Monday, September 18, 2006

Al Muhajiroun / Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah

Al Muhajiroun is a banned, extremist Muslim group headed by Omar Bakri Mohammed. The group was officially disbanded in October 2004 but it carried on under two new names: Al Ghurabaa and The Saviour Sect. In November 2005 these two groups officially merged into Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah or Followers of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah. Their leaders and member are the same and so, for all intents and purposes, the names are interchangeable.

Activities

Organised the Danish cartoons protest in February 2006.

Organised a protest outside in September 2006 at Westminster Cathedral over the Pope's speech.

Organised the heckling of John Reid's speech to Muslims in September 2006.

Attacked police during a protest at the trial of Mizanur Rahman

The group operate through a private Internet forum.

Key Players

Omar Bakri Mohammed: The spiritual leader of Al Muhajiroun. He fled to Lebanon in August 2005 fearing that he would be arrested and sent to prison. He continues to lead his group via the Internet.

Anjem Choudary: Omar Bakri's right hand man and one of the main leaders of the group. Fined £500 for organising the Danish cartoons protest without a licence.

Abu Yahya: A leader of the group. He was arrested for his part in the Danish cartoons protest and found guilty in February.

Abu Izzadeen: Also known as Omar Brooks. One of the hecklers of John Reid. He was arrested in February 2007.

Mizanur Rahman: He set up the Internet forum now used by Al Muhajiroun. He was convicted in November 2007 of inciting racial hatred for his part in the Danish cartoons protest.

Abu Uzair: Leader of The Saviour Sect.

Sulayman Keeler: Founder of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah.