On Saturday, I was scheduled to be on a panel with Wisam Sharieff at a fundraising event put on by perhaps the most reputable humanitarian organization in the Muslim community. When Wisam didn’t show due to a “family emergency”, we all thought that something horrible had happened to his family. I was sickened to read the criminal complaint that someone texted me Sunday evening detailing the predatory behavior.
Praying for the victims involved, firstly the minor child who was manipulated by her mom and Wisam, but also Wisam’s wife who actually turned him in to authorities.
Countless organizations have worked with him over the years. He led Umrah groups, spoke at national conferences, and hosted charity events. When this sickening cyber abuse and exploitation took place, he was on a humanitarian mission working with refugees overseas.
Al-Maghrib did the right thing by immediately terminating him and informing everyone the same day. As an attorney, I would’ve advised them to do exactly that.
Sexual abuse by spiritual leaders is something that must be called out and anyone who uses their position to transgress upon another must be held accountable. Wisam will be held accountable for his actions, both in the world and before Allah.