SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) wants the Government to ban the Rufaqa’ movement, just like it banned the al-Arqam sect 12 years ago for spreading the Aurad Muhammadiah school of thought.
While Jais acknowledges that Rufaqa’ Corporation Sdn Bhd is a legitimate business entity, it alleged that the company was supporting a movement that is reviving the al-Arqam teachings.
“We have investigated and built a strong case. Rufaqa’ is helmed by former senior leaders of al-Arqam and we have evidence they use it as the new front to revive the banned teachings of al-Arqam,” said state executive councillor Datuk Abdul Rahman Palil.
On Saturday, Jais detained 107 people on the second floor of a bakery in Section 13
who were attending a meeting that allegedly promoted the banned teachings of the former al-Arqam.
Among those detained were four men said to be former senior leaders of al-Arqam and trainers of Rufaqa’.
Save for the four, the rest were released on bail after their statements were recorded.
Jais is preparing to charge the trainers, referred to as sheikh by their followers, for spreading deviant teachings.
To further strengthen the case against Rufaqa’, Abdul Rahman said, Jais had evidence that the organisation was involved in the sale and distribution of a book that contained 36 deviant points that described the so-called prowess of al-Arqam founder Ashaari Muhammad.
The book, titled Pemimpin Paling Ajaib di Zamannya (The Most Extraordinary Leader of his Time) was written by his first wife Khadijah Aam.
In Johor Baru, the state Islamic Affairs department said it was monitoring the activities of Rufaqa’ Corp, which runs two shops selling books in Johor Baru and Kluang.