20 April, 2024

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Moors Of Sri Lanka Are Not Perfectly Peaceful

By Imtiyaz Razak –

Dr.Imtiyaz Razak

Well, much has been said and written about the Bodu Bala Sena with regard their attack and violence on Moors of Sri lanka [also known as Muslims] and their symbols such as mosques. What the BBS did should not be encouraged, but need to be condemned to build more inclusive society in the island of Sri Lanka.

Having that said I would not think Moors of Sri Lanka are perfectly peaceful nor all of their actions contribute to peace and harmony. The recent trend and development among Moors of Sri Lanka are not very conducive to build peace and trust with non-Muslims.

The growth of Wahabists and Wahabist movements generously backed by the Middle Eastern countries and local agents, rise of Madrasas in the major corners of areas where Muslims pose predominancy, the growth of Muslim mosques on major roads and localities, steady rise of hijabis [muslim women wearing حجاب-a veil that covers the head and chest] are a few that contribute to the BBS actions and politics.

Muslims display the victory symbol as they hold a picture of Osama bin Laden during an anti-Israel and anti-U.S. protest demonstration after Friday prayers in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, July 21, 2006.

Note that I am NOT justifying what the BBS has been doing against the Moors, but Moors, for that matter Tamils also need to understand the concerns of majority, and thus should not contribute to the growth of extremists.

Tensions and conflicts are very likely to occur in a society where there is a politicization of relations/symbols to win votes. Hence, there need be actions from all sides to ease tensions and breed peace. Any failure would not only trigger further tensions in Sri Lanka at popular level, but also would provide perfect opportunities to external forces to exploit sri Lanka’s local tensions for their own interests.

*Dr.  A. R. M. Imtiyaz’ research and teaching are mainly focused on ethnic politics. He has published widely in peer-reviewed international journals. He currently teaches at the Asian Studies/Department of Political Science, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA.

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    Imtiyaz Razak

    Do the Muslims of this island secretly support Pakistani cricket team when they play against Sri Lanka?

    This could be the litmus test which has been well tried and tested in the UK according to my elders.

    A highly qualified Muslim told me he left this island because of Khalifah campaigners. This was 15 years ago.

    Could you shed some light on how deep rooted this idea of Khalifah Kingdom among Sri Lankan Muslims

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      Native Veddah,

      “Could you shed some light on how deep rooted this idea of Khalifah Kingdom among Sri Lankan Muslims”

      Most Muslims, like many others do not know the history and the finer points of their faith. They do not know the power struggles that happened in early Islam. Most just follow the Mullahs ans Ulema just like sheep.

      The Caliphate died with the Ottoman Empire. That was replaced by the modern Turkish Republic by Kamal Ataturk.

      This is one of many, many ideas and Myths believed by various believers, with no supporting data. Except for the extremists wh want to control the people, the 7th century Caliphate is now dead.

      Christopher Hitchens on the ignorance of believers

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ouBl4IJTY8

      Christopher Hitchens responds to a Jihad sympathizer

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axHR8AOxxkc

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        Amarasiri, I think the Caliphate ended with Ali Ibn Abu Taleb (K/W). The division started – Shia/Sunnah – started then.

        ‘Most just follow the Mullahs ans Ulema just like sheep’.

        True, not only that, the Madhhabs made another pandemonium.

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      It should be read as ‘Khilafa’ campaign, but not an underlying threat in Sri Lanka, but rumor.

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      “Imti-Vimty Folly”. This dentist is incitefully silly.

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    Having that said I would not think Moors of Sri Lanka are perfectly peaceful nor all of their actions contribute to peace and harmony. The recent trend and development among Moors of Sri Lanka are not very conducive to build peace and trust with non-Muslims.

    So Dr. Razak, exactly what are the facts you have to backup your opinion other than having an opinion ?

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      Dear Mr. Upul

      First of all Dr. Imtiyas’ opinions are baseless, how he could he give the backups…. Just let us have a look on his examples one by one….

      “The growth of Wahabists and Wahabist movements generously backed by the Middle Eastern countries and local agents”

      You know more than me what does it meant by “Wahabi/Salafi” what they are calling for and the influence what they have in muslim community in Srilanka, they are negligible minority and they are calling towards the spiritual facts only, if I am not wrong even they are refusing about Islamic system of politics as well…if you mean the so called wahabi in form of Taliban; then your example is excellent but unfortunately we don’t have such kind of wahabis in Srilanka..Even US embassy leaked cables says the same…

      “Madras as in the major corners of areas where Muslims pose predominance”

      It seems you may visit Afghanistan recently instead of Srilanka, can you tell us a single madrasa in Srilanka where they are teaching hatred about other religion/community/people/culture..Actually we have to promote the madrasas in srilankan in order to produce tolerable, inclusive, understanding community with high moral values….these are the Nobel values which anyone who attend madrasa could learn..

      “The growth of Muslim mosques on major roads and localities”

      Take your car from Clombo to Anuradhapura (Sorry you may haven’t visit Sri Lanka recently) there are 28 muslim mosques on main road all of them are more than 50years old….but yes muslims make new mosques not to show or confiscate the land but to perform their prayer as they do every day close to their village….by the way the consumed land to built for muslim mosque is much lesser when compare to Pansala or Kovils in Srilanaka (The recent Grandpass mosque also built only on 3 Purchases)

      “Steady rise of hijabis [muslim women wearing حجاب-a veil that covers the head and chest”

      This is non sense at all; do your grandmother/sisters walk on the street without covering her head and chest??? I never see muslim ladies in srilnka wearing such like that, hence our Sinhala ladies were also wearing same like that during the past decade, we change our dress code to mostly western style. The fact is muslim ladies are now more interact with the community they are doing higher studies, doing jobs….so do we want let the m to go back to kitchen….you may know in recent passed few muslims ladies were not allowed to study beyond GCE O/L, but now its improved they are studying interacting with community….

      In a nut shell I have not seen any matured minority like Srilankan muslims , even though they face several incitement for last two years their patience, diplomacy and the guidance of their leaders are amicable..

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    Mr. Rasuck , who the hell are you to comment about the hijab of women ? and you must be some american pup . people have different opinions on what and who Osama is.. even certain non muslims condone what Osama supposedly did on 9/11

    lol..oh wait…just read your credentials…so you ARE in USA…nicely suddata deka punna :)

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    Not only SL.

    Please visit the religion of peace website for facts and figures.

    According to Al Quran, we should be merciful to each other (Muslims) and ruthless to non believers.

    That is exactly what we do!!

    Don’t tell me not to do it.

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      Fatima Fukushima aka Some Avtars of BBS.

      Is Islam a religion of peace? Is religion the opium of the masses, as Karl Marx said?

      Reference the proper reference, and read the whole paragraph. That is how comprehension tests are done. Here are some points and counterpoints from two “Britishers”.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xkt-8ItSlU

      Islam, the “Religion of Peace”: Winston Churchill Said it as it is

      Mehdi Hasan | Islam Is A Peaceful Religion | Oxford Union

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy9tNyp03M0

      Is Christianity a Religion of peace? Buddhism?

      Buddhism The Great Evil — Parts 1 and 2

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNOfTGSADdY

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clcs2PSze0I

      The Evil Character of the Christian God (Christopher Hitchens)

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_530nHUmz1I

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      Fathima Fukashima

      Is a trouble maker in disguise, it should be clearly noted that all muslims call the holy book the “Holy Quran” or Quran but when analyzing the words “According to AL-Quran” which is predominantly used by most non muslims. Therefore Fathima Fuk is a wolf in disguise and are the culprits who enjoy the country burning to ashes which is disgusting. And never has the Holy Quran ever endorses such an act. If so show me the exact verse and chapter.

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        Fukashima is Lester in another Avatar. Its best to ignore him

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    how can u look at muslims in a proper angle with a fucking squint eyed.. idiot if you cant practice islam,,,just keep ur rotten smelling mouth shut.

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      @Imtiyaz ur comments are as cockeyed as ur squint.

