Australia's Imams on Osama, Tolerance and Sharia Law
From: Herald Sun, Australia
July 11, 2011
IMAMS from across Australia were each asked nine questions by the Herald Sun on issues affecting the Muslim community. We publish their responses here in full.
Sheikh Imraan Husain, Gold Coast mosque.
Q. How long have you been an Imam and what was your country of birth?
A. I have been an Imam for 14 years in Australia and I was born in South Africa.
Q. What are your main duties?
A. Leading the ritual prayers; fulfilling funeral rites; conducting marriages; certifying establishment’s Halal; setting up and implementing Islamic educational programs for children, youth, reverts, members of the Muslim community and even for non-Muslims; co-ordinating the centre’s website; taking part in inter-faith and multicultural programs; etc. Overall, an Imam is expected to give moral guidance to members of his congregation in all dimensions of their lives. The Imam also has the all important function of ensuring that members of his congregation are educated and develops a better understanding of their religion which empowers them to become better human beings and assets to the communities that they live in. An Imam ensures the spiritual progress of his congregation, strengthening their bond with their Creator and religion which enables them to draw guidance and strength from their religion in a world overwhelmed by oppression and depression.
Q. What are the main complaints from your community members about how Muslims are perceived in Australia?
A. People often feel offended when a handful of Muslims do something unethical, and they have to suffer the consequences of the backlash. They just want to get on with life just like everyone else. We do receive many complaints regarding hate and lack of tolerance from the broader Australian community, which is very frustrating. Muslims are also deeply frustrated by the many who make no effort to gain an understanding of Islam yet they allow themselves to become victims of the well-oiled Islamophobia propaganda machine and develop negative opinions of Islam and Muslims.
Q. Do ordinary Muslims still feel that they are unfairly linked to terrorism in Australia?
A. Yes, without a doubt. I think that it is very unfortunate, that many Australians despise Muslims and regard them as people who are backward, aggressive and ignorant. Muslims are also hurt by the hypocrisy and double standards when it comes to reporting on terrorists and terrorism as well as debating its definition.
Q. What is your response to some politicians and others criticising the wearing of the burqa and even the Hijab?
A. Most politicians who object on the wearing of the burqa or the Niqab do not really understand the philosophy of the practice. Many think that it’s a sign of male subjugation and control. Yet others think it to be oppressive. Where is the democratic right they should be having living in a democratic country such as Australia. It is ironic that those claiming to be fighting for the rights of women, will fight to the death for women who chooses to walk in the street semi-naked, yet will oppose the right of another woman who would choose to do so in the garb of her choice. Opposing a woman's right to wear a burqa simply because some do not understand or agree with it, is to oppose and deny her the right and freedom to wear what she chooses. That is a form of enslavement and not emancipation.
Q. Given there has been debate about Sharia; do you believe that some form of Sharia law would be compatible with the Australian legal system? If so, in what context?
A. Shari’ah law touches on all aspects of life: personal, communal, family, legal, ethical, moral, financial and political. It is deep-rooted in principles of peace and justice and is hence relevant to those living in all times and places. Another aspect of Shari’ah is the Hudood laws (prescribed penalties), which are only one element of the Islamic legal system. The ‘Hudood’ are the penalties that the Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) have prescribed for heinous crimes. For all other crimes, there is no permanent prescription for specific punishments, and the task of imposing punishments (ta’dhiraat) has been left to the ruler and the judge of the legislature and judiciary in modern society. Hence, Hudood cannot be enforceable in Australia neither is there a call for Shari’ah law to be implemented here by the vast Muslim majority.
Q. Given it has been over a month since the killing of Osama bin Laden, do you believe that his death is generally a positive thing for the world? Why?
A. This is all a political game. We do not condone any form of inhumane behaviour. However, if there is a criminal, then correct channels need to be carried out and they should face the tribunal and a correct penalty needs to be carried out. Without a doubt, we all need a safer world. But that will only come about if we have justice, which is lacking, especially among the so-called ‘peacemakers’. Killing a person in a manner that deprives him of his basic right to a trial, sends a message that once anyone is convinced of the guilt of the other they can take the law into their own hands. This only serves to promote violence.
Q. Do you believe that the way bin Laden was buried is offensive?
A. His funeral rites have definitely been violated. Only someone who dies at sea, and reaching the land is going to take some time, is allowed to be buried at sea.
Q. There have been calls for the United States to release pictures of a dead bin Laden. What is your attitude?
A. It will be better, as many people are not convinced that they really killed him. Some believed that he was dead many years ago. I think many people will still be sceptical as pictures can be forged.
Sheikh Ramy Najmeddine, Melbourne City Mosque, West Melbourne.
Q. How long have you been an imam and what was your country of birth?
A. My country of birth is Australia, and I have been an Imam for about three years.
Q. What are your main duties?
A. Given all sorts of people attend the mosque and make queries, I spend a lot of time referring people to experts for issues including counselling for marital issue or domestic violence. I also regularly deliver the sermon on Fridays, and frequently answer individual questions about Islamic theology in the Australian context. Additionally, I am currently part of the Victoria Police Multi-Faith Council, and I often attend various community occasions and events when able to.
Q. What are the main complaints from your community members about how Muslims are perceived in Australia?
A. Community is at times not aware of how news reporting works, and this leaves them feeling powerless to engage with the media.
Q. Do ordinary Muslims still feel that they are unfairly linked to terrorism in Australia?
A. I feel that Muslims can feel there is an unfair association of terrorism to Islam and Muslims. I also think that we believe that this association is being broken down by the good work that members of both the Muslim and non-Muslim community are doing to work together for a better society.
Q.What is your response to some politicians and others criticising the wearing of the burqa and even the Hijab?
A.I think they need to understand more about these items of clothing, and speak to the people who actually wear them to be more informed.
Q. Given there has been debate about Sharia; do you believe that some form of Sharia law would be compatible with the Australian legal system? If so, in what context?
A. I don't think there is a need for implementing any form of Shari'ah law, however - I support laws which are in agreement with the principles of Shari'ah law. For example, with the recent news of the ill treatment of cattle in the abattoirs of Indonesia is one that is disturbing to me and to many Muslims and non-Muslims alike in Australia. Would it not be a more fitting suggestion to have Halal abattoirs here in Australia and employ Australians that work in these abattoirs to make sure the cattle are being treated and slaughtered the correct way to Muslim standards of humane treatment to these animals, and then for these cattle to be shipped to another country for consumption? This will provide more Australians jobs and we will take advantage of the million-dollar Halal export industry available.
Q. Given it has been over a month since the killing of Osama bin Laden, do you believe that his death is generally a positive thing for the world? Why?
A. Osama has been killed, we hope this is a new beginning for us all, and let's move on.
Q. Do you believe that the way bin Laden was buried is offensive?
A. I think returning his biological remains to his family would have been the right thing to do, regardless of what the individual did in his lifetime.
Q. There have been calls for the United States to release pictures of a dead bin Laden. What is your attitude?
A. I believe there is no need for this - they have killed the man they were after, let us move on and progress to better our society and community, there is more important priorities that need to be addressed in Australia.
Sheikh Mohamadu Saleem, Board of Imams, Victoria.
Q. How long have you been an imam and what was your country of birth?
A. I have been an Imam for 10 years. I was born in Sri Lanka.
Q. What are your main duties?
The main task is to provide ‘spiritual guidance’ to the community. As an Imam I am in charge of the Mosque and its activities. This include leading prayers, delivering Friday sermons, conducting religious lessons, being available for people to consult on religious matters, celebrating religious marriages and assisting families in times of grief / trauma and engaging in dispute resolution among the community members. I also represent the Muslim community in various activities such as inter-faith, multicultural, and other similar activities organised by local, state and federal government, and governmental departments.
Q. What are the main complaints from your community members about how Muslims are perceived in Australia?
A. Unfair media converge of matters relating to Muslims and Islam. Use of language that’s always victimising Muslims and Islam on events overseas. Sensationalising trivial matters on Islam and Muslims to give an exaggerated picture.
Q. Do ordinary Muslims still feel that they are unfairly linked to terrorism in Australia?
A. Yes, a majority of Muslims have nothing to do with the so-called 'terrorism'.
Q. What is your response to some politicians and others criticising the wearing of the burqa and even the Hijab?
A. Most politicians recognise the basic right of freedom to wear what the women want. Wearing burqa or Hijab is a personal choice of women who wear it. Some use this issue to gain political mileage among their voters. This could be akin to 'global warming / carbon price'. It's mere political expediency.
Q. Given there has been debate about Shariah, do you believe that some form of Sharia law would be compatible with the Australian legal system? If so, in what context?
A. Muslims in Australia are living according to Shari'ah rules like the Jews and Christians living according to their respective religious codes. There is no problem for any Muslim to lead his/her life in accordance with Shari'ah rules. Muslims in this country practice their religion freely. In a collective sense there may be some difficulties to adhere to certain rules of Shari'ah in Australia. Muslims for instance would like to have interest-free banking facilities. There are many areas in personal law where Shari'ah rules could be accommodated. For example there can be a Shariah Compliant Wills that could be executed under Australian Law. Muslims marry according to 'Islamic rites'. Dissolution of Islamic marriage could be accommodated through 'Binding Financial Agreement' under the Family Law Act.
Q. Given it has been over a month since the killing of Osama bin Laden, do you believe that his death is generally a positive thing for the world? Why?
A. Time will tell if it’s positive or not.
Q. Do you believe that the way bin Laden was buried is offensive?
A. His burial was insensitive to Islamic traditions. By refusing to accept the body, Saudi Arabia is culpable of letting this to happen.
Q. There have been calls for the United States to release pictures of a dead bin Laden. What is your attitude?
A. I have no doubt that Osama bin Laden has been assassinated.
Sheikh Burhaan Mehtar, Imam Jamiatul Ulama, Western Australia.
Q. How long have you been an imam and what was your country of birth?
A. I have been an Imam (community leader/servant) for the last 12 years. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Q. What are your main duties?
A. The duties of any Imam are varied and responsive to the needs of his community. I am a teacher and co-ordinator of religious studies at one of the largest Islamic colleges in the country, Australian Islamic College. This goes further than just teaching young people about Islam, it is providing guidance and being a role model for them as well as supporting their extended families. Imams have to provide counselling, mediation, advice and support to members of my congregation (marriage, divorce, birth, death, welfare work). I engage in inter-faith programs to promote a better understanding of Islam. Basically it is both social, community and mosque-related work.
Q. What are the main complaints from your community members about how Muslims are perceived in Australia?
A. My community feels very much a part of the fabric of Australia. It is when the media paints all Muslims with the same brush of negative stereotypes of extremists, terrorists, Islamises that my community feels let down by its fellow citizens. This is especially true for young people, they are Australian, most are born here and are contributing to society and yet their ‘Australianness’ is constantly called into question by both the media and politicians. I believe that this is an issue that needs to be addressed. Muslims are not one homogenous group and the collective punishment is something that the media and politicians need to distance themselves from. Look at Australian Muslims as Australians.
Q. Do ordinary Muslims still feel that they are unfairly linked to terrorism in Australia?
A. Yes. One only needs to tune into talk back radio after a story about terrorism halfway across the world hits the airwaves. As Australian Muslims we feel people should be open minded and not judge Australian Muslims by the actions of some in other parts of the world.
Q. What is your response to some politicians and others criticising the wearing of the burqa and even the Hijab?
A. I think that when as a country we stand up for equality, freedom and democracy then we need to put that into practice and I really believe that our politicians need to be taking a lead on this. I don't believe anyone should be dictating to women what they should or should not be wearing. The basis of their criticism stems from wanting to protect women from being forced into wearing the burqa and yet women are saying this is their choice, and we've seen this across Australia. Women have stood up and said that this is their choice, does this not then make these politicians and others oppressors by forcing these women to remove what they feel is an integral part of their identity.
Q. Given there has been debate about Shariah; do you believe that some form of Shariah law would be compatible with the Australian legal system? If so, in what context?
