28 March, 2024

Blog

Muslim Clerics Acting In Bad Faith: Using All Resources To Hamper Progress On MMDA Reforms

Chairman of the Muslim Personal Law reform committee former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Saleem Marsoof said the All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ulama (ACJU) have acted in contravention of the good faith reposed in them, and instead have extended all their resources to stunt the work of the committee.

Justice Saleem Marsoof

He also said the actions by the ACJU have had an intimidating effect on the members of the committee.

“Mufthi Rizwe and Mubarak Moulavi both of ACJU are members of the Committee chaired by me. According to news reports, a delegation of ACJU have gone around meeting Muslim members of Parliament and handed over various documents including working drafts prepared by me for consideration of the Committee under confidentiality,” he said in a Facebook post in which he called for opinions on the reforms.

Mufthi Rizwe is the Chairman of the main theological arm of the Muslims, the ACJU. He has been the Chairman of the theological arm for over 17 years.

The ACJU came in to severe criticism by the Muslim intelligentsia following an expose by Colombo Telegraph on its support to Underage Marriage of females, among other rituals and views, deemed archaic.

The legal luminary, who also acted as Chief Justice further said that the ACJU have commenced a campaign expending all resources to curtail the work of the committee.

“Already jumma sermons and signature campaigns have been conducted to object to any amendments to the MM&D Act on the purported basis that it is of divine origin, and some members of my committee feel intimidated and may tow the ACJU line” he said.

The discussion on his Facebook page was called for by Justice Marsoof following a revelation by Colombo Telegraph which said the Ulamas were in agreement on child marriage and that a child could be married even before puberty.

“Have your say! The Quazi Court is an integral part of the Sri Lankan Judiciary. Aggrieved parties may appeal from its decisions and orders to the Board of Quazis and from there to the Court of Appeal. The Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act restricts appointments of Quazis and to the Board of Quazis only to males, when Art 12 of the Constitution guarantees equal opportunity to all. The ACJU vehemently objects to opening out these judicial appointments to women. I share this article that seeks to clarify the ACJU stand, and for opening out the issue for discussion in the public interest!” Justice Marsoof said on his Facebook page.

The MMDA does not stipulate a minimum age for marriage and the act specifies instead that a female under the age of 12 could be married subject to authorisation by the Qazi.

In effect it means that there is no minimum age for marriage and children over 12 years of age could be married with no bar. The MMDA also does not have provision for consent from the Bride and females do not participate in the signing of the marriage.

Accordingly the females are legally permitted to be married at any age without their consent. Girls under 12 have to be married subject to Qazi authorisation according to the act in its present form.

The Colombo Telegraph is also in possession of evidence of widespread fraud among the Qazi’s. According to the Act, the entire Qazi system is legally mandated to be only male.

The expose, came on a submission made by the Ulama to political leaders.

Issuing a statement in November Justice Marsoof said the committee is in its final stages of preparing the recommendations.

The Committee which comprise 16 members was set up initially in 2009.

The efforts to reform the act have been met with stiff resistance from conservative elements among the Muslims. They insist that the Laws including marriage before puberty, the non appointment of females due to a reasoning that a female is not on par with a male are valid.

The Colombo Telegraph learns that the male dominated clergy have been using the Friday sermons attended by males to propogate these views in mosques across the Island.

The report is to be submitted on May 21st.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Latest comments

  • 6
    4

    Dear Chairman of the Muslim Personal Law reform committee former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Saleem Marsoof,

    RE: Muslim Clerics Acting In Bad Faith: Using All Resources To Hamper Progress On MMDA Reforms

    Yes. Muslim Clerics are Acting In Bad Faith, Why?

    Because they want to maintain their hegemony,and privileges, so that they can deny the rights given to Muslim women by God, Allah and Prophet Mohamed.

    They are abusing the Quran and Hadith, to maintain their hegemony. They are NOT the people of knowledge, as per the most illustrious Islamic Scholar, Jurist, Poly,math and Philosopher, Ibn Rushd, also known as Averroes.

    If it is the Prophet’s Tradition, Sunnah, as they claim, how come they do not promote Muslim men marrying older women and widows, just like Prophet Mohamned did for 25 years, with his first wife Kadijah, until she died? Double standards? Why? because the

    Are the Muslim Clerics following Allah or the Satan, Iblis, Devil, as the Wahhabies, Salafies, Tauhidis, ISIS and their clones do? Yes!

    Iblis, Satan, Devil wants to Mislead the People. Muslim Clerics follow Satan for their own hegemony, just like Satan’s Hegemony and Ego.

    Devil (Islam)
    In Islam, the devil is called Shayṭtān, (Arabic: شيطان‎‎, plural: شياطين shayāṭtīn) and refers to all evil forces under leadership of the archdevil known as Iblīs, who was cast out of heaven, after he refused to prostrate before Adam.

    The primary characteristic of Iblis is hubris; not only did he deem himself a superior creation to Adam, he also demonstrated arrogance by challenging Allah’s judgment in commanding him to prostrate. His primary activity is to incite humans and jinn to commit evil through deception, which is referred to as “whispering into the hearts.” The Quran mentions that satans are the assistants of those who disbelieve in God: “We have made the evil ones friends to those without faith.”

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil_(Islam)

    • 5
      3

      Devil (Islam) In Islam, the devil is called Shayṭtān, (Arabic: شيطان‎‎, plural: شياطين shayāṭtīn) and refers to all evil forces under leadership of the archdevil known as Iblīs, who was cast out of heaven, after he refused to prostrate before Adam.

      All religions have their own version of devils. Clearly this is a human creation and is a logical step after creating “God”.

      In most religions the “Devil” is male – probably the only thing where Rizwi Mufthi is correct.

      • 4
        2

        K.Pillai

        “In most religions the “Devil” is male – probably the only thing where Rizwi Mufthi is correct.”

        Yes. No Devilesses.

        Where is the the Devil Following male Rizwi Mufthi? With the Satan scheming his next move?

        • 0
          0

          Muslims believe there are female and male devils. In fact they can even take the human form. When a
          Muslim enters washroom he enters with left foot reciting: “Oh Allah protect me from male and female devils.”

          • 1
            0

            Ayman.
            Rubbish.
            Did your parents teach you this ritual or a tribal mullah?
            Get real, man.

            • 2
              0

              Sarrij,
              I do not know what religion you practice.I do not make a statement without proof,unlike the Amarasiris,Pillais
              and others..As a a Muslim,a child first learns the basic facts of religion from ones parents. Teaching ones
              Faith is part of good parenting.You idiot are making fun of people and their religion due to bad parenting.
              I do not know of Mullahs and tribal Mullahs.
              Could you please tell me who a mullah is and of course what you mean by a tribal mullah.

