By Hilmy Ahamed –
Hilmy Ahamed
My friend and brother in Islam, Hameed Abdul Karim is no more. He died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia due to a heart attack after completing his Hajj on Saturday the 26th of September 2015. A death immediately after Hajj is what most Muslims dream of, yet the loss of Hameed Abdul Karim is a great blow to Muslim Civil Society and a greater loss for quality journalism in Sri Lanka. Hameed was a warrior par-excellence, not with the sword, but with his golden pen. May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala grant him Jannatul Firdous
Hameed Abdul Karim was an extremely talented, well-read and knowledgeable journalist/social worker who did not impose his thinking. He was an unassuming person who shied away from pomp and pageantry. His quiet diplomacy and record of service to humanity is exemplary. He has been one of the most vocal Muslim activists for social justice, not just for Muslims, but also to all who are disadvantaged. His activism is a shining example and is clear evidence that the pen is mightier than the sword. His defense of Muslims in Sri Lanka as well as the Palestinian cause globally has been monumental, yet his unwavering commitment for social justice for all was paramount. He found time to attend any event that espoused social justice and committed to write about those issues in well-articulated articles in the local and international press. He has been an active member of the Palestinian cause in Sri Lanka for many years and has written many articles on the struggle of the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination. He is one of the very few Sri Lankan journalists who travelled to Palestine and met Palestinian leaders Yasser Arafat and Abbas.
Hameed Abdul Karim was one of the founders of the Centre for Islamic studies (CIS) that brought quality Islamic education in multiple languages, not just for Muslims, but for non-Muslims too, who had interests in learning Islam. The CIS Islamic library is one of the best for Muslims in Sri Lanka. He is an unsung hero, who would truly be missed by the thousands who have been part of the Centre for Islamic Studies. He was also an active founding member of Amal international school for boys in the 1980’s. Further, he was able to mobilize generous support from his Memon Community for a number of projects related to education and social justice. These are little knowing facts of the multi faceted life of Hameed Abdul Karim.
Hameed’s political commentary was ornamented with mature judgment. He had been a vociferous critic of the hate campaign that was targeted towards the minority communities in Sri Lanka. He also bravely opposed corruption, nepotism and misrule by successive governments. This led to most of his writing ending up in the dustbins of the state media, yet he used social media extensively for his activism. His postings on social media are always a good read. His Viber account says “last online on 25/9/2015”.
Hameed’s loss would be felt by friends for generations to come. He fought his battles not for the lure of recognition or wealth, but because of his genuine belief in just causes. His parting words to me, on the eve of his departure to Jeddah for Hajj was, “come hell or high-water, I am going for my Hajj”. He made this comment because of the concern friends had for his safety this Hajj because of the harsh weather that was being experienced in Makkah, which was claimed to be the cause for the collapse of the crane and death of hundreds. May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala forgive all his sins and grant him Jennathul Firdous.
*Hilmy Ahamed – Vice President – The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka
Maghribi / September 27, 2015
inna liillahi wa innaillaihi rajioon,(We belong to Allah and we return to Him) Our heartfelt sympathies to his family. May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant him jannah. Islam encourages us to remember death often so that we can live our lives Shariah Compliant, achieving a healthy & balanced life, which is our true purpose of our limited life. This is how we can gain peace in this world and paradise “Whoso obeyeth Allah and the messenger, they are with those unto whom Allah hath shown favour, of the prophets and the sincere, and the martyrs and the righteous. The best of company are they!” (The Noble Quran 4:69
/
Luikman Harees / September 27, 2015
I have known Hamid Kareem for many years and have been a keen admirer of his style of writing and his commitment to the cause of truth and social justice. Shenali Waduge, the unapologetic anti-Muslim hate mongering writer was his frequent target in Ceylon Daily News. He was more than her match in meeting arguments coherently and logically. He did much to dispel the misconceptions about Islam among the non- Muslims and was a lone fighter who did not shy away from meeting any challenges whatever degree they were. It was nothing more rewarding for him to breath this last in the sacred land which i am sure he would have wished for . May Almighty Allah make his place of rest a garden of Paradise and grant him the highest abode in Jennah and grant his grieving family patience and comfort. To Him we belong and to Him we return.
/
Amarasiri / September 27, 2015
Luikman Harees
“Shenali Waduge, the unapologetic anti-Muslim hate mongering writer was his frequent target in Ceylon Daily News. He was more than her match in meeting arguments coherently and logically. He did much to dispel the misconceptions about Islam among the non- Muslims and was a lone fighter who did not shy away from meeting any challenges whatever degree they were. It was nothing more rewarding for him to breath this last in the sacred land which i am sure he would have wished for “
Shenali Shill Waguge is the typical Sinhala Buddhist who was misled by Mahawansa, MaRa, Mara, just like the Wahhabis who were misled by the Iblis, Satan, Devil.
So we have Senalki Shill Waduge who was misled by the Sinhala Buddhists and Mahawansa, which is an insult to Buddha, being confused by the Wahhabis, who follow Iblis, Satan, thinking that they follow Allah, Islam.
Mahavamsa- An Insult To The Buddha!
https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/mahavamsa-an-insult-to-the-buddha/
Abdul Karim had to clarify it for those Sri Lankans the difference for the ignorant Wahhanis and Sinhala Buddhists.
Small Quiz: What percentage of the following Nationalities believe that the Sun goes around the Earth?
1. Americans?_____
2. Europeans?___________
3. Sri Lankans________
4. Arabs (Arabia)__________
Answers:
1. 25%
2. 34%
3. 47%
4. 50%
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2014/02/14/277058739/1-in-4-americans-think-the-sun-goes-around-the-earth-survey-says
/
Javed Yoosuf / September 27, 2015
Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala takes those whom He loves the most. The good die young although brother Hameed was not so young but he was always young at heart and always very popular among the young crowd.
I last met him on 6th of this month when he told me he was going for Hajj and I was leaving for the UAE so me and my wife visited his house,and were told that we were the first to give salaams. He was so thrilled as this was his first Hajj although he had done Umrah.
He was a devoted social worker and One of the most aggressive writers for the Palestinian cause and he recently gave a speech on international Quds day.
May Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala grant him the highest abode in Jannah and may Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala give sabr to his family to overcome their greatest loss. ( Aameen)
/
Amarasiri / September 27, 2015
Hilmy Ahamed
RE: Hameed Abdul Karim – A Writer & Activist Par Excellence
“My friend and brother in Islam, Hameed Abdul Karim is no more. He died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia due to a heart attack after completing his Hajj on Saturday the 26th of September 2015. A death immediately after Hajj is what most Muslims dream of, yet the loss of Hameed Abdul Karim is a great blow to Muslim Civil Society and a greater loss for quality journalism in Sri Lanka. Hameed was a warrior par-excellence, not with the sword, but with his golden pen. May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala grant him Jannatul Firdous”
Well stated, who wanted to live by the activist example of Prophet Mohamed, and make an impact in society.
[Edited out]
/
Marwan / September 27, 2015
Inna lillahi wa inna alaihi raji’oon.
It is well known that soon after the performance of the Hadj, all their (pilgrims) sins are forgiven, and it is as if their slate is wiped clean and they become innocent as a new born infant. Marhoom Abdul Karim turned out to be a good writer and an activist on Islamic affairs, who exposed the many injustices against Islam and Muslims in general, especially in support of the Palestinian cause. I used to visit him at CIS centre when attending many lectures that used to be held there from time to time, and I am sure there are many others too who would have benefited immensely by his efforts to impart knowledge thru his Institute. May his death be an spiritual inspiration and a hidayath to many who know him personally, and also to those who have heard of him and read his many articles. It is from Him (Allah Almighty) that we come, and to Him is our return. Life is but a mere staged drama, and we are simply its actors.
/
DR RIFAI / September 27, 2015
Innallah Lillha. He used to send me copies of his articles in my Email groups. May Allah reward his with jennath Al-Firqaus. He was a brave writer and he writes fluently. He has been speaking to the rights of minorities without any fear and he was a professional writer. May Allah reward him and What a good wafath. Just completed his religious rite and move to his eternal place. Our concordance for his family and children.
/
Fazli Sameer / September 27, 2015
Hameed Abdul Karim was a man of great courage, valor, determination, commitment and sought justice for all those who were oppressed and abused. May he walk through Gardens of Green and Rest in Splendor.
/
Muhammed Fazl / September 27, 2015
May Allah be with him. I’ve known him since 1988… I too was attached to the CIS at that time. Since I was handling the computer section among others, we would sit together and draft correspondence and plan the raising of funds to start Amal Internaional School and the execution of the closure of the Israeli Interest Section in Colombo. And Alhamdulillah, we were successful.
Though we had our own individual ways, he was always my teacher. Always helpful to anyone in need, a very simple man, highly knowledgable… I am yet to come to terms with his demise. And no other Sri Lankan struggled for the Palestinian cause as much as he did.
Let us also look out for and stand in support of one of his kids who I believe is studying for a degree in journalism. I pray that Allah will bestow comrade Hameed his love and mercy, Aameen.
/
BornAgain / September 28, 2015
Those who accept Jesus as their saviour will go to heaven. Everyone else will be left behind. May this kind and learned soul be with Jesus in his afterlife and be happy and may all those who are violent and want to kill in the name of religion, rape and kidnap and sell women for Wahabism, those who rape children, behead other Arabs including Shias, Yazdis realize the evil and errant ways of their lives and become kind and loving like Jesus our saviour. In his name we pray this brother will be saved and rise to heaven.
/
Sylvia Haik / September 28, 2015
BornAgain It would be equally logical to believe that when you die, we pray your soul be accepted by Allah because those who accept Allah as the only God will be going to Paradise and everybody else left behind. All this will be cleared when you watch Bill Maher’s Religulous.
/
Amarasiri / September 29, 2015
BornAgain
“May this kind and learned soul be with Jesus in his afterlife and be happy and may all those who are violent and want to kill in the name of religion, rape and kidnap and sell women for Wahabism, those who rape children, behead other Arabs including Shias, Yazdis realize the evil and errant ways of their lives and become kind and loving like Jesus our saviour. “
Jesus, is part of “Trinity” = God = Allah, The Learned Soul goes to Allah.
Trinity = 1+1+1 =1
1x1x1 =1
3×1 =1
Somebody got the Math mixed up. Wimal Weerawansa said 2/2 =0. All mixed up.
Remember, the Arab Christians call their God, Allah, whether they mean God or Jesus, does it matter?
Wahhabis, Salafis, ISIS etc do not follow Allah.
They Follow Iblis, Iblees, Satan, Shaitan, Lucifer, Mara. Satan does not like people praying to God, Allah. That is why the Inlis, Satan following Wahhabis are persecuting the Shias, Yazdis, Sufis, Christians etc.
So the troublemaker is Satan, Iblis. Read your Bible, read your Quran.
/
Ahmed / October 2, 2015
BornAgain,
die once, May Almighty guide you correct path
/
baludeen / September 28, 2015
[Edited out]
/
Prasantha lal De Alwis. / September 28, 2015
I have known humid karim. as a member of junior chamber(jayceece from 1984.
He was a man of great heart.he will intervene to settle any issue between people always objectively.
Person with a perfect sense of humor.
He will defend hard when ever is necessary If he felt right .
His writings were so objective that being a Sinhala Buddhist ,I never felt offensive.
I have filed a case seeking cancellation of all religious and racial based political parties after 4 years, last week.i wanted to seek your advice how to canvass support from your community.but I have lost it.
I will miss you,my friend.
Prasantha lal
/
Amarasiri / September 29, 2015
Prasantha lal De Alwis.
“His writings were so objective that being a Sinhala Buddhist ,I never felt offensive.”
Muslims need more of the Hameed Abdul Karims, like the Muslim scientists and philosophers, 1,000 years ago, to rescue them from the Iblis, Satan, Devil followers who have hijacked their religion.
“I have filed a case seeking cancellation of all religious and racial based political parties after 4 years, last week.i wanted to seek your advice how to canvass support from your community.but I have lost it.”
Religion is based on discrimination of one human being over another based on unproven beliefs, a group behavior.
Race is based on discrimination of one human being over another based on unproven evolutionary paths taken by ancestors, a group behavior. Still the different humans have the same number of chromosomes, 46, they inherited from their ancestors.
Both Religion and Race try to discriminate. Similarly, both religion and race based parties core belief is discrimination, on the assumption they they are superior to the others.
In the 1960s, Americans who knew only the potential of “equal protection of the laws” expected the president, the Congress, and the courts to fulfill the promise of the 14th Amendment. In response, all three branches of the federal government–as well as the public at large–debated a fundamental constitutional question: Does the Constitution’s prohibition of denying equal protection always ban the use of racial, ethnic, or gender criteria in an attempt to bring social justice and social benefits?
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/civil-rights-act/
/