War produced four classes A significant probable factor in these deaths severe deformities, including missing eyes, training, and the possibility of a college of casualties -- killed in action, wounded and disabilities is depleted uranium (DU) blood infections, respiratory problems, and education. The mother of one such recruit in action, killed in accidents (including ammunition, although this is a hotly fused fingers. Dr. Rokke fears that because recently commented on her 19-year-old “friendly fire”), and injuries and illnesses contested proposition. Some researchers, the military relied more heavily on DU daughter, who will soon become an Army that appeared only after the end of often paid for by the Pentagon, argue that munitions in the second Iraq War than in the intelligence analyst. She was proud but also hostilities. During 1990 and 1991, some depleted uranium could not possibly be the first, postwar casualties may be even greater. cynical: “Wealthy people don’t go into the 696,778 individuals served in the Persian cause of these war-related maladies and that When he sees TV images of unprotected military or take risks because why should Gulf as elements of Operation Desert Shield a more likely explanation is dust and debris soldiers and Iraqi civilians driving past they? They already got everything handed and Operation Desert Storm. Of these 148 from the blowing up of Saddam Hussein’s burning Iraqi trucks destroyed by tank fire to them.” were killed in battle, 467 were wounded in chemical and biological weapons factories or inspecting buildings hit by missiles, he These recruits do not expect to be shot action, and 145 were killed in accidents, in 1991 in the wake of the first Gulf War, or suspects that they are being poisoned by DU. at. Thus it was a shock to the rank-and- producing a total of 760 casualties, quite perhaps a “cocktail” of particles from DU file last month when Iraqi guns opened up a low number given the scale of the ammunition, the destruction of nerve gas Young Americans being seduced into on an Army supply convoy, killing eight operations. bunkers, and polluted air from burning oil the armed forces these days are quite and taking another six prisoner, including However, as of May 2002, the Veterans fields. But the evidence -- including literally making themselves into “cannon supply clerk Jessica Lynch of Palestine, Administration (VA) reported that an abnormal clusters of childhood cancers and fodder,” even if they have been able to West Virginia. The Army’s response has additional 8,306 soldiers had died and deformities in Iraq and also evidently in the secure non-combat jobs. Before we begin been, “You don’t have to be in combat arms 159,705 were injured or ill as a result of areas of Kosovo where, in 1999, we used to celebrate how few American casualties [branches of the military] to close with and service-connected “exposures” suffered depleted-uranium weapons in our air war there were in the brief Iraq war, we might kill the enemy.” But what the Pentagon during the war. Even more alarmingly, the against the Serbians -- points primarily pause to consider the future. The numbers is not saying to the Private Lynches and VA revealed that 206,861 veterans, almost toward DU. Moreover, simply by insisting of Americans killed and maimed from their families is that they stand a very good a third of General Schwarzkopf’s entire on using such weaponry, the Pentagon is Gulf War II are only beginning to be toted chance of dying or being catastrophically army, had filed claims for medical care, deliberately flouting a 1996 United Nations up. The full count will not be known for disabled precisely because they chose the compensation, and pension benefits based resolution that classifies DU ammunition as at least a decade. The fact that the U.S. U.S. military as a route of social mobility. on injuries and illnesses caused by combat an illegal weapon of mass destruction. high command continues to rely on such in 1991. After reviewing the cases, the weaponry for warfare is precisely why There are serious unintended consequences agency has classified 168,011 applicants as DU, or Uranium-238, is a waste product of the world needs an International Criminal to our most recent “no contact” or “painless “disabled veterans.” In light of these deaths power-generating nuclear reactors. It is Court and why the United States should dentistry” wars that contradict the and disabilities, the casualty rate for the first used in projectiles like tank shells and be liable under its jurisdiction. Because Pentagon’s claims of low casualties. The Gulf War is actually a staggering 29.3%. cruise missiles because it is 1.7 times denser of its potential dangers and because