AL-ARQAM

(RAAP—025)

Al-Arqam was an Islamic movement founded in 1968 by Ashaari Muhammad. The group's focus was on self-sufficiency, discipline, and the creation of an Islamic utopia.

By the 1980s, Al-Arqam had attracted tens of thousands of followers in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Brunei. The movement operated various businesses, including those in agriculture, publishing, and restaurants, accumulating significant wealth estimated in the millions of U.S. dollars.

Al-Arqam emphasized fardhu kifayah (collective responsibilities) with a strong focus on education, personal development, and Islamic theology. Ashaari, known as "Abuya" to his followers, advocated a return to a "purer" form of Islam. He had four wives and approximately 40 children and passed away in 2010 from a lung infection.

In 1994, the Malaysian government banned Al-Arqam, citing its deviant religious teachings, messianic claims, and perceived threat to national unity. Ashaari was arrested under the Internal Security Act. The group's teachings were criticized for contradicting fundamental Islamic principles, particularly due to claims of communication with the Prophet Muhammad and the promotion of leader infallibility.