dawah tools: February 2008

The Ahdnama is an agreement written by Sultan Muhammed al-Fatih (ra) who is famous for conquering Constantinople and fulfilling the prophecy of the Prophet Muhammed (saw) that Muslims would one day conquer the city.

Sultan Muhammed al-Fatih's father was Sultan Murad (ra) who began the conquests to open up the Balkans to Islam. He is famous for defeating the Serbs at Kosovo field in 1389 and establishing the authority of Islam over Kosovo. Allah (swt) blessed Sultan Murad with martydom (shahadah) in this battle.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Sultan Muhammed completed his fathers good work and opened up the entire region to Islam.

Islam, the final message for mankind established clear and detailed rules relating to the rights of Christians and Jews living under the Islamic State. The Ahdnama agreement is a clear and definitive historical record of the rights Islam gave to Christians living under its rule. The original Ahdnama agreement is still kept to this day in the Franciscan Monastery in the vicinity of Fojnica, Bosnia-Hercegovina.

Compare the just treatment the Islamic State gave to Christians in Bosnia in 1463 to 39 years later in Spain when the Christian inquisition gave the Muslims an ultimatum of convert or leave. In reality this became convert or die.

The translation of the Ahdnama agreement is below. Sultan Muhammed is translated as Sultan Mehmet.

AHDNAMA OF THE FATIH SULTAN MEHMET

MEHMET THE SON OF MURAT KHAN, ALWAYS VICTORIOUS!THE COMMAND OF THE HONORABLE, SUBLIME SULTAN'S SIGN AND SHINING SEAL OF THE CONQUEROR OF THE WORLD IS AS FOLLOWS:

I, THE SULTAN MEHMET - KHAN INFORM ALL THE WORLD THAT THE ONES WHO POSSESS THIS IMPERIAL EDICT, THE BOSNIAN FRANCISCANS, HAVE GOT INTO MY GOOD GRACES, SO I COMMAND:

LET NOBODY BOTHER OR DISTURB THOSE WHO ARE MENTIONED, NOT THEIR CHURCHES. LET THEM DWELL IN PEACE IN MY EMPIRE. AND LET THOSE WHO HAVE BECOME REFUGEES BE AND SAFE. LET THEM RETURN AND LET THEM SETTLE DOWN THEIR MONASTERIES WITHOUT FEAR IN ALL THE COUNTRIES OF MY EMPIRE.

NEITHER MY ROYAL HIGHNESS, NOR MY VIZIERS OR EMPLOYEES, NOR MY SERVANTS, NOR ANY OF THE CITIZENS OF MY EMPIRE SHALL INSULT OR DISTURB THEM. LET NOBODY ATTACK INSULT OR ENDANGER NEITHER THEIR LIFE OR THEIR PROPERTY OR THE PROPERTY OF THEIR CHURCH. EVEN IF THEY BRING SOMEBODY FROM ABROAD INTO MY COUNTRY, THEY ARE ALLOWED TO DO SO.

AS, THUS, I HAVE GRACIOUSLY ISSUED THIS IMPERIAL EDICT, HEREBY TAKE MY GREAT OATH.

IN THE NAME OF THE CREATOR OF THE EARTH AND HEAVEN, THE ONE WHO FEEDS ALL CREATURES, AND IN THE NAME OF THE SEVEN MUSTAFAS AND OUR GREAT MESSENGER, AND IN THE NAME OF THE SWORD I PUT, NOBODY SHALL DO CONTRARY TO WHAT HAS BEEN WRITTEN, AS LONG AS THEY ARE OBEDIENT AND FAITHFUL TO MY COMMAND.

