ACJU/NGS/2023/123
2023.04.12
Sri Lankan Muslims, living in their motherland for many generations, never have extended their support towards terrorism or extremism. Instead, history is testament to show that they have always ensured their contribution towards the country’s interests on national security, peace and economy.
According to the Divine Message of the Holy Quran, saving one single life is equivalent to saving the entire humanity. In recent years, many religious, social organizations, political movements and institutions have had to deal with radicalization, extremism and various forms of violence. Individuals have utilized religion, social injustice, financial hardships, ethnicity, etc. to justify unacceptable behavior.
It is indeed sad and disappointing that some Muslims were involved in the terrorist attacks that took place in Sri Lanka in 2019, consequent to some extremist ideologies, injustices, conflicts and conspiracies happening in a global scale. The truth is that there is no connection between Islam and these people. That is why their remains were not allowed to be buried in Muslim burial grounds.
The ACJU has taken upon itself to help citizens in overcoming these mental, psychological, emotional and spiritual disorders. The support of volunteers and mental health professionals has been invaluable, and we hope to continue building on this framework.
The ACJU has continued to act with extreme caution and awareness when it concerns opposing and rejecting extremist and terrorist activities. When the IS terrorist ideology was spreading globally during the year of 2015, the ACJU published a declaration which clarified that there is no connection between the IS ideology and Islam. Since then, all possible efforts, including Jummah sermons at masjids, guidance programs etc. were taken in view of protecting the Sri Lankan Muslim community from being victims to such wrongful ideologies. A booklet titled ‘Don’t be extreme’ was also published. Furthermore, the ACJU has introduced the concept of Harmony Centers islandwide in order to promote coexistence among communities.
The terrorist attack in 2019 was brutal. While praying for the mental and emotional peace of the survivors of the attacks and families of the victims, the ACJU requests the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate into these attacks, find the culprits and subject them to the due process of law.
It is the duty of each citizen to work towards building a country that is prosperous and developed. In order to achieve such goal, it is fundamental for all of us to unite barring the religious and ethnic divides. Hence, while building unity and coexistence among us, the ACJU humbly requests everyone to be aware of attempts to malign such efforts.
It is recommended that everyone reads the booklet titled ‘Don’t Be Extreme’ published by the ACJU, and they request the public to unite and come forward to build a country which is protected from extremist ideologies and racist tendencies.
Mufti M. I. M. Rizwe
President
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama
Ash-Shaikh M. S. M. Thassim
Secretary (Acting)
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama
