March 31, 2025 - In Perth, a region known for its diverse migrant population, we spoke with Gholagha, a member of the Afghan Shia Hazara community, during what Muslims consider the month of Ramadan. He shared the theology and teachings of Aba Sadiq, at a large gathering at his local mosque. Gholagha decided to take action at the Ahlulbayt Community of Western Australia (ACWA) on the occasion of Eid, knowing it would see the highest turnout. The center, which serves approximately 3,000 followers, is composed primarily of Afghan worshippers, alongside Iraqi, Iranian, Lebanese, and Afghani members. Leadership within the mosque is divided among scholars of different theological traditions, including those who follow Seyed Khoei, Sheikh Issaq Fayyaz, and the self-proclaimed "Signs of God" such as Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Gholagha According to Gholagha, a significant portion of the community's knowledge of religious teachings remains superficial, often limited to the memorization of prayers and narrations rather than an exploration of deeper gnostic truths. Gholagha himself was a member of ACWA, but embarked on a spiritual journey in 2010, initially influenced by the works of Abdullah Hashem and the documentary The Arrivals during his high school years. Gholagha’s journey to faith deepened over time, but he began to question the mainstream teachings of Shia Islam, particularly after following scholars such as Ammar Nakshawani. He found their discourses lacking in the depth he sought, often resembling entertainment rather than substantive religious exploration. His quest for deeper understanding ultimately led him to the teachings of Aba Al-Sadiq, and in early 2024, he joined the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. On the day of the festival, Gholagha was granted the opportunity to address the congregation, an event he describes as divinely inspired. His role as a trusted electrician and community volunteer at the mosque helped facilitate this moment. For years, he had provided electrical maintenance services to the center without charge and had actively contributed to key religious gatherings. His sermon, titled "Religion is a Man", sought to convey a central belief of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light: that divine knowledge is revealed through God's chosen messengers. He argued that contemporary religious institutions had drifted from this truth, focusing on rituals rather than the pursuit of deeper knowledge. The reception was mixed. While an estimated 400 to 500 attendees listened, only a handful approached him afterward to express support. Some indicated their families might be open to further discussion, particularly among younger members disillusioned by traditional religious teachings. However, his address was cut short before his allotted 15-minute slot was completed, which he attributes to potential resistance from the mosque’s leadership. “The teachings of Aba Sadiq are earth-shattering and cannot be refuted,” he said, implying that some religious authorities might feel their positions threatened by his message. Gholagha believes that many Shia youth have grown disenchanted with mainstream religious institutions, which they see as overly focused on legalistic rulings and historical narratives rather than solutions for contemporary struggles. Quoting Islamic traditions, he warned that religious knowledge had been diluted over time, leaving only the shell of faith without its essence. He also referenced prophecies about the coming of the Mahdi, stating that signs of the awaited savior's emergence are now evident. Citing Islamic and biblical scriptures, he argued that the Mahdi would appear from the West, challenging long-standing assumptions about his origins. His message, however, remains controversial. While he expects some support from within the Australian Shia community, he acknowledges that more established Shia groups, particularly those from Iraq and Iran, may reject his teachings outright. Despite potential ostracization, he remains undeterred. He plans to continue engaging individuals one-on-one, believing that direct dialogue is the most effective means of spreading his beliefs. Additionally, he aims to present his message at larger gatherings to reach as many open-minded seekers as possible. “The truth is with Aba Sadiq,” he affirmed. “I am in full admiration of his divinely inspired knowledge, wisdom, and morals. And indeed, there is no might or power except by God.”

Mon, March 31, 2025 - In a striking act of defiance against religious censorship, thousands of flyers were dropped from a drone over Malaysia during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, each announcing the arrival of Imam Mahdi. The flyers contained a QR code linking to the Malay social media channels of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light—an unprecedented move in response to the sweeping ban imposed on the religion’s digital presence. The dramatic event unfolded after Malaysian authorities took stringent measures to suppress the religion's outreach. On March 7, 2024, Datuk Dr. Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, the Religious Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), declared that the teachings of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light were contrary to Islamic Sharia. His office pledged to eradicate all online content promoting the religion to prevent public exposure. By March 9, 2024, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had followed through, blocking the group’s social media accounts and taking down pages spreading its content. This digital purge came at the explicit request of the Religious Affairs Minister, who also called for police intervention, citing concerns over the religion’s growing audience—reaching up to 200,000 views per broadcast on TikTok before the ban. By now, the Tiktok and Youtube channels of the faith have been banned several times. And even the Divine Just State Magazine can not be viewed by anyone living in Malaysia. Despite these efforts, the recent flyer campaign signals that censorship alone cannot suppress the spread of ideas. Eyewitnesses described a flurry of paper descending upon congregants during the Eid celebrations. The QR code embedded within the flyers swiftly led those who scanned it to the group’s new digital platforms, circumventing state-imposed restrictions. As governments seek to control the flow of religious discourse in the digital age, movements like the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light are demonstrating a capacity to adapt and innovate. The Malaysian government has yet to officially comment on the drone incident. However, religious authorities are likely to see this act as a direct challenge to their jurisdiction. Meanwhile, followers of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light see it as a victory—a testament to their belief that the message of their faith will find its way to those who seek it, regardless of the obstacles in its path.

UPDATE October 29, 2024 - Despite ongoing persecution and stringent internet censorship imposed by the Malaysian government, members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light continue to see unprecedented growth in both online viewership and pledges of allegiance. In a remarkable show of resilience, the Malaysian Outreach team attracted an impressive 108,000 viewers during a live stream held yesterday, all within just two hours. This surge in engagement underscores the dedication of the community and their supporters, signaling a growing interest despite governmental attempts to stifle their message. Adding to the community’s momentum, the NGO Human Rights Without Frontiers has issued a strong statement condemning the actions of the Malaysian government and expressing support for Malaysians currently detained for their association with the AROPL. The organization’s statement stands as a significant call for justice and human rights, bringing increased international attention to the situation and amplifying calls for the detainees' release. UPDATE October 24, 2024, 2pm - In a recent wave of media coverage, Malaysian outlets have published numerous articles attacking the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, centering on the arrest of Zolekafeli Bin Abd Ghani. The media has portrayed the group as misguided, issuing warnings about its teachings and discouraging public engagement. The Malaysian media landscape has become increasingly repressive , especially when it comes to religious affairs. The alignment with state-sponsored narratives has led to heightened censorship of non-mainstream religious movements. In a related development, reports have surfaced that the Divine Just State Magazine , a publication associated with the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, has been blocked in Malaysia. UPDATE October 24, 2024, 10am - The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is outraged by the sentencing of one of its followers, who was handed a six-month prison term and fined RM4,500 by the Sharia High Court in Negeri Sembilan today. The 60 year old retired fire fighter, Zolekafeli Bin Abd Ghani, pleaded guilty to three charges of allegedly teaching "false doctrines" during a religious gathering on October 12. He was charged for spreading the teachings of "The Goal of the Wise," proclaiming Abdullah Hashem to be the Second Mahdi and stating that the Quran had been corrupted. Despite his pleas for leniency due to his age, health conditions, and family responsibilities, the court imposed consecutive sentences, reflecting the seriousness of the accusations, which prosecutors argued could lead to "apostasy and disbelief". The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light strongly condemns this verdict, viewing it as an affront to religious freedom and an ongoing pattern of persecution. The community remains committed to defending the rights of its followers and calls for greater protection of their beliefs. UPDATE October 23, 2024, 6pm — In a further development following the raid on a family home in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, media reports have now confirmed that the wife, who was initially excluded from the arrests, has also been detained. This brings the total number of family members in custody to three, including the husband and their daughter. Malaysian enforcement officer holds up a mobile phone with access to AROPL social media channels According to media sources, authorities conducted a search of the family’s mobile devices and discovered software indicating their active engagement with the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light online. Authorities revealed that the operation was the result of a five-month investigation into the family’s involvement with the religion. October 23, 2024, 4pm — In a developing story from Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, officers from the Department of Islamic Religious Affairs, along with local police, conducted a search of a family home following allegations of involvement with the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. The individuals involved are a husband, wife, and their daughter, who are now in the custody of the Department of Islamic Religious Affairs. The incident followed rising tensions within the family after the husband and wife joined the Ahmadi faith in March and May 2024, respectively. Despite their efforts to share their beliefs with close relatives, strong opposition led to a formal complaint submitted to the Negeri Sembilan Religious Department. The arrest operation, which took place on October 22, 2024, involved a raid on the family’s home in Seremban. The wife, who was at work during the raid, was informed via phone at 2:30 p.m. local time that her husband and daughter had been taken into custody. A copy of the arrest warrant obtained indicates the operation was conducted under Section 52 of the Syariah Criminal Enactment (Negeri Sembilan) 1992, on the grounds of "wrong acts and deviant teachings." During the raid, officers reportedly seized several documents, including a printout of " The Mahdi's Manifesto " and other related materials. Hasnah, however, was not detained as her name was not mentioned in the complaint. "I was surprised," Hasnah stated in a phone conversation on the 23rd of October at 8am (GMT), “but I was told it was because I wasn’t listed in the report." The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light has been heavily persecuted in Malaysia , where it is declared deviant by authorities. This latest incident has sparked outrage within the AROPL community, who view the actions of the religious authorities as a violation of their fundamental right to freedom of belief. The persecution of AROPL has been repeatedly denounced by international NGOs such as Amnesty International and by the United Nations. On July 4, 2023, three United Nations Special Rapporteurs, together with other United Nations officials, published a joint statement on the persecution of members of the faith. The United States department of state in its 2023 Malaysia country report on religious freedom highlighted the persecution of AROPL members in Malaysia, speaking about the arrests of AROPL members and local Islamic Department investigation of AROPL members for unspecified sharia offenses The Malaysian news channel Harian Metro  broadcasted a segment showing arresting officers holding up the warrants for the detention of the members. The video on Youtube is titled "Three family members believed to be followers of The Ahmadi teachings detained." Note: The identities of the two females involved have been withheld for their protection.

On the auspicious day of March 21, 2025, a wave of love and devotion swept across the globe, carrying with it the heartfelt wishes of countless believers to their beloved Imam, Ahmed Al-Hassan, the Yamani of the family of Mohammed, the first Mahdi and successor to the 12th vicegerent of God. Messages of adoration, thanksgiving, and unwavering loyalty poured in to commemorate the Imam's birth.  From the moment that Ahmed Al-Hassan first announced this divine call, in 1999 in Iraq, it has today spread across the world, touching the lives of people everywhere. His arrival, foretold in ancient prophecies, signifies a crucial moment in history as it marks a new era of divine justice. His purpose is to spread true monotheism and fill the earth with justice, replacing oppression and injustice; to prepare the way for the establishment of divine justice on earth, a goal prophecied to become a reality in this unprecedented time. If not for Ahmed Al-Hassan, a divine just state would have remained elusive to us. We would have remained unaware of the true meaning of God's supremacy. His call is the path of God’s chosen ones guiding humanity back to the pure worship of the Almighty and away from associating partners with God. His teachings restore true faith, unblemished by false associations. Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan made countless sacrifices in his unwavering devotion to God's call. He was the first to end all attachments and to embark on this sacred path. His journey has taken him far from home, facing hardships and persecution. The trials he has faced and the sacrifices he has made are too numerous to recount, with many remaining untold, all in the name of fulfilling God's divine plan and his mission to spread the truth and prepare the way for the divine just state on earth.  As we celebrate the birth of Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan, we also acknowledge that from Ahmed Al-Hassan, we have received the blessed presence of Aba Al-Sadiq. Aba Al-Sadiq carries forward the teachings of Ahmed Al-Hassan and has fulfilled numerous prophecies, including those related to his name and lineage. He has gathered believers from across the world, just as foretold in the traditions. His emergence as the Qaim of the family of Mohammed has brought us a transformative era of spirituality, humanity and divine justice. On this day, we renew our pledge of allegiance to Ahmed Al-Hassan and recommit ourselves to the noble cause he guides us to. We express our eternal gratitude to Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan for his countless untold sacrifices for the truth, for awakening us to the true worship of God and for blessing us with Aba Al-Sadiq, who leads us towards the establishment of the Divine Just State.

