December is not simply the closing of a calendar year. For many, it becomes a month of distraction and consumption with a dash of “Holiday Spirit.” For others, it exposes something deeper — unfinished questions, unresolved faith, and a quiet awareness that something is being asked of them. In our faith, December is not just another month. It is active with actions that put our faith to the test. It is loaded with meaning, responsibility, and consequence. December in the Eyes of the World Across the globe, December has always been treated as a sacred period. Most notably, Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus on December 25th — a date confirmed by Aba Al-Sadiq. For them, this month represents divine mercy, sacrifice, and the arrival of light into a world overwhelmed by darkness. Even outside of religion, December carries a universal seriousness. People reflect, reconnect, give more than usual, and sense that this time of year is different. Even secular societies instinctively slow down. There is an unspoken recognition that December is heavier than the other months reflecting something deeply embedded within humanity — an ancient understanding that this period carries spiritual weight, whether people consciously acknowledge it or not. Historically, December has always marked transition. Ancient civilizations viewed it as the threshold between endings and beginnings. The winter solstice — the longest night of the year — occurs in December, followed by the gradual return of light. This moment shaped humanity’s understanding of rebirth, decree, and divine order. Long before modern religion or calendars, December was understood as a time when destinies shift, cycles close, and preparation begins. It was not a month of excess, but of awareness and restraint. That understanding aligns directly with how December functions in our faith. December According to Our Faith In the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, December holds unparalleled significance. It is the month in which Jesus was born on December 25th. It is the month in which Ali Reza, the Eighth Mahdi, was born on December 16th. It is the month in which The Goal of the Wise  was released and published. It is the true month of Ramadan. It is the month in which Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) occurs on the 23rd night. The First Mahdi, Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan said about the importance of the Night of Power: "Whoever repents to Allah truly tonight, Allah will accept his/her repentance and will forgive all of their sins by His permission. Tonight the door of the heavens is open and prayers are accepted. Tonight is better than a thousand months. Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) is the night when the good souls come down to find a home to dwell in and purify. This is a part of Laylatul Qadr which has from the secrets and the hidden matters what no one knows, except Allah and His close Messengers." December as Ramadan: The Call of Aba Al-Sadiq This year, Aba Al-Sadiq made a clear declaration on the first day of Ramadan stating the duties and responsibilities of believers around the world: "And so, this December is Ramadan, but the obligation to fast and the commandment from God has not yet come. And instead, you all have the obligation to work your hardest, to educate the people that they must fast from electing other than the Caliph of God—to abstain and fast from elections. You have an obligation to be messengers to mankind, like the disciples of Christ were to him. You are expected to invite people to this call and awaken mankind during this month of Ramadan." This December is not about feasts, waiting to receive gifts, and attending family gatherings. It’s a month of hard work, movement, speech, and responsibility - to wake up the world to the true spirit of Ramadan that allegiance is to nobody but God and His chosen vicegerent. He added: "I want you to abstain from excessive spending, and instead of that, help give to this dawa and cause, or help feed the orphans and clothe them, and the poor. And fight and fight and fight—this jihad of ours, this ideological jihad, to spread the concept of the supremacy of God. This is much better for you at this time." For the world, December became something commercialized, to the point that its meaning is barely recognizable. The true spirit of December, in contrast, demands restraint. Instead of self-enjoyment, it calls for giving. Instead of indulgence, service and embodying faith through action. And the call for jihad is not one that calls for physical violence. It is the jihad/struggle to spread the call of the supremacy of God with peace and dignity. Elections and the Rejection of Jesus According to the Biblical narratives, Jesus was rejected by the people, and when given the choice between the Messiah or a criminal by the name of Barabbas, the people chose Barabbas. "Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him. While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered. “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!” Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified." (Bible, Book of Matthew, Chapter 27, Verses 15-26) This moment represents the danger of elections — when people choose other than whom God appoints, truth is silenced and led to slaughter. Fasting from elections is a refusal to repeat that crime. December 16: The Birth of Ali Reza December 16 is not a side note. It is one of the heaviest dates of the month. Ali Reza is the Eighth Mahdi. He is Noah in his return. He is the reincarnation of Horus, Pythagoras, Isaac, and Job. His kunya is Aba Al-Baqir. He was once the bearer of the Second Covenant and is one of the twelve planets that surround the Qaim,  Aba Al-Sadiq said: "December is a holy month for many reasons. It is the true month of Ramadan, and it is the month of the Night of Power. It is the month in which the Qur’an, the Spirit, and every destined matter descend. It is the month in which the Messiah of the Israelites, Jesus son of Mary, was born. It is also the month in which Ali Reza was born." He described Ali Reza as a rare diamond, a close angel, and said: “Ali Reza is a man who is a rare diamond, a gem that few can recognize. He is a close angel, a planet among the twelve planets who are to the Qaim as the disciples of Jesus were to him. He is a beautiful, wise, intelligent, forgiving, patient, and a pure human being. He poured out his life for the sake of this cause, the cause of the supremacy of Allah and the cause of upholding the will of the Prophet Mohammed. He is to me what Al-Abbas was to Al-Hussein.” Conclusion December is not just another month on our calendar. Imam Al-Baqir said about the month of Ramadan: "Do not say ‘this is Ramadan,’ nor ‘Ramadan has gone,’ nor ‘Ramadan has come,’ for Ramadan is one of the Names of God, Mighty and Majestic. It does not come and it does not go. Rather, what comes and goes is that which is transient. Instead, say: ‘the month of Ramadan,’ for the month is annexed (attached) to the Name, and the Name is the Name of God, Mighty and Exalted. It is the month in which the Qur’an was sent down. God, Mighty and Majestic, made it an example and a festival.” This is the month of God; it strips away distractions and exposes allegiance. It asks whether faith stays theoretical or becomes manifested through our actions. Whether people repeat the mistake of the crowd, or stand with the divinely appointed Caliph and respond to him, even at the cost of our comfort. And whatever response is chosen here does not stay in December — it carries forward.

Through history, we see how men sent by God were beacons for mankind. These prophets, sages and wise men would walk through the lands and gather companions, men and women who realised the reality through the teachings of these prophets. We find Moses gathering a nation of 600,000 that follow him from place to place. Jesus Christ demands that anyone who sees truth in him should “pick up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). And Mohammed is seen establishing a state after migrating from Medina to Mecca, accompanied by a nation of believing men and women that supports him. “Hijrah” is a term often used here in the community of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. It’s an Arabic word that means migration - and in this context we refer to migration towards a life of truth. A decision that leads to God. More specifically, God in creation. The believers and supporters of Aba Al-Sadiq come from all backgrounds and all walks of life. It’s truly quite a phenomenon to behold. History repeats itself here, and we find that hearts that taste the truth of Aba Al-Sadiq’s words from his lectures become restless. They long to be a part of the bigger picture, the grand story, and we find ourselves growing in number. The year 2025 has been a great year of growth and prosperity. God’s hand has truly been over the blessed community of the Qaim Aba Al-Sadiq.  We were honoured by a magnificent statue of Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan, the first of the 12 Mahdis being placed at the front of our building, his arms outstretched and welcoming all that come to the house of God. And certainly, that warm invitation, that divine beckoning, seems to have ushered in a wave of faithful souls. The diversity of our new brothers and sisters, of the families of mothers, fathers and children that joined us, is a testament to the universality of our Imam’s message. Such a powerful Call that would resonate with all peoples, nations, races and creeds, is surely a divinely inspired message from a divinely appointed messenger. These individuals who cross the threshold into our gates are not simply curious bystanders - they are dedicated soldiers of light, that wish to dedicate their lives to a spiritual awakening, not just for themselves, but for all of mankind. Standing by the side of the Imam of the time, and serving his cause, his people and his state, is a service to ourselves. Some of our latest members: Ali & Hassan Ali, born in Kurdistan and coming from Virginia, USA, and Hassan, born in Iraq and coming from Texas, USA. They both left the world they knew behind and traveled through the clouds, just as the narrations foretold. Rayane & Nadia (France) Rayane and Nadia, from France. Inspired by the works of the Qaim translated into French, they left their homes because they could no longer ignore what they knew. Jalal, Fagan & Kevin Jalal and Fagan, from Azerbaijan, left a land of persecution for the sake of humanity and justice.  Kevin, a Filipino-American from Queens, New York, left his family behind to stand with the Mahdi. Ibrahim & Fathimath Ibrahim and Fathimath, from the Maldives, arrived with their one-year-old daughter Maleeka. They are the first people from the Maldives to join the community. Isabel & Mohammad Firas Isabel, from Puerto Rico, flying from the United States, came from a rough background and found love, safety, and belonging in the community of the Mahdi - Isabel asserts that Aba Al-Sadiq “saved my life and gave me a family. I almost died alone.” Isabel’s severe health conditions have tremendously improved since her arrival at Aba Al-Sadiq’s doorstep.  Mohammad Firas, originally from Jordan, traveled all the way from China to support the Mahdi.  Nadia (Iraq) Nadia, from Iraq - having been from the group called the “104,” who attempted to seek asylum and cross the Bulgarian-Turkish border in 2022, Nadia has been seeking sanctuary for a while. She is now a member of our Community. Rebilyn Rebilyn, from the Philippines - she is the first person to join the Community from that country.  Namiq & Mammadagha These two men come from Azerbaijan - a country where members of AROPL have suffered human rights violations and abuse. Having spent years seeking safety, and also, from the group of the 104, they have now found their place in God’s Community. Mohammed Mohammed from Belgium is a youth who grew restless from the words of Aba Al-Sadiq and could no longer remain sitting idle at home. He turned up one day at our gate and has been a strong member ever since. Laure Laure, also from Belgium, is a precious sister who has thrown her heart, mind and soul into serving the cause of “Humanity First.” With her many talents, she has been working hard since day one and making us all proud. Lexx, Mohammed Bin Sofian & Rosli These three brothers decided that living in Malaysia under duress was not a worthy life to live. They bicycled from the home they knew, to distant lands, finally finding their way to their Imam. Lexx was once a hairdresser for celebrities in Malaysia - he now serves his soul family here with his skills. Rosli and Mohammed work hard to contribute to the cause as well. Marliana Sister Marliana is our first member to join the Community from Singapore. Her love for the book “The Goal of The Wise” led to her reaching out and asking to be a part of our soul family. Aharon Aharon is our first Israeli member. With his background of Orthodox Judaism, Aharon proves to the world that the Mahdi is here to unite the nations and the children of God under one banner of truth. His testimony to the truth of Mohammed and the Family of Mohammed is a result of Aba Al-Sadiq’s divine ability to establish peace and unity between all people who are eager for the truth. These are just some of the faces that have joined us this year. The year 2025 has come to a strong end, and we as a believing family are anticipating even greater wonders in the year to come. It is nothing short of a miracle to see God’s scattered sheep join the flock of the shepherd Aba Al-Sadiq. As the people enter through those Basilica doors, and experience their first interaction in person with the Qaim of the Family of Mohammed, Aba Al-Sadiq, one thing becomes wholly clear -  prophecy is coming true. Isaiah tells us: “He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.” (Bible, Book of Isaiah, Chapter 11, Verse 12) The nations of the world that have been guided through history by various prophets and messengers, their descendants are finding the Imam of this day and age and joining his Community. The future holds great things ahead for us.

The past year has been a rollercoaster ride of activity all around the world raising the profile of The Mahdi Abdullah Hashem and his call to Humanity First. This year, 2025, was the 10th anniversary of his declaration to the world that the twelfth Imam, Mohammed ibn Al-Hassan Al-Askary, had appeared in 2015. Let’s take the opportunity to review this past twelve months to see what this milestone year brought with it. January 2025 The year started with a bang! On the 23rd of January the believers celebrated the anniversary of the appearance of the twelfth Imam from the family of Mohammed in real style with a coordinated coming together all around the world and a huge fireworks event at The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light headquarters in Crewe, UK. This occasion was also celebrated by AROPL studios with the production of three videos centred around this milestone celebration.  The first was a twenty minute Opening Ceremony for The Festival of The Will .  The second was a documentary entitled “ DOCUMENTARY: 10- Year Anniversary of the Appearance of the Mahdi ” - this being a summary of the activities over the past decade of the call. The final video produced by AROPL Studios was a two hour video of a pivotal speech by Abdullah Hashem , The Riser of the Family of Mohammed. This was followed by a ceremony whereby the supporters of The Riser were awarded certificates of citizenship of the Divine Just State. The evening culminated with a march for the raising of the Black Banners of “Allegiance is to Allah”. We encourage our readers to take a look at these videos to gain a better understanding of this wonderful and holy festive celebration. February 2025 February saw a number of articles written by various publications bringing attention to the persecution of believers in The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light culminating with various reports about the arrest of two very young men in Morocco by the authorities in Khouribga on charges of “ Undermining the faith of Muslims through employing incitement or threats.” This magazine gave a comprehensive account of the story of Yahya Marfouq and Huzaifa Azuz. The European Times EUReporter Le Desk HRWF DJS We just want to praise and thank all involved who gave their time and energy to highlighting these stories of injustice. March 2025 March brought a significant breakthrough in the form of a report compiled by The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. In the 2025 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom, the USCIRF declared and documented the global persecution experienced and suffered by members of The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. This was a significant step because this annual report is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative global assessments of religious freedom. This report was published on the 15th of March 2025. Various governments were exposed officially for their persecution without just cause of the believers in The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. April 2025 Amnesty International in conjunction with the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) released a press statement  declaring the demand for the Egyptian authorities to “Halt arbitrary arrest, disappearance and threatened deportation of Ahmadi minority members”. This declaration was made on the 8th of April 2025 and has brought much needed attention to the plight of religious minorities in Egypt and how they suffer under a tyrannical totalitarian authority enforced through the National Security Agency of Egypt.   On the 16th of April a powerful and moving sermon from Abdullah Hashem followed by interviews with the bishops of various Muslim countries was aired on The Mahdi Has Appeared YouTube channel. Titled The Mahdi Aba Al-Sadiq (fhip) speech on the martyrs - خطاب القائم أبا الصادق (ع) عن الشهداء , the 1 hour and 15 minute video shed light on the brutal murders of two young innocent believers — Ibrahim Ramadan of Kenya and Nuur Aliyare Saide of Somalia. Their stories were largely ignored by the world and misrepresented in the local press. Now they will go down in history as having given their lives for simply believing in the living messenger of God in their time. May God reward them immensely for their martyrdom. Please take the time to understand their stories. On the 20th of April, a live broadcast from Vatican Square by some of the believers documented the moment when the banner of “Allegiance is to Allah” was raised for the first time in Rome. Another banner clearly called for a new Divinely appointed Pope. Pope Francis was in the line of sight of these two banners as they were raised during his Easter Sermon at St Peter’s Square. One day later Pope Francis miraculously passed away. On the 26th of April Abdullah Hashem gave a speech about the miracle which took place in Rome and he announced himself as the New Pope. This went viral and reached millions of people worldwide causing a wave of reaction videos on various social media platforms. This declaration is still the subject of various shows, media productions and conversations around the world. May 2025 Abdullah Hashem, Aba Al-Sadiq, The Riser of the Family of Mohammed, addressed The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, on the 4th of May in a 5 minute video on his channel The Mahdi Has Appeared YouTube channel.  Speaking as the awaited Mahdi and successor of Jesus Christ, he clarified his divine appointment and offered a message —not just to President Trump, but to all who are watching this moment unfold. The 9th of May saw Vatican authorities detain several followers of Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq, leader of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), as they staged protests declaring him the 'New Pope'. The Deputy Prime Minister of Italy, Matteo Salvini,  posted about the incident on Twitter. The believers led a global campaign, spreading the news of the New Pope declaration worldwide. The 10th of May was the day on which the Divine Just State magazine premiered in print format for the first time. On the 17th of May 2025, LTV Plus, a Lebanese television channel broadcasted an exclusive interview  they had conducted with Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq. Despite the questionable ethics with which the interview and commentary post interview were conducted, it was the first time an Arab media channel had reached out for an interview. The 19th of May delivered The Best International Book Award of 2025 to Abdullah Hashem for The Goal of The Wise at the The Turin International Book Fair  - Salone Del Libro - in Italy. July 2025 The month of July started with various mainstream press outlets including The Guardian , The Telegraph , Vice  and many other major English speaking news sources publishing stories about the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light on the 1st of July. Professor Holly Folk visited Webb House and spent time with the community on the 2nd of July for a total period of a few weeks. She testified to the wholesomeness of the community in an exclusive televised interview . On the 8th of July, The United Nations Human Rights Committee issued a decision ordering Turkey to halt the deportation of two Iranian members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. The 15th of July was the day a worldwide first event of its kind was held in Crewe, at The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light headquarters at Webb House. Beanies and Burgers were presented to the local community in Crewe, the gate was open to the public and all who came received a free burger and a free beanie just for showing up. This event was very well received by the people of Crewe and it created a divisive discourse online between those who were supportive of the event and those who were opposed by it. Haters will be haters. Those who attended got to interact with members of the Ahmadi community and got to know a little bit more about their neighbours at The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light inhabiting Webb House and they did so with free food and a souvenir in the form of a free beanie. A reporter from the BBC covered the event and members of the local council attended as well. August 2025 The 21st of August became a moment which will be remembered in the history books as a milestone in the development and progress of The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. The Supremacy of God conference in Crewe was the first official global conference arranged by The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light through which various guests were invited to speak and give their findings as a follow up to the academic field trip from 2024 during which they explored The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light for the first time. The conference was attended by several academics, international media, and the Mayor of Crewe Sally Graham. September 2025 On the 12th of September 2025, Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq started a new groundbreaking series in front of a large live audience - The Hall of Mysteries . November 2025 On the 2nd of November Abdullah Hashem re-established the Hermetic Teachings  as part of The Hall of Mysteries series and he established the connection between  the teachings of Hermes and the teachings of Ahlul Bayt and Ahmed Al-Hassan . December 2025 The Holy month of Ramadan brings with it much in the way of significant moments of enlightenment. Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq released a new episode of The School of Divine Mysteries on the 4th of December in which he revealed the truth from a myth brought forth by Plato from the teachings of Socrates . On the 6th of December a revolutionary episode of The School of Divine Mysteries was released on The Mahdi Has Appeared YouTube channel. In this episode , brother Aharon from Israel - an Orthodox Jew - declares his faith in Abdullah Hashem and the dawa of The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light as the Truth. This moment will be remembered in history as a major sign, the start of a new and significant chapter for this call. The universality of this message is proven once again with this incredible and momentous occasion. The 11th of December saw the German Ansar Rise Up in Essen and march peacefully with banners of “Allegiance is to Allah” on the streets to generally raise awareness of the Supremacy of God while simultaneously broadcasting on Tiktok. They managed to attract attention from various sources including the local Police. December the 14th Toronto, Canada, five members of the faith raised the black banner of “Allegiance is to Allah” in downtown Toronto and declared to the people that the Mahdi has appeared while distributing copies of the Mahdi’s Manifesto.  On December the 15th two cities - Mumbai, India and Abuja, Nigeria - saw the banners of “Allegiance is to Allah” raised for the first time. In India many people seemed to resonate with the message displayed by eleven members of the faith with many taking the time to enquire and understand what was being conveyed. In Nigeria, four members of the faith bravely attracted attention to the call of the Mahdi at Life Camp Junction in Abuja. They were met with some interest from passersby who wanted to know more.  In Dhaka, Bangladesh, several believers in the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light took to the streets in a peaceful rally to coincide with The Great Victory Day of Bangladesh. They rallied outside the South Plaza area of the Parliament Building on the 16th of December raising the black banner of “Allegiance is to Allah.” The rally ended with a brief discussion and speech at the main gate of the South Plaza. The message was well received with several people showing support and solidarity with the organisers. The 16th of December 2025, Liverpool, the United Kingdom, saw the largest single gathering of believers in the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light so far since the foundation of the religion in 2020. Chants of "Aba Al-Sadiq" reverberated from the ground in Liverpool to the seven Heavens and across the galaxy as the believers in this Holy call expressed their loyalty and commitment to their leader and master Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq. This moment will go down in history as a significant moment in the story of the Riser of the Family of Mohammed and his supporters, the Ansar. May the remainder of the year continue to bring with it profound lessons and teachings which enlighten mankind to reach a higher level of consciousness. Onto 2026 with the Riser of the Family of Mohammed at the helm of this groundbreaking call to Humanity First through the Supremacy of God.

