"He's probably one of the most moderate of the imams in Australia"
Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) President, Ikebal Patel, confirming that Sheik Taj el-Din al Hilaly will remain the mufti of Australia.
Last week during a visit to Tehran, the Sheik called on the Muslim world to unite behind the radical Iranian regime and to serve in its "trenches". He stated that the global Islamic nation would never "kneel" to its enemies.
Given that Iran is currently in hot dispute with the UK over the kidnap of 15 sailors, and that it is funding rebel Shia insurgents in Iraq, does this mean that Hilali is urging Australian Muslims to side with groups that are trying to kill British and Australian troops?
Is this treason?
Sydney-based imam Khalil Shami, summing up the very real problem that Hilali is posing for ordinary Australian Muslims,
"As an Australian Muslim, it's very worrying to me that he's speaking on our behalf. If you ask Sunni Muslims, you will find 99% are not with Iran. So this hurts us and worries us."
Every time Hilali opens his mouth, he causes another ten thousand agnostic Australians to become Islamophobic.
Guys - why don't you just get rid of him? Why?
As they say on Big Brother, let's look at some of the Sheikh's finest moments in the house.
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