In a recent sermon, Abdullah Hashem (also known as Aba-Sadiq) presents himself as the divinely appointed successor of Imam Mahdi (عج) and the “Riser of the family of Muhammad.” He claims to be part of a seventh and final covenant from God and says that rejecting him is the same as rejecting Allah Himself.
He also accuses most Muslim scholars of betrayal, says a secret will of the Prophet names him by name, and claims to possess divine knowledge and miracles.
But how do these claims hold up when we examine them through Shīʿī Islamic teachings?
Let’s explore this calmly and thoughtfully.
1. Yes, God Appoints Leaders – But Claims Need Proof
However, there is a big difference between:
Being appointed by God
Claiming to be appointed by God
Islam teaches us that divine leadership must be proven through:
Clear evidence
Consistency with the Qurʾān
The teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt
Recognized signs
Simply saying “I am chosen by God” does not make it true.
Throughout history, many people have made similar claims. The Imams warned us not to follow anyone who calls people to himself without solid proof.
2. Is Rejecting Abdullah Hashem the Same as Rejecting Allah?
Abdullah Hashem says that rejecting him means rejecting God’s rule.
But in Shīʿī Islam, rejecting Allah means rejecting:
The Qurʾān
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
The Twelve Imams
Islamic law (Sharīʿah)
A human being cannot place himself at the same level as divine guidance.
Especially when that person:
Cancels prayer
Cancels fasting
Cancels hijab
Changes Islamic practices
How can rejecting such changes be the same as rejecting Allah?
3. The “Will of the Prophet” and the 12 Mahdis Claim
A major part of Abdullah Hashem’s message is based on a so-called will of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that allegedly names:
12 Imams
Followed by 12 Mahdis
With “Ahmed” and “Abdullah” mentioned
Here’s the problem:
This will does not exist in reliable Shīʿī sources
Classical scholars never taught it
It contradicts the belief in only 12 Imams
It appeared only in recent times
Shīʿī Islam teaches that any narration must be checked against the Qurʾān and authentic teachings. This “will” fails that test.
There is no concept of 12 Mahdis after the 12 Imams in mainstream Shīʿī belief.
4. Were the Covenants “Broken”?
Abdullah Hashem says humanity keeps breaking God’s covenants by rejecting divinely chosen leaders.
Shīʿī Muslims agree that:
Many people rejected prophets
The Ahl al-Bayt were oppressed
Imam Husayn (ع) was martyred
The Imams were persecuted
But this does not mean a new religious covenant is needed.
Islam is already complete.
The Mahdi (عج) will revive Islam, not replace it with a new system.
5. Is Abdullah Hashem the “Seventh Covenant”?
He claims to be the final covenant after:
Adam
Noah
Abraham
Moses
Jesus
Muhammad
But Islam teaches:
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the final prophet
The Qurʾān is the final revelation
The Imams protect the same message
There is no seventh covenant in Shīʿī theology.
6. Accusing Scholars of Betrayal
The sermon calls Islamic scholars traitors and liars.
This is a dangerous claim.
During the occultation of Imam Mahdi, Shīʿī teachings instruct believers to turn to scholars who:
Preserve hadith
Teach Qurʾān
Protect Islamic law
They are not perfect, but they are not enemies of Islam.
Attacking all scholars is a common tactic used by cults to isolate followers from outside guidance.
7. Claims of Miracles, Knowledge, and Visions
Abdullah Hashem says he can:
Interpret dreams like Prophet Yusuf
Heal the blind like Prophet Isa
Perform miracles
Disappear the moon
Possess divine knowledge
In Islam, miracles are:
Rare
Clearly witnessed
Publicly verifiable
Never used for self-promotion
Private claims, online testimonies, and personal visions are not proof of divine authority.
Many false claimants throughout history used similar tactics.
8. The “Signs of the End Times”
The sermon lists many signs of corruption in society:
Moral decay
Dishonesty
Wars
Natural disasters
Gender confusion
Empty mosques
Shīʿī Muslims agree that the world is facing serious challenges.
But these signs:
Have appeared many times in history
Do not prove someone is divinely chosen
Do not confirm Mahdist authority
Bad times alone do not create a Mahdi.
9. Calling for Public Marches
Abdullah Hashem calls his followers to protest worldwide for recognition and religious freedom.
Islam allows peaceful protest and lawful activism.
However, political activism does not prove divine leadership.
10. How Shīʿīs Really Protect Their Faith
Shīʿī Muslims stay guided by holding onto:
The Qurʾān
The Ahl al-Bayt
Authentic scholarship
Reason and evidence
Not:
Secret wills
Online claims
Self-appointed leaders
Emotional pressure
Final Thoughts
From a Shīʿī Islamic perspective:
Abdullah Hashem is not a divinely appointed successor
There is no seventh covenant
There are no Mahdis after the 12 Imams
The Mahdi will not cancel Islamic law
Scholars are not enemies of Islam
Claims must be proven, not declared
Simple Summary
Islam is complete
The Mahdi revives Islam, he does not replace it
No new divine leaders come after the 12 Imams
No one can cancel Allah’s laws
Truth is proven by evidence, not claims