Muslim Civil Society activists have urged the Sri Lankan authorities to bring to book those who have been harassing and intimidating journalist and social worker Sharmila Seyyid for her opinion on rights of the sex workers.
Sharmila Seyyid
Giving an interview to the BBC Tamil radio she said that sex workers may be better protected if prostitution was legalized.
“This drew a significant backlash from a section of the Muslim community in the area and elsewhere prompting her to issue a clarification, in which she emphasized that she was ‘…only highlighting a social reality and did not intend to defy Islamic tenets’. She also expressed ‘regret if she had unwittingly hurt anyone’s sentiments’.” activists say.
We publish below the statement in full;
Statement on the continued harassment of Ms. Sharmila Seyyid and her family
We, the undersigned would like to express our extreme distress and dismay at the incidents of harassment against Ms. Sharmila Seyyid and her family through a variety of means including social media.
In November 2012, the Tamil Radio Service of the BBC interviewed Ms. Sharmila Seyyid, a journalist and social worker from the Eastern Province. In response to a question from the BBC reporter, Ms. Seyyid had voiced the opinion that sex workers may be better protected if prostitution was legalized. This drew a significant backlash from a section of the Muslim community in the area and elsewhere prompting her to issue a clarification, in which she emphasized that she was “…only highlighting a social reality and did not intend to defy Islamic tenets”. She also expressed “regret if she had unwittingly hurt anyone’s sentiments”.
The harassment and intimidation that began in the aftermath of the 2012 interview has resulted in her having to leave the country, and continues to this day, impacting other family members as well. An article reproduced in both the Sunday Observer and the Sunday Times of Sri Lanka on the 19th of April 2015 recorded several more recent truly horrifying actions against her on the internet and also recorded renewed calls by some to condemn her for insulting and offending Islamic teachings.
While we acknowledge that prostitution is prohibited in Islam (as in many other religions), we nevertheless uphold that Ms. Seyyid is within her rights and freedoms to express her personal views; and condemn all forms of harassment, intimidation and hatred by vigilante groups and individuals that are justified based on claims to the above. While we acknowledge and respect that feelings may have been hurt and sensibilities offended, we also categorically state that defaming, harassing and inciting violence against a person for holding a different opinion, in this case a woman, is unacceptable and not within the spirit of the faith, and can also be deemed a contravention of the law. If people feel themselves to have been wronged, due process should be followed to seek redress.
This event highlights the critical need within the Muslim community, and also in the country at large, for developing processes to respond to critical issues, not through vilification, harassment or violence but through a process of dialogue that is in keeping with the law and norms of a democratic society and respectful of different faiths and ethics.
We urge the authorities to ensure that a thorough and fair investigation is conducted with regard to the complaints received by the aggrieved parties and hold those responsible for misconduct accountable. We also request that community religious leaders such as the Jamiathul Ulema take steps to halt the targeting of fellow Muslims based on spurious religious justifications. We also call upon all community leaders and civil society actors of the Muslim community to continue to play an active role in upholding the rights of every citizen.
Signatories
- Sharm Aboosally
- Azra Abdul Cader
- Fathima Razik Cader
- Zahabia Adamaly
- Hilmy Ahamed
- Silma Ahamed
- Ferial Ashraff
- Abdul Halik Azeez
- Fathima Hasanah Cegu Isadeen -Lawyer
- Ameer Faaiz
- M.B.M.Fairooz- Editor, Vidivelli.
- Mushtaq Fuad
- Anberiya Hanifa
- Dr. Farzana Haniffa
- Faiza Haniffa
- Prof. Shahul. H. Hasbullah
- Ali Hassan
- Shafinaz Hassendeen
- Zeenath Hidaya
- M.H. Mohamed Hisham
- Ameena Hussein
- Hafsa Husain
- Hana Ibrahim
- Zainab Ibrahim
- Prof. Qadri Ismail
- M.C.M. Iqbal
- Ameen Izzadeen, Deputy Editor, Sunday Times.
