Spreading the Faith at Times Square in New York

The efforts of the believers in the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), under the righteous banner of Aba Al-Sadiq, continue unabated despite global challenges. Tazeem Sheikh Islam, born and raised in New York City, comes from a diverse Muslim background, with Sunni influences on one side and Sufi derivatives on the other. Thrown into a world of conflicting ideologies and lacking clear guidance, he grew up asking difficult questions that often upset authority figures. This absence of satisfactory answers left him frustrated and led to disputes in his neighborhood. The contradictory responses from those in power drove him to seek higher guidance.

Through personal research, Tazeem Sheikh Islam realized the importance of thinking independently rather than following traditions blindly:

"We ˹only˺ follow what we found our forefathers practicing.” ˹Would they still do so, even if their forefathers had ˹absolutely˺ no understanding or guidance?" – Surah 2:170

Unsatisfied with the egotism of religious institutions and authority figures, Tazeem Sheikh Islam turned his focus to seeking God or a master of the universe. After numerous setbacks and personal losses, he reached a tipping point. Thankfully, his sincere quest for truth led him to discover the School of Divine Mysteries and the works of Aba Al-Sadiq. This profound knowledge provided answers to questions that had previously been deflected or ignored.

In a synchronistic moment, Tazeem Sheikh Islam met Ardijan, a close companion of the Riser of Truth, in New York. Through personal dialogues, Tazeem Sheikh Islam came to a clear realization: he became convinced by the message of Aba Al-Sadiq and now considers him the messenger of God. This conviction inspired him to dedicate himself to spreading the religion for peace and justice, which became a shared mission between him and Ardijan.

Determined to make a difference, Tazeem Sheikh Islam began street outreach in the vibrant heart of New York City, Times Square. He used posters, videos from the School of Divine Mysteries, and music from the AROPL YouTube channel to attract attention and engage the audience. The results were promising, with people taking notes, photographs, and even approaching him to learn more about the message of God's chosen Mahdi.

"Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it." – Mark 16:20

Tazeem Sheikh Islam has come to accept the difficulties inherent in this divine mission. He recognizes that spreading the religion requires patience with others and oneself, even in the face of personal tribulations and external assaults. He has resolved to align fully with God's will, understanding that human desires are ultimately subordinate to divine decree:

"O Son of Adam! I desire something and you desire something, but only what I desire occurs. If you submit yourself to My desire, I will suffice you in your desire. If you do not, I will tire you in what you desire, and only what I wish happens in the end." – Prophet Mohammed in the name of God

Inspired by his experiences, Tazeem Sheikh Islam is planning to create a homeless encampment in his neighborhood. Having witnessed the plight of the deprived—including the tragic loss of a close friend in a Bronx homeless shelter—he feels compelled to act. His mother’s work in a women’s shelter further highlights the urgent need for support in this area.

Tazeem Sheikh Islam is determined to follow the example of Denis, feeding the deprived and sharing the glad tidings of the Mahdi's appearance. Through these efforts, he aims to embody the core teachings of Aba Al-Sadiq, raising the banner of hope and demonstrating humanity in action.