Imam Wisam Sharieff Faces FBI Investigation for Child Pornography Allegations

Imam Wisam Sharieff, a prominent online Quranic instructor and founder of the Quran Revolution program at the AlMaghrib Institute, is under investigation by the FBI for allegations of conspiracy to produce child pornography. According to an FBI affidavit filed on October 29, 2024, Sharieff is accused of manipulating a woman and her minor daughter into producing and sending sexually explicit videos via the encrypted messaging app Telegram.

The allegations include Sharieff telling the woman that achieving an orgasm would help her spiritually and allow her to communicate with Allah better. The woman allegedly sent Sharieff videos of herself and her daughter performing sexual acts, which Sharieff used to guide them under the guise of religious counsel. The affidavit also details the seizure of electronic devices and sexual toys from the woman’s residence, as well as explicit videos sent by Sharieff.

Sharieff’s wife reported the abuse to the Alabama Department of Human Resources on October 15, leading to the investigation. Following the allegations, the AlMaghrib Institute terminated Sharieff’s employment contract, stating that the actions were a serious violation of the institute’s code of conduct. The institute emphasized that the alleged communications did not occur on their educational platform and that the child was not a student at the institute.

The Muslim community has reacted strongly to the allegations, with organizations such as MuslimMatters severing all ties with Sharieff and condemning the actions as a severe violation of ethical principles in the Quran. The incident has also sparked broader discussions about the protection of abusers within Muslim institutions.

Sharieff, known for his Quran Revolution program which claims to have helped thousands, has not publicly commented on the allegations. The case is currently being handled by the U.S. justice system, with the AlMaghrib Institute and other Muslim organizations calling for justice and support for the victims.