Videos capture Western converts reciting pledges of allegiance to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), a Shia-inspired sect blending Islamic prophecy with conspiracy theories. The group, whose members wear distinctive black beanie hats, faces scrutiny following a major police operation at its heavily secured headquarters in Crewe, UK.
Online Recruitment Through Pledges
Prospective members from countries including Poland, Spain, France, and the United States post TikTok videos declaring loyalty to Imam Mahdi, a figure central to Islamic end-times beliefs. Recruits affirm that the Mahdis represent ‘the proof of Allah’ and vow resurrection upon this truth. The sect’s website instructs newcomers to upload these statements for membership approval.
Massive Police Operation Targets Allegations
Cheshire Police launched coordinated raids on three Crewe properties, including the group’s Grade II-listed Webb House compound, valued at £2 million. Over 500 officers from across northwest England, supported by Europol, the Swedish Police Authority, and Ireland’s Garda, arrested ten suspects—seven men and three women aged in their 30s and 40s from Mexico, the UK, US, Spain, Egypt, Sweden, and Italy—on suspicion of rape, modern slavery, and forced marriage.
The investigation stems from a March complaint by a woman, now in Ireland, alleging sexual abuse at the compound in 2023. A court imposed interim slavery and trafficking risk orders on leader Abdullah Hashem and four others. All suspects received bail pending further inquiries. Authorities emphasize no risk to the wider community and clarify the probe does not target the religion itself.
Sect Leader’s Background and Claims
Abdullah Hashem, a 42-year-old Egyptian-American raised in Indiana and also known as Abdullah Hashem Aba al-Sadiq, founded AROPL in 2015. A former documentary filmmaker and comedian who once exposed cults, he now proclaims himself the Imam Mahdi, the ‘new Pope,’ and a messenger from Jesus Christ. Followers attribute miracles to him, such as curing cancer, resurrecting the dying, making the moon vanish, and transforming leaves into animals.
Hashem describes the beanie hat as his ‘crown,’ symbolizing the working class. He urges obedience, telling Christians in one video: ‘Hear me and obey… There is no one else but me that you are obliged to obey.’ Videos show crowds chanting support, captioned ‘The new Pope is here.’
Beliefs, Practices, and Community Life
AROPL merges Shia Islam with theories about Illuminati and alien influences on world leaders. Members, numbering around 150 at Webb House—including home-schooled families—gather in a ‘basilica’ room. The group, registered as a nonprofit in Las Vegas with $2 million in 2024 revenue, encourages contributions like salaries or property sales to fund a ‘divine’ state, though lawyers deny mandates.
Former residents report pressure to sever outside ties and donate significantly, including wedding gifts or £33,000 sums. The sect denies coercion, blood rituals, or harm, with Hashem stating: ‘Nobody has ever been harmed, coerced, we don’t eat babies, we don’t take blood.’ Videos feature ‘soldiers’ pledging to fight for him.
Local Concerns and Sect History
Residents near the fortified Webb House, once an orphanage and later an NHS mental health facility, describe intimidating security with flashing torches and shouts at passersby. Mainstream Muslim organizations reject the group.
Previously based in Egypt, Germany, and Sweden—where 69 members lost residency amid visa issues—AROPL relocated to Crewe in 2021. It holds US charitable status and seeks UK approval, promoting equality and human rights while facing global persecution claims.