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      @Imtiyaz
      ur comments are more cockeyed than ur squint.
      May ur almighty realign ur crazy vision!

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      THE FIRST THING I NOTICED WAS THIS BASTARD’S SQUINT AND WANTED TO COMMENT HE CANNOT FOCUS PROPERLY.I FOUND RUSHDY’S COMMENT.WELL
      SAID BROTHER.
      THERE WAS ANOTHER BASTARD AT TEMPLE UNIVERSITY FARUQI WHO ALONG WITH HIS
      WIFE WERE KILLED;

      Muslim students at Temple University used “a form of psychiatry” to manipulate him into killing two internationally known Islamic scholars, Joseph L. Young testified at his trial yesterday.

      Young, 41, said he heeded the students’ “feelings and vibrations” because he believed that Temple University professor Isma’il al-Faruqi and his wife, Lois, were forcing Muslim Malaysian students to participate in orgies and perform homosexual acts in exchange for college scholarships.

      Under questioning from his attorney, Stephen G. Heckman, in Montgomery County Court, Young said yesterday that he felt the Muslim student community selected him to commit the slayings because they wanted to replace the Palestinian-born Isma’il Faruqi as an Islamic leader at Temple.

      Faruqi, 65, and his wife, 60, were slain May 27, 1986, at their Cheltenham Township home.

      THIS WHAT YOU S-O-B’S ARE UPTO AND DISGRACING MUSLIMS AND ISLAM.
      AT TEMPLE UNIVERSITY-VERY APPROPRIATELY NAMED.

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    Dr. Imthiyaz Razak are a perfect & peaceful Muslim?

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    Fathima Fukushima, this is the first time I felt a tinge of doubt in trying to protect the rights of my muslim brethren in SL. If you feel that it is right to be merciful only towards muslims and ruthless towards all others, then you are contributing to this BBS madness. You see the only ppl who are keeping the country together and condeming extremist actions don’t think from a religious stand point, but think of ALL Sri Lankans as citizens of our island. So if you feel that we should treat ppl based only on the religion, all my actions against BBS would have been for nothing.

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      Being a good Muslim is being a good Human.

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      Dear Rue,

      This person Fathima Fukashima is a racist non Muslim who is instigating unsuspecting readers such as you to hate Muslims.

      Please don’t trust him

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    FYI, I thought this article was outrageous and didn’t agree with any of it. You have the right to practice your religion and its customs as you see fit. But after having read that comment by fathima, I wonder if the writer of the article has a point.

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      There are many who are paid to do this type of dirty work, to write disparaging remarks about Islam, Muslims, and this time coined them as ‘Moors’, probably next time with a new name ‘Mohammedans’ (people who follow Prophet Mohammed). Sure, these are to be expected. We have heard from them before, and will hear from them now and again in the future. It will come in more sinister form, but people need to read in between the lines to realize their true identity and motives. This can also come from these same comments section, where impersonation is rife, with misleading statements about the religion, distorting the facts to bring ridicule and discredit to the true teachings of Islam. Who is there to judge? Which is why it is important to understand Islam in its true and distilled perspective, rather than in a botched up adulterated form, for those who are truly interested to be a student of Islam and to know the TRUTH.

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    Mr. Imthiyaz, I am afraid that I couldn’t recognize you as a Muslim, so how you could comment on Muslim’s affairs of this country ? Do you thing if some one hold up a picture of Osama binladen then he/she represent any terrorist/extremist what ever you people call it? Osama binladen’s matter is totally politicized event which promoted on western interest and agenda and his actions is still being argued.
    Hijab is Islamic women’s choice and right and that is her faith, who am you to talk about it ? BBS is a organization carrying some dark age ideology which not representing all Buddhist in this country.
    Mr. Imathiyaz, I must say this that you are showing complete ignorance on Islam and you are showing lack of knowledge in Islamic movements and their ideologies. One thing keep deep with in your heart a good Muslim (A practicing Muslim – who follows the teaching of prophet Muhammed -peace be upon him ) honor and respect other religion and they are highly tolerated. Also a good Buddhist (who follow the teaching of Gawthama Buddha) are non violent and peace loving. but one thing we must remember there are black-sheep’s in every community and they can be intolerant and trouble makers. so what our duty as a nation ?I hope we must identify them and eradicate those to have a Beautiful Sri Lanka “Motherland” tomorrow, rather than blaming a community as what Mr. Imthiyaz did.

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    The Anti American trend in the muslim world stems from the the US Govt support for the state of Israel and its injustice towards the Palestinian people.

    Also there is the perception that the US is supporting various dictatorial and tyrannical regimes in order to control and monpolise their natural resources.

    If these are addressed ther is no issue. This is manifested in various demonstrations in Sri Lanka which are relatively harmless. The terrorist groups like Al Quaeda an Taliban are not present.

    Wahabism is mainly against worship of graves and other other local rituals and customs which are not strictly according to the Islamic teachings. It has nothing to do with terrorism and has no effect on non muslims.

    Following religous teachings and building places of worship in keeping with the laws of the land is a right of any human being and there is no need to compromise on such issues. There is no record of moors or muslims being any more violent than other communities in this country. If so the writer should support his statement with facts and figures.

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    Imtiyaz Razak is talking nonsense from the safety of the US.

    He must live in Sri Lanka to know what racism is. It is the domain of the most pathetic academics to blame the minority for the errors of the majority.

    The root cause of Muslim hatred is not the new fangled Wahabism (btw what Wahabism means to Imtiyaz Razak is anybody’s guess).

    Muslim hatred had been there for centuries. Read the history of Ceylon to see when and where hatred of Muslims and Tamils took root. There were many anti Muslim riots long before the current BBS madness. Muslim hatred did not arise due to the ‘gonibilla’ dresses, or the new madrassas or mosques. With expanding population it is natural for new mosques to be built just as new Budhist or Hindu temples coming up.

    Razak needs to visit Sri Lanka and mingle with the people to know what is going on. He should then be able to work out there is a hidden agenda behind the collusion of BBS and the MR’s Sri Lanka Family Party in attacking Muslims. He should ask himself how and why BBS, Ravaya and Hela Urmumaya can attack Muslims with absolute impunity.

    Imtiyaz Razak please simply ask the question, why has no saffron robed thug or for that matter any of the thugs who attacked the mosques or Muslim owned businesses arrested or charged. Not a single. I repeat, not a single. Think.

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    Fukushima is a city in Japan. This person is a fake and the statement is also fake. Sri Lanka is blessed with a negligible number of Muslim extremists. I only hope this number does not grow thanks to the constant fuel being poured in by the BBS types.

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    That “Rue Seneviratne” sounds suspiciously like she might be related to the chief lackey in the army of Rajapassa media-control lackeys, Malinda of the same last name! In fact, the Sri Lanka Rajapassa lackeys (Embassy) had a special launch of her most recent book, I understand!
    That said, this so-called “academic” sounds like many of his Muslim brethren who are only interested in crumbs from the Rajapassa table. Irrespective of the racist rhetoric of some allegedly-Muslim commentators, this is unmitigated b.s. parading as intelligent discussion of a very explosive subject.

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      Aney appochchi, unlike u, I have my true FB name on what I wrote. This is the first time I got accused of being a Rajapaksa Lackey since I’m more vocal, outspoken and aggressive in my thoughts AGAINST MR than most remales. It is not that I belong to any particular party, but I judge based on what’s right and wrong. Pls feel free to see my other comments speaking FOR muslims in colombo telegraph article comments, lankaenews, that mobitel fiasco and BBSQS. Don’t make stupid assumptions based on my surname you coward. At least grow a pair and put your real name.

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      And thanks for saying I’ve published a book. That’s news to me. I thought I was just a facebooker like everyone else. Glad to know I’m a well-renowned published author.

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    So the articcle is written by a DOCTOR.

