Recent allegations have surfaced regarding Sheikh Salahaldin Mahmoud Al Tijany, a figure who is considered a spiritual leader by many but has been accused of severe emotional manipulation and harassment.

Multiple survivors have come forward, shedding light on what they allegedly describe as cult-like control and exploitation of his followers, raising concerns about the unchecked influence of religious figures in tightly-knit communities.

One former follower has shared her personal account, detailing how her life was heavily manipulated by the Salahaldin for over two decades.

From as young as eight years old, she was made to believe that her fate was predetermined by Salahaldin Mahmoud, who allegedly controlled every aspect of her life, including decisions about her future marriage. She claims she was emotionally manipulated and pressured into following his son romantically, all under the guise of “divine fate.”

Her distressing story doesn’t end there. According to her, Salahaldin allegedly sent inappropriate messages, including suggestive texts, which left her deeply traumatized. These experiences led her to seek years of therapy, as she struggled to recover from the mental toll of the Sheikh’s manipulation.

Despite her efforts to expose his behavior, she found that many close to her—especially family members—continued to follow him blindly, trusting his spiritual authority over her own lived experiences.

New Allegations: Legal Action Underway

On September 17, 2024, the Egyptian Women’s Legal Aid Foundation released a statement confirming that they had received formal complaints from three survivors.

These women have claimed to be victims of both online and physical harassment by Salahaldin Al-Tijany. The survivors reached out to the foundation seeking legal support after facing continuous threats, not just from the Sheikh himself but also from his followers.

The foundation has pledged to provide full legal assistance to the complainants while ensuring that their identities remain confidential.

They are currently reviewing the evidence submitted and have vowed to take firm legal action against anyone attempting to silence or intimidate the survivors.

Additionally, the foundation has opened its doors to any other victims who may have experienced similar abuse, ensuring their protection and privacy.

Cult-Like Control and the Dangers of Spiritual Manipulation

As these allegations come to light, Salahaldin’s influence over his followers has come under increasing scrutiny.

He has long been seen by many as a religious authority, claiming titles such as القطب الزمان (The Pole of the Time), a title suggesting divine significance and unmatched spiritual insight.

His followers are said to believe that disobedience to his orders could result in severe consequences, including expulsion from the group, which operates like a closed religious circle or even a cult.

This dynamic of absolute authority is deeply troubling, as it prevents followers from questioning his behavior.

The manipulation described by the survivors is not only emotional but spiritual, as they were led to believe their destinies were controlled by the Salahaldin.

The former follower, who shared her account, highlights how deeply he infiltrated every aspect of her life, controlling who she married and even which friendships she maintained.

Famous Followers and Public Influence

One of the most unsettling aspects of the story is the number of public figures and celebrities who continue to follow Salahaldin.

Despite allegations of harassment and abuse, several well-known personalities have maintained their loyalty to him, reinforcing his influence over the public.

This raises questions about the role of fame in shielding individuals from accountability and the dangerous consequences of blindly following religious figures who claim such high levels of spiritual authority.

The involvement of these high-profile followers has made it harder for survivors to come forward, as Salaheldin’s reputation remains untarnished in the eyes of many.

The survivor who shared her story notes how difficult it has been to convince even her own family of the severity of the situation, given Salaheldin’s standing in their community.

A Call for Accountability

The Egyptian Women’s Legal Aid Foundation’s decision to pursue legal action is a significant step toward holding Salahaldin Al-Tijany accountable for his alleged actions.

Their statement signals a growing recognition of the dangers posed by individuals who exploit their spiritual authority to manipulate and harm others.

As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to question the power dynamics that allow such individuals to gain and maintain influence over their followers, and how communities can protect themselves from falling victim to such manipulative figures.