Over the past decade, a religious movement has emerged, capturing the hearts and minds of tens of thousands across the globe. At its center is a man known as Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq, referred to by his followers as "The Riser." His message, rooted in the teachings of Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan and the Will of Prophet Mohammed, has inspired believers from diverse backgrounds to leave behind their old lives and join him in what they see as a divine mission to establish a "Kingdom of Heaven on earth" or the Divine Just State.
This movement, however, has not been without its trials. Persecution, government crackdowns, and societal hostility have marked the journey of these believers, yet their numbers continue to grow. As the movement reaches its 10th anniversary, we look back at the milestones, challenges, and unwavering faith that has defined this extraordinary journey.
The Origins: The Will of Prophet Mohammed
The story begins in 1999, in Iraq, during the rule of Saddam Hussein. A man named Ahmed Al-Hassan stood up and proclaimed a revolutionary interpretation of religion, centered around the Will of Prophet Mohammed. This Will, a document written by the Prophet on his deathbed, listed the names of his true successors, or vicegerents, who would guide the Muslim nation away from misguidance. Ahmed Al Hassan claimed that his name was among those listed in the Will, and that he was appointed by God to lead the people. His teachings, however, were met with hostility from religious scholars and the Iraqi government, leading to his eventual disappearance.
Fast forward to 2015, in Egypt, where Abdullah Hashem, a devout follower of Ahmed Al-Hassan, began to gain a following. He believed that Ahmed was the true vicegerent mentioned in the Will, and he was informed by Ahmed Al-Hassan that his own name, Abdullah, was also inscribed in the document as one of the Mahdis and that he was the Qaim from the family of Mohammed who would raise the prophesied banner “Allegiance is to Allah”. This attracted a loyal group of followers who traveled to Egypt to be with him, marking the beginning of a global movement.
Milestones and Prophecies: The Rise of the Mahdi
The movement gained momentum with a series of events that believers saw as the fulfilment of ancient prophecies. In January 2015, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia died, an event that Prophet Mohammed had foretold as a sign of the imminent appearance of the Mahdi, the messianic figure in Islamic tradition. Shortly after, the black banners were raised, symbolizing a new era of divine justice and the end of suffering and oppression.
Abdullah Hashem, now known as Aba Al-Sadiq, was publicly recognized as the Abdullah mentioned in the Will of Prophet Mohammed. His followers rejoiced, believing that they were witnessing the dawn of a new age. However, this newfound hope was met with increasing persecution. Egypt, once a safe haven, became hostile, forcing the community to seek refuge in Europe.
The Journey to Europe: Trials and Triumphs
The move to Europe was not without its challenges. In Germany, the community established a headquarters and launched its first satellite channel, "The Black Banners of the East," to spread their message. Despite facing opposition and censorship, the channel became a platform for the oppressed, offering hope and support to those seeking change, particularly during the 2019 Iraqi revolution.
The community also faced persecution in Sweden, where they were subjected to police raids and hostility. Despite these hardships, they continued to grow, eventually finding a new home and founding its world headquarters in the United Kingdom in 2022. There, they established a center in a former orphanage, symbolizing their journey from being "orphaned" by their homelands to finding a new family in their faith.
The Revelation of the Seventh Covenant and the Goal of the Wise
In 2020, the movement reached a significant milestone with the revelation of the Seventh Covenant, a new religious framework that promised to unify humanity under a single, divine law. This covenant introduced new understandings of prayer, dietary laws, and modest covering, among other aspects of religious life.
Central to this new era was the publication of The Goal of the Wise, a groundbreaking book written by. Aba Al-Sadiq. This gospel, filled with divine knowledge and revolutionary ideas, became a cornerstone of the movement. However, it also sparked backlash, particularly in the Middle East, where believers faced persecution, unlawful detainment, and even violence.
The 104 Border Crossing: A Test of Faith
One of the most harrowing episodes in the movement's history occurred in Turkey, where over 100 believers, fleeing persecution, were unlawfully detained and spent upwards to a year in harsh conditions, imprisoned for simply seeking freedom and life from the extremist countries that were persecuting them. After months of advocacy by international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, the Turkish court finally released them, marking a significant victory for the community.
The Mahdi’s Manifesto and Global Recognition
As the movement continued to grow, Aba Al-Sadiq published The Mahdi’s Manifesto, a blueprint for building a divine just state. The manifesto, along with the teachings of Aba Al-Sadiq, garnered attention from scholars and professors worldwide, leading to conferences and academic discussions on the movement.
The community also expanded its media presence, launching two satellite channels reaching over 120 million homes throughout the MENA Region, Africa and Europe, dedicated to spreading the message of the Mahdi. These channels, along with 48 social media platforms, reached audiences across the globe, breaking down social stigmas and addressing controversial issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and the rights of women forced into prostitution.