10 Things You Should Know About the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light
- Ardijan Demirovic
- Mar 30
- 13 min read
Updated: Apr 6
I work in the Outreach Team of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, and every day, I meet people who have questions about our faith.
If this is your first time hearing about the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) or you're new to the faith, here are ten things you should know.
1. It’s a Different Religion—But Not a New One
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) is a religion with roots in Shia Islam. The organization is based in the U.S. with a global headquarters in the UK. It was officially founded in 1999.
Followers of AROPL believe they are the only true Muslims because their faith is based on the final will and testament of Prophet Mohammed. However, mainstream Muslims generally do not consider AROPL members to be Muslims, as they do not adhere to the rituals of Sunni or Shia Islam.
That said, the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light traces its origins back to the time of Adam. The belief is that God has always appointed a vicegerent on Earth to lead people—figures like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Buddha, and Krishna were all messengers sent by God. Each of them extended or completed the message of those before him, but all are part of the same religion - the one that calls to the one true God. AROPL sees itself as the continuation of these faiths, led by the current representative of God on Earth Aba Al-Sadiq.
We conclude that the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is distinct from other mainstream religions, like mainstream Shia or Sunni Islam. Yet at the same time it considers itself to be their continuation.
2. The Religion Foretold for the End Times
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light was prophesied by Prophet Mohammed and his family. It is the “new religion” described in Muslim narrations, the one that will bring justice to the world through the Mahdi (the Guide) and the Qaim (the Riser) of the Family of Mohammed.
This concept might sound strange to mainstream Muslims, but there’s a hadith (saying of the Prophet) that speaks directly to it:
“Islam began as something strange, and it will return to being strange, so blessed are the strangers.”— Sunan Ibn Majah, Book of Tribulations, Hadith No. 3986
There’s also a narration from Imam Al-Baqir:
“The Qaim/Riser shall rise with a new matter, and a new book, and a new jurisprudence/rule which will be hard for the Arabs.”— Kitab Al-Ghayba, Al-Numani, Vol. 1, p. 236
Followers of AROPL hold firm to the belief that there is no God but Allah and that Mohammed is His Messenger. But they also believe in a divinely ordained succession—twelve Imams followed by twelve Mahdis.
Today, they recognize the twelfth Imam, Mohammed ibn Al-Hassan Al-Askari, his successor, the first Mahdi, Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan, and after him, the second Mahdi, also known as the Qaim, Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq. Aba Al-Sadiq is the Qaim that comes with a new jurisprudence and a new matter that will help establish a better world.
At the core of this faith is the mission to establish a Divine Just State—an era where God’s justice replaces oppression, corruption, and tyranny. This faith transcends race, nationality, and background. It welcomes believers from all walks of life. This state is the culmination of the efforts of all Prophets and Messengers throughout history.
Regardless of background, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light extends its arms and opens its doors to all people. If Satan himself were to come to us repenting and seeking God, the doors will not be shut for him.
3. The Law of Knowing the Viceregent
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is a faith that emphasizes the importance of divine appointment of leaders by God and the presence of a messenger of God in each day and age. It considers that it is the responsibility of every person to find this vicegerent and follow him and support him.
From the Quran, Bible and other religious traditions we can extract that every divine messenger is identified through three criteria:
Being appointed by God and mentioned in the words of a previous vicegerent.
Possessing divine knowledge.
Calling people to God's rulership.
Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan and Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq fulfilled these three conditions in this day and age.
4. The Holy Will of Prophet Mohammed
One of the most important claims of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is that Prophet Mohammed left behind a written will naming his successors.
The Qur’an itself mandates the writing of wills:
“It is prescribed that when death approaches any of you—if they leave behind goodness (something of value)—a will should be made to the parents and near relatives with fairness. [This is] an obligation on those who are mindful [of Allah].”— The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 2 (Al-Baqarah), Verse 180
If it is obligatory for every Muslim to write a will before his death - how could Prophet Mohammed himself not have left a will?
The Islamic narrations mention an event known as the Calamity of Thursday, where Prophet Mohammed attempted to write a statement that would prevent people from going astray. However, due to a dispute among his companions, he was unable to do so. This proofs that Prophet Mohammed indeed wanted to leave a will before his passing.
