28 March, 2024

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Paying A ‘Price’ To Be A Moor In Sri Lanka?

By Imtiyaz Razak –

Dr.Imtiyaz Razak

Many of those observing the happenings in Sri Lanka, both here and abroad, thought that post-war Sri Lanka will breed peace and harmony at all levels among all ethnic and religious groups. However, recent development against Moors [also known as Muslims] shattered the hope that Sri Lanka will be paradise for peace.

Political science studies on post-war conditions suggest different reasons as to why peace is harder to gain in post war societies where there are competing identities seeking domination, hegemony and power. One of such interesting theories deals with fear psychology of a dominant group. In Sri Lanka, the Sinhala-Buddhists, who form the majority, are driven to action because they are influenced by their fears toward Tamils and Moors who claim distinct identities and history.

Moors of Sri Lanka, though they don’t make a claim for a homeland as Tamils do, are a very significant minority with sophisticated connections to Muslim majority societies. Moors in Sri Lanka, during the conflict with the Tamils, actively supported the successive regimes in order to win their interests. The results were socio-religious as well as political concessions from the states such as exclusive schools for Moors, school break during Ramadan, establishments of Madrasas and less restrictions over the flow of financial contributions from the Middle East to local Islamic institutions. There was no opposition from Sinhala extremists to what Moors have been enjoying for a while during what is dubbed as Sinhala-Tamil conflict period. However, anti-Moors activities by Sinhala-extremists had surprised many Moors who thought they would be able to enjoy the same concessions in the post-war period. Since then much has been said and written about the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) with regard to their attack and violence on Moors and their symbols such as mosques.

Unlike Tamils of Sri Lanka, Moors of Sri Lanka did not demand a separate state, but actively opposed such agendas promoted by a group like Tamil Tigers. The rebels aggressively punished the Moors by carrying out killings at Mosques while devotees were praying in Kattankudy and expelling Moors from the North and certain parts of the East. The price Moors from the North and East had paid for their opposition to ‘The Eelam Dream’ was huge. So, they had reasons to expect peace after the collapse of the Tamil Tigers. However, the BBS’ aggressive activities haven’t boosted the confidence of Moors.

Moors of Sri Lanka construct their ethnic foundations based on their religion, which is Islam. For Moors, for that matter Muslims across the world, mosques are key meeting point, because mosques serve not only as spiritual guidance sources, but also social and political decision-making points. Therefore, average Moors in Sri Lanka consider mosques as their major religious and ethnic symbols. One reason why Muslims still hate the Tamil Tigers is because the rebels’ brutally attacked Muslims while they were praying, which killed at least 103 Moors on August 3, 1990. Moors experienced the same fears when the BBS targeted mosques in certain parts of southern Sri Lanka, including Colombo. There should not be any justifications for BBS’ activities against the Moors and their symbols. Such activities from the BBS need to be condemned to build a more inclusive society in the island of Sri Lanka.

Having said that I would not think Sri Lankan Moors are perfectly peaceful nor that all their actions contribute to peace and harmony. In a divided polity it is very likely that actions of one community can contribute to a reaction by others. It is important to remember that Moors elites won significant and insignificant concessions from the ruling political class. Some of the cultural and religious concessions contributed to fundamentalism among Moors. In other words, Islamic fundamentalism in Sri Lanka can also be viewed as a by-product of the state’s cultural and socio-economic concessions in the 70s and 80s to the Muslim elites to win Muslim support. Establishment of schools for Muslim women, appointing teachers to teach Islam without looking into the background of schools could be cited as some key reasons for the growing appetite for Islamic fundamentalism, which advances a more exclusive form of world view and Islam. 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 predominance, the growth of Muslim mosques on major roads and localities, steady rise of hijabis [Muslim women wearing  a veil that covers the head and chest] are a few that contribute to the BBS actions and politics.

Needless to say, the state’s cultural concessions delighted Muslims, but some cultural concessions offered in the past could have provided a solid platform for the recent growth of Islamic exclusiveness. It is politically wrong to veil the trend. And denial from the Muslim political establishment about the existence of Islamic fundamentalist trends may reduce the Muslim democratic voices as mere voices that are only aspiring for power.

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 the majority, and thus should not contribute to the growth of extremists among the Sinhala-Buddhists. There are several political ways to win over the trust of minorities in plural societies. One among them is to offer concessions to minorities. Such concessions might not jeopardize social stability and the very nature of pluralist character when concessions are purely socio-economic rather than religion-cultural concessions. A Muslim political establishment needs to understand the reality and the basic expectations of Muslims. Solutions to the problems of the Muslims, particularly the special politico-socio problems of the north and east, require special attentions and solutions. Muslim politicians (both the south and north-east based) are now with the ruling party and they are actively supporting the regime. Hence it is high time for them to seek solutions for socio-economic problems of the Muslims of Sri Lanka with state cooperation and help. Special efforts need to be grounded to recruit qualified teachers to fill the vacancy on what is known as Muslim schools, redesign the syllabus for Islam and Arabic subjects with the thoughts of modernity, adopt special programs to encourage Muslims to seek education and remove the current socio-economic obstacles for Muslims to gain both traditional and non-traditional education. Besides, there should be mechanisms to monitor the activities of Islamic organizations.

The state and ruling party need not play Islamic religious cards to keep Moors happy. The ruling party and Sinhalese politicians need to address both socio-economic problems, as pointed out earlier, and special problems of Muslims such as the land problems of eastern Muslims and resettlements of the displaced northern Muslims. Also Muslim fears with respect to devolution to the Tamils need to be addressed by a proper political power sharing mechanism. In other words, the state as well as the Moor political establishment needs to embrace aggressive measures by directly addressing the major underlying causes that contribute to the origin and growth of such a trend in the island.

