ACJU/MED/2021/001

02.01.2021 (17.05.1442)

It is well known that the ACJU is a highly reputed and recognized organization of the Muslim community. In this juncture the ACJU is approaching the completion of its centenary (1344 H – 1442 H) of service to the community.

Alhamdulillah, since its inception to date, the ACJU has been continuing on its ambitious journey unabated. We strongly believe that with the Mercy of Allah, this noble mission will continue efficiently and in a consistent manner. May Almighty Allah bless all of us to continue this mission!

The ACJU has been making utmost efforts towards the improvement of the Deen, the betterment of the nation, social unity, and reconciliation between ethnicities (https://cutt.ly/UjeCIrX) in the light of Quran, Sunnah, Ijma, Qiyas and the guidance of the predecessors.

The Executive Committee of the ACJU with the collaboration of the Central Committee, is a model entity which exhibits traits emphasized by Islam such as brotherhood, mercy, consultation, mutual understanding, concession, goodwill, generosity, tolerance and functions with utmost discipline. Unnecessary arguments are not facilitated and there aren’t any quarrels or disputes. Matters in which differences of opinions arises within the religious perspective, related opinions are expressed independently while observing discipline and ethics. And final consensus decisions taken mutually which has been the traditional culture followed by ACJU till this day. (https://cutt.ly/UjeCSYB)

The ACJU is determined in continuing its mission while maintaining the trust and loyalty of the Sri Lankan Muslim community and not to let down their expectations. Therefore we wish to state the fact to the community with utmost accountability that, the mutual goodwill, understanding and cooperation within ACJU and its Executive Committee has always been resilient till this day. Hence we bring to your attention that the ACJU, as always, with the assistance from Allah, is committed towards carrying forward the duties imposed upon itself, within the abilities bestowed. (There isn’t any other benefit except from Allah).

It is well known that the ACJU has never side stepped any of the challenges faced by the Community occasionally, but rather has been in the forefront striving to resolve them. In this regard it is significant to note that the ACJU has been working exclusively and collectively with other organizations on the issue faced by the Community on cremating the Janazas of Covid-19 victims since the inception to date, engaging in efforts to reverse the stance of the Health authorities to permit the option of burial of the deceased Covid-19 victims. (https://cutt.ly/njeVu8G)

Therefore, at a time when the community is facing various trials and tribulations, the ACJU humbly requests all Muslims to completely refrain from arousing vain suspicions, spreading rumors, engaging unnecessary arguments and to focus on engaging in good deeds that earn the Mercy of Allah, while upholding mutual understanding and unity.

Signatories:

Mufti M.I.M. Rizwe - President

Ash Shaikh M.S.M. Thassim – (Acting) General Secretary

Ash Shaikh A.C.M. Agar Mohamed - Deputy President

Ash Shaikh A.L.M. Khaleel - Treasurer

Ash Shaikh H. Omardeen - Vice President

Ash Shaikh A.L.M. Rila - Vice President

Ash Shaikh M.J. Abdul Khaliq - Vice President

Ash Shaikh A.L.M. Hashim - Vice President

Ash Shaikh S.H. Atham Bawa - Vice President

Ash Shaikh M.M.M. Murshid - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh M.L.M. llyas - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh M.F.M. Fazil - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh K.M. Muksith - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh Arqam Nooramith - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh Hassan Fareed - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh (Mufti) M.H.M. Yoosuf - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh A.C.M. Fazil - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh S.L. Nawfer - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh M.K. Abdur Rahman - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh S.A.M. Jawfar - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh Abdullah Mahmood - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh A.R. AbdurRahman - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh M.H.M. Burhan - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh Dr. Azwer - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh Zaky Ahmed - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh M. Nooman - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh Dr. M. L. M. Mubarak - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh M.S.M. Farood - Executive Committee Member

Ash Shaikh M.A.A.M. Bishir - Executive Committee Member

12.12.2020

Letter of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama President Ash-Shaikh Mufti M.I.M. Rizwei to Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith for his Article which was published on 04.12.2020 in Ceylon Today Newspaper about Sharia & Cardinal`s Reply for It..

2020.11.05 (1442.03.17)

Health officials have announced that the second wave of Coronavirus spread is much severe than before and the country is in a vulnerable situation. We are aware that the government has taken various initiatives to further curb the spread of this disease. Every one of us must adhere to the related guidelines issued by the Government to the public and cooperate to ensure to prevent the further spread of this disease in Sri Lanka.

