Al-Arqam

For the high school Al-Arqam in Sacramento, California, see Masjid Annur Islamic Center.
For the network of Islamic schools in Greater Houston, Texas, see Islamic Education Institute of Texas.
Al-Arqam
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
MalaysiaSignificant presence prior to ban[2]
IndonesiaModerate presence[3]
BruneiSmaller presence[4]
Scriptures
Quran and the teachings of Ashaari Muhammad (Aurad Muhammadiyah)
Languages
Malay language
Banned in Malaysia since 1994[5]

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 deported to Malaysia.

Despite the ban, the movement’s influence persisted through several business ventures that became widely recognized, including the Rufaqa' Corporation, Global Ikhwan, and GISBH (Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings).[6] These enterprises, particularly Global Ikhwan, attracted widespread media attention, notably for the Ikhwan Polygamy Club and Obedient Wives Club[7][8] which were perceived as efforts to revive Al-Arqam.[9]

In addition to its business ventures, the movement continued to face scrutiny for its religious teachings. Two books authored by Khadijah Aam, Ashaari’s wife, were banned on religious grounds for claims that Ashaari had been empowered by God with supernatural abilities. These claims further fueled concerns among religious authorities about Al-Arqam’s deviance from orthodox Islamic teachings.[10]

  1. ^ Means, Gordon P. (2009). Political Islam in Southeast Asia. Lynne Rienner Publishers. p. 131. ISBN 978-1-58826-678-1.
  2. ^ Kamarulnizam, Abdullah (2003). The Politics of Islam in Contemporary Malaysia. Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. p. 99. ISBN 978-967-942-592-5.
  3. ^ "Malaysia: Heretical Islamic cult returns". Archived from the original on 6 November 2011.
  4. ^ "Al-Arqam revival spreads beyond Malaysia". Archived from the original on 30 December 2010.
  5. ^ "Malaysia cracks down on Islamic sect".
  6. ^ "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
  7. ^ 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
  8. ^ "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.
  9. ^ "Obedient Wives Club controversy used for publicity: Mashitah". The Malay Mail. 2011. Retrieved 21 July 2011.[permanent dead link]
  10. ^ "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 Allah had empowered him 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.