Texas-based imam Wisam Sharieff, known for his association with the AlMaghrib Institute and as the founder of Advocating Qur'anic Literacy (AQL), ​​is facing serious charges in a case involving the production of explicit videos featuring minors faced allegations.

According to an FBI affidavit filed by Special Agent Eric Salvador in Birmingham, Alabama, Sharieff allegedly used a mother and her young daughter for sexual exploitation, providing disturbing details of how he abused them under the guise of religious guidance manipulated.

The affidavit states that while Sharieff was teaching online religious classes with the mother, she allegedly convinced her that achieving orgasm would bring her closer to Allah. “During her training, SHARIEFF told SUSPECT 2 (the mother) that achieving orgasm would help her mentally and allow her to better communicate with Allah,” Agent Salvador wrote. The mother was then said to be interested in involving her underage daughter in order to “get closer to Allah” in a similar way.

The affidavit further states that Sharieff and the mother exchanged explicit videos on the messaging app Telegram in which the mother allegedly filmed her daughter in compromising situations. Court documents say she forced the child to watch pornographic content, introduced her to adult devices and filmed the incidents before sending the videos to Sharieff. In return, Sharieff is said to have sent her explicit videos of himself. The FBI was alerted to the crimes in progress after Sharieff's wife allegedly discovered the videos on his phone and contacted authorities.

Also involved in the case is Blake Miller Barakat, a resident of Shelby County, Alabama, who is believed to be the mother involved. Barakat, 50, was arrested on October 21. He faces 23 charges, including the production and distribution of explicit material depicting the sexual abuse of minors and children. She remains jailed on a bond of nearly $2 million. Court documents show that Barakat is accused of producing over a dozen explicit videos featuring her young daughter and sharing them with Sharieff.

Federal charges have since been filed against Sharieff under 18 USC Section 2251(a) and (e) for conspiracy to produce child pornography. The AlMaghrib Institute, where Sharieff served as a lecturer for the Koran Revolution program, quickly responded to the allegations, terminating his employment and issuing a statement on social media. “The AlMaghrib Institute is appalled by the news of the criminal allegations against Wisam Sharieff,” the institute wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “The safety and security of AlMaghrib Institute’s students and community remains our top priority. This criminal allegation is a shocking and disgusting experience for his students and our staff.”

In its statement, AlMaghrib clarified that there were no minors involved in its programs and that the alleged misconduct did not occur on its educational platform. AlMaghrib also reiterated its strict “zero-tolerance policy” towards misconduct, stressing that the institute had not previously received any communication from law enforcement authorities about Sharieff’s activities. “We encourage any students who have additional concerns as a result of this news to contact us,” the statement continued. The institute assured its students and community that the Quranic revolution program would continue without Sharieff, emphasizing that “the religion of Allah is not dependent on a single person.”

MuslimMatters, a widely read Muslim online publication, also condemned the allegations and announced the immediate termination of all ties with Sharieff. “These alleged actions are an unspeakable breach of trust and a despicable abuse of power,” MuslimMatters said. The platform acknowledged the shock felt by the community, adding: “To now be faced with the possibility that he may have manipulated his position to cause such harm is outrageous and disturbing.” MuslimMatters called on other organizations to to take measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their communities and even suggested dedicated hotlines for potential victims.

As the investigation has continued, both AlMaghrib Institute and MuslimMatters have reiterated their commitment to the safety of their communities. AlMaghrib has offered support services to students and encouraged anyone affected by the case to get in touch. Meanwhile, MuslimMatters praised the courage of individuals who come forward in such cases, calling their actions crucial to detecting and preventing abuses.