By Stephen Schwartz and Irfan Al-Alawi –
To many non-Muslims, the existence of an Islamic community on the island of Sri Lanka may be surprising. Sri Lanka has been known for the past three decades as the scene of an atrocious civil war. Its Buddhist Sinhala majority, with 69.1 percent of the national population of 21.5 million, was challenged by Tamils – 7.1 percent, and mainly Hindu in religion, whom the secessionist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam or “Tamil Tigers” aspired to represent. The “Tamil Tigers” were defeated militarily in 2009.
But Sri Lanka also counts 7.6 percent of its people as Muslims, and among them, as elsewhere throughout South Asia, the spiritual tradition of Sufism is vigorously present. After 1973, and the Arab oil embargo that enriched Saudi Arabia greatly, the ultra-fundamentalist Wahhabi sect, which is the official religious interpretation in the Saudi kingdom, began to penetrate Sri Lanka’s adherents to Islam. The Wahhabis in Sri Lanka act through a movement called Thawheed, or Monotheism. They opened numerous medresas. They despise Sufis.
According to M.C.A. Hameed, president of the All Ceylon Thareekathul Mufliheen, a Sufi order whose name means “path of the fearless victorious,” Sri Lankan Muslims then began to find employment in Saudi Arabia, and many young Sri Lankan Muslims were awarded scholarships by Saudi universities. But “those who completed their studies returned to Sri Lanka and… propagat[ed] the ideology” of Wahhabism, Hameed says. Further, “to pursue their goal the Wahhabis resorted to violence and intimidation culminating in death and destruction. Our religious society… was not spared and had to face untold hardship.”
The All Ceylon Thareekathul Mufliheen was founded in the late 1980s by Sheihul Mufliheen M.S.M. Abdullah, known as “Rah,” in the southeastern Sri Lanka village of Maruthamunai. It was registered as a cultural society with the civil authorities in 1989. The headquarters of Thareekathul Mufliheen is now located in the small eastern coast village of Kattankudy, which has 42 mosques. The order maintains branches around the island, and claims 15,000 members.
Hameed states that the “vision” of Thareekathul Mufliheen is “to expound the true meaning of ‘kalimathuth thayiba,’ the ‘fragrant sacred words.'” These words are “la ilaha illallah,” the essence of Islam, meaning “there is nothing but God.” In the teachings of Thareekathul Mufliheen, “This word Allah (God) denotes a great power, unbound by time and space, infinite and beyond human imagination. The creation is only the manifestation of this eternal truth and [is] not separate from it.”
This principle underlies the doctrines of Thareekathul Mufliheen, but its founder denied exerting any compulsion anywhere to embrace his views, given that each human being is free to choose a path of faith. In 1980, Abdullah (Rah) published a book in Tamil titled Imanin Unmaiyai Nee Arivaya, or Do You Know the Truth of Iman? – iman referring to Islamic belief. The country’s official Council of Islamic Scholars, the All Ceylon Jamiathul Ulama, purportedly without reading the book or holding a hearing to examine it, published a fatwa or religious opinion on September 10, 1989, declaring Abdullah (Rah) and his followers as murtadd or apostates, who renounced Islam, in the judgment of the clerics.
Abdullah (Rah) filed a defamation suit against the All Ceylon Jamiathul Ulama in 1990 in Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital. Many hearings later, in 1996, the All Ceylon Jamiathul Ulama revoked the fatwa and settled the complaint. In a similar act of discrimination, members of Thareekathul Mufliheen were denied registration of marriages and burial of the dead in conformity with Islamic practice, but through legal action these rights were restored, at least on paper. A book by Abdullah (Rah) translated into English, The Court of Reason, was published in 2010.
Thareekathul Mufliheen opened a Meditation Centre at Kattankudy in 1996. On May 29 of that year, at 1 A.M. in the morning, Wahhabi arson struck the building. Abdullah (Rah) and the members of the order were targets of shooting and grenade attacks, and other physical aggression, as well as threats. Worse was to come. On October 31, 2004, at 12:30 p.m., 500 Wahhabis organized under the title “Jihad” again set the Meditation Centre ablaze, destroying its library, along with homes and businesses owned by Sufis. Financial loss to the injured parties was considerable, and one Sufi was shot and killed while another was wounded by gunfire. Thareekathul Mufliheen’s president Hameed accuses police of assisting the assailants. Eight alleged perpetrators were arrested, but were released on bail with no further consequences. A complaint was entered at Police Headquarters in Colombo in 2004, and a subsequent protest was filed with the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission (HRC) in 2005.
The HRC found in favor of the Sufis, stating that their constitutional right to adhere to the belief of their will and choice had been violated, and submitting recommendations for redress to the Inspector General of Police. But Thareekathul Mufliheen asserts, “Sadly, the Police were inactive in implementing these recommendations in an equitable manner.” Still, the Meditation Centre and headquarters were rebuilt and a birthday celebration for the founder of the order was held on July 25, 2006, with 15,000 people provided free food.
Sheihul Mufliheen M.S.M. Abdullah (Rah) died on December 6, 2006. Wahhabi preachers from the Thawheed network and the armed “Jihad” incited the local clerics and politicians (Jamiathul Ulama Kattankudy, the Muslim Federation of Mosques, and the Urban Council of Kattankudy) to oppose his burial according to Islamic rites, in the Meditation Centre, as he was a supposed “apostate.” Another member of the Sufi order had died on December 1, 2006, was buried that day, and on December 2 was exhumed by Wahhabis on the same pretext and laid out on the soil. According to the Wahhabis and their accomplices, “apostates” could not be buried in Kattankudy.
The Jihadis, armed with lethal weapons, rioted after the death of Abdullah (Rah), bringing life in Kattankudy to a halt by a general work stoppage (hartal). Schools, government and private offices, banks and businesses shut down and some banks and shops were looted and burned. The official clerics of All Ceylon Jamiathul Ulama, Jamiathul Ulama Kattankudy, the Muslim Federation of Mosques, other Islamic organizations, and the Kattankudy Urban Council initiated a judicial argument on December 11, 2006. They denounced the interment of Abdullah (Rah) as defying Muslim norms and traditions and charged that Thareekathul Mufliheen had failed to seek permission from the authorities for the burial. The petition by the official clerics and Wahhabis was dismissed in 2007. But the Sri Lanka HRC declared in 2007 that it could not “interfere in the disputes between various sects of a religion” and recommended the conflict be referred to the Council of Ulemas – All Ceylon Jamiathul Ulama, or to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
In a separate controversy, the Urban Council in Kattankudy had ordered the dismantling of the minaret at the Meditation Centre, as an “unauthorized structure,” in a decision announced on December 13, 2006. Police prevented commencement of the demolition, but Wahhabi fanatics interfered with the officers. Three rioters were shot and killed. A police post and police vehicle were assaulted. On December 15, 2006, nevertheless, members of the Urban Council joined a Wahhabi mob that invaded the Meditation Centre and knocked down the minaret, removing the body of Abdullah (Rah), either burning or reburying it in a location yet unknown. The houses of 117 Sufis were leveled by fire. Many were threatened and fled the district. Two were injured, and one lost an arm.
Evidence of persecution of Thareekathul Mufliheen was submitted to Asma Jahangir, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, during a visit she made to Sri Lanka. In her 2008 Report to the UN, the Special Rapporteur expressed “regrets that she has not received a reply from the Government [of Sri Lanka]” regarding the 2006 incidents. She affirmed that “the Government of Sri Lanka has to fulfill its positive obligation to protect the right to freedom of religion or belief of all its citizens… in most of the cases that have been brought to her attention… these obligations have not been satisfactorily fulfilled by the Government.”
