Anar Akbarov, an Azeri refugee, has recently been spreading awareness about the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Darmstadt, Germany. Seen distributing flyers and engaging with people at key locations such as Darmstadt Hauptbahnhof and Luisenplatz, Anar has successfully sparked conversations about the faith, which challenges traditional Islamic beliefs. Many locals have even taken an interest in listening to lectures by religious leader Aba Al-Sadiq. Anar’s journey is one marked by persecution in his homeland of Azerbaijan, where religious freedoms are heavily restricted. After discovering the AROPL faith in 2019, he faced severe backlash from friends and society, culminating in his arrest and mistreatment by Azerbaijani authorities in 2023. Despite this, Anar remains dedicated to his faith, continuing to share its message even after fleeing to Germany for safety. With a growing community of believers, the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light emphasizes human rights, freedom of belief, and tolerance—values Anar hopes to freely promote in his new home. A wave of grassroots activity has emerged across Germany as communities come together to promote a YouTube video series by Aba Al-Sadiq on the "Mahdi Has Appeared" channel. The series, which has been dubbed into German, is being widely shared via flyers and stickers featuring QR codes and links to the videos. Believers from various regions, including North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Berlin, and Bavaria, have been actively distributing the flyers in their local areas. The campaign is growing in visibility as more people join the effort to spread the word about the video series throughout the country. In the towns of Deggendorf and Osterhofen, Germany, Radig Azmammadov and Emrah Abbasov have taken to the streets to share the glad tidings of the appearance of the Mahdi. The duo has been engaging with the public, encouraging people to explore their message further by watching videos on YouTube related to this spiritual figure. Their outreach is aimed at raising awareness and sparking conversation within the community.

In an exclusive interview with Divine Just State , Rustam Gasimli, an Azeri member of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, has broken his silence following his recent release from his unjust imprisonment in Binagadi Temporary Detention Center Baku, Azerbaijan. His testimony sheds light on the ordeal he and fellow member, Nariman Shabanzade, endured while distributing brochures peacefully in Baku on July 23, 2024. Gasimli recounts how their peaceful outreach efforts, streamed live on TikTok, took a dark turn when police officers abruptly intervened. "They approached us and said, 'Don't distribute brochures, you can't.' When we asked for a reason, they simply repeated, 'You can't,' without any explanation." Their repeated inquiries were met with hostility. The situation escalated when one officer forcefully grabbed Gasimli by the neck, separating him from Shabanzade. Shortly after, several more officers arrived. Gasimli and Shabanzade were dragged into a nearby building, where the officers began a brutal assault before transporting them to the police station. "In the entrance of the building, six or seven officers beat us," Gasimli recounted. "They cursed us, hit us with the brochures we were distributing, and continued to assault us while bystanders looked on in fear, unable to intervene." The beating continued for approximately 10-15 minutes until the police car arrived. Gasimli and Shabanzade were then forcibly placed in the vehicle, where they were subjected to further threats, insults, and physical abuse. Rustam Gasimli's teeth were knocked out by the punch of the police officer Upon arriving at the police station, Gasimli describes an even more horrifying scenario. "As soon as we were brought in, additional officers were waiting. In the chief's office, 13 to 15 officers beat us relentlessly for 30 to 40 minutes," he said. The violence intensified as officers targeted their faces, heads, and legs, with some even attempting to force brochures into their mouths. "My tooth was broken, and the chief himself trampled on me, pressing his foot on my throat and stomach, and even on my genitals, causing my testicles to swell, which remains painful to this day." The abuse didn’t stop there. Gasimli and Shabanzade were further humiliated when a baton was forcibly inserted into Gasimli's backside. "They cursed us with vile language, and as their anger grew, so did their violence," Gasimli said, noting that Shabanzade was coerced into participating in the abuse but refused. For this, they were beaten again. Additionally to enduring hours of abuse, Gasimli and Shabanzade were denied basic human rights. They were kept in a cramped, isolated cell without food for a day, and only given water every four hours. To compound their suffering, false charges were filed against them. "They accused us of unrelated crimes, and warned us that if we continued our peaceful outreach, we would face even harsher penalties and further torture." The legal process offered little reprieve. According to Gasimli, they were hidden from their lawyer and families, shuttled between police stations, and ultimately brought before a judge under dubious circumstances. "They told us that if we didn't complain, they would only fine us. But we insisted that we would report the violence," Gasimli said. Despite presenting their injuries as evidence and pleading for an investigation into police misconduct, their pleas fell on deaf ears. The judge dismissed their claims, refused to review surveillance footage, and relied on false testimony from an officer who was not present during the beatings. Gasimli's personal circumstances, including his responsibility for four dependents, a 40-day-old child, and mentally ill mother and grandmother, were also ignored. "We reported that we were innocently subjected to torture, but it didn’t matter. None of our requests were considered," Gasimli lamented. The judge ultimately sentenced both men to 30 days in detention, a ruling that Gasimli described as a gross miscarriage of justice. As Gasimli's testimony circulates, it raises pressing questions about the treatment of religious minorities in Azerbaijan and the conduct of its law enforcement. His account, brought to light through his courageous decision to speak out, underscores the urgent need for accountability and reform. The international community watches closely as Gasimli, Shabanzade, and their supporters demand justice.

Update 27th of August 2024 - We have submitted a formal complaint to the UN Special Procedures regarding the persecution of members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Iran. The complaint highlights the arrests, charges under Article 499 of the Iranian Penal Code, and the ongoing targeting of these individuals solely based on their religious beliefs. We hope that this submission will prompt international attention and action to address the severe human rights violations faced by these victims. TEHRAN, Iran - Thirteen followers of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light faced trial on July 21, 2024, in Branch 3 of the Special Clerical Court. They are accused of "causing corruption in the land," "spreading propaganda against the regime," and compromising national security through their religious activities. Convictions could result in five-year prison sentences. These individuals were detained in December 2021 by the Ministry of Intelligence and were at the time imprisoned in Evin Prison . They were coerced into signing letters of repentance, renouncing their beliefs and their leader. One adherent described being detained by the Ministry of Intelligence, handcuffed, blindfolded, and threatened at gunpoint. The individual was taken to various harsh locations before being transferred to Evin Prison, where they were pressured to renounce their faith and make false confessions. Their passports were confiscated, and their cases were escalated to the Special Clerical Court. The case is now moving forward with the presiding judge stating that a verdict would be issued within ten to twenty days. The defendants referenced Article 23 of the Iranian Constitution, which forbids persecution based on religious beliefs, but the judge dismissed their defense. The hearing, which lasted only 30 to 45 minutes, ended without adequate time for the defendants to present their case. One member, who had previously received a suspended three-year sentence for his beliefs, was warned that this sentence would be added to any new punishment. The presiding judge furthermore dismissed the AROPL members lawyer, despite having been approved by the prosecutor's office, insisting that only court-appointed attorneys could defend them. The AROPL community in Iran faces severe persecution and cannot practice their religion openly. Since 2019, Iranian authorities have ramped up efforts to identify and prosecute members of this faith, whose teachings oppose the principle of "Wilayat Al-Faqih" (Rule of the Jurisprudent), a core element of the Iranian regime. This opposition has led to their classification as "enemies of the state" and their religion as a "hostile and deviant group." Followers have reported home raids, arrests, and threats of execution. They live under constant surveillance, and family members are often pressured to report them. Charges such as "insulting the leadership" and "opposing the principle of the system" are frequently used against them. Despite these challenges, the AROPL community in Iran continues to struggle for the right to practice their beliefs amid significant risks.

