Ref: ACJU/NGS/2023/134

17^th May 2023

It has been reported that an individual named Jerome Fernando, had recently uttered controversial statements where he insulted Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism at a public gathering, which had virally circulated on Social media. It is most unfortunate to note that although he claims to be a follower of Jesus, his preaching seems to be provocative and as a threat to religious harmony.

We thank the authorities for commencing inquiries on his controversial statements and their efforts preserve interreligious harmony. We hope that those who attempt to disrupt interreligious harmony are dealt with appropriate measures.

With reference to the derogatory statements regarding Islam, we wish to state that the reference made is completely incorrect and he seems to have uttered these statements out of ignorance.

Love is a part of the essence of Almighty Allah as expressed in His Beautiful Name ‘al-Wadūd’, which is translated as ‘The Most Loving and can also be rendered as ‘The Affectionate.

The name al-Wadūd to other similar Beautiful Names denoting Allah’s Mercy, such as Ar-Rahman (The All-Merciful), Ar-Raheem (The Very-Merciful), Al-Ghaffar (The Ever-Forgiving), Al-Ghafoor (The All-Forgiving), Al-Latheef (The Subtle), Al-Haleem (The Forbearing), At-Thawwab (The Acceptor of Repentance), Al-A’fuww (The Pardoner), Ar-Rauf (Most Kind, the Ever-Compassionate).

The opening verse ‘Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem’ (With the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Very-Merciful), which is recited at the commencement of almost all the Chapters of the Holy Quran, proclaims the Love and the Mercy of Almighty Allah. And also it is significant to note that the term ‘Mercy’ is mentioned nearly 348 times in the Holy Quran.

The Holy Quran states: “Say, “Call (Him by the name of) Allah or Ar-Rahmān (The All-Merciful), in whichever way you call, His are the Best Names.” (Surah 17 Verse 110)

The love of Allah reaches all people and all creatures through His innumerable acts of Mercy towards His creations. It is truly impossible for us to comprehend the blessings bestowed by Almighty Allah in this world, especially with the priceless gift of life itself.

Almighty Allah states in the Holy Quran: “and He gave you whatever you asked for. If you (try to) count the bounties of Allah, you cannot count them all...” (Surah 14 Verse 34)

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah has one hundred parts of Mercy, of which He sent down one between the jinn, mankind, the animals and the insects, by means of which they are compassionate and merciful to one another, and by means of which wild animals are kind to their offspring. And Allah has kept back ninety-nine parts of mercy with which to be merciful to His slaves of the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim, 6908)

As Muslims, we also believe that referring to Almighty Allah as ‘Father’, is to dishonor His grandeur status as Almighty Allah states the following in the Holy Quran, Chapter 112: “Say, ‘The Truth is that Allah is One. Allah is Besought of all, needing none. He neither begot anyone, nor was he begotten. And equal to Him has never been any one.”

And the Holy Quran also teaches us: “Do not revile those whom they invoke other than Allah” (Surah 06 Verse 108)

According to the Islamic teachings, we believe and honor all the Prophets, from Prophet Adam (PBUH) to the final Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), including Prophet Jesus (PBUH).

We pray Almighty to guide all of us to honor and respect the fundamental teachings of Prophet Noah (PBUH), Prophet Abraham (PBUH), Prophet Moses (PBUH), Prophet Jesus (PBUH) and the last and final Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him).

We pray that peace and harmony prevails in our country and around the globe.

Ash Shaikh M. Arkam Nooramith
General Secretary

Ref: ACJU/NGS/2022/109

2022.05.09

ACJU strongly condemns the attack on peaceful protesters

We are greatly concerned to witness the reports of attacks which were made today (09^th) upon those who were peacefully demonstrating in a democratic manner at the Galle Face and in front of the Temple Trees in protest of the current crisis situation in the country. We strongly condemn this vicious attack, which was against democracy.

We urge the relevant authorities to conduct a fair and transparent investigation into these attacks and take legal action against the perpetrators. We also call on all parties to refrain from violence and to carry out their activities in a peaceful manner. 

Ash Shaikh M.S.M. Thassim
(Acting) General Secretary - ACJU

ACJU/NGS/2022/006

1443. 06. 05| 2022. 01. 09

Condolence message of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama on the demise of Ash-Shaikh J. Abdul Hameed Bahji (Rahmathullahi Alaihi)

It is with profound sadness that we have received the news of the demise of one of the senior most Aalim of the country Ash-Shaikh J. Abdul Hameed Bahji (Rahmathullahi Alaihi), who was a native of Madavakkulam. Ash-Shaikh J. Abdul Hameed Bahji (Rahmathullahi Alaihi) was the Khaleefathul Khulafa of Sri Lanka Fasiyyathu Shazuliya Thareeqa and was aged 66 years when he passed away today, 9th January of 2022. Inna Lillahi Wa’inna Ilaihi Rajioon.

It is noteworthy that he always maintained a healthy connection with the affairs of the community, which is further established by his role as a director of Al-Bahjathul Ibrahimiyya Arabic College - Galle Fort, Madavakkulam Sharafiyya Arabic College and Ajwath Al Fasi Arabic College based in Ummu Zaviya Masjid, and also his role as the Chief Katheeb of Colombo Ummu Zaviya and Colombo Grand Mosque. He also served as a Member of the Executive Committee of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama from 2013 to 2019, and was instrumental in spearheading many projects that were immensely useful for the community.

At this juncture, on behalf of the Ulama and the entire Muslim Community of Sri Lanka, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama conveys its deepest condolences to his family, relatives, students, villagers, and to all those who benefitted from his knowledge and spiritual guidance.

May Almighty Allah accept all his good deeds, forgive his sins, accept him among the good believers, and bless him with ‘Jannathul Firdous’ - the highest among heavens.

أللهم لا تحرمنا أجره ولا تفتنا بعده واغفر لنا وله
O Allah, do not deprive us of our reward (for being patient) and do not subject us to trials after his death, forgive us and him.
 

Ash-Shaikh Mufti M.I.M. Rizwe
President
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama

Ash-Sheikh M. Arkam Nooramith
General Secretary
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama

ACJU/NGS/2022/002

07^th January 2022

Response to Prof. Channa Jayasumana

ACJU rejects allegation as “absolutely false”

The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) deeply regrets, by the letter issued by State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals, Professor Channa Jayasumana which he addressed to the Justice Minister complaining of a non-binding religious opinion issued 42 years ago by the then ACJU. As a responsible and learned individual, it would have been appropriate if Professor had, the courtesy of verifying this issue from All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, which is a well-known organization of Muslim religious scholars in Sri Lanka, rather than addressing a third party.

Hon. State Minister Prof. Jayasumana’s allegation is that,  42 years ago the ACJU ‘issued an extra-judicial verdict to kill’, which is absolutely false, grossly mischievous and highly defamatory of the ACJU’s senior, prominent and respected scholars by all Muslims in Sri Lanka and worldwide who held office a very long time ago.

We are constrained to ask as to why Prof. Jayasumana is raising a long settled issue also reminding and connecting this with the unfortunate incident which took place in Sialkot Pakistan, where the people and the Government of Pakistan have done the best to family of the victim. Specifically at a time when we as Sri Lankans are struggling to overcome the financial crisis and while we are in need of support from all sectors to urgently raise required external funding from foreign countries, including Pakistan, to meet essential imports of basic necessities.

However for the sake of clarity, we wish to mention the following matters:

As an Islamic Religious body which gives guidance only on Islamic religious matters, it is beyond our authority to issue judicial verdicts on any matters.

The ACJU only issues non-binding religious opinions on Islamic religious matters.

We wish to emphasize that we, All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama and Sri Lankan Muslims, like all other citizens, are under one judiciary system in this country.

However it is the responsibility of the religious bodies to clarify and guide our communities regarding deviant and alien ideologies which is contrary to basic fundamentals of the respective religions. And if anyone uses the name of religion and misleads the community, it is the duty of the Religious bodies to raise awareness and educate the public by declaring that the particular ideology is incorrect and deviant by issuing a non-binding religious opinion.

