8 October, 2024

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Prostituting Iftar For Political Gain

By Ameer Ali

Dr. Ameer Ali

Iftar, the Muslim tradition of breaking the fast during Ramadhan comes from the Arabic word fatoor meaning breakfast. It is a solemn occasion for the devotees who fast as required by their creator and end the fast also as required by the same. The occasion is concluded by performing the evening obligatory or maghrib prayer. 

It was some time last year that I published a piece in the Colombo Telegraph titled, “Ostentatious Iftars and Obscene Poverty”. I was critical of holding lavish iftar parties held in Five Star Hotels organised by publicity seeking individuals and institutions, and inviting politicians and diplomats, while constituencies of poverty remains the most obnoxious feature of the Muslim community. One only has to go to the mosques during the fasting month to witness the crowd of beggars gathering there for handouts. The month of Ramadhan is notable for charity and charitable activities.

Iftar is neither a religious ritual nor an elaborate custom but a normal daily feature of fasting. Simplicity is Islam’s requirement in all its religious observations. The Holy Quran warns the Muslims of “those who want to be seen” (chapter 107, verse 6) and Islam is against showiness. Muslims should remember that it was their showiness in practising their religion, which in the past had contributed mostly to Buddhist-Muslim tensions in the country. 

One of the most pleasing traditions of iftar practised for a long time in Sri Lanka is the distribution of kanchi or rice porridge at mosques, which for many poor Muslim families constituted part of their dinner. With a couple of dates, preferably and not compulsorily, that kanchi was almost a lifesaver to the poor. If the iftar party organisers would spend their money in distributing more kanchi even to non-Muslim poor families in this month they would be earning more reward from their creator.  The kanchi will bring communities together. I remember in the 1970s when there was food shortage in the country a number of estate worker families depended entirely on the Ramadhan kanchi for survival during those thirty days.           

In this context, it is shocking to read an elaborate advertisement from Beruwela, announcing iftar parties for three days, for which the chief guests would be the political stalwarts of the Rajapaksa family. There is nothing wrong in hosting them for any celebration organised by Muslims. Having betrayed by the MS-RW government, most Muslims are quite willing to fall back on MR for solution to their problems. Whether changing pillows to cure headache is another question.  However, what is inappropriate is to prostitute an ordinary religious tradition to gain political favour. It is better to invite them rather to the festival dinner or lunch than to the solemn iftar. Stop prostituting religion for political gain. Contrast this to what Bosath Tharuna Ekathuwa has done in a Dansala in Maradana to mark the Poson Full Moon Poya, where the Sinhalese youth has served iftar breakfast to Muslims. While the event in Beruwela is for seeking political favour that in Maradana is to unite communities. Let Muslim leaders stop prostituting religion for political gains.                

Latest comments

  • 10
    18

    As a Muslim, I am appalled at the responses of some
    over Iftar functions graced by those not belonging to
    the faith.

    Firstly, Mr Ameer Ali boasts about “ostentatious iftars
    and obscene poverties.” Both exist but the question is
    whether there should be so much heart thumping
    about it. Say, a group of Muslim parliamentarians invite
    their non Muslim colleagues. What other place could
    they choose except a hotel, more so when they could
    afford.

    What most forget is the real idea behind the Iftar. Those non
    Muslims though some are controversial figures are shedding
    them to rub shoulders with Muslims in the name of Allah in
    the holy month of Ramazan. That breeds goodwill and brotherhood
    though, without question, there are political connotations.

    What other political leaders should do is emulate Gotabaya Rajapaksa
    and his group. Simply photo shopping nnd introducing a cap on
    Gotabaya’s head is not only mischief but spreading racisim and hatred.
    This government has encouraged it most.

    The great economist, planner, thinker, philosopher, visionary among other
    things, our indisputed leader Ranil Wickremesinghe also should take part
    in some Iftar functions. This is not by spending government moneys and
    holding a ceremony at Temple Trees. The tax payer’s money is spent for such
    things. Why does’nt he go out from that shell called TT. He can make some
    helicopter trips, like going to Morawaka at least 68 times.

    • 7
      22

      Wealth Robbers of Sri Lanka, number two. Number one Tamils. This is well known secret of Sri Lanka

      • 15
        1

        When Sinhalese are lazy bums these people generate wealth and rightfully reap the fruits of labor.
        Stupid people are always jealous irrespective of race or religion.

      • 3
        2

        You mean Gota and the Tamils?

      • 1
        3

        The Govigama Mafia cannot get worse than this. The Beruwala Muslims has just fulfilled a mission of the Rajapakse clan who requires some photo ops and some video clips to show that they are back again human beings now. When they are in animal mode they go about propagating the Sinhala Racism and then goes about burning, destroying lives and properties of the population who are tax payers. Now, the deep state must have instructed them to display some humanity type things for them to be chosen for the job again. Since they have done so much for the Zionist Deep State order in the destruction of the Muslim livelyhood. To get ready for the destruction of the Pakistan and Iran, the newly targeted enemy of the Zionists (US, Israel, EU), the Rajapakse clan will be made the direct agents of the Jews for Operation Pivot of Asia to start wiping out Muslim populations in the Asia region to reach the ultimate target of the Massive Destruction of the Pakistan. This is prime project in their NWO New World Order agenda. Gota will be controlled by the Zionists to open up the Sri Lankan territory for the incoming Israeli troops for the mission. So, the Muslim bashing by the Govi media mafia is doing their work through The Island, Divaina, Lanka Deepa, Ada, Daily mirror, Derana, Swarnawahini, TNL, Hiru, Mawbima etc, etc. This will be the Waterloo of the Govi Mafia when they really enter into the phase of World War 3 which has been planned and being executed by the evil jews of the Global Order.