              • 0
                0

                Ayman.
                Just because your parents taught your religious practices it does not mean it is proof of correctness.
                Teaching kids superstitious tribal practices is not good parenting.
                Questionable rituals are quite common among SL Muslims and you seem to be one of the victims.
                Instead of getting emotional, perhaps it is time that you get some proper tutoring on Islam from a reliable institute; definitely not from your “ignorant” parents.

                • 2
                  0

                  Sarrij,
                  You can insult me. Your insulting my parents, both of whom are dead, cannot be accepted.
                  Your saying this is a sign of ignorance, from bad parenting perhaps.
                  For your information, I am one who has been in the field of Daw’ah and have to my credit
                  several publications… What are the questionable rituals,which are common .As for me I
                  do not partake in any rituals, since they were not according to Quran or Sunnah.
                  I am one who has learnt from the best of tutors. It is you who have to learn the basics of Islam.
                  In concluding I would like to say, you are perhaps Sirraj, not Sarrij !!’

                  • 0
                    0

                    Ayman.
                    Sorry, I did not not mean to insult you or your parents.
                    I am just pointing out the fallacies of your thinking and tutoring of your tutors.

    • 1
      0

      AMARASIRI,
      I am not for the ACJU. But you cannot go on demeaning them. You are a “copy/paste” scholar.
      There is nothing original in your posts other than your insults. You are absolutely ignorant
      of what is there in the Quran and Sunnah
      I challenge you to come out with all your bullshit in the print media, and I will take you on then.

  • 8
    2

    The Need for an Alternative Ulema’s Majlis in Sri Lanka ?

    [PART 1]

    Theology is defined as ‘the study of religious faith, practice, and experience’.
    A theologian is defined as ‘a person who engages or is an expert in theology’.
    The ACJU describes itself as ‘the apex religious body of Islamic Theologians that provides religious and community leadership to the Sri Lankan Muslim Community’. Moreover, the ACJU prides itself as consisting of ‘Islamic Scholars most of whom are holders of doctorates, special degrees, master’s degree or 1st degrees’. The arabic word ‘Alim’ means ‘Scholar’, while the term ‘Ulema’ is the plural form of this word.

    One may argue that by implication, only those individuals who are members of the ACJU are perceived as ‘Islamic Scholars’ of repute. In other words, no one can really be seen as being an ‘Islamic Scholar’ unless he is a member of the ACJU, however qualified he may be in terms of having achieved academic qualifications in the relevant fields of Islam. The ACJU has thereby acquired and reserved for itself the right to have the final word in any and all matters pertaining to Islam and the Ummah in Sri Lanka. They have in the process established a very tight grip on the local Sunni Muslim Community.

    • 3
      1

      Bisthan Batcha and Justice Saleem Marsoof,

      RE: The Need for an Alternative Ulema’s Majlis in Sri Lanka ?

      Justice Saleem Marsoof, thank you for your efforts to reform MMDA, despite the underhand efforts by the Ulama, the “Self-Appointed” guardians of Sri Lankan Muslims, especially the Muslim girls and women. Unfortunately only a fraction of the Muslim men, understand the real issues and the knowledge contained in the “Precious Book”, the Quran, per Ibn Rushd.

      Al-Kindi, the first 9th Century Muslim philosopher, accused the Hanabalites and other traditionalists, of graft and social ambition. For they assume the posture of genuine seekers of truth, he writes, “simply defend.the positions of pre-eminence on society, as a means of gaining ascendancy or trafficking in religion:whereas they are devoid of religion altogether”

      This description perfectly fits the current Ulama of ACJU.

      This is a human rights issue as well as a constitutional and God given rights to human rights issue, and Muslim girls and women should be included as well, without being treated like chattel, as per the Ulama of ACJU.

      Therefore, as Bisthan Batcha comments, there is an ABSOLUTE NEED for an Alternative Ulema’s Majlis in Sri Lanka, who are altruistic, unlike the current Ulama, who are fed by the petro-dollars of the Saudi Wahhabies, who follow Satan, Iblis, Devil, as per the Hadith of Najd, presciently predicted by Prophet Mohamed, 14 centuries ago.

      References:

      1. Hadith of Najd

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadith_of_Najd

      2. Scholar from al-Azhar: Wahhabism is a Satanic Faith, the Horn of the Devil that Muhammad Predicted

      Published on Jun 2, 2013
      Yusri Rushdi al-Sayyid Jabr al-Husni, a Sunni Muslim religious scholar from the world’s oldest and most prestigious Islamic school, the Honorable al-Azhar, has stated that Wahhabis who are also known by other names such as Salafis, Najdis, and Horners, are in fact the Horn of the Devil, a term used by the prophet Muhammad in reference to a satanic faith that shall come out of Najd (Saudi Arabia).

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufxTUFapy1w

      • 3
        0

        AMARASIRI,
        First and foremost , you have to Say whether you are a Muslim or not.
        If you are a Muslim, and writing under Sinhala pen-name,,you must give give the reason.If you are not a
        Muslim you have no damned business to be talking on Islam.Islam is a religion . Religion and philosophy are two
        different areas.There is no room for religion in philosophy and vice-versa.
        Islam is a revealed religion,which none can challenge and has stood the test of time for 15 centuries.
        The sources of Islam are the Quran, Sunnah , Ijma ( consensus of scholars) and analogy..
        There is no need for any organization to tell us what to do.
        If you are a Muslim , you are a deviant and that’s why you keep on bringing the wrong interpretation of the Hadith
        of Najd and the word Salaf.
        On this Fora I have elsewhere explained clearly about Hadith of Najd an the word Wahabi and Salafi.
        You keep on repeating the names of Al kinda, Avicenna ,IBN Rushd , they are not men we need not know at all.
        If you think,we Muslims who are people who follow Quran and Sunnah are following Saudi Arabia ,you are sadly mistaken. We follow the Ulema of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah, who comprise Saudis, Kuwaitis , Yemenis and others.
        One of the most famous scholars of our time is the late Sh. Naseeruddin al Albani ( Rahimahullah) who was an Albanian.All Imams of Hadith are non Arabs other than Imam Malik.I can go on but it’s no use unless you are prepared
        accept and learn.

    • 3
      0

      The ACJU is an organisation of moulavis ( those who pass out of madrasahs after a couple of years of study of the
      various aspect of the religion of Islam). The could belong to the different schools of thought. They cannot clam to
      be an AALIM. The ACJU has no right to impose its views on any Muslim,and for that matter Muslims do not have to
      accept what they say. There are many Muslims who have a good knowledge of their religion,who are referred to
      when necessary. One does not have to be a Moulavi,Ph.d, etc.,
      No one who has knowledge will get into debate. The main purpose of a Muslim acquiring knowledge is to be able to
      practice his religion correctly.,as one can see the number of people, expressing their opinions.
      Islam is what Allah commands and the Prophet SALLALLAHU ALAIHI Wa sallam commands. ALLAHS commands
      are embodied in the Quran and the Sunnah are the Prophets orders and whar he showed by example.
      There is an idiot who laughed off about what I said about entering washrooms ,because he is not a Muslim or has not been taught. There is prayer before and after every act. That is why Islam is not for a particular day ,or time. From birth to death, from the time one wakes up to the time one goes to sleep.I am one who has acquired knowledge from the
      top most scholars abroad. I cannot explain everything within limit of 300 words. If there is any particular question one wants to ask, he may do so and I will give the answer with the proof.To most people on this fora, religion is for
      desecrating. I practice my religion, and as such, I do not denigrate any religion. This a sign of good character and this
      is what all religions came for.

  • 1
    0

    [Edited out] Comments should not exceed 300 words.Please read our Comments Policy for further details.

    • 1
      1

      Sri Lankan Muslim Dr

      “Comments should not exceed 300 words.”

      Copy your Comments onto a Word document, and from the Pull down menu, select Review, and click on ABC 123 on the left. It will give you the pages, words, characters, paragraphs and lines. @CT cares only about words.

      Keep the total words to 300 or less.

  • 10
    3

    [PART 2]

    The ACJU was established in 1924. It’s role at that time would have been defined by the felt need for such an organization among the then members of the Muslim Community. A century is a considerable period of time and the ACJU would be celebrating their Centenary in another 7 years time.

    During the past 93 years, has the ACJU kept pace with the changing needs of the Ummah ? Advising the Ummah of the religious dimensions that have a bearing on their changed needs, living as a minority community in Sri Lanka ?

    Or were the members of the ACJU so sharply transfixed to the point of being mesmerized by interpretations of the Quran and the Sunnah developed more than a 1000 years ago by other Arabic & Persian Islamic Scholars that they did not realize that the contexts in which such interpretations are made have changed significantly and are continuing to change in different countries worldwide ?

    Why are they so terrified of ‘change’ ? Why are they doing everything possible to ensure that the status quo remains unchanged on matters pertaining to Islam in Sri Lanka ? Do they lack lateral thinkers among their much-vaunted group of Islamic Scholars ? Or have such progressive and radical thinkers been weeded out of or marginalized within the organization to perpetuate the existence of outdated laws and rules ?

    Has the ACJU during it’s 93-year history ever considered the idea of accepting Alimas (female Islamic Scholars) to it’s ranks ?

    • 6
      4

      Dear Bisthan Batcha,

      “Or were the members of the ACJU so sharply transfixed to the point of being mesmerized by interpretations of the Quran and the Sunnah developed more than a 1000 years ago by other Arabic & Persian Islamic Scholars that they did not realize that the contexts in which such interpretations are made have changed significantly and are continuing to change in different countries worldwide ?”

      Glad to know that there are thinking Muslims among the Sri Lankan Muslims who understand the issues.

      This debate goes back a 1,000 years, when the Theologians and the Islamic Philosophers, who were scholars of repute, debated, reason vs. revelation, and the information contained in Hadith.

      Please read about the Theologians, Philosophers,Reason and Revelation in Islam. Two notable Islamic scholars in this area were Hamild Al Ghazali and Ibn Rushd, Averroes.According to Ibn Rushd, Thirlogians are NOT the People of knowledge, nut lieralists, who do not understand the Scriptures.

      The theologians have prevailed to interpret the Quran and Hadith the way they see it in theit best interests and understanding. They do not necessarily treat the Quran as a book of knowledge, like other books, but an important book. like the Philosophers.

      This is further complicated by the Low IQ, and Knowledge of the Muslims and Ulama.

      Does cotton burn because of God or because of oxygen, nature, here on Earth? Ghazali’s many errors were pointed out by Ibn Rushd.

      Read Faith and Reason in Islam bu Ibn Rushd, Averroes

      Faith and Reason in Islam: Averroes’ Exposition of Religious Arguments (Great Islamic Writings) Kindle Edition
      by Averroes (Author), Ibrahim Najjar (Author)

      The first translation available in English of a key work by the twelfth-century Muslim philosopher Averroes, which reveals his controversial views about reason, religion, and humankind’s relationship with God. Suitable both for scholars and interested readers, this unique text proves that today’s disputes between religion, reason, and science are far from a new phenomenon.

  • 12
    3

    [PART 3]

    A disturbing feature that has emerged in the recent past is the involvement of ACJU in matters that do not appear to be quite compatible with their mandate, which included their participation in one of the annual UNHRC meetings in Geneva and more recently raising funds for earthquake victims in Nepal. Why have they not initiated the raising of funds for the Yemeni Muslims currently at the receiving end of lethal bomb attacks on a daily basis by Saudi Arabia supplied by their U.S. masters ? Or for the Palestinians suffering under the weight of illegal sanctions imposed by Israel ?

    Judging by the actions of the ACJU and the behaviour of it’s leading members, it appears that the ACJU, driven by a sense of overblown self-importance, wishes to project itself as possessing the same status in the Muslim Community as that which Maha Sangha enjoys in the Buddhist Community. How on earth can a bunch of Scholars ever achieve the status of ‘Priests’ in Sunni Islam ? No wonder the ACJU are being derisively referred to as a group of ‘Glorified Lebbes’.

    Radical changes will have to be made within the ACJU itself before the Ummah can expect this apex body of Islamic Scholars to issue fatwas that are compatible with the new contextual environment.

    Alternatively, the Ummah has to ask itself as to whether the time is opportune to launch a new parallel body of Islamic Scholars to offer the community religious guidance in the third millemium in Sri Lanka. After all the Ummah are not obliged by law to follow the edicts of the present ACJU are they ?

    • 4
      4

      Bisthan Batcha

      “Alternatively, the Ummah has to ask itself as to whether the time is opportune to launch a new parallel body of Islamic Scholars to offer the community religious guidance in the third millemium in Sri Lanka. After all the Ummah are not obliged by law to follow the edicts of the present ACJU are they ? “

      Yes. The Sri Lankan Muslims need to form an Alternate Body of Muslim Scholars, with Advisers from progressive Muslin Societies and from Muslim Reformists and Islamic Philosophers.

      Call it All Sri Lanka Islamic Scholars. To be Qualified, they need to have qualifications, that the Islamic Scholars and Philosophers had 1,000 years ago, like Ibn Rushd and Al-Ghazali, Avicenna and Al-Kindi.

      This New body must be inaidurated bt the SL Muslims, and peel away the prigressive Muslims from the Ulama.

      In addition, make sure that some members are also elected as Marriage Registrars, so that they can register Marriages.

      This ACJU reminds me of GMOA, SLMC and the Catholic Church, 500 years ago, before the Protestant Reformation by Martin Luther, on October 31, 1517.

      May Amarasiri suggest October 31, 2017 as the Day for the New All Sri Lanka Islamic Scholars.

      Remember the 95 Theses of Martin Luther?

      Come up with 99 Reasons why ACJU does not represent All the Muslims in Sri Lanka, only themselves, to maintain their hegemony, at the expense of the women and the community.

