By Miguel Hayworth
“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”
– 2 Corinthians 11:13–14
Introduction
The Mahdi’s Manifesto presents itself as a message of hope and empowerment for the marginalised. On the surface, it appeals to the oppressed, the poor, the widow, and the orphan. However, behind this facade lies a dangerous religious ideology that opposes both biblical Christianity and historic Islam. The manifesto is foundational to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), a cult that elevates its founder, Aba Al-Sadiq, as the prophesied Mahdi. This movement is not only theologically false but spiritually deceptive and harmful.
1. Claim: Aba Al-Sadiq is the Mahdi, the awaited saviour
Rebuttal:
The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ alone is the promised Messiah and Saviour of the world (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). There is no need for another messianic figure. The idea of a new “Mahdi” saviour undermines the sufficiency and finality of Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on the cross.
Refutation:
Aba Al-Sadiq’s claim relies on a so-called “Will of Muhammad” which is not accepted in mainstream Islam and certainly holds no weight in Christian theology. Any movement claiming a new saviour or divine representative is a direct fulfilment of Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24:24—“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
2. Claim: AROPL is the only true religion
Rebuttal:
Christianity affirms that salvation is through Christ alone (John 3:16, 1 Timothy 2:5). No religious group, especially one founded on human claims and false prophecy, can claim exclusive access to God apart from Christ.
Refutation:
AROPL is a cult that distorts both Islamic tradition and rejects biblical truth. It lacks apostolic grounding, theological depth, and historical credibility. Unlike Christianity, which is rooted in the resurrection of Christ and a consistent biblical narrative, AROPL is built around unverifiable visions and modern self-appointed prophets.
3. Claim: Followers must pledge allegiance to Aba Al-Sadiq
Rebuttal:
Christians are called to follow Jesus Christ, not any earthly leader (Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 1:13). The New Testament warns against the worship or allegiance to men (Galatians 1:8–9). Allegiance to a self-proclaimed prophet is spiritual idolatry.
Refutation:
The Bible condemns the idea of mediators other than Christ (Hebrews 9:15). Making a covenant with Aba Al-Sadiq is a counterfeit of the New Covenant established through Christ’s blood (Luke 22:20). Any covenant not rooted in the gospel is a deception.
4. Claim: The group promotes social justice for the oppressed
Rebuttal:
Christianity teaches deep concern for the poor and marginalised (James 1:27), but not through false religious movements. True justice flows from a relationship with Christ and obedience to God’s moral law—not allegiance to a cult leader.
Refutation:
There is little evidence of genuine outreach or aid from AROPL. This appears to be a recruitment tool rather than an actual mission of service. Jesus warned of wolves in sheep’s clothing who use good works as a cloak for false doctrine (Matthew 7:15).
5. Claim: AROPL brings a new interpretation of divine revelation
Rebuttal:
The Bible warns against adding or altering God’s revealed truth (Revelation 22:18–19). Christianity holds that Scripture is complete, and the faith was “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). No new revelation is needed.
Refutation:
AROPL’s so-called scriptures, like The Goal of the Wise, are heretical and contradict both biblical and Islamic theology. They contain speculative mysticism and elevate human voices above God’s Word. In contrast, Christian revelation is centred on Christ and the unchanging gospel (Hebrews 13:8).
Conclusion: A Spiritual Danger Masquerading as Light
While The Mahdi’s Manifesto presents itself as a message of hope for the broken, it is a spiritual counterfeit. It offers a false gospel, a false saviour, and a dangerous alternative to the truth of Scripture. Christians must be vigilant and discerning. Jesus warned of movements like this, claiming to bring peace and light but ultimately leading people away from the cross.
The Apostle Paul’s words ring clear:
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” (Galatians 1:8)