        • 1
          0

          Radical Ideas
          What do you mean by Govigama “mafia”? Majority of Sinhalese are Govigama and they hold the power. So what? Anyways, your essay reflects only your imagination.

          • 0
            0

            He is jealous of Goigama people because he is a low caste convert to Islam.

      • 5
        0

        Wealth Robbers are the Sinhalese . Tamils and Muslims work hard and generate wealth. Sinhalese who are largely lazy then get jealous and in the name of Sinhala Buddhism go around looting the wealth that was created by the Muslims and Tamils stating it should belong to them

    • 15
      12

      Rasool Malik
      I am not a supporter of Gotabhya. But I would like to remind you a few things about RW.
      Your great economist Ranil Wickremasinghe cut his teeth in economics by robbing the Central Bank, which is the heart of Sri Lanka’s economy!
      Your great visionary Ranil Wickremasinghe then sold the quadrillion dollar worth Magampura port which is located in the heart of the Silk Route for a few million dollars, the money of which China can recover in no time. Now China is demanding the slave government to hand over the billion dollar worth man-made island built by Mahinda Rajapaksa close to Magamapura port, free of charge, in order to make the balance payment.
      Your great planner Ranil Wickremasinghe’s first plan was to suppress his political opponents by establishing an illegal police entity called FCID even above the independent judiciary, which gets orders from the PM,
      Your great philosopher then arrested and jailed Buddhist priests for keeping elephants that were donated to temples by devotees in keeping with Buddhist alms giving tradition.
      Now he is trying to woo Tamils in the North. He says the poorest area in the country is North which is not true. Impoverishment of Tamils in the North was a product by LTTE. They robbed all food, medicine and other supplies sent to North. They suppressed farmers from farming and others engaging in any work. After LTTE was eliminated, MR took many measures to improve their livelihood. At that time they had a better life than now. Yahapalanaya government economically handicapped the entire country, both North and South. Now Ranil is shedding crocodile tears.

      • 1
        0

        “The Muslim Voice” believes that the country’s thinking that a “CHANGE” in the Prime Minister post and the President should happen soon. It has been proved beyond doubt that the present PM Ranil Wickremasinghe is really involved in the Bond Scam. Moreover, the PM and the President have also betrayed the Muslims since they came to power because of the “EN-BLOCK” Muslim votes/vote bank. Since 2014,”The Muslim Voice” spoke in favour of the Sri Lanka Muslims supporting the “MAHINDA PELA” or now JO which has reborn as a political party – the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (POTTUWA). Why “The Muslim Voice” advocated this view was because, the Sri Lanka Muslims would have worked out to win the confidence of the Mahinda Pela and its Sinhala Buddhist Nationalistic supporters/voters. Today the Muslims, trusting the UNP and flocking en-block and have traded nearly 800,000 Muslim votes to the UNP/Yahapalana (Hansaya) government of Mathripala Sirisena and Ranil Wickremasinghe, has betrayed and dumped the Sri Lankan Muslims in the political dustbin, beaten and penalized as a result of the conspiracies of the UNP/BBS/Rajitha Seneratne, Champika Ranawaka and the so-called Civil Society groups like the Puravasibalaya which is supported by our own Muslim Civil Society groups such as the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka (an ad-hock group gathered without a constitution and by-laws), the National Shoora Council and ACJU. The political principle/ideology that “The Muslim Voice” advocated and is advocating it even now is because it is based on the political vision shown to us by the late Dr. T.B.Jaya, viz-a-viz – “NOT TO PUT ALL OUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET WHEN IT COMES TO POLITICS”. It is Time up that the Sri Lanka Muslims should rethink their stand to gain advantages for the future by supporting/negotiating with the SLPP or the Mahinda Pela.

      • 8
        5

        Champa, You should join Shenali Waduge in pushing the racialist tirade. ranil is no saint, I agree but so are the members who you re attempting to promote.
        For a better Sri lanka let us dump both the UNP and the SLFP and the the JO in dust bins.They stink.

        • 1
          0

          sathsidu ganasara
          I am my own master and have been fighting solo for the last 3 years. I don’t see any reason to couple with someone I don’t know.
          I didn’t attempt to promote anybody. Ranil sold the historic Magampura port built by Mahinda. There is nothing to promote. In fact, Ranil has already proved that he is a destroyer, not a builder.
          We gave a promise to Mahinda in 2015. But no one has given any promise to Gotabhaya to make him the President. In fact, he didn’t even take part in Wimal’s “Bring back Mahinda campaign” at the time or even afterwards. We shall fulfill our promise to Mahinda. Gotabhaya has no place there. So, if you think I am promoting Gotabhaya, you are mistaken. I am telling you, the next President is not a Rajapaksa.

        • 2
          1

          sathsidu ganasara

          How sure are you Champa is not the most unhappy person Shenali Waduge?

          • 0
            0

            Crazy City Vedda
            Take the bow and arrow and run to the nearest jungle where you belong.

      • 0
        0

        Chanoa – I cannot agree with you any better on the references
        made to the world’s greatest democrat, Ranil Wickremesinghe.
        I can add that all he wants is hold on to power with his team of
        suckers and hurrah boys. He now wants to remain in power only
        to cover up the bond scam investigations. He does not know it
        is too late.

      • 0
        0

        Champa:
        What a stupid argument. Your intent of reminding about RW is saying White Van Gota should be elected by default and not because of the attributes he brings to the table.

        Original Sinhala Buddha thinking. :)

    • 10
      6

      Lanken Muslims in general very cheap.

      How on the earth can Muslims ever support ballige putha Rajapakshes.

      Just not 4 years ago, the manner, Rajapakshe men planned to create new form of racial waves being instrumental that BBS rabid dog.
      How many of the innocient muslim srilankens in ALuthgama went all the torment not having their basic rights.
      Today people have lost their memories. ballige putha Rajapakshe did almost every harm to their own folks not selecting they belong to which race.
      Please help me if anyone there to remind the recent history of the country.
      That sunday leader editor who was the successor to murdered Lasantha W, left srilanka for the US why?
      Why other journos left the country ?
      Why people forget almost everything at once ? is that because lanken in general are born stupid `?

    • 6
      8

      Fasting during daytime is abnormal. Normally every Human being fasts during nights and eats during day. During Ramadhan, Muslims fast during daytime and eat during night. It is nothing but turning day into night and night into day. No God in his senses will ask his followers to do such stupid thing, which means Allah is not the creator.

      • 1
        1

        AF
        Warped logic.
        Deserves noble price for clear thinking.
        Get lost, smart ass.

        • 1
          1

          How can Allah be powerful when Muslims who shout Allahu Akbar are shot dead like dogs by non believers. In contrast when Buddhists say Buddham Saranam Gacchami, he sends his disciple like Gnanassara to do the needful.

      • 5
        1

        Al-faqurlah: Please leave the matured matters for matured brains, and you can probably spend your time to improve your IQ?

    • 8
      5

      Stop using Muslim names. We still remember what Kothapaya Rajafucksa did to Muslims when in power. This Muslim killer should not be allowed within 100km of any Muslim.

    • 6
      3

      Dr. Ameer Ali,

      RE: Prostituting Iftar For Political Gain

      Part 1.

      There are actually, multiple angles and issues involved here.

      It is good that Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Robber, Murderer and Liar is given an opportunity to state his case. Every politician should be given the opportunity to state his/her case and position, even though we know many lie.

      Q1. Is Gotabaya Rajapaksa, an Angulimala, who has reformed, or just the same Old Angulimala, the Robber and the Murderer, who is trying to fool the Muslims again, and split the vote? Gotabayaand Rajpaksas game plan is to come back to power, and any fool who allow this to happen, i the greatest fool of all. In a land where the mean IQ is 79, this could happen.

      https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/hecker/wheel312.html

      Angulimala, the robber and murderer, is one of the best known figures of the Buddhist scriptures, because of his dramatic life story. His conversion to monkhood and later to sainthood was exceptional as he seems to have been the only former criminal to be accepted into the Buddhist monastic order. The Buddha had often warned not to judge people from appearances and their external behavior.

      What does the data historical data show? What was the need to attack the Muslims and to protect the criminals of BBS and others? Gotabaya is, in addition a Liar, based on the events from 2010 to 2015, and what he is saying in his speech. Has he forgotten Aluthgama and other incidents from 2010 to 2014?

      Since the mean IQ is 79 for the Muslims, just like their fellow non-Muslims, Gotabaya may be able to fool and mislead quite a few Muslims.

      Caveat Emptor. This is a case of a wolf in sheep clothing..

    • 3
      0

      Dr. Ameer Ali.

      RE: Prostituting Iftar For Political Gain

      Part 2

      Q. Is giving an opportunity to a know Robber, Murderer and Liar , during the Holy month of Ramadan, where self-restraint, helping the poor and forgiveness are key principles, Prostituting Iftar For Political Gain? Well, Buddha forgave the Robber and Murderer Angulima.

      Let’s see what the Quran says about the Fasting and the month of Ramadan , from Yusuf Ali translation.
      Surah 2: 183: Fasting is prescribed to you… Thay ye may(learn) Self-restraint
      Surah 2: 184: Fasting for a fixed number of days.
      Surah 2: 185: Ramadan is the month…….So every one of you Who is present (at his home) During that month Should spend it in Fasting.
      Surah 2: 188: And do not eat up Your property among yourselves For vanities, nor use it As bait for the judges, With intent that ye may Eat up wrongfully and knowingly A little of (other) peoples property.
      .
      Q. Are they using the Muslim votes as As bait for the judges, (Rajapaksas) or are they showing self-restraint and throwing an olive branch to Angulimala?

    • 3
      0

      Dr. Ameer Ali

      RE: Prostituting Iftar For Political Gain

      Part 3.

      However, this is not true for All Muslims. Only for those who are politically and socially inclined, will do for gain. Wonder, if they actually fast?

      “Iftar is neither a religious ritual nor an elaborate custom but a normal daily feature of fasting. “
      “Simplicity is Islam’s requirement in all its religious observations.”

      Simplicity is only practiced for funerals, where the body is buried with 24 hrs. Not for weddings.

      So they want to turn, Self-restraint into a social and political occasion, related to the greed of wealth and property. Quran Chapter 2, Verse 188. Ulema did that to maintain theit hegemony over the Philosophers and free thinkers. Ulema used the rulers to theit advantage, 800 years ago. and burn their works.
      Ibn Rushd in his darkest hour.

      https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/artsandculture/2015/4/9/ibn-rushd-in-his-darkest-hour

      The reasons for the persecution of Ibn Rushd vary according to those who studied his struggle and their intellectual levels.

