AUSTRALIA’S most influential Muslim cleric has called on members of his community to participate in democracy and make an informed decision in the upcoming federal election.Sheik Taj al-din al-Hilaly, the Imam of Australia’s largest mosque, in Lakemba, encouraged Muslims to vote based on the credentials of their local candidate.
He has also criticised Paul White, the co-ordinator of the organisation Muslims for Peace, who claims that any Muslim who votes becomes an apostate (one who denounces one’s faith).
"I call (Mr White) to correct his information," Sheik Hilaly said.
"Muslims should vote and be active participants in Australia’s democratic system."
Mr White, who was recently made redundant from the University of Western Sydney, used an essay published in March and distributed through his organisation’s website to urge Muslims not to vote.
"Any system not based wholly on the law of Almighty Allah is by definition a system of idolatry," Mr White, a convert to Shiite Islam, wrote.
"Since Almighty Allah alone is sovereign, He alone is the sole source of all legislation on humanity’s affairs and no one has the right to even question this."
Mr White refused to answer questions from The Australian yesterday.
Sheik Hilaly said voting enabled Muslims to "take a fair and just position and consider the place in the world community of all Australians".
"The differences between the two major parties as a whole is like the difference between Coke and Pepsi; they may have a slightly different flavour but they are both still cola," he said.
"Muslims should vote for the local candidate who most respects and supports our pluralistic society, whether they are from the Liberal or Labor party."