Members of the Muslim community yesterday expressed embarrassment that one of its members had become embroiled in an online sex tape scandal.
They were especially upset that former senator Hakeem Ali held a position of leadership in the faith and the scandal coincided with the holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking about the scandal former president of the Trinidad Muslim League, Dr Masser Mustapha, said while he did not have all the details what he saw online was unacceptable behaviour.
“I saw it this morning and found it to be unbecoming of someone who is held in such high esteem. So it is embarrassing for him and for everybody,” Mustapha told the T&T Guardian in a telephone interview.
He said the timing of the revelation was very peculiar coming in the most devout period when the Muslim community was celebrating the holy month of Ramadan.
“It is embarrassing in this month especially but generally it is not acceptable behaviour,” he added.
Mustapha said while people did get carried away when something like that became public it did not augur well for the integrity of people who were in positions of leadership.
Also contacted yesterday, TML general secretary Azid Ali said he would prefer not to comment on the situation.
He, however, issued a general statement instead later in the day, saying: “If somebody does something and there are consequences he or she has to face because of what he or she has done, then let the chips fall where they may.”
The usually vocal chairman of Muslim Social and Cultural Foundation (MSCF), Inshan Ishmael, also avoided commenting on the resignation of Ali from the Senate because of the leaked video which he claimed had led to blackmail.
“At the end of the day, I want to make sure all the information is forthcoming. It does not matter if he is Muslim or not. All I want to do is wait for the facts that have not been presented as yet.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by Maulana Saadiq Nasir, who said he would prefer to wait until he had proper information before commenting on the subject.