the most important is the malady that goes by than lead, burns as it flies, and penetrates alarm has been raised (even if the Pentagon the name “Gulf War Syndrome,” a Dr. Doug Rokke, a former Army colonel armor easily, but it breaks up and vaporizes refuses to acknowledge this), the use of DU potentially deadly medical disorder that and professor of environmental science at on impact --which makes it potentially very ammunition should already be considered first appeared among combat veterans of Jacksonville University, was in charge of deadly. Each shell fired by an American a war crime one that may also destroy the 1990-1991 Gulf War. Just as the effects the military’s environmental clean-up tank includes ten pounds of DU. Such the user in a painfully crippling way. of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War following the first Gulf War. The Pentagon

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PO BOX 1013 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012 Advertise in Australia FAIR! EDITOR IN CHIEF Kuranda Seyit Australia’s most popular Islamic newspaper is distributed to [email protected] mosques and selected suburbs. PRODUCTION MANAGER Cigdem Aydemir CONTRIBUTORS We offer the lowest rates in Australia Salam Zreika, Irfan Yusuf, Hanan Dover, Agnes Chong, Joumana El-Matrah PRINTED BY It’s a small investment that will get to Australia’s growing Good News Printing- Campsie Muslim community. At the same time you are Australia FAIR is a monthly newspaper published by the Forum on Australiaʼs Islamic Relations (FAIR). helping us to offer this newspaper service free to the The Editorial Board does not necessarily share the views of the writers or the articles published in this newspaper and takes no responsibility for the views expressed in community. This is a non-profi t organisation. articles forwarded by contributors. This is a community service and FAIR is a not for profi t association. Call 0412 318045 or 9708 5773 NOW!!! for a free quote Contributions, comments and questions are welcome. Articles in Australia FAIR may be reproduced with appropriate acknowledgement. Or email your artwork and details to [email protected] Australia FAIR invites readers to send their opinions and comments to [email protected] preferably less than 250 words, stating your full name, address and telephone www.fair.org.au NEWS AND EVENTS 17 AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426 Women’s Interfaith Network mutual friendship. Affinity Intercultural Foundation and Sr The Network includes members Faikah Behardien. from the Catholic, Anglican and The event began with a very Uniting churches, the Baha’is, professional and colourful ‘Welcome Hindus, Buddhists, Jews and to Country’ by a group of Aboriginal Muslims. The Muslim community women, dressed in black and red, who is represented on the Network sang and danced to welcome guests from by Srs Zubeda Raihman, Jamila lands near and far to their country. They Hussain and Sarah Taouil. were followed by singing and chanting On a beautiful autumn day, of devotional songs by Baha’i, Buddhist, Thursday 14 April, the Hon. Sandra Sikh and Christian groups, and a beautiful Nori MP, Minister for Tourism, a Capella performance by the Cantor and Sport and Recreation and Women singers from Temple Emmanuel Woolahra. kindly hosted WIN’s ‘Pathways The Muslim contribution was presented to Friendship’ function in the by students from Noor al-Houda Islamic magnificent setting of Government college at Strathfield who sang Yusuf House Sydney. Barbara Perry MP Islam’s ‘Colours of Islam’ in a very for Auburn also attended. Mrs Josie charming manner. Lacey from the Jewish community, The scene was extremely colourful with was, as always, a most able and Indian ladies in beautiful saris and salwar charming Convener. kameez, the Catholic Sudanese choir Each faith group had been invited in their bright clothing and Hindu and to give a short presentation and to Buddhist nuns in the orange robes. The invite a number of guests. Among atmosphere was one of friendship, good our guests for this occasion were fellowship and co-operation, and as such ‘PATHWAYS TO FRIENDSHIP’ to promote harmony, understanding and Sr Aziza Abdel Halim, President of the was an excellent example of inter-faith The Women’s Interfaith Network aims respect among the followers of various Muslim Women’s National Network, Sr principles working to promote friendship to bring together women from all the world religions. Members meet monthly in Silma Ihram, Principal of Noor al-Houda and understanding between people of major religious traditions in Australia a journey of education, understanding and Islamic College, Sr Zuleyha Keskin from different traditions.

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www.fair.org.au 18 MATTERS OF FAITH AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426 Importance of Volunteering Tariq has a point By Irfan Yusuf be a moratorium on corporal punishment, Two stoning and the death penalty (collectively prominent known as hudud) in the Islamic world. Muslims His comments have been condemned by recently Muslim writers and scholars, including graced those claiming to follow the legacy of The Importance of Volunteering in our assistance. As psychologist Hanan Dover Australian Dr. Ramadan’s grandfather. Sharia is Community points out, “volunteering has many unseen shores. Tariq not just about criminal justice, stoning In today’s troubled world, one does benefits such as building positive character, Ramadan adulterers or chopping hands and heads not have to look far to see the issues increasing one’s self-esteem, as well as delivered off. Sharia is a complex and sophisticated plaguing humanity. War, occupation, allowing one to use their skills and abilities lectures and legal tradition encompassing a broad lack of development in many countries, to make a difference to the word around moderated range of opinions from things as environmental problems, social dysfunction them.” workshops in fundamental as how rules are derived to and homelessness. Some of these issues Hanan Dover is an active member of the Sydney and Melbourne. He brought a things more mundane as where to place seem too far away for contemplation, while Sydney Muslim community and founder message of Muslims needing to engage your hands when praying the salaat or others are too close for comfort. of Mission of Hope, a not-for-profit, in and with the societies in which they nemaz. Hudud punishments are a small Yet on the sunny side, it is heartening community organisation that focuses on live. He also gave us a taste of the portion of the corpus of sharia. But the to see the increasing number of people health and community welfare. Mission of inner aspects of faith, the tasawwuf way some of our scholars are reacting, searching for ways to make a positive Hope is a prime example of how one may (often misnamed as ‘sufism’), one would think that perhaps all those difference. As Ethan Hawke’s character take their professional skills and passion and that his grandfather (the late Imam News Limited columnists are right and says to Julie Delpy’s humanitarian (“The use it to make a significant contribution to Hasan al-Banna) so thoroughly that sharia is little more than nasty world is a mess!”) in Before Sunset, the community. The organisation works on reflected. punishments. Criminal justice does not “People are gonna fight back. The world the strength of its volunteers and provides Months later, Anwar Ibrahim visited just exist in statute books or scholarly might be getting better because people like a service that is sensitive to the health Australia and spoke to packed audiences in dissertations. Between crime and you are educated and speaking out. Even the and community development needs of the Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. These punishment is a whole series of steps. very notion of conservation, environmental Muslim community. Its latest initiative, included 2 public lectures specifically The person must be apprehended and issues...weren’t in the vocabulary until the Australian Muslim Volunteer Network targeted at Muslim communities. charged. A decision needs to be made fairly recently.” (AMVN), offers a pool of volunteers to Anwar delivered a similar message to on bail. Then there are issues relating to So what is happening now that has assist at local functions and events. AMVN his Muslim audience – that we need to court evidence and procedure. Finally, made us more aware? Is it because we offers another opportunity for Muslims, engage with non-Muslims, that we need upon conviction, there must be sentencing are producing a media-savvy generation young and old, to offer some of their time to stop pretending we are not part of the guidelines for the judge to follow. Not every embracing the global Internet infosphere? when the need arises. Considering the communities we live in and benefit from. theft leads to an automatic amputation. Is it our instinct to not sit on the sidelines? current flourishing state of the Australian Recently Dr. Ramadan has made the All this requires specially trained law Or are there still too many not accepting Muslim community, such assistance is headlines with his claim that there should enforcement agencies. In the case that they are able to make even a small certainly needed. contribution to the earth’s problems? After We are members of a global community Continued on page 20 all, while it is admirable to step into a and locally we form part of the overall troubled area of the world as an aid worker, Australian community. But we feel for each or to provide skills acquired through other as humans. Hopefully, our local -- not education or work experience, this is not, just our global -- problems resonate with us. realistically, for everyone. In any case, they need our attention. Yet as human beings, it is important “For each of us is a goal to which Allah to contribute to the “housework” of this turns one to; So compete with each other in world. As Muslims, it is our duty. It all that is goodness. Wherever you may be, is essential to be aware of the ways in Allah shall bring you together, for Allah is which we may locally assist. For example, the Possessor of Power over all things.” (2: volunteering some of one’s spare time to 148) charitable or humanitarian organisations Your local community needs you. are beneficial and significant acts. It takes Contact your local Muslim organisations to us out of our comfort zones, allows us to find out more on how you may contribute in embrace our world with greater warmth and a voluntary capacity. understanding, and especially to remember Amal Awad - Australian Muslim The Trustee for Halal Australia Trust our blessings. But this is putting it simply. Volunteer Network (AMVN) At a deeper level, the benefits, without http://www.missionofhope.org.au/ (The leading professional body serving the Halal industry as being self-serving, are to both the person addme.php a gateway to all your Shariah compliant Halal products & helping and the one receiving that services in Australia)