MAY 28th 1463

Source

Daily News - Sat 23/02/08

Local News

Not a peep

Pine gap protesters' conviction quashed

Trial by media continues

Jihad call for maximum damage, trial told
Jihadis use foreign phone networks
Terror suspect urged 'maximum damage'

Bribery and corruption has a new name

The game's up: Premier admits rotten donations culture must end

A lesson in democratic engagement

I was happier when I was fire chief

The land of equality

Domestic violence victims become accused
Call for court to monitor foster care

Mr 'Allah Akbar' has second thoughts

Soldier agrees he changed evidence on Kovco's death

Global News

Or so they try to convince themselves?

Kosovo Touts 'Islam Lite'

US military imperative for Australia, Indonesia, India & Turkey

Gates heads to Australia for stock-taking on Iraq, Afghanistan

Muslim armies only ever used against Muslims

10,000 Turkish troops enter Iraq

The irony ...

Turkey reminded to respect sovereignty

Authoritarianism with a smile

Malaysian bloggers warned being monitored: report

The feeble seeking self-assurance

Fear and loathing in the Western world

Dawah News

n/a

Friday, February 22, 2008

Daily News - Fri 22/02/08

Local News

Swinging pendulum

Balancing act required to fairly deal with terrorism threats

The 'great Australian way of life'

Our frantic lives confirmed
Families skip meals to pay rent
Women still keeping house
Ominous assumptions of AFL's message on women

Fruits of democracy

Government implodes as minister jumps ship

Trial by media continues ...

Jihad group plot to kidnap traitor
Jihad group sought Sydney recruits

But will Rudd stop supporting brutal dictators in the Middle East?

Welcome to the world
Defence chief backs Iraqi pullout

Global News

Irony on so many levels

Afghanistan recognises Kosovo's independence
Indonesia urged to recognize Kosovo`s independence

A thorny path for all concerned

Islam and the West; Turkey and Shariah

Oppression of Muslims in China

Exiled voice wants Games to cast light on repression

Musharraf discarded like a used tissue

Bhutto party, Sharif agree to form government

US proxy war in Pakistan

Price of friendship put at $87m a month

Re-writing history

A democratic surprise

Rule of law in UK

US set for UK terror transport backlash

Where is the collective outrage of the international community?

Belgrade's US embassy burned, body found

Dawah News

Islamic group protests over Danish cartoon in Jakarta

Indonesian Muslims rally against Danish cartoon

Indonesian Muslims Protest Against Muhammad Cartoons

Indonesian Hizbut Tahrir protests blasphemy against Prophet ...

Indonesian Muslims rally against Danish cartoon

Six Hizbut Tehrir men arrested in Karachi

Danish MP to Hizb ut-Tahrir: 'Go to hell'

Denmark monitors reactions after reprinting of Mohammed cartoons

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Daily News - Wed 20/02/08

Local News

Trial by media continues

Terror group wanted jihad lessons: court
Payback killing OK, says sheik

Guilty until proven guilty

Diary reveals Hicks terror training

Integration agenda continues unabated

Bridge builder to open up mosque

Australian government conveyor belt of terrorism?

Woman held over Timor plot had ties to AusAid

Corporate altruism?

Twiggy's intervention

Babysitting in Afghanistan

Australians to join Afghans in battle

Global News

Sharia when its suits the West

Islamic finance and the Square Mile

Existential wars

A 'Challenge' Worth Challenging

Pakistan election

Poll puts Musharraf under threat
All quiet in 'Osama belt' as women's voices silenced
The election where millions stayed away
Musharraf’s Party Accepts Defeat

Deflecting away from one's incompetence?