In a lecture by Aba al-Sadiq, he spoke about the Egyptian traditions of death and the afterlife. As a Mexican, I realised that Mexico is one of the countries that is still constantly aware of death and even celebrates it. Could it be possible to speak to the dead? This is a fascinating question that many of us have asked. Even at school in my country, they used to tell us, “On these days, the dead come home.”  We would buy gifts for our relatives who had passed away as a way to honour them. For some, the idea of communicating with the dead may sound far-fetched. Yet for millions in Mexico, it is a deeply rooted belief — one that comes to life each year during the “Día de los Muertos”  or Day of the Dead . As time passes, some of us wonder if it is a pagan or sacred celebration. We find ourselves somewhere between belief and doubt. This long-standing tradition is widely held across the country and continues to draw curious visitors from around the world. More than a festive occasion, it is a cultural event that honours loved ones who have passed away. It is also a constant reminder of our spiritual connection with those no longer with us. But is this merely a pagan custom, or could it point to a religious obligation found in other faiths as well? In this article, we explore these questions — through the lens of history, religion and the insightful teachings of Aba al-Sadiq. The origin of the celebration goes back more than 3,000 years, to the Indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica, including the Aztecs, Toltecs, Olmecs, Maya and other Nahua cultures. They viewed death as a natural continuation of life rather than an end. The Aztecs, for example, worshipped the goddess Mictecacihuatl, the Lady of the Dead, and believed in a cyclical vision of life and death. Originally, the feast of the dead was held in August, but later, when the Spanish arrived, a strong syncretism with Catholic tradition began. The practices merged with the Catholic feasts introduced by the Spanish colonisers, aligning the celebration with All Saints’ Day (1 November) and All Souls’ Day (2 November) and giving rise to the modern two-day observance. The colonisers tried to change the culture and sometimes even killed Indigenous people who continued venerating their gods, attempting to erase their traditions. For these ancient peoples, death was a constitutive part of life. They even drew a parallel with the beating of the heart, with its systole and diastole: contraction and expansion, life and death, as two movements of the same living reality. Where the Dead Still Walk: The True Origins of Día de Muertos To understand the traditions of the Day of the Dead, we have to remember that this feast is rooted in pre-Hispanic beliefs – it is truly death before the Conquest. The Mexica (Aztecs) believed that the world had been created and destroyed several times. They spoke of Five Suns, five great ages. We live under the Fifth Sun. The world is cyclical: each sun ends and must be renewed, and every new age demands sacrifice and humility. According to the legend of the Fifth Sun, at the end of the Fourth Sun the gods gathered at Teotihuacan to decide who would sacrifice himself so that a new world could begin. The old fire god Huehuetéotl lit a great sacrificial bonfire, but none of the most important gods wanted to jump into the flames. The rich and proud god Tecuciztécatl, the Lord of the Snails, hesitated. During that hesitation, the humble and sick Nanahuatzin – whose name means “full of sores” – threw himself into the fire and became the new Sun. Tecuciztécatl then jumped in after him and became a second sun. However, the gods realised that two suns would burn and overwhelm the world, so they threw a rabbit at Tecuciztécatl to weaken his light. He became the Moon. That, they say, is why many people still see the shape of a rabbit on the face of the moon today. The idea that even the gods have to die so that the world can live is a fascinating one. Mortality, death and regeneration are at the centre of this cosmovision: death is not an end, but a transformation, a seed for new life – of the sun, of human beings, of the cosmic cycle itself. In this worldview, the dead did not all go to the same place. Their destiny depended above all on how they died. Those who died of old age or ordinary illness began a long journey to Mictlan, the land of the dead, passing through different trials until they reached a final state of rest. Children who died in innocence went to Chichihuacuauhco, a place where a great tree dripped milk from its branches to feed them until the time of a new creation. Warriors who died in battle, and people sacrificed to the gods, went to accompany the sun on its daily journey across the sky, shouting and singing so that it would not stop. Women who died in childbirth were honoured in the same way as fallen warriors, because childbirth was also seen as a form of battle; they became powerful spirits known as Cihuateteo, “divine women”, linked to the path of the sun. The Mexica ritual calendar also included great feasts of the dead. There was a “small feast” dedicated especially to deceased children and a “great feast” for adults. These celebrations lasted many days and were filled with offerings, flowers, food and rituals for those who had gone before. Centuries later, these ancient celebrations were overlaid with Christian feasts. In Rome, a special day was established to honour all the martyrs and saints, at first celebrated on 13 May. Later, the date was moved to 1 November, close to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of the dark half of the year, also associated with the dead. Over time, the evening before became known as All Hallows’ Eve – Halloween. When Spanish friars arrived in Mesoamerica, they brought with them these Christian celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Faced with the powerful Indigenous cult of the dead, they did not erase it completely but compressed and merged it with the Christian calendar. Out of that encounter came the modern Día de Muertos: a feast now concentrated into two days, but still carrying within it the deep memory of Mictlan, of the children of Chichihuacuauhco, of the warriors of the sun and of the women who died giving life. Those Who Die for God: A Shared Promise This idea – that those who die for the highest cause are not truly lost – appears in many other traditions as well. In the Qur’an, God speaks directly about those who are killed in His path: “Do not say of those who are killed in the way of God that they are dead. Rather, they are alive, but you do not perceive it.” (Holy Quran 2:154) And again: “Do not think of those who are killed in the way of God as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.” Here, physical death is not seen as the final word, but as a passage into a more intense life in the presence of God. In the Bible, the same intuition appears. Jesus says: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10) In another vision, the book of Revelation shows the souls of those who were killed for the word of God crying out under the heavenly altar, and they are told to rest until their number is complete. Their blood is not forgotten; it is remembered and honoured in heaven. Jewish tradition, too, preserves stories of men and women who preferred death to betraying the covenant, trusting that “the King of the world will raise us up to live again forever.” Across these scriptures, the pattern repeats: those who give their lives for God, for justice or for the covenant are not swallowed by nothingness; they are received, remembered and rewarded. This resonates strongly with the Mexica belief that warriors and women who die in childbirth go to accompany the sun, and later with the Christian memory of martyrs whose bones and relics were carefully gathered and venerated. In all these worlds, death for the Highest becomes a door, not a curtain. Ka, Ba and Cempasúchil: Mirrors Between Egypt and Mexico The custom of commemorating the dead is very strong in Mexico. When we place it side by side with Egypt, as Aba al-Sadiq   does in his lecture, the parallels become striking. The Egyptians spent enormous resources building tombs and equipping them for the afterlife. The Mexicans build altars full of colour and life. Both are, in their own way, technologies of communication with those who have passed on. To see the bridges between Egypt and Mexico, we can look carefully at the Mexican ofrenda or “offering”. The altar of the dead is like a little universe built in the living room or on a grave: a staircase between our world and the world of the spirits. The most complete version is the altar of seven levels, although many families use only two or three, depending on space and local custom. Two levels usually speak of heaven and earth; three of heaven, earth and the underworld or purgatory; and seven are the full journey of the soul, step by step, towards rest. In his lecture, Aba al-Sadiq reminds us that the Egyptian rites for the dead are not naïve superstition, but an advanced form of communication between the living and those who have passed on. If we look at the Mexican altar with that in mind, we can see the same thing: a relationship made of symbols. First level – The saint At the top, people place the image of a saint or the Virgin, the spiritual protector of the family. This presence watches over the souls and guides them on their way back home. In Egyptian tombs something similar happens: the highest “place” around the dead is filled with images of the gods – Osiris, Anubis, Hathor – who welcome and protect the soul. In both cases the message is the same: you are not walking alone. Second level – Souls in purgatory The next level is often dedicated to the souls in purgatory. Candles and small images are placed for them, asking these souls to help the deceased receive permission to visit the world of the living. It is a level of solidarity: even among the dead there is mutual help. The Egyptians also believed that the dead, if they were properly cared for with offerings and prayers, could support and intercede for their family from the other side. The bond continues in both directions. Third level – Salt and purification Here we find salt, a symbol of protection and spiritual cleanliness, especially for the souls of children. Salt keeps corruption away on the road there and back. In Egypt, salt and natron were used to dry and purify the body during mummification. The goal was not only to preserve the flesh but to prepare the person for judgment with a light, pure heart. Different rituals, same concern. Fourth level – Pan de muerto and the bones On the fourth step, people place the Pan de Muerto, the bread of the dead. Its round form and the “bones” drawn on top speak of the cycle of life and death, and for Christians it also echoes the Eucharist and the body of Christ. It is as if the family says: “Your bones are not forgotten; you are still part of our daily bread.” The Egyptians expressed this with the whole science of mummification: preserving bones and body so that the ba could recognise them and the dead could rise again as a luminous akh. Fifth level – Food and water: feeding the soul This step is the most delicious. Here we put the favourite food and drink of the person – mole, tamales, fruit, coffee, tequila – and always water for the long road. The smell of the dishes is an invitation: “Come, this is your place.” In Egypt, the ka – the life-double of the person – also depended on bread, beer, meat and the perfume of incense left on the offering table.  