29.03.2020

AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT JOINTLY ISSUED BY SRI LANKA POLICE HEADQUARTERS AND ACJU

1. Instructions to be followed during the Curfew period

• Abstaining completely from leaving the homes during the curfew.

• Home delivery services should be utilized to purchase essential goods. The list of government approved suppliers have been released in the Media.

• No one will be allowed to leave home during the curfew period. Only in an exceptional circumstance, a curfew pass should be obtained from the local police station prior to leaving home. Conditions will be applied whilst issuing the curfew pass.

• It is important to understand that the imposed curfew is with regard to the best interests of the public in curbing the spread of the Corona virus, and to act responsibly by abiding the laws pertaining to the curfew. Legal action will be taken against those who violate these laws.

2. Guidelines to be followed during the temporary curfew break

• Home delivery services should be utilized to purchase essential goods as much as possible. In an emergency, only one person from a household going out for purchasing essentials.

• Utilizing youngsters to fulfil external affairs instead of young children and the elderly.               

• Wearing a mask when going out.

• Maintaining a distance of at least 1 meter or 3 feet between individuals when standing in queues.

• Minimizing the time in purchasing goods.

• Ensuring to washing the hands thoroughly or taking a bath and changing of clothes upon returning from purchasing, prior to any interaction with household members.

3. Guidelines to be observed while in ‘Self-Quarantine’

Have you been in contact with a suspected Corona virus patient, during the past two weeks?

If so, please move into self-quarantine immediately.

• Being vigilant about the symptoms of the sickness.

• Being isolated from the other household members and staying at home.

• Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter, when interacting with others.

• Wearing a medical face mask.

• Covering the face when sneezing or coughing.

• Washing the hands thoroughly with soap frequently.

• Refrain from sharing personal items used at home with others.

• Cleansing the personal items used at home, thoroughly and destroying the items that are to be discarded.

• Using disposable containers to consume food and using separate bathrooms and toilets.

• Following these guidelines for a period of 14 days minimum, in self-quarantine.

If any symptoms of the disease are experienced during this period, please contact any of the following numbers immediately:

0112-444480/ 0112-444481/ 1933 or E mail – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Consequences of failing to observe the quarantine instructions properly.

The following shall be applicable under the ‘Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance’.

• You shall be subjected to the Quarantine process.

• Your travels could be restricted.

• You could be subjected to isolation or treatments forcibly. 

• Non-compliance to the above, shall result in arrest without warrant and be prosecuted.

• If proven guilty of offence, you shall be liable for imprisonment up to 6 months or / and to be imposed a fine of Rs.2,000 to Rs.10,000.

Shall be regarded as an offence under the Penal Code of Sri Lanka

• It shall be an offence to spread the disease negligently or intentionally, or to fail to follow the Quarantine process.

• It is a punishable offence where one could be arrested without warrant and be imprisoned.

• Could be sentenced to imprisonment from 6 Months to 2 Years and be imposed a fine of Rs.1500.

Aiding and abetting a crime is also an offence

• Aiding and abetting the above offence, shall be subjected to arrest without warrant and imprisonment and shall be prosecuted.

• Shall be liable for punishment for the above offence.

Movable / immovable properties used for the above offence shall be impounded.

Note:

• In relation to spiritual matters, the Muslims are required to follow the related guidelines previously issued by the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU).

• Those engaging in Masjid based relief efforts, should follow the guidelines previously issued by ACJU. And necessary permissions should be obtained from the local Police Station.

27.03.2020

02.08.1441

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmathullahi Wa Barakaathuhu!

An important request from All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama regarding the final rites of a Muslim

The tribulations the world is facing presently is known to all. Hundreds of lives have been lost, while several others are hospitalized and are receiving treatment, due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Hence, many countries have imposed curfews and thousands of people are forced to stay indoors. Even in our country, day-to-day operations have come to a standstill.

The government is taking strict measures to protect the country and its people from this deadly virus. As patriotic citizens, Muslims have refrained from going to the Mosques for the daily congregational prayers and the Jumuah prayers, respecting the law of the country. Furthermore, Muslims have been cooperative in protecting the nation and its people.

Consequently, when a death occurs in the country, with the will of Allah, people are compelled to gather in order to fulfil the final rites of the deceased, which is Fardh Kifayah. Since the health officials have advised that such gatherings could result in this disease spreading further, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama humbly exhorts all the Muslims to adhere to the following guidelines:

1. The nearest Police station should be informed of the death, immediately.
2. When the announcement of a Janazah is made, the public should be requested to supplicate for the deceased from home, as large gatherings have been restricted.
3. Only a restricted number of persons permitted by the Police should attend the Janazah Prayers.
4. The relatives of the deceased should ensure that the guidelines of the health officials are followed when gathering.
5. Those involved in the bathing and enshrouding (kafn) of the deceased, and those attending the Janazah should keep their face masks on at all times.
6. The Janazah Prayer should be conducted in the courtyard of the Masjid.
7. The correct manner of making a saff (line) is to stand close together. However, in certain circumstances, leaving a gap in between is permitted. Hence, one should maintain a distance when standing for Prayer.
8. During the burial process, only those required should stand close to the grave; the rest should maintain a distance.
9. Immediately after the burial, all those present should leave the premises, after having supplicated for the deceased. Musafahah (shaking of hands) should be avoided.

Note: These advises have been given on the basis of Quran, Hadith and the opinions of the religious scholars. Consider the following:

“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.” (Surah Baqarah: 185)

“Verily, the religion is easy and no one burdens himself in religion but that it overwhelms him.” (Saheeh Buhari: 39)

Ash-Shaikh M.L.M. Ilyas

Secretary – Fatwa Division

All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama

15.03.2020

19.07.1441

Guidelines given by ACJU regarding the prevention of Corona Virus (COVID -19) spreading

1. Refrain from all gatherings including performing Jumu’ah, 05 times congregational prayers at Masjid and public locations.
2. Azan should be called out at the prescribed times at the Masjid. At the end of Azan the following should be pronounced “Sallu Fee Rihaalikum” (Offer you prayers at your respective premises) (Sahih Muslim – 697).
3. The Imam and the Muazzin of the Masjid shall offer their prayers congregationally at their respective Masjids.
4. Obligatory prayers should be offered at the residences. Special attention should be given to the offering of Sunnah prayers, Tahajjud, Dhuha, charity, voluntary fasts and other voluntary acts of worship. Extra effort should be made to abstain from sins.
5. Parents should pay special attention in engaging their children in activities such as recitation of Qur’an, Dua, etc. The vacation should be used to teach them good habits and should refrain from going on trips and playing in the streets.
6. It is a Sunnah to offer Salam and make Musafaha while greeting each other. However, the Medical experts have advised that the COVID-19 virus spreads rapidly by the touching of hands; hence, it is advisable to limit the greetings to the pronunciation of Salam without Musafaha.
7. It is an obligation to fulfill the rights of the Janaza in the appropriate manner, as per the teachings of Islam. Due to the prevailing situation, it is advised to suffice with observing the obligatory acts while fulfilling the Janaza burial practices.
8. It is our duty to pray for the quick recovery of the victims of this virus, COVID-19. We should also offer our assistance to these victims in any manner possible.
9. We should pray the Almighty Allah to eradicate this virus from our Mother Land and all other countries across the globe.
10. Propagation of false and unauthentic messages through social media should be completely avoided.

Note: All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama has provided the above 'guidelines' considering the reports of the Health Ministry of Sri Lanka, World Health Organization (WHO), International Islamic Scholars and the Verdicts from Other Ulama Councils on the matter of COVID-19.

“Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.”

Ash Shaikh M.M.A. Mubarak

General Secretary - ACJU

23.03.2020

Abiding by the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health with responsibility

We are aware that globally every country is taking necessary measures to curb the Coronavirus pandemic which is spreading widely. Accordingly the Government of Sri Lanka has also provided some guidelines, and has undertaken various measures to prevent the infection of this virus from spreading to the people of this nation. Thus, it is obligatory upon all of us to adhere to these guidelines.

Especially it is important to recognize that the imposed curfew is with regard to the best interests of the public, and we Muslims should unconditionally abide by that law. During the curfew, we should totally avoid roaming outside, and cooperate with the defense authorities.

While, Muslims from all over the country should abide by the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health regarding the prevention of the viral transmission, they should also strictly follow the guidelines issued by the same ministry when the curfew is lifted, and set an example for other communities. Also, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama kindly appeals to all the Muslims to adhere to the following etiquettes:

• Only one person from a household going out for purchasing essentials.
• Utilizing youngsters to fulfil external affairs instead of young children and the elderly.
• Wearing a mask when going out.
• Maintaining a distance of at least 1 meter between individuals when waiting at queues.
• Washing hands regularly with soap.

The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama kindly requests all Muslims to adhere to the above guidelines and also urges to enlighten others with the same.

Especially, ACJU requests the Masjid Trustees to broadcast this awareness frequently via the speakers of the Mosques.

Ash Shaikh Abdul Muqsith

Secretary – ACJU Propagation Division

23.03.2020

HELP THOSE IN NEED AND ATTAIN THE MERCY OF ALLAH

The Corona virus pandemic threatening the whole world, has affected the lives of all people in many ways. The ACJU fervently prays for quick recovery of all those who are affected.

