Ashaari Mohammad
Haji Ashaari Mohammad (30 October 1937 – 13 May 2010) 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. Biography. Marriage and children. He married five times and had four wives at most at the same time. He had 37 children. Death and afterward. He was pronounced dead on 13 May 2010 at 02.10 local time in Ipoh Specialist Hospital. Philosophical and/or political views. 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."