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{{Short description|British-Pakistani activist}}
{{Notability|date=October 2009}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}

{{Infobox revolution biography {{Infobox person
|name=Younus AlGohar |name=Younus AlGohar
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|df=yes|1968|06|16}}
|image=]
|birth_place=], Pakistan
|caption= Younus AlGohar during a New Life Expo, in ], ]
|alma_mater=], ]
|dateofbirth={{birth date|1972|06|16}}
|image=YounusAlGohar-Profile-Image.jpg
|placeofbirth=], ]
|caption=Younus AlGohar (September 2015)
|organizations= ] (Co-Founder & CEO)
|other_names =Sayyedi (Honourable), AlGohar, Mohammad Younus
|movement=
|organization= ], ], ]
|monuments=
|awards= 'Man of Valour', 'Universal Peace Ambassador'
|footnotes=
}} }}


'''Younus AlGohar''' ({{lang|ur|یونس الگوھر}}, born '''Mohammad Younus'''; 16 June 1969) is a British co-founder of ] (also known as ] and Mehdi Foundation International), a spiritual organisation which advocates for ] mystical teachings and claims he ].<ref>UN Human Rights Council, 28 February 2008, p. 27</ref> He authored the books ''Mysterious Horizons – Beyond God'' (2007), and ''Nisāb-e-Mehdi'' {{lang|ur|نصا ب مہدی}}&lrm; (2010).
'''Younus AlGohar''' (], ]) is a ] and a ] who lives in ], ]. He is the co-founder of the spiritualist organization, ], as well as its sister organization, Kalki Avatar Foundation . The Spiritualist is also an ] and ]. MFI claims that Younus AlGohar is the official representative of R.A. Gohar Shahi. Many dozens of miracles are attributed to Younus AlGohar's credit, that he performed during his propagational tours all around the world.

In ], the ] within the government of the ] titled the spiritualist as a ‘Man of Valour’. Younus AlGohar has 11 master degrees under his belt, including one in ]. Younus AlGohar has authored many hundred articles on ] as well as the book ''Mysterious Horizons-Beyond God'' (]).

==Early Life and His Holiness R.A. Gohar Shahi==
]]]
Born in ], ], Younus AlGohar grew up practicing Islamic ]. However, he claims that nothing would satisfy his thirst for the truth until he met his Spiritual Master, R.A Gohar Shahi at the age of 16. On the subject of the meeting, the spiritualist states, “When I first looked at the comely face of Gohar Shahi, I felt instantly that I knew Gohar Shahi all along; long before we had even come to this world."


==Biography==
Younus AlGohar spent 24 years under the discipleship of Gohar Shahi. In those 24 years, Younus AlGohar was put through spiritual discipline and struggle to obtain the spiritual enlightenment of the ], ], and body while at the same time mortifying the Self, also known as the ], which, according to the teachings of R.A. Gohar Shahi, is a negative spirit born inside every human. According to his website, part of the spiritual struggle was through refraining from certain luxuries for three years so as to deprive the Self and therefore weaken it. The methodologies and teachings of R.A. Gohar Shahi can be closely related to the teachings of Sufism.
]
In 1983, at the age of 15 he met ] and spent 18 years as a close disciple, until Shahi's disappearance in 2001.<ref name="officialsite">{{cite web|url=http://www.younusalgohar.com/|title=The Official Representative of Lord Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi |publisher=YounusAlGohar.com |access-date=4 July 2013}}</ref>


==Messiah Foundation International==
In 1999, R.A. Gohar Shahi was recorded in saying, “I will meet only Younus now, and Younus shall meet the world on behalf of me.”
''RAGS International'' was founded by ] in 1980, and renamed in 2000 as ]. The first centre for MFI was established in London, which is the headquarters of MFI.<ref name="Island2"/><ref name="interviewwithleader">{{Citation | title = Spiritual Leader Speaks of a Love Unsurpassed | newspaper = The Sunday Leader| location = Sri Lanka | date = 29 May 2011 | url = http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2011/05/29/spiritual-leader-speaks-of-a-love-unsurpassed/ | access-date =20 December 2011}}</ref> MFI has grown to include centres in Canada, USA, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Japan, Australia, India, Greece, Thailand, Bangladesh, Taiwan and Pakistan and Nepal.<ref name="SL2012"/><ref>{{Cite press release | title = MFI Nepal Opens its Doors | publisher =MFI Media | date = 26 February 2012 | url =http://www.goharshahi.us/index.php?/news/view/mfi-nepal-opens-its-doors/ | access-date = 1 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title =Founding of MFI | url = http://www.goharshahi.us/mehdi-foundation-international/ | access-date =4 July 2013}}</ref>


==Founding of MFI== ==Beliefs and views==
]
After the ] of R.A. Gohar Shahi , Younus AlGohar gathered a great portion of the following of R.A. Gohar Shahi under the platform of ]. It was founded in 2002.
AlGohar considers himself a "devout servant" of Shahi who practices "The Religion of God", which AlGohar says Shahi has introduced to humanity. According to AlGohar, he believes in all the ]s, the ] and the ] regardless of their religion. He asserts that he does not reject or hate any religion but believes that the spiritual system in all religions, which helped humanity find God, has diminished due to modifications in the religions.<ref name="croydon"/><ref name="dantv"/><ref name="structureofmfiunhcr">
{{Citation | title= Structure and objective of the Mehdi Foundation and the perception of this movement in Pakistan | date = 5 December 2008 | url= http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/pdfid/49997ae7d.pdf | access-date =11 October 2009}}
</ref><ref>
{{cite web | title = Do you await a Messianic personality? | url = http://rariazgoharshahi.blogspot.com/2008/11/do-you-await-messianic-personality.html
|date= 17 November 2008 | access-date =11 October 2009}}
</ref> According to him, his goals include preaching spirituality irrespective of religious or cultural boundaries, revolutionising humanity by reviving spiritual insight,<ref name="SL2012"/><ref name="AsiaToday"/> establishing inner and outer peace, eliminating hatred from society, enlightening hearts with divine energy,<ref name="AsiaToday"/> and heralding the second coming of ] and Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi.<ref name="interviewwithleader"/>
He has openly challenged ] to have "a healthy debate on this topic should it arise a theological reservation among the minds of petty scholars." In particular, AlGohar has challenged ] to debates on spirituality, ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web | title = His Holiness Younus AlGohar's Challenge to Tahir ul Qadri | url = http://www.goharshahi.us/index.php?/media/watch/younus-algohars-challenge-to-tahir-ul-qadri/ |date= 18 April 2010 | access-date =4 July 2013}}</ref> AlGohar also declares that the world is in the ].<ref>{{cite web | title = 2026 and Humanity | url = http://www.goharshahi.us/index.php?/news/view/2026-humanity/ |date= 20 February 2011 | access-date =6 April 2011}}</ref><ref name="independent">{{Citation|title=End of the world: The apocalypses that await us if we make it through today|date=7 October 2015|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/end-of-the-world-the-apocalypses-that-await-us-if-we-make-it-through-today-a6685046.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220507/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/end-of-the-world-the-apocalypses-that-await-us-if-we-make-it-through-today-a6685046.html |archive-date=7 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=7 October 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="Guardian">{{Citation|title=Apocalypse now and again … your choice of dates for the end of the world |newspaper=The Guardian |date=28 September 2015|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/28/apocalypse-now-and-again-your-choice-of-dates-for-the-end-of-the-world|access-date=1 October 2015|last1=Gabbatt |first1=Adam }}</ref><ref name="jobshire">{{Citation|title=End Of The World 2015: NASA Slams Conspiracy Theorists' Apocalypse Threats, Says No Scientific Basis For Imminent Mass Destruction|date=1 October 2015|url=http://www.jobsnhire.com/articles/28714/20151001/end-world-2015-nasa-slams-conspiracy-theorists-apocalypse-threats-scientific-basis-imminent-mass-destruction.htm|access-date=2 October 2015}}</ref>


===Stand against Terrorism===
The first centre for MFI was established in ], which is also the headquarters of MFI. Today, the organization has grown to include centres in ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] as well.
AlGohar opposes ] which he considers a threat to Islam and the entire world.<ref name="SolutionTerrorism">{{Citation|title= Younus AlGohar's Solution to Terrorism|url=http://www.younusalgohar.org/stand-against-wahhabism/younus-algohars-solution-to-terrorism/|access-date=19 October 2015}}</ref> He has spoken out against ].<ref name="ChallengeISIS">{{Citation|title=HH Younus AlGohar's Challenge to ISIS |url=http://www.younusalgohar.org/stand-against-wahhabism/hh-younus-algohars-challenge-to-isis/|access-date=19 October 2015}}</ref> He believes that Wahhabism is the ideology of ], stating that ] teaching the Wahhabi ideology are engaging in ] and are producing terrorists. He has urged world leaders to impose sanctions on Saudi Arabia for their role in promoting terrorism.<ref name="SolutionTerrorism"/> He has called for Wahhabism to be banned in the United Kingdom, United States of America and ].<ref>{{Citation|title= Sign Petition for Ban on Wahhabism |date=4 March 2016|url=http://en.shafaqna.com/news/29721|access-date=10 March 2016}}</ref> He engages in efforts to de-radicalise Muslim youth by promoting ] and has started an initiative called ''Young Sufis of the Great Britain'' with the Messiah Foundation International for this purpose.<ref name="YSGB">{{Citation|title= Young Sufis of the Great Britain – Monthly meetup August|date=23 August 2014|url=http://www.goharshahi.us/local.php?/news/view/young-sufis-of-the-great-britain-monthly-meetup-august//|access-date=19 October 2015}}</ref>


===Malaysian Court Ruling===
==Accomplishments and Works==
AlGohar criticised the October 2013 ] banning non-Muslims from using the word, 'Allah'. He accused the judges who made the decision of being 'highly ignorant, shortsighted and prejudiced.'<ref name="FMT1"/> He argued that to confine Allah to Islam was to suggest that the God of ] was different from the God of all others and that it was ].<ref name="FMT1"/><ref name="FMT2"/>
]
Younus AlGohar was named as an ‘Ambassador for Peace’ by the ] in ]. He studied at the ] and furthered his education by attending the ]. He also took exam placements at ]. Amongst the followers of R.A Gohar Shahi, Younus AlGohar is a well-known Urdu poet for His ] and ]s praising his Spiritual Master. Furthermore, he has written many articles on spirituality in various languages, many of which have been published. He is notable for his authoring of the book ''Mysterious Horizons-Beyond God''.


==Beliefs and Views== ==Prosecution and Persecution==
Younus AlGohar does not call himself a ] but rather a devout servant of R.A. Gohar Shahi, and he practises the latest religion, "the Religion of God" which Younus AlGohar claims R.A. Gohar Shahi has introduced to the whole of humanity .Younus AlGohar does not reject any religion including ] but he claims that the spiritual system in all the religions has diminished now, and the humanity needs a fresh guidance. Younus AlGohar believes in all the ]s, the ]s and the ] no matter what religion do they come from. Younus AlGohar does not hate or reject any religion at all, however, he asserts that these religions have been modified with the passage of time, and this alteration in the religions have caused them to fade their original glory which helped humanity find ].
===About Islam===
In regards to today’s ], Younus AlGohar explains that the contemporary form of ] is not the ] that the ] (PBUH) founded some 1430 years ago.
“At the time of the ] (PBUH), there was no denominations like the ], the ] and the ]. The Muslim ] divided itself when the ] excreted out of their hearts. People have lost contact with ], because they lost the true application of Spiritual sciences.”
Younus AlGohar continues to explain that the contemporary form of ] that Muslim Sufi's practise isn’t the original teachings of ].
“] is all about inner-purification and getting united with the Essence of Divinity.”
Younus AlGohar quotes R.A. Gohar Shahi as saying:
“In order to recognize and reach God; learn spiritual sciences no matter what religion or sect you belong to.”
===Universality, Islam, and Divine Signs===
Younus AlGohar declares that all humanity is but one nation, and God's love is but the true immortal religion that which even ] himself practises in the realms of His Personal Being. Younus AlGohar also declares that R.A. Gohar Shahi has brought about God's religion on ] to equal all human beings with the ], ] and the ]. He quotes R.A. Gohar Shahi as saying:
“Let all humanity taste God's personal love, and let all hearts be drawn to the Face of the Lord.”
Younus AlGohar propagates that images of R.A. Gohar Shahi have become prominent on various celestial bodies like the ], the ] , ] and the Nebula Star, and that it is a divine signal from ] to introduce R.A. Gohar Shahi as the Most Awaited Divine Figure of all times, the ], the ] and the ].
Younus AlGohar declares the teachings of R.A. Gohar Shahi as the elixir of the hearts, and a must for the aspirant of ] to reach Him. Younus AlGohar opinionates the Goharian Spiritual Sciences as the best solution to reform the society and declares it to be the most essential to societal rehabilitation. It seems most ] do not approve of Younus AlGohar for his adaptability to different religions and sects. Whereas Younus AlGohar declares broadmindedness as the core of Spirituality. He states all humanity is God's creation, therefore there should not be discrimination among them at all. Younus AlGohar states "there are more than one ] in the Higher realms however there is but only one creator, and servitude is applicable to the creator only, and it is not enough for a ] to be seeking servitude from the humanity created by somebody else."
===Replies to Opposition===
In reply to those who reject the teachings due to religious bias, Younus AlGohar challenges the ] to have “a healthy debate on this topic should it arise a theological reservations among the minds of petty scholars.” Younus AlGohar claims that R.A. Gohar Shahi is the Awaited Imam ], the Promised ], and the foretold ], and it is evident in the light of the images becoming prominent on various objects. He furthers adds that those wishing to dismiss this claim should do so only after they have gone through a thorough probe into the matter. And if somebody still feels unsatisfied is cordially invited to ask questions and he will be replied in earnest.


Many attempts were made on the lives of Gohar Shahi and Younus AlGohar including a ] thrown into AlGohar's residence in ], where Shahi stayed when he toured{{when|date=January 2020}} the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Religion of God|last=Gohar Shahi|first=Riaz Ahmed|year=2000|publisher=Balboa Press|location=United States|isbn=978-1-45254-908-8|pages=xi |access-date=13 July 2013|url=http://bookstore.balboapress.com/Products/SKU-000528516/the-religion-of-god-divine-love.aspx}}</ref><ref name="Attempts">{{cite web|url=http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/2717/page3.html|title=Who is Holiness|publisher=via Yahoo Geocities|access-date=9 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011123051444/http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/2717/page3.html|archive-date=23 November 2001}}</ref>
==Opposition==
Younus AlGohar has both his admirers and enemies.
Anjuman Sarfroshan-e-Islam, an organization which also claims to be associated with R.A. Gohar Shahi, rejects the teachings that Younus AlGohar projects under the label of the Goharian Philosophy of ]. Anjuman Sarfroshan-e-Islam vehemently disapproves of Younus AlGohar, and considers him as an enemy of R.A. Gohar Shahi, nevertheless, most senior members from the following of R.A. Gohar Shahi declares Younus AlGohar to be a true reflection of R.A. Gohar Shahi in character and Spirituality. It is reported that Anjuman Sarfroshan-e-Islam officials do not allow their members to meet with Younus AlGohar, because they fear Younus AlGohar is a magician and he will convert all that meet him.. To Anjuman Sarfroshan-e-Islam, Younus AlGohar is a highly unapproachable person. Anjuman Sarfroshan-e-Islam allegedly blames Younus AlGohar to be an agent of the ], and a dedicated enemy of ].


In August 2014, AlGohar was a vocal supporter of ] rally against ] in Pakistan's 2013 elections. AlGohar's support of Imran Khan and ] was a matter of controversy in the Pakistani media, drawing comments from ] and ], who alleged on ''Bolta Pakistan'' that AlGohar was funding Imran Khan's campaign and conspiring against Pakistan.<ref name="boltapk">{{cite episode|title=Jirga's Apeal....| series = Bolta Pakistan| url = http://www.zemtv.com/2014/09/18/bolta-pakistan-jirgas-apeal-18th-september-2014/| network = Aaj TV| location = Lahore, Pakistan| airdate = 2014-09-18 | minutes = 39:57}}</ref> Immediately after the episode was aired, Mehdi Foundation International posted AlGohar's video response on their YouTube channel, in which AlGohar stated that he had no affiliation with Imran Khan, but was rather hoping for justice.<ref>{{cite web| title = Younus AlGohar's Challenge to Aaj TV | website=] | date=18 September 2014 | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6hJqYVWknk| access-date = 30 March 2015}}</ref> Shireen Mazari soon issued a statement distancing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf from AlGohar.<ref>{{cite web| title = PTI totally distances itself from statements by Younis Al-Gohar: Dr Shireen Mazari (sic)| url = http://insaf.pk/news/national-news/item/1788747-pti-totally-distances-itself-from-statements-by-younis-al-gohar-dr-shireen-mazari| access-date = 30 March 2015}}</ref> AlGohar later withdrew his support of Imran Khan.<ref>{{cite web| title = MFI to Host Press Conference for Pakistani Media in Toronto| url = http://www.goharshahi.us/index.php?/news/view/mfi-press-pakistani-media-toronto/| access-date = 30 March 2015}}</ref>
The ] has instigated cases of ] against Younus AlGohar, though the details on how he blasphemed have not been specified. The penalty for ] under the strict ] laws of ] is death. .


In 2013, AlGohar was convicted of ]. He pleaded guilty to 11 out of 12 charges of dishonesty under the Social Security Administration Act 1992. AlGohar was ordered to pay a £6000 fine and perform 240 hours of community service.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/local/topstories/10784223.Self_proclaimed_mystic_convicted_of___77_000_benefit_fraud/|title=Self-proclaimed mystic convicted of £77,000 benefit fraud|website=Your Local Guardian|date=5 November 2013 |language=en|access-date=2017-05-03}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=Shah Baba|title=Younas Algohar exposed by BBC London|date=2015-03-12|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKusot1S2dk|access-date=2017-05-03}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref>
==Quotes==
“''Our slogan is love for all, hatred for none.''” – Interview with Asian Pulse Television, Vancouver, Canada.


===Media coverage===
“''Every religion considers itself to be the best of all religions. The best religion should attract all humanity, and shape the character of humanity into that of loving, caring, and peace promoting.''” – ''Mysterious Horizons''.
AlGohar was featured in an article by the ] newspaper<ref name="Lakbima Interview">{{cite web
| title = His Holiness Younus AlGohar speaks to the Lakbima Newspaper
| url = http://www.kalkiavatarfoundation.com/activities/activity/his-holiness-younus-algohar-speaks-to-the-lakbima-newspaper
| access-date = 6 July 2013}}</ref> and was interviewed by the Sri Lankan newspaper, ].<ref name="Island2">{{Citation| last = Morell | first = Steve A.| title = The Kalkia Avatar Foundation exemplifies Divine Love | newspaper = The Island | date =7 September 2008 | url = http://www.island.lk/2008/09/07/news9.html | access-date =11 October 2009 }}</ref> He was featured by ] in 2009.<ref name="croydon">{{Cite news | last = Whalley | first = Kirsty | title = Croydon religious leader faces life in Pakistani jail for his beliefs | newspaper = Your Local Guardian | location = London | date = 30 September 2009 | url =http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/4645892.Croydon_religious_leader_faces_life_in_Pakistani_jail_for_his_beliefs | access-date =11 October 2009}}</ref> He was also interviewed by various Sri Lankan media in 2011, 2012 and 2015, including '']''<ref name="interviewwithleader"/><ref name="SL2012">{{cite web|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2012/01/01/spreading-divine-love-messiah-foundation-international/|title=Spreading Divine Love Messiah Foundation International|publisher=Sunday Leader|date=1 January 2012|access-date=1 January 2012}}</ref><ref name="SL2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2015/09/13/spiritual-leader-from-uk-visits-sri-lanka-2/|title=Spiritual Leader From UK Visits Sri Lanka|publisher=Sunday Leader|date=13 September 2015|access-date=19 October 2015}}</ref> and the ''Island''.<ref name="Island3">{{Citation| last = Perera
| first = Suresh | title = The practice of rituals alone does not initiate the heart with divine love | newspaper = The Island | date = 24 December 2011 | url =http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=41850| access-date =25 December 2011}}</ref><ref name="Island4">{{Citation | title = The message of Divine Love has been very successful in Sri Lanka – MFI CEO | newspaper = The Island | date = 28 May 2011 | url = http://island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=26464 | access-date =10 April 2014
}}</ref> He was covered by ] newspapers and television stations.<ref name="dantv">{{cite episode |title=Episode|series = Indraya Piramugar| url = http://www.dantv.tv/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1111:piramugar-20120114&catid=106:indraya-piramugar&Itemid=544| network = DAN TV | location = ], Sri Lanka| airdate = 2012-01-14| minutes = 96:49}}{{Dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref><ref name="Thinakaran">{{Citation
| newspaper = Thinakaran |title= Thinakaran Newspaper's Article about the Ra Ram Conference| date = 9 January 2012| url = http://www.kalkiavatarfoundation.com/activities/activity/thinkaran-newspapers-article-about-the-ra-ram-conference| access-date =17 January 2012
}}</ref><ref name="Virakesari">{{Citation | newspaper = Virakesari |title= Virakesari Newspaper's Special Coverage of Ra Ram Conference | date = 8 January 2012 | url = http://www.kalkiavatarfoundation.com/activities/activity/virakesari-newspapers-special-coverage-of-ra-ram-conference| access-date =17 January 2012
}}</ref><ref name="Sudar Oli">{{Citation | newspaper = Sudar Oli|title= Sudar Oli Newspaper Covers the Ra Ram Conference | date = 6 January 2012 | url = http://www.goharshahi.us/index.php?/news/view/sudar-oli-newspaper-covers-conference1/ | access-date =17 January 2012}}</ref>
In addition, he was invited by the ] to speak on 'The Call of Time' in Sri Lanka<ref name="BK">{{cite web| title = Upcoming Events
| url = http://www.bkwsu.org/srilanka/UpComingEvents| access-date = 15 December 2012}}</ref><ref name="BKMFI">{{cite web| title = HH Younus AlGohar's lecture on Call of Time at Brahma Kumari Centre, Sri Lanka a great success| url = http://www.goharshahi.us/news/view/hh-younus-algohar-lecture-on-call-of-time-at-brahma-kumari-centre-sri-/| access-date = 15 December 2012}}</ref> and by Good Morning Sri Lanka to discuss spirituality.<ref name="GMSL">{{cite web| title = His Holiness Younus AlGohar interviewed by MTV Sports, Sri Lanka | website=] | date=13 December 2012 | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhv_34QAoik| access-date = 15 December 2012}}</ref>
AlGohar was also invited by ] in Sri Lanka to explain the message of Kalki Avatar Foundation.<ref name="TNL">{{cite episode|title=The TNL Channel Interviews His Holiness Younus AlGohar| series = Jeewithay Sundarai| url = http://www.kalkiavatarfoundation.com/activities/activity/the-tnl-channel-interviews-his-holiness-younus-algohar| network = TNL TV | location = ], Sri Lanka| airdate = 2013-03-28 | minutes = 00:00}}</ref> During his tour of Sri Lanka in December 2013, he was interviewed on TNL TV again<ref>{{cite episode |title=TNL TV Interviews His Holiness Younus AlGohar| series = Jeewithay Sundarai | url = http://www.kalkiavatarfoundation.com/activities/activity/tnl-tv-interviews-his-holiness-younus-algohar| network = TNL TV| location = ], Sri Lanka | airdate = 2013-12-17| minutes = 00:00}}</ref> and spoke on ] ''Face On''.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Face on Interview with His Holiness Younus AlGohar| series = Face On| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ERGvF3Zkc8| network = ITN Prime TV | location = ], Sri Lanka| airdate = 2014-01-20 | minutes = 00:00}}</ref> His visit was also covered by national Tamil-language newspapers.<ref>
{{Citation | newspaper = Tamil Daily Mirror | title = Worship Programme Arranged by Kalki Avatar Foundation | date = 23 December 2013 | url = http://tamil.dailymirror.lk/2010-07-14-09-13-23/2010-08-12-10-11-54/2010-09-21-10-46-55/94204-2013-12-23-09-42-34.html | access-date = 30 January 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140127063121/http://tamil.dailymirror.lk/2010-07-14-09-13-23/2010-08-12-10-11-54/2010-09-21-10-46-55/94204-2013-12-23-09-42-34.html | archive-date = 27 January 2014 | url-status = dead }}
</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Thinakkural Newspaper Covers His Holiness Younus AlGohar's visit to Vishnu Temple!| website = Kalki Avatar Foundation | date = 18 December 2013 | url = http://www.kalkiavatarfoundation.com/activities/activity/thinakkural-newspaper-reports-on-his-holiness-younus-algohars-visit-to-vish | access-date = 30 January 2014 }}</ref> AlGohar's comments on the ]n court ruling regarding the prohibition of the word ']' for non-Muslims were published in ] in January and February 2014.<ref name="FMT1">{{Citation | newspaper = Free Malaysia Today
|title= Pakistani cleric slams "ignorant" Allah ruling | date = 22 January 2014 | url = http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/01/22/pakistani-cleric-slams-%E2%80%9Cignorant%E2%80%9D-allah-ruling/ | access-date = 31 January 2014 }}</ref><ref name="FMT2">{{Citation | newspaper = Free Malaysia Today|title= Allah row: Pakistani cleric blames Umno | date = 3 February 2014 | url = http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/02/03/allah-row-pakistani-cleric-blames-umno/ | access-date = 4 February 2014 }}</ref> In ], he was interviewed by ''Asia Today'' about his beliefs, Shahi and Messiah Foundation International.<ref name="AsiaToday">{{Citation | newspaper = Asia Today | title = Chai with...His Holiness Younus AlGohar of Messiah Foundation International | date = September 2014 | url = https://asiatodayaz.com/newspapers/2014/October_2014.pdf | access-date = 7 October 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141010125013/https://asiatodayaz.com/newspapers/2014/October_2014.pdf | archive-date = 10 October 2014 | url-status = dead }}</ref> His next interviews with the Island were published in September 2015 and May 2016.<ref name="island2015">{{Citation | newspaper = The Island
|title= 'A person becomes a better human being when not overpowered by hatred' — Younus AlGohar | date = 5 September 2015 | url = http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=131232 | access-date = 7 September 2015 }}</ref><ref name="island2016">{{Citation | newspaper = The Island| title= 'My message is love, peace, tolerance and universal brotherhood'— Younus Al Gohar | date = 22 May 2016 | url = http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=145625 | access-date = 31 May 2016 }}</ref> His article entitled 'Dysfunctionality of Religions' was published by Asia Today in September 2016.<ref name="AsiaToday2">{{Citation | newspaper = Asia Today
|title= Dysfunctionality of Religions | date = 1 September 2016 | url = https://asiatodayaz.com/newspapers/2016/September_2016.pdf | access-date = 21 September 2016 }}</ref> His commentary on ] links to ] were noted in an article published in ''News Rescue''.<ref name="NewsRescue">{{Citation | newspaper = News Rescue|title= "We Are Not Wahhabi, We Do Not Sponsor Terror," Saudi Arabia Writes Article To Defend Itself From Terror Sponsor Label | date = 11 March 2016 | url = http://newsrescue.com/we-are-not-wahhabi-we-do-not-sponsor-terror-saudi-arabia-writes-article-to-defend-itself-from-terror-sponsor-label/#axzz4KNW2OL6j | access-date = 21 September 2016 }}</ref>


==Bibliography==
“''Love makes all hearts gentle.''” – www.theawaitedone.com
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name of Book !! In Urdu !! Translation !! Year of Publication !! Content
|-
| ''Rukhsār-e-Riaz'' || |رخسار ریاض|| The Face of Riaz || 2002 || Poetry
|-
| ''Malfoozāt-e-Mehdi'' ||ملفوظات مہدی|| Sayings Pertaining to the Mehdi || 2002 || Educational Book
|-
| ''Dastoor-e-Riaz'' ||دستور ریاض|| The Riazian Constitution || 2002 || Educational Book
|-
| ''Mysterious Horizons'' – Beyond God || – || – || 2007 || Educational Book
|-
| ''Nisāb-e-Mehdi'' ||نصاب مہدی|| The Chapter of the Mehdi || 2010 || Educational Book
|-
| ''Imam um Mubeen'' ||امام مّبین|| The Elusid Imam || 2012 || Educational Book
|}


==References==
“''There are two dimensions in all religions: outer and inner. Outer knowledge is already very common in all religions. Therefore, we don’t prioritise it in our message. However, the inner dimension has become extinct in religious circles today. We lay emphasis on cleansing of the heart and the Self. The outer knowledge is like the potato skin, while the inner knowledge is the core. It is the inner knowledge that connects the human heart with God whence it becomes enlightened. Some ] say this is a bizarre concept, however, ] (PBUH) laid the entire foundation of faith upon purification and enlightenment of the ]. ] (PBUH) said, ‘O’ children of ], there is a lump of flesh in your body, when this is enlightened, the entire body becomes pure, and the entire body becomes corrupted if it is filled with mischief. Remember well: It is your ].’”'' –riazaljannah.com
{{reflist}}


==External links==
''‘One ] fraction says: “], knowledge that deals in purification and enlightenment of the ], and ] is unholy.” On contrary to this, R.A. Gohar Shahi says: “Without the purification of the heart, all worship is unholy, insincere and a total waste.”’'' -www.divine-signs.org
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Latest revision as of 10:21, 30 August 2024

British-Pakistani activist

Younus AlGohar
Younus AlGohar (September 2015)
Born (1968-06-16) 16 June 1968 (age 56)
Karachi, Pakistan
Other namesSayyedi (Honourable), AlGohar, Mohammad Younus
Alma materManchester University, Cambridge University
Organization(s)Messiah Foundation International, Mehdi Foundation International, Kalki Avatar Foundation
Awards'Man of Valour', 'Universal Peace Ambassador'

Younus AlGohar (یونس الگوھر, born Mohammad Younus; 16 June 1969) is a British co-founder of Messiah Foundation International (also known as Kalki Avatar Foundation and Mehdi Foundation International), a spiritual organisation which advocates for Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi mystical teachings and claims he is the Messiah (Mahdi). He authored the books Mysterious Horizons – Beyond God (2007), and Nisāb-e-Mehdi نصا ب مہدی‎ (2010).

Biography

Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi and Younus AlGohar during a program in the UK

In 1983, at the age of 15 he met Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi and spent 18 years as a close disciple, until Shahi's disappearance in 2001.

Messiah Foundation International

RAGS International was founded by Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi in 1980, and renamed in 2000 as Messiah Foundation International. The first centre for MFI was established in London, which is the headquarters of MFI. MFI has grown to include centres in Canada, USA, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Japan, Australia, India, Greece, Thailand, Bangladesh, Taiwan and Pakistan and Nepal.

Beliefs and views

Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi and Younus AlGohar at an event held in USA, 1999

AlGohar considers himself a "devout servant" of Shahi who practices "The Religion of God", which AlGohar says Shahi has introduced to humanity. According to AlGohar, he believes in all the Prophets, the Messengers and the saints regardless of their religion. He asserts that he does not reject or hate any religion but believes that the spiritual system in all religions, which helped humanity find God, has diminished due to modifications in the religions. According to him, his goals include preaching spirituality irrespective of religious or cultural boundaries, revolutionising humanity by reviving spiritual insight, establishing inner and outer peace, eliminating hatred from society, enlightening hearts with divine energy, and heralding the second coming of Jesus Christ and Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi. He has openly challenged Islamic Scholars to have "a healthy debate on this topic should it arise a theological reservation among the minds of petty scholars." In particular, AlGohar has challenged Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri to debates on spirituality, saints, Imam Mehdi and Islam. AlGohar also declares that the world is in the end times.

Stand against Terrorism

AlGohar opposes Wahhabism which he considers a threat to Islam and the entire world. He has spoken out against ISIS. He believes that Wahhabism is the ideology of Islamic militants, stating that madrassas teaching the Wahhabi ideology are engaging in hate preaching and are producing terrorists. He has urged world leaders to impose sanctions on Saudi Arabia for their role in promoting terrorism. He has called for Wahhabism to be banned in the United Kingdom, United States of America and India. He engages in efforts to de-radicalise Muslim youth by promoting Sufism and has started an initiative called Young Sufis of the Great Britain with the Messiah Foundation International for this purpose.

Malaysian Court Ruling

AlGohar criticised the October 2013 Malaysian court ruling banning non-Muslims from using the word, 'Allah'. He accused the judges who made the decision of being 'highly ignorant, shortsighted and prejudiced.' He argued that to confine Allah to Islam was to suggest that the God of Muslims was different from the God of all others and that it was shirk.

Prosecution and Persecution

Many attempts were made on the lives of Gohar Shahi and Younus AlGohar including a petrol bomb thrown into AlGohar's residence in Manchester, where Shahi stayed when he toured the United Kingdom.

In August 2014, AlGohar was a vocal supporter of Imran Khan's rally against electoral fraud in Pakistan's 2013 elections. AlGohar's support of Imran Khan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was a matter of controversy in the Pakistani media, drawing comments from Nusrat Javed and Mushtaq Minhas, who alleged on Bolta Pakistan that AlGohar was funding Imran Khan's campaign and conspiring against Pakistan. Immediately after the episode was aired, Mehdi Foundation International posted AlGohar's video response on their YouTube channel, in which AlGohar stated that he had no affiliation with Imran Khan, but was rather hoping for justice. Shireen Mazari soon issued a statement distancing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf from AlGohar. AlGohar later withdrew his support of Imran Khan.

In 2013, AlGohar was convicted of benefit fraud. He pleaded guilty to 11 out of 12 charges of dishonesty under the Social Security Administration Act 1992. AlGohar was ordered to pay a £6000 fine and perform 240 hours of community service.

Media coverage

AlGohar was featured in an article by the Lakbima newspaper and was interviewed by the Sri Lankan newspaper, The Island. He was featured by Your Local Guardian in 2009. He was also interviewed by various Sri Lankan media in 2011, 2012 and 2015, including The Sunday Leader and the Island. He was covered by Tamil language newspapers and television stations. In addition, he was invited by the Brahma Kumaris to speak on 'The Call of Time' in Sri Lanka and by Good Morning Sri Lanka to discuss spirituality. AlGohar was also invited by TNL TV in Sri Lanka to explain the message of Kalki Avatar Foundation. During his tour of Sri Lanka in December 2013, he was interviewed on TNL TV again and spoke on ITN Prime TV's Face On. His visit was also covered by national Tamil-language newspapers. AlGohar's comments on the Malaysian court ruling regarding the prohibition of the word 'Allah' for non-Muslims were published in Free Malaysia Today in January and February 2014. In Phoenix, Arizona, he was interviewed by Asia Today about his beliefs, Shahi and Messiah Foundation International. His next interviews with the Island were published in September 2015 and May 2016. His article entitled 'Dysfunctionality of Religions' was published by Asia Today in September 2016. His commentary on Saudi Arabia's links to Wahhabism were noted in an article published in News Rescue.

Bibliography

Name of Book In Urdu Translation Year of Publication Content
Rukhsār-e-Riaz رخسار ریاض The Face of Riaz 2002 Poetry
Malfoozāt-e-Mehdi ملفوظات مہدی Sayings Pertaining to the Mehdi 2002 Educational Book
Dastoor-e-Riaz دستور ریاض The Riazian Constitution 2002 Educational Book
Mysterious Horizons – Beyond God – – 2007 Educational Book
Nisāb-e-Mehdi نصاب مہدی The Chapter of the Mehdi 2010 Educational Book
Imam um Mubeen امام مّبین The Elusid Imam 2012 Educational Book

References

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  2. "The Official Representative of Lord Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi". YounusAlGohar.com. Retrieved 4 July 2013.
  3. ^ Morell, Steve A. (7 September 2008), "The Kalkia Avatar Foundation exemplifies Divine Love", The Island, retrieved 11 October 2009
  4. ^ "Spiritual Leader Speaks of a Love Unsurpassed", The Sunday Leader, Sri Lanka, 29 May 2011, retrieved 20 December 2011
  5. ^ "Spreading Divine Love Messiah Foundation International". Sunday Leader. 1 January 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
  6. "MFI Nepal Opens its Doors" (Press release). MFI Media. 26 February 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2012.
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  8. ^ Whalley, Kirsty (30 September 2009). "Croydon religious leader faces life in Pakistani jail for his beliefs". Your Local Guardian. London. Retrieved 11 October 2009.
  9. ^ "Episode". Indraya Piramugar. Colombo, Sri Lanka. 14 January 2012. 96:49 minutes in. DAN TV.
  10. Structure and objective of the Mehdi Foundation and the perception of this movement in Pakistan (PDF), 5 December 2008, retrieved 11 October 2009
  11. "Do you await a Messianic personality?". 17 November 2008. Retrieved 11 October 2009.
  12. ^ "Chai with...His Holiness Younus AlGohar of Messiah Foundation International" (PDF), Asia Today, September 2014, archived from the original (PDF) on 10 October 2014, retrieved 7 October 2014
  13. "His Holiness Younus AlGohar's Challenge to Tahir ul Qadri". 18 April 2010. Retrieved 4 July 2013.
  14. "2026 and Humanity". 20 February 2011. Retrieved 6 April 2011.
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  25. "Who is Holiness". via Yahoo Geocities. Archived from the original on 23 November 2001. Retrieved 9 March 2010.
  26. "Jirga's Apeal....". Bolta Pakistan. Lahore, Pakistan. 18 September 2014. 39:57 minutes in. Aaj TV.
  27. "Younus AlGohar's Challenge to Aaj TV". YouTube. 18 September 2014. Retrieved 30 March 2015.
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External links

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