2022.06.22 | 1443.11.21
The following matters were declared at the Annual General Meeting of the Office Bearers of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, held on 2022.06.18 (1443.11.17).
It is necessary that every Mu’min (believer) believes that everything happens in this world according to the discretion of Almighty Allah, and turns towards Him at all times. Thus, we Muslims, should always engage in good deeds and strive to attain His Pleasure.
Social Unity
- For more than a thousand years, Sri Lanka has been home to Muslims who have followed Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ath, based on which they have engaged in good deeds and performed acts of worship.
- Historically, many Thareeqas and Da’wah organizations have been working tirelessly to enhance the spiritual, educational, disciplinary and cultural aspects of the community. Although there were minor differences and conflicts of opinions, the ACJU published the ‘Declaration of Unity’ on 2009.08.18 with the objective of strengthening the unity among the Muslim community barring all such differences.
- Since then, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama published yet another publication titled “Manhaj” on 2022.01.30, which elaborately discussed the position and the guidance of ACJU for the Muslim community, as to which framework the Muslims shall pledge their allegiance.
- This gathering urges that the Muslim community shall collectively follow and act according to the matters contained in the two declarations mentioned above, and uphold unity.
Coexistence
- Our motherland Sri Lanka is home to people of many races and religions. The progress and growth of this country depend on the harmony among the people belonging to different races and religions.
- The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama published a ‘Declaration on Coexistence’ date 2012.12.27 which contains guidance on how Muslims should work alongside people of other religions to build coexistence.
- This gathering urges the Muslim community to follow the guidelines set out by this declaration and continue to peacefully coexist and live in harmony with people of other religions and races.
Youth
- The youth generation is an integral part of society. It is the responsibility of each and everyone in the society to guide them in the right direction. Accordingly, this gathering urges parents, community leaders, Ulama, professionals and all others to work collaboratively to protect and guide young people from drug abuse while upholding the law of the land.
- Everyone in society must assist the youth to protect themselves from being influenced by extremist ideologies. The ACJU has published a handbook titled “Don’t Be Extreme”, which contains guidance for the youth to protect themselves from being victims of extremist ideologies. This gathering appeals to the entirety of the Muslim youth to follow the guidance given in the said handbook.
Economic Crisis
- At present, our country is undergoing a severe economic crisis and the increasing cost of living has affected the daily life of the people in various ways.
- Spirituality: This gathering requests the Ulama to guide the community to follow the commandments of Almighty Allah, to abide by regulations pertaining to Halal and Haram, and provide guidance to implement methods prescribed by the religion that has been recommended to be followed during economic difficulties.
- Hoarding and selling goods at overpricing: Islam has prohibited hoarding of goods. This gathering appeals to businessmen to avoid seeking undue profits by creating an artificial shortage of goods, and encourages them to sell goods at reasonable prices with the expectation of reasonable profits.
- Avoiding extravagance: Islam preaches that one must avoid wasting resources and should adopt a moderate path in life. Hence, this gathering requests everyone to, considering the current situation, limit their expenses in order to fulfil their essential needs and to avoid waste at all costs.
- Cultivation: Cultivation of crops is one of the methods where we can self-sustain ourselves with food. Islam encourages cultivation in many ways. Accordingly, this gathering requests the community to utilize common lands and home gardens for cultivation purposes with consultation from field experts in order to make this endeavour a success.
- Offering assistance: People’s lives have been immensely disturbed and negatively impacted due to the existing situation. This gathering requests everyone including well-wishers and social activists to identify those who are desperately and genuinely in need, and help them regardless of racial or religious differences.
This gathering appeals the Ulama, community leaders, prominent personalities, Masjid authorities, social leaders, academics, experts, civil society organizations etc. to come together and take necessary steps to implement the above-mentioned matters.
Mufti M.I.M. Rizwe
President – ACJU
Ash Shaikh M. Arkam Nooramith
General Secretary – ACJU
