HajiAshaari Mohammad (30 October 1937 – 13 May 2010[1]) was the leader of the Malaysian-based Islamic religious sect Al-Arqam. The sect was banned by in Malaysia by the federal government on 21 October 1994. He and other Al-Arqam members were arrested in Thailand, returned to Malaysia and detained under Internal Security Act (ISA). He had been detained from 1994 to 2004. He was forced to admit his wrong doings and denied the rights to defend himself.
Ashaari was nicknamed "Abuya" (father in Arabic) by his followers, and was known for wearing a turban, green Al-Arqam rope, and having kohl-lined eyes.
Two books written by Khadijah Aam, Ashaari's wife, including his biography, have been banned on religious grounds, including the claim that Ashaari Mohammad had been empowered by Allah with supernatural powers.[3]
Aam, Khadijah. Abuya Ashaari Muhammad : pemimpin paling ajaib di zamannya. Rawang, Selangor Darul Ehsan: Penerbitan Minda Ikhwan, 2006. ISBN983-2492-56-4
Aam, Khadijah, Abuya Ashaari Muhammad: The Most Miraculous Leader of His Time,2006 [1]
Ya'cub, A Tasman, Dakwah Islam Dalam Perpektif Ashaari Muhammad, 2006
Nizamuddin, Mohd bin Hj Ashaari, Abuya Hj Ashaari Muhammad Adalah Putera Bani Tamim, 2007
^"Books Proof Ashaari Still Believes In Al-Arqam Teachings, Says Ex-Follower". bernama.com. 2011. Archived from the original on 28 June 2011. Retrieved 21 July 2011. 'It contains 36 items that can sway the faith of Muslims including claims that he had been empowered by Allah with supernatural powers, was able to contact Prophet Muhammad (Yaqazah) and Imam Mahdi and had been appointed by God as the leader of his time.
