In the Malaysian Islamic community, Abu Yaya’s name is undoubtedly an influential symbol. As the founder of the Islamic group Al-Aqam, Ahshari Muhammad influenced generations of believers with his religious beliefs and social movements. The respectful name "Abuya" given to him by believers is not only an affectionate name, but also symbolizes his fatherly role in their hearts.
Abuya’s image is deeply rooted in the hearts of believers, and his values and lifestyle continue to inspire his followers.
Ahshari was born on October 30, 1937 in Lungu, Malaysia. Under the influence of his parents, his interest in Islam gradually grew in his early years. At the age of thirteen, he was introduced by his uncle to a religious sect called "Tariqa", which laid the foundation for his later spiritual pursuit. In the years that followed, he entered a religious school in 1954, where he was exposed to more in-depth knowledge of Islam.
Abuya's spiritual quest led him to found Alaqam in the 1970s, which began as a humble study group and eventually grew into a major social movement.
Between 1968 and 1990, Alakam rapidly emerged and developed into a major Islamic community in Malaysia. The community emphasizes economic self-sufficiency, social responsibility, and community cooperation. Under Abuya's leadership, the organization has established several businesses and educational institutions and set up 44 communities dedicated to improving the quality of life of its members.
Abuya’s business model and social initiatives not only promote the financial independence of his members, but also enhance his status in the hearts of his followers.
Abuya's teachings combine traditional Islamic principles with some controversial ideas. Among them, "Muhammadiyah's Prayer Method" is one of its core teachings. This series of prayers and spiritual practices is considered an important part of believers' daily lives. In addition, Abu Yaya also predicted "Malaysia's role in the Islamic revival", a view that further strengthened the believers' trust and respect for him.
With the rise of Alakkam, Abu Yam integrated its beliefs with the unique culture of Malay society, and this special combination attracted a large number of believers.
Abuya's private life was equally noteworthy, as he was reportedly married five times and had 37 children. His diverse family life provides an interesting contrast to his image as a religious leader, revealing his deep understanding of Islamic law and culture.
It is this diverse family structure that makes his trust more three-dimensional and becomes an important emotional bond between him and his believers.
Abuya died on May 13, 2010 at the age of 72. His death did not end the movement he founded, but rather ensured that his teachings and ideas continued to be passed down among subsequent religious groups. Many believers still follow his teachings and try to integrate his ideas into their own lives.
Abuya's ideas influenced the way later generations lived in Islamic society, especially his insistence on economic self-sufficiency and spiritual pursuits.
Although Alakham has been banned by the Malaysian government, its influence still exists in the lives of many people. For some communities, Abuya’s teachings are a guide to self-realization and spiritual fulfillment, which makes us wonder: how can we apply his values in our lives to pursue higher spiritual realms and social responsibilities? Woolen cloth?