Indonesia accuses US of bird flu plot

Except when it harms US interests

Bush demands steps to freedom

Your existence is an offence

You can't take away our right to offend

Life in modern day Iraq

Iraq police to round up street beggars

Dawah News

MPs criticise the Islamic Society in Denmark

Danish Muslims despair at portrayal

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Daily News - Tue 19/02/08

Local News

Open cheque policy at the AFP

The secret policemen's bill: $7.5m

More soul searching from the right

The culture war crimes tribunal

Causes of radicalisation

No apology for dropped terror charges
Keelty admits Egypt talks on Habib
Haneef has no case for compo - Keelty

Global News

All bark and no bite

Syria and Iran anticipating serious military clash with Israel

More like millions

Thousands taken for a ride in the name of democracy

Tragedy continues

Car bomb kills 37 civilians at Afghan market

Divide and rule

A new nation, but the old problems will linger yet
US backs Kosovar independence
China, Russia baulk at Kosovo self-rule

Military, then cultural invasion

El Alamein resort planned

Dawah News

Row over funding for controversial Islam debate

Publication ceremony of 2 books held

Monday, February 18, 2008

Same but different?

An interesting article appeared in the SMH today.

Ghena Krayem (of UMWA lineage) and Haisam Farouche (LMA's surfing Imam) sought to re-assure Australians about the prospect of the limited application of Islamic Sharia. In fact, the Grayem and Farouche went further and suggested Australia might benefit from the selective introduction of aspects of Islamic Sharia.

The central message went a little like this: 'look guys, we are not really that different from you. What you want is what we want, and what you believe in, we believe in. So no cause for concern here.'

Sometimes I question why Muslims choose to treat the Australian public with so much disdain. Even the most elementary study of Islam by Australians would reveal the great disparity between Islamic values and Australian values, between Islamic law and Australian law, and between Islamic modes of social construction and Australian forms of social construction.

I understand it is easy to criticise the efforts of others, so I will start by sincerely listing the positives of this piece:

a. The authors were trying to reach out to non-Muslims
b. The authors sought to explain Islam in a way Australians think
c. The authors were seeking to demonstrate the beauty/benefit of Islam
d. The shiek, in particular, was willing to engage with the wider community, and in a way that resonates with his target audience
e. The authors were trying to do what they believe to be in best interest of Muslim community
f. The authors covered many subjects in a short piece, but cannot be expected to cover every subject in one article

For these reasons and more, the authors should be genuinely commended.

Ok, now let's move on to some constructive criticism. These are mere random thoughts and are in no particular order.

1. There exists a fundamental contradiction in the logic of this article - are you the same or are you different? You cant have it both ways.

2. If you are the same same (in principle and in practice) then why is there a need for alternative arrangements?

3. If islamic sharia ('as a system') is not 'that different' from 'our own legal system' then why is there a need to apply sharia? Why cant the principles and practices expounded by sharia ('as a system') be achieved through existing legal arrangements?

4. If two 'systems' overlap on particular considerations, then does it necessarily follow that the two systems are more or less the same (i.e., 'not that different')? Would we suggest Christianity and Islam is the same because both religions instruct their womenfolk to cover their heads? Would we suggest Capitalism and Islam is the same because both systems discourage state interference in the normal functioning of economic affairs?

5. If the Islamic sharia ('as a system') is 'not that different' from Australia's legal system, then it is implicitly acknowledged that there are some differences. But what are those differences, and are such differences understated?

6. How can you seperate the systems of Islam from the aqeedah of islam? Wouldn't such a detachment fail to achieve the objectives of the Sharia?

7. Dont we follow the ahkam of Islam (i.e., the sharia) because it is an order from of Allah (swt), seeking His (swt) pleasure alone? We don't follow the sharia for any tangible benefit, despite the tangible benefit being a consequence of applying the hukm but not its motivation.

8. How can you detach the Australian legal framework from its ideological and constitutional basis? Australia's legal framework is rooted in the authority extended to it by the people whereas the sharia is rooted in the divine authority of Allah (swt).

Can you expect the ahkam of Islam to be applied in Australia because it is considered an order from Allah (swt)? Obviously no, but if aspects of the sharia were to be incorporated into Australia's legal framework then it could only be applied as the manisfestation of the will of the people (in this case, those Muslims who accept their matters to be resolved according to sharia) and not as the order of Allah (swt).