Wasit, Iraq - Karar Muhammad Raheef, from Wasit, Iraq, has been facing intense pressure and attacks on his faith since the release of the gospel The Goal of the Wise in December 2022. Despite the hardships, his resolve to spread the message of justice and truth has only grown stronger. He spoke to DJS Magazine about his journey and what keeps him steadfast in the face of adversity. How did you first come to embrace the call for truth and justice? I stand for truth. Truth alone gives life, and nothing but moving toward reality will make us strong. Even if the world stands against me, truth must prevail in the end. This belief comes from the idea that truth will never ally itself with falsehood. If I am standing for truth, I believe it will overcome all obstacles, no matter how great. Can you tell us about Iraq’s significance to your faith? Iraq is one of the holiest lands on earth. It’s home to the revered Imam Ali, and Najaf, in particular, remains a sacred place for Shia scholars. This is the same seminary where Ahmed Al-Hassan met with students in 1999 and proclaimed himself as the awaited leader. Iraq’s spiritual significance cannot be understated, and it plays a central role in the call for justice that I am spreading. You’ve mentioned Ahmed Al-Hassan’s message and his role in standing against tyranny. Could you expand on that? Ahmed Al-Hassan’s call came at a time when Saddam Hussein, the tyrant, was in power and even went so far as to write the Quran in his own blood. Yet, it was Ahmed who vocally opposed this injustice. Many self-proclaimed true Shia rejected him because they relied on scholars who, in my view, were misguiding them. Imam Ali warned about these kinds of leaders, saying they tempt people by making falsehood resemble the truth. His message is a clear reminder that we must always follow the path of the true guide, not those who mislead us for personal gain. You spoke of the corrupt clerics who deviated from the truth. How did this affect the people of Iraq? The people of Iraq have been led astray by these clerics, particularly through false elections and misleading guidance. The Prophet Muhammad warned about the electoral system that would be used to usurp the rights of his family, and we saw that play out in Iraq in 2013. This usurpation of divine rights was a direct consequence of these misleading scholars and the politics that followed. What prompted you to search for another path or way of faith? I was raised in a family that followed the Twelver Shia Ja’fari sect. I believed what they believed and followed the authorities that had been set before me. But when I came across the message of Ahmed Al-Hassan, I began to question everything. His teachings awakened me, making me realize there was a path toward the living Imam, not just a reliance on scholars. I started to ask myself if I was truly following the right path. What was it about Ahmed Al-Hassan’s message that resonated with you? It was his call to investigate the truth and not rely on the traditions and teachings handed down without question. He asked, “Have you asked Muhammad and the family of Muhammad about the scholars of the End Times before you ask the scholars about Muhammad and the family of Muhammad?” These words deeply struck me. They challenged everything I had been taught, and I realized I needed to do my own research and seek guidance directly from the true sources. How did you face the challenges from those around you when you decided to embrace this new path? It wasn’t easy. I faced rejection from my family, friends, and even colleagues. I was mocked, and people called it a false and Masonic call. They saw it as a threat to Islam and specifically to the Shiite community. But I continued to remind myself of the words of the Prophet Muhammad, who said that Islam began as something strange and would return as something strange. I felt like a stranger in my own homeland, but I knew I had to follow this path for the sake of truth. How did you share your newfound belief with others? After I embraced the call, I started by informing my family and inviting them to investigate. I created social media accounts on Facebook and TikTok to spread the message. I also began posting posters in public places to raise awareness about the return of the Imam and the fulfillment of the prophecy. It was important for me to share this truth, no matter the challenges. What kind of reaction did you receive from your family, friends, and community? The reaction was mostly negative. My family and friends rejected the message, calling it false and misguided. Only my older aunt supported me and believed in the call. It was tough, but I knew that standing firm in the truth meant facing this kind of opposition. However, I didn’t let that deter me. How do you manage to spread the message in such a hostile environment? I place posters in public spaces like parks, gardens, and mosques. However, they are often torn down. To practice my faith openly, I must use taqiyya—dissimulation—to avoid persecution. It’s dangerous, but it’s a small price to pay for spreading the message of truth. What do you hope to achieve by sharing these posters and spreading the call? I want to give people the glad tidings of the Imam’s return and share the message of justice and truth. I hope to reach as many people as possible, especially in these difficult times when support for the Imam is scarce. It’s a duty for me to help fulfill the prophecy and to stand by the Imam. How do you see your future in spreading the message? My long-term goal is to move to the community of Abu Al-Sadiq and work alongside him to spread the call and support him in every way possible. I’m also working on gaining as much knowledge as I can to continue sharing the message, possibly through live broadcasts or other platforms. Do you have any dreams or visions that you believe are connected to this call? Yes, I had a dream in 2016 where I saw Imam Ahmad Al-Hassan. He was present in a mosque in my region. More recently, in 2024, I had another dream where I saw the appearance of Aba Al-Sadiq. The dream was vivid and felt very real, and it was a sign that the time for the Imam’s return is near. In the dream, there was a debate, and chaos erupted as people attacked Aba Al-Sadiq and his supporters. A figure named Michael appeared to defend them. It felt like a vision of the final battle, a sign of the change that is coming. What advice would you give to others who may be struggling to find the truth? I would tell them not to rely on the traditions and teachings they’ve always known without questioning them. Every believer must investigate the truth for themselves and seek guidance directly from God. It’s not enough to follow the path of our forefathers; we must make the effort to find the straight path on our own.

Since the dawn of time humanity has made irrational decisions and poor choices, leading to inequality, injustice and bloodshed. As a species, we have time and time again exhibited complex and puzzling behaviors, prompting us to question the sanity of humanity. This behavior has found its peak in recent years - with the spread of the internet and social media accelerating the madness we witness from our fellow human beings. From religious cannibalism to golden toilet seats - contemporary culture is filled with what I can only describe as insanity. In this article, we will delve into examples of a world seemingly gone mad and the disturbing lack of action to address this issue. Billion Dollar Weddings while Babies Starve to Death Money undeniably influences the world's affairs. Gangs fight over it, corporations deceive the masses for profit, and even trees fall victim to the madness: their paper is used to print money notes for donations, aimed at saving their kind. In the Arab world, Islam is forgotten when it comes to money. While millions of refugees fled their countries to Europe during the Syrian refugee crisis, billionaire nations like Qatar and Bahrain, did not host a single refugee. Their royal families were feasting on private jets, while Muslim children were drowning in the Mediterranean sea.   Another cruel irony emerges when examining self-proclaimed "Men of God" in Iran and Iraq. In 2019 BBC  reporters filmed a so-called Shia cleric, selling young girls for sex. They exploit vulnerable girls, selling them into temporary marriages in Shia Islam's most holiest cities for personal gain.  If we look westwards, we find supermarkets around the world discarding massive quantities of food instead of donating it to those in need. Their justifications, often citing legal concerns, are surprisingly accepted by the public. Oxfam International's recent report on inequality paints a grim picture. Wealth disparity has reached such a critical state that ending poverty at the current pace could take 230 years. While the richest 1% hoard most of the world's wealth, it is horrifying to know that a staggering 47% of the global population struggles to survive on less than  $6.85 per day. The most insane example of this is in India. India is among the top-five global economies - yet millions of its people starve each year. An extreme example of this disparity is the recent wedding of the Ambanis, the country's wealthiest family. The Ambani family paid Justin Bieber $10 million for a 30-minute performance at their $900 million wedding, which included celebrities, politicians, and billionaires. Meanwhile, India's slum population was recorded at 65 million in 2019. The saddest part? The Indian public defended and praised the family for giving the poor leftover food from the event. While all of this is happening, the rich stand back, blaming the poor for their misfortunes. Where has humanity gone? Have people lost their minds, allowing such a small percentage of the world's population to get away with mass genocide? Every poor person who dies has their blood on the hands of those who hoard millions. No wonder Jesus Christ said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. The meaning of that verse is now clear: the rich man who does not share his wealth to help his fellow man is not worthy of the kingdom of God, for he lacks a human heart. Money has made the world go mad. Golden Thrones and Blood Oil: The Dark Side of Religious Wealth The world appears to be descending, with followers of Islam facing verbal and physical abuse across the globe. Many are dying, causing others to die, or - maybe a bit less frequently - are sitting on golden toilet seats, living in luxury, enjoying wealth made from the planet's blood oil. This religious madness mirrors the societal one, as people who profess to follow the tenets of Islam engage in actions that contradict the core values of their faith. Late king Abdullah of Saudi Arabia gifted a toilet seat to daughter as a wedding gift.  In the West, the Vatican, which is supposed to be a holy place and the home of the so-called successor of Jesus Christ, has caretakers for Catholics worldwide sitting on golden thrones. Meanwhile, millions of Christians around the world are either starving to death or being murdered for their beliefs, with no substantial action being taken to address these issues. In Pakistan, an elderly Christian man, Nazir Gill Masih, 74 years old, was accused of blasphemy and lynched in a brutal mob attack. 400 people took to the streets, burned down his house, stole his possessions, and brutally lynched him. It is inconceivable that people could attack a vulnerable old man in the name of religion and a God they claim is merciful. The insanity of it all is underscored by a large rally in Pakistan supporting the brutal murder of this elderly Christian and warning that others could face the same fate. 2,500 people gathered in Sargodha, where the murder took place, to show their support for the killing. These examples show how irrational and cruel the world we live in today is. From religious persecution to institutional hypocrisy, the actions of individuals and groups around the globe reveal a disturbing lack of empathy and a profound moral crisis. Fatwas of the Scholars On Egyptian TV, Ahmad Abdo Maher discussed a high school curriculum from Al-Azhar University, Egypt's highest religious authority. Shockingly, the curriculum encouraged students to cannibalize apostates and Muslims who abandon prayer. An Islamic book called Al-‘Iqna’ fi Hill Alfâz Abi Choujâi even allows humans to eat the flesh of dead humans, but not to cook or grill it, as that would be going too far. They deemed cooking or grilling the flesh indecent, but eating it appropriate. Seriously? It is astounding that Al-Azhar, the world's most prestigious Islamic university, allegedly teaches such things. Even the TV host seemed shocked, calling on the university to address this blatant madness. Dr. Salih bin Fawzan, a member of Saudi Arabia’s highest religious council, issued a fatwa asserting that there is no minimum age for marriage and that girls can be married "even if they are in the cradle." According to him, the scholars have agreed that it is permissible for fathers to marry off their baby daughters but only allow their husbands to have sex with them if  they are capable of bearing the weight of the men - a capability that varies based on their nature and capacity. The rest of the Muslim world either remains ignorant of such practices being justified in the name of their religion or has not spoken out against this abomination. Nuclear Codes in Questionable Hands The world's biggest 'superpower,' the United States of America, has offered the world a choice between a racist narcissist and a man with the mental sharpness of a spoon as its leaders. The debate between Trump and Biden on June 27th demonstrated that the world has truly gone mad. How low has mankind sunk to allow such individuals to vie for power? Biden's obvious confusion, long silences, and middle-distance stares were troubling. The fact that these men had or will have the authority to nuke countries at the push of a button should keep any sane person up at night. This is truly an embarrassment and a terrifying wake-up call for the American people. It's astonishing that a nation with such immense influence and resources would present such unsuitable candidates for leadership. The sheer absurdity of the situation highlights the craziness of our times, showing how far we have strayed from rational governance and the principles of true leadership. The global implications of such ineptitude are both embarrassing and deeply concerning, further illustrating the madness of our current world. Donald Trump, left and Joe Biden right Another example of social corruption is the staggering prevalence of human trafficking, the second largest and fastest-growing criminal industry in the world, second only to drug trafficking. The most absurd aspect of this is that we supposedly live in the most developed era in history—a time where slavery is ostensibly abolished. Yet, the human being remains a commodity, and authorities find it extremely difficult to eradicate this modern-day slavery. The world's entertainment and fashion industries are rife with corruption that was once dismissed as conspiracy theories but is now well-documented. Child stars like Drake Bell have come forward about the abuse they suffered as teens on Nickelodeon, and many other victims have testified to similar experiences. Despite these revelations, the public has become desensitized to such horrifying stories. Society's Descent The level of crime occurring across the world is overwhelming, and this article isn't enough to cover them all. One particularly disturbing trend is the extreme plastic surgeries and body modifications people undergo. For me this too is a crime. There's been a noticeable increase in celebrities and ordinary individuals altering their appearances to the point where they no longer look human. This raises a critical question: why has our culture become so harsh that people feel the need to prove their worth by drastically changing their physical appearance? Women, in particular, feel pressured to conform to unrealistic standards, often ending up looking like soulless vessels. Is this the world we want our daughters to be raised in? A world where superficial changes are valued over genuine self-worth, and where the lines between humanity and inhumanity continue to blur? The madness of our times is evident in these societal trends, reflecting a profound moral and ethical crisis. ‘The Boys’ actress Erin Moriarty before and after pictures (2023) Civilized Savagery: Why we can't Escape Racism Through the centuries, it has become clear that humans show hostility towards anyone who looks different from them, whether it be due to skin color or beliefs. The transatlantic slave trade and global slavery are stark evidence of such racism. Today, social media is a tool that should connect people but has instead created isolation within communities and become a platform for abusing freedom of speech, using it to spread hatred. Black vs. white, Muslim vs. Jew, Ukrainian vs. Russian, North Korea vs. South Korea, Manchester United fans vs. Liverpool fans - in short: someone is always hating on someone. In France, Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN) party won a resounding victory in the first round of France's snap parliamentary elections. Despite not winning the overall elections, it has shown how much Muslims are not wanted. Muslims in France fear a surge of hate against them, with the future looking dark. Is this the beginning of Muslims truly being treated as second-class citizens? In the United States, African Americans account for 13 percent of the population but are nearly three times more likely to be killed by police officers than whites. According to the FBI, hate crimes reached an all-time high in the US in 2023. Across Europe, some ignorant illegal immigrants have targeted and groomed women, viewing Western women as subhuman and believing it is acceptable to rape or abuse them. This has led to heightened tensions and hatred between nations due to the reprehensible actions of a few. The resulting animosity further divides communities, perpetuating cycles of violence and mistrust. From India to the UK, and across Europe to the US, the irrational madness of racism and discrimination continues to plague humanity. In essence, racism is the most primitive and degrading way to judge an individual. Judging a person not by their character or intellect but by their genetic lineage shows how people still follow the tribal warfare mentality of past savages. It is disheartening to see leading nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and India, among others, fueling their citizens' desire to exclude or harm their fellow humans based on skin color. This is one of the most egregious acts of discrimination in the world today. Clock of Doom: Earth Spins Faster Amidst Surge in Crime and Moral Decay As demonstrated, the world is descending into madness: extreme biblical-level natural disasters are increasing, crime rates are rising, and people prioritize protesting over bedroom freedoms like pride parades rather than addressing corrupt governments and widespread genocide. Atheism is at its peak, adding to the societal chaos I've highlighted. This madness has created a world so chaotic that it feels as though it's spinning out of control—literally. Scientific observations confirm that the Earth recently completed its fastest rotation on record, resulting in the shortest day in recent history, according to TimeAndDate.com . Many people online report feeling that time is accelerating, leaving them bewildered at how quickly the years pass. If you step back and contemplate everything I have listed, it becomes evident that we are living in dark times. In a world where many are lost and misled by deceptive figures claiming to have answers, we are governed by flawed systems that offer bread and circuses rather than solutions to the disasters around us. The craziest part is not even what I have mentioned within this article. The crazy part is how humanity has done nothing, how there's been no revolt against all this. Everyone has given up and quietly accepted these atrocities that have taken place. I hope people understand that by standing back and saying nothing, they're complicit in all that's wrong with this world. It's imperative that we collectively awaken and acknowledge that we are living in the end times. We must question whether there's a higher force meant to guide us through this madness. The time has come to confront the realities of our world and unite against the forces that seek to divide and destroy us.

UPDATE 23rd of August 2024 - The six Jordanian members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, who were detained on July 25, 2024, for peacefully conducting missionary work in Amman, have been released on bail. The members were held in solitary confinement under poor hygienic conditions, where their faith was repeatedly mocked. They were also threatened by authorities not to practice their religion publicly or online. It has been reported that their social media accounts are now being closely monitored. In response to these events, the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light has filed a formal complaint with the UN Special Procedures for Arbitrary Detention and Freedom of Religion, citing their arrest and treatment as clear violations of their fundamental human rights. The group continues to express concern over the ongoing persecution and the chilling effect this has on their religious expression in Jordan. UPDATE 8th of August 2024 - The Jordanian government is now formally pressing charges against the Jordanian members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light under Article 150 of the Jordanian Penal Code for "inciting sectarian strife." Official documents from the prosecution confirm these charges. The trial for the accused members is scheduled to take place on September 16th. The peaceful and respectful distribution of flyers about one's religious beliefs should not result in arrest and detention. This is a clear violation of the AROPL members' rights to freedom of belief and freedom of expression. The Jordanian authorities are misusing Article 150 of the Penal Code (misdemeanor of inciting sectarian strife) to restrict the religious freedom of a minority. This tactic is clearly aimed at intimidating AROPL members and deterring them from engaging in peaceful missionary work, which is an essential aspect of their faith. UPDATE 31st of July 2024 - Five members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light from Jordan, identified as Issa Mahmoud Abd Al-Rahman Abu Shahin, Fadi Mostafa Mohamad Alyan, Yahya Hassan Abdullah Jabir, Omar Mahmoud Abd Al-Rahman Abu Shahin, and Yahia Abedelmajeed Mahmoud Berjawi, have been placed in solitary confinement in Marka Prison in Amman. They have been detained since July 29, 2024, and are not permitted to communicate with other inmates. This measure was reportedly taken to prevent the dissemination of their religious beliefs within the prison. The individuals were arrested in the Tla Ali district of Amman while sharing their beliefs, including the appearance of Imam Mahdi and the true location of the Kaaba. They face charges of "insulting religious feelings of others" and "inciting sectarian strife." Additionally, another member, Maryam Jabir Sabir Al-Debaji, was initially scheduled for release. However, her release was postponed and subsequently denied by the governor of Amman after she affirmed her beliefs. Maryam was later considered for release on bail but was returned to detention following a second meeting with the mayor of Amman, where she once again insisted on her beliefs. She remains in detention. UPDATE 29th of July 2024 - Five Jordanian members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light were charged yesterday by the public prosecutor of the North Amman Court of First Instance with "insulting religious feelings of others" and "inciting sectarian strife" under articles 278 and 150 of the Jordanian Penal Code. They were sentenced to an initial 15 days in jail, subject to renewal. The interrogation, conducted by both the public prosecutor and national intelligence, accused the members of sectarianism and insulting Islam, specifically citing their belief that the true location of the Kaaba is in Petra, Jordan, rather than Saudi Arabia. One bystander was not charged and was supposed to be released, but upon further interrogation by the governor of Amman, and after declaring her belief in the Ahmadi Religion and her stance on the Kaaba, she was ordered back into detention. Several human rights organizations have expressed concerns about the increasing restrictions on freedom of religion in Jordan and the use of articles 278 and 150 to limit freedom of expression and religious practice. The members were arrested on July 25 while distributing flyers and engaging in missionary activities in the Tla Ali district of Amman. They also expressed support for their Azerbaijani fellow members, who were recently detained in Azerbaijan for similar activities. The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light has condemned these actions and is calling for the immediate release of its members in both countries and for all charges against them to be dropped. UPDATE 26th of July 2024 - The six believers were taken to the General Intelligence Department (GID) in Amman, Jordan. They are being interrogated and are being investigated for causing public disorder. The interrogators will decide if they will be tried at military or civil court. Amman, Jordan, 25th of July 2024 - In a significant development today, six believers took to the streets of the Tla al-Ali District in Amman to show their solidarity with two Azeri believers who have been sentenced to prison in Azerbaijan for distributing flyers . The demonstrators, identified as Issa Mahmoud Abd Al-Rahman Abu Shahin, Maryam Jabir Sabir Al-Debaij, Omar Mahmoud Abd Al-Rahman Abu Shahin, Yahia Abedelmajeed Mahmoud Berjawi, and Yahya Hassan Abdullah Jabir, were seen handing out flyers about the leaders of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light Aba Al-Sadiq and engaging in missionary works with bystanders. They carried images of Aba Al-Sadiq and Ahmed Al-Hassan as well as a sign saying "Free our brothers and sisters in faith in Azerbaijan." The peaceful protest, which was live-streamed on TikTok, lasted only five minutes before several police cars arrived at the scene. The live feed shows that the police officers acted with excessive force, brutally pushing the AROPL members into police vehicles. Among those arrested was 45-year-old Maryam Jabir Sabir Al-Debaij. The detained individuals are currently being held at the Tla Al-Ali Police Station pending further investigation. This incident raises concerns about the freedom of expression and the treatment of peaceful protesters in Jordan.

The search for the ideal system of rulership is an age-old quest that has eluded humanity throughout history. From  the philosophers of Ancient Greece to the wisest thinkers of yesterday and today, individuals have pondered whether a perfect society or state could exist . Centuries ago, islamic narrations for example prophesied that a savior figure called the Qaim (Riser), would give rise to exactly such a state, after removing injustice and tyranny from the earth. This statement is echoed by the narrations of many other world religions like Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism and in light of current affairs, leads us to the question - what about the systems of today? Are the states and systems we see today truly the epitome of governance and justice? Are they true reflections of the ideals they claim to represent, or are they rather 21st century systems of tyranny and slavery? Democracy - The Dictatorship of the Majority The most common system that we see today is Democracy. It is often touted as the rule of the people. For many today it is not just an ideal, but an essential feature of an enlightened system of governance. In a democracy, people have the ability to elect leaders and to participate in decisions and policies. The will of the majority prevails. The system is considered to serve its people through citizen participation and equal opportunity to vote, but it is not without its flaws. What is sold as the rule of the people is the rule of the majority. In many instances in history this has proven to be a problematic choice. For instance, a 2017 BMG Research Poll in the UK found that two-thirds of the UK public (67%) did not read political manifestos at all. This lack of knowledge can lead to uninformed masses making political decisions that are detrimental to society. Democracy can allow self-serving individuals to manipulate and influence the majority of citizens, with leaders prioritizing short-term policies that ensure their re-election rather than investing in long-term projects that may be unpopular but more beneficial for society. At its worst, democracy can descend into a regime where the majority acts as a mob that imposes its will without considering the welfare of all citizens. Adolf Hitler was elected by the majority of Germans in 1932 Capitalism - Exploiting the Weakest Capitalism, an economic system in which a country’s trade, industry, and profits are controlled by private companies or individuals, is a main feature of most democratic countries. It is a system that prides itself on encouraging innovation and opportunity, its most visible example being the United States, one of the wealthiest superpowers the world has ever known. Capitalism is driven by profit in a way that is said to best serve society through the efficient allocation of resources, but is that the reality of capitalism that we see today? As we witness the worst excesses of capitalism, which enrich the wealthy and enforce a disparity of wealth, the questions of justice and humanity are brought to the forefront.  In many cases, the never-ending pursuit of profit often comes at the expense of human rights and dignity, and often results in the exploitation of workers, particularly in developing nations. The presence of sweatshops, where men, women and children work in appalling conditions for inadequate wages, highlights the huge gap between rich and poor being fueled by corporate greed. Capitalism has also been widely criticized for destroying the environment through unsustainable practices. Industries like fossil fuels, mining, and deforestation have caused immense pollution and loss of biodiversity, with corporations disregarding the long-term consequences of their actions, all in the name of financial gain. Can a system that prioritizes profit above all else be considered humane or ideal? The richest have amassed staggering fortunes, while the poor face increasing hardship in these capitalist driven societies. Who would call this a just system? Communism and Socialism - Is it Realistic? At the other end of the spectrum there is communism, essentially a system where all property and wealth are owned by the state, rather than by individuals. Everyone in society shares the benefits which are equally distributed. This complete public ownership of property is aimed at creating an entirely classless, equal society. However, history has witnessed countless instances of widespread famine, oppression, and human rights violations in communist states, such as the Soviet Union and China. These governments have been associated with a monopoly on political power and the suppression of opposition. In addition, the economic model of communism has repeatedly failed to work in practice, undermining the very ideals the system seeks to uphold. Poor children during the Famine in the Communist Soviet Union Socialism is an economic and political system based on collective ownership, with the aim of ensuring an equal distribution of wealth and resources. While communism aims to eliminate all private property, under socialism citizens can still possess certain private property. However, this system is not clearly defined and the extent of private ownership differs, with varying interpretations and approaches of socialism. In practical reality, socialist systems have had limited successes but also failures in terms of economic prosperity and welfare. The Soviet Union experienced initial industrial growth, but it ultimately collapsed due to a weak economy, lack of innovation and mismanagement of resources. North Korea's socialist economy was considered a failure, with widespread poverty, food shortages and severe human rights abuses. Socialist China under Mao Zedong suffered from famine, oppression and large scale economic decline. Many  socialist systems suffer from corruption, abuse of power and economic failure. Exploitation of the welfare system is a common occurrence in these systems. As a result, economic hardship and immense human suffering has accompanied the implementation of socialist policies, despite their stated objectives of fairness and equality.  The Issues Plaguing Modern Islamic Societies Many other systems of governance do exist and have existed, yet these few glimpses reveal the ease with which any system can fall victim to corruption. Unfortunately, this is not just the case for non-religious systems. In many instances the people who recognise justice and humanity as God-given rights, fare even worse. Despite claiming to be on the true path that recognizes authority belongs to God, Muslims have experienced immense struggles in implementing anything that remotely represents a just and enlightened system. Central to this and it would seem mainly in consideration of this, Prophet Mohammed on his deathbed dictated a will with clear instructions that would prevent the Muslim nation from going astray. From the moment that the Muslims disregarded the will and the divine system of leadership designated by God, the Muslim world descended into some of the worst chaos, bloodshed and devastation ever witnessed. Having forsaken the will of their Prophet and the will of God, Muslims found themselves abandoned. Their own man-made systems, each shrouded in the cloak of religious legitimacy, are full of injustice, corruption and sobering statistics. The wealthiest and most influential Muslim nations are run by a monarchy, a hereditary system where rule is passed down from one generation to the next within a single family. In most Muslim countries, the monarch has absolute and unlimited authority, with no laws to hold the ruler accountable or allow a removal from the position. In this system a single family enjoys immense privilege simply due to birth, often leading to abuse of power. A glance at the conduct of monarchs and the suffering and human rights abuses in their societies reveals how these royal families betray not just the principles of humanity and justice, but also the very Islamic values they claim to uphold.  Saudi Arabia exemplifies this system of monarchy, with the Al-Saud family ruling since the nation's establishment in 1932. The wealth of the Saudi royal family, estimated to be over $1.4 trillion, funds their extraordinarily lavish lifestyle which contrasts greatly with the widespread poverty and daily struggle for survival experienced by millions across the region. The royal family's extravagance is clearly seen in their possessions, including Al-Yamamah Palace, spread over 4 million square feet, a $450 million Leonardo da Vinci painting, a $400 million superyacht and gold-plated luxury vehicles. In 2018, the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi brought international attention to the oppressive policies and brutal repression perpetrated by the Saudi monarchy. However, the wealth and absolute power of the Saudi monarchs, particularly Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, have created a system where oppressive policies can flourish with the royal family shielded from accountability. Other Islamic nations exist as Islamic Republics, such as the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran is a state which claims to represent Imam Al-Mahdi, but as has been detailed in the book “The Goal of the Wise”, glaring inconsistencies between Iran’s actions and its proclaimed status exist. Iran is a nation full of scholars who preach of miracles and healings at the shrines, yet the same clerics send their own relatives to Western hospitals for expensive medical treatments . This is just one prominent instance highlighting the blatant hypocrisy of the scholars at the highest levels of this system. Allegations of corruption, inhumane prisons, prostitution rings, brutal killings and crackdowns are never far from this hardliner government, run by clerics who claim to represent the 12th Imam. A System of True Justice Despite humanity's efforts throughout history, every system of governance, whether capitalism, communism, socialism, or democracy, has ultimately proven to be susceptible to corruption, oppression, and injustice in one form or another, primarily due to corrupt or weak politicians and immoral corporations. Their far-reaching influence in these systems leads to decisions and policies that deteriorate society. And what of the common people? They suffer due to these failings, enduring daily difficulties that governments and systems are unable or unwilling to resolve. Citizens in these states can face imprisonment or even death for exercising their basic human rights. Despite the existence of laws and regulations, justice cannot prevail. On closer inspection, it appears that each system has one central flaw: they are incapable of preventing self-serving leaders from assuming authority, ultimately leading to the collapse of society through decisions detrimental to public interests. It stands to reason that if the ruler is enlightened and makes the best possible decisions in each case without any self-interest, then a system with this person as leader would be the most effective and efficient. So, it actually comes down to a person. Plato figured this out 2,300 years ago. In Plato’s “Republic,” Socrates envisions an ideal state governed by philosopher kings. In this system, rulers do not make decisions for corporations, the majority, or personal gain, but rather decisions are based on justice. Leadership is determined by merit, wisdom, and noble character, not by wealth or privilege. Plato believed that only philosophers can truly know the forms, or in other words, have an understanding of true reality, giving them the unique capability to rule justly. These philosopher kings would be entrusted to uphold the principles of the state and guide its people, with a genuine commitment to justice and the welfare of all. Plato’s “Republic” presents a detailed vision of a state where human rights are safeguarded and an ideal society based on justice is established. It is this very idea of an enlightened and just state, established and maintained through the governance of the most virtuous and capable, that bears striking resemblance with the divine promise made by the Ahlul Bayt. The coming of the Qaim (Riser) Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem would usher in an era of peace and governance in its ideal form to create a divine just state. This promised society would be one where human rights are safeguarded, where decisions are made for the greater benefit of humanity, and where the truth and justice reign supreme, a true embodiment of the perfect society that the philosophers of Ancient Greece meticulously detailed in their philosophical texts. Thus, the path to establishing a just, enlightened and successful system of governance lies in adhering to the sacred will left by Prophet Mohammed and all the prophets and messengers, dating all the way back to Adam, who were entrusted with leading humanity towards this prophesied state, free from poverty and oppression. This promise is the culmination of the age-old quest for a truly just system, after an era or rather, after many eras of widespread injustice, corruption and moral decline, that we are presented with. This is not a system of justice according to subjective interpretations and fallible systems, but the implementation of justice under God’s guidance and command. Now, in our time, the path toward realizing this divine promise has been illuminated by the inheritors of the prophet's legacy. It is incumbent upon us all to actively prepare the grounds for this promised state, which will bring about true peace, equality, and spiritual revival to humanity.

Racism is an ugly reality of day-to-day life. It is something that encapsulates the entire planet to varying degrees. And race is not the sole differentiator either, divisions exist based on nearly every imaginable characteristic; ability, age, nationality, religion, language, caste, wealth, and many, many more. The effects from these characteristics have led to a society that is deeply divided on multiple facets. People are filtered on factors outside of their control. The person who was born on the wrong side of an imaginary line finds themselves unable to travel to a majority of the planet, through no fault of their own. Others face discrimination because of being born in a particular area of a country. For others, they are denied an opportunity to practice a profession they are best suited for, due to being born into a poor family. Racism vs. Islam: The Example of the UAE Looking at the Islamic world, we find numerous states that claim to adhere to Islamic principles but are fundamentally built on racism. The UAE stands out as a prominent example. Until the 1980s, the UAE was a simple Bedouin nation. It was the discovery of oil that triggered its rapid development into one of the world's most industrialized nations. However, this progress was largely built on the exploitation of immigrant workers, who have been treated as virtual slaves and continue to face such treatment today. It is estimated that migrant workers constitute at least 88% of the UAE's population. These workers, primarily young men from India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, flock to the UAE in search of employment opportunities, only to be exploited by large construction companies and agents. They are often lured by promises of earning around $500 a month, a significant sum compared to their potential earnings in their home countries. However, upon arrival, they typically receive a meager wage of between $135 and $190 per month. This compensation comes at the cost of enduring grueling 12-hour shifts in extreme heat, 365 days a year. Reports indicate that heat exhaustion has led to the premature deaths of thousands of migrant workers, as the intense conditions place severe strain on their cardiovascular systems, resulting in fatal heart attacks. Migrant workers line up in the burning heat in the UAE In June of 2021, the homes of at least 375 African migrant workers were raided by police, as reported by Amnesty International. Stripped of all their belongings, they were detained at Al-Wathba prison for 2 months before being deported. They were denied the opportunity to prove their legal right to remain in the country and access to legal counsel. Amnesty International’s investigation concluded that the only reason they had been brutalized in such a manner was because of the color of their skin. Human Rights Watch chronicles extensive cases of abuse of female domestic workers from countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and Nepal, in the UAE. Abuse such as confiscation of passports, working without breaks and days off, together with low salaries, are rife as reported by The Guardian in 2023. Favoritism exists among other nationalities with some more advantaged than others. This is seen in jobs and things like visa-free travel, but all are second-tier at best to the Emiratis. Despite purporting to be an Islamic country, Muslims from other nations are also severely disadvantaged. Reports of labor force abuse of Pakistani citizens are rife and a daily occurrence with exploitation, poor salaries, and low incomes are reported regularly. The result of this is plain to see. There is a ruling class that is more interested in the pleasures of this life than fulfilling the needs of its residents. In the meantime, everyone else is left fighting to survive. What about the Divine Just State? Upon reflecting on the topic of racism and a Divine Just State, one must consider how such a state would manifest. By its essence, a divine just state founded on racism cannot be just, let alone divine. Such a state would prioritize the interests of one group over all others, thereby undermining justice. Inevitably, it would create disparities where some are privileged while the majority are disadvantaged. This approach fundamentally contradicts the principles of a Divine Just State and would ultimately lead to its collapse under such inherent injustice. For these, and many other reasons, the Divine Just State cannot be a state that is built on racial discrimination. To do so would create fundamental flaws that would lead to a state that is discriminatory by its very nature. It would, in effect, be no different from existing states that advantage one group over another based on race. Leading the Way Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq is the Qaim, the Riser of the Family of Mohammed. In the hierarchy of the religion, he is third after Imam Mahdi and Imam Ahmed Al-Hasan. He is the face of The Ahmadi Religion of Peace & Light. Were the Divine Just State built on racist views—that people of a particular race have superiority over everyone else—then surely it would be something enshrined in the leadership. After all, anything less would be hypocrisy. How could a state propagate a racist point of view in this manner, yet not feature those same characteristics in its leadership? Aba Al-Sadiq’s background is interesting for this very reason. He is of mixed race. His father is Egyptian, and his mother is from the United States of America. This heritage gives him a deep understanding of how to bring nations together and bridge cultural differences. Furthermore, Aba Al-Sadiq has been actively working on building a community with people from all over the world. He has created a community that ascends above color, race, and heritage and has encouraged them to live and build family bonds with each other. Freedom to Practice Religion Many countries identify themselves as religious nations. For instance, the majority of Middle Eastern countries are Muslim, Israel defines itself as a Jewish State, and there are Christian-majority countries like Greece, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Mexico. The degree of religious tolerance varies among these nations. In the Middle East, for instance, there is a notable tendency to marginalize non-Muslims and their beliefs, occasionally leading to direct discrimination against them. In December 2022, the US Department of State issued a press release that designated Burma, the People’s Republic of China, Cuba, Iran, the DPRK, Pakistan, Russia, and Saudi Arabia as Countries of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom. This illustrates just how widespread and entrenched the problem is, particularly that state actors are engaged in such acts. This type of intolerance will not exist in the Divine Just State. The Divine Just State, in its very constitution, gives people the right to practice their religions. Language is often closely linked to ethnicity, as citizens of a country typically speak its predominant language. Mexicans and Spaniards speak Spanish, French citizens speak French, and Germans speak German. Language plays a role in creating divisions as a result. Travelers to Germany, especially those seeking to stay there long-term, would need to learn German in order to get work and, realistically, to survive long-term while getting the most out of life. This situation repeats frequently across the planet. To be a Divine Just State, a state cannot allow for divisions along the grounds of language. For that reason, the language of the Divine Just State is English. English is the most spoken language on Earth. It will be the official language of the Divine Just State. Gone will be the need to learn multiple languages and any associated disadvantages of it. Other languages will exist, but English will be the main language spoken. The Divine Just State is defined by its adherence to divine justice, wherein individuals are assigned roles by God that align with their unique capabilities and innate talents. Factors such as creed, language, color, or religious affiliation hold no significance in this system. Consider this: what difference does it make if a skilled carpenter is from France or Pakistan? Why should one be disadvantaged over the other? Skill is skill. This principle forms the foundation, the fundamental essence of the Divine Just State. It eliminates divisive factors and ensures that all citizens' needs are met, enabling each individual to fulfill their duties to the best of their abilities. This is the Divine Just State.

On the evening of Saturday, July 29, 2023, the weather in the heart of Kuala Lumpur was bright and sunny. As usual, the streets were crowded with people on Tuanku Abdul Rahman Road. Amidst this hustle and bustle, eight men boldly made their way to the courtyard of the Sogo Building. No one suspected that on that evening, they would change Malaysia's fate. These eight men are followers of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. In the capital city of Malaysia, they organized a peaceful gathering to defend the rights of the LGBTQ community. They do not identify as LGBTQ, but they believe that in Malaysia, this community has been oppressed and denied their fundamental rights. These eight men are frustrated with the pro-government religious authorities who have persecuted the LGBTQ community and other minority groups. They believe that religious institutions have unjustly punished the LGBTQ community, thereby making the religion seem unjust. They also know that the true adversaries of religion and divine justice are religious scholars who oppose the supremacy of God and reject the leadership of the Prophet's Ahlul-Bayt. While waving a black banner with the logo of the “Star of David” and the words “The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light”, the eight men shouted, "People should not be persecuted because of their sexual orientation,", “Down down Shariah court!”, and “Only God can judge”. Their resounding cries prompted the Dang Wangi police to rush in and stop the gathering. In the midst of the crowd, the police acted swiftly to arrest them and place them in a police van. Chaos ensued. In an instant, the once bright and sunny weather turned grim and dark. In the blink of an eye, news of their arrest began to spread. The masses, influenced by religious leaders, began to curse the bearers of the black banner defending the LGBTQ community. Social media became filled with curses and threats, with many even advocating to execute them. The eight men who boldly denounced the religious institutions and Islamic Shariah of Malaysia are Azizul bin Rebu, Muhammad Danial bin Azizul, Mohd Ramli bin Md Yusof, Maznan bin Othman, Mohamad Shahrunizam bin Ilias, Mohamad Safwan bin Ahmad, Muhammad Nasaie bin Abd Rahman, and Ahmad Bukhari bin Bakkery. They were all arrested and interrogated by the police and the Federal Territories Religious Department. Arrest photos of the 8 peaceful protestors On August 3, 2023, the Harian Metro  newspaper reported that the Muftis of Pahang and Kelantan had declared the Ahmadi religion to be outside the teachings of Islam and its followers to be apostates, urging the authorities to impose the harshest punishment possible. Islamic communities, adhering to the religious scholars, immediately spread condemnation of the defenders of the LGBT community and pressured the authorities to impose punishment. Meanwhile, freelance speakers across the country continued to spread slander inciting people to curse the LGBT community and its supporters. Ustaz Mat Ropa, a renowned freelance speaker in Malaysia, described the eight men as foreign agents receiving substantial payment from the enemies of Islam to undermine the faith of its people. The religious scholar called on the public to reject a religion that advocates for LGBT rights, arguing that it undermines stability and unity within the nation. However, on August 4, 2023, the Chief of Police of Kuala Lumpur announced that investigation papers had been prepared and sent to the Attorney General for further action. From these developments, it became clear that the fate of the eight men defending the rights of the LGBT community was in grave danger. Upon the advice of NGO lawyers, they were forced to immediately leave behind their children, wives, and beloved families, emigrating out of the country for their safety and faith. As the eldest son, Ramli, 55 years old, sadly left his elderly mother whom he had cared for almost 30 years. He had to ask his brother to take over the care. Shahrunizam, 47 years old, also shed tears due to being separated from both of his ailing parents. Safwan, 39 years old, faced physical abuse from his father for refusing to return to Sunni Islam. With his wife and five children under the care of his parents, Safwan had no choice but to leave them behind. Similarly, Bukhari, 39 years old, found himself in the same situation, leaving his wife and five children. Likewise, Nasaie, 35 years old, and Maznan, 57 years old, also had to bid farewell to their beloved families, as they realized that "the truth is expensive." Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister denounces AROPL and MCMC bans social media platforms Most recently, the Malaysian government, through the MCMC (Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission), has blocked the access to the website of the religion and its main Malay social media (TikTok) and videos on Youtube, depriving its people of the right to receive the universal message of the Ahmadi Religion. Clearly, a Sunni government that claims to advocate for freedom of speech has imitated the very rulers that have opposed prophets like Noah, Abraham, and prophet Mohammed in the past. The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, tried to 'close the ears' of Malaysians from hearing the message of Imam Al-Mahdi, who is spreading truth and justice throughout the world. The actions of the Malaysian government and the religious scholars resemble the actions of the people of Prophet Noah, who closed their ears because they hated to hear the truth.  Should the Malaysian government continue to persecute followers of Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, who obey the leadership of the successors of the Prophet's Holy Household and advocate for “Humanity Before Religion”? Should Malaysia continue to excommunicate lovers of truth and justice from obeying Imam Mahdi, whose emergence was prophesied by all Abrahamic religions? Should Malaysia continue to block the voices of TikTok and YouTube of Aba Al-Sadiq? Abdullah Hashem, who calls on humanity to board the ark of salvation of the Ahlul-Bayt, while the world is about to face the final disaster of the end times? Aren’t all the prophecies about the arrival of the disaster recorded in all the religious books of the world? And finally, should the religious scholars in Malaysia, who know about the glory of the Ahlul-Bayt and the coming of Imam Mahdi, continue to conceal the truth and try to uphold falsehood just for the sake of not losing their worldly gains? Should they?

A. The Expert 1. My name is Massimo Introvigne. I am an Italian sociologist of religions and have taught courses in several universities, including one of Sociology of Religions until 2016, when I retired, at Pontifical Salesian University in Torino, Italy. I am the co-founder and, since 1988, the managing director of CESNUR, the Center for Studies on New Religions, one of the largest research centers on religious pluralism in Europe. 2. I am the author of some seventy books on new religious movements, sociology of religions, and religious liberty (two of them published by Oxford University Press, and one by Cambridge University Press), and of more than one hundred articles in peer reviewed journals and chapters of collective books in several languages. A full bibliography of my writings is available at https://www.cesnur.org/introvigne_biblio.htm . 3. I have been called by senior Italian sociologist Roberto Cipriani, in what is the best-known manual in Italian on Sociology of Religion, “one of the Italian sociologists of religion most well-known abroad, and among the world’s leading scholars of new religious movements” ( Nuovo manuale di sociologia della religione , 2nd ed., Rome: Borla, 2009, 470). Writing in one of the official publications of the American Academy of Religion, the largest professional organization in the world in the field of religious studies, Swedish historian Per Faxneld, reviewing one of my books, called me “one of the major names in the study of new religions” ( https://readingreligion.org/books/satanism ). 4. In 2011, I was called to serve as the Representative of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, of which the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada are also participating states) for combating racism, xenophobia, and intolerance and discrimination against Christians and members of other religions. In 2012, I was appointed chairperson of the National Observatory of Religious Liberty, established by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and served in this capacity until 2015. 5. I serve in the boards of directors and executive boards of several specialized academic journals in my field, including University of Pennsylvania Press’ Nova   Religio  ( https://muse.jhu.edu/issue/51647/information/editorial.pdf ), and Baylor University’s Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion ( https://www.religjournal.com/editorialboard.php ). 6. In 2018, I started publishing as editor-in-chief the daily magazine Bitter Winter , which mostly covers issues of religious liberty. It has rapidly emerged as a trusted sources of religious liberty information internationally. For example, the section on China of the U.S. Department of State yearly report on religious liberty for the year 2020, published in 2021 ( https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/china/ ) quoted Bitter Winter 85 times, making it the most quoted media outlet in that document. We continued to be quoted in subsequent  years in documents by the U.S. Department of State, USCIRF (the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom), and other national authorities for our coverage not only of China but of other countries as well. B. The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) 7. In connection with a refusal of registration by the UK Charity Commission of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), I have been asked to answer two questions, whether AROPL is a “distinct religion” with respect to the existing religions and present all the features normally associated with a religion, and whether it serves the “public benefit” in the UK. 8. I am familiar with the teachings and activities of the AROPL in the UK and other countries. For a general introduction to the AROPL, please refer to the series of five articles I have published in Bitter Winter recently, co-authored with my colleague Karolina Maria Kotkowska of Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland: (1) https://bitterwinter.org/the-ahmadi-religion-of-peace-and-light-1-a-drama-and-its-characters/ ; (2) https://bitterwinter.org/the-ahmadi-religion-of-peace-and-light-2-from-ahmed-al-hassan-to-abdullah-hashem/ ; (3) https://bitterwinter.org/the-ahmadi-religion-of-peace-and-light-3-esotericism-and-progressive-millennialism/ ; (4) https://bitterwinter.org/the-ahmadi-religion-of-peace-and-light-4-the-divine-just-state/ ; and (5) https://bitterwinter.org/the-ahmadi-religion-of-peace-and-light-5-why-are-they-persecuted/ .  9. There is no doubt in my mind that the AROPL is a religion. I participated in 1999 in a European-Union-sponsored project on the definition of religion (see my contribution: “Religion as Claim: Social and Legal Controversies,” in Jan G. Platvoet and Arie L. Molendijk, eds., The Pragmatics of Defining Religion: Contexts, Concepts and Contests , Leiden: Brill, 1999, 41–72). While the definition of religion remains a contested notion, it is generally agreed that three elements are both needed and sufficient to define a religion: a shared system of beliefs that would answer questions about the “ultimate concerns” through an appeal to supernatural entities, be they immanent to our world or transcendent; an organization promoting such beliefs; and a ritual. In the case of AROPL there is, first, a complete and articulate system of beliefs affirming the existence of a personal God, his action in human history, his appointment of different messengers, rules he gave to humanity about morality and society, where does evil come from, what happens to humans after they die, and how a religious community coherent with God’s plan should be organized. The sacred scripture of the AROPL, The Goal of the Wise , which I have studied in detail, is a text of more than 600 pages that offers comprehensive and coherent answers to these questions (and many others). Indeed, the theology of the AROPL, with its rich extension to historical, moral, and social issues, appears as more detailed and complete when compared to many other religions generally recognized as such, particularly those founded recently. 10. AROPL has a hierarchical organization, which is defined in The Goal of the Wise and functions in practice, with a leader regarded as God’s appointed messenger for our time who has the power of defining the doctrine and organizing the religion, and appoints local leaders and those in charge of special tasks. I have seen these rules applied in the daily life of AROPL, which functions as many other hierarchically organized religions do. 11. Scholars of religions have expanded for at least the last fifty years the notion of “ritual” beyond the 19th-century model that looked everywhere for something similar to a Protestant Sunday service, a Catholic Mass, or a Jewish Saturday rite. There is obviously nothing similar in Buddhist groups or even in more recently established forms of Christianity such as the Quakers. The AROPL is what scholars would call a “dispensationalist” group, meaning that it divides history into epochs or dispensations. What was appropriate, and indeed corresponding to God’s will, in one dispensation is no longer needed in the subsequent dispensation. The five daily prayers, the Friday sermons in the mosques, or the pilgrimage to Mecca belong for the AROPL to the sixth covenant or dispensation. We live now in a new time, the seventh covenant, and these practices are no longer needed. But this does not mean that the AROPL does not have its own ritual. It calls “basilica” the hall in its center devoted to religious services rather than “mosque.” It looks like a typical place of worship (see image 1) and includes a pulpit from where sermons are delivered to a partially seated and largely standing audience.   Image 1: The basilica in the AROPL headquarters in the UK. Believers gather regularly there for hearing sermons, praying, meditating, and listening to readings from the holy book The Goal of the Wise  and other sacred texts. This is not an unusual “ritual” and indeed is found in many Christian-derivative and Muslim-derivative religions. For example, the Jehovah’s Witnesses except for their yearly celebration of the Lord’s Supper, gather regularly to hear instructions and readings from their publications. “Ritual” today has many and different forms. Whoever attends a gathering of the AROPL clearly understands that this is a religious ritual meeting where believers affirm and celebrate their religion. 