In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the Islamic community, Wisam Sharieff, a well-known Qur’an instructor linked to the AlMaghrib Institute in Texas, has been charged with conspiracy to produce child pornography. The alarming allegations, filed on October 29, 2024, in Alabama, claim that Sharieff manipulated a mother and her underage daughter into creating and sharing explicit videos via the messaging app Telegram. This scandal has raised serious questions about the integrity of educational institutions within the community.
According to an FBI affidavit, Sharieff approached the mother, Blake Miller Barakat, during a religious conference, persuading her that engaging in intimate acts would enhance her spiritual connection to Allah. Under this guise, he allegedly coerced her into involving her daughter in these disturbing activities. The investigation was sparked when Sharieff’s wife discovered explicit content on his phone and alerted the authorities. Barakat was arrested on October 21, facing multiple charges related to child exploitation, with bail set at a staggering $2 million.
Immediate Fallout from AlMaghrib Institute
In light of these grave accusations, the AlMaghrib Institute wasted no time in severing ties with Sharieff, emphasizing their commitment to community safety. In a statement on social media, they declared, “The safety and protection of our community is our highest priority.” They assured the public that no minors involved in their programs were affected by Sharieff’s alleged misconduct. The institute reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse, stressing that no prior warnings had been received regarding Sharieff.
The fallout has been swift and severe, with prominent organizations like MuslimMatters denouncing Sharieff’s actions as a “disturbing abuse of power.” Community leaders are calling for greater accountability and transparency within religious institutions. The Female Scholars Network has also condemned the allegations, urging religious leaders to take a firmer stance against misconduct and end the culture of silence surrounding abuse. This scandal not only tarnishes Sharieff’s reputation but also casts a long shadow over the AlMaghrib Institute, prompting urgent discussions about the need for rigorous vetting processes in religious education.