- Nisreen Jafferjee
- Riyaz Jafferjee
- Zaffar Jeevunjee
- Hamthun Jumana – Mullaitheevu Women Rehabilitation and Development Federation
- M.S.L. Madani
- Mohamad Mahuruf
- Jensila Majeed – Women’s Action Network
- Juwairiya Mohideen – Muslim Women Development Trust
- Mr. M.L. Buhary Mohamed – Eastern Social Development Foundation
- Zamruth Jahan Mufazlin – Lawyer
- Mohamed S.R. Nisthar
- Feroze Nihar
- Prof. M. A. Nuhman
- Nuzreth Rasheed
- M. M. Rahman
- Rajabdeen Rashika – MWRDF
- Prof. Louiqa Raschid
- Dr. Romola Rasool
- A.S. Mohamed Rayees
- Amjad Saleem.
- Shreen Saroor – Mannar Women’s Development Federation
49. Ermiza Tegal
50. Minna Thahir
51. S.M.M. Yaseen
52. Hanif Yusoof
53. Hela Mohammed Zakariya – Women’s Action Network 54. Faizun Zackariya – Citizens’ Voice for Justice and Peace. 55. A.J.M. Zaneer
56. Y.L.M. Zawahir
57. Dr. L. M. Zubair – University of Peradeniya
Zarook Thameem / April 28, 2015
While we complain against extremists like BBS, in fact there are more extremist minded ements live among us,especially in the Eastern Province. It’s time to put a halt on all kinds of Extremism,whichever quarter it originates from.
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Amarasiri / April 28, 2015
Zarook Thameem
“in fact there are more extremist minded ements live among us,especially in the Eastern Province.”
They are called Followers of Iblis, Shaitan, Devil, Satan and known as Wahhabis, and their Clones, Salafis, ISIL, ISIS, Taliban, Deobandi etc.
This is the Battle Between Muslims who follow Allah and Wahhabis and their clones who follow Iblis, Shaitan, Satan and the Devil, who is opposed to Allah. Iblis does not like muslims praying to Allah, and are trying to deceive by using the Wahhabis and their Clones. Allah warned over 25 times in the Holy Quran to be watchful of the Iblis and Shaitan.
Wahhabis and their clones, ISIS, ISIL, Taliban, Deobandi, Boko Haram and others are the worst Offenders of Islamic Teachings.
They Follow IBLIS, Satan, Shaitan, and the Wahhabi Virus has infected the Muslim Community.
Examples are many. a Selected Few
Scholar from al-Azhar: Wahhabism is a Satanic Faith, the Horn of the Devil that Muhammad Predicted
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufxTUFapy1w
Hadith of Najd
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadith_of_Najd
All Terrorism Comes from Salafis/Wahabis not from Islam
https://www.facebook.com/SalafiTerrorism/posts/301496499988483
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Amarasiri / May 19, 2015
Zarook Thameem
“in fact there are more extremist minded ements live among us,especially in the Eastern Province.”
They are called Followers of Iblis, Shaitan, Devil, Satan and known as Wahhabis, and their Clones, Salafis, ISIL, ISIS, Taliban, Deobandi etc.
Muslims are NOT Terrorists. They Follow Allah,
Those who follow Iblis, generally called Wahhabis and their clones are the Terrorists.
It is those who follow Iblis, Satan, Shaitan, Devil, called Wahhabis and their Clones ISIS ISIL, Taliban, Boko-Haram, Takfiris who are terrorists, who claim to be “Muslims”.Takfiri Ideology –
Warning: Very graphic content. The muslims NEED to EXPUNGE these Iblisis from among their population
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D47KXg12no4
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Fathi Thahire / April 28, 2015
“I Ignore the rod in my eye BUT I am worried about the speck in your eye”. We cry about extremism BUT never hesitate to slander with the most atrocious comments, fowl language and barbaric action when one of ours crosses the line or does something which we judge as wrong. We behave like animals and hide behind the curtain of Islam when this majestic religion has a answer to every action. Nothing will change this mindset unless the individual makes up his mind to change. All what I can say is when things go wrong dont listen to others look for the solution in the Quran. It is there in black and white.
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diabolical / April 30, 2015
At Lanka need Sharia Law ownership off all lives to do the do did you say??
