Comments by Abu Bakar Bashir urging grieving Australian families of the Bali bombings to convert to Islam are in "bad taste", an Australian Muslim spokesman says.
The radical Muslim cleric, who was released from an Indonesian prison on Wednesday, said those killed in the 2002 Bali bombings had been destined to die by God and their grieving families should now convert to Islam to find "salvation and peace".
He also called on Prime Minister John Howard to convert to Islam or face eternity in hell.
Islamic Friendship Association spokesman Keysar Trad on Thursday said Bashir's comments had understandably upset Australians.
"I think these comments are in very bad taste and I can understand that the families would be incensed that he could be making comments of this nature," Mr Trad told AAP.
"They have lost their loved ones in this tragedy and we should be showing them understanding and support rather than talking about their loss in this manner."
Mr Trad said he was surprised by Bashir's outburst and the cleric was not showing "sensitivity".
"As a Muslim I am personally hurt on behalf of the families and I feel a sense of sadness for their loss," he said.
"For him (Bashir) to come out and make these comments I just find he is not passing on the right message.
"I am surprised that he made these comments but I do not believe they will threatened the idea of peace between religions."
Mr Trad said Islam was "a serious religion" that did not "take other people's pain lightly".
The Bali blasts killed 202 people, including 88 Australians, and remain one of the worst terrorist acts since September 11, 2001.
Bashir was released after serving 25 months for his association with the 2002 Bali bomb blasts.
Bashir has denied any involvement in terrorism or allegations that he is the spiritual head of militant group Jemaah Islamiah.
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