The 2007 International Religious Freedom Report issued by the U.S. Department of State noted the Wahhabi interference with Thareekathul Mufliheen. Since then, however, abuses against the Sufis of Kattankudy have continued, with the Wahhabi Thawheed faction in the forefront of violence. Official ulema and the village authorities attempted unsuccessfully to prevent celebration of a Sufi festival in 2008. That year, a Sri Lanka Supreme Court order, providing that 200 members of Thareekathul Mufliheen be allowed to return to their homes in Kattankudy and practice their beliefs in freedom, was obstructed by armed Jihad members.
In February 2009 a 150-year old shrine was destroyed by Thawheed in the city of Ukuwela, in the central hill country of Sri Lanka. Conflict in July 2009 between Thawheed and the Qadiri Sufi order, in the southwestern town of Beruwala, led to two deaths, more than 40 people injured, and 132 arrests. The Qadiri devotees complained that the Wahhabi mosque in their town, named Masjidur Rahman (Mosque of the Merciful) had accused the Qadiris of the Bukhari Thakkiya mosque of being qafirun (“disbelievers” or “concealers of the truth”) continuously in the eight years since the Wahhabi mosque was inaugurated.
According to the Sri Lanka newspaper The Sunday Times of August 16, 2009, Muslim Home Guards recruited by the Sri Lankan government to fight the Tamil rebels had deserted with their weapons and joined Thawheed to fulfill its demand for “Jihad” against traditional Muslims. The newspaper described a significant influx of Wahhabi preachers and activists from south India and Saudi Arabia. Riyad S. Al-Khenene, counsellor of the Royal Saudi Embassy in Sri Lanka, denied that official Saudi support was granted to the Wahhabi interlopers, while admitting that “certain wealthy persons… are helping various religious groups in Sri Lanka to put up mosques. But this has nothing to do with the Government of Saudi Arabia,” Al-Khenene insisted.
In response to the campaign against it, Thareekathul Mufliheen has appealed to the Sri Lanka authorities for an impartial inquiry into Wahhabi activities in the country; to disarm the Wahhabis; to provide for reconstruction of the headquarters of Thareekathul Mufliheen in Kattankudy; to enforce the revocation of the fatwa issued by the All Ceylon Jamiathul Ulama against Abdullah (Rah) and his disciples, as ordered by the Colombo District Court, and to compensate the displaced Sufis, facilitating restoration of their lost heritage, ruined homes, and businesses. The Sufis of Kattankudy seek “peaceful resettlement with honor.”
Thareekathul Mufliheen defines itself as “a peace loving and non-violent Religious Society… The members have displayed their patience and tolerance even in times of grave injustice and calamity… The words of wisdom of our spiritual leader are to detest arms and adopt peaceful means to find a solution in a crisis situation.”
The Wahhabi, Deobandi, and Mawdudist jihad trends have revealed their ambition to control South Asian Islam through violence in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. In all these countries traditionalists resist them. The Sufis of Sri Lanka, although obscure to the rest of the world, deserve no less support than anti-radical Muslims elsewhere in the region and around the globe.
*This article in first appeared in Washington, DC based Center for Islamic Pluralism – July 18, 2012
Nabil / March 27, 2013
CT Readers
The author is a Jew who frequents Fox News and is associated with rabidly anti-Muslim evangelists campaigning for a more plural Islam. Islam is not for interpretation.
Leela and Citizen and Asian Tribune have used his ms-information create a Wahabi bogey. We call like Steven,Islamophobes.
I want readers to consider why an American Jew is spending his time writing about a miniscule faction known as Wahhabis in Sri Lanka, than fear mongering?
/
Nethra / March 27, 2013
@Nabil, instead of shooting the messenger, talk about facts in the article. Whether Whhabism in Sri Lanka or not? Didn’t they carry this attacks in Katankuddy?
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Nabil / March 27, 2013
I think Safa , below has an erudite answer.
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Native Vedda / March 27, 2013
Nabil
Is Katankuddy an Islamic Republic?
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Nabil / March 31, 2013
Native,
thanks to Leela, Lester et al, we may have to consider it seriously and perhaps call it “Hambegama” for a start, for those who don’t know Hamaba is slang for Muslim and gama is village in Sinhala.
Then when we annex Batti and other districts we can call it “Hambanadu” and we will allow the Tamils to have their own Eelam and the Sinhala Buddhists their own enclaves called Govigamrata, Karawarata and Salagamrata etc. Note Hambayas will be a majority and we will have an Emir/King to rule us! :)
I am sure you will have your own veddirata. And Sri Lanka will find peace and each one of us will live happily ever after
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whywhy / March 27, 2013
The presence of wahabism is nothing but true and the
story that it came from Saudi University dedicated for
religious study is also true.Those who are coming back
from these institutes are organizing to establish a
puritan Muslim society is also incredibly true.These are
crystal clear facts and there’s no point trying to deny
it.Srilankan Muslims have a greater to role to play in a
multicultural society, making every effort not to
attract unnecessary attention from the other bigger
communities especially during and after a conflict period.
Suddenly trying to change lifestyle at a stressful time
like this,is definitely unintelligent and unsolicited.But
Outsiders like BBS have no right to go outside the law
to take on all Muslims,using this as a pretext.Govt
has the power to crush extreme elements with the support
of moderate parties without letting loose another set of
goons in religious attire.Instead they are enjoying a
drama staged presumably with actors connected to them
for their own advantage.
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gamini / March 27, 2013
Whywhy, the problem is when Religions are institutionalized a few fanatics try to design the lives of others according to their fancy. I believe Religion should be left alone for the believers to practice without outside influence. This is mainly so because Religion as Politics is good business in today’s context.
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whywhy / March 27, 2013
Exactly Gamini.
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Rama / March 28, 2013
Exactly Gamini! Institutionalization of any belief system is the major cause of destruction of normal life of humans.
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Read between the lines / March 28, 2013
Why would “This article in first appeared in Washington, DC” ? why should people in Washington care about Muslims in Srilanka ? is it because of their special interest in Wahhabism ? none of this questions actually matter because the real question is my Muslim brothers and Sisters why do we feel the need to identify ourselves as Wahabist, tawheed, or sufis we should identify our selves as MUSLIMS and ONE UMMAH that should suffice. Fear the Creator and not creation Insha Allah may we all become better Muslims !
*If anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder and to spread mischief in the land it would be as if he killed all mankind The Holy Quran(5;32)
*Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the messenger (PBUH) said A Muslim is a Brother to a Muslim. He should neither deceive him or lie to him Nor leave him without assistance everything belonging to a Muslim is inviolable for a Muslim, his honor his blood and property. Piety is here ( and he pointed out to his chest 3 times) it is enough for Muslim to commit evil by despising his Muslim brother) (At Tirmidi Hasan)
*The believers in their mutual kindness compassion and sympathy are like one body, when one limb suffers the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever ( Al Bukhari and Muslim)
* who is not merciful to people Allah will not be merciful to him – Al Bukhari and Muslim
* Help your brother whether he is an oppressor or is oppressed. A man inquired from the Prophet(PBUH) I can help him when he is oppressed but how can I help him when he is an oppressor ? the prophet(PBUH) replied you can help him from committing oppression, that will be your help to him. Al Bukhari narrated by Anas (RA)
*when any Muslim accuses another Muslim of sin or disbelief the reproach rebounds on the one who utters it, if the other person is not deserving of it – Al Bukhari narrated by Abu Dharr
In my opinion Muslims should attempt to be better Muslims before they attempt anything else.
