Haron was born Manteghi Bourjerdi[citation needed] in Iran where, as an ayatollah[citation needed], his liberal interpretation of Islam led to the detention of his wife and children.[1] Bourjerdi fled Iran to Australia in 1996 as a refugee, and changed his name to Man Haron Monis, assuming the title of Sheikh Haron.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheikh_Haron