2019 MULTIFAITH CALENDAR

2019 MULTIFAITH CALENDAR

The Faith Communities Council of Victoria has released it's annual multifaith calendar outlining major holy days and festivals for Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism.

The House of Islam : a global history by Ed Husain

A fascinating and revelatory exploration of the intricacies of Islam and the inner psyche of the Muslim world from the bestselling author of The Islamist

'Islam began as a stranger,' said the Prophet Mohammed, 'and one day, it will again return to being a stranger.'

The gulf between Islam and the West is widening. A faith rich with strong values and traditions, observed by nearly two billion people across the world, is seen by the West as something to be feared rather than understood. Sensational headlines and hard-line policies spark enmity, while ignoring the feelings, narratives and perceptions that preoccupy Muslims today. 

Wise and authoritative, The House of Islam seeks to provide entry to the minds and hearts of Muslims the world over. It introduces us to the fairness, kindness and mercy of Mohammed; the aims of sharia law, through commentary on scripture, to provide an ethical basis to life; the beauty of Islamic art and the permeation of the divine in public spaces; and the tension between mysticism and literalism that still threatens the House of Islam. 

The decline of the Muslim world and the current crises of leadership mean that a glorious past, full of intellectual nobility and purpose, is now exploited by extremists and channelled into acts of terror. How can Muslims confront the issues that are destroying Islam from within, and what can the West do to help work towards that end?

Ed Husain expertly and compassionately guides us through the nuances of Islam and its people, contending that the Muslim world need not be a stranger to the West, nor its enemy, but a peaceable ally.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ed Husain is the author of The Islamist, a memoir of his time inside radical Islamism. Having rejected extremism, he now advises governments and political leaders on Islam. He is a senior fellow at Civitas, Institute for the Study of Civil Society in London and a global fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre in Washington DC. He was a senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in New York for five years and co-founded Quilliam, the world's first counter-extremism think-tank in Britain. He has written for the New York Times, the Telegraph, the Financial Times and appeared on CNN, BBC, and others. He lives in London.

@Ed_Husain

When your face and your religion determine your future ...

Lynne Murphy

Admin · 5 August at 23:48

My name
Am from pakistan parachinar.
I did not leave my country for search of allowence or food .
If there was peace in my country.
I would have never chosen being refugee.
If there was peace,I would have never left my family hometown and my best friends,.
If there was peace I would have never...
Left my country,that anyone call me Refugee And look at me like criminals and killers
And punish me based on my face and religion.
If there was peace in my country I would have never chosen being locked and be pensive, to keep watching to the door, who brings a hopeful news to chare me up.
I left my country, family and friends..
Because I'm shia .
I have left my country due to being shia and shia in pakistan parachinar are condemned to die.
Because they believe in peace, justice and education. which it's throughly unbearable... I didn't leave my country on purpose. The war, injustice, persecution, armed killing, abduction, and systematic discrimination for decades forced me to leave.
If there was peace in my country...
I would have made it the most secured home for all people from around the globe, and I would have became it's security..
Till people feel peace and comfort.
Note, being refugee is not optional, l myself did not choose to be refugee please don't look at me as a criminal.😥😭💔

~ From a refugee, waiting the long wait in limbo in Indonesia

Australia's cruelty and shame.

More

For over five years @BehrouzBoochani painstakingly chronicled his "profound and annihilating mental torture", serving as a permanent record of the treatment suffered by people who sought safety in Australia and were met with a cruel indefinite detention system.

Behrouz Boochani (Born July 23, 1983 in Ilam, Iran) is a Kurdish journalist, human rights defender, poet and film producer. He is the co-director, along with Arash Kamali Sarvestani, of the documentary Chauka, Please Tell Us the Time^[1], has published numerous articles in leading media internationally about the plight of refugees held by the Australian government on Manus Island and released the book No Friend But the Mountains: Writing from Manus Prison in 2018. He has been held in Manus Island detention centre since 2013.

Behrouz Boochani graduated from Tarbiat Modares University with a master's degree in Political Geography and Geopolitics. Boochani worked as a freelance journalist for the Iranian newspapers Kasbokar Weekly, Qanoon, and Etemaad^[2] where he published articles on Middle-East politics, minority rights and the survival of Kurdish culture.^[3] He cofounded and produced the Kurdish magazine Werya.^[2] In February 2013, the offices of Werya were raided by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.^[4] Boochani went into hiding for three months and on May 23, 2013, fled Iran. On his second attempt to make a boat crossing from Indonesia to Australia he was intercepted, detained on Christmas Island and after one month was transferred to the Manus Island detention centre in August 2013.^[3]

While living in the Manus Island detention centre Boochani has published articles in several newspapers internationally such as "The Day My Friend Hamid Kehazaei Died" in The Guardian^[5] and "Life on Manus: Island of the Damned" in The Saturday Paper.^[6] He has also published poems^[7][8]and narrates his story in the documentary film "Nowhere Lines: Voices of Manus Island".^[9] Boochani is also the subject of the play "Manus" written by playwright Nazanin Sahamizadeh.^[10]

The film "Chauka, Please Tell Us the Time" was shot inside the Manus Island detention centre by Boochani, entirely on a mobile phone.^[11] A review of Chauka, Please Tell Us the Time was written by the award winning writer Arnold Zable.^[12] In March 2017, Boochani's plight was raised in the Australian House of Representatives by Australian parliamentarian Adam Bandt.^[13] Boochani is on the shortlist for the Index on Censorship's Freedom of Expression Award in the category of Journalism.^[14]

Djap Wurrung Embassy and the Islamic Khutbah Prayer

https://www.facebook.com/fatima.mawas/videos/10161000127440157/

For the past few years, there has been strong community effort to try to prevent or redirect the Victorian Government's plans for widening the Western Highway to four lanes.

Locals have done their utmost but still the Victorian Government

fails to listen and fails to acknowledge the historic and environmental significance of place,

and - in particular - the ancient Red Gums that are being destroyed. 

In recent times Aboriginal people have become active in the campaign.

Now it is good to see people of faith - the Islamic faith - in support.

Please send loving thoughts and prayers to this vital campaign.

Khutbah

Raise your voice on behalf of jailed female activists in Saudi Arabia

Australia's most senior Muslim cleric Sheikh Abdel Aziem Al-Afifi has died.

Australia's most senior Muslim cleric Sheikh Abdel Aziem Al-Afifi has died.

Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Azeem al-Afifi, who died in a Melbourne hospital before dawn on Wednesday, is being remembered as a "great catalyst" who brought people together.Sheikh Abdel Aziem Al-Afifi has dedicated himself to serving the Australian Muslim Community for over 20 years," the Australian National Imams Council said in a statement.

"Sheikh Abdel Aziem Al-Afifi had been widely recognised and respected by the Australian Muslim community and the wider Australian society."

The sheikh, a founding member of the council, was only elected as Grand Mufti in March.

He had been ill for some time.

Australian Multicultural Foundation executive director Hass Dellal said the Grand Mufti was a "great person" with his youth work and promotion of Australian Muslims' contributions to leave "a lasting legacy".

"He was really a very genuine person and was really respected by many Muslims and the wider Australian community. It [his death] was a shock even though we had known he was ill," Dr Dellal OAM said.

"He will be sorely missed not just by Australian Muslims. He was a great catalyst and brought people together and that was his real strength."

Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott tweeted: "My condolences to the family of his Eminence the Grand Mufti of Australia Sheikh Abdel Aziem Al-Afifi and Muslim community. May he rest in peace".

The council executive committee will act in the role of Mufti of Australia until a meeting is held within 15 days to determine a new leader.     AAP

From the Facebook page of the Australian National Imams Council

Australian National Imams Council

6 hrs · 

ANIC Mourns the Death of the Grand Mufti of Australia Sheikh Abdel Aziem Al-Afifi

Christian bigotry in action

Pillar Baptist Church's Logan Robertson (L) and Brisbane Islamic leader 

Ali Kadri in an argument outside Darra mosque on Thursday.

ABC NEWS: ELLIE SIBSON

Three self-styled Christian "Baptists" have been charged after allegedly trespassing and verbally abusing worshippers at Brisbane mosques.

The trio face charges of public nuisance, entering a premises with intent and trespass, after the incidents at the Kuraby and Darra mosques on Wednesday and Thursday.

On Wednesday, they were accused of entering the Kuraby mosque and harassing worshippers inside, including teenage boys.

The following day, there were heated scenes outside the Darra mosque, when members from the Pillar Baptist Church confronted Islamic leaders.

