Sheik gathering rallied by SMS
MEMBERS of Sydney's Islamic community sent thousands of text messages urging a non-violent rally yesterday as former prime minister Malcolm Fraser accused the Government of using Muslims as an election issue.
The text messages called for a show of support this Saturday for embattled cleric Sheik Taj al-Din al-Hilaly. One described the planned rally as "a critical day to show our solidarity and to silence the hypocrites!"
The barrage of text and email messages came as the sheik's family confirmed he would not be stepping down as Mufti of Australia despite the outrage caused by his remarks about the victims of rape.
Sheik Hilaly's daughter Asma Hilaly said her father had simply taken temporary sick leave from his duties at Lakemba mosque after collapsing on Monday.
"He will not step down. He's always been strong. Strong, tall and defiant and none of this will shake him and bring him down," the 25-year-old said outside Canterbury Hospital.
She said her father – who is expected to remain in hospital for at least another two days – still planned to travel to Mecca in the next few weeks.
Former prime minister Malcolm Fraser accused the Howard Government of fuelling an "increase in fear and concern over the followers of Islam", The Age newspaper reported.
"There are already suggestions that this next election will be a 'Muslim election', as a while ago it was the Tampa election," he said.
"It would create a terrible and unnecessary divide between Islam and the rest of the community."
Many Muslims, wary of public perception, said they wanted to ensure any rally in support of Sheik Hilaly was peaceful and did not turn into a "flag burning" by an angry mob.
One message sender feared a repeat of the scenes at the Lakemba mosque on the night of the Cronulla riots, when fights broke out during a rally.
"Last thing we need is another display like what was seen outside Lakemba mosque on the night of the riots," the message implored.
Lebanese Muslim Association president Tom Zreika said last night the rally had not been officially organised by the association and "mixed messages" were being sent about what day the protest would take place.
"We will get some protesters on Friday coming up to Lakemba mosque and chanting for him (Sheik Hilaly) to come back," Mr Zreika said.
"Friday is our Sabbath so it's more likely to be then."
Other messages called on Muslims to support their besieged cleric at a protest at Parry Park near Lakemba Mosque on Saturday at 1pm.
Mr Zreika is urging that any show of support for Shiek Hilaly be in a peaceful manner.
Messages
Emails and text messages, referred to in a Muslim Village Australia website forum, calling on Muslims to support besieged Sheik Taj al-Din al-Hilaly at Saturday's protest:
"THIS SMS has been spreading everywhere: Get Prepared! Peaceful protest in support of Mufti Al-Hilaly at Parry Park this Saturday at 1pm. This is a critical day to show our solidarity and to silence the hypocrites!"
"I WOULD like it to be an organised rally not just a gathering of angry, hot-headed Muslims shouting slogans, burning flags or other symbols etc"
"DEFINITELY keep it organised. Last thing we need is another display like what was seen outside Lakemba mosque on the night of the riots. A lot of the troublemakers weren't even Muslim, and were there just for the fights and trouble and then it becomes all about 'look at the trouble the Muslims are causing' instead of 'Muslims speak out in support of Shk Taj'"
"(THE rally must be) a message of unwavering support to our Shaykh and a show of strength that our community will not be forced to please the wishes of our fascist government."
Another member of the forum asked:
"IS this being organised by someone? Or is this (SMS) just being circulated by individuals? I think it would be much better if any rally is done professionally and in an organised manner."
The same forum member said it was important volunteer stewards were at the rally to:
"ENSURE no one steps out of line (no flag-burning etc)... The event itself will send a message that the Muslim community is strong, organised and united and will not be intimidated by the media or the politicians."
Pertinent Links:
1) Sheik gathering rallied by SMS
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment