AN EXPOSITION BY ACJU ON MATTERS RELATING TO ISLAM AND GUIDANCE FOR SRI LANKAN MUSLIMS

‘MANHAJ’

AN EXPOSITION BY ACJU ON MATTERS RELATING TO ISLAM AND GUIDANCE FOR SRI LANKAN MUSLIMS

(ENGLISH TRANLSATION)

Foreword

Muslims who have been living in this country for over a millennium have followed the principles of Ahlus Sunnath Wal Jama’ath in performing their religious duties and traditions while contributing towards the sovereignty, unity and peace of the country.

Many institutions such as Masjids, Thakkiyas, Zaviyas, Religious Education Centers, Arabic colleges etc. have contributed immensely towards guiding the community to adhere to and nurture spirituality, discipline, education, culture, traditions, social structure etc., while protecting the principles of Ahlus Sunnath Wal Jama’ath.

The stipulated regulations and methods by our pious predecessors should be adopted when dealing with the differences of opinions among religious scholars, which shall ensure the protection of their guidance and contribution.

The primary objective of this Manhaj is to preserve and improve our religious and socio-cultural matters in the future, by exercising forbearance and mutual understanding while abiding by the principles of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ath.

Accordingly, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama kindly requests every Sri Lankan Muslim and Islamic organization to honor and adopt the following positions in their religious, social and general affairs.

1. Aqeedah (Principles on Belief)

1.1 Adopt/embrace Ahlus Sunnath Wal Jama’ath when it comes to matters of Aqeedah (Principles on Belief).

1.2 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.

2. Zaat and Sifaaths (Characteristics) of Allah

2.1 Acceptance of the Zaats and Sifaats (characteristics) of Allah as mentioned in the Holy Quran and Hadith. These attributes exclusively belong to Allah alone and do not resemble any creation (Tashbeeh) or bodily limbs (Jaariha), or bodily organs (A’laau). ‘Ta’theel’ (denying the above-mentioned characteristics) and ‘Tajseem’ (attributing form to Allah) are incorrect ideologies. When providing explanations for them, methods of ‘Thafweel’[1] and ‘Tha’weel’[2] should be followed, which were set by Imams, who are our pious predecessors. Adhering to the above methods is the position of the Salafus Saaliheen of the Ahlus Sunnah Wa Jama’ath, Al-Ash’ariyyah and the Al-Ma’athuridiyyah.

2.2 The ideologies are known as ‘Hamavoost’/’Athvaidam’ (He is everything –ideology), “Hulul” (Allah lives within his creations) and “Ittihad” (Allah unites with his creations) are completely against the fundamental beliefs of Islam.

3. Angels

3.1 Angels are great creations of Allah, who were created with light. Belief that they do not neglect or disobey Allah’s orders, and always accept and follow such orders.

4. Belief in the Divine Books

4.1 Belief that the divine books were revealed to the Messengers of Allah, in order to guide the mankind in the righteous path in this world and to be victorious in the Hereafter, and that the Holy Quran is the final such divine book revealed to the mankind through our beloved Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ), the final Messenger of Allah.

5. Prophets and Messengers

5.1 Belief that the Prophets and Messengers, mentioned in the Holy Quran and Hadith, were sent to this world by Almighty Allah and that they were pure, thus known as “Ma’soom”.

6. The Last Messenger

6.1 Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ) is the final Prophet and Messenger sent by Allah. This is one of the fundamental principles of Islam. Anything in contradiction to this fundamental belief is not acceptable in Islam.

6.2 The acceptance or recognition as a religious leader or religious reformer of any person who claimed or claims to be a prophet after Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) constitutes a violation of the fundamental beliefs of Islam.

7. Loving Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ), praising him and reciting Salawaath for him, and following his Sunnah

7.1 Bestowing love towards our beloved Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ), beyond the love one would have over his/her own life, parents, children, spouse or anyone else, is a testament to the complete Imaan of a Mu’min (Believer). Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ) was sent by Almighty Allah as the greatest blessing ever to the entire world. The religion encourages thanking the Almighty for such a blessing and publicizing about it too.

7.2 Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ) is the greatest creation of them all, and he is the closest to Almighty Allah too, He is void of and protected from all kinds of sins, and everything that is verified as he had said, had done and had approved, is a part of the religion. Respecting him and loving him is a part of Imaan. It is compulsory to recite Salawaath on him during the mandatory prayers, and special virtues are due for those who piously recite Salawaath on him.

7.3 Commemorating, explaining and publicizing the value, glory, life history, qualities, compassion, love, Sunnah etc. of Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ) among the Muslims and members of other faiths as well, while adhering to the boundaries set by Islam, is a duty upon Muslims. Rabi-ul-Awwal, the birth month of Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ), is an ideal and most suitable time to perform these activities.

8. Engaging in Ziyarat of the holy burial site of Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ)

8.1 It is considered as a special Sunnah to visit Masjidun Nabawi, where Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ) is buried, and to engage in the act of Ziyarat at the holy burial site of him.

