Malaysian Believers Defy Religious Decree with Courage

Despite the Malaysian government’s recent ban on the AROPL faith and a formal religious decree labeling it as deviant, believers in Malaysia continue to demonstrate extraordinary courage. Publicly engaging in missionary work, they risk severe penalties, including imprisonment, for their unwavering commitment to their faith. In a striking display of defiance, dozens of brave followers have made their pledges of allegiance public, even after the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs’s official decree condemning the faith. Their actions not only challenge the suppression of religious freedom but also stand as a testament to their profound conviction and resilience in the face of persecution.

As recently as July 2023, eight members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) made headlines in Malaysia after staging a peaceful demonstration in Kuala Lumpur to condemn the persecution of the LGBT community. Holding placards that read, “Only God has the right to judge,” the participants sought to promote human rights and tolerance. Their peaceful protest, however, led to their arrest and subsequent charges of civil and religious offenses.

The aftermath was swift and severe. Following a public statement from Kuala Lumpur’s Chief of Police about the AROPL movement, a large-scale government crackdown and censorship campaign unfolded. By October 23, 2024, AROPL Studios reported a particularly troubling case: a raid on a family home culminated in the sentencing of a 60 year old retired fire-fighter. He received a six-month prison term and a fine of RM4,500 after being convicted by the Sharia High Court in Negeri Sembilan. His alleged crimes? Teaching "false doctrines," including spreading the teachings of The Goal of the Wise, declaring Abdullah Hashem as the Second Mahdi, and stating that the Quran had been corrupted.

The Malaysian government, in coordination with religious authorities, has since officially labeled the teachings of AROPL as deviant. This designation has far-reaching consequences, effectively branding AROPL adherents as heretics and apostates. Many followers have been forced to flee the country, seeking refuge abroad to escape persecution.

The government’s actions reflect a broader trend of censorship that some see as a sign of insecurity rather than strength. Suppressing opposing ideologies instead of engaging them through dialogue reveals the fragility of the state’s intellectual foundation. "The mark of intellectual truth," one observer noted, "is openness to dialogue—not the reflex to censor."

In Malaysia’s increasingly repressive environment, dissenting voices risk being silenced under the weight of governmental and religious control. Such tactics, designed to enforce a narrow interpretation of Islam, undermine the country’s aspirations toward a pluralistic and open society.

The repercussions have rippled across Malaysia’s AROPL community.

On December 17, 2024, the government intensified its campaign by lodging a formal complaint with YouTube headquarters, which resulted in the suspension of the AROPL Malaysia Mahdi YouTube account and the closure of its digital operations.

This marked the latest move in a broader censorship effort targeting AROPL media, which has been accused of spreading "deviant teachings." The channel had previously gained attention for presenting evidence and proclaiming the arrival of the awaited Mahdi—a figure revered in Islamic eschatology as a restorer of justice and order.

“For those who mocked [messengers], they were eventually enveloped by that which they used to ridicule. Say: Travel through the land and observe the fate of the deniers.” (Surah Al-An’am, 6:11–12).

These words resonate with AROPL believers in Malaysia, many of whom have turned to the movement’s media team for spiritual guidance. They have watched sermons by Aba Al-Sadiq, whose messages advocate for liberty and justice for captives, orphans, widows, and the oppressed.

Even under pressure, AROPL has seen a growing number of Malaysians pledge allegiance to Aba Al-Sadiq in recent days. This trend reflects the broader resonance of the movement’s message, which its followers see as a fulfillment of the prophecy in Surah An-Nasr (110:1–3):

“When Allah’s help comes, and victory, And you see people entering Allah’s religion in throngs, Then glorify the name of your Lord with praises and seek His forgiveness, for He is Oft-turning.”

Among these new adherents are individuals like Trafalgar and Normaliza Binti Ismail, whose journeys to AROPL demonstrate both the challenges and the enduring appeal of the faith.

Trafalgar, a new AROPL follower, comes from a Sunni Islamic background. Despite a religious upbringing, he remained unaware of certain key traditions, including the narration of the Two Weighty Things and the "Tragedy on Thursday," both of which emphasize the role of the Prophet Muhammad’s family in guiding the faithful.

“I was shocked to learn of this hidden knowledge, concealed by corrupt scholars,” Trafalgar said. He expressed gratitude for discovering the Mahdi and Aba Al-Sadiq, pledging to spread the truth despite the risks in Malaysia. “Thank you for accepting me to be with the Ahlul-Bayt family,” he said.

Normaliza, previously a follower of Sufism, sought deeper knowledge of Islam after finding contradictions in Sunni teachings. A chance encounter with a video about AROPL, initially dismissed as deviant, led her to investigate further. She was surprised to find that the movement’s teachings were backed by evidence from authentic scriptures.

After pledging allegiance, she described a newfound sense of peace and recounted a dream in which Imam Ahmad Al-Hassan warned her to leave her home. Despite facing accusations and strained family relationships, Normaliza has dedicated herself to spreading AROPL’s message through social media and personal outreach.

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I hear and see everything.” (Surah Taha, 20:46).

As the Malaysian government tightens its grip, AROPL’s media team continues to push forward, sharing the message of Aba Al-Sadiq as the prophesied Mahdi and Riser with Truth. To its followers, the suppression of their faith is proof of its legitimacy. “When the enemies come knocking, it is a sign of truth,” one believer observed.

For AROPL supporters, the mission is clear: rise up, take courage, and press on. They believe the dawn of justice is near, even in the face of relentless opposition.