Al-Arqam, also known as Darul Arqam, is a Malaysian-based Islamic movement founded by Ashaari Muhammad. Named after Al-Arqam ibn Abi al-Arqam, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, the movement was officially banned by the Malaysian federal government on 21 October 1994. Following the ban, over five members, including Ashaari Muhammad, were arrested in Thailand under the Internal Security Act (ISA) and extradited to Malaysia.
 Al-Arqam official logo | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| Estimated tens of thousands (before the ban)[1] | |
| Founder | |
| Ashaari Muhammad | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand | |
| Malaysia | Significant presence prior to ban[2] |
| Indonesia | Moderate presence[3] |
| Brunei | Smaller presence[4] |
| Scriptures | |
| Quran and the teachings of Ashaari Muhammad (Aurad Muhammadiyah) | |
| Languages | |
| Malay language | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Rufaqa' Corporation, GISBH | |
| Banned in Malaysia since 1994[5] | |
The movement has been associated with several business ventures, including the Rufaqa' Corporation, Global Ikhwan, and GISBH (Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings).[6] These ventures, especially Global Ikhwan, have faced widespread media attention, notably for the Ikhwan Polygamy Club[7] and the Obedient Wives Club,[8] which have been viewed as efforts to revive Al-Arqam.[9]
Two books authored by Khadijah Aam, Ashaari's wife, were banned on religious grounds, primarily for claims that Ashaari had been empowered by Allah with supernatural powers.[10]
Origins
editAl-Arqam began as a small group committed to strict Islamic principles and the development of a home-based economy. Founded in 1968 by Ashaari Muhammad, a former government religious teacher, the movement's early days were marked by a halaqah (study circle) in Kampung Datuk Keramat, a Malay suburb of Kuala Lumpur.[11]
Initially known as Rumah Putih due to the white house where members gathered, the group faced skepticism from local communities, who viewed their practices as deviant (dakwah songsang). Despite this, the movement continued to grow, particularly among young Malays.[11]
On 28 February 1971, the group adopted the name Darul Arqam, in honor of Al-Arqam ibn Abi al-Arqam, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. Ashaari and his followers briefly aligned with Islamic outreach groups like Tablighi Jamaat and ABIM, although they eventually withdrew due to differences in methodology.[11]
Sungai Penchala and Expansion
editIn 1975, Al-Arqam established a permanent base in Kampung Sungai Penchala, 20 kilometers northeast of downtown Kuala Lumpur. This new base, referred to as the "Arqam Village," became both the group's main headquarters and a model of an ideal Islamic community.[12] The village housed a mosque, school, dormitories, offices, and shops, serving as the central hub for Al-Arqam's expanding missionary and economic activities.
Membership and Structure
editAl-Arqam attracted a significant following, particularly from urban Malays and educated professionals. Its organizational structure was hierarchical, with Ashaari Muhammad at the helm, supported by deputies and close family members in key leadership roles.[13] The group's membership did not require formal registration or fees; participation in the movement’s activities and adherence to its rules were sufficient for inclusion.
Economic Philosophy (Arqamnomics)
editAl-Arqam was known for its distinctive economic model, often referred to as "Arqamomics." This approach integrated Islamic principles into every aspect of economic life, prioritizing the production of halal goods and operating without profit maximization as a goal. The movement's economic activities included food production, retail, and even industrial services.[14] By the early 1990s, Al-Arqam had launched its own conglomerate, the Arqam Group of Companies, which engaged in industries ranging from agriculture to advanced technology.[14]
Challenges and Crackdown
editIn 1994, the Malaysian government banned Al-Arqam, citing concerns over the movement's deviation from Islamic orthodoxy and its potential political threat. Ashaari Muhammad and other leaders were arrested, and the group's properties were seized. Although Ashaari remained under house arrest, Al-Arqam continued to operate abroad, particularly in neighboring Southeast Asian countries.[15]
Revival Efforts
edit2000s – Rufaqa' Corporation
editGovernmental and media reports suggested that former members were attempting to revive the movement through Rufaqa' Corporation.[16] Founded by Ashaari in Bandar Country Homes in Rawang, Selangor, the organization operated 80 businesses in Malaysia, including mini markets, cafeterias, herbal products, tourism, advertising, furniture, clinics, electronics, multimedia, childcare centres, and publishing.[17] Sheikh Hussein Sheikh Omar, a former member, claimed that many of these businesses were not financially sustainable and primarily served to recruit new members to revive Al-Arqam.[17] He also alleged that employees were not paid wages but instead directed their earnings to the leadership in exchange for spiritual rewards.[17]
In November 2006, Malaysian authorities raided the upper floor of a bakery and arrested over 100 individuals suspected of attempting to re-establish Al-Arqam. The group was officially banned in December 2006, with Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi stating that legal action would be taken against any efforts to revive the movement.[18]
2020s – Global Ikhwan
editGlobal Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH), founded by Ashaari's widow, represents a rebranding of the movement's business ventures, active since the 2010s.[19][20] Like its predecessors, GISBH oversees business operations in Malaysia and in over 20 countries, primarily under the Ikhwan brand. The company employs over 5,000 individuals.