This does not necessarily present an 'functional' obstacle to Australian law, but it cwould certainly serve as a longer-term ideological challenge to the authority of Australian law. Why would this be so? Because the adoption of sharia abitration is indicative of a mindset that places a greater imperative on the need to be bound by the dictates of Allah (swt) as opposed to the dictates of man.

Is this in itself a problem? If it was merely a personal preference, then no. But if this mentality started permeating society, and the proponents of this view started advancing this view in society, then perhaps.

9. The introduction of limited sharia would serve as a double edged sword for the Muslim community. Why?

a. it would derive its authority from australian law

b. the abritration would have to be voluntary in nature (i.e., can't compel Muslims to adhere to Islam, and participants would have the luxury of opting in/out)

c. Sharia would be defined within the paramters of Australian law

d. Muslims would be compelled to accept overriding (and potentially adverse) decisions instructed by higher authorities (appellate courts and others)

e. Muslims would have to accept the partial application of sharia, which pragmatically speaking is better than nothing, but Islamically speaking would result in the obedience of Allah (swt) in some matters and the disobedience of Allah (swt) in other matters. Unacceptable questions like who decides which aspects to apply, and of what priority, and of what consequence would invariably arise.

f. The systems of islam are interdependent. The selective application of the various tenets of Islam would create more problems than it would solve.

10. Regarding the politics of the proposal:

a. The question of integration undoubtedly rears its ugly head. The message to the Muslim community is unambigiously clear: 'we'll give you some rights if you accept some responsibilities'. But what are those responsibilities, and what are the implications? This is a matter the Muslim community needs to debate quite thoroughly.

b. We must keep in mind the experience of those Islamic groups in Muslim countries that have been co-0opted into mainstream political processes. Certainly the experiences in the Islamic world are not entirely analagous to the realities of Muslims in the West, but the gains achieved by the Islamic parties in the Islamic world have been insignificant and temporary at best and have come at an enormous cost - the most significant of which is the acquiesence of Islam and the Muslims to the authority of kufr.

c. But are Muslims in the West even thinking this far, and should they be thinking in these terms?

Let us consider the reality of Muslims as individuals and as communities in the West.

Our existence in this country indicates our acceptance of the conditions of citizenship (whether by birth or naturalisation), and so we explicitly recognise the authority of Australian government and its institutions.

But acknowledging the authority of an institution is vastly different to believing in the institution and the values upon which it is constructed. The contract of citizenship does not deprive us of our beliefs and attitudes, and so we still must believe in the correctness of Islam and possess the desire to live by it. The contract of citizenship is not an excuse to not live by Islam.

The key difference between the Islamic lands and Western lands is the absence of an immediate and overriding imperative upon Muslims in Western societies to alter their domestic political landscape. Muslims living in the Islamic lands do carry this overriding obligation, and as a consequence direct all political efforts towards this objective.

The implication of such a distinction is that Muslims in the Islamic lands do not recognise either the legitimacy of their rulers or the systems they represents, and consequently work to bring about comprehensive political change. By contrast, Muslims in Western societies do recognise the legitimacy of Western governments as governments of the people, although they do not believe in the values upon which these governemnts are formed.

So in this respect Muslims in Western societies can be expected to engage with government in accordance with the parameters defined by Islam and the contract of citizenship.

d. Muslim communities in the West need to reconcile the immediate realities of Muslim life with idealism of Islamic objectives. Does there exist an inherent contradiction? No, but if we proceed with political niaviety then the pragmatic demands of everday life will very quickly overwhelm our Islamic idealism.

e. The practicalities of Muslim engagement is matter requiring the immediate and sustained attention of the Muslim community in Australia. How do we advance the interests of the Muslim community without compromising our Islamic principles?

On this point, we need to distinguish between the needs of the Muslims in Australia and the needs of the Muslims globally. The securing of local necessities should not be at the expense of our global priorities. Many a time, community initiatives have been held hostage to domestic political considerations such as questions of allegiance and the demands of partisan politics. This is an unacceptable mode of operation for the Muslim community.

The proponents of the Sharia initiative may have good intentions aiming to serve the immediate needs of the Muslim community, but we must ensure this proposal (and countless others) do not become tools in the hands of integrationists. We would be niaive to believe we can beat the system!

f. The proposal is good and bad. No Muslim should reject the option of settling matters (however limited or abitrary) according to sharia, but is it ok to ask for it? This will require further investigation.

Some other side points:

i. Why do we have to be so defeatist and apologetic in our approach? Employing such terms as 'our country' and 'our democracy' is not only wholly unconvincing, it is deceitful. What the authors mean by these terms is entirely different to their political origins.

If you ask the authors whether they believe in the concept of a nation state, and the construction of identity around national borders, and the advancement of the national interest even to the detriment of other peoples, then you would almost definitely receive a resounding no. If you ask the authors whether they would accept the sovereignty of man to transend the soveriegnty of Allah (swt), then you would similarly receive a resounding no. So claims to nationhood and democracy are just plain dishonest.

ii. It is similiarly dishonest to protend one can seperate the sharia of Islam from the aqeedah of Islam. The former is built upon and is an extension of the former. Detaching the sharia from its roots would strip the ensuing legalities from any Islamic validity.

iii. The entire article (and to be more precise, the entire fracas that has become the sharia debate) is another example of minority thinking. The authors should reflect deeply upon the implications of 'westernising Islam' and seeking to fashion Islam in this country within the bounds dictated by Australian law. We should think deeply about the implications of interpreting Islam through a Western lense. This is a matter that goes to the heart of Islamic aqeedah, and the consequences will be felt by generations to come.

iv. It would be niave to believe that Australia will ever accept the introduction of sharia (in its complete and unadulterated form) without first adopting its aqeedah. Even with the proposed limited application on only a protion of the Australian population, Australians will first have to accept the legitimacy of Sharia as an alternative legal framework - a matter that many have correctly described as an affront to their beliefs.

v. We must all seek to present Islam as it is, i.e., as a comprehensive way of life with views and solutions for every aspect of life. We commit a grave injustice upon both Islam and the Australian people if we persist with an artificially constructed alternative.

vi. Muslims must stop pretending they are the same as everybody else. Muslims possess a unique set of beliefs, a unique values systems and unique method by which all of life's problems are addressed. It is this uniqueness that makes Islam and the Muslims so attractive. If the Muslims were the same as everybody else, this entire discussion would be utterly redundant.

vii.. Our differences are our blessing. We must emphasise these differences. We have a unique aqeedah, unique views, unique attitudes and unique solutions that both Australia and the rest of the world desperately require. We must be confident enough and bold enough to speak in such unequivical terms.

There is immense goodness in the Muslim commnity both in Australia and the rest of the world. Our hearts are in the right place but our minds sometimes leads us elsewhere. We need to ensure that we seek to fashion our realities in accordance with Islam and not vice-versa. This way, we ensure the productive advancement of both the Muslim community and the wider society.

Daily News - Mon 18/02/08

Local News

Internal contradictions

'Crazy' John Ilhan's will riddle

Doing an East Timor on Australia

Scrutiny for foreign investors
Foreign superpowers eye Australia

Seeking the best of both worlds

Demand for workers lifts migrant intake

Wishful thinking

Hardline imams sought to fight terror

Offering a more compliant service

Khan calls on Rudd to stop supporting a dictator

Test run for surfing shiek

Grim picture of sharia hides its useful aspects

Global News

The illusion of objectivity

Dreams Stifled, Egypt's Young Turn To Islamic Fervor
Alliance looks to bridge the gap between Islam and the West
Hold dialogues with the West, Muslims urged
Who speaks for Islam?

