A Pakistani scholar's Australian speaking tour has been cut short after the discovery of a video where he is seen to make anti-Semitic comments prompted a community backlash.
One of the tour's organisers, who wished to remain anonymous, told SBS News Muhammad Raza Saqib Mustafai voluntarily left the country last night after they became aware of a 2012 video entitled 'Jews are the enemies of Islam and real peace'.
"Muslims are not terrorists; they are the lovers of peace and preachers of peace," Mr Mustafai says in the video during what appears to be a sermon. "All the troubles that exist around the world are because of the Jews.
"When the Jews are wiped out, then the world would be purified."
Mr Mustafai is the founder of a spiritual and intellectual movement in Pakistan that promotes Islamic teachings.
His huge following on social media prompted invitations for him to speak in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. But soon after his initial appearances, media inquiries pointed a Sydney organiser in the direction of the comments.
The organiser, who insisted he knew nothing about the video beforehand, told Mr Mustafai he was "not happy" with what he saw, and requested he leave the country.
One report said Mr Mustafai claimed to have been quoting from a book in the video and the comments did not reflect his true opinion.
While Mr Mustafai didn't make any similar comments during his stay in Australia, local groups said they would have been in vain.
"It's very good when people stand up and say the Muslim hearts and the Muslim minds we want to shape are about tolerance and inclusion and opposed to anti-Semitism and anti-racism."
"The Pakistani community is Australia is very well educated," said Ali Khurram from the Pakistan Australia Friendship Association. "We love Australia. So there's no way if anyone comes here and tries to sell this thing, we're going to buy it."
Naela Chohan, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Australia, said Mr Mustafai's comments are causing damage to humanity.
"Islamic traditions have so much in common with Jews that you cannot say anything as irresponsible as that," she said.
Jeremy Jones, from the Australian Israel and Jewish Affairs Council, condemned the video, but said it was "important and encouraging" that the Pakistani community took action.
"When you have somebody who's promoting hatred and division, the people most affected are those seen to be close to him," he said.
"It's very good when people stand up and say the Muslim hearts and the Muslim minds we want to shape are about tolerance and inclusion and opposed to anti-Semitism and anti-racism."
Mr Jones has called on the government to review its vetting process for scholars who wish to hold speaking tours in Australia.
Share