    • 3
      1

      Bisthan Batcha has lost himself somewhere in the wood. ACJU’s internal administrational problems are matters to Muslims. Many Tamils know how the Hindu Aatheenams are run with public money swindling and womanizing in the name of gods. The same case with Catholic priests and Bald heads too. The point here is not internal administration, their comments on the political administration. Equal right is everybody’s political issue, not Muslims women or ACJU’s only. If ACJU don’t know what century they are living in, they have to shut up their mouths and stay out of human rights.

      Further, is MMDA was not brought in Pakistan Parliament or Saudi Royal court. It was enacted by Sinhala Buddhist in Sinhala Buddhist nation, who refuses to grant equal status to minorities. If they are honest in giving privileges to Muslims men, then why not give that for all religious minorities? Why not recognize Hindu Caste system? (I don’t mean it- only a point). The reason for Sinhala Parliament to pass MMDA is only to divide Tamils and Muslims, sacrificing the freedom of one sector’s women. That is a prize for Muslim leaders to support the “Indian Pakistani Citizenship Act”. MMDA has been made more lethal than Sharia by picking some backward and age old Tamils cultures. While Tamil Hindus are trying to shed it off, it has been made the law of the Land for Muslim women.

    • 3
      0

      There is no need for Muslims Mass for MMDA other than need for Muslim leaders to keep their community under their control, while they milk from the Muslim – Sinhala government using their anti-Tamil racial feeling. If one reads, Izeth, Latheef, Hilmi’ and other femmephobia male chauvinist’s essays, he/she can easily notice how these men chauvinist writers are signing outdated LTTE songs to please their Sinhala Bosses, even though Yahapalanaya is trying hard pretend to IC that they are no longer in that game.
      This is why, so far, the Hindu oppressed castes don’ts go out and seek justice from Sinhala Buddhist government for high caste oppressions. They stayed with leader Pirapaharan and are staying with TNA for a reason. They don’t want Sinhala Government’s paid coolies like Izeth, Mahindapala, Shanmugathas…. wedge between them and then use them as the pawn in the anti-Tamil wars.

      That is why it is time for Muslim men to realize that their Mothers are sanctimonious angels on the earth and superiors to them, sisters as real siblings ate on the same plate- played in the same ground, wives are equal partners in the their sorrows and happiness, the daughters as their precious wealth and neighbors as nature’s adorable creations to seed earth with grace and peace. They need plug out the Don Stephen’s wedge that hurt their women folk by being inserted in-between them and their men. MMDA is not a Muslim religious law. It is Sinhala Buddhist law to divide and rule.

      Bisthan Batcha may have point in ACJU’s malfunctioning. But, that is a discussion to a Muslim Websites. Women rights are political issue for public forums.

      • 0
        0

        Muslims are not anti-Tamil as seen as how they co-exist peacefully with Tamils in the North and East and
        in other parts of the country. If Muslims were anti-Tamil, they would have sided with the Sinhalese and it
        would have been another story. The Muslims of the North and East were sent out of North and East by Pranha? ,when Ashraf wanted a small kingdom in the EaST.I almost forgot M.H.M.ASHRAFF, PRESIDENTS COUNSEL !!!????

    • 9
      3

      Totally agree with Bisthan Batcha.

      This Rizvie Mufthi and the idiots at the ACJU is a curse to the Muslims. Time for rich businessmen to stop financing this crook to maintain his life style with multiple wives.

  • 16
    1

    Where are the Muslim women in all this? Surely they are the most important participants in this issue? Muslim women scholars, politicians, leaders, business women, professionals, mothers, and so many others must play the prominent role in such an important issue. Old men with no education, open mindedness, and minds still in the dark ages, should not be allowed to make such a crucial decision. Muslim girls and young women, must be protected, and not be forced into marriages, to live a life of misery and suffering, to give birth to babies, being babies themselves, to not have a normal childhood, just like the non Muslim girls. This is ridiculous to say the least, and for moderate Muslim politicians and leaders to stay indifferent to this entire situation, is deplorable.
    The safety of Muslim girls lies in the hands of narrow minded old men, who ideally should be living in the 18th century. This is the time for Muslim women and men to push forward and do what is right for the next generation. NOW. Do not allow the backward old men, to decide the fate of your girls. WAKE UP.

    • 9
      2

      Very good comment.

      Sometime back in a Professor after performing a surgery in the General Hospital on a Muslim young lady, advised her husband not to exercise his marital rights for six months as post-surgery care. Boy! That fell on deaf ears and the poor lady was back in hospital. The original team of surgeons were helpless. Such is the subjugation of that section of women.

      I think as Sri Lankans, religious matters apart, should act in unison the unwarranted subjugation of women. Of course, in Saudi Arabia, a woman is considered half of a man for all intents and purposes. In Sri Lanka the minority communities cherish the Soulbarian edict of the disability to legislate on religious issues without the consent of such religious leaders, which was done away in the subsequent constitutions, resulting in some bitterness in minorities. Though the constitutional provision was taken away, as far as possible, the consensus of Muslim religious leaders were sought in legislating in Muslim matters. The first modification regarding Muslims were done, I believe, based on the leadership of Justice Akbar, a Cambridge graduate.

      I have noted that in Sri Lanka, a Muslim man is entitles to have up to 4 wives although in other Islamic countries there is no limit. However, with time, a shrewd modification was done where the Muslim man now requires the consent of his wife to marry a second, so on and so forth, effectively introducing monogamy. So let Justice Salem Marsoof do his work without any interruptions and let shrewd modifications be done so that while conservative principle remains it is effectively diluted to prevent subjugation of women.

  • 12
    1

    If right thinking educated Muslims – males and females – allow this perversion of human rights of females of their own community, they are worst of human beings, and will be under sadistic domination of males
    cloaked as “law givers”, forever.
    And, their community deserves it.

    • 3
      0

      justice

      “And, their community deserves it.”

      The brush is too wide. There are many who wants liberation from the Ulama, but are helpless. They need support to be liberated from the Ulama impostors, who follow the Devil, Satan by suppressing women and the community.

      Clearly, like the Wahhabis, Ulama are agents of Satan, in order to maintain their hegemony. For that they are twisting the Quran and Hadith. Thet are not knowledgeable per Ibn Rushd, 12th Century well-known Islamic Scholar, jurist and Philosopher.

  • 16
    3

    Rizwi Mufthi and Moulavi Mubarak were part of the committee headed by Justice Saleem Marsoof and is it ethical for them to get the draft of the report prepared by Justice Marsoof, circulate among their supporters( obviously to some lawyers who had drafted the response)? This draft a reply which was published in the CT. This reply was given to the Parliamentarians. This unethical behaviour is not in keeping with the tenets of Islam nor is it in keeping with the generally accepted behaviour of a committee. There are written and unwritten rules that are to be adhered by formal committees and informal groups. We don’t need to have any qualification to know these rules. They don’t qualify to be Ulemas.