12. A further question is whether the AROPL is a distinct religion or simply a “sect” of Shiite Islam. In my opinion, the AROPL is a new religion. Of course, no new religion is totally new. When it was born, Christianity was largely based on Judaism, and Islam incorporated elements of both Judaism and Christianity. Yet, Christianity and Islam inaugurated new religious traditions and were not simply variations of pre-existing religions. Scholars of religion distinguish between the “emic” point of view of the devotees and the “etic” (not to be confused with “ethic”) perspective of the outside scholarly observers. The emic point of view of the AROPL members is that they represent the true Islam, in fact the true universal religion. From the etic perspective of scholars, they are part of a new religion, as different from what is normally called Islam as Christianity is different from Judaism. There would be no Christianity without Judaism, yet Christianity is a different religion from Judaism. There would be no AROPL without Shia Islam, yet the AROPL is a different and autonomous religion. The Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Latter-day Saints both have an emic claim of being the true and the original form of Christianity. Yet, from the etic point of view of scholars they are new religious traditions emerging from Christianity just as Christianity once emerged from Judaism. That the AROPL is a new religion is obvious to any reader of The Goal of the Wise and explicitly proclaimed there. We read in the book that ninety-nine per cent of what Islam currently teaches is wrong, which would be hardly compatible with the theory that the AROPL is just a sect within Islam. “Ninety-nine percent of religion is wrong, not ninety-nine percent of all religions, ninety-nine percent of each religion, even Islam” (The Goal of the Wise, p. 110). “The Islam that the Riser/Qaim [i.e., the leader of the AROPL], brings shall be almost entirely different from the Islam that Mohammed… came with and the Islam that is currently practiced today. Essentially, it is a new religion” (The Goal of the Wise, p. 113). The AROPL devotees believe that the real Kaaba is not in Mecca (but in Petra, Jordan), that fixed times for prayer are not necessary, that Ramadan is in December, headscarves are not mandatory from women, alcohol can be freely if moderately drunk, LGBTQ people should not be judged or persecuted, and all prophets made mistakes. In short, they believe that we have entered a seventh and final covenant between the humankind and God, where the teachings and jurisprudence of the sixth covenant, stipulated with Muhammad, are no longer in force. Their movement was born in a Shiite context, yet they teach that the present Shia leadership in both Iraq and Iran is made up of “non-working scholars” who lead believers astray with false doctrines. All these teachings clearly establish that the AROPL is a new religion and not a variation of sect of Islam. 13. I am not a specialist of British law on Charities and its notion of public benefit. I would however include some comments on this aspect as well. The moral teachings that the AROPL imparts to its members are undoubtedly beneficial for society, particularly considering that these members often come from Islamic countries plagued by fundamentalism and conflict. The AROPL has paid a heavy price for its human-rights-friendly approach to Islamic teachings, particularly for its defense of the rights of the LGBTQ community, which has led to the arrest and harassment of its members in Malaysia and elsewhere. The Goal of the Wise teaches that “Religion is good treatment of others, and whoever doesn’t treat others well has no religion” ( The Goal of the Wise , p. 362). I saw no evidence that this precept is not sincerely believed and practiced. 14. I respectfully suggest to consider that the AROPL is in the UK a religion with many members who escaped religious persecution in other countries. Obviously, their first need is to survive in safety, which perhaps explains why the outreach activities in the UK are still in an initial stage of development. In general terms, however, in all countries where the AROPL is present, based on its theology and moral teachings, presenting the message of the religion to everybody and offering several forms of help to those in need, including non-members of the group, are typical features of the movement. Certain meetings and gatherings of AROPL are reserved to members, as it happens in many religions, but others are public and even massively broadcasted via the Internet. The AROPL has even organized an international conference for scholars of religion last March, where its beliefs have been candidly presented and discussed with academics coming from such diverse countries as Australia, Lithuania, the United States, and Canada, in addition to the United Kingdom. I understand that charitable activities benefiting also non-members are in an advanced state of planning and, as mentioned earlier, correspond both tho the AROPL’s worldview and to its activities in other countries. In short, I believe that the AROPL does offer “public benefit” services in the UK, consistent with the situation of its members but with larger plans for the future that have already started to be implemented. April 10, 2024 Massimo Introvigne

The spread of the call of Aba Al-Sadiq, the awaited Mahdi and reformer of the world, has ignited like wildfire in the Philippines, an island nation encircled by its own volcanic “Ring of Fire.” A growing number of new believers, inspired by the spirit of truth, have been working tirelessly to distribute posters and flyers proclaiming that supremacy belongs to God alone and His chosen successor on earth. Salvation, they emphasize, is now at hand. This new wave of devoted believers primarily originates from Mindanao province, home to 93% of the Muslim population in the Philippines. Emerging from spiritual discontent and oppressive circumstances, these individuals have embraced the message with unwavering conviction. The first recorded introduction of Islam in the Philippines was in the Sulu region, a coastal area known for its industrious and resourceful Bajau sea gypsies. It was Tuhan Mahadum who introduced the key concept of Tawhid  (the Oneness of God) around the time of Imam Al-Baqir. Tuhan Mahadum is also credited with revealing the event of Prophet Muhammad splitting the moon, a topic discussed in-depth on the Mahdi Has Appeared  YouTube channel. By 1380, Islam had further spread through Arab and Malay merchants and Yemeni missionaries. They taught the local tribes not only the correct format for prayers in line with the teachings of the 6th covenant but also emphasized the prophetic succession of “Baginda Ali,” Imam Ali. Today, believers in Aba Al-Sadiq in the Philippines have embarked on individual spiritual journeys to seek and embrace this profound message.

On the morning of the 3rd of November 2024, at 5:00 PM Thailand Time, a devoted group of believers from the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light gathered in the town of Nat Duson Khuan Don in the Khuan Don District of Satun, Thailand. These courageous individuals embarked on a mission of faith, driven by an unwavering dedication to their beliefs and a deep conviction to spread the message of peace and enlightenment. The believers were equipped with essential materials for their missionary efforts, including 40 copies of The Mahdi’s Manifesto and 150 informational flyers designed to convey the core teachings and beliefs of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. Their goal was to distribute these materials through traditional missionary work, sharing their message with the people of Khuan Don and inviting them to explore the teachings of the Mahdi. Each member of this dedicated group played a vital role in carrying out this mission. Listed below are the participants, each bringing their unique strength and commitment to the cause: Fatima Kanseeviang, 52 years old Mr. Yuttana Madthing, 54 years old Apichai Lethongkham, 66 years old Mrs. Pachoom Lareeno, 67 years old Mr. Nattawan Kuntong (Arifeen), 66 years old Mr. Krisda Dumlux, 56 years old Voosnong Madda, 65 years old Thanatorn Khuntong, 21 years old Sirikaan Yongstar, 48 years old A Bold Mission This gathering exemplified the bravery and devotion of these believers, who, despite any challenges, remained resolute in their mission. Their commitment to sharing the teachings of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light reflects a profound dedication to their faith and to spreading a message of unity, peace, and enlightenment. May their journey inspire others to learn more about the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light and the teachings they are so passionate about sharing.