The ofrenda and the Egyptian table are doing the same work: sending energy to the soul. At the same time, the preparation of the food nourishes the hearts of those who are still alive and processing their grief. Sixth level – Portrait and memory On the sixth level we place the photo of the deceased or objects that belonged to them. The altar becomes completely personal: this is for my mother, my brother, my child. In Egyptian tombs, the equivalent is the false door and the serdab, the hidden niche with statues or carved images of the dead. The spirit could “come out” through that door to receive offerings and then return. For both cultures, image and name are sacred: they are small houses where the presence of the dead can rest. Seventh level – Cross and flowers: the threshold At floor level, the altar is closed with a cross of marigold petals, seeds and fruits. The bright orange of the cempasúchil marks the point where the altar touches the earth and shows the entrance to the path. It is a Christian sign built with Indigenous flowers – a visible symbol of the fusion between the two worlds. In Egypt, the threshold is marked by the stone false door and the offering table that stand at ground level in the chapel. That is where the living come to speak and where the dead “cross” into our world. Flowers or stone, both mark the door. Around these levels, many other signs appear. Sugar skulls remind us that death is always present and that every name will one day be written there. Calaverita poems play with the idea of our own death, like gentle rehearsals, just as Egyptian spells rehearsed the words that must be spoken in the afterlife. Candles are lit so the souls do not walk in the dark. Copal and incense clean the space and open an invisible road with their scent, very close to the Egyptian idea of perfumes as the “breath of the gods”. Marigold paths guide the dead from the street or the cemetery to the altar, echoing the paths, doors and gates drawn on Egyptian papyri. All of this clearly helps the dead in the imagination of both cultures – but it also helps the living. Building an altar, arranging a grave, lighting a candle on a park bench or at a war pilot’s tomb: these are ways of continuing a conversation. They tell us that love is stronger than distance, that death is not total silence, and that we too are on the same road, step by step. From Ofrenda to Park Bench: Everyday Altars for the Dead We have to remember that human beings carry a deep need to keep speaking with those who have gone. This need appears in many shapes, from the Mexican ofrenda full of colours and candles to something as simple as a bench in a quiet park in England. In many towns of the United Kingdom there is a memorial bench or dedication scheme. A family can ask the council to place a new bench or add a small plaque to an existing one. The council chooses the style and the exact place, so the benches fit into the park. But once the plaque is fixed, that ordinary bench becomes something more. Every time someone sits there and reads the inscription, the name and the story of that person are remembered. Some benches even have photos hanging from the arms, or small plants and ribbons tied to them. They are reminders of happy moments shared with someone who is no longer physically here – or maybe they are still here in some way, as long as someone remembers them. I personally like to go to cemeteries and read the inscriptions on the stones. In the town of Nantwich, there is one grave that fits perfectly with the theme of this article. The stone says: ARTHUR L. BROWN U.S.A.A.F. AGED 23 YEARS OF NEW YORK WHO CRASHED IN HIS THUNDERBOLT TO AVOID THIS TOWN JAN. 14TH 1944 WITH SYMPATHY AND RESPECT On 14 January 1944 his aircraft got into trouble over Cheshire. Witnesses saw it performing strange movements in the sky before going into a fatal dive near Nantwich. Local memory says that he stayed with the aircraft and guided it away from the houses so that it crashed in open ground instead of on the town. His body and his plane still lie there, beneath that stone. People decorate the grave with flowers and poppy wreaths, and each year there is a small ceremony. It is another kind of altar: a simple slab of stone, but charged with gratitude for someone who died so that others could live. If we put all this together with what we have seen before – the Egyptian offerings of incense and food to the ka and ba, the Mexican altars full of marigolds, bread, sugar skulls and photographs, the prayers for martyrs and saints in Islam and Christianity – a pattern becomes clear. All around the world, people build everyday altars for the dead. Sometimes they are huge public ofrendas in the Zócalo of Mexico City, sometimes candle-lit boats on the lake of Pátzcuaro, sometimes just a wooden bench with a little plaque in a green English park. In Mexico, devotion explodes into colour, taste, smell and sound: flowers and candles, copal smoke and music, pan de muerto and calaverita poems. In Egypt, the language is stone, perfume and carved spells. In Britain, it may be a quiet bench or a war grave under the rain. But in all these places, the intention is the same: to keep the relationship open, to say to our dead, you are still part of us. Because as we learned in the lecture from Aba Al-Sadiq, the dead count on our remembrance. We should remember the dead, this was even advised to us from the Ahlul Bayt. Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib  said: “Visit your dead, for they rejoice at your visit.” One of the companions of Abu ‘Abd Allah asked: “A man stands at the grave of his father, his relative, and one who is not his relative–does that benefit the deceased?’ He said: ‘Yes, it reaches him just as a gift reaches any one of you.’” The lecture of Aba al-Sadiq, which inspired these reflections, offers a wider key to understand this. He shows that many ancient customs we are quick to label as “pagan” are in fact sacred technologies of communication between two interconnected worlds. They give us hope that death is not pure silence, but a passage; not the destruction of the bond, but its transformation. Our altars – whether ofrendas, tombs, benches or incense tables – are the visible doors of that invisible conversation. The Dead do need and receive our prayers, visitations and gifts–and one day when our death approaches, we will hope for the same.  Watch the Lecture that Inspired this Article:

Four devoted believers march through Copenhagen at midnight, proudly raising the black banner "Allegiance is to Allah" in obedience to the call of Qaim Aba Al-Sadiq. In the sacred month of December, recognized by the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) as the true Ramadan, the Qaim Aba Al-Sadiq issued a profound call to all believers: raise the banner "Allegiance is to Allah" atop every rooftop and in major cities across the globe. This directive serves as a timeless reminder that true leadership is appointed by God, urging humanity to "Fast from elections" and prioritize divine guidance over worldly politics. Embracing this command, devoted followers from Germany, India, Nigeria, Canada, the UK, Malaysia, and numerous other nations have boldly displayed the banners, held marches, passed out flyers and posters and fed the poor, drawing widespread attention and resonance from passersby who connect deeply with AROPL's core message of "Humanity First." Yosef & Mohamad hoist the banners while crossing the bridge echoing, "Labbayk Ya Aba Sadiq!" The latest manifestation of this global movement unfolded in Copenhagen, Denmark, where a dedicated group of believers conducted a peaceful march to proclaim the supremacy of God. Commencing at Frederiksborggade 54 in central Copenhagen, four steadfast participants—Azra, Malik, Yosef, and Mohamad—embarked on a symbolic journey across the bridge toward Nørrebro Station. Yosef and Mohamad proudly hoisted the black banners inscribed with "Allegiance is to Allah," while Yosef's resounding call of " Labbayk Ya Aba Al-Sadiq " echoed through the area. Azra, capturing the event live and engaging viewers in Danish, documented the procession, which drew a mix of curiosity and commentary from onlookers. One cyclist paused to remark, "Why don't you get a job?"—a fleeting moment that underscores the societal challenges believers face, yet it did not deter their resolve. After approximately 30 minutes, the group arrived at Nørrebro Station, where Yosef utilized a speaker to eloquently affirm God's ultimate authority. The gathering concluded with a heartfelt rendition of a song honoring Aba Al-Sadiq, leaving a quiet but powerful imprint on the city. Though interactions were minimal, this Copenhagen march exemplifies the quiet strength of AROPL's mission: a non-violent, inclusive call to humanity that transcends borders and cultures. As more believers heed the Qaim's directive, the Divine Just State continues to illuminate paths toward peace, justice, and true human solidarity. Readers are encouraged to join this sacred endeavor, raising banners in their own communities to affirm that allegiance belongs solely to Allah. A small yet resolute group embodies "Humanity First," reminding the world to fast from elections and pledge allegiance solely to Allah.

Eight French AROPL members marched at Place de la République, proudly carrying two large banners of "Allegiance is to Allah" on December 23rd. In the sacred month of December, recognized by the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) as the true Ramadan, believers raised the banner "Allegiance is to Allah" in major cities across the globe. This directive serves as a timeless reminder that true leadership is appointed by God, urging humanity to "fast from elections" and prioritize divine guidance over worldly politics. Devoted AROPL Members from Germany, India, Nigeria, Canada, the UK, Malaysia, Trinidad, Poland, and numerous other nations have boldly displayed the banner, drawing widespread attention and resonance from passersby who connect deeply with AROPL's core message of "Humanity First." These acts of faith have sparked conversations on streets and social media, highlighting a growing yearning for spiritual sovereignty amid global unrest. From bustling urban centers to quiet neighborhoods, the black banners symbolize unwavering allegiance to Allah and a rejection of man-made divisions, fostering unity under the Divine Just State. Believers distributed over 1,000 leaflets and hundreds of stickers to passersby, spreading the message of "Humanity First" across iconic Paris landmarks. The wave of peaceful proclamation continued in Paris, France, on December 23rd, where eight dedicated French believers in the Qaim Aba Al-Sadiq—seven brothers and one sister—embarked on a full-day march. The procession passed through iconic locations in the capital: Place de la République, Boulevard Saint-Martin, Boulevard de Sébastopol, Rue de Rivoli, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, Pont au Change, Boulevard du Palais, Boulevard Saint-Michel, Boulevard Saint-Germain, Quai d’Orsay, Rue de l’Université, Champ-de-Mars, Avenue de Suffren, Avenue de la Bourdonnais, Pont d’Iéna, and finally, Place du Trocadéro. Starting at 10 a.m. and concluding at 4 p.m., the group covered the iconic route with full police authorization and was accompanied by officers for the entire journey. Carrying two large banners proclaiming "Allegiance is to Allah" and numerous placards, the believers marched through the heart of Paris, spreading the divine message with grace and determination. The group marched embodying the Qaim's call to "Fast from elections" and pledge allegiance to Allah. Over 1,000 leaflets and hundreds of stickers were distributed to passersby, inviting Parisians and visitors alike to explore the teachings of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light and embrace the call for "Humanity First." The authorized and orderly procession drew respectful attention in one of the world's most symbolic cities, reinforcing the global momentum of the Qaim's command. This Paris march stands as a shining example of peaceful devotion, illuminating the path toward the Divine Just State. As believers worldwide continue to raise the banner, more souls are drawn to the truth. Through this march, AROPL Members announced to France that the man chosen by God has appeared to restore justice and equity on earth, chanting his name is Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq. Throughout the march, the reactions were powerful: passersby stopped, shopkeepers came out of their stores, motorists honked their horns, smiles were exchanged, and many filmed. The atmosphere was attentive, intense, and peaceful. Although an agreement had been reached with the police headquarters stating that it would not be necessary to block the roads, the police repeatedly cleared the way to allow us to fully unfurl the large black banner bearing the inscription "Allegiance to God." Our slogans resonated clearly: "Democracy killed Jesus Christ" "Truth has been Crucified" "God has chosen a Leader" "The Republic is not about Elections" “Humanity before Religion” The march proceeded without incident. It is not an end, but a starting point. It gives the certainty that the believers must continue, march in other cities of France, to proclaim the supremacy of God and invite everyone to seek the truth for themselves.

In the sacred month of December—recognized by the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) as the true Ramadan—believers worldwide have been answering a clear call: raise the banner “Allegiance is to Allah” and invite humanity back to divine guidance over man-made division. Remind the people that true leadership is only  appointed by God, and urge people to “fast from elections” and seek the Supremacy of God with the spirit of “Humanity First.” That same wave of peaceful proclamation reached Madrid, Spain, on December 27, 2025, where 33 believers gathered at one of the city’s most symbolic religious landmarks: Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena. A Community that Carries one Another One of the most striking aspects of the Madrid demonstration was not only what was said in public, but what was lived among the believers themselves. The Ansar pooled their resources so that everyone who wished to attend could do so. Those who could not afford travel or accommodation were supported financially by other believers, ensuring no one was left behind due to cost. After the outreach, the group gathered and shared a meal together in a public park—a simple moment that revealed something deeper: the spirit of AROPL is not built on individualism, but on communal life, mutual support, and shared responsibility. This is a daily reality among the Ansar of Aba Al-Sadiq: to share what they have, to carry one another’s burdens, and to embody “Humanity First” not only in words, but in how they live together. A Peaceful Gathering at Almudena Cathedral At the Cathedral, the group carried the Black Banners and additional banners bearing AROPL messages, creating a calm but unmistakable public presence. Believers also used a megaphone to share Spanish translations of Aba Al-Sadiq’s speeches—messages centered on the sanctity of human life, the concern for the oppressed, and the principle that this faith is open to everyone, calling all people to unity under God. Alongside the banners, participants distributed handouts and welcomed conversation—speaking with anyone who approached with questions or curiosity. Public reactions: “God bless you” and “Thank you for doing this” The day was marked by repeated positive interactions. Participants reported that many passers-by responded warmly—offering blessings, encouragement, and gratitude. The outreach was not confined to believers speaking outward; it became a two-way exchange, as people stopped to listen, asked questions, and received materials to learn more. Press Presence and Wider Visibility Members of the press were present and spoke directly with participants, providing coverage of the event. In addition, images from the demonstration have appeared through major photo distribution channels, further expanding visibility beyond those who witnessed it in person. https://fotos.europapress.es/actualidadinternacional/f7188500 Police Interaction: Calm Compliance, no Escalation At one point, police intervened due to the use of the megaphone in a very crowded area, where amplification was not permitted. The group immediately complied by discontinuing megaphone use. No further issues were reported with authorities, and the demonstration continued peacefully. https://www.sopaimages.com/galleries/87768/followers-of-the-religious-leader-abdullah-hashem- From the Cathedral to Gran Vía https://www.shutterstock.com/es/editorial/image-editorial/group-people-carry-signs-one-them-photograph-16214574e?dd_referrer= After the megaphone was halted, the group transitioned into a walking outreach—moving from the Cathedral area toward Gran Vía, maintaining public visibility through one of Madrid’s busiest corridors. The banners remained raised, and handouts continued to be offered to interested members of the public, allowing the message to travel through high-footfall streets without amplification. A Continuing Global Call—Paired with an Urgent Human-Rights Reality This Madrid demonstration is part of a broader international movement of peaceful proclamation taking place during the true Ramadan in the month of December. At the same time, the community continues to face persecution in multiple contexts—most urgently reflected in the ongoing #FreeAROPLMembers campaign concerning 14 AROPL believers detained in Egypt, a case condemned by international human-rights actors and followed closely by supporters worldwide. Believers carrying posters of the #FreeAROPLMembers campaign Madrid added its voice to this growing chorus—not through confrontation, but through presence: banners held high, conversations opened, and the principle reaffirmed that allegiance belongs to God alone, and that humanity must come first . Media References (Images) Europa Press photo page (credit shown as David Canales / SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire / dpa):   fotos.europapress.es Shutterstock Editorial image page (David Canales / SOPA Images / Shutterstock):   shutterstock.com SOPA Images gallery page (by David Canales / SOPA Images):   Sopa Images

In a world where freedom of religion or belief remains a cornerstone of international human rights standards, the prolonged arbitrary detention of members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) in Egypt has sparked global concern. More than a dozen adherents of this minority faith have been held for over ten months solely for exercising their fundamental right to practice their beliefs. Launched on December 19, 2025, the #FreeAROPLMembers campaign seeks to amplify these voices, urging Egyptian authorities to uphold universal human rights obligations by releasing those detained and ceasing discriminatory practices against non-state-approved religious groups. The detentions trace back to March 2025, when Egyptian security forces carried out "forced disappearances" and arrested the individuals on charges of "joining a group established in violation of the constitution and the law." Among those affected are Hussein Mohammed Al-Tenawi, Omar Mahmoud Abdel Maguid, and Hazem Saied Abdel Moatamed, who, according to reports from their families, endured torture or other forms of ill-treatment during interrogation: such as severe beatings, electrocution of genitals, food and sleep deprivation, cold cells, lack of medical treatment and refusal of legal representation and visitations for some time. The AROPL 14 have been in prison for over ten months now. They remain in inhumane conditions at the 10th of Ramadan Prison, highlighting broader issues of custodial abuse and the suppression of religious pluralism in the country. Human rights advocates emphasize that such actions contravene Egypt's commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibits arbitrary arrest and guarantees freedom from discrimination based on religion. In response, AROPL's human rights team initiated a one-month advocacy drive aimed at raising international visibility. The campaign leverages social media to tag the Egyptian public prosecutor and encourages direct appeals to Egyptian embassies worldwide. Participants engage across multiple platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, fostering a coordinated effort to spotlight the case. Key activities include: Coordinated Social Media Posting : Supporters share a dedicated campaign video alongside AROPL messages during region-specific time slots. They interact by commenting on each other's content and using the hashtag #FreeAROPLMembers to build online momentum. Video Testimonies of Solidarity : Individuals record and post short videos expressing support, tagging the Egyptian public prosecutor and linking to Amnesty International's Urgent Action alerts to broaden the call for justice. Letters to Egyptian Embassies : On designated days, participants send unified letters to embassies around the globe, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the detainees. Outreach to Influencers : Campaigners contact human rights advocates and public figures in their countries via social media, inviting them to lend their platforms to the cause. Over a week in, #FreeAROPLMembers gains momentum beyond the AROPL community. German influencer Nadine Zipiles declares: “Freedom of religion is a human right.” She also shared two videos in solidarity. Just over a week into the initiative, early indicators point to growing traction beyond the AROPL community. Notably, German influencer Nadine Zipiles has voiced her support, stating: "Freedom of religion is not a luxury, it is a human right. When a religion is persecuted because it preaches peace, love, and equality, then this religion is not the problem, then it's the system." Additionally, Egyptian actor Amr Waked, with over six million followers on X, amplified the message by reposting campaign content, potentially exposing the issue to a vast audience within and outside Egypt. Egyptian actor Amr Waked, celebrated for roles in Syriana, Lucy, and Geostorm, and a dedicated advocate for human rights and freedom of expression. This is the "Repost" mention of the #FreeAROPLMembers campaign, which received over a thousand views in the very first moments of posting, proving celebrity backing of Human Rights Campaigns gains big support abroad. The campaign's international scope underscores its appeal, with participants hailing from diverse countries such as Turkey, Jordan, France, Switzerland, the United States, the United Kingdom, Iraq, and Nigeria. This global participation reflects a shared commitment to defending religious freedoms and challenging impunity for human rights violations. Advocates involved in the effort express optimism that sustained pressure through visibility and advocacy will compel Egyptian authorities to act. As one AROPL human rights representative noted in an interview: "The strategy hinges on creating unrelenting awareness to ensure the detainees' plight cannot be ignored." While the campaign continues through January 2026, it serves as a reminder of the power of collective action in holding states accountable to human rights norms. For those seeking to engage, resources including templates for letters and social media posts are available through AROPL channels. The pursuit of justice for these individuals not only addresses their immediate suffering but also advances the broader fight against religious intolerance worldwide. Vist the official platforms of the #FreeAROPLMembers Human Rights campaign on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @FreeAROPL

In the bustling epicenter of Manhattan, seven dedicated believers from across the United States converged for a three-hour march that transformed the streets into a stage for divine truth. Shakeel and Dino from Pennsylvania, Oumayma from Washington, Cypress from Colorado, Stacy from Minnesota, Louis from West Virginia, and Samer from New Jersey gathered at 42nd Street near Port Authority, marching northward through iconic landmarks like Fifth Avenue, Trump Tower, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square. Though Houcine from New York couldn't join in person, his orchestration of a digital billboard truck amplified the call far and wide. Waving flags, chanting through megaphones, and broadcasting lectures on religious corruption—including a poignant exposé on the false pope—the group openly declared the appearance of the Mahdi, Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq. Approximately 200 flyers reached a diverse group of nationalities and backgrounds, with many onlookers pausing in curiosity amid the city's relentless pace. The digital truck, cruising central Manhattan for four hours, displayed messages of truth, culminating in group photos near Trump Tower and Central Park. At Rockefeller Center, unified chants drew crowds, while Times Square's throngs witnessed flags waving high, proclaiming "Allegiance is to Allah." AROPL Members waving Black Banners that state "Allegiance is to Allah" in front of current U.S. President's "Trump Towers." For this AROPL Member (Far Left), the public declaration wasn't just bold—it was miraculous. He typically struggles with painful walking, but reported no discomfort throughout the march, a divine sign of protection and empowerment. The believers walked the streets boldly, proclaiming the call without hesitation. Even those who reacted skeptically were still exposed to the message and heard the voice of Aba Al-Sadiq being broadcast openly in one of the most influential cities in the world. The march served as a clear public declaration of faith, a call to divine authority, and a demonstration of unity among believers who traveled from across the United States to stand together and deliver the message of the Mahdi in New York City.

