Sheik Hilaly And Those Comments


OK after reading a few different transcripts here is my opinion on this issue.

In regards to the gang rapes, I don't see any link between those rapes and what the Sheikh said- he called rape a crime, by saying "a meeting, a crime...." he then says "a merciless judge gives you 65 years"- well a merciful judge wouldn't give you 65 years, so I don't think we can draw any conclusion of excusing the behaviour of the rapists....a judge giving 65 years for rape is being merciless because the perpertrators don't deserve mercy. So on that point the Sheikh is completely exonerated in my opinion.

In regards to the "uncovered meat" outrage, it is obvious that he is quoting someone else, but in my opinion that doesn't excuse or vindicate him. This part is reminiscent of the Pope protesting that he was quoting someone else. Quoting someone else is used to illustrate a point and support an argument, so in this case the Shiekh has used an unacceptable analogy. So although his comments were misrepresented by The Australian he still made the comments, and at best they were inappropriate.

As the Mufti it is his role and his duty to protect the Ummah in Australia, unfortunately this episode has increased the heat on our community. It is an unnecessary yet highly inflammatory issue and something which our community has grown accustomed to.

Whether we like it or not or mosques are under increased surveillance by those who hate us and they are looking for a minor slipup so they can put the boot in. They will sensationalise everything and demonise us at every turn. We need to ensure that we don't give them any ammunition.

So whether the Mufti is in the right or in the wrong becomes irrelevant because his comments have put us in the firing line and that is something a strong leader needs to avoid.

On top of this the issue has caused something alot more serious and that is division within our Ummah and that is something we cannot tolerate.

My fear is that although the story will eventually blow over, there will always be another issue coming out.