Posted on 11/25/2003 3:42:47 PM PST by aculeus
Sydney's leading Muslim cleric has told followers to "shape up or ship out" in the wake of a series of crimes that have embarrassed the Islamic community.
In an address marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Sheik Taj el-Din al Hilaly also made a veiled criticism of the Prime Minister, John Howard, with whose foreign policy he disagrees.
"Australia is our compassionate mother," the Mufti told about 20,000 faithful who gathered yesterday morning at Lakemba Mosque.
"I say to every person living in Australia, from the person in the highest office down to the ordinary man on the street: love this country or leave it, shape up or ship out."
A spokesman for the Mufti, Keysar Trad, said recent shooting deaths involving Muslims had partly inspired the call to "shape up".
But he said the phrase - borrowed from a condemnation of the shootings by the Premier, Bob Carr, - was also directed at members of the broader Australian public who were not prepared to pitch in.
Mr Carr, who attended celebrations at the mosque, said he hoped young Muslim Australians would be "proud of their civilisation, of their cultural background, while being loyal to the country that their parents or grandparents have adopted".
"We want dialogue with civilisations," he told the crowd. "We don't want a clash of civilisations."
Ramadan, which is observed by the devout among Australia's 280,000 Muslims, involves abstaining from food, water and cigarettes between dawn and dusk.
The month of fasting is followed immediately by the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which involves the sharing of gifts and food with friends and family.
Ahmad Abdul-Galil, an automotive parts distributor, took his wife, Sharon Hussein, their three children and in-laws for a traditional meal of dips, pita bread and felafel at a Lakemba restaurant.
"It's a time for catching up with friends and a chance to take the kids out," he said.
Outside Lakemba Mosque Karam Hafaza did a roaring trade selling honey cakes and biscuits to fast-breakers from the side of his white van.
"It's very busy," he said between serving customers.
Essam Rahali and his wife, Narjes, whose home on Wangee Road is opposite the mosque entrance, handed out sweets to passing children.
Ken Dickson, one of a handful of non-Muslim residents who live opposite the mosque, said he did not resent the early morning prayers and huge crowds the festival represented.
"We probably would have heard the prayers at 4.30 this morning," he said. "This is the big day, but it doesn't last long."
Mr Dickson said he found "most of the people here quite reasonable".
This story was found at: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/11/25/1069522604784.html
He is a trojan horse.
HE IS NO FRIEND OF THE AUSSIES OR THE USA.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.