ACJU/MED/2023/036
2023.01.20 (1444.06.26)
The centenary event of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama took place on 19.01.2023 at Colombo Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall chaired by its President Ash-Shaikh Mufti M.I.M. Rizvi.
The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama is a supreme civil organization established in Hijri 1344 to cater to the religious needs of Sri Lankan Muslims. The ACJU is incorporated by the Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka by Act No. 51 of 2000. Nationwide there are 165 regional branches in 24 districts. More than 8000 scholars are currently members of this association.
The event was organized with the aim of gratefully remembering our senior scholars who dedicated themselves and their lives to the growth and development of the ACJU in the past ten decades. The President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe was the chief guest, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena was the guest of honour, and Maulana Ibrahim Bham, the secretary general of the South African Ulema Council was the chief speaker. Interfaith Leaders, Defense Secretary, Speaker of the Parliament, Members of Parliament, Foreign Ambassadors, Heads of Departments, Academicians, Intellectuals, persons In-charge of Masjid Associations, Members of Civil Organizations, Donors, Well-wishers, Executive Committee Members of the ACJU Head Office, likewise its District and Divisions members were also present. The extent that about 2000 people participated in the event.
The first session of the three-phased event began auspiciously with a recitation by Ash-Sheikh Al Qari Abdul Aziz Muhammad Arkam. Also, the National Anthem was played by the students of Zahira College and Ash-Shaikh M.J. Abdul Khaliq, one of the vice presidents of the All Ceylon Jammiyathul Ulama delivered the welcome speech.
In the second session, the Cultural Welcome for His Excellency the President was performed by a teacher at D.S. Senanayake College J.A.M. Irshad and His Excellency was escorted to the hall by the President, General Secretary and Treasurer of the ACJU. The welcome song was played by the students of Mawahibul Uloom Arabic College and D.S. Senanayake College.
The Honorable President of ACJU Ash-Shaikh Mufti M.I.M. Rizwe delivered the keynote address at this historic event marking the centennial of the ACJU. He delivered a speech on the theme ‘Let’s Face Challenges Together’. Upon completion, the speech of the General Secretary of ACJU began.
The General Secretary of ACJU Ash-Shaikh M. Arkam Nooramith recited some verses of Al-Qur’an and delivered the welcome address for the second session.
Following the speech by Chief Guest President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the President released a special stamp to mark the centenary event of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama. Guest of Honor Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and the Chief Speaker and General Secretary of the Ulama Council of South Africa Maulana Ibrahim Ismail Bham delivered their speeches. Along with that, Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament Mahinda Yappa Abeywardena, Buddha Sasana, and Religion and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayake were honoured.
Also, Sheikhur Rahmani A.J.M. Jiffrry Hazrath on the basis of being the foundation of many scholars in Sri Lanka was honoured. The Presidential Advocate Faiz Mustafa who has continuously contributed to the ACJU and the society in various ways and Al Haj Ilyas Abdul Kareem for supporting the ACJU financially, Mrs. Farial Ashraf on the occasion for her massive cooperation in getting the present building of the ACJU were honoured too.
Also, ‘Sawtul Ulama Centenary Special Magazine’, which includes Jamia’s introduction, history, office bearers, its infrastructure and religious and social contributions compiled, was published by Ash-Shaikh A.L.M.Rila, one of the vice presidents of ACJU. Then, an executive committee member of ACJU, Ash-Shaikh A.C. Agar Muhammad delivered the special speech.
Then a proclamation containing the resolutions to be taken on the centenary occasion of the All Ceylon Jamiatul Ulama by a member of an Executive Committee and the Secretary of Ulama Affairs Ash-Shaikh S.L.Nawfer was read.
And artistic performances in accordance with Islamic standards also graced the centenary event. A graduate of Tihariya Tanveer Academy, Ash-Shaikh M.R.M. Ayyash sang the ‘Virindu’ poem in the language of Sinhala by Ayyash and a Qaseedah was sung by the students of D.S Senanayake and Mawahibul Uloom College.
In between the event, the videos were screened to introduce the ACJU’s journey for a century and its services.
Finally, the Treasurer of ACJU Ash-Shaikh Dr. A.A. Azwar delivered the vote of thanks and one of its vice presidents Ash-Shaykh H. Omardeen ended The centenary event of the All Ceylon Jamiatul Ulama happily with the dua and Salawat.
Media Division
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU Media)