A. Regarding Shariah law, I guess at times it is used more to scare non-Muslim Australians and make Australian Muslims look like they are forcing their views. Dialogue needs to take place between those concerned and gain a good understand the meaning of Shariah and what it actually entails. Once that is done it will be easy to understand how Shariah law actually can benefit society. Islamic Banking and the non-slavery of humans is a classic example (interest is slavery).
Q. Given it has been over a month since the killing of Osama bin Laden, do you believe that his death is generally a positive thing for the world? Why?
A. The somewhat symbolic victory of the killing of Osama bin Laden will be hollow if those who do not have anything to do with the attacks on America continue to live in the terror of death delivered from the skies by missiles from unmanned aerial vehicles, renditions and the denial of their civil liberties. The world will not know lasting peace if these wars are not brought to a close with immediacy.
Q. Do you believe that the way bin Laden was buried is offensive?
A. Every human being has a right to a burial.
Q. There have been calls for the United States to release pictures of a dead bin Laden. What is your attitude?
A. Showing the pictures or not is not a major deal for me. Peace, and working towards much-needed peace, should be the main focus.
Dr Shabbir Ahmed, Imam, New South Wales.
Q. How long have you been an imam and what was your country of birth?
A. I have been an Imam since May 1992, and my country of birth is Pakistan.
Q. What are your main duties?
A. My main duties are: leading the prayers; teaching Arabic language classes to the adults; teaching Quranic classes; performing the marriages; counselling; issuing the verdicts; conducting youth classes; delivering regular lectures in the Mosque and other places, and leading Friday and Eid prayers.
Q. What are the main complaints from your community members about how Muslims are perceived in Australia?
A. The main complaints from my community members regarding how Muslims are perceived in Australia relate to the issue of Hijab/Niqab, and the Islamic dress code.
Q. Do ordinary Muslims still feel that they are unfairly linked to terrorism in Australia?
A. Yes, ordinary Muslims feel that they are being unfairly linked to terrorism in Australia.
Q. What is your response to some politicians and others criticising the wearing of the burqa and even the Hijab?
A. Australia is a multi-cultural nation, and in my opinion, everyone has the right to live their culture/religion. Every person should have the right to dress as they please, and the wearing of the Hijab/Niqab should not affect anyone. If a person wears it from their choice willingly, then they should be appreciated, rather than discriminated against, especially in a multicultural country like Australia, where people from all sorts of religions and cultures dwell in.
Q. Given there has been debate about Shariah; do you believe that some form of Shariah law would be compatible with the Australian legal system? If so, in what context?
A. Yes, I do believe that some form of Sharia law is compatible with the Australian legal system i.e. the help provided by the Centre link to unemployed and needy people matches with what the Sharia law says in relation to the needy people - that the government of a country is responsible to provide for its unemployed/needy citizens.
Q. Given it has been over a month since the killing of Osama bin Laden, do you believe that his death is generally a positive thing for the world? Why?
A. Yes. This is because Osama Bin Laden had always been a WANTED person. I hope the fear that the world had against Osama Bin Laden is now reduced by his death.
Q. Do you believe that the way bin Laden was buried is offensive?
A. No comment.
Q. There have been calls for the United States to release pictures of a dead bin Laden. What is your attitude?
A. I think people have the right to ask for pictures of a dead Bin Laden, so that the world can have evidence that Osama Bin Laden has truly died.
Imam Yusuf Parker, Alhidayah Centre, Western Australia.
Q. How long have you been an imam and what was your country of birth?
I've been an Imam in Australia since Nov 2000. Prior to that I was in Cape Town, South Africa which is my country of birth. I was an Imam there for 5 years.
Q. What are your main duties?
A. As an Imam my duties, inter alia, are as follows: Lead the daily prayers; teach all aspects of the religion to all members of the community ie: males/females, young/old; facilitate family dispute resolution; officiate at religious functions such as marriage, child-name giving etc; take people on the Holy Pilgrimage (hajj); and, be a community leader in all aspects of community needs.
Q. What are the main complaints from your community members about how Muslims are perceived in Australia?
A. The main complaints are being perceived as terrorists; not wanting to assimilate; wanting to convert all Australians to Islam; seeking to establish Sharia in Australia; and hostile to non-Muslims.
Q. Do ordinary Muslims still feel that they are unfairly linked to terrorism in Australia?
A. Yes, most ordinary Muslims feel that way. It does become frustrating when they know they are not like that and they know they are fitting in well in society. Further it annoys the ordinary Muslim because Islam is being blamed for the behaviour of a few individuals whose actions are contrary to Islam. We all feel that terrorism should be spoken about as a crime without any connection to any religion. Let the criminal suffer the consequences, no matter what their religion.
Q. What is your response to some politicians and others criticising the wearing of the burqa and even the hijab?
A. My response to them is that wearing the hijab (headscarf) is a religious duty and Muslim women wear it out of choice to obey their religion. There are many Muslim women who choose not to wear the hijab. Therefore to say that wearing the hijab is oppressive and a sign of Islam oppressing the women is a total misconception. In actual fact it shows me how ignorant the person (who makes such a statement) is about Islam. The reality is that some parents might be strict about it and that is because they want their daughters to adhere to religious practice. It is the same as the traffic department being strict about us adhering to the speed limit. Nobody looks at that as oppressive but rather we all see the need to obey the law. The same with our Islamic practices. Most Muslims feel the need to adhere to the tenets of Islam. With regards to the burqa: firstly that word is used in different context by different people. In our culture a burqa is special prayer clothes worn by women and it does not cover the face. But I take it that you are referring to the face-covering known in Arabic as Niqab. I will proceed to answer on that assumption. The face covering according to my understanding is not compulsory in Islam. It is highly recommended for younger ladies so as to hide their beauty. Some countries like Saudi have made it a law to cover the face. For the rest of the Muslim world it is a matter of choice. The ladies who cover their faces are looked at by other Muslims with respect and honour. But there are many Muslim women who would never wear the Niqab (face-covering) even though they do wear the Hijab (headscarf). There are very few husbands who would impose the wearing of a face-cover on their wives or daughters. Those who do either come from a country where this practice is common or they desire to live a life of piety and strict religious adherence. But to impose it against a woman's will is very rare. Most women who wear the face-covering do it out of choice.
Q. Given there has been debate about Sharia, do you believe that some form of Sharia law would be compatible with the Australian legal system? If so, in what context?
A. I know that most people, including many Muslims, don't really know what Sharia is all about. For non-Muslims its about chopping hands and stoning. For many Muslims it’s the law of the Arab world. In reality both are off the mark. Sharia is the laws that are derived from two sources: 1.) The Quran 2.) The Prophetic statements. Thus a Muslim when he/she is praying or fasting or performing hajj or doing business or social interaction or getting married etc they are practicing Sharia. They are acting out the teaching of the Quran and Prophetic statements. Therefore I don’t look at Sharia as a legal structure but rather as guiding text for all aspects of our lives. Nonetheless, if we narrow it down to specific laws I will say that some aspects of Sharia law (I'm using this term very loosely) is compatible with the Australian legal system. By compatible I don’t mean that the local law must be replaced by Sharia law but the two could work side-by-side. The only aspects that I believe fall into this category is the rules relating to family matters such as marriage, divorce and also children's issues such as custody. The reality is that majority of Muslims did not come from an Arab state and therefore never lived under Sharia law. Therefore they live their Islam in a manner that does not contradict the local law. At the same time, all Muslims feel the need to adhere to the tenets of Islam to the best of their ability. If some of these issues are recognised by the local law then it will make it easier for the Muslims to practice their Islam. Muslims are not saying that Sharia law must be imposed on all others. All some Muslims want is that their marriage, divorce and children's issues be dealt with in a manner that is islamically satisfactory to them. The only other area that many Muslims would seek some consideration on is in the banking system because Muslims are not allowed to participate in any dealing which involves interest. So finding interest free loans etc will again help the Muslims to practice their Islam better. Other than the two major issues mentioned I don't see any other Sharia law that Muslims would seek to have legally recognised.
