The Syariah High Court of Melaka today granted bail to the three sons of Ashaari Muhammad, the late founder of the Al-Arqam movement, who were arrested during a recent raid by the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM). The three men, aged 38, 42, and 45, were detained as part of "Op Global," an operation aimed at curbing the resurgence of Al-Arqam's banned teachings, which have resurfaced after being outlawed in 1994 by the National Fatwa Council. The court set the bail at RM1,000 each with one surety, allowing the three men to go free while the investigation continues.
Al-Arqam, founded by Ashaari Muhammad in the 1960s, gained significant traction in Malaysia during its peak. The movement attracted a large following with its charismatic leadership and community-based Islamic approach. However, by the 1990s, the National Fatwa Council declared the movement’s teachings deviant, concerned that they posed a threat to Malaysia’s Islamic identity. The government swiftly banned the sect, arresting Ashaari and dispersing his followers. Though the movement was thought to have largely dissolved, recent reports suggest that its teachings are still being practiced by some groups, leading to the latest JAIM raids.
The recent "Op Global" operation targeted 19 premises across Melaka, linked to GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH), a company allegedly connected to the Al-Arqam sect. The operation resulted in the arrest of eleven individuals, including Ashaari Muhammad’s three sons. JAIM is investigating these individuals under Section 63 of the Syariah Offences Enactment (Melaka) 1991 for insulting Islam, an offense that can lead to fines of up to RM5,000, imprisonment for up to 36 months, or both upon conviction.
Malaysia has long taken a strong stance against deviant Islamic teachings, particularly those deemed to pose a risk to national unity. While some countries may adopt a more relaxed attitude toward fringe religious movements, Malaysia’s government actively suppresses such groups, believing that unchecked sects could disrupt societal cohesion. The Al-Arqam case is a prime example of how the government continues to monitor and dismantle organizations that promote deviant teachings, even decades after they have been formally banned.
This crackdown has left many Malaysians reflecting on the delicate balance between religious freedom and social stability. Older generations recall how the Al-Arqam movement created rifts in communities, with some families divided by their involvement in the sect. The recent arrests have reignited debates over whether authorities should be more tolerant or continue their aggressive approach to controlling deviant religious teachings. While some support JAIM's actions as necessary to protect Malaysia’s Islamic values, others question whether suppression is the best long-term strategy for addressing these movements.
For citizens, staying informed about religious teachings and the decisions of local religious authorities is crucial. Understanding the differences between mainstream Islam and deviant movements can help individuals avoid unknowingly supporting groups that operate outside the bounds of accepted Islamic doctrine. Community vigilance also plays an important role; suspicious gatherings or unorthodox teachings should be reported to authorities for further investigation. Encouraging open dialogue within families about religious beliefs is another way to ensure cohesion and prevent confusion or manipulation by deviant movements.
As the investigation unfolds, Malaysians are left to ponder how best to manage deviant religious movements. Should the government continue its strategy of suppression, or is there room for reform and rehabilitation? How can the nation balance the preservation of its Islamic identity with the freedoms of belief and practice? These questions remain at the heart of a broader discussion about religion, society, and governance in modern Malaysia.
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