We are deeply saddened that at a time of serious economic hardships affecting every sector in the country, Prof. Jayasumana’s script writer has attempted to harm our relationship with Pakistan by irrelevantly mentioning the Sialkot incident and also trying to divide communities on intra-religious issues instead of uniting the public for the progress and development of the country.

We cordially invite the Professor to visit us for a cordial discussion without allowing himself to be misguided by evil elements.

May the Truth and Justice prevail.

Ash Shaikh M. Arkam Nooramith
General Secretary - ACJU

ACJU/FRL/2020/19-236

2020.10.26

1442.03.08

The Coronavirus (COVID 19) has spread across many countries in the world causing great inconvenience to the people. Its impact is also seen in our country. Accordingly, we are aware that quarantine curfew is imposed across many parts of the country.

By decreeing trials upon His slaves, Almighty Allah expects and prefers them to turn towards Him. In order to seek relief from these trials, we must engage in good deeds such as Prayers, Fasting, Dua (Supplications), Dhikr, Isthighfar (Seeking Forgiveness) and Sadaqa and revert towards Allah.

There are many Saheeh Hadeeths which narrates that Prophet (PBUH) has recited Qunooth An-Naazilah during times of tribulation. Based on this, Religious scholars have acknowledged that reciting Qunooth An-Naazilah during times of an epidemic is a Sunnah.

Hence, to seek protection from Almighty Allah from the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Sri Lanka, the ACJU urges the Masjids to arrange recital of Qunooth An-Naazilah during the five times Prayers for a period of one month, and those who pray at home are also encouraged to do the same. The Imams are requested to recite the following Duas (supplications) in addition to the regular Qunooth Dua recited during the Fajr prayer, in each prayer.

Ash Shaikh M.L.M. Ilyas

Secretary - Fatwa Division

All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama

Special Statement Video of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (Salallahu Alaihi WaSallam) which was a blessing to the entire mankind

Presented By : Ash-Shaikh Arkam Nooramith

                     Secretary

                     Youth Division - ACJU

03.06.2020 CE / 11.10.1441 AH

Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

Astronomy reports have stated, that the ‘Penumbral Lunar Eclipse’ shall occur on 05^th and 06^th of June 2020 (Friday and Saturday). Furthermore, it is stated that the penumbral lunar eclipse might be visible in Sri Lanka on Friday night according to Colombo time 11:15 PM up to Saturday early morning 2:34 AM In Sha Allah.

When a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse occurs, a nebulous situation will be visible in the moon. As the moon will not be covered fully or partially, the eclipse prayer is not performed. It is performed only if the moon is covered partially or completely. Therefore, kindly note that there is no need to perform prayer for this Penumbral Lunar Eclipse.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: The sun and the moon are two signs of Allah; they are not eclipsed on account of anyone’s death or on account of anyone's birth. So when you see them, glorify and supplicate Allah, observe prayer, give alms.

(Saheehul Bukhari-1044)

Ash-Shaikh M. Abdul Wahhab

Coordinator - Hilaal Division

All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama

ACJU/NGS/2020/007

2020.04.20 (1441.08.26)

Regarding the Heinous Terror Attack on Easter Sunday Last Year - 2019

We wish to express our intense grief and emotional pain, along with entire Nation in sadly commemorating the barbaric suicidal terror attacks that took place on Easter Sunday on the 21^st of April 2019. We reiterate, that we vehemently condemn this inhuman cruel deed, in the strongest possible terms.

We also extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives and those who were injured, and we pray to Almighty that all those who are suffering due to the loss of their loved ones, to be blessed with solace and to be compensated with all forms of good fortune in life.

There is no dissent to the fact that, the massacre of innocent worshippers who were involved in prayers at their places of worship, and those of the public, was an act that was completely antithetical to the teachings of Islam. The perpetrators were the enemies of humanity. Whoever were involved in these crimes must be punished.

The Holy Quran states “….whoever kills a person not in retaliation for a person killed, nor (as a punishment) for spreading disorder on the earth, is as if he has killed the whole of humankind and whoever saves the life of a person is as if he has saved the life of the whole of humankind….” Surah Ma’idah Verse 32.