Peace and stability in Afghanistan

Eighty feared dead in Afghanistan bombing

Asking how, but not why

Suicide websites blamed for deaths
Police to fight terror with CCTV database

Ultilitarianism in practice

Britain to nationalise Northern Rock

Perpetual friends or perpetual interests

US military admits attack on Iraqi allies

Changing the face or the body?

Self-interest lies at the heart of Pakistan's growing problems

Dawah News

Danish imam urges Muslim youths to stop rioting

A Clash of Ideas, Not Civilizations

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Daily News - Sun 17/02/08

Local News

Indeed ...

A question of values

Sour grapes, two weeks running

Macklin signals return to era of victimhood

First of many steps needed

Rudd: Troops home next year

Global News

Never a question of values

Uni killer stopped taking meds

Election campaign moves to Africa

Bush arrives in Africa

Democracy in action I

Blast after Pakistan election rally, 27 dead
Vote rigging tipped in Pakistan polls

Democracy in action II

West 'rewarding' repression in Uzbek dealings-report

The war on everyone

Islamic Jihad leader killed in Gaza blast

Questioning the military imperative

Troops can't solve problems, just create space to grow

Co-opting into the political process

Militant chief has eye on Pakistani parliament seat

Dawah News

Hamas is Challenged by an Old Islamist Group

KYRGYZSTAN: NEW EFFORT AGGRESSIVELY COUNTERS HIZB UT-TAHRIR, RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM

Danish reprint of Muhammad cartoon sparks renewed protests

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Daily News - Sat 16/02/08

Local News

Trial by media continues

Suspect 'worried about stealing'

If all else fails, try the Muslim card

'Allah Akbar' heard before Kovco died

Next, demands to live by Sikh laws!

Course goes against Sikh students' religion

Global News

Many questions remain unanswered

Would-be assassin wined and dined Horta

Compensation is the least of concerns

September 11 suspect wins right to sue Britain

Doing business in the UK

Saudis in terror threat to halt case

Puppetry in Pakistan

Leap of faith for shell-shocked Pakistan voters

'Courage' from As-Sham!

Syria ready to blame Israel for Hezbollah assassination

Independence has nothing to do with helping the Muslims

Putin warns West there will be action over Kosovo

Living in denial

Iraq is well on the path to sovereignty

Tip of the iceberg

Political Murder in Central Asia: No Time to End Uzbekistan's Isolation

Dawah News

Muslims in Copenhagen Protest Reprinting of Muhammad Cartoons

Hizb-ut Tahrir leaflet and literature obtained in Kyrgyzstan in 2006

Kyrgyzstan: New Effort Aggressively Counters Hizb Ut-Tahrir, Religious Extremism

Friday, February 15, 2008

Muslim bloggers in Australia?

I am currently compiling a list of blog sites run by Muslims in Australia.

If you would like to recommend your favourite blog, you can do so in the comments section or by emailing: dawahtools@yahoo.com

All efforts much appreciated.

DT.

Daily News - Fri 15/02/08

Local News

Trial by Media Continues

Bomb plot suspect 'wrote will at 19'
Guides lauded jihad, 9/11 hijackers
Execution DVDs found in suspects' homes
Terror accused told to kill 1000, Australian court told

Leading by example

No sack for MP over assault

Integration agenda continues unabated

When love transcends all borders

Global News

Understatement from Australia's Defence Minister

Afghan war 'botched'

Media distractions

US Senate approves ban on torture

Agressor plays the victim, again

Israel alert for reprisal over Hezbollah chief

I'll huff and I'll Puff ...

Hezbollah declares 'open war' on Israel

Concern over the rule of law?

Acquittals jeopardise UK terror cases

Either or neither?

Between idealism and realpolitik

Turkey: Warped and delivered

Turkey: Wrapped and delivered

But who is responsible for this hysteria?

Getting past our hysteria over Islam

Dawah News

Debate goes ahead despite MP backing out

Hundreds take part in extremism debate

The archbishop, sharia and gay rights

Will Britain Go Muslim?

