Houston, November 7, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
In a serious turn of events, federal authorities have charged Wisam Sharieff, a prominent Islamic educator affiliated with the Texas-based AlMaghrib Institute, with conspiracy to produce child pornography. The charges, filed on October 29, 2024, in Alabama, allege that Sharieff, a Qur’an instructor, manipulated a mother and her minor daughter into creating and sharing explicit videos with him via the messaging app Telegram.
Alleged Grooming and Exploitation Through Religious Pretext
The FBI’s affidavit, filed by Special Agent Eric Salvador, states that Sharieff initially approached the mother, identified as Blake Miller Barakat, 50, during a religious conference.
He allegedly persuaded her that engaging in intimate acts would bring her closer to Allah, ultimately convincing her to involve her daughter in these activities under the guise of spiritual growth. Barakat reportedly followed his instructions, producing multiple videos and transmitting them to Sharieff, who in turn sent explicit content to her.
The FBI began investigating the case after Sharieff’s wife discovered explicit material on his phone and reported it to law enforcement. Barakat was subsequently arrested on October 21 and faces numerous charges related to child exploitation, with bail set at nearly $2 million.
Swift Response from AlMaghrib Institute
Following the charges, AlMaghrib Institute terminated Sharieff’s employment and expressed deep concern over the allegations.
In an official statement on X, formerly Twitter, AlMaghrib confirmed Sharieff’s dismissal and stated, “The safety and protection of our community is our highest priority.” The institute also assured the public that no minors associated with its programs were affected by Sharieff’s alleged actions.
AlMaghrib emphasized its “zero-tolerance policy” for any form of misconduct, adding that no prior reports or law enforcement warnings about Sharieff had been received. The institute assured its community that the Qur’an Revolution program would continue under new guidance, underscoring that their mission is independent of any individual.
Community Outrage and Responses from Islamic Leaders
The allegations against Sharieff have triggered significant outrage in the Muslim community, with prominent organizations, including the online publication MuslimMatters, cutting ties with Sharieff. In their statement, MuslimMatters condemned the alleged actions as a “disturbing abuse of power and an outright violation of trust,” urging community leaders to take proactive measures to prevent similar incidents.
Former Islamist and community activist Ismail Royer commented on the scandal, condemning what he described as the failure of institutions to thoroughly vet educators. He further highlighted concerns about a broader tendency to protect abusers within certain organizations.
Additional Controversies Surrounding AlMaghrib Institute
The incident has raised questions about the AlMaghrib Institute’s historical affiliations and controversies. Known for its conservative teachings, AlMaghrib has faced scrutiny over its connections to figures who made inflammatory statements in the past. Additionally, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, known for the 2009 airline bombing attempt, had reportedly attended classes offered by the institute. This latest scandal has reignited discussions over the need for strict background checks and oversight within religious educational organizations.
Female Scholars Network Condemns Abuse and Calls for Accountability
In response, the Female Scholars Network—a coalition of Muslim women scholars and educators—issued a statement condemning all forms of abuse and urging religious leaders to take a stronger stand against misconduct. Their statement reads, “The culture of silence around abuse within our communities must end.” The network pledged to support survivors and advocate for systems that prevent abuses of power within the Muslim community.
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FAQs
1. Who is Wisam Sharieff, and what are the charges against him?
Wisam Sharieff, a Qur’an instructor associated with the AlMaghrib Institute, faces federal charges for alleged child exploitation. He is accused of manipulating a mother and her minor child to produce explicit content under the guise of religious guidance.
2. How did AlMaghrib Institute respond to the allegations?
AlMaghrib Institute dismissed Sharieff following the allegations, issued a public statement condemning his alleged actions, and reassured the public of their commitment to community safety. The institute also clarified that the alleged misconduct did not involve any minors associated with their programs.
3. What steps are being taken within the Muslim community in response to this case?
The Muslim community, including prominent organizations like MuslimMatters and the Female Scholars Network, has condemned the allegations. Community leaders have called for greater transparency and accountability within religious institutions.
4. What is the Female Scholars Network’s stance on the case?
The Female Scholars Network condemned the allegations and emphasized the importance of safeguarding communities from abuse. They have pledged to support survivors and work toward creating systems that prevent abuse within the Muslim community.
5. Are there other controversies associated with the AlMaghrib Institute?
AlMaghrib Institute has faced previous controversies related to affiliations with individuals who made inflammatory statements or were associated with extremism. This latest incident has led to further scrutiny of the institute’s vetting practices and community responsibilities.
