“sometimes, all you need is a new perspective”

S

contentsintroduction K meet the team K snapshots

K news and opinion K the inside story K the straight path K your say K unleashed

K the bibliophile K the sports scoop K

the ilim funny bone K in the loop K visual

reminders K final words of wisdom

TWARNING: PLEASE respect and dispose of this newsletter properly AS IT CONTAINS THE NAME OF ALLAH

Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh!

How amazing it is, that a little, simple idea can grow so quickly into something marvellous in such a short space of time. Subhanallah. Not very long ago we were frantically scribbling down ideas and thoughts, jumping with excitement as our minds exploded with the possibility of launching the first ever Ilim College student newsletter. We were going nuts, and after chasing

teacher after teacher, our dream began to come alive. The power of words strung together on a page has always astonished me, and this newsletter aims to feature just that. It serves

as a platform in which year 7’s and 12’s alike can make a difference, voice their opinions and share knowledge. As explained beautifully in a quote by Rumi,“raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder”.

So, although we intended on releasing this edition a couple weeks ago, we’ve experienced a few bumps and set-backs on the way. But no need to fear, the newsletter is here (alhamdulillah)! Initially, we thought eight pages would be enough to fit all the

content. But we were very wrong. Instead, we present to you sixteen pages of gold.

Well what are you waiting for? Dive straight into it and GET READING!

by Amira Ismail

ISSUE ONE term 3

want to be featured in our next edition? Do you have Articles, opinions, poems, stories, artwork, QUESTIONS, advice or suggestions?

email us at:rant@ilimcollege.vic.edu.au

Q Graphics by NurAisyah Rosman and Farhana Ismail R

SMEET THE TEAMT

Amal HoblosThe best cupcake baker around who has a passion for reading and

poetry; she’s a lovely person with a rare depth of character and wisdom.

Amira IsmailA big dreamer, this girl’s head is always bursting with ideas. apart from food and photography, she enjoys a good laugh and aspires to

inspire. Farhana Ismail

Loves her books, arts and crafts and accommodates a strange sense of humor; she also enjoys eating watermelons, drinking tea,

photography, and watching the sun rise.NurAisyah Rosman

An artistic, sweet and shy individual who can be quite loud once you get to know her. A goody-two shoes (most of the time), funny, creative, loves to draw, enjoys spending time in the sun, cycling,

eating food and taking pictures of it.Aishah Chao

Popularly described as a silent ninja, she is a hardworking and funny girl (without meaning to be) that is fond of stationery.

Alisha RawalAn outspoken, in your face gal that likes her mangoes. She has a knack for public speaking and is pretty much a genius in denial.

Zehra SertA cuddly, funny, enthusiastic reader that loves going to the 24-hour

Kmart after midnight.Belinay Uyar

A loud, outgoing individual who is confident, funny and random. She can sometimes be quite the chatterbox and loves sports.

Noor KhanAn artistic, giggly perfectionist that has random bouts of bluntness with a love for nature (besides the creepy crawlies) and designing

things. She is well known for her neat handwriting and her motivating skills.

MuniraAn energetic, loud, extrovert who is forthright in her speech. As an

ex-tomboy, she gets along with anyone and everyone.Firdevs Derya

Slow, petite, very ladylike individual that has an eye for interior design and is into homeopathy, nutrition and health.

Hafsa ChaoAn extremely quiet yet intelligent and hard working soul that may

also be described as the “silent observer”.Izzah Zulkefli

This girl is awesome, funny, sneaky, cheeky, weird, random and hilarious. She has a pet unicorn named unicorn and loves gaming

and eating.

Iskandar ZulfikarA peaceful, respectable fusion of Indian, Pakistani, Chinese and

Malaysian heritage; this person is fond of Anwar al-Awlaki’s stories on seerah and reading about almost every topic.

Louay El-MustaphaA self-proclaimed “stubborn Arab” that enjoys reading and is

described by friends as loopy, delusional at times (he prefers the term visionary) and as a “wahabi” for his religious attributes.

Abdul Aziz MumeDreams of flying and is a master of inappropriate awkwardness.

Adib ZulkefliFunny, quirky, wild, smart, crazy, unbelievably abnormal and

spontaneous. Can cheer friends up with intelligent jokes and is able to hold a conversation for more than 12 seconds. A.K.A. “Robot in

disguise” and “Random unicorn”.Furkan Erbasi

A stubborn and complicated character that offers a unique perspective. He is a realist and an honest individual (too honest at times). He is known as “The Advisor”, “Google” and “Mega Mind”.

Gabriel HoblosA polite individual who can take a laugh and has difficulty keeping

quiet. He is an aspiring cricket player who is quite the bird

whisperer. He loves lollies, bananas and playing sports (particularly soccer).

Zikry JoffriA funny, shy and intelligent character that likes playing sport, games and staying quiet. As the youngest child he can be very annoying at

home and, *gasp*, isn’t a fan of reading. Abdulkadir Soylu

A patient and crazy individual that enjoys camping, fishing, motorbike riding, reading, gaming, drawing, sleeping, debating and

public speaking - everything really.Omer Hassan

A good natured, innocent individual who digs editing videos, special effects and reading; he says sorry way too much, loves cats and aims

to incorporate the element of truth into his writing. Zakariya Isaaq

A.K.A “Chatterbox” is a rapt sports fan who loves reading the Qur’an and can write billions of pages of sports news.

Armaan KhanA very impatient character, mostly described as a last minute

individual. He likes challenging people (such as asking people to spell pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanokoniosis). He is a happy

person who is fond of boomanas.

BY AMIRA ISMAIL

SNAP

SHOTS

NEWS AND OPINIONXThe Historically Repetitive Tale of the ‘Me-Me-Me’ GenerationBy Munira Mohamed and Noor Ul Huda Khan

Lazy, conceited and narcissistic are just for starters. There’s also entitled, selfish and shallow. These are some the adjectives grown-ups have used throughout time to describe us. Our recklessness has been the nightmares of adults even before the time of Plato and Socrates, but is it fair that we are always criticised? That we always have countless heads shaking at us like out of control bobble heads? Hell to the no! We are constantly frowned upon and for what? We are the future generation, and yet we are undermined, under-appreciated and blamed for pretty much every thing that goes wrong.

No matter the place or time we will always be looked at disapprovingly. Just as today’s young are stereotyped as reckless and frighteningly dissolute, so were the youth of the 1950s. Yet the very same generation whose teachers’ canes were the law of their schools, still frown upon us today when they themselves were in our positions.

Besides, in the same way that the baby boomers and Generation X label us as irresponsible and misguided, we need to remind ourselves that we, too, will most probably use the saying ‘kids these days’ to criticise the future generations. As much as we dislike criticism, I hate to admit it, but like fashion, the whole idea of classifying the youth as ‘reckless and out of control ’ is nothing but a cycle. For the youngsters who oppose what I say, I beg to differ but we are only a few years away from boarding the blame train.

Quiz- Are you one of the ‘Me-Me-Me’ Generation?A millennial is basically one of us, all teens and 20 somethings, that behave in certain way; so find out if you fit the description by answering the following questions.

1. Are you narcissistic? 2. Do you walk among 85 photos of yourself, your pets and friends etc.?3. Are you fame obsessed? 4. Would rather be a famous celebrity than a CEO of a company?5. Are you convinced of your own greatness?6. Are you lazy?7. Do you take countless photos of your food before eating it or innumerable selfies in changing rooms at the mall or when you’re bored (the ones no one knows about)?8. Do you feel entitled (even to things you are not willing to work towards)?9. Can recall the number of your Facebook friends’ list faster than that of your plate number?10. Is your interaction with most people almost entirely through a screen (even if you’re right next to that person)?11. Do you live under the indirect influence of friends? (be honest)12. Are you earnest and optimistic?13. Do you think about what others will think before you getting dressed, buying something or doing something?14. Are you a technology addict?15. Are you a sufferer of the “phantom vibrating syndrome” - a psychological condition where you believe your phone etc. vibrates without it doing so?

16. Do you send or receive an average of 88 texts a day?17. Is most of your life recorded on sites such as SnapChat, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or PlaceMe?18. Do you have to check your phone, laptop etc. every hour or so?19. Are you accepting of minorities?20. Are you informed yet inactive?

Mostly Yes: OhEmGee, you are a true millennial! You are constantly taking selfies and is a narcissist with no thought of even considering doing what your elders tell you to do. Remember, with being a potent millennial comes great responsibility.

Mostly No: Wipe those beads of sweat off of your brow- you’re safe. You aren’t your everyday millennial. You aren’t lazy or ‘frighteningly dissolute’ and may even be liked by adults (congratulations on the last one).

A bit of both: You aren’t a true millennial, nor are you a ‘non-millennial’. Whilst you may share the characteristics of a stereotypical millennial, you have your own flair and do as you please, when you please.

your life is not a fad, so why live as though it is?by firdevs derya

Often, the importance of a balanced intake of good nutrition is sold short. If only vegetables and whole grains were valued as much as our mobile phones. With the rapid advancement of processed food industries and decreased prices on non-whole foods, the development of poor eating habits are seen to be inevitable. When moved to generalities, it is also no lie that large correspondences of children adapt to the ways of their guardians. However, neither of these disadvantages should be subjected for blame. The reason being is that the manner of consuming without ethical thought is just a tiny ratio of all the obstacles life may give to you, and can indeed be overcome. It goes without saying; mistakes are and always will be made. The answer to avert a similar occurrence in the future lies in the ability to recall upon them and their causes. In this case, if the mind is preoccupied by remorse after a week of binging on processed and saturated sugars, all that that is required is some construction. A self-made plan for the detoxification of festering emotions is, believe it or not, the first step to building a healthier you. Set those endorphins on a high and express the happiness through a simple hobby. A conversation with a close acquaintance may be favored over a good book or a run, but that’s nothing to worry about. A healthy mind equals a healthy body; which makes comfort the key to success! It is also imperative to remember that restrictions and starvation is a nuisance to both the body and general well being. Punishing the body with malnourishment cannot be spoken favorably of. Forgive yourself for succumbing to the effects of overindulgence. Nourish the body with organic produce and unsaturated fats instead of reducing calorie intake. Insufficient

or low consumption will force the body to conserve energy and store unwanted sugars. Under eating will also result in the loss of lean mass, unstable digestive functioning and a slow metabolism. In fact, an energy intake of at least 1300-1500 (calories) a day is required for the average teenager up until the age of 18. Over time, an involuntary mode of starvation is made way for if the certainties are not met.

There is no healthier way that is recommended to improving a downfall in your diet, than to eat. Partake of the right foods, such as lean meats and fish, fruits, veggies and beans, can assist in cleansing the body. It’s never too late to get familiar with your food; as to stray away from sodium filled cans of produce is a big challenge at hand.Introduce yourself to a ‘superfood’. What is a superfood you ask? Well to begin with, its a clean and unprocessed nutriment with no or low additives. A superfood may also be rich in vitamins and minerals and consist of high antioxidant content. They are considered especially nutritious and beneficial for overall health. For instance, amongst the many varieties of fruit, blueberries are a perfect option. Compared to other berries, they are elevated in antioxidants and proven to prevent the spring of diabetes after a matured age. Other superfoods such as oats and quinoa are filled with soluble fiber. Much like cottage cheese; which contains casein protein, the substitutes for cereal and rice are rather hearty meals, keeping the hunger short and vigor spreading. Certainty is vital in the aspect of differentiating what the body needs and what it longs for. Strive to obtain control of the will power that resides within. I mean, what a shame it would be to grow old in the body you never precisely understood.

teacher exposed!mr. fadil the

inside

story

How would you describe yourself as a teenager?Well, I was a cool student. Everyone loved me, but you’ve got to remember our school was very small. We had about 5-6 boys in my class so everyone knew each other; everyone was liked. Alhamdulillah, I had a very good high school life. I actually started rapping in year 9 and people liked the way I performed,so that sort of increased my popularity.

Favourite Childhood show:The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air used to start at around 5:30 and I’d make sure to come home at 4 just to catch it.*Proceeds to sing the theme song for us*.

Favourite superhero: Superman, Christopher Reeves.

If you had a super power what would it be? Mind Reading.

How would you (ab)use it?To see what people think about me, if they like me, and if I’m going for a job interview or something, I would answer what the guy would like. I would try to use it for the good of the Ummah.

Favourite Video Game:I would have to say Mario Bros. Back in my days in the 90s, we had the NES and the SNES but I was into the NES and I would play Mario 1, 2, 3. If we’re talking about a VS game it would have to Street fighter, and my favourite fighter would have to be KenI, bought a PS3 and the first game I got was Street fighter, but it was as good as the old copies, street fighter 1, 2 etc.

Childhood nickname:Didn’t really have a nickname, but my rapper name was

Khalifa.

So you were Khalifa before Wiz Khalifa? Yes.

Strangest thing you have seen or heard in school:There were some year 12 students in the art room getting up to some mischief, one got really hurt and the paramedics came to school, I thought someone died. I feel that was really serious and weird. My Muslim maths teacher got married to one of the female teachers at Werribee; it was talked about a lot as she embraced Islam as well.

Favourite Movie:I’ve got 2. When I was a kid I couldn’t stop watching ‘The Goonies’, it was a good adventure movie, and I would have to say the second movie would definitely be ‘Terminator 2’.

Favourite Movie Quote:“I’ll be back.” – Terminator.“Damn it Kurt, you don’t win fights with that tip tap.” – Kickboxer

Favourite foodI like Italian food. I wasn’t a big fan of Asian food until I went to Asia, where I started trying out their food and became a big fan of Thai food. The reason why I liked that type of food is because you get several hits of flavour in one food - spicy, sweet, and sour - you get all these flavours in one explosive hit.

If you could be anyone else who would be?I’d love to be a Sahabah and live at the time of the Sahabahs.

What gives you the most joy in life?Teaching.I enjoy teaching, but I hate the paper work and also

“My rapper name was Khalifa”[

[

kids that cause trouble

What influenced you to teach?There was this one teacher who was my year 11 and 12 teacher; his name was Ali RecepResul. He was the type of teacher that was not like any ordinary teacher, he would take us on a excursion for a cruise, he had a 7 seater car, and you have to remember that we only had 5-6 boys in our class. So he would just take us all for a cruise and I was thinking which teacher does that?At the time I did not understand but he was the type of teacher that was trying to get through to the kids and make them more religious, every now and then he would give us a pamphlet.I also have immense respect for his son, because his father passed away, which is why he stuck with me, may Allah be pleased with him and grant him paradise. He was a pharmacist so he could have had a job that pays big bucks, but he chose to leave that to teach, and you have to remember that back in the 90’s teachers were also paid less. He did this because he wanted to make a difference in the Ummah, to the youth. I would be really happy if I could achieve half of what he did by the end of my teaching career, even 10% of what he did.He really inspired me, and I hope my students can be inspired by me the same way.

If you were stranded on an island which 4 teachers would you take?I would have to take Mr Abdu, because we actually went to a Perth trip and he was the star of the actual trip. I would say that four people is not enough, there would need to be more.

If you could sit down on a dinner table with 3 famous or important people, who would you invite?Rasulullah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam), Abu Bakr (radhi Allahu anhu) and Umar (radhiAllahu anhu)

If you weren’t a teacher what would you be?I would like to be a paramedic so I could save lives everyday.

Holden or ford? It would have to be Holden.

Pepsi or Coke? Coke.

What do you expect to see in a 100 years?It’d be really great to have teleportation in the future. You know it would just make travel easier for us. But, mostly, I think I’d like to see that we all live in harmony and that there’ll be a time that the Muslim Ummah is respected like they were in the Prophet’s time and the Caliph period.

What advice would you give to the students?Try to benefit from teachers as much as you can. Maybe teachers don’t show it and they find it hard to show, but they really do care about the students. So pretty much ask and seek help from the teachers, whether it be life or academic aspects of your life. Education is pretty much one of the keys to success. So you are always going to find hurdles you have to overcome, and I believe that teachers are a great help to overcome these challenges.

