FBI investigates Texas imam accused of making explicit videos with minors

Texas-based Imam Wisam Sharieff, known for his affiliation with AlMaghrib Institute and as the founder of Advocating Qur’anic Literacy (AQL), is facing serious accusations in a case involving the production of explicit videos with minors.

According to an FBI affidavit filed by Special Agent Eric Salvador in Birmingham, Alabama, Sharieff allegedly groomed a mother and her young daughter for sexual exploitation, with disturbing details about how he manipulated them under the pretense of religious guidance.

The affidavit states that Sharieff, while conducting online religious instruction with the mother, allegedly convinced her that reaching an orgasm would bring her closer to Allah. “During her training, SHARIEFF told SUSPECT 2 (the mother) that achieving an orgasm would help her spiritually and allow her to communicate with Allah better,” wrote Agent Salvador. Following this, the mother reportedly became interested in involving her daughter, a minor, to similarly “become closer to Allah.”

The affidavit further reveals that Sharieff and the mother exchanged explicit videos over the messaging app Telegram, where the mother allegedly filmed her daughter in compromising situations. Court documents state that she forced the child to watch pornographic content, introduced adult devices to her, and filmed the incidents before sending the videos to Sharieff. In return, Sharieff reportedly sent explicit videos of himself to her. The FBI was alerted to the ongoing crimes after Sharieff’s wife allegedly discovered the videos on his phone and contacted authorities.

The case also involves Blake Miller Barakat, a Shelby County, Alabama resident, who is alleged to be the mother involved. Barakat, 50, was arrested on October 21 and faces 23 charges, including the production and distribution of explicit material involving a minor and child sexual abuse. She remains in custody with a bond set at nearly $2 million. Court records reveal that Barakat is accused of producing over a dozen explicit videos involving her young daughter and sharing them with Sharieff.

Federal charges have since been brought against Sharieff under 18 U.S.C. Section 2251(a) and (e) for conspiracy to produce child pornography. AlMaghrib Institute, where Sharieff was an instructor for the Quran Revolution program, quickly responded to the allegations, terminating his employment and issuing a statement on social media. “AlMaghrib Institute is horrified at the news of the criminal allegation against Wisam Sharieff,” the institute posted on X, formerly Twitter. “The safety and protection of AlMaghrib Institute’s students and community continues to be our top priority. This criminal allegation is a jarring and sickening experience for his students and our staff.”

In its statement, AlMaghrib clarified that no minors associated with its programs were involved, and that the alleged misconduct did not occur on its educational platform. AlMaghrib also affirmed its strict “zero-tolerance policy” for misconduct, emphasizing that no prior communication from law enforcement regarding Sharieff’s activities had been made to the institute. “We encourage any students who have further concerns due to this news to reach out to us,” the statement added. The institute assured its students and community that the Quran Revolution program would continue without Sharieff, underscoring that “the religion of Allah is not reliant on any one individual.”

MuslimMatters, a widely-read online Muslim publication, also condemned the allegations, announcing an immediate termination of all associations with Sharieff. “These alleged actions are an unspeakable betrayal of trust and an abhorrent abuse of power,” MuslimMatters said. Acknowledging the shock felt by the community, the platform added, “To now confront the possibility that he may have manipulated his position to cause such harm is revolting and distressing.” MuslimMatters urged other organizations to take steps to ensure the safety and well-being of their communities, even suggesting dedicated hotlines for potential victims.

As the investigation continues, both AlMaghrib Institute and MuslimMatters have reaffirmed their commitment to the safety of their communities. AlMaghrib has offered support services to students and encouraged anyone affected by the case to reach out. Meanwhile, MuslimMatters praised the courage of individuals who come forward in such cases, calling their actions vital in exposing and preventing abuses.