Cartoons, classrooms and radical thinking: How did notorious Islamic preacher Wissam Haddad prepare to target children?

Amid growing concerns about radicalism in Australia, a revelation has come to light that has shocked the security agencies, administration and society. Notorious Islamic preacher wissam haddadalso known as Abu Osaid, is now working on a new strategy to convey his radical religious views to children – and to do so he has chosen the route of cartoons and animation.

According to The Daily Mail report, Haddad recently released an animated video on encrypted messaging app Telegram, in which he shows himself as a cartoon avatar – standing in a classroom, with small children in front of him and a teaching style on the board.

New propaganda for children

In this video of just 47 seconds, Haddad is seen teaching the lesson of ‘Tawheed’ (Unity of God) to the children. In the video he says – “Today we will learn about Tauheed. Tauheed means the belief that Allah is one, He has no partner… We do not worship any human being, idol or system made by humans.” Not only this, Haddad further adds – “If obeying someone would lead to disobedience to Allah, then we do not obey anyone. True freedom is only Allah.”

According to experts, this is the line that gives rise to thinking against the democratic system, law and society under the guise of religious education, especially when it is inculcated in the minds of children. Haddad has given a clear indication through this video that more such cartoon videos are to come in the future, that is, this is not a one-time experiment, but a well-thought-out plan.

Al Madina Dawah Centre: The center continued to operate despite the order to close.

This entire controversy has come to light at a time when the administration has taken strict action against the Al Madina Dawah Center in Bankstown – where Haddad used to give lectures regularly. City of Canterbury Bankstown Council has fined the center $3,000. Reason – In December, orders were given to close it because it was operating as a prayer hall without the necessary approval.

There was a shocking revelation in the council’s report. The front gates were closed but continuous movement of people was going on through the back door. That means the orders were openly ignored. However, after pressure increased, Al Madina Dawah Center issued a statement on social media saying that it was closing its doors.

Connection with Bondi Beach attacker raises concerns

The connection with the Bondi Beach attack makes this entire matter more sensitive. Accused Naveed Akram has been described as a follower of Haddad. Akram not only used to come to this centre, but was also associated with a street group named Dawah Van which is linked to Haddad. In 2019 video footage obtained by ABC News, Akram, then 17, is seen preaching on the street. Tells schoolchildren that “Allah’s law is above everything – school, work, everything.” Although officials have clarified that there is no evidence of Haddad’s direct role in the Bondi attack, the ideological influence cannot be ignored either.

Anti-Jewish hatred and court rebuke

Haddad’s name has not come into controversy for the first time. Last year, the Federal Court of Australia had convicted him of violating the Racial Discrimination Act. The court found that he made openly hateful statements against Jews in his lectures. In some of his statements it was said that

Jews plot to make Muslims fight among themselves, Muslims in Palestine are troubled by “the offspring of pigs and monkeys” and “there is only one way to deal with those who do not believe in Allah – the sword.” The court had ordered him to remove such videos and not to make such statements in future. But reports from The Daily Mail and Sky News show that Haddad has not stopped spreading hatred.

Attack on politics, allegation of ‘Zionist lobby’

Recently Haddad also made a controversial statement regarding NSW Premier Chris Minns. He alleged that the government was acting under international pressure, especially out of fear of “Israel and the Zionist lobby”. And that “double standards” are being adopted in implementing the law. He claimed that “if you have a lobby worth billions of dollars behind you, you will get five-star treatment.”

‘Mention of doomsday’ and open talk of violence

Passages have also surfaced in Haddad’s old sermons in which he mentions violence against Jews at the time of Doomsday. In a video he says, “Even the trees will tell the Muslims – there is a Jew hiding behind me, come and kill him.” Experts consider this to be the language of outright genocide.

ASIO warned, but questions still remain

Although Haddad has not yet been charged with terrorism, an ABC investigation found him to be a spiritual leader in Australia’s pro-ISIS network. A former ASIO undercover agent repeatedly warned that “Haddad is brainwashing young people, especially children.” Now that he is trying to convey his message through cartoons and children’s content, the question has become even more serious – is fundamentalism now preparing to reach children’s rooms?