      A final reason offered was Ibn Rushd’s book The Incoherence of the Incoherence, in which he responded to the fallacies of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali’s The Incoherence of Philosophers. He did this despite knowing Ghazali was the master of the Almohad dynasty who were in power, and believed the earth was located between the horns of a bull.

    • 3
      0

      Dr. Ameer Ali,

      RE: Prostituting Iftar For Political Gain

      Part 4

      1. “I was critical of holding lavish iftar parties held in Five Star Hotels organised by publicity seeking individuals and institutions, and inviting politicians and diplomats, while constituencies of poverty remains the most obnoxious feature of the Muslim community.”

      This is networking, and the excuse for the Party is not a Wedding,or Birthday, but Iftar, the breaking of the fast. So, this is also an opportunity for the Muslims, to tell them what Iftar and fasting is all about, Self-restraint.

      Q. “while constituencies of poverty remains the most obnoxious feature of the Muslim community.”

      “One only has to go to the mosques during the fasting month to witness the crowd of beggars gathering there for handouts. The month of Ramadhan is notable for charity and charitable activities.”

      Why? What role do the Ulema, Imams and Moulavis play in maintaining poverty in the Muslim community?

      They downplay or abhor reason, and it is always their interpretation of the Quran, Hadith and the Tradition (Sunnah) that prevails. When the Muslim philosophers use reason, they influence the rulers and call the philosophers, Kuffar(Unbelievers), Innovators, heretics, Apostates etc. and the maintain the backwardness n the Muslim community.

      Ibn Rushd in his darkest hour

      Ibn Rushd is the most capable rationalist philosopher in the history of Arab civilization.

      https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/artsandculture/2015/4/9/ibn-rushd-in-his-darkest-hour

      He also wrote The Decisive Treatise, Determining the Nature of the Connection between Religion and Philosophy.

      This book makes him the originator of the idea that Greek rational heritage does not contradict Islam and that scriptural sciences have an arena as do rational deductive sciences.

  • 25
    5

    Yes agreed with your comments.
    Our muslim Politicians are selfish bastards apart for Mujibur rahman.
    Those buggers will even sell there …..s

    • 5
      2

      Unlike tamils lankens muslims would never see it right.

  • 25
    7

    Muslim Politicians are a disgraceful lot and the Beruwela Muslims are shameless !

    They have forgotten how this SOB treated them when they were in power !!

  • 3
    9

    Firstly, “fasting” in the strict sense of the word, dos not happen.
    What happens, is that instead of eating in the daytime, all eat at night.
    Secondly, a religious occasion could be shared with friends, even politicians.
    If this leads to political favours, so what?

    • 8
      2

      You r absolutely right. I was in Saudi Arabia, home of Islam. There work is from 6 to 11 for Saudis. They come to work at 6 after a hearty, more than usual breakfast which takes them through until 11 very comfortably. Then they reach their homes within half hour. They sleep until it is time to break fast. Then its a question of eating and more eating. During that month they change night into day and day into night. Everybody does shopping in the nights. So there is really no fasting. Only change of mealtimes. Sri Lankan muslims really fast. No question about it. As for ostentations, there are Iftars in 5 star hotels where families could afford partake. Why gripe about it?

    • 3
      1

      Dear justice, If you wanted to make point, you chose the wrong words, thereby making a fool of yourself. ‘Fasting’ during Ramadhan is a customary Islamic tradition. How they fast and how they break fast is their choice. Stop ridiculing something that doesn’t concern you in any way.

  • 8
    2

    Prof. Ameer Ali. It is once again a thought provoking piece of writing. While hundreds of Muslim academics are good in copy cut stratagems. you have showed your academic potentiality and creativity in your writing. I’ve read most of your writing. All are brilliant academic writing in plain English. yet, idiots in South Eastern University did not have academic skills to gauge your academic credentials… Today, Oxford, Cambridge ,Harvard universities head hunt for talents people. In Sri lankan universities out of jealousy, do not get good people into university. You are a victim of this academic mafia.
    I think that Kanchi a unique Sri Lankan Muslim culture. and there is no harm integrating this culture into Sri Lankan Islam. Muslim community all over the world, integrated local culture into Islam. Chinese local culture, malay local culture, turkish local culture, Nigerian culture and now european culture all are integrated into Islam. Bloody wahabi would not agree with this. But I feel Sri Lankan muslim community should be OK with this. But I too agree with you we should turn it into political mafia. but should like a feast for poor. not for rrih and politicians.

    • 3
      7

      Wahabis are thiose following the Quran and Saudis. So, they think Islam originated in saudi so every one should be a Saudi. so, ask your femels to cover the whole body except the eyes. So, they can look at men.but men can not look at them.

      • 2
        2

        jimsot

        We always warn you NOT TO WRITE COMMENT WHEN YOU ARE DRUNG ‘KASIPPU’ . your racist unsuitable comment for the subject is ridiculous.. go and wrap up with a KAAVI podavai and sleep with those dirty kaavi reddayas..

    • 5
      6

      “I think that Kanchi a unique Sri Lankan Muslim culture”. No, it is also a part of South Indian Muslim culture. Kanchi is a Tamil word (In Sinhala called Kendha). This proves that Sri Lankan Muslims are low caste South Indian converts to Islam.

      • 1
        1

        A-f
        Very logical; High caste Tamil South Indian.
        Stupid.

      • 4
        2

        They just look at the photo and even the photo of Amir Ali and other Muslims columnists , does any one of then remotely resemble an Arab or Moor? They all look like low caste South Indians , that they really are but now pretending to be Arab/Moor to conveniently gain political and economic benefits. Sri Lankan Muslims by and large are low caste South Indian Dravidian Tamil Hindu converts to Islam. A little bit of Arab in a few hundred families who will only make up around 40000 the most out of a population of around 1.9 million , does not make them Moors or Arabs. Even these people are predominantly of Tamil origin. This is like the Sinhalese and Tamil Christians in Sri Lanka claiming European origin and as evidence of this showing the microscopic 38000 strong part European Burgher community. No one will accept this idiotic claim but due to dirty politics to divide and rule the island’s Tamils , first by the British and then by all Sinhalese governments , this ridiculous claim that Muslims of Sri Lanka is are not Tamils but are of Arab/Moor origin is being accepted entertained. The Muslim elite and politicians also want this , as they are power hungry and it suits their agenda too. They will go to any lengths to maintain this lie. They have successfully brainwashed the island’s 99% Tamil Muslim masses who have no Arab Moor or anything else in them , to hate their Tamil origin culture and ethnicity and worship everything Arab and Arabised them. This is a form of genocide , deliberately brainwashing a people to hate their own origin, language, culture and not to acknowledge it . The irony is Tamil culture and Tamil Islamic culture is so rich. Nowhere else in the world have the followers of a religion been made into an ethnicity.

        • 1
          0

          RSSS.
          Smart ass;I am impressed by your ability to differentiate an Arab,a Moor, a low caste or high caste Tamil by looking at photos.
          Probably you need some help to get rid of your delusions of superiority?

      • 3
        1

        Al-faqurlah: All problem is because of your low IQ father forgetting to wipe it on his sarong – We all got to deal with a dirty dumb worm here :-)

        • 1
          1

          Sarongs on which Sinhala men wipe theirs are now being used by Muslim women to put Mukkadu.

    • 1
      0

      Lankan,

      ” Today, Oxford, Cambridge ,Harvard universities head hunt for talents people. In Sri lankan universities out of jealousy, do not get good people into university. You are a victim of this academic mafia.”

      820 years ago,the Islamic Scholar, Jurist and Philosiopher of all time, Ibn Rushs, (Averroes) was hounded by the Ulema and Theologians of that time, using the ruler, banished and his works burned. Why, because he showed how incorrect Hamid Al Ghazali was, and the Ulema had a field day with the incorrect interpretations of Ghazali’s writings., to the Ulemas advantage. The Muslims gave stagnated ever since, and have not yet reached the Age of Reason and Enlightenment, which Europe got in several centuries ago.

      Ibn Rushd in his darkest hour

      https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/artsandculture/2015/4/9/ibn-rushd-in-his-darkest-hour

      Despite his philosophical brilliance Ibn Rushd was banished and his writings burnt.

      A final reason offered was Ibn Rushd’s book The Incoherence of the Incoherence, in which he responded to the fallacies of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali’s The Incoherence of Philosophers. He did this despite knowing Ghazali was the master of the Almohad dynasty who were in power, and believed the earth was located between the horns of a bull.

      Ibn Rushd was summoned to the Mansur’s court, publically insulted and cursed and accused of heresy. The king ordered him to be exiled along with anyone who spoke about philosophy.

      However, when talking about the trials of a philosopher like Ibn Rushd in the 12th century it is important to remember attacks on rational science, especially logic, began in Abbasid Baghdad under caliphs who were parrots in cages in the 10th century.

      Stupidest Muslim Vs Neil Tyson – How ideology can ruin intellectual power

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyCxrL9-C84

      This is not a debate between some Muslim and Neil Tyson. But this video shows the thinking of some very well educated 21’st century Muslim (I don’t know he is ignorant, stupid or dishonest. But he is one for sure) and Neil Tyson speaking in a lecture about how Muslims intellectual power ruined by an ideology. Many such Muslim Academics may be in the Eastern University, courtsey of being trained by the Ulema, Imams and Moilavis.

  • 14
    6

    We all know who was responsible for the violence against Muslims in the South after 2009. It is not a secret that Gotapaya Rajapakse was the sponsor of BBS which was responsible for those attack on Muslim mosques, burning of Muslim properties, spreading lies about the Amparai restaurant birth control drama followed with the violence in Kandy and Colombo. Rajapakse family knew well that they lost elections because of Muslims and Tamils vote.It is not difficult to buy a few Muslims and Tamils for their propaganda. They are billionaires and they have the power to buy and they know how to earn the lost when they come to power. This is going for many years and this way of Sinhalese politics was successful. The objective of Rajapakse family is very clear. A Sinhalese only Nation where Rajapakase family are lifelong kings! It is possible for Muslims and Tamils to challenge and defeat Rajapakse motives of eliminating Muslims and Tamils from this island which is the homeland for them as well as a united force.

  • 17
    3

    Don’t get deceived by this Gota presentation. He is only interested in trying to con the muslims about how much the Rajapakses want to protect the muslims. A load of bullshit from a racist and bigot who is very close to the BBS and the saffron robed thug Gnasara who has made very clear statements anti muslim. The Gota realises that the muslim vote can make a difference and we all know that the Rajapakses have been and always will be anti muslim and pro Buddhist singhala. Absolute disgrace to use the holy Iftar event to promote their devious and crooked political objectives. Wonder how much was paid to those in the audience who clapped when the Gota was speaking and wonder whether the Gota paid the money for the meals. Why are you muslims allowing this scoundrel to make political speeches during this holy time for muslims?

    • 0
      1

      “Why are you muslims allowing this scoundrel to make political speeches during this holy time for muslims?” – Real holy time of any SL Muslims is when seeing some “vaasi”, these fat black burqa b!tches did not teach some self-respect and dignity to their kids, Muslim long behearded uneducated camel hubbies are too busy with cheating the innocents to feed their mini-zoos and multiple elephants. What you expect the kids to become? Only 2 tricks they know are to cheat others or wash some A$$ for survival

      Rohingya Muslims are better than SL ones.

  • 13
    5

    A simple look back at available videos on the Aluthgama/Dharganagar racial attacks on June 15th and 16th 2014, will reveal the impotence of forces under Gota’s command and control. They displayed their inept and impotence thru their sheer unwillingness to take any action against the perpetrators of the violence. Thus providing ample evidence that it was an inside job to alienate the Muslims whilst hoping to embrace their own kind, with ulterior motive – political gain. It backfired on him, his brother’s reign, and sent them all packing – lock, stock and barrel. Now he talks of foreign involvements to undermine and cause a rift between our communities, and apparently there are shameless buyers to this con-talk in the Beruwela electorate. How meek and humble he portrays himself now, a far cry from his arrogant and boisterous demeanor he displayed in leadership. His words can never be taken at face value and knowing all that we know now, about how he made his money, and all the negativity surrounding his reign of terror, I hope our Muslim family (Ummath) never fall into this same trap ever again. Even the freedom to express ourselves freely will be gone forever. He will hunt you down.

  • 3
    6

    As apparent, both sides are using each other. Muslims seemed to be believing that Gotabhaya will become the next President. Therefore, they invited him this year. Last year they invited MR. This time I didn’t see him in any Iftar. But I like it. Sinhalese will never approve our Sinhalese leaders become helpless at the demand of Muslims for votes. Many irregularities have happened. Sinhalese Buddhists lost their official Vesak Day on account of Iftar this year. I don’t see any other reason for the government to force Buddhists to commemorate their most important religious day in April. Will they do that to any other religion? Never. A Muslim Minister is accused for razing down Wilpattu and resettling Muslims who were not IDPs. Then again high profile Ministers are involved in drug trade and thug trade.
    The next President should not be under obligation to Muslims or Tamils. Otherwise it will be difficult for him to take bold decisions for the best interest of the country. That is the view of the general public. It is the division among us that caused our downfall. Therefore, unity among Sinhalese is of utmost important at the next President Election. This is not to sideline Muslims or Tamils. But I don’t want their votes to be the decisive factor in electing the next President. The decisive factor should be the votes of Sinhalese, who are the majority, not the votes of the minority, which was the usual practice in all previous elections. It is time all Sinhalese put country before self. It is time!

    • 4
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      The minister who cleared Wilpaththu to settle Pakisthani and Rohingys muslims, after thr PREsident’s QATAR Trip, is settling muslims in the Batticaloa district I heard. during the LTTE times, that minister had only a plascit bag of full of belongings. Now he is a land owenr and a billionaire.

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      Champa

      “bold decisions for the best interest of the country”

      – ‘of the country’; you mean the Sinhalese?

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        Shrikaran
        That’s a good one.
        If our leaders have taken bold decisions for the best interest “of Sinhalese”, there wouldn’t have been LTTE terrorism, racism, separatism and Wahabism in this country.
        If our leaders have taken bold decisions for the best interest “of Sinhalese” there wouldn’t have been any illegal settling in Wilpattu reserve or in the East.
        If our leaders have taken bold decisions for the best interest of “Sinhalese”, Sinhalese would have the freedom to live anywhere in the country and practice Buddhism anywhere in the country.
        Thank you for opening my eyes. The same ways Tamils and Muslims think of their ethnicity, it is time Sinhalese also think of their ethnicity.

    • 3
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      Champa,

      Don’t interpret your own way. Always you find some Muslims you can buy by promising ministerial posts and paying money. This is not only applicable for Muslims but also for Tamils and Sinhalese as well. They don’t represent the whole Muslim community. Sinhalese used Muslims for their benefits and they now understand the true face of Buddhist Sinhala Fundamentalists.

      • 0
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        Ajith
        Muslim and Tamil politicians excelled in fishing in Sinhalese troubled waters. We are here to change that at the next Presidential Election. People will demand our leaders to not to enter into any deals (ok, pacts) with Tamil and Muslim parties. If they want, there are free to vote our Sinhalese leaders at their own free will. No more bargaining. We will put an end to it.

        • 2
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          Champa,
          It is great. You do whatever you want. The whole world should understand the true face of Buddhist Sinhala Fundamentalism. We never bargain with you for ministerial posts and money. We fight for our rights and we will win because justice is on our side.

  • 10
    1

    Iftar is more becoming a social get-together, irrelevant of religions, which is good. In the Middle-East it is quite normal for Muslims to invite their non-Muslim guests for Iftar in their Ramadan tents or luxury hotel buffets. This is happening for various reasons including, business (mainly), appreciating someone, planning some future gains, friends/family get-to-gather.

    Few who really want to help feed the poor, and many want to do just because Islam says, stick to “kanji” which is cheaper.

    Mr. Ameer Ali, What else can you expect from cheap SL Muslims?

  • 4
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    You can have both ways. If you if an elaborate Iftar, then you are prostituting Islam. If you follow Islam the proper way, then you are Fundamentalist and a Wahabbi. Common bro, lets stop this hypocrisy.

  • 0
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    Get your facts right .. there was no announcement but an invitation for an ifthar ( one and not three).

    Also this is not the first time a non Muslim has graced an ifthar in this country . Even the president hosts an ifthar every year . We see police OIC’s, monks and many others been invited all the time . And there is nothing wrong in getting others involved as there is a need in the country to bridge the gap between the communities.

