Chief judge quits over 'begging for Gulf money'

Ahmad Hilayel delivered a sermon in which he chastised
 Gulf leaders, demanding more financial assistance.

Jordan's chief Islamic justice has resigned abruptly two days
after delivering a sermon in which he chastised Gulf leaders
for not doing enough to support his country financially.

Ahmad Hilayel in his Friday sermon demanded that the leaders of
 Gulf states share their wealth with Jordan, a statement
described by some commentators as "hugely embarrassing".

"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 is
your money and where are your riches?"

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".

Speaking to ERIC GOSSIP affiliate from Jordan's capital, said: "I don't
accept what Hilayel said because we should not turn into
beggars from the pulpit.

"If we have the right to money from the Gulf as per our
mutual agreements, it should be demanded through
 different channels. Not like that."

It is not clear whether Hilayel was under pressure from the
royal court to resign over his sermon.

Instability and war in neighbouring Syria and Iraq, 
Jordan ' main trading partners, have added to the
 country's  economic woes and contributed to a
 budget deficit that currently stands  at $1.5bn.

During the same sermon, Hilayel also warned Jordanian
activists who criticise the government not to take to the
streets because it would be "disloyal" to do so.

The activists have been demanding more government
accountability and transparency to combat public
 corruption.

On Thursday, security forces rounded up about 19 
activists and charged them with crimes 
including posting statements critical of the 
government on Facebook.

Hilayel was the highest Islamic law judge in Jordan 
and was appointed by the king.

He was also the Imam of the Royal Hashemite Court, 
an honorific, but paid, position that requires him to lead 
public prayer alongside the king and recite verses
 whenever the king or the royal family visit gravesites 
of family members.