Muslim community leader Keysar Trad says an angry husband can beat his wife as 'a last resort'.

The president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils made the remarks after Sky News presenter Andrew Bolt quoted a verse from the Koran, saying: 'It is permissible for him [the husband] to beat her [the wife] light with his hands.'

The controversial Muslim leader, who has previously called for polygamy in Australia, said he had studied the text with 'a number of Islamic scholars' to reach a conclusion about the meaning of the verse.

Australian Federation of Islamic Councils president Keysar Trad (right) says violence towards women 'is a last resort' after Andrew Bolt (left) voted a verse from the Koran on Sky News

Koran 4:34 Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allah would have them guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance - [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand. Courtesy of Quran.com Advertisement

'If you come home and you are really, really angry. We've seen many men act violently towards their woman,' he said on Wednesday.

'This verse is saying really, is playing on the psychology of the man saying violence is a last resort.'

Mr Trad, who is also the founder of the Islamic Friendship Association, went on to say husbands first needed to consider gifts like flowers or chocolates.

'Before you even consider using your hand, before you consider any act of violence have you checked box number one which is counselling?' he said.

'Check box number two: what does counselling entail?

Mr Trad is pictured with his wife Hanifeh (centre) and one of their daughters (left)

Sky News host Andrew Bolt quoted a verse from the Koran which justified domestic violence

'Next time you should bring her a bunch of flowers, maybe you should bring her a box of chocolates.'

A skeptical host of The Bolt Report interrupted him to say: 'Maybe you should beat her if she doesn't see any sense. Beat her. That's what this says. Beat them. I'm reading the Koran.'

'I understand what you're saying but what I would say to you is a good person would never get to that step,' Mr Trad responded.

Mr Bolt has this week also been critical of Muslim youth activist and ABC presenter Yassmin Abdel-Magied, who declared on Q&A that Islam was the 'most feminist religion'.

Keysar Trad (right) said a husband could buy his wife flowers and chocolates before he resorted to 'using your hand'

Mr Trad is pictured in 2003 at a press conference in Sydney

Keysar Trad (left) clashed with journalist Hamish Macdonald (right) as he voiced his support for polygamy on the ABC's The Drum program in December

In December, Mr Trad sparked controversy on the ABC's The Drum program when journalist Hamish Macdonald challenged him about his support for polygamy in Australia, where it is illegal.

'We find it polarises views...there seems to be a lot of negative views in the public but there seems to be very little concern to people having mistresses or visiting a brothel,' Mr Trad said.

'But when it is a committed responsible relationship that is proclaimed publicly it seems some of the Australian public...will make a big issue out of it.'

In September last year, Mr Trad said he had been writing love poetry to woo women to find a second wife after his spouse of 30 year gave her blessing for him to find another partner.

Mr Trad is pictured in August 2014. He has been criticised this week for comments made on The Bolt Report

Mr Trad is pictured (left) with former immigration minister Philip Ruddock (right)

He said having more than one wife or de facto partner was a 'tremendous responsibility'

He said having more than one wife or de facto partner was a 'tremendous responsibility'.

'Most Muslims don't do it, just like most people around the world don't entertain the idea,' he said in September last year.

'It's like having two jobs, you have to work extra hard to provide for them and provide well for them.

'It's not for everybody. Some people relish the idea, some people don't.'

Mr Trad's father had two wives in Lebanon and he grew up watching him trying to provide for his family.