  • 0
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    Ameer Ali , have you not another phrase. In your broadly aquired vocabulary ?

    The phrase of your Article’s heading irks me somuch ,that I am unable to hold back my opinion of your true mind ,with all your intellectual achievements and your superlative English , I see from this one phrase you certainly have your mind in the gutter.

    Some can never kickout what is dirtily integral .

  • 0
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    Islaam is against lot of things and doings.
    But it does not happen that way when in practicing.

    Its not the politics of the politician BUT it is to do with the Muslims in Beruwela practicing Islaam.

    These days Iftar is a party…….. I have been invited by my Muslim friends to reception halls aling the Marine Drive.
    More than a party, there is lot of waste of food and money.
    with the expenses for such a Iftar gathering, A house could be built and donated to a poor shanty dweller………..
    When it comes to throwing money for Iftar, this is the reality. The trend never change.
    This is not the way how a Muslim is told to share their wealth BUT it happens this way.

  • 0
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    IF BY ANY MIRACLE IF GOTHA RAJAH COME TO POWER ALL THESE MUSLIMS WILL REMOVE THEIR RELIGIOUS HATS AND WILL BE GIVEN JOBS AS WHITE VAN DRIVERS WITH GOOD PAY AND PERKS.

  • 0
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    Hello folks you have sacrificed your fast and inviting Gota for Iftar . Please don’t associate with this man Gota. He will use Gnanasara the same way he is using you.
    These kind of politicians create conflicts among two groups to take political advantage.

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  • 1
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    It is Gota who planned and instigated Aluthgama attacks. Muslims should take the broomstick at him.

  • 0
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    Tamils everywhere; ,my God.

    I blame JR, MR and Gota for this.

  • 1
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    Gota and MR nurtured and made BBS (bodu bala sena) a giant. The duo hate Muslims, don’t ever vote for them.

  • 0
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    As a Muslim I am appalled how Muslim Holy days are twisted, and made into social events that say a poor Muslim cannot afford to do. Some wealthy Muslims have their Ifthar get togethers, having it catered sometimes, and a lot of feasting, which defeats the purpose. There is no point fasting the entire day, and then feasting until Sahur after Iftar. Shouldn’t we eat simply, even if we invite family and friends, and not make it something grand and festive?
    We are supposed to fast to feel how the poor feel, and to feel empathy for them. Having sumptuous meals after breaking fast, makes us lose that focus, and the entire purpose, lost. We should not become gluttonous human beings after sunset.

  • 1
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    Dr.Amir Ali ..I am not a Muslim but I certainly admire some practices Muslims follow that are truly essential for anyone immaterial of their religious beliefs. Every single day of the holy month of Ramadan shows a big importance in Muslim’s life…it has specific time to begin fast with Suhur…end with Iftar. During this period the Muslims are required to keep away from all worldly activities..pleasures including Sex and engage in prayers..Because it is believed to be the month in Islamic calendar during which the Koran was revealed by God ( Allah ) to the Prophet Muhammad. Obviously prophet Muhammed had been fasting and engaged in prayers with God for the word. Therefore it is a religious practice..but you write ” Iftar or Suhur is neither a religious ritual nor an elaborate custom but a normal daily feature of fasting..AND say … Simplicity is Islam’s requirement in all its religious observations. The Holy Quran warns the Muslims of “those who want to be seen” (chapter 107, verse 6) and Islam is against showiness….” …you try to justify the pleasures enjoyed at IFTAR showoff.. contradicting the holy Quran … We heard how the crowd welcomed the psychopath by shouting .. ” ගෝටාබය රාජපක්ශට ජයවේවා…අනාගත ජනාධිපතිතුමාට ජයවේවා…” Certainly this cannot be a revelation from GOD …are these hypocrisy permitted in the month of Ramadan..?
    When hear these hosannas it is natural and not wrong to think that most of the damages in all those riots are self inflicted …hypocrites well come a hypocrite…


    • 1
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      Lankan,

      ” Today, Oxford, Cambridge ,Harvard universities head hunt for talents people. In Sri lankan universities out of jealousy, do not get good people into university. You are a victim of this academic mafia.”

      820 years ago,the Islamic Scholar, Jurist and Philosiopher of all time, Ibn Rushs, (Averroes) was hounded by the Ulema and Theologians of that time, using the ruler, banished and his works burned. Why, because he showed how incorrect Hamid Al Ghazali was, and the Ulema had a field day with the incorrect interpretations of Ghazali’s writings., to the Ulemas advantage. The Muslims gave stagnated ever since, and have not yet reached the Age of Reason and Enlightenment, which Europe got in several centuries ago.

      Ibn Rushd in his darkest hour

      https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/artsandculture/2015/4/9/ibn-rushd-in-his-darkest-hour

      Despite his philosophical brilliance Ibn Rushd was banished and his writings burnt.

      A final reason offered was Ibn Rushd’s book The Incoherence of the Incoherence, in which he responded to the fallacies of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali’s The Incoherence of Philosophers. He did this despite knowing Ghazali was the master of the Almohad dynasty who were in power, and believed the earth was located between the horns of a bull.

      Ibn Rushd was summoned to the Mansur’s court, publically insulted and cursed and accused of heresy. The king ordered him to be exiled along with anyone who spoke about philosophy.

      However, when talking about the trials of a philosopher like Ibn Rushd in the 12th century it is important to remember attacks on rational science, especially logic, began in Abbasid Baghdad under caliphs who were parrots in cages in the 10th century.