Police asked the church members to leave, before seizing video equipment and mobile phones from the group.

The entire incident on Thursday was captured by local television crews.

The Islamic Council of Queensland's Ali Kadri was confronted by the church's pastor Logan Robertson.

Mr Kadri said: "I'm trying to talk to you in a nice manner, why are you responding in such an aggressive manner?"

Mr Robertson replied: "Because I hate the religion of Islam. I don't hate Muslims, I hate the religion."

"We're making a documentary about your false religion. That's what we are trying to do."

The Pillar Baptist Church is not affiliated with the Queensland Baptists or Australian Baptist Ministries.

Acting Superintendent Craig Morrow confirmed the church's pastor was among those charged.

He said it was possible more charges could be laid.

"Investigations are still ongoing. There's a lot of video material and recorded CCTV we need to go through and inquiries we need to make," he said.

"Every person has the right to express their views, but the matter in which they've gone about that is not acceptable."

"We hope by taking action quickly like we have, and assuring the community that we won't tolerate this behaviour that this will be a deterrent in itself."

Another of the men charged is 29-year-old Steven Albany.

Acting Superintendent Morrow said the trio was arrested after searches were conducted at properties in the Bellbird Park, Redbank and the greater Brisbane area.

The group is due to face the Holland Park Magistrates Court on July 25.

POSTED ABOUT 3 HOURS AGO

Editor's note:  Readers will note that the Baptists appear to be of the fundamentalist variety and the not mainstream variety  which is the majority in australia. if the pictures are an accurate depiction of the state of the church buildings, they certainly don't indicate prosperity as opposed to the signage and landscaping of the kuraby mosque

QUEENSLAND BAPTISTS - THE MAINSTREAM BAPTIST ORGANISATION IN AUSTRALIA- responded and that response can be seen here.  seems to the editor that, as well as trying to spread hate and bigotry, the leader at pillar baptist church is trying to make a name for himself and it is  not a good and reputable name.

----

Anglican Parish of Gosford

2 hrs · 

Our hearts go out to the good people of the mosques in Kuraby and Oxley who suffered from 'christian' extremists. We stand with you.
We condemn all such acts of spiritual violence but especially those perpetrated in the name of Christ. We call upon the denominational authorities of these particular individuals to act clearly and decisively in making sure this does not happen again.

Sadly once again in the lack of reporting around this event the media have shown their white, western, 'christian' bias.
Shameful!
Fr Rod.

COURIERMAIL.COM.AU

Nuisance charges over mosque actions

TWO men have been charged following incidents at mosques in Kuraby and Oxley this week.

Eid Mubarak - 2018

Celebrating Ramadan in Melbourne.

Australia to celebrate Eid ul Fitr on Saturday, 

rules moon-sighting committee

What is planned for Refugee Week in Ballarat

Just in from Ballarat Interfaith Network

Hello Everyone,

There are a couple of free events during Refugee Week.

Please note that our film for this month 

will have the writer/producer

joining us from S.A.

The launch of the container art has all been done by a refugee and 

Tom Ballard who has befriended him will be there to talk on his behalf.

Look forward to seeing you.

Maureen

(Secretary)

To find out more about Refugee Week in Australia go here

19 June 2018

Have been advised this morning that a booking site has been changed.

The booking site for "The Staging Post" film has been changed to 

https:/www.trybooking.com/WIPZ

Social media and a plastic alphabet tiled notice board. The language of the people?

Let me introduce you to Father Rod Bowers!

Father Rod has become something of an institution in Australia in recent years thanks to social media. He is the master of the pithy comment.  Many, many love him.  Many, many loathe him.  I am pretty certain that to-day's comment (the Islamic equivalent of Merry Christmas or Happy New Year for Christians) will drive the fanatics and the bigots nuts.  However, that doesn't both Father Rod.  Go here and you will find a mass of his epigrams for people to enjoy or be driven nutty.  But he won't be stopped!

If you want something a little bit longer and meatier than Father Rod's succinct signage, you can get his sermons. They are erudite and meatier and you can get a feel for the man himself in action.  People sometimes wonder out aloud what Father Rod's boss, the Bishop, thinks of all this. First of all, I think everyone in the Diocese of Newcastle is used to all this.  Second of all, thanks to electronic media, he has acquired as much or more fame than Jesus did in His day and - what is more - he uses it wisely and well.  

So, please join me and many other Australians tonight at 9.35pm.  Father Rod - or to give him his precise title the Venerable Rod Bower - when he appears on the ABC current affairs television program, Q and A.

.... and a little more over here. 

A Tour of the Islamic Museum of Australia organised by the Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia Women' Committee

From the Jewish Christian Muslim Association: 

The JCMA Women’s committee is pleased to invite you to a guided tour of the Islamic Museum of Australia.

Date; Wednesday 20 June 2018

Time: 12 pm to 1 pm

Cost: $15/adult,  $10 concession

Full details are on the flyer.

As part of our continuing efforts in harbouring understanding and appreciation to the Abrahamic faith traditions, participants will explore the exhibition "1.6 Billion Ways To Be Muslim", an exhibition which started as a photographic narrative on social media and has since become a global initiative celebrating the diversity of modern day Muslims.

In addition, a second exhibition, “Our grandmothers” celebrates the love, spirit, strength and wisdom embodied by grandmothers in Islam. This exhibition is part of Multicultural Museums Victoria’s inaugural joint project celebrating the central role of grandmothers in the Chinese, Italian, Greek, Muslim and Jewish communities.

After the tour you may choose to stay for lunch at the cafeteria and meet up with old friends or meet new ones. Ticket price includes the cost of the tour only and lunch is extra. These encounters are interesting and rewarding and an important part of transforming relations between people of different faiths. We look forward to seeing you there.

To Register
To register your interest and participate, please purchase tickets early as they can be sold out.
Registration link is  https://jcma-islamic-museum-tour.eventbrite.com.au

For more information contact Ginette Everest (03) 9287 5590 or womenconference@jcma.org.au

Notes: This is an event for men and women. We suggest CAR POOLING as parking is very restricted in the vicinity of the Museum

Major days of Feasts and Fasts are being celebrated this week- RAMADAN

Ramadan begins in Australia

Ramadan (also known as Ramadhan or Ramzan) is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is a period of prayer, fasting, charity-giving and self-accountability for Muslims in Australia. The first verses of the Koran (Qu'ran) were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (also written as Mohammad or Muhammed) during the last third of Ramadan, making this an especially holy period.

Fasting occurs during daylight but meals can be eaten when the Sun is down during Ramadan.

Many Muslims in Australia fast during the daylight hours in the month of Ramadan. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars (fundamental religious duties) of Islam. It is a time of self-examination and increased religious devotion. It is common to have a pre-fast meal (suhoor) before sunrise and an evening meal (iftar) after sunset during Ramadan. Some groups of people, including the chronically ill, mentally challenged, and the elderly who cannot participate due to health reasons, are exempt from fasting. It is also not allowed to have sexual relations or smoke during the day.

What Do People Do?

Ramadan is also a time for many Muslims to donate to charity by participating in food drives for the poor, organizing a collection or charity event, and other voluntary activities. They are also encouraged to read the Qur'an often during Ramadan. Some Muslims recite the entire Qur'an by the end of Ramadan through special prayers known as Tarawih, which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a section of the Qur'an is recited.

Public Life

Many Islamic businesses and organizations may amend opening hours to suit prayer times during Ramadan in Australia. There may also be some congestion around mosques during prayer times, such as in the evenings.

Background

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which consists of 12 months and lasts for about 354 days. The word “Ramadan” is derived from an Arabic word for intense heat, scorched ground and shortness of food and drink. It is considered to be the most holy and blessed month. Fighting is not allowed during this period.

The month of Ramadan traditionally begins with a new moon sighting, marking the start of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Many Muslims (except children, the sick and the elderly) abstain from food, drink, and certain other activities during daylight hours in Ramadan. This is considered as the holiest season in the Islamic year and commemorates the time when the Qu’ran (Islamic holy book) is said to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. This occurred on Laylat Al-Qadr, one of the last 10 nights of the month.  Ramadan ends when the first crescent of the new moon is sighted again, marking the new lunar month’s start. Eid-al-Fitr is the Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.

About Ramadan begins in other countries

Read more about Ramadan begins.

Ramadan begins Observances

Note: Regional customs or moon sightings may cause a variation of the date for Islamic holidays, which begin at sundown the day before the date specified for the holiday. The Islamic calendar is lunar and the days begin at sunset, so there may be one-day error depending on when the New Moon is first seen.