The day to day lives of the people of this country have been affected by this virus. Especially the worst affected are the daily wage earners. The ACJU requests all to identify such people in need and make efforts to help them in all possible means.

Our beloved Prophet, Salallahu Alaihi Wasalam is reported to have said that “He is not a Believer whose stomach is filled while the Neighbor to his side goes hungry”. Hence providing food is a highly virtuous deed in Islam. “Sadaqah (Charity) protects one from calamities” is another narration of Prophet Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam. In these times it is highly rewarding to engage in deeds of Sadaqah.

The island wide curfew has affected the daily wage earners by suspending their sources of income. Such people in need should be identified and necessary arrangements should be made for their daily provisions.

• All possible individuals should identify and help those in need in the respective localities.
• The ACJU Divisional Branches, Masjid Federations, and Masjids to identify those in need and to provide necessary assistance.
• Those who wish to make your contributions through ACJU, please contact the following numbers: 0777571876 | 0117490490| 0771778831

Further, the ACJU requests those who engage in these welfare services to strictly adhere to the laws imposed by the government and to obtain necessary permissions of the authorities.

Note: If any surplus funds are available after the completion of a particular project, it will utilized for other similar Social Services projects of ACJU.

Ash-Shaikh M.M.A. Mubarak

General Secretary - ACJU

19.03.2020

23.07.1441

Let’s honour the time of Jumu’ah and engage in acts of worship

It is confirmed by the health officials that there is a fear of the Coronavirus (COVID19) spreading to various parts of the country. Since the World Health Organization has declared that the gathering of people is the basic cause of this epidemic spreading further, our government has barred public gatherings, and has informed that any efforts to gather people would be a violation of law, and due legal action would be carried out against violators.

“Do not cause harm to yourself and others” is a Hadith that is the basis of a very important principal of Islamic Jurisprudence.

Furthermore, religious scholars have listed the circumstances in which Congregational Prayers and Jumu'ah Prayer could be abandoned, with certain conditions. Some of them are: Illness, Fear, Travel, Taking care of a patient, Strong wind, and Rain.

It is understood from Ahadith that if one is unable to attend Congregational Prayers or Jumu’ah prayer for the abovementioned reasons, he would receive the same reward as if it were performed.

Taking the above mentioned into consideration, the Waqf Board, Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs and the All Ceylon Jammiyyathul Ulama have requested the public to refrain from gathering at the mosques for the daily Congregational Prayers or Jumu’ah Prayer, and to alternatively pray at the residences, as we would be well aware.

Moreover, Friday is a sacred day for the Muslims. Reciting Surah Kahf, reciting Salawat upon the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and supplications are important acts of worship of this day. Hence, during the coming Friday, Muslims are advised to close their businesses as usual; and once the Azan for Luhar Prayers is called out, perform the Luhar Prayers (4 Rak’aths), as well as the pre and post voluntary prayers at their current places of residence and seek refuge from Allah to safeguard the people of this country and globally from the evils of this dastardly pandemic.

Note: There is a particular time on this day, regarding which the Prophet (Peace be upon him) has mentioned that supplication made at that time would definitely be answered.

We kindly urge all the Muslims to adhere to these guidelines.

As-Shaikh M.L.M. Ilyas

Secretary 

Fatwa Division

All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama

15.03.2020

19.07.1441

A REQUEST FROM ACJU TO THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY

The WHO & the Health Ministry of Sri Lanka has guided all communities to avoid public gatherings to prevent Corona Virus (COVID-19) being spread. Hence, ACJU requests the Muslim community to temporarily stop Jumu’ah & 05 times congregational prayers at Masjids and all kinds of public gatherings until further notice.

Further, the Muslims are requested to adhere to the guidelines stipulated by the Government Institutions and ACJU, due to the current prevailing situation.

Hence, the Masjid Trustees are requested to take necessary steps in implementing those guidelines.

Ash Shaikh M.M.A. Mubarak

General Secretary - ACJU

15.03.2020

19.07.1441

Guidelines given by ACJU regarding the prevention of Corona Virus (COVID -19) spreading