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light condemns the harassment and intimidation faced by Sabirul Islam and Mustafa Kawsar, two members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, while peacefully distributing religious materials in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The two men were targeted by a group of almost fourty individuals, including a local imam, while placing posters about their faith in the Bashundhara residential area on the night of February 11, 2025. According to eyewitness accounts, the men had been affixing posters in various locations when they were approached by a middle-aged man who began questioning them aggressively. Upon seeing the Star of David he became visibly agitated and demanded they stop their activities. When Shoaib Al Al-Mahdi explained the religious significance of the symbol, the man rejected his explanation and began inciting others against them. The situation quickly escalated, drawing a crowd of approximately 30 to 40 people, including the imam of a nearby mosque. Members of the group subjected Sabirul Islam and Mustafa Kawsar to verbal abuse, accusations, and threats. They questioned the legitimacy of their faith, mocked their beliefs, and insinuated that they were acting on behalf of foreign entities, particularly Israel. Some individuals demanded to know how much money they had allegedly received for their activities and attempted to confiscate and burn their materials. The men also faced religious interrogation, with the imam questioning their understanding of the concept of the Mahdi and their prayer practices. The crowd’s hostility intensified when Sabirul Islam attempted to record the confrontation on his phone, leading to direct threats against him. Fearing for their safety, the men refrained from documenting the incident. As tensions rose, the mob openly discussed handing the two over to the police. It was only due to the intervention of an unknown individual that Sabirul Islam and Mustafa were able to leave the scene unharmed, though threats continued as they departed. The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light has faced increasing levels of persecution and discrimination, particularly in regions where religious intolerance is prevalent. This latest incident in Dhaka underscores the broader challenges faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh, where blasphemy accusations and religious intolerance have been used to justify violence and suppression.

Azeri citizens, İlkin Aliyev and Hikmet Gahramanov, have been actively distributing flyers and posters in the city center of Warsaw. Engaging with the local community, they are spreading knowledge and awareness about the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in the heart of Poland's capital.

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is deeply concerned about the detention and intimidation of Siti Fatimah binti Sulaiman , a 52-year-old Malaysian woman from Terengganu, who was targeted by state religious authorities for her religious beliefs today. Her detention and subsequent interrogation violate fundamental human rights, including freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as enshrined in international human rights law. On February 23, 2025 , Siti Fatimah contacted the Bishop of Malaysia of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light to report that she had been detained and interrogated by state religious officials. This action was initiated after her own daughter, Norainu binti Majlan , reported her for allegedly going astray and attempting to share her faith with her family. During her detention, she was pressured to abandon her beliefs and return to traditional Sunni Islam, a clear violation of her right to freedom of religion. The officer handling her case acknowledged her deep understanding of her faith but expressed concern that she might continue to spread it. As a result, her children were instructed to monitor her activities, further restricting her autonomy and personal freedoms. Siti Fatimah was issued a warning  that further action would be taken if she continued to share her beliefs. Additionally, she was given a  document  related to her detention, but her daughter took possession of it, preventing her from accessing crucial information about her case. Siti Fatimah no longer feels safe in her own home, where her husband and other children oppose her beliefs. Her fundamental right to practice her faith freely has been severely undermined, leaving her with no choice but to conceal her faith or seek refuge elsewhere. The Malaysian government has a long history of targeting the AROPL . In addition to declaring our teachings deviant and heretical, authorities have actively persecuted members of our community. Reports of arrests, harassment, and public vilification have become alarmingly common. Recently, AROPL members have faced backlash not only for promoting their faith but also for their advocacy of marginalized groups, including LGBTQ individuals. A particularly shocking incident involved the arrest of a 60-year-old retired firefighter for speaking with his own son about AROPL teachings.

On a Friday afternoon in Pattani, a province nestled in the conflict-ridden south of Thailand, an unusual scene unfolded at the Pattani Central Mosque. Eight Thai believers from the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, arrived with a mission—to preach their message of the arrival of the Mahdi. What transpired over the next 30 minutes set off a viral storm, igniting a wave of hate, threats, and debate that now reverberates across the internet. As worshippers completed their Friday prayers, the AROPL believers, led by 65-year-old Voosnong Madda, took to a microphone and began calling the Muslims to embrace Imam Al-Mahdi. Armed with flyers and signs, the group handed out materials detailing their beliefs, drawing a mix of curiosity and disdain from the mosque-goers. Some paused to engage in conversation, while others hurried past, uninterested. Among the small group were Yuttana Madthing, 54, who livestreamed the event, and Adul Daraseh, 73, who documented it through his camera. The event, seemingly innocuous at first, quickly spiraled into a viral sensation. Within hours, the livestream had been picked up by a well-known Sunni fundamentalist influencer, notorious for his anti-Shia rhetoric. Posting the video on his Facebook page, he rallied his followers with a chilling message: "Breaking News! The Black Banners Yamani group have come out about the New Mahdi in front of Pattani Central Mosque during Friday prayers... I will inform the Islamic committee, the scholars and teachers of religion." The post exploded in popularity, rapidly amassing hundreds of thousands of views and triggering an avalanche of hostile comments. By the next day, the video had been viewed over 500,000 times, with the numbers continuing to climb. The comments section became a breeding ground for vitriol. “Can we catch them for the Islamic Commitee if they do this?” wrote one user, Sang Sawang. Another commenter, Jirayut Burakai, suggested a more visceral response: “Take s*** and throw at them.” The threats grew increasingly menacing, with one user, Sahuding Chamamah, proposing violence: “Let’s hit the speaker’s ear one time.” The incident also caught the attention of Sayan Sukchan, a lawyer and Islamic fundamentalist who echoed the influencer’s sentiment, further fanning the flames. He posted, “During prayer at the Pattani Central Mosque, the Shia spread their sect. Isn’t this clear enough? Have your eyes now opened?” What began as a quiet missionary effort by a fringe group has now escalated into a national debate, with the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light finding itself at the center of a firestorm. As the controversy deepens, the situation remains tense. The believers, undeterred, continue their work, while the online world watches, comments, and—too often—threatens.

