لا تخشوا قانون مكافحة الإرهاب الأسترالي

Masjid Arrahman

Fear not the Australian anti-terrorism laws
Australian Muslims have recently been occupied with the new anti-terrorism laws proposed by the Australian Government concerning the fight against terrorism and the prevention of threats to the Australian arena in light of the dangerous and bloody situation occurring in more than one Arab and Islamic country overseas. This threatening situation could attract some Australian citizens who may join this ongoing bloodshed overseas and then return to Australia carrying back atrocious experiences and dark thoughts.
It is natural that the Australian Government moves to bring in legislation that gives power to its security agencies to combat terrorism and to work to protect the country from any attack that inflicts harm on its citizens and their safety.
Australia is a country of law and justice with independent judiciaries where organizations including the security forces cannot behave in any egoistic manner to proceed, for instance, in arresting persons here or there without abiding to the laws within the premise of the powers given to such organisations.
Therefore, it is a must that the security forces continue to act under the law in all their activities and investigations and whatever is required by them in terms of arrests, convictions and acquittals. All Australians are in agreement with this matter, support and accept it. The Begging question here is why this noise and the meaningless discussions on a law that has not yet been drafted or released? And then, why do some Muslims seek to through up dust around a law that has been said to be released in a neutral language that does not mention Muslims by name nor by description, nor does it directly point to Muslims?
The fear from this proposed law is not correctly founded. This is because we Muslims must continue, as we are Australian, to be loyal to our country and nation. We Muslims should not approach this or similar issues from an inferior mentality or from any assumption of being targeted by such laws, such that some may assume unfounded feelings of guilt or suspicion.
All Australians from all different religions, multicultural backgrounds and origins must work to protect their country Australia from any harm or from terrorism threats that could be imposed from foreign sources. This is because we are proud of our country Australia and its peaceful community, its democracy and social justice.
Therefore I call upon all Australians in general and Muslims specifically not to fear the Australian anti-terrorism laws. Muslims should not fear this law because they are peaceful citizens in their core nature. Say it clearly, loud and proud: We Muslims continue to be against terror acts and senseless bloodshed, and are all for Australia’s unity and for Team Australia.
Sheikh Youssef Nabha
Imam of Arrahman Mosque