Volume 19
Issue 5
Message from the President
Dear Brothers and Sisters Assalamu alaikum! As you are aware, the current term of office of the USMAA Management Committee is drawing to a close and the AGM is scheduled for 13 June 2009. It is my pleasure to report to you that the members of the outgoing management committee have done a fantastic job in serving the community for the past 12 months. I must express my sincere thanks to each and every Committee member for your enthusiasm, tireless and consistent efforts in supporting me. We could not have achieved what we have been able to accomplish without your unwavering support. I also wish to express my appreciation to all members of the Association for the support you have given me and my team through our term of office. May Allah SWT reward you all with success in all your endeavours. I believe we have built on the excellent work of previous management committees and handing over to the new committee the affairs of USMAA as an organisation in an excellent shape. All the events throughout the year were well supported and attended by the members. Some of the highlights of the year were the Eid celebrations, the Ladies Night, Janaza Sports Day, Trivia Night which stand out amongst others as successful and well attended events. The launch of the newly developed internet based USMAA website has been a great achievement this year. This has no doubt significantly improved communications with membership and outside whilst reducing time and cost by minimising paper based newsletters and notices. The website is an ever evolving resource that can certainly be utilised and built to its full potential. The website has also given us the ability to publish regular newsletter, on a quarterly basis. My great appreciation to the editorial sub-committee for your tireless work and considerable time devoted to making the regular publication of the newsletter a reality. Before I conclude, as I have indicated previously, an organisation's success and strength is in its membership. USMAA's membership has a very impressive pool of talented and skilled individuals who can take the organization forward. With greater commitment from members, I can assure you that USMAA can achieve much greater goals as outlined in the constitution. I therefore urge all members to volunteer to serve the organisation and be part of the management committee and the sub-committees for the coming year. Therefore I must reiterate the need for greater participation of membership in all events, particularly the AGM. I take this opportunity to wish the incoming committee every success. May Allah SWT bless you all.
Wassalam
Aqa Tokhi
USMAA President
Editorial
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakathahu!
Welcome to the 5th issue of the USMAA eNewsletter for the year 2008/2009.
After nearly a quarter of a century of civil conflict the Government of Sri Lanka has succeeded in militarily defeating the Tamil separatist movement. With thousands of deaths on both sides, property destroyed and the country pushed into immense debt, it is indeed welcoming news that "peace" may finally prevail in the country. The Government of SL does indeed need to be congratulated for this military victory. However at the same time it is imperative that we learn lessons from the past and strive to build a nation where never again such a conflict will be seen. A key factor in this is to stop differentiating ourselves as Singhalese, Tamils, Moors, Malays and Burghers and see ourselves as Sri Lankans. It is time to reconcile all our differences, begin to trust each other and live together.
There was discrimination nearly 25 years ago not only in Sri Lanka but all over the world. Time has passed and time is a great healer. Who on earth would have predicted 25 years ago that Barack Hussein Obama will become the President of the USA? A coloured man with a muslim middle name? That is the audacity of hope. What do we want to see in the future for our brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka, despair or hope?
The end of the war in the North of Sri Lanka marks the beginning of a new chapter and gives the opportunity to rebuild the nation based on trust and harmony. The end of the conflict is also a defining moment in the modern history of Sri Lanka. Lets seize the moment and allow the island to harvest the great untapped potential in its people and vast resources. Lets rebuild the nation where all citizens will have equal rights to pursue a life of happiness and prosperity in a free and democratic country that we all love and cherish.
To ensure a successful transformation from a conflict ridden nation to a peaceful island, the Government needs to create the right post-conflict environment by not only guaranteeing security, law and order and protection for the entire civilian population but urgently a political solution to the ethnic issues. In this regard President Mahinda Rajapakse's commitment to find a 'home grown' political solution and assurance of equal rights to all communities has been hailed as a positive step in the right direction. We wish him success in this noble endeavour.
May Allah bestow his choicest blessings and ensure that there is peace and harmony in Sri Lanka.
The Editorial Board consists of Fahmi Haniffa, Hamzi Muhammed and Parveen Muhammed.
UNITED SRI LANKAN MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday the 13th of June at the Mulgrave Community Centre, 355, Wellington road, Mulgrave at 6.30 p.m. A G E N D A 1. Meeting called to order The meeting will be followed by Dinner. The annual membership fees and the annual one-off donation for the year 2009/2010 can be paid on the day. Please visit the USMAA website membership page at http://usmaa.org.au/Membership.php for more details.
2. Recital From the Holy Quran
3. Apologies
4. Adoption of Agenda
5. Confirmation and adoption of the last AGM minutes
6. Matter arising from minutes
7. Presentation and adoption of Secretary’s Annual Report
8. Annual Financial Report
9. Report from the Janaza Committee
10. Proposed Resolutions
11. Address by President 2008/2009
12. Meeting adjourned for Isha Prayers
13. Closing of Nominations for the Management Committee for the Year 2009/2010 & Janaza Committee
14. Election of Management Committee
15. Handing over of office by outgoing President
16. Address by President for 2009/2010
a) Election and Appointment of Public Relations Officer
b) Appointment of Auditor for 2009/2010
17. Any other Business
18. Vote of thanks
19. Fatiah
20. Meeting Terminated
Qiraath Contest & Meelad
The Annual Qiraath Contest for Children of USMAA members was held in conjunction with Meelad on Saturday 14th of March 2009 at the Mulgrave Community Centre 355 Wellington Road, Mulgrave.
The contest was held separately for boys and girls and was divided under 3 age groups - below 8 years, 8 to 12 years and 12 to 16 years. There was much interest among the children and it was a good opportunity for them to memorise Suras from the Quran.
The night's events also included talks on the life of Prophet Muhammed and readings of celebratory poems about the Prophet.
The delicious dinner was prepared by the head chef: Nizar Hussain and assistants: Azeeka, Jhan, Zainab, Ruzna, Sithy, Fariha and Yumna. Kitchen hands and side kicks: Mohamed Najeeb, Fouz Ameen, Imran Thaha, Mohamed Haseeb, Dil Roshan and Mahroof.
A huge thank you goes to the organizers and all who turned up and helped make this event a success. MashaAllah it was great to hear the children recite a variety of Suras from memory. Well done to all of them.
Congratulations to all the winners:
| Girls: under 8 | |
| 1st | Ayesha Farouque |
| 2nd | Hamda Minsac |
| 3rd | Rukaya Thaha |
| Boys: under 8 | |
| 1st | Ali Haniffa |
| Girls: 8 - 12 years | |
| 1st | Rehana Thaha |
| Boys: 8 - 12 years | |
| 1st | Dhaanish Haris |
| 2nd | Hamzah Farouque |
| 3rd | Sabtih Minsar |
| Boys: 12 - 16 years | |
| 1st | Baakir Haris |
| 2nd | Jauhar Najeeb |
| 3rd | Omar Thaha and Jawwad Najeeb (tie) |
Usmaa Sports Day - Janaaza Fund Raiser
The annual USMAA Sports day to raise funds for the Janaaza fund was organized by the USMAA Janaaza sub-committee on Sunday 22 March 2009 at the Templestowe Reserve, Cnr Williamsons Rd and Porter St. The day included the 2009 USMAA Six a Side Cricket tournament, games and activities for the ladies and children and a raffle. A scrumptious biriyani lunch was catered by Sister Faryal Khobair.
The six a side cricket tournament was keenly contested. We had a large number of teams registered to play on the day but had to unfortunately conduct the tournament on a single pitch at the Templestowe Reserve due to the other pitch not being available for use. There were several teams that rocked up very late and who had not registered to participate in the tournament in spite of the many reminders sent out prior to the day requesting early registration of teams. The cricket tournament organisers were forced to delay the start the tournament due to this but were compelled to finish all the matches on time, which was not an easy task. We suggest that in future all teams register early and be at the venue on time so that the annual tournament can run on schedule and participants can enjoy a full day of riveting cricket. Players are also reminded to show respect to each other, to umpires and officials. It's a day of fun and above all as Muslims we cannot forget that we have to show mutual respect in every aspect of life, even when we're having fun.
The 2009 USMAA Six a Side Cricket tournament was won by 'Jazah Champs' and the runner up was 'Cool Bananas'. Congratulations to Riyaz Yoosuf (Captain), Jaloodh Nijamudeen, Jaseer Nijamudeen, Sajad Seyeed, Sathish Prabakharan, Jahan Majeed of the winning team 'Jazah Champs'. Congratulations to all the teams that participated in making the event a success. See photos. We hope to see you all again on the field in 2010, insha allah.
The Sports Day also included games and activities for the ladies and the children. They enjoyed the weather, the informal atmosphere and a day out with family and friends.
The Sports Day is a fund raising event for the USMAA Janaza Scheme. The total collection from the cricket tournament and ladies games and activities was $1,673. The JSC thanks all the organisers, sponsors, officials and participants for their kind efforts.
