Has a cult come to town?
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light group has made its HQ a former orphanage in Crewe. The movement began in Egpyt and was based in Germany and Sweden before arriving in the UK.
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light moved into a former orphanage in Crewe in 2021. It’s American-born leader Abdullah Hashem has declared himself the Madhi or saviour. But earlier this year, 500 police officers raided the organisation's headquarters, leading to protests in the town throughout the summer. File on 4 Investigates follows the group’s journey from Egypt through Europe to discover what brought them to the UK.
Presented by Hayley Mortimer & Emir Nader.
Archive: The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light / AROPL Studios.
Last on
More episodes
Featured
.
Broadcasts
- Tuesday20:00BBC Radio 4
- Yesterday11:00BBC Radio 4
Podcast
![]()
File on 4 Investigates
File on 4 Investigates: News-making original journalism.


