5663) AL-AQSA DISERANG: BOIKOT PRODUK ISRAEL - BROTHER VINCE FOCARELLI - SAMUDERA.MY - 14/05/2021

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 Mei 2021 – Ketua International Committee Member, Brother Vince Focarelli merayu kepada semua masyarakat untuk bersama-sama berdoa dan memboikot barangan Israel demi hak asasi rakyat Palestin.

“Tolonglah semua, demi saudara kita, komuniti kita, mereka yang memperjuangkan dan membela hak asasi manusia, jika tiada apa-apa yang kalian boleh lakukan, maka tolonglah boikot produk Israel. Kalian boleh melakukan sesuatu bermula dari rumah kalian. Ia bermula dengan kalian. Kaum Muslim, boikotlah produk Israel dan berdoalah untuk saudara kita di Palestin. Ini merupakan antara perkara yang kita boleh lakukan. Solat dan doa adalah senjata orang Muslim. Ini apa yang Allah firmankan di dalam al-Qur’an. Jika kalian pergi ke pasaraya, boikotlah produk Israel atau yang berkaitan dengannya. Sekurang-kurangnya kalian melakukan sesuatu. Lakukan bahagian (tanggungjawab) anda.”

Senada dengan kenyataan ini, Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (PPIM) akan mengeluarkan senarai produk Israel yang akan diedarkan kepada orang ramai tidak lama nanti.

“Kita di sini, sebagai tindakan, akan menyenaraikan satu atau dua produk yang betul-betul mewakili kepentingan Yahudi zionis ini untuk kita edarkan dan jadikan sebagai target. Nak boikot semua pun tak mungkin boleh. Tapi kita mungkin pilih dua tiga produk yang kita nak boikot di seluruh dunia orang Islam akan boikot. Dalam masa terdekat ini kita akan keluarkan senarai,” kata Ketua Aktivis Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (PPIM) Datuk Nadzim Johan.

Artikel oleh: Samudera.my

AL-AQSA DISERANG: BOIKOT PRODUK ISRAEL - BROTHER VINCE FOCARELLI

https://www.samudera.my/al-aqsa-diserang-boikot-produk-israel-brother-vince-focarelli/

5530) 'WHO SAYS ISLAM CAN'T BE COOL?' - THE STAR - 04/04/2021

 

Article by: The Star

'WHO SAYS ISLAM CAN'T BE COOL?'

5528) 'WHO SAYS ISLAM CAN'T BE COOL?' - THE STAR - 04/04/2021

 

WITH his biker vest and stern face, you’d be forgiven for thinking he’s a character from the hit TV series about a violent biker gang, Sons of Anarchy. Well, Vince Focarelli is really a member of a gang – only his “gang” comprises Muslim NGO Sahaba MC (motorcycle club).

Instead of running drugs or committing murder, Focarelli’s MC is spreading a message of peace and love among citizens of the world while battling Islamophobia. The patches on his vest represent a brotherhood, not a gang of criminals, he says.

“Who says only criminals can wear patches, anyway. The biker look is not meant to intimidate anyone, it is meant to attract people to the movement. Who says Islam cannot be cool!” the Italian-Australian says with a laugh during a recent interview at the Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

“We ride big bikes and spread the message of love and unity. Helping all regardless of race, religion or background remains our top priority, ”

“Our main mission is to show the world the true Islam, not the perverted versions portrayed by terrorists and extremists.

“How, you ask? Well, simple, by helping others, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, through charity and community work, ” he adds.

The patches on his vest represent a brotherhood, not a gang of criminals, says Focarelli.

Currently based in KL, 46-year-old Focarelli previously lived in Australia, and he cites an example of such community efforts in that country: Young men from his other NGO, Ummah United, volunteered during the recent bush fires in Perth.

“I was very happy they did that. It shows the world that Islam is really a peaceful religion.

“We are not trying to be heroes, we are trying to set the record straight. Islam has been given a bad rap due to the acts of the misguided, such as terrorists and fanatics. The emergence of terrorist group Islamic State made our work even harder, ” he notes.

Correcting the misconceptions people have about Islam is the main thrust of his work.

“Strapping on bombs or suicide vests and killing yourself is wrong in Islam, it is a major sin. The same goes for taking an innocent life because, as it says in the Quran, if you kill an innocent life, it is like you are killing the rest of humanity, ” says Focarelli.