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www.fair.org.au INSIGHT 19 AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426

Reflections on interfaith relations Continued from page 9 and who are answerable to their Creator. (Al-Anbiyaa’ 21:107) derivatives are the same expressions used Acceptance of plurality does not mean To remove any particularization of this in the Qur’an and Hadith to refer to one’s accepting the plurality of ultimate truths, mercy, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and relationship with his or her parents. Such a nor does it preclude sharing one’s faith with blessings be upon him) explained that mercy relationship is more than kindness, since it others and even inviting them to it. Plurality is not being merciful to one’s companions but includes also love and respect. Many English means peaceful coexistence with those who merciful to all. He also explained, “He who translations of the Qur’an have translated hold differing beliefs and convictions. is not merciful to others, will not be treated this Qur’anic term as kindness, a translation Prohibition of compulsion in faith: mercifully.” It is obvious that Muslims are that falls short of the richer meaning of the Sharing or propagating faith is not the not the only dwellers of the earth. Hence the original Arabic term. To ameliorate this same as compulsion in religion. The Qur’an command to be merciful applies to all. In problem, the bracketed statement (also love makes it a duty on believers to communicate fact, mercy applies as well to animals and and respect) was added above. The term the message of Islam to fellow humans and other creatures of Allah. A logical fruit of qist has been translated as “justice.” Justice, to be witnesses to humankind. this attitude of mercy is to love humankind however, is closest to another Arabic word [And thus We (Allah) made of you (O as persons and fellow honored creatures of `adl. This word, however, refers to giving Muslims) a justly balanced community Allah, while dissociating oneself from their the other his or her rights, no less and no that you might bear witness (to the truth) erroneous beliefs or even rejection of Allah. more. Other scholars argue that the Qur’anic to humankind and the Apostle might bear This love finds its greatest form by loving term qist means “going beyond justice by witness over you.] (Al-Baqarah 2:143) good and guidance for them. This does giving more than what is due to others.” Being witnesses for Allah includes not mean loving their wrongdoing or their Peaceful dialogue, especially with the both witnessing through righteous deeds faith.] (Al-Baqarah 2:256) rejection of faith in Allah. It is the love of People of the Book: All of the above nine and sharing what one believes is the truth, [And so (O Prophet), exhort them; your their guidance and well being in this life and principles apply to all non-Muslims. The which is beneficial to humankind. Some task is only to exhort. You cannot compel in the life to come. Qur’an accords the People of the Book communities use the term conversion to them (to believe). As for one who turns Universal peaceful coexistence: The (Jews and Christians) a special position. The designate that later form of witnessing. The away, being bent on denying the truth, him basic rule governing the relationship very term to designate them distinguishes Qur’anic term for such sharing is da`wah, or her will God cause the greatest suffering between Muslims and non-Muslims is them from others such as idolatrous Arabs which means, literally, “invitation.” The (in the life to come). For verily, unto Us will that of peaceful coexistence, justice and (Al-Bayyinah 98:1). It is a complimentary term itself means that the invitee has every be their return, and verily, it is for Us to call compassion. The following two verses are title as it acknowledges that, like Muslims, right to accept or reject that “invitation.” them to account.] (Al-Ghashiyah 88:21-26) key verses that embody that general rule: their faiths are based on revealed books or Compulsion, threats, bribery, deception, [Had your Lord so willed, all those who [As for such (non-Muslims) who do scriptures. In its family and dietary laws, manipulation, and exploitation of the live on earth would surely have attained not fight you on account of (your) faith, or the Qur’an gives a special consideration invitee’s vulnerability (such as hunger or faith, will you then compel people, against drive you forth from your homelands, God to the People of the Book. For example, a illness) are inconsistent with the notion of their will, to believe?] (Yunus 10:99) does not forbid you to show them kindness Muslim male may marry a believing Jewish “invitation.” The Qur’an does not prescribe any (also love and respect) and to deal with or Christian woman (Al-Ma’idah 5:5). The Qur’an gives guidance on how to punishment for rejecting the “invitation” to them with equity, for God loves those who The Qur’an exhorts Muslims to engage in invite others to Islam. Invitation should be accept Islam. act equitably. God only forbids you to turn peaceful dialogue with Jews and Christians: with wisdom and in the most gracious way. [But if they turn away (from accepting in friendship towards such as fight against [Say (O Muslims), O People of the Book! [Invite (all humankind) to the path of