Volume 20
Issue 3
Message from the President
Dear Brothers and Sisters Assalamu Alaikum. It has been always a pleasure to write to you all through Minrat, but I must tell you that, today I feel much happier and I think it's mainly because USMAA has a few more success stories to be shared. Alhamthulliah. Thank you very much for all of your contributions and for your endless generosity. First of all I take this opportunity to thank personally and on behalf of my committee to all our sisters who put their maximum efforts to make huge successes on the Ladies night held on the 13th of March 2010. The project was designed to raise funds for Magaragama cancer hospital. My special Thanks goes to Sister Shiyama Iqbal for communicating with the Director of the Hospital and found what they really need right away. Sisters Nizra, Anesa, Sheyama Fahme, Fara, Ziyada, Rizana, Mariyam, Aysha and all who helped in many ways, sponsors and all the participants, Thank you very much. I must mention Aunty Nazly Farouque who took all the efforts to personally meet the director and the suppliers and arranged all the essential steps to deliver the goods. Please accept our sincere Thank you. Alhamthulliah. USMAA Six-a-side Tournament and Children and Ladies Games (18th of April 2010) was another well organized and appreciated event on behalf of the USMAA Janaza committee. The event was not only focused on raising fund but also to have a day filled with the sprit and the unity of sport. It was really encouraging to see your e mails and to receive so many phone calls inquiring and cheering the event. On behalf of Janaza committee I wish to extend my earnest Thank you to my good friend Riyaz Yoosuf, who gave his fullest support and being one of the main sponsor and to all of our sponsors to make this event a remarkable one. Brothers Ishrath Bachcha, Yaslim Lathif and Fowzan Farook volunteered themselves in preparing kottu Roti and it was not only delicious but also they donated all most the entire profit to the fund, Thank you very much for your generosity. Thank you guys and well done. Our Annual Qirath Contest was welcomed warmly by our young parents and young kids. Alhamthulliah, it's really heart-warming to see the young hidden talents in our community. USMAA congratulate all our participants and to their parents for the efforts they place on this competition.
The Janaza committee was very delighted to see all of your cooperation at our fund raising dinner. We sold out the entire tickets and there was more demand too. Alhamthulliah. This has been a very successful programme and we are pleased to recognize some of our volunteers who dedicated themselves to our committees. I take this opportunity to Thank personally and on behalf of my committee to all who shown their generosity and to all who worked hard on this project. Still we can hear a few wedding bells ringing and USMAA wishes for all those young couples a happy wedded life.
Once again thank you for your comments and all your supports. Write to us, or call us, give your feed backs, as I always say it will help us to grow. Until we meet again through Minrat Take care Wasalam Fahme Abul Hasan
Editorial
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakathahu!
It was dawn and it was time for Fajr prayers. Muslim bothers aboard the Mari Marmara were gathering for prayers and the Azan could be heard across the waters of the eastern Mediterranean sea. This was the lead ship of the Free Gaza Flotilla on a humanitarian mission to break the Israeli blockade of the Palestinian people living in Gaza.
Israeli commandos timed to attack the peace flotilla when the men were gathered for prayers. It has been reported that the commandos attacked the pro Palestinian activists in the ships like hyenas. They used bombs, tear gas and live ammunition to shoot at the unarmed activists. Nine activists were killed and 30 injured. All this happened in international waters. Later autopsy reports on the bodies of those killed revealed that they were shot at close range and into the victims backs.
Israel showed the world that they are prepared to kill with impunity anyone for their selfish greed, unlawful occupation of Arab land and the subjugation of the Palestinian people. The attack on the flotilla has been described by commentators as an act of unbelievable stupidity and an act of madness in the high seas. It was an act of piracy and an act of State sponsored murder. Turkey has described the killings as a massacre of innocent civilians.
