Dar al-Arqam
Etymology and Translation
Dar al-Arqam (Arabic: دار الأرقم) translates to “House of Al-Arqam.” The name derives from the house of Al-Arqam ibn Abi al-Arqam, where early Muslims secretly gathered to practice their faith in Mecca. The movement named itself after this historical site to signify its focus on community and grassroots revival.
Founding and Purpose
Dar al-Arqam is a grassroots Malaysian Islamic dawah movement founded in 1968 by Shaykh Imam Ashari Muhammad al-Tamimi. The movement’s primary aim is to revive and integrate Islamic religious belief and values into comprehensive everyday practice.
Core Beliefs and Practices
Dar al-Arqam emphasizes several key elements:
- Self-Assessment and Self-Correction: Encourages individuals to constantly reflect on and improve their personal adherence to Islamic principles.
- Formation of the Islamic Personality: Focuses on molding individuals into fully practicing Muslims in both private and public life.
- Sufi Teacher-Disciple Bond: Utilizes a Sufi approach to reinforce obedience to leadership and spiritual growth through close teacher-disciple relationships.
Activities and Outreach
The movement engages in various activities to promote its mission:
- Educational and Cultural Initiatives: Organizes lectures, concerts, cultural shows, and publishes educational material like books, magazines, and newspapers. Produces multimedia content such as videos and cassette tapes illustrating the Islamic way of life.
- Missionary Programs: Since 1979, Dar al-Arqam expanded internationally through missionary efforts and diplomatic engagements.
- Islamic Villages: Establishes self-contained Islamic communities across Malaysia to demonstrate viable Islamic sociopolitical and economic systems.
- Infrastructure Development: Operates schools, clinics, businesses, agricultural complexes, and various service agencies.
Expansion and International Influence
From 1979 onwards, Dar al-Arqam’s influence spread globally, facilitated by their extensive missionary programs and diplomatic relationships.
Contributions to Community & Islamic Thought
- Sociopolitical Engagement: Demonstrates a functional Islamic sociopolitical system through its governed villages.
- Economic Model: Propagates independent Islamic economies within its communities.
- Educational Reform: Establishes Islamic schooling systems advocating comprehensive Islamic education.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Islam and Ideology in the Emerging Indonesian State: The Persatuan Islam (PERSIS) 1923-1957” by Howard M. Federspiel
- “Sufism: The Formative Period” by Ahmet T. Karamustafa
- “The Vision of Islam” by Sachiko Murata and William Chittick
Takeaways
- Grassroots Approach: Emphasizes community involvement and individualized embracement of Islamic principles.
- Holistic Education: Integrates religious, sociopolitical, and economic teaching with practical applications in daily life.
- International Expansion: Though rooted in Malaysia, the movement has had a significant international influence.
Conclusion
Dar al-Arqam highlights a comprehensive and practical approach to Islamic revivalism, marked by its grassroots strategies and focus on holistic personal development, educational reform, and self-sufficient communities.
