Leading Imam Agrees

Imams are urged to preach in English
Ian McPhedran and Mark Dunn
09mar06

THE Howard Government has called for Muslim clerics to preach in English in mosques.Attorney General Philip Ruddock, in London for anti-terrorism talks, was told by Islamic leaders moderate Muslims had complained about fiery UK clerics using Arabic to incite followers against the West.

He said a key aspect in preventing radicalisation and home-grown terrorism was education and improving understanding between imams and the communities they worked in.
"To surmise that you would only speak in Arabic or Urdu leaves others who are entitled to worship at the mosque disenfranchised," Mr Ruddock said.

The Islamic Reference Group in the UK is promoting English as the language of the mosque.
"As a sign of respect to the broad faith, which I think was a very interesting proposition, I would support the advocacy of that approach by Islamic leaders (in Australia)," Mr Ruddock said.
Melbourne's leading imam, Sheik Fehmi Naji El-Imam, said he supported Mr Ruddock's call for English to be the language of choice in Australian mosques.

"I agree with Mr Ruddock 100 per cent. I have no problem," Sheik Fehmi said.
"I always do my sermons in English. I do say some Arabic but English has to follow."
Sheik Fehmi called on other mosques to either have translators present or deliver prayers and lectures in English.

Sheik Fehmi said English was more important than Arabic for a range of reasons, from interacting with the wider community to employment opportunities.