MUSLIM
AUSTRALASIAN
Multimedia News & Views
ISSN: 1039-2300
AMUST
Print Post Publication No. 100021354
Print edition published Monthly on first Friday with Website updates
Muslims Must Engage with Mass Media
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Issue # 134
Movie Review: Down Under AUSTRALIA PAGE 12
January 2017; Rabi’ul Aakhir 1438
Terrorism: Non-Islamic Non-Negotiable
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Visit to Bosnia with Zeynab TRAVEL PAGE 21
Photo by Shems Photography.
Female Islamic scholars excel at ISRA 2016 Zia Ahmad The Centre for Islamic Sciences and Civilisation (CISAC) at Charles Sturt University in partnership with Islamic Science & Research Academy (ISRA) held its fourth, yearly graduation presentation on Saturday 10 December at Old Government House, Parramatta Park in Sydney. Twice more than last year, a record 46
successful graduates received their Diplomas, Associate Degrees, Bachelor Degrees, Graduate Diploma and Master degrees and Graduate Certificates conferred by Professor Tony Downs, Deputy Vice Chancellor, CSU and presented by Professor Lesley White, Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, CSU. Out of 18 graduates who were awarded Master of Islamic Studies, a number of females passed with distinction while only one male candidate Mohammad Wardak
passed with distinction. ISRA graduations are a unique combination of intellectual, academic, emotional and spiritual experience held in a dignified yet family friendly atmosphere. Tears of joy were shed for high achievements by the graduating students, their teachers as well as family and friends. There were also watery eyes for one of the students Milad Bahram who was awarded Associate Degree in Islamic Studies posthu-
mously. The formal event was also attended by ISRA staff from Sydney as well as Melbourne and Charles Sturt University academics, community leaders and families of the graduates where, in addition to brief comments by staff, the graduates also shared their feelings from the stage in a one minute speech, many of them shedding tears of joy at the completion of their unique educational journey. continues on page 9
Celebrating a decade of Australian Muslim Achievement Yusra Hadi The 10th annual Australian Muslim Achievement Awards was held on 11 December 2016 at the Grand Royal in Sydney. The event was hosted by Mission of Hope, in recognising the outstanding contributions made by Australian Muslim men, women, businesses and organisations towards the community. The event attracted some of Australia’s most creative and hard-working members of the community. The nominees, finalists and winners were selected through a strict criterion by twenty judges across Australia. Nazeem Hussain kicked off the stage and ended the night with a stand-up comedy performance. “Had a blast with my mum at the Australian Muslim Achievement Awards. Received ‘Creative Artist of the Year’ but if you’ve
ever met my mum - you’ll know she’s owed 100% of the credit, she’s the source of any and all inspiration (apart from my wife!) my hero.” The night began with Quran recitation followed by an acknowledgement of country by Uncle Ken Canning. Mission of Hope President Nasreen Hanafi and Trustee Hanan Dover greeted attendees with a warm welcome and then proceeded with the award ceremony. The first finalist award was presented to ‘The Pillars of Guidance Community Centre’ for the best new community project of 2016. This community organisation strives to provide Muslim communities across Melbourne with religious and spiritual guidance. Father Rod Bower was proudly awarded the Abyssinian of the Year award. The award recognised his impressive accomplishments and efforts in standing up against racism and oppressive policies.
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Nazeem Hussain (right), winner of the ‘Creative Artist of the Year’ award with his mother and Hanan Dover (left), Trustee of Mission of Hope. Dispose of this paper thoughtfully - PLEASE RECYCLE