Muslims challenge prejudice
Darren Parkin from the Herald Sun
February 23, 2007

SICK of negative stereotypes in the wake of September 11, the Islamic community is striking back.
* Striking back? I’m shaking in my sandals!
Muslims want to project a realistic image of their lives and distance themselves from controversial figures like Sydney sheik Taj el-Din al-Hilaly.
To do so, the Islamic Council of Victoria has joined forces with a federal agency to promote positive images of ordinary Muslims.
And a dinner will be held in Melbourne tonight to celebrate Muslims’ contribution to Australia.
* Ahhh! Another couscous event with steaming piles of taqiyyah! That could be interesting!
Islamic Council project manager Neil Aykan said yesterday the campaign would highlight Muslims in their daily work, interacting with colleagues.
“There are a lot of high-profile figures such as the Sydney sheik who tend to constantly get media attention, which is unfortunate but a fact of life,” Mr Aykan said.
“The media seems to focus on controversial and provocative figures rather than real people, and these are the real people.”
* Right. Don’t blame the sheik. Blame the media, right on!
* These ‘real people haven’t sacked the sheik. They support him.
Organised with the federal Department of Family Services and Indigenous Affairs, the program will recognise Muslims and non-Muslims who have contributed to social cohesion and integration.
More than 30 awards will be presented under the government-funded Bringing Communities Together program.
* What a waste of taxpayers money!
“It’s all about sharing our achievements, because we are all one country, and one society,” Mr Aykan said.
* Would be very interesting to know what kind of ‘achievements’ they are. Like breeding faster than the rest of Australia while on the dole? One country, one society?
* Last time I checked Islam divided the world into believers and unbelievers. * But there’s more:
“It’s about bringing communities together.”
Two examples of Muslim young achievers are Sherene Hassan and Bachar Houli. Ms Hassan is a cross-cultural trainer who has made more than 400 presentations about Islam since 2001.
The mother of four eagerly awaits the day when Muslims represent Australian sporting sides internationally.
* Because its all about Islam. Nothing but Islam, whatever it takes…
* Another da’awa doctor proselytizing for Islam. Just what we need. 400 presentations about Islam. ‘Sensitivity training’- quite an achievement.
* Concerned citizens should unite to make an end to this spook and make sure no more taxpayers money is wasted for Islamic da’wa.












