Outrage at the Raping Comments of an Islamic Cleric

by Megan Bayliss | More from this Blogger

26 Oct 2006 01:21 AM

Opposing secular, spiritual and political groups have today joined together in their outrage against the raping comments of an Australian Islamic cleric. In a Ramadan sermon, Sheik Taj al-Din al-Hilaly, reportedly compared "women who wore make-up and dressed immodestly to meat that attracted cats." The Australian, (Australia's major national newspaper) quoted the cleric as saying, "If you take out uncovered meat and place it outside on the street, or in the garden or in the park, or in the backyard without a cover, and the cats come and eat it ... whose fault is it, the cats or the uncovered meat?".

During Sexual Violence Awareness Month in Queensland this statement echoes the archaic beliefs of many people. It is offensive and appalling to me to know that a percentage of our population continues to blame women for doing what they would normally do. Rape is not about the way a person looks, where they frequent, or how they dress. Rape is an act of power and control. If a prostitute is raped it is still rape, despite the fact, that the woman, or man, has chosen to sell sex. No means no.

If a furniture store displays its goods on the street, and something is stolen, it is still theft. If a stray cat is baited, without the permission of the correct environmental agency and correct bait signs erected, the act becomes a criminal offence under animal cruelty laws. Where is the cleric coming from with his preaching statements likening immodestly dressed women to cats baiting rape? What is his motivation? If it is to keep his congreation in line, he may well have gone about it the wrong way. By all reports, Muslim women's groups are insultated at having their gender referred to as "meat."

Congratulations to our opposing political sides who have all condemned the cleric's metaphor. While the cleric is considered the Australian spiritual leader of Muslim peoples, a Mufti, calls have been made for his resignation and defrocking. An immodest move in itself, I would hate to see the cleric raped because he was wearing clothes less fitting of his position. Leave him where he is. The wrath of Allah, and many raging goddesses, is upon him.

In defense of the cleric, he has now apologized for causing offense to any women. He claimed that his comment was "only intended to protect women's honour." Imam, I call for you to preach to men, tell them to stay modest, tell them to honor our women, tell them that rape and sexual assault has never been part of the Koran. Rape is not a Muslim act, rape is an act of terror.

Despite the horrific Sydney rape trial that has spurned the cleric's comments, his thoughts are no different to the way many other people think. The good cleric has done little more than dare to voice his opinion. Of course, his position as Mufti makes it an extremely dangerous opinion, but nonetheless, it was HIS opinion, not the opinion of all Muslims and certainly not the opinion of a world trying to rid itself of the scourge of sexual violence.

Friday the 27th of October is the international rally against sexual violence. I urge you all to take your stance now. Will you join with the knee-jerking uninformed comments of the Imam or will you leave a supportive comment on the emarch currently walking the world?

Rape is a rapist's fault. Make-up and low cut top, I expect to be treated with respect, dignity and reserve my right to go safely, wherever I choose to. After all, that's how I treat others: even the Imam.

To find out more about Sexual Violence, read:

Calling Non-Violent Men to Reclaim the Knight

Topical Whensday: When Will Your Yes Mean Yes and Your No Mean No

Topical Whensday: When will YOU wear a Colored Tee to Recognize Violence Against Women and Children

School Project Information on Sexual Assault

Mary Magdalene was Naught but a Prostitute

What are your frustrations with the church?

Learn more about Megan Bayliss

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Gwyllum (301) 26 Oct 2006 03:18 AM

Good points, Megan. National evening media reports presented interviews with a cross section of Muslim women, all stating strongly their distaste of the Islamic cleric's comments.

exclusivecoverage (54) 26 Oct 2006 02:04 PM

Agreed Megan, excellent synopsis. Another important factor to bear in mind is the longer term strategy behind the politics of why the comments were made ... can they be viewed as a warning to the flock to tow the line or lose our support / I don't know / also it is important to look at not only the particular position of authority, but also the specific influences associated with office . They may be only one man's opinion but do not underestimate the knowledge that man holds around his ability to influemce the status quo.

Megan Bayliss (3586) 26 Oct 2006 03:49 PM

Thanks for your comment P, the influence of the position is a real issue. While many Muslim women's groups are shunning the comment, the back lash against Muslims in general is intolerable. I DO NOT condone violence against anyone. In retaliation to the vocal women's groups, I do fear for the "influence" that may be sanctioned upon them for going against their spiritual leader.

Today is Reclaim/Take Back the Night. Time for us all to peacefully voice our desire to end sexual violence against everyone. Thanks for leaving a comment on the emarch for men. Your support of ending sexual violence is greatly appreciated.

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 28 Oct 2006 04:27 PM

I'm glad to see that people have the guts to stand up and speak out against such a reprehensible opinion/view of women.

Megan Bayliss (3586) 28 Oct 2006 04:42 PM

Thanks to you too Sherry for speaking out against archaic views of women. Thankfully the Muslim Women's groups are still speaking up against their Mufti - some of them even demanded his resignation.