Only in the triangle up north across the seas where Gautama was born Afghanistan Islamist persecuted all the Buddhist there are no Buddhist only bin lardens knockers.
religious crusaders.- no wonder the opium is working- hero_in..only in the triangle comes to Ceylon for ownership..
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whywhy / April 28, 2015
She’s living in a democracy.Her thinking patterns
therefore is democratic.She had expressed her views
in the best interest of the general public as well as
sex workers.Prostitution is known to be an oldest
profession in all parts of the world.What even millions
of Muslim pilgrims don’t know is that prostitutes from
some Muslim countries travel to Mecca during Haj times
on haj visa.Raids in that season happened many times.
Muslims must start to think out of the box.Not only
Islam,no any other religions allow prostitution and the
prostitution doesn’t wait for anybody’s permission either.
Recommending a protective measure is not advocating to
engage in the trade.I admire her courage of coming out of
the box.
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gamini / April 29, 2015
Why Why,
As you say Sharmilla and all Muslims should be allowed to think liberally. Islam is one Religion where the Mullahs and the fanatics try to force out dated ideas on fellow Muslims. This is how Islam is having an iron grip on their adherents. Sooner or later things will change. The reality of Impermanence will override all Religions.
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Amarasiri / April 30, 2015
whywhy
“Not only Islam,no any other religions allow prostitution and the prostitution doesn’t wait for anybody’s permission either.”
1. Adam and Eve, had Children. Whom did they Marry?
2. Look at the Bible, For Incest .
3. Prophet Muhammad Married his daughter in law.
4. Aisha was a child, but polygamy and child marriages were the norm a,400 years ago..
5. The oldest Profession must have been there.
6. Shamila is addressing an issue, the state should be addressing.
7. The Wahhabis and their clones , the Modayas, the Mootals and Follow what the Iblis, the Satan is saying.
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whywhy / April 30, 2015
Amarasiri,
“6.Sharmila is addressing an issue the state should be
addressing.”
Wherever the responsibility lies ,what’s remarkable is,
a young Muslim lady, and from the eastern part of the
country,had the courage to speak her heart out honestly.
That speaks a volume of how even Muslim women have deep
inside their hearts and minds,feelings for the freedom
of their fellow beings,irrespective of what they
strongly believe in .This is a historic , one in a
million moment for Srilankan Muslim society to think
positively in a multi cultural environment and that was
my point which I reckon you don’t disagree.At the same
time by all means I would like to put up my side against
many of your listings.
1.Having children without marriage is no prostitution.
2.Incest is no prostitution.
3.Prophet’s marriage to his in-law ,no prostitution.
4.Aisha’s case and polygamy , no prostitution.
Prostitution is, allowing to have sex for money or
other commercial purpose.
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natha / April 29, 2015
This is not specific problem which is on this lady. This is a problem of Sri Lankan Society. Sri Lankans have religions which can’t practice themselves.
Some Muslims, Christian want gay people to live without problem but there religion against that.
Some Buddhists want to fight to protect their nationality but Buddhists cannot be harmful to any living being.
Hindus want similar thing.
We all must learn to admit the truth by ourselves. We can’t practice religions in modern world.
And I m against Sharmila. Supporting sex workers can be lead to other socially unaccepted things like Abortions.
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R.M.B Senanayake / April 29, 2015
This lady is living in a democracy where there is free speech. Lets forget religion. The State has a right and a duty to protect her even providing special police protection to her and her residence. This s a citizens right to free speech that must be upheld. No extremist in he name of any religion can interfere with such right.Her safety must be guaranteed by the State and I wish a secular organization will take up her cause with the leaders of the State.
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Frixroy / April 30, 2015
you are asking feathers from a tortoise state!
forget not the lesson not even the sinhala buddhist had the help.
unless you belong to that present manioc club.
Perhaps this is a knee jerk to something that is pricking the man tip cut.
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Amarasiri / May 2, 2015
R.M.B Senanayake
“The State has a right and a duty to protect her even providing special police protection to her and her residence.”
True. The state and police will not do their job. They may even assist in the killing like at Alutgama and other places. “Thareekathul Mufliheen’s president Hameed accuses police of assisting the assailants.”
