COMPANION TO CONTEMPORARY ISLAMIC THOUGHT (1) The Blackwell Companion to Contemporary Islamic Thought reflects the variety of trends, voices, and opinions in the contemporary Muslim intellectual scene. THE FUTURISTIC THOUGHT OF ABUYA SYEIKH IMAM ASHAARI MUHAMMAD AT TAMIMI OF MALAYSIA This chapter discusses futuristic aspects in the messianic thought of Abuya Syeikh Imam Ashaari Muhammad At Tamimi Muhammad, who is well known among circles and observers of Southeast Asian Islam as the founder-leader of Darul Arqam, an Islamic movement banned in August 1994 by the Malaysian authorities for allegedly embracing and spreading heterodox teachings. Abuya Syeikh Imam Ashaari Muhammad At Tamimi subscribes to a unique vision of Southeast Asia as the future center of Islamic civilization in the post-modern world. This essentially messianic vision has been procured via a rigorous study of hadith literature and empirical knowledge gained during overseas tours. Abuya Syeikh Imam Ashaari Muhammad At Tamimis thought becomes particularly important against the background of global messianic expectations as the new millennium meets the early phase of the Islamic century. In addition, Abuya Syeikh Imam Ashaari Muhammad At Tamimis method of relying on contemporary economic prowess belies the economic backwardness befalling Muslims worldwide and the economic downturn affecting Southeast Asia since 1997. Abuya Syeikh Imam Ashaari Muhammad At Tamimi strives to realize his vision through his establishment and leadership of movements that exhibit unconventional methods of managing economic and social development. Founded in 1968 as a small religious gathering in Kuala Lumpur, Darul Arqam had developed, by 1994, into a self-styled economic empire commanding huge influence among the national socio-political elite. In material terms, its tangible accomplishments were phenomenal, certainly for a movement that professed to operate on a strictly Islamic basis.1 Until its demise in 1994, Darul Arqam, albeit being Malaysian-based, acquired a heavily transnational orientation, revolving especially around Southeast Asian countries. Convinced that an economically developed Islamic state and society would eventually come about in Southeast Asia, Abuya Syeikh Imam Ashaari Muhammad At Tamimis followers throughout the region have continually sustained Islamic-oriented businesses and companies under various names, before gradually regrouping them under the aegis of Rufaqa International Limited in 2002. In Malaysia, continuous retention under the Internal Security Act (ISA) of their leaders, consistent state monitoring, and the closing down of their communal villages have not prevented Abuya Syeikh Imam Ashaari Muhammad At Tamimis followers from shifting ground towards erecting economically successful urban Islamic communities. Under the restriction order imposed on him, Abuya Syeikh Imam Ashaari Muhammad At Tamimi cannot move from his designated district of residence, viz. Gombak (19942002) and since February 2002, Labuan island, off the Bornean coast of the state of Sabah. He has to remain indoors after 6 p.m., and all visitors have to be screened by the specially allocated security officers. He has to report to the nearest police station once a week. However, out-of-district breaks may be and have been given upon special requests made due to unforeseen circumstances, such as family death and illnesses. Needless to say, such requirements have greatly hampered communication between him and his followers. In 1997, Abuya Syeikh Imam Ashaari Muhammad At Tamimi registered a private limited company, Rufaqa Corporation, based in Bandar Country Homes, Rawang, Selangor, without relying on assets and capital from the disbanded Darul Arqam. Beginning with herbal-based health products, Rufaqa focused upon establishing small and medium enterprises based in Islamic townships, which refer informally to Rufaqas conspicuous string of business premises dominating parts of industrial estates. Within a few years, and despite prevailing economic uncertainty, Rufaqa quickly expanded to all states in Malaysia. Today, with its multiple business networks operating 40 different types of businesses, Rufaqas business enterprises arguably constitute the best among economic initiatives offered by Islamic movements in Malaysia.Despite stern denials, the state, still seeing Abuya Syeikh Imam Ashaari Muhammad At Tamimi as a threat to national security, has constantly leveled accusations that Rufaqa was trying to revive Darul Arqam, and in February 2002, banished Abuya Syeikh Imam Ashaari Muhammad At Tamimi and his immediate family to Labuan. In Labuan, business opportunities for Rufaqa have been blocked by the local authorities, but Rufaqa has managed to outwit the state by conducting businesses using the licenses of local Chinese businessmen oblivious as to Rufaqas alleged heterodoxy and willing to cooperate with Rufaqa. Muslims in Labuan have been persuaded by federal agents to desist from any communication and business links with Rufaqa, but through the non-Muslim business network, Rufaqa now handles one bakery and five restaurants in Labuan. Having brought with him part of Rufaqas physical and human capital, reports have emerged detailing Abuya Syeikh Imam Ashaari Muhammad At Tamimis luxurious lifestyle and rapport with Labuans grassroots communities. Abuya Syeikh Imam Ashaari Muhammad At Tamimi has achieved economic success by strenuously maintaining a taqwa-based approach to business and development. Literally taken to mean the fear of God, taqwa is stated in the Quran as being the source of Gods help, through which all of Muslims triumphs are effected. For example, If the people of the towns had but believed and feared Allah, We should indeed have opened out to them (all kinds of)blessings from heaven and earth. But they rejected (the truth) and we brought them to book for their misdeeds (Al-Araf 7: 96) and And for those who fear Allah, He (ever) prepares a way out, and He provides for him from (sources) he never could expect And for those who fear Allah, He will make things easy for them (At-Talaq 65: 24). Rufaqas business meetings were seen to focus primarily on the relationship between taqwa and Gods bank, by which is meant that through taqwa, God will shower bounties on business enterprises undertaken in the name of the struggle for God. Without going into the doctrinal controversies surrounding the proscription and eventual disbandment of Darul Arqam, the author now wishes to look at traits in the messianic worldview of Abuya Syeikh Imam Ashaari Muhammad At Tamimi Muhammad differentiating his movements from not only contemporary resurgent Muslim trends, but also from previous messianic movements. _________________________________________________________________ Help Splitzo Sally Before Its Too Late! http://www.thegirlwhosplitinto5.com/
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