Q. Given it has been over a month since the killing of Osama bin Laden, do you believe that his death is generally a positive thing for the world? Why?
A. I'm not sure how positive it is. It definitely has not impacted my life in anyway. Perhaps for those who are convinced that he was the 9/11 mastermind and that the blood of all those innocent people was on his hands, this is closure. But the reality is that the negative impact on Islam and Muslims has not changed and it will take many decades for that to change. The killing of Osama is not going to change how people feel about Islam and the Muslims. Especially if they see every Muslim as a potential 'Osama'. Many think that all Muslims are fans of Osama when in reality most of us have not heard of him until 9/11. The same goes with the name Al-Qaeda. Therefore I'm yet to see the positive effects of his killing.
Q. Do you believe that the way bin Laden was buried is offensive?
A. I understand that his body was thrown into the ocean. If that is the case then I believe it to be disrespectful to his Islamic right to an Islamic burial.
The fact that he died on land means that he should have had a proper burial. I'm not sure if the Islamic pre-burial procedures were followed. If not, then I would consider that disrespectful to his Islamic right and yes, offensive.
Q. There have been calls for the United States to release pictures of a dead bin Laden. What is your attitude?
A. Personally I have no interest in that. Many people want to see a picture as proof that he is dead. But in today's world false pictures are the order of the day. So how can a mere picture confirm anything? I can understand why some, non-Muslim and Muslim, want proof of his death. This world is full of corruption and I'm not one for conspiracy theories but how many things come to light years later that had elements of corruption in it. So we'll have to wait, perhaps, another 20 years when all the truth will be revealed. Most Muslims that I'm in contact with in Perth have no interest in whether he is really dead or not. People talk about it because it comes in the news other than that it is not such a significant issue in the life of Muslims.
Sheikh Abdul Nur Weli, Imam, Victoria.
Q. How long have you been an imam and what was your country of birth?
A. I was born in Ethiopia for a Somali family. I was a religious educator for more than 20 years with different capacities. I had the role of an Imam at the ICV for more than six years.
Q. What are your main duties?
A. Leading prayers, providing religious and spiritual guidance.
Q. What are the main complaints from your community members about how Muslims are perceived in Australia?
A. Muslims are not homogenous people they have different level of religiousness and comprehension. I do not think that anyone enjoys being the subject of debate. We would prefer to be part of the debate rather than being the subjects.
Q. Do ordinary Muslims still feel that they are unfairly linked to terrorism in Australia?
A. When things are magnified and exaggerated people will question it. One example that is not related to Muslims is that the current Prime Minister uses the phrase 'biggest polluters' when she is talking about some companies. I think things like that also happen when it comes to the debate around Muslims.
Q. What is your response to some politicians and others criticising the wearing of the Burqa and even the Hijab?
A. This should be left in the individual freedom to wear what they want. I do not see that the law maker should tell people what to wear. If only Muslims are the people who are told what to wear than it is discrimination.
Q. Given there has been debate about Sharia, do you believe that some form of Shariah law would be compatible with the Australian legal system? If so, in what context?
A. Shari'ah is a very broad term and includes many things. I can say that the majority if Shari'ah is already practiced in Australia. Other areas like the Islamic finance system are also considered currently. I think the sensitivity of the name and the negative perception is the issue not the Shari'ah itself. The majority of the people, Muslims and non-Muslims, do not know what they are talking about when it comes to Shari'ah.
Q. Given it has been over a month since the killing of Osama bin Laden, do you believe that his death is generally a positive thing for the world? Why?
A. For some it is and we have seen the massive gatherings and celebrations in the USA, and for other it is not.
Q. Do you believe that the way bin Laden was buried is offensive?
A. I think that all people should be treated with dignity and respect. Before I can say anything I need to know the reasons behind that burial.
Q. There have been calls for the United States to release pictures of a dead bin Laden. What is your attitude?
A. No need for his pictures - it will only fuel hatred.
Source: Herald Sun, Australia
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-tolerance/australia-imams-osama,-tolerance-sharia/d/5041