Remember: The Wahhabis and their Clones Follow Iblis, Satan, Shaitan. The Muslims Follow prophet Mohamned and Allah.
Scholar from al-Azhar: Wahhabism is a Satanic Faith, the Horn of the Devil that Muhammad Predicted
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufxTUFapy1w
http://www.islamicpluralism.org/2071/the-wahhabi-invasion-of-sri-lanka
The Wahhabi Invasion of Sri Lanka
by Stephen Schwartz and Irfan Al-Alawi
Colombo Telegraph
July 18, 2012
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To many non-Muslims, the existence of an Islamic community on the island of Sri Lanka may be surprising. Sri Lanka has been known for the past three decades as the scene of an atrocious civil war. Its Buddhist Sinhala majority, with 69.1 percent of the national population of 21.5 million, was challenged by Tamils – 7.1 percent, and mainly Hindu in religion, whom the secessionist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam or “Tamil Tigers” aspired to represent. The “Tamil Tigers” were defeated militarily in 2009.
But Sri Lanka also counts 7.6 percent of its people as Muslims, and among them, as elsewhere throughout South Asia, the spiritual tradition of Sufism is vigorously present. After 1973, and the Arab oil embargo that enriched Saudi Arabia greatly, the ultra-fundamentalist Wahhabi sect, which is the official religious interpretation in the Saudi kingdom, began to penetrate Sri Lanka’s adherents to Islam. The Wahhabis in Sri Lanka act through a movement called Thawheed, or Monotheism. They opened numerous medresas. They despise Sufis.
According to M.C.A. Hameed, president of the All Ceylon Thareekathul Mufliheen, a Sufi order whose name means “path of the fearless victorious,” Sri Lankan Muslims then began to find employment in Saudi Arabia, and many young Sri Lankan Muslims were awarded scholarships by Saudi universities. But “those who completed their studies returned to Sri Lanka and… propagat[ed] the ideology” of Wahhabism, Hameed says. Further, “to pursue their goal the Wahhabis resorted to violence and intimidation culminating in death and destruction. Our religious society… was not spared and had to face untold hardship.”
The All Ceylon Thareekathul Mufliheen was founded in the late 1980s by Sheihul Mufliheen M.S.M. Abdullah, known as “Rah,” in the southeastern Sri Lanka village of Maruthamunai. It was registered as a cultural society with the civil authorities in 1989. The headquarters of Thareekathul Mufliheen is now located in the small eastern coast village of Kattankudy, which has 42 mosques. The order maintains branches around the island, and claims 15,000 members.
Hameed states that the “vision” of Thareekathul Mufliheen is “to expound the true meaning of ‘kalimathuth thayiba,’ the ‘fragrant sacred words.'” These words are “la ilaha illallah,” the essence of Islam, meaning “there is nothing but God.” In the teachings of Thareekathul Mufliheen, “This word Allah (God) denotes a great power, unbound by time and space, infinite and beyond human imagination. The creation is only the manifestation of this eternal truth and [is] not separate from it.”
This principle underlies the doctrines of Thareekathul Mufliheen, but its founder denied exerting any compulsion anywhere to embrace his views, given that each human being is free to choose a path of faith. In 1980, Abdullah (Rah) published a book in Tamil titled Imanin Unmaiyai Nee Arivaya, or Do You Know the Truth of Iman? – iman referring to Islamic belief. The country’s official Council of Islamic Scholars, the All Ceylon Jamiathul Ulama, purportedly without reading the book or holding a hearing to examine it, published a fatwa or religious opinion on September 10, 1989, declaring Abdullah (Rah) and his followers as murtadd or apostates, who renounced Islam, in the judgment of the clerics.
Abdullah (Rah) filed a defamation suit against the All Ceylon Jamiathul Ulama in 1990 in Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital. Many hearings later, in 1996, the All Ceylon Jamiathul Ulama revoked the fatwa and settled the complaint. In a similar act of discrimination, members of Thareekathul Mufliheen were denied registration of marriages and burial of the dead in conformity with Islamic practice, but through legal action these rights were restored, at least on paper. A book by Abdullah (Rah) translated into English, The Court of Reason, was published in 2010.
Thareekathul Mufliheen opened a Meditation Centre at Kattankudy in 1996. On May 29 of that year, at 1 A.M. in the morning, Wahhabi arson struck the building. Abdullah (Rah) and the members of the order were targets of shooting and grenade attacks, and other physical aggression, as well as threats. Worse was to come. On October 31, 2004, at 12:30 p.m., 500 Wahhabis organized under the title “Jihad” again set the Meditation Centre ablaze, destroying its library, along with homes and businesses owned by Sufis. Financial loss to the injured parties was considerable, and one Sufi was shot and killed while another was wounded by gunfire. Thareekathul Mufliheen’s president Hameed accuses police of assisting the assailants. Eight alleged perpetrators were arrested, but were released on bail with no further consequences. A complaint was entered at Police Headquarters in Colombo in 2004, and a subsequent protest was filed with the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission (HRC) in 2005.
The HRC found in favor of the Sufis, stating that their constitutional right to adhere to the belief of their will and choice had been violated, and submitting recommendations for redress to the Inspector General of Police. But Thareekathul Mufliheen asserts, “Sadly, the Police were inactive in implementing these recommendations in an equitable manner.” Still, the Meditation Centre and headquarters were rebuilt and a birthday celebration for the founder of the order was held on July 25, 2006, with 15,000 people provided free food.
Sheihul Mufliheen M.S.M. Abdullah (Rah) died on December 6, 2006. Wahhabi preachers from the Thawheed network and the armed “Jihad” incited the local clerics and politicians (Jamiathul Ulama Kattankudy, the Muslim Federation of Mosques, and the Urban Council of Kattankudy) to oppose his burial according to Islamic rites, in the Meditation Centre, as he was a supposed “apostate.” Another member of the Sufi order had died on December 1, 2006, was buried that day, and on December 2 was exhumed by Wahhabis on the same pretext and laid out on the soil. According to the Wahhabis and their accomplices, “apostates” could not be buried in Kattankudy.
The Jihadis, armed with lethal weapons, rioted after the death of Abdullah (Rah), bringing life in Kattankudy to a halt by a general work stoppage (hartal). Schools, government and private offices, banks and businesses shut down and some banks and shops were looted and burned. The official clerics of All Ceylon Jamiathul Ulama, Jamiathul Ulama Kattankudy, the Muslim Federation of Mosques, other Islamic organizations, and the Kattankudy Urban Council initiated a judicial argument on December 11, 2006. They denounced the interment of Abdullah (Rah) as defying Muslim norms and traditions and charged that Thareekathul Mufliheen had failed to seek permission from the authorities for the burial. The petition by the official clerics and Wahhabis was dismissed in 2007. But the Sri Lanka HRC declared in 2007 that it could not “interfere in the disputes between various sects of a religion” and recommended the conflict be referred to the Council of Ulemas – All Ceylon Jamiathul Ulama, or to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
In a separate controversy, the Urban Council in Kattankudy had ordered the dismantling of the minaret at the Meditation Centre, as an “unauthorized structure,” in a decision announced on December 13, 2006. Police prevented commencement of the demolition, but Wahhabi fanatics interfered with the officers. Three rioters were shot and killed. A police post and police vehicle were assaulted. On December 15, 2006, nevertheless, members of the Urban Council joined a Wahhabi mob that invaded the Meditation Centre and knocked down the minaret, removing the body of Abdullah (Rah), either burning or reburying it in a location yet unknown. The houses of 117 Sufis were leveled by fire. Many were threatened and fled the district. Two were injured, and one lost an arm.
Evidence of persecution of Thareekathul Mufliheen was submitted to Asma Jahangir, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, during a visit she made to Sri Lanka. In her 2008 Report to the UN, the Special Rapporteur expressed “regrets that she has not received a reply from the Government [of Sri Lanka]” regarding the 2006 incidents. She affirmed that “the Government of Sri Lanka has to fulfill its positive obligation to protect the right to freedom of religion or belief of all its citizens… in most of the cases that have been brought to her attention… these obligations have not been satisfactorily fulfilled by the Government.”
The 2007 International Religious Freedom Report issued by the U.S. Department of State noted the Wahhabi interference with Thareekathul Mufliheen. Since then, however, abuses against the Sufis of Kattankudy have continued, with the Wahhabi Thawheed faction in the forefront of violence. Official ulema and the village authorities attempted unsuccessfully to prevent celebration of a Sufi festival in 2008. That year, a Sri Lanka Supreme Court order, providing that 200 members of Thareekathul Mufliheen be allowed to return to their homes in Kattankudy and practice their beliefs in freedom, was obstructed by armed Jihad members.
n February 2009 a 150-year old shrine was destroyed by Thawheed in the city of Ukuwela, in the central hill country of Sri Lanka. Conflict in July 2009 between Thawheed and the Qadiri Sufi order, in the southwestern town of Beruwala, led to two deaths, more than 40 people injured, and 132 arrests. The Qadiri devotees complained that the Wahhabi mosque in their town, named Masjidur Rahman (Mosque of the Merciful) had accused the Qadiris of the Bukhari Thakkiya mosque of being qafirun (“disbelievers” or “concealers of the truth”) continuously in the eight years since the Wahhabi mosque was inaugurated.
According to the Sri Lanka newspaper The Sunday Times of August 16, 2009, Muslim Home Guards recruited by the Sri Lankan government to fight the Tamil rebels had deserted with their weapons and joined Thawheed to fulfill its demand for “Jihad” against traditional Muslims. The newspaper described a significant influx of Wahhabi preachers and activists from south India and Saudi Arabia. Riyad S. Al-Khenene, counsellor of the Royal Saudi Embassy in Sri Lanka, denied that official Saudi support was granted to the Wahhabi interlopers, while admitting that “certain wealthy persons… are helping various religious groups in Sri Lanka to put up mosques. But this has nothing to do with the Government of Saudi Arabia,” Al-Khenene insisted.
In response to the campaign against it, Thareekathul Mufliheen has appealed to the Sri Lanka authorities for an impartial inquiry into Wahhabi activities in the country; to disarm the Wahhabis; to provide for reconstruction of the headquarters of Thareekathul Mufliheen in Kattankudy; to enforce the revocation of the fatwa issued by the All Ceylon Jamiathul Ulama against Abdullah (Rah) and his disciples, as ordered by the Colombo District Court, and to compensate the displaced Sufis, facilitating restoration of their lost heritage, ruined homes, and businesses. The Sufis of Kattankudy seek “peaceful resettlement with honor.”
Thareekathul Mufliheen defines itself as “a peace loving and non-violent Religious Society… The members have displayed their patience and tolerance even in times of grave injustice and calamity… The words of wisdom of our spiritual leader are to detest arms and adopt peaceful means to find a solution in a crisis situation.”
The Wahhabi, Deobandi, and Mawdudist jihad trends have revealed their ambition to control South Asian Islam through violence in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. In all these countries traditionalists resist them. The Sufis of Sri Lanka, although obscure to the rest of the world, deserve no less support than anti-radical Muslims elsewhere in the region and around the globe.
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gamini / April 29, 2015
For a long time the Muslim women were not allowed anywhere near the Mosques. However since of late the women folk are allowed to pray in an area adjoining the Mosque. Mullahs resides in Mosques as Buddhist Priests in Temples and the Christian Clergy in Churches. It is no secret that all these Clergy are no angels, who prey on the women folk who come to pray. Muslims are not different to other faiths as all are Human and the usual will happen.
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Sam T. / April 30, 2015
“Muslims are not different to other faiths as all are Human and the usual will happen. “”
polygamy sanction 100 woman wives harem by one legged man at dubai.
no other faith or belief permits polygamy.It’s a burden on society they eat up resources schools jobs,hospitals etc.
Even Chinese are liberated by divorce in 1931.
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Amarasiri / April 30, 2015
gamini
“For a long time the Muslim women were not allowed anywhere near the Mosques. “
May be that is the best protection women have against Mullahs, Priests and Monks.
May be they need to have designated women only, Mosques, Churches and Temple, with Women Mullahs, Women Priests and Women Monks.
The Fact remains, almost all religions are for the Man, and women are tagged along..
Wahhabis and their clones impose that, and abuse the women. This was not want Prophet Mohamed wanted. He wanted a Gof based Egalitarian Spiritually based Egalitarian Society.
The Wahhabis and their clones, who follow Iblis, Satan want something different.
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whywhy / May 1, 2015
Gamini
Mullahs not obliged to reside in mosques like other
clergy.It happens only when someone hired from
outside the area and not all mosques offer this
convenience. Of course Gamini Muslims are different
in many ways in practice. Muslim preachers can have
a family. Not restricted from marriage like monks
in Buddhism and a section of priests in Christianity.
Muslim clergy is free to engage in any lawful
job like any other ordinary fellow Muslim.But as you
said , of course they are not angels . you just can
not have the freedom to interact with the ordinary ones
in everything they do and be completely avoid wrong
doing but if your priority is priesthood, you can try
harder to minimize your wrongs. But people expect them
to be exemplary.
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Ponkoh Sivakumaran / April 30, 2015
Please leave this to Izeth Hussein. He should look to his own community before pontificating to the Tamils and others.
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Dr.Goebells / April 30, 2015
These hypocrites are among the biggest players in town, but they like to have everything hushed up and quiet , for their own convenience.
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Bensen Berner / May 1, 2015
Considering the numerous instances of illicit prostitution in the eastern province Sharmila’s statement is amply justified. Bensen
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xlntgson / May 2, 2015
Yes. Only Muslims should talk about Muslims; Tamils should talk about Tamil problems and Sinhalese also must do the same. Ours an ethnic couldron, electorate is on race religion caste region, democratically one cannot represent other. Compartmentalized Ampara 1. Sinhala division 2. Tamil division 3. Muslim division. You cannot seek preferences of others. We are all after all Sri Lankans, brothers, eh?
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Izeth Hussain / May 2, 2015
I would certainly have signed this statement had I been contacted over it.The important point is that while Muslims can object to her views on religious grounds, they must respect the laws of this country all the same.Intimidation, harassment, threats should be out of the question. Harassment of her relations should be absolutely out of the question. If the harassment continues, I suggest that non-Muslim civil society organizations be brought into action to make the Government carry out its duties.
I must add that I hold Muslim fundamentalists in total detestation. I appreciate what Amarasiri is doing to enlighten people on that matter.
I notice with interest that around 25 of the 57 signatories are females.They are breaking out of the roles assigned to them by their male oppressors. – Izeth Hussain
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Amarasiri / May 2, 2015
Izeth Hussain
“I must add that I hold Muslim fundamentalists in total detestation. I appreciate what Amarasiri is doing to enlighten people on that matter. I notice with interest that around 25 of the 57 signatories are females.They are breaking out of the roles assigned to them by their male oppressors. – Izeth Hussain”
Thank you, Sir. Good to know Amarasiri has at least one follower, who detest the Wahhabi fundamentalists and their clones. Now, I understand how Copernicus and Galileo felt. Need more and more followers.
Just like the Rajapaksa, the fundamentalists depends on Mootals, Modayas and Fools to accept their ideology.
Sri Lanka needs the Common sense pamphlet.
Muslims, Globally needs the Muslim common sense pamphlet that points out the Iblis, Shaitan, Satan and Devil having crept into Islam through the Wahhabis and its clones.
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backlash / May 3, 2015
Is Izeth Hussain suffering a sudden attack of good sense?
Backlash
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Dias / May 3, 2015
From what I hear, radical Islam is rampant in places like Kattankudy in the East Coast. The rule of law is set by the local elders as per strict Orthodox Islam. As a Colombo resident, I really should not care but whenever personal values are being forced on others, I DO care.
I speak on behalf of the liberal minded enlightened Muslims of the area who are forced to conform to the values of the majority.
Something has to be done, I don’t know what! Perhaps we should pack off that pack of rabid dogs, the BBS to Kattankudy and let the wahabi’s and the BBS kill each other off!!!
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xlntgson / May 3, 2015
The comments of ponkoh sivakumaran xlntgson izeth hussein be in order so that viewers without comments, understand whose is sensible!
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