28 March, 2024

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Sri Lankan Muslim Clerics Ignoring Reality Of Muslims, Reforms Held Hostage: MPLRAG

A statement signed among academics, professionals and civil society groups ( Muslim Personal Law Reforms Action Group) call on the Government to immediately take action on the issues emanating from the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act currently enforced in the Island.

The statement, titled “Statement; We demand accountability on MMDA reforms” also calls on the Muslim Personal Law reforms committee to  release its report to the public which is due for submission in May.
“The recently released submissions of the ACJU on MMDA reform,completely ignores the present day lived realities of the Muslim community in Sri Lanka.For example, it shocks our conscience that Islamic jurisprudence is misinterpreted to justify child marriage and prevent women being appointed as Quazi judges” the statement says referring to the expose by Colombo Telegraph on submissions made by the All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ulama ( ACJU).
The submissions were revealed by Colombo Telegraph after the ACJU had circulated the document and used it for lobbying among Muslim parliamentarians.
It came in to criticism from the Muslim intelligenstia of the country.
The statement says the stance of the ACJU as revealed in the document is not in conformity with a civilised system of governance.
“Their arguments go to the extent of suggesting that any person appointing a woman as a Quazi is“sinning”, such appointments are invalid and her judgments “carry no weight”. These stances are misogynistic, discriminatory and archaic, not merely in present day Sri Lanka but for any part of the world,” the statement says.
The Theologians yesterday however iterated that their stance had been ‘misinterpreted’.
Below is the full statement which comprise 300 signatories and 15 organisations.

STATEMENT: WE DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY ON MMDA REFORMS

We the undersigned find the recent statements of the Chairperson of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), that reform of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) is not needed, to be unacceptable. It is patently clear that the ACJU has contributed to the 8-year delay in the reform process despite the desperate need for substantive reform of this law.

Furthermore, the recently released submissions of the ACJU on MMDA reform, completely ignores the present day lived realities of the Muslim community in Sri Lanka. For example, it shocks our conscience that Islamic jurisprudence is misinterpreted to justify child marriage and prevent women being appointed as Quazi judges. Their arguments go to the extent of suggesting that any person appointing a woman as a Quazi is “sinning”, such appointments are invalid and her judgments “carry no weight”. These stances are misogynistic, discriminatory and archaic, not merely in present day Sri Lanka but for any part of the world.

In light of this latest objection to any law reform by ACJU, we state the following:

To the members of the MPL Reforms Committee:

We are deeply disappointed that the 2009 MPL Reforms Committee chaired by Justice Saleem Marsoof continues to permit the deliberations on reform to be delayed and allows itself to be held hostage in this unreasonable manner by a few extremist members who do not represent all the Muslims in the country. The call for the release of the report on reforms has been made throughout 2016, but to no avail. Now it appears that people opposed to reforms like the ACJU who have access to the draft report are using it to mobilise opposition and to discredit the report in public.

Allowing only ACJU to have access to the report and run a public campaign against it not only imperils the Committee’s process, but is also disadvantageous to other stakeholders, including women’s groups, who do not yet have access to the findings of the report. In light of recent events, we strongly urge the Committee to finalize the reforms report, record dissenting views if any, and release the report to the public without any further delay.

To Muslim and non-Muslim political leaders:

We are appalled at the continued silence of Muslim political leaders to the statements issued and documents released by the ACJU. Their lackadaisical attitude towards and lack of leadership in addressing the Muslim personal law reforms is prolonging the injustices faced by Muslim women and girls. As a result of their silence we believe we are in danger of letting the thinking of unelected and unrepresentative organizations that take positions based on narrow and literal interpretations of the Islamic text and tradition to determine the future of the Sri Lankan Muslim community.

Their statements and submissions amount to sanctioning of discrimination and inequality through state-sanctioned institutions and processes.

We reiterate the urgent need for the political leaders to focus their attention on the reforms process, recognize the diversity of view points within the Muslim community and to respond without any further delay to do right by the women and girl children of the Muslim community. We urge all political leaders to speak out against abusive practices, against thethreats facedby Muslim women raising these issues and to respond positively to the urgent need for reform of the MMDA.

To the Sri Lankan State:

It is a fact that the MMDA and the Quazi court system, was established, administered and is funded by the State. The MMDA is enacted as a statute and judgments made through the Quazi court system are legally binding and enforceable only by the authority of the State. Therefore the Sri Lankan State has the foremost responsibility to ensure that State laws protect rights of citizens and are not in-turn causing gender based violence, discrimination and injustice.

We urge the Sri Lankan government and all relevant state authorities to question the delay in addressing these problems and to recognize that the marginalized voices of women and girls of the Muslim community also constitute avalid community position.

Beyond ensuring MMDA reforms, the State must without further delay and as per 2017 CEDAW Committee recommendations:

  • Repeal Article 16(1) of the Constitution to introduce judicial review of all laws;
  • Amend the General Marriage Registration Ordinance to ensure that Muslim women have the free choice to opt out from the Muslim Personal Law, so as to be registeredunder the general law;
  • Increase the minimum age of marriage for all to 18 years of age;
  • Eliminate any restriction on women’s eligibility to be appointed as Quazis, asMembers of the Board of Quazis, Marriage Registrars and adjudicators; and,
  • Amend article 363 of the Penal Code to ensure that the crime of statutory rapeapplies to all girls under the age of 16, without exception.

MMDA reforms are about accountability to the Muslim women and girls who are most affected by the Act and Quazi court system, and who are at the center of the call for reform. Within an admittedly male dominated and patriarchal political space, there is an urgent need to act responsibly, promptly and with accountability towards those to whom these reforms matter most.

The call is simple – Do the right thing and do it now!

Read the full statement here

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Latest comments

  • 16
    5

    This is good. It is time reasonable citizens started demanding that this crucial report be submitted, as it has been too long, and it is vital this matter be settled, and little Muslim girls given the same rights that other little girls in this country have had for years. Enough of the stalling, and being intimidated, by small minded old men, who still do not give Muslim women and girls, the support to live their lives without fear, pain, suffering, and especially the little girls, who have had no time to enjoy a childhood and be safe. Safeguarding children does not seem to be part of their agenda.

    • 5
      7

      The President, Prime Minister, Ministers and Members of Parliament,

      RE: Sri Lankan Muslim Clerics Ignoring Reality Of Muslims, Reforms Held Hostage: MPLRAG

      PART 2 (298 Words)

      This description perfectly fits the current Ulama of ACJU, and Muslim girls and women should be included as well for protection from being chattel as per Ulama of ACJU.

      Who are some of the Greatest Scholars? The Ulama of ACJU are NOT Scholars. They are literalists, who even cannot correctly understand and interpret the Quran and Hadith. They want to maintain their hegemony. It is about their hegemony Just read what Al-Kindi had to say in the 9th Century.

      1. Abd’l-Walid Ibn Rushd, stands out as a towering figure the history of Arab-Islamic thought, well as East-European philosophy and theology. He also pointed out the many errors of Hamid Al-Ghazali, another towering figure, in his Incoherence of the Incoherence.

      2. Hamid Al-Ghazali, another towering figure, in his Incoherence of the Philosophers, with 17 Errots out of his 20 points, pointed out by Abd’l-Walid Ibn Rushd

      3. Avicenna or Ibn Sīnā ( c. 980 – June 1037) was a Persian polymath who is regarded as one of the most significant thinkers and writers of the Islamic Golden Age. Besides philosophy and medicine, Avicenna’s corpus includes writings on astronomy, alchemy, geography and geology, psychology, Islamic theology, logic, mathematics, physics and poetry.

      4.Al-Farabi ( Abū Naṣr Muḥammad ibn Muḥammad Al Fārābī;, known in the West as Alpharabius (c. 872 – 951), was a renowned philosopher and jurist who wrote in the fields of political philosophy, metaphysics, ethics and logic. He was also a scientist, cosmologist, mathematician and music scholar.

      5. Abu Yūsuf Yaʻqūb ibn ʼIsḥāq aṣ-Ṣabbāḥ al-Kindī ( 801–873 AD), known as “the Philosopher of the Arabs”, was a Muslim Arab philosopher, polymath, mathematician, physician and musician.

  • 10
    29

    Any body can give report in the name of academic etc. We can give thousands of names who are not funded by NGOs for opposing this law reform. Who wants this reform now. If reforms are taken by the government, the government can decide who want them, either NGO or Public.

    We support the campaign of ACJU. Now election is afoat. This matter will be spoken to public
    NGO will not win this case

    • 24
      6

      This is not about NGO’s, this is about the well being of helpless girls, who are at the mercy of older men, who are forced into marriages they are not ready for, in mind and body. These are underdeveloped children, who any physician will agree, is not ready to face the challenges of marriage, that only a woman is ready for.
      In most nations, giving a young child in marriage before 18 years is banned. Only the pedophiles will benefit from this. Only a sick man will want to marry and be intimate with a little child. No decent man, from any religion, will want that for their daughters. You can attack all the NGO’s you want, but the focus should be on preventing the abuse of little girls, and seeing to their safety and well being. The ACJU are still in the mind set that men must control the women, and that women have not rights. These are the rights of children. You do not speak for all Muslims, neither do you speak for all Sri Lankans who support these rights. We are not Saudi Arabia, we are a multi religious nation, and we will support for rights that everyone enjoys in this country.

      • 10
        5

        Asha

        You have an uphill battle on your hands.Politicians will sit on the fence unconcerned about the plight of oppressed women and children . However all right minded persons will support you, race religion and caste notwithstanding .

        • 1
          2

          The Oracle

          You have an uphill battle on your hands.Politicians will sit on the fence unconcerned about the plight of oppressed women and children .

          Just watch for such underage marraiges, then challenge the govt in the courts. That is real human rights and not the ones wanted in UN.

          • 8
            1

            now you are an expert in human rights to decide which is real human rights and which is not? where did you get your law degree from? Institute of BBS Terrorism?

      • 5
        19

        when BBS attack us did you speak.When rowdy monks went on rampage damaging properties of muslim did you speak.

        we will not allow to change Muslim law. it is confined to us only. not to outsiders. we can agreed to minimum age of 15 years to marry. no thing change can be done.

        these groups are clearly working on NGO requirements. why not speak against Thesavalami Law.

