Misplaced Pages

Younus AlGohar: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 09:01, 9 March 2010 edit116.71.11.153 (talk) Undid revision 348702753 by Pingveno (talk)← Previous edit Latest revision as of 10:21, 30 August 2024 edit undoCitation bot (talk | contribs)Bots5,407,128 edits Added date. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | Suggested by Abductive | Category:Sufi poets | #UCB_Category 53/136 
(603 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|British-Pakistani activist}}
{{refimprove}}{{Infobox revolution biography
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
|name=Younus AlGohar
{{Infobox person
({{Nastaliq|یونس الگوھر}})
|name=Younus AlGohar
|dateofbirth={{birth date and age|1970|06|16}}
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|df=yes|1968|06|16}}
|placeofbirth=], ]
|birth_place=], Pakistan
|dateofdeath=
|alma_mater=], ]
|placeofdeath=
|image=YounusAlGohar-Profile-Image.jpg
|alma mater=], ]
|caption=Younus AlGohar (September 2015)
|image=]
|other_names =Sayyedi (Honourable), AlGohar, Mohammad Younus
|caption=Younus AlGohar during a New Life Expo, in ], ]
|movement=
|alternate name=Mr. AlGohar, Mohammad Younus
|movement=] |organization= ], ], ]
|organizations={{Nastaliq|مہدی فاونڈیشن انٹرنیشنل}}, ], ]
|monuments= |monuments=
|awards= 'Man of Valour', 'Universal Peace Ambassador'
|prizes=
|footnotes=
|religion=
|influences=]
|influenced=
|footnotes=
}} }}


'''Younus AlGohar''' (]: {{Nastaliq|یونس الگوھر}}, born '''Mohammad Younus'''; ], ]) is a ], a ] and a ] who lives in ], ].<ref name="islandinterview">{{Citation '''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).
| 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
| accessdate = 11 October 2009
}}</ref> He is the co-founder of the spiritualist organization, ], as well as its sister organizations, ] and ], all of which he formed under the apparent guidance of ] to advocate the teachings of divine love and global peace based on the the philosophy of divine love introduced by ]. <ref>{{cite web
| title = Kalki Avtar Ra Gohar Shahi
| url = http://www.kalkiavtar.net/
| dateformat = September 17, 2009
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}
</ref> He is the managing director of the ], as well as an ] and ].<ref name="poetry"/><ref name="mysterioushorizons"/> ] claims that Younus AlGohar is the official representative of ]. Miracles are attributed to AlGohar's credit, that he performed during his propagational tours around the world.<ref name="younusalgoharaewlifeexpo">{{cite web
| title = Younus AlGohar at New Life Expo 2007
| url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO584eefpjQ
| dateformat = unknown
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}
</ref><ref name= "testimony">{{cite web
| title = Ms. Patricia Speaks about her Experience with Younus AlGohar
| url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EllOThFusRo&feature=related<span class="wikiEditor-tab"></span>
| dateformat = November 3, 2008
| accessdate = 11 October 2009 }}
</ref>
AlGohar has a masters degree in ].<ref name="younusalgoharabout"> {{cite web
| title = About Mr. Younus AlGohar
| url = http://www.younusalgohar.com/about.html
| dateformat = unknown
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}
</ref> He has authored many articles on ] as well as the book ''Mysterious Horizons - Beyond God'' (]), and has mentioned the upcoming release of'' 'Declaration of ]'s ]-hood - in the light of the ] & A'hadeeth' '' along with two others, in 2010 which are to be in ], ] & ].<ref name="mysterioushorizons">
{{cite web
| title = Mysterious Horizons-Beyond God
| url = http://www.riazaljannah.com/book/index.htm
| dateformat = unknown
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}</ref>


==Authored books== ==Biography==
]
*''Rukhsār-e-Riaz'' (]) (]) ], ] and ]. ('''رخسار ریاض''' or '''The Face of Riaz''')
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==
*''Malfoozāt-e-Mehdi'' (]) ] ('''ملفوظات مہدی''' or '''Sayings pertaining to the ]''')
''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>

*''Dastoor-e-Riaz'' (]) ] ('''دستور ریاض''' or '''The Riazian Constitution''')

*''Mysterious Horizons'' - Beyond God<ref name="mysterioushorizons"/> (]) ]


==Early life and work with ]==

Born in ], ], AlGohar grew up practicing Islamic ]. However, he claims that nothing would satisfy his thirst for the truth until he met his spiritual master, ] at the age of 15. On the subject of the meeting, he stated, “When I first looked at the comely face of ], I felt instantly that I knew ] all along; long before we had even come to this world." <ref name="younusalgoharabout"/>

He spent 24 years under the discipleship of ].<ref name="asianpulse">{{cite video
| people = AlGohar Younus
| title =
| medium = TV-Series
| publisher = Asian Pulse Television
| location = Vancouver
|date = 2008 }}
</ref> In those 24 years, 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 ], is a negative spirit born inside every human.<ref name="insightonhumanimages"/> According to his website, part of the spiritual struggle was through refraining from luxuries for three years so as to deprive the Self and therefore weaken it.<ref name="MH09">{{Cite news
| title = The Terrestrial Souls
| newspaper = The Messiah Herald
| location = London
| date = December 2010
| url = http://www.theawaitedone.com/messiah_herald/2009/dec/page09.htm
| accessdate = February 5, 2010}}</ref> The methodologies and teachings of ] can be closely related to the teachings of ].<ref name="asianpulse"/>

In 1999, ] was recorded in saying, “I will meet only Younus now, and Younus shall meet the world on behalf of me.”<ref name="theawaitedoneintro">{{cite web| title = Honoring the Awaited One| url = http://www.theawaitedone.com/intro.htm| dateformat = unknown| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}</ref> After this, many followers of ] looked to AlGohar for helping them on their spiritual journey when ] disappeared in what followers believed to be along the lines of miraculous ].

==Founding of MFI==
After the disappearance of ] <ref name="ericaverbury">
{{cite web
| title = Mehdi Foundation International
| url = http://ericavebury.blogspot.com/2009/09/mehdi-foundation-international.html
| dateformat = September 16, 2009
| accessdate = 11 October 2009 }}</ref>, AlGohar gathered a great portion of the following of ] under the platform of ] (MFI). It was founded in 2002, and its formation was heavily opposed by Anjuman-e-Safroshan-e-Islam, an organization based in Pakistan claiming to be associated with ] as well<ref name="ASI">{{cite press release
| title = GoharShahi.Com and Younus AlGohar has nothing to do with R.A. Gohar Shahi(translated)
| publisher = Anjuman Safroshan-e-Islam
| date = June 27, 2009
| url =http://goharshahi.net/
| accessdate = 11 October 2009 }}
</ref>. The first centre for MFI was established in ], which is also the headquarters of MFI.<ref name="interviewwithisland">{{Citation
| title = Interview by the Island Newspaper Sri Lanka
| newspaper = The Messiah Herald
| location = London
| date = December 2008
| url = http://www.theawaitedone.com/messiah_herald/2008/dec/page05.htm
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}</ref> Today, the organization has grown to include centres in ]<ref name="interviewwithisland"/>, ]<ref name="interviewwithisland"/>, ]<ref name="uneditedinterview">{{Cite web
| title = Interview with the Island Newspaper Colombo, Sri Lanka
| url = http://www.theawaitedone.com/0908-the-Island-Interview.htm
| dateformat = Unknown
| accessdate = February 5th, 2010}}</ref>, ]<ref name="interviewwithisland"/>, ]<ref name="uneditedinterview"/>, ]<ref name="interviewwithisland"/>, ]<ref name="interviewwithisland"/>, ]<ref name="uneditedinterview"/>, ]<ref name="uneditedinterview"/>, ]<ref name="infoaboutcentres">{{Cite web
| title = Brief History of MFI
| url = http://www.goharshahi.biz/persecution/?p=3
| dateformat = August 21, 2007
| accessdate = February 5, 2010}}</ref>
, ]<ref name="infoaboutcentres"/> and ]<ref name="croydon"/> as well.

==Goals==
According to him, among his core aims are:
*Preaching spirituality for all irrespective of religion or cultural boundaries <ref name="missionofyounusalgohar">
{{Citation
| title = His Mission
| location = London
| date = Unknown
| url = http://www.younusalgohar.com/mission.html
| accessdate = 20 January 2010}}</ref>
*Revolutionizing humanity with revival of spiritual insight. <ref name="missionofyounusalgohar"/>
*Establishment of inner and outer peace, as well as elimination of hatred in today's global societies<ref name="missionofyounusalgohar"/>
*Enlightening hearts with divine energy<ref name="missionofyounusalgohar"/>
*Herald the second coming of ] and ]<ref name="missionofyounusalgohar"/>

==Accomplishments and works==
]
He was named 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 ], AlGohar is considered a poet for His ] and ]s praising Shahi.<ref name="poetry">{{cite web
| title = Qasidas about Riaz Gohar Shahi- Rukhsaar-e-Riaz
| url = http://www.goharshahi.plus.com/
| dateformat = unknown
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}</ref> Furthermore, he has written many articles on spirituality in various languages. <ref name="functionofmfi">{{cite web
| title = The Function of Messiah Foundation International
| url = http://hisholinessrariazgoharshahi.wordpress.com/2008/11/29/the-function-of-messiah-foundation-international/
| dateformat = November 2008
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}</ref>
He is notable for his authoring of the book ''Mysterious Horizons-Beyond God''.<ref name="mysterioushorizons"/>


==Beliefs and views== ==Beliefs and views==
]
He does not claim to be a ] but rather a "devout servant" of ], and he practises what he considers the latest religion, "the Religion of God" <ref name="universalityofgohar">{{cite web
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">
| title = Universality of Ra Gohar Shahi's Teachings
{{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}}
| url = http://www.theawaitedone.com/Universality-of-RA-Gohar-Shahi-teachings.htm
</ref><ref>
| dateformat = unknown
{{cite web | title = Do you await a Messianic personality? | url = http://rariazgoharshahi.blogspot.com/2008/11/do-you-await-messianic-personality.html
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}</ref> which AlGohar claims Gohar Shahi has introduced to the whole of humanity.<ref name="islandinterview"/> He claims that he does not reject any religion including ] but argues that the spiritual system in all the religions has diminished now, and the humanity needs a fresh guidance.<ref name="croydon">{{cite news
|date= 17 November 2008 | access-date =11 October 2009}}
| last = Whalley
</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"/>
| first = Kirsty
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>
| title = Croydon religious leader faces life in Pakistani jail for his beliefs
| newspaper = Your Local Guardian
| location = London
| date = September 30, 2009
| url =http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/4645892.Croydon_religious_leader_faces_life_in_Pakistani_jail_for_his_beliefs/
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}</ref> AlGohar believes in all the ]s, the ]s and the ] no matter what religion do they come from.<ref name="functionofmfi"/> He claims to 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 ].<ref name="structureofmfiunhcr">
{{Citation
| title= Structure and objective of the Mehdi Foundation and the perception of this movement in Pakistan
| date = December 5, 2008
| url= http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/pdfid/49997ae7d.pdf
| accessdate = 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
| dateformat = November 17, 2008
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}
</ref>
===About Islam===
In regards to today’s ], AlGohar considers that the contemporary form of Islam is not the "Islam that the ] founded".<ref>{{cite web
| title = His Holiness Imam Mehdi Gohar Shahi in the mirror of our observation
| url = http://www.theawaitedone.com/in-the-mirror-of-our-observation.htm
| dateformat = November 6, 2001
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}</ref>
“At the time of the Prophet Mohammad, there was no denominations like the ], the ]s 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.” <ref name="towerofdivinelove">{{cite web
| title = The Tower of Divine Love and Light
| url = http://www.riazaljannah.com/teachings/2008/dec/28_2/
| dateformat = unknown
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}
</ref><ref name="detailedintrotomfi">
{{cite press release
| title = A detailed introduction to Mehdi Foundation International And it’s Objectives
| publisher = MFI
| date = 21 August 2007
| url = http://www.goharshahi.biz/persecution/?p=4
| accessdate = 11 October 2009 }}</ref>
He believes the contemporary form of ] that Muslim ]'s practise isn’t the original teachings of ]. “Sufism is all about inner-purification and getting united with the Essence of Divinity.” <ref name="connectinghumanitywithgod">{{cite press release
| title = Connecting Humanity with God
| publisher = MFI
| date = unknown
| url =http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4NbHm-uoC1I/STAnNNYFyKI/AAAAAAAAAJM/EOQxcCjuW_Q/s1600-h/Spritual-Path-and-Western-Spiritual-Concept.jpg
| accessdate =11 October 2009 }}
</ref>
In a press release, AlGohar quoted ] as saying:
“In order to recognize and reach God; learn spiritual sciences no matter what religion or sect you belong to.”<ref name="breifhistory">
{{cite press release
| title = Brief History of MFI
| publisher = MFI
| date = August 21, 2007
| url = http://www.goharshahi.biz/persecution/?p=3
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}</ref>