      Stupidest Muslim Vs Neil Tyson – How ideology can ruin intellectual power

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyCxrL9-C84

      This is not a debate between some Muslim and Neil Tyson. But this video shows the thinking of some very well educated 21’st century Muslim (I don’t know he is ignorant, stupid or dishonest. But he is one for sure) and Neil Tyson speaking in a lecture about how Muslims intellectual power ruined by an ideology. Many such Muslim Academics may be in the Eastern University, courtsey of being trained by the Ulema, Imams and Moilavis.

  • 3
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    Mahindananda Aluthgamage by side. So, we can think of the future govt. what a yahapalanaya it will be.

  • 5
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    Are the Muslims in Beruwela betting on the right horse ? Have they forgotten what happened in 2014 ? Or is it a case of forgive and forget in this holy month ?

  • 3
    1

    Here where I am living there is a mosque, I herd once they come to the PRayers, they look at the others’ cars so it is an event to show their wealth. YOu believe in creator Why do you give up creator’s influence here.IT is what he wanted.

    • 0
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      It is the case of “forgive for profits”

  • 1
    1

    We desperately need Ben Hurling writing more. Miss you mate.

  • 4
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    Lankans think this man will save them, he is a meglomaniac who will make Sri Lanka a Somalia.

    • 1
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      Randhir Kapoor
      Gotabhaya is not a megalomaniac for sure, though I am not ready to accept him as Sri Lanka’s next President.
      Prabhakaran was Sri Lanka’s only megalomaniac.
      Make your facts correct.

  • 4
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    Meglamania Gota only knows to get people to slave at him, he used good soldiers to sweep street. Paraya.

    • 1
      1

      But there are enough grasseaters to blindly lick their balls. Lanken in general are modayas stupid as no other developing nations.

  • 7
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    Nonsense. The Arabs throw more food in their grand iftar than anyone .

    After all politics and businesses have since of late gone like hands in gloves .
    There is no need to wait till Ramadan to see the poor at the Mosque gates ,they are their even during every Jummah , it could even be a syndicate.

    We all know that the majority of Muslims not just in Sri Lanka ,but in. the whole world are the poorest of the poor and the least educated, the maximum homeless ,the maximum without even basic Sanitation, one should go around to the villages inside to witness this.
    It has to be a collective responsibility ,Muslims are the only fraternity who are extremely judgmental and full of boastful words of unity and caring and charity ,other than their own egos no one else get help for real. so ,why not start with you Ameer ? Why don’t you start collecting some donations from among your affluent Australian Muslims and start helping the needy here.

    If Gota can deliver ,not just the Muslims grievances ,if he can by hook or” I just don’t care anymore even by crook “save the Country from Mafias ,murderers ,drug lords and establish law &order which this government has failed and stop smuggling etc .its good enough for me , the rest will fall inline.

    Of cause Gota has enough evidence to put a lot behind bars ,after all there should be honor even among thieves ,which sadly this government members of both party lack. So they will have to pay the price .
    Please walk the talk …

    • 3
      1

      Affluent Australian Muslims! It is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Most Muslims in Australia are Lebanese/Iraqi Arabs or Turks and 90% of them are not affluent but on Social Security benefits with cash in hand jobs. Only the Christian Lebanese Arabs tend to be affluent and generally they will not associate much with the Muslim Arabs. Any way these people will care two hoots for these pretend Arab Dravidian Tamil Sri Lankan Muslims. They even do not care for each other. Divided amongst them ethnically and nationally. Arabs, Kurds, Turks, Indian/Pakistani . Somali, Bosnian and Albanian Muslims have their own mosques and only worship there. Amongst the Arabs the Lebanese, Iraqi have their own mosques. Sunni and Shia Arabs different mosques. The Sri Lankan Muslims have to tag along with the Indian and Pakistani Muslims. It is these English speaking professional Indian and Pakistani Muslims and other South Asian Muslims who tend to be affluent and middle class and even these Muslims will care two hoots about the Sri Lankan Muslims. Islam like Christianity Buddhism or Hinduism is a religion not some pan Islamic ethnic group like these Tamil Sri Lankan Muslims badly want to be. Muslims from one ethnic group do not identify easily with a Muslim from another ethnic, linguistic or a different sect. I have heard Lebanese and Turkish Muslims speaking derogatively about South Asian Muslims. One of my Kurdish friends laughed , when a Sri Lankan Muslim told him that he is of Muslim ethnicity and of Arab descent. ” He laughed and stated there is no such thing called a Muslim ethnicity and you are definitely not of Arab descent but of South Asian descent and you speak Tamil, which means you are Tamil Muslim. You want to work as an official Tamil interpreter for the Australian government but call yourself as some Arab.

  • 6
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    Muslim brothers, be careful . Gota is HARAM.

    • 2
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      Gotabaya is a nice decent guy. He is sure of getting 52% in the presidential elections in 2020.

      • 0
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        Shenali Baduge,

        “Gotabaya is a nice decent guy. He is sure of getting 52% in the presidential elections in 2020.”

        Buddha turned Angulimala, the Robber and Murderer into a Monk.

        Buddha will not touch Mara aka Gotabaya Rajapaksa the Robber, Murderer and Liar.

        He is sure of getting 52%, may be because the mean IQ of the Paras in the Land is 79, but yet there are sufficient intelligent people who can see who Gota is, Mara, even Buddha would not have approved.

        Ven. Sobita Thero wiuld not approve such a Robber, Murderer and Liar

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