Director’s Message

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

The Islamic Information and Services Network of Australasia (IISNA) is providing Muslims, particularly the youth, with the opportunity to learn more about their faith and support their communities. This has occurred at a time of uncertainty for Muslims living in the West. The media continues to report ill-informed, biased and unsubstantiated stories that aim to perpetuate stereotypes. This has damaged the reputation of Islam, to the point where Islam has become synonymous with the word Terrorism. As a result, it is not surprising that many Muslims have begun to feel alienated. IISNA provides an avenue for our youth to learn about the beauty of Islam and encourage them to work with their families, neighbours and communities; creating an environment of understanding and promoting respect for people of different faiths and cultures.

IISNA seeks the support of the wider Australian community, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, in working together to promote the development of a healthy and productive society without fear and prejudice. One initiative IISNA has already taken to make a change is the ‘Da’wah Group’ which involves itself with setting up Islamic information tables around Melbourne. Another project is the Islamic Awareness Campaign (IAC) which is working closely with the Victorian Police. By posting continuous rebuttals on its website, public lectures and press releases, the team is directly working at removing any misconceptions generated by the media and politicians.

Some activities that IISNA undertakes include:

• Maintaining the IISNA centre and keeping it open 7 days a week
• Classes on Islam for brothers and sisters, including children
• Mass printing of pamphlets and booklets on various topics for free distribution, to non-Muslims and Muslims
• Production of high-quality CDs & DVDs of beneficial lectures and other topics
• A bookstore providing an authentic, comprehensive, and yet affordable selection of Islamic Books
• Maintaining a growing website, which is a useful resource for authentic Islamic information on the internet
• Family Counselling & Crisis Counselling
• Fund-raising Dinners for various disasters
• Host Australia-wide lecture tours, reaching non-Muslims and Muslims in all parts of Australia as well as neighbouring countries, including Indonesia, Fiji and New Zealand
• Sports and Camping Events, including a fully equipped gym
• Enhance understanding of Islam and encourage dialogue, primarily with the following organisations: Police, Hospitals, Schools, Churches, Temples & Synagogues & other organisations.

IISNA, along with its dedicated senior members, and the members of the Australian Muslim Community, seeks your support and welcomes any suggestions which will help us in working towards promoting understanding and acceptance; and the elimination of ignorance.

Yours sincerely,

Abu Hamza
Director

iisna :: introduction

Islamic Information & Services Network of Australasia (IISNA) is a non profit organisation which operates independently of any organisation, society or government; and is dedicated to sharing authentic Islamic information and providing services which will benefit Muslims and non-Muslims in the Australasian region.

iisna :: mission statement

To provide means by which Australian Muslims can learn Islam through accurate and reliable sources, assisting them in building better relationships with the wider community and contributing to a healthy and respectful society.

iisna :: vision statement

To work collectively with different Islamic associations in constructing a secure and well respected Muslim community in Australia.

iisna :: core objectives

1. To support the Muslim community by providing sound Islamic information/education;
2. To support the youth by educating them on core Islamic values and behaviours;
3. To provide a wide range of services to the Muslim community to help them in any way possible;
4. Support policies that promote civil rights, diversity and freedom of religion;
5. Oppose policies that limit civil rights or permit racial, ethnic or religious profiling, infringe on due processes, or that prevent Muslims and others from participating fully in Australian civic life;
6. Condemn all acts of violence against civilians by any individual, group or state;
7. Advocate dialogue between faith communities.

iisna :: approach

IISNA has always been receptive to working with members of the Muslim Community, both on an individual basis, and with local/interstate Islamic organisations; that are prepared to enhance the lives of Muslims within Australia, while also integrating with and supporting the broader Australian community. IISNA welcomes the involvement and participation of all Muslims who seek to follow the true teachings of Islam; it also co-operates with non-Muslim organisations on the federal level such as the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

iisna :: portfolio overview

We believe that firstly through the will of Allah, The Most High, and then innovative thinking, careful planning and hard work, IISNA can deliver projects that address a wide range of needs within the community. This is backed by 20 years of experience, which has already benefited many Muslims. IISNA’s existing portfolios include:

MUSLIM SERVICES;

Marriage Program, Visiting Group, Formal Arabic Lessons, Formal Recitation Lessons, Segregated classess for sisters, Classes for kids, Lectures presented by some of the most prominent Muslims today, Community welfare support via counselling for family and marital problems, Dollar a Day program

DA’WAH GROUP;

Islamic Awareness Campaign (IAC), Islamic Information Tables, Pamphlets, Media Response and Press Release, Open Days, Presentations

ACTIVITIES;

Youth Camps, Gym facilities, Horse Riding, Skirmish, Fishing Trips, Other various sporting activities

PUBLICATIONS;

Audio CD’s, DVD’s, Books, Pamphlets

iisna :: activities

IISNA endorses the interaction between a number of Muslim and non-Muslim communities: including faithbased organisations, community-based groups, health and educational institutions, the media, government organisations and business groups; as well as delivering events with broad appeal that serve to increase the understanding of Islam. IISNA, through its various portfolios, aims to eliminate stereotyping, misconceptions and racism, and to promote civil liberties in Australia. It hopes to achieve this by educating the Australian public and its institutions about the Islamic faith; and ultimately creating better understanding through the positive and realistic portrayal of Islam and Muslims in Australia.

iisna :: helping & supporting

IISNA encourages all Muslims to volunteer and contribute to IISNA activities. We always welcome individuals who are keen to enhance our services. If you are in any way interested in improving the condition of the Muslim community, then we would like to hear from you.

Without the support of individuals and organisations, IISNA will be unable to operate or meet the objectives outlined above. There is no formal membership of IISNA but there are a number of ways in which you can help:

• By getting involved in our activities
• By suggesting ideas and providing feedback
• By donating
• By sponsoring
• For information about getting involved or on how to make a donation, please contact us through: www.iisna.com/contact

iisna :: opening hours

Monday to Thursday: 9:30am – 3:00pm, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Friday: 11:00am - 1:00pm (Sisters only)
Saturday: 10:30am - 3:00pm (Sisters only)
Sunday: Maghreb to Isha (time subject to change)

iisna :: contact us

For further information about IISNA, please contact us through: www.iisna.com/contact

Address: 995 Sydney Road, North Coburg, VIC 3058

Telephone: (03) 9354 - 7500, Fax: (03) 9354 - 4955

Disclaimer: Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in this document, IISNA does not accept any responsibility for any error, omission or representation (expressly or implied) contained in this document.

© IISNA 2002-2008