AL ARQAM - KUMPULAN DIFATWA SESAT MEMPUNYAI RM500 JUTA EMPAYAR PERNIAGAAN

Summary

The Al-Arqam movement, founded by Ustaz Ashaari Muhammad in 1968, gained significant influence in Malaysia, with thousands of followers and successful business ventures. However, it faced severe criticism for its unorthodox religious beliefs, particularly regarding the Imam Mahdi, leading to its ban by the Malaysian Fatwa Council in 1994. Despite its controversial status and the detention of its leader, the movement’s impact on music, international relations, and local communities persists. The legacy of Al-Arqam remains divisive, with supporters viewing it as a misunderstood movement and detractors condemning it as a dangerous sect.

Takeaways

• 😀 Al-Arqam was founded in 1968 by Ustaz Asy'ari Muhammad and several of his followers in Malaysia, initially focusing on Islamic teachings and welfare.
• 😀 The movement grew rapidly, with membership expanding from 10-12 members in 1968 to around 5,000-6,000 by 1987, and estimates reached 10,000 followers by 1994.
• 😀 Al-Arqam was known for its widespread influence, operating businesses, educational institutions, and health services, contributing significantly to Malaysia's economy.
• 😀 The group's teachings sparked controversy, particularly its unorthodox beliefs, such as the claim that Imam Mahdi was among its leaders, which led to its condemnation by Islamic authorities.
• 😀 In 1994, the Malaysian National Fatwa Council declared Al-Arqam a deviant sect, leading to its ban and the arrest of Ustaz Asy'ari Muhammad and other leaders.
• 😀 Despite the ban, Al-Arqam attempted to expand internationally, establishing connections in the Middle East, including opening a center in Islamabad, Pakistan, and gaining influence in Uzbekistan.
• 😀 The group's rise to prominence included a successful foray into the global Islamic market, particularly in the fields of business and education.
• 😀 Al-Arqam's influence extended into the world of Malaysian nasyid music, with famous groups like Raihan, Rabbani, and Hijaz originally being part of the movement.
• 😀 The movement faced internal conflict, including leadership struggles and disputes, most notably in 1979 and 1986, which contributed to its eventual decline.
• 😀 After the death of Ustaz Asy'ari in 2010, Al-Arqam's leadership struggled to maintain its momentum, and further attempts to revive the group in 2013 were unsuccessful.
• 😀 The movement's history raises ongoing debates about whether Al-Arqam was a deviant sect or a misunderstood religious group, with differing opinions on its legitimacy and impact.

Q & A

What was the origin of the Al-Arqam movement in Malaysia?

Al-Arqam was founded in 1968 by Ustaz Ashaari Muhammad in Kampung Datuk Ramad, Selangor. It initially began with a small group of 10 to 12 members and grew rapidly in subsequent years.

Why was Al-Arqam considered controversial?

Al-Arqam was considered controversial due to its teachings, which diverged from mainstream Islamic beliefs, particularly its claim regarding the Imam Mahdi. This led to accusations of heresy and deviancy within the Muslim community.

How did Al-Arqam expand its influence in Malaysia?

Al-Arqam expanded its influence through its involvement in various sectors such as education, publishing, agriculture, and business. It established a wide network of followers and set up numerous enterprises across Malaysia.

What were some of the key businesses and projects run by Al-Arqam?

By 1993, Al-Arqam was operating 417 economic projects, including retail outlets, restaurants, bookstores, vehicle workshops, mini-markets, and taxi services, among others.

What led to the ban of Al-Arqam by the Malaysian government?

The Malaysian government banned Al-Arqam in 1994 following a fatwa issued by the National Fatwa Council, which deemed the group's teachings as contradictory to Islamic beliefs, particularly their views on the Imam Mahdi and other theological issues.

How did Al-Arqam respond after being banned?

After being banned, Al-Arqam continued its activities clandestinely, with some leaders, including Ustaz Ashaari, being arrested. Attempts to revive the movement were made in the following years, though it faced ongoing resistance from the government.

Who was Ustaz Ashaari Muhammad and what role did he play in Al-Arqam?

Ustaz Ashaari Muhammad was the founder and leader of Al-Arqam. He played a central role in the movement's growth and in spreading its teachings, although he was later arrested and placed under house arrest after the group was banned.

What happened to Ustaz Ashaari Muhammad after his arrest?

Ustaz Ashaari was detained under the Internal Security Act and placed under house arrest in Rawang and Labuan. He was later released in 2004 and passed away in 2010 due to a lung infection.

What was the significance of the movement's name 'Al-Arqam'?

The name 'Al-Arqam' was derived from a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, Arqam ibn Abi Arqam. The movement was initially known for its spiritual and religious outreach efforts, which were later associated with controversy.

What were the internal divisions within Al-Arqam?

Internal divisions emerged, particularly in the late 1970s and 1980s, when key leaders, including Akbar Anang and Ustaz Mukhtar Yakob, were expelled or left due to disagreements over the movement's teachings and leadership. These splits led to further tensions within the group.