        • 21
          1

          When the BBS attacked Muslims MANY people spoke up, but not the politicians, President, and even the Muslim ministers were silent, so stop pointing at people who had no powers to stop that. That is not the point. You stick to Wahhabism and the rules that are backward, and harmful to little children, you will not only look uncivilized, but you will not be able to get along with the rest of the nation. You want to live here in Sri Lanka try to get on with everyone, and have the same laws when it comes to women.
          You want to stick to your outdated laws, move to Saudi Arabia. You are the minority here, all fair thinking and moderate Muslim do not want these outdated laws for their daughters. There are enough of educated Muslim women, who have reached success because they were not given in marriage at 12 years old. No civilized country will lower the marriageable age to 15years, because that is child abuse.
          This is not the 16th century. Safeguard the little girls.

          • 1
            5

            Saudi Arabia is a better place for women if we all can move there. There women has to cover well because they are not a sex piece for men, women cannot be exploited in clubs and social dances, women cannot be displayed on posters almost naked for businessman, women cannot pose for phonograph for satanic moneymakers, women has to be respected everywhere; no groping, no touching or leaning on her, women had to be served respectfully in supermarkets, shops, market etc. Now in Saudi Arabia a man has to buy a house (mahar) for a woman if he wants to marry her. Islamic law is very strict so there is no problems at all for womenr if they respect the law. Asha, why don’t you request your President and get us permanent visa to go there. Be careful lot of non-Muslims will sneak in with forge passports.

            • 1
              0

              Raheema Zainab

              1. ” Now in Saudi Arabia a man has to buy a house (mahar) for a woman if he wants to marry her”

              20% of Saudi women are divorced, or discarded by their husbands.

              Others, choose to be the 1st, 2nd or 3rd wife, in order to “accommodate” the new wife.

              Women are chattel, and cannot drive cars or even a bicycle.

              2 “Asha, why don’t you request your President and get us permanent visa to go there.”

              Need to be Saudi, not just Muslim, Wahhabi or not.

              3. Who would want to be a Wahhabi, Salafi or any of its clones such as ISIS, and end up in Hell-Fire with Satan, Iblis, Shaytan, as per the Hadith of Najd and Islamic Theology?

              References:

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

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

              Published on Jun 2, 2013

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

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

              • 0
                1

                Mr. Amarasiri

                My response was to Asha’s comment, “You want to stick to your outdated laws, move to Saudi Arabia”. This was a racial, hatred and jealous filled comment. Over 3 million Sri Lankan working in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman et and other Middle-eastern countries. What will happen if these countries suddenly announce that they are going to give residence right to all of them? If that happen all their families will migrate within few years. If they think these are Wahabi, Salafi and bad countries, will they go? The main idea of going to another country is to improve their lives. But they cannot give citizenship rights to expatriate, if they do they will become minority in their own country but they are allowing millions and millions of from all over the world to work, to do business etc. and enjoy life. I am a Muslim but I too cannot get citizenship. Isn’t it a good country? That is why I told Asha to tell their President and get us visa to settle in that country but she has to warn the President that many Sinhalese and Tamils will try to get in with forged documents.
                You say 20% of Saudi women are divorced, so what? Each of them have house and their life secured. What the divorced women get here, kick on the back minus the dowry they gave. It is sad to see our Muslims too follow your and Tamils’ systems. You seems to be a web roamer so why don’t you see many, many non-Muslim women says they are more protected and secured in Saudi Arabia than their countries and I had responded to Asha of the minus devilish things women face there.

              • 0
                0

                Continued:
                Women cannot ride or drive is a cultural problem and Saudis might change it when necessary. You talk about 1st, 2nd and 3rd wife but all the wives will get a house and all the wives should be treated equally according to Islamic law. Why should it pinch you.
                Need to be Saudi, not just Muslim, Wahhabi or not, what do you mean by that? If I settled in Saudi Arabia I am Saudi first and a Muslim second and follower pure Islam you can call me with whatever branded names West had given. If anybody ask you your nationality you will say I am a Sri Lankan not Sinhalese Buddhist. You talk about Wahabi, salafi and Najd and your web roaming gave you scant idea about it otherwise you must be a Shia, Ahmadi, Sufi or other sect or paid by them. I knew all these long before the internet came into existence. Location of Najd nobody knows. Prophet Muhammed did not give a location. He said horn of Satan will appear from Najd. Since he did not give a location it will probably from all sides East, West, North and South around him. Najd he referring was Fitna or innovations that will take root in Islam and split it from pure Islam that is Quran and Sunna. So as we can see Shia, Ahmadi and other sects had brought changes and innovation to Islam and they are the people of Najd. This innovators are spread in many direction. Also those Sunni Muslims who pray at tombs of saints too are following Fitnah. They also belongs to Najd. Prophet Muhammed who said to follow only Quran and his Sunnah will never point his finger toward those who follow his pure teaching as those belonging to Najd.

            • 2
              0

              Watch it Raheema, these laws are there in Saudi Arabia, not to respect women or Not to protect women. It is to subjugate them.
              “There women has to cover well because they are not a sex piece for men,”
              In your petty thinking, the non- Muslim women who don’t cover up are “sex Piece for men.” This is how your mind and the Saudi-mind works. Raheema, you have admitted that you as a Muslim woman dare not apply for permanent Residency. Yes, even our Buddhist President will stand a better chance to request permanent Visa to live in Saudi than you, a Muslim woman. Get it?

              • 0
                0

                Subjugating women is your view and also western anti-Islamic forces view which you were following but we Muslim do not think that way. Definitely scantily dressed women are sex pieces for men. You know how they were used in western countries and also catching up in Sri Lanka too. I do not have to explain to you in details, you very well know what I am saying.
                I said I am a Muslim woman and even if I apply for citizenship there I will not get. Not only me but even Muslim of other nationalities.You say Buddhist President have a better chance than me in getting a permanent visa there. I don’t really get it. If there was a rebellion in Sri Lanka and if his life in danger he will get asylum in any country. Those countries won’t bother to ask anything from such people there because they will have by millions robbed money. Can you give me few names of President or Prime Minister who had been given permanent visa there?
                May be you are thinking Saudi Authorities are idol worshippers so your president have better chance. You see my comment above in response to Mr. Amarasiri but posted by my cousin since I did not had the time to do it so you can get little enlightened.

                You can

        • 3
          0

          Southern Srilanka

          “why not speak against Thesavalami Law.”

          You are right. We must speak against all ancient, medieval, irrational, illogical, ……….. laws, such as Mukkuwa law, Thesavalamai Law, Kandyan Law, Muslim Law, Roman Law, … etc.

          However what exactly do you want to speak against these laws?

      • 3
        5

        Stop discriminating…why only little girls….how about Lil boys being used as sex toys by the u know who’s….

      • 1
        5

        I partly agree that the marriageable age should be increased at least to 16. Also there are laws in the country that every children should be schooled. No child labour is allowed in Sri Lanka. ACJU cannot say that men should control women but if you have not read Quran or know Islam don’t poke your nose into these things in the guise of protecting human rights. Look after yourself and your community. Also let us know exactly how many child marriage cases has taken place within the Muslim community during the past year???

      • 3
        7

        Dear Asha,
        Your arguments do not hold water. It is understood that certain INGO funded NGOs are shouting this cause to increase their funding. Human rights are violated every where. In Sri Lankan, Jesi and her NGO embezzled the relief granted to the tsunami victims in the east. As there is no more tsunami fund, they are trying to develop their financial positions and good posts in government at the expense of muslim women.

        Why can you speak people are being used child labour if you are interested in human rights? You are trying to use CT to project your work of earning. You people are using CT in different names to move your claim. Yes the law should not be amended now at your need.

        Dr. Jazeel

    • 2
      2

      Perhaps you have taken the notes from Wimal Wirawamsa who often blames NGO MAFIA. Stop this straw man argument, state the facts why do you support the stance ACJU. Of course SL Muslims have comparatively poor academic achievements to other communities, don t think everyone is naive enough to believe ACJU brainwashing.

  • 22
    4

    What is the ACJU trying to protect. It is nothing to do with protecting the rights of women. It is to give vent to men’s sexual desire of having babies as sex partners for their pleasure. Then having number of women as wives. ACJU doesn’t want any restrictions on the cravings of men. They can have 4 women as wives, if they want another one, say talak to an existing wife and marry the 5th. ACJu doesn’t want any control on the sexual thirst and warped cravings of wanting to have sex with a kid of 6.

    Marriage in Islam is all about satisfying men’s sexual passion.

    • 7
      4

      Dear Salma Junaideen,

      You put it succinctly as a Muslim women. Thank you.

      In addition to the sexual cravings, the Ulama also want Social Hegemony. This was what the great Islamic Scholars, and Philosophers have stated about 1,000 years ago.

      Unfortunately only a fraction of the Muslim men, understand the real issues and the knowledge contained in the “Precious Book”, the Quran, per Ibn Rushd. Al-Kindi, accused the Hanabalites and other traditionalists, of graft and social ambition. For they assume the posture of genuine seekers of truth, he writes, “simply defend.the positions of pre-eminence on society, as a means of gaining ascendancy or trafficking in religion:whereas they are devoid of religion altogether”

      This description perfectly fits the current Ulama of ACJU, and Muslim girls and women should be included as well for protection by the state, without being treated like chattel, as per the Ulama of ACJU.

  • 3
    2

    The President, Prime Minister, Ministers and Members of Parliament,

    RE: Sri Lankan Muslim Clerics Ignoring Reality Of Muslims, Reforms Held Hostage: MPLRAG

    PART 1 (298 Words)

    1. “A statement signed among academics, professionals and civil society groups ( Muslim Personal Law Reforms Action Group) call on the Government to immediately take action on the issues emanating from the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act currently enforced in the Island.”

    2. “For example, it shocks our conscience that Islamic jurisprudence is misinterpreted to justify child marriage and prevent women being appointed as Quazi judges”

    Is this the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka?

    What at issue here are the rights and privileges of 5% of the population, Sri Lankan Muslim girls and women, being held hostage by the so-called, Ulama, as represented by the (ACLU), and they have self-appointed themselves to be Scholars of Islam and Islamic Theology. Not everyone agrees, except the Saudi Wahhabi funders and their brainwashed clones.

