An Islamic cleric who suggested that women who are not “covered” up and showing skin invite rape refuses to resign from his position. Sheik Taj Aldin al-Hilali is Australia’s most prominent Muslim clerk. His statement caused anger in Australia, with many calling for his resignation. His exact words were : “If you take out uncovered meat and place it outside… and the cats come and eat it… whose fault is it, the cats’ or the uncovered meat?”. Sydney’s mosque association has suspended the cleric but many feel that that does not go far enough. What is this individual doing in Australia? If he does not share Western values then why doesn’t he move to a place like Iran? I am sure he won’t be missed. The cleric’s comments are one of the many reasons there is so much friction between the West and the Islamic world. But let’s not forget that he should respect Australian values.
Australia’s top Muslim cleric has been barred from preaching for up to three months, after comparing immodestly dressed women to “uncovered meat”.
Sheikh Taj el-Din al-Hilali’s comments, suggesting that women who did not wear a headscarf attracted sexual assault, have caused a storm of protest.Sydney’s mosque association said the suspension would give the cleric time to consider the impact of his words.
But Australian Premier John Howard said the action was insufficient.
Many people - including some Muslim leaders - have called for the cleric to be dismissed from office.
Sheikh Hilali sparked more controversy on Friday when, asked by reporters if he would resign, he responded: “After we clean the world of the White House first.”
His comments, made outside his mosque in Sydney after Friday prayers, prompted a round of applause from supporters.
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