    ACJU has a history on interfering in issues that they don’t need to. Halal crisis which dragged the entire Muslim community into disrepute was one of those. They had charged exorbitant fees and also were accused of corruption. Did they ever give accounts of their receipts and expenditure.

    Then Rizwie Mufthi went on record saying that nikab or face cover for women is mandatory. Mandatory means if you do not do it , a person can go to Hell. It is as serious as that but many learned scholars ( more learned than these Indian qualified Ulemas) here and abroad say that it is optional and some say it is not necessary.

    As Bishan Batcha pointed out as to why they should do charity selectively. They will never raise funds or condemn attacks on Yemen because it is done by Saudies.

    We do not need these Ulema to tell the Muslims what to do with our lives. We don’t need ACJU or another parallel groups.

    • 5
      2

      Salma Junaideen

      “This unethical behaviour is not in keeping with the tenets of Islam nor is it in keeping with the generally accepted behaviour of a committee. There are written and unwritten rules that are to be adhered by formal committees and informal groups. We don’t need to have any qualification to know these rules. They don’t qualify to be Ulemas.”

      They are men, and according to them they are qualified. Women, do not qualify and women are chattel owned by men.

      Bible Literalists, Quaranic Literalists and Hadith Literalists

      Is the Bible Literally True? No, of Course Not!

      Freeing God And Religion From The Confines Of Faith And Reason

      Intelligent Design, Online Edition

      Qur’anic literalism is the belief that the verses of the Qur’an should be taken at their apparent meaning.

      How different are the Ulama from Osama Bin Laden, the Saudi Wahhabi?

      Osama bin Laden is at it again, offering copious Qur’an quotes–as if challenging peaceful Muslims to demonstrate that he is misusing the Islamic book. Why don’t they take up the challenge? This is the way Osama and his counterparts make recruits among Muslims. This is what peaceful Muslims need to counter. But instead, they call people who point out that the jihadists do this “Islamophobes,” and that is that.

      http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/bible-literalists/

    • 3
      2

      Salma Junaideen and Bisthan Batcha

      “As Bishan Batcha pointed out as to why they should do charity selectively. They will never raise funds or condemn attacks on Yemen because it is done by Saudies. “

      Of course, but why?

      The Saudis are Wahhabis, Salafis, Tauhidis, ISIS, Deobandis and their clones.

      They, ACJU and Mufti follow Iblis, Devil, Satan Shaytan. Read up on the Hadith of Najd.Najd is is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Horn of Satan.

      The ACJU and the Mufti will take the Sri Lankan Muslims to Hell Fire, along with the Saudi Wahhabies and Shaytan, Satan, Iblis.

      References:

      1. Hadith of Najd

      According to two narrations in Sahih Bukhari, Muhammad asks Allah to bless the areas of Bilad al-Sham (Syria) and Yemen. When his companions said “Our Najd as well,” he replied: “There will appear earthquakes and afflictions, and from there will come out the side of the head (e.g. horns) of Satan.”In a similar narration, Muhammad again asked Allah to bless the areas Medina, Mecca, Sham, and Yemen and, when asked specifically to bless Najd, repeated similar comments about there being earthquakes, trials, tribulations, and the horns of Satan.

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadith_of_Najd

      2. Scholar from al-Azhar: Wahhabism is a Satanic Faith, the Horn of the Devil that Muhammad Predicted

      Published on Jun 2, 2013
      Yusri Rushdi al-Sayyid Jabr al-Husni, a Sunni Muslim religious scholar from the world’s oldest and most prestigious Islamic school, the Honorable al-Azhar, has stated that Wahhabis who are also known by other names such as Salafis, Najdis, and Horners, are in fact the Horn of the Devil, a term used by the prophet Muhammad in reference to a satanic faith that shall come out of Najd (Saudi Arabia)

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufxTUFapy1w

  • 14
    2

    At first I felt it was not right for me to comment on matters involving a community to which I didn’t belong.

    Then I made a number of comments mainly because I could clearly see that some Muslim men (I now discover that they are members of the ACJU) have been mercilessly exploiting Muslim girls and women.

    I have no desire to interfere in the “Muslim Way of Life”. However, when I found that there was little concern for even the basic human rights of Muslim girls and women, I thought that I should add my two cents worth.

    In my comments I interacted with Mr “Bisthan Batcha”, whom I found to be a very rational, well-informed, and intelligent man. He has already made three comments above. Since people of his calibre are now speaking out, I should like to make the simple statement that I shall say little more on this subject, leaving people like Bisthan to settle these problems within the Muslim Community.

    • 9
      0

      A most sensible comment.

    • 5
      1

      Sinhala_Man : At first I felt it was not right for me to comment on matters involving a community to which I didn’t belong.

      The Rizwi sermon is “Women are inferior and sex (couched in the term marriage)with children is allowed”. This applies to all humans and so non-Muslims MUST speak out.

      • 6
        1

        K Pillai

        Definitely! This is not a Muslim issue and we as non Muslims must denounce such uncivilized practices. It is a disgrace that the government continues to turn a blind eye in the face of CHILD ABUSE.

        Muslim women are speaking out. there is a marked silence among the muslim male population. The relgious leadership perpetuates this nonsense and the Muslim MPs are a bunch of self serving backboneless dimwits. We must lobby the non muslim mps to take this up. The demands are very basic and its the ones already enjoyed by our women (although I admit there are inherent flaws) but at least they have the protection of the law.

        it takes great courage that Justice Marsoof is taking a pro reform position and we must all rally around him and assure him our support. It is now or never. If this committee is not able to achieve it, I doubt there is anyone else who will take up such leadership and see this process through.

    • 4
      2

      Sinhala_Man

      “Since people of his calibre are now speaking out, I should like to make the simple statement that I shall say little more on this subject, leaving people like Bisthan to settle these problems within the Muslim Community.”

      Good comment, but as far as I know, nowhere in the Quran, Hadith, Bible, the Tipitaka, and the Hindu Scriptures say that others cannot read, learn and comment on them. What is restricted is insulting, which is different from commenting and critical study.

      What the ACJU and the Ulama are doing is exploiting the Scriptures to their own advantage, aided and abetted by Wahhabi Saudi money.

      Amarasiri suggests that you read up on the works of the foremost Islamic Scholar, Jurist, Polymath and Philosopher, Ibn Rushd, Averroes, who stated that the Theologians are NOT the people of knowledge, but literalists.

  • 7
    2

    Thank you for your comments Bisthan Batcha.

    Will we ever have a Lankan Muslim MP of the caliber of Bisthan? The devil Shayṭtān, (Arabic: شيطان‎‎, plural: شياطين shayāṭtīn) will go overdrive to prevent his happening

  • 2
    3

    Islam is a diverse religion. IT has some 79 sects. Sunniand Shite are predominent. It looks Sunnis have over powered Sri lankan Islam. So, all muslims including sunnis are considered wahabis.

    where is the govt ?

