Humanitarian Work of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Canada

TORONTO — On a cold winter night in downtown Toronto, a small group of believers moved through the streets, handing out food to the homeless. Among them was Saraa, who had joined Stacey, Denis, and their children in distributing provisions to those in need. In a city defined by gleaming high-rises and bustling corporate life, the stark contrast of human suffering in the shadows was impossible to ignore.

The group of volunteers are followers of Aba Al-Sadiq, a man they believe has been sent by God in this era to restore justice and freedom on Earth. They describe their mission as part of a divine promise — a fulfillment of centuries-old prophecies from various religious traditions about the coming of a divinely guided leader to establish a state of peace and justice.

Aba Al-Sadiq, known to his followers as “The Qaim of the Family of Mohammed,” has emerged as a spiritual figure promising a future in which the marginalized, the poor, and the oppressed will find deliverance. Drawing from scriptural texts, his followers say his role parallels that of past prophets and messengers who proclaimed liberty for the captives and justice for the downtrodden.

“The promise of God is for those who sow and propagate good seeds,” the members of AROPL assert. They believe that through the establishment of a Divine Just State — a utopia of economic, social, and spiritual equity — the suffering of humanity can be alleviated. In this state, they say, individuals will give freely of their skills, professions, and labor without expectation of material return. Basic human needs, such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education, will be met for all.

Citing Islamic tradition, the group holds firm to the belief that God’s will, and not human desire, ultimately prevails: “If you submit to what I want, I will give you what you want.”

Their conviction has driven them to practical action. In Toronto, the group has organized several outreach efforts to aid the homeless, distribute meals, and share their message of hope. Small handwritten cards with messages of allegiance to God alone and QR codes linking to the Mahdi Has Appeared YouTube channel were left with those they encountered. They also gathered signatures for a petition supporting the creation of “Refugee Land,” a proposed space where the destitute and displaced could find refuge and support.

For Saraa, the experience was transformative. “It was heartbreaking to see so many vulnerable people in one of the wealthiest cities in the world living in the freezing cold,” she reflected. Yet, the act of service — of offering food and a message of hope — reaffirmed her faith and mission.

AROPL’s theological grounding extends across multiple faith traditions, citing not only Islamic eschatology but also the teachings of Jesus, the Buddha, and the apostles. Followers draw parallels to Jesus’s declaration in the synagogue, quoting Isaiah: “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives.”

Aba Al-Sadiq has come forward in this modern age to revive this promise, positioning himself as the awaited figure destined to guide humanity toward a just and equitable society. In their understanding, the current social order — dominated by materialism, political corruption, and economic inequality — mirrors the oppressive systems of ancient Pharaohs, and Aba Al-Sadiq’s message calls for the overthrow of such conditions in favor of divine justice.

Their belief also carries a strong critique of contemporary religious institutions. Citing the Prophet Muhammad, followers point to the prophesied time when religious leaders would lose their divine guidance, becoming, in their view, complicit in injustice. They believe that time is now.

“There will come a time when nothing remains of Islam but its name, and nothing remains of the Qur’an but its inscription,” the Prophet is quoted as saying.

This signifies a widespread spiritual corruption in modern religious leadership, reinforcing belief in Aba Al-Sadiq as the divinely appointed reformer of this era.

The ultimate goal of the Canadian believers is the establishment of a tangible Divine Just State — a community built on shared resources, mutual love, and devotion to God alone. Such a state, they believe, would embody the true spirit of religion: a society where the vulnerable are protected, the strong are humble, and all basic human needs are met without competition or material gain.

“We must remember,” said one follower, referencing Ahmed Al-Hassan, “that unless the Divine Just State is established amongst you first, it will not be manifested in the world.”

As their outreach continues, members hope that the message of Aba Al-Sadiq will resonate more broadly, inspiring individuals across Canada and beyond to work toward the establishment of a society governed by divine justice.

For now, their work continues quietly on the streets of Toronto — distributing food, sharing messages of hope, and urging those they meet to look beyond the material world toward a divine promise they believe is already unfolding.