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Post by lennie on Oct 27, 2006 23:03:07 GMT -5
Senior Muslim cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly has created a fairly deep hole for himself within the Australian Community recently. The Sydney cleric reportedly compared women to uncovered meat during a sermon last month which received swift condemnation from politicians, including Prime Minister John Howard. He has since though apologised for any offence caused by a sermon in which he reportedly laid the blame for sexual assault on women who do not cover their bodies.
Sheikh Hilaly has issued a statement saying he was speaking about the causes that lead to fornication, and that he condemns rape. He has unreservedly apologised to any woman offended by his comments, insisting he only intended to protect women's honour. Sheik Al Hilaly was given the title of Australia's Mufti by the Federation of Islamic Councils, but Islamic Council of Victoria spokesman Walid Ali says he should be stripped of the title.
New South Wales Community Relations Commission chairman Stepan Kerkyasharian has written to Sheikh Al Hilaly condemning the comments. "The position of leadership is a matter for his constituency, but he owes the rest of Australia an apology," Mr Kerkyasharian said. The Federal Opposition Leader, Kim Beazley, says Sheik Al Hilaly should make a retraction. "And a clear-cut statement that people who commit acts of rape should be absolutely condemned," he said.
A close associate of the sheik, Keysar Trad, says the speech was about adultery, not rape."He wasn't talking about rape in any way," Mr Trad said. "He wasn't talking about standard norms of dress in Australia or any country, he wasn't talking about the hijab, he was talking about people who engage in extramarital sex." But the Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner and New South Wales Liberal Party candidate, Pru Goward, does not believe the sheikh can backtrack over his comments. She says he could be guilty of incitement to the crime of rape and should be deported. "On that basis he can, if his visa arrangements are appropriate, be deported," Ms Goward said. "I would strongly urge the Islamic leadership to ask him to go, we would all support that.
Meanwhile, New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma has urged the cleric to retract his statements, calling them offensive. "His comments ... don't do a very good job of representing Muslims. Now to in some way suggest that you can justify sexual attacks on women on the basis of how they might walk or dress is outrageous," he said. The member for Indi Sophie Mirabella says that Australia’s top Muslim cleric should resign and consider moving to Iran. The federal Communications Minister, Helen Coonan, says the Muslim cleric's comments referring to women as "meat" gives rapists an excuse for their crimes, when there is no excuse for rape.
In response Sheikh Hilaly has indicated he will not step down. When asked whether he would resign he replied, "after they clean the world from the White House first". Islamic leaders met in Sydney to decide the future of Sheikh Al Hilaly. Lebanese Muslim Association president Tom Zreika says the Sheikh has not denied making the comments, but says they were taken out of context. Mr Zreika says the association's board is reviewing the transcripts and tapes of the sermon to decide what action might be taken. He says the board's power on the issue is not limited, but he has not said whether it will remove Sheikh Hilaly from his role.
Muslim leaders have called for an emergency summit to take place on Monday which could result in the sacking of Sheikh Al Hilaly. A spokesman for the Muslim community in Perth, Dr Ameer Ali, says the mufti should hold his tongue. "I think in the interest of peace and harmony and cohesion it's better for the sheikh to keep away from the limelight for about two or three months and come back, let things subside and let the community think over it again and make a decision," he said.
Keysar Trad, a supporter of Sheikh Al Hilaly, says it has been a difficult few days for his friend. Mr Trad says he queried the sheikh about the comments regarding the White House."He said to me here we have the media in Australia stopping everything to pursue a frail old man who has apologised for any offence," he said. "Yet there are some really serious issues in the world, there are serious issues involving world leaders which are being completely ignored."
The wife of the former Guantanamo Bay detainee, Mamdouh Habib, says she was present when Sheik Al Hilaly gave the controversial sermon last month. Maha Habib says there was nothing wrong with the sermon. "I have heard the speech that he has said," she said. "I have heard his words and I can understand and assure you the way I understood it that he wasn't talking to the Western people, he was lecturing us and telling us our duty towards being a Muslim and what is said in the Koran."
Some of the strongest condemnation has come from a number of women from the Islamic community. More than 500 women took to the streets of Sydney for a march protesting violence against women. Some taking part in the Reclaim the Streets rally were carrying signs with a picture of Sheikh Al Hilaly with the words, "Wanted for multiple crimes including approval of rape".
Eman Dandan, from the Sydney University Muslim Students Association, told the rally Muslim women already have to deal with hostility on the streets. "We must protect all women in whatever choice they may make," she said. "I stand here today to support women to wear the veil and I will aid a woman who has chosen not to wear the veil.
" Sara Haghdoosti, who immigrated from Iran and is studying economics at university, also condemned the sheikh. "They [the comments] were disappointing and I find them abhorrent," she said. He's part of a very minute group and they don't represent Muslims." She says she was disappointed with his punishment and so were many of her male friends in the Islamic community. "I spoke to a few young men and what they were telling me was they were disappointed," she said.
The fact is though that Sheikh Al Hilaly has made comments that appear to be supported by some in the Muslim Community who could be seen as biased and known to have extremist associations and/or beliefs. Even certain members of the Islamic community have expressed that concern. It is fair to say that if the tables were turned and it was a leader of a denomination such as Catholic or the likes making a comment regarding their Religions attitude to Women on Iran soil, they could easily receive severe punishment, possibly even death.
I’m not advocating that a similar stand should be taken with Sheikh Al Hilaly, it is not in the nature of Australian people to react in such a manner, but the message is clear – this is Australia buddy where you don’t make such stupid comments. If that is what you believe then go and practice it where it is accepted. Myself, I think Al Hilaly should be deported.
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Post by lennie on Oct 27, 2006 23:55:46 GMT -5
Greens leader criticises sheikh's 'White House' remarks
Australian Greens leader Bob Brown has described comments about the White House from one of Australia's senior Muslim clerics as "unacceptable in a democratic society". While Senator Brown has been a vehement opponent of the White House and its foreign policy, he says the mufti's comments are dangerous. "But the inherent implication of violence there is one I reject, just the same as I reject George Bush's invasion of Iraq," he said.
The Australian Greens have described the recent comments of Australia's senior muslim cleric as "abhorrent". "And there is nothing good to be said about that. And comments like that about the White House mean that the mufti is not thinking of democracy."
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Post by bill on Oct 28, 2006 7:15:57 GMT -5
Latest song on the Aussie Hit Parade goes like this:
Won't you go home Hilaly Won't you go home Hilaly won't you please go home
You should go North Hilaly Before you're forced Back to your old Iran.
You opened your mouth Hilaly When you came South And caused a right old storm
Hilaly won't you please Hilaly won't you please Hilaly won't you please go home.
Oh by the way, if you didn't guess, you can sing it to the tune of "Won't you come home Bill Bailey". ;D ;D ;D
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Post by lennie on Oct 29, 2006 1:10:48 GMT -5
Labor's 1980s Al Hilaly decision 'blatantly political'
from ABC Online. The Prime Minister John Howard says a 1986 decision not to deport the Sydney Muslim cleric, Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly, was blatantly political.
Mr Howard has again called on the Muslim community to resolve the furore surrounding the sheikh's comments about women and sexual assault.
Sheikh Al Hilaly likened scantily clad women to uncovered meat, and then expressed a wish to rid the world of the White House.
Labor has been accused of preventing the sheikh's deportation in 1986 to avoid angering Muslim voters.
But Mr Howard says he is not dwelling on it.
"Plainly the Hawke government at the time took a blatantly political decision," he said.
"But it has happened now and he has rights as an Australian citizen."
The Labor leader Kim Beazley says the sheikh must be sacked.
"This is a bloke who should go, as simple as that," he said.
Mr Beazley says the decision of 20 years ago is irrelevant.
"We all carry our baggage in politics, all of us, the Labor Party and the Liberal Party," he said.
"We all have to live with that.
"The question is what do we intend to do? What do you intend to do about this situation now, what do you intend to do in the future?"
Eid festival
Organisers of this week's Eid festival in Brisbane are meeting this afternoon to consider calls for the sheikh's invitation to be withdrawn.
Premier Peter Beattie says a visit by the cleric would be unhelpful and divisive at this time.
The State Opposition and community groups have joined calls for his invitation to be revoked.
The embattled cleric has already cancelled his appearance at an Eid festival in Sydney today.
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Post by lennie on Oct 29, 2006 6:21:59 GMT -5
Ruddock urged to decide legality of sheikh's comments
The Federal Opposition is calling on the Government to decide whether controversial comments made by the Muslim cleric Sheikh Taj el-din Al-Hilaly break laws against inciting violence.
The Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd says the sheikh should be removed from his position, for comparing women to uncovered meat and declaring a wish to rid the world of the White House.
He says the Government needs to take action to decide whether or not the Sydney cleric has broken the law.
"Attorney-General Philip Ruddock needs to make a statement about whether or not the sheikh's comments equal an incitement to violence under the terms of Australia's criminal code," he said.
"You can't simply sound hairy-chested about Sheikh Hilaly's comment on one hand and then leave unanswered the question of whether he's breached Australia's criminal law."
Sydney's Muslim community celebrates Eid Thousands of people in south west Sydney have attended celebrations for the Muslim Eid festival, which marks the end of Ramadan.
The Sydney cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Hilaly was scheduled to attend the event, but cancelled his appearance because he did not want the recent controversy surrounding him to take the focus off the festival itself.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Robb, said the celebration was a chance for Muslims to put the controversy behind them.
"The thousands of people here just want to get on with their lives," he said.
"Today is a celebration and one important thing to celebrate and the one real positive thing from the last few days is the intention of so many Muslims to be truly Australian while being true to their faith."
Al Hilaly asked to avoid Brisbane Eid festival Brisbane Islamic leaders have asked Sydney cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly not to attend their Eid Festival celebrations this week over his recent comments about women.
During a sermon in Sydney last month, Sheikh Al Hilaly likened scantily dressed women to uncovered meat.
He later declared his wish to rid the world of the White House.
The Eid festival marks the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan.
Chairman of Brisbane's Eid Fest Association, Yasmin Khan, says Sheikh Al Hilaly has agreed to stay away.
"At no time was the Sheikh given a formal invitation to Eid Fest, nor was he given any official duties on the day and was in effect coming as a private citizen, and in the light of recent events we have requested that the Sheikh not attend Eid Fest he has agreed and will not be attending," he said.
His spokesman said the sheikh does not want the recent controversy surrounding him to take the focus off the festival itself.
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Post by lennie on Oct 29, 2006 18:08:22 GMT -5
Sheikh will step aside, Muslim colleague says
An open letter has been sent to senior Sydney Muslim cleric Sheikh Taj El-din Al Hilaly, asking him to step aside from his position as the leader of Australia's largest Muslim congregation.
Last night a meeting was held behind closed doors by the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA), which runs the main mosque in Sydney's south-west.
Already Sheikh Al Hilaly has been asked not to preach for three months, after it was revealed he had compared some women to uncovered meat during a sermon.
Dr Jamal Rifi is a close friend of the Sheikh and founder of Muslim Doctors Against Violence.
Dr Rifi sent the letter and says he thinks the Sheikh will step aside.
"I have no doubt whatsoever," he said.
"He knows where I stand, he knows where he stands and he has no option whatsoever but to put the interests of the community and society."
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Post by lennie on Oct 29, 2006 22:00:30 GMT -5
Muslim leaders meet to discuss Sheikh's future
Political pressure continues to mount for the Muslim cleric Sheikh Taj El-Din Al Hilaly to step down or be sacked. The Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) is meeting with the controversial Sydney Muslim cleric today to discuss his future.
It is believed the LMA has drafted document following the storm prompted by comments made by the Sheikh in a sermon last month. While some Muslim community members have been outraged about the comments, some are calling for calm.
A spokeswoman for the Islamic Council of New South Wales says the Sheikh has apologised for the comments and the media should let the community decide what to do. But Prime Minister John Howard told Southern Cross Radio today that the Islamic community must act quickly to ward off permanent damage to the perception of Muslims within Australia. "Time is running out to stop that impression solidifying," Mr Howard said.
Queensland Liberal backbencher Warren Entsch wants the cleric kicked out of the country. "My first reaction is to hell with him," he said. Deputy Labor Leader Jenny Macklin has urged the Attorney-General to check whether Sheikh Hilaly has broken any laws. "This man should not be a leader in that religion, he should not be putting those points of view," he said.
The Prime Minister says he has not sought advice on whether there is legal scope to deport the Sheikh.
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Post by lennie on Oct 29, 2006 22:02:26 GMT -5
Ambulance rushes to ill Sheikh's office
Controversial Sydney Muslim cleric Sheikh Taj El-Din Al Hilaly has taken ill at the Lakemba Mosque in Sydney's south-west. An ambulance was called to the Mosque at 1:00pm AEDT when Sheikh Hilaly was meant to be meeting with the president of the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) to discuss his future. Ambulance officers were seen entering the Sheikh's office, but his condition is yet to be confirmed.
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Post by lennie on Oct 29, 2006 23:41:25 GMT -5
Hilaly in hospital, condition unknown
Muslim cleric Sheikh Taj al Din Al Hilaly remains in hospital in Sydney after apparently falling ill but his condition is yet to be confirmed.
An ambulance was called to the Lakemba mosque, in Sydney's south-west, this afternoon where Sheikh Al Hilaly was due to have a meeting with the president of the Lebanese Muslim Association to determine his future.
There has been outrage in the wider community over the sheik's reference to women in a recent speech.
The president of the Lebanese Muslim Association, Tom Zreika, spoke briefly outside the mosque.
"I have come to discuss the issues at the invitation of the mufti of Australia," Mr Zreika said.
"Due to unforeseen circumstances we'll be unable to continue our private meeting and there'll be no further comment."
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Post by lennie on Oct 30, 2006 4:26:26 GMT -5
Hilaly seeks indefinite leave from dutiesSheikh Taj el Din Al Hilaly has asked for indefinite leave from his duties at Sydney's Lakemba mosque, after being taken to hospital earlier today. In a statement released this evening, Sheikh Al Hilaly says in due course he will take the necessary decision to lift the pressures that have been placed on the Muslim community and which will benefit all Australians. He is now under observation in hospital and is listed as being in a stable condition. The sheikh has been embroiled in controversy after making disparaging comments about women. His statement said he would never humiliate women, calling them the dearest things in the world. He was due to meet Tom Zreika, the president of the Lebanese Muslim Association, to discuss calls for his resignation, but fell ill during talks. Mr Zreika says the pressure has taken its toll on the sheik. "He wasn't the same person I saw this morning, as compared to the same person I saw a week ago," he said. Mr Zreika says the mufti decided to take leave ahead of the meeting and the situation will rest until his recovery. "He has asked for indefinite leave from the duties at Lakemba mosque," he said. "That is the limit of our powers and it came from him, it didn't come from us. "If he wants to resign, that's the matter for the mufti of Australia." As an Australian resident, the comments that have been made by the Mufti are against the grain of our cultural beliefs. It is obvious he lacks respect for the Western Culture therefore he should not be allowed to preach his faith here. If he won't go back of his own accord, he should be deported.
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Post by lennie on Oct 30, 2006 5:43:48 GMT -5
Australia's beleaguered Muslim leader takes indefinite leave after fainting The Associated Press from the International Herald Tribune Asia/PacificSYDNEY, Australia Australia's top Islamic cleric, who sparked outrage with a recent sermon saying that immodestly dressed women invite rape, said he was taking indefinite leave after he collapsed Monday during a meeting with Muslim leaders. "In due course, I will take the necessary decision that will lift the pressures that have been placed on our Australian Muslim community and that which will benefit all Australians," Sheik Taj Aldin al-Hilali said a statement issued from a Sydney hospital where he is recuperating. "The pressure of the last couple of days has had an obvious effect on my health and well-being," he said, adding that he had requested indefinite leave from his duties at Lakemba Mosque in Sydney. Some media have speculated that the statement means the cleric intends to resign. Mosque administrator Toufic Zreika said he did not know whether the cleric intended to resign. "What's happened in the last few days has really taken it's toll on him, his family, his health and I think he's just had enough," said Zreika, president of the Lebanese Muslim Association. The 65-year-old Egyptian-born Sunni cleric's collapse was related to his heart, Zreika said. Al-Hilali had suffered four strokes in the past and recently underwent double heart bypass surgery, Zreika said. Al-Hilali was meeting Monday with members of the Muslim association that administers the mosque where he preaches to discuss his future role in light of the controversy when the ambulance was called to the building. Earlier Monday, Prime Minister John Howard said that the cleric, mufti of Australia since 1989, may have breached Australia's counterterrorism laws by praising militant jihadists in Iraq and Afghanistan. Al-Hilali has rejected calls for his resignation since a newspaper reported last week that he compared women who do not wear head scarves to "uncovered meat" in a sermon at the mosque. In his statement Monday, al-Hilali conceded the analogy had been a mistake. "I confess that this analogy is inappropriate and unacceptable for the Australian society and the Western society in general," he said. Al-Hilali last week apologized for making controversial comments about women who fail to wear head scarves and agreed to stop preaching for three months. A newspaper reported Monday that al-Hilali had used an Arabic radio interview two weeks ago to endorse militants in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Palestinian territories. "Jihad of Iraqi Muslims is jihad, but not when Sunnis and Shias are killing each other — that's not jihad," The Australian national newspaper quoted al-Hilali as saying in Arabic on Oct. 17. The comments were seen as justifying insurgent violence in Afghanistan and Iraq against coalition forces, including those from Australia, which has troops in both countries. Howard said he did not know if al-Hilali's comments were being investigated. "If you incite people to hurt our troops, that could be an offense," Howard told Southern Cross Broadcasting radio. Al-Hilali was not available for comment about the new allegations. Howard said Australia's 300,000 Muslims should be considering whether al-Hilali is the right person to represent them. "The real worry I have, and it's a very deep worry, is that this will permanently damage the attitudes and perceptions of Muslims in the broader Australian community and I don't want that to happen," Howard said.
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Post by lennie on Oct 30, 2006 19:56:34 GMT -5
Sheikh demands equal sentences for rapists
A Melbourne Muslim cleric has called for equality in the sentencing of rapists.
Sheikh Mohammed Omran has previously made controversial statements, including that the US Government is to blame for the September 11, 2001 attacks.
But in a new speech posted on his website, he tells worshippers that rape is a major sin in Islam, punishable by death.
The Sheikh points out the widely differing jail terms handed out for the crime of rape, depending on the cultural background of the offender.
"We don't support the crime, we don't support the one who does the crime, we don't support Sheikh Taj, we don't support anyone, defend criminals or crimes," he said.
"But at the same time we want justice for everyone - either every one goes for 60 years or everyone goes for three years."
Victoria's Sentencing Advisory Council has declined to comment, saying the courts collect no statistics on the racial background of offenders.
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Post by lennie on Oct 30, 2006 19:57:43 GMT -5
WA Muslim backs 'message' in Al Hilaly's speech
A prominent Western Australian Muslim says there is some truth to comments made by Sydney cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly about women and sexual assault.
Sheikh Al Hilaly is caught up in controversy over recent comments comparing immodestly dressed women to uncovered meat.
The Islamic Council of WA's religious adviser, Abdul Jalil Ahmad, says while rape is the man's fault, women should take preventive measures to avoid being targeted.
He says those measures include covering up and being accompanied when outdoors.
He says comments by Sheikh Al Hilaly that compare women to meat are offensive, but there was a genuine message in his speech.
"The message is, we have to take preventive measures to avoid violence or rape or something like that," he said.
He says he does not believe it is necessary for Sheikh Al Hilaly to step aside as a result of the comments, but he can understand why he would consider the move.
Meanwhile, Federal Treasurer Peter Costello says it is time action is taken against Sheikh Al Hilaly.
He has told Macquarie Radio that Sheikh Al Hilaly has a long record of offensive remarks.
"Eighteen years ago he claimed that Jews were attempting to control the world using sexual perversion, promoting espionage, treason and economic hoarding," he said.
"You go right through the decade - the Sheikh has been anti-semitic, he has supported jihadists, he has made statements which are absolutely offensive to women."
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Post by lennie on Oct 31, 2006 1:24:59 GMT -5
WA Muslim leader criticised for backing Al Hilaly's comments
A Muslim leader in Western Australia has come under fire after saying there is some truth to comments made by Sydney cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly about women and sexual assault. The Islamic Council of WA's religious adviser, Abdul Jalil Ahmad, says while rape is the man's fault, women should take preventative measures to avoid being targeted.
He says those measures include covering up and being accompanied when outdoors. But the chairman of the Muslim Reference Group, Ameer Ali, says rape should not be linked to the way a woman dresses. "Evil men are evil," he said. "They are raping children, they are raping old people, they are raping people covered, they are raping people uncovered. "They are raping in the bedrooms, they are raping outside their houses, now how can we generalise this? "These are mentally deranged people."
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Post by lennie on Oct 31, 2006 1:27:59 GMT -5
Family, friends rally around Hilaly
The controversial Sydney cleric, Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly, remains in hospital in Sydney south-west. Family and friends have been visiting him this morning, including Keysar Trad from the Islamic Friendship Association. Mr Trad spoke to the media as he walked in to the hospital with the sheikh's brother.
"They are coping as best as they can and at the moment they are buoyed by some of the community's support and they are appreciative of messages of goodwill and love and support that they are receiving from all across Australian society," Mr Trad said.
The sheikh's second eldest daughter, 25-year-old Asma Al Hilaly, says while her father issued a statement yesterday saying he was on indefinite leave, he will not resign. "He's been always strong, strong tall and defiant, and none of this will shake him and bring him down," she said. She says her father has been most hurt by the people in the Muslim community who have attacked him and called for his resignation.
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Post by lennie on Oct 31, 2006 1:29:47 GMT -5
Muslim cleric invokes right to free speech
A Melbourne Muslim cleric at the centre of a controversy over comments about sentencing decisions for rapists says everyone in Australia is entitled to express their views.
In a sermon posted on his website, Sheikh Mohammed Omran accuses judges of religious discrimination in sentencing for rape cases, saying Muslim offenders are given much harsher penalties.
His comments follow the furore over comments made about women by Australia's most senior Muslim leader, Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly.
Sheikh Omran has previously made controversial statements, including that the US Government is to blame for the September 11, 2001 attacks.
"As an Australian, forget what I am, a cleric or not a cleric, I am an Australian, I have a view and I am free to tell the people about my view," he said.
"It is a shame to hide your view of your people and everyone.
"I'm trying to share my views, even if you don't agree with it, and we agree on letting everyone say what he wants to say, even if we disagree with it."
Sheikh Omran says Islamic figures are being targeted by the media.
Comments 'unfortunate'
Meanwhile, the Western Australian Premier, Alan Carpenter, says comments by a local Muslim leader about women and sexual assault are unfortunate.
The Islamic Council of WA's religious adviser, Abdul Jalil Ahmad, says while rape is the man's fault, women should take preventative measures to avoid being targeted.
He says those measures include covering up and being accompanied when outdoors.
Mr Carpenter says the statements are completely out of step with Australian society.
"Women have got every right to expect to be able to live free in this community, just like men, and to suggest they should not be able to go out unaccompanied is totally unacceptable, wrong and doesn't fit with the standards and expectations of modern Australia," he said.
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Post by lennie on Oct 31, 2006 4:33:36 GMT -5
Labor granted Hilaly residency for political reasons, Ruddock says
The federal Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has told Parliament he believes that the former Labor government knew there was a problem with Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly but ignored it for political reasons. A former Labor immigration minister, Chris Herford, had recommended that the sheikh be deported, but he was eventually granted the right to live in Australia permanently.
Mr Ruddock has used Mr Herford's comments to criticise the former Labor government. "He went on to tell The Australian that he believed residency was granted because the Labor government and I quote, 'erroneously believed this would have some political influence in particular electorates at the New South Wales state election'," Mr Ruddock said. "Now that was Chris Herford's view. Labor knew there was a problem then and they chose to ignore it."
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Post by lennie on Nov 1, 2006 5:41:00 GMT -5
Muslim group calls for 'natural justice' for Hilaly
The Lebanese Muslim Association has urged the media and politicians to stop interfering in the debate surrounding the future of senior Muslim cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly and leave it to the Islamic community to resolve.
Association president Tom Zreika says the sheikh has been granted indefinite leave from his duties at the Lakemba mosque, in the wake of the furore over his comments about women.
But he says rumours that Sheikh Al Hilaly has resigned are absurd, and no new appointment will be made until he either voluntarily steps down, or the community and the association's board decides to take action.
"I reiterate that we will under no circumstance be rushed or pressured into making a decision," Mr Zreika said.
"This concerted effort to remove him without a fair hearing will not be tolerated by me or my organisation.
"He will in due course be heard by his peers and the community according to the principles of natural justice."
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Post by lennie on Nov 1, 2006 5:42:11 GMT -5
Amnesty chief says Sheikh doesn't deserve to lead Muslims
Amnesty International's first female Muslim secretary-general, Irene Khan, says a Sydney Islamic cleric does not deserve the privilege of leadership after a comment comparing some women to "uncovered meat".
Ms Khan says Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly's views are not representative of the majority of Muslim people and it is up to Muslim communities to take action.
She told ABC TV's Lateline program says it is time for the debate to move on.
"I think people like him should not be given the privilege of being considered as leaders," she said.
"Because the question on part of the Muslim community - and there is a question on the part of the larger community - as to how much space do you give to views that reflect only a very narrow part of the community?"
She says Muslim communities should take their own action.
"I think a lot of the responsibility lies with the Muslim communities themselves and they need to rise to that responsibility here and take action," she said.
"At the same time the Government should not target or demonise the Muslim community itself because of what one individual is saying and there is a sense among the Muslims that this man does not represent them any more than [former One Nation MP] Pauline Hanson represented Australian views."
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Post by lennie on Nov 1, 2006 5:43:26 GMT -5
Grenfell rape victim speaks out on Muslim sentencing
A woman from Grenfell, in central western New South Wales, whose former doctor has been convicted of raping her, has spoken publicly about her concern at calls to go easy on Muslim offenders.
Melbourne Muslim cleric Sheikh Mohammed Omran has accused judges of religious bias in sentencing in rape cases.
Dr Rafid Alramadan blamed his Iraqi background and Muslim faith for his conviction on three charges in the Wagga Wagga District Court recently.
He is in Junee Jail awaiting sentencing for drugging and raping her in December last year.
The Grenfell woman who brought the rape charges against her former doctor is worried about calls for leniency.
"Does that bring his sentence down because one person feels that the judicial system is too hard on Muslims?" she said.
"This man was charged on three counts, he deserves to be in jail and he deserves to have the full sentence.
"I already knew he was guilty, but 12 people that didn't know him found him guilty on evidence."
Meanwhile, the woman says she is thinking of leaving the town because of a lack of community support.
The woman says half the residents of Grenfell do not believe her story.
She has thanked those who do support her, but says she thinks she has been adversely judged by many Grenfell people.
"I just can't believe that the town would turn against me, I did this for me but I also did it for the people of the town," she said.
"But it just seems to me that they would prefer to have a doctor who rapes people, patients who trust him, than to worry about what I'm going through."
Meanwhile, Grenfell has secured another Iraqi-trained doctor to take Dr Alramadan's place as the town's only GP.
Dr Ishmael Albadran is to relocate from the Camden area of Sydney and start in Grenfell on November 13.
Weddin Shire general manager Trevor Lobb says he understands Dr Ishmael was secured through advertising by the council, the Division of General Practice and also contacts of Dr Alramadan.
"He's quite young and coming with a young wife, no family at this stage, he will be looking to have his first practice, I suppose, in a country area of Australia," he said.
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Post by lennie on Nov 1, 2006 5:45:02 GMT -5
Sheikh Al Hilaly discharged from hospital
Controversial Sydney Muslim cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly has been discharged from hospital. The Sheikh took ill on Monday during a meeting with the Lebanese Muslim Association to discuss his future.
It is understood he left Canterbury Hospital at about 11.00am AEDT in a car driven by his daughter. Yesterday the Sheikh's second eldest daughter, 25-year-old Asma Al Hilaly, says while her father issued a statement yesterday saying he was on indefinite leave, he will not resign.
She says her father has been most hurt by the people in the Muslim community who have attacked him and called for his resignation.
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Post by lennie on Nov 2, 2006 3:33:20 GMT -5
Howard urges Muslim community to resolve Sheikh row
Prime Minister John Howard has expressed frustration the Muslim community has not resolved the situation with Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly. He was taken to hospital on Monday after falling ill during a meeting about his future.
Mr Howard has told Sky television that the community is harming itself by failing to make the Sheikh's future clear. "I've said repeatedly and I have to say it again, that unless this matter is resolved - and time is running out to resolve it - there will be left a sadly diminished view of the willingness of the Islamic community to integrate into the broader Australian community," he said.
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Post by lennie on Nov 2, 2006 3:37:13 GMT -5
Iemma urged to cut mosque funding amid sheikh row
New South Wales Opposition Leader Peter Debnam has written to Premier Morris Iemma calling for the State Government to withdraw funding from the Lakemba mosque while Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly remains the mufti.
Mr Debnam says a bipartisan approach to Sheikh Al Hilaly's comments is needed because his views are consistently offensive and that it is vital taxpayer funds be withdrawn until he resigns.
The Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) was given $122,000 this year for social workers through the Department of Community Services (DOC).
Mr Iemma says Mr Debnam should instead use his influence with the president of the Lebanese Muslim Association, Mr Tom Zreika, who is also a Liberal councillor. "The best way he can address that is to have him exercise a bit more responsibility. It's just a stunt from Mr Debnam," Mr Iemma said.
Mr Debnam says he has not spoken to Mr Zreika but would have one message if he did, "get rid of the sheikh".
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Post by lennie on Nov 2, 2006 3:39:21 GMT -5
Hilaly wants weekend rally cancelled
The senior Muslim cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly has called for a rally due to be held on the weekend at Lakemba in Sydney's south-west to be cancelled.
Text messages have been sent around Sydney's Muslim community calling for people to join the rally in support of the sheikh, who has come under fire over comments he made about women.
A key supporter of Sheikh Al Hilaly, Keysar Trad, says the cleric has a number of concerns about the planned rally.
"Well, the mufti gave an interview, a very passionate interview on Arabic talkback radio," he said.
"He appealed to all his supporters not to hold that rally on Saturday because there has been mixed signals coming out, some from the police and some from within the community."
Mr Trad says the sheikh fears what could happen at the rally.
"As a citizen who has always supported law and order and always wanted to have a good level of cooperation with the police and the broader society, he made an appeal to his supporters to call it off," he said.
"Now I've had one phone call with the organisers already and I'll be meeting with them this afternoon hopefully to come up with a compromise."
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Post by ppyenews on Nov 2, 2006 6:07:14 GMT -5
Welcome to ‘Talkback Topic’ – I’m Phillip Pye.
The name ‘Sheikh Taj El-Din Hamid Hilaly’ or ‘Al-Hilaly’, as he for some reason calls himself, is one that has certainly become known in almost every Australian household over the last few days. The Sydney cleric reportedly compared women to uncovered meat during a sermon last month which received swift condemnation from politicians, including Prime Minister John Howard. He has since though apologised for any offence caused by a sermon in which he reportedly laid the blame for sexual assault on women who do not cover their bodies.
The comments created a whirlwind of media response that saw Sheik Al-Hilaly responding with a “that’s not quite how I meant it” type reply followed by a good old “oops – sorry about that” kind of apology. The Sheik was then bombarded with a series of “ please leave Australia” style invitations by everyone from Sophie Mirabella to the “Kickatinalong Pub Anti-Feminists Club”. Well this must have all been a bit tough on poor old Sheik Al-Hilaly because next thing was he was getting raced off to Hospital ironically, just as his Bosses down at the Mosque were going to have a conflab about his future.
Sheik Al-Hilaly was in Hospital barely five minutes and next thing we know is, he had become suddenly defiant toward quitting his position of ‘Mufti’ which was endorsed by his daughter basically outside the Hospital doors to the eager waiting media. In the Interim Muslim organisations Australia wide came up with a myriad of both pro and anti support. The dust does not appear to be settling over this affair with Sheik Al-Hilaly’s comments I think due to the fact that they have become another in a series of events with the Sheik since his arrival in Australia in 1982.
There was the 1988 Sydney University speech regarding Jews where Al-Hilaly quoted “"The Jews' struggle with humanity is as old as history itself; the present continuing struggle with the Islam nation is a natural continuation of the Jews' enmity towards the human race as a whole. Then there were the 1999 Egyptian smuggling charges when Al-Hilaly was charged and briefly jailed after being convicted of being involved in smuggling goods.
Then in early 2003, he generated controversy when his vehicle was stopped due to there being an object protruding from it and for driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle. Then in February 2004 Hilaly gave a sermon at a Mosque whilst in Lebanon supposedly supporting terrorist attacks. Then In July 2006, he was sacked from Prime Minister John Howard's Muslim Community Reference Group following comments he made in which he denied the Holocaust, calling it a "Zionist lie".
It would appear I believe, to the average person in Australia that Sheik Al-Hilaly has been given a fair go in this country. He has upset people to the extent that they want to deport him for his pro-extremist attitudes and comments but to date has managed to hang in here by the “Skin of his teeth” Quite frankly Sheik Al-Hilaly, it’s all starting to wear a bit thin with many peace loving Australians. I guess they wonder what would happen if somebody from a Christain Faith went to a Muslim country and gave a sermon supporting women wear less clothes.
I’m Phillip Pye.
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Post by lennie on Nov 3, 2006 3:13:06 GMT -5
HREOC powerless to examine Hilali's comments: Gowardfrom ABC OnlineThe Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner says it would be beyond the power of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission (HREOC) to examine whether Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilali has slandered women. Commissioner Pru Goward says HREOC also could not impose the sentence suggested by the mufti. Sheik Al Hilali has vowed to quit as mufti of Australia, work for 600 hours in a women's welfare organisation and wear masking tape over his mouth if an independent panel finds that comments he made during a sermon incited rape. "It's not something the commission could do, but what we'd do is encourage him to do it voluntarily," she said. "It would be lovely if he worked in a women's organisation for six months and declined to comment on issues for six months." Ms Goward is leaving the position today to run as the Liberal Party candidate for the seat of Goulburn in the next state election. There was a large show of support for Sheikh Al Hilali during Friday prayers at Sydney's Lakemba mosque. Sheikh Al Hilali said in a statement he has endured psychological pressures, media punches, political daggers and missiles during what he called a viciously orchestrated media plot. After his address, the sheikh was carried from the mosque on the shoulders of his supporters. A spokesman for the Lebanese Muslim Association, Tom Zreika, says he hopes the formation of a panel will silence the sheikh's critics. "He is sorry and he's saying if that's not enough then let's get some legal people in and review the situation," he said. The sheikh has also asked the imams board to accept nominations from other clerics interested in taking his role as mufti of Australia, although it is not clear whether he plans to nominate himself. Same old story - blame the media, thats right.
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Post by lennie on Jan 11, 2007 6:03:56 GMT -5
from ABC Online
Islamic association apologises over Al Hilali comments The founder of the Islamic Friendship Association of Australia (IFAA) has apologised for comments made by the Sydney cleric, Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilali, in a television interview.
Sheikh Al Hilali was embroiled in controversy in October, after reports that in a sermon he had compared scantily clad women to uncovered meat.
During an interview on satellite television this week the mufti reportedly said Muslim gang rapists received overly heavy sentences because of their religion and people who paid to come to Australia had more of a right to be here than descendents of those who came in shackles.
IFAA spokesman Keysar Trad says says he apologises for the comments if they have caused offence, but says the Sheikh has been misinterpreted.
"I do understand that some people taking these comments without looking at the full video would take offence to them," he said.
"As an Australian Muslim... I do feel like apologising to these people and also appealing to them to understand the context, it would seem he was trying to explain away that controversy and put it behind him and there were a couple of slip-ups."
Mr Trad says the Sheikh's comments were not intended to be malicious.
"The question was put to him, before making that comment, is that if you're under the spotlight so much why live there, why not come back and live in the country of your birth, and he said we have every right to live there basically we're not shackled to be there, we don't choose to be there, we paid our own way, implying that he loves Australia and loves being in Australia," he said.
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Post by lennie on Mar 25, 2007 7:40:28 GMT -5
Hilaly stays on as Mufti from ABC Online
The inaugural meeting of the Australian National Imams Council has decided controversial Sydney Muslim cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly will stay on as the head of Australia's Muslims for now.
More than 50 Muslim clerics from around the country have debated what to do with the position of Mufti in a day-long meeting behind closed doors in south-west Sydney.
Spokesman Mohammed Abdullah from Queensland's Griffith University says it was decided a 15-member executive council would be formed to consult more widely about who should be Mufti of Australia.
"The present position of a Mufti shall stay for the next three months at least until the Muslims of Australia decide on how to take this thing forward," Dr Abdullah said.
He says Sheikh Al Hilaly has not said if he will nominate for the position.
The Mufti caused outrage last year by comparing women in revealing clothes to pieces of uncovered meat.
Sheikh Al Hilaly has held the position of Mufti since 1988.
There should have been no other choice in the matter than to have booted Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly. By keeping him in his present position it is only sympathising with a racist pig.
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Post by lennie on Apr 8, 2007 3:40:11 GMT -5
Hilali should go, Rudd saysfrom ABC OnlineFederal Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd says Muslim cleric Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilali cannot continue as the Mufti of Australia. The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils says the Sheik has not been paid for about eight months but denies reports he has been sacked. Mr Rudd says Sheik Hilali's views are inconsistent with the mainstream views of the Australian community. "It's time for Sheik Hilali to go and it's time that that happened as a matter of urgency," he said. "Most Muslims in Australia would welcome Sheik Hilali going and the rest of Australia would welcome Sheik Hilali going as well." Getting rid of this fool is well overdue.
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abraham
AussieSeek feral brat
Multiculturism enriches Australia
Posts: 9
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Post by abraham on Apr 20, 2007 19:08:15 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]Al Hilali denies supporting terrorism[/glow]
Sydney Muslim cleric, Sheikh Taj El din Al Hilali, has arrived back in Australia from overseas, insisting he is not a supporter of terrorism.
Speaking at Sydney Airport, Sheikh Al Hilali vowed to assist any investigation into his activities, after allegations he gave money to the proscribed terrorist wing of Hezbollah.
It has been alleged a portion of $70,000 raised by the Australian Lebanese community and spent by Sheikh Al Hilali during a visit to Lebanon, was given to the proscribed terrorist wing of Hezbollah.
Sheikh Al Hilali told reporters he does not support terrorism and rejected suggestions from politicians that he should be deported.
He says he is happy to cooperate with an investigation by Australian Federal Police (AFP) but he dismissed the claims.
"It is unbecoming to accuse a champion of peace of giving money to anyone involved with terrorism - it is silly," he said.
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Even Jesus would have given food to his enemies.
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