19 April 2016

Don’t mask the mosque

| John Hargreaves
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Muslims in prayer

I recently went to the open day of the Gungahlin Muslim community and had a very enjoyable but brief time there. I had to go and feed the five thousand descending on my place for a feed-up later that day.

The visit made me think of a few things.

Firstly the occasion was very welcoming. The speech by the Anglican minister down the road showed how interfaith can work if only we give it a go. The common thread was that people gather together to recognise, celebrate or worship the god of their choice. They don’t gather to plot the downfall of each other.

The second thing that occurred to me was that the building, something which will magically emerge on the footings visible to me, will be an welcome architectural addition to the town centre. It won’t be the archetypical mosque that some imagine but a house of prayer, quiet reflection and complementary architecture.

Anyone remember the hullabaloo that accompanied the thought of a mosque there? There were legal challenges which saw a decision in the High Court. The detractors and those with spurious arguments like traffic and noise were given a very loud and clear message. What part of NO! don’t they understand?

There was no such noise, no such legal challenge going to the High Court, no objections on traffic or noise grounds to the construction of the Anglican Church only two blocks down in the same street!

Now we see the same old hoary arguments being mounted against a mosque in Weston.

This is the same old argument presented by the same old objectors. Why don’t they just get over it?

Do they object when the Catholic and Anglican bells ring out on a Sunday morning? Have brekkie in Manuka at about 10 or 11 am on a Sunday if you don’t remember.

Are there volumes of letters to the paper about the missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons) who come a-knockin’? And the Salvos are now in the limelight of the child abuse horror joining the Catholics and Anglicans.

Howe about some common sense? When did you last hear a knock on your door from a Muslim seeking to convert you? When was the last time you protested through the paper about the noise from St Christopher’s or St Paul’s? When was the traffic problem in Manuka laid at the churches’ doors?

Let’s count the number of mosques and Islamic centres in Canberra and measure them up against the number of Christian churches and temples and see how they fare.

How about some balance? How about giving reality to the notion of friendship to our neighbours? How about we set an example to the other capital cities? I happen to like and appreciate the Buddhist temples (check out the Lao one in Kambah), the mosque, the churches, and Salvos’ halls (check out Wanniassa). Check out the Hindu temples in Mawson and Torrens.

These are assets – not liabilities – for our city.

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watto23 said :

anto said :

dungfungus said :

anto said :

dungfungus said :

Weatherman said :

There is a Christian Outreach Centre opposite Monash Mosque. The Yarralumla Mosque is opposite the Malaysian High Commission and close to the Egyptian Embassy. However, these are more cultural organisations. The Mosque there is affiliated in close association with the diplomatic community and families.

The Christian Outreach Centre buildings opposite the Monash mosque is not the place of worship of that organisation. The ACT place of worship is in Macquarie.
You were asked to describe “moderate Islam”. Should I hold my breath waiting?

Yes please. For a very long time.

I’ll accept that means “moderate Islam” is a contradiction in terms then.

Please don’t. Accept it as an unnecessarily glib response on my part. See it as a response from someone who is a little fed-up seeing terms like moderate Islam enclosed in inverted commas. See it as a response from someone who understands that Canberra is culturally and geographically a long way from countries whose people practice a moderate and compassionate Islam, day-in and day-out, and so remain unnoticed and unknown to many in Canberra, but wished they were better known and understood.

Completely agree. The people who think islam isn’t a normal stable religion as good/bad as any other religion, are the ones who are irrational and have issues. Religions of all types have committed some horrendous crimes and at present it seems a small group of one type of Islam are hellbent on ruining as many lives as they can. Its aided by shock jocks and other people who can use the media mouthpiece to use the situation for their own financial gains and nothing to do with safety of anyone.

You are right in saying that all types of religions have committed horrendous crimes but only one hasn’t moved on an it continues to maintain the same tenets as it did 600 years ago.

anto said :

dungfungus said :

anto said :

dungfungus said :

Weatherman said :

There is a Christian Outreach Centre opposite Monash Mosque. The Yarralumla Mosque is opposite the Malaysian High Commission and close to the Egyptian Embassy. However, these are more cultural organisations. The Mosque there is affiliated in close association with the diplomatic community and families.

The Christian Outreach Centre buildings opposite the Monash mosque is not the place of worship of that organisation. The ACT place of worship is in Macquarie.
You were asked to describe “moderate Islam”. Should I hold my breath waiting?

Yes please. For a very long time.

I’ll accept that means “moderate Islam” is a contradiction in terms then.

Please don’t. Accept it as an unnecessarily glib response on my part. See it as a response from someone who is a little fed-up seeing terms like moderate Islam enclosed in inverted commas. See it as a response from someone who understands that Canberra is culturally and geographically a long way from countries whose people practice a moderate and compassionate Islam, day-in and day-out, and so remain unnoticed and unknown to many in Canberra, but wished they were better known and understood.

Completely agree. The people who think islam isn’t a normal stable religion as good/bad as any other religion, are the ones who are irrational and have issues. Religions of all types have committed some horrendous crimes and at present it seems a small group of one type of Islam are hellbent on ruining as many lives as they can. Its aided by shock jocks and other people who can use the media mouthpiece to use the situation for their own financial gains and nothing to do with safety of anyone.

dungfungus said :

anto said :

dungfungus said :

Weatherman said :

There is a Christian Outreach Centre opposite Monash Mosque. The Yarralumla Mosque is opposite the Malaysian High Commission and close to the Egyptian Embassy. However, these are more cultural organisations. The Mosque there is affiliated in close association with the diplomatic community and families.

The Christian Outreach Centre buildings opposite the Monash mosque is not the place of worship of that organisation. The ACT place of worship is in Macquarie.
You were asked to describe “moderate Islam”. Should I hold my breath waiting?

Yes please. For a very long time.

I’ll accept that means “moderate Islam” is a contradiction in terms then.

Please don’t. Accept it as an unnecessarily glib response on my part. See it as a response from someone who is a little fed-up seeing terms like moderate Islam enclosed in inverted commas. See it as a response from someone who understands that Canberra is culturally and geographically a long way from countries whose people practice a moderate and compassionate Islam, day-in and day-out, and so remain unnoticed and unknown to many in Canberra, but wished they were better known and understood.

anto said :

dungfungus said :

Weatherman said :

There is a Christian Outreach Centre opposite Monash Mosque. The Yarralumla Mosque is opposite the Malaysian High Commission and close to the Egyptian Embassy. However, these are more cultural organisations. The Mosque there is affiliated in close association with the diplomatic community and families.

The Christian Outreach Centre buildings opposite the Monash mosque is not the place of worship of that organisation. The ACT place of worship is in Macquarie.
You were asked to describe “moderate Islam”. Should I hold my breath waiting?

Yes please. For a very long time.

I’ll accept that means “moderate Islam” is a contradiction in terms then.

dungfungus said :

Weatherman said :

There is a Christian Outreach Centre opposite Monash Mosque. The Yarralumla Mosque is opposite the Malaysian High Commission and close to the Egyptian Embassy. However, these are more cultural organisations. The Mosque there is affiliated in close association with the diplomatic community and families.

The Christian Outreach Centre buildings opposite the Monash mosque is not the place of worship of that organisation. The ACT place of worship is in Macquarie.
You were asked to describe “moderate Islam”. Should I hold my breath waiting?

Yes please. For a very long time.

fernandof said :

rosscoact said :

fernandof said :

[…] does anyone care to comment on this study (going back to the “respects secular governance” aspect)?
http://www.aifs.gov.au/institute/pubs/fm2010/fm84/fm84h.html
“Legal recognition of Sharia law: Is this the right direction for Australian family matters?” from the AIFS journal, Family Matters No. 84, 2010

What aspect are you seeking comment on?

I’m after other people’s opinion here. My own opinion is not very well defined and I want to get more information.

From one end, I think that even the mere assessment of Sharia law as a feasible complementary judicial instrument to the existing Australian law is a stupid idea. It contradicts a core principle for keeping the Government and its judiciary instruments secular. In addition, I have my concerns about implementing the specifics of Sharia due to the issues created in other countries (Canada, the UK).

On the flip side, maybe acknowledging some very limited scope of Sharia law will bring more unity and reduce isolation of the Muslims community (I’m looking outside the boundaries of Canberra focusing on the Australian-wide Muslims community).

Finally, the study itself is somewhat confusing to me: the conclusion paragraph is read as if the authors as in favour of integrating Sharia law, but the very last sentence contradicts that without giving any real explanation. I wonder if other people picked up on that, or maybe there’s something I misunderstood.

So yeah, just want to get a feeling of what other people think to better define my own opinion in this matter.

There’s actually nothing wrong with simple Sharia Law. It’s been used already in the UK for generations, just that nobody took any notice of it until the last 10 years and the populist press stirred it up as the work of the devil.
Mainly it’s used in community ways and it’s a good way to keep minor conflicts away from taking up the courts time with unnecessary work and expenditure. Boundary disputes, selling dodgy cars, not paying full wages for a fair days work, being scammed by a neighbour.
Ordinarily, and especially in the UK with their removal of legal aid for the low-income so they might not be able to get a fair hearing against a much richer defendant who can simply tie them up in legalese for years to kill a case, it would be a great tool. There has even been talk of the UK adopting Sharia Law principles for local community courts, and basically dealing with the lower level crap that shouldn’t reach a court in the first place. Each side agrees to abide by the decision of a local community leader, costs are kept to a minimum and everybody’s happy. Lot’s of non-Muslims would be happy with that.
The worry of Sharia would be that one day it would try to make a grab for higher powers, and decisions over complex cases like divorce, fraud, murder…and be able to impose punishments to suit the crimes as directed by their religion.
That is the worry in the UK, where the rule of Common Law is above everything and the foundation of the nation. The Law is the Law, whether it’s right or wrong. Once it can be tinkered with, the foundations begin to tremble.

Weatherman said :

Milly Withers said :

Weatherman said :

The last thing we need is Anjem Choudary-like hate preachers in Gungahlin.

No, the last thing we need is people assuming that all people who practice Islam think and act in the same way as the faith’s most zealous extremists.

Moderate Islam, like all major world religions, is actually very peaceful.

In other cities in Australia and the UK, the Mosques are planned and built alongside other faith based institutions in the community to prevent radicalisation. This is because the Mosque isn’t built in an isolated location from the towns.

Not strictly true, the place near to where i originate from has just fought a 10 year battle over the construction of a “mega-mosque” that’s proved incredible divisive with running battles in the streets, building hijacks, protests, increased racial and religious tension. This thing is going to be bigger than a football stadium, multi-storey car park, community centre, education centre…but religious targeted.
Bricks and mortar never killed anybody, but the goal of any religion is to expand and assimilate and that’s what frightens people, especially when it’s based on a different kind of fairytale to the one they’ve been told up to now.

Weatherman said :

There is a Christian Outreach Centre opposite Monash Mosque. The Yarralumla Mosque is opposite the Malaysian High Commission and close to the Egyptian Embassy. However, these are more cultural organisations. The Mosque there is affiliated in close association with the diplomatic community and families.

The Christian Outreach Centre buildings opposite the Monash mosque is not the place of worship of that organisation. The ACT place of worship is in Macquarie.
You were asked to describe “moderate Islam”. Should I hold my breath waiting?

This is the first time I have ever really agreed with a post on here by John H, keep up the common sense and tolerance!

There is a Christian Outreach Centre opposite Monash Mosque. The Yarralumla Mosque is opposite the Malaysian High Commission and close to the Egyptian Embassy. However, these are more cultural organisations. The Mosque there is affiliated in close association with the diplomatic community and families.

Weatherman said :

Milly Withers said :

Weatherman said :

The last thing we need is Anjem Choudary-like hate preachers in Gungahlin.

No, the last thing we need is people assuming that all people who practice Islam think and act in the same way as the faith’s most zealous extremists.

Moderate Islam, like all major world religions, is actually very peaceful.

In other cities in Australia and the UK, the Mosques are planned and built alongside other faith based institutions in the community to prevent radicalisation. This is because the Mosque isn’t built in an isolated location from the towns.

Please define what “moderate Islam is”. Moderate as compared to what?
The mosques at Monash and Yarralumla are nowhere near any other “faith-based institutions”. A lot of this so called “radicalisation” happens via the internet so it doesn’t matter where the mosques are located.

Milly Withers said :

Weatherman said :

The last thing we need is Anjem Choudary-like hate preachers in Gungahlin.

No, the last thing we need is people assuming that all people who practice Islam think and act in the same way as the faith’s most zealous extremists.

Moderate Islam, like all major world religions, is actually very peaceful.

In other cities in Australia and the UK, the Mosques are planned and built alongside other faith based institutions in the community to prevent radicalisation. This is because the Mosque isn’t built in an isolated location from the towns.

MERC600 said :

Well John you make it sound like one big love-in. Wish I’d gone.
So what was the conversation out there? Quality of the new building, the humid weather, the shoot-up in Paris, the ease of parking ? What was the buzz?

What was the vintage of the Shiraz?

Well John you make it sound like one big love-in. Wish I’d gone.
So what was the conversation out there? Quality of the new building, the humid weather, the shoot-up in Paris, the ease of parking ? What was the buzz?

Mysteryman said :

I know where it happens and why. I’ve been to those places. I don’t care what it’s useful for. What I’m saying is that I don’t want to have to hear it here. So as long as there are no calls blaring over loudspeakers for all to hear, let them build the mosque.

Not necessary anyway as in this day and age I’m sure there’s an app for that.

rosscoact said :

fernandof said :

[…] does anyone care to comment on this study (going back to the “respects secular governance” aspect)?
http://www.aifs.gov.au/institute/pubs/fm2010/fm84/fm84h.html
“Legal recognition of Sharia law: Is this the right direction for Australian family matters?” from the AIFS journal, Family Matters No. 84, 2010

What aspect are you seeking comment on?

I’m after other people’s opinion here. My own opinion is not very well defined and I want to get more information.

From one end, I think that even the mere assessment of Sharia law as a feasible complementary judicial instrument to the existing Australian law is a stupid idea. It contradicts a core principle for keeping the Government and its judiciary instruments secular. In addition, I have my concerns about implementing the specifics of Sharia due to the issues created in other countries (Canada, the UK).

On the flip side, maybe acknowledging some very limited scope of Sharia law will bring more unity and reduce isolation of the Muslims community (I’m looking outside the boundaries of Canberra focusing on the Australian-wide Muslims community).

Finally, the study itself is somewhat confusing to me: the conclusion paragraph is read as if the authors as in favour of integrating Sharia law, but the very last sentence contradicts that without giving any real explanation. I wonder if other people picked up on that, or maybe there’s something I misunderstood.

So yeah, just want to get a feeling of what other people think to better define my own opinion in this matter.

Weatherman said :

The last thing we need is Anjem Choudary-like hate preachers in Gungahlin.

That’s true. Fortunately there is no guarantee that building a mosque will result in hate-preachers.

Muslim people want a place to worship. I think it’s only fair that they are allowed to have one.

Milly Withers1:58 pm 23 Jan 15

Weatherman said :

The last thing we need is Anjem Choudary-like hate preachers in Gungahlin.

No, the last thing we need is people assuming that all people who practice Islam think and act in the same way as the faith’s most zealous extremists.

Moderate Islam, like all major world religions, is actually very peaceful.

watto23 said :

Mysteryman said :

I don’t see the problem with building a mosque as long as there are no loudspeakers playing calls to prayer.

That really only happens in places where its 99% muslims and it useful then to remind people of the times to pray. The muslims I know say they can just use the islamic society website to get prayer times.

I know where it happens and why. I’ve been to those places. I don’t care what it’s useful for. What I’m saying is that I don’t want to have to hear it here. So as long as there are no calls blaring over loudspeakers for all to hear, let them build the mosque.

The last thing we need is Anjem Choudary-like hate preachers in Gungahlin.

fernandof said :

Postalgeek said :

As long as a place of worship practices moderate faith, keeps to itself (calls to prayers/bells same same and I don’t mind it, as long as they make noise after 8 am), and respects secular governance, live and let live.

My exact views.

Postalgeek said :

In regards to door knockers, John, I’ve never had a muslim come a-knockin, but then I’ve never had a Zionist or a Catholic come a-knockin. That doesn’t mean they’re not lobbying government (or already dominate government) and we should remain vigilant against any faith trying to hold sway over what should be secular policy. People would be justifiably concerned if the Government sponsored a program of imams in schools, and Government should not sponsor programs like Chaplains in Schools. Any zealotry in society should be keeping religion and government separate.

On this point, does anyone care to comment on this study (going back to the “respects secular governance” aspect)?
http://www.aifs.gov.au/institute/pubs/fm2010/fm84/fm84h.html
“Legal recognition of Sharia law: Is this the right direction for Australian family matters?” from the AIFS journal, Family Matters No. 84, 2010

What aspect are you seeking comment on?

Mysteryman said :

I don’t see the problem with building a mosque as long as there are no loudspeakers playing calls to prayer.

That really only happens in places where its 99% muslims and it useful then to remind people of the times to pray. The muslims I know say they can just use the islamic society website to get prayer times.

I know the mosques in Canberra are multi faith mosques that allow all kinds of different islamic faiths in and I’m no expert on it, but not sure all the different faiths have the Call to Prayer either. they certainly have different ideas on how much praying is required, much like different christian faiths have different ideas on what they should do.

Postalgeek said :

As long as a place of worship practices moderate faith, keeps to itself (calls to prayers/bells same same and I don’t mind it, as long as they make noise after 8 am), and respects secular governance, live and let live.

My exact views.

Postalgeek said :

In regards to door knockers, John, I’ve never had a muslim come a-knockin, but then I’ve never had a Zionist or a Catholic come a-knockin. That doesn’t mean they’re not lobbying government (or already dominate government) and we should remain vigilant against any faith trying to hold sway over what should be secular policy. People would be justifiably concerned if the Government sponsored a program of imams in schools, and Government should not sponsor programs like Chaplains in Schools. Any zealotry in society should be keeping religion and government separate.

On this point, does anyone care to comment on this study (going back to the “respects secular governance” aspect)?
http://www.aifs.gov.au/institute/pubs/fm2010/fm84/fm84h.html
“Legal recognition of Sharia law: Is this the right direction for Australian family matters?” from the AIFS journal, Family Matters No. 84, 2010

As long as a place of worship practices moderate faith, keeps to itself (calls to prayers/bells same same and I don’t mind it, as long as they make noise after 8 am), and respects secular governance, live and let live.

In regards to door knockers, John, I’ve never had a muslim come a-knockin, but then I’ve never had a Zionist or a Catholic come a-knockin. That doesn’t mean they’re not lobbying government (or already dominate government) and we should remain vigilant against any faith trying to hold sway over what should be secular policy. People would be justifiably concerned if the Government sponsored a program of imams in schools, and Government should not sponsor programs like Chaplains in Schools. Any zealotry in society should be keeping religion and government separate.

Parking concerns were always a BS whitewash. Nobody complains about the inundation of cars around churches during Easter and Christmas.

I don’t see the problem with building a mosque as long as there are no loudspeakers playing calls to prayer.

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