    Are the Sunni representation in the govt is too high ?

  • 3
    2

    Muslim Clerics Acting In Bad Faith:

    If this title was about a buddhist monk, by now, both muslims, tamil and christians whould have commented here – 100s of times.

    Why ?

  • 5
    1

    Here is an opportunity for Lankan Muslims to lead the world in much needed reforms.

    As an aside. The Mufthi Rizwi sermons are sacrilegious – not in religious sense. Condoning child sex is criminal offence. He must be charged in courts for blasphemy (again not in religious sense). Takers please? How about a Muslim MP?

  • 4
    1

    All I say to my Muslim bretheren is…FOLLOW THE MONEY…you will know right away why things are the way they are…in the Muslim community.

    • 1
      1

      Upul

      “All I say to my Muslim bretheren is…FOLLOW THE MONEY…”

      That is what CCJU and the Mufti Ulama are doing, and all the roads lead to Riyal loaded Satan infected Wahhabi Riyadh Saudi Arabia, as predicted in the Hadith of Najd.

      Scholar from al-Azhar: Wahhabism is a Satanic Faith, the Horn of the Devil that Muhammad Predicted

      Published on Jun 2, 2013
      Yusri Rushdi al-Sayyid Jabr al-Husni, a Sunni Muslim religious scholar from the world’s oldest and most prestigious Islamic school, the Honorable al-Azhar, has stated that Wahhabis who are also known by other names such as Salafis, Najdis, and Horners, are in fact the Horn of the Devil, a term used by the prophet Muhammad in reference to a satanic faith that shall come out of Najd (Saudi Arabia).

  • 3
    2

    FOLLOW THE MONEY
    Any different among other communities?

    • 3
      2

      “FOLLOW THE MONEY” even if it comes from the Satan, Iblis, devil following Wahhabiies and their clones, and if the follower will end up in hell fire along with the Wahhabiis, and the Devils, Satan.

      Why is that Satan is popular with the Wahhabies? Hadith of Najd?

  • 0
    0

    [Edited out] Comments should not exceed 300 words.Please read our Comments Policy for further details.

  • 2
    5

    In Islam there are two parts of a conventional marriage. Obviously a child is before puberty.

    First – Nikah (Engagement)
    Second – Walima (Consummation)

    In the bygone era a Nikah (Engagement) for a child was common a practice to strengthen family ties. A form of reservation.

    So the Walima (Consummation) is permitted after puberty. There stringent conditions imposed of the couple. Refer to an Islamic scholar.

    In this day and age 99% of the Nikah and Walima takes very late in life. The unwarranted fuss actually creates Islamic awareness in the country just as around the world.

    Islamic law is very different from English common law or the European civil law traditions. Muslims are bound to the teachings of the prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) whose translation of Allah’s will is found in the Noble Quran. Muslims are held accountable to the Shariah law, but non-Muslims are not bound by the same standard. Muslims and non-Muslims are both required to live by laws enacted by the various forms of government such as tax laws, traffic laws, white collar crimes of business, and theft. these and many other crimes similar to common law crimes are tried in the modern courts. The modern courts can also hear civil law, family law and all other cases. Islamic law does have separate courts for Muslims for “religious crimes” and contemporary non-religious courts for other criminal and civil matters.

    • 3
      1

      Dear Hussain Fahmy,

      You write rationally, and I’m sure that your application of Sharia would be just.

      However, is it not true that according to your way of bringing up children, a child brought up in a Muslim household would ALWAYS have to accept Islamic Law even for marriage.

      In concrete terms, if, somehow a girl from such a family somehow happens to fall in love with a non-Muslim, would she have any way of escaping the penalties imposed for “religious courts”? This is not as hypothetical as it may seem to be.

      I know that I am talking in secular terms and you in ecclesiastical. If the Muslim community were reasonably liberal, as they used to be, I don’t think that there’d be so much to fuss about. I, certainly, am not thinking in terms of a covert movement to dismantle Islam!

      I take you at your word that ” There (are) stringent conditions imposed of the couple.”

  • 4
    1

    Justice Saleem must be applauded. All religions peach some rubbish and some very lethal and must take every word in their books with caution, after all their texts are written years after the passing of the prophet and bound to be inaccurate and controversial. Only the brave that stand up to it and no wonder Marx said that religion is the opium of the masses which mean addictive and poisonous and even lethal. For ones own health and welfare to take any religion with a pinch of salt is the best.
    Today the dictator in Paraguay was pretending to be good Christian and at the same time trying to hoodwink the suffering people by manipulating the constitution for him to be selected beyond is term as the President and the poor want non of it and stormed the seat of power where they have to face bullets have batons

  • 2
    2

    Hussain Fahmy- this is include that a man can have sex with a 9 year old- lets assume after reaching puberty?.

    Dont live in the stone age man. Get out of you little bubble. Religion is NOT ritual. Religion is about your soul about your spirit. These ritualists like you have only made this religion a mess.

    You think God is going to be concerned about what you do at night, when the world is in tatters? Islam never preached of a nonsensical insecure dictator God like that. It is this clerical class that preached it because it obviously made the populations submit to them. And they had order. If not for these rules, Islam becomes spiritual and individual. With these stupid rules it helped the expanding empires keep thier subjects in check . Like think for God sake with your god given intellect.

  • 3
    2

    Sri Lanka has an excellent opportunity. Its time that the Government enacts laws that applies same to all religions and all communities. There is no point in having different laws for different religions and different communities. We are no more a “barbaric society”. Let us be civilized and be Sri Lankans first.

    • 3
      0

      I agree. There is a constitution which grants equality to all. This includes Muslim women. There is a penal code which states that a girl-child below age cannot consent to rape. A man who marries a Muslim girl-child below age and has sex with her commits rape. The law of the land must be enforced equally. There is no immunity given to Muslim men who flout the law.

  • 2
    0

    How come there is blackout on the latest anti-Muslim hate all over the Island ? with posters freely pasted everywhere asking the Sinhalese Buddhist to boycott Muslim shops during festive seasons.

    Seems like yahapalana has put the media on full snooze mode ha ha ha

  • 4
    16

    Justice Mashroof is totally wrong and [Edited out]. I whole heatedly endorse the stand of Rishvi Mufthi and ACJU. Justice Mashroof may be a legal luminary, but he is poor in understanding Islamic law. In fact, the need to amend this law now is quite understandable. The government has to for satisfying others. Now the data and the cooked stories of marriage of underage muslim girls are all fabricated. As an academic and researcher with doctoral degree, I found the research reports published in the colombo telegraph are not reliable and not scientific in their approaches. The present law need not to be amended. Colombo Telegraph is racial oriented and against muslims.

    The commentators should be aware I married a cleric woman, an ICT teacher with master’s degree. I also have two daughters. I am more concerned about this law. Do not separate male and female. We male society play the roles of father and husband. We can understand women.

