Edited sentence: Abu Bakr began teaching smaller groups on a less formal basis after he refused the requests of more formal organisations that he tone down his teachings.Benbrika, who studied theology under Melbourne's controversial Islamic preacher, Muhammed Omran, taught at various locations over several years, including Preston Mosque and was respected for his knowledge of religious matters by many of Melbourne's Muslim students of religion.However, his teachings became increasingly politicised after the US-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.This came at a time when the Muslim community was under intense scrutiny from the Australian government and media outlets