Interview by: Abdulaziz Mume, Muhammad

Adib Zulkefli and Furkan Erbasi

department spotlight: maths department by zehra sert and alisha rawal

“Math isn’t funny.”The math department - wait we have a math department? Yes, fellow students of Ilim College, we have a math department! You know all your math curriculum and exams? Well, they first go through the maths department. We have compiled a brief rundown about the department in question for you just so you know exactly how, and why, teachers torture you with math. Our trusted sources have provided us with the following information:Coordinator: Mr Ahmet AltindagliBest thing about teaching mathematics: Teaching students how to calculate their own “dollar” and preparing them for the future.Most gratifying thing about being a member of the math department: Seeing young teenagers who have had problems solving basic algebraic equations, excel in their studies and end up receiving high ATAR scores.Biggest achievement of the math department: When students achieve high scores, such as ‘high distinction’ or ‘distinction’, in competitions. #proudmomentforilim

Funniest thing to happen in the math department: “Math isn’t funny.” (Put very bluntly by our sources.) Functions are just not funny. Upcoming projects: The Ilim College Math department is planning a building bridges competition, which involves students building their own bridges and seeing which bridge can uphold the most weight. Sounds very exciting!Improvements for the department: Dear Admin, please make our math department more tech-savvy. Our math department whole heartedly waits for the use of technology to be implemented into teaching students maths.

Thanks for reading this edition’s ‘Department Spotlight’ and we hope you now know who to complain to if you have any problems with your math class. :)

What is Islam?by Iskandar Zulkarnain bin Zulfikar

What is Islam? What is a Muslim?

Have you ever pondered long about these two questions, about their meaning and about their explanation? Does Islam simply mean “peace”? Is a Muslim somebody who just “follows” Islam?

To begin things off, in ‘Lisaan al-Arab’, it is mentioned that Islam must be correctly defined as “to give in”, “to submit”, or even “to surrender”. Thus, a Muslim is “one who submits”.When Allah (SWT) says in the Quran, in Surah Adh-Dhariyat: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me”, it means that to correctly label ourselves as a believer, we must surrender ourselves physically, socially, emotionally and religiously to Allah (SWT) alone.

Furthermore, Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al Imran: “Indeed, the only true deen in the sight of Allah is Islam.” However, the word deen, as mentioned in this ayah, is not only limited to religion as a translation. The more strict translation is ‘way of life’.For that is exactly what Islam is. It governs every aspect of our lives, extending over the entire spectrum of life vividly guiding us to conduct all human activities in a sound and wholesome manner. From the cradle to the grave, we are taught, through Islam, the correct way to approach this life- which is by taking the Quran and Sunnah as our primarysource of knowledge- whilst simultaneously working and striving for the akhirah, the hereafter, our real home, where we will abode eternally in shaa Allah.

We are taught how to manage our daily affairs; the public ones and the private ones. This ranges from political to ethical issues, social matters to religious ones. Even the etiquettes of using the bathroom are portrayed through the traditions and path of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). And when a matter or

problem arises, where its solution is not found in the Quran or Sunnah, Islam still provides the answer. This is seen through the implementation of Qiyas and Ijma, which are explained respectively as analogical reasoning and consensus amongst the Muslim community.

Thus, Allah’s deen proves to be the only deen which agrees with man’s fitrah (nature), and calls for the use of rational thinking and contemplation when coming to a decision in all aspects of life. Additionally, the beauty about Islam can be witnessed from the fact that it solves all problems, from all societies, from all races and genders.Its laws and messages were not conveyed for a specific group or nation, nor is it in its nature and laws to benefit a people. Islam proves throughout history to be the divine and universal guidance wherein humans of all nations, colours and tongues may feel linked and connected to a Supreme Power and Justice. And as Muslims, we are told to live a life of balance and not to dwell deeply and extremely in one aspect of life while failing miserably in another.

“Work for the affairs of this world as if you were going to live forever, but work for the hereafter as though you will die tomorrow”.This narration is itself self-explanatory, for verily, Islam never separates the issues of one aspect while conveying to us to focus strictly on it and neglect other duties and responsibilities that we possess. All issues and matters are collaborated together to form a perfect system, which if functioned properly, provides the complete, successful and joyful human being and believer.And when this topic is reflected upon, pondered upon, it provides an all-embracing and comprehensive way of life, which can only give glad tidings to the true and faithful believers.W“Islam proves

throughout history to be the divine and

universal guidance...”[[

the straight path

"When Allah wishes good for someone, He bestows upon

him the understanding of Deen."

-bukhari & muslim

The voice of hidayah: good character by the male student Islamic Enrichment Committee

Bukhari and Muslim relate that `Abdullah ibn `Amr RA, said, “The Messenger of Allah PBUH was never immoderate or obscene. He used to say, ‘Among those who are most beloved to me are those who have the finest character.’

The meaning of good character is the inclination of the soul towards gentle and praiseworthy acts. This may take place in one's personal actions for Allah Most High, or in actions that involve other people. In the former case, the slave of Allah has an open and welcoming heart for His commandments and prohibitions, and does what He has imposed on him happily and easily, and abstains from the things that He has forbidden him with full contentment, and without the least dissatisfaction. He likes to perform optional good acts, and abstains from many permitted things for the sake of Allah Most High whenever he decides that to abstain in that way would be closer to perfect slave hood to Him. This he does with a contented heart, and without feeling any resentment or hardship. When he deals with other people, he is tolerant when claiming what is his right, and does not ask for anything that is not; but he discharges all the duties that he has towards others. As Allah Most High says in the Holy Quran: "Those who suppress their anger, and forgive other people – assuredly, Allah loves those who do good." [3:134]

Good character may be something that a man is born with, or it may be acquired. However, it may only be acquired from someone who has it more firmly rooted in his nature than his own. It is well known that a man of sensible opinion can become even more sensible by keeping the company of intelligent and sensible people, and that a learned or a righteous man can learn even more by sitting with other people of learning or righteousness; therefore it cannot be denied that a man of beautiful character may acquire an even more beautiful character by being with people whose characters are superior to his own.

References: Text adapted from: www.A2Youth.com (Islamic Manners)WThe creation of Adam and Hawwaa' (Eve)by hafsa chao

Allah (SWT) created Adam (AS) sounding clay, from molded mud. The angels protested at first as they knew the evilness of the jinn, but Allah knew best of what he was creating and taught Adam the names of everything. The angels were commanded to bow down to Adam (AS) and they all did except Iblis, he refused to bow down to Adam (AS) due to his arrogance. He was thrown out of Jannah, but before he went out, he asked Allah to allow him to live till the End of Time so that he may lead the son of Adam astray, and they will be with him in the Hellfire. Allah (SWT) then commanded Adam and Hawwaa’ to dwell freely in Paradise and eat whatever they want, but, they mustn’t approach the Tree. Iblis then deceived them into approaching and eating from the Tree. Their shameful parts became apparent when they ate from the Tree. They then repented to Allah but they could not live in Paradise anymore and they were sent to Earth.We learn from this to never be tricked by Iblis/Shaitan, for he

can lead us to do sins as he did to our father, Adam (AS).

M&M'sSmarties

CokePepsi

your

say.

getting old a memoir

So, I’m turning 17 in a few days and I’m starting to freak out. I mean, turning 17 is not that big of a deal; it’s just a number after all. However, I can’t help but wonder HOW ON EARTH I’M ONLY 3 YEARS AWAY FROM TURNING 20. I still have trouble telling people I’m sixteen, probably because no one believes me (it’s an Asian thing). But really? Seventeen? Already? I feel as though it was only yesterday I was in fourth grade using a ‘tub’ and raving about my new tamagotchi version 3. I used to complain about the one sheet of homework I would get for the entire week, run to class terrified I’d arrive late, get my keys stuck in my zipper pocket, wear a lanyard (I was such a dork), win trophies for chess club *shudder*, and scream in people’s faces “I’m dobbing on youuuu!” I miss having ‘show and tell’ on Thursdays, dressing up for character day and filming lame videos with my friends. I used to avoid the “big kids” because I felt tiny and uncool

around them, and now I am one of the “big kids”. It’s funny, how quickly time flies.As a young girl, I couldn’t wait to grow up. I wanted to have my own mobile phone, drive around in a car, sip coffee from a mug and get a job. The ‘grown-up’ world looked amazing at the time. But now, in hindsight, perhaps I should have learnt to appreciate being a kid a little more. Okay, wow. I’m almost an adult. Let’s just take a moment to let that sink in.I guess I’ll finish off with some precious advice for all you youngsters out there, so read carefully. Please remember that growing up is not all that it seems, so make the most of your youth. Today will never come again, so spend your time wisely. Do what you can, while you can, and don’t rush to grow up. These words come from experience. Don’t make the same mistakes so many do. Oh, and don’t wear lanyards. I learnt that the hard way.

smarties? 40%

or m&m's? 60%

coke? 55%

or pepsi? 45%

ShoppingCleaning

shopping? 63%

or cleaning? 37%

X

GUNLEASHEDGMASTERCHEF, CAKE AND BABIES, OH MY!

BY AN AUDACIOUS YEAR 11 GIRL

So I was lying down with my blankie, watching Masterchef, hoping that the Muslim lady would make it through when I realised I had to write a rant. I started thinking hard - which is exhausting – and the loud sounds emanating from the TV annoyed me so I decided to turn the volume down. When I looked around for the remote I realised it was on the other side of the room.I mean I’m all comfortable, in a very relaxing position. I don’t want to have to walk all the way to the other side of the room. ‘Ain’t nobody got time for that!’ It’s funny how simple things like that can ruin your vibe. For example, how many times have you been in your car and just as you reach your destination

your favourite song comes on? (For all of you who don’t listen to music – which is a good thing – you won’t understand this situation.) So let’s try something more common... how about cereal?! Everybody eats cereal. One annoying thing about cereal is pouring cereal in a bowl and then realising there is no milk left. Ok, so I’m going to be honest. That has never happened to me before; mainly due to the fact that I don’t like cereal.

I don’t really have a sweet tooth; I’m more of a savoury type of gal. Which also means that I hate cake - yes, I hate cake. It just doesn’t taste good! I honestly believe cake is overrated. It’s everywhere – weddings, birthdays etc. (I said ‘etc.’ because I couldn’t think of anywhere else where cake is one of the main desserts, whoops.) I mean think about it: cake is a mixture of ingredients that should not be mixed together. For all those people (particularly males) who don’t know what ingredients are included in cake mixture, I will Google it because I don’t know either. Okay, so there is milk, eggs and butter and for the frosting you would have something sweet. Seriously?! What kind of mixture is that? It’s almost worse than meat... ALMOST.

So the reason I started this rant is because the TV was too loud. I don’t like anything that is too loud, including teenagers. I dislike teenagers even though I am one myself. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t mean all teenagers, just those stereotypical ones that think the whole world revolves around them. They overreact and are drama queens with loud voices and barbaric actions. Although, sometimes when I see a spider I am mistaken for ‘those’ teenagers. NO, I am not a drama queen! It’s not my fault I hate everything that crawls (except for babies... well some babies). I wish that I could just get every spider in the world and throw it into a bathtub full of boiling water and cackle while I watch them melt. It would be a dream come true! When I mention my feelings about teenagers people say I’m too mean. I’m not mean, I’m just brutally honest! We all think mean things but only some of us are brave enough to mention it. Yes, I just called myself brave. Deal with it!

the bibliophile**A person who collects or has a great love of books.

, BOOK REVIEWS< Men & Women around the Messengerauthor: Sa'd Yusuf Abu Aziz

Translator: Suleman Fulani

reviewed by aishah chao

The best to walk the earth after the Prophets are the Companions of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. In Men & Women around the Messenger, Sa`d Yusuf Abu Aziz has compiled one hundred personalities among the Companions. He compiled narrations, hadiths and incidences that made each and every Companion distinct and remarkable in their own way. In striving to understand Islam, we should strive to understand the way the Companions did, and understanding their lives and personalities is the first step.

The 600-page English version is translated by Suleman Fulani, and its standard price in Australia is ~$25, but considering its concise yet detailed quality, it’s more than worth it..

cdid you know? BY ARMAAN KHAN

IAnatidaephobia is the fear that somewhere in the world there is a duck watching you.IPeanuts are one of the only ingredients in dynamite.IA man named Charles Osborne had the hiccups for 69 years!IThe name “Muhammad” is the most common name in the world.IHippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is the fear of long words.IMore than 50% of the people in the world have never made or received a telephone call.IIf you sneeze too hard, you can fracture a rib.IIt’s against the law to have a pet dog in Iceland.

divergentauthor: veronica roth

reviewed by zehra sert

Divergent by Veronica Roth is the first book in the Divergent trilogy. The world is divided into five factions; Abnegation for the selfless, Dauntless for the brave, Erudite for the intelligent, Candor for the honest and Amity for the peaceful. Beatrice Prior (Tris) is the main protagonist and she doesn’t seem to fit in. Growing up in Abnegation, she has always known that she does not belong.On an appointed day of every year all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. When Beatrice’s aptitude test results come through as inconclusive, she is told that she carries the characteristics of three different factions. She instantly becomes a target and must hide her divergence. She has to choose between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.‘Divergent’ is a heart-pounding debut. It is filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals and stunning consequences. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a haunting young-adult novel. Divergent can be found at Ilim College library.

1 poem from merve uyar2Bazen hayattan vazgeçmek istedigimiz anlar olur.

Oysa, hiç bir zaman unutmayin ki, Allah kullarını asla yalnız bırakmaz. Hayat, çevremizdeki insanlardan ibaret degildir, kainatı ilgilendirir.

Kainatta ise, canlı cansız herşey Allah'ı tespih eder, en mükemmel yaratık olan biz insanlar ise, Allah'ı anmaktan aciz mi kalacagız?

İnsanoglu, hem dünyası hem de ahireti için herşeyini Allah yolunda harcamalıdır.

1poetry2"TEARS OF THE SEEKER"

BY ALISHA RAWAL

Every day I go to the edge of the gateAnd search for the boat I hoped was only late.

It had not arrived for many daysOn Christmas Island’s horrific bays.

From the boat my father did not return,In my heart, this left a burn.

I miss his smile and his voice-I shouldn’t have left him, but I had no choice.

Tears emerge from my eyes,Yet the guards don’t even sympathize.

The guards don’t even care,For, at us they only glare.

I don’t understand why I feel so much painIt’s hurting and slowly turning me insane.The wounds I have are too deep to mendI don’t think this suffering will ever end.

Inequality and mistreatment are all I ever seeThese harsh conditions are all around me.

Every day I say to the gate keeper:“Please release me; I’m only an asylum seeker.”

Sport: SoccerEPL Transfer News:1. Wayne Rooney to Chelsea: Wayne Rooney has decided that he will put his upsets behind him and stay with Manchester United as he has realised that he will not be sold. On Opening Day for the EPL, Manchester were up against Swansea (Win 4-1) and Rooney came on as a 62nd minute substitute (Manchester were leading 2-0 at the time) and set up two goals, one for Van Persie who is happy at United and Danny Welbeck’s goal in which he controversially did not participate in the team’s goal celebration. 2. Luis Suarez to Arsenal: Arsene Wenger is now in a dilemma as he has no Suarez, no Rooney, no Higuan but still a €40m bank. Luis Suarez has backpedalled by saying that he now wants to stay at Anfield and was seen joking and laughing with teammates while training at Melwood. This is now a terrible situation for Arsenal fans as they also lost to Aston Villa 3-1 on Opening Day.3. Gareth Bale to Real Madrid: Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez has said that Real Madrid must stop their pursuit for Bale and concentrate on winning a tight La Liga as Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is holding out for a world record transfer fee of £100m for their star player. Real Madrid are also keeping the #11 shirt open for him. The 24 year-old superstar is now recovering from a foot injury which will keep him out of the starting 11 until early September.

Sport: BasketballKobe Bryant Injury News:Kobe Bryant has beaten the recovery timetable for a torn Achilles. After three and half months, he is walking just fine. Many reports say that he will easily be back for opening day.

world sports by zakariya isaaq

sports scoop

QoverheardRreal people. real situations. all, overheard.

I"Eye posture is

really important." -Teacher

I"Sharing is germs." -Child

I"I WILL SLAP THE FAECES OUT OF YOU!" -Student

I"This is 10 females and 10 males in a bag." -Teacher

I"My grandma is a library bus?" -Student-

anonymous

letter

world sports by zakariya isaaq

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q visual reminders rby amira ismail

final words of wisdomby muhammad zikry joffri

Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you many learn piety and righteousness” (Q 2:183)

“Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind and a clear guidance and judgment (so that mankind will distinguish from right and wrong)” (Q 2:185)

May Allah forgive all our sins and InsyaAllah (by the will of Allah) we will reach and still be alive next Ramadan. Ameen.