In brief, 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 promote peace. Any failure would not only trigger further tensions in Sri Lanka, but also provide perfect opportunities to external forces to exploit Sri Lanka’s local tensions for their own interests. Moors need to make sure that their actions anyway should not give space for others to hate them.

*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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    Dr. Imitiyaz Razak:

    You are just a dishonest [Edited out] and no self-respect at all.

    You don’t acknowledge the Sri Lankan muslims’ way of building new mosques. Muslims prey in business places and convert those to mosques. “DAMBULLA MOSQUE” was a business place. GRANDPASS MOSQUE was a ware house. HOw maNY MOSQUES YOU PEOPLE HAVE BUILT IN THAT WAY ?

    First remember ISlam is about 1400 years old and Sinhala – buddhist culture is at least 2560 years old. what about our existence ? do you think about that at all ? Do muslims allow even the other minority muslims sects to exist among the majority sect ?

    I have muslims writing here questions and they never respond.

    Have you ever thought of respecting the Sinhala Buddhist majority and their way of living OR, in that respect, have your muslim culture ever thought of living in harmony with any other culture or even with another sect of muslims ? You people just want to dominate every other religion or even among different muslim sects. That is Islam.

    Grow up. You may have a Ph.D. But you don’t have a free thinking mind.

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      I thought he had a free thinking mind when he was thrashing the Moors !

      Cannot take what you dish out ?

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      Dear Jim Softy,

      you are free to criticize his writings, not questioning his Phd.

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        Jim Softy,

        Yes.That is the way to do it.

        Rebut the ideas and writings with facts or very good references. That is what Galileo and Kepler dis when they promoted the Copernican ideas.

        Moses, Buddha, Jesus and Mohammed did not have Ph.D’s.

        All they had were ideas and revelations they claimed they got from God etc.

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      Jim softy taking a U turn now against Imtiyaz.
      The same Jim softy praised this writer when this write blamed the Moors as that that peaceful. Now the writer is busy repairing the damage (blunder) he made. But still attacking the Muslims in between.

      Jim softy and Imtiyaz both are same in one thing, thats Hypocrisy.
      How could you guys change like this in 48 hours?

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      Hi Jim Softy

      ha ha …i love your last sentence…”…but you don’t have a free thinking mind.”

      Kettle calling the pot black?

      Jim Softy …I dont think you have a mind of your own

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      Jim softy,

      Who told you Islam is only 1400years? Where did you find that? That is what I am repeatedly telling you, you don’t have any knowledge on Islam to talk about!!!!!! and even I did not find that you don’t have proper knowledge on Buddhism as well. You are same like Dilantha Vitahnage who has no basic knowledge on Buddhism.

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        Correction, I did not find that you have proper knowledge on Buddhism as well.

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        Alan, Let alone the Buddhism, this fellow doesnt have basic ethics. This Imthiaz fellow was good for him when he blasted the Moors. Now he is against this article.

        This fellow is just a mouth piece of Champika and BBS.
        You correctly said about Dilantha, the guy who cant ever say two sentences properly.

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        we should not take this guy Jim seriously…….

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      Dear Mr. Jim

      Let us have an open eye on the facts rather than relying on media propagandas

      How many numbers of Mosques built, how many Budhda’s statues build and how many Christian Jesus/Marry statues build in Srilanka within last 10 years….. Just take your car from Colombo Hambanthota every nook and corner of the main road there are statues, but Muslims never claim it has to be removed / illegal whatsoever …same time take your car from Colombo to Anuradhapura there are 28 Muslim mosques on main road all of them are more than 50years old….

      Yes Muslims make new mosques not to show or confiscate the land but to perform their prayer as they are abide to their religion more than what do other communities….by the way the consumed land to built for Muslim mosque is much lesser when compare to Pansala /Church / Kovils in Srilanaka (The recent Grandpass mosque also built only on 3 Purchases)

      The Grandpass incident which was started by Municipal council, Muslim never asked for additional Mosque, MC they wanted the land where the old mosque is located, they proposed for new location…yes not only Dambulla where ever Muslims live they will pray in congregation it is the unity Islam teach for them regardless of cast /wealth / political status …. Or whatsoever so understanding their the faith and the customs of other communities definitely will ruin the misconceptions..

      Your second part; Islam is only 1400 years, from where you took this data its absolutely wrong, if a person who do not believe prophet Jesus as prophet (The best, selected person blessed with some miracles from the permission of GOD, while he was living among all mankind) he cannot be a Muslim (Prophet Jesus 560 years before prophet Mohamed), same all previous prophets starting from Prophet Adam..By the way the name Islam and Muslim were introduced by Prophet Abraham which is around 3500 years before prophet Mohamed….Islam is the oldest and modest religion on earth…why not take an example from Lebanon, Syria, Palestine,. Egypt… Muslim rule more than 1400years still 105 minority Christians are their Nigeria Christians less than 50% but the president is Christian, same Lebanon….

      Muslims never and ever interrupt on the others culture but don’t forget the Srilankan culture is washing away by western culture except the traditions of Muslims….and don’t forget there is NO SPECIFIC CULTURE, just take an example Turkey, Tunisia, Cosova Muslim in European culture, Egypt in their own Culture, Arab, Asian, South Asians….islam respects the cultural identity of all human beings….and respect the human dignity in the form that all the human beings are from one father and mother regardless of religion/cast/colour…etc see below Quran verse and explanation (You could find in the website http://www.tafheem.net/tafheem.html)

      “Human beings, We created you all from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Verily the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most God-fearing of you. *28 Surely Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware”. *29

      28 In this verse the whole of mankind bas been addressed to reform it of the great evil that has always been causing universal disruption in the world, that is, the prejudices due to race, colour, language, country, and nationality. On account of these prejudices man in every age has generally been discarding humanity and drawing around himself some small circles and regarding those born within those circles as his own people and those outside them as others. These circles have been drawn on the basis of accidental birth and not on rational and moral grounds. In some cases their basis is the accident of being born in a particular family, tribe, or race, and in some particular geographical region, or in a nation having a particular colour or speaking a particular language. Then the discrimination between one’s own people and others is not only confide to this that those who are looked upon as one’s own people are shown greater love and cooperation than others, but this discrimination has assumed the worst forms of hatred, enmity, contempt and tyranny. New philosophies have been propounded for it, new religions invented, new codes of law made and new moral principles framed; so much so that nations and empires have made this distinction a permanent way of life with them and practiced it for centuries. The Jews on this very basis regarded the children of Israel as the chosen people of God and even in the practice of their religious rites looked upon the non-Jews as inferior to the Jews in rights and rank. This very discrimination gave birth to class distinctions (varnashrama) among the Hindus according to which superiority of the Brahmins was established, all other human beings came to be regarded as inferior and unclean and the shudras cast into the depths of disgrace and degradation. Every person can see for himself even in this 20th century what atrocities have been committed against the colored people in Africa and America on account of the distinction between the white and the black. The treatment that the Europeans meted out to the Red Indian race in America and to the weak nations of Asia and Africa had the same concept underlying it. They thought that the lift and property and honor of all those who had been born outside the frontiers of their own land and nation were lawful for them and they had the right to plunder and take them as their slaves and exterminate them if need be. The worst examples of how the nationalism of the western nations has turned one nation against the others and made it their bloodthirsty enemy have been seen in the wars of the recent past and are being seen even in the present time. In particular, if what was manifested by the racism of the Nazi Germany and the concept of the superiority of the Nordic race m the last World War is kept in view. One can easily judge how stupendous and devastating is the error for whose reform this verse of the Qur’an was revealed.
      In this brief verse, AIlah has drawn the attention of all mankind to three cardinal truths:
      (1) “The origin of alI of you is one and the same: your whole species has sprung up from one man and one woman: aII your races that arc found in the world today are, in fact, the branches of one initial race that started with one mother and one father. In this process of creation there is no basis whatever for the divisions and distinctions in which you have involved yourselves because_ of your false notions. One God alone is your Creator. Different men have not been created by different Gods. You have been made from one and the same substance; it is not so that some men have been made from some pure and superior substance and some other men from some impure and inferior substance. You have been created in one and the same way; it is not also so that different men have been created in different ways. And you are the offspring of the same parents; it is not so that in the beginning there were many human couples which gave birth to different populations in the different regions of the world.’
      (2) “In spite of being one in origin it was natural that you should be divided into nations and tribes. Obviously,. alI the mcn on the earth could not belong to one and the same family. With the spread of the race it was inevitable that countless families should arise, and then tribes and nations should emerge from the families. Similarly, it was inevitable that after settling in different regions of the earth, there should be differences of colors, features, languages and ways of living among the people, and it was also natural that those living in the same region should be closer in affinity and those living in remote regions not so close; but this natural difference never demanded that distinctions of inequality, of high and low, of noble and mean, should be established on its basis, that one race should claim superiority over the other, the people of one color should look down upon the people of other colors, and that one nation should take preference over the ocher without any reason. The Creator had divided the human communities into nations and tribes for that was a natural way of cooperation and distinction between them. In this way alone could a fatuity, a brotherhood, a tribe and a nation combine to give birth to a common way of life and to cooperate with each other in the affairs of the world. But it was all due to satanic ignorance that the differences among mankind created by Allah to be a means of recognition, were trade a means of mutual boasting and hatred, which led mankind to every kind of injustice and tyranny.
      (3) The only basis of superiority and excellence that there is, or can be, between man and man is that of moral excellence. As regards birth, aII men arc equal, for their Creator is One, their substance of creation is one, and their way of creation is one, and they are descended from the same parents. Moreover, a person’s being born in a particular country, nation, or clan is just accidental. Therefore, there is no rational ground on account of which one person may be regarded as superior to the other. The real thing that makes one person superior to others is that one should be more God-conscious, a greater avoider of evils, and a follower of the way of piety and righteousness. Such a man. whether he belongs to any race, any nation and any country, is valuable and worthy on account of his personal merit. And the one who is reverse of him in character is in any case an inferior person whether he is black or white, born in the east or the west.
      These same truths that have been stated in this beef verse of the Qur’an, have been explained in greater detail by the Holy Prophet in his addresses and traditions. In the speech that he made on the conquest of Makkah, after going round the Ka’bah, he said: ‘Thank God Who has removed from you the blemish of ignorance and its arrogance. O people, men are divided into classes: the pious and righteous, who arc honorable in the sight of Allah, and the sinful and vicious, who arc contemptible in the sight of AIlah, whereas aII men are the children of Adam and Adam had been created by Allah from clay.” (Baihaqi, Tirmidhi).
      On the occasion of the Farewell Pilgrimage, in the midst of the Tashriq days, he addressed the people, and said: ‘O people, be aware: your God is One. No Arab has any superiority over a non-Arab, and no non-Arab any superiority over an Arab, and no white one has any superiority over a black one, and no black one any superiority over a white one, except on the basis of taqva (piety). The most honorable among you in the sight, of Allah is he who is the most pious and righteous of you. Say if I have conveyed the Message to you?” And the great congregation of the people responded, saying: Yes, you have, O Messenger of Allah.” Thereupon the Holy Prophet said: “Then Iet the one who is present convey it to those who are absent,” ( Baihaqi)
      In a Hadith he has said: “You are all the children of Adam, and Adam was created from the dust. Let the people give’up boasting of their ancestors, otherwise they will stand more degraded than a mean insect in the sight of Allah.” ( Bazzar)
      In another Hadith the Holy Prophet said: “Allah will not enquire about your lineage on the Day of Resurrection. The most honourable in the sight of AIIah is he who is most pious. “(Ibn Jarir)
      In still another Hadith he said: “Allah dces not see your outward appearances and your possessions ,but He sees your hearts and your deeds.” (Muslim, lbn Majah).
      These teachings have not remained confined to words only but Islam has practically established a universal brotherhood of the believers on the basis, which does not allow any distinction on account of color, race, language, country and nationality which is free from every concept of high and low, clean and unclean, mean and respectable, which admits all human beings with equal rights, whether they belong to any race and nation, any land or region. Even the opponents of Islam have had to admit that no precedent is found in any religion and any system of the success with which the principle of human equality and unity has been given practical shape in the Muslim society, nor has it ever been found. Islam is the only religion which has welded and combined innumerable races and communities scattered in all corners of the earth into one universal Ummah.
      In this connection, a misunderstanding also needs to be removed. In the case of marriage, the importance that Islamic law gives to kufv (likeness of status) has been taken by some people in the sense that some brotherhoods are noble and some mean, and matrimonial relations between them are objectionable. But this, in fact, is a wrong idea. According to the Islamic law, every Muslim man can marry every Muslim woman, but the success of the matrimonial life depends on maximum harmony and conformity between the spouses as regards habits, characteristics and ways of life, family traditions and economic and social status, so that they may get on well with each other. This is the real object of being equal and alike. Where there is unusual difference and disparity between the man and the woman in this regard, lifelong companionship will be difficult. That is why the Islamic law disapproves of such intermarriages, and not for the reason that one of the spouses is noble and the other mean, but for the reason that in case there is a clear and apparent difference and distention in status, there would be a greater possibility of the failure of the matrimonial life if the marriage relationship was establ ished.
      *29 That is, “This is only known to Allah as to who is really a ntan of high rank and who is inferior in respect of qualities and characteristics. The standards of high and low that the people have set up of their own accord, are not acceptable to and approved by AIIah. Maybe that the one who has been regarded as a man of high rank in the world is declared as the lowest of the low in the final judgment of AIIah, and maybe that the one who has been looked upon as a very low person here, attains to a very high rank there. The real importance is not of the honor and dishonor of the world but of the honor and dishonor that one will receive from Allah. Therefore, what man should. be most concerned about is that he should create in himself those real qualities and characteristics which make him worthy of honour in the sight of AIlah.

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        May Allah give Mr. Jim to comprehend this message in its entirety. Wow, Karunathilaka has proved a very valuable lesson to all of us, that the ‘NAME’ of a person does not matter rather his/her beliefs and behaviour that we all should strive hard to recognise. Its easy to spot a fake Muslim pseudonym.

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        Karunathilaka,
        Neither modern day Jews nor Christians accept that Muhammad’s Lord is their Lord, meaning the Lord that Abraham found in the desert first.

        Nowhere in the Old Testament or the New Testament do we find a prophesy or remark where a Muhammad will emerge as the last prophet. Besides the Koran clearly denies the son of God, Jesus Christ. The Koran teaches the God has no son. Muhammad insist Jesus is a prophet. Jew deny Jesus is even a prophet.

        John 2:22 says “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” That means ALL Muslims have become “LIARS” from the time of Muhammad.

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          Dear Sir, (No muslim)

          Please find the below evidences that old and new testimons fortold Mohamed as Prophet;

          Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the Old Testament:

          The Qur’an mentions in Surah Al-Araf chapter 7 verse 157:

          “Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures) in the law and the Gospel”.

          1. MUHAMMAD (PBUH) PROPHESISED IN THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY:

          Almighty God speaks to Moses in Book of Deuteronomy chapter 18 verse 18:

          “I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and I will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.”

          The Christians say that this prophecy refers to Jesus (pbuh) because Jesus (pbuh) was like Moses (pbuh). Moses (pbuh) was a Jew, as well as Jesus (pbuh) was a Jew. Moses (pbuh) was a Prophet and Jesus (pbuh) was also a Prophet.

          If these two are the only criteria for this prophecy to be fulfilled, then all the Prophets of the Bible who came after
          Moses (pbuh) such as Solomon, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Malachi, John the Baptist, etc. (pbut) will
          fulfill this prophecy since all were Jews as well as prophets.

          However, it is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who is like Moses (pbuh):

          i) Both had a father and a mother, while Jesus (pbuh) was born miraculously without any male intervention.

          [Mathew 1:18 and Luke 1:35 and also Al-Qur’an 3:42-47]

          ii) Both were married and had children. Jesus (pbuh) according to the Bible did not marry nor had children.

          iii) Both died natural deaths. Jesus (pbuh) has been raised up alive. (4:157-158)

          Muhammad (pbuh) is from among the brethren of Moses (pbuh). Arabs are brethren of Jews. Abraham (pbuh) had two sons: Ishmail and Isaac (pbut). The Arabs are the descendants of Ishmail (pbuh) and the Jews are the descendants of Isaac (pbuh).

          Words in the mouth:

          Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was unlettered and whatever revelations he received from Almighty God he repeated them verbatim.

          “I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.”

          [Deuteronomy 18:18]

          iv) Both besides being Prophets were also kings i.e. they could inflict capital punishment. Jesus (pbuh) said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36).

          v) Both were accepted as Prophets by their people in their lifetime but Jesus (pbuh) was rejected by his
          people. John chapter 1 verse 11 states, “He came unto his own, but his own received him not.”

          iv) Both brought new laws and new regulations for their people. Jesus (pbuh) according to the Bible did not bring any new laws. (Mathew 5:17-18).

          2. It is Mentioned in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 18:19

          “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not harken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.”

          3. Muhammad (pbuh) is prophesised in the book of Isaiah:

          It is mentioned in the book of Isaiah chapter 29 verse 12:

          “And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.”

          When Archangel Gabrail commanded Muhammad (pbuh) by saying Iqra – “Read”, he replied, “I am not learned”.