It is well known that any religion including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam does not endorse nor approve violence. However, considering the followers of any religion, there are those who engage in evil and destructive activities in the name of their religion but they are completely contradictory to the teachings of their respective religious beliefs. On this basis, it should be noted that based on the despicable activities of some misguided individuals, it is not fair to evaluate a particular religious belief or its followers

We take this opportunity to extend our whole hearted appreciation to His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith for the commendable efforts in consoling the community and to those who were effected for adopting calmness and peace, which prevented a repercussion against the Muslim community.

Furthermore we wish to emphasize that, as children of this Motherland, it is important that we make efforts to resolve our concerns and ease out our differences in opinions through mutual dialogue.

Let us all realize that it is the time for all of us to arise, beyond religious, language and regional differences, as Sri Lankans, to unite and build our nation.

May Allah protect our nation from all dangers and disasters! May He make this a garden of serenity where peace and tranquility prevails!

Ash Shaikh M.M.A. Mubarak

General Secretary - ACJU

ACJU/NGS/2020/003

17.04.2020 (23.08.1441)

Ramadhaan Guidance in the prevailing situation

Allah has honoured the Month of Ramadhaan by the revelation of the Holy Quran. Ramadan is a month of patience and Dua. This is a month where we Muslims, should be engaged abundantly in good deeds, under the guidance of the Ulama, with much enthusiasm and calmness.

Unlike the past, we are expecting Ramadhaan this year, under a very different context. Due to the ongoing COVID 19 virus pandemic most of the countries have shut down. We are aware that the Government of our country also has taken various measures to curb the spread of this disease, and has implemented curfews in-order to prevent public gatherings completely.

Hence, as Muslims who honour the laws of our country, the ACJU kindly urges all the Muslims to adhere to the following guidelines, when engaging in good deeds during the month of Ramadhaan,

Important etiquettes and guidelines to be followed during the Month of Ramadhaan:

1. As a blessed month in which Duas are accepted, prayers should be made for the relief from the difficult situation that has gripped the world, for the return of normalcy in the lives of people, for the fulfilment of our needs and for the people of our country to be blessed with a bountiful life. The auspicious the times of ‘Iftaar’ (breaking of fast), Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), and the time between Azan and Iqamath should be utilized in engaging in Duas in abundance.

2. As the Month of the revelation of the Holy Quran, a close relationship with the Quran should be developed. It is an obligation upon us to engaging in the recitation of the Quran, to practice upon its teachings in our lives and to disseminate its teachings to others as well.

• A guidance will be issued by the Maktab Headoffice for the students of Maktab and Quran Madrasas, for the recitation of the Quran daily. Accordingly we request the cooperation of the parents to guide and motivate the children to implement it in an effective manner.

• Imams, Madrasa Usthads, Maktab Mu’allims, Mu’allimaas and Mu’aawins are all requested to make maximum utilization of this period. Those who are able to use Social Media platforms in a proper manner, are urged to facilitate in reciting, teaching, and the learning of the Quran for the public; this is an essential need of the hour.

• Every individual must engage in reciting the Quran in abundance, and at least make an effort to complete one Juzu daily.

3. Considering the current circumstances, engage in the five obligatory prayers, Taraweeh and other prayers in congregation within the household members only. Strictly avoid joining or inviting neighbours for the prayers.

4. Prepare a time table for the family on daily prayers, A’mals and other house work, and ensure it is implemented among all members in the family.

5. As instructed earlier, avoid conducting five obligatory prayers, Jumu’ah prayers and gathering any other congregational activities at Masjids until further notice. Trustees of the Masjids are strongly emphasised to strictly abide by the related guidelines issued by the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs and the Waqf Board.

6. Adhere to the guidelines which were already jointly issued by the ACJU, Police Headquarters and other institutions.

7. Much attention should be given to the performing acts of worships and observing night prayers at home and thereby refraining from wasting of time. Especially avoid wasting time on Social Media and other unnecessary matters.

8. Refrain from indulging in arguments over matters which are subjected to differences of opinion and follow the guidance of Ulama calmly.

• The booklet on ‘Unity Declaration’ issued by the ACJU should be read and shared with others as well.

• The Book ‘Social Unity – Need of the hour and a Religious obligation’ (Tamil) published by ACJU should be read and benefitted.

9. Since people who depend on daily wages are unable to fulfil their daily needs, engage and expedite the Masjid centred relief activities.

• As bearers of humanity, the needy should be identified and our Sadaqa and Hadiya contributions should be made to all, regardless of religious and racial differences.

• Those who are eligible to give Zakat, should consult the Ulama and receive proper guidance to execute it in the appropriate manner.

10. Those who wish to engage in relief activities and to assist the poor, should contact the nearest Police Station and obtain necessary permissions to do so.

11. While engaging in night prayers at homes, especially during the time of Suhoor, it should be ensured that no disturbances are caused to others in the neighbourhood, and the volumes of the Radios and Televisions should be sufficient enough for the household only.

12. The Ulama and the prominent people of the locality, should pay special attention towards guiding the Youth, and to implement all possible efforts to guide them to spend their time in activities pleasing to Allah.

13. According to religious guidance, one’s fast is not invalidated due to the swallowing of saliva.

Yet the chest phlegm or mucus should be discharged and cannot be swallowed. Health officials have warned that it is possible that Coronavirus infection could spread through them. Hence, spitting at public places should be avoided and special attention should be given in following the health guidelines.

14. With regard to implementing the above guidelines and advices all ACJU Divisional Branch members, Masjid Trustees and the Muslim community are kindly requested to cooperate.

Therefore, let us follow these guidelines and gain the utmost blessings from this Holy Month of Ramadhaan.

May Almighty Allah protect us all from this Coronavirus that has afflicted the entire world, and Bless our Motherland with unity, peaceful coexistence and understanding among all people!

Wassalam.

Ash Shaikh M.M.A. Mubarak

General Secretary - ACJU

2020.04.01

ACJU expresses its disappointment with regard to revising the method of disposal of the COVID-19 bodies

We, the ACJU, along with Muslim Community, express our disappointment to the amendment made by the authorities in the “Provisional Clinical Practice Guidelines on COVID-19 Suspected and Confirmed Patients” in the revised version issued on 31.03.2020, that all bodies of those who die as a result of being infected by Covid - 19 are to be cremated, even though WHO guidelines clearly states; people who died from COVID 19 can be buried and many countries too have currently provisioned the option of burial along with cremation.

Due to the prevailing compelling situation (Darurah), it shall not be regarded as sinful upon the Muslims, if a Janaza is forcefully cremated. We urge the Muslim community to exercise patience during this testing period and to pray for the Janaza to be rewarded and compensated in the best manner.

We iterate that these are extraordinary times which has engulfed the world and the citizens of our beautiful island. The Government of Sri Lanka is taking every possible measure to prevent the spread of the deadly pandemic and it is our bounden duty to support all of these efforts uniting as one, with our fellow brethren.

We wish to iterate that the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) has at all times supported the Government in this endeavor and advocated for immediate compliance of all regulations.

However, we wish to note that we will make all endeavors to make representations to the authorities, in line with the World Health Organization guideline titled “Infection Prevention and Control for the safe management of a dead body in the context of COVID-19” dated March 24, 2020.

The said guideline has provisions for the “Cremation and Burial” of those who die as a result of the infection.  It is known that many other Nations have exercised this provision, due to the sensitive nature of the matter and to respect the cultural values of the other ethnicities. Thereby we kindly request the relevant authorities to reconsider this stance and to facilitate our request that are in line with the WHO guidelines.

We call upon the Muslim community of Sri Lanka to ensure compliance to the regulations and iterate to the community to ensure that any symptoms of infection must be reported to the Health Authorities immediately.

The Holy Quran and the Hadith obligates the Muslims to act toward the Greater Good of the community they live in and enjoins all Muslims to ensure Public Welfare (Maslaha) in all their actions.

In these times of strife we call on all communities to support each other and to be sensitive to human sensibilities which we all our possessed of. 

These are extraordinary times and we continue to pray to the Almighty to shower his mercy, compassion and blessings on our motherland and to guide all of us in our fight against this pandemic.