### A Religious Group in Crewe with Unconventional Beliefs
A small religious group, whose leader presents himself as a successor to the Prophet Muhammad, Jesus, and even the Pope, operates from a former orphanage in Crewe, Cheshire. At least a dozen children are being educated at home on the premises.
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), established by Abdullah Hashem, describes itself as a movement rooted in Shia Islam but incorporates unconventional views, including claims that its leader can perform miracles and theories about secret powers influencing global affairs.
A video circulating online shows a young girl stating that Hashem cured her stomach pain with a touch. Followers are instructed to donate much of their income to the group, which sees itself as promoting equality while facing alleged persecution.
The group relocated to England in 2021, settling in Webb House, a listed building worth millions. Previously based in Sweden, authorities there scrutinized its activities over concerns about fraudulent visa schemes linked to its businesses.
An estimated 100 members live at the Crewe residence, including families who homeschool their children. During a recent visit, a journalist observed children playing outdoors while adults, wearing distinctive dark hats, moved about with guard dogs.
CuriosityNews examined legal records, official documents, and testimonies from former members, some of whom raised concerns about children’s education and welfare. Local authorities conducted inquiries but found no grounds for intervention.
### From Filmmaker to Self-Proclaimed Spiritual Leader
Hashem, an Egyptian-American raised in Indiana, initially gained attention for documentaries exposing fringe religious movements. In 2008, legal action followed one such project involving a Swiss UFO-based sect.
In 2015, he founded AROPL, declaring himself the Mahdi—an Islamic messianic figure—and asserting authority over multiple faiths. His teachings, outlined in his book *The Goal of the Wise*, stress financial contributions as essential for followers’ spiritual standing. Those who resist are warned of consequences.
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