    So, the great Islamic Scholars, Philosopher, Judge, Polymath and Philosopher s , Al-Kindi and Ibn Rushd, Averroes, said and right 900 years ago.

    He Says: Only the learned can understand the “Precious Book”, The Quran, the Book of knowledge. The learned are the Philosophers, not the Theologians and the Common People. Ask Galileo Gallili.

    The Theologians, Ulama are litertalists, do not understand Scripture and Traditions, because they are not learned. All the narrations about the deficiencies of the Ulama have been observed 1,000 years and only the philosophers can understand, with reason and observations.

    So what did the Ulama do? Get the authorities to burn the Philosophy books.

    This description perfectly fits the current Ulama of ACJU, and Muslim girls and women should be included as well for protection, without being treated like chattel, as per the Ulama of ACJU.

  • 5
    11

    Do you want to turn and shifted whole Sri lanka into the faith of Muslim religion ? Why is so hurry to an introduce revitalized of outdated feudal laws dominated by Muslim religion base laws in Island.

    Ours all legal system of country that now under heavy pressure of dominating by Muslim Minsters, Members of Parliament by patrician politics and other Muslim officials drafting Muslim laws .

    The Muslims community has been penetrated into the country— by lands, properties of housed, business of import-export trading, legal sectors, Banks of Islam and Private International schools and hope to be established Islam university in near Future!!!@

    Their are now engaging building Muslim regional province in Eastern Province by Leadership of Chief Minister of Nazzier! That is working day and night ?

    These are Road map out by Ismlalization of Sri Lankan by petro-dollars by New politics in and out undermined democratic structure by Muslim grand plan an Island . This most dangerous political trend rise of New political Terrorism of initial by Muslim Ministers in power of currently ruling alliances.

    The Islam community in Sri lanka an over representatives than majority community time being .

    The Muslims are less than 6% percent but having 20% members in Parliament chamber. Muslim want turn that entire Sri Lankan whole legal system govern by Shari law like Saudi Arabia.

    Muslim religion of that black clouds are all over the our sky.

    This dangerous tendencies will overlap by Islam political terrorism towards pockets by undermined nation sovereignty and principle of democracy very foundation of Sri lanka? Not so far???????

    • 7
      0

      Stop the anti Muslim rhetoric, read the article, and stop making senseless comments. The article is about giving changing the laws that will affect Muslim women and girls. You waste your time attacking Sri Lankan Muslims, who have been living here for centuries, and are not going anywhere.

    • 2
      2

      Susiripala Withana

      The dispute is between the Ulema, who wants to maintain their hegemony and privileges, and the common Muslims, especially girls and women, who whats to live as decent human being without being subjected to abuse by the Ulama and men hiding under the cloak of religion.

      This is the continuing debate between revelations. advanced by the Ulama, and Reason and observation, advanced by the philosophers, who love wisdom.

      The difference here is that the debate is taking place in Lanka, the Land of Native Veddahh Aethho, occupied by the Paras.

      This has happened with other religions as well, such as Christianity. Just read about the Inquisition and Galileo.

      The question is when will the Muslims reach the Age of Reason, and Enlightenment, which Europe began 500 years ago?

    • 0
      2

      Whether you like it or not whole of Sri Lanka will be like Muslims one day. My father who had a very good knowledge of all religion said this. I have read many articles by Buddhist who have very good background and knowledge of pure Buddhism. They say Sri Lankans are not following pure Buddhism. I read an article of an educated lady in CT and she says Mahawansa hijacked Buddhism with their false history of Buddhism. She says what they preach is 90% burrowed from Hinduism. Like Brahamin priest standing and riding on the head of all Hindus, in Sri Lanka Buddhist monks are riding on the head of Sinhalese. Lord Buddha preached a new new religion because of the falsehood in Hinduism. He never said to worship him or to make idols of his image and worship like Prophet Muhammed said. 90% of the rituals are burrowed from Hinduism and some temple even have idols of Hindu gods. So the buddhist I am referring to are perfectly right. One day somebody going to bring pure Buddhism kicking out Mahawansa. If that person name is Nihal then western world will brand his reform as Nihalism like they had branded followers of pure Islam as Wahabism.

  • 4
    10

    Do you want to turn and shifted whole Sri lanka into the faith of Muslim religion ? Why is so hurry to an introduce revitalized of outdated feudal laws dominated by Muslim religion base laws in Island.

    Ours all legal system of country that now under heavy pressure of dominating by Muslim Minsters, Members of Parliament by patrician politics and other Muslim officials drafting Muslim laws .

    The Muslims community has been penetrated into the country— by lands, properties of housed, business of import-export trading, legal sectors, Banks of Islam and Private International schools and hope to be established Islam university in near Future!!!@

    Their are now engaging building Muslim regional province in Eastern Province by Leadership of Chief Minister of Nazzier! That is working day and night ?

    These are Road map out by Ismlalization of Sri Lankan by petro-dollars by New politics in and out undermined democratic structure by Muslim grand plan an Island .

    This most dangerous political trend rise of New political Terrorism of initial by Muslim Ministers in power of currently ruling alliances.

    The Islam community in Sri lanka an over representatives than majority community time being .

    The Muslims are less than 6% percent but having 20% members in Parliament chamber. Muslim want turn that entire Sri Lankan whole legal system govern by Shari law like Saudi Arabia.

    Muslim religion of that black clouds are all over the our sky.

    This dangerous tendencies will overlap by Islam political terrorism towards pockets by undermined nation sovereignty and principle of democracy very foundation of Sri lanka? Not so far???????

  • 18
    4

    The Muslim men arguing here are missing the point. Either they are a bunch of pedophiles or plain stupid. I am trying to understand their resistance to give women and children any form of choice in matters concerning their personal lives. I cannot also understand State duplicity in remaining deaf and blind amidst a very serious campaign going on here for reforms.

    • 5
      2

      Outraged Muslim Woman

      “The Muslim men arguing here are missing the point. Either they are a bunch of pedophiles or plain stupid”

      The “Muslim ” men and the Ulama understand the points very well. Islam has made them infallible in their sexual exploits of girls and women, per their interpretation. It was succinctly summarized by Salma Junaideen, reproduced below.

      “What is the ACJU trying to protect. It is nothing to do with protecting the rights of women. It is to give vent to men’s sexual desire of having babies as sex partners for their pleasure. Then having number of women as wives. ACJU doesn’t want any restrictions on the cravings of men. They can have 4 women as wives, if they want another one, say talak to an existing wife and marry the 5th. ACJu doesn’t want any control on the sexual thirst and warped cravings of wanting to have sex with a kid of 6.”

      “Marriage in Islam is all about satisfying men’s sexual passion.”

  • 9
    1

    I am not that familiar with Muslim family Law. In the recent times there are number of articles and women are clamouring for change of the Law. Notable changes that they are demanding is the abolition of child marriage.

    Whatever may be, it is easier to blame it on conspiracy theories such as dollar funded NGOs. It sounds like Wimal Weerawanse’s teaching these people. It is easy to tarnish the image and loose track of the facts by calling them names. Please read the message and I think stopping child marriage, whether it comes from dollar funded NGOs or these ex child brides, we need to take note of the message

  • 3
    2

    It is time our President should show Leadership and Honesty and ignore what all self serving religious priests tell, but to do what is right for the people. Today all religious leaders have become politicians as they benefit from the “Santhosams” given by various governments in power. Its time to stop, either the President does his job by taking bold decisions or vacate the post. Yahapalana is what we voted for.

    • 3
      1

      Very true. Govt can do very little to tackle the cunning and unruly religious leaders, just because monks also fall under the same category.

      Govt should either officially declare monks are above the law and tackle other religious leaders. Or, make sure that they are all the same in front of the law.

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    MMDA is a classical example for manipulation of basic law of the country by leaders and clerics of a religious minority for their advantage.they sway between two basic human rights granted for citizen of the country. freedom of faith and personal human rights. what religion clerics do is to jump into one side when otherside is weak. likewise they can sway two sides for their advantage.this is what I can notice as outsider on seen report and comments.as such if we have responsible political leaders as head of the government, they should make very bold decision like one country one law for all. marriage is very personal thing between a man and a woman. any religion has nothing to do with it.what clerics should do is to enlighten people how to have or lead peaceful quality marriage life as per their respective religious ideals. here cleric are putting unwanted finger into personal lives of people under the cover of so called almighty which nobody knows existence of it real or not. very funny thing.gross violation of basic human rights granted but clerics are holding on to other rope freedom of religion. what a funny situation. real comedian tele drama or panorama.it is worthwhile watching.

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    Rizwi Mufti changed the decree that “MMDA is perfect” to “…. near-perfect.” MMDA is imperfect.

    Gratifying to see Lankans taking up the issue.

    Roll over Lankan Muslim MPs. Your silence is thundering.

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      Muslim MP’s are useless. They are very, very selfish, and only interested in taking care of themselves. When the BBS was harming Muslims, they stayed silent, and did not protest it. It would be good for these MP’s to play a bigger part in this important matter. These MP’s also are fathers and should understand the urgency to change these rules, and reform them. We also have a Muslim woman MP, who is strangely quiet. Are they so afraid of these old codgers, who seem to be wielding power over everyone. Enough is enough, Sri Lankans of all faiths must speak up and safeguard these little girls, and protect the women, it is in their hands to step up, and do the right thing, which they are intelligent enough to realize. One set of rules for all. That is how you live in a multi religious nation.

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      Muslim MPs? Where are they? Who are they? i would like to know their names. These SO-CALLED Muslim Ministers are worshiping Money and Wealth in any form. They are not prostrating to the Creator. As a result, the community is suffering with the disrepute they have brought upon the muslim community of Sri Lanka.

      Water Purification plants are coming up all over the countryside and Trade and supplies to the COOP and Sathosa (or state linked outlets) are brisk these days. So the two main MUSLIM ministers are really busy these days. Kindly do not bring them in for any discussions that are important to the muslim community. Money, Money, Money!!!!! how much of it required to satisfy these Animals’ hunger. Only the Creator knows.

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    ranjith(sprrw),

    “marriage is very personal thing between a man and a woman. any religion has nothing to do with it”

    Imagine if every Theravada monk thinks the same

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      Isarath

      you have to understand difference between monks and laymen & women.monks have been put in different mindset and laymen and women are in another mindset.you have to understand this before making any comment.do not talk without proper knowledge on theravada Buddhism.

  • 1
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    STOP wasting time reforming IT! Just bit The Book!

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    Who are these MPLRAG? No names mentioned. More then 90% of Muslim girls in Sri Lanka marry above 18 years. Muslim laws are an internal matter for the Muslims to decide not for proxies of others. Muslims are not offending any body in this country. Why dig in to their affairs unnecessarily.Problems in many Muslim countries in the Middle East are creations by others. Israel itself was planted in Palestine land by the west. Afghan was invaded by Soviet Union. Iraq and Libya were invaded and destroyed by the west killing millions of Muslims. Muslims are being attacked from all directions. Alkaida was created by the west to defeat soviet union in Afghan. IS was created to topple Azad of Syria. When they turned against them they started attacking these two groups. These two terrorist groups are really proxies of enemies of Islam.
    These two terrorists groups will be eliminated by their own creators very soon much for the relief of Muslims all over the world . In Sri Lanka some unseen hands are trying their best to provoke the Muslims and create a trouble here too.

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      Real Muslim, Muslim Laws become everybody’s problem when there is Child Abuse involved in the civilised society.

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    I am still trying to fathom out the haste and outcry by certain elements on this sacrosanct matter, ironically only CT gives wide publicity to it, which provides assistance to racists in pursuing their malevolent agendas. Their comments lacks intellectual substance, most of which are from those outside the Islamic faith and sadly a few from pseudo Muslims, whom I presume are glued to this site which provides fodder to those news starved key board critiques to unleash their sadistic pleasures on a subject which is alien to tthem.

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      M . I. Anver, not only their comments lacks intellectual substance, they also attack Muslims in filth reflecting their caliber

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      M . I. Anver +

      “I am still trying to fathom out the haste and outcry by certain elements on this sacrosanct matter, ironically only CT gives wide publicity to it, which provides assistance to racists in pursuing their malevolent agendas. “

      You are not a Muslim girl or a women and not affected by it, by legislated discrimination by MMDI overtaking the rights given by the constitution, to satisfy the sex cravings of nature of Muslim men.

      If you were affected by it, or if it is your concern, you will take a different stand.

      Is that what Islam teaches?

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        AMARASIRI ,
        You said it only CT allows this. I challenge all you guys to come out to the print media and see what happens.

    • 1
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      M . I. Anver and Real Muslim,

      “Their comments lacks intellectual substance, most of which are from those outside the Islamic faith and sadly a few from pseudo Muslims, whom I presume are glued to this site which provides fodder to those news starved key board critiques to unleash their sadistic pleasures on a subject which is alien to tthem. “

      Go with the facts and data. The Sri Lankan Ulama from ACJU are not much different.

      Read up on Al-Kind and Ibn Rushd from 1,000 years ago.

      Then you will understand why the Wahhabi Saudi Arabians, and the Ulama lack critical thinking skills.

      Quick Post: L&V’s National IQs predict GMAT scores across 173 nations

      The GMAT is a graduate entrance test used by more than 5,900 business programs offered by more than 2,100 universities worldwide. While the test is given in English, it is designed to be as minimally English dependent as necessary to predict successful completion of Business programs taught in English. Further, the test is carefully scrutinized for item bias.

      Wahhabi Saudi Arabian Graduates at the bottom, despite having a higher native IQ.

      Regression Plot: The regression plot for GMAT scores and L&V’s (2012) Estimated National IQs is shown below.

      https://humanvarietiesdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/gmatregressionplot.png

      http://humanvarieties.org/2014/02/02/quick-post-lvs-national-iqs-predicts-gmat-scores-across-173-nations/

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    Jobless fellows have got jobs to attack Islam. It will be better for the government to find them jobs for at least toilet cleaning.

    • 2
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      Would you like to Talk to Izeth and Latheef on this subject?

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    It is not the EU force Lankawe Muslim-Sinhala Goverment to fix the child marriages and equal employment opportunities to all women, but the UN and UNRC has to start to enforce their conventions and resolutions in proper format.

    If one had seen how the ISIS consumed as sex slaves the captured Yazidis community children and women, here the news of how free world women of well known democracies are slaved on their free will, by crooked religious divorce and Halala agents and priests in Mosques.

    The women who sleep with a stranger to save their marriage from BBC:

    “I was at home with the children and he was at work. During a heated discussion he sent me a text saying, ‘talaq, talaq, talaq’.”

    “Triple talaq” – where a man says “talaq”, or divorce, to his wife three times in a row – is a practice which some Muslims believe ends an Islamic marriage instantly.

    It is banned in most Muslim countries but still happens, though it is impossible to know exactly how many women are “divorced” like this in the UK.

    This is not ISIS, Satan, or un-islamic(islamophobia) talk. Mosques in developed world are involved in these games by religion.

    http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-39480846

    This new rise up has to go beyond Lankawe!

  • 2
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    http://www.girlsnotbrides.org/where-does-it-hap
    I cannot see Sri lanka in the list.

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    Muslims are citizens of Sri Lanka and are first subject to the law of Sri Lanka. The law assures equality to all citizens and protects citizens from crimes. This includes Muslim women. They are entitled to equality under the constitution. They are entitled to special protection as women because Sri Lanka being party to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, has a duty to ensure that all discrimination against women, including Muslim women, is eliminated. On the better view, the Convention forms part of the law of Sri Lanka.

    The marriage of a girl-child amounts to rape. Her consent is immaterial if she is not of age of consent. The men who enter into such marriages must be prosecuted as rapists as they violate the law of the land. The mullahs who support such marriages aid and abet the crime.

    It is a tragedy that fellow citizens of our country are kept in virtual bondage. This modern slavery must be ended.

    A society where all Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians and men and women must be the aspiration for Sri Lanka.

  • 1
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    Muslim women from Kattankudy, Kalmunai, Kinniya, Beruwela and Maradana never come to the streets and Demonstrate demanding so called freedom and rights as being shouted by some jobless non Muslim fellows in CT. They don’t talk about Theshawalamai, MUKKUWA Law and Kandyan Law. CT is increasingly used to sling mud on Muslims.

    • 0
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      Bandoo
      Muslim women does not protest in the streets, however I saw girls as young as 15 years were sent to middle east as maids/slaves.

      MMDA is a paramount issue. Once the Muslim women are empowered then I hope there will be more progressive thoughts and more integration with in srilanka.

      • 0
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        Ken Robert

        Sending girls to middle east has no relevance to the current topic. Any way if you saw girls as young as 15 years were sent to middle east as maids/slaves it is illegal and why didn’t you report to law enforcement officers. Affairs of Muslim women is a matter for Muslims and only Muslims. Outsiders cannot try to impose something on them. The good coexistence and bonds that were there for centuries between Muslims and Buddhists in this country are being gradually damaged by a few racist, fascist and idiotic rascals.

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          Loyal citizen

          The plight of women in this country especially Muslim women is influenced by our cultures as well as religious practices. I can see the relevance very well.

          I saw Muslim women in particular were brought from remote villages and exploited by middlemen.I did raise it with proprietor and documented my findings.

          “Affairs of Muslim women is a matter for Muslims and only Muslims. Outsiders cannot try to impose something on them”

          Remember, You are a Srilankan citizen and our legal system is trying to make everyone an equal citizen. If you do not believe in this equality you have the options of changing your mind or leaving the country and live in a Arab country where practices are accepted.

          If I am seen as racist, fascist and idiotic rascal, I feel sorry to offend you. I am sure as law abiding loyal citizen you will allow me to express my own views on anything.

          “I wholly disapprove of what you say—and will defend to the death your right to say it.”
          Evelyn Beatrice Hall ( A woman was needed to succinctly express in words of Volitaire’s views on freedom of expression.)

          • 0
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            ken robert

            What do you mean when you say “Remember, You are a Sri Lankan citizen and our legal system is trying to make everyone an equal citizen”. Equality does not mean encroaching in to the religious and cultural practices and values of other religious groupings. One day you may say every body in this country should visit Buddhist temples because all are equal. Muslims are a peaceful and peace loving lot in this country. There was a Buddhist youth insurrection(JVP) in this country. There was a Tamil youth bloody war for more than 30 years in this country but non from Muslim community because they have been living with Buddhists side by side with strong bonds of brotherly relationships. Why are you trying to disturb a silent community raising almost non existent issues?

            • 0
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              Loyal citizen
              “Equality does not mean encroaching in to the religious and cultural practices and values of other religious groupings”

              Sure. Who is encroaching what is the million dollar question?

              I suggest you read on “Islam the enemy with in” by one of learned Muslim women politician in UK.

              • 0
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                Ken Robert

                Simple. “Non Muslims try to interfere with the religious and cultural practices of Muslims” though it is no business of theirs. No such filth attack happens in CT on other religions such as Christianity, Buddhism etc as Islam and Muslims.The more it is attacked the faster its growth becomes.

                Do you know that in Britain the fastest growing religion is Islam.

          • 0
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            Ken Robert, you say you saw Muslim women in particular were brought from remote villages and exploited by middlemen and you had raised with proprietor and documented you findings. The law enforcement officers Loyal Citizen stating is Police or Immigration Department. Did you do that?

  • 2
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    First, in any country, when laws are to be changed or modified, the stake holders are asked for their opinions and the policy makers (politicians, unfortunately in our case) create a consensus towards the final outcome.

    In the case of the MMDA, the government has absolutely no intention of doing anything about it, EXCEPT that the European Union has cleverly added certain judicial changes into the negotiating process. MMDA is only one of them.

    Jamiathul Ulema is trying to stay relevant in these changing times. Today, no one is waiting for their opinion except the politicians who need them when elections come around.

    As said by others, the raising of the marriage age for Muslims girls should be done sensibly and with proper strategy, not because a couple of theologians have objections that are not grounded in logic and common sense.

    • 0
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      Upul
      Thanks for a most sensible observation.
      I wonder why others too do not try to be pertinent in their comments and avoid using the space to express their prejudices.

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