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MELBOURNE - The head of Sydney's Lebanese Muslim Association says he has no concerns that Saturday's rally in support of embattled Sheik Taj Aldin Alhilali will turn violent.
Association president Tom Zreika has told the Nine Network that rallygoers, who will meet at the Lakemba mosque, have been urged to think of India's peaceful campaigner, Mahatma Ghandi.
"We've been out telling people to just relax, take it easy, it should be a calm day," Mr Zreika said.
"Think of Gandhi when you're out there because the last thing that we want to do is stir up more emotions and more trouble.
"The point is, if you really want this message to come out, do it in the legal way, don't break the law, obviously and have fun."
An SMS message is circulating, calling on Muslims to attend the "peaceful" rally.
Mr Zreika said he also had sought the approval of police to stage the rally, and he said sufficient officers would be provided to assure public safety.
Sheik Alhilali is recuperating in hospital after collapsing during a meeting that was to decide his future, following the public outcry over a sermon in which he likened immodest women to "uncovered meat" who invited assault.
Mr Zreika said it was not up to him to remove the sheik from his position, and he called for a "fair go" for him.
"It's not a matter for me, it is a matter for the Australian Muslim public. I resonate what they say," Mr Zreika said.
"There are calls - I'm not going to say that there are no calls ... but he has apologised, he has given an explanation, he has asked for more time to recover.
"Now, it is up to us to give him a fair go according to Australian standards."
- AAP