Malaysian Police Chief: “Heresy is a national security threat” – Names Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light among 14 active “heretical” groups. On the 1st of January 2026, the Deputy Inspector-General of the Malaysian Royal Police (PDRM), Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, gave a press conference whereby he declared: “Heresy is one of the threats to national security, in addition to the issue of corruption involving civil servants.”  His statement seemed to focus more on the heresy than the corruption issues. He stated: “A total of 14 heretical teachings were detected still active, while eight were being monitored by the authorities.” He also declared: “Among them is the Last Dream Journey, Dewan Perkasa Islamic Economy, Millah Abraham, Nur Mutiara Mutmainnah, The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light.” This statement appears to be timed to show the people of Malaysia that the authorities are active in keeping them safe from the dangers of corruption and heresy while the people were more or less asked to assist the government in monitoring the situation on the ground through a system called Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP). He then stated: “PDRM will take strict action against the issue of corruption within its own citizens because integrity is the main key to regaining the community's full trust in the security forces,” This means that the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) will take care of the corruption within the civil services but they may require the assistance of the people to eliminate the “heretical” movements on the ground. This mobilisation of the population against beliefs which the government deems to be unacceptable will probably lead to further detainment of people in Malaysia who adhere to a belief system different from the state sanctioned belief systems. The Malaysian authorities seem to consider the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light a greater threat to the welfare of the local population than the corruption within the civil services. As we have seen over the past few years, the Malaysian authorities have detained a number of believers in the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light simply for sharing their beliefs with their immediate family members. This persecution has not gone unnoticed by the UN and human rights organisations like Amnesty International. It seems 2026 will bring further impetus for the world to see the oppression of believers in the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light according to the Malaysian second in charge of the Royal Malaysian Police force. This press conference attracted a very large audience.

AROPL Ansar raise the black banner proclaiming "Allegiance is to Allah" during a public outreach at Southbank, London, engaging passersby on divine supremacy. As part of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace & Light's (AROPL) ongoing missionary efforts, believers worldwide have been organizing marches and public engagements to promote the supremacy of God and encourage a "fast from elections" during the December 2025 Ramadan Campaign, which has now extended into the new year. These events, which began in Essen, Germany, and expanded to locations including Nigeria, Canada, India, New York City, and France, have drawn attention for their focus on divine leadership and humanity coming before religion, especially amid global challenges. On a recent day in the Christmas period, 13 AROPL supporters—known as Ansar—assembled at Southbank near Waterloo Station in central London. The group included Andrew, Farhan, Sa, Rasta, Zakir, Mustafa, and Hassan, along with Asma, Gaynor, and Razana. Several participants traveled from nearby cities such as Peterborough, Luton, and Rugby to join the effort. Group of 13 believers, including families, set up a table near Waterloo Station to distribute flyers and discuss Humanity First and end-times solutions. The group set up a table to engage passersby, distributing flyers and discussing themes like the supremacy of God, signs of the end times, widespread corruption, and alternative solutions rooted in divine appointment. Conversations with the public were generally positive, with many expressing curiosity and agreement on societal issues. One Muslim man engaged in a respectful dialogue, acknowledging the group's "Humanity First" stance and the idea that only God should appoint leaders, though he did not fully align with their views; he indicated he would research further. Flyers were particularly well-received by teenagers and young adults, who showed genuine interest, according to participant Gaynor. The group raised black banners proclaiming "Allegiance is to Allah," which attracted onlookers to stop, take photos, and record videos. Using a megaphone, Farhan, Gaynor, and Hassan addressed crowds on topics including wealth inequality, poverty, and the limitations of man-made systems, emphasizing the need for divinely appointed leaders in every era. Participants use a megaphone to address crowds on wealth injustice and the need for divinely appointed leadership in central London. In light of the holiday season, discussions also touched on Jesus, his mission, and references to his successor, with Farhan contributing to these talks. One woman approached the group mistaking it for a Palestinian awareness event; after an explanation highlighting Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem's proposed solutions, she accepted a flyer. The event incorporated multimedia elements, including a live stream on TikTok and playback of a video by Aba Al-Sadiq titled "What Is Our Religion?" via loudspeaker. Participants encouraged attendees to investigate independently, suggesting searches for "Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem" on search engines. Overall, the London outreach reflected the broader AROPL campaign's emphasis on public dialogue and awareness, with participants reporting engaged and curious responses from the diverse crowd at this busy urban spot.

AROPL volunteers distribute winter clothes to homeless children at Narayanganj Railway Station on New Year's Day 2026, providing warmth amid the cold. Aba Al-Sadiq said: "Those given abundance are obligated to share from it until the needs of all are met. For the poor possess a rightful portion in the wealth of the rich."  He also said: "True charity, the true Zakat, [is] to distribute wealth amongst all until there is no poor person to give and until there is not a single beggar on this Earth." Destitute children receive jackets and warm clothing from Ahmadi Religion of Peace & Light followers in a humanitarian effort in Bangladesh. Crucially, Aba Al-Sadiq also said:  "Evil is not in abandoning prayer, evil is in abandoning the poor... Prayer is housing the homeless and feeding the hungry and prayer is saving lives. That is the entirety of religion." At a time when society is generally immersed in celebration and festivity, believers in the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light set a powerful example of humanitarian responsibility by standing with the underprivileged. In Bangladesh on Thursday afternoon (January 1, 2026), around 3 p.m., winter clothes were distributed among more than fifty homeless and destitute children living under the open sky at Narayanganj Railway Station. This remarkable humanitarian initiative was carried out in fulfilment of the direct guidance of the founder and leader of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, divinely appointed and described in the Will of the Holy Prophet Mohammed as the leader (Hujjah) of this era, Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq, and it was entirely funded by his followers in Bangladesh. More than 50 underprivileged children smile gratefully as they accept winter clothes during the AROPL-organized event in Narayanganj. As chilling winter winds intensify, magnifying the hardships of life for homeless children, the followers of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light stepped up with compassion and solidarity, delivering a strong message of humanity. The overall management of the program was led by Mostafa Kawsar and Md. Nazrul Islam. Significant support was provided by Md. Haiyul Islam Pradhan Habib, Founder and Director of the “Swapno Chhoya” Learning Center. Speaking at the event, Mostafa Kawsar said: “Under the guidance of the Imam of our time, Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq (peace be upon him), we are committed to delivering a clear message to humanity worldwide—‘Humanity Before Religion.’ Inspired by this philosophy, we continue our humanitarian efforts through leaflet distribution, food distribution, and standing beside the helpless. Today’s winter clothes distribution is part of that ongoing mission. God willing, these humanitarian activities will continue on an even broader scale in the future.” The locally organized winter clothes distribution program received an overwhelming response from the general public. For the neglected and homeless children, this initiative was not merely a means of protection from the cold, but also a powerful reminder of human values, compassion, and collective social responsibility. May 2026 be a year of significant change for the poor, neglected and forgotten people of the world who have lost hope and abandoned salvation. Organizers and supporters hand out winter garments to children living under the open sky, embodying "Humanity Before Religion" in action.