The FBI alleged in an affidavit that Euless-based Quran instructor Wissam Sharif had taught 25,000 students around the world. Today we will discuss about Imam Wisam Sharieff Investigation: Quran Revolution,FBI,Al maghrib institute.
Imam Wisam Sharieff Investigation: Quran Revolution,FBI,Al maghrib institute
A North Texas imam is facing a child pornography-related charge, according to court documents.
FBI special agent Eric Salvador alleged in a sworn affidavit that Wisam Sharieff, a Quran instructor based in Euless who had taught 25,000 students worldwide with the AlMaghrib Institute, had conspired to produce child pornography between Sept. 27 and Oct. 15.
In a serious turn of events, federal authorities have charged Wissam Sharif, a prominent Islamic teacher affiliated with the Texas-based Almagrib Institute, with conspiracy to produce child pornography. The charges, filed in Alabama on October 29, 2024, allege that Sharif, a Quran instructor, induced a mother and her minor daughter to make and share explicit videos with him through the messaging app Telegram.
Accused of grooming and exploitation under religious pretext
The FBI affidavit filed by Special Agent Eric Salvador states that Sharif initially contacted the mother while posing as 50-year-old Blake Miller Barakat during a religious conference.
She reportedly explained to him that engaging in intimate acts would bring her closer to Allah, ultimately convincing him to involve his daughter in these activities under the guise of spiritual development. Barakat reportedly followed his instructions, made several videos and delivered them to Sharif, who in turn sent him explicit material.
The FBI began investigating the case after Sharif’s wife discovered explicit material on his phone and reported it to law enforcement. Barakat was later arrested on October 21 and charged with multiple charges related to child abuse, with bail set at approximately $2 million.
Quran Revolution
According to the October 29 affidavit, Sharif told an Alabama-based student during his training that “achieving orgasm would help him spiritually and allow him to better communicate with Allah.”
The unidentified woman allegedly made videos of her and her minor daughter – whom she also wanted to be “closer to Allah” – performing sexual acts on themselves as well as of her daughter viewing adult pornography. He then allegedly shared the material with Sharif through Telegram, a messaging app, so that he could “give him guidance and let him know how much progress he is making in his quest to become closer to Allah.”
According to the affidavit, on October 15, a person identified as Sharif’s wife contacted the Alabama Department of Human Resources after watching the video and recognizing the woman and her daughter.
After this the officials seized electronic devices and sex toys from the woman’s residence.
According to the press officer of the US Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Alabama, Sharif was arrested in Texas on October 30.
The Dallas Morning News could not immediately reach Sharif for comment Friday.
Sharif had a public defender in Texas, but that attorney no longer represents him after the case was transferred to the Northern District of Alabama earlier this month. The court has not listed any lawyer for him at present.
As news of the allegations against Sharif broke, the Almagrib Institute said in a social media post on 4 November that it was “horrified”. The institute said the allegations occurred outside its educational platform and that officials did not contact it before filing a complaint against it.
It also held a webinar three days later to help members process the news.
FBI
The FBI affidavit filed by Special Agent Eric Salvador states that Sharif initially contacted the mother while posing as 50-year-old Blake Miller Barakat during a religious conference.
She reportedly explained to him that engaging in intimate acts would bring her closer to Allah, ultimately convincing him to involve his daughter in these activities under the guise of spiritual development. Barakat reportedly followed his instructions, made several videos and delivered them to Sharif, who in turn sent him explicit material.
The FBI began investigating the case after Sharif’s wife discovered explicit material on his phone and reported it to law enforcement. Barakat was later arrested on October 21 and charged with multiple charges related to child abuse, with bail set at approximately $2 million.
Al maghrib institute
Following the allegations, the Almagrib Institute dismissed Sharif from his job and expressed deep concern over the allegations.
In an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), Almagrib confirmed Sharif’s dismissal and said, “The safety and security of our community is our top priority.” The institute also assured the public that no minor associated with its programs would be affected by Sharif’s alleged actions.
Almagrib stressed its “zero-tolerance policy” for misconduct of any kind, and said that it had received no prior reports or law enforcement warnings about Sharif. The institute assured its community that the Quran Revolution program would continue under the new guidance, underscoring that their mission is independent from any individual.
Imam Wisam Sharieff Investigation: Quran Revolution,FBI,Al maghrib institute
Community outrage and reactions from Islamic leaders
The allegations against Sharif have sparked outrage among the Muslim community and leading organizations including online publication MuslimMatters have severed ties with Sharif. In its statement, MuslimMatters condemned the alleged actions as a “disturbing abuse of power and flagrant breach of trust” and urged community leaders to take proactive steps to prevent similar incidents.
Former Islamist and community activist Ismail Royer commented on the scandal and condemned it as a failure of institutions to thoroughly vet teachers. He further highlighted concerns about a widespread tendency within some organizations to protect abusers.
Additional controversies related to Almagrib Institute
This incident has raised questions about the historical affiliations and controversies of the Almagrib institution. Known for his conservative teachings, Almagrib has faced scrutiny in the past over his ties to people who have made inflammatory statements. Additionally, Omar Farouk Abdulmutallab, known for the 2009 airline bombing attempt, reportedly attended classes offered by the institute. This latest scandal has again exposed D
