Published 2026-06-13
Summary: A UK-born Islamist preacher linked to the Spiritual Warrior project faced scrutiny after reports that he praised Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah as a “freedom fighter” at Nasrallah’s funeral in Beirut in February 2025, with Australia subsequently revoking his visa. Details about the preacher’s identity remain unconfirmed in available materials.
What We Know
- A radical Islamic cleric runs a combat camp in the Peak District described as the Spiritual Warrior Project.
- The same cleric is reported to have praised Hezbollah leader as one of the world’s great freedom fighters.
- The event at which the praise reportedly occurred took place in Beirut, February 2025, at the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah.
- Australia revoked the preacher’s visa days after the funeral event, according to the available brief.
- The identity of the UK-born Islamist preacher in the reports is not explicitly named in the provided material.
What’s Still Unclear
- Whether the preacher is Mohammed Hijab or another individual is not confirmed by the available sources.
- Independent corroboration for the exact quotes and statements praising Nasrallah varies across sources.
- Additional details about the Spiritual Warrior Project’s activities, governance, and affiliations are not fully established in the provided materials.
- Current status of visa-related actions or any subsequent legal or policy developments outside Australia’s action is not available here.
Context
Across the Middle East geopolitics and security landscape, movements and individuals connected to religious advocacy or combat-training programs often attract scrutiny when linked to praise of designated leaders or organizations. Reports in media outlets discuss a publicly visible figure operating a training program in the UK and alleged public remarks about non-domestic militant actors, which can have diplomatic and visa implications for the individuals involved.
Why It Matters
The case highlights how advocacy, public praise of extremist or militant figures, and the operation of combat-style training programs can intersect with national security, immigration policy, and international perceptions of radicalization. It may influence visa and travel decisions, media scrutiny, and policy debates around extremism and foreign influence.
What to Watch Next
- Official confirmations or updates from Australian immigration authorities regarding visa actions and grounds for revocation.
- Subsequent reporting clarifying the preacher’s identity and linking details with the Spiritual Warrior program.
- Responses from other governments or organizations concerning similar issues of extremism, combat training narratives, or praise of designated groups.
- Investigative inquiries or follow-up reporting by media outlets to verify quotes and factual timelines.
FAQ
Q: Who is the UK-born Islamist preacher mentioned?
A: The available material does not name the preacher; identity confirmation is not present in the provided sources.
Q: What is the Spiritual Warrior Project?
A: It is described as a combat camp in the Peak District run by the preacher, but detailed operations or governance are not fully established in the provided materials.
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Source Transparency
- This article is based on a short preliminary brief and may not reflect the full details available in ongoing reporting.
- Source links are provided in the Sources section where available.
- A limited open-web check was used to clarify key details when possible; unclear items remain clearly marked.
Original brief: Meet Hussain Makke, a UK-born Islamist preacher and co-founder of “Spiritual Warrior.” In February 2025, Makke attended the funeral of terrorist Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut and publicly praised him as a “freedom fighter.” Days later, Australia revoked his visa…
Sources
- Revealed: radical Islamic cleric who sells 'libido-boosting' pills to …
- Radical Islamic cleric runs combat camp in Peak District
- Islamic cleric who glorified terrorist as 'greatest freedom fighter …
- Radical Islamic cleric 'who praised Hezbollah leader' hosts spiritual …
- Mohammed Hijab – Wikipedia