History of Al-Arqam, how it became Global Ikhwan
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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.
Content retrieved from: https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/national/history-of-al-arqam-how-it-became-global-ikhwan/ar-AA1qjkCC.
