Press Statement from General Secretary of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama.
Humble Appeal from ACJU towards the Muslim Community of Sri Lanka
The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) is alarmed at the several media reports claiming that Sri Lanka may very soon face yet another terrorist attack similar to the Easter Sunday Bombings of 21st April, 2019. While encouraging the community to pray and make Du’a to Almighty Allah (SWT) to protect Sri Lanka and all its people from all forms of tragedies and disasters, the ACJU requests, particularly the Muslim community to be very cautious and vigilant in this regard as we are not certain of the reliability of the above claims.
We appeal to the community to be wary of the ISIS and similar terrorist organizations which are misleadingly and falsely representing themselves as protectors of Islam while they are widely perceived as being orchestrated by elements hostile to Islam and all religions.
Islamic Scholars around the world have unanimously stated that these organizations are anti-Islamic terrorist groups, whose handlers are yet to be fully investigated. It is noteworthy that the ACJU, and all Muslim Civil society organizations have collectively issued a Declaration on 2015.07.23, declaring that such organizations are completely against the teachings of Islam.
(Declaration against ISIS and Extremism: https://acju.lk/en/published/item/1625-isis-declaration)
We are deeply saddened by the fact that the innocent civilian lives were lost and many suffered injuries in the brutal attacks carried out by terrorists on the Easter Sunday of 21st April 2019.
We need to emphasize that our community has made innumerable contributions and sacrifices in the national interest of our country. Our forefathers have contributed immensely to preserve the sovereignty and security of this country throughout history. Similarly, they have been in the forefront of developing and strengthening beneficial foreign relations with our country. Whenever our country was threatened with invasion by external forces, our forefathers had supported the reigning kings of our country in protecting our Motherland. Since gaining independence and becoming a democratic republic, our leaders have made admirable efforts to forge religious harmony and communal amity.
It is however disappointing to note that a situation has arisen, where vested interests are continuing to instigate distrust and hatred on grossly false basis against the Muslims, following the cowardly and brutal terrorist attacks carried out by a few misguided elements with Muslim names, while overlooking the invaluable contribution of the community towards this nation.
It is sad that false allegations are being circulated against Islam and Muslims by certain elements who are intent on disrupting communal unity. We, the ACJU strongly urge the Muslim community not to be provoked by such conspirators and to practice restraint.
The ACJU requests its District and Divisional Branches, Masjid Trustees and all civil organizations to pay attention to these matters and all Muslims to be vigilant and cautious in this regard and strive towards building closer relationships with all communities.
Furthermore, we request all Muslims to read the below mentioned booklet published by ACJU and to circulate it among others as well.
Tamil: ‘Madaththin Peyaraal Theeviravaadam Vendaam’
Link: https://acju.lk/published/item/1993-2020-08-21-06-32-52
Sinhala Translation: ‘Anthawaadayeku Nowanna’
Link: https://acju.lk/si/published/item/1999-2020-09-24-11-15-13
We urge all Muslims to ensure that our brothers and sisters are not influenced by extremist or un-Islamic ideologists.
We pray that Almighty Allah bestows protection, justice and solace to all those who are suffering in our country and around the world and bless our Motherland with lasting peace, unity and prosperity.
Ash-Shaikh M. Arkam Nooramith
General Secretary- All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama