by Bilal Cleland, July 1997
[a collection of notes on the experience of conversion to Islam in Australia, and how to deal with the issues that arise]
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.
On Becoming a Muslim
Training Skills or Changing Minds?
by Michaela Dedek & Frances Di Cocco
A presentation on active learning made at the 2005 National Conference for Conductive Education
Our philosophy of learning and how it occurs underpins what we do and the opportunities we provide classroom and at home. Our beliefs about children and their capabilities impacts upon the extent of their learning. We therefore need to address and sometimes challenge other's beliefs about the capabilities of students and children.
Indian Ocean Tsunami Disaster
Following the disastrous earthquake and tidal waves across the Indian Ocean, there is an urgent need for safe water, sanitation systems, and food relief for the survivors. Please consider donating to this cause.
Al-Ghazali: Sufi-Philosopher?
by Ismail F Alatas
Abu Hamid al-Ghazali was one of the greatest Muslim theologian and thinker as well as a prolific writer. The complexity of his works has been noted and studied widely, which then resulted in the emergence of different views and opinions concerning his thoughts. Some adore and canonize him as the pillar of orthodoxy, while others attack and dismiss him as the annihilator of reason in Islam. Consequently, this essay is an examination of a number of al-Ghazali’s works in order to observe his position in regards to philosophy. The essay argues that al-Ghazali did not attack philosophy in general but only a certain tradition of philosophy. Moreover, it will try to demonstrate how in reality al-Ghazali was transforming philosophy from its original form into a more Islamic one.
Spirituality in Islamic Art and Design
by Issam Nabulsi
[This lecture was presented at the University of Melbourne in October, as part of the AsiaLink "Sense of Islam" series. It focuses on spirituality in contemporary Islamic architecture. Issam Nabulsi studied under Rasem Badran and worked with his firm in Amman, Jordan, before coming to Australia. He has his own architectural firm (Mimar Architects), involved in some residential work, but particularly in institutional architecture and as a consultancy to other projects.]
