It went viral nowadays throughout the country about the Global Ikhwan Sdn. Bhd or preferred known as GISB. As the one who born in 1990s, not less of us know about the history of this Islamic Economist Group of Companies. The history of this GISB are much longer and complicated that requires us to do a research fair and square on this topic. In this article we will share info about the Global Ikhwan Malaysia GISBH (Global Ikhwan Sdn. Bhd).
Introduction
Before the existence of Global Ikhwan Malaysia GISBH, it was then has been begins by Ustaz Ashaari Muhammad, the founder of Al Arqam in 1968. This movement began as an Islamic revivalist group. Al Arqam promoting a return to traditional Islamic values and living in accordance with Islamic teachings. It gained significant influence in Malaysia and expanded internationally before being banned by the Malaysian government in 1994 due to allegations of deviant teachings and political subversion.
After Banned in 1994
After Al Arqam banned in 1994 during Dr. Mahathir Mohamed government, many of its followers initially faced challenges as the Malaysian government cracked down on the movement’s activities. The group’s leader, Ashaari Muhammad, was arrested and placed under the Internal Security Act (ISA), while the group’s assets were seized, and its communal living centers (communes) were shut down.
Some former followers, though no longer involved in any controversial activities, continued to emphasize the economic self-sufficiency and Islamic business principles that had been core to Al-Arqam. Despite the ban, the movement’s influence lingered in certain communities, though the leadership denied that they had continued the ideological elements that led to their banning.
Establish of Al Rufaqa Corporation
To continue Ashaari Muhammad legacy and leadership, he later on establish Al Rufaqa Corporation, which was seen as an extension of Al-Arqam’s economic activities but presented as a legitimate business entity. However, it also faced scrutiny from authorities, and there were allegations that it carried forward the teachings and practices of the banned movement.
Although this new company created to continue the legacy of Al Arqam leaderships. it was then close monitored by Islamic Authority in Malaysia (JAKIM). It has been face many difficulties to practice the old economic and their version of Islamic teaching activities.
Malaysian government imposed restrictions on the group’s activities, warning the public about any revival of Al-Arqam’s ideology. The government also monitored Al-Rufaqa’s business dealings and eventually compelled the organization to disband
Rebrand as Global Ikhwan Sdn. Bhd (GISBH)
As the results of the pressure being placed on their side, Al Rufaqa corporation later on rebrand as Global Ikhwan Sdn. Bhd (GISB) in 2008. Shifting its focus toward business and social services only. However this new company remained controversial in some circles.
In some podcast in YouTube, there are a lot of former followers claimed that GISB still holding the Al Arqam’s ideology. Recently one individual reveal that if someone from GISB want to withdrew or out from their congregation, those husband and wife should submit for divorce application.
She later claimed that her parent was become a victim for this cruel contract offers by Global Ikhwan Malaysia GISB.
Raid on the Rumah Amal GISB
On September 10th, the police have raided the Rumah Amal GISB (Charity House) and several GISB premises based on reports from the public. As results, there are a lot of evidence have been found including the involvement of child slavery activities.
According to Malaysia’s national police chief, it is a lot more illegal and immoral activities happened and still happening within GISB followers those resided in GISB charity houses including child labours, immoral teaching activities and many more. Those child in Rumah Amal GISB being forced to work in the supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, and factories that owned by the Global Ikhwan Malaysia GISB without any salary at all.
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Conclusions
Global Ikhwan Malaysia GISB is still holding the controversial among the mainstream Islamic practice community in Malaysia. Although it was rebrand and shifting the core business from an Islamic revivalist group that promoting a return to traditional Islamic values and living in accordance with Islamic teachings to fully business without influencing others to normalize their version of Islam, it can’t be denied that they still embraced the Al Arqam’s ideology.
Their obsession with Abuya Ashaari Muhammad made their religious activities disputed and doubted by many other Islamic scholars.
Apart from the negative effects on the country and religion, this case of Al Arqam, Rufaqa Corporation and GISB teach us as Malaysian Muslim about the how important of involvement of the Muslims in the country’s economy is.
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