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    As for Muslims in Sri Lanka not being ‘perfectly peaceful’ as claimed by this writer, is for the people of Sri Lanka to judge. After all the scorn and verbal abuse faced by them, provocations of unimaginable proportions that could have turned into living hell be it any other country, the vandalizing of places of religious worship, caricatures of insult drawn out on placards and Mosque walls, stoning of Mosques, closing and/or sudden shifting of Mosques based on whims and fancies of Buddha Sasana Ministry who have absolutely no respect towards the sentiments and sensibilities of Muslims. All this and still no violence, deaths nor tit-for-tat, eye-for-an-eye reaction must surely say a lot on their resilience and peace loving nature of Sri Lankan Muslim community. And here of all things you get a joker who probably has no understanding of the ground situation, supposedly a State University teacher in USA according the credentials presented writing some crap about ‘Moors of Sri Lanka not being perfectly peaceful’. How much more ridiculous can it get, I ask?

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    Religion should be kept out of politics. Until that is done we will always have extremists groups creeping in and causing friction. Fathima has taken one quote out of context and used it. All extremists tend to do this-whatever religion or philosophy they follow.
    A secular state is what this country sorely needs.

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    Just as Bodu Bala Sena does not represent real meaning or practise of buddhist philosphy, most of these extremist islamists do not understand nor practise the teachings of prophet mohhamed. These represent then extremist factions of the society – thats all.

    For years general public of this island have lived in peace with each other – muslim ladies did not have to wear veils covering their heads nor get in to black cloaks covering all but their eyes – do you say those muslim ladies of our neighbourhood those days were not good muslims?

    Nothing of the sort – we have newly spread seeds of enmity & distrust cast by a handful of sinhala/tamil/moor/ buddhist/hindu/christian/muslim people for their own gains – we should stand united against all those

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    And all this with no recourse to justice, with the long arm of the law, who is supposed to maintain the peace and help the oppressed, just folding their arms and letting the perpetrators of these crimes have a field day. No arrests, no investigations and no final outcome, due to tacit government support to commit these crimes against its own citizens, who are a minority community of people guaranteed for protection under Geneva Charter. How much more hostile can it get?

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    Hello madam! the bogus website with lots of misinterpreted facts, that you promote itself says what kind of a person you are! :P may God protect all of us and show us the right path..

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    Muslims are peaceful, tolerant and practise their religion without any problem in this country as most Muslims do get along fine with the non-Muslims. Sadly, some Muslims do not like to be identified as Sri Lankans and they try to give a false image that they belong to Saudi Arabia or Pakistan. The majority communities should ignore it. In contrast, the Malay community, who are also Muslims, staunchly practise their religion, but at the same time live harmoniously among the Sinhala and Tamil people without any problem whatsoever. As a single community, their achievements in sports, Police, armed services and other activities in Sri Lanka are highly commendable. Unfortunately, they do not have any political clout and no one bothers to help them socially or economically. That is the hard fact.

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    Hi Rue! I admire your bravery to stand and raise your voice for your brethren! I humbly invite you to learn the religion and not be misleaded by such people’s comments.. She sure wants to sound sarcastic pointing out a lame website with lots of misrepresentation.. Fukushima- the name you see!

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    Mr. Imtiyaz Razak correctly points out the growth of extremist factions among Muslims.
    Those moderate Muslims who are enraged against the religious extremism of the BBS have to have a serious look at the enemy within. like the many Sinhalese who think BBS is bringing a bad name to the principles of Buddhism. The comments of few here who are taking issue with the Imtiyaz Razak are as the old adage goes People who live in glass houses who want to throw stones.

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    I would have to disagree with the reasons given by Dr. Razack, justifying the BBS actions. Just because a group of people decide to adhere to their religion should not be a reason for hate. How does the hijab affect the non-muslim Srilankan? How does a madrasa affect a non-muslim Srilankan? these institutions dont go around spreading Islam, they are just schools for muslims to learn more about the religion, and as far as i know, the madrasas in Srilanka are not radical establishments as “MAY” be seen in Pakistan or Afghanistan.. What do you expect the Muslims to do Dr. Razack? give up our religion completely to please a few extremists? How much do you expect us to compromise? I agree the muslims have to play a major role in resolving this conflict, we need to be a bit more flexible and handle this in an intelligent manner. Moors have lived peacefully for the past 1000 years alongside their Sinhalese and Tamil brothers ever since the first Arabs arrived on the island. Why should this be a problem now?

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    Moors Of Sri Lanka Are Not Perfectly Peaceful.are you kidding me dude, it is not fair to say “Moors Of Sri Lanka Are Not Perfectly Peaceful”. it is not only Moors Of Sri Lanka Are Not Perfectly Peaceful but all so from other countries as well.
    you crazy!!!!! who ask you to judge Islam by looking at its followers
    it is not Muslims make Islam perfect rather it is Islam which makes it followers Perfect” and i wanna, say not a single person live in this face of the earth is perfect , so plz don’t judge Islam by looking at muslim” if you don’t know Islam go and learn Islam.
    if you are born out of one father and mother try to defame it”
    in deed you won’t able to do so,
    this msg is for Anti muslims
    For Muslims “either you surrender to Islam completely or stop calling your self muslim”
    unfortunately most of the muslims are misguided or extreme

    i apologize for the filthy works of muslims from non muslim

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    yet another individual using the Salman Rushdie theory to gain Popularity, a common phenomenon in the world..

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    Amazing how people with Muslim names attack and feed poisonous venom to the readers.

    Lo! they who spread the slander are a gang among you. Deem it not a bad thing for you; nay, it is good for you. Unto every man of them (will be paid) that which he hath earned of the sin; and as for him among them who had the greater share therein, his will be an awful doom. (The Noble Quran 23:11)

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      He is a ‘Unique’ hallucinated Maoist, a typical JVP scum.

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    I agree with Dr Imtiyaz on the need of action from all parties ease tension and breed peace. Whether we are Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus or Christians we as Sri Lankans have a right to live as first class citizens and practice our religions without treading onto a conflict path. Buddhists being a majority should learn to tolerate the practices of other religions which a majority of do. A minority of them are behind all the recent troubles created in attacking muslim businesses, mosques and Christian churches. The Bhikkus has no right to act as policeman and take the law into their hand or act like thugs and attack people.
    The Muslims should realize that they are a minority and their prosperity in business and life will depend on the acceptance by the majority. Recent incidents which have created tensions could have been avoided if the religious leaders acted wisely. Why build new mosques by main roads when mosques can be built away from the main roads without blocking the public roads and inconveniencing people. One place is Rajagiriya mosque. Also the recent incident of putting up a sign board on the road instructing silence near a mosque was unnecessary. The Halal certificate was another unwarranted issue. Such a certificate could have been issued free as this is to inform the muslims what they should consume. Do you have to use loudspekers to announce prayer times five times a day in a non muslim country. The hijab of women is another issue where the women in hijab get into the swimming pools in places like leasure villa which is not hygienic. These are few issues which could be sorted without creating tensions.
    As for the Christians, the conversions by offering many benefits is certainly looked down upon by all other religions.
    Let us practice our religions not by name but by deed and make this country a peaceful place for all Sri Lankans to live together.

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    Oh. Fukushima. A wolf in sheep’s clothing. Where does the Quran make such a sweeping statement? “Be ruthless to non believers?” Anybody can pick a statement out of context, and quote it.

    Dont try to mislead people. Try your dirty tricks elsewhere.

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    Fathima Fukshima has all got it wrong having misunderstood the religion of Islam probably with her scant knowledge of the interpretation of the Quran. Islam is a peaceful religion where the rights and privileges of those not practicing Islam should be respected. So Mr. RS do not get ruffled, muslins are peace loving as you can observe where they have remained calm even under extreme provocation recently. But it should be considered as a sign of weakness.

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      This person going by the name Fathima Fukashima is a male, who uses multiple pseudo names to vilify Muslims and his sole aim is to create a back lash against Muslims.

      His please ignore his attacks on Islam and Muslims. Expose his hypocrisy instead.

      He goes by these names as well. Mulliwaikal, Lester,I am no Muslim

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    Sorry, But it should not be considered as a sign of weakness

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