Ibn 'Abbas narrated: When Allah’s Apostle was on his death-bed and in the house there were some people among whom was Umar bin Al-Khattab, the Prophet said, “Come, let me write for you a statement after which you will not go astray.” Umar said, “The Prophet is seriously ill and you have the Qur’an; so the Book of Allah is enough for us.” The people present in the house differed and quarreled. Some said: “Go near so that the Prophet may write for you a statement after which you will not go astray,” while the others said as Umar said. When they caused a hue and cry before the Prophet, Allah’s Apostle said, “Go away!” ‘Ubaidullah said: Ibn ‘Abbas used to say, “It was very unfortunate that Allah’s Apostle was prevented from writing that statement for them because of their disagreement and noise.” - Sahih Al-Bukhari, Al-Bukhari, Book of Patients, Hadith No. 5669
Although Prophet Mohammed was stopped from writing his Will during the event known as the Calamity of Thursday, he made sure his people would not be left without guidance after him. On the Monday night before he passed away, he had his Will written, naming his successors—the twelve Imams and the twelve Mahdis.Prophet Mohammed said to Ali on the night of his death:
“O Father of Al-Hassan, bring me a pen and a paper.” So the Messenger of Allah dictated his Will until he came to this position where he said: “O Ali, there will be twelve Imams after me, and after them, there will be twelve Mahdis. So you, O Ali, are the first of the twelve Imams. Allah the Exalted has named you in His heavens: Ali Al-Murtada (the Content), Amirul Mo’mineen (the Prince of the Believers), Al-Siddiq Al-Akbar (the Greater Truthful), Al-Farouq Al-A’tham (the Greater Judge and Differentiator between truth and falsehood), Al-Ma’moun (the Trusted), and Al-Mahdi (the Guided). These names may not be attributed to anyone other than you. O Ali, you are my vicegerent and guardian over my own family—both their living and their dead—and over my women: whoever you keep, she shall find me tomorrow, and whoever you divorce, I am innocent of her. I will not see her, and she will not see me on the Day of Resurrection. And you are my successor (Khalifa) over my nation after me. If death comes to you, hand it over to my son, Al-Hassan, the righteous and benevolent. If death comes to him, let him hand it over to my son, Al-Hussein, the martyr, the pure and murdered. If death comes to him, let him hand it over to his son, the master of worshipers, Dhul Thafanat (the one with hardened skin on his knees), Ali. If death comes to him, let him hand it over to his son, Mohammed Al-Baqir (the Revealer of Knowledge). If death comes to him, let him hand it over to his son, Ja’far Al-Sadiq (the Truthful). If death comes to him, let him hand it over to his son, Musa Al-Kathim (the Patient). If death comes to him, let him hand it over to his son, Ali Al-Ridha (the Pleasing One). If death comes to him, let him hand it over to his son, Mohammed Al-Thiqa Al-Taqqi (the Trustworthy, the God-Fearing). If death comes to him, let him hand it over to his son, Ali Al-Nasih (the Advisor). If death comes to him, let him hand it over to his son, Al-Hassan Al-Fadhil (the Meritorious). If death comes to him, let him hand it over to his son, Mohammed, the Safeguarded of the Family of Mohammed. Those are the twelve Imams. Then there will be twelve Mahdis after him. If death comes to him, let him hand it over to his son, the first of the close ones. He has three names—one like mine and my father’s, which is Abdullah (Servant of God), Ahmed (the Praised), and the third name is Al-Mahdi (the Guided), and he is the first of the believers.” — Ghaybat Al-Toosi, Vol. 1, p. 174; Bihar Al-Anwar, Al-Allamah Al-Majlisi, Vol. 53, p. 148
The Ahmed and Abdullah mentioned in the Will refer to Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan and Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq. They are the divinely appointed leaders after the twelfth Imam. Not only did Prophet Mohammed guarantee that we would never go astray if we held on to the Will, but the Will itself also cannot be falsely claimed. The first claimant must and will always be the rightful one, as Imam Al-Sadiq said:
“This matter will not be claimed except by the rightful owner, or else Allah will cut off his age.” — Al-Kafi, Al-Shaikh Al-Kulayni, Vol. 1, p. 373; Bihar Al-Anwar, Al-Allamah Al-Majlisi, Vol. 25, p. 112
And no one has claimed to be Ahmed or Abdullah mentioned in the will, before Ahmed Al-Hassan and Abdullah Hashem did.
This is one of the core beliefs of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light
5. The Role of Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan
Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan is the “Ahmed” mentioned in the will of Prophet Mohammed. He first appeared in 1999 in Basra, Iraq, claiming to be a messenger from the twelfth Imam, Imam Mahdi. He is identified in Islamic texts as:
“Ahmed from Basra”— Bisharat Al-Islam, Mustafa Al-Kazimi, p. 295
He is also believed to be the prophesied Yamani, the one who paves the way for the Mahdi.
Imam Al-Baqir is quoted as saying:
“There is no banner which is more guided than the banner of the Yamani, it is a banner of guidance because he calls towards your companion. If the Yamani emerges, then rise and go to him, for verily his banner is a banner of guidance, and it is not permissible for any Muslim to go against him.”— Bihar Al-Anwar, Vol. 52, p. 232
He was the first to point out that the Yamani mentioned in the Shia narrations must be infallible, as it is not permissible for any Muslim to disobey him.
In 2015 Ahmed Al-Hassan announced that Aba Al-Sadiq is his successor.
6. The Leadership of Aba Al-Sadiq
Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq is the current leader of the faith and the Qaim, or Riser, of the Family of Mohammed. He is the Messenger of Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan and Imam Mahdi, the bridge between them and the people, guiding believers toward the divine truth.
Born in the United States to an Egyptian-American background, his mission began in Egypt and has taken him across multiple countries—from Germany to Sweden—before settling in the United Kingdom, where he now leads a growing community of hundreds of believers.
In addition to his leadership, he is also a public figure. He appears on The School of Divine Mysteries, an intimate YouTube series program where he shares his teachings, and he has authored two books, The Goal of the Wise and The Mahdi’s Manifesto, outlining his vision and beliefs.
The following narrations refer to him:
Imam Al-Kathim was asked about the Mahdi—where he will rise from and where he resides—to which he responded: "The likes of he whom you ask about is like a pillar that fell from the heavens. Its head is in the West, and its origin is in the East. So from where do you see the pillar stand if it is raised up?" The man said: "From its head." Imam Al-Kathim said: "That is enough. From the West, he shall rise, and his origin is from the East. It is over there that his rise is established and his matter completed. And such is the Mahdi—his upbringing is in the East, then he migrates to the West, and he rises from there, and in the East, his matter is completed." — Sharḥ al-Akhbār, Qadi Nu’man al-Maghribi, Vol. 3, p. 365
The Prince of the Believers, Ali ibn Abi Talib, said: "The Companion of Egypt is the sign of signs, and his sign is wondrous, and it has signs to it. His heart is Hassan (good), and his head is Mohammed, and he changes the name of his grandfather. If he emerges, know that the Mahdi will knock on your doors. So before he knocks, fly to him in the domes of the clouds or come to him even if you must crawl on ice." — What Imam Ali Said Concerning the End Times, Al-Sayed Ali Ashoor, p. 330
This one whom you must fly to or crawl to, even on ice, is the Companion of the Black Banners of the East. He is the Companion of Egypt, the Riser, and a Mahdi.
Prophet Mohammed said: "There shall fight three at the site of your treasure; every one of them is the son of a caliph, but it shall not go to any of them. Then the Black Banners shall come from the East, and they shall fight you like you have never been fought before by anyone. If you see him, then pledge allegiance to him even if you have to crawl on ice, for verily, he is the Caliph of God, the Mahdi." — Mo’jam Ahadeeth Imam Al-Mahdi, Al-Shaikh Ali Al-Korani, Vol. 1, p. 427
7. The Supremacy of God
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light stands apart for one defining belief: the absolute Supremacy of God on Earth. It rejects the idea that leadership is a human decision, insisting instead that only God has the authority to appoint His vicegerents to guide His people.
This belief isn’t just an abstract principle—it’s rooted in scripture. When God chose the first man, Adam, He made it clear to the angels:
"Indeed, I will make upon the Earth a caliph." —The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 2 (Al-Baqarah), Verse 30
The same divine authority was at play when a prophet from the children of Israel, acting on God’s command, appointed Talut as king:
"And Allah gives His sovereignty to whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing [in favor] and Knowing." —The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 2 (Al-Baqarah), Verse 247
And, in broader terms, the Qur’an reinforces this core truth:
"Say, ‘O Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is [all] good. Indeed, You are over all things competent.’" —The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 3 (Al-Imran), Verse 26
In short, no one has the right to rule or lead except those chosen by God. This principle, known as the Law of Knowing the Vicegerent, defines who is truly fit to lead.
8. Reincarnation and the Return of the Prophets
Followers of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light believe in something radical: the return of all Prophets, Messengers, and righteous figures in this era to support the Qaim, or Riser, of the Family of Mohammed and fulfill God's promise of establishing a Divine Just State. This idea isn’t just a fringe belief—it’s central to our understanding of divine justice and the ultimate realization of God's plan.
