Islamist extremist Omar Bakri, barred from returning to Britain after leaving for Lebanon last summer, indicated he had set up a college to teach Arabic for foreigners in Beirut . The former leader of al Muhajiroun (the migrants), which disbanded itself last October, expected his European students to be among the first to attend classes at the âTawheed in Greater Syriaâ college after its inauguration in December 2005. He also noted that the college would have its own internet site. At a cost of $1400 US and including accommodation and living expenses for a three-month term, students will have the opportunity to study Arabic as well as fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), aqqidah (doctrine) and usul al din (theology) under Bakri and a select number of scholars. Speaking exclusively to Asharq al Awsat on Saturday, from his residence in the Lebanese capital, Bakri revealed he was spending the month of Ramadan in prayer and seclusion and denied an article in The Times newspaper alleging he had resumed contact with his followers and was giving sermons in a chat room hosted by Paltalk.com. Defending himself, the extremist preacher said the technology is Lebanon did not allow him to lecture online, as he had done in London.
Since his sudden arrival in Lebanon on 6th August 2005, Bakri said a new diet and daily swimming in Khaldeh, south of Beirut, meant he had lost almost 20kg. A Lebanese national who had sought asylum in Britain, Bakri