The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light has a growing community in Malaysia. After 8 members of the faith organised an LGBTQ+ solidarity protest in July 2023 and were arrested for this, the community has been targeted by the religious and political authorities since this protest. The protest went viral and made headlines, prompting the Malaysian authorities to officially ban the religion and launch a campaign of crack-down against members of the faith there. The religion was publicly condemned by the Religious Minister, Mohd. Na'im Bin Mokhtar who accused the faith of going against the Islamic Sharia, as well as by the federal territory Mufti’s office who labelled the teachings of the Religion as “Heretical."
The group has been censored online by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and has been labelled as “Heretical” by multiple religious non-governmental organisations. This state sponsored persecution has led to a wave of attacks and threats from the general public causing the members of the religion to be unsafe in Malaysia. Despite these challenges, there are currently around 200 members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Malaysia and the number is rapidly increasing.
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light faces significant persecution in Muslim-majority nations due to its teachings, which have been deemed heretical by many religious authorities across the Muslim world. The faith has been recognized as a persecuted religious minority and has been supported by various international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Without Frontiers, Freedom House, CAP/Liberté de Conscience, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), the Border Violence Monitoring Network, the Peter Tatchell Foundation, as well as the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues.
Members of the faith face arrest and imprisonment on charges of “denigrating Islam” for beliefs that diverge from orthodox Muslim views. These teachings include the belief that the Kaaba is in Petra, Jordan, rather than in Mecca. The faith also embraces members of the LGBTQ+ community, views the five daily prayers as non-mandatory, and considers the hijab or headscarf not to be a religious requirement for women. Additionally, members of the faith observe Ramadan in December and permit the consumption of alcohol. The faith also adopts the six-pointed Star of David as its holy symbol.
Adherents of this faith are often regarded as apostates of Islam. In fact, in Algeria and Iran, members have faced arrest and prison sentences for exactly this, being forbidden from exercising their rights to religious freedom. In Iraq, they have suffered gun attacks on their homes by armed militias, and scholars have called for them to be killed. In Turkey, 104 members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light who attempted to claim asylum at the official border crossing point with Bulgaria were violently pulled back by Turkish authorities, who beat them and forcefully detained them for five months in appalling conditions. This prompted the intervention of the UN, specifically the Special Rapporteurs on Freedom of Religion, Human Rights of Migrants, and Minority Issues, as well as the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, who issued a joint statement recognizing the group as a persecuted religious minority.
Arrests against members of the faith in Malaysia
On the 29th of July 2023, eight members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light held an LGBTQ+ solidarity protest in Sogo, Kuala Lumpur. This protest was in response to recent government crackdowns on the LGBTQ+ community in Malaysia. The group held placards that read “Only God Can Judge,” “Being Gay Is Not a Crime,” and “Down Down Shariah Court.” They were arrested and detained at Dang Wangi Headquarters, where they were subjected to interrogations about their beliefs.
The eight members have been subjected to investigations by both the police and the Federal Territory Islamic Department (JAWI). The police investigated them under three separate sections:
Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act for not having a permit. This section is typically used against protest organizers, although it is completely against international human rights law.
Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act for insulting behavior. This law has been used against protesters for placards that are deemed not aligned with the state's views.
Section 186 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes obstruction of duty.
The investigation under JAWI was under several provisions that prohibit "deviant teaching," among others.
Following the protest, the eight members were subjected to a range of discrimination. They were disowned or kicked out by family members who were informed of the arrests by the police and refused to bail them out. Some of them reported that they were subjected to physical violence several times by their family members when coming for visitation, and one of them reported that their family members were trying to send him to a religious rehabilitation center run by the state.
Due to the viral sharing of the protest videos by the media, the eight faced a wave of condemnation and violent comments on social media platforms. Some media outlets also released their mugshots with their eyes covered, exposing them to significant risks of violent attacks. One of them reported that a business supplier ended their business relationship following the protest.
Regarding the procedural aspect of the case, the Chief of Police in Kuala Lumpur gave a press statement on the 4th of August 2023 about the protest, stating that the investigation report had been sent to the Malaysian Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) for prosecution against the eight members of the faith.
The case sparked a series of official statements from the Malaysian government against the faith. On the 1st of August 2023, after the LGBTQ+ solidarity protest made headlines, the Malaysian Minister of Religious Affairs, Setia Dr. Na’im, issued a press statement on his official Facebook page, where he declared that the faith “goes against Islamic law.”
He outlined his plans to prevent the younger generation from being influenced by the teachings of the religion and stated that he is confident he will be able to stop “deviated teachings such as this.”
On the 19th of October 2023, a press statement was made by the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Police of Malaysia, stating that the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is “one of the seven deviated faiths, and its members are being closely monitored for spreading false teachings, causing disharmony, and being a threat to the safety of the country.”
These events caused a public outcry against the faith and provoked pressure from individual state ministers to take quick and stern action to curb the teachings of the religion. On the 7th of March 2024, the Religious Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr. Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, released a statement declaring that the teachings of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light are against Islamic Sharia. Mohd Na'im stated that his party would ensure that all content on social media regarding the teachings is taken down as soon as possible to prevent the community from being affected.
On the 9th of March 2024, the MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission) blocked the social media accounts of the religion and also blocked accounts spreading the religion’s content at the request of the Religious Affairs Minister. During his statement, he also requested police action against the religion due to the high number of viewers that the religion’s TikTok account was reaching, which was up to 200,000 per show.
On the 10th of March 2024, the Federal Territory Mufti’s Office released a seven-page statement condemning the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light and labeling its teachings as “false” and “heretical.” In the statement, he warns about the religion’s social media presence, attempts to use hadiths to disprove the leader of the religion, and claims that members of the LGBTQ+ community are condemned. He further states that the acceptance of LGBTQ+ members by the religion “contradicts religious texts and contradicts common sense.” He ends the statement by claiming that the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is very clearly “against the religion of Islam.”
Legal amendments to prosecute Ahmadi Religion members
On Friday, August 9, 2024, news outlet Samudera reported that Datuk Dr. Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, the Minister of Religious Affairs, proposed changes to laws regarding the spread of heretical teachings. He mentioned that tougher enforcement is necessary due to legal barriers to prosecuting these cases in Syariah Courts.
Dr. Na’im explained that groups spreading what the state considers heretical teachings can only be prosecuted if they are in Malaysia. In the article, he named the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light as a heretical teaching under the radar of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
He said that the Attorney General's Chambers is currently reviewing how to amend Syariah criminal laws for social media to stop teachings “against Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah (ASWJ) from reaching people.” He noted that Syariah criminal laws are limited to the state and do not apply outside Malaysia. These teachings also need to be officially declared heretical to allow for smooth prosecution.
Dr. Na’im added that actions against heretical groups spreading their beliefs in the Federal Territories are possible under Sections 3 to 13 of the Syariah Criminal Offences Act (Federal Territories) 1997 (Act 559).
Religious authorities targeted measures against the faith
On the 26th of April 2024, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) instructed mosques across the state of Selangor to deliver a unified Friday sermon condemning the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, describing it as a “deviant sect.” The sermon, titled "Avoid Heresy," warns the people against joining such sects and provides instructions on how to "curb the spread of heretical beliefs."
This targeting of the religion in a Friday sermon was repeated across the state of Pahang on the 9th of August 2024, when they stated: "Recently, a deviant teaching known as ‘Agama Ahmadi’ has surfaced… This group is actively spreading their doctrine on social media. They claim to have another holy book, direct their prayers towards Petra, Jordan, and also endorse LGBT practices. This teaching contradicts the core principles of Islam and can corrupt the faith and Shariah of Muslims."
The sermon also listed many of the beliefs and practices of the religion in a guide on how to identify "deviant teachings." It ended by encouraging people to report believers, stating: "If you find that such teachings are being practiced in your area, report them immediately to the nearest Islamic Religious Office."
Defamation of the Faith in Malaysian Media
On the 3rd of August 2023, after the LGBTQ+ protest, Harian Metro issued a report featuring the Mufti of Pahang and Kelantan, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Osman, stating that the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light has deviated from Islam and that whoever follows the religion has committed apostasy. He urged swift and harsh action to curb the spread of this faith in Malaysia. Osman further stated that the actions of the followers of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light were contrary to Shariah because they disputed God's law, especially regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) groups.
On the 9th of March 2024, Sinar Harian released an article quoting the president of the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement, Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin, who said that action needed to be taken to curb the spread of Ahmadi teachings, especially among the youth. He was quoted as saying, "When it comes to social media, it becomes an open matter and is easily spread. People will share the link on social media. I think they are targeting young people because they use social media a lot. So it is reasonable for the authorities, especially at the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) level, including the Islamic Religious Council throughout the state, to work together to report this matter, as well as any follow-up actions that may be taken by the SKMM (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission)."
On the 6th of May 2024, news outlet Harakah Daily published an article stating that the Central PAS Ulamak Clerics Council (DUPP) of scholars urged the government to be “firm” and “proactive” in curbing the spread of the religion, describing its beliefs as "heresy."
On the 11th of May 2024, Bernama TV aired an interview with the Deputy Mufti of the Federal Territory, Kuala Lumpur, Sahibus Samahah Haji Jamali Muhammad Adnan, discussing "How do we deal with the Ahmadi heresy?" In the interview, he called the religion a "misguided group" and warned people to stay away from its teachings. He stated that the authorities are currently gathering all state muftis to meet and discuss the religion.
On the 15th of May 2024, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Izhar Ariff Mohd Kashim, a lecturer at the Faculty of Islamic Studies (UKM), made a statement in the news outlet Majoriti. Dr. Mohd Izhar said that parents should be vigilant and monitor their children regarding such matters. "This new teaching that uses the name of the Ahmadi religion represents the agendas of those ignorant in religion. They try to become religious scholars and clerics by using quick methods to gain influence. Such teachings are very dangerous because they lead to misguidance," he told Majoriti. Mohd Izhar also expressed concern that the spread of these misguided teachings may lead to the adoption of secularist ideology among the youth. "We are worried that one day they will commit sins while at the same time upholding the teachings of Allah. For example, they pray and read the Quran, but at the same time, they commit adultery and drink alcohol."
The official campaign launched by the Malaysian government against the faith gave rise to several religious and political players making statements against it. On the 9th of March 2024, the president of the Malaysian IKRAM Organization (IKRAM), an influential and educational Malaysian non-governmental Islamic organization, Badlishah Sham Baharin, stated that his organization opposes the spread of heretical teachings such as the Ahmadi teachings on social media and explained that they had filed a police report on the matter. He said: "We demand that the authorities, such as the police and SKMM, investigate and take appropriate action, such as closing or blocking the accounts of those who spread heresy on social media. We also want the Islamic Religious Council in each state to constantly monitor to ensure that any heresy is not spread among the community."
On the 13th of March 2024, the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) released a media statement declaring the faith heretical and stating, "The Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) would like to emphasise that the teachings of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), which are found to be spreading online at this time, are heretical teachings that have nothing to do with Islamic teachings."
Direct police harassment and threats of violence against members
The wave of news coverage on the group and the condemning statements from authorities, as well as various religious and political bodies, incited widespread public animosity toward its adherents. Consequently, an influx of social media attacks ensued, including thousands of death threats, harassment, and mocking statements aimed at the group. A few examples of the many comments that members in Malaysia received on their social media accounts:
"Impale them... That’s what they want."
"We’re allowed to beat them up, yes? If we see them anywhere, let’s kick them."
"Don’t let me see them, or else I will have to get myself incarcerated (by doing harm towards them)."
"Whip them in public... And then people will be scared to be an LGBT person."
The eight members of the faith who participated in the pro-LGBTQ solidarity protest were able to secure self-bail but found themselves compelled to retreat into seclusion, both from the public at large and their own families. They donned face coverings whenever venturing into public spaces, apprehensive of potential attacks or harm. They eventually fled the country under the advice of an NGO that deemed them unsafe there.
Yet, for other members of the faith who are still in Malaysia, this campaign of hatred and accusations of apostasy means that the growing number of believers in the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light are at significant risk and unsafe to practice their faith in Malaysia. They receive constant threats from their immediate families, who warn them that they will be reported to the police if they continue to practice their religion.
On the 2nd of May 2024, the Malaysian members of the religion residing in the UK invited the Malaysian Minister of Religion to a public debate, suggesting that it be broadcast throughout Malaysia via television channels and online platforms. They also subsequently circulated a video of the invitation to ensure religious authorities in Malaysia were aware of the matter.
Three days later, on the 5th of May 2024, members of the faith started receiving threatening messages containing death threats from individuals who introduced themselves as members of the CID (Criminal Investigation Department). Members of the faith recognized the senders as police officers, as they had been previously interrogated by officers with the same names. They were also able to identify the individuals through their Telegram profile pictures.
Further arrests and state persecution
On October 20th, 2024 the Sharia High Court in Negeri Sembilan handed a six-month prison term to a 60 year old retired fire fighter, Zolekafeli Bin Abd Ghani. He pleaded guilty to three charges of allegedly teaching "false doctrines" during a religious gathering on October 12. He was charged for spreading the teachings of The Goal of the Wise, proclaiming Abdullah Hashem to be the Second Mahdi and stating that the Quran had been corrupted.
On January 16, 2025, banners promoting the AROPL were displayed on the AMJ Highway overpass in Peringgit Jaya, Malacca, causing a hostile response from Malaysian authorities. These banners, which peacefully declared “Abdullah Hashem Is Al-Mahdi, Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light,” have been characterized as a provocation and a threat to public harmony. Officials from the Malacca Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) and State Executive Council Member Datuk Rahmad Mariman have condemned the act, and started investigations to punish those involved. This response demonstrates a chilling intolerance toward the peaceful expression of religious beliefs.
The website of the National Security Council states:
The Malacca Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) is now pursuing individuals or parties responsible for hanging a banner promoting deviant teachings on the pedestrian bridge at Lebuh Alor Gajah-Malacca Tengah-Jasin (AMJ) in Peringgit.
The Human Rights Department of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light has compiled all publications and instances of persecution in the following PDF reports, which can be downloaded here:
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