          4. prophet Muhammad (pbuh) mentioned by name in the old testament:

          Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is mentioned by name in the Song of Solomon chapter 5 verse 16:

          “Hikko Mamittakim we kullo Muhammadim Zehdoodeh wa Zehraee Bayna Jerusalem.”

          “His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters
          of Jerusalem.”

          In the Hebrew language im is added for respect. Similarely im is added after the name of Prophet Muhammad
          (pbuh) to make it Muhammadim. In English translation they have even translated the name of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as “altogether lovely”, but in the Old Testament in Hebrew, the name of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is yet present

          Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the New Testament:

          Al-Qur’an Chapter 61 Verse 6:

          “And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said, ‘O Children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me and giving glad tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed.’ But when he came to them with clear signs, they said, ‘This is evident sorcery!’ “

          All the prophecies mentioned in the Old Testament regarding Muhammad (pbuh) besides applying to the Jews also hold good for the Christians.

          1. John chapter 14 verse 16:
          “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.”

          2. Gospel of John chapter 15 verse 26:

          “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which
          proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.”

          3. Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 7:

          “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not
          come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you”.

          “Ahmed” or “Muhammad” meaning “the one who praises” or “the praised one” is almost the translation of the
          Greek word Periclytos. In the Gospel of John 14:16, 15:26, and 16:7. The word ‘Comforter’ is used in the English translation for the Greek word Paracletos which means advocate or a kind friend rather than a comforter.
          Paracletos is the warped reading for Periclytos. Jesus (pbuh) actually prophesised Ahmed by name. Even the
          Greek word Paraclete refers to the Prophet (pbuh) who is a mercy for all creatures.

          Some Christians say that the Comforter mentioned in these prophecies refers to the Holy Sprit. They fail to realise
          that the prophecy clearly says that only if Jesus (pbuh) departs will the Comforter come. The Bible states that the
          Holy Spirit was already present on earth before and during the time of Jesus (pbuh), in the womb of Elizabeth, and again when Jesus (pbuh) was being baptised, etc. Hence this prophecy refers to none other than Prophet
          Muhammad (pbuh).

          4. Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 12-14:

          “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is
          come, he will guide you unto all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me”.

          The Sprit of Truth, spoken about in this prophecy referes to none other than Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

          NOTE: All quotations of the Bible are taken from the King James Version.

          You could refer the below website for further details.
          http://www.irf.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=126&Itemid=127

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      Your argument that Buddhism is 2560 years old and Islam only 1400 years old does not make Buddhism the right choice or the correct religion to follow, since it gets distorted over time. Each religion supersedes the previous, and Islam being the last and final, is the religion that all must follow.

      You are asking what is the respect that Muslims give to Buddhists and make effort to live alongside in harmony. My reply is that Muslims are extremely grateful to the Sinhalese to let us live in peace, and to ourselves. But Muslims show that gratitude through sponsoring many of their many occasions like Aluth Avurudhu road shows, Wesak dhansalas and many more such contributions to Temples, Dhaham schools, orphanages, differently able children and elder’s homes. The only thing muslims cannot fund are for putting up statues, alcoholic drink bottles and such practices. All this went well until the fascist BBS monks took hold of the nation and drove a wedge to pit each community against each other. No one can force or demand respect, but it will come only through respecting each others values, a generous give and take policy and a warm and mutual trust and understanding, which are hard to find commodities, given present day scenario.

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        Sikhism is the last religion in the world. Therefore going by your argument, all Muslims must follow Sikhism.

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        Marwan

        “All this went well until the fascist BBS monks took hold of the nation and drove a wedge to pit each community against each other”

        The triple Gem is supposed to be

        1. Buddha
        2. Dhamma
        3. Sangha.

        With BBS, the reformed Buddhism, is Double Gem

        1. Buddha
        2. Dhamma.

        The Sangha has been DISCARDED , courtesy of BBS, SINHALA RAVYA AND OTHER MONK HEGEMONY.

        No need to prostate any more for the Buddhist Monks. who are showing their evil behaviors.

        Buddhism The Great — Parts 1 and 2

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

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

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      In 1400 years Muslims are the second largest community in the world. In 2560 years Muslims will be 90% of the world population. Facts and Figures speak for themselves.

      REASON

      Narrated by Abu Huraira (Radi-Allahu ‘anhu):

      Allah’s Apostle (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, “Anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbour, and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should entertain his guest generously and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet. (i.e. abstain from all kinds of evil and dirty talk).”

      Bukhari Vol. 8 : No. 47

      Narrated by ‘Aisha (Radi-Allahu ‘anha):

      The Prophet (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam) said “Gabriel continued to recommend me about treating the neighbors Kindly and politely so much so that I thought he would order me to make them as my heirs.”

      Bukhari Vol. 8 : No. 43

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      Dt. Imtiaz Razak,

      Jim Softy and the various Avtars are Sinhala Buddhist Racists who cannot prove Kamma, Nirvana, Nibbana , Rebirth and Sansara.

      “Having said that I would not think Sri Lankan Moors are perfectly peaceful nor that all their actions contribute to peace and harmony. “

      “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 the majority, and thus should not contribute to the growth of extremists among the Sinhala-Buddhists. “

      1. You need to ask what specific actions. This is just an appeasement statement for the Sinhala Buddhist Racists. You need to call a spade a spade. Please note that it is only a small fraction of Sinhala Buddhists like that. and the majority law abiding civilized Sinhala people.

      2. Sri Lanka Moors are a diverse community, but peaceful.

      3. It was the Wahhabi invasion and Wahhabi violence, both physical and non-physical against the non-Wahhabi Muslims that was not peaceful. However, this is not the core problem.

      4. The core problem is Sinhala Buddhist Racism and the Buddhist Monk Hegemony by a small fraction.

      5. What it says is that Sri Lanka Muslims are NOT incidental to the core problem. The Sinhala-Tamil conflict that went for so log had nothing to do with Muslims.