The tradition is clear. Imam Ja’far Al-Sadiq once said:
"Whoever does not believe in our Return is not from us." —Al-Muhtadir, Al-Hassan Ibn Sulayman Al-Hilli, p. 33
The Imams have also spoken of a moment when the Qaim appears:
"The believer in his grave will be told, ‘O so and so, your companion has appeared. If you want, you may join him, and if you wish to remain here in the honor of your Lord, then you may remain.’" —Mizan Al-Hikmah (Scale of Wisdom), Mohammed Al-Reyshahri, Vol. 2, p. 1036
This concept of return ties into the idea of reincarnation in a new body or vessel, a topic explored in depth by Al-Mufaddal ibn Omar, a companion of the sixth Imam, Ja’far Al-Sadiq. His recorded conversations on the subject are compiled in Al-Haft Al-Shareef, a book that lays out the theological foundation for this belief. The text is even available for download online, offering a deep dive into one of the faith’s most defining doctrines.
9. The Seventh and Final Covenant
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light establishes something unprecedented: the Seventh and final Covenant between God and humanity. This Covenant isn’t just another religious doctrine—it’s the culmination of all previous teachings, uniting the core messages of past religions while adapting divine guidance for modern times.
Throughout history, each Covenant has brought new laws and adjustments suited to its era. The first began with Adam, followed by Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and then Mohammed. Now, the Seventh Covenant was established with the first Mahdi, the Yamani, Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan. Today, the second Mahdi, Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq, is reaffirming this Covenant on behalf of Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan.
The new covenant with god explains why the rules of the sixth covenant (that are traditionally part of Islam) have been changed and are no longer applicable.Each covenant comes with a new jurisprudence, suitable for it’s time.
This idea of continuous renewal isn’t without precedent in their texts. Imam Mohammed Al-Baqir is recorded as saying:
"The Qaim/Riser shall rise with a new matter, and a new book, and a new jurisprudence/rule which will be hard for the Arabs." —Kitab Al-Ghayba (Book of Occultation), Al-Numani, Vol. 1, p. 236
But this time the Covenant isn’t just for one group or era—it’s bigger than any nation, ethnicity, or lineage. Unlike past Covenants, which were tied to specific peoples and laws, this one transcends the physical world and speaks to the soul. The message? Anyone, regardless of background, can choose to be part of this Covenant, pledging loyalty to the one they believe has been appointed by God to lead.
10. The Black Banners of the East
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light traces its prophecy to ancient texts, pointing to a moment foretold in scripture.
"In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people… He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel."—The Holy Bible, Book of Isaiah, Chapter 11, Verses 11-12
On January 23, 2015, the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light announced the raising of the Black Banners of the East, an event that fulfills Chistian and Islamic prophecies, signaling the emergence of Imam Mahdi.
"There shall rule Hijaz a man whose name is the name of an animal… he will be succeeded by a brother named Abdullah. Woe to our Shia from him (he repeated this thrice). Give me glad tidings of his death and I shall give you glad tidings of the appearance of the Hujjah (Imam Mahdi)."—250 Signs until the Appearance of Imam Mahdi, Muhammad Ali Tabatabai, Sign No. 88, p. 136
The death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia in 2015 marked the end of Imam Mahdi’s occultation and the start of his mission. But Imam Mahdi wasn’t the only figure set to emerge. Another narration links this moment to the arrival of the Qaim, the one who is destined to rise.
"Whoever guarantees for me the death of Abdullah, I shall guarantee for him the Qaim."—Bihar Al-Anwar, Al-Allamah Al-Majlisi, Vol. 52, p. 210; Ghaybat Al-Tusi, Al-Shaikh Al-Tusi, Vol. 1, p. 467
The Qaim raises the Black Banner of the East—the same banner carried by Prophet Mohammed. The prophecy describes its bearer appearing with sacred relics:
"When the Riser appears, he appears with the Banner of the Messenger of Allah, the Ring of Solomon, the Stone of Moses, and his staff."—Bihar Al-Anwar, Al-Allamah Al-Majlisi, Vol. 52, p. 351
Inscribed on this banner are the words “Allegiance is to Allah”—a phrase that carries deep significance in the faith. Another narration emphasizes its importance:
"Verily, we Ahlul-Bayt have a banner… 'Allegiance is to Allah' is written in it!"—250 Signs until the Appearance of Imam Mahdi, Muhammad Ali Tabatabai, p. 19
For followers of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, this banner is more than a symbol—it represents the absolute supremacy of God. Carrying it means rejecting any ruler appointed by human authority and pledging unwavering loyalty to God and the one they believe He has chosen.
God bless brother Ardijan for making this article.
God bless thi coherent script - the matter is clearer than the sun.
May God bless you, you have explained the ten aspects of our religion with clarity.
Vielen Dank! Sehr einleuchtend. Gott segne euch
This was an excellent article! Thank you ♥️