Australian Muslims need leadership

Ordinary Australian Muslims are constructive and positive when it comes to building a unified and harmonious Australia. They have, shown that whatever the situation may be against Muslims internationally - they must deal with the situation at one with the Australian nation.

In public comments and interviews, hardly any Muslim has abused or condemned Australian society. On the other hand, the so-called leaders fail to appreciate the impact of their statements and articulate such conflicting thoughts that the entire Muslim community has to pay a significant cost time and again.

The recent statement of Sheik Taj Hilali has shocked the majority of Australian Muslims. Sheik Hilali was invited to appear on Egyptian television to explain his disputed sermon where he had compared women who show some skin to uncovered pieces of meat that invite predators. Instead, Sheik Hilali set off a new controversy, claiming Muslims have more right to be in Australia than the descendants of convicts. He further added that Westerners were the world's biggest liars and accused the media of trying to bring him down.

Sheik Taj Hilali has again embarrassed Australian Muslims with his nonsensical, inappropriate and unnecessary comments. Sheik Hilali’s has said his biggest regret in dealing with the issues is his lack of good English communication. However, whatever he said in his recent interview was not too complicated to translate correctly into English. He cannot be excused this time.

Sheik Hilali might be an acceptable religious leader performing the job of Mufti for a section of Muslims but what he has demonstrated is that he is incapable of being a true representative of Australian Muslims. If the Muslim community persists with leaders like Sheik Hilali then, eventually, it will have to pay a huge cost.

The Australian Muslim community needs a visionary and politically-minded person who should play a positive role in integrating of Australian Muslims into mainstream society.

Australian Muslims play a significant role in the cultural and religious diversity of Australia and they should continue. Australian Muslims are a vital bridge between Australia and the Islamic world. This is the testing time for the Australian Muslims especially with the on going international crises. They should, as a community, take immediate action to bring forward those people who can competently lead the community in the right direction in enjoying the wonderful democratic values of Australia.