your Allah’s message, then know that) We have you because of (your) faith and drive you Come to a common term which we and you Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation not sent you to be their keeper. Your duty is forth from your homelands or aid (others) in hold in common: that we shall worship and argue with them in the most kindly only to convey (the message).] (Ash-Shura driving you forth. As for those from among none but Allah, and that we shall not ascribe manner, for, indeed, your Lord knows best 42:48) you who turn towards them for alliance, it is divinity to none beside Him, and that we as to who strays from His path, and best who Universal mercy: The essence of Islam they who are wrongdoers.] (Al-Mumtahanah shall not take human beings for our lord are the right-guided.] (An-Nahl 16:125) and its Prophet’s mission is summed up in 60:8-9) beside Allah, and if they turn away, then In numerous verses in the Qur’an, the following verse: This verse makes it a Muslim’s duty to say: bear witness that we submit ourselves compulsion in religion is forbidden: [And (thus, O Muhammad), We have not treat peacefully coexisting persons with unto Him.] (Aal `Imran 3:64) [There shall be no coercion in matters of sent you, but as mercy to all the worlds.] equity (qist) and birr. The term birr and its SUBSCRIBE TO AUSTRALIA FAIR! 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www.fair.org.au 20 COMMUNITY AUSTRALIA FAIR MAY 2005 / RABI AWWAL 1426 Mammoth Mosque of the Month

This issue’s Mosque of the month is the largest in the South East Asia. With a capacity of 100000 people Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque is huge. The mosque has five levels representing the five daily prayers. There are 12 massive pillars which represent the months of the Islamic calendar. and the minaret is 6666 cm high represnting the verses in the Holy Quran. The mosque was designed in the 50’s by a Christian Indonesian architect.who surreptitiously designed rows of crosses at the very top of the interior walls. Tariq Ramadan has a point continued from page 18 of Anwar, the law bidding of the government. of a system in which sharia lost all to tell someone that your intentions are enforcement agencies Before pro-Ikhwan writers attack Dr. credibility in the eyes of the people it peaceful when your religious scholars are were specially trained to Ramadan over his proposal, they should was meant to guide and save. Imagine intent on imposing criminal sanctions deliver him a black eye provide one example of a Muslim country an international Muslim community seemingly based on mindless and serious injuries that where the rule of law is supreme, where fillied with millions of Amina Lawals. violence. So much being able to will affect him for life. judges are qualified to understand and Caliph Umar had the right idea. He fruitfully engage with non-Muslims! He was lucky. Had he justly enforce hudud and where police suspended the punishment for theft Law does not exist in a social vacuum. been Mamdouh Habib and other law enforcement agencies are during times of severe poverty arising Let’s get our Muslim societies in order (the Australian citizen relatively corruption-free. Sharia may from a famine. When people are forced before we start drastically increasing the recently released from detention at be (and I believe is) a divinely-inspired to steal just to survive, amputating severity of our criminal punishments. Let’s Guanatanamo Bay), he may have legal system. But in the hands of the their limbs hardly seems just. When ensure we have in each Muslim country been shipped to Egypt where the law wrong people, it’s criminal punishments Muslim scholars take absurd positions an independent judiciary, a corruption- enforcement would have been less gentle. can become part of the devil’s and oppose anything that resembles free police force, court officials who do And imagine if hudud punishments were handiwork. The late Syed Maududi, compromising (a portion of) sharia, not take bribes, politicians who feel the applied to Anwar after being wrongly a chief proponent of the introduction they undermine their own credibility. For full force of the law and social conditions convicted of sodomy. We would not of sharia into Pakistani law, was also many, it also involves them speaking and which mitigate against theft, murder and have been listening to him some weeks strongly opposed to the introduction judging in areas beyond their expertise. every other crime the subject of hudud. back. All that we could have seen of him of hudud until the moral, social and The trial judge who sentenced Amina Tariq Ramadan has a point. And Anwar would have been a gravestone with his educational conditions were right. Lawal on the basis of a minority (and Ibrahim is living proof that no Muslim name engraved onto it Also required are No point chopping hands for theft when largely discredited) position within country is ready for hudud. Let the qualified and independent judges. I have the entire economy is based on a the Maliki school of law was a classic Muslim country bound by the rule of law relatives in Pakistan who are lawyers. reverse Robin Hood system – stealing example of this. These scholars also cast the first stone. They tell me how wonderfully independent from the poor majority to give to the make it hard for other scholars, writers, udges there are – to the highest bidder. rich minority. And what a nightmare it professionals, business people and other Irfan Yusuf, an Australian industrial The judge initially hearing Anwar’s case would be if the proponents of sharia turn ordinary Muslims who are busy trying to and employment lawyer, is a freelance was also totally independent in doing the out to be the ones behind the creation engage with their fellow humans. It is hard writer.

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