      So. please as Muslims do not try to be be apologetic to the Sinhala Buddhist Racists and the Buddhist Monk Hegemony, because that is not where the core problem lies.

      The core problem lies in Sinhala Buddhist Racism and the Buddhist Monk Hegemony. This has bee the case over the past 100 years.

      Bertrand Russel stated that 95% of the Solution is identifying the Problem. The Problem is Sinhala Buddhist Racism.

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      Jim, Islam is the first religion on earth…Prophet Muhammad was the last prophet….

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    Dear Jim Softy,
    First of all, The Sri Lankan Buddhists are the most tolerable and friendly nation on the earth and there is no doubt about that. Being a Muslim and a so called Wahabi I am also very proud to be a Sri Lankan, throughout my school life I attended a Buddhist school and studied in Sinhala Medium. We are very great full for our Buddhist brothers for allowing us to perform our religious duties in such a manner that Islam requires us to do so. Though recently some extreme groups like BBS are trying to tarnish the communal harmony I don think that this is the theory of majority of the Sinhala Buddhists who are a peaceful smiling nation.

    Why do we need more mosques?
    Prophet Mohamed may peace and blessings upon him; Said when there is a group of 03 then the five times prayer has to be prayed in congregationally. Also he said “Praying in the mosque is 27 times better than praying at home” Apart from this there are so many sayings of Prophet to pray in Jamath or congregationally. Because of this reason we Muslims would like to have a praying center where ever there is a Muslim community. The 05 times prayers are an obligatory act on all the Muslims. Having said the above it’s quite natural that Muslims need more praying centers comparing to the other religions specially comparing to the Buddhists as its not mandatory for them to visit the temples. This is something to do with the hereafter or the life after the death as every Muslim believe that the salvation for them is the five times congregational prayer..

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      hum, except for 72 virgins.

      I love to have that 72 virgins. Only thing is In buddhism, that is Kaamesu michcha chaara. – I should not do it.

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        Poor you. Only a fantasy no ? When you cannot handle even one.

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        You are pathetic Jim.

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        Jim, if you waste your time on being a troll and throwing garbage, you cannot even maintain a GF…you are a pathetic scum….

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      Mihlar,
      More mosques divide the society further and occupied by various islamic cults, like thabllek, jamaathe islami, thowheed, J. muslimeen, such.

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        Masaajids divide the society is an absurd allegation leveled against the Muslims of Sri Lanka. BTW one must investigate the labels some Muslims prefer to be identified.

        And lo! this your religion is one religion and I am your Lord, so keep your duty unto Me. (The Noble Quran 22:52) But they (mankind) have broken their religion among them into sects, each sect rejoicing in its tenets. (The Noble Quran 22:53) So leave them in their error till a time. (The Noble Quran 22:54)

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          Maghribi
          The Lord that Abraham found didn’t say the verse as in Koran 22:52 or any other. It is Muhammad or another Lord who read the Koran as Abraham’s Lord said. So says the Jews and the Christians whose Lord Muhammad said is the same as his.

          If the Lord cannot compel all his children understand that ‘he is the Lord and it is one religion’ what’s the use of such a Lord. Amen.

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    Point of correction pls. ‘The 05 times prayers are an obligatory act on all the Muslims. Sorry Sir, it is a compulsory act not obligatory.

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    UPFA wants to win sinhala buddhist votes away from JHU.
    Muslims are just paying the price.

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    When expressing opinions on peace and harmony, to be fair, it has to be relative. So, if one is presenting an honest analysis, he has to relate the peace we have now to peace we had during thirty years prior to end of the war and peace that prevail in countries that ended wars like Iraq or those countries that have become democracies after ‘Arab Springs’ like Libya and Egypt and etc.

    Morsi was elected President of Egypt by popular vote after an ‘Arab Spring’. And Egypt should have been a country overflowing with democratic values. Not just that, people should been enjoying peace and harmony. But reality is; Muslim majority (90%) are not just burning churches they are killing each other as well. Situation in other ‘Arab Spring’ democracies are no better. The democracy, peace and harmony, equality and other values that Muslims in Sri Lanka are demanding are completely lost in all those countries.

    I do not deny that majority of writers and commentators to CT would agree with this writer. I say most of them are either anti-MR or they are in opposition to Mahinda Chintana or they have their own agenda. So, they would say that there is no peace and harmony in Sri Lanka. They have forgotten that there exist threats and challenges by LTTE rump as well as powerful countries that backed LTTE for thirty years.

    For most people and particularly the vast majority in sri Lanka however, the peace and harmony is set after 19th May 2009 and is consolidating by the day. When think of Wiki leaks and Snowdon exposures and the laws such a patriotic act of the US, one can visualize the curtailment of liberties even the epitome of democracies have to go through to maintain ‘peace’ in a country.

    Talking about Muslims, true, they didn’t ask for a separate state. Such a demand is not practical for them for Muslims do their trades and live among Sinhalas. But from their doings, one can see they have had their goals set: Some Muslims started to write about it openly in the weekend papers from 1994 and it peaked during Ranil’s government in 2002-3. That was the time Sinhalas were divided and rulers were WOGs. That was the time they kept Sinhala Buddhist majority (70%) down and under. Buddhists had no alternative but to sought solace under Ven Soma. It was that Buddhist renaissance that cobbled a coalition to push MR to power.

