and not just on Shaykh Taj ad-Deen al-Hilali but on other irresponsible imams and Muslims in general that make outrageous and inflammatory comments.

The explanation and apology. Al-Hilali like the Pope has apologized not so much for his words which of course he says have been taken out of context but for the reactions of others to his words. Apparently, the resulting stress due to the uproar over his comments has left him confined to his bed on a ventilator. And we ask Allah to restore his health.

Alhamdulillah, I have always been protected in never having to hear first hand such ridiculous and offensive comments while attending lectures.

A few years ago, at one local masjid two speakers made some offensive statements about women, something about women’s behavior in the masjid and another about how in paradise there will be no women because everyone will take on the male form and he even resorted to some pseudo-science about the x and y chromosomes to back it up. Needless to say, the community led by the sisters raised their complaints and both were publicly censured and banned from speaking on the minbar.

Then there are the nincompoops from groups like al-Muhajiroun or whatever their name is now that are desperately seeking celebrity and seem more concerned with competing for airtime with the most outrageous statements than in trying to exemplify the manners and character of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam as seen in his letters and agreements with non-Muslims specifically with the Jews and Christians. Continue reading →