Human Appeal International Australia - Second Annual Year 12 Muslim Achievement Awards Ceremony
The Second Annual Year 12 Muslim Achievement Awards Ceremony in recognition of all Victorian Muslim Year 12 students who received an enter score of 90% and above was held at the Laila Reception Centre, Brunswick on 29 March 2009. During the ceremony each student was presented with a certificate and a lap top computer in recognition of their achievements.
Forty Muslim children from across Victoria received their awards. The following Sri Lankan Muslim students were recipients of the awards: Sumaya Mueen, Omar Fahmi, Aysha Zackariya, Fathima Singhawansa and Hafsa Zarook. Amongst the Sri Lanka Muslim children, Sumaya Mueen had the top enter score of 98.75. USMAA congratulates all the children.
The Award ceremony which was followed by a sumptuous dinner and performance by 'The Brothahood' Muslim Rap Artists was well attended by the students, parents, local MP's, media and community leaders.
Information regarding the Annual Award can be obtained from Human Appeal International, 149 Sydney Road, Coburg Vic 3058. Phone: 9386 4677.
The Annual USMAA Trivia night
The Annual USMAA Trivia night was held on Saturday 16th May 2009 at the Mulgrave Community Centre, 355 Wellington Road, Mulgrave. The event was successfully organized by the USMAA youth wing. There was much interest among the members for this annual event and the evening was keenly contested. There were 13 rounds of questions on a variety of topics such as current news, sports, history, geography, music, religion, medicine etc. Participating teams were 'Shazoozaa Baloo Purple Monkey Dishwashers', 'Colomba Saniya', 'New Tens', 'Lost Family', 'ASIO', 'Ahindas', 'Knowledge is Power' and 'The A Team'. 'The A Team' emerged the champions for the 2nd consecutive year.
The dinner was prepared onsite by the men folk of USMAA. The chef was Aqa Tokhi ably assisted by the following sous chefs and kitchen hands: Noor Mahroof, Shimal Zackariya, Fahme Abulhassen, Fahmi Haniffa, Rizvi Mohideen and Zabeed bin Hamid. The menu included; Beef buriyani, tandoori chicken, potato, dhall and eggs followed by ice cream for dessert. The feedback was very positive.
Thank you to all who participated and helped to make this event a great success.
Janaaza Sub Committee News
Western suburbs - Janaza Scheme The official launch of the Western suburbs Janaza Scheme tailored to cater to the future need of the Sri Lankan Muslim families living in the Western suburbs took place on Sunday 8 March 2009 at the Errington Community Centre, St Albans East. The launch was followed by a sumptuous biriani dinner. The launch was organised by Brothers Areeb, Eshaarc and Elyas. The turnout exceeded expectations with guests totalling 360 turning up in support of the worthy cause. The welcome address was delivered by Brother Eshaarc. Other speakers were Brother Nawaz, Dr Aqa Tokhi (President, Usmaa) and Dr Fahmi Haniffa (member, JSC). Dr. Fahmi Haniffa explained the workings of the existing Usmaa Janaza Scheme.The text of this talk can be found at http://www.usmaa.org.au/WSJanazaTalk.php A proposal to admit the Sri Lankan Muslim families of the Western suburbs into the Usmaa Janaza Scheme will be presented, insha allah, at the AGM to be held on 13 June 2009. Alkauthar Institute course on final rites Visit www.alkauthar.org for more details and enrolment. They offer a variety of courses that may be of interest to you.
Melbourne will host two major international conferences in July 2009. Both conferences are co-organised in partnership by the Monash University, ACU National and the Australian Intercultural Society. First of the two conferences, titled "From Dialogue to Collaboration: The Vision of Gulen and Muslim-Christian Relations" will be hosted by the ACU National on 15-16 July 2009, followed by the Islamophobia Conference to be hosted by Monash University on 18-19 July 2009. The conferences also have the support of the following bodies: Centre for Islam and the Modern World, National Centre for Australian Studies, Monash Centre for EU and European Studies, Global Terrorism Research Centre, Fethullah Gulen Chair in the Study of Islam and Muslim-Catholic Relations. This conference "From Dialogue to Collaboration: The Vision of Fethullah Gulen and Muslim-Christian Relations" aims to explore, through the prism of Fethullah Gulen's personal and theological profile, his worldwide contribution to Islamic studies, education, philanthropy, and interreligious dialogue. Gulen's vision of dialogue and Muslim-Christian relations will be brought into relation with developments in the Catholic Church and other Christian Churches since Vatican II's Nostra Aetate (1965).
The second of the to international conferences titled "Islamophobia" will take place at Monash University. The rationale of this conference is as follows: In 2003, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) commenced a project called Isma: National consultations on eliminating prejudice against Arab and Muslim Australians. During this project the Commission consulted with over 1400 Arab and Muslim Australians around Australia. Participants described their experiences of racial and religious discrimination, vilification and abuse since the September 11 attacks in 2001 and the Bali bombings in 2002. There is a need to bring these issues to academic discourse and critical enquiry so that meaningful discussion can take place and real progress can be made. Although the public debate will not or should not end, this conference will make a significant positive and progressive contribution to the discourse. At the same time, this conference will provide an opportunity for the humanities and social sciences departments in our universities to enquire into real issues impacting on our society. This conference will also create a platform for the research already done in the field as well as spark new research. The Islamic Education and Welfare Association of Dandenong (IEWAD) is organising a fund raising dinner on Saturday, 20th June 2009 at the Minaret College Hall, 36 Lewis Street, Springvale 3171. [Melway ref. 79 J6] "Whoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise." [Sahih-al-Bukhari] Please contact Nizra Haniffa on mobile: 0416 120 150 or home: 03 9713 2927. All proceeds, including tickets sales will go to the building fund for the IEWAD Masjd in Hallam which is located at 131-137 Belgrave Hallam Road, Hallam 3804. Please visit www.iewad.org.au for more details. Birth We are happy to inform you of the following birth. Zain Habeeb
- Hamzi and Parveen Muhammed of Rowville were blessed with a baby boy on 24 May 2009. May Allah shower his blessings on the new arrival. "and your lord has commanded that you shall not serve (any) but him, and goodness to your parents. if either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them (so much as) "ugh" (a word or expression of anger or contempt) nor chide them, and speak to them respectful words" [Quran 17:23] Janaaza INNA LILLAHI WA INAA ILLAIHI RAJIUN.
Farouk Ismail, dearly beloved father of Rizni Nisthar, Rismiya Zuhair and Rumies Ismail (Jim) and father-in-law of Nisthar Buhari, Sugu Zuhair and Shazmin Ismail passed away and the janaza took place at the Bunorong Memorial Park, Frankston-Dandenong Rd. - 8 April 2009. May Almighty Allah grant him Jannathul Firdhouse. The USMAA website now has the prayer times for Melbourne updated daily on it's home page www.usmaa.org.au. We hope this is an incentive to visit the USMAA website more often and check for updates. If you have come across any interesting features that might be useful and add value to the community then please pass it along by emailing webmaster@usmaa.org.au As you may have already noticed, some Community Announcements appear in this issue of the USMAA eNewsletter. We would like this to be a place where the achievements of community members is applauded and a place where community information both happy and sad is shared. We would like to encourage all members to send the following information to share with the community.
Please email to newsletter@usmaa.org.au The information you send may be edited to fit the space as needed. Insha Allah we hope you will utilize this tool to its full potential. The two businesses who have advertised on our website are sponsoring the web hosting costs. They are both owned and operated by USMAA members and we hope you will take note of their messages and support them when possible. Members can place advertisements in the USMAA eNewsletter and website. We charge a nominal fee which will go towards the cost of administration and hosting the website. Please email webmaster@usmaa.org.au for details.
'The Final Rites' a course conducted by Sh Bilal Ismail in July
Ever wonder,
- How do I handle a family member falling ill?
- What do I do in their final moments in this world?
- How do I wash and shroud the dead?
- How can I benefit my dear mother after her death?
- What are the procedures of burial?
- How do we wind up the estate and distribute the inheritance according to the Shariah?
- Why is it important to know about the rulings of inheritance?
- What are the pillars, conditions, and impediments to inheritance?
- How do I figure out which heirs get 1/2 or 1/4 or 1/8 or 2/3 or 1/3 or 1/6 of inheritance?
Get your answers to these questions and more in "The Final Rites" course.
MELBOURNE: July 4th & 5th
SYDNEY: July 11th & 12th
Melbourne to host two major international conferences in July 2009
The Vision of Fethullah Gulen & Muslim-Christian Relations
Islamophobia Conference
IEWAD Fundraising event for the masjid in Hallam
Tickets cost $100 per person.
Community Announcements
USMAA Web site
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Email: members@usmaa.org.au USMAA INC. P O Box 120, Forest Hill, Victoria 3131, Australia. ABN 16207175319 http://www.usmaa.org.au
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USMAA Newsletters are available at: http://usmaa.org.au/Newsletter.php