Tighter Regulation Worries Kyrgyz Faith Groups

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Daily News - Thu 14/02/08

Local News

An orgy of self-adulation

Building a nation together
'War cabinet' to fight disadvantage
The last of the white blindfolds
A simple word with so much meaning
Never, never again

Sour grapes from a former culture warrior

Rudd fans the flames of the culture wars

Guilty until proven innocent

Accused plotted mayhem, court told
Muslim group 'planned mass murder'
Australia's biggest terrorism trial starts
Deadly footy attacks planned, court told
Jihadists told 'killing women is permissable'

Rules of the game changed

Police plan new approach for pilgrims

Igniting an artificial war?

Sharia storm in Britain clarifies limits of diversity

Global News

Rogue state

US shoots down space treaty

Don't hold your breath waiting for a Syrian response

Car bomb kills hunted terrorist

What about the indefinite detention at Belmarsh?

UK concern at military trial

How about deploying the troops across the border?

Pakistan deploys pre-poll troops

Illusions of grandeur

Our role in East Timor is long term

The labels remains nonetheless

Terror youths freed on appeal

Capitalism unveiled

Economy soars on back of poor

Our enemies enemy

Rights group says West backs `sham' democracies

Dawah News

Al-Qaeda: heirs of Mahatma Ghandi?

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Quick Thoughts - Sorry

salams,

the veins of this country are currently overflowing with love.

kevin rudd, the prime minister of australia, will today say 'sorry' to indigineous australians.

the apology will ostensibly seek to acknowledge the horrors of past government policies, policies that:

a. sanctioned the occupation and dispossesion of indigineous land

b. targeted the extermination of aboriginal and torres strait islander people

c. refused to recognise the basic humanity of aboriginal and torres strait islander people

d. forcibly removed aboriginal and torres strait islander children from their families, communities and culture

e. introduced a multitude of lasting social and economic atrocities

of course, kevin rudd's apology is selective in its acknowledgment. there is reference to the stolen generation but effectively glosses over the worst excesses of the past.

for the record, the apology will be offered on behalf of the government and the parliament, not on behalf of the people of australia.

a few thoughts come to mind:

1. i feel genuinely sad that indigenous australians have allowed themselvs to be directed by the pragmatic policies of consecutive governemnts

2. the reduction of indigenous demands to the acknowledgment of past injustices, and the promise of future advancement, is a travesty to the ancestors of this land

3. indigenous australians need idealists, not pragmatists. the issue is not an apology. the issue is the reversal of the occupation and dispossession of indigineous land.

4. time is not a factor. aboriginal and torres strait islander people have a right to define the way in which this land is utilised.

5. but on this point, a question needs asked as to whether such an outcome is demanded by indigineous australians. and is it an eventuality that indigineous australians could handle?

6. an apology is only sincere when the perpetrators of injustice abandon such injustices. current government policies vis a vis indigineous peoples is the same racist, genocidal and assimilationist policies of the past masked in more modern political constructs.

7. in addition to policies regarding indigieous populations, the government of australia is still engaging in or supporting sorrowful interventionist policies in other parts of the world. the solomons islands, east timor, papua new guinea, west papua, israel, iraq, afghanistan come to mind.

8. if australia is truly sorry, then it would cease the imposition of its 'foreign' values and 'foreign' solutions upon all indigineous populations.

9. there are many lessons to be learned from the indigineous experience that are of seminal importance to the Muslim community in Australia. this will form the basis for future writing iA.

the plight of indigineous australians is not an indigineous issue. it is a human issue requiring human concern. there is no excuse for any of us not to be concerned.

dawah tools

Friday, February 29, 2008

Daily News - Fri 29/02/08

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Daily News - Thu 28/02/08

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Daily News - Wed 27/02/08

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Daily News - Tue 26/02/08

Monday, February 25, 2008

Daily News - Mon 25/02/08

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Treaty of 1463 between the Ottoman Sultan and the Christians of Bosnia