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The Christian world witnessed a great sign on Easter Sunday, the day Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, his triumph in death, and his victory over it. As per tradition, thousands of Christians gathered in the Vatican’s Square, awaiting the appearance of Pope Francis on the balcony to give his annual Easter address. Millions of Christians worldwide, including Arab Christians, followed this live event on television screens across the middle east. However, during this occasion, a historic scene unfolded: a group of young believers in the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light appeared, holding large banners proclaiming to the Christians , especially Catholics, the arrival of a new, true Pope — one who is truthful in his claim and firm in his proof. They called for the supremacy of God and the pledge of Allegiance to God from the heart of the Vatican Square, drawing the attention of bystanders and security personnel. The guards quickly approached, ordering them to lower their banners and vacate the square. Shortly after, Pope Francis appeared before the Christians, visibly overcome by extreme fatigue and illness. The surprise climaxed the following morning, when the world awoke to the news of his death! "There is no such thing as coincidence," said Imam Ahmad Al-Hassan. The truth, in all transparency, is that God spoke and left a sign of utmost clarity for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. God declared that this usurper of Christ’s throne — chosen by lot and majority rule — was false and did not represent Christ. The full truth and sincerity are embodied in the new true Pope, Abdullah Hashem, appointed by God and sent by Christ at the end of times, paving the way for His second coming. Following this tremendous sign and divine support for the true Pope, Abdullah Hashem, Aba Al-Sadiq delivered a global speech that shook the entire Christian West. It awakened the living conscience in every Christian who still carried light in their heart. Conversely, it stirred fear and denial in those who claim to follow Christ but whose hearts harbor opposition to him and to the truth of his teachings. Western social media platforms buzzed with hundreds of videos and posts from many self-proclaimed Christians, especially Americans, accusing the messenger of Christ and their Comforter of being the Antichrist. This is exactly what happened with all the prophets and messengers throughout history: rejected, belied, and falsely accused by their own people. Christ himself was rejected by his nation, accused of blasphemy, heresy, and of corrupting the religion of Moses. He was slandered, insulted, denied, and finally condemned to crucifixion by the consensus of the majority. At least, however, the Western Christians engaged with the event, took the speech seriously, and revealed their true positions — whether with or against the true Christianity they claim to follow. The strange thing, however, is the deep slumber — or perhaps the shock — that has befallen the Arab Christians after the very same event. Despite the slight of Arab Christians who follow the programs broadcast on the Arabic Imam Mahdi Has Appeared satellite TV channel and who engage directly with the presenters through discussions and questions regarding the revelations Aba Al-Sadiq makes about Jesus Christ, there remain millions of Arab Christians who remain frozen in place. These Christians, from different sects and countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq, have yet to engage or respond meaningfully. This mirrors the general condition of Muslims — both Sunni and Shia — who dismiss the coming of the Savior in their lifetimes and see no urgency in searching for him, despite the severe tribulation and bitter reality engulfing the Middle East. What befalls Arab Christians is exactly what befalls Arab Muslims: they are all weary under the crushing weight of injustice, corruption, lawlessness, inhumanity, and selfishness dominating every aspect of their lives. Just as Muslims are utterly marginalized and absorbed by the prevailing political and religious institutions, Arab Christians are similarly consumed. Muslims are subjected to tyrannical Arab rulers clinging to power through fraudulent elections or by force and secular constitutions, and so too are the Christians. Muslims are subjugated by misleading religious scholars — whether Sunni or Shia — and Christians are likewise programmed and consumed by the teachings of their clerics and priests across denominations. All religious institutions in the Middle East — whether Islamic or Christian — are subservient to, supportive of, and backed by the oppressive political powers. There is not a single Christian religious institution in the Arab world — despite the persecution and difficult living conditions faced by their congregations under Arab regimes — that denounces or rejects democracy or majority rule, the same system that condemned Christ to crucifixion. During Christ’s trial, the Pharisees, scribes, and the crowds unanimously chose to release the criminal Barabbas and condemn Christ to death. Thus, those who once despised their Savior, who accepted his unjust trial and crucifixion as the path to salvation, now in the end times are blind to the lone voice crying in the wilderness: "Awaken, O sleepers! Arise, O dead!" — and they become easy prey for the wolves. If you enjoyed this article, you can order the printed version of our Divine Just State Magazine here . It features this and many other articles, as well as special content.

On the 8th of May 2025, the voice of Aba Al-Sadiq rose like a mournful call across the ages, drawing forth the tears of parents who have lost their children, the hopes of the weary, and the buried dreams of the faithful. In his impassioned speech delivered from the Holy Basilica, he reminded Jews and Arabs alike of their shared roots in Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, and he spoke with the same fiery urgency that once blazed from the lips of Moses over three thousand years ago, as he stood before Pharaoh.   This is an emotional journey through Aba Al-Sadiq’s Speech. It is a story of buried graves and broken covenants, of prophets’ families betrayed, and of children whose blood spilled in the name of pride and power. It is a stark reminder that when one child suffers, all of us suffer; and that when one soul is lost, the whole human family trembles.   Aba Al-Sadiq began by taking us to the Cave of Machpelah, where Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael lie side by side. “They were all believers in the same God, and part of the same Abrahamic covenant,” he said. Yet today, he lamented, their descendants, Jews and Arabs, shed one another’s blood as if each drop were a tribute to a forefather.   He asked: How will they face Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael? What shame covers their faces as they continue a cycle of violence that dishonors those ancient bonds of kinship?    Aba Al-Sadiq did not spare either side. He reminded Jews of their own history of rejecting prophets, crucifying Jesus, beheading John the Baptist, killing the prophets sent to them. How then could they be merciful to others?   And he reminded Muslims of their own betrayals: the burning of Fatima’s house, the murder of Imam Ali during the month of Ramadan, the poisoning of Hasan, the beheading of Hussein and the parading of his head on a spear.   These were not political coups or dynastic struggles alone, he argued, they were wounds opened in the body of Islam itself, curses that have dogged the Muslim world ever since. They cut away the rightful heirs of Mohammed, choosing instead evil tyrants and usurpers, and now they watch helplessly as their children fall victim to the same cycles of violence that their forefathers committed upon the Family of Mohammed in the past.   In one of the most tender moments of his speech, Aba Al-Sadiq reminded everyone: “The life of a single one of those little children, Jewish or Arab, is more sacred than your temple, your mosque, and your land. Certainly more sacred than your pride.”   Aba Al-Sadiq placed the sacredness of every human life above the greatest institutions of religion and power. He refused to let ancient shrines and royal palaces justify the slaughter of the innocent, thus both honoured the needs of humanity before any religion.   A Covenant Broken, A Nation Cursed   Aba Al-Sadiq cited the words of Muhammad’s family: God cursed the nation that prepared horses and armor without just cause. “They were never granted success,” the family said, “and they will never be granted success until the avenger of al-Hussein rises.”   He quoted: “There is no Eid for the Muslims… a renewed sorrow comes upon the family of Muhammad,” because they see their rightful position in the hands of their enemies. This sorrow has shaped the Muslim soul for fourteen centuries, he said.   This reminds us of the story of Moses, which Aba Al-Sadiq himself referenced later on in his speech. Moses’s people, too, knew sorrow in Egypt. Generation after generation, they cried out under forced labor, sorrow no less deep than the sorrow of the Prophet’s family. But Moses did not bow to the sorrow, he turned to God and demanded justice. He insisted that Pharaoh honor the covenant: release the people, or face the consequences.   Aba Al-Sadiq, like Moses, looked to divine justice. He called not simply for revolt against earthly tyrants, but for submission to the higher authority of God and the true heirs of the Prophet. He offered a letter of appointment, his own commission to lead his people to peace and prosperity, if they would but listen to him.   In the final portion of his speech, Aba Al-Sadiq spoke of prophecy and promise. He reminded Muslims that Mohammed had foreseen a caliph from the Bani Hashim who would fill the earth with justice, rebuild the Bayt al-Maqdis (the Jerusalem sanctuary), and unite the believers. He called for a shared temple, a place where Jews and Muslims would worship side by side, honoring Solomon and David, the Messiah and the Mahdi together.   This vision of a rebuilt, shared Jerusalem mirrors Moses’ vision of the Promised Land, a place flowing with abundance, a place where all tribes would live in harmony under God’s law. Just as Moses led the Israelites out of bondage toward Canaan, Aba Al-Sadiq called the children of Abraham out of the bondage of mutual hatred toward a land renewed in justice and peace.   Aba Al-Sadiq reminded everyone that the mosques on the Temple Mount were built by the enemies of Muhammad and his family, that the true “Masjid al-Aqsa” might lie elsewhere. He argued that the site, like any political or religious monument, meant little if the people themselves refused to honor God’s appointed successor in the land.   The Call to “Let My People Go”   Perhaps the most direct echo of Moses came when Aba Al-Sadiq addressed the Israelis by name: “Benjamin Netanyahu, let my people go.” Two million people in Gaza, he said, were crying out under siege, much as the Israelites cried out under Pharaoh. He condemned violence on both sides, but he also demanded that the oppressor put down his weapons and free the oppressed.   Moses had confronted Pharaoh with plagues, with warnings, with the parting sea itself. Yet his ultimate demand remained simple: let the captives go. Aba Al-Sadiq, too, cast his demand in stark terms: if you refuse me, God will deny you. But if you heed me, God will stand with you both—Jews and Muslims alike.    In the closing moments of his speech, Aba Al-Sadiq promised deliverance: an age of comfort and prosperity, where no one would hunger or thirst, where every child would receive the best education and health care. He spoke of riches overflowing from the tyrants who now rule to the believers, and of a just state guided by the family of Muhammad.     Aba Al-Sadiq’s speech was at once a devastating rebuke and a tender appeal. He called out the sins of both communities, yet he never lost sight of their common heritage. He reminded them that David and Solomon, Abraham and Ishmael, Muhammad and Jesus, all spoke of one God, one covenant.    Now, Aba Al-Sadiq reminded Jews and Muslims that the same choice rests before them: continue in violence and bear the curse of Abraham’s children, or unite in peace and fulfill the promise of that ancient covenant.     In the days of Moses, the people of Israel crossed the Red Sea under a pillar of cloud and fire. They left behind the tyranny of Pharaoh and moved toward the mountain of God. Along the way, they stumbled; they turned back; they grumbled in the wilderness. Yet God’s hand was with them, guiding them toward the Promised Land.   Today, Aba Al-Sadiq stands as a new messenger to the Jews and Muslims, calling out to the children of Isaac and Ishmael to cross the deserts of hatred and enter the land of peace.    The speech of Aba Al-Sadiq and the speech of Moses mirror each other across the centuries: both demand that power yield to justice, that pride give way to compassion, that the innocent be spared for the sake of the covenant. Both hold out a vision of a new society, where God’s people live in dignity and peace.   If the sons of Isaac and Ishmael will only listen, then perhaps the grandchildren of those buried in Machpelah will once again stand together, their children playing by the olive trees, mothers singing lullabies in a shared tongue, fathers building homes side by side. Perhaps, at last, the children of Abraham will honor their forefather’s dream, and the world will see what true peace can look like when the voice of Moses of this time is finally heard.

In a landmark moment for the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, the first print edition of The Divine Just State Magazine has officially been released. Enthusiastic believers at the Headquarters of the Ahmadi Religion proudly posed with their exclusive first copies, sharing snapshots across social media in celebration of this pivotal launch. Be part of the movement and secure your copy now by visiting the AROPL Store and clicking here . Perfect for personal reading, missionary work, or sharing at local shops and libraries, the magazine serves as a powerful tool to educate the world about the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. Call to Action to all missionaries: These are possible ways you can participate in spreading the call: Create a Magazine Stand: Set up a display at community centers, religious gatherings, or local events to distribute copies. Partner with Local Businesses: Approach local shops and inquire if they’d like to carry the magazine. Community Outreach: Donate copies to libraries, doctor’s offices, and community centers to reach a wider audience. Join the mission to spread the message of justice, unity, and peace — one magazine at a time.

Police holds up the confiscated The Mahdi has Appeared banner UPDATE — May 9, 2025 — In a dramatic turn of events, Vatican authorities have detained 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 arrests occurred at St. Peter’s Square and other key locations as the conclave to elect a new pope unfolded. On Easter Sunday, AROPL members launched a coordinated global campaign in multiple countries, claiming that Aba Al-Sadiq is the rightful Pope, chosen by God. This message gained momentum following the death of Pope Francis the following day, an event that AROPL believers hailed as a divine sign. On May 8th, the first group of protesters — Soufiane, Armidel, Ilian, Alexandre, Mehmet, Yacine, and Rayane — were detained in St. Peter’s Square while holding up their banner and engaging with journalists from RTS and BBC. According to sources, the group was approached by three men in civilian clothes who conducted an identity check and subsequently escorted them to a police station for questioning. One of the protesters, Alexandre, was told by police that the group had violated Italian laws by holding an unlawful demonstration and distributing flyers without authorization. They were photographed, warned, and effectively banned from the Vatican, but no formal charges were filed against them. Simultaneously, a second group of AROPL members, including Ahmed Nicevic (Swiss), Said Zouaoui (Swiss), and Mustafa Kamal (UK), were arrested in Rome while displaying a large banner proclaiming Aba Al-Sadiq’s papal claim. The banner was confiscated, and the group was taken to a police station, where they were charged with holding an unauthorized demonstration. The arrest was filmed, and footage is reportedly circulating on social media. The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny of AROPL activities by Italian authorities, who have been monitoring the group since April 20th, citing concerns over public order. Several Italian and Spanish news outlets have reported on the incidents, underscoring the escalating tensions surrounding the group’s provocative campaign in the heart of Catholicism. Vatican City — May 7, 2025 — In the wake of the viral New Pope speech by Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq, leader of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, a wave of controversy continues to ripple across the globe. As the Vatican commences its conclave to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis, AROPL believers have once again taken to the streets, declaring that a new Pope has already been divinely chosen - and it is Aba Al-Sadiq. On Easter Sunday, followers of Aba Al-Sadiq had launched a coordinated global campaign, appearing outside churches in nations including Colombia, Mexico, the United States, the UK, Italy, and Vatican City . They announced that Aba Al-Sadiq is the rightful Pope, chosen by God to lead humanity. Pope Francis passed away the very next day, leading believers to proclaim the event as a miracle and a divine confirmation of their message. Today, as the conclave unfolds, the four European men who raised black banners bearing the AROPL flag in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday — El Haouss Ahmed, Alexandre Graziani, Ben Abdslam Soufiane, Admir Nicevic as well as eight more brave believers — have returned to the Rome to continue their campaign , undeterred by backlash and police warnings. Meanwhile, missionary work announcing "The New Pope” has spread to France, Canada, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the UK, and beyond. A slideshow documenting this global campaign can be viewed here.

We have received multiple reports of a fraudulent account posing as The Mahdi Has Appeared YouTube channel and commenting under posts, asking followers to donate to an orphanage in Nigeria. This is a scam . This account is not affiliated with our official channel or organization. We previously warned about the spread of fake content and impersonation . Fake account asking for donations Previously, a fake account operated under the username @themahdihasappeared-qd , soliciting donations under false pretences. It was eventually forced to change its name and was taken down due to impersonation reports. However, a new account has now appeared under the username @themahdihasappeared01 , continuing these fraudulent activities. To Protect Yourself: Do not engage with any account asking for donations before verifying its authenticity and only donate through our official channels. The following screenshots, provided by a member of the faith, serve as evidence of the scam. Please report any suspicious accounts to YouTube and to us immediately. The following is a Step by Step guide on how to report an account for impersonation to Youtube: 1. Visit the Channel’s Page: Navigate to the YouTube channel that is impersonating another account. 2. Access the Reporting Options: On the channel’s main page, locate the three vertical dots (⋮) next to the “Subscribe” button. Click the dots to open a dropdown menu. 3. Select “Report User”: From the dropdown menu, choose “Report user.” 4. Choose the Reason for Reporting: You will be prompted to select a reason for your report. Choose “Impersonation” from the list of options. 5. Provide Detailed Information: In the reporting form, provide specific details about the impersonation. Include: The url of the account that is being impersonated You can ad additional information, for example if the account is asking for money 6. Submit the Report: Review your information and click “Submit.” YouTube will review the report and may contact you for further information. The Security Department of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light has launched a campaign titled “Stop Fake News” and is calling on everyone to participate in identifying, reporting, and exposing false information.

In April 2025, Aba Al-Sadiq, leader of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, publicly declared that he is the awaited Mahdi and the rightful Pope. This announcement, made in a filmed address before hundreds of witnesses at the UK headquarters of the AROPL community, rapidly circulated across major social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube . Within days, it became one of the most widely discussed religious topics of the month. The online response was immediate and intense. Social media users with an interest in religion and spirituality found their feeds flooded with posts and videos related to Aba Al-Sadiq’s speech. A significant number of content creators, especially on TikTok, shared reaction videos. However, these videos frequently repeated the same statements, with little to no original insight or constructive commentary. Some of them alleged that Aba Al-Sadiq had claimed to be the Messiah, while others falsely stated that he had declared himself the return of Jesus — both claims he never made. This pattern suggested that many creators were more interested in capitalizing on the speech’s viral nature to increase their viewership than in engaging seriously with its message A concerning portion of this content was negative, mocking, or derisive in tone. Much of it appeared designed to generate attention through ridicule rather than encourage informed or respectful dialogue. Shortly afterward, a second wave of content emerged in which influencers escalated their efforts to belittle Aba Al-Sadiq and his followers. These included videos of individuals dressing as Aba Al-Sadiq and mimicking him, as well as the use of artificial intelligence to create cartoons or digitally manipulated images—such as fake cereal boxes featuring his face. The situation worsened with the appearance of more sophisticated AI-generated images and videos. These manipulated media falsely depicted Aba Al-Sadiq in fabricated scenarios, including speeches and video appearances that he never participated in. Such content is increasingly difficult for the average viewer to distinguish from genuine footage, raising serious concerns around misinformation and the erosion of trust in authentic public communication. The proliferation of these materials contributes to an environment of confusion and potential harm. An AI generated video of Aba Al-Sadiq In a further development, some online users falsely claimed that the original video of Aba Al-Sadiq’s announcement—published on the official YouTube channel The Mahdi Has Appeared—was itself created using artificial intelligence. These claims are demonstrably false. The video was recorded in the presence of a live audience, and assertions to the contrary appear to be deliberate attempts to discredit the message and mislead the public. This incident shows how digital disinformation can blur the line between reality and fabrication. Warnings from experts about the dangers of AI-generated disinformation have been well documented. In January 2024, the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) released a report highlighting the use of artificial intelligence to spread misleading stories, fake narratives, and political propaganda. The report noted that much of the content disseminated on platforms like TikTok and YouTube remains unverified, yet continues to be widely shared and accepted as fact. These trends have deeply troubling implications for internet safety, digital integrity, and social cohesion. There have also been reported incidents of fraud linked to the online response. A fake YouTube account operating under the username @themahdihasappeared-qd posed as the official Youtube channel of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light and solicited donations under false pretenses. This constitutes a clear case of impersonation and financial deception. Although the official channel issued a public warning and the fraudulent account was eventually forced to change its name and taken down due to impersonation reports, a new account soon appeared under the username @themahdihasappeared01. Members of the AROPL community have also been personally targeted. Some individuals have had their full names and profile pictures stolen and used to create fake accounts. In one documented case, Farzana Alghaniubillah discovered that an impersonator account had been set up using her name and profile picture. The fake account rapidly gained over 900 followers. AROPL Studios TV Presenter Bushra Tahir reported a surge of fake accounts using a private photograph as her, harassing her during her Tiktok live streams. These forms of impersonation are not only violations of privacy but also have the potential to result in serious harm, including social ostracism, reputational damage, and physical danger. Tiffany Oldany reported that during a TikTok live stream on May 7, 2025, an individual with the screen name "Abdullah Hashem aba al-Sadiq" falsely claimed to be the leader of the faith. Instances of people impersonating him have been occurring and are very dangerous. Due to these incidents, the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light issued an official statement on April 28, warning against impersonation. Due to the recent popularity of the Mahdi Has Appeared channel, we have noticed an increase in false profiles pretending to represent us. These fake accounts have left misleading comments or attempt to deceive the audience. Please be aware that only our official channel represents us. We encourage you to verify the authenticity of any account before engaging. In parallel with these personal attacks, there has been a growing trend of using AI tools to create websites, videos, and textual content aimed at spreading disinformation about the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. These materials often misrepresent the community’s beliefs and practices, and in many cases, intentionally fabricate false rumors to generate online engagement. Influencers and content creators have played a significant role in the spread of these false narratives— without verifying the information they amplify. This has contributed to an increasingly hostile online environment, fueling misunderstanding, intolerance, and potentially violence against members of the religious minority. The Security Department of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light has taken a firm stance against the spread of fake news and false rumors propagated by these content creators. According to Newsguard as of January 2025 there are at least 1,254 AI-generated news and information websites operating with little or no human oversight, producing content largely or entirely written by bots.  “These sites often have generic names and publish hundreds of articles on topics ranging from politics to entertainment, frequently including false claims or misleading information.” News Guard also reports 60% of all internet users have encountered a deep fake in 2025.  The Institute for Technology in the Public Interest (ITIC) has issued research echoing these concerns. They write in their 2025 report that deepfake technology and AI-manipulated content are now being used to mislead not only voters or political audiences but also to target vulnerable and minority communities. As their report states: “Deepfakes: Mis- and disinformation can also be spread through the human creation of deep fakes or other purposely manipulated or altered content… These tools have already been used to manipulate footage or commentary of candidates... False or human-generated content that is spread or adapted by AI… If not properly labeled or moderated… AI can spread fake content generated by humans.” These developments represent a serious threat The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light and its vulnerable members. In response to the escalating spread of fake news, AI-generated content, and misinformation following Aba Al-Sadiq’s viral speech, the Security Department of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light launches a campaign urging our members to actively participate. We encourage everyone to report false information, call out AI-generated content as fake news, and boycott deceptive blog posts to protect the integrity of verified information and foster a more truthful digital environment.

The Arab Spring inspired hopes in the Muslim world, especially in the Arab nations, that the people would demonstrate their capability to put into power leaders worthy of being remembered in history for the right reasons and not the wrong ones. These leaders would show the world that Muslim Arabs can stand alongside the best of the current world leaders and be loved by their people for being fair and kind. This was to mark the beginning of a new era-an era of self-determination and a rise of the Arabs to a place of dignity and honor among the nations of the world. The Arabs refer to various leaders of recent history as great and of significant importance, usually for effecting major changes in the societies of their countries, countries often formed under the actions of so-called "greats" at various points in history. Leaders like Abdel Al-Aziz Al Saud and Gamal Abdel Nasser are glorified by the Arabs as the pinnacle of Arab leadership and sovereignty. In reality, all the Arab nations trace their history back to connections with the Sykes-Picot Agreement. As with the rest of the world, the issue of colonialism continues to be discussed in political circles in various ways-both positively and negatively. The legacy of this bygone era is not fully comprehended by the majority and is usually left to the older generations to discuss and attempt to educate the younger generations about. Today, we see the Muslim world divided into many factions, each with its own agenda and core beliefs that distinguish it from the others. These “schools of thought,” as they are known, were established long after the Prophet Muhammad. Every faction claims to be the true representation of the Islam of Prophet Muhammad. However, when we examine the narrations of Prophet Muhammad surrounding this issue, we find a common thread describing Muslims as being detached from Islam and divided, having gone astray from the path set out by Prophet Muhammad over 1,400 years ago. I have selected only two narrations out of many to illustrate this point: Prophet Mohammed said, “Islam began as something strange and it will return to being strange, so blessed are the strangers.” (Hadith of Ghuraba - Sahih Muslim, Muslim ibn Al-Hajjaj Al-Naysaburi, Book 1, Hadith 270) In this narration, we see that Islam returns to being strange just as it was when it began. This means that Islam was initially rejected and opposed, only to be accepted by the downtrodden elements of society at that time. General society perceived it as something unusual and different from what they had been raised upon. The emphasis in this narration is on the strangers who adopt the strange faith and are blessed for it. The question is: how does it return to being strange when it is so widespread with so many variations globally? Prophet Muhammad said: “There will come a time upon the people when nothing will remain of Islam except its name and nothing will remain of the Quran except its words. Their mosques will be splendidly furnished but destitute of guidance. Their scholars will be the worst people under the Heaven; strife (fitna) will come from them and avert to them.” (Mishkat al-Masabih, Book 2, Hadith 72) This narration is more specific in giving a detailed narrative on the condition of the Muslim world-the details themselves are signs for those with understanding to realize. Today, we see the Muslims number almost two billion, but they are ignorant of the true meaning and application of Islam - this is proven by their division into the various schools of thought. Their mosques are incredibly lavish and, in some cases, considered to be some of the biggest houses of worship in the world-but they have lost any value for guidance; they have become places for congregating, celebrating, and boasting. Many people today are seen taking selfies outside these places of worship for purposes other than worship and/or guidance. An overriding sense of pride seems to drive their development and, in turn, general attendance. When we examine the Arab world today, we see that it is controlled by leaders with varying degrees of legitimacy; none have any divine decree for their positions of power. We also find that they all have varying geopolitical interests on the world stage. Where those interests align, they tend to ally, and where they differ, they tend to undermine each other in one way or another. As usual, the victims are the people, and they know it but feel helpless to initiate any change. History has recently become much more widely documented, especially with the advent of technology and the evolution of media and all forms of communication. The people of the world have more technology and media available to them than ever before. Access to information is therefore rising, and people today have more opportunities to learn than ever before. These conditions have created an environment where people are free to determine the truth for themselves and to free themselves from the falsehood of the established power structures. Social media has facilitated the possibility for people to be heard without restrictions. So, in effect, people now have the means to learn the truth and expose it for themselves without much censorship. What is the relevance of all this? For the first time in human history, the conditions have become perfect for a man from God to spread the word of God himself directly and globally, without any censorship, corruption, or dilution of his message. This allows him to gather the necessary support from the people for the establishment of the Divine system of governance, which would give the people a chance to live under the rule of God and experience true divine justice. For the past few years, we have seen this manifest with Abdullah Hashem (Aba Al-Sadiq) – the second of the twelve Mahdis. He has spread his message to all four corners of the world with the voluntary support of those who believe in his message – the Ansar. He has overseen the publication of his gospel, The Goal of the Wise, and he maintains authority over his YouTube channel, The Mahdi Has Appeared. The spread of his call has reached a point where many establishment governments around the world have taken notice and have taken measures to fight and silence this message. The majority of these governments resisting the message of the Mahdi happen to be Muslim governments in countries like Malaysia, where a total ban was enacted and the threat of arrest is implemented – anyone associated with the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light can face up to three years in prison. We also see fierce opposition to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light emanating from Arab Muslim countries such as Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt. Believers have been imprisoned simply for raising awareness. The human rights violations encountered by the believers in the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light are well documented. Various organizations like Amnesty International have voiced concern and confronted these governments over this matter and continue to do so. The struggle between Light and darkness is as old as humanity, if not older. History tells us that darkness prevails when Light is not supported. We saw this exact scenario play out during the struggle of Al-Hussain in Karbala. The lack of supporters resulted in the bloody massacre that should never have happened to the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. The Avenger of Al-Hussain has risen, and he is facing the enemies of Al-Hussain with a mighty weapon - the Truth. The more time he spends speaking the Truth, the more people recognize him and the Truth he is bringing to the fore. As time passes, the inevitable conclusion transpires; and that is the inevitable re-establishment of Eden on Earth. The Just God will not allow His Justice to go unestablished, forsaken, or forgotten. This Divine mission is propagated on satellite channels and the various social media platforms employed by the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light to announce to the world that The Mahdi Has Appeared (for further information see the links below): The Mahdi Has Appeared English The Mahdi Has Appeared Arabic AROPL English AROPL French AROPL Spanish AROPL German AROPL Farsi AROPL Urdu AROPL Azeri AROPL Malay AROPL Turkish AROPL Chinese A grassroots revolution has started around the globe to bring attention to this call with believers taking the initiative to distribute promotional material unobtrusively in any and every way possible so that more people are made aware of the message contained within. God loves you and wants for you to live a better life - all He asks is that you recognise His representative authority on Earth. This initiative of the people has sparked a very aggressive reaction from the more authoritarian regimes in the Arab world. We have seen people apprehended and held in detention without trial or the ability to be defended legally. The brutality has reached the point where those who believe are being murdered openly by the authorities simply for speaking about the emergence of the Mahdi (please see the recent sermon of Aba Al-Sadiq on martyrs ). For the past 18 months, I have been working for the Arabic satellite channel directed at the Middle East and North Africa - Mahdi Has Appeared on Nilesat - as a director/producer in the Media Control Room (MCR), and I have seen all kinds of opposition from viewers. Our channel is broadcast live on YouTube and Facebook as well as satellite TV. The live broadcast runs between 10 a.m. and 10:45 p.m. GMT Sunday to Friday, and from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. Broadcast starts with a morning show in Arabic - Sabah Al Adl Al Ilaihi. This is followed at noon by a forty-minute show in Urdu directed at our Urdu-speaking audience - Kashti Nijat. At 1 p.m., we have a Farsi show directed at Farsi speakers - Akherin Ahd. At 2 p.m., a forty-minute Moroccan show directed at North African dialects - Fein El Magharba. At 3 p.m., we have a one hour and forty-minute show aimed at the Levant countries - Abdal Al Sham. After this, at 5 p.m., we have a two hour and forty-minute show aimed at Iraq - Akhyar Al Iraq. Then at 8 p.m., a forty-minute show directed at Saudi Arabia - Ansar Al Hijaz. Finally, at 9 p.m., we have a one hour and forty-minute show aimed at the Egyptian people - Nujaba Masr. These Arabic shows on the satellite channel are reaching a vast audience; however, they continue to receive threatening phone calls and comments from some viewers proclaiming that spilling the blood of the presenters and any believers is a duty for Muslims. In some cases, they have even threatened beheading. Comments with the same messages repeated number in the hundreds on social media. Below is a selection of examples of the kind of sentiment aimed at our presenters during our live shows, received through phone calls and text messages on the official channel phone numbers. 1- Text message via WhatsApp from a Moroccan viewer during the Levant show This caller claims via messages that we are misguiding the ummah. He says he saw that we spoke on the channel about the plurality of gods. He swears that we will be followers of the Dajjal and that they are the soldiers of God who will strike with the sword upon the necks. 2- Iraqi caller on the Egyptian show In this clip, the caller said he wants Ahmed to be killed because he is apparently bringing turmoil to the Sunni people of Egypt and causing division. He demanded that the Egyptian government prosecute Ahmed and that the people of Egypt drag him out into the streets as they dragged Mohammed Shehata. 3- Egyptian caller on the Egyptian show This caller threatens Mahmoud during the live broadcast, accusing him of threatening public peace in the community. He says, “You are being watched, and we are waiting for you to come down to Egypt so we can beat you and hang you by your hair.” 4- Syrian text message during the Levant show He says “You are kuffar. Shut up, or I will kill you.” The final sentence contains profanity.  5- Iraqi caller promises to behead the presenters The caller says that he gives glad tidings that the presenters will be beheaded and then provides a lengthy explanation to justify why. The rest can be seen in the onscreen translation.  6- Iraqi Sunni sheikh Hussain Al-Baz declares that those who believe in the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light deserve to be killed The sheikh explains that due to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light being a new religion, all who follow this faith from a Muslim background are effectively apostating and therefore deserve to be killed. This aggressive reaction from the public, religious clerics, and various governments has caught the attention of the United Nations. The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is now officially recognized as an oppressed and persecuted religious minority. On that basis, several European countries have granted asylum to those in need. Countries such as Spain, Latvia, Greece, France, and the UK have upheld the basic human right to religious freedom and acknowledged the oppression faced by believers in the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. Meanwhile, Muslim countries that are members of the United Nations and whose religious doctrine includes the Quran’s statement that “there is no compulsion in religion” have taken severe measures to silence and suppress the call of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. Believers have suffered many human rights abuses at the hands of authorities in these countries. These abuses have been well documented by numerous human rights organizations, most notably Amnesty International What we are effectively seeing is that the core values and fundamental principles of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light are generally shocking to those who follow existing religious doctrines. This, of course, is exactly what the prophets and messengers faced when they came and confronted the established religious bodies and doctrines of the past. The scriptures tell us of the struggles of the prophets and messengers sent by God to the people and how they were resisted and mistreated by the very people they were sent to. Their stories were recorded to set examples for human society so that people may learn from the mistakes of past nations and avoid repeating them. Yet, in spite of all the violence and threats from mobs gathered against this call, we see that people are flocking in droves, recognising the importance of the core message and pledging their allegiance to God through the Imam of the time. The prophecies are coming true one by one, thus confirming to those with understanding that this is the True religion. There is a significant difference between the past and today. Today, people have a method by which they can determine for themselves what is true and what is false, and for the first time in history, they can directly interact with the man who is sent by God to lead them out of darkness and into the Light of God - the Imam of the time. As this movement continues to grow and spread around the world, people are starting to see their hopes manifest and they can now be part of this tangible change in which they can believe.

Aba Abdillah Jafar son of Mohammed said: “There is not a miracle from the miracles of the prophets and vicegerents except that God the Almighty makes a similar one appear at the hands of our Riser, in order to fully put the proof on our enemies.” (Mo'jam Ahadith Al Imam Al Mahdi, Al Korani, Vol. 3, p. 373) Did you ever wonder what it must have felt like to walk alongside Moses, Jesus, Mohammed and the prophets and messengers of the past? Today, that experience is not just a distant memory or a story from ancient times. Through the testimonies of the companions of the Riser, we gain a glimpse into what it means to walk beside someone who carries the spirit of God within him in our day and age, witnessing the unfolding of many miracles. We have already published an article in this series testifying to how Aba Al-Sadiq raised a woman from the dead and made the moon disappear . In this article, I will share one such miracle, as witnessed by our dear brother Mahmoud, offering a window into the extraordinary moments that echo the wonders of the prophetic age.  On the outskirts of Cairo, in the area of Badr, stands the Badr Building. Its four stories stand modest yet proud, with sandy beige walls with touches of bright red. Despite being newly built, the building already felt like a natural part of the desert landscape, with dust gathering on the steps each night, only to be swept away each morning by the believers.  Aba Al-Sadiq's home was on the ground floor, just beyond the green metal gate that marked the entrance. Above, the rooftop offered an open space beneath the starlit sky, a gathering place for brothers and sisters to pray. Brothers, often joined by Aba Al-Sadiq, would meet there to contemplate the mysteries of the universe under the vast night sky. Those who lived there could testify to the building's unique energy, where time seemed to slow, making a day feel like a week, and a week like a month.  The building, though simple, held a quiet grace, blending modern construction with the timeless tranquility of the desert. While apartments under construction marked one side, the other dissolved into an endless expanse of sand dunes. The Ansar living in the building often faced electrical blackouts. On one such occasion, around 2 a.m., brother Mahmoud, Aba Al-Sadiq's brother-in-law, joined Aba Al-Sadiq in going to inspect the fuse box. Mahmoud discovered that the main wires were burnt out and needed replacement. He said to Aba Al-Sadiq that, given the late hour and circumstances, there was little they could do at that moment. “I noticed it was burnt out,” Mahmoud recounted. “Aba Al-Sadiq told me, ‘Mahmoud, go get us an electrician.’” I asked him, ‘Now?’ He said, ‘Yes’. But the place we were living in had a population of less than 500 people. It was also 2 a.m. and all the shops were closed, and I had no number  to call for an electrician…I didn't know anyone in the area.” Mahmoud listed the reasons why finding an electrician seemed impossible. Aba Al-Sadiq responded to him, “Do you trust me or not? You will go out and God will send you an electrician in the middle of the highway, in the middle of the desert.” Mahmoud, still in shock, asked again, "At 2 a.m.?" Aba Al-Sadiq reassured, urging Mahmoud to trust him outright and just follow his clear instructions. Mahmoud did as he was told, wondering to himself how this would play out.  Reasoning that the chances of finding an electrician at that hour were virtually zero, Mahmoud drove onto the sandy highway. After about five to ten minutes, as he approached a speed bump, he noticed a car slowing down ahead. He  pulled alongside the car and rolled down his window. “Hey, do you know any electricians? Our building has a blackout,” Mahmoud asked, not really expecting much from the man in the other vehicle. To his surprise, the man replied, “Yes, I am an electrician.” This reply astonished Mahmoud and left him speechless. Was this a joke? he wondered. Then he heard Aba Al-Sadiq’s voice echo in his mind: “Allah will send you an electrician in the middle of the highway, in the middle of the desert.” Mahmoud hesitated before repeating, “No, really, do you know anyone?”  “No, really, I am an electrician,” the man confirmed. Mahmoud accompanied the man and, upon seeing the tools in the trunk, confirmed he was indeed an electrician. Finding him in the middle of the desert felt like a clear fulfillment of Aba Al-Sadiq's statement. Still in a state of shock, Mahmoud brought the electrician back to the building where he found Aba Al-Sadiq waiting at the gates, smiling as if to say, "I told you so..." Then, adding to the astonishment, Mahmoud asked the electrician his name, to which he replied, "Mahmoud." Brother Mahmoud, astonished, looked at Aba Al-Sadiq, then back at the electrician, feeling and wondering within himself…Was this man perhaps not even real? Was he just put there at that specific moment to fulfill what Aba Al-Sadiq had promised? Mahmoud’s account stands as a testament to the reality of the miracles that surround Aba Al-Sadiq. In the stillness of a desert highway, under the cloak of midnight, the electrician’s sudden appearance, complete with tools and sharing Mahmoud’s own name, stands as an example of the extraordinary signs witnessed by Aba Al-Sadiq’s companions.  For those who walk with Aba Al-Sadiq, miracles are not distant memories or relics of the past; they are pulses of the present. These miracles testify to the ongoing human presence of divine power that guides and provides even in the darkest hours. They are a testament to Aba Al-Sadiq, the appointed successor of God, demonstrating that miracles are not confined to history but are a living reality witnessed by his companions today. This article comes at a time when, despite the many miracles witnessed by the companions of Aba Al-Sadiq, he clarified in today's episode that miracles are not the means by which a prophet of God is to be recognized, but are merely supplementary signs .

In one of the boldest acts of religious expression seen recently, a young Palestinian man has taken a message of unification to one of the most contested religious sites in the world. Nour Assi-Acre, a believer in the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), traveled to the Temple Mount—known in Islam as Al-Aqsa Mosque and revered in Judaism as the holiest site on earth—to post flyers proclaiming the appearance of Aba al-Sadiq, the figure he believes is the long-awaited reformer of justice and equity, the Mahdi. The Temple Mount, located in the Old City of Jerusalem, has long been a focal point of religious tension between Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Nour’s action, in the eyes of many, is more than just a declaration of faith—it is a call for unity and a challenge to deeply entrenched sectarian divides. We spoke with Nour to learn more about his background, motivations, and what led him to risk so much for his convictions. What is your cultural and religious background? I am a young Arab Muslim from the land of Palestine, living alone in a rented apartment. I follow the path of Muhammad and his pure, righteous family. I was born into a Sunni family, but from a young age, I deeply loved Muhammad, the kind and merciful Messenger of Islam. I was especially passionate about the legacy of Imam Ali, the Prince of Believers. I regularly attended mosques and eagerly awaited the blessed Friday prayers. But over time, I began questioning the teachings I heard—particularly the reverence shown to figures like Abu Bakr and Umar. I felt these contradicted the true spirit and leadership of the Prophet’s family. Eventually, after years of reflection and study, I chose to embrace the Shia faith. It was a decision that came with hardship, but it remains the greatest honor of my life. How did your family, friends, and colleagues react to your new beliefs? Many of my former friends—especially those who followed Abu Bakr and Umar—turned against me. I tried to engage them with their own texts, pointing to the legitimacy of Imam Ali’s leadership. But one by one, they began distancing themselves. Even people in my city began looking at me as if I were misguided or a heretic. My image was distorted publicly. What prompted you to post the flyers of Aba al-Sadiq on the Temple Mount? I’ve long awaited the appearance of the Mahdi, the savior of our time. I believe that he is Aba Al-Sadiq. My journey to Jerusalem and the act of placing the posters was driven by my belief that he will fill the world with justice, just as it has been filled with corruption. How do you view the mission of AROPL and the goals of Aba Al-Sadiq? Our Muhammadan Islam—AROPL—is a religion of love, truth, and submission to God. It calls on us to embody divine attributes and show moral excellence to all people, regardless of background. The differences between us should be chances to learn and grow, not to divide. As the Qur'an says in Surah Al-Hujurat, “O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may know one another.” (Qur’an, Chapter 49 (Al-Hujurat), Verse 13) What is the core message of this religion under the leadership of Aba Al-Sadiq? We must show humanity that the religion of Muhammad, Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn is the true religion of God. All divine religions stemmed from one source, culminating in the family of the Prophet—through the Imams and Mahdis, and now, Aba Al-Sadiq, Abdullah Hashem. How do you see the future? I am, above all, a servant of Aba Al-Sadiq. I fear no blame for standing in God’s truth. As it is written in Joshua 1:9: “Behold I command thee, take courage, and be strong. Fear not and be not dismayed: because the Lord thy God is with thee in all things wherever thou shalt go.” (Bible, Book of Joshua, Chapter 1, Verse 9)

For centuries, religious communities have speculated about the figure of the Antichrist, known in Islamic tradition as the Dajjal. Is he a single person, a deceiver who will appear at the end of time? Or is he more than that—a symbol, a system, or a nation embodying rebellion against God? In light of recent theological discourse and a growing body of cross-religious study, it becomes increasingly evident that the Antichrist may not be an individual alone but the culmination of a global force. This interpretation finds undeniable support in the teachings of the Riser, Aba Al-Sadiq.   The Prophet Muhammad famously warned, "There was no prophet sent but that he warned his people of the one-eyed Dajjal." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Al-Bukhari, Book of Afflictions and the End of the World, Hadith 245) He emphasized that Dajjal is one-eyed while "your Lord is not one-eyed," symbolizing a critical difference in perception: the Dajjal sees only the material world, while believers perceive both the material and the spiritual. This warning indicates the gravity of Dajjal's threat.   In Christianity, the Antichrist is similarly identified as a deceiver, one who denies the divine authority of Jesus. The First Epistle of John says, " Every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world " ( 1 John 4:3). This suggests that the Antichrist's influence is not confined to the future but is an active spiritual presence.   In the Hebrew Bible, the Prophet Zechariah says: "Woe to the worthless shepherd who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!" ( Zechariah 11:17). Again, we see the motif of blindness in one eye—a recurring image across traditions, denoting a lack of spiritual insight.   Aba Al-Sadiq in  The Goal of the Wise asserts that the Dajjal is not merely an individual but represents a global system—a civilization rooted in materialism, godlessness, and deception. "A nation whose God is money and is blind-eyed to the poor and yet claims to be representing Jesus Christ is nothing but an Antichrist." (The Goal of the Wise, Aba Al-Sadiq, Door 32, p. 429) This aligns with the idea of the "spirit of Antichrist" described in the New Testament as being already present in the world.   He also elaborates that the Dajjalic system is multifaceted. It includes political power, economic influence, military might, and most significantly, cultural and ideological domination. According to Aba Al-Sadiq, the real danger lies in the subtle indoctrination of values that contradict divine law, done primarily through media and education.   The Book of Daniel in the Old Testament speaks of a terrifying "fourth beast" that " devours the whole earth and tramples it down ." Many scholars have interpreted this as a prophetic vision of a dominant global empire. When examining the characteristics of this fourth kingdom—unprecedented strength, widespread control, and moral corruption—parallels emerge with the modern-day United States.   Aba Al-Sadiq highlights this alignment, identifying America as the modern Dajjalic empire. He notes that it possesses all the traits mentioned in the prophecy: military supremacy, economic leverage, cultural dominance, and an ideological agenda that replaces divine guidance with secular humanism.   Prophet Muhammad's description of Dajjal as one-eyed is interpreted by Aba Al-Sadiq as symbolic of spiritual blindness. He asserts that this symbolizes an entire civilization that sees only the physical and material world. Such a civilization denies the unseen, the metaphysical, and the divine—hallmarks of Dajjal's deception.   Western civilization, particularly the U.S., is often accused of promoting materialism, hedonism, and atheism. Aba Al-Sadiq draws attention to the glorification of the "all-seeing eye" in Western culture, notably in Freemasonry and U.S. iconography, such as the dollar bill and the Statue of Liberty. These symbols are interpreted as representations of the Dajjalic system.   One of the most provocative insights offered by Aba Al-Sadiq is the critique of democracy as a Dajjalic tool. He argues that democracy places ultimate authority in the hands of the people, effectively sidelining divine legislation. According to Islamic eschatology, true leadership is divinely appointed, as was the case with prophets and righteous rulers like David, Solomon, and the awaited Imam Al-Mahdi.   The U.S. Constitution, for example, forbids any non-native-born citizen from becoming president, effectively disqualifying Jesus himself were he to return. Furthermore, the separation of church and state institutionalizes the exclusion of divine guidance from governance.   Aba Al-Sadiq emphasizes that the Dajjalic deception lies in this very illusion of freedom and choice. While people believe they are empowered, they are in fact being steered by a system that fundamentally rejects divine rule. Aba Al-Sadiq often warns that the Dajjalic system uses culture as its most potent weapon. Through entertainment, music, fashion, and social norms, Western civilization spreads values that are antithetical to divine teachings.   He points to the celebrity culture in America as modern-day idolatry. Stars are worshipped, their lifestyles emulated, and their opinions treated as gospel. This, he says, is part of the larger Dajjalic agenda to turn people away from the worship of God and toward the worship of the self and worldly pleasures.    It is interesting to note that both Islam and Christianity await the return of Jesus. Aba Al-Sadiq emphasizes this shared belief as a foundation for unity. He argues that the true followers of Jesus and Muhammad must unite against the Anti-Christ system if they are to gain success.   "There are no two religions closer than Christianity and Islam," he states. Both faiths honor Jesus, believe in divine law, and await divine leadership. Therefore, he argues, war and division among them only serve the interests of the Dajjal.   A recurring theme in Aba Al-Sadiq's teachings is that only God has the right to legislate and appoint rulers. This stands in stark contrast to modern democratic systems. He cites numerous examples from scripture to support this:   In the Torah, God refers to the entire nation of Israel as His "firstborn son," indicating collective identity through divine designation.   In the Quran, Abraham is described as an "Ummah" (a nation), emphasizing the power of individual obedience to represent collective righteousness.   Prophet Muhammad said: "The believers are like one body; if one part is hurt, the whole body feels the pain." (Sahih Al-Bukhari)   These references demonstrate that in God's eyes, leadership is about obedience to divine law and unity in faith, not numbers or majority rule.   The modern interpretation of the Antichrist as a global system, rather than a single individual, sheds new light on the eschatological warnings of the prophets. It aligns with scriptural descriptions across Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.   Aba Al-Sadiq's contributions to this discourse are invaluable. He expands the understanding of Dajjal to include media control, political deception, cultural manipulation, and ideological subversion. He warns that unless believers awaken to this reality, they may unknowingly be in or become part of the Dajjalic machinery.   The Antichrist, or Dajjal, is not someone we are merely waiting for. He is already here, operating through systems, nations, and ideologies that reject divine authority. Recognizing this is the first step in resisting it. And in that resistance, Muslims and Christians, the followers of the prophet Muhammad and Jesus, must stand together, united by truth, and guided by the divine will of God.   In the end, only those who adhere to God's laws and submit to His appointed leader will be saved. As Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." (Bible, Book of Matthew, Chapter 7, Verse 21)   And as the Quran reminds us, "If you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of God." (Quran 6:116)   May God guide us all in these times of great deception. And may peace be upon those who follow the guidance of the Riser, Aba Al-Sadiq.

"Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny." (Lao Tzu) Meditation is a practice that has long been associated with the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. Meditation classes have been taught in the community of Aba Al-Sadiq and have been broadcast through various media platforms and shows presented by some of the AROPL members. It is a common practice in the community of Aba Al-Sadiq and aligns with his teachings of purifying oneself and mind. Let's investigate together what are the origins and benefits of this practice and if it has roots in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. "Guided Meditation" aired in 2022 on the BBE Satellite Channel Meditation is a practice that involves focused concentration on a single point, which can elevate awareness, dissolve harmful habits, and even heal deep-seated trauma. By centering on the present moment and allowing thoughts to pass like clouds, one seeks a state of unity. Through consistent and dedicated practice, meditation can foster a greater sense of tranquility, personal well-being, or connectedness to all life, and can awaken a non-judgmental, conscious awareness of a higher power. Although the concept of meditation may evoke different ideas for different people, the goal seems to be universally understood. In the modern era, its benefits are widely recognized, with estimates suggesting that 200-500 million people practice meditation worldwide. For the medical field, meditation is an untapped goldmine, offering potential savings in hospital costs, drug research and development programs, and sick days, which amount to an estimated £18 billion loss per year in the UK alone. Archaeologists working in the Indus Valley, South Asia, have found depictions of meditation in wall art dating as far back as 5,000 BCE.  Throughout history, different cultures and faiths have employed various techniques to achieve these goals, ranging from regulated pranic breathing to specific yogic postures. In ancient Greece, oracles like Hestia achieved transcendental states by focusing on moving flames for divine inspiration. Judaic Levite priests like Aaron or the Prophet Moses would retreat to sacred spaces, anointed with oils like cinnamon or cannabis, to receive divine messages. The chanting of specific verses, whether by Jewish devotees at the Wailing Wall, Sufi Islamic dervishes, or Buddhist practitioners, all reflect a universal pursuit of divine connection.  A look into ancient and historical sources will reveal, which civilisations used the practise of meditation thus far.  Ancient Egypt – Hermetic Meditation: ‘As Above, So Below’ In all sciences, we look to the pioneers who have paved the way, and meditation and alchemy are no exceptions. The Hermetic symbol of the divine hexagon, "as above, so below," reflects the idea that the soul's layers can be peeled back, revealing fractal-like connections between inner and outer worlds, microcosms within macrocosms, governed by universal laws.  Hermes Trismegistus in the "Corpus Hermeticum" wrote, "It chanced once at a point in time my mind was meditating on the things that are, my thought was raised to a great height, the senses of my body being held back." In Hermetic tradition, through meditation, we are meant to realize that the divine animates all things. As Hermes Trismegistus wrote, "Birth is not the beginning of life – only of an individual awareness. Change into another state is not death – only the ending of this awareness." Hermes reminds us that, through meditation, we can reconnect with our true nature and trust in divine guidance. The "Corpus Hermeticum" encourages disciples to seek out serene and holy adepts who can guide them through the ethereal worlds, transcending the limitations of the five senses to experience pure truth with the soul's inner eye. 'Know Thyself and Know Thy Lord' – The Delphic Maxim Pythagoras, around 500 BCE, spent many years on Mount Carmel in silent and solitary meditation before establishing his academy. Through such contemplative experiences, he uncovered principles that govern the universe and sought to align with the universal way. “Learn to be silent. Let your quiet mind listen and absorb.” (Pythagoras) Hence, afterward, he formed an academy and encouraged his adherents to practice introspection through silence and seclusion to gain insights into the true nature of reality, while also humbling themselves, fostering self-discipline, and cultivating self-awareness. Today scholars believe, the syllabus consisted of meditative practice at least three times a day. "Never allow sleep to close your eyelids, after you went to bed, Until you have examined all your actions of the day by your reason. In what have I done wrong? What have I done? What have I omitted that I ought to have done? If in this examination you find that you have done wrong, reprove yourself severely for it; And if you have done any good, rejoice. Practise thoroughly all these things; meditate on them well; you ought to love them with all your heart. It is those that will put you in the way of divine virtue." (The Golden Verses of Pythagoras) Socrates - recognized by the Oracle of Delphi as the wisest person of his age - realized that he knew nothing from himself—his knowledge was inspired by the ethereal world beyond and the divine. He had the habit of meditation through self-examination and introspection, cultivating emotional preparedness for the challenges he would face as a conduit for the divine message of God. “One of you, O men, is wisest, whoever, just as Socrates, has recognized that when it comes to wisdom, he is indeed worthy of nothing.” (Oracle of Delphi - Plato Apology, p. 21-23) According to Gellius (Attic Nights 2.1.1-3), meditation was a habitual practice for Socrates: upon arriving at a house, Socrates would take a post at the neighbor’s porch and stand meditating. Aristodemus would intervene and ask the host to let Socrates be, as this was a habit of his, regardless of time and place. (Plato Symp. 174d-175c). Socrates was a master of the reflective process who “joined his thoughts with himself,” standing still from morning through the night until the next morning, showing commitment to the process despite outside pressures. It was such a sight that others brought their bedrolls outside to watch. In the morning, he greeted the sun with prayers for the new day. This path led to the creation of divine mystery schools, such as the Eleusinian Mysteries, where meditation was one of the core principles, embodying the concept of 'Theurgy'—how God works through meditation to dissolve our bodily desires. "Without a doubt, the soul is perfectly meditated when it is not disturbed by anything—neither by hearing, sight, pain, nor delight—but is isolated as much as possible within itself, saying farewell to the body. When it avoids, as far as possible, every collaboration and contact with it, it flows in reality." (Phaidon, 65c-d) Plato, a student and successor of Socrates, was himself inspired by divine wisdom. He realized that true metaphysical gnosis or knowledge comes from within. His mental focus on the sacred geometry of 'Platonic forms' helped elevate his consciousness through the ethereal world, enabling him to reflect on philosophical concepts such as the cave allegory and the true nature of our matrix world. “We do not learn; what we call learning is only a process of recollection.” (Meno, Plato) In Alexandria, there was a great revivalist movement inspired by Ammonius Saccas and Plotinus around 200 AD, known as the neo-platonic movement. Dynamic visualization meditation or 'Henology,' from Plotinus’ book "The Enneads", was at the core of these teachings. The individual seeks to absorb themselves back into the source, the original substance of all things, the primordial cause. Henosis or "one-pointed awareness" aims to dissolve the self into the source—Monad or unitary consciousness. It is a practice of inner stillness and receptivity, where we open ourselves to the presence of the One and allow ourselves to be transformed by its radiance and beauty. The philosophers referred to this as the process by which we unite with the original goodness, above the demiurge or Satan (the creator of this material world that holds us in sensory, egotistical chains). Through this concentrated process, all illusory divisions are reconciled into one, and the person dissolves and converges with the divine absolute. Empedocles reflected that this was the key for humans to reclaim their divine awareness of their inner selves, which is lost when we grow too attached to the mortal world and our bodies. Plotinus believed that contemplation is not a passive or escapist activity but a dynamic and creative process that involves the active participation of the soul. Through contemplation, we not only receive divine illumination but also have the potential to become co-creators with the One, bringing forth new forms of beauty and harmony into the world. This was not merely an individual pursuit but a way to prepare a community platform of like-minded souls to remove evil from the world. Plotinus taught that the path to spiritual enlightenment involves letting go of attachment to the material world and cultivating a sense of equanimity and inner peace.  This deep meditative process influenced Carl Jung's concept of the collective unconscious, highlighting the integration of the psyche and confronting one's shadow self to evolve and break free from limitations. This is the essence of inner alchemy—transmuting base aspects of the self into spiritual gold by facing head on our fears and illusions. Modern psychotherapy today is influenced by the Plotinian approach, encouraging clients to focus on their inner world and the things they can change—such as their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors—rather than trying to control external circumstances or manipulate other people. By cultivating detachment and inner peace, individuals can become less reactive to the ups and downs of everyday life and better able to navigate challenges with grace and equanimity. The Role of Meditation in Healing and Self-Discovery in Vedic Tradition The pioneers from the Orient, such as Buddha, Rama, Krishna, and Arjuna, were deeply immersed in meditative practices as a core part of their teachings. Known as Para Vidya—'that knowledge' which helps better understand the unknown— through meditation, deeper esoteric knowledge can be gained. Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of Lord Buddha, taught that knowledge is inherent in man; it comes from within, not from outside. What we say a man "knows" is really what he "discovers" or "unveils" from his own soul, which holds infinite knowledge. From this, we understand that the soul is wrapped in layers, and learning is a process of unveiling them, like flower petals. Sarasvati, the goddess of wisdom, creativity, and the fine arts, sits on a white lotus. In meditation, we sit in a lotus position, making our body a vessel to receive divine light. Like the lotus, which remains pure despite growing in mud, we must seek to perfect our inner light even in the midst of darkness. In Vedanta, ‘Dhyana,’ or contemplation, is a key practice of yoga, a path to reach ‘Samadhi’ and self-knowledge.  "Meditation is the highest virtue. Meditation is the foremost austerity. Meditation is the greatest purity. Therefore, be fond of meditation." (Garuda-Purana, 222.10) Much of our suffering and anxiety comes from illusions created in the mind. Meditation and self-reflection can help clear these illusions.  “When afflictions appear in our behavior (vrttis), meditation helps to counter them.” (Patanjali, 2.11) This is an internal struggle to overcome negative traits and egoistic desires that come from our darker self. The rishis in deep meditation discovered that things like self-importance (abhinivesha), dislikes (dvesha), likes (raga), and false ideas about ourselves (asmita) distract us and make us forget (avidya) that we are pure awareness. This process is like clearing the mind to reconnect with the divine soul. “A gradual progression towards deep inner integration (samprajñata samadhi) develops through subtle refinement of attention from reasoning (vitarka), to contemplation (vichara), to joy (ananda) and then to the sense of being (asmita).” (Pantanjali, 1.17) The Vedic texts reveal that physical healing can be induced as well by focusing on a single point. “The disturbances can be neutralized by meditating on a single principle of reality.” (Yoga Sutra, 1.32)  These disturbances—ignorance (avidya), egoism (asmita), attachment (raga), aversion (dvesha), and the fear of death (abhinivesa)—are linked to most of the mental and physical suffering we experience. By overcoming cravings, lust, and keeping a balanced mind, we allow divine consciousness into our lives. "Better than mechanical practice is knowledge; better than knowledge is meditation." (Bhagavad Gita, 12.12) Krishna taught that meditation offers deep insight and that peace follows when we let go of attachment to the results of our actions. Visualization and meditation on a single point help unravel these deeper truths. "A firm light hath been set for men to look on: among all things that fly, the mind is swiftest. All Gods of one accord, with one intention, move unobstructed to a single purpose." (Rig Veda, 6.9.5) Abrahamic Faiths When we reflect on the mainstream teachings of the three Abrahamic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—we often find that the practice of meditation has been forgotten or neglected. In modern times, it has even become taboo in certain sects. However, on closer examination, we discover that meditation was one of the keys to the awakening and teachings of these divine messengers of God. They taught that self-renunciation and contemplation, particularly the struggle with one's ego, were central to self-purification. In the Book of Genesis it states: "And Isaac went out to meditate in the fields at the eventide, and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and behold the camels were coming." (Bible, Book of Genesis , Chapter 24, Verse 63) Hebrew kings and judges such as David and Joshua taught that meditation on the word of God brings one into harmony with the way of truth and serves as a means of self-purification. The Book of Joshua  instructs: "The book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." (Bible, Book of Joshua , Chapter 1, Verse 8) This contemplative process aligns the spirit of truth with the heart and mind, as expressed in Psalms : "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." (Bible, Book of Psalms, Chapter 19, Verse 14) Proverbs reinforces the power of thought in shaping who we are: "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Bible, Book of Proverbs, Chapter 23, Verse 7) Synchronously, a 40-day journey was undertaken by three of God's covenant prophets—Jesus, Moses, and Prophet Mohammed —who sought spiritual awakening through deep meditation. The same 40-day practice of 'Sadhana,' a deep meditative path, was followed by Ananda with Lord Buddha. The prophet Elijah anointed Elisha as his successor after a 40-day journey into the wilderness, which culminated in divine awakening in a cave at Mt. Horeb. "He traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Mt. Horeb, the mountain of God." (Bible, Book of 1 Kings, Chapter 19, Verse 8) Moses spent forty nights in self-purification in the wilderness before receiving divine revelation (Exodus 24:18). Likewise, Jesus fasted and meditated for 40 days in the wilderness after his baptism to achieve self-purification, resisting temptation from the Devil (Luke 4:1-2). His experience on the mountaintop, where he was offered the kingdoms of the world, symbolized his readiness to rule mankind as a Messianic King, promoting God’s supremacy. Jesus' meditative practice is highlighted throughout the Gospels. He sought solitude before key events, such as in the Garden of Gethsemane and when choosing his apostles (Luke 6). After John the Baptist was beheaded, we are told in the book of Matthew, "When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place." (Bible, Book of Matthew , Chapter 14, Verse 13) The 40-day retreat or 'Khalwah' is also present in Islam. Prophet Mohammed retreated to the cave for deep meditation before receiving divine revelations, making him fit to deliver God's message. His teachings emphasize the power of meditation: "Whoever dedicates to God for forty days, the wellspring of wisdom shall manifest itself from his heart to his tongue." (Hilyat al-Awliya, Abu Nu'aym, 5:189) Ibn Ata'illah offers this wisdom: "Nothing benefits the heart more than a spiritual retreat wherein it enters the domains of meditation." (Al-Hikam Al-'Ata'iyyah, No. 12) Meditation leads us to reflect on ‘Dhikr,’ or remembrance of God, which connects us to His supreme truth.  In the Qur'an it states, "They are those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth and pray, “Our Lord! You have not created this without purpose. Glory be to You! Protect us from the torment of the Fire." (Qur’an, Chapter 3 (Al-Imran), Verse 191) True self-purification comes through meditation and reflection on God. Prophet Mohammed emphasized contemplation over ritual: "An hour of contemplation is better than a year of worship." (Ghurar Al-Hikam, Al-Amudi, Hadith 6537) Over time, much of the Islamic meditative tradition has been lost, remaining mostly in rituals and prayers. Sufi Tariqah focuses on ‘Dhikr’ to achieve heightened states of God-consciousness or Taqwa. However, without connection to the living Imam, such practices lose their efficacy. Abi Hamza Thumali narrated from Abi Abdullah that he asked: “Can the earth remain without an Imam?” He replied: “If the earth is without an Imam for a moment, it will indeed sink into itself.” Thus, those who have severed this connection now wander blindly, their mantras and chants becoming like mere hand clapping, causing no harm or benefit. In short, most forms of meditation and dhikr are practices that can raise our spiritual awareness and bring us closer to God, but only if and when we follow and are obedient to the living Imam, or divine king sent by God. AROPL Teachings Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan taught us that there are 3 core principles to reflect upon to help us on our soul path: ‘Meditation, Exercise and Diet’. The message today mirrors the truth from all the original religions of God and we turn to the words of some of the previously unknown prophets that have been revealed to us today. Just as Jesus, upon realizing the corruption in religious institutions, retreated to solitude to be alone with God, Ahmed Al-Hassan did the same when he became aware of the corruption in the religious schools of Najaf, Iraq. He sought refuge in isolation to reflect and connect with the Divine. In this new era, we are taught that through deep meditation, we can unravel knowledge about our souls, like accessing a hard drive to recall fragments of our past. Ahmed Al-Hassan teaches us that the universal seed within us can be unfolded by deep inner meditation and sincere devotion to God. Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan said: "[There is] a seed inside every human being. Some people are able to bring it out and accentuate it, and some people are not. The entire matter goes back to the human being himself. Some do not because they do not want to or because they have not tried.... Do not speak or act without first considering all aspects, and when you take a decision or commit to an action, do not abandon it. When you speak a word, never abandon it. But always do so with righteousness and for the sake of Allah, after deep and thorough contemplation. Do not let anyone on earth influence you to change your words except with proof from Allah." (Sayings of Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan, p. 84) Ahmed Al-Hassan, God’s divine messenger in this age, has taught us the critical value of contemplation to awaken from our slumber and apathy towards the world’s suffering. We must recognize the condition of the nations that came before us and how they dealt with their Prophets, as nations such as Babylon, Egypt, Canaan, and Sodom betrayed figures like Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Lot, so that we do not repeat these mistakes. Aba Al-Sadiq's message emphasizes spiritual purification, urging us to look within ourselves to achieve this goal. While meditation is a valuable practice, it is not sufficient on its own; it must be combined with a strong belief in the Imam of our time and accompanied by meaningful action. Meditation helps clear away negative thoughts and purify our hearts, but true transformation requires a holistic approach that integrates inner reflection, faith, and active engagement in our lives.

For nearly two thousand years, the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ have stood as cornerstones of Christian faith. According to church teachings, Jesus was crucified, died on the cross, and rose from the dead three days later, securing the hope of salvation for all believers. Yet, a fascinating question continues to linger through the ages: Did Jesus actually die on the cross? Or is it possible that he somehow survived? In recent years, this age-old mystery has resurfaced, fueled by the discovery of ancient texts that challenge the established narrative. Islamic scriptures and Gnostic writings hint that while the crucifixion may have been witnessed by many, Jesus’ death might not have been as certain as tradition suggests. Could history’s most famous death be the greatest mystery of all? A Mysterious Verse and the Question of Transmigration In the Gospel of Matthew, there is a curious exchange between Jesus and his disciples that some interpret as a subtle clue to a larger mystery. In Matthew 16:13-16 , Jesus asks his disciples who people believe he is. Their replies are curious:  "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." (Bible, Book of Matthew, Chapter 16, Verses 13-16) What could this mean? The suggestion that Jesus could be John the Baptist - who had died only shortly before this conversation - raises the possibility of a concept that was present in ancient thought: the transmigration of souls, or metempsychosis—the idea that a soul could move between bodies, even entering into an adult. This concept opens the door to an alternative reading of the Passion story. The Islamic Perspective: “They Did Not Kill Him” In Islamic tradition, the belief that Jesus was not crucified is deeply embedded. The Quran presents a counter-narrative to the Christian story, stating that Jesus was not killed, nor was he crucified, but that it appeared so to the onlookers: "And their saying: Surely we have killed the Messiah, Isa son of Mary, the apostle of Allah; and they did not kill him nor did they crucify him, but it appeared to them so (like Isa) and most surely those who differ therein are only in a doubt about it; they have no knowledge respecting it, but only follow conjecture, and they killed him not for sure." (Qur’an, Chapter 4 (Al-Nisa), Verse 157) This verse casts doubt on the literal death of Jesus, suggesting instead that what people witnessed was merely an illusion or a substitute in Jesus’ place. The question remains: If Jesus was not killed, what exactly happened? How was it made to appear as though he had been crucified? Adding to this mystery is another Quranic verse that hints at a long life for Jesus: “And he shall speak to the people when in the cradle and when of old age, and (he shall be) one of the good ones.” (Qur’an, Chapter 3 (Al-Imran), Verse 46) The reference to his "old age" suggests a life much longer than the 33 years traditionally believed. The Quranic narrative seems to imply that Jesus’ departure from this world occurred long after the crucifixion. Perhaps surprisingly, this belief in Jesus being spared from death originated in early Christian texts. The “Gnostic” Perspective: A Secret Escape? The idea that Jesus didn't die on the cross poses a direct challenge to Christian orthodoxy. Early Church councils, particularly the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, sought to solidify certain doctrines, including the divinity of Christ and the belief in his bodily resurrection. Other texts, such as the so-called “gnostic gospels,” which presented conflicting accounts of Jesus’ death, were deemed heretical and were largely destroyed. But, in 1945 copies of these texts were discovered in Egypt. Fascinatingly, their discovery corresponds to the time in which the Qaim has emerged.   The Quran presents two critical ideas: that Jesus did not die, yet it appeared as though he did. Could this suggest a separation between Jesus's physical body and his soul? Might the crucifixion have involved only the body, while his soul lived on? Interestingly, several of the gnostic gospels confirm this very notion. In fact, these texts reveal further details about the story.  In The Revelation of Peter , Jesus states: “He whom you saw on the tree, glad and laughing, this is the living Jesus. But this one into whose hands and feet they drive the nails is his fleshly part, which is the substitute being put to shame, the one who came into being in his likeness. But look at him and me.” ( The Revelation of Peter, Chapter 81, Verses 15-23) Here, the "living Jesus" is understood as the eternal soul, while the figure on the cross is a substitute, someone who assumed Jesus’s body.  Similarly, in The Second Treatise of the Great Seth , Jesus is said to have escaped death through transmigration: “I did not die in reality but in appearance, lest I be put to shame by them… It was another, Simon, who bore the cross on his shoulder. I was another upon whom they placed the crown of thorns.” ( The Second Treatise of the Great Seth) This passage names Simon of Cyrene, a figure mentioned in the canonical Gospels, as the one who bore the physical cross. In the New Testament, we read: “As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross.” (Bible, Book of Matthew, Chapter 27, Verse 32) Could it be that Simon not only carried Jesus' cross but also became a stand-in for Jesus during the crucifixion? According to gnostic texts, Simon’s body was used as a substitute, while Jesus' soul transferred to another body.  Transmigration: Jesus’ Soul in a New Body?  In The Second Treatise of the Great Seth , Jesus speaks of entering another body after leaving his own: “I visited a bodily dwelling. I cast out the one who was in it first, and I went in. And the whole multitude of the archons became troubled. And all the matter of the archons, as well as all the begotten powers of the earth, were shaken when it saw the likeness of the Image, since it was mixed. And I am the one who was in it, not resembling him who was in it first…And I subjected all their powers. For as I came downward, no one saw me. For I was altering my shapes, changing from form to form. And therefore, when I was at their gates, I assumed their likeness. For I passed them by quietly, and I was viewing the places, and I was not afraid nor ashamed, for I was undefiled. And I was speaking with them, mingling with them through those who are mine, and trampling on those who are harsh to them with zeal, and quenching the flame. And I was doing all these things because of my desire to accomplish what I desired by the will of the Father above.” ( The Second Treatise of the Great Seth) It may sound shocking to the modern Christian, however, these ideas were well-known and widely circulated in early Christian communities as evidenced by historical writings. For example, In the Gospel of Basilides , Saint Irenaeus reported that Basilides taught that Jesus did not die on the cross; but that the person crucified was, in fact, Simon of Cyrene. Irenaeus quotes Basilides:  "He appeared on earth as a man and performed miracles. Thus he himself did not suffer. Rather, a certain Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry his cross for him. It was he who was ignorantly and erroneously crucified, being transfigured by him, so that he might be thought to be Jesus. Moreover, Jesus assumed the form of Simon, and stood by laughing at them." ( Against Heresies ,  Irenaeus) This notion that Jesus' soul could leave his body and inhabit another aligns with the Quranic narrative that Jesus died only in appearance. It also might explain the strange events following the resurrection, where Jesus appeared to his disciples but was strangely unrecognizable. For instance, when Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene after the resurrection, she did not realize it was him. According to the Gospel of John: “At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’ Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’” (Bible, Book of John, Chapter 20, Verses 14-16) Why didn’t Mary recognize Jesus, someone she had followed so closely? Was it because his appearance had changed? Post-Crucifixion Appearances: An Unrecognizable Jesus The post-resurrection appearances of Jesus described in the New Testament are puzzling when viewed through the lens of traditional Christian doctrine. Each time Jesus appears, his followers struggle to recognize him, as if he was a different person. In John 21, Jesus appears to his disciples by the Sea of Galilee, but they fail to identify him: “Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee....Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.”When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” (Bible, Book of John, Chapter 21, Verses 1, 4-7) None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord…This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.” (Bible, Book of John, Chapter 21, Verses 12-14) The disciples failed to recognize their beloved teacher even on the third time he appeared to them after the crucifixion. How would this be possible, if he did not assume a new appearance each time he saw them? Further accounts, like the appearance of Jesus to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, provide additional evidence of this: “Afterward he appeared in a different form to two of his followers who were walking from Jerusalem into the country.” (Bible, Book of Mark, Chapter 16, Verse 12) Jesus’s followers in this account spent the entire day with Jesus before realizing his identity.  Beyond the canonical gospels we find apocryphal texts that indicate Jesus was unrecognizable. One such example is the Secret Book of James . This text states that jesus appeared to his disciples well over a year after the resurrection,  "Five hundred fifty days after he rose from the dead, we said to him, 'Did you depart and leave us?' Jesus said, 'No, but I shall return to the place from which I came. If you want to come with me, come.'” (The Secret Book of James) This passage suggests that Jesus did not leave the earthly realm but existed in another form, in another place, awaiting the right moment to return. Another inexplicable appearance of Jesus is recounted in The Acts of Peter and the Apostles , where the disciples encounter a pearl salesman named Lithargoel and follow him on a long journey. After spending a significant amount of time with him, they discover he was not a pearl salesman after all. “He said to Peter, "Peter!" And Peter was frightened, for how did he know that his name was Peter? Peter responded..."How do you know me, for you called my name?" Lithargoel answered, "I want to ask you who gave the name Peter to you?" He said to him, "It was Jesus Christ, the son of the living God. He gave this name to me." He answered and said, "It is I! Recognize me, Peter." He loosened the garment, which clothed him - the one into which he had changed himself because of us - revealing to us in truth that it was he.” ( The Acts of Peter and the Apostles) All of these accounts clearly demonstrate that Jesus’s soul escaped the crucifixion and lived on. Meanwhile, the fact remains that his body was crucified. So who was the substitute referenced in the scriptures, who bore the cross? Who was the Lookalike of Jesus? In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus says:   “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Bible, Book of Mark, Chapter 8, Verses 34-35) The only follower of Christ who did just that was Simon of Cyrene. He came to the aid of Jesus in his time of need. The idea that Jesus was aided by one follower is also found in the narrations. When Jesus asked his disciples, which of them would be willing to be crucified in his place, a youth volunteered.  “When Allah (SWT) intended to raise Jesus to Him, He gathered his companions. In the house were twelve men from the disciples. As His hair and head were dripping with water, Jesus said to them, ‘Verily, from you are those who will disbelieve in me twelve times after they have believed in me. Which of you would be willing to take my likeness and be killed in my place, and be with me at the same degree?’ A youth volunteered, and Jesus said, ‘That’s you.’” (Tafsir Al-Quran Al-Azeem, Ibn Abi Hatem, p. 1110, Hadith 6232) This narration suggests that Jesus offered his companions a chance to assume his role and rank, the rank of a Mahdi. We find the same theme in the gospels of the Bible, when Jesus prays for the cup to be removed from him. Notably, at that moment an angel appears in order to strengthen him.  “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.' An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him." (Bible, Book of Luke, Chapter 22, Verses 42-43) Would God deny Jesus’s request? Surely not. Indeed, Jesus himself states in the Gospels that he possesses God-given authority to choose whether or not he is to be killed. As he says: “No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” (Bible, Book of John, Chapter 10, Verse 18) Jesus had not yet completed his mission of establishing the new covenant. His plea to be spared from the crucifixion was not born out of fear or hesitation, but rather a desire to fulfill his divine purpose. In this light, he sought the help of one of his followers to stand in his place. This brings forth an intriguing question: Who was this mysterious substitute—referred to as Simon of Cyrene, the youth who volunteered, or the angel who strengthened Jesus? To understand this, we turn to the gospel account of the Transfiguration, which offers a glimpse into the deeper, spiritual nature of Jesus's discipleship. In this story, it becomes evident that Jesus was not only followed by disciples in physical bodies but also by spiritual companions. “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’” (Bible, Book of Matthew, Chapter 17, Verses 1-4) For a brief moment, Jesus’s disciples glimpsed the unseen, seeing Jesus in his true form of light alongside Moses and Elijah. Their appearance seemed so real that the disciples wanted to build tents for them. This suggests that other prophetic souls followed Jesus as well. The youth who volunteered to take Jesus’s place on the cross was among these spiritual companions. According to The Goal of the Wise , “Simon of Cyrene, honored in the Bible as the only man who carried Jesus’s cross, was from the city of Cyrene, which was part of Egypt before becoming part of the Roman Empire. Simon traveled from Egypt to Jerusalem. The soul of Joseph descended into this Egyptian man who helped Jesus carry his cross. Jesus and Joseph then switched bodies; the soul of Jesus entered Simon, while the soul of Joseph, the substitute, entered the body of Jesus. The body of Jesus, with Joseph’s soul in it, was crucified, while Jesus escaped through Simon’s body. Thus, the look-alike of Jesus was the Egyptian companion, Joseph.” ( The Goal of the Wise, Aba Al-Sadiq, Door 12, p. 169) Prophet Joseph was an incarnation of the Second Mahdi Aba Al-Sadiq. Additionally, from The Goal of the Wise , we know that Joseph in the soul world is a grandson of Imam Ali. According to the narrations, the Prophet Muhammad had prayed that the look-alike of Jesus be a successor to Imam Ali. “O Allah, grant him the endurance of Moses and make in his lineage the look-alike of Jesus.” (Kitab Al-Ghayba, Al-Numani, Vol. 1, p. 142-143) Regarding the one who was crucified, the Bible mentions, “Saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!’” (Bible, Book of Revelation, Chapter 5, Verse 12) “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.” (Bible, Book of Isaiah, Chapter 53, Verse 7) He is repeatedly referred to as a lamb or a youth. Other incarnations of the Look-Alike include: Prophet Joseph : As a young child, he faced oppression from his brothers and imprisonment. Abdullah Hashem:  The father of Prophet Mohammed. One of his titles is Zabeeh (the sacrificed). He was almost sacrificed by AbdulMuttalib but instead, a hundred camels were sacrificed in his place. Abdullah Radhiya:  The infant son of Imam Al-Hussein, martyred in Karbala, symbolizing the slaughtered lamb. The Qaim, the Youth of Bani Hashem:  Imam Mohammad Al-Baqir said, “Allah (SWT) has a treasure in Taliqan, neither gold nor silver, but 12,000 from Khurasan. Their slogans are ‘Ahmad, Ahmad!’ A youth from Bani Hashem would lead them on a gray mule, with a red bandanna, as if I see him crossing the Euphrates. If you hear about him, follow him, even if you have to crawl over ice.” (Mutakhab Al-Anwar Al-Muthee'a, p. 343) Clearly, the theme of sacrifice is continually present around him. The Crucifixion: An Atonement for Sins This raises an important question: why is a sacrifice necessary? Since Christians view the crucifixion as the ultimate act of atonement for humanity’s sins, understanding its deeper meaning is crucial. The Goal of the Wise  explores the true significance of the crucifixion and sheds light on its impact on humankind. From The Goal of the Wise , Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan explained:  “The Crucifixion and the crucified were a ransom and sacrifice and it is as they say, in order that the sins of mankind are forgiven, but not all of them. And not all sins from the beginning of creation until the end. Only the sins of those people who lived in that time. The sins of the believers and all those who were regretful but not the sins of the criminals.” ( The Goal of the Wise, Aba Al-Sadiq, Door 13, p. 174) Atonement for the sins of humanity is a concept deeply embedded in the Jewish scriptures. Youm Kaphour was a day in which the High Priest was required to make this sacrifice in a very specific manner within the Holy of Holies of the Temple once a year on the Day of Atonement, as prescribed in the Torah: “Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once a year. With the blood of the sin offering of atonement he shall make atonement for it once in the year throughout your generations. It is most holy to the Lord.” (Bible, Book of Exodus, Chapter 30, Verse 10) The sacrifice was carried out annually to erase the sins of the believers that had accumulated over the previous year. Energy, according to the principle of conservation, cannot be created or destroyed. Karma is the universe’s mechanism for returning energy that has been put out, meaning that if sin generates a certain kind of energy, it eventually returns as Karma, in line with the universal law. In order for sins to be forgiven, they must go somewhere. A Hujjah, or prophet can take upon themselves this burden to absolve others of the effects they might face due to their sins. This is driven by their love and mercy for God’s creation. The soul of Joseph chose to make this sacrifice and consequently reached a rank allowing him to return as a Mahdi in this cycle. The profound significance of sacrifice lies in its beautiful act of selflessness. It does not, however, absolve believers from future sins, as the Church teaches today. People are held accountable for their actions within their own time. Just as one cannot be judged for a crime not yet committed, it follows that one cannot be forgiven for a sin not yet committed. This Knowledge is the Bridge Between Christianity and Islam The knowledge shared by Aba Al-Sadiq offers a compelling bridge between Christianity and Islam. His revelation—that Jesus's soul lived on while another endured the crucifixion—provides an astonishing explanation that unites the Quranic and Biblical accounts of the crucifixion and subsequent events. Jesus “resurrected,” and returned to life in a new body just as the Christians believe and  he lived on to speak to people “in old age” just as the Quran states. During his lifetime, Jesus established the Fifth Covenant between God and mankind, not with the Israelites, but with another nation, as he foretold:  “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” (Bible, Book of Matthew, Chapter 21, Verse 43) This new nation was the Ishmaelites, another fulfillment of God’s words in the Torah: “And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.” (Bible, Book of Genesis, Chapter 17, Verse 12) This shift explains why Islam emerged where it did. Whereas previous covenants were made with the Israelite prophets, Jesus’s covenant extended to the Ishmaelites. The era of Hebrew prophets concluded, but God’s messengers continued. This fascinating revelation also explains curious narrations, which indicate that Jesus lived in Tikrit, modern-day Iraq, despite no scripture recording him there (Bihar Al-Anwar, Vol. 52, p. 375). This narration is referencing the “lost years” of Jesus, after the crucifixion.  Jesus bestowed the covenant upon a new chosen nation that maintained faith in his message until the arrival of the next Messenger from their own lineage—Prophet Mohammed. This transition explains why the Ishmaelites received the next messenger from among them, whose covenant would be universal. With this revelation, the unity between these two major faiths becomes clearer than ever. Aba Al-Sadiq’s insights not only clarify the mystery of Jesus's life and mission but also pave the way for greater understanding between Christianity and Islam. For further exploration into the crucifixion, resurrection, and the "lost years" of Jesus Christ, read The Goal of the Wise  by Aba Al-Sadiq or watch The School of Divine Mysteries  series.