### 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.
Read next
Bolivia Probes Ex-President Evo Morales for Suspected Involvement in 2009 Killings
The Bolivian attorney general has initiated an investigation into former leftist president Evo Morales, citing allegations of his involvement in the murder and torture of European nationals in 2009.
In 2009, police conducted a raid on a Santa Cruz hotel, resulting in the deaths of Eduardo Rózsa Flores, a Bolivian-
Argentina Closes Iguazu Falls Temporarily Due to El Niño-Induced Water Surge
Heavy rainfall driven by a potent El Niño weather pattern temporarily led Argentinian authorities to close tourist access to the renowned Iguazu Falls. The closure occurred due to concerns that rising water levels might cause the river to overflow its banks.
On Monday, national park officials implemented this precautionary measure
Mysterious Drones Strike Two Vessels Near Bulgarian Coast – Europe Live
Morning Update: Two Ships Targeted by Drones Off Bulgarian Coast
This morning, two ships in the Black Sea near Bulgaria were struck by drones of unknown origin. The attack led to the sinking of one vessel and initiated emergency rescue operations, as reported by Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev. Rescue