Imam to defy code of conduct

[is@]

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/nation...151851234.html

[AbuSufyan]

I think the Shaikh should attend, even if the only good that comes out of it is that that Mustafa fellow does not rock up.

[Coalition]

Who is Mustapha Kara-Ali? Where is he from and what organisation does he represent?

[AbuSufyan]

Is he really a Habashi?

[no_coffee]

I think the Sheikh should attend, and good on him for standing up to the so-called scripts he's supposed to follow when delivering khutbahs. I mean how ridiculous does that sound?

[islamirama]

"O you who believe! Take not My enemies and your enemies (i.e. disbelievers and polytheists) as friends, showing affection towards them, while they have disbelieved in what has come to you of the truth (i.e. Islamic Monotheism, this Qur'aan, and Muhammad), and have driven out the Messenger (Muhammad) and yourselves (from your homeland) because you believe in Allaah your Lord! If you have come forth to strive in My Cause and to seek My Good Pleasure, (then take not these disbelievers and polytheists, as your friends). You show friendship to them in secret, while I am All-Aware of what you conceal and what you reveal. And whosoever of you (Muslims) does that, then indeed he has gone (far) astray from the Straight Path" [al-Mumtahanah 60:1]

[al-CIA-da]

i think as many muslims as possible should attend with big signs letting the government know we wont let them write our khutbahs for us

[Jalal]

In Singapore, Khutbahs have to be approved before they can be read out ... sad to see in Australia it is fellow muslims trying to control it.

[dijma]

in turkey the khutbah is set by the minisitry and is basically the same everywhere