UNITED SRI LANKAN MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

15 July 2011

USMAA AGM
Saturday 16 July 2011 at 6:00 PM.
Mulgrave Community Centre

Asa all.

The AGM will take place insha allah on Saturday 16 July 2011 at the Mulgrave Community Centre. Members are kindly requested to attend the AGM and participate in the proceedings. With a view to speed up the proceedings the Management Committee has decided to release the following documents (which are linked below) in advance:

1. Secretary's Report 2010/2011.
http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/Secretarys_Report-2011.doc

2. 2010 AGM Minutes.
http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/AGM_Minutes_2010.pdf

3. 2010 SGM Minutes.
http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/2010_SGM_Minutes.doc

4. JSC Report 2011.
http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/JSC_report_2011.pdf

Copies of the Audited Accounts will be available on the date.

Dinner will be served after the AGM.

Wasalaam.

Fahmi Haniffa

President, USMAA

28 June 2011

Assalamu alaikum

2010 VCE High Achievers Award

A highlight of the USMAA Annual Fellowship Dinner on 18 June 2011 was the presentation of 2010 VCE High Achievers Awards.
It was an opportunity not only for USMAA to acknowledge the students' achievements but also to celebrate it with their parents, family and friends.
The Education Sub-committee's aim is to encourage and inspire the children of USMAA community in their academic endeavours.
If there are any students who achieved an ATAR of 85 and above in 2010 VCE and for some reason was unable to apply and therefore missed out on receiving an award, USMAA ESC is happy to give another opportunity to apply for the awards.
Any application would be considered on its merits and those who qualify would be awarded a VCE High Achievers certificate.
To apply please click on this link and download the form http://usmaa.org.au/ESC-VCE-High-Achiever-Award-form.php . Email the completed form together with a copy of your 2010 VCE certificate with your ATAR score, to info@usmaa.org.au by Friday 15 July 2011.

USMAA Education Sub-committee

This is to inform you that the USMAA Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Saturday 16 July 2011 at the Mulgrave Community Centre at 6 pm insha allah.

19 June 2011

Janaza Notice

Adel Sabireen farther of Khulsum, father-in-law of Fayaz Zulfick (USMAA Committee member) passed away in Sri Lanka today, 19 June 2011. Janaza took place today in Dehiwala.

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajioon.

Janaza Sub Committee
http://jsc.usmaa.org.au

Dear USMAA Members,

This is to inform you that the USMAA Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Saturday 16 July 2011 at the Mulgrave Community Centre at 6 pm insha allah.

Please click on links to download the attached document:

1. Notice of the AGM / Rules relating to amendments of the Constitution / Nomination Form
http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/2011-Notice-AGM.doc

2. AGM Agenda
http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/2011-AGM-Agenda.doc

3. Minutes of the SGM held on 8 August 2011
http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/Minutes-SGM-8August2010.doc

4. Eligibility Criteria to hold office in USMAA
http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/2011_Eligibility_Criteria_to_hold_office_in_USMAA.doc

Kindly keep the date free and attend the AGM with your family.

Salaams

Rizana Zubair

Secretary.

2 June 2011

USMAA Annual Fellowship Dinner - 2011

The long awaited USMAA Annual Fellowship Dinner is only a few days away. This is going to be an exciting gathering, the final event hosted by the current Management Committee, insha allah. The details are as below:

Date: Saturday 18 June 2011
Time: 7:30 pm
Venue: Mulgrave Community Centre

Tickets: Adults $15
Child $10 (Below 12 years) Child below 5 years free.

As We have a limited number of seats available, please purchase your tickets early to avoid last minute disappointment.

You can reserve your tickets by calling any of the Management Committee members or by email to info@Usmaa.org.au.

The Program and other details will be released shortly. Time to look back at where we were, where we are now and where we want to be in the future.

