Australia's top Muslim cleric took indefinite leave from preaching yesterday after collapsing and being rushed to hospital as he came under relentless pressure to resign over his comments about women.
The Mufti of Australia, Sheikh Taj Aldin al-Hilali, who described immodestly dressed women without Islamic headscarves as "uncovered meat," collapsed while waiting to meet a delegation of Muslim leaders to discuss his future.
The president of the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA), which runs the Sydney mosque where the Egyptian-born cleric preaches, read a statement from Hilali outside the Sydney hospital where he was being treated.
"In due course I will take the necessary decision that shall lift the pressures that have been placed on our Australian Muslims and which will benefit all Australians," Hilali said, announcing his intention to take leave.
He apologized for the second time for any offence caused by his comments and described women as "the cherished pearls, the dearest thing in the world."
The mufti conceded his comparison of scantily-clad women to uncovered meat inviting sexual attack was "inappropriate and unacceptable for the Australian society and the Western society in general."
LMA president Tom Zreika stressed that Hilali had not been sacked.
"He has asked for indefinite leave from the duties at Lakemba mosque," Zreika told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
"That is the limit of our powers and it came from him, it didn't come from us. If he wants to resign, that's the matter for the mufti of Australia," he said.
Prime Minister John Howard called for Australian Muslims to act to defend their reputation, suggesting they could face a backlash from other Australians, while other politicians demanded Hilali be charged with incitement to rape.
The controversial cleric, who reportedly suffers from asthma, was in stable condition but could remain in hospital for up to three days, a hospital official said.
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