It sounds like a fairly standard Messianic cult structure with apocalyptic overtones. From what little I've read, they have popped up from time to time within Islam, mainly as Shiite offshoots. The concentration on "signs and wonders" is also quite normal for that type of group. It also sounds like they probably have some type of "elect" theology, similar to some of the early Gnostic groups. As an analogue, check out the Branch Davidians.

The tricky thing with groups like this is that they may well have a belief that "salvation" (the return of the messiah, the mahdi, the hidden imam, etc.) must be brought about by human action. Basically, it's a highly magical mind-set that can cause immense destruction in order to complete the required "ritual", and yet can appear to be peaceful until the signs are in place to start that ritual.

Marc