Al-Kalbani planned to fly to London, where he had been expected to give a lecture in Whitechapel and another one in Wembley, Daily Express reported on Friday.

Since 2008, the Sunni cleric has been quoted expounding potentially divisive views regarding Shia Muslims.

There has been increasing concern among extremism experts over attempts to divide Shia and Sunni Muslims in Britain.

concerns raised higher when followers of radical hate preacher Anjem Choudary led a demonstration in London in May against Shia Muslims.

Al-Kalbani was quoted as saying, “I was stopped at the door of the plane and told that the authorities received a message from the British Embassy saying that I was not allowed to enter Britain.”

A Home Office spokeswoman said she was unable to comment on specific individuals, but added, “All visa applications are considered on their individual merits and in line with the immigration rules.

NTJ/SHI