Controversial Australian Muslim leader quits

Australia’s top Islamic cleric, who triggered a furore last year when he referred to women without head scarves as “uncovered meat,” stepped down today, prompting Muslim leaders to appoint a new mufti.

Australia’s council of Muslim leaders appointed Sheikh Fehmi Naji El-Imam as the nation’s senior cleric, ending months of controversy over the previous mufti, Sheikh Taj Aldin al-Hilali.