Sheikh Up, Sheikh Down, Sheikh Out

Sheikh Up: He's re-elected.

Sheikh Down: He declines.

Sheikh Out: He's replaced.

That's today's story on the replacement of Sheik Taj el-Din Al Hilali, as described by the ABC in their online article:

Controversial muslim cleric, Sheik Taj el-Din Al Hilali has declined the position of Mufti of Australia and a new mufti has been elected.

Imams from across the country were at Melbourne's Preston Mosque for a meeting of the National Imam's Council.

The Council has announced Sheik Fehmi Naji El-Imam as the Mufti of Australia for a two-year term.

The Council said Sheik Al Hilali was appointed first, however he declined the position and proposed Sheikh Fehmi to be appointed Mufti.

Israellycool's original post on the uncovered cat meat provides one good reason - among many - of why he is gone.

Within the same ABC article comes this perplexing picture and caption:

Sheikh Fehmi is in the middle? Of what? A political storm? A Hilaly bear-hug?

A good test of whether or not Sheikh Fehmi is moderate is to ask his opinions about (a) Jews, (b) Shari'a law vs Australian law, and (c) women wearing less than a burkha.

The outcome of those answers would not only reflect on Sheikh Fehmi but also the council who elected him.