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

On the 24th May 2023 at Kapikule on the Turkey/Bulgaria border I was caught up in a brutal attack from the Turkish border guards perpetrated on 104 members of the Ahmadi Religion of Light. Accompanied by my filming partner, Sermad Al Khafaji, both also members of the Religion, we were both attacked and subsequently detained alongside the group for a period of two weeks. Throughout this time, we both suffered severely at the hand of the Turkish authorities and bore first hand witness to their brutality. In 2023, a group of 104 members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light had gathered in Turkey after suffering extreme persecution in their countries of origin. They came from eight different countries, including Iran , Algeria , Thailand , Azerbaijan, Palestine, Morocco, Jordan, and Turkey, where they had been labeled as apostates of Islam and heretics due to the teachings of the religion. After the arrest  of one of the Turkish believers for publicly proclaiming his faith, the group no longer felt safe in Turkey - another Muslim country - and began to make plans to leave and find refuge in neighbouring Bulgaria. After hearing about the ordeals that the group had been through, Sermad and I travelled to Turkey to meet them and to document their attempted border crossing. Alexandra Foreman and Sermad Al Khafaji They set off on their journey to the border in the early hours of May 24th carrying their entire lives with them. The group made sure to follow all the necessary procedures, including sending a letter  in advance to both Bulgarian Authorities and Frontex, which was endorsed by several human rights organisations. They were approaching an official border crossing point carrying this letter and banners illustrating their past experiences of religious persecution and copies of “The Goal of the Wise.” The previous night we had interviewed the group and heard of their harrowing stories of oppression in their countries of origin; many of the group had been imprisoned, tortured and beaten for their beliefs, this journey was their last hope for safety and the freedom to practise their faith without fear, after enduring years of mistreatment. The group was initially stopped by a group of the Jandarma border guards where they explained why they were at the border and stated their intention to cross over to Bulgaria and claim asylum and the guards let them pass. AROPL Believer Leila from Iran As they began the march towards the border I walked alongside Leila from Iran who had been imprisoned by her own family and force-fed antipsychotics after they found out about her beliefs. As we walked she proclaimed her love and dedication for Aba Al-Sadiq from Him is Peace in a touching moment that was caught on camera. As the group approached the border the scene suddenly descended into a war-zone. The guards began indiscriminately attacking the crowd of believers with batons and men, women, children and elderly all sustained injuries. One sister Youssra Bezai, from Algeria was badly beaten and strangled by the Police when she tried to prevent them from hitting one of the children. The attack was completely unprovoked and the violence continued to intensify with gunshots being fired. The scene quickly became so chaotic and there was so much blood from people's injuries that it was impossible to know what was going on and we thought that the guards were shooting at us, it was so unexpected and sudden and it seemed like the guards would be capable of doing anything to the group. The group was rounded up by the Tukish Boarder Police and maneuvered into a small gated enclosure, where the insufficient space caused the group to be tightly packed together and we were unable to move. Amid the cramped conditions, I looked down and saw eight-year-old Mahdi, who, just the night before, had been joyfully playing with the other children. Now, he cowered in fear on the floor, his mother desperately shielding him from being crushed in the crowd. At this point I had no idea where Sermad was and was unable to search for him amidst the chaos. It was only later that I learned he had been earlier assaulted and subsequently detained by the guards. Turkish border guards beating AROPL believers The guards bought reinforcements and further beat the believers before locking them into buses. I continued filming  this shocking scene until I was roughly pushed onto a bus and had my phone taken. From the bus, I could see the brutal scene of the believers who had been filled with so much hope before being violently attacked and dragged away. Afterward, I was escorted into a police van and transported alongside other believers in handcuffs to the Edirne Jandarma Komutanlığı detention centre. The scene at the detention centre on the first day was one of complete lawlessness and chaos. The guards had free reign to take out their aggression on the group and the exposure of their brutality at the border had made them even more angry with the group,  they were completely merciless and unrestrained in their attacks.  The women in the group were subjected to degrading treatment and were stripped of their clothes.  All members had their possessions taken from them. The guards had taken out the copies of “The Goal of the Wise'' from their luggage and were asking us why the symbol for the religion was the Star of David and accusing the believers of being Zionists and apostates of Islam. Both Sermad and I were accused of being British Agents and of inciting unrest during the elections. As British citizens we requested to speak to the British Embassy and asked for someone to come to the detention centre to mediate the situation and prevent further aggression from the Turkish Guards. Despite our pleas for help, the British embassy provided no assistance during this ordeal; instead, our sole support came from the lawyer employed by the religion  Eventually, I was escorted down a flight of stairs, where I had seen many believers marched down in handcuffs. This descent led to a dirty, elongated room surrounded by cells, where believers were crammed into small, overcrowded cells. I was directed to an empty cell at the back of the room and locked inside alone. The cell I was taken to was filthy, reeking of sewage, and furnished only with dirty blankets on the floor. We remained here for a week. The rest of the group received very harsh treatment during this week. They were frequently taken out of their cells one at a time and beaten and interrogated about the Religion and called heretics by the guards. One instance of this saw one brother, Mahdi from Iraq beaten simultaneously by eleven guards and he sustained serious injuries from this and was not permitted to see a doctor. Another individual, Yousef Abunada, a Palestinian national disclosed that he was verbally assaulted, physically beaten, and labeled as an “infidel” due to his religious beliefs. He was taken to a separate room and brutally beaten again causing serious injuries. During this beating, he was constantly insulted and threatened with death for his religious beliefs. During this time there was also a disturbing report of a sexual assault on a minor perpetrated by the guards that were justified by them because the faith accepts members of the LGBTQ+ community.  While myself and around 40 of the believers had been locked in the underground cells for a week, the rest of the group including the women, children and the elderly who had been initially taken to the Turkish police on the first day were  transported to Edirne deportation centre. When they first arrived here they were taken to a filthy outdoor enclosure and made to stand there outside for three days and three nights. During this time they were not allowed to sleep or even sit down. They were not given food and the women were denied access to sanitary products. Subsequently, following this ordeal, the group was transferred inside the Edirne Deportation Centre, where, after one week in the cell I was reunited with them. The conditions in the Edirne deportation centre were like a concentration camp. Families were segregated into different blocks, with children permitted only a brief weekly visit with their fathers. All detainees, including children, endured prolonged confinement in cramped and unsanitary rooms for the majority of the day. The cells were extremely unclean, with 20-25 people sharing one bathroom and no access to cleaning supplies. It was no surprise that detainees frequently fell ill, and initially, no access to medical treatment was provided to them and when it finally was it was inadequate with patients all given the same medication regardless of their condition and no proper emergency care was provided. The food provided was of bad quality, with little nutritional value and the children, who were already traumatised from the attacks at the border, struggled to eat it. One eight-year-old child, Mahdi, who already had a pre-existing health condition, was unable to eat the food provided and became extremely ill with jaundice-like symptoms by the time I left. His mother had begged for him to see a doctor but was repeatedly told to wait despite the urgent nature of his symptoms. It was extremely concerning to see his symptoms steadily worsen over the time I was detained with the group as it was such a clear medical emergency in a young child that would be treatable. After two weeks of detention, both my colleague, Sermad, and I were released and sent back to the UK. It was surreal to be back in the comfort of the UK after such a chaotic few weeks and we were shocked to see how far the news had spread online and in the media. The remaining members of the group endured five months of confinement in the deportation centre under worsening conditions. The group was issued with deportation orders which would mean a return back to the very oppression they had been escaping and for many would mean imprisonment or death. The Turkish authorities resorted to coercion, depriving them of necessities like water to compel them into signing deportation papers.  During their detainment, many of the group fell ill and were not allowed to access adequate medical care. At one point one of the female detainees went into diabetic shock - a condition requiring emergency treatment and was not taken to hospital for this and was given cigarettes and chewing gum by the guards in the camp. The group's plight caught the attention of the United Nations. Several UN Special Rapporteurs intervened, recognizing them as a persecuted religious minority and urging for the deportation orders to be dropped. Thanks to growing international pressure, the Turkish court eventually ruled in favour of the group, acknowledging their actions at the border as lawful and dropping all deportation orders against them. The group was finally released from the Edirne Deportation Centre after five months. Some made it safely to Europe and are now able to practise their religion in peace without fear of being harmed; however, many remain in Turkey. The level of brutality and aggression directed at the members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light illuminated systemic corruption and failings within the governmental system and showed extreme religious prejudice. The attack and detention at the border of the group is something that should not have happened and highlights the corruption and darkness of the world we live in, where people follow leaders who were not appointed by God; the worst and most oppressive  people end up in positions of power.

Tunisian authorities have arrested Siwar Hamooda, a member of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), in a targeted act of religious persecution. Siwar was detained early this morning while distributing flyers promoting her faith. She reports that authorities interrogated her about her religious beliefs and confiscated several personal items, including her phone, a USB drive containing religious lectures, and her personal notebook. During her detention, Siwar faced intensive questioning regarding her affiliation with AROPL. Authorities asked her when she first learned about the faith, when she pledged allegiance, and whether anyone had encouraged her activities. She was questioned about the content of the flyers she distributed, which included the frequency of The Mahdi Has Appeared Satellite Channel. Siwar disclosed that the interrogation extended to private conversations with other AROPL members, including discussions about spiritual practices and the significance of spreading the message of the Imam Mahdi. Authorities accused her of promoting Shiite beliefs, a mischaracterization of her faith, and pressed her on comments she had made regarding political leaders and global events. She was asked to explain statements she made about 2025 being a pivotal year and was questioned about her views on Trump, Putin, and Khamenei. Siwar was released after her initial detention but remains under investigation. She reported that her phone calls with family are now being monitored by authorities, further limiting her ability to freely practice her faith. This case highlights the increasing pressure faced by members of the AROPL in Tunisia, where freedom of religion and belief remain under threat despite constitutional protections. Siwar's experience underscores the urgent need for international attention and advocacy to safeguard the rights of individuals to practice their faith without fear of persecution.

The Malaysian government has issued a controversial religious decree condemning the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), labeling its teachings as "deviant" and incompatible with Sunni Islam. This official ruling, issued by the 124th National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) sparks concerns about freedom of religion in Malaysia. This religious decree comes amid growing reports of persecution of AROPL members in Malaysia. Recently, several members of AROPL have been targeted for defending the rights of LGBTQ individuals, as well as for promoting their faith. One notable incident involved the arrest of a 60-year-old retired firefighter , who was taken into custody for speaking publicly about the AROPL teachings. The MKI’s Muzakarah Committee, which convened from June 26 to 28, 2024, reviewed the beliefs and practices of AROPL in detail. According to the decree, the AROPL’s teachings are incompatible with mainstream Islamic doctrine in several areas. Among the most contested points are: The Concept of the Mahdi: AROPL’s belief in the 12th Shia Imam, Muhammad bin al-Hassan al-Askari, as the hidden Mahdi, challenges traditional Sunni interpretations of Islamic eschatology. The decree also criticizes the group’s concept of "Mahdis” who succeed the 12 Imams. Mistakes of the Prophets: The decree accuses AROPL of misrepresenting the lives and actions of prominent prophets, such as Noah, Lot, and Abraham. The confirmation of mistakes of the prophets that are mentioned in the Bible are viewed as a violation of Islamic teachings. Religious Practices: The ruling specifically targets AROPL's reinterpretation of essential religious practices like prayer, hijab, and fasting, including its stances on alcohol, the hijab’s obligation, and the timing of Ramadan. The decree asserts that such beliefs are at odds with the core principles of Islam. Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the decree is its explicit prohibition on the practice and dissemination of AROPL’s teachings. The decree bans the distribution of materials related to AROPL and calls for Muslims who follow these beliefs to repent. It instructs Malaysians to refrain from practicing or spreading AROPL's teachings, with any related publications, broadcasts, or materials also prohibited. The decree further urges that Muslims must adhere strictly to standard Sunni beliefs. As the Malaysian government moves forward with this decree, its impact on religious freedom and minority rights remains a pressing concern. The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light considers this decree a strong infringement of freedom of religion and belief in Malaysia.