Tuesday, October 23, 2007

REFLECTION: Vale John Ilhan


John Ilhan died today of a suspected heart attack.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.
(From God we come, to God we return.)

He was just 41 years old.

Here are a few of his statements ...
Loyalty first and foremost to Australia should also be remembered by some religious leaders, including some radical Muslim leaders in Australia, who pretend to speak for the faith, but instead promote intolerance and hatred.

My Muslim faith qualifies me to strongly denounce any racist and inflammatory comments made by any Muslim leaders because they perpetuate a stereotype that is unhelpful and dangerous ...

I love Australia for what it stands for. It embraces opportunity, inclusion and, most important of all, mateship. What Australia has taught me is that if you give something - like the hand of friendship or provide a service that fulfils a need - you will be repaid many times over. They say that America is the 'land of opportunity', but I say Australia is. I'm a good example - a working-class boy made good.
Words © 2007 Irfan Yusuf

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2 comments:

  1. Anonymous11:09 am

    True story: My mother was waxing lyrical about what huge migrant success story "Crazy John" was. All that praise came to a screeching halt when I told her he was a Turkish Muslim. In her mind, Muslim = Terrorist bomber. I think John Ilhan's success story might've caused her to doubt some of her earlier prejudices.

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  2. Anonymous10:00 pm

    that is pretty funny. i still remember all those comments on the internet where Australians thought he was a true blue australian - once they found out he is a muslim, this is going to be interesting!

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