Sheikh Fehmi al-Imam (left) and Sheikh Tajuddin Al-Hilaly
by Abu Fateh
The new mufti of Australia has been appointed last Sunday. Sheikh Fehmi El-Imam was appointed the new head cleric. Former mufti, Sheikh Tajuddin Al Hilaly was re-elected Mufti of Australia at a meeting of the National Council of Imams in Melbourne, but has declined to continue the job.
The new Mufti, who is from Melbourne’s Preston Mosque, is described as a moderate and says he hopes to foster good relations with the rest of the Australian community. However, in the press conference he insist that there is no such thing as moderate Muslims, instead he said that Islam is one, either you following Islam or not. Syeikh Fehmi was born in Lebanon and came to Australia in 1951. He is now a general secretary of the Board of Imams of Victoria.
The change of leadership, the first for Australia’s Muslims since the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils awarded Sheikh Hilaly the honorary title, role he has held since 1988. The former mufti also has been the attention of a media since his remark towards women, which he regards as ‘uncovered meat’, inviting rape. The interference from media and politician currently is believed to influence his decision
The current situation shows how important for every Muslims to demonstrate a true Muslims identity to the non-Muslims. Preaching the message of Islam is not only the task of a mufti, but to be incorporated by each Muslims in this country. Hence, not only a residence of Australia, but also the students who came from every part of the world, need to convey this massage.
And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allah (believes in His Oneness)," and then stands straight (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allah’s (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: “I am one of the Muslims.” (41:33)