What motivated the Israelis to commit this barbaric act of murder? Was it aimed at Hamas, the rulers of Gaza rather than the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank under the weak President Mahmoud Abbas who is known to be a political opponent of Hamas and seen as a puppet of Israel and the USA? In 2006 the people of Gaza democratically elected Hamas to form a government. Democracy is what the people want, not what Israel or the USA wants.
The attack on the peace flotilla is a rude wake up call to the international community. Here is a flagrant breach of international law, act of piracy and pre meditated murder. It highlights the known and unknown suffering of the people of Palestine for the past half century at the hands of Israel. The arrogance of Israel is directly related to the unwavering support by the government of the USA. President Barack Obama and his administration have been muted in their condemnation of the acts of Israel. One of Obama's first executive decisions was to shoot to kill pirates in the waters off Somalia and those orders were executed. Is there a different American rule for an act of piracy by the government of Israel?
It is time for the people of Palestine to be released from the shackles imposed by Israel supported by the USA. The international community needs to move quickly to lift the blockade of Gaza, free the people of Palestine and give them the freedom to have their own separate State, govern themselves and become a part of the international community. Or are we going to sit around and watch another State sponsored genocide occur? It's time to set Palestine free, insha allah. Who will take the lead. Turkey?
Meelad celebrations
'And Lo! (O Muhamad), verily thou art of a Tremendous Nature' (Holy Quran 68:4).
The USMAA Annual Meelad Celebration was held on 7 March 2010 at the Monash Community Centre, Mulgrave. A large number of members and friends participated. The highlights of the evening were:
A reading by Brother Mohamed Haseeb of a talk delivered by Sheikh Nazim on the occasion of the Meelad un Nabi of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAL). The talk highlighted the difference between worship and respect. We worship Allah and we respect the Prophet (SAL), the final Messenger of Allah.
A bayaan delivered by Hafiz Ismail Bin Nazir, Imaam of the Dalghetty Street Mosque, Dandenong. Imaam Bin Nazir hails from Albania and is a Graduate of the Tabliq Markas Madarasa Arabiya Arrive-inde and Jamiya Ash Sharafiya in Lahore, Pakistan. In his very engaging talk Imaam Bin Nazir spoke about the life of the Prophet Muhammed (SAL), his birth, his upbringing, his Prophethood and the examples that he left in the Sunnah that we follow. He said that it is a day to reflect and remind ourselves as parents and to teach our children of the trials, tribulations, triumphs and examples that the rasool experienced and left for mankind to reflect upon and follow. Allah chose the Rasool as the Seal of all Prophets and to follow his examples/footsteps in the light of the teachings of the Holy Quran which will guarantee paradise in the hereafter.
The talk was followed by a question and answer session. The Imaam was happy to answer any questions and has invited members and friends to feel free to contact him at the Dalghetty Street Mosque at any time.
Recital of Yaseen.and Ya Nabi. Dua.
The evening ended with a sumptuous dinner which was catered by a group of USMAA members and well wishers. It was again a wonderful evening for USMAA Members and friends to get together with their families for prayers, remembrance, reflection and celebration.
We thank Allah for his love and his mercy and pray that he shows us all the right path.
Ladies Nite
The Annual USMAA Ladies Nite was held on 13th March 2010 at the Mulgrave Community Centre. It was well attended by members of the public as well as our USMAA sisters. The Chief Guest at this event was the Mayor of Monash Cr Charlotte Baines. The proceeds of this fund raising event which was over $5000 was used to purchase much needed surgical equipment for the Cancer Hospital at Maharagama in Sri Lanka. The evening's entertainment included classical Barata Natyam, baila and also lots of games which were enjoyed by all those present.
USMAA Sports Day
The Annual USMAA Sports Day was held on Sunday 18 April 2010 at the Mulgrave Reserve, Garnett Road in Wheelers Hill. It was a beautiful sunny day and an excellent location for the six a side cricket tournament.
The six a side cricket tournament was keenly contested with the following 12 teams participating for the Usmaa Trophy: Pro Cricketers, Mount Lions, Pretenders, Jazha Champs, Bartercard, The Weakest Link, Warriors of Islam, West Islanders, Blue Bird, Titans, West Ministers and Northern Boys.
Congratulations to the Winners of the USMAA Trophy 2010 - Pro Cricketers headed by Riyaz Yoosuf and the & the Runners Up - Warriors of Islam headed by Sharaf Nazeer. There was a great display of cricket skills by both the teams throughout the day. We appreciate the efforts by the captains, players, on field umpires, scorers, caterers, ladies, children & the USMAA Janaza Committee. Some highlights:
Prize Winners:
Top performances of the day
Special thanks to Brothers Haneef Mohinudeen and Mohamed Nazeer for coordinating the competition on the field. Thanks to all members and friends who participated in the Sports Day and for your exceptional support in the fund raising activity for the Janaza Fund. Without all of your support we couldn't have had a successful event.
We also extend our thanks to the Sponsors of the Sports Day: Bartercard - Melbourne East, Pasla Air Travel and IT Mate Solutions.
Keep batting till next year and play a stubborn innings.
USMAA Annual Qiraath Contest
The annual USMAA Qiraath Contest was held on Saturday 24th of April 2010 at the Mulgrave Community Centre. Twenty two children participated. The Judges were Sheikh Abu Omar, Sheikh Fadhil Fuchni and Sheikh Amar Fouda. All three Judges are hafizes.
The program began with a Quran recital from Sheikh Amar. Twenty two children participated under different age groups. The judges were very impressed with the standard of recitation and recognised the outstanding recitation of Sister Nuzra Wazeer.
Sheikh Abu Omar delivered a talk on the different styles of recitation and recited a Sura in all the 10 different styles of recitation. The judges felt that it was time to further improve the standards and suggested that in the future that we should get the children only to recite by memory and also introduce a question segment. They also felt that as an incentive to excel it would be good to award prizes that would attract a wider cross section of participants.
The organising committee would like to thank all those who donated the prizes and the refreshments for the children.
Janaza Fund Raising Dinner
The inaugural fundraising dinner for the USMAA Janaza Fund was held on Saturday 15th May at "Number Ninety", 90 Atherton road, Oakleigh. Around 250 people attended the function.
Sheikh Abu Omar opened the proceeding with a recital from the Holy Quran. The Chief Guest was Sheik Eesa Madjidiah (Imaam of the Lysterfield Mosque) who gave an inspiring talk about the essence of life and our obligations to janaza.
The former USMAA Janaza Committee members Brothers Almaz Alavi, Haneef Mohinudeen, Dr Fahmi Haniffa and Mohamed Najeeb were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the activities of the Janaza Committee and were presented with a plaque as a token of appreciation. Brother Eddie Dole as chair of the Janaza Committee thanked all the others who have been silent supporters for their contribution as well.
Brother Deen Mohamed was presented a plaque by the USMAA Management Committee for his services to the organisation over the years. Sister Nizra Haniffa was also recognised by the Janaza Committee for her contribution to the sisters Janaza activities.
The Master of ceremonies for the evening was Bro Nazeem Hussain.
The Janaza committee would like to thank Brother Maliq Deane, the owner of the venue "Number ninety" for his support and help in organising the dinner. The function increased the Janaza fund by over $4200.
Program for the day included:
Brief history of the JSC
"It is the duty of each and every Muslim to ensure that all Muslims are given a proper Islamic burial"
In keeping with the teaching of our Holy Prophet (Sal) , early 1992 the USMAA Janaza Sub-Committee was formed, now affectionately known as JSC, to ensure the above teachings and be of assistance to the Sri Lankan Muslim community. The foresight of the then Committee of Management should be commended as it spearheaded all important activities now to provide the convenience of a burial site and service to its members in need.
USMAA members were, for the first time provided a Janaza Information sheet, which has been updated regularly. All procedures to be followed in case of a death either at home or in hospital are detailed therein or must be carefully observed. This has resulted in the speedier and efficient handling of Janazas, much to the amazement and admiration of the broader community in Australia and overseas.
Since its formation, JSC has had a truly dedicated team of volunteer namely:
Brother Eddie Dole continues as the Head of JSC since its inception. The continued commitments of these brothers have contributed to the excellent and efficient running of the Janaza service provided mainly for USMAA members. However occasionally, their assistance and expertise have been solicited by members outside the USMAA membership and they have risen to the occasion by providing the services required, without hesitation. The JSC also organises training and demonstrations of the preparation of Janazas ie bathing, ghusul and kaffan to enable members to increase their knowledge and act as volunteers in the future. We are pleased that a few of our youth do play an active role. May Allah (swt) reward them all for their efforts. The JSC has also a dedicated and loyal group of volunteer supporters, who only make an appearance when a Janaza is announced, assist in every possible way. Their silent support over the years has been of great strength in carrying out our activities. In this respect, the JSC also wishes to acknowledge with gratitude, the invaluable assistance and understanding given to us at all times by Bros Barakat Ali, Murthada Haggag and Sheikh Majidih Essa - the Imam of ISOMER, Lysterfield Mosque. Over the years, the JSC has acquired the knowledge and capacity to respond to all Janaza related emergencies and have pre-purchased burial sites in the Islamic sections of all three major cemeteries Melbourne (Springvale, Fawkner and Bunurong). However, as members re-locate to newer suburbs of Melbourne, the JSC has now to look at the support mechanisms that could be provided in the future to all areas where our community resides. The JSC mainly relies on donations and fund raising activities to fund the services it provides to its members. The main fund raising activity has been the traditional USMAA Sports Day and in addition this year, tonight's inaugural JSC Fund-raising Dinner. The proceeds of the fund raising events are used for the purchase of burial sites, eventually to cover all major cemeteries in Melbourne, for the benefit of all USMAA members. The JSC would like to thank you all of your continued support and for your attendance this evening. May Allah (swt) show us the right path, in all our activities - Insha Allah - Ameen.
USMAA Trivia Night
On 1 June 2010 a number of USMAA youth organised and held the traditional USMAA Trivia Night. The event was held at the Mulgrave Community Centre.
The Trivia Night questions were based on a wide range of topics, from History, Science and Brainteasers to Sports, Islam, Flags and even USMAA itself. The power point presentation was well done and the inter active competition was conducted by Omar Fahmi, Haneef Mohamed and Nabeel Amirdeen.
Nine teams participated on the night, with the 'Fonsekas' winning the competition overall. The 'Magnificent Magpies' came in a close second overall, with the 'Under 12's' winning third place. The 'Fonsekas' were led by Fahmi Haniffa and the team members were Eddie Dole, Fahme Abul Hassen, Nuhaim Amirdeen, Sadir Mohiyadeen, Fariz Nazimdeen and Ahamed Amirdeen.
As usual it was a great evening with a new generation of youth organising and conducting the proceedings of the day. The proceedings were conducted flawlessly and a nice touch was to have a mini trivia competition for the under twelves as well. The kids and parents enjoyed the friendly banter. All members were provided with dinner - heaps of Pizzas from the Dandenong Halal Pizza shop (Roundabout Pizza). There was uncertainty which pizza was the best: sea food, vegetarian, chicken or salami. The debate was a nice excuse to dig in to all the pizza's. Yum.
A good time was had by all and we look forward to next years event.
Thanks to the youth group comprising Omar Fahmi, Imam Wazeer, Omar Haniffa, Hosni Zafrullah, Nabeel Amirdeen, Hanif Mohamed, Ali Haniffa and most of all Dilhaam for having coordinated with the youth group and helped organising the event on the night.
USMAA acknowledges the work of the Youth Group and wishes them all the very best in the future, insha allah.
Hallam Masjid progress update
"Whoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise." [Sahih-al-Bukhari]
On Sunday 23rd May 2010, an open day BBQ was held at the IEWAD Masjid site at Hallam. After weeks of wet & gloomy weather, it was a beautiful sunny day and the Muslim community came in large numbers to enjoy the BBQ and show their support towards building this Mosque.
The objectives of this event were:
The event was planned as an open day BBQ from 12.30pm to 3.00pm. It was expected that approx 500 people would turn up and in small groups throughout the two and half hour period. Most people turned up before 12.30pm and left after 3pm. It was a fabulous and unexpected response. Over 800 people turned up.
The Masjid was used for the very first time for Dhuhr salaath led by Sheik Ismail, Imam of the nearby Dandenong South Masjid. Sheik Ismail also spoke to the gathering and urged them to do acts of charity.
The event was well organised and we avoided the usual folly of getting into trouble with the council by ensuring that a team of youngsters controlled traffic and parking. The event was also fully sponsored by well wishers and volunteers.
InshaAllah, the aim is to conduct Tharaveeh prayers during Ramadhan at the Hallam Masjid. You are requested to visit the Masjid in Ramadhan and donate generously to help complete the Masjid.
Please visit www.iewad.org.au for more details.
UPCOMING MAJOR USMAA EVENTS
All members are kindly requested to be present for the Annual General Meeting of USMAA Inc.
Dinner will be served after the AGM.
Join the Sri Lankan Muslims in an evening of celebration of the diverse cultures of Victoria. Taste our delicious pan hoppers or kothu roti, kebabs and cultural entertainment All are welcome.
How does the Shariah answers modern problems? How do jurists find answers to those awe inspiring questions? Take a journey into the heart of fiqh and learn about the rules that govern it. Learn the reasons why scholars differ and explore the thinking and analysis of jurists to find answers to contemporary matters. Students agree that no other course manifests the wisdom of Islam and its rulings than this series does. You will never think about Islamic Jurisprudence in the same way again. You will learn:
Please visit www.alkauthar.org or more details and enrolment. They offer a variety of courses that may be of interest to you. Janaaza INNA LILLAHI WA INAA ILLAIHI RAJIUN. Eisa Moulana, dearly beloved son of Br Murtaz Moulana and Sis Niloofa's ( Brothers Nuwaiz, Nuhaim, and Sis Nizra's Niece) passed away. Janaza took place at the Burunug Memorial Burial grounds down Frankston - Dandenong road. - 19 April 2010 May Almighty Allah grant him Jannathul Firdhouse. The USMAA website has a picture gallery of images that relates to USMAA events and newsletters. Please email newsletter@usmaa.org.au if you wish to remove any images from the newsletter or the USMAA gallery. Please ensure you provide a link to the image you want removed. 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. 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 businesses who have advertised on our website are sponsoring the web hosting costs. They are all 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. Annual General Meeting of USMAA
Date
Saturday, 17 July 2010
Venue
Mulgrave Community Centre, 355 Wellington Road, Mulgrave
Time
6.30pm start
USMAA Multi Cultural Night
Date
Saturday, 19th June 2010
Venue
Mulgrave Community Centre, 355 Wellington Road, Mulgrave
Time
7.30 - 10.30pm
Food
Pan hoppers or Kothu roti, Kebabs and much more. Food and other items available for purchase
USMAA Events Calender 2010
EVENT
DATE
VENUE
MULTI CULTURAL COOKERY DEMONSTRATION & SENIORS NITE
June 19 - 7.00 pm
Mulgrave Community Centre
USMAA AGM
Jul 17 - 6.30 pm
Mulgrave Community Centre
RAMADAN IFTHAAR
Aug 21
Mulgrave Community Centre
RAMADAN IFTHAAR
Aug 28
Mulgrave Community Centre
EID FESTIVAL DINNER
Sept 11
Mulgrave Community Centre
FELLOWSHIP EVENING
Oct 23
Mulgrave Community Centre
Other news
Alkauthar Institute course: In Mark of a Jurist
Community Announcements
USMAA Web site
Advertisements
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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