===Stand against Terrorism===
===Universality, Islam and divine signs===
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>
He declares that all humanity is but one nation, and God's love is but the true "immortal religion" that which even God himself practises in the realms of his personal being. AlGohar also declares that ] has brought about God's religion on ] to equal all human beings with the ], ] and the ].<ref>
{{cite web
| title = A Peep Into MFI
| url =http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4NbHm-uoC1I/STAhD5vnvTI/AAAAAAAAAIs/S8oUf9DAih0/s1600-h/A-Peep-Into-Mfi.jpg
| dateformat = Unknown
| accessdate = 11 October 2009 }}
</ref> When speaking about ]'s teachings, he quoted Shahi as saying:
“Let all humanity taste God's personal love, and let all hearts be drawn to the Face of the Lord.” <ref name="universalityofgohar"/>
He propagates that images of Shahi have become prominent on various celestial bodies like the ],<ref>
{{cite web
| title = Ra Gohar Shahi on the Moon
| url = http://www.divine-signs.org/01-Sarkar-Moon.html
| dateformat = unknown
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}
</ref> the ] <ref>{{cite web
| title = Ra Gohar Shahi on the Sun
| url = http://www.divine-signs.org/01-Sarkar-Sun.html
| dateformat = unknown
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}</ref>, ] <ref>{{cite web
| title = Ra Gohar Shahi on the Mars
| url = http://www.divine-signs.org/01-Sarkar-Mars.html
| dateformat = unknown
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}
</ref> and the Nebula Star,<ref>
{{cite web
| title = Ra Gohar Shahi on the Nebula Star
| url = http://www.divine-signs.org/01-Sarkar-Nebula-Star.html
| dateformat = unknown
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}
</ref> and that it is a divine signal from God to introduce ] as the Most Awaited Divine Figure of all times, the ], the ] and the ].
He declares the teachings of Shahi as the "elixir of the hearts", and a must for the aspirant of God to reach him (God). 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.<ref>{{cite press release
| title = The Awaited Ones
| publisher = MFI
| date = 26 October 2008
| url = http://www.theawaitedone.com/the-awaited-ones.htm
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}
</ref> AlGohar states that it seems many Muslims do not approve of AlGohar for his adaptability to different religions and sects.<ref name="structureofmfiunhcr"/> Whereas he declares broadmindedness as the core of ]. He states all humanity is God's creation, therefore there should not be discrimination among them.<ref>{{Citation
| last = AlGohar
| first = Younus
| title = Spiritual Path and the Contemporary Spiritual Concept
| newspaper = The Messiah Herald
| location = London
| date = December 2008
| url =http://www.theawaitedone.com/messiah_herald/2008/dec/page03.htm
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}
</ref> AlGohar believes that "there are more than one God 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 God to be seeking servitude from the humanity created by somebody else." <ref name="mysterioushorizons"/>


===Challenges to opposition=== ===Malaysian Court Ruling===
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"/>
He often challenges the ] to have “a healthy debate on this topic should it arise a theological reservation among the minds of petty scholars.”<ref name="terrorismholdshumanityhostage">{{cite web
| title = Islamic Terrorism Holds Humanity Hostage
| url = http://www.theawaitedone.com/correspondence/Islamic-Terrorism.html
| dateformat = unknown
| accessdate = 11 October 2009 }}
</ref> In particular, AlGohar has challenged ] to debates on ], ], and ]<ref name="scholar">{{cite web
| title = Challenging Tahir-ul-Qadri
| url = http://www.goharshahi.com/urdu/latestnews/2010/feb/13_2/index.htm
| dateformat = unknown
| accessdate = 23 February 2010}}
</ref> The spiritualist claims that ] is the Awaited ], the Promised ], and the foretold ], and that it is evident in the light of the images becoming prominent on various objects such as the ], ], ], the ]. He further 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, he is cordially invited to ask questions and he will be replied in earnest".<ref name="insightonhumanimages">{{cite web
| title = An insight into manifestation of Human Images in the Moon, Mars, and various others planets
| url = http://www.divine-signs.org/manifestation_of_human_images.html
| accessdate = 11 October 2009}}
</ref>


==Prosecution and Persecution==
==Opposition==
Anjuman Serfaroshan-e-Islam, an organization which also claims to be associated with ], rejects the teachings that AlGohar projects under the label of the Goharian Philosophy of ].<ref name=asiagainstmfi>{{cite press release
| title = Anjuman Sarfroshan Islam opposes MFI and Imam Mehdi Gohar Shahi
| publisher = MFI
| date = November 19, 2008
| url =http://rariazgoharshahi.blogspot.com/2008/11/anjuman-sarfroshan-islam-opposes-mfi.html
| accessdate = 11 October 2009 }}
</ref> Anjuman Sarfroshan-e-Islam seems to vehemently disapprove of AlGohar, and considers him as an enemy of Shahi, nevertheless, most senior members from the following of Gohar Shahi declare AlGohar to be a true reflection of Gohar Shahi in character and Spirituality.<ref name="structureofmfiunhcr"/> It is reported that Anjuman Serfaroshan-e-Islam officials do not allow their members to meet with him, because they fear he is a magician and he will convert all that meet him.<ref name=asiagainstmfi/>. To the ]-based organization, Anjuman Sarfroshan-e-Islam, AlGohar seemingly is a highly unapproachable person. Anjuman Sarfroshan-e-Islam allegedly blamed him to be an "agent of the ]", and a dedicated enemy of Islam.<ref name=asiagainstmfi/>


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>
The ] has instigated cases of ] against AlGohar, though the details on how he blasphemed have not been specified. The penalty for blasphemy under the laws of ] is death.<ref name="ericaverbury"/><ref name="croydon"/><ref name="structureofmfiunhcr"/>.


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>


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>
==Activities==
As the believed representative of ], AlGohar takes tours to propagate the Goharian Philosophy of Divine Love along with his international team from ]. During his tours, he has often spoken at religious and nonreligious institutes, as well as spiritualist expositions about spirituality according to Shahi’s teachings, global peace and tolerance. He has been known to offer free spiritual healing of the “mind, body and soul”, the results of which often being considered miraculous. <ref name="younusalgoharaewlifeexpo"/> <ref name= "testimony"/> In addition to his tours, he delivers speeches addressing sensitive issues affecting the global community which have been released by his audience onto the ] i.e. ], ] etc. <ref name="Teachings"> {{cite web
| title = Imam Mehdi's Teachings
| url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_Z1mWtgXsc&feature=related
| dateformat = December 16, 2009
| accessdate = 25 January 2010}}
</ref><ref name="bombing"> {{cite web
| title = Suicide Bombing is strictly prohibited in All Religions
| url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pj1pQoYBQzc&feature=related
| dateformat = January 6 2009
| accessdate = 25 January 2010}}
</ref> He also has his own official ] channel <ref>{{cite web
| title = Younus AlGohar's YouTube Channel
| url = http://www.youtube.com/user/younusalgohar
| dateformat =
| accessdate = 9 October 2009}}
</ref>and contributes to the ] blog<ref>{{cite web
| title = The Official MFI Blog
| url = http://rariazgoharshahi.blogspot.com
| dateformat = January 8 2009
| accessdate = 9 October 2009}}</ref>. Among the videos is live footage of AlGohar reading out extracts from his writings and commenting on them, as well as challenges to ] such as ]<ref name="scholar"/>
===Response===
], ]]]
AlGohar's ability to communicate with people from different ], ], ] and nationalities has allowed him to be invited into their respective worship places. In an interview with Asian Pulse Television, he stated, "People who are peace-loving and who recognize God's love, they receive us wholeheartedly, a sort of red carpet welcome. There are elements of ], ] and ] in all religions. And people who follow the fanatic path, they don’t like our message because we don’t talk about any religion; we talk about humanity, we talk about love and peace."<ref name="asianpulse"/>


===Media coverage===
==Quotes==
AlGohar was featured in an article by the ] newspaper<ref name="Lakbima Interview">{{cite web
“Our slogan is love for all, hatred for none.” – Interview with Asian Pulse Television, ], ].<ref name="asianpulse"/>
| 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==
“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''.<ref name="mysterioushorizons"/>
{| 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==
“Love makes all hearts gentle.” – www.theawaitedone.com <ref name="theawaitedoneintro"/>
{{reflist}}


==External links==
“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 Muslims say this is a bizarre concept, however, ] laid the entire foundation of faith upon purification and enlightenment of the heart. Prophet Mohammad 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 heart.’” –www.riazaljannah.com <ref name="towerofdivinelove"/>
*{{Commons category-inline|Younus AlGohar}}
*
*
*
*
*
*


{{authority control}}
"One Muslim fraction says: 'Spirituality, knowledge that deals in purification and enlightenment of the heart, and Sufism is unholy.' On contrary to this, ] says: 'Without the purification of the heart, all worship is unholy, insincere and a total waste.’" -www.divine-signs.org <ref name="insightonhumanimages"/>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*


{{DEFAULTSORT:Algohar, Younus}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Algohar, Younus}}
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
]
]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]

