Zion Media and the Mormon Church discuss Abdullah Hashem

Zion Media and members of the Latter-day Saints (LDS) of the Mormon Church, believers in the doctrine of Joseph Smith, namely Shane Baldwin, Trevor Keyes and Chad, like a breath of fresh air, decided to make a seemingly fair-minded critique of the call of Aba Al-Sadiq. The team recognizes the call as a clear viral media phenomenon, creating massive reverberations across the so-called Christian lands of America and Canada.

The LDS are very keen to investigate the claims of Aba Al-Sadiq to be a successor of St. Peter and Jesus, as they are anticipating and eagerly awaiting the Second Coming of Christ. They anticipate Jesus to return in order to reign as a king, claim the earth as God’s righteous kingdom for the sake of justice, and establish lasting peace throughout the world.

Previously, in his age, Jesus was not enforced by the Jewish people who had anticipated his arrival; he was ultimately betrayed by his own close companion, Judas. Chad of LDS critically perceives Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq to represent a Muslim version of the Mormon Davidic servant to come in these darkest of days, who will restore the Kingdom of Israel once and for all.

LDS cite evidence from various sources to prove that Jesus will come to the earth a second time (see Isaiah 66:14–15; Matthew 24:42–44, 50; Acts 1:11).

“And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.” (Bible, Book of Isaiah, Chapter 40, Verse 5)

Mormons believe this reign will mark the beginning of a glorious 1,000-year period known as the Millennium. During this time, Satan will no longer have any power or ability to cause mischief in the lands (see Revelation 20:1–3; Doctrine and Covenants 45:55), and all people will live in peace and joy.

The LDS eschatological understanding of this apocalyptic end-time scenario recognizes, through the Book of Revelations, the critical suffering the world is facing today. These are immortalized through the mention of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, which have been interpreted to represent conquest, war, famine, and death, all things that are plaguing our planet earth more than ever now.

LDS have faith in this Apocalypse, a truly unveiling age when holy saints would reincarnate on earth to bring forth great wisdom, ushering in a Golden Age and returning earth to an Eden-like state or paradisiacal glory, Holy 'Zion.'

“We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” (LDS 13 Articles of Faith) 

Shane has been admittedly captivated by the teachings of Aba Al-Sadiq, and was encouraged to research the AROPL call for some 2 months, watching the “Sacred Dialogues” episodes from the Mahdi has Appeared channel, including the Sermon released on the death of the Fake Pope Francis.

"Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment." (Bible, Book of John, Chapter 7, Verse 24)

Shane became increasingly curious to discern truth from falsehood. Despite many accusing Aba Al-Sadiq of being an antichrist figure, he was not prepared to condemn him or defame his character based purely on slander or other people's clear prejudice without first making a non-biased assessment. 

Shane reminds us that Jesus said we should distinguish the claimant primarily by their fruits. Based on his deep dive on the background and doctrine of AROPL, he states that the presentation of Aba Al-Sadiq seems more like a Joseph Smith (founder of Mormonism and LDS) of Islam, ostracized by other sects in their respective religions. They see many overlaps in his wise and strong statements, his words carrying deep knowledge, and his speech flowing with clarity and conviction. His theology, like that of Jesus in his time, challenged the prevailing norms and called for a higher, more spiritual path. 

Crucially however, Smith did not have a claim from God based on a letter of appointment, unlike Abdullah Hashem today, and that is a clear distinction that defines AROPL as being truthful, like the call of Jesus.

Aba Al-Sadiq has, like the unbroken chain of prophets before him, sent by the one true God, read and interpreted the will of those who came before him—much like Jesus did in Luke 4:17-21, where he read from the scroll of Isaiah and declared its fulfillment. He too was rejected by many of the very people who were supposed to be awaiting his arrival, reflecting the experience of Christ, who said, “A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country” (Mark 6:4). The LDS members from America know full well that, initially in the USA, Aba Al-Sadiq was not accepted by the majority of people in his own country.

Using simple logic, Shane states that the antichrist would be more subtle and deceptive, rather than coming out to the world to declare his right to rule the earth. He senses a genuine stance in Abdullah Hashem, who reveres Christ. From their observations, Aba Al-Sadiq is clearly extremely intelligent, drawing knowledge from different scriptures and weaving them together in a divine tapestry of truth. They are intrigued to hear that Aba Al-Sadiq claimed to be that righteous servant spoken about by Isaiah. The way Aba Al-Sadiq can speak Arabic and English together, switching seamlessly between the languages, is remarkable for Shane. 

LDS believes in the gathering of the lost tribes of Israel and its final restoration, (see 2 Nephi 10:6–8; Doctrine and Covenants 33:6). God had scattered the children of Israel because of their wickedness and rebellion. They had rejected and killed Zechariah in the temple courtyards and beheaded John the Baptist. LDS believe those that accept the true essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ receive the ordinances of salvation and exaltation, this is their covenant with God. They state people must maintain the laws and cannot simply do whatever they want in order to gain salvation.

The LDS 13 Articles of Faith state: “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression,” so there is a degree of accountability in the doctrine. There is an emphasis on individual responsibility for sin, rejecting the doctrine of original sin.

These teachings are in accordance with AROPL and Aba Al-Sadiq: that we are accountable for our own actions in a karmic-like justice. Abdullah Hashem also speaks about the bringing together of the scattered, disparate 144,000 from the tribes in this epoch. Those deemed weak in the land by the idolaters, would rule, becoming the inheritors of the earth. Jesus is destined to return to support the mission of the Mahdi on earth and to reign as a king himself, something he could not do so previously because of the betrayal of the Jews in his time.

Trevor Keyes, whose own research about Abdullah Hashem reveals how he first came to public prominence not through any religious fervour, but through the Arrivals and TADS series in 2012, which was featured in Wired magazine. By raising the black banner of the East in 2015, upon the death of King Abdullah of Hijaz, Aba Al-Sadiq established a proof upon the Muslim world that the appearance of the awaited Mahdi had been fulfilled. This is a much anticipated narration in both Sunni and Shia narrations from Prophet Mohammed.

Trevor was also greatly intrigued by the name of Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq. He recognized that “Abd-Allah” means the “servant of the Lord,” similar to the name “Israel" in Judaism, and observed how the religion representing the call of Abdullah, known as AROPL, had gained NGO status as a 501(c)(3) organization in the United States.

At the beginning of his research, Trevor admitted he presumed Abdullah Hashem was a CIA deep state asset, given the high-quality camera work in his episodes. Abdullah appeared well-kept, handsome, and spoke flawlessly, without an accent, claiming to be the anointed Mahdi, and the new Pope, and posted online magically after the death of the fake Pope Francis, stating why he was the rightful successor of St. Peter.

After some deliberation, Trevor was wise enough to realise that it is indeed the mark of an educated mind to consider an idea without immediately accepting it.

Upon discovering that a SWAT team had raided the premises of the AROPL religion in Sävsjön, Sweden, leading to the community’s expulsion despite no crimes being committed, Trevor was prepared to change his mind and affirm that Abdullah Hashem was not controlled by any deep state. He felt this call reflected the early days of Mormonism, when members were persecuted from east to west. Shockingly, he reported that members of AROPL had been martyred, linked to extremist Islamists opposed to this call. 

As far as the LDS are concerned, there are some things for them to ponder, but also some deep intrigue and wisdom. They appreciate the knowledge in his speeches; before any claims Abdullah Hashem makes to be a Pope and Mahdi, clear evidence is presented along with analogies from the time of Christ. They do not fully understand the Mahdi concept, which mentions that Prophet Mohammed had successors, but they get the general idea of the concept of the genealogy based on the holy will of the Prophet Mohammed.

“A man will come about before Imam Mahdi from my Ahlul Bayt.” (Kanz Al Amal, Vol. 7, p. 261)

Imam Al Baqir declared: "For the Qaim are two names, one is hidden and the other is revealed. As for the one that is hidden it is Ahmad, and the one that is revealed is Muhammad.” (Kamal Al Deen, Vol. 2, Door 57, p. 653)

They loved the comparison of Moses praying to God, “Hereby you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works, and that it has not been of my own accord. If these men die as all men die, or if they are visited by the fate of all mankind, then the Lord has not sent me. But if the Lord creates something new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall know that these men have despised the Lord” (Numbers 16:28–30). Thus, indeed, the earth opened up and swallowed the rebellious party who tried to raise themselves haughtily over Moses and the will of God, with the comparison to the corruption of the Catholic Church and the death of the fake Pope Francis today.

Chad found the sermon of Aba Al-Sadiq mesmerizing, considering Aba Al-Sadiq a likeable and clever man whom they think about in context with their founder Joseph Smith. Chad highlights the need to pay attention to the fruits of Aba Al-Sadiq’s works and his willingness to call out tyrants despite his own reputation. They consider, in actual fact, that Abdullah Hashem could be the greatest ally to the LDS, as he has such powerful energy and is extremely likeable. 

The concept of the unbroken chain of messengers is reflected in their teachings and is mentioned through the lineage of the claimant, like Jesus spoke of a serious claimant to come after him, the Advocate, whom Jesus would send, called Mohammed, referred to as the Comforter in the Book of John, chapters 14 and 16.

The Mormon view is reflective of this whereby they believe that, “A man must be called forth by God, divine prophecies are fulfilled, the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.” (LDS 13 Articles of Faith)

Chad is discerning to realise that Jesus sends a Comforter in a judgement role, not a Holy Ghost, but an actual man sent to judge and reprove the world. Joseph Smith recognized there would be a future physical incarnation of the Holy Ghost. 

Trevor reflects that Abdullah Hashem comes as a peacemaker and has a real presence, speaking about Jesus in a very positive light. Abdullah Hashem presents a clear mission to bring people to God through AROPL and to establish a Divine Just State, like the apostles sought to achieve. The breakdown and the detailed explanation of the incarnations of the Holy Ghost, through the spirit of the early prophets from Adam through Noah, to Jesus and beyond, and the light shining through Prophet Mohammed and through the incarnation of the corresponding Imams, are noteworthy. They all carry with them the spirit, and they are the Comforter for humanity. 

The ordinances of the LDS Melchizedek Priesthood reveal how the power of God is made clear on earth through the spirit of God manifested in a man who represents the eternal power and sanctity of the Church of God, “the power of godliness is manifest” (Doctrines and Covenants of 84:20).

Trevor even goes so far as to say that though they are not believers, they are very curious about the teachings of Aba Al-Sadiq, especially in these critical and important times. While Trevor recognised there would indeed be many false Davidic servants, we were told about this anticipated rise. We are in the last days already, with wars and rumours; hence, there must also be present wise and true prophets and sages.

The Savior told the early Saints of this dispensation, “Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:12). Shane reminds us we should be on alert today, looking for and expecting people coming out of nowhere and prophecies being fulfilled, and we should observe and know people by their fruits.

Nicodemus asked, "Does our law judge any man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?" (Bible, Book of John, Chapter 7, Verse 51)

Chad, the optimist, is hopeful Aba Al-Sadiq will ultimately be proven to be a righteous person, seeing how likeable he truly is, and he would be declared as the Righteous Servant or Davidic servant. People have become very comfortable and complacent in their lives, distracted from the true essence of life. Chad wonders if they truly are prepared to take a stand against the corruption and tyranny in religion and politics at the risk of their own selves and reputation, as Aba Al-Sadiq has.

“For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Bible, Book of Matthew, Chapter 24, Verses 38-39)

Chad wants to talk with Abdullah Hashem. They even say he looks like Jesus, someone they would expect to be a leader for the people; he fits the character anticipated from their own scriptures.

Aba Al-Sadiq is evidently an inheritor more knowledgeable than any false pope chosen by a conclave of self-appointed bishops. Abdullah Hashem is named in a holy will, just as Jesus was mentioned by Isaiah as the Messiah through a holy will, in order for the Lord to prosper through his hands and bring liberty to the oppressed.

The brothers mentioned that Abdullah Hashem could be a Righteous Servant based on Isaiah verse 53:10, the Righteous Servant's life being prolonged to see his own offspring. We know that did not happen in the apparent death of Jesus, who was crucified. The brothers reflect upon this; Isaiah, therefore, is mentioning dual prophecies, the brothers recognize themselves evidently.

“We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” (LDS 13 Articles of Faith) 

The brothers are perceptive, they pick up on where Aba Al-Sadiq says, “According to you, Jesus had no offspring,” and they sense he knows something different. Abdullah Hashem says he is the righteous servant of God, mentioned by Jesus as a faithful and wise servant whom he shall make him ruler over all goods. So, in essence, he fulfills the prophecy to restore the true order to Christ's Church. The Church is therefore one body that is represented in different names by teachers and prophets and pastors but in essence is one and the same.

“We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets…” (LDS 13 Articles of Faith)

Chad reflects on how Jesus says a servant will come whom the Lord will make a steward over earth. Aba Al-Sadiq is presenting himself as a steward who knows the scriptures and brings forth knowledge.

Aba Al-Sadiq reminds us that once we realize he is a messenger from Jesus, it is our duty to hear and obey him, in keeping with the teachings of the LDS. “Judgment is based on acceptance of Christ and obedience” (The Restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood - 1829). Through this covenant relationship, followers of Christ are assured salvation from the eternal consequences of sin if they are obedient, so they must accept a Jesuit covenant and abide by it in order to be saved.

Shane reflects on how the priesthood of Melchizedek and the spiritual laws of the LDS Church use the familiar term “rightful heir” for the successor in their chain of high priests, as per Covenant section 113, which is exactly the term used by Abdullah Hashem. They are very intrigued by this commonality.

Trevor reflects on how they believe that Paul led the community of Christ astray and encouraged the Christians to submit to the rulers over them, which in essence would be the same Romans that crucified Christ.

Chad clarifies that many of Paul's works were not even written by him. They change the principle of being, that we must adhere to divine laws, to the principle of being saved by grace. Paul never actually met Jesus, the claim of the revelation on the road to Damascus, remains as such, with no actual substance. This conforms with the teachings of Aba Al-Sadiq, that Paul is false, that the church is corrupt, that it has oppressed the people and that the papacy was stolen.

Chad verifies there was never any claim like this before, and he truly hopes that their LDS Davidic servant can be even half as charismatic, and make enigmatic speeches like Aba Al-Sadiq. He loves the sense of devotion to the speaking tongue of God. 

“The gifts of the Spirit are alive and accessible, including prophecy, visions, and healing.” (LDS 13 Articles of Faith)

Shane wonders if LDS followers can rally like Abdullah Hashem, or go to war like him. They do not sense such real support in their community. Shane senses they have more door-knockers as opposed to soldiers of the Mahdi in LDS. Chad subtly reflects that the 144,000 sealed in Revelation by the angel of east can’t be mere door-knockers; they must be strong warriors whose hearts are united in one faith, ready to go out in an impactful way to make things happen, serving a true goal and mission to establish equity and justice.

Regarding the Mormon Church (LDS) itself, important points to reflect on are that Jesus sent prophets to humanity in an unbroken succession. AROPL provides evidence of how this actually leads to Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq.

Shane senses an energy here with Abdullah Hashem that has never been seen in our lifetime. Trevor likewise admits that Zion media has exposed many false claimants readily. However, they remind us to be able to discern, as some of the wolves are convincing ones, it is easy to be duped. There must be a righteous servant, a Divine King, pure and simple, today. So, other than what has been stated, how will you identify him today?

We thank the LDS brothers for taking an open-minded approach to researching the call of Aba Al-Sadiq without prejudice.

The Gospel of Thomas states that when seekers find the truth, they will be disturbed, amazed, and then reign over all. We hope the brothers will resonate with the truthful caller of today.