By Tisaranee Gunasekara –
“This frenzy of stupidity….” Ernst Toller (Wotan Unchained)
Are we, the Sinhala people, so addicted to war, that we cannot do without one? Or are the Rajapaksas trying to manufacture a new threat and a new conflict as camouflage for their dynastic project?
A well organised and financed anti-Muslim campaign has burst into destructive life over the last several months. Organisations, manifestly conceived in the same pathological-womb, are trying to outdo each other in spreading anti-Muslim vitriol. In the name of Buddhism – the most non-violent and tolerant of all religions (in its original pre-Sinhala form) – these organisations break the law at will and sow seeds of a new ethno-religious conflict. Their members picket Muslim-owned shops, organise anti-Muslim demonstrations and attack mosques; they even invaded the Law College and the day’s TV news carried shocking footage of a monk-demonstrator attacking a layman (possibly an official) with his umbrella.
Who created these organisations? Who finances them? Who are the organ grinders of these destructively dysfunctional monkeys?
Organisations such as the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) seem to be above the law. They run around protesting and demonstrating, arresting people illegally and disrupting perfectly legal activities ordinary Lankans, while the police remain passive and mute. For instance, on June 26th 2012, a BBS mob surrounded the Ministry of Buddha Sasana demanding that the Minister cracks down on a rival Buddhist who ‘insulted Buddhism’ within two weeks. On January 21st, 2013, another BBS mob stormed a tourist hotel in Beruwala, where a private party was in progress, alleging that the hotel possessed a ‘Buddha Bar’.
The latitude permitted to these fanatics to sow hatred, the impunity enjoyed by them indicates connections – if not patrons – in very high places. According to DBS Jeyaraj, when an organisation calling itself Hela Sihala Hiru unleashed a rabidly anti-Muslim demonstration in Kuliyapitiya, several Muslim community leaders tried to lodge a complaint in police, in vain; the police claimed that “nothing could be done as orders had come from the top to let the demonstration happen. Some policemen said their duty was to afford protection to the demonstrators and not to take action against it”.
If accurate, this story points to a definite nexus between the orchestrated anti-Muslim hysteria and the Rajapaksas.
Seeds of Another War
A majority of the Sinhalese are not affected by the anti-Muslim germ – yet. Most Sinhalese and most Muslims have lived in perfect amity all their lives. The official history taught in schools is suffused with tales of ‘Sinhala-Tamil conflicts’ and of ‘evil Tamil kings’ (of the long centuries of peaceful Sinhala-Tamil cohabitation, including intermarriages and the cultural, religious and linguistic cross-fertilisation, history books are largely silent). But there are no comparable stories about Sinhala-Muslim conflicts or Muslim conspiracies. Therefore there are no anti-Muslim ‘historical memories’ in the collective Sinhala-psyche which can be tapped into and exploited.
Nor are the Muslims requesting any political reforms, as the Tamils did.
Therefore Muslim-phobia must be manufactured through gross lies, absurd exaggerations and malicious misrepresentation. The Muslims are portrayed as the ‘Cultural Other’, a task made easy by the fact that liberal Muslims (like liberal Buddhists/Hindus/Christians) are in decline and the more extremist currents of Islam are on the rise. (InSri Lanka, public manifestations of every religion are sky-rocketing, even as morality declines and crime flourishes; every religion has become an excuse for bigotry and violence). Everything is the grist to the mill of the Sinhala fanatics in their effort to create the ‘Muslim enemy’, from Halal meat and the Sharia Law to the noxious fabrication of a conspiracy to turnSri Lankainto a Muslim country in 2020.
The project of these fanatics is not just anti-Muslim/anti-minority. It is also anti-democratic and socio-culturally retrogressive. Like fanatics of every religion, their dream is a society shackled in reactionary ideas and ultra-conservative mores. Like their Muslim/Hindu/Christian counterparts, the BBS is viscerally opposed to Enlightenment ideas and liberal values. At its first National Convention held last year, the BBS demanded that the government stop family planning, amend existing laws to protect Buddhist rights and “appoint a regulatory body to supervise the content of books and other materials on Buddhism and to do away with those that had distorted the doctrine” (The Island – 12.7.2012). The BBS has attacked Christian services and disrupted family planning clinics; Dharisha Bastians reported that a BBS leader wants a law which permits a Sinhala man to marry five (presumably Sinhala) women (otherwise how can they produce pure Sinhala children?).
A Sinhala-Buddhist Saudi Arabia would be their dream.
Currently organisations such as the BBS amount to a law-and-order problem rather than a political one. If the regime so wants, it can nip this anti-Muslim hysteria in the bud by treating law-breaking BBS activists the same way any normal law-breaking citizen is dealt with. The argument that the regime fears to move against these saffron-robed hooligans because it does not want to antagonise Buddhist clergy is ludicrous. The Rajapaksas snubbed the four Mahanayakes over the impeachment issue and used threats to prevent the holding of a Sangha Council to oppose the arrest of Gen. Sarath Fonseka. According to a Wikileaks cable (26.2.2010), “Two days before the Sanga Sabha was to open….temples had been told that bombs would be hurled at buses transporting monks to the council. On February 16th the Mahanayake of Malwatte announced the assembly had been indefinitely postponed due to security reasons” (Colombo Telegraph – 29.11.2011)
President Rajapaksa has reportedly promised tough action against those creating communal disharmony. According to the same President Rajapaksa “The Maha Sanga and all Buddhists are free of no racialism and regionalism” (Daily Mirror – 21.1.2013). Who does he think is responsible for causing communal disharmony? The Muslims? The West? The President has also promised to “call the Buddhist clergy for discussions to resolve the issue” (Ceylon Today – 26.1.2013). What issue? There is no Sinhala-Muslim issue. The ‘issue’ is being artificially created by criminal elements. The ‘solution’ is not to dignify the mob by holding conferences but to apply the law, without fear or favour.
But will the Rajapaksas do it?
The Rajapaksas need justifications for their serial murder of democratic institutions and freedoms. The undead-Tiger does not suffice; other issues/enemies are needed, to addle minds with fear, to muddy the political-waters, to befuddle and bamboozle.
The Rajapaksas want a new over determination, so that the Sinhalese will be too busy chasing spectral-foes to confront the real enemy: the Rajapaksas.
A new war will fragment anti-Rajapaksa forces and enable the Siblings to justify the militarization of society, the exacerbation of economic burdens and the erosion of rights and freedoms.
A stage-managed war against ‘Islamic terrorism’ would reopen Western/Indian doors for the Rajapaksas.
A Sinhala-Muslim conflict can be in Rajapaksa-interests; but it will not benefit Sinhalese, Muslims or Tamils. The article by Hiran Gunaratne provides an excellent analysis of the politico-economic damage such a conflict will do toSri Lanka. We lost 30 years thanks to one ethnic war. A Sinhala-Muslim conflict will last longer, reach further (Sinhalese in the West/Middle East will become unsafe), cause more destruction and drag Sri Lanka down to the very depths of living-hell, below even Sudanor Somalia.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gx0q-0Sj0Y
Appuhamy / January 28, 2013
This is not happening only in Sri Lanka. There is a global campaign spearheaded by a certain group of people whose objective is to crete prejudice agains Muslims and Islam amongst ALL communities in the world. This hate group’s primary objective is to create as much hate toward the Muslims and Arabs in the Middle-East with a view to justifying invasions of their nations and occupying their lands. These miscreants have intruded into Sri Lanka through these hate groups and have been inciting hatred against the Muslims by spreading false and malicious rumors. The government needs to step in at this juncture and apprehend these mischief makers who are masquerading as Buddhist Monks and bringing shame to our noble religion. As a Buddhist I am totally ashamed at the behavior of these thugs in robes. All Peace loving persons of Sri Lanka need to stand together and united as Sri Lankans and force these anti Sri Lankan elements to be banished from our country.
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Panda / January 28, 2013
I agree with you there is indeed a global campaign, backed by millions of dollars to denigrate and attack Muslims in these forums, and make the majority of Muslims look like terrorists. Even in a country like the US there are vicious campaigns, and well known bigots who try to turn Americans against Muslims, by protesting Mosques and other Islamic establishment. There are various pro Israeli groups whose agenda is to make sure the American people will believe that Israel is fighting an evil religion and is the victim in that conflict.
Our people have to realize that they are used as pawns in these games played by outside sources who are hell bent on causing mayhem and internal strife in this country. Setting one community against the other for their own evil purposes. Malicious rumours and false propaganda must be addressed before it gets out of hand.
The leaders of all religions in this country MUST stand together and unite all. We have gone through years of death and destruction, and we should put it behind us, not invite other problems that will hinder our progress. Shame on those unpatriotic Sri Lankans who cause problems for our nation by violent protests, intimidation, attacking places of worship, and provoking others, whether they are monks or priests.
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Appuhamy / January 28, 2013
Isn’t it a good time to hold a “Dharma Sangayanawa” and kick all these thugs and rogues in robes out of the Sasanaya?
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Senguttuvan / January 28, 2013
Regular commentator Mr Sumanasekera’s jibes are often pungent, humorous and objective. I cannot say the same thing about his strident
comments here against Tisaranee G, who, many initiated readers/commentators appear to agree, is a constructive critic well above personal agendas, racial and religious prejudice. Above all, she is well read, writes charmingly and shares her impressive research and intellectual depth with many in these columns.
Senguttuvan
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AYMAN / January 28, 2013
ARE BUDDHIST MONKS OBSERVING THE CODE OF DISCIPLINE.
The Discipline of a Buddhist monk is refined and is intended to be conducive to the arising of mindfulness and wisdom. This code of conduct is called the Vinaya. While it is not an end in itself, it is an excellent tool, which can be instrumental in leading to the end of suffering.
Apart from the direct training that the Vinaya provides, it also establishes a relationship with lay people without whose co-operation it would be impossible to live as a monk. A monk is able to live as a mendicant because lay people respect the monastic conventions and are prepared to help to support him. This gives rise to a relationship of respect and gratitude in which both layperson and monk are called upon to practise their particular life styles and responsibilities with sensitivity and sincerity.
Many of the rules of discipline were developed specifically to avoid offending lay people or giving rise to misunderstanding or suspicion (for example, the rules stipulating that another male be present when a monk and a woman would otherwise be alone together). As no monk wishes to offend by being fussy and difficult to look after, and no lay Buddhist would wish to accidentally cause a monk to compromise the discipline, this is therefore intended to be a useful guide to the major aspects of the Vinaya as it relates to lay people.
“JHU” AND “BBS” OVER TO YOU.
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Lanka Liar / January 28, 2013
Muslims know how to ..
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Lasantha Pethiyagoda / January 28, 2013
Of the fifty odd comments on this article so far, not many readers/commentators have attempted to bridge the gap between communities that seems to be growing.
I would suggest that the warring parties stay alert and vigilant about those who would stand to gain by the disunity created.
It is well known that as long as there is no peace, it will be good for business. All distractions from the burning issues are designed to maintain the status quo intact.
Enemies are manufactured in order to teach people to hate. Once they begin to hate, they will fight, forgetting their own vulnerability and stupidity, while those who orchestrate it are laughing all the way to their respective banks!
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Abimanasingham Sitthawatthai Uthayakumar / January 28, 2013
The Root Cause of all the problems in our country is the Sinhala – Theravada Buddhist Nationalism based on the false and imaginary doctrine: Aryan – Sinhala – Sinhalese – Theravada Buddhism – Lanka with one – to – one correspondance. The preliminary steps to eradicate the Tamils have been completed with the destruction of the LTTE and making neceassary amendments in the Constitution and changes in the Judiciary etc. Now the time has come for the next venture – crushing and eradicating the Muslims. Names of Al quaeda and other “Islamic Terrorist” groups will be used for this. Once the Muslims are crushed, the next will be the Catholics and Christians. Here the names of countries like the USA, EU etc. will be used. The majority of the Sinhala nation will accept these stories and more Sinhalese voters will support the MR Government! So no country on the earth will stop the avalanche. The USA, EU, India and the other countries only gave their helping hand to initiate the avalanche. They will continue to do so to safeguard their own interests. Poor ignorant Sri Lankans! It’s very late dears! You will not be able to stop the avalanche. You can write and whisper something for some time. That’s all!!
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Nabil / January 30, 2013
uthayakumar, sure this is where Sri Lanka is heading. Naga and Senguthuvan, people who have experienced the thrust of this despicable tragedy seem not to realize where it has led this country in the past 30 years. They find it difficult to shed age old racial and caste based ideology. Doesn’t Father Niemoller’s famous quote portend the events that are to unfold?