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

  1. UN Human Rights Council, 28 February 2008, p. 27
  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.
  7. "Founding of MFI". Retrieved 4 July 2013.
  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.
  15. End of the world: The apocalypses that await us if we make it through today, 7 October 2015, archived from the original on 7 May 2022, retrieved 7 October 2015
  16. Gabbatt, Adam (28 September 2015), "Apocalypse now and again … your choice of dates for the end of the world", The Guardian, retrieved 1 October 2015
  17. End Of The World 2015: NASA Slams Conspiracy Theorists' Apocalypse Threats, Says No Scientific Basis For Imminent Mass Destruction, 1 October 2015, retrieved 2 October 2015
  18. ^ Younus AlGohar's Solution to Terrorism, retrieved 19 October 2015
  19. HH Younus AlGohar's Challenge to ISIS, retrieved 19 October 2015
  20. Sign Petition for Ban on Wahhabism, 4 March 2016, retrieved 10 March 2016
  21. Young Sufis of the Great Britain – Monthly meetup August, 23 August 2014, retrieved 19 October 2015
  22. ^ "Pakistani cleric slams "ignorant" Allah ruling", Free Malaysia Today, 22 January 2014, retrieved 31 January 2014
  23. ^ "Allah row: Pakistani cleric blames Umno", Free Malaysia Today, 3 February 2014, retrieved 4 February 2014
  24. Gohar Shahi, Riaz Ahmed (2000). The Religion of God. United States: Balboa Press. pp. xi. ISBN 978-1-45254-908-8. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  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.
  28. "PTI totally distances itself from statements by Younis Al-Gohar: Dr Shireen Mazari (sic)". Retrieved 30 March 2015.
  29. "MFI to Host Press Conference for Pakistani Media in Toronto". Retrieved 30 March 2015.
  30. "Self-proclaimed mystic convicted of £77,000 benefit fraud". Your Local Guardian. 5 November 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  31. Shah Baba (12 March 2015), Younas Algohar exposed by BBC London, retrieved 3 May 2017
  32. "His Holiness Younus AlGohar speaks to the Lakbima Newspaper". Retrieved 6 July 2013.
  33. "Spiritual Leader From UK Visits Sri Lanka". Sunday Leader. 13 September 2015. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  34. Perera, Suresh (24 December 2011), "The practice of rituals alone does not initiate the heart with divine love", The Island, retrieved 25 December 2011
  35. "The message of Divine Love has been very successful in Sri Lanka – MFI CEO", The Island, 28 May 2011, retrieved 10 April 2014
  36. "Thinakaran Newspaper's Article about the Ra Ram Conference", Thinakaran, 9 January 2012, retrieved 17 January 2012
  37. "Virakesari Newspaper's Special Coverage of Ra Ram Conference", Virakesari, 8 January 2012, retrieved 17 January 2012
  38. "Sudar Oli Newspaper Covers the Ra Ram Conference", Sudar Oli, 6 January 2012, retrieved 17 January 2012
  39. "Upcoming Events". Retrieved 15 December 2012.
  40. "HH Younus AlGohar's lecture on Call of Time at Brahma Kumari Centre, Sri Lanka a great success". Retrieved 15 December 2012.
  41. "His Holiness Younus AlGohar interviewed by MTV Sports, Sri Lanka". YouTube. 13 December 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
  42. "The TNL Channel Interviews His Holiness Younus AlGohar". Jeewithay Sundarai. Colombo, Sri Lanka. 28 March 2013. 00:00 minutes in. TNL TV.
  43. "TNL TV Interviews His Holiness Younus AlGohar". Jeewithay Sundarai. Colombo, Sri Lanka. 17 December 2013. 00:00 minutes in. TNL TV.
  44. "Face on Interview with His Holiness Younus AlGohar". Face On. Colombo, Sri Lanka. 20 January 2014. 00:00 minutes in. ITN Prime TV.
  45. "Worship Programme Arranged by Kalki Avatar Foundation", Tamil Daily Mirror, 23 December 2013, archived from the original on 27 January 2014, retrieved 30 January 2014
  46. "Thinakkural Newspaper Covers His Holiness Younus AlGohar's visit to Vishnu Temple!", Kalki Avatar Foundation, 18 December 2013, retrieved 30 January 2014
  47. "'A person becomes a better human being when not overpowered by hatred' — Younus AlGohar", The Island, 5 September 2015, retrieved 7 September 2015
  48. "'My message is love, peace, tolerance and universal brotherhood'— Younus Al Gohar", The Island, 22 May 2016, retrieved 31 May 2016
  49. "Dysfunctionality of Religions" (PDF), Asia Today, 1 September 2016, retrieved 21 September 2016
  50. ""We Are Not Wahhabi, We Do Not Sponsor Terror," Saudi Arabia Writes Article To Defend Itself From Terror Sponsor Label", News Rescue, 11 March 2016, retrieved 21 September 2016

External links

Categories: