I was sexually assaulted by an imam. He told me he had supernatural powers

I was sexually assaulted by an imam – A 13-year-old girl named Aria shared her harrowing experience of being sexually assaulted by an imam who claimed to have supernatural abilities. The incident, which took place at a mosque in East London, involved Abdul Halim Khan, a respected faith leader who targeted young girls and their families. Khan told Aria and others that they needed to be “cured” from “bad spirits” through his actions, framing the abuse as a form of spiritual healing.

A manipulation rooted in faith

Khan’s abuse spanned over a decade, from 2004 to 2015, during which he assaulted seven women and girls. His tactics were not just physical but psychological, using his position as a religious authority to exert control. He would isolate victims in private settings, such as a car or a flat, and then proceed to rape or sexually abuse them while claiming to act as a Jinn—a supernatural being. “He told me there would be knocks on the car window,” Aria recalled, explaining how she was convinced to close her eyes and accept the abuse as part of the “cure.” She believed the supernatural powers Khan claimed to possess could protect her, but she was also terrified of the consequences if she spoke out.

The imam’s influence extended to Aria’s mother, who had initially brought her to the mosque. The mother told Aria that Khan would offer guidance and help her overcome problems. However, the relationship quickly turned into one of coercion. Khan would convince Aria to meet him in secluded places, using his spiritual authority to make her feel as though she had no choice. “He said something really bad would happen to me and my family if I ever told anyone about the abuse,” Aria said, highlighting the fear that kept her silent.

A pattern of abuse and control

Khan’s abuse was not limited to Aria. He targeted multiple girls over the years, each subjected to similar manipulations. One of his youngest victims was just 12 years old. He would use vehicles with tinted windows as his preferred locations, creating a sense of privacy and isolation. In some cases, he would give victims a phone to communicate with him, while in others, he would encourage them to leave their homes at night to meet him. These methods were designed to make the abuse seem inevitable and necessary.

Farah, another survivor, described how Khan convinced her mother that she needed spiritual healing. “He made up stories, telling me that things were coming towards us and that he could protect my daughter,” Farah explained. She was told that withdrawing from Khan’s influence would leave her family vulnerable to catastrophic supernatural harm. Despite this, she felt confused and ashamed, unable to confront her parents with the truth. “I said to myself, ‘this is wrong,’ but I was really confused,” she admitted. “I couldn’t go back to my family because they wouldn’t believe me.”

It wasn’t until Farah reached adolescence that she managed to reveal the abuse to her parents. However, they still did not believe her, and she was forced to leave the family home. “The people I expected to support me instead turned away,” she said. “They blamed me, and they still do to this day.” This emotional isolation is a common theme among the victims, who often feel their families are the only ones who can offer comfort and protection.

The legal aftermath and expert analysis

Abdul Halim Khan, 54, was recently sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years for the crimes he committed. His convictions include nine counts of rape and additional charges of sexual assault and child abuse. The case, which involved victims from the local Muslim community, exposed the extent of his manipulation and the damage it caused.

Melissa Garner, a specialist prosecutor involved in the case, described Khan’s actions as “unprecedented.” She noted how he used spiritual fear to brainwash his victims into believing he was possessed. “When you watch the victims’ evidence, it’s deeply upsetting,” Garner said. The psychological tactics he employed were designed to make his victims feel trapped and unable to seek help.

Aisha K Gill, a professor of criminology at the University of Bristol and an expert witness in the case, explained that while orthodox Islamic teachings do not support black magic, the cultural influence of the religion played a significant role. “Victims were led to believe that only Khan could protect them from supernatural harm,” Gill said. This belief system created a vulnerability that Khan exploited, making it difficult for his victims to disclose their experiences.

Gill also emphasized the challenges faced by Muslim women in reporting abuse. “Many women are socialised to keep private matters within the family,” she stated. “This can lead to internalising the shame, even though it is the perpetrator’s responsibility.” The combination of religious authority, spiritual fear, and cultural expectations made it easier for Khan to maintain control over his victims.

The case has sparked a broader conversation about the role of religious leaders in perpetuating abuse. Survivors like Aria and Farah have described how their trust in the imam was shaken by the reality of his actions. “I genuinely believed he had supernatural powers,” Aria said, adding that the fear of supernatural retribution kept her from speaking out for years. Farah echoed this sentiment, saying she felt lost and unsure of her identity after the abuse.

For many in the Muslim community, the abuse was not just a personal tragedy but a cultural one. Khan’s actions were justified through religious narratives, making it easier for him to manipulate his victims. “It was deeply shocking how he used his influence to control people’s lives,” Garner remarked. The case serves as a reminder of the power dynamics at play in religious settings and the importance of addressing them.

A call for awareness and action

The BBC has spoken to two of Khan’s victims, whose experiences reveal the complexity of abuse within religious contexts. Their stories highlight the need for greater awareness and support systems for those affected. “I feel as though I’m lost and unsure of where I belong,” Farah said, reflecting on the lasting impact of the abuse. Her words underscore the emotional and psychological toll that such crimes can take, even after the physical harm has ended.

Professionals involved in the case have called for systemic changes to protect victims. “This combination of religious authority, spiritual fear, and cultural vulnerability is what made the abuse so effective,” Gill said. She urged communities to question the narratives that enable such behavior and to create safe spaces for disclosure. “Victims need to feel that they are not alone in their struggles,” she added.

The sentencing of Khan marks a significant step in addressing the abuse, but it also raises questions about how many others may have been affected without speaking out. As the case continues to gain attention, it serves as a powerful example of how faith can be both a source of strength and a tool for manipulation. The survivors’ stories remind us of the importance of listening to those who have been silenced and of supporting them in reclaiming their voices.