First they came for the communists,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a communist.
Then they came for the socialists,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
Then they came for me,
and there was no one left to speak for me.
Martin Niemöller (1892–1984)
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Prometheus / January 28, 2013
Lester is obviously a pseudo Sri Lankan who lives far away and knows nothing about Sri Lanka from the inside. His facts about Muslims are probably from the Daily Mail.
Excellent article, well done.
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Lester / January 29, 2013
Hi Promotheus,
Answer my question if you have any courage. Why can’t a Christian, Jew, Hindu, or Buddhist build a church, synagogue, kovil, or temple in Saudi Arabia (and many other places in the Middle East)? In which Christian/Jewish/Hindu/Buddhist nation is it forbidden for Muslims to build a mosque? Please name even a single such nation. Before we talk about human rights of Muslims, let us be sure that Muslims are respecting the rights of all others, not just in Sri Lanka, but in those countries where Muslims are the majority.
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Nabil / January 29, 2013
Well since you ask you should call the embassies of Qatar and UAE. they have churches in both countries. Many cultural programs are conducted. The SL embassy celebrated vesak and the new year. Once many Lankans were taken into custody for drunken behaviour after the festivities.
There are many Arabs who are Christian.
There is a difference between the Middle Eastern countries and countries like Sri Lanka. In the former countries all expats are there with a work visa on short term assignments and for commercial purposes. In Sri Lanka we are indigenous people. Apples and oranges if you want a comparison. You forget that Malaysia and Indonesia have very tolerant multi ethnic societies
So much for your challenge
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Lester / January 29, 2013
Hi Nabil,
Qatar has two churches, the first of which opened in 2008. I am not sure if that qualifies as an “achievement.” The only truly progressive Muslim nation is Iran, which has a large community of Jews, including one its Parliament. Ironically, Iran is progressive not because of Islam but because of its pre-Islamic history. Unsurprisingly, all of the Arab nations, except Syria, despise Iran.
You will have to explain why the peaceful Muslims do not press for reform and democratic change in places such Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and even Dubai. After all, the same group of people does not have any problem with going to Saudi to visit Mecca. They do not have any problem with Saudi Arabia funding the construction of mosques all over the world, including in Sri Lanka.
Muslims are not indigenous to Sri Lanka. You are not entitled to anything except that is which prescribed by law. And furthermore, you should always acknowledge the right of the Sinhala-Buddhists and Sinhalese in general to certain privileges.
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Nabil / January 30, 2013
Sorry to disappoint you Lester. You are an import as much as I am. Buddhism came to Sri Lanka from India.
We have lived here for more than a thousand years. You shall enjoy the same rights as we do and vice versa, nothing more, nothing less!
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Lester / January 30, 2013
Nonsense; Muslims came to the island as traders in the 15th century. The Sinhalese and Tamils have been in Sri Lanka for more than 2500 years. That does not mean you, as a Muslim, can’t live in Sri Lanka. But trying to claim Sri Lanka as your ancestral homeland is sheer rubbish; you will not find Arabic script anywhere in Polannaruwa. Neither will you find Islam mentioned in the “Ramayana.” So what claim do you have?
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Nabil / January 31, 2013
Looks like you are the avatar of Leela. :)
I don’t rely on mythology like the Ramayana to make my point. Please read Dr. Lorna Dewarajah. Her scholarly work on Muslims of Sri Lanka is a must read for people like you.
We came as traders and settled down. Pray tell me how did you end up here?
Surely you have historical artifacts and other evidence you can draw on instead of relying on mythology to debunk my argument? Cos weren’t you the one who professed that with the rapid expansion of technology and knowledge religion would die a natural death in the next 100 years? So where is the application of available knowledge Lester?
A visit to a few Museums, particularly the one in Galle would be a good starting point for you do look for an obscure piece of stone! And I quote from the Lanka Library forum web site as below
The trilingual inscription of Admiral Zheng He [Cheng Ho]
The face of an obscure stone tablet is one of the few places in Sri Lanka where Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam can be found side by side. On it, inscriptions in Chinese, Tamil and Persian praise Buddha, Shiva and Allah in equal measure.
In 1911, a carved stone was discovered covering a culvert near Cripps Road in Galle. The finder, provincial engineer Mr H.F. Tomalin, had it removed to safety. Scholarly excitement was immediate, but the inscriptions were only deciphered with some difficulty.
The tablet was erected in 1411, to commemorate the second visit to Sri Lanka by the Chinese admiral Zheng He(1), who commanded seven great voyages through the South China Seas and the Indian ocean between 1405 and 1433.
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Lester / January 31, 2013
The Ramayana is more historically accurate than the Q’uran. For one thing, the Ramayana is original in all its sources. It was not written by an illiterate camel driver plagiarizing from the Bible and Torah.
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Naga / January 29, 2013
Some readers have criticised my previous comments re anti-Muslim campaign by some Sinhalese elements. I was only trying to analyse the possible reasons that made these people to carry out this campaign. One reason I reckoned was the self-centred attitude that failed to accommodate the interests and well being of others. I mentioned about the train story only to illustrate this attitude. I also took the opportunity to highlight the present resentment felt by Tamils in the East, particularly by the Batticaloa Tamils, against the Muslims. The latter resentment is being caused by the opportunistic communal politics carried on by some leading Muslim politicians in Batticaloa. I was only raising the alarm because of my fear that such resentments may lead to unwanted communal violence again. I have seen such communal violence in Batticaloa the late eighties. At that time I joined hands with my Muslim friends to bring it under control. I am not anti-Muslim. To the contrary I have many good Muslim friends.
I believe that communal politics lead to racial tension and animosity. Tamil communal politics and Sinhala communal politics of the past half a century led to the Sinhala-Tamil divide that created the LTTE monster. Similarly the communal politics played by SLMC and other Muslim political parties has possibly created this uneasiness among some sections of the Sinhalese. Before the advent of SLMC, prominent Muslim politicians either belonged to UNP or SLFP. Some Muslim leaders in the East became MPs contesting on Federal Party tickets.
Another reason for the tension is the spread of Muslim fundamentalism among the Sri Lankan Muslims, particularly among the Muslim youths. It has radicalised the Muslim youths to the extent that they see themselves first as Muslims and then only as Sri Lankans. If one visits a Muslim town or village in the East one can see some of the radical changes imposed by these Muslim fundamentalists. Those days I have not seen any Sri Lankan Muslim woman walking on the streets in Kattankudy with her face completely covered. Now a days you rarely see Muslim women venturing on to the streets there with uncovered faces. There were many “Thaikas” (places of worship built on the burial sites of Muslim religious leaders called “Ouliyas”) where Muslims went to pray. Now Mosques have replaced these Thaikas thanks to funds provided by Saudis. I understand that Saudi trained Muslim clerics have imposed an edict prohibiting worship of their dead religious leaders. Even Hindus in Batticaloa used to make vows to these “Ouliyas”. I still remember the vow my mother made to “Puliyamboker Ouliya” praying for the healing of a nasty wound I had on my leg.
Whatever may be the resentment felt by some Sinhalese, there should not be any hate campaigns against the Muslims like the ones reported in Kuliyapitiya.
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Prometheus / January 29, 2013
Lester, You take that up with Saudi Arabia. The Sri Lankan Muslims have nothing to do with their rules or customs. They are native Sri Lankans who have lived in the country for generations, and are culturally very, very different to the Saudis or the rest of the ME. Your problem is that you are lumping all the Muslims of the world as one entity, when the reality is that they are as diverse as they come. Even the Saudis don’t consider the SL Muslims as one of them, they come right at the bottom of the pecking order along with all Sri Lankans and other workers from poor countries. United only by religion but totally alien in terms of culture, language, ethnicity etc. Case in point Rizana Nafeek.
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Lester / January 29, 2013
Hi Prometheus,
Trying to make the Sri Lankan Muslims look innocent by portraying them as an isolated group is a poor excuse. In every religion, all we have to do is look at the “holy book” to see how the followers behave. Whether the followers live on continent X or Y is immaterial.
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Nabil / January 30, 2013
Well I wish the Buddhists lived according to their “books”!
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Lester / January 30, 2013
Buddhists don’t issue fatwas. We all know about the fatwa issued on Salman Rushdie (that is still valid today).
Buddhism and Hinduism are the most peaceful religions in the world.
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Native Vedda / January 31, 2013
Lester
“Buddhism and Hinduism are the most peaceful religions in the world.”
That may be your perception because both religions might have had good spin doctors. However the history suggest otherwise.
“Buddhists don’t issue fatwas. We all know about the fatwa issued on Salman Rushdie (that is still valid today).”
Sinhala Buddhists send in the thugs, saffron brigades, Sinhala/Buddhist state’s most oppressive instruments,……..
After witnessing the atrocities against Muslims and Sikhs in India do you need any other proofs?
There is a difference between spiritualism and organised religion (political religion). As long as you understand the difference between these two you will have less to criticize any particular religion.
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Nabil / January 31, 2013
Native Veddah
See you are more civilized than the ones purporting to be more cultured!:)
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Lester / January 31, 2013
@ Native Vedda:
The conflict between Tamils and Sinhalese has its roots in economic competition, not religion, and is relatively recent in Sri Lankan history. A good source in this regard is Kumari Jayawardene. Sinhala-Buddhism is not inherently fundamental. One need only go to Sigiriya and see the frescoes therein. In contrast, Islam forbids even a drawing of Prophet Muhammed (who is a male ). Or look at the Kandyan laws to see the rights given to women; rights which even women in the West did not have at that time (while women in Saudi are still under slavery). Furthermore, Sinhala-Buddhism is not a global ideology. It is confined to Sri Lanka. In Islam, the ultimate goal, for Sunni Muslims, is to spread sharia to all corners of the globe. This is why Muslims are encouraged to contribute to jihad.
I would also add that Sri Lanka is entering a new age. The political and other institutions may be experiencing some turbulence, but there is no overwhelming urge to reject all Western customs and engage in medieval feudalism, such as we see in Saudi Arabia. Women have rights in SL, gays are not hung in public, the religious police does not arrest couples for holding hands, there are no Buddhist monks issuing fatwas. In this regard, Sri Lanka is well ahead of the Islamic world.
To understand the history of modern India, you must note carefully how Jinnah betrayed Gandhi. The Sinhalese in particular should understand the dangers inherent in any alliance with Muslims, as such an alliance could lead to permanent division of the country.
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whywhy / February 5, 2013
Hi Lester,”illiterate camel driver”
Can Muslims and Tamils call Gauthama buddha a beggar?
and tell me how accurate Ramayana was and how inferior
camel driving is, to begging.I’m really sorry about the
way begging goes here,yet no other ways to put it.Real
Buddhist guys,no intention of hurting.
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Senguttuvan / January 29, 2013
It was my considered view further clash of ideas in the Muslim debate can place them in the public ire and so I preferred to remain silent to the many untenable and shrilly hostile comments brought forth. But it appears to me silence is mistaken for defeat in debate and, therefore, I am reluctantly compelled to comment again.
It was, I believe, Voltaire, who noted in his characteristic wisdom “those who believe in absurdities will commit atrocities” If this absurdity flows from borrowed inspiration (a form of impersonation) from others around – from which you try to produce an “original” That imagined “original” eventually is exposed and becomes an object of ridicule at which stage adherent run wild
in uncontrollable rage. That, roughly put, may well be the Muslim dilemma and predicament here today.
“Islam is a tolerant religion of peace. They respect all other religions” says one. How does this compare when Muslim men of religion went beserk in Beruwela, Kattankudy, Puttalam and other areas – using guns, bombs and knives – in what was supposed to be a battle fuelled by money from Wahabi/Salafi overseas funders. Where is the space for silent prayer and “to be with Allah” here. This is sheer animal behaviour. They were killing and bloodying their own followers – to the bewilderment of other communities here. The JHU often asks how did over 200 mosques suddenly spring up all over the country within a short time and further asks from where did the money come for these brand new buildings? Whenever, on my way to and fro London I took great care to hide my prayer book and miniature idols from Customs in Dubai and other Gulf stops. I know those who have carried Bibles and other prayer items of other religions have got into serious trouble in these intolerant societies – including long jail sentences. This is not my idea of a tolerant religion.
Sinhalese-Muslims country-wide; Hindus/Christians in the Tamil majority areas – got along in the most cordial terms for centuries. The irritation is of recent origin and can easily be traced to this new global madness called Islamic Fundamentalism. Allow me to repeat
what a former UAR Ambassador in Colombo told us (about 15 years ago)
on the subject I invited him to address “Fundamentalism – that is sweeping Islamic societies today will harm them Muslims more than the benefits they will bring” Wise man – as many educated Egyptians are. The world has changed much since – with 9/11 becoming a significant watershed – that has woken the world. Particularly, the tolerant, plural, liberal industrialised countries. I am told the example of
Japan set forth in dealing with the Islamic issue is being carefully studied by the Western World in meeting this growing and dangerous challenge.
The collapse of civilised governance in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, almost the entire Maghreb and Sub-Sahara have resulted in calamity and disaster. Not because of the traditional, peaceful and genuinely religious Islam but because of madmen trying to conquer their societies and the world in this new version of Islam that encourages their faithful to condemn all those who follow other faiths as “infidels” “heretics” and “worshippers of satan” Naturally,other religions and societies will resist this deranged behaviour. The Budu Bala Sena says whereas Christians/Catholics go to Church specially on Sundays for peaceful prayer; Buddhists to their Viharas for meditation and Hindus to their Temples for the same purpose, the Muslim priesthood insists on attendance on Fridays where, instead of peaceful prayer, allegedly what is doled out is political instructions how to insidiously “capture” other societies around them economically and politically. BBS appears to be the natural corollary in the majority community.
In these times when the State encourages birth control, Muslims having far more children than other communities in a sinisterly insidious campaign to gain demographic advantage – is seen with disfavour.
There is a reply in these pages that is because Muslim men are more potent and their women are more fertile. That is a further gem that comes out of a brilliant Islamic brain.
Reader Naga – aware of the feelings of EP Tamils – writes here of the plight of Tamils there losing villages, land and opportunities by growing Islamic design and collusion in the area in a region when a Minister, who certainly had lost his capacity for basic thinking blurred and drunken with power, went to the extent of ordering a judicial officer to change his verdict to suit the Minister’s wishes. Where is the rationale and justice here. Tamils in the EP are watching their plight of being pushed to 2nd place helplessly. But they are pained and are, presumably, thinking deeply of both their fate and future.
Mark Anthony “when challenged about his anti-Islamic rhetoric” ??? Brother, your cult started nearly a millennium after Caesar’s days.
So what is this Mark Anthony you are jabbering about in state of your verbal diarrhoea? It is in the same wisdom we are told “9/11 was not done by the Arabs” but by Cheyney, Bush and ISS. Brother, it is time you changed your Abeen supplier before you do further damage to your community.
I am happy your obstinate inner system gathers sense and you admit “the Adhan is the call to prayer… the use of the microphone should certainly be discouraged as it cannot be supported for religious reasons….” That is what the Sinhalese community has been urging you for so long. One hopes similar good sense will prevail in respect of other contested issues as well – sooner than later.
Personally, I have no problem with this strange thing called Islamic Banking – a crude attempt to Islamicise a global financial activity.
But, in your wisdom, if you believe it operates without “the infidel system of Interest” go right ahead. You may have heard of the old saying “a rose called by any other name remains just as fragrant and sweet” By the way, the world got an inkling of this Islamic Bank Guarantee when Dubai was collapsing a few years – with most of the rich Arab states keeping (Dubai) off like the plague. Many bank-to-bank Guarantees were shockingly dishonoured. Finally, it was, I believe, the Omanis who came and reluctantlyh honoured a part of the solemn obligations.
I am amused you speak of Islam being against “exploitation of man” Hundreds of our poor men and women workers come in Coffins after slaving (7 x 20 hours a day in some cases). Surely, it was not “kindness and Islamic humanism” that savagely killed that child-slave Rizana Nafeek from a “brotherly society” It is widely speculated if Rizana came from one of the richer White countries she would be alive today. So much for Saud-Lankan Muslim brotherhood.
Muslims mechanically railing against Israel and the Jews only is laughed at globally. The Saudis and virtually all Arab new-rich invest their bigger stakes in the USA/Europe – where the financial system is dominated, as they well know, by Israelis/Jews. The world remembers
the Saudi Royals – Muslims, to boot – encouraging and instigating the Israelis to “cut the throat of the snake” The “snake” is Iran – by jove – Islamic too. “Cut the throat” is to use nuclear weapons on Iran.
Again, so much for “Islamic Brotherhood and unity of religion”
In the question of Dress Code, let me ask you a simple question. Muslim men wore the Turkish Fez Cap for as long as we know. It was a cultural identity respected in our society. When and why did they jettison this for the skull cap. The latter is of Jewish inspiration the Arabs copied it – in as much as The Book, the Mountain,
Kosher (which in recent years to you is Holy Halal), Fasting ???
I suggest you chaps get out of your obsession with this “Zionism” and this imagined final victory against all other religions. Many in Arab lands believe the 3rd Crusade has alrady begun and is in operation. The West has taken note of it and the collapse of many Islamic countries may be the result. It is clear Islamists are being gradually isolated everywhere for their “religion of the sword, blood and revenge” that still believes in gathering satisfaction cutting others necks, killing fellow men by stone-throwing etc. These are stone-age acts from which most humanity has moved away from.
“Wipe Islam from the face of the earth” you angrily say. But you don’t need the Israelis and others to do this. To many of us, it appears you are doing it well yourselves and do not need outside support.
Let me reiterate, we have nothing against Muslims, their cultural habits and ways here. What is objected are the idiosyncracies and violence of Islamic Fundamentalism to conquer everyone and everything around.
Senguttuvan
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Nabil / January 29, 2013
Senguthuvan,
I don’t want to dignify your diatribe on Islam and Muslims with a response. What you imply is that evil happens somehow wherever there are Muslims. You fail to distinguish between human failure and religion. Not all Muslims are perfect human beings and a religion need to take the blame for human folly.
Just to debunk your expert knowledge of Islam, all I have do is take one point for discussion about the Fez cap.
Covering the head is Sunna for Muslims. The garment is a matter of choice. the Fez cap went out of fashion. Period.
We can go on at length. But you will whine and I am not willing to waste my time suffering fools.
Nabil
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Jamal / January 30, 2013
I do not wish to engage in replying to the polemics of Sengu, however in the disguise of answering my reply to his insidious attacks on Islam, he has done so not only with invective but also with copious amounts of irrelevant matter, some of which are flagrant lies deceptively delivered in the manner of a Trojan horse. I quote Sengu’s borrowed wisdom: I quote
“It’s was, I believe, Voltaire, who noted in his characteristic wisdom “those who believe in absurdities will commit atrocities” If this absurdity flows from borrowed inspiration (a form of impersonation) from others around – from which you try to produce an “original” That imagined “original” eventually is exposed and becomes an object of ridicule at which stage adherent run wild in uncontrollable rage. “
Unfortunately for Sengu this fits Senguttuvan’s predicament better and I will proceed to prove it.
In his inordinate rage he fails to distinguish Islam as a religion and those who follow its tenets from those who profess to follow Islam but have hijacked it. Thus it is essential to be clear about what fundamentalism and radicalism are. The Muslims who strive to follow the religion as stated in the Quran and the authentic Hadeeth and expounded by the Pious Predecessors are fundamentalists. Those who interpret according to their own whims and violent agendas are radicals. It is essential to know this difference. I believe that a Buddhist, Hindu, Christian or Jew who follow their respective religions to the precepts enunciated by their founders are by definition Fundamentalists. By no stretch of one’s imagination can one praise the founders of all these religions but slander those who follow in word and deed the precepts espoused by these pious founders. Anyone who deviates and works to a violent agenda fundamentally different to these precepts is a radical. In the light of the above definition Bin Laden, all al- Qedha members, Thackeray, Modi and the ignorant charlatans who don the respected Robe fall into the category of Radicals.
To the question posed by Sengu “Islam is a tolerant religion of peace. They respect all other religions -How does this compare when Muslim men of religion went beserk in Beruwela, Kattankudy, Puttalam and other areas – using guns, bombs and knives – in what was supposed to be a battle fuelled by money from Wahabi/Salafi overseas funders” The above explanation should answer Senguttuvan’s vexing nerves.
Again in the name of objectivity I requested the writer to state FACTS! Undeniable FACTS not ‘The JHU often asks how’. ‘I am told the example of’ ‘The Budu Bala Sena says’
As regards my reference to Mark Anthony, I did not expect Senguttuvan to display ‘TUBE-LIGHT ‘ characteristics. Did not the Shakespearean character praise Brutus only to nail him? Mr. ‘ TUBE LIGHT ‘ by praising your Muslim friends you are also trying to hide the fact that you are islamaphobic!
Brother, it is time that you not me should change your Abeen supplier before you do further damage to your character.
“Personally, I have no problem with this strange thing called Islamic Banking – a crude attempt to Islamicise a global financial activity.”
If you have no problems, fine -why call it a crude attempt? Why do major players like Gindlays, Commercial Bank and NDB have or about to venture into Islamic Banking?! As far as the ME countries you refer to, then this has nothing to do with the topic being discussed. All the countries you mentioned are fully westernized, BIG conventional bank players! By the way this is one more argument for them to adopt Islamic Banking. Just for your info, even his Holiness the Pope praised Islamic Banking . So whom are you trying to fool?
Now lets talk of the fez cap. What on earth has this got to do with the topic under discussion except to deflect the readers focus? The Islamic dress is what is ordained for the believers. The fez is not. The skull cap is not. Please do not bring in extraneous topics to cloud the issues and project you pseudo erudition!
“Muslims mechanically railing against Israel and the Jews only is laughed at globally.”
Yes, Sengu those are the people of your ilk, who know not what Justice is, who murdered hundreds in cold blood in the village of Deir Yassen, who rained white phosphorous bombs at children, old men and women and hundreds of other crimes known and unknown. All according to the plan of the Zionists. Read the ” Protocol of the Elders” , in the International Jew which was authored by Henry Ford. You will hardly find a copy of it in the West as your patrons have and will destroy every copy they can lay their murderous hands on. Incidentally there a whole lot of respected journalists who take the cause of the victim Arabs. George Galloway, Yvonne Ridley, Robert Fisk to name a few.
At least when I nodded agreement to the inconvenience caused by the blaring loudspeakers and the irrational Halaal certification I displayed my openness to discuss these issues. You however resorted to calling me names as a drug addict etc. and defended your bigoted conclusions with fuming invectives. You mix the atrocities of radicals, the traditional practices of feudal governments as due to the religion of Islam when you know this not true. At the same time you gloat or ignore the atrocities of the Jews, the RSS, Modi’s rampant gangs and virtually anyone who is anti Islamic. In your vernacular I believe they say kutti ootu koothu parkurathu! You are a good exponent of this art!
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Native Vedda / January 29, 2013
Senguttuvan
I agree with some points that you have raised in your comments and some I don’t.
Islamic fundamentalism is a recent phenomenon which has all the hallmarks of American Consensus as opposed to Washington Consensus. This is another fall out from cold war period.
The Marxists were absolutely sure Marxism can and will one day liberate them. To concur Western Imperial terror they became counter terror. Likewise in order to concur Communist terror The West became terror themselves. You know the fallout.
When weak and impotent the people put their faith in god, ideology, leaders, war, terror and resort to all kind of stupid action. We have seen the destruction of our island in the past 40 odd years.
All those Middle Eastern countries you mentioned above were arbitrarily created by the British and her allies for their own interest. The rulers of these countries propped up by the West one way or another.
The militant Islam took hold during and after Afghanistan war. You know how the West bent on creating Mujaheddin financed by the richest middle east countries. With Arab money the West armed the Islamist to the hilt including Surface to Air missiles. You also know that for their own Geopolitical objectives how the West supported Pakistan against India, USA sending its 7th fleet displaying threatening posture.
There are other socio economic reason that we must look into.
Our Militant Mad monks, USA’s Christian crusaders, many who were killed in the name of Marxist/Leninist/Maoist ideology, British atrocities committed in her former colonies, slavery was supported by Pope and Christians, The BJP and vanguards VHS and RSS, JVP LTTE terrorism, counter state terrorism Colonisation of North South America and Australia and loss of live of my cousins, US nuking of two cities,…….Apartheid in South africa was justified and supported by many in the west…….. We have endless list of changing circumstances which unleash political forces. It is like genie which refuses to go back into the bottle.
You note:
“in what was supposed to be a battle fuelled by money from Wahabi/Salafi overseas funders”
This is what you call cultural imperialism through back door. In other word it is not islamisation but definitely Arabisation of the whole world.
For quite sometime I have observed changing pattern of dress code among the Muslim men, women and children.