1. Refrain from all gatherings including performing Jumu’ah, 05 times congregational prayers at Masjid and public locations.
2. Azan should be called out at the prescribed times at the Masjid. At the end of Azan the following should be pronounced “Sallu Fee Rihaalikum” (Offer you prayers at your respective premises) (Sahih Muslim – 697).
3. The Imam and the Muazzin of the Masjid shall offer their prayers congregationally at their respective Masjids.
4. Obligatory prayers should be offered at the residences. Special attention should be given to the offering of Sunnah prayers, Tahajjud, Dhuha, charity, voluntary fasts and other voluntary acts of worship. Extra effort should be made to abstain from sins.
5. Parents should pay special attention in engaging their children in activities such as recitation of Qur’an, Dua, etc. The vacation should be used to teach them good habits and should refrain from going on trips and playing in the streets.
6. It is a Sunnah to offer Salam and make Musafaha while greeting each other. However, the Medical experts have advised that the COVID-19 virus spreads rapidly by the touching of hands; hence, it is advisable to limit the greetings to the pronunciation of Salam without Musafaha.
7. It is an obligation to fulfill the rights of the Janaza in the appropriate manner, as per the teachings of Islam. Due to the prevailing situation, it is advised to suffice with observing the obligatory acts while fulfilling the Janaza burial practices.
8. It is our duty to pray for the quick recovery of the victims of this virus, COVID-19. We should also offer our assistance to these victims in any manner possible.
9. We should pray the Almighty Allah to eradicate this virus from our Mother Land and all other countries across the globe.
10. Propagation of false and unauthentic messages through social media should be completely avoided.

Note: All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama has provided the above 'guidelines' considering the reports of the Health Ministry of Sri Lanka, World Health Organization (WHO), International Islamic Scholars and the Verdicts from Other Ulama Councils on the matter of COVID-19.

“Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.”

Ash Shaikh M.M.A. Mubarak

General Secretary - ACJU

March 06^th, 2020

Dr. Wijedasa Rajapakshe

President’s Counsel

No. 17, Wijayaba Mawatha,

Nawala Road,

Nugegoda.

RE: COMMENTS MADE AT THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY ON THE 28^th OF FEBRUARY 2020

We the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), are deeply concerned at the inaccurate and incorrect statements made by you with regard to our organization, at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry probing the Easter Sunday Terror Attacks, on 2020.02.28. Our concern is all the more greater because it is made by a former Justice Minister who is a well known public figure.

According to media reports, you have stated that ACJU is ‘an organization not registered under a legal framework’.

This statement is totally incorrect. The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama – ACJU, has been incorporated by Parliament which incorporation has been enacted as Act No. 51 of 2000. The ACJU has been in existence since 1924.

It has been further reported that you had made an allegation that the ACJU was trying ‘to convert Sri Lanka into a Muslim State through a four point plan.

We vehemently reject this baseless allegation, and state in the strongest possible terms that the ACJU, has never had any such plans nor has it made any attempt to change Sri Lanka into a Muslim State.  On the contrary the ACJU believes in coexistence and has always worked to build inter communal harmony and National Unity in Sri Lanka.

We also unequivocally reject the allegations made by you that one or more politicians are funding the ACJU.  The ACJU is an independent organization comprising theologians and has no allegiances with any political party or politicians.

It is regrettable that personalities of your caliber make such statements which can create unnecessary confusion among the communities, especially at a time, when all citizens should be engaged in efforts to strengthen unity and coexistence among all ethnicities of our Motherland.

Honorable Sir, we kindly wish to inform you, that we as a responsible organization of religious scholars, are always willing to provide any form of clarification that you may require about our   organization and its activities.

We will therefore be grateful if you would take steps to inform the Presidential Commission of the above inaccuracies as well as inform the public through the respective media agencies that these allegations are without a basis.

Yours Sincerely

Ash Shaikh M.M.A. Mubarak

General Secretary – ACJU

12^th February, 2020

His Excellency Gotabhaya Rajapaksa

The President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Presidential Secretariat,

Galle Face, Colombo – 01

Your Excellency,

LETTER OF APPRECIATION

RE: SPEECH ON THE 72^ND INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION OF SRI LANKA

We, All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, wish to express our thanks and gratitude for your historic speech on the 72^nd Independence Day, which highlighted the democratic rights of all citizens of our Motherland regardless of caste, race or religion.

We are indeed proud to have a visionary leader as our President, who ensures the security, the democracy and the freedom of the entire citizens of our Motherland, who are from various ethnicities. You have addressed in the speech, saying that you represent the entire Sri Lankan nation irrespective of ethnicity, religion, party affiliation or other differences and everyone has the right to follow the religion by his choice. We as the Muslim community, living more than 1000 years in this country in peace and harmony with the Sri Lankan identity, will continuously contribute our fullest support in all possible ways to achieve your vision for the future of this Nation, as addressed in your speech.   

We are confident that you will guarantee the freedom of all Sri Lankans. We as Muslims always wish and support you and your service in all means with our hearts. We wish you good health and long life to serve all citizens of our Motherland.

Best Regards,

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

Ash-Shaikh M.M.A. Mubarak 

General Secretary

All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama