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Inside the Strange World of Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq.
He Is Not the Antichrist!
Exploring a Small but Wild Cult Stirring Alarm on Social Media
Disclaimer:
I’m not a Christian nor a Muslim, and I personally do not believe in Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq, his cult, or the prophecy of the Antichrist. I am simply curious about cults and religions and happened to uncover some fascinating — and concerning — facts about this group.
The founder of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (ARPAL) is an Egyptian-American named Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq, born in 1983. This small but fervent cult has attracted a few hundred serious members and a few thousand global followers. Thanks to their persistent presence and proselytizing on TikTok Live, I had the opportunity to speak with several members.
From these interactions, it occurred to me that many followers appear to be vulnerable individuals, often recruited during periods of major life upheaval, emotional distress, or mental breakdowns.
Among the groups practices is a loyalty oath in which each member must contribute blood to a communal jar stored inside a replica of the Ark of the Covenant.