    I read an article at the time that even degraded us for having an animal (Lion) in our national flag. Some Muslims wanted Shariya be made a parallel law to be enforced on Muslims. Some others wanted Muslim areas demarcated and made it a Provincial Council. Forcing Sufis switch to Wahhabism were on the rise. In fact Muslims had been send to Saudi to be trained on Wahhabism. On return they started to build new mosques and Maddrasses throughout the country at a rate. And Wahhabis has become a power unto themselves. They have openly opposed Sufi teaching and started riots and violence in Sufi mosques. Wahhabi thugs and Jihadis killed Sufi followers, burned over 150 houses of Sufi followers, demolish many Sufi mosques, and even to dug graves and exhume dead bodies of Sufi saints. And the writer is advocate ‘offering concessions to minorities (Muslims) as a way to win over their trust.’

    Of late we’ve seen the Halal coming to be stacked up in supermarkets. It was obvious that there is a conspiracy to overwhelm Sri Lanka with Muslims and their values. And the Muslims’ rabbit like breading habits confirmed by the statistics after the latest census gave rise to BBS, RB, RS and others. Sinhalas by far welcome those groups not to inflict looting, murder and mayhem like in ‘Arab Spring’ countries but for people to know the truth.

    Like Lee Kwan Yew said in 1989 about the need to maintain Chinese majority in Singapore, these organisations are saying, Sinhals are the majority in Sri Lanka and they have a heritage and they must keep it that way. The more Sinhala are educated about vile verses in the Koran, they more they will suspect Muslim motives.

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      In fact, Saudi supported Egyptian coup…do you have the evidence to state MB burned churches..the Church burning could have been done by the Military….what you state does not appear logically correct…

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    “However, recent development against Moors [also known as Muslims] shattered the hope that Sri Lanka will be paradise for peace.”

    In Sri Lanka, all moors are not muslims and all muslims are not moors. Neither has the the hope that Sri Lanka be a paradise for peace been shattered. In fact Sri Lanka is far more peaceful than many countries on this Planet. Of course we have a few problems but we dont have gunmen butchering children at schools or lunatics and fanatics running loose killing people in the hundreds and thousands. We have not yet come to that.

    The majority of people in Sri Lanka, Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims are peaceful and honourable people who get on well with each other. We go as Muslims not Moors. The division between the different ethnicities ceased to exist many years before. Today we have Sinhalese and Tamil Muslims who go as plain Muslim and cannot be distinguished from any other. They are 100% members of our community.

    In the aftermath of the Grandpass incident I am informed that many of the people who attacked the mosque, now regret their actions and blame the monk who instigated the attack. Muslims and Buddhist, Muslims and Christians, Muslims and Hindus have lived side by side in respect and harmony in this land and will continue to do so. We are determined to resist the acts of a few misguided people.

    BBS is fast losing popularity. Recent meetings could muster only a few hundred people. Thanks to the efforts of the right thinking brothers and sisters of all ethnicities and religons.

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    Jim pappa must be still using outdated Windows 95.

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    The Writer misleads himself in continuing to state “Moors of Sri Lanka didn’t demand a Separate State” … “Moors of Sri Lanka, though they don’t make a claim for a homeland, as Tamils do” …How can they? Surely, Dr. Imtiaz, a man in the level of intelligence expected from you cannot go about claiming territory in this country – for either false or imaginary reasons. You become a laugh when you do.

    Tamils are not a minority in their historically habitats and have been there for as long as anybody else. This is universally conceded which is why the State now uses the army in an urgent project of illegally
    colonising Tamil land in the North despite objections from the legal title holders. The State’s “remarkable success” in reducing Tamils to
    virtually the 3rd minority in the EP is now part of history – though hardly lawful or humaley just. It is sheer physical and naked armed
    power that is used to gain the regime’s diabolical objective.

    So please stop your regular and unwanted “scholarly advise” how we should go about. Already, your own Muslims have doubt of your usefulness to their self-inflicted plight where you admit “they are not perfectly peaceful (sic)”

    Varathan

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    Read this:

    muslims don’t believe anything said that is negative about islam. so why not google, lying for allah. they are suras from allah. that tells muslims to do taqiyyah. lying to protect islam and allah. i never did understand why a god would need someone to lie for him.she said; i didn’t put the negative things in the quran or hadiths. did you
    In the Koran TAQIYYAH is allowed.

    Basically you are allowed to lie to non muslims to conceal your true nature to preserve your own life. That was it’s intent.

    Some muslims have used it as an excuse to lie under all circumstances as long as it’s to a non muslim.

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      Take that.

      If you want to ridicule and make fun of the translation of the text in the Quran, then you need to know there is no perfect or valid English translation that could justify the message that is being conveyed. It was revealed in the highest form of classical Arabic and its poetic justice or metaphoric prose was thrown as an open challenge to anyone to reproduce similar text or anything better to convey the message. This was the norm at the time, when poems were in vogue and this, the Quranic text was in the highest and richest known standard at the time, in the Arabic language enunciated by a illiterate Prophet who could not read nor write anything at all, lest it be said that was his own creation. God chose him, our beloved Prophet Muhammed (PBOH) to reveal His message to the world. You read these translations and understand it in its literal sense, pick up what interests you to beat us with, and display your ignorance in the process. I wouldn’t want to venture out to try and explain what you have questioned, since it involves sharpness in knowledge, which could be best done by an Alim (person knowledgeable in religious matters) who is capable enough and trained with the research to quell your thirst There are far greater issues such as incest and filth in many of the other religious texts if you car to read, rather than picking on some mundane issue in the Quran

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      Jim softy

      Kindly stop your non-sense it is irritating here to read as you don’t have basic knowledge of any religion. As a Buddhist (I assume) At least try to learn Buddhism so you can be a good Buddhist. I feel shame on you guy.

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    Muslims were hoping to get concessions by supporting the Sinhala hardliners hoping for a reward! I hope they get their reward soon through bbs and get the bb broken!

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      I agree with Michael Don’s comments. Opportunistic by nature, the Muslims harmed Tamil resistance years before VP’s cleansing and the Kattankudy massacre. Now they are left friendless and must be regretting their falsehood of denying their recent South Indian origin.
      For years from now they will be looked upon with suspicion by all communities in the country.

