SHAH ALAM - Malaysia is a diverse country with various religions, including Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and others, where communities generally practice their faiths freely and harmoniously.
However, authorities remained vigilant against deviant teachings which occasionally resurfaced despite ongoing efforts to eradicate them.
The latest controversy in Malaysia involved the resurgence of the Al-Arqam sect, a deviant teaching that shocked the nation.
Al-Arqam was one of the earliest sects to be declared heretical in Selangor, following the fatwa against the Haji Kahar movement.
Despite efforts to suppress it, Al-Arqam continued to evolve in branding and appearance, with a significant number of loyal followers.
Let's delve into the history of Al-Arqam, exploring how it took root and continued to be a harmful presence in Malaysian society today.
History of Al-Arqam
According to the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) official portal, Al-Arqam was founded in 1968 by Ashaari Muhammad and several companions, initially known as the "Kumpulan Rumah Putih" in Kampung Datuk Keramat, Kuala Lumpur.
The group aimed to raise Islamic awareness, but eventually, it was renamed Darul Arqam.
Rumours soon spread about the practice of Aurad Muhammadiah, led by Ashaari and his followers.
This led to public defections from the group, media attention and the dismissal of key members of the group due to the controversy.
The Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) summoned Ashaari to clarify his stance on Aurad Muhammadiah, where he denied spreading it but did not refute practising it.
Ashaari also controversially claimed that Aurad Muhammadiah founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah al-Suhaimi would rise as Imam Mahdi.
His teachings were eventually declared heretical, with the fatwa banning the group's key texts for being contrary to Islamic doctrine.
Ashaari and key leaders of the group were detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA), with Ashaari later admitting to deviations in Al-Arqam's practices.
Although he was released, Ashaari remained under house arrest until his death in 2010.
Despite this, his wife, Ummu Jah, sought to revive the teachings through Rufaqa’ Corporation Sdn Bhd, leading to further fatwas prohibiting the company’s activities.
The Selangor Fatwa Committee maintained its ruling due to concerns about ongoing followers of the banned sect.
Mais urged the public through the official portal to report any suspicious activities that could harm Islamic faith and practices.
Connection to Global Ikhwan
Online audio and video media Cilisos Media reported that Ashaari, the founder of Al-Arqam, initially spent 10 years (1958-1968) as an active member of Pas which was then led by Dr Burhanuddin Al-Helmy.
However, dissatisfied with Pas' lack of focus on knowledge, Ashaari decided to form his own movement called Jamaah Muhammadiah, which was later renamed as Al-Arqam after one of the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) companions, Arqam Abi Arqam.
Starting with just 10 to 12 members in 1968, Al-Arqam's numbers grew to 40 by 1976 and by 1987, its followers reportedly increased to tens of thousands worldwide.
In 1972, Ashaari or better known as Abuya among the group, established an Islamic village in Sungai Penchala, Selangor, on a five-hectare plot purchased by himself and his companions.
This became the base for Darul Arqam's activities.
Despite being banned in 1994, Al-Arqam had notable success in business and economics.
Within 20 years, they managed to establish 52 grocery stores, 20 mini-markets, 36 bookstores and religious shops, 18 restaurants and 56 factories across Malaysia.
They were especially successful in producing popular food products like chili sauce and soy sauce, even selling to non-Muslim retailers.
The movement also published a wide array of books and magazines, including "Al-Arqam", "Al-Mukminah", "Al-Nasihah" and "Al-Munir", although publication permits were revoked in 1990.
They also owned health clinics and their own legal units.
Before the ban, Al-Arqam had expanded internationally with the creation of the Al-Arqam Group of Companies (AGC), comprising 22 subsidiaries.
They even declared the formation of an 'Islamic state' in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Today, their legacy continues through Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd, which now operates over 800 businesses in 16 countries, including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, China and Australia, specialising in tourism, food, media, health and engineering.