A Surprising Sermon: Announcing that Religion is a Man in a Shia Mosque

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.”