An Iraqi's Brave Struggle to Spread His Faith

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.