For more details, visit USMAA website www.usmaa.org.au

USMAA Management Committtee

VCE Students Seminar

Assalaamu alaikum

Dear VCE Students and Parents,

The program for the USMAA Education Sub-committee free seminar and information sessions for Years 10, 11 and 12 students preparing for VCE studies can be found at the following location.

http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/USMAA-VCE-program.pdf

Date: Sunday 29th May 2011
Time: 2:30pm-5:30pm
Venue: Number 90 Reception,
90, Atherton Road, Oakleigh 3166

Contact the following ESC members for further information:

Ziada Tokhi- 9848 5496 (AH) / 9594 7357 (BH)
Rizana Zubair 8320 5064

The free seminar for Years 10, 11 and 12 students preparing for VCE studies will be held as follows:

Date: Sunday 29th May 2011
Time: 2:30pm-5:30pm
Venue: Number 90 Reception,
90, Atherton Road, Oakleigh 3166

The program is designed to provide information and tips on efficient strategies to cope with VCE and get the best results in exams and achieve a high ATAR.
It will cover a range of topics including:
- Preparing for SACs and exams
- Study skills
- Goal setting and achieving
- Learning styles
- Time Management- planning and time mastery
- Note making and summaries
- Staying fit and healthy - sleep, exercise and nutrition
- Question/answer session
- Mentoring

For further information contact
Sis Ziada Tokhi on 9848 5496
Sis Rizana Zubair on 8320 5064

If you are a VCE student and wish to attend the seminar please reply by 22nd May 2011 to the following email address: info@usmaa.org.au with the names of the student and any accompanying adult/s.

JANAZA FUND RAISING DINNER

Saturday 21st May 7.30 pm
90 Atherton road, Oakleigh.

Plenty of car parking available about 100 yards from the venue

Tickets are selling fast and there is only limited seats available. Members interested in purchasing tickets should do so by Wednesday the latest. There will be no tickets available at the gate. Please contact either Bros Eddie, Imtiaz, Fahmi, Fahme or Ritzvi to purchase your tickets. Adults 30.00 per head and Children below 12 yrs - 15 per head.

Salaams
Janaza Sub Committee

Tickets are still available for the fundraising Dinner on Saturday the 21st of May at 7.30 pm at Ninety, Atherton road Oakleigh.

Dear VCE Students and Parents
The USMAA Education Sub-committee will hold a series of free seminars and information sessions for students of USMAA

The first of such seminars is for Years 10, 11 and 12 students preparing for VCE studies & will be held as follows:

Date: Sunday 29th May 2011
Time: 2pm-5pm
Venue: Number 90 Reception,
90, Atherton Road, Oakleigh 3166

Overview:
The seminar will be an interactive forum for VCE students to engage with a number of young and dynamic undergraduates of medicine, law, commerce, media/journalism, engineering, accounting, science etc., post graduate research students, and recently graduated lawyers, doctors, communication and IT specialists etc.

Further it will also provide an opportunity for younger students to connect with the undergraduates as mentors on an ongoing basis throughout their VCE studies.

For further information contact
Ziada Tokhi on 9848 5496
Rizana Zubair on 8320 5064

If you are a VCE student and wish to attend the seminar please reply by 22nd May 2011 to the following email address: info@usmaa.org.au with the names of the student and any accompanying adult.

Dear USMAA members

Assalamu Alaikum

Qiraath, Hifdh & Public Speaking Competition - 2011

Saturday 30 April 2011 - 5:00 pm
Mulgrave Community Centre, 355 Wellington Road Mulgrave (Mel 80D1)

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm       Registration and preparation
5:30 pm - 5:35 pm       Welcome address (Hfz Azam Kassim)
5:35 pm - 5:50 pm       Maghrib Salah
5:50 pm - 7:30 pm       Qiraath competition and Public Speaking competition (all age groups)
7:30 pm - 7:50 pm       Isha Salah
7:50 pm - 8:20 pm       Hifdh competition (age group 14 years and above)
8:25 pm - 9:00 pm       Dinner
9:00 pm to 9:40         Announcing the winners (all competitions and age groups).
                        Distribution of Awards and Certificates
9:45 pm                 Vote of Thanks (Fahmi Haniffa)

Judges: Qiraath, Hifdh and Public Speaking: Sheikh Abu Omar, Hfz Faadil, Hfz Abdul Wahab, Hfz Azam Kassim and Br Amr Fouda.
MC: Abdullah Mahmud

Parents are kindly requested to get the children ready and be on time at the hall so that we can run the program smoothly. Thanks.

Dear USMAA members

Assalamu Alaikum

Janaza Notice
U.L.M Yakoob father of Br. Nazeem Yakoob (current USMAA Vice-President) passed away yesterday in Nikawaratiya, Sri Lanka. Inaa lillahi wa inna illaihi rajioon

Janaza will take place today, 23 April in Nikawaratiya. Nazeem left to Sri Lanka last night and should be back shortly.

Dear USMAA members

Assalamu Alaikum

Al-haj Mohamed Haroos brother-in-law of Sis. Shihana Jabbar from Keilor Downs passed away in Akurana, Sri Lanka yesterday. Inaa lillahi wa inna illaihi rajioon

Janaza took place yesterday in Akurana. Prayers will be held today 23 April at the Maidstone mosque in Footscray at 3:30 PM after Asar prayers.

Br Jabbar can be contacted on 0413280394

USMAA Inc.

Dear USMAA members

Assalamu Alaikum

Janaza Notice

M H M Ameen, father of Brother S H Aslam (a Founder Member and a former USMAA Secretary) passed away last Sunday in Colombo. Janaza took place on Colombo. Inaa lillahi wa inna illaihi rajioon. USMAA JSC.

Dear USMAA members

Assalamu Alaikum

Janaza Notice

JANAZA - Sunday 3rd April 2011

Marhoom Mohamed Markani a member of USMAA (close relative of Bros Deen Mohamed, Hussain Hafeel, Sisters Sithy, Fathaya & Firiyal) passed away in Dubai ( Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Rajihoon). His Janaza will take place on Sunday 3rd of April at Melbourne. Janaza Prayers will be held at the Lysterfield Mosque ( 1273 Wellington road, Lysterfield) at 10.00 am sharp and interment at the Muslim Section of the Springvale Cemetery at 11.00 am (Please note that Day light saving Starts on Sunday).
The Janaza will enter the Cemetery from the Police road entrance.

After the burial all are invited to Sis Sithy Marikar's residence 806, Ferntree Gully Road, Wheeler's Hill.

USMAA Janaza Committee

31 March 2011

Dear USMAA members

Assalamu Alaikum

Members and friends are kindly reminded that the USMAA Qiraath, Hifdh and Public Speaking Contest Workshop will take place on Sunday 3 April 2011 from 2: 00 PM to 5:00 PM. at the Mulgrave Neighbourhood House, 36-42 Mackie Road, Mulgrave 3170 (Melway Ref: 80 B2). The Application Form is linked below. Applications can be lodged via email or handed in when you attend the workshop.

Parents are urged to bring their children along so that you can meet the Hafizs at the venue and benefit from their guidance. After the Workshop there will be time for the children to get ready for the main Contest scheduled to be held on Saturday 30 April 2011, insha allah

If possible, parents are also kindly requested to bring a plate to share for afternoon tea.

Application form;
http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/Application_form-_USMAA.pdf

Guidelines for participants are given in the file linked below;
http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/Usmaa_Qiraath_contest_28-03-2011.pdf

Please click on the link below for the Invitation;
http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/USMAA_Qirath_Comp_Flyer.pdf

Salaams

USMAA Inc.

Dear USMAA members

Assalamu Alaikum

Janaza Notice

Mohamed Sakkaff, father of Shafeela Cassim and Shafeer Sakkaff; father in law of Faizal Cassim passed away in Sri Lanka yesterday the 28th of March 2011. Janaza will take place today in Kurunegala at 9:00 am insha allah. Maghrib prayers (7:45 pm) followed by a bayan will be conducted at Faizal Cassim's residence today the 29th of March. Address: 12 Holly Street, Preston. Phone: 9442 2220

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajioon.

USMAA Management Committee

28 March 2011

Dear USMAA members

Assalamu Alaikum

This year the format of the Qiraath, Hifdh & Public Speaking Competition has been changed and as such guidelines for participants are given in the file linked below;
http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/Usmaa_Qiraath_contest_28-03-2011.pdf

Please click on the link below for the Invitation;
http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/USMAA_Qirath_Comp_Flyer.pdf

USMAA Inc.

24 March 2011

Dear USMAA members

Assalamu Alaikum

Please click on the link below for the Invitation: Qiraath, Hifdh & Public Speaking Competition

http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/USMAA_Qirath_Comp_Flyer.pdf

USMAA Management Committee

Dear USMAA members

Assalamu Alaikum

Please see attached file for more details including the registration form.

http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/USMAA_Six-a-Side_Sport_Day_2011.pdf

USMAA Management Committee

Dear USMAA members

Assalamu Alaikum

Janaza Notice

Zaneela Zubair (Akurana, Sri Lanka) beloved wife of Zubai Iduroos Lebbe, and beloved sister of Dr Kaleel Rahman (Lecturer, RMIT University) and sister-in-law of Nazooha Rahman (Islamic College of Melbourne), passed away in Sri Lanka.

Br Rahman’s family was in Sydney from 1995 to 2006, and in Dubai from 2006 to 2010 and have settled in Melbourne since July 2010.

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajioon.

A Janaza Ghaib prayer has been organized on Monday 7 March 2010 at the Virgin Mary Mosque (Hogan mosque), 143-145 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing after Maghrib Prayers (approximately 8.15pm).

All members and friends are requested to make dua for the deceased.

USMAA Management Committee

Assalamu alaikum

USMAA Annual Cricket Tournament

The Annual Cricket tournament organised by the Janaza Sub Committee will be held on Sunday 27th March from 9.00 am onwards. All proceeds will be for the Janaza Fund. Please keep the date free. Details to follow.

USMAA JSC Fundraiser Dinner

The Annual fundraiser dinner will be held Saturday 21st May from 7.15 onwards at:

"The Ninety"
No: 90 Atherton road,
Oakleigh 3166

The Progarm will be published closer to the date.

Parking is available about 25yards from the venue near the corner of Atherton and Atkinson road.

Tickets are priced at $30.00 per adult and $20.00 children between 5 -12 years.

Tickets will be available in a week's time. There is a limited no of tickets available. Members and guests must pay and obtain their tickets before the event.

You can make your booking with any of the JSC members:

Bro Eddie (0434274309), Bro Imtiaz (0417056950), Bro Ritzvi (0425739364) or the President Bro Fahmi (041277709)

No tickets will be sold at the entrance

USMAA Inc.

Assalamu alaikum

Celebration of Maulidur Rasul 1432 Hijri / 2011

Venue: Glen Waverley Community Centre, 700 Waverley Road, Glen Waverley VIC 3150
Date: Saturday 12th March 2011
Time: 3.00 PM to 7.00 PM

Program

3.00 Pm Opening speech by MC

3.15 Pm Quraan reading ? Dr. Abdul Rahaman ( From Malaysia )

3.30 Pm Speech by President ( USMAA and KMIV )
3.40 Pm Lecture by Ustaz Omar Maulana ( From Singapore )

4.40 Pm Reading of maulid Ad Dibai? led by Ustaz Omar and Qafilah group

5.20 Pm Asar prayer / Light refreshment

6.00 Pm Qasidah / Nasyid by Ustaz Omar and Qafilah group

6.30 Pm Qasidah / Nasyid by the Malay Community Children

7.00 Pm Youth presentation by USMA (United Sri Lankan Association of
Australia)

7.15 Pm Meal will be served

8.00 Pm Maghrib prayer

8.30 Pm Closing speech by MC
8.45 Pm End of event

- See Event Flyer for more information -(http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/Mauldur_Rasul_2011_Flier.pdf)

USMAA - Management Committee

Dear USMAA ladies,

Please keep the 26th of March free for the Ladies night. A fundraiser to provide educational scholarships to underprivileged students in Sri Lanka.

Event - 6th Annual Usmaa Ladies night
Venue- Mulgrave Community Hall
Date- Saturday 26th March 2011
Time - 7.00 to 11.30 p.m.

Dress- to fit the theme 'My Fair Lady'

Tickets - $30, Group of 4 - $110

Contacts for tickets on the flyer.

- See Event Flyer for more information -(http://usmaa.org.au/attachments/for_email/My_Fair_Lady_Poster_2011.pdf)

USMAA Inc.

Dear USMAA members,

Assalamu Alaikum

Date:	Saturday, 19th Feb 2011
Venue:	Mulgrave Community Hall, Wellington Road
Time:	8.00 PM
Tickets:	Family $40 Single: $15 Any additional donations welcome.

Please contact an USMAA committee member for tickets. http://usmaa.org.au/Commitee.php
Tickets are also avaialble at the door. Members and friends welcome.

The Program (8:30 PM)

Qiraarth

Power Point Presentation - Australia/Sri Lanka Floods

Welcome address

Guest Speakers:
Bandu Dissanayake, Hon Sri Lanka Consul (5 Minutes)

Nadeem Hussain, ICV Ex Comm Member (5 Minutes)

Auction

Vote of Thanks

Dinner
Menu:	Lamb Buriyani Chicken Fry Achcharu Pickle.
Dessert:	Yoghurt and Honey Ice Cream

Master of Ceremonies: Fazlun Haris

USMAA - Management Committee

Dear USMAA members,

Assalamu Alaikum

Keep the 19th free for the Australia Sri Lanka Flood relief Fundraiser.

Title - Australia- Sri Lanka Flood relief Fundraising dinner

Date- Saturday 19th Feb 2011

Venue- Mulgrave hall

Time - 7.30 p.m. onwards

We will send out other details regarding ticket prices and program etc later on.

Salaams,

Rizana Zubair
Secretary - USMAA

11 January 2011

Dear USMAA members,

Assalamu Alaikum

In the wake of the present disaster unfolding in Queensland, we urge all members to do what ever possible to assist those affected. Please find below the link to the Queensland Government flood relief appeal.

http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html

Salaams,

Rizana Zubair
Secretary - USMAA

Janaza Notice
Brother Shafrin Mubarak's mother passed away in Sri Lanka. Janaza will take place today at 2:00 pm Sri Lanka time. Shafrin (a dedicated Jamaath movement activist now resident in Meadow Heights) is in Sri Lanka

USMAA - Eid Ul Adha Dinner
USMAA members and friends are cordially invited for the Eid ul Adha dinner.

Date:	Saturday, 20 November 2010
Venue:	Mulgrave Community Hall, Wellington Road
Time:	7.45 PM
Entry fee:	Members $12.50 Children: $7.50 Non -Members:$17.50

Members and friends are kindly reminded to purchase their tickets in advance (contact any Committee Member). Tickets have to be pre purchased for catering purposes.

MCs:	Shimal Zackariya and Shazma Gaffoor

7:45	Fellowship
8:15	Magrib prayers
8:30	Qiraath - Uzmaan Yakoob
	Welcome & pep talk - Dr Fahmi Haniffa
	Education Sub Comm (ESC) - Sis Ziadha Tokhi
	Qiraath Sub Comm (QSC) - Azam Kassim
	Guest Speaker (15 minutes) - Faadhil Fachni
9:10	Games - audience participation - Shazma Gaffoor & Rizana
	Door Prize Draw: Apple iPOD 8GB (Purchase $5 ticket at the Door)
	Vote of thanks - Dil Roshan
9:40	Dinner

Ghee rice
Tandoori Chicken
Kaliya
Green peas
Lamb curry
Garden Salad.

Dessert:

Watalapam
Pavlova
Ice cream

Eid Mubarak!

On behalf of the Mangement Committee I wish you all a very happy and peaceful Eid ul Adha.

Wasalaam.

Fahmi Haniffa
President, USMAA.

Assalamu Alaikum

The Board of Imams have confirmed that Eid-Ul-Adha will be on Tuesday, 16th November Insha Allah. (www.icv.org.au)

Eid-Ul-Adha Prayers
USMAA together with the Monash University Mosque (www.monashmosque.org.au) will be conducting Eid-Ul-Adha prayers.

Date:	Tuesday,16th November 2010
Venue:	Monash University Oval 2, Clayton Near the Sports Complex (closest entrance is from Wellington road) Note: Parking in the area marked blue is free provisions have been made in case of rain and poor weather
Imam:	Sheik Amar Fouda
Time:	8.00 a.m (thakbir) to pray at 8.15 a.m

It is sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUHl) that prayers be held in an open area.

Please take ablution before coming to the venue and also please bring your prayer mats.

Halal food can be purchased in the Cafe in the sports complex.

The Eid ul Adha traditional USMAA breakfast
Members are welcome to partake of a light Sri Lankan breakfast after Eid prayers. Please contact a committee member if you wish to make a cash contribution or volunteer bringing a traditional breakfast dish to share with the community.

Date:	Tuesday, 16th November
Venue:	Brandon Park Community Centre 649 Ferntree Gully Road, Glen Waverley 3150 (Melway 71 C8)
Entry fee:	Free (contributions and pledges prior to the event will be appreciated)

We hope to see you all there.

List of committee members;
http://usmaa.org.au/Commitee.php

click on map for Goolge map view

USMAA - Eid Ul Adha Dinner
USMAA members and friends are cordially invited for the Eid ul Adha dinner.

Due to limited number of tickets being sold members are encouraged to buy their tickets early to avoid disappointment. Please contact an USMAA committee member for your tickets.

Date:	Saturday, 20 November 2010
Venue:	Mulgrave Community Hall, Wellington Road
Entry fee:	Members $12.50 Children: $7.50 Non -Members:$17.50

The Program for the Eid Dinner will be finailsed and announced shortly, insha allah.

