Fake Muslim Flyers Distributed in Bentleigh
Bentleigh residents recently received leaflets in their letterboxes from the "Muslim Association of Victoria" - which does not exist - inviting them to learn about Islam as part of national mosque open day.
But the letter goes on to include divisive extracts claiming to be from the Quran and Muslim scholars, which promote violence and sexism.
"I will cast horror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them," the letter reads.
Islamic Council of Victoria secretary Ghaith Krayem said the letter was aimed at creating friction in the community. He said the Muslim Association of Victoria did not exist.
"There are people who want to cause division in the Australian community and that is not something we are part of. We focus on building bridges within Australia."
He said the letter detracted from the success of the first national open mosque day, which was held on Saturday.
Mr Krayem said verses in the Quran could be taken out of context, and no one should single out a sentence in a religious text and "present it like they know what it means."
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Matthew Guy labelled the letter "juvenile and divisive".
"We should all be focused on what unites us as Australians, not issues that may seek to divide us."
He pointed out that Muslims have been in Australia since 1860.
Concerns about an increase in Islamophobia have been raised in the wake of counter terrorism raids, debate about the burqa in federal parliament and the rise of ISIL.
The sandbelt seat of Bentleigh is held by Elizabeth Miller by a slim 0.9 per cent under new electoral boundaries.
Source: The Age
