AROPL members spread the faith in Thailand - and face questions

In the early hours of February 8, a group of 15 believers gathered in the bustling Yangyong Secondhand Market in Hat Yai, a city in Thailand’s Songkhla province. Their purpose was clear: to spread the message of their faith and call people to the teachings of Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem, whom they believe to be the Riser from the Family of Muhammad.

The group, followers of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, rented a small space in the market and set up a booth adorned with banners featuring their spiritual leaders, including Imam Ahmad Al-Hassan and the awaited Imam Al-Mahdi, whom they claim appeared on January 23, 2015. Armed with flyers, books, and bottles of cold water, they sought to engage passersby in conversation, offering literature and invitations to learn more about their beliefs.

Despite the market’s usual liveliness, the group’s presence stood out. Most of the believers wore matching shirts bearing messages about their faith and the tenth anniversary of Imam Al-Mahdi’s appearance. Their setup included 35 copies of Mahdi’s Manifesto, which they distributed alongside informational pamphlets about their movement.

The response from market-goers was mixed. Some accepted the materials and engaged in conversation, while others kept their distance. “It seems people are a bit afraid and don’t even want to take our free water bottles,” noted Yuttana Madthing, one of the believers, during a live-stream on Facebook and TikTok. “They see us as something strange and unfamiliar.”

For the believers, this reaction was not entirely unexpected. Many in their group saw it as a reflection of a well-known saying attributed to the Prophet Muhammad:

“Islam began as something strange and will go back to being strange, so glad tidings to the strangers.” - Sunan Ibn Majah 3986

Faith Amid Skepticism

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light has faced opposition in various parts of the world. Its adherents believe that their leaders, including Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem, are divinely appointed figures guiding humanity toward truth. In predominantly Buddhist Thailand, where Islam itself is a minority religion, their message is particularly controversial.

The event lasted nearly three hours, with believers maintaining their outreach efforts despite mixed reactions. Their initiative was more than just about handing out literature—it was, in their eyes, a test of faith.

“And We did not send before you, [O Muḥammad], any of the messengers except that they ate food and walked in the markets,” - Surah Al-Furqan, 20

The 15 participants ranged in age from 22 to 74, demonstrating a cross-generational commitment to their cause. Among them was Fatima Kanseeviang, 53, one of the few women involved, and the eldest member, Adul Daraseh, 74.

Though the event was small in scale, the believers left feeling encouraged. “We are proud to do this for the Riser,” one participant remarked. For them, the mission continues, no matter how strange it may seem to others.