There's been growing emphasis in Australia on the separation of religion from schools, government and other public sectors. Educational ministers proposed an overhaul of the regulation surrounding religious celebrations in public schools including banning Easter and Christmas celebrations, reports The Age.

Australia now has a Prime Minister - Julia Gillard - who doesn't believe in God, and it seems religion has taken a back seat in the public eye, only creeping up on Current Affair shows. So, until only a few weeks ago, the thought of propagating a particular religious thought through mainstream media was a pipe dream.

Major Religions Air Television Ads
The first Mormon ads aired on local Australian television recently and I my wife asked me if I thought we'd ever witness Islamic TV advertisements in the future. My response was pessimistic with a slight hint of hope.

With the questionable media coverage Islam currently gets, a whole advertisement set to promote the faith seemed far-fetched.

The Mormon ads (video) were marketed well, linking faith in science to faith in God, simple and effective. A few years back, I probably wouldn't have reflected on the ads as I didn't have any knowledge of the Mormon faith. Having worked with people of the Mormon faith for over a year now, the ads appeal to me because I can relate to both, the people and the faith. I thought to myself,

If there ever were Islamic television ads in Australia, they should be shown the modern Mormon way – steering away for traditional preaching and text book Da’wah.

To my amazement, a few weeks later the first Islamic TV ad aired on local television.

Successful Islamic TV Ad
The advertisement itself is a MyPeace campaign based in Sydney. Famously known for the 'Jesus Is A Prophet Of Islam' billboards, MyPeace's Facebook page has raked over 10k members for launching similar posters, and illustrating over forty buses with Islam's principles.

Now, the first Australian Islamic television promo takes advantage of thirty seconds, sharing three key points based on Islam's holy scripture, the Qur'an and the collected teachings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him - the sunnah.

The final message is one of community peace and understanding, promoting aspects of Islam that the average person wouldn't even consider.

An awareness of Islam is promoted through human rights and eliminating poverty. Emphasis is given to show the similarities between "Australian" and "Islamic" values; they are not mutually exclusive.

As a television advertisement, good use of a voice-over creates the perfect dramatic overlay to a subtle yet concise message. A message of religious tolerance and care.

Australian Islam Works
As an Australian Muslim, I don't believe the advertisement could have been done any better in design and content.

I was impressed when I read about it online and was amazed when it aired on network television a few weeks later. It will take more than a thirty-second television ad to address the misconceptions of Islam but this is a great start, it's the right start.

The campaign makes me proud to be an Australian Muslim.


Link to Australia's first Islamic ad video {http://youtu.be/MYWrQ8dTidM}

Find more about Islam in Australia {MyPeace}

More Muslims in Media:
Filmmakers Depict Women In The Muslim World
Media To Blame For Islamophobia, Says Survey
Al-Isharah Create First Adhan In British Sign Language

With Eid celebrations well under way and the month of Shawaal now upon us, each day that passes by takes with it a small part of the legacy of Ramadan. As time separates us from the blessed month, we are presented with another opportunity to test our faith and enhance our spirituality.

Many of us experienced a spiritual high during Ramadan, no matter how much or how little we were able to achieve, we all experienced a sense of peace and spiritual enlightenment at one moment or another. No words can describe that feeling of satisfaction and contentment that Ramadan brings with it.

During the past few weeks we were able to sacrifice food and drink all day; we controlled our needs, our wants and were still able to stand in prayer at night. We woke up a little earlier, slept later, at times we didn't sleep at all but I know most of us learned something about ourselves during it.

It's important to look back and reflect on what we were able to achieve during Ramadan. If we push ourselves to our limits during Ramadan, what is stopping us from continuing that lifestyle outside of Ramadan? Ask yourself. I believe it's a lack of motivation.

Reflecting on Ramadan shows us our real potential to excel in prayers, charity, kindness and above all, patience. Patience with ourselves, patience with others, patience in God. It may have been down to Allah's mercy and blessings that descended and boosted our faith but the real change came from within ourselves. We all made an effort, we all experienced the change and Insha'Allah, God willing, we will all be rewarded for that.

The month may be gone but our efforts and achievements shouldn't end with it. Waking up for fajr may not be as easy any more, and I'm speaking from experience here - it's all good and rewarding to do it for 30 days with a community and festive spirit but the true test comes the day after Eid. The first day when we're all recovering from the celebrations and feasting. I believe it's our actions during the first few days after Ramadan that determine whether we are able to maintain our spirituality and carry on the legacy of Ramadan throughout the year.

After a month of hard work and dedication, take a little break to adjust your routine. Perhaps make up for some lost sleep and enjoy the festivities of Eid. As we celebrate our achievements and return to our normal daily life, remember the month of Ramadan, remember what we achieved, remember the effort we made and remember the peace and contentment we experienced. And reflect on how we got there.

May Allah accept our efforts, allow us to maintain our faith through the year and may we witness many more blessed months Insha'Allah.

And remember: “The deeds most loved by Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small.”

Image {flickr}


Read more by Abdullah Osman

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Top Ten Ramadan Blogs
Ramadan Reminders: Iftar Parties
Muslims In The West, Cool Photo Journal

Ramadan Reminders: Dinner Parties And Iftar

I've noticed some people use the following prophetic statement (hadith) to justify and encourage large iftar (breaking the fast) parties during the month of Ramadan:

"Whoever gives food to a fasting person with which to break his fast, will have a reward equal to his, without it detracting in the slightest from the reward of the fasting person" (Tirmidhi)

I think it's important to see the wisdom behind such inspiration and not to abuse it. There is a blessing in holding a family iftar meal and a attending a congregational ceremony at the mosque. Sometimes larger celebratory iftar parties can often distract people from the real virtues of Ramadan such as patience and moderation. It may even facilitate and encourage back-biting and gossip because after the fast a Muslim feels freer to relax.

The key is to avoid any situation that would distract you from attaining the pleasure of Allah. Just because you've stopped fasting doesn't mean you stop being Muslim.

Charity is very closely associated with the month of Ramadan and some scholars are of the opinion that the above hadith relates to the iftar provided to the poor and needy. I'm not in any way implying that providing iftar to people who can afford it won't earn you the reward but what I am saying is make sure the food "party" is done for the right reasons and in the right environment.

Invite a different person or smaller group over for the fast everyday instead of hosting for a huge group of people in one sitting. Prepare less food, a small portion to one person. Never throw away leftover food - freeze in tubs and distribute amongst friends. Always make du`a for those less unfortunate as you open your fast.

May Allah allow us to benefit from this auspicious month.

Follow Abdullah Osman on twitter.com/abdullah_osman

Image: flickr

Ramadan Reminders: Take a chill pill... (it won't break your fast)

Ramadan is not about depriving yourself of food and drink. Remember to cool down, mind your language and your temper. It's very easy to get emotional and worked up on an empty stomach but resisting crankiness is part of the test.

There are 'levels' to fasting so don't sacrifice your fast to prove a point and lose a higher level of righteousness.

Overlook the faults of others and insha'Allah your faults will be overlooked too.

Remember: “The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.” (Bukhari, Muslim).

Follow Abdullah Osman on twitter.com/abdullah_osman

In his opening address to his Jinni followers, Shaytan (the devil) said, “We can’t keep the Muslims from going to mosques or reading the Qur'an. We can’t even keep them from forming an intimate, abiding relationship with Allah.

Once they gain that connection with Allah, our power over them is broken. So let them go to their mosques; let them have their conservative lifestyles, but steal their time, so they can’t gain that relationship with Allah.

Distract them from gaining hold of their Lord. Keep them busy in the non essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds,” he told the Jinn. “Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow.

Persuade them to go to work for long hours so they can afford their empty lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice them to play the radio whenever they drive, to keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays feeds their appetites constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Allah.”

“Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause. It will work! It will work!” It was quite a convention. The evil Jinn went eagerly to their assignments causing Muslims everywhere to get busier and more rushed, distracted from their real goals.

Although a fable, the message of  clear. If you’re chasing your tail from morning to evening, waking up early, working late, not sleeping enough, studying hard and pursuing all the luxuries of this world, how much time do you devote towards you Lord? Apart from the 5 daily prayers, (I’m assuming we all manage that much at least) are we able to spare a few extra minutes everyday to read Qur'an? 5 minutes a day to read a Hadith? 5 minutes at the end of each day to thank Allah for his bounties, or to pray for guidance? A few minutes after each prayer for the remembrance of our Lord?

Why don’t we have the time?

From a young age we are moulded to pursue a material lifestyle. We are told: go to school so you can study, go to university so you can get a job, get a job so you can make money, make more money so you can afford that house, that car, the holidays, the gadgets… But once you’re in the system, it ain’t easy to unplug. We are all guilty of it. Unfortunately the lifestyle many of us pursue is not conducive to the simpler lifestyle that Islam teaches. However, I don’t believe they are completely incompatible.

As I mentioned in “The jar of life”, sometimes the less important things in life can distract us, filling up our time and keeping us away from our own peace of mind. If we get our priorities in order, we can fit everything in. The key is to prioritize, do what’s most important and insha'Allah (God willing) you will see Barakah (blessings) in your time and Barakah in your life.

As a Muslim, prioritize your faith. Be punctual and sincere in your prayers. Try to devote some time each day to your Lord. Spend time with your family and do charitable work. Fulfil your religious obligations and seek extra knowledge in your faith, even 5 minutes a day is worthwhile. Your career, no matter how important it may be, must come after your religion and family. You will find that if you are able to maintain this balance, your work, studies and other responsibilities will find a way to work around your faith and you will succeed in them too.

A few things I’ve learnt to aid in better time management are:

1. Wake up earlier to pray Fajr
2. Eat regularly with smaller portions, and eat healthy during Ramadan
3. Read at least 10 verses of Qur'an a day
4. Stay focused with daily exercise, even if a ten minute walk
5. Always make du`a/Qur'an/family checklists and use them, use a journal to keep track of what you have learnt
6. Work the hardest in the first half of your day
7. Take breaks to de-stress
8. Skip the music – listen to Islamic lectures or nasheeds
9. Avoid unnecessary distractions during fasting or exam season (Facebook, Twitter, aimless surfing) – there’s a time and place for this!
10. Remember Allah when you're not working and reflect upon His bounties
11. When doing things for others, make a sincere intention – sometimes the only difference between a random act and a spiritual act is the intention
12. Make quality time for your family, go out together, plan an event together
13. Avoid gossip and bad company. Control your tongue or just leave
14. Thank Allah for his provisions, this is called shukr, say alhamdulillah
15. Read an enlightening book that imparts morals. No good deed will go unnoticed
16. Avoid spending evenings with the t.v. or gaming
17. If you do watch t.v., don’t let it be the last thing you do before bed
18. Renew your faith by visiting the mosque daily
19. Make a sincere intention to wake up the next day for Fajr
20. Make wudhu and sleep early

I ask Allah to guide us and allow us to pursue a more active Islamic way of life. Insha'Allah!

Image: MUSLIMNESS

Abdullah Osman
Gold Coast, Australia

I came across a story which I later found was documented in Stephen Convey’s book, First Things First. In the story, a lecturer conducts an experiment in front of his audience using a glass jar, many rocks, pebbles, sand and water.

He begins to fill the large jar with rocks until no more rocks would fit. The audience was convinced that the jar was full. He then added a few pebbles to the jar which trickled to fill the gaps between the rocks. This time the audience agreed that the jar was probably not yet full.

He continued, now pouring sand into the jar which filled the smaller gaps between the rocks and the pebbles. When the audience agreed that the jar was still not full, he poured water into the jar which filled the gaps between the rocks, the pebbles and the sand. The audience was convinced that the jar was now full.

Finally, the lecture explained that if we don’t put all the larger stones in the jar first, we will never be able to fit all of them in later. If you think of the jar as your life, what are the rocks in your life? Family? Love? Friends? Religion?

What we must remember is that it is most important to include the lager stones in our lives, because if we don’t do so, we are likely to miss out on life altogether. If we give priority to the smaller things in life (pebbles and sand), our lives will be filled up with less important things, leaving little or no time for the things that are most important to us and for us.

The rocks in our lives should be our family and our faith. Sometimes the less important things in life can distract us, filling up our time and keeping us away from what really matters. If we get our priorities in order, we can fit everything in. So, pray and seek spiritual guidance, spend time with your family, take your wife out, play with your kids and make time to recharge yourself this Ramadan. There will always be time to go to work and do your chores.

May Allah grant us the ability to identify the rocks in our lives and grant us Barakah in our time. Ameen.

Abdullah Osman
Gold Coast, Australia