It is incumbent upon every Mu’min to believe that all matters in this world happens in accordance to the ‘Will of Allah’. Generally, Almighty Allah, has revealed the cure for all diseases. Abu Huraira (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has narrated that “Allah has not revealed any disease without having revealed its cure.”

Furthermore, the ACJU requests all Muslims to adhere to the following guidelines in order to protect everyone from being affected from this virus:

1. Those who are living in the areas where the curfew is imposed should adhere the related regulations. And to act responsibly, understanding that the curfew has been enforced for the benefit of all in order to prevent the spread of the corona virus. (Media statement released on 06.04.2020: https://acju.lk/en/downloads/download-posters/file/245-an-important-announcement-jointly-issued-by-sri-lanka-police-headquarters-and-acju?start=20)

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “If you hear about it (an outbreak of plague) in a land, do not go to it; but if plague breaks out in a country where you are staying, do not run away from it.” (Saheeh Bukhari: 5729, Saheeh Muslim: 2219)

2. Follow the guidelines issued by the Health officers completely. Especially guidelines such as wearing of face masks, regular washing of hands and maintenance of 1 meter distance, should be strictly adhered.

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Do not put a patient with a healthy person” (Saheeh Bukhari: 5771, Saheeh Muslim: 2221)

3. Those who live in areas where the curfew is not in effect, should refrain from going out except for essential needs and should avoid gathering in public places.

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Those who remain at home to protect themselves and the others, are in the path of Allah” (Musnad Ahmed)

4. Perform the five obligatory Prayers at home at the prescribed time in congregation. (Poster released on 10.05.2020: https://acju.lk/en/downloads/download-posters/file/263-performing-salaah-in-congregation-with-the-family?start=20)

5. Follow the complete guidelines issued by the Waqf Board on matters related to the Masjids.

5. In accordance with the previously issued guidelines, recite Qunooth-An-Naazila for a Month in the five obligatory Prayers, abstain from sinful acts, engage in Dua, Dhikr, Isthighfaar, observe Fasts and Sadaqa, and pray for the country and its people.

(Detailed explanation on the Qunooth-An-Naazila is included in the statement released on 26.10.2020: https://acju.lk/en/news/acju-news/item/2015-let-us-recite-qunooth-an-naazilah-briefly-during-the-regular-five-times-prayers-for-a-month-seeking-protection-from-coronavirus-covid-19)

Furthermore, recite the following Dua excessively:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْبَرَصِ وَالْجُنُونِ وَالْجُذَامِ وَمِنْ سَيِّئِ الأَسْقَامِ ‏

(Meaning: "O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from leprosy, madness, elephantiasis, and evil diseases." Abu Dawud: 1554)

7. Aalims should remind the public frequently regarding the above matters by creating awareness and providing religious guidance.

May Almighty Allah protect the people of our Motherland and the entire world from these deadly diseases, Aameen.

Ash Shaikh M.S.M. Thassim

Asst. General Secretary

All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama

Note: We kindly requests the ACJU Branches and Trustees of Masjids to make arrangements to read out these guidelines to the public through the mosques for three days consecutively.

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

Ref: ACJU/GEN/2020/025

2020.09.10 / 1442.01.21

Media Statement

Regarding the incident which occurred at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry

We wish to express our displeasure and deeply regret the incident which occurred yesterday (09^th) at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI).

An urgent meeting of the Executive Committee of ACJU was held today, 10^th of September 2020 at 10.30 am, to obtain clarifications from Ash Shaikh M.M.M. Murshid, Asst. General Secretary of ACJU, regarding the reported incident. As per the Constitution of the ACJU, a special committee has been appointed to further inquire about this matter.

Furthermore, Ash Shaikh M.M.M. Murshid has submitted a letter to the ACJU Head Office, informing that he is resigning from the post of Assistant General Secretary of ACJU until the inquiry proceedings of the aforesaid are completed, which was accepted by the Executive Committee of ACJU.

Ash Shaikh M.S.M. Thassim
Asst. General Secretary - ACJU

Ref: ACJU/GEN/2020/022

11th August 2020  

Let us unitedly strive to develop our Motherland

We wish to extend our heartiest congratulations to His Excellency Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the President, and the Hon. Mahinda Rajapakse, the Prime Minister, on the resounding victory obtained by the governing party at the last general election.

We also wish to extend our congratulations to all the Members who elected to the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

The fact that we were able to hold an election in these trying times is indeed a testimony to our capability as a nation, and the devotion of our people to democratic values. We have demonstrated that we are indeed a mature democracy.

We are gratified by some of the healthy trends that emerged at the election. It is very satisfying to note that our people were able to avoid violence and exercise the franchise in a free manner.

The people have unreservedly placed their confidence in the new government. With success comes responsibility. We have confidence in the new administration and its capability to usher our nation towards an era of economic prosperity, national security, and social harmony within the framework of democratic principles.

The Opposition, the Members of Parliament and the citizens regardless of political, religious or racial differences should support unitedly all productive measures taken by the Government in developing our nation as a prosperous, harmonious country.

May Almighty Allah bless our Motherland with lasting peace and prosperity and protect all of us from all forms of evils and diseases, Aameen.

Ash Shaikh M.M.M. Murshid

Asst. General Secretary - ACJU

'Fight against COVID-19'- A Joint Project by ACJU and the Embassy of China

ACJU in collaboration with the Embassy of China, under the theme, 'Fight against COVID-19', distributed Hygiene kits on the 10th of June 2020 at the Head office of ACJU.

Beneficiaries of the Hygiene Kit distribution program included religious leaders and people of all faiths, and staff members of hospitals and schools. The Hygiene Kits consisted of items such as face masks, hand sanitizers, disinfectants, etc.

On 28th of July 2020, Mufti M.I.M. Rizwe -President of ACJU paid a courtesy visit to the Embassy of China and submitted the completion report of said project to 'Chargé d'affaires Mr.Hu Wei, of the Chinese Embassy. During the said meeting Mr.Hu Wei, commended the ACJU's efforts, and further he conveyed his advanced best wishes to the Muslims of Sri Lanka for the Eid ul Adha festival. Possible ways of improving and supporting poor children's wellbeing were also discussed at the meeting.

We appreciate the cordial relationship that was established and hope to collaborate on worthy projects in the future as well.

ACJU Media Division
02.08.2020

ACJU/MED/2020/010

01.08.2020 / 10.12.1441

Eid-Ul-Adha Message of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama

Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!! Allahu Akbar!!!

The ACJU expresses its best wishes to the Muslim brothers and sisters who are celebrating the festival of Eid-Ul-Adha at a time when the impact of COVID-19 is still strongly felt locally as well as globally.

Due to the pandemic crisis, the pilgrimage of Haj is too carried out in an extremely subdued manner. The Government of Saudi Arabia has granted permission only for a limited number of regional devotees to perform Haj this year. As such, many Sri Lankan Muslims who had intended to perform Haj were unable to do so, similar to other Muslims in several other countries. We pray to Almighty Allah to grant the complete reward to all Muslims who sincerely intended to perform this noble deed this year.

In order to reap the absolute benefits of this auspicious day, Takbeer should be pronounced abundantly from the beginning of the day. On the day of Eid, it is Sunnah to bathe, to avoid consuming food prior to Eid Salaah, to wear new clothes or with the best available attire, to apply perfume, to go to the Masjid, to attend the Khuthba and perform the Salaah. And those who have the financial ability should perform Uldhiyya and offer Sadaqah abundantly.  

Eid-ul-Adha signifies and commemorates the sacrifices and dedications of Hazrath Ibrahim (Alaihissalaam) and his family on this special day. Certainly, the deeds of that great family are good examples for the entire mankind on unconditional submission to Allah. Every Muslim should strive to replicate those deeds as much as possible.   

Furthermore, the laws and regulations of the country should strictly adhere when performing Uldhiyya while following the related guidance in Islam. The moral characteristics of an exemplary Muslim should be displayed in one’s conduct especially while interacting with our neighbors and members of other faiths, by helping each other in possible ways and living with mutual respect. 

On this special day, we pray for everyone to be enriched with good health, tranquility, and happiness and for our Motherland to be bestowed with lasting peace & prosperity, Aameen!

Thakabalahu Minna Waminkum!

Eid Mubarak!

Ash-Shaikh M.M.M. Murshid
Asst. General Secretary - ACJU

 Ref No. ACJU/PRO/2020/003

2020.07.15 / 1441.11.23

An important message from ACJU regarding Uldhiyya this year

Uldhiyya is an important Sunnah in Islam. Some scholars have declared that performing Uldhiyya is ‘Waajib’.

Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran "So, offer Salāh (prayer) to your Lord, and sacrifice" (Surah 108 Verse 02).

The ACJU appeals the Muslims to perform this act of worship observing the religious guidelines, while strictly abiding by the related legal rulings stated under the 'Animal Act No.29 of 1958'.

Considering the extraordinary situation prevailing in the country due to the spread of the Covid-19 virus, it is vital to ensure that all the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health are strictly followed while performing Uldhiyya this year.

The consensus opinion of the religious scholars is that goats, cows or camels should be offered as Uldhiyya. According to the context of our country, due to the unavailability of camels, only goats or cows may be offered as Uldhiyya and offering any other animal shall not be deemed as valid. A cow or a camel can be collectively offered as Uldhiyya, by seven persons maximum.

As the circumstances vary from region to region, the respective ACJU Divisional Branches, Masjid Trustees and other dignitaries should be consulted and appropriate decisions should be made on performing Uldhiyya in the respective areas to avoid any hassles or disputes and we urge the public to abide by these decisions.

Those in localities where it is difficult to perform Uldhiyya, it can be arranged to be fulfilled at other suitable areas.

The following guidelines should be observed when performing this act of worship:

1. The Uldhiyya could be performed from the time the Eid Salaah and both Khutbahs are completed until the time of Sun set on the 13th of Thul Hijjah.
2. It is Sunnah for the person who intends to perform Uldhiyya, to refrain from removing hair and clipping nails from the commencement of the Month of Thul Hijjah up to the performance of Uldhiyya.
3. As law abiding citizens of this country, all necessary documents such as animal's ownership certificate, health certificate, and permit to transport the animal etc. should be obtained at the beginning.
4. It is recommended to offer a goat as Uldhiyya by individuals, than offering a cow or a camel collectively by seven people.
5. In localities where offering cows as Uldhiyya is difficult, it is recommended to offer goats.
6. Transporting animals without permits and loading animals in a vehicle more than the number permitted, should be strictly avoided.
7. The animals should not be tortured at any circumstance.
8. The animal should be fed sufficiently until it is slaughtered.
9. The knife to be used for the sacrifice, should be well sharpened.
10. The slaughtering of the animal should not be visible to the other animals.
11. The place allocated for the slaughter, should be clean and the waste such as blood, bones etc. should be buried in an appropriate manner.
12. The places utilized for slaughter and burial of wastage, should be sprayed with insecticide and cleanliness should be maintained.
13. Government guidelines related to Covid-19 such as maintaining social distancing and wearing a mask should be strictly observed.

14. As we are living in a multi-ethnic society, we should avoid any act that would hurt others and may cause discomfort among other communities.
15. Honoring the sentiments of the Buddhists, slaughtering animals on the Poya Day should be avoided.
16. Taking photographs or videos of performing Uldhiyya should be avoided and especially such content should not be posted on Social Media.

The ACJU kindly requests all Masjid Imams and Khateebs to encourage the virtues and importance of Uldhiyya, and to emphasize on abiding the related rulings, guidelines and especially advice the public to perform this Ibaadah in a manner that does not hurt or arouse the feelings of other communities.

Ash Shaikh M.M.M. Murshid

Asst. General Secretary – ACJU

Note: The ACJU kindly requests the Masjid Trustees to announce these guidelines after the Jumu’ah prayers and to display on the Masjid Notice Board. A booklet titled "An Explanation of the Uldhiyya’ Sacrifice" which includes further explanations on Uldhiyya has been uploaded in the ACJU website ‘www.acju.lk’, for further reading.

ACJU/MED/2020/008

2020.07.10 (1441.11.18)

REFUTING THE FALSE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST ACJU

It has come to the notice of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) through the recent reports in media that a campaign of disinformation to tarnish the image of the ACJU is currently underway.

Misleading information wrongfully linking ACJU with the Easter Sunday attacks and several other matters, are being spread deliberately, thereby arousing the feelings of the public.

The ACJU strongly and unequivocally condemns such irresponsible conduct.  The ACJU also wishes to alert the general public to be cautious of such campaigns which are deceitfully engaged in spreading wrong information.

Ash Shaikh M.M.M. Murshid

Assistant Secretary

All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama