Mohammed Omran

Mohammed Omran
Born Jordan
Other names Abu Ayman
Ethnicity Arab
Alma mater Islamic University of Medina (Saudi Arabia)
Organization Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah Association (Australia) - ASWJA logo[1]
Title Sheikh
Religion Salafi, Muslim
Website www.aswj.com.au/contact.do

Mohammed Omran, also known as Sheikh Abu Ayman, established the Australian branch of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah Association.

Early life

Omran was born in Jordan, studied in Saudi Arabia and was sponsored to Australia by the Medina University. He is aligned with the Salafi sect.[2]

Radicalism

Omran is said to be the grandfather of Islamic fundamentalism in Melbourne, however, he made it clear he is against all forms of terrorism[3]

In 1985 Omran established the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah Association of Australia (ASWJA).[2]

In 2005, when speaking about Osama bin Laden he said, "When you look at the man from some part of his life, yes he is a great man"[4] and that bin Laden is, "a good man in some ways, and not in other ways".[5] A member of the advisory committee for ASWJA said Omran's words were taken out of context.[6]

In 2007, Omran was said to be the spiritual leader of the Islamic Information and Services Network of Australasia.[7]

He established prayer-halls in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne. At his centre in Brunswick, Victoria, the convicted-terrorist, Abdul Nacer Benbrika was said to have been a teacher[8] and a deputy-leader.[9] Omran has denied that he had close ties with Benbrika.[9]

Omran was said to be the spiritual leader of Australian extremists. A claim Omran denies.[5][10]

With Omran said to have, "the respect of many of those at-risk of being recruited to terrorism", the Australian government has said that it is critical for Islamic leaders, including Omran, to use their influence to stem terrorism.[5]

Harun Mehicevic the leader of Melbourne's Al-Furqan Islamic Information Centre was a student of Sheik Abu Ayman. ASWJ installed Mehicevic as the leader and provided the funds to set up the centre. There has been a subsequent falling-out between the groups.[11]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "ASWJA logo".
  2. 1 2 Rubin, B.M. (2010). Guide to Islamist Movements 2. Sharpe. p. 119. ISBN 9780765641380. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  3. ↑ Bachelard, Michael; Bucci, Nino (26 April 2015). "How do you solve a problem like radical Islam?". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 27 April 2015.
  4. ↑ "Melbourne cleric stands up for bin Laden". The Age. 12 July 2005. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 "Government failure to turn teenagers from terror". The Australian. 4 April 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  6. ↑ Muhammad, Amjid (8 November 2005). "The price of playing with fear". The Age. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  7. ↑ Stanley, Trevor (7 October 2005). "Al-Qaeda in Australia: Terrorism Monitor Volume: 3 Issue: 19". The Jamestown Foundation. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  8. ↑ Munro, Ian; Zwartz, Barney (9 November 2005). "Arrested: a man apart who fought to stay in Australia". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  9. 1 2 McKenzie, Nick (11 November 2005). "Terrorism accused not my students: Sheikh". ABC News. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  10. ↑ "Omran 'at centre of terror web'". News Ltd. 11 November 2006. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  11. ↑ Dowling, James (16 May 2015). "Revealed: The split that created Al-Furqan". Herald Sun. Retrieved 21 May 2015.
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