      Nettabomman

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        We Muslims don’t need your support, nor the support of the Tamils to keep us afloat. All we look forward to is Allah’s support to take us to the zenith of where we ought to be, be it in this world or the hereafter. There were many battles fought, won with God’s help, and los through man’s greed in Islamic history (dduring the time of the Prophet.

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        Well I will be labelled an opportunist anytime than a racist and terrorist. We did not take the side of the Tamils because we believe in a unitary state. And we believe in supporting the elected government. If racists from either side don’t see it that way it is their problem.

        As for you, you may justify terrorism and mass murder. We don’t. See the difference?

        Also don’t use your hackneyed Al Qaeda argument. We don’t support violence in any form Muslim or non Muslim. Period!

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    Muslims should be forced to pay a tax to live in Sri Lanka and not allowed to have business license or marry non-Muslims.

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      All non-Muslims should be sent back from the Middle East – the Sinhala Buddhist country will collapse ! Foreign remittances from overseas workers is nearing USD 7 billion.

      Don’t you realise, this is a bankrupt country ?

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      Muslims never marry non-muslim women, that non-muslim women marry muslim men. So you ask your non-muslim sisters to not to marry muslim men.

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      At the height of the Arab power around the 7th – 15th centuries they
      imposed a tax on the Christians and Jews in their lands – who refused
      to be converted. But to suggest this to be imposed on our Muslims now is illegal, inhumane and barbaric. So is the sick suggestion they should be prevented from doing business here. Refusing the right of one in our society to marry one he/she wishes to out of free will to marry is equally deplorable.

      Assuming our Muslims caused others much irritation, the fact is now they have suffered enough and now live in fear. This shames all of us.
      Let us forget the past and move on.

      Backlash

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        Backlash,

        Do u know what is that tax mean? You should do some exercises to understand it…..unless reading anti islamic websites.
        In Sri Lanka everybody pay tax between 20-30%. Even a beggar pays tax who use mobile phone. But in Islamic Caliphate only rich people paid tax. Muslims rich paid 2.5% / annum of their income and non-muslims rich paid lesser than that/ annum. But poor never paid tax.
        So, you should do some exercises to understand the fact unless commenting like a fool.

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          Who is Alan trying to fool? The taxes I referred to was those that had to be compulsorily paid by Jews and Christians to the
          Muslim Arab King, at the pain of death, for the crime of belonging to another religion. It is on such injustice that Islam survived and that is why it is so hated.

          An ignoramus like you must learn – not teach.

          Backlash

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            I am talking about what Islam says…..I don’t want to talk who paid whom and how much! In Sri Lanka muslims are one of the key donators to the Buddhist festivals like Vesak Poson etc. Even they donate for temples……..Also mostly tax payers in Sri Lanka are muslims(BTT, other income tax)because mostly they do business.

            I think regarding the Sharia law of tax you should do some exercises. but I don’t want to Argive with you. You can refer the books written by Sinhalese lawyers (Ex: Mr. karunarathna Herath).

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      I thought in this country all citizens pay taxes including Buddhists and Muslims! Are you living in another country?

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    Mega tsunamie and Mega Earthquakes measuring 10.0 on Richter scale waiting to happen. More than 3 billion will get affected. Jim Softy are you ready? With all your Islam bashing and God insulting, you are surely asking for the wrath of the Almighty on yourself including the rest of us.

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      Marwan’s evil wish is understandable. That is in the Muslim blood – curses and wishing every other religionists than themselves to die.
      Why do you think from the 7th century to now, the story of your people is one soaked in blood, swords and revenge.

      ADJP

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        Are you talking about the Sinhala-Buddhism in Sri Lanka ? Or are you talking to the mirror – you will see racism written all over your face !!

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        History has proved time and time again. How or why Dead Sea came into existence, the story of Noah’s Ark, Prophet Moses crossing the River Nile with his followers, whilst the chasing army led by Pharoah was drowned with his followers, all killed through natural disasters. Man has no control of nature in Wind, fire and water. All three are good as slaves but spells disaster when it becomes master. And all three are in God’s control. Nothing like this in teachings of Buddhism, since you don’t believe in the existence og Almighty God in the first place. Buddhism is only a way of life, that you try to emulate from the life of Lord Buddha. Unfortunately that too has been hijacked by some lunatics.

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    “At the height of the Arab power around the 7th – 15th centuries they
    imposed a tax on the Christians and Jews in their lands – who refused
    to be converted” So this is the kindness and tolerance of their great religion Muslim fanatics in the CT columns try to fool us with. As Lincoln said “you can’t fool all the people all the time”

    Hooker

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      Hooker, your understanding of the Tax called Jizya is distorted. You may have sourced it from an anti-Muslim website, or read it somewhere without understand it in the correct perspective.

      Once the Muslims won the war and took over the territory, they asked the non-believers to convert to Islam. Most did, but some were defiant. At which stage they were deemed to be still part of the enemy. At that stage a law was introduced for their own protection. It was called ‘protection tax’ which they had to pay to live in the Muslim state, or must leave, since they were considered still to be the enemies or a threat to the newly formed Islamic state. If they refused to pay the tax, it meant that were prepared to fight to the end, which meant facing the consequences, which obviously meant death at the hands of their invading army. In short, they were given a choice and not brutally murdered, as would have been the norm.

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        In Marwan’s own words here this claim of the Muslims their religion is “tolerant, merciful” to others is sheer nonsense. These claims are calculated to deceive a world that is wiser.

        Hooker

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    Paying the price to be a Hindu, Buddhist, Christian or JEWISH in Saudi!!

    What a heavy price which is death if caught practicing their religion!

    Why SL has to be any different?

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      If in your esteemed view Saudi Arabia is evil, why do you want to propagate evil in Sri Lanka? Do you endorse the views of the Saudis

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