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Honoured guests and Imams, and respected brothers, sisters and children. Assalamu Alaykum WB and good afternoon. Welcome to our 2024 ICQ spring carnival. I thank our guests for honouring our function by your attendance.

Firstly, I acknowledge the custodians of the land of Meanjin Brisbane, the Jagera and Turrball people; and I pay my respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.

We thank Sultana Deen and her dedicated volunteers for organising the Spring Carnival last year and also today. Insha’Allah it becomes a regular event where you and your children can come and join in many fun activities in a safe, family-friendly environment. 

The ICQ, established in 1969, is the peak  body representing and providing services to Muslim communities and 16 Islamic societies in major cities stretching from the Gold Coast as far as Cairns in the north. I’m standing in here today for Abdul Aziz Khan, the ICQ President, who was unable to attend due to a medical condition. May Allah grant him a good recovery.

I point out that we would have liked a better balance of political parties here as speakers. I contacted the Greens a week ago requesting their MPs join us, but it was unfortunately not possible given the short notice.

For most Australians, this is a festive and happy time of the year where we celebrate achievements at school and work, gather with family & friends for BBQs, enjoy our vacation at the beaches, and look forward to a new year full of promise.

Our youth will be aware though that our world is fast changing and that the high standards once shown in the West have fallen and we face the future with increasing concerns about Australia’s sovereignty and security. ICQ is looking into the means of strengthening the Muslim youth movement with more activities towards enhancing the membership and calibre of leadership.

We acknowledge the clear and shocking atrocities being committed right now against our Palestinian and Lebanese sisters and brothers who experience great suffering with stoic dignity. Our fellow Muslims and Christians are being killed and starved without sufficient clothing and living support to face a cold, wet winter with little resistance to withstand harsh conditions. However, Israel is deliberately blocking the emergency entry of blankets and clothes into Gaza? The situation requires us to upgrade our readiness for greater sacrifices for them.

Further, Israel has destroyed 814 Mosques and 3 churches in Gaza but our government has not criticised these atrocities. Muslims are taught in the Qur’an (22:40) to condemn such attacks on the sanctity of places of worship, and we unreservedly condemn Friday’s arson attack on the Adass Synagogue in Melbourne..

The dire situation in Palestine, Kashmir, among Rohingyas in Myanmar  and Uyghurs in China, make us realise we need to come together to actively explore & coordinate means to more effectively respond to these issues.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “The parable of the believers in their affection and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” Our responses to these events show that we in Australia do love and care for our brothers and sisters everywhere.

We encourage our youth to follow Australian law since we are instructed by the Qur’an (4:59): “O you who believe! Obey God, and obey the Messenger, and obey those charged with authority among you.” Meaning obey the Laws of Australia. Values of Islam are actually similar to Australian values which new citizens are required to affirm, such as (1) Commitment to the Rule of Law, and (2) A ‘fair go’ for all that embraces compassion for those in need.

Sadly, the Opposition Party has not upheld these values and oppose international courts; and the Labor Government has not been much better in their complicity with Israel.

I stress that it’s not pro-Palestinians marchers, incl. huge numbers of non-Muslims, who impact on our social cohesion; but it is the major parties’ toxic support for genocidal Israel, which is against our cherished Australian values.

Community initiatives namely, Muslim Votes and Muslim Votes Matter, inform us on how we should vote in the coming Federal elections. We ask you not to vote for any politician who cannot distinguish the Oppressor from an Oppressed. Would you grant your compassion to one who is conducting genocide rather than the starving masses in Gaza?  We call on the Australian government to sanction Israel, stop all sales of weapon components to Israel, and recognise the Palestinian state urgently.

I am very proud of all the work our community has been doing in the past year in your efforts for humanity. Get involved with your Federal member and ask them to  respond to those suffering who do not have a voice. Tell them that the Muslim sleeping giant has awakened and this giant is becoming politically astute and active, and we will stand with those MPs who stand for our just causes.

Please enjoy yourselves today – meet, greet and make more friends. If you are ready to get more involved and join our volunteers, just give your name, phone number and email to us here at ICQ. Thank you.

May peace and blessings be upon you all!