In September 2024, a child sex abuse scandal emerged involving orphanages operated by GISBH in the states of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Police raids led to the rescue of over 400 children, with nearly 200 additional children rescued in other regions.[21][22]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Means, Gordon P. (2009). Political Islam in Southeast Asia. Lynne Rienner Publishers. p. 131. ISBN 978-1-58826-678-1.
- ^ Kamarulnizam, Abdullah (2003). The Politics of Islam in Contemporary Malaysia. Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. p. 99. ISBN 978-967-942-592-5.
- ^ "Malaysia: Heretical Islamic cult returns". Archived from the original on 6 November 2011.
- ^ "Al-Arqam revival spreads beyond Malaysia".
- ^ "Malaysia cracks down on Islamic sect".
- ^ "Al-Arqam founder Ashaari dies (Updated)". The Star. 13 May 2010. Archived from the original on 16 May 2010. Retrieved 31 July 2011.
Global Ikhwan
- ^ Gooch, Liz (6 January 2010). "Malaysian Polygamy Club Draws Criticism". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 17 June 2013. Retrieved 21 July 2011.
Global Ikhwan
- ^ "Preaching good sex, Muslim-inspired Obedient Wives Club spreads in Asia". Reuters. 26 June 2011. Archived from the original on 4 July 2011. Retrieved 21 July 2011.
- ^ "Obedient Wives Club controversy used for publicity: Mashitah". The Malay Mail. 2011. Retrieved 21 July 2011.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Books Proof Ashaari Still Believes In Al-Arqam Teachings, Says Ex-Follower". bernama.com. 2011. Archived from the original on 28 June 2011. Retrieved 21 July 2011.
'It contains 36 items that can sway the faith of Muslims including claims that he had been empowered by Allah with supernatural powers, was able to contact Prophet Muhammad and Imam Mahdi (Jesus Christ) and had been appointed by God as the leader of his time.
- ^ a b c Kamarulnizam, Abdullah (2003). The Politics of Islam in Contemporary Malaysia. Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. p. 99. ISBN 9789679425925.
- ^ Kamarulnizam, Abdullah (2003). The Politics of Islam in Contemporary Malaysia. Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. p. 100. ISBN 9789679425925.
- ^ Kamarulnizam, Abdullah (2003). The Politics of Islam in Contemporary Malaysia. Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. p. 101. ISBN 9789679425925.
- ^ a b Kamarulnizam, Abdullah (2003). The Politics of Islam in Contemporary Malaysia. Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. p. 106. ISBN 9789679425925.
- ^ Means, Gordon P. (2009). Political Islam in Southeast Asia. Lynne Rienner Publishers. p. 131. ISBN 9781588266781.
- ^ "Malaysia: The Al-Arqam sect and its relationship with the government". UNHCR. Archived from the original on 16 April 2013.
- ^ a b c "Malaysia: Heretical Islamic cult returns". (5 December 2006). Spero News.
- ^ "Malaysia cracks down on Islamic sect" (22 December 2006). TVNZ, New Zealand.
- ^ "Kikis 'stigma' Al-Arqam, Global Ikhwan tampil syarikat contoh Melayu-Islam antarabangsa". Free Malaysia Today. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
- ^ "GISB business empire houses 425 polygamous families".
- ^ "IGP: Another 155 arrested in nationwide GISBH dragnet involving thousands of personnel". Malay Mail.
- ^ "Malaysia arrests business leaders as probe widens in child sex abuse case". Al-Jazeera. Retrieved 21 September 2024.