Celebrating the rhythm and harmony of Muslim music, this year's Melbourne Muslim Music Festival offers a unique chance to experience the diversity, the beauty, and the joy of Muslim cultures through music. Featuring some of the finest artists both local and national, the festival journeys from traditional to contemporary, from political to personal, and from country to country to share and discover.
The Islamic Centre of Education and Development (ICED) was formed in 1998 by Australian Muslims. It aims to service the growing need of many Australians for a friendly and sympathetic way of experiencing Islam and receiving answers to their questions, to develop resources and networks that support Muslim converts living in Australia and Muslim-dominant countries, to contribute a tolerant and informed Muslim perspective to multifaith initiatives, and to enable Muslims to contribute to development needs in Australia and overseas.
JCMA conference Victoria
by Mark Pedersen
This was my second Jews, Christians, Muslims in Australia conference. I'd been quite inspired by last year's conference and so arrived at Palotti College in Millgrove with a sense of expectation for what the next four days would hold. What had impressed me most last year was the way in which people were able to dig into the serious issues of difference between the three faiths, while still building significant relationships across the faiths - for example, last year we looked at texts from each faith's scriptures that were challenging and/or critical of outsiders. Difficult issues like Israel and Palestine were also discussed, and while there remained differences of opinion, the spirit of dialogue prevailed and the conference concluded with expressions of hope for the future from many participants.
Islam and Apostasy
by Rafiq Clarkson
I embraced Islam over 15 years ago. I feel humbled that Allah had chosen me for this beautiful and enriching experience. As well as a gift, becoming a Muslim was also the acceptance of a task. Allah was asking me to give my all to better Islam and the whole human race.
Muslim Music Festival 2006
The Muslim Music Festival was a great success with a full house on both Saturday and Sunday concerts. We are all excited to make next year's event even better. Aziz Cooper was the MC for Saturday Night's concert and we have include the full text of his speech here. For more information on the 2006 event go to site www.iced.org.au/mmf.
The Clash of Ignorance
by Waleed Aly
Westerners like to divide Muslims into “moderates” and “fundamentalists”. The very terms reveal the depths of Western misunderstanding.
