Chief Judge quits over ”begging for Gulf money”

Jordan’s chief Islamic justice Ahmad Hilayel has resigned abruptly two days after he delivered a sermon in which he chastised Arab Gulf leaders for not doing enough to support Jordan financially. Hilayel in his Friday sermon demanded that the leaders of Gulf States share their wealth with his country, at statement that was seen by […]

Jordan’s chief Islamic justice Ahmad Hilayel has resigned abruptly two days after he delivered a sermon in which he chastised Arab Gulf leaders for not doing enough to support Jordan financially.
Hilayel in his Friday sermon demanded that the leaders of Gulf States share their wealth with his country, at statement that was seen by some commentators as a national embarrassment.
“Things have reached a boiling point with us,” Hilayel said, addressing the Gulf leaders. “Your brothers in Jordan are facing danger all around them, where is your help; where your money is and where are your riches?” he added.
Hilayel’s sermon drew sharp public criticism for its unusual tone that, according to Abdel Karim al-Dughmi, a Member of Parliament, was tantamount to “straight up begging”.
“If we have the right to money from the Gulf as per our mutual agreements, it should be demanded though different channels. Not like that.”
It is not clear whether Hilayel was under pressure from the royal court to resign over his sermon.