    It is very rare where underage marriages are arranged in muslim society. Logically, underage marriages are some times safe and protective in the cases of rape, child conscription,orphans etc. My wife is totally against amending this law at present. Most of my students studying English at the Faculty of Arabic Language and Islamic studies are women and they are too against the amending the law. So a fair research should be carried out before making any move. Some Women NGOs, we know who they are, are trying to satisfy their donors and keep their survival.

    I suggest if the law need to be amended, it is not the time. Muslims are very clear about this. They can not be fooled. “Justice is not done, but it appears to be done” . It is over to you Justice

    Dr. A.M.Jazeel PhD (Education)

    • 1
      1

      Dear Dr. A.M.Jazeel

      1 “Justice Mashroof is totally wrong and [Edited out]. I whole heatedly endorse the stand of Rishvi Mufthi and ACJU.”
      “Justice Mashroof may be a legal luminary, but he is poor in understanding Islamic law. “

      Please Read up on Ibn Rushd, the foremost Islamic Scholar, Jurist, polymath and philosopher (love of wisdom) and Al -Kindi, as well.

      2. “It is very rare where underage marriages are arranged in muslim society. “

      If it is rare why keep it? ACJU wants to keep it.

      Unfortunately only a fraction of the Muslim men, understand the real issues and the knowledge contained in the “Precious Book”, the Quran, per Ibn Rushd.

      Al-Kindi, the first 9th Century Muslim philosopher, accused the Hanabalites and other traditionalists, of graft and social ambition. For they assume the posture of genuine seekers of truth, he writes, “simply defend.the positions of pre-eminence on society, as a means of gaining ascendancy or trafficking in religion:whereas they are devoid of religion altogether”

      This description perfectly fits the current Ulama of ACJU.

      This is a human rights issue as well as a constitutional and God given rights to human rights issue, and Muslim girls and women should be included as well, without being treated like chattel, as per the Ulama of ACJU.

    • 12
      2

      Rather than making unsubstantiated judgments on the ability of Justice Marsoof and dismissing off-hand the findings of other scholars as fabrications, simply because such conclusions raise serious doubts in your own mind about the reliability and validity of your own beliefs in such matters, as an experienced researcher you should adopt a more scientific and professional approach towards repudiating the conclusions.

      Please tell us humble members of the Ummah, who have not been blessed with the intelligence of scholars such as yourself, as to what exactly is illogical about the premises that Justice Marsoof used in his argument that renders his conclusions invalid and therefore unacceptable.

      While claiming that the “the research reports published in the colombo telegraph are not reliable and not scientific in their approaches”, you have unhesitatingly used the same unscientific approach of generalizing from specific instances by stating that “Most of my students studying English at the Faculty of Arabic Language and Islamic studies are women and they are too against the amending the law”. Are you then concluding that ‘Therefore, all women are against amending the law ?” Is it not possible, Dr. A.M.Jazeel PhD (Education), that even if one or more or all of your female students disagreed with your views, they may have refrained from voicing their dissenting views simply because they did not wish to be affected adversely at examinations conducted by you ? As a researcher, you must be obviously aware of the fact that the Method of Inductive Analysis has serious draw-backs, don’t you ?

      We owe it to our future generations to ensure that NOT EVEN ONE Muslim female will henceforth have to experience Hell on Earth because of outdated Marriage & Divorce Laws exploited and perpetuated by unscrupulous Muslim males.

      With you, without you or despite you, change is coming.
      Get ready to emancipate the Muslim Wife !!

      • 0
        0

        You swept away Jazeel’s PhD with your ekelbroom.

    • 1
      0

      Dr A.M. Jazeel,

      You are basically a male chauvinist inspite of your titles and female dominant family.
      Show me a book on Sharia Law. It does not exist.
      It’s time to move forward and give Muslim women their say in matters which affect them.
      Enough of Muslim male dominance

  • 9
    2

    If muslims need justice done, oust Mufthi Rizwe and Mubarak Moulavi from ACJU and hear the voice of the women. AM Jazeel may have a PHD but poor in understanding the violation of female rights.

    Marriage without consent is equivalent to rape. If its a belief to continue doing so, it is evidence of animal practice, it doesn’t matter which prophet invented it.

  • 3
    2

    Mashroof [Edited out].He may have studied man made laws…also doesnr mean he can adjust the divine laws…to be a Mufthi you have to study the books of Islam for more than 7 years… So A mufthi can give an edict in regard to religion and a Muslim Judge cannot give an edict in regard to religion or alter Divine rulings…Just coz some of y’all have issues with Mufthi Rizvie…his wisdom in RELIGIOUS matter cannot be challenged by LAYMEN like Mashroof or anyone running their mouths here…Muslim or otherwise.

    Will Christian Theologians allow to alter the bible the way a govt wants? Guess not Will the Maha Sanga allow any alterations to Buddhism just coz of obtaining the GSP plus Nada…..will the Hindus let the govt adjust the Vedas? No way …So why are NON MUSLIMS pushing to change Muslim laws…. Put it to test the Muslim law is supreme…so said a Buddhist judge who had a case in his courts….A col 7 Dad had written a deed of gift n transferred his house to the son…..after marriage the daughter in law didn’t see eye to eye with the father in law…she hatched up plans to get rid of her father in law..n finally told her husband to send away the father coz the son was the owner of the property… She made him file a case cutting short…. The final verdict…the judge saidto the father…..My hands are tied and I am sorry..u have to vacate…but he pleaded with the son to give a room to the father near the garage…at a forum this same judge has said..I like the Muslim inheritance law…coz Even if the father has gifted to the child…he can ALWAYS ASK BACK FOR IT….

    • 2
      0

      Well the father has right to take back what he gifted. This is Gods law and he knew about his creations,
      If this was the case in common law you would not get so many parents being thrown out onto streets ,or elders homes after taking over the fathers house and other properties etc.,

  • 3
    6

    Dear Brothers & Sisters you should be very mindful of the facts that Islam is a religion deeply rooted by the words of the Holy quran and the sunna of rasoolullah. Our holy Prophet sal had been the greatest scholar ever to have been born.wiser than any none including Justice Marsoof. We had great scholars among women during the life time of Prophet sal but he never ever appointed even one to be a quazi. If so we muslim following the sunna of rasoolullah should not question the decision on equal rights. Bunch of Muslim women thinking of changing the tradition of RASOOLULLAH Should say kalima kufir and repent for their mistake .Just because other communities are demanding equal opportunity to occupy higher position on par with men may do so by embracing their religion traditions and culture. If you want remain as Muslim you have to follow the religious values of Islam and the traditions or Sunna of Prophet sal.
    Jezima & gul should be more mindful of the religion of Islam and praxctice in their way of life

    • 2
      1

      As very clearly and correctly stated by Musalman, Islam is Quran and Sunnah. Islam is what Allah commands and what
      the Prophet SALLALLAHU ALAIHI Wa SALLAM ,commanded and showed by his actions. Right through time there have
      been attempts to change this. The first breakaways are the Sheeah.
      There are many places in the Quran, where it says:”Obey Allah and Obey Rasool”
      Further,we take the Salaf as our example. There are several,idiots who refer to Salaf with contempt.
      Let it be known that whoever rejects the Salaf have gone out of the fold of Islam.Salaf means predecessor.
      This lexical meaning of the word Salaf also comes into open in the statement of the Messenger of Allâh – Sallallâhu alayhi wa sallam – to his daughter, Faatimah, the Flower, may Allâh be pleased with her; he said to her when she became sad after her father told her he was about to die:
      What a good Salaf (predecessor) I am to you.’ [Al-Bukhaari (7285); Muslim (2450/98)].
      Further Allah uses the word in several places in Quran :
      1.Sura. Nisa Ayat 22 and 23
      2. Sura Zukruf Ayat 56 etc
      We Muslims have to follow our Pious Predecessors who are referred to Salafus us Saliheen
      Salafus-Saalih were the first epoch (of righteous men) those who were endowed with knowledge, took to the guidance of the Prophet – Sallallâhu alayhi wa sallam, and guarded his Sunnah. They were the people whom Allâh chose as the Companions of His Prophet and to entrench His Deen. Allâh was pleased with them and they with Allah
      Those ignorant Muslims have referred to Salaf as a dirty word, please repent.!!!

      • 0
        0

        Here we go again with the Salafi/Wahabi mantra.

        How can the 4th Caliph Ali as well as his Muslim opponents, all be on the side of truth, in the Battle of the Camel, where thousands of Muslims killed each other? All first-generation Salaf!!

        And do we not see history repeating itself in the middle-east now due to this Wahabi/Salafi mantra?

        Does any logic and intellect accept this manifest contrast?

        How can the God of Islam, who says: “Surely the most honourable of you with Allah is the one who is the most righteous amongst you”, ever approve of such irrational discrimination?

        Even if one accepts that the belief in God and his Prophet has to be sworn without using logic and reasoning, shouldn’t the interpretation and practices that follow surely be rational and logical.

        In another article in CT, Dr. Reeza Hameed has effectively disproved a couple of “authentic” narrations.

        How can a book of narrations be called Authentic, when even one narration is false?? Particularly if it is a narration which labels their Prophet as a paedophile!!!

        Hope the Muslim masses will shake off the shackles of indoctrination and look at these 6 “Authentic” books critically.

        Just to accept as the gospel truth 6 books of narrations written hundreds of years after the demise of the Prophet, without even knowing who deemed these books as authentic, seems so unrealistic.

        Even the Quran exhorts its readers to ponder and contemplate:

        “It is a Book We have sent down to you, full of blessing, so let people of intelligence contemplate its Signs and take heed.” [Saad, 38:29]
        “Will they not then ponder the Qur’an or are there locks upon their hearts?” [ Muhammed 47:24]
        284

        • 0
          0

          Sentinel,
          We do not know what religion you profess or practice.
          You keep on repeating ad nauseam ,”Here we go again with the Salafi/Wahabi mantra !!!
          Could you please explain what this mantra is for the information of all in this fora.

  • 0
    0

    This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/

  • 0
    0

    [Edited out] Comments should not exceed 300 words.Please read our Comments Policy for further details.

    • 0
      0

      You should have edited what exceeded the 300 word limit. There are times it is difficult to keep to that limit.
      It appears as if all those want to bash Islam are given a free hand by Colombo Telegraph.

  • 0
    0

    All ritualized religions enshrine their ‘infallible’ scriptures and ‘Holy writings’ , the absolute power and rightof a set of clergy, priests or ‘theologians’ (overwhelmingly ill educated fossilized men) to interpret them, punitive sanctions whether in the here and now (ex-communication/religiously sanctioned murder for heresy/state imposed bans etc) or in a hereafter (hell, eternal damnation etc) to scare and browbeat dissidents.

    It is all about power and maintaining the power of the clergy – this has been the story of the human race even if one goes back to the ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Babylon, Maya, Aztec, …….

    No wonder Marx, Lenin and other railed against the church and religions – a retrograde clique , intent on jealously guarding their power and positions, based solely on their ‘ability’ to interpret scripture or intercede with the divine on behalf of the masses. – Ironically the ‘religion’ that Lenin set up ended by having the same structures and intolerant hallmarks of the traditional religion that they disposed – but this is another story.

    Women and Men can only be liberated from this priestly mumbo jumbo if they are enabled to think intelligently and rationally and become followers of TRUE RELIGION – that is the teaching of Love, Compassion, Kindness, Mercy and Justice that is the Core of all true religion.

    All the rest is priestly poppycock

  • 1
    0

    Here are the reasons why women cannot be appointed as Leaders and Judges:

    The evidence for this is the general meaning of the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allaah has made one of them to excel the other…” [al-Nisa’ 4:34]. It is also clearly indicated by the hadeeth of Abu Bakrah who said that when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) heard that the Persians had appointed the daughter of Chosroes as their queen, he said, “No people who appoint a woman as their leader will ever prosper.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 13/53).

    This is because positions of leadership and government require a person to join men’s gatherings, which is not allowed for women according to sharee’ah because of the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): “And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance…” [al-Ahzaab 33:33]. These positions also require perfect wisdom, reason and alertness, and the testimony of a man has been made equal to that of two women, the reason for which Allaah has explained in the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): “… so that if one of them (two women) errs, the other can remind her…” [al-Baqarah 2:282].

    Imaam al-Muwaffaq Ibn Qudaamah said:

    “For this reason the Prophet SAWS (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his successors (khulafa’) and those who came after them never appointed a woman to be a judge or a governor of a province, as far as we know. If it were permissible, it should have happened.

    • 0
      0

      Ayman.
      Sentinel poses a very valid question.
      You cherry pick subjective quotations which suite your motivations and you tend to overestimate you knowledge of Islam which borders on fanaticism.
      I like to point out that quite o lot of the “hadith” literature is controversial and was published about 250 years after the death of the prophet; obviously the chain of naraters embelishing his or her own version or interpretation with the passage of time.
      It’s time to move on and hear the voices of Sri Lankan Muslim women and ignore the mail dominated “muslim minds” which has been long influenced by imported beduin tribal culture.

  • 1
    0

    This Rizwi fellow shouldn’t be allowed to deliver Juma (Friday) sermons in the Masjids, his topics are uninteresting made up of hearsay and baseless nonsense, that is circulated on the social media sites and he presents them as if he has seen/heard it.

Leave A Comment

Comments should not exceed 200 words. Embedding external links and writing in capital letters are discouraged. Commenting is automatically disabled after 5 days and approval may take up to 24 hours. Please read our Comments Policy for further details. Your email address will not be published.