is@
19-Feb-2006, 08:32 AM
Imam to defy code of conduct
Controversial Muslim cleric Sheikh Mohammed Omran says he will defy any moves to restrict his sermons or statements under a proposed code of conduct for imams, or religious leaders.
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils has called Muslim religious leaders to a summit next month to develop a code aimed at preventing inflammatory statements. But Brunswick-based Sheikh Omran said the federation did not have the power to muzzle imams.
"I speak (of) what I believe in and I don't consider if that pleases the Government or not. If we want to go to the agenda of the Government and what the Prime Minister wants, this will be a hopeless meeting."
Sheikh Omran was not invited to the Prime Minister's terrorism summit last August, apparently because organisers wanted only those who represented majority views. The federation expects about 100 imams will respond to its call soon to attend next month's summit.
But at least one Muslim representative has said he will not go if Sheikh Omran attends. Mustapha Kara-Ali, who is on the Federal Government's Muslim reference group, said inviting Sheikh Omran to a national forum would give legitimacy to a radical leader who exploited rifts in the community and was part of a network on the fringes of Muslim beliefs.
Others say it is important the fundamentalist sheikh, criticised by John Howard for describing Osama bin Laden as a "good man", be involved. Islamic Friendship Association president Keysar Trad said: "It is a win for all, because he is likely to walk away with a better understanding of what offends his fellow citizens and what comments are likely to be misunderstood."
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/imam-to-defy-conduct-code/2006/02/18/1140151851234.html
Controversial Muslim cleric Sheikh Mohammed Omran says he will defy any moves to restrict his sermons or statements under a proposed code of conduct for imams, or religious leaders.
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils has called Muslim religious leaders to a summit next month to develop a code aimed at preventing inflammatory statements. But Brunswick-based Sheikh Omran said the federation did not have the power to muzzle imams.
"I speak (of) what I believe in and I don't consider if that pleases the Government or not. If we want to go to the agenda of the Government and what the Prime Minister wants, this will be a hopeless meeting."
Sheikh Omran was not invited to the Prime Minister's terrorism summit last August, apparently because organisers wanted only those who represented majority views. The federation expects about 100 imams will respond to its call soon to attend next month's summit.
But at least one Muslim representative has said he will not go if Sheikh Omran attends. Mustapha Kara-Ali, who is on the Federal Government's Muslim reference group, said inviting Sheikh Omran to a national forum would give legitimacy to a radical leader who exploited rifts in the community and was part of a network on the fringes of Muslim beliefs.
Others say it is important the fundamentalist sheikh, criticised by John Howard for describing Osama bin Laden as a "good man", be involved. Islamic Friendship Association president Keysar Trad said: "It is a win for all, because he is likely to walk away with a better understanding of what offends his fellow citizens and what comments are likely to be misunderstood."
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/imam-to-defy-conduct-code/2006/02/18/1140151851234.html