Apart from the fact that there are plenty of Imams from various ethnic groups not represented in the list (where are the Turks, Afghans, East Africans…), and that I know for a fact at least some of those appearing in the list do not believe a Mufti is needed, this is an interesting announcement.

I still remain skeptical though.

I don’t know why anything needed to go to the press at this stage either? What has this actually done except gathered the names of a few Imams who are qualified and non-qualified together? 70-something representing all of Australia? Surely there are more Imams working in the various communities than this? I know there are at least 50 or 60 in Sydney alone, if not more, not including those who do not “work” actively in the field. If this is the case, then the 32 on the 1st section (taken to represent Sydney?) is around half, or perhaps even less than this.

I wonder what all these announcements will actually achieve – they have been coming all year and there still does not seem to be any change on the ground. Same old stuff. Is it all about clambering to get funding or what? It seems everyone and their dog (figuratively speaking) are promising to qualify “Aussie Imams” these days, and give diplomas and whatnot in Islamic Studies, yet it seems no one has done anything other than blow hot air.

It seems like another group to compete with the various “Islamic” councils currently in place around Australia – 3 here in Sydney alone. How will this actually benefit the community in any way? How will these Imams deal with the politics which they all know exist amongst their communities?

It raises more questions than answers. And this is before even beginning to thikn about how this group will act in regards to the “Muslim Reference Group”, and other government/official departments. Plus other groups such as the Shi’a and so on.

Tobias is right. By all accounts, he has had a very positive influence amongst Sydney’s Lebanese youth.

but this man’s reputation is outstanding, he has an exemplary character and he has the rare courage to tell people what they need to hear rather than what they want to.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/.....64351.html

http://www.amirbutler.com/archives/2005/12/14/65

I honestly can’t understand why they keep wanting to elect a ‘Mufti of Australia’. Why can’t they just stick to having a council of Imams? If they really want a representative, give him another title but not the ’spiritual leader and Mufti of all Australian Muslims’. Totally ridiculous in my opinion. It puts him on the same level in the minds of non-Muslims as the Pope.

wassalamu alaikum