Thank you and salaams,

USMAA Management Committee

USMAA - Eid Ul Adha Dinner

Due to limited number of tickets being sold members are encouraged to buy their tickets early to avoid disappointment. Please contact an USMAA committee member for your tickets.

Date:	Saturday, 20 November 2010
Venue:	Mulgrave Community Hall, Wellington Road
Entry fee:	Members $12.50 Children: $7.70 Non -Members:$17.50

The Program for the Eid Dinner will be finailsed and announced shortly, insha allah.

Members are welcome to partake of a light Sri Lankan breakfast after Eid prayers. Please contact a committee member if you wish to make a cash contribution or volunteer bringing a traditional breakfast dish to share with the community.

Date:	To be notified (awaiting cinfirmation from the Board of Imaams)
Venue:	To be notified
Entry fee:	Free (contributions and pledges prior to the event will be appreciated)

Girls and boys, Mums and Dads the young and not so young... would you like to get together for a day of family fun?

If so grab your carrom boards, table tennis racquets, scabble boards, Ludo, snakes and ladders, checkers or daam as we like to call it, or any other exciting new indoor games and head to Mulgrave on Saturday the 23rd of October 2010. You can also catch up with family and friends. There will be prizes and surprises including awards for games like table tennis and carrom.

If you can, bring some light refreshments and soft drinks to share. Tea and coffeee will be available. A simple dinner will be served.

Dinner Menu:
Rice Arabica
Mutton Arabica
Vegetable curry
Salad
Dessert: Ice Cream, Curd & Honey

Date:	23rd October 2010 at 4:30 p.m to 9:00 p.m.
Venue:	Mulgrave Community Hall, Wellington Road
Entry fee:	Family $10, Singles $5 ( for games and dinner)
Door prize:	tickets available at the door.
Dress:	Smart Casual

We hope to see you all there. Just relax and let the children (young and old) play.

Eid Ul Adha Dinner

Tickets for the Eid Ul Adha Dinner scheduled to be held on Saturday 20 November 2010 will be avialable for sale at the venue.
Ticket prices: Members $12.50
Children: $7.70
Non -Members:$17.50

Due to limited tickets being sold memebrs are encouraged to buy their tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Thank you and salaams,

USMAA Management Committee

Anwer Sapideen (a former President of ASLAMA and a leading member of the Sri Lankan Malay community) beloved husband of Fathima passed away today and Janaza will take place at 4:00 pm today.

We inna lillahi wa innaihi rajioon.

USMAA Management Committee

2 October 2010

Janaza Notice

Izzathul Nazeera Nizam (Akurana, Sri Lanka) beloved wife of Nizam Cader, beloved sister of Dr Kaleel Rahman, and sister-in-law of Nazooha Rahman (new members of USMAA) passed away in Sri Lanka.

Br Rahman’s family was in Dubai from 2006 to 2010 and have have settled in Melbourne recently.

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajioon.

Janaza prayers will be conducted in Malwanahinna, Akurana this morning at 9.00am Sri Lanka time before burial. All members and friends are requested to make dua for the deceased.

Melbourne contacts:
Nazooha on 0425 321 312 or 03 99746178.
14, Fairview Parade, Tarneit.
Kaleel Rahman: 0404 252466.

USMAA Management Committee

Mohamed Razik Ismail, father of Sherina Mohinudeen and Imtiaz Ismail, father in law of Chota and Mariam, passed away in Kandy last night. Janaza will take place, insha allah, at 4 pm in Sri Lanka.

Prayers will be conducted at brother Chota's residence after dinner tonight (27 September 2010) at 8:00 PM. Address: 4 Lea Crescent, Bundoora. Phone: 9467 7326.

15 September 2010

Assalamu Alaikum,

We would like to thank all our members and friends for their participation and support in all the events organized by USMAA during the holy month of Ramadhan. The overwhelming response at the Eid dinner was especially encouraging and much appreciated.

We look forward to your continued support in our future activities.

Thank you

Wassalam

USMAA Management Committee

The Board of Imams have confirmed that Eid-Ul-Adha will be on Friday, 10 September 2010 Insha Allah.

The Eid ul Fitr prayers
USMAA together with the Monash University Mosque will be conducting Eid-Ul-Adha prayers.

Date	Friday, 10 September 2010
Venue	Basketball court, Sports Complex, Monash University Clayton Campus
Time	7.30am Takbeer will commence and Prayers at 8.00 - 8.15 am

FREE Parking will be available in blue area SE1 close to the complex from 7.00 - 10.30 am. Paid parking is also available near the venue.
Click here for the Monash University Map
Please bring your prayer mats and come with ablution (wudu) for prayers

The Eid ul Fitr traditional USMAA breakfast
Members are welcome to partake of a light Sri Lankan breakfast after prayers.

Date	Friday, 10 September 2010
Venue	Mulgrave Neighbourhood House (located in Wellington Reserve Community Centre), 36-42 Mackie Road, Mulgrave (Melway ref: 80 B2)
Time	9:30am onwards

Dear USMAA members,

Assalamu Alaikum

The 27th night Lailatul Qadr prayers will be held on Monday, 6 September 2010.

Date:	6th September, 2010
Venue:	125 George street, Doncaster East (located at the Rieschiecks Reserve - corner of George and Victoria streets - next to the Doncaster Athletic track).
Melway:	33, H 11
Time:	11:00 pm onwards

11 PM	Arrival
11.00 - 12.00 AM	Bayan (Talk on Islam) - By Bro Belal Assaad
12.00 - 12.15 AM	Break
12.15 - 1.30 AM	Thahajjath / Qiyamul Layl
1.45 - 2.15 AM	Tasbeeh
2.15 - 2.30 AM	Break
2.30 - 3.00 AM	Zikr
3.00 - 3.30 AM	Taubah
3.30 - 3.45 AM	Witr
4 AM	Sahar meal served

• Pray your Taraweeh prayers (excluding Witr) at your local Masjid or at home.
• Sahur will be provided. If possible please bring some short eats/snacks/sweets for tea breaks. Tea and coffee will be available.
• Parking is available at the venue.
• Please bring prayer mats for your own comfort.
• Make sure that the toilets, prayer areas, meals areas and kitchen facilities are used carefully so that it will be clean when we leave the venue.

The event co-ordinators: Mohamed Najeeb and Naufal.

USMAA Update and announcements: Abdulla Mahmud.

Hope to see you all on 27th Night Insha Allah.

Date:	Saturday, 28 August 2010
Time:	5.30 pm
Venue:	Mulgrave Community Centre, 355 Wellington Road, Mulgrave.

Members and friends are kindly requested, only if possible, to bring a small plate to share - to break fast. Dinner will be served separately.
Any inquiries contact Nizra Haniffa (phone: 9713 2927 ); Nazeem Yakoob (phone: 95611105 ) or Fahmi Haniffa ( phone: 9561 9614)

You can pay Membership fees, Fitra and Zakat to our Treasurer Mohamed Najeeb at the Hall, insha allah.

Family	$ 50
Adults	$ 30
Students	$ 30
Pensioners	$ 15
Fitra:	$10 per head
Zakat - 2.5% of your wealth

Also note that the Eid Dinner will be held insha allah on 11 September 2010 at the Mulgrave Community Centre. Tickets for the Eid Dinner will be available for sale at the second ifthaar and the cost of tickets (subsidised) is as follows:

Members are advised that the function fee of $100 will not be charged this year. Instead we are experimenting a new approach. If you have already paid the function fees you are kindly requested to collect your tickets for the Eid dinner this Saturday or contact the treasurer or any committee member.

USMAA is all about you. We want you to contribute and actively participate in all our activities and functions. Details regarding the 27th Night Prayers and the Eid Breakfast will be announced at the ifthaar and also emailed to you shortly.

To remind you that the first USMAA Iftaar will be held inshaAllah on Saturday 21 August 2010 at 5:30 PM at the Mulgrave Community Centre, 355 Wellington Road, Mulgrave.

Date:	Saturday, 21 August 2010
Time:	5.30 pm
Venue:	Mulgrave Community Centre, 355 Wellington Road, Mulgrave.

Members and friends are kindly requested, only if possible, to bring a small plate to share - to break fast. Dinner will be served separately.

Any inquiries contact sister Azeeka and Hussain Nizar (phone: 9366 1214); Dil Roshan (phone: 0406 024449) and Fahmi Haniffa 9561 9614


UNITED SRI LANKAN MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

Dear USMAA Members, Assalamu Alaikum!

One of the prime objectives of the new Management Committee is to enhance communication with our entire community. We have recognized that two way communication with our members is the key to USMAA's success. It is vital for us to get you closely involved in the affairs of USMAA and make you actively participate in all our activities. In order to achieve this, we have planned to implement a number of measures as below:

1. Enhance our email services to keep you informed of our activities, send out news letters and other formal correspondence;
2. Appoint dedicated area coordinators in all the suburbs to liaise with you closely;
3. Introduce SMS text messaging service to send vital notifications and receive feedback;
4. Enhance our USMAA Website to provide more updates;

As we are planning to do away with posting letters in due course, it is important that we have all your email addresses, mobile numbers and other personal details up-to-date in our database.

We have created a web form to update your contact details conveniently, it won't take more than a couple of minutes to enter your details. We kindly request you to click on the link below and update your personal details.

http://www.usmaa.org.au/Contact-Update.php

We hope to get this completed by the end of this week.

Thank you very much for your cooperation and understanding.

USMAA - Management Committee

The 2010 USMAA Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on 17 July 2010 at the Mulgrave Community Centre, Mulgrave. Around 50 USMAA members and family attended the AGM. As you may be now aware, there were no nominations for the post of President and many other official positions of the Association. The Chair referred the matter to the Trustees and I had to step in as interim President until we call for a Special General Meeting (SGM) to give an opportunity for all our members to ponder over the present crisis and decide our future course of action. There are three options:

1. Dissolve the Association. This option is far too painful even to contemplate and in reality is not something I am sure the majority of the members want. USMAA is nearly 20 years old and we have in place some good programs and projects (ifthaars, eid prayers, eid dinners, qiraath contest, meelad, fund raising events, social gatherings, net working, trivia night, multi cultural events, ladies night, sports events, janaza scheme etc which USMAA has successfully conducted over the years).

2. Call for a fresh round of nominations at the SGM - appealing for a fresh set of enthusiastic volunteers to come forward considering the current dire situation the Association is in, being at the threshold of imminent dissolution.

3. Form a Management Committee to carry out the day to day running of the Association under the leadership of the Board of Trustees, until such time as a suitable candidate can be persuaded to assume the President’s role.

The Trustees do not favour the first option. The third option is not preferred either, as this will not address the immediate issue and may cause further delays in forming the Management Committee.

As already advised the SGM will take place insha Allah on Sunday 8 August 2010 at 5:30 PM at the Glen Waverley Community Centre, 700 Waverley Road, Glen Waverley (corner Springvale Road and Waverley Road) (entry from Waverley Road). Please note the change of venue.

The apparent lack of interest of members towards the official business of USMAA has thrown up several questions that need serious consideration. Some of the questions (in addition to your own self analysis) that need to be addressed are:

1. Are we meeting the expectations of our membership? What does the membership want?
2. Do we need to concentrate more on catering to the needs of our members? What are those needs?
3. Do we need to re focus and re organise our objectives and activities?
4. Do we need to bring a right balance with our religious, social, cultural, educational and fun activities?
5. What are the weaknesses that need attention? How do we improve two-way communication with our members?
6. How do we encourage the young families, recent arrivals, the youth and the children to play an active role in the Association?
7. Do we need to restructure the Management Committee? How do we accommodate and represent the old, the young and the new? Do we need further flexibility? Do we need more members?
8. How do we attract young USMAA talent to take up leadership roles and play an active role in community work?
9. How do we plan the transition of leadership roles from the old guard to the new?
10. What systems do we put in place to ensure smooth leadership succession in the future?
11. How do we simplify procedures and formalities so that we keep an eye on the ball?

So many questions. Obviously, USMAA is at a cross road at the moment. Or at the edge of a cliff? What is the direction we take from here? Act like lemmings and jump off the cliff? Or take stock? It is time for you to ponder over these questions and express your views and opinions constructively so that we can rejuvenate ourselves and make a positive contribution to our community. You have the opportunity to do this at the SGM.

On the face of it, it appears that we have to reform, refresh, re focus and re organise USMAA objectives, events, activities and functions which will relate better to the expectations of our members and friends both young and old. There is no doubt that all previous Management Committees have done their best over the years to keep USMAA active. It is now time to take USMAA to the next level with a new mind set and fresh input for the benefit of our community.

I sincerely urge all members to attend the SGM with an open mind, good ideas and a happy community spirit to discuss, participate, join and work together in a new committee so that we maintain and improve the good work of our Association and thereby make a positive contribution to the well being of the Sri Lankan Muslim community in Victoria.

Since the SGM is on a Sunday, the idea is to start early and end early. Dinner will be served. Hope to see you all, insha Allah. May Allah guide us all in the right path.