Now he’s sacked, now he’s not. An update on this story. “Islamic group denies mufti sacked,” by Taghred Chandab and AAP in the Brisbane Times:
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils has denied reports it has sacked controversial Muslim leader Sheik Taj el-Din al Hilaly as mufti of Australia.
AFIC president Ikebal Patel says a Fairfax newspaper report that the group’s abolished the role of mufti and cut all ties with the sheik is wrong.
He says the sheik is still mufti until at least June while a national board of imams decides whether the position should remain and if so who should fill it.
Mr Patel’s told Sky News Sheik Taj el-Din al Hilaly is one of the most knowledgeable Muslim scholars in Australia and one of the most moderate
imams.
But he says AFIC has had issues with some of the sheik’s comments and if he’s to continue as mufti he’ll have to follow strict guidelines about what he can get involved in and have English-speakers around him so what he says isn’t misinterpreted.
Damage control team.
[…]
AFIC president Ikebal Patel said the organisation had stopped paying the sheik’s salary and had no intention of keeping him on as mufti. He also said the organisation owned the title of mufti.
[…]
But the sheik, who is in Turkey at a conference, has established his own organisation in a bid to corner the title of mufti for himself.