This is as predictable as it is noteworthy. The outraged Muslims claim that Delic is moderate, yet his Canadian Islamic Congress advocates for Hamas and Hizballah; publishes work by an antisemite; and is involved in the distribution of antisemitic election fliers. It is an enemy of the freedom of speech. More here.
So in a sane world, Muslims in Canada would be denouncing Delic and thanking MacKay for disinviting him. Instead, they’re “riled.” More on this story. “Muslims riled by MacKay’s gag order on moderate B.C. Imam,” from Vancouverite, October 3:
VANCOUVER – Canadian Muslims are riled by a decision by Canada’s defence minister to yank a speech by a B.C. Imam that was scheduled for Monday.
Zijad Delic was to address Islamic Heritage Month celebrations in Ottawa on Monday. The Imam is an academic and a moderate and is known for his resentment of radicalism.
“Canada’s Defence Minister Peter MacKay has cancelled an appearance by executive director of the Canadian Islamic Congress Imam Zijad Delic who was scheduled to address Islamic Heritage Month celebrations at National Defence headquarters in Ottawa on Monday,” said Haroon Khan, a trustee with the Pakistan-Canada Association.
“It appears that the current Government of Canada has again succumbed to pressure from interest groups dedicated to shutting out articulate and passionate voices of reason and clarity that Imam Zijad Delic most definitely represents as head of the Canadian Islamic Congress,” he said.
“Imam Zijad Delic and the Canadian Islamic Congress stand accused of promulgating extremist views. Remarks made by the Imam’s predecessor regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have been taken out of context and are being attributed to the Imam and the organization – A charge the Imam calls ‘baseless’ and ‘unfounded’.”
“Imam Zijad Delic served with honour and distinction as the Imam of the Richmond Jamia Masjid leading a congregation representing a United Nations of Muslims from all corners of the globe who came to the Mosque to practice their faith, perform their daily prayers and hear his talks on Islam. His warm and generous personality distinguished him as an Imam and community leader who remains active in Multiculturalism and inter-faith initiatives,” Khan said in a statement.
“As a Muslim iof [sic] Bosnian descent he recently wrote eloquently about the need for truth and reconciliation to heal the wounds arising from the bloody conflict in his ancestral country, something that he feels should be applied to all the conflicts we face today. Imam Delic was a signatory in a recent Fatwa originating from Canada prohibiting Terrorism as an affront to Islam.
“As a Canadian he continues to build bridges of tolerance and understanding emphasizing the shared values of Muslims and those of all religions and cultures and has expressed the need for more engagement of Muslims in all parts of life in Canada,” Khan said about the Imam who is considered to be an academically inclined and who has advanced the cause of moderate Islam.
“Imam Delic has served in many capacities as a spiritual leader, an advocate for the community and as a clear voice in bringing about a greater understanding of Islam and its traditions. I consider Imam Zijad Delic a Brother and true Friend and I am proud to stand with him,” Khan said.
“Defence Minister Peter McKay has yet to give a good reason why he has uninvited the Imam. A public enquiry into what prompted this embarrassment to all Canadians should be called to strip the layers of rhetoric and misinformation being levelled at the Imam and Canadian Islamic Congress….
Yes, let’s get a bright line shone upon the Canadian Islamic Congress. That sounds like a terrific idea.