You say:
“Islam that encourages their faithful to condemn all those who follow other faiths as “infidels” “heretics” and “worshippers of satan”
Idolaters is another description you forgot to include.
Any chance of you addressing the next Modi BJP election rallies in India?
By the way have you had time to contact the BTF boys?
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Wuliangguobinjiu / January 30, 2013
The Indians were given many contracts in Afghanistan but they have not performed. The Chinese have made quite big investments in Afghan resources (gas; lithium etc) and have a triangular pact Pakistan-Afghanistan-China.
The Chinese were never involved in Afghanistan war so now the American administration is backing the Chinese to go ahead in Afghanistan.
Sri Lanka and Rajaporkistan will be safe to play the anti-Muslim game and get Chinese help like Franco played the anti-communist to befriend the west.
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Lester / February 1, 2013
Native Veddah,
Islamic fundamentalism is not a recent phenomenon. For example, there were Hindus in the Arabian Peninsula until Muhammed and his followers drove them out. The Kabaa is actually a Shiva shrine; even the manner in which Muslims pay devotion to it – such as walking around it seven times – is reminiscent of early Hindu (Shiva) worship. The fact that the Muslims when doing Hajj wear all white is also no accident, but stems from Hindu practices. The Arabian desert is littered with Hindu relics. The crescent flag of Islam also has Hindu roots.What about India? Surely you have heard of Akbar?
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Senguttuvan / January 29, 2013
Nabil,
I am afraid the words Dignity, Civilisation and Humanism are not used in the same sentence to the cult you identify with. Recent history, in particular, shows they simply will never be compatible.
Judging from your flow of thought and language, it is clear civil debate or discussion are unlikely to be in your personal make-up. You will have difficulty in distinguishing these features with “diatribe”
Where did I claim to be “an expert in Islam”? In case you have any doubt in your confused and jaundiced mind, I do not and did not say “evil happens somehow wherever there are Muslims” If that is your considered opinion, I am not going into a dispute with you on the issue. I know many decent and peaceful elitist Muslims – deeply worried now of the uncalled for dangers to their way of living by the riff-raff in their midst. To use their language and fear “reckless adventurists using the good name of Islam”
Your explanation of forsaking the Fez cap is patently disingenuous. Many believe it was given up in the early 1970s when the Arabs struck oil. The Fez cap (Thurukki Thoppi)was resorted to when the Turks held sway in what is referred to in the Ottoman Empire. Opportunism, my man, cannot be bottled up. It has a way of being eventually exposed.
Your problem and that of your ilk is the below-the-surface issue has now come into the open. You are going berserk trying to find scapegoats for your many misguided traits. Personal abuse is not going to bring you neither relief nor joy.
Senguttuvan
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Native Vedda / January 30, 2013
Senguttuvan writes:
“Dignity, Civilisation and Humanism are not used in the same sentence to the cult you identify with. Recent history, in particular, shows they simply will never be compatible.”
It would be interesting if both you and Nabil could continue the discussion where Samuel P. Huntington (The Clash of Civilizations) and Francis Fukuyama (The End of History and the Last Man) left.
You say:
“Fez cap (Thurukki Thoppi)was resorted to when the Turks held sway in what is referred to in the Ottoman Empire. Opportunism, my man, cannot be bottled up. It has a way of being eventually exposed”.
Don’t you think this is bit below the belt?
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Senguttuvan / January 29, 2013
Dear Native Veddah,
I am amazed at your grasp of political and cultural events in the world. When Arab oil runs out and the Chinese hit black and other gold in that vast land, you will see many changing both their religion, culture and dress here claiming relationship. Who was the Brit who sang “Success has many fathers. But, alas, failure is an orphan” That, I fear, will be the Arab lament in a few decades time.
Frankly, I think Narendra Modi will make a good BJP PM. He has done a marvellous job in making Gujarat attractive to FDIs. He has made Ahmedabad a good city for commerce-industry to relocate. The media has
made him a demon but he is not as anti-minority as many people suggest.
Ask Milinda Moragoda who claims to be his “friend” The Pakistanis, who based their State on religion, have failed in all fronts since 1947. They are allegedly waiting for Modi to take over to unleash the Muslim Nuclear Bomb on India. Pakistan’s critics, including from within, say they have failed in governance, democracy, industry, agriculture and finance and will not allow India to grow further. But if we know this so will the Indians and they cannot be faulted for making their own plans – and friends – to engage the potential challenge.
Nope. No contact with BTF or even CTC, CIA or RAW. Know a few chaps in our own CID – but you know what that is.
Senguttuvan
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manel fonseka / January 30, 2013
Dear Senguttuvan–As one who was living in India at the time of those terrible events in Gujarat,and also in touch with certain people on the spot, I find your assertion that “the media has made him a demon but he is not as anti-minority as many people suggest” re Narendra Modi, a little ingenuous, to say the least. And though I havent the energy to enter this present discussion I would like to go on record as saying that I am very very disturbed and grieved about what I too see as an attempt to demonise a community here. And I do not think it helps to identify our own extremely “indigenised” Muslim community (though of course they are not uninfluenced by developments among their fellow believers in the rest of the world) with Muslims in other climes and contexts. We really need to combat this worrying development here. I only hope it is not too late.
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Native Vedda / January 30, 2013
Senguttuvan says:
“The Pakistanis, who based their State on religion”
I agree.
There is one other thing, Kashmir.
If you take both the religion and Kashmir out of Pakistan, the state will crumble. It is already crumbling not because of India and the West but the nation building process has been narrowly focused on religion and land.
Pakistan is motivated by enemy’s enemy is friend kind of logic just like Sri Lanka, LTTE, JVP, JHU….. and others. These states are motivated by their own inherent dislike for people their own and others so much so both are willing to allow outside forces to determine the fate of their own people.
I don’t believe there is much different between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, however much difference you may see on the surface.
Both state hate their own people and are willing to hurt them at any cost.
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Senguttuvan / January 29, 2013
Who is this ignorant Nabil (Jan 29) trying to fool others here by falsely claiming Christians in Arab lands are free to carry out their religious activities. Does this ignoramus know even today, in what was one of the most liberal countries in the region – Egypt – Islamic extremists regularly attack and kill Christians even at prayer – in Cairo. Alexandria, Port Said. Yes. All Christians there are not ousted or killed but they are made to feel unwanted by hoods of Moshir’s Islamic Brotherhood. As to Churches in Qatar and the UAE, it was only a few months an important and influential Arab Islamic cleric – something equal to the Islamic Pope – openly called for the destruction of all Christian churches in the Arabian countries.
Forget those of other religions, even fellow Islamic Shias and Alawites are on the run in most Muslim countries from Pakistan to all the Muslim countries. So much so, the Borah Shiites have been
holding their annual gatherings in “safe” Sri Lanka. Not the best example of brotherly Islamic affection this.
Senguttuvan
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Native Vedda / January 30, 2013
Senguttuvan
“Arab Islamic cleric – something equal to the Islamic Pope – openly called for the destruction of all Christian churches in the Arabian countries”
Have we all forgotten what the Christian Portuguese did in our island let alone other parts of the world? A huge Vishnu temple near Galle, witnessed by Ibn Battuta was destroyed by the Portuguese in the name of crusade(?) against idolaters and the Naga Dipa temple chariot was burnt and pushed into the sea. Arya Chakravarty’s palace in Puttalam was destroyed by the crusaders and slabs taken to Kayts to build the fort in the middle of the sea.
Arabs and Islam also played a major role in international trade between East and West. Don’t forget they were the carriers of science, mathematics, etc from East to West. They had their own institutions which developed medicine, mathematics and astronomy. All these knowledge were transferred to Europe one way or another.
Israeli Arab conflict could have been resolved long ago if West didn’t make their business to solve it. The prolonged conflict, West’s bastards rule/dictatorships in most Arab countries are the fertile ground for radicalism, it could be religious or Marxists.
Remember South Indian invasions of our island and the atrocities committed by invading forces, the religious competition between Jains and Saivaites in South India during which both sides committed immense misery to people and followers, the wars among Chera, Chola and Pandya, Kalabhra interregnum, ………..
Therefore, I suggest we rather analyse how these radical forces be it religious or otherwise are being created in the first place.
You need a fertile ground and right atmosphere to for these political forces to thrive and become a self destructive movement.
In the Arab world Islam is supposed to give the ordinary people an alternative sense of purpose and plays a unifying ideology just as Marxism provided working class with a cause.
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Hussain Fahmy / January 30, 2013
Accusing each other is an endless process. Winning the hearts and minds of people is far superior than sowing the seeds of disunity. Comparing Sri Lanka with the rest of the world is a fruitless exercise. One can never grow if one were to compare with others and eventually bog down in time.
Shouldn’t we direct our energies towards unity, development and productivity if we are to survive as one nation.
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Velusumana Yaddehikande / January 30, 2013
Thank you Tissaranee for your enlightenment. Almost all journalists funk the government or they want benefits so they are deaf and dumb.This Bodu Bala Sena is a racket created under the auspices of the Rajapakses. The euphoria over the war success is now dyning. Rajapakses now want the people to look at a newly constructed enemy so that they will not focus on the living problems brought upon them by the failure of government.I have always said there is no bottom line for the Rajapakses. They will go down to any level. Vile people
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Ilthi / January 30, 2013
It is the right of Muslims not only in Sri Lanka, but anywhere in the world to oppose any type of novelty that is being introduced to take the edge off its purity. Opposition can be made in many ways, starting from rhetoric, and if it doesn’t help, to the ultimate, physical attacks (Jihad), even to the extent of becoming a martyr. It is in this context that Masjid attacks took place in Beruwela, Puttalam and Katankudy. You intentionally report these incidences with a twist, to portray Muslims as being intolerant towards their own, and how can anyone expect tolerance from them towards other religions. Lest you forget, let me remind you, it happens even amongst Buddhist schools of thought (Theravada and Mahayana), even Christians (Protestants and Catholics, remember Northern Ireland?). So what’s the big deal? It happens everywhere and all the time, and is not unique phenomenon within Muslim community only.
Going through any Middle Eastern country, airport baggage checking is routinely carried out strictly to ensure that no drugs, liquor and any banned substances are brought in nefariously. In the process, when they see and other religious books and paraphernalia which they deem to be of religious significance, it will be confiscated. They are not trained to distinguish what those items are and of what religion they belong, but a totally blanket law is enforced to confiscate such items. It will definitely not be the same when they see the Holy Quran, since they will instantly recognize it as the Holy Book of Muslims.. Either way, it is their own country law and they have that prerogative. Anyone entering should learn to accept it or face consequences. In these cases religious intolerance is a necessity since religion is also the law used to govern those countries.
Fundamentalism is nothing new. It is old as Islam itself. It is terrorism in the name of religion which is new. If all Muslims follow their religion as was laid down, i.e. men going to Mosque and praying 5 times a day, women wearing Fardha, children learning to pray Quran in Madrasa etc., then they are following the fundamentals of Islam, – which to you and the Western media have coined as Fundamentalists. To us Muslims, fundamentalists are Muslims who follow the fundamentals of Islam.
The reason why countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Syria and Iraq have become unstable is due to CIA involvement to destabilize those countries and prevent them from uniting against their common enemy Israel. Surely you should have realized that by now.
In reference to your statement that Non-Muslims are referred to “infidels” “heretics” and “worshippers of satan”, these are not words used generally by decent Muslims living all over the world, but by those who are fighting a war against the West, both militarily and electronically through the Media. It happened specially during the reign of Osana bin-Laden. Today, you get Muslims living in every strata of society, and all Muslims should not be held responsible for idiosyncrasies such as these to justify non- existent and false prejudices.
You mention that the BBS says that the Muslim priesthood insists on attendance on Fridays where, instead of peaceful prayer, allegedly what is doled out is political instructions how to insidiously “capture” other societies around them economically and politically. This one really eats the cake. A lot of Muslims living all over the world who attend Friday Jumma prayers must be enjoying this sneer. The truth is, Muslims are always being reminded to become better Muslims in spirit and deed, which is another way of spiritual up-lift of the masses. It is not conducted with intent to create mischief and cause communal hatred, but rather to assimilate with all communities to bring about understanding and communal harmony. In fact the statement – To you is your religion, and to me is mine, is commonly known to all Muslims as a Quranic (divine) statement, to be pronounced when confronted by a Non-Muslim for argument. There is no compulsion in most religions, so people tend to take it lightly and eventually neglect it wholesale. In Islam, Muslims are disciplined to take their religion seriously from very early age, and therefore will not miss out using sham excuses. Still there are those who are invalid, sick in hospital or at home, or unable to attend prayers in the Masjid due to situations beyond their control, who then become entitled for relief, at which stage they will pray their regular mid-afternoon prayer in a clean pace, close to their dwelling location itself.
It was Non-Muslims who subscribed to the regulation of birth control, which was not taken seriously by Muslims who merrily went along, blinded or ignorant to this call. Another way of saying it is that this situation was not created by design, but rather by circumstantial situations befitting those times. This was also tried out in India and failed. Most of those, who underwent surgery (castration) or took birth control pills, determined it was good for their own economic reasons. They believed that bringing up one child was economically hard enough, so they were brainwashed to consider birth control, also as a way to control a population boom. So why blame Muslims for not subscribing to a man-made law as against subscribing to the natural process – also known as God’s law of procreation. Another thing is that these BBS Buddhist monks are not entitled to talk on such issues, since they have pledged celibacy. If they want to prove a point and change this situation, they should all disrobe, get married and bear as many children possible, even if it is through use of fertility drugs. But they won’t. Why? Way too much to lose as priviledges and perks. Also when disrobed, they will feel enamored and helpless. They have been pampered and molly coddled so much, that they have become a law unto themselves.
I can understand yours and Naga’s feelings about what is going on in the East, but the game rules are the same. The Minister in charge has always the final say, be he a Muslim or a Tamil. Muslims too have been at the receiving end and undergone grave injustice at the hands of the LTTE and Tamils. Now it may be the time to change sides. So don’t worry, there will come a time again in some distant future.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and as such there are opinions for and against the Call for prayer using hailers. A privilege given should not be taken back in a hurry as it would create mistrust and anger. In my opinion, the Azan is sounded around the world at every minute for all Muslim worshippers far and wide using hailers, and sometimes without. Sri Lanka has had this privilege of using hailers, and there should no exceptions to this rule, as it is a granted privilege.
Your ignorance shows when you referred to Islamic Banking as a crude attempt to Islamicize a global finance activity. For your information, it is well regulated and is consistent with the principles of Sharia Law and its practical application through the development of Islamic economics. Sharia prohibits the fixed or floating payment or acceptance of specific interest rates or fees for loans of money. Investing in businesses that provide goods or services considered contrary to Islamic principles is also sinful and therefore prohibited. Studies show that Islamic Banks perform best in times of economic crisis. Some Muslims won’t accept the standard loans offered, and prefer loans based on Islamic law forbidding interest payments. They’ve instead taken on a new way of lending aimed to stay within their beliefs. This unique Islamic finance market is growing internationally to the tune of nearly US$1 trillion, and could soon become a force to reckon around the world. Islamic Banking presently available in Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Philippines, UK, aside from the Dubai mess in 2009, Islamic banking still thrives, including Islamic Insurance Thakafful. The Dubai mess was not caused purely due to Islamic Banking since it was new and beginning to make its mark, when the world the world economic crises took hold, of which Dubai had major investments. But they made a remarkable recovery due to prudent savings made from one of its own counties Abu Dhabi, including Oman.
Wide speculation and ground facts don’t mix well. When you say Rizana would have been saved had she been from a richer white country. It shows cheap talk. Judgement was passed after 15 member judge bench (which is the Jury in these countries) all came to the same conclusion. If there was any favoration being a Muslim and she was released, I am sure you would have skewed your argument in that way too. She was saved because she was a Muslim. Islamic Sharia Law is just, as in the Prophets message in his last farewell sermon (the following year he had already passed off), “an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety (taqwa) and good action.” He further states “Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood, Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.” Do I need to say more?
Your other arguments (dress code, stand on Zionism, your concern for our own disintegration by our own will without outside efforts) are all just minor aberrations that we can live with, when major issues have been addressed. For non-Muslims, this world can become their Paradise, but for us Muslims, this world is just the third station we stop by (first being Aalamul Arwah in God’s care in Paradise, second, in our mother’s womb) on our journey onwards through the hereafter and on until our final destination – Jannathul Firdhouse Paradise. May Allah accept all our efforts for the sake of His Deen-ul-Islam.
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Lester / January 31, 2013
Opposition can be made in many ways, starting from rhetoric, and if it doesn’t help, to the ultimate, physical attacks (Jihad),
Thank you for your honesty, Ilthi. This is the point I was making earlier. As you yourself mention above, Islam condones violence (jihad). This is what seperates Islam from every other religion on the planet. Every non-Muslim must understand and appreciate this basic fact.
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Ilthi / February 1, 2013
Lester, history has recorded many wars which have taken place on behalf of religion. It is not a unique to Muslims only. When confronted, Muslims don’t turn the other cheek as some religions teach. But stringent and dire consequences become necessary to stem the rot. There is no room for compassion and sympathy for those committing blasphemy and distortion, with intents to causing splits in the Muslim Ummath (world followers) through diluting the true teachings of Islam. However, restrain and patience is a greater virtue if that is possible, as taught by our Prophet. But Muslim law is clearly defined and includes tough action to crush revolt. It is only a last resorrt when everything else fails.
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Ilthi / February 1, 2013
Buddhists are supposed to practice Ahimsa (non-violence), Christians, turn the other cheek when confronted. But Muslims are supposed to be prepared to do Jihad as their final sacrifice, when all other measures fail. When the courts can condemn a man to be hung as capital punishment, why should Islamic law be any different? When you see mob violence committed by any group irrespective, whether it is against their own community or otherwise, that does not mean that is based on religious laws. The Qur’an teaches Muslims, “…Take not life, which God has made sacred, except by way of justice and law. Thus does He command you, so that you may learn wisdom” (6:151).
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Senguttuvan / January 30, 2013
Native Veddah,
You mention Huntington. His fear in the mid 1980s – when he wrote “the Clash” – watching the changing scene in a religion-centric cult came true in 9/11 and thereafter. His book was so feared – as the conspiracy to attack the USA was on stream by then – a Conference of all Muslim countries was called in Cairo (?) to discuss the book. The late lawyer AAM Marleen PC, who represented out Muslims in the Conference, did have many spirited discussions with me on the issue. The “3rd Crusade” has not ended although, to use the narrative of Hillary C, “the core of Al-Qaeda has been destroyed” As Huntington concluded, the symbols are being traded around. They will not have the same potency but will continue to impose nuisance value (Nigeria, Somalia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and many Arab lands) merely to show they are around. The net loss is the more powerful industrialised countries have taken note of the enemy within – as Indian actor Shahrukh Khan finds to his annoyance whenever he visits the US.
And our friends continue to talk of the “compassion and humanism” in their cult while, in Syria, a society deep in the very essence of what is taught for generations – slits the throats of children, uses RPGs on hungry people by the hundreds waiting in bread queues. It is clear those who planned the funerals of others are stewing in their own juice – a reality we have seen in our own lives in many issues. As the Wisdom of the Sub-Continent tells us those who plan evil to others eventually pay for it. It was that arrogant Shah of Iran, who, to build his own fortunes, co-sponsored the hike of oil from $3/50 to $13 in 1970s. He was to be hounded out and eventually died in misery with no country prepared to take him. The other co-sponsor Gadaffi met his Waterloo when his own people (“my people love me very much” he told the BBC) ripped him to pieces in a drain. The poor in the many developing countries became dirt poor and the economies and life styles of the Western and industrialised countries were all turned topsy turvy by the greed of these two mad men who probably thought they will go on forever. Our own little land continues to suffer enormously for the self-centered greed of both these megalomaniacs.
Even in our own scene, the conspirators and planners of both 7/83 and
May 2009 plead innocence but history has always had its own ways of
judging the evil and the philosophies that turn men into molnsters.
Pouring scorn on the messenger will not work here. It is the message that needs to be seen, discussed and appropriate steps taken to change.
To use Obama’s language “the Change is a-coming”
Senguttuvan
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Senguttuvan / January 30, 2013
Dear Manel,
When you think of the unfortunate Gujarat incidents and the accusations against Modi, please read the subject in conjunction with what happened in Godra. The petrol cans and the allegedly ISI-paid “attackers” are reported to have arrived a day before the train arrived with hundreds of Hindu sevaks inside. Many trapped inside were simply roasted alive. It was one more instance where Pakistani ISI-inspired sources keep India on the edge. We may be fated to see more of this and the repeat of the Bombay/Mumbai attacks in future too. Yet, the death of hundreds of innocent Muslims, as well as Hindus, in Gujarat following the Godra incident, cannot be condoned under any circumstances. Sri Lanka went through a similar baptism of fire in recent years. This is all the more reason why our own Govt must do everything must to prevent a repeat. Will they? We might see the upping of the ante after April this year – once the UNHRC in March is over is the view of analysts watching the Lankan scene closely. Not because the regime likes one community less but more because they love their personal hides more – under attack from the pressures of the galloping CoL and an economy spiralling downwards.
Senguttuvan
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K.A Sumanasekera / January 31, 2013
Reading many comments here from our Muslim brethren, it is clear that Mr Sengutuan does not like Islamists either.
Reader Jamal has listed the issues which seem to agitate Mr Sengutuan and make him irate.
Muslim inhabitants ,most of whom live among the majority have always had cordial relations with their neighbours.
And it was Muslim friends who used give us a real Buriyani feed with all the trim at least once a year.
Early or late prayers over loud speakers has been a common fearture of our rural life for a long time.
Yet nobody has made any issues with it until Mr Sengutuan brought it up.
And there aren’t any Mosques in his neighbour hood any way.
All beef in Srilanka is Halal and beef eaters among the Sinhala Buddhists have no qualms about it,
Only public figures who make a beef of it are Mr Sengutuan and his arch enemy in Kelaniya,who is trying to get enough merit by saving the cattle to top up the ledger which seems to be in the red for his other vices.
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Nabil / January 31, 2013
:)
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Lester / January 31, 2013
I don’t think any non-Muslim will appreciate the use of loud speakers for prayers or a similar purpose. In general, loud speakers are used mostly by the police to control mass agitations, else they are a tool used at political rallies to spread propaganda and incite the masses. This is the reputation earned by loud speakers; therefore, using them on a daily basis to further agitate/incite the masses in the name of prayers does not help the cause of the Muslims in any meaningful way.
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Native Vedda / January 31, 2013
Lester
“The Ramayana is more historically accurate than the Q’uran. For one thing, the Ramayana is original in all its sources”
For start it gives out stories of flying monkies lifting heavy load, building bridges, burning down Lankapura, Ravana’s with 10 heads piolleting his Pupakvimana,…………..
It is worse than the Mahawamsa myth, most Ramayana stories are not facts but fantasies.
Lester please give us a break.
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Lester / January 31, 2013
@ Native Vedda:
I would be surprised if you have actually read the “Ramayana.” The “flying monkeys” are not actually monkeys in the full sense but resemble some of the primate ancestors of human beings. The bridge to Lanka does indeed exist. And the Pupakvimana – it is incredible that the ancient Hindus conceived of advanced flying machines, while “flight” for the ancient Greeks was a man flying with wax wings.
Ramayana and evolution: http://rama-says.blogspot.com/2011/08/possible-allusion-to-evolution-in.html
Ramayana and advanced physics (aka flying machines and nuclear weapons):
http://blog.world-mysteries.com/science/ancient-weapons-of-mass-destruction-and-the-mahabharata/
Man-made Ramayana bridge found via NASA satellite imagery:
http://rense.com/general30/nasa.htm
As I said, the Q’uran does not remotely compare in stature.
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Native Vedda / February 1, 2013
Lester
We can dream any damn thing in this world until the cows come home. Until the dreams actually come true they are mere fantasies. The flying machines have come true only 3,000 years after it was conceived in Ramayana.
This is what you wrote earlier
“The Ramayana is more historically accurate than the Q’uran”. I am only pointing out discrepancies between reality and the normative.
I have closely observed monkies and primates. They leap they don’t fly. Hanuman was depicted as a flying monky/primate/whatever it is.
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Native Vedda / February 1, 2013
Lester says:
“Man-made Ramayana bridge found via NASA satellite imagery”
It is not a bridge in the first place.
The residual part of the link which remains somewhat connected to the mainland India.
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Lester / February 1, 2013
Native Veddah:
It is indeed a bridge. This proves that you have never read Ramayana. The construction of the bridge is described in detail; even the distance between Lanka and India (70 yojanas) is specified.
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dingiri / February 6, 2013
“Adam’s Bridge” is artificial? What does the satelite show if not a submerged natural ridge in a shallow sea? (There is even a much longer one in the Berring sea between Siberia and Alaska) If it was indeed man made it would be archaelogical gold dust and there would be at least a handfull of peer reviewed papers in reputed archaelogical journals. Instead, we only see “proof” of such a bridge in crack pot religious writings. If a single stone column or beam were to be discovered instead of a mere sand bank I would gladly eat my words but they have not. The theory about the Ramayana is that it is an old Vedic myth (although newer than the Mahabharatha) that bore more than a cursory resemblance to the Ilyad. Evidence that the two peoples were closely related in the ancient past.
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Nabil / January 31, 2013
Leelo :)
Does it help if one listens to Pirith and Bana over loud speakers?
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Lester / February 1, 2013
One cannot hear bana and pirith being chanted from miles away. Bana and pirith are not everyday.
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Native Vedda / February 1, 2013
Lester
Have you ever been to Sri Lanka? All you have to do is just walk along Jumbetta Street, you cannot miss the vibrancy of the street. You will hear all kind of religious chanting. Churches, Temple of Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Vihare, and Mosques use loud speakers sometime all at the same time.
I reject all of them as mere nuisance. This is the price you pay for living in a multi ethnic society. They don’t offend me at all however they confirm their stupidity.
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Jamal / February 1, 2013
While I am against the call to prayer being broadcast by loudspeakers, since their is no religious reasons requiring it, the Adhan takes at the most about 3 minutes. The bana and pirith broadcast is a recorded tape played and goes on for at least half an hour with a decibel range as high if not higher. I was at Hedeniya for nearly three years and it was broadcast everyday except for a day or two when the player broke down. Ask the owner of Sun Rich Hotel a benevolent Buddhist for confirmation.
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Lester / February 1, 2013
Native Veddah,
I am amused that you found one particular street where religious noise from different groups can be heard. Perhaps you also think most of the Sri Lankan population is living on exactly one street? The question is not whether I have been to Sri Lanka, but whether you have been to any Muslim-majority country and India. I have travelled far more than you mate, and the Muslims would go berserk without their call to prayer.
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manel fonseka / January 31, 2013
I take your point, my friend, about Godhra, but then what preceded THAT crime? The victims on the train were returning from a not so innocent pilgrimage to the contested site of Babri Mosque. How far back should we go to find a first cause? All we can say now is that we must stop the fire at some point, not pour oil on it. Some still praise Hitler for the autobahns, for the People’s car, but most of us cannot dispel the memory of the fires HE lit. For me, at least, however successful Modi might be in attracting foreign investment, his other “achievements” should not be minimised.
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Lester / February 1, 2013
The Babri Mosque is built on the site of a Ram Temple. Let us go back even further to the days of the Mongel invasions and look at all the damage that Islam has caused to India. In those days, during the time of Akbar, the stones were removed from Hindu temples and used to build mosques. Hindus were forced to convert else be executed. A point which I often make to Sinhalese nationalists is that the European invasion of Sri Lanka pales in comparison to the Muslim atrocities in India. Had Akbar reached Sri Lanka, it would be a very different place today.
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Native Vedda / February 1, 2013
Lester
Don’t be silly.
The Portuguese destroyed many temples and Vihares.
Kelaniya Vihare was destroyed by the Portuguese. A huge Vishnu temple near Galle also was by them. Naga Dipa Amman temple, chariot was burnt down by them
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Lester / February 1, 2013
Native Veddah,
Of course the Portugese destroyed a few temples. But that is nothing compared to what the Muslims (Mongals) did in India. If you cannot understand the difference – and there is a monumental difference – then the fault lies with those who taught you history, not me.
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Native Vedda / February 2, 2013
Lester
“Of course the Portugese destroyed a few temples.”
Now we are in the field of comparative atrocities, genocide and grief.
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Lester / February 5, 2013
Indeed, Native Veddah, there are no absolutes in the Universe. Whatever occurs, does so on a relative scale. Surely you have heard of the quantum revolution, which forever shattered Newton’s deterministic, clockwork universe.
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Nabil / February 1, 2013
And we would have a nice place to live :)
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Jamal / February 1, 2013
Manell, your point is well taken. That is how it should be. Whatever happened in the Godhra incident is not as straight forward as Sengu and Lester wish to portray it. We have to learn from whatever mistakes of the past only to prevent things repeating in the future. The need of the hour is to cement the ties of the various ethnic groups to think as one Nation. This can be done only by trying to understand the other point of view, with forbearance and understanding and patience. This is how our religious founders of yore would tackle this situation. If we are true followers of these founders then we cannot deviate fom their precepts. Radicals are present on all sides and only wish to create havoc hijacking the religious ideals they purport to follow. Sadly the writers above wittingly or unwittingly only support the cause of the latter. As regards the Godhra and Ayodhya incidents I wish to quote what Retired Supreme Court judge Umesh Chandra Banerjee concluded as reported in the BBC Website On Monday 20th January 2005.
Retired Supreme Court judge Umesh Chandra Banerjee, who is leading the government inquiry, dismissed suggestions that inflammable liquid could have been thrown at the train from outside.
“There has been a preponderance of evidence that the fire in coach number S6 originated in the coach itself without any external input,” he said.”The possibility of an inflammable liquid having been used is completely ruled out as there was first a smell of burning, followed by then smoke and flames thereafter.”Justice Banerjee said that according to eyewitness accounts people had been cooking in the carriage at the time it caught fire. He said the railway authorities had “pre-judged” the incident, and criticised them for not conducting a thorough inquiry.
The Hindus aboard the train were returning from the holy town of Ayodhya when they perished in the blaze at Godhra.The incident triggered acts of revenge which swept the state for days. Some estimates put the number of people killed in the slaughter at 2,000.The riots caused divisions which have still to heal
Gujarat’s state authorities say Muslims torched the train.Survivor accounts speak of a stone-throwing mob attacking the train. But doubts have persisted over how the fire started.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4180885.st
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Nabil / February 1, 2013
Sorry Manel,
In this country which boasts of a pure Aryan Sinhala Buddhist race, the end is more important than the means.
In order to achieve this state of purity, Sri Lanka is willing to stoop to any level, and is willing to accept any indignity from the rest of the world.
Lester alias villager alias Leela will fits the category ” none is so blind as the ones who refuse to see”
So you are wasting your time on him/her
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Senguttuvan / January 31, 2013
Dear Manel,
The Babri Masjid incident took place, as I recall, around Dec ’92 while the Godra attack was almost 10 years later – in Feb 2002.
The heat would have abated many years before Godra. Besides the train –
Sabramati Express – did not originate from Ayodhya. So the implied
connection betwixt the two loses validity in argument.
Senguttuvan
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manel fonseka / February 1, 2013
Oh dear, I shouldn’t have taken up this side issue of Modi. And maybe now, Senguttuvan, I should remember that discretion is the better part of valour & steer clear of blogging once & for all. I am not at all interested in scoring points so please bear with me while I get down my last word about this. While what you call ‘the Babri Masjid issue’ was in 1992, its repercussions went on for MANY YEARS. (I was at an archaeological conference in India some years later which suddenly exploded when taken over by one set of extremists during the mosque/temple debate.) Soon after the mosque was demolished the process of renovating the old Ram temple began. The pilgrims in the ill-fated Sabarmati express WERE returning from Ayodhaya where they had been the first of several batches participating in a special ceremony (on the 10th anniversary of the mosque demolition)at the site to be held over 100 days. Over 2000 such pilgrims (‘Ramsevaks’) had boarded the train en route to Godhra. The TRAIN may not have started from Ayodhaya, but the Ramsevaks did. None of this is to soft-pedalled the horrendous acts by all parties to these conflicts. My original point – somewhat lost by now – was that Modi does not appear to have been a restraining factor in the unending communal violence in the area under his control.
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lakwije / February 1, 2013
It is called BODU BALU SENA UNEDUCATED UNCIVILIZED BUNCH OF HOOLIGANS FROM A DICTATORSHIP REGIME,
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Senguttuvan / February 1, 2013
Dear Lester:
And post-1992 the Hindu leadership in the Ayodhya Temple area informed
Muslims there, they are welcome to build their mosque in the immediate
vicinity and even offered them space and resources to meet part of the costs. This was a symbolic act they are prepared to live in religious amity in the changed world as opposed to those terrible days of Babar.
Senguttuvan
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Zahid Mohamed / February 1, 2013
It is heartning to note that majority of the readers are inteligent enough to understand the present situation in the country.
First of all we must not encourage the racism/ extremism irrespect of whether you are sinhalese, Muslims or Hindus. I do agree there are Muslim extremists in Sri Lanka so as sinhala, Hindu.
But, why the government is so silent about all these issues. Do they want to see something like July 83 riots? As said by BBS, if there are Muslim terrorists organizations in Sri Lanka or if they are funding the terrorist why cannot the government look into these matters. Is BBS is the intelligent arm of the govermnment? Or is BBS is above the law?
Since the 30 year old was was over, the government do not have a slogan for survival. If another ethnic problem comes only their survival can exist. The moderate people will not tolerate all these nonsense.
Although the Presedent says over and over again that he will not allow any party or organization to harm the ethnic harmony in Sri Lanka, lot of damage has aleady been made & fuelling has been done for a show down or repeat of 83 riots.
Just think if something happens like that. What about the Sri Lankan people who work in the Middle East. What about their safty & security? What about their job security? There are more than one milliln Sri Lankans who work in Middle East consist mostly Sinhalese. Can the governement or BBS take the responsibility of their safty? Can they provide jobs here in Sri Lanka? These are the practical probles that has to be faced by the government soon.
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siva / February 1, 2013
SORI BALU SENA should stop this nonsence, if the muslim world stop helping sri lanka then sri lanka has to begg on the streets.think about the foreign currency earnings from where it comes from.
if the SORI BALU SENA IS against the muslims, they should not accept even a single dollar from the muslim countries as loans,aids,funds,etc.if they are the real buddhist.
They wanted to harm the innocent minorities since they are majorities in sri lanka…this a cowardly act.
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Rohana Arambewala / February 1, 2013
It is very interesting to read some of the above baseless arguments mainly from the Muslims, and some from gutless Muslims writing in Sinhala names. Anyway all these people are talking about “Sinhalese Buddhists” doing this and that. They never talk about the Muslims what they do in Sri Lanka and to the Sinhalese, Tamils, and others except Muslims. When you read these anyone can think “what nice bunch of people Muslims are and what terrible people Sinhalese are”. Then there is another lot blaming the government. How can Muslim people are so peaceful people? One have to look at the country where Islam started. Sunnys hating Shiettes and also there are 68 other sects in Islam believing in different things of Islam. Muslims killing innocent women and children all over the world and some young children by the name of “honour killing” as per Koran. Why is that certain muslims can’t go to Macca? I don’t believe all Muslims are bad as I have few Muslim families who also hate what some Muslims do in Sri Lanka. Let me give you two examples. If anyone goes to BIBILE road in Gampola you will see that illegally Muslims have built a Mosque on a paddy field and worse over the public road which has been there for over hundreds of years. Now Sinhala people including monks living on the side of the Mosque have to walk under the feet of the muslims. Who is brave enough to say that is innocent work of Muslims and not provoking hatred? Then how many muslims – not all – support and even light fire crackers when Pakistan beat Sri Lanka? Are those true Sri Lankans? I challenge those people to go to Pakistan to live. Muslims around the world talk bad about Western culture, their lifestyle and almost everything but interesting those same Muslims will never want to migrate to a Muslim country? Isn’t it funny? All Muslims use everyday everywhere things invented and created by Jews, Christians and Hindus. How many Muslims goes to study in a Muslim country? Almost Zero. That is what double standard and hypocricy of the Muslims. Mosques are supporting Sinhala Buddhist families to convert to Islam. I can give many more example and evidents to prove Majority of Muslims are spreading hatred in Sri Lanka and around the world. That is why Islam is the most hatered religion in the world. Anyone disputes that?
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Ilthi / February 1, 2013
Rohana, you are free to reveal your opinion, but what you based it on is whimsical, imaginative and are of unproven facts. Yes there are diferences on ideology and mistrust between Shias and Sunnis, but these came into focus only after opulent Shah of Iran (Mohammad Reza Pahlavi) was toppled and the Ayatulla Khomeini came into power. Revengeful Backlashes, settling of old scores, reprisal attacks was the main cause of a general breakdown in law and order. Similar to post election violence that happens in our country. From then on it was Shia reign, and Sunnis were at the receiving end being the minority. Shias are considered deviants and thus not considered as Muslims by Sunnis. It is and internal problem in their country Iran. It is not Muslims against Muslims.
You say ‘Muslims killing innocent women and children all over the world and some young children by the name of “honour killing” as per Koran.’ I say bunkum. Need to know what chapter and which verse. There is no such thing, it is all based on idle-talk.
‘Muslims have built a Mosque on a paddy field and worse over the public road which has been there for over hundreds of years,’ then this Mosque is not a new consrruction by your own admission. To continue, ‘Now Sinhala people including monks living on the side of the Mosque have to walk under the feet of the Muslims.’ I don’t understand what you mean by ‘walk under the feet’ when the Mosque was built on flat ‘paddy field’ land. Pure conjecture or narrow minded thinking. Muslims generally are very tolerant and never show aggression unless smitten. They dont demand respect from anyone, but will not let-go of what was theirs ‘for hundreds of years.’
Yes it is true, in Sri Lanka, Pakistan supporters are many due to their religious affinity. but just as same there are Sri Lankan supporters too. The best part is they all become Sri Lanka supporters if Sri Lanka wins. Either way, they want to enjy the match and let the best team win. Whats wrong with that? They (Muslim supporters) love SL because they live here, and they also cheer Pakistan because of their Muslim brotherhood. You cannot change that perception, but just have to live with it and understand this mentality.
Migration on religious grounds is not permitted or encouraged in any country, and it is easier said than done. I know of many people who tried to migrate to many of the developed countries, purely thinking of their children future being in this country. Some succeeded whilst some failed. If you have the means Malaysia has its doors open as ‘second home’ and many have gone and are living happily. Most other Muslim countries have opened their doors to migrant labor workforce only, and those workers are sending valuable foreign exchange into this country for its sustenance. In any case, why should anyone leave SL at all if this is their ancestral country. Your challenges are ridiculous.
‘Muslims use everyday everywhere things invented and created by Jews, Christians and Hindus.’ Shows how little you know about the inventions made by Islamic medieval world. Read it in Wikipedia. Too numerous to mention here. Never say this again and show your ignorance.
‘How many Muslims goes to study in a Muslim country? Almost Zero.’ Why? You keeping count? There are many Muslims and non-Muslims from Sri Lanka studying in as many as 600 universities which are established in Muslim countries. What are you trying to imply my friend?
I hate to say this, but I am sure you are prejudiced that there might be some reverts to Islam, and you want to vent your anger at this situation. They revert on their own free will knowing full-well the repercussions. Muslims will protect and safeguard them knowing their vulnerability, and this I suppose must be getting you mad, writing all this filth with intent to create malice and hatred towards Muslims. People have heard these things before and tired of hearing it again.
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Rohana Arambewala / February 1, 2013
Ilthi, about your comments of Honor killing, if you go to France and UK recent killing of daughters of Muslim families who wants to marry a non-muslim man has been killed by the parents and it is known as “Honour Killing”. It is what Muslims are saying and not mine. You can check it out as the last killing was in UK about a month ago. The mosque was built about 3 years ago on a paddy field and over the Public road. You can check it out or I can send the photos. So the Mosque who is suppose to follow a religion has broken 2 rules. It is illgal to built anything on paddy fields and secondly no one can built anything over a public road and not even 3 meteres close to the public road. I hope I am clearer this time.
Can you name 5 things that we use invested by the Muslims. Muslims hate Jew hate so much but use their inventions and your talk shows how ignorant you are, but sometime thruth hurts, I know.
Again you are wrong, where did you study and where would you prefer to study and live if you have the opportunity. How many Asylum seekers from Muslim countries go to Saudi (richest country and needs more workers) but go to Christian countries. Why is that? Why is that Muslims wants to migrate to US from all over the world?
My own cousin and his family who were poor were converted to Islam by bribe and we all know that. So your ignorant doesn’t mean you are right. So, I suggest you to do your research or at least ask people who knows about these.
Go to Akuran town and see how Mulims have built over the water stream. Do you know that is illegal? Can you tell where else you these illegal activities. Is there is any wonder most hated religion in the world is Islam?
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Native Vedda / February 2, 2013
Rohana Arambewala
Honour killing is not unique to Muslims. This takes place through out India across all races and religion.
In Tamilnadu where majority of your Tamil brethren live where “Caste-based honour killings in state on the rise” The Times of India reported on 24 April 2012. Since then there were numerous honour killing some are reported and some aren’t.
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Jamal / February 3, 2013
“Can you name 5 things that we use invested by the Muslims. Muslims hate Jew hate so much but use their inventions and your talk shows how ignorant you are, but sometime thruth hurts, I know.”
Rohana just to educate you I mention just 20 things among a host of others.
01 Coffee:
The story goes that an Arab named Khalid was tending his goats in the Kaffa region of southern Ethiopia, when he noticed his animals became livelier after eating a certain berry. He boiled the berries to make the first coffee. Certainly the first record of the drink is of beans exported from Ethiopia to Yemen where Sufis drank it to stay awake all night to pray on special occasions. By the late 15th century it had arrived in Mecca and Turkey from where it made its way to Venice in 1645. It was brought to England in 1650 by a Turk named Pasqua Rosee who opened the first coffee house in Lombard Street in the City of London.
The Arabic qahwa became the Turkish kahve then the Italian caffé and then English coffee.
02 Pin-Hole Camera:
The ancient Greeks thought our eyes emitted rays, like a laser, which enabled us to see. The first person to realise that light enters the eye, rather than leaving it, was the 10th-century Muslim mathematician, astronomer and physicist Ibn al-Haitham. He invented the first pin-hole camera after noticing the way light came through a hole in window shutters. The smaller the hole, the better the picture, he worked out, and set up the first Camera Obscura (from the Arab word qamara for a dark or private room). He is also credited with being the first man to shift physics from a philosophical activity to an experimental one.
03 Chess:
A form of chess was played in ancient India but the game was developed into the form we know it today in Persia. From there it spread westward to Europe – where it was introduced by the Moors in Spain in the 10 th century – and eastward as far as Japan. The word rook comes from the Persian rukh, which means chariot.
04 Parachute:
A thousand years before the Wright brothers a Muslim poet, astronomer, musician and engineer named Abbas ibn Firnas made several attempts to construct a flying machine. In 852 he jumped from the minaret of the Grand Mosque in Cordoba using a loose cloak stiffened with wooden struts. He hoped to glide like a bird. He didn’t. But the cloak slowed his fall, creating what is thought to be the first parachute, and leaving him with only minor injuries. In 875, aged 70, having perfected a machine of silk and eagles’ feathers he tried again, jumping from a mountain. He flew to a significant height and stayed aloft for ten minutes but crashed on landing – concluding, correctly, that it was because he had not given his device a tail so it would stall on landing.
Baghdad international airport and a crater on the Moon are named after him.
05 Shampoo:
Washing and bathing are religious requirements for Muslims, which is perhaps why they perfected the recipe for soap which we still use today. The ancient Egyptians had soap of a kind, as did the Romans who used it more as a pomade. But it was the Arabs who combined vegetable oils with sodium hydroxide and aromatics such as thyme oil. One of the Crusaders’ most striking characteristics, to Arab nostrils, was that they did not
wash. Shampoo was introduced to England by a Muslim who opened Mahomed’s Indian Vapour Baths on Brighton seafront in 1759 and was appointed Shampooing Surgeon to Kings George IV and William IV.
06 Refinement:
Distillation, the means of separating liquids through differences in their boiling points, was invented around the year 800 by Islam’s foremost scientist, Jabir ibn Hayyan, who transformed alchemy into chemistry, inventing many of the basic processes and apparatus still in use today – liquefaction, crystallisation, distillation, purification, oxidisation, evaporation and filtration. As well as discovering sulphuric and nitric acid, he invented the alembic still, giving the world intense rosewater and other perfumes and alcoholic spirits (although drinking them is haram, or forbidden, in Islam). Ibn Hayyan emphasised systematic experimentation and was the founder of modern chemistry.
07 Shaft:
The crank-shaft is a device which translates rotary into linear motion and is central to much of the machinery in the modern world, not least the internal combustion engine. One of the most important mechanical inventions in the history of humankind, it was created by an ingenious Muslim engineer called al-Jazari to raise water for irrigation. His 1206 Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices shows he also invented or refined the use of valves and pistons, devised some of the first mechanical clocks driven by water and weights, and was the father of robotics. Among his 50 other inventions was the combination lock.
08 Metal Armor:
Quilting is a method of sewing or tying two layers of cloth with a layer of insulating material in between. It is not clear whether it was invented in the Muslim world or whether it was imported there from India or China. But it certainly came to the West via the Crusaders. They saw it used by Saracen warriors, who wore straw-filled quilted canvas shirts instead of armour. As well as a form of protection, it proved an effective guard against the chafing of the Crusaders’ metal armour and was an effective form of insulation – so much so that it became a cottage industry back home in colder climates such as Britain and Holland.
09 Pointed Arch:
The pointed arch so characteristic of Europe’s Gothic cathedrals was an invention borrowed from Islamic architecture. It was much stronger than the rounded arch used by the Romans and Normans, thus allowing the building of bigger, higher, more complex and grander buildings. Other borrowings from Muslim genius included ribbed vaulting, rose windows and dome-building techniques. Europe’s castles were also adapted to copy the Islamic world’s – with arrow slits, battlements, a barbican and parapets. Square towers and keeps gave way to more easily defended round ones. Henry V’s castle architect was a Muslim.
10 Surgery:
Many modern surgical instruments are of exactly the same design as those devised in the 10th century by a Muslim surgeon called al-Zahrawi. His scalpels, bone saws, forceps, fine scissors for eye surgery and many of the 200 instruments he devised are recognisable to a modern surgeon.
It was he who discovered that catgut used for internal stitches dissolves away naturally (a discovery he made when his monkey ate his lute strings) and that it can be also used to make medicine capsules. In the 13th century, another Muslim medic named Ibn Nafis described the circulation of the blood, 300 years before William Harvey discovered it.
Muslims doctors also invented anaesthetics of opium and alcohol mixes and developed hollow needles to suck cataracts from eyes in a technique still used today.
11 Windmill:
The windmill was invented in 634 for a Persian caliph and was used to grind corn and draw up water for irrigation. In the vast deserts of Arabia, when the seasonal streams ran dry, the only source of power was the wind which blew steadily from one direction for months. Mills had six or 12 sails covered in fabric or palm leaves. It was 500 years before the first windmill was seen in Europe.
12 Vaccination:
The technique of inoculation was not invented by Jenner and Pasteur but was devised in the Muslim world and brought to Europe from Turkey by the wife of the English ambassador to Istanbul in 1724. Children in Turkey were vaccinated with cowpox to fight the deadly smallpox at least 50 years before the West discovered it.
13 Fountain Pen:
The fountain pen was invented for the Sultan of Egypt in 953 after he demanded a pen which would not stain his hands or clothes. It held ink in a reservoir and, as with modern pens, fed ink to the nib by a combination of gravity and capillary action.
14 Numerical Numbering:
The system of numbering in use all round the world is probably Indian in origin but the style of the numerals is Arabic and first appears in print in the work of the Muslim mathematicians al-Khwarizmi and al-Kindi around 825. Algebra was named after al-Khwarizmi’s book, Al-Jabr wa-al-Muqabilah, much of whose contents are still in use. The work of Muslim maths scholars was imported into Europe 300 years later by the Italian mathematician Fibonacci. Algorithms and much of the theory of trigonometry came from the Muslim world. And Al-Kindi’s discovery of frequency analysis rendered all the codes of the ancient world soluble and created the basis of modern cryptology.
15 Soup:
Ali ibn Nafi, known by his nickname of Ziryab (Blackbird) came from Iraq to Cordoba in the 9th century and brought with him the concept of the three-course meal – soup, followed by fish or meat, then fruit and nuts. He also introduced crystal glasses (which had been invented after experiments with rock crystal by Abbas ibn Firnas – see No 4).
16 Carpets:
Carpets were regarded as part of Paradise by medieval Muslims, thanks to their advanced weaving techniques, new tinctures from Islamic chemistry and highly developed sense of pattern and arabesque which were the basis of Islam’s non-representational art. In contrast, Europe’s floors were distinctly earthly, not to say earthy, until Arabian and Persian carpets were introduced. In England, as Erasmus recorded, floors were “covered in rushes, occasionally renewed, but so imperfectly that the bottom layer is left undisturbed, sometimes for 20 years, harbouring expectoration, vomiting, the leakage of dogs and men, ale droppings, scraps of fish, and other abominations not fit to be mentioned”.
Carpets, unsurprisingly, caught on quickly.
17 Pay Cheques:
The modern cheque comes from the Arabic saqq, a written vow to pay for goods when they were delivered, to avoid money having to be transported across dangerous terrain. In the 9th century, a Muslim businessman could cash a cheque in China drawn on his bank in Baghdad.
18 Earth is in sphere shape?
By the 9th century, many Muslim scholars took it for granted that the Earth was a sphere. The proof, said astronomer Ibn Hazm, “is that the
Sun is always vertical to a particular spot on Earth”. It was 500 years before that realization dawned on Galileo. The calculations of Muslim astronomers were so accurate that in the 9th century they reckoned the Earth’s circumference to be 40, 253.4km – less than 200km out. The scholar al-Idrisi took a globe depicting the world to the court of King Roger of Sicily in 1139.
19 Rocket and Torpedo:
Though the Chinese invented salt-petre gunpowder, and used it in their fireworks, it was the Arabs who worked out that it could be purified using potassium nitrate for military use. Muslim incendiary devices terrified the Crusaders. By the 15th century they had invented both a rocket, which they called a “self-moving and combusting egg”, and a torpedo – a self-propelled pear-shaped bomb with a spear at the front which impaled itself in enemy ships and then blew up.
20 Gardens:
Medieval Europe had kitchen and herb gardens, but it was the Arabs who developed the idea of the garden as a place of beauty and meditation. The first royal pleasure gardens in Europe were opened in 11th-century Muslim Spain. Flowers which originated in Muslim gardens include the carnation and the tulip.
Ref: http://aliadnan.wordpress.com/2011/12/02/20-great-inventions-by-muslim-scientists
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American Mama / February 1, 2013
Every one here goes into too many details trying to prove a point. This masks the basic point. Here are some basic things Muslims must seriously consider.
1. Islam is the only religion that has been and is in VIOLENT conflicts with all other major religions of the world in RECENT HISTORY.
2. Islam is the only religion which generates VIOLENT conflicts between sects within their own religion AT PRESENT.
3. Buddhists are used to a VERY LAX FREE life as Buddhism does not impose any restrictions or demands that Buddhists pray daily or attend temples or impose restrictions on what men and women can do or cannot do . So naturally they do not understand the strict Islamic regimen and are fearful that if Islam has its way they will be forced to live in a restrictive society.
4. I see some muslims threatening all sorts of repercussions if action is taken against them, but the truth is that Muslims have no real power in the present world. They have been defeated everywhere. Conflicts with USA ( Iraq, Afghanistan) France ( Mali ), India (Kashmir, Bangladesh and Pakistan wars ), Israel ( 1967 war ) , Philippines ( Mindanao ) and even smaller conflicts in Thailand and Myanmar have brought Muslims only defeat and disaster.
5. Gulf countries maybe somewhat rich but they have no real power. Even during the Myanmar crisis they could do nothing. These nations do well by selling their resource (oil) but lack of technology is retarding their power
5. Most of the really powerful nations of the world are non-Islamic ( USA, Russia, EU, China , India, Japan, Germany France etc ) and by antagonizing these nations Islam is not doing itself any favors.
I understand that Muslims are complaining of victimization everywhere, but they must seriously question as to why they everybody suspects and dislikes them.
If I fight with one or two I can blame the others, but if everyone is fighting with me then perhaps the blame lies with me.
When Muslims are in the minority they are always well spoken and talk about religious amity but when they are in the majority they start taking their religion very seriously sometimes at the expense of other faiths sentiments.
The theory that Islam is the fastest spreading religion and will one day take over the world is at best many 1000s of years away and perhaps is wishful thinking. Islam has been in existence for the last 2000 years and still there are 4 times non-muslims.
I hope Muslims will engage in some serious introspection, instead of blaming everyone else.
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Native Vedda / February 2, 2013
American Mama
You have selectively chosen historical events and are being silent on atrocities committed by your favorite powers. I do not want to educate you on world history. I suggest you do your own research.
You say:
“If I fight with one or two I can blame the others, but if everyone is fighting with me then perhaps the blame lies with me.”
The Arab Muslims are sitting on huge quantities of black gold. Rest of the world want a cheap steady supply of oil. Present day Geopolitics determines who is powerful and who is weak.
Please read Paul Kenedy’s “Rise and Fall of Empires”, which is a good book for dummies.
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Nabil / February 2, 2013
American Mama
I picked a quote which strikingly describes the Sinhala Buddhist ethos. I quote with apologies to Mark Twain, “There are many humorous things in the world; among them the Sinhala Buddhist’s notion that he is less savage than the other savages.
Once he decides he is less savage, he sees the rest of the world with jaundiced eyes, and uses selective amnesia to smooth over the many aberrations in his own mental makeup. Objectivity abandons him, because he is lulled into believing that the bad guy lives out there and he better do something about it.
Someone has to be utterly naïve, or extraordinarily blasé to assume that only Muslims are violent. We don’t need to look beyond our shores. Do we not have a violent history, and have we not tolerated institutionalized brutality? How have we dealt with the simplest of protests to the most poignantly haunting youth uprisings of the present day? Is it not true but with horrible acts of criminality on our own citizens? From the race riots 1915, the cruel rape of Premawathie Manamperi in the 70’s to the recent massacre of prisoners, have wee not endorsed brutality?
None has been held accountable for any of these atrocities. No distinction is made between political and race based violence. Anyone can break the law with impunity and be assured that the law will look the other way. We have not spared our country from this hooliganism be it in front of places of worship, commercial establishments, foreign embassies or even the hallowed precincts of the Supreme Courts.
And you point to the global Muslim community and say that we are violent. Please think again.
As Henry Thoreau says “The whole course of human history may depend on a change of heart in a single, solitary, even humble individual. For it is within the soul of the individual that the battle between good and evil is waged and ultimately won or lost.”
And as Sri Lankans we seem to be collectively losing this battle for “good”!
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Senguttuvan / February 1, 2013
I thought we have seen the last of this sordid thing but Nabil Feb 01 – 7.39am insists in continuing with misleading readers. Here is a PTI report from India that should put an end to all this misleading :-
…… Sheela Bhatt in Ahmedabad
A special court in the Sabarmati jail in Ahmedabad on Tuesday convicted 31 accused in what is the first verdict in the Godhra train burning case.
In the 850-page judgment delivered by Justice P R Patil, 63 accused, including prime accused Maulvi Omerjee, were acquitted in the case. However, other prime accused Razak Kurkur and Haji Billa were found guilty by the court.
Coverage: The Gujarat Riots
The sentencing would be pronounced on February 25 after arguments on the quantum of punishment by the special court that accepted the theory of conspiracy behind the burning of the coach of Sabarmati Express carrying kar sevaks returning from Ayodhya at Godhra on February 27, 2002, in which 59 people were burnt alive, and is regarded as a precursor to the communal riots that rocked Gujarat.
According to the charge-sheet, a group of Muslims living in Singal Falia, an adjoining colony, had conspired to kill Hindu kar sevaks returning from Ayodhya on that train…..
Senguttuvan
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Nabil / February 2, 2013
Senguthuvan seems to have got me wrong. I have not commented on Ayodhaya or The Gujarat Riots. My observations were with the point raised by Manel that we should put a stop to apportioning blame and look to the future. My comment was framed within this context, and was prompted to say so since Lester and those like him would rather die believing they are right than look at the world afresh.
There is no necessity for me to mislead any body. The facts about the Babri Mosque and the events thereafter are there in the public domain for anyone interested in appraising themselves of the facts.
How one perceives and interprets these events of course is a moot point!
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dingiri / February 6, 2013
Nabil,
I agree with much of what you say aspecially about the Buddhists capacity for being as savage as the Moslems. Clearly there seems to be a set of triggers that can transform any society overnight into a horde of savages. My theory is that this is an evolutionary adaptation that is programmed in our DNA which is why I believe it is an instinctive reaction rather than rational one. When faced with a perceived threat we gang up together and turn into monsters regardless of race or religion. It is just that among religious people there are more opportunities to feel threatened or to feel they have to convert others and consequently for resorting to violence. Non-religious people dont belong to such a “tribe” and dont feel threatened by people converting from one delusion to another or even of religions poaching other non-believers (as with this notion of “unethical conversion” that many buddhists talk about).
Its funny how you dismiss Lester with..
“…Lester and those like him would rather die believing they are right than look at the world afresh….”
Doesn’t everyone believe they are right? Moslems, Buddhists and even non-believers? As far as I know, no one believes in anything with the knowledge that it is wrong or even potentially wrong.
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whywhy / February 7, 2013
Very good and snsible point Dingiri. Nobody will believe
what they believe if they only know that they are wrong.
And it’s worst when they become blood thirsty with their
unquestioned belief of 3000,2500,1500 yrs old gossips
rumors and fabrications filled stories.The lives of those
who are greedy of not letting the body perish from its
existence into the earth, in the belief that there’s another
life for them not to be missed, are the ones behind the
misery,barbarism and all vices of the third world.Kids
born in the west have a lot to grow seeing,touching and en
joying a real world with down to earth people while the third
world offers their kids the things above the sky and beneath
the earth like they and their ancestors did to themselves in
the name of thousands of yrs old individuals who lived in the
dark times.All these guys are caught in between two worlds.One
real and the other one, an illusion.
What our guys got from the west was an opportunity to escape
from the dark,a complete exit from darkness into democracy.The
power of democratic values were made largely dependent on the
majority with the inevitable support of all minorities and this
is where all troubles are now centered.The majority is growing
with unease to cope even with their peaceful minorities in the
name of their darker times but using the loop holes of democracy.
Is it that they are incapable of handling democracy?
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Lester / February 2, 2013
To understand Islam, one has to only look at the Prophet Muhammed. Was he a peaceful person? Was he a violent person? How many women did he marry, and what were their ages? Why did he marry at all? What was his opinion of other religions? I have not answered these questions here, as the answers may arouse controversy among certain readers, but readers can easily find the answers for themselves. The point is that every Muslim – regardless of their character – is a follower of Muhammed. That means they take the good and the bad in one package. Unfortunately, when the bad goes beyond a certain level, there is little hope for the rest of the followers, regardless of their intentions. Let me ask this question: can I start a peaceful religion, with Adolf Hitler as the central figure?
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Native Vedda / February 2, 2013
Lester says:
“To understand Islam, one has to only look at the Prophet Muhammed.”
To concur Islam you will have to become a Muslim.
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Lester / February 3, 2013
Native Veddah,
One cannot be a Muslim without believing in Prophet Muhammed. If this was not the case, then it should be possible to critically analyze the life, thoughts, and philosophy of Muhammed, in an objective manner. On the other hand, if such a critical analysis were undertaken, there would be no one left who called themselves a “Muslim.” Prevention of such objective analysis is the whole purpose of “blasphemy laws”, which are quite prominent in the majority of Muslim-dominated countries. Interpretation is then left to the “muftis.”
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Native Vedda / February 4, 2013
Lester
Love all serve all.
You will find yourself breaking all barriers real and perceived that prevent you from treating all being the same way you treat your kith and kin.
Happiness comes from harmony which I believe can be attained only when we begin to appreciate the values enshrined in unity in diversity.
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Lester / February 5, 2013
Native Veddah,
The human tendency is not to see things through the eyes of love and compassion, but historical reality. Regardless of how Sinhalese feel about Muslims, the Indian sensibility is more intense. This is what one Indian wrote in the “Times of India” comments section:
“I am surprised at how ‘muslims’ in India seem to be so “worked up” about the demolition of Babri Masjid. Islam was never evangelized in the Indian subcontinent. It was spread by forcibly converting a large section of the underclass, who were unable to resist the threats and pressures of the muslim invaders. Islam was used as an instrument of subjugation and persecution and not for its spirituality. In the process, the invaders destroyed some Indian monuments and erected others, all with the intent of exercising their command in India. Babri Masjid was one such monument. It was less of an emblem of religion as it was a symbol of the heinous atrocities and persecution committed by those invaders. Hence, a place like that cannot have any place in modern India. Because islam was spread involuntarily and with dubious motives, it will always be viewed negatively among large section of Indians. Also, since it is not an indigenous religion evolved organically from our way of life, it will always be seen as alien to India. The question most rational people are asking is if people practicing islam were forced into it, why do they continue with it when the threat from invaders have long disappeared (300 years to be precise). The only plausible explanation —- “stockholm syndrome”.
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