9. Day of Judgment

9.1 Belief in the Day of Judgment and related matters as mentioned and explained in the Holy Quran and Hadith.

10. Kala Qadr

10.1 Belief that the good and the bad happens as per the will of Allah.

11. Ahlul Baith, family members and companions (Sahabas) of Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ)

11.1 The greatest among the companions of Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ) are namely Hazrat Aboobakr, Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Uzman, Hazrat Ali (RA), who were Kulafa-ur-Rashidun.

11.2 “Ahlul Baith” i.e. family members of Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ) and “Ummahathul Mu’mineen” i.e. wives of Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ), are noble and special. Bestowing our love upon all of them reinforces our faith.

11.3 All Sahabis were sincere; they committed themselves for the rise of Islam; Made many sacrifices; Bestowing our love upon them is also a sign of Imaan. It is prohibited in Islam to criticize and denounce such noble persons. It is against the principles of Ahlus Sunnath Wal Jama’ath to denounce the Companions of the Prophet, the most respected Sahabis.

12. Respected Awliyas (Friends of Allah)

12.1 The word “Awliya” is the plural of the Arabic word Wali which means friend. Respected Awliyas are those who obey and follow the orders of Allah Tha’ala and strictly follow the words, acts and approvals i.e. Sunnahs of Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ), and who have purified their souls and bodies, and who have achieved a higher rank among those who are close to and loved by Allah Tha’ala. The position of Ahlus Sunnath Wal Jama’ath is that ‘Karamaths’ (extraordinary incidents) may occur to these Awliyas as per Allah’s Will.

13. Sunnah and Bid’ah

13.1 Verified sayings, acts and approvals of Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ) is called Sunnah. Following the Sunnah is a rewarding deed. Matters that were newly introduced and were not in existence during the era of Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ) are called Bid’at. If it is not against the Shari’a, then it is a Bid’at that is permissible. But if such matters contradict with the Prophet’s Sunnah, or the narrations of the Sahabis, or Ijma, then they are considered as Bid’at that lead to destruction. This is the position of the respected Imams on Bid’at.

14. Al-Fiqh

14.1 When it comes to matters of religious laws, decisions must be taken based on the fundamental sources such as the Holy Quran, Al-Hadith, Al-Ijma, Al-Qiyas and the interpretations and/or explanations given by our pious predecessors i.e. Sahabis, Thabi’s, Imams etc.

15. Madhhabs

15.1 Religious scholars of different times and periods, recognized as Mujthahid Muthlak, have been instrumental in the origination of Madhhabs based on the fundamentals (Usools and Kawa’ids), who did so with the able backing of Islamic sources i.e. Holy Qur’an, Al-Hadith, Al-Ijma and Al-Qiyas. When it comes to matters of religious sects; followers of the four main Madhhabs (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi and Hanbali) that have been regarded as Madhhabs to be followed by Muslims worldwide unanimously, are considered to be on the righteous path. The above said four sects have been protected and nurtured since their inception. The claim that the said Madhhabs shall not be followed is completely false and those who follow such claims are from the misguided. Disregarding Madhhabs and offering explanations upon one’s own understanding, leads a person towards misguidance.

16. Shafi Madhhab

16.1 In general, since the beginning of time, there have been more than one opinion about the routine daily prayers and practices. Among them, the ACJU has maintained the stance of basing their decisions and guidance in line with the recommendations of Shafi Madhhab, as a majority of the Muslims of Sri Lanka adhere and follow the principles and practices of the Shafi Madhhab.

16.2 However, practices of other Madhhabs accepted by Muslims worldwide such as Hanafi, Maliki and Hanbali is considered only upon exceptional circumstances and when a need arises, and it is important that during such times, the relevant methods and practices in relation to such Madhhabs are aptly followed, and the ACJU follows the exact same principles accordingly.

17. Providing self-explanations to the Holy Quran and Hadith

17.1 Those who try to explain and interpret the Holy Quran and Hadith should follow the respective fundamental guidelines, and refer to the opinions and explanations of the Mufassireen and Muhaddiseen. Instead, if a person tries to give one’s own interpretation and/or explanation according to one’s individual opinion, he will be considered to have been misguided and going against the religion. Such acts can never be condoned.

18. Al-Ihsan (Tasawwuf, Tazkiyya) – internal purity and closeness to the Almighty

18.1 “Al-Ihsan” means internal purity, which is mentioned in “Hadith Jibreel” popular amongst Muhaddiseens. It is also called by various names such as ‘Tazkiyathun Nafs’, ‘Fiqhul Bathin’, ‘Tasawwuf’ etc. Accepting wholeheartedly that the spiritual Thareeqas which have been functioning with unchanged methods and practices based on Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ath, are helpful to practice and maintain “Al-Ihsan” meaning internal purity, which is mentioned in ‘Hadith Jibreel’, under the guidance of the Mashaikh of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ath. Furthermore, we do not recognize any Tasawwuf concepts that conflict the principles of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ath or the Shariah.

19. Ziyarat-ul Kubur (visiting burial sites)

19.1 It is a Sunnah to visit burial sites. It reminds a person of death and the Hereafter. Ziyarams are burial sites of pious Muslims and it is our duty to protect and preserve them. As such, visiting Ziyarams by adhering to religious guidelines is a Sunnah.

20. Other religions and objects of worship of other religions

20.1 Acting or talking disrespectfully against other religions, things and objects that are worshipped by followers of other religions, their places of worship, their religious principles and beliefs, places of archeological value or engaging in destruction of the above said or any other act that amounts to any kind of disrespect, is completely prohibited. Islam vehemently condemns such acts.

21. Relationship with the followers of other religions

21.1 The entire mankind started from Adam (Alaihis Salaam). Thus, all humans belong to the same family, regardless of their ethnic group, religion, language, whether they are Muslim or of any other faith. Islam guides that each person shall protect and safeguard the life, property, honour, heritage etc. of each other, and the religious rights given by their respective states shall be honored, and that everyone shall live with mutual understanding of each other and be supportive of each other.

21.2 Islam has never prohibited living under any government. It is a completely false and misleading perception that Muslims ought to live only under an Islamic government. Under any government Muslims should perform their obligatory duties (Fardh) and refrain from prohibited actions (Haraam) prescribed by Allah.

22. Deviant Actions and Thoughts

Acting in a manner which is disrespectful of our beloved Prophet Muhammadh (ﷺ) the final Messenger, who was sent to the world as a blessing to the entire universe,
Denying the veracity of Hadith that was accepted and believed by the Muslim Ummah,
Being disrespectful when it comes to the matters about Sahabas,
Showing and acting in disrespect of Imams and other religious scholars and ignoring their guidance,
Rejection of Madhhabs and considering that following Madhhabs is an act of misguidance, not giving the due recognition to persons and/or rejecting the due rights of persons who disagree with their opinions on internal matters of the religion,
Acting in a manner which challenges the sovereignty, integrity and unity of the Nation and encouraging others on those lines,
Being disrespectful towards other religions, adhering to a policy which says Muslims must be ruled by an Islamic governance (Khilafat) or that Islam is all about establishing an Islamic rule,
Having a policy that Muslims must be in good terms with Muslims only and maintain relations with Muslims alone, while Muslims should not have any good relationships with members of other faiths etc., which is prompted from misunderstanding the concept of “Al-Wala Wal-Bara”.

We consider all of the above as deviations from the established principles of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ath. Whether it is referred to as Wahhabism or by any other term, the ACJU unequivocally rejects all of them.

23. Guidelines to be adhered when disseminating Islamic Teachings

To constitute to the principles of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ath.
To conduct in a manner which would nurture love, brotherhood and humanity.
To respect the democratic values of this Country.
To ensure to respect and honor the dignity of every individual.
To ensure to conduct in a manner which does not create or nurture ill-feelings amidst Muslims and other communities.
To teach the religion in a moderate and appropriate manner, while to avoiding any enforcement or coercion of opinions.
To accept and abide by the above guidelines of ACJU pertaining to religious matters.

ACJU urges that the Islamic teaching methods in the community should be based on the above principles.

Conclusion

The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama urges all Muslims living in Sri Lanka to accept and adhere to the above mentioned aspects and guidelines. The ACJU calls upon all Muslims to live in harmony and promote peace amongst themselves and with all communities and live with compassion, moderation and tolerance in order to build an exemplary community.

Further, ACJU requests the Ulama (religious scholars), community representatives, dignitaries, Masjid authorities, heads/leaders of villages, academics, civil society organizations etc. to take necessary steps to build a role-model community which contributes for the improvement of the Deen and the development of the community and the nation alike.

Ash-Shaikh (Mufti) M.I.M. Rizwe

President – ACJU

Ash-Shaikh A.C. Agar Mohamed

Deputy President – ACJU

Ash-Shaikh M. Arkam Nooramith

General Secretary – ACJU

Ash-Shaikh A.L.M. Khaleel

Treasurer – ACJU

Ash-Shaikh H. Omardeen

Vice President – ACJU

Ash-Shaikh A.L.M. Rila

Vice President – ACJU

Ash-Shaikh M.J. Abdul Khaliq

Vice President – ACJU

Ash-Shaikh I.L.M. Hashim

Vice President – ACJU

Ash-Shaikh S.H. Adam Bawa

Vice President – ACJU

Ash-Shaikh M.S.M. Thassim

Asst. Secretary – ACJU

Ash-Shaikh M.M.M. Murshid

Asst. Secretary – ACJU

Ash Shaikh Dr. Azwer (Azhari)

Asst. Treasurer – ACJU

Ash-Shaikh M.L.M. Ilyas