“There are also barbaric cultural beliefs in certain tribes, such as victimising woman and forcing young daughters to marry. This is is not the Muslim way. Allah says in the Quran you cannot marry women against their will. We have to show that this is not what Islam is about.”

Sahaba MC comprises adult members while Ummah United is specifically for the youth.

“While efforts to attract youth to worthy causes are commendable, I felt that a new approach was needed.

“Instead of chastising troubled youth, we should nurture them and make sure they know that they are loved and that they matter. We must love our youth, not turn our backs on them. We must steer them away from the life of street gangs, ” he says.

If anyone knows how to do that it’s former gang leader Focarelli, who was a feared and influential figure during his early adulthood in South Australia.

Originally hailing from Campania, Italy, Focarelli moved to Australia with his family when he was five after a massive earthquake in the Italian province in 1980.

“I began joining street gangs when I was a teenager before moving up the ranks and becoming a leader of a biker gang called Comanchero, ” he says.

He was involved in criminal activities such as drug trafficking and the illegal sale of firearms.

“Fights with rival gangs were just another day at the office back then. Gang members taking each other out was just part of the game.”

There were six attempts made on his life, including a bombing near his home – “Thankfully, none of my family members were hurt during that attack, ” he recalls.

Amidst a life filled with chaos and vice, though, something in Islam reached out to him and, with help from friends from Turkey, Focarelli converted.

But before he could turn his life around, tragedy struck when an attack on Focarelli in Adelaide in 2012 caused the death of his stepson.

“I was also shot four times but I managed to pull my stepson into a car. I tried to get him to hospital but he died on the way, ” he remembers with remorse, struggling to hold back tears.

Focarelli was held awaiting trial: “I could only watch my stepson’s funeral on television at the prison. That was the hardest thing I had to go through at that point in my life, ” he says.

Shortly after that, he was sentenced to 14 months’ jail on drugs and weapons charges.

Before he could turn his life around, tragedy struck when an attack on Focarelli in Adelaide in 2012 caused the death of his stepson.

Swallowed up by grief and anger, the Italian turned to the Quran while he was incarcerated and found some solace.

“After I was released in 2013, I began going for prayers at the mosque and finally leaving behind my life as a gangster.

“The tragedy with my stepson really opened my eyes and I began to delve deeper into understanding Islam, ” he shares.

Focarelli started a new chapter in his life when he opened a halal restaurant in Adelaide, La Fig Cucina, in 2016.

“I prepared halal meals for customers and gave back to the community by helping others, including homeless people, ” he says.

Ultimately, Ummah United was formed to give back to the community in a more substantial way and to start dialogues with non-Mulims, Focarelli explains.

“We want youth to participate and show them what respect is all about. Not respect from gangsters or criminals but real respect out of love for and from others.

“We give them tasks such as mowing lawns, volunteering for charity – and not just charity for Muslims but non-Muslims as well, ” he says.

In line with pulling youth out of a life of crime and vice, Focarelli wants to set up community centres where young men can hang out; and he wants the centres to also be places where the rest of the community, including parents, can spend time in too, to connect with the youth.

“They will be open to both Muslims and non-Muslims, all members of the community.

“The centres will be equipped with areas for MMA fighting and a boxing ring as well as recreational areas with pool tables, foosball machines and big screen televisions.

“The best part is it will be free for all to use, as it benefits the community, ” he says.

Both Sahaba MC and Ummah United have been invited to establish chapters around the world, including in Britain, Denmark, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Singapore, Southern Thailand, Turkey and Uzbekistan. The groups already have chapters in KL and Penang; in Australia, chapters are being set up in Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

“Around the globe, we have strong support coming from hundreds of thousands of people, ” he says.

Focarelli finds it heartening that many people are throwing away their biker gang patches to join Sahaba MC, with some even coming from the notorious Hells Angels and Rebels.

Basically, Sahaba MC and Ummah United’s work is about honouring the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, who called on Muslims to protect others, including non-Muslims, Focarelli says.

“No matter the race or background, we will help those in need.”

Focarelli, whose Muslim name is Imran Asya Abdulsalaam, went back to Italy before emigrating to Malaysia in early 2017.

He is now a member of the Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (PPIM), another step in his journey as a convert or “mualaf”.

He came to know PPIM through its chief activist, Datuk Nadzim Johan and is now active in the group’s activities, including showing Islam for what it truly is, he says.

Focarelli has this message for the world: “When you see Sahaba MC or Ummah United members in your communities, approach them and begin a dialogue. Start a relationship, get to know one another.”

Don’t be afraid, either by the biker patches or thoughts that they are a criminal network or extremists. “We only want to love and give back to the community so that everyone feels peace when around Muslims.

“Even after I’m long gone from this world, such work will go on, ” he says.

Article by: The Star

'WHO SAYS ISLAM CAN'T BE COOL?'

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/focus/2021/04/04/who-says-islam-cant-be-cool

5491) ISLAM UBAH HIDUP KETUA GENGSTER - SINAR HARIAN - 20/03/2021 /

 

SETIAP individu yang mempunyai kisah gelap layak diberi peluang kedua untuk menjadi insan yang lebih baik dan meneruskan kehidupan mereka.

Pada satu ketika dahulu, Vince Focarelli pernah menjadi ketua kumpulan gengster yang sangat berpengaruh serta digeruni di selatan Australia kerana terlibat dengan pelbagai kes jenayah.

Lelaki berbadan sasa itu berkata, dia berubah menjadi insan lebih baik selepas bertemu dengan seorang lelaki warga Turki di Australia yang ‘membuka jalan᾿untuknya memeluk Islam.

Vince, 45, berkata, hidayah itu diterima apabila dia selalu bergaul dengan rakan-rakan beragama Islam di negara itu.

“Bagaimanapun ketika itu saya hanya seorang Muslim pada nama dan tidak menghayati sepenuhnya kerana masih terlibat dalam kegiatan jenayah sebelum tragedi pada 2012 yang mengubah hidup saya,” katanya ketika ditemui Sinar Harian di Pejabat Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (PPIM) di sini baru-baru ini.

Kisah perubahan dirinya pernah tular satu masa dahulu dan menjadi motivasi kepada individu lain untuk berubah.

Kisahnya turut membuka mata ramai pihak mengenai bagaimana Islam mampu mengubah kehidupan seseorang menjadi lebih berdisiplin dalam hidup.

Vince yang berasal dari Campania, Itali mengimbau kembali kisah hitam penglibatannya dalam dunia mafia.

“Saya bersama keluarga berpindah ke Australia selepas insiden gempa bumi di Campania pada 1980.

“Saya mula terlibat dengan mafia ketika remaja sebelum mengetuai kumpulan gengster bermotosikal yang dikenali sebagai Comanchero,” katanya.

Vince berkata, sebelum memeluk Islam, dia menjalani kehidupan yang penuh episod hitam yang turut membelenggu dirinya.

“Saya pernah terlibat dengan aktiviti penjualan dan pengedaran dadah serta penggunaan senjata api.

“Saya juga sering terlibat dengan beberapa kes pergaduhan jalanan bersama ahli kumpulan mafia,” katanya.

Menurut beliau, kumpulan mafia lain sentiasa mencari ruang untuk menjatuhkan kumpulannya.

“Terdapat enam percubaan untuk membunuh saya termasuk satu cubaan bunuh menggunakan bom,” katanya.

Vince berkata, anak tirinya, Giovanni telah terkorban dalam insiden cubaan bunuh itu di Adelaide, Australia pada tahun 2012.

“Saya turut terkena empat das tembakan, namun sempat menarik Giovanni ke dalam kereta sebelum dia menghembuskan nafas terakhir dalam keadaan berlumuran darah,” katanya.

Dipenjara 14 bulan

Vince berkata, selepas kejadian itu, dia dipenjarakan dan ditempatkan bersendirian di dalam sel tahanan selama 14 bulan atas kesalahan dadah dan senjata api

“Perkara paling sukar dan sebak ialah saya hanya mampu melihat jenazah anak tiri saya di kebumikan melalui berita di televisyen di hospital penjara tersebut,” katanya.Vince berkata, di sebalik tirai besi itu, dia mula belajar membaca al-Quran dan menjadikan kalam ALLAH itu sebagai temannya sehingga berjaya mengkhatamnya.

Lelaki itu juga sudah memaafkan pembunuh anak tirinya kerana memaafkan orang lain sangat dituntut dalam agama Islam.

“Bukan mudah sebenarnya untuk memaafkan seseorang, ia tidak semudah mengungkapkannya hanya pada bibir, ia perlu lahir dari lubuk hati paling dalam,” katanya.

Vince juga menjadikan Rasulullah SAW sebagai contoh.

“Rasulullah seorang pemaaf, baginda tidak mudah sakit hati apatah lagi berdendam walaupun diperlakukan dengan pelbagai perbuatan menyakitkan, bahkan mengancam nyawanya.

“Untuk menjadi seorang yang mampu memaafkan orang lain yang melakukan kesalahan kepada kita memerlukan jiwa yang besar," katanya.

Tinggalkan kumpulan mafia

Menurut Vince, perkara pertama yang dilakukan apabila dibebaskan dari penjara pada awal 2013 ialah pergi ke masjid untuk bersolat.

“Saya telah meninggalkan semua aktiviti jenayah bersama kumpulan mafia,” katanya.

Vince memulakan kehidupan baharu dengan membuka sebuah restoran halal La ‘Fig Cucina di Australia pada 2016.

“Saya menyediakan makanan halal dan turut memberi sumbangan kepada golongan gelandangan selain melakukan amal jariah lain,” katanya.

Vince yang menggunakan nama Imran Asya Abdulsalaam berkata, dia kembali ke negara asalnya, Itali sebelum berhijrah ke Malaysia pada awal 2017.

“Saya kini terlibat dengan aktiviti dakwah dalam usaha mengajak insan lain mengenal Islam,” katanya.

Pengasas badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) Sahaba MC dan Ummah United itu juga berkata, dia berusaha menyebarkan mesej Islam dalam memerangi Islamofobia.

“Misi utama kita ialah menunjukkan kepada dunia Islam yang sebenar kerana ada segelintir manusia yang menganggap orang Islam sebagai pengganas,” katanya.

Dia menjelaskan bahawa Sahaba MC merupakan kumpulan bermotosikal manakala Ummah United khusus untuk golongan muda.

“Saya merasakan pendekatan baharu diperlukan untuk menarik minat golongan muda yang bermasalah menyertai NGO.

“Kita tidak seharusnya menghukum golongan itu dan perlu berusaha menjauhkan mereka daripada terlibat dengan aktiviti samseng jalanan atau kumpulan gengster,” katanya.

Vince berkata, penubuhan Ummah United bertujuan memberi peluang kepada golongan muda menabur bakti kepada masyarakat.

Aktiviti dakwah

Vince juga mahu golongan muda menyertai Ummah United dan menunjukkan rasa hormat kepada golongan itu supaya mereka tidak rasa terpinggir.

“Kita memberi ruang kepada mereka melakukan kerja amal dan sukarela, NGO ini juga terbuka kepada bukan Muslim,” katanya.

Vince juga berhasrat mewujudkan pusat atau kelab komuniti dan golongan muda dapat bersantai dalam masa sama dapat menjauhi mereka daripada melakukan aktiviti tidak berfaedah.

“Pusat atau kelab itu akan dilengkapi dengan gimnasium, gelanggang tinju, skrin besar dan mesin permainan.

“Segala aktiviti di pusat atau kelab itu percuma kerana dapat memberi manfaat kepada golongan tersebut,” katanya.

Vince berkata, Sahaba MC pula merupakan penunggang motosikal yang memakai vest khas bagi menunjukkan imej persaudaraan.

“Kita mahu menyebarkan mesej cinta dan perpaduan untuk orang lain dalam masa sama menghulurkan bantuan tanpa mengira bangsa atau latar belakangnya,” katanya.

Vince menegaskan Sahaba MC dan Ummah United bukan rangkaian jenayah atau ekstremis.

“Pada dasarnya dua NGO itu hanya menyebarkan mesej perpaduan, kasih sayang, ketenangan, kedamaian dan keharmonian kepada masyarakat di seluruh dunia,” katanya.

Vince berkata, ribuan orang menyokong Sahaba MC dan Ummah United di seluruh dunia.

“Kita akan membuka cawangan dua NGO ini di seluruh dunia termasuk Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Indonesia, Singapura, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan dan Malaysia,” katanya.

Menurutnya, ahli NGO itu menghormati Nabi Muhammad SAW yang menyeru umat Islam membantu orang lain termasuk bukan Islam.

“Nabi Muhammad SAW sentiasa berbuat baik kepada sesama manusia sama ada orang Islam atau bukan Islam,” katanya.

Artikel oleh: Sinar Harian

ISLAM UBAH HIDUP KETUA GENGSTER

https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/129343/BERITA/Semasa/Islam-ubah-hidup-ketua-gengster