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whywhy / March 28, 2013
First of all we must search for a country that could
be a real Islamic nation and then study the
possibilities of whether their lifestyle based on
full implementation of Quran and Hadiths could fit in
to the society that we live in,exactly the same way
without causing any legal or social upsets to that
society and also to our established,long trusted,respected
and accepted norms.Not even slightly because of a
question of our rights,but precisely to be intelligent and
diplomatic because modern Srilanka is vulnerable to
outside, all kinds of foreign influences.My advice to you
is,keep in touch with the rest of the world and not only
the small world of our Islam.
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Read between the lines / March 29, 2013
@why why take you pick there are 54 of them ! even if you argue that none of them are really Islamic I dare you! I double dare you to find any Hadeeth which does not fit in with acceptable social values! and cannot be implemented in a Muslim society ! choose any of the Hadeeth above and try and explain how they don’t fit with the values of present day society ! my advice to you is don’t repeat what others say or expect you to say, in other-words don’t follow the herd. examine the facts and try to discern the truth. my comment was aimed at fostering brotherhood within the Muslim community by providing religious based evidence in order to point out that it is our religious obligation to honor the ties brotherhood within Muslims.
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whywhy / March 31, 2013
Sunday leader reports that Minister Vasudeva
Nanayakara is to submit a cabinet paper seeking the
support to ban on extremist organisations and that’s
exactly what we had been demanding from our comments
on this forum,Sinhalese,Tamils and a quite few number
of Muslims to which I belong.I was among the first lot
to question the deafening silence of Muslim leaders on the
whole events.Now Hakeem has been forced to come out.And now
I feel there’s no need for me to go to the pages in Quran,
Hadheeths and other philosophies,stories or histories to
prove my point to you.Why all the pain?But I would like
to get your attention to one important point in our
exchange.I was talking about living in a wider Society
while your emphasis was limited to one community.Also a
word about Abu Huraira(RA).I hope you know that he’s a
controversial figure among some Muslim quarters on many
of his quotations from the prophet.
/
Shantha Ranasinghe / April 5, 2013
Nabil
You guys have a syndrome where you refuse to own up to what your co-religionists do. You always blame it on the Jews .C’mon man grow up , admit at least your own can do wrong as well. That will not make you a Dajjal
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Periyar E. V. Ramasamy / March 27, 2013
@nabil.. So no different from your Racist sermons and Latheef Farook sermons to LTTE & Tamil nadu racist sermons to BBS racist sermons to Racist USA Quran burning racist.. You guys should work for the BBC. But still these whabi salafist islam comes from Saudi Arabia.. The DEMOCRATIC FRIENDS OF THE USA.. ENOUGH SAID. ohh Nabil Irfan Al-Alawi co author what is he then???? not the right kind of Muslim???
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Nabil / March 27, 2013
Someone who cohorts with Steven and Pat Robertson to denigrate Islam can’t be anything but an Islamopphobe. My understanding and anyone who wants to google Alawi, will notice that he has issues with the Saudi authorities and lives in exile in the UK.
I have no issues with the messenger as some of you seem to think. And I am not shooting the messenger either. For example he is against some of the practices adopted by the SA rulers. He is welcome to air his views. But to say a Wahabi invasion is preposterous!
the question is the credibility of the messenger and the context of the message are as important as the message itself. Instead of jumping at me for raising the issue, for starters, look at the picture used to support the story.
What relevance does it have to the points made by the writers. I would think a picture from Sri Lanka, perhaps a Mosque from Kathankudy may have been a better choice. If you don’t have an appropriator picture don’t use one downloaded from the internet to fill up space
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Periyar E. V. Ramasamy / March 27, 2013
@Nabill Today Saudi Defenders of Islam..Armed, Funded and Trained in Saudi are sent to Destroy Mosques In Syria.. and Mosques in Bahrain where the Saudis Forces invaded and are destroying.. why Because its not the rigt kind of Islam.. the sunni whabi islam they like.. Just look at the mosques destroyed by saudis.. Helped by their other democratic ally the USA and the west.
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Periyar E. V. Ramasamy / March 27, 2013
@Nabil pls foward this article to Latheef Farook along with a un censored version of vishwaroopam.. cant wait to see the next sermon on Tamil net …i mean CMB telegraph
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Nabil / March 27, 2013
Vishparoopham is fiction!
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Leela / March 27, 2013
Instead of giving straight forward answers to charges leveled at ACJU and its Jihadis thugs, Nabil says All Ceylon Thareekathul Mufliheen is a miniscule faction and accuse us for spreading misinformation.
But it is a known fact that Abdullah’s All Ceylon Thareekathul Mufliheen had fifteen thousand members. So, what nonsence is this Wahhabi extremist Nabil is talking about?
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Nabil / March 27, 2013
Dear Dr. DW/Leela
If ACJU are thugs, where would you put the vitriolic Athe Gnasara? A juvenile delinquent?
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Citizen / March 27, 2013
Leela, I agree with you. They cannot give straight forward answers. I am sorry to say that I am the living evidence as to what took place in Maruthamunai & Kathankudy. The IPKF knew all this and completely razed those areas at that time. Thereafter, because of Chandrika’s liberal policy Islamic terrorist organization were again engaged in illegal activities. Wahhabist ideologies played a vital role which I would describe as detriment to the security of Sri Lanka.
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Citizen / March 27, 2013
Nabil, if I reveal everything the average Sinhalese will be surprised about its illegal activities and how they planned to assassinate the Sinhalese political leaders. Because the two professionals had come to know about their illegal activities, they attempted to murder those two professionals, but miraculously overpowered. No only that two underworld criminals were shot dead by the Police, while one was arrested and his knees broken when he was arrested with guns. The honest Sinhalese Police was immediately transferred. They even had a plan to make Mannar a hub for Islamic terrorist activities and do not forget that the world including India is watching this. We (both Sinhalese & Tamils) are only tolerating. Unfortunately my good friend, Anura Bandaranayake is no more. Otherwise he would have by now exposed. I think it is better to forgive and forget and live in a peaceful manner with mutual uderstanding.
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Jones / March 27, 2013
The photo shown is very funny.
Can anyone explain the point of this kind of photos?
The women shown in the photo are all covered up from head to toe, so how are they going to recognise them self if they forgot where they were standing?
Maybe they would say to each other, oh the fat one is me, the fatter one is me, the tall one is me ,or the short one is me.
So we should be grateful that the Sri Lankan Muslim ladies are not this stupid or thick.
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NAK / March 28, 2013
The photo of five black bags!
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Nabil / March 31, 2013
Jones
Why, can’t you see the hands? That is enough to recognise them selves.
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Nabil / March 31, 2013
Its not funny, the person who took the photos knows who is in them. Photos capture memories, of places events and who was with them, I am sure this family will value those memories when they leaf back their family album.
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Rahmathullah / March 27, 2013
This article totally distorts many facts about Islam. Wahhab was a devout Muslim scholar, who united already divided Saudis under different rulers. He should not be insulted for uniting his fellow countrymen. Also, there is no Sufyism in Islam, which preaches shunning of all worldly enjoyments and devote one’s entire life in prayers. Prophet Mohamed preached middle path and he said we should not be confined to prayers all the time by ignoring our responsibilities towards our families and fellow human beings. This article conveys wrong message about Islam and Muslims. I request the Islamic scholars to explain to the non-Muslims about the true nature of Islam. I am sorry I am only a layman and I don’t have deep knowledge about Islam to undertake this task.
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gamini / March 27, 2013
Rahmathullah, you appeal for someone to explain the true nature of Islam as you do not have sufficient knowledge of Islam. If so how can you repose belief in something you do not know fully yourself?
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Wuliangguobinjiu / March 27, 2013
All religions are playing to the emotions similar to patriotism. There is nothing objective only I saw so follow me.The west fears chinese because they are objective and laugh at all this blind faith where its white man god. The original (not really) is in a safe at the vatican and whats written there is different from what we see- the momons say JC was born in the USA.
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Dubdoc / March 28, 2013
Good question Gamini!You are on the spot.
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whywhy / March 28, 2013
Gamini,I chose to ignore Rahmathulla because we have
1.5 million Rahmathullahs in the Island and it’s not
easy to start and finish from A-Z.The urgent step is
to identify the extreme forces and stop them from
poisoning the minds of gullible Rahmathullahs.I
mean in all communities.Nobody in our country is
in any religion.They are all genuine cowards
living with the fear of leaving this world without
having a guarantee of a place somewhere else.Let the
peaceful ones carry on and the dangerous ones be
dealt with in a lawful way.
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S. Ahamed / March 28, 2013
I am Muslim because my parents were Muslims and they were Muslims because of their parents. Almost all the Muslims in Sri Lanka are like that except for a very few cases of conversion through knowledge. When I was a child, I did not know about different Islamic groups. Now I understand that there are many groups, Sunny, Shia, Wahabi, Sufi, Ahamedia? and so on and some are overlapping such as Wahabi is a kind of Sunny. Since all belive in Quran and Hadis, why can’t the religious leaders compare the differences and agree to a single way of following Islam? When the Sunnis call Shias as Kafirs and kill them, I wonder whether I am on the wright side. And I am sure, Allah is not going to tell straight away which is the correct path, because there will not be any new prophet sent to earth to guide us.
I kindly advise all my Muslim brothers and sisters to stop going to mosques and following a particular Islamic group until all these groups get together and come to a conclusion based on true interpretation of Quran and Hadiths and other Ijma and Kiyas as to which is the correct way of following Islam. Until then, you may ask for forgiveness directly from Allah and you may tell to Allah that you are unable to pray as you are not sure which way is correct.
Otherwise, we may end up in hell.
This is only my thinking and not to offend anybody. If you have any better suggestion, please share with us.
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gamini / March 28, 2013
S. Ahamed humans differ from animals because we the majority have the ability to analyze, evaluate and make our own deductions. Merely because your parents and their parents did or believe in something, does not mean that it has to be followed, if the practice has no meaning or benefit to us at present. Further belief has to be supported with valid proof. Otherwise it is only a Dogma. Especially such practices lead to division and confrontation leaving in utter destruction of life and property. My personal belief is that after life, there are none with Registers to check which denomination one belonged to while living and we all face whatever together or very likely nothing at all. That is it.
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S. Ahamed / March 28, 2013
I also think that nothing would be there after death, just like when we sleep every thing goes off and the mind gets on when we dream or wake up. Death must be a permanent sleep. But, what will be the position if someone is there with a register? So a religion is good in case there is an afterlife. Problem is which religion is true. Everyone says his one is the correct one and so I am. Still I have a fear as to if I am wrong what would be the position. That is why I am suggesting an open discussion among the learned people. First let the Islamic leaders to come to one conclusion. Likewise, the Christians can combine their sects. Finally, both can compare Bible and Quran and come to a conclusion on which one is to be followed. Other religions also can do the same. To do this, the religious leaders should have an open and genuine mind and necessary intelligence to understand things (my common understanding is that most of the religious leaders are unintelligent and prejudiced). They also should be aware that what they worship may not be the real God.
I think no one has 100% belief in God and afterlife. If they have such belief, they will not get out of the mosque or temple or kovil or church. People have fear of God at various degrees just like fear of ghost. We don’t know whether both of them exist, but precaution is better than negligence!
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gamini / March 28, 2013
S. Ahamed, Death is the most certain thing in life, while everything else is a probability. Some achieve, some do not. Then why fear death if you have done nothing wrong? It is those who have committed wrongs that should fear death. The precaution of a Religion does not save one, nor arise if one has lived a decent and an Honest Life.
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madness / March 28, 2013
All thees groups pray and fast its what they do in the meantime that is subject to opinion. not going to the mosque isn’t going to solve anything! the way forward is to increase our religious knowledge not renounce what ever little knowledge we have.
god doesn’t need your prayer brother, but you need him !
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whywhy / March 28, 2013
Ahamed,for a better start,I’ll give you an idea,try it
next time you go to mosque.After the prayer,approach
your Imam who regularly conduct prayers.Ask him whether
he’s obliged to pray five times a day like you and other
ordinary guys.He’ll proudly say “of course.”Then go to
the all important next question.If that’s the case,why
are you taking money from us for conducting prayers?
You will understand, the obligation is for us and not
them.Do not fall to their emotions filled explanations.
Truth is truth.Money involved in everything.Know this
better and you won’t miss a bus.
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Tuan Ramly / March 29, 2013
@Rahmathullah, my foolish friend, if you don’t know Sufism or don’t have knowledge about Islam, keep your stinking mouth shut. Don’t show off your idiotic empty brain!
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Maghribi / April 1, 2013
Tuan Ramly – You should explain you position in faith rather than calling your fellow human being names. Sadly, your response reflects your upbringing.
Muhammed Abdul Wahhab made every effort to purify Islam by returning Muslims to the original principles of Islam, as
exemplified by the Salaf (Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) First and Second Generation in Arabia) and rejecting what was regarded as corruptions introduced by Bid’ah (Innovation of new practices) and Shirk (Attributing Partners). Although all Muslims pray to one God, Muhammed Abdul Wahhab was keen on emphasising that no intercession with God was possible without God’s permission, which God only grants to whom He wills and only to benefit those whom He wills, certainly not the ones who invoke anything or anyone except Him, as these would never be forgiven.
The western version of Muhammed Abdul Wahhab is very popular among the enemies of Islam. That’s projected towards causing disunity among Muslims.
One is free to believe and worship their Saints as long as they are prepared to face the consequences in the day of judgement.
And lo! this your religion is one religion and I am your Lord, so keep your duty unto Me. (The Noble Quran 22:52) But they (mankind) have broken their religion among them into sects, each sect rejoicing in its tenets. (The Noble Quran 22:53) So leave them in their error till a time. (The Noble Quran 22:54)
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voldermort / March 27, 2013
First comment confirms wahabi ideology in sri lanka
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Serendip / March 27, 2013
(The article below eloquently addresses the issues raised here. I really encourage everyone to read it as presents a balanced view on the topic discussed here.)
http://www.onislam.net/english/shariah/shariah-and-humanity/faq/450513-sufism-and-wahhabism.html
Sufism and Wahhabism .
By Jasser AudaTuesday, 11 January 2011 00:00
Let us judge the actions not the labels and names Sufism and Wahhabism are very general words that people use to mean a variety of things, good and evil, from the Islamic point of view. So, I will try to clarify all the different views about them regardless of the names and labels.
Originally, Sufism (‘Tasawwuf’ in Arabic) started as an Islamic branch of knowledge that focused on spirituality and dedication to Allah. Some Sufis say that Sufism derived its name from a group of Companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) who were called “As-hab As-Suffah” . This was a group of poor Companions who were always in the Prophet’s mosque. So, they had a rough life, but very spiritual and very dedicated. Abu Hurayrah, the famous Companion and narrator of Hadith, was one of them. Sufis, according to this definition, also derived from a group of pious scholars, who used to wear rough wool (Souf), such as `Abdul-Qader Al-Jilani and Bishr Al-Hafi. These scholars were not traditional faqihs, but rather a group of dedicated preachers who always reminded their followers of Allah and the hereafter and left a memory of a simple and spiritual life.
Sufism, afterwards, evolved into an educational method, where students (called Mureedun, pl. of Mureed, i.e., a seeker) follow a certain teacher (Sheikh). The Sheikh used to train those students according to a certain educational method, called Tariqah i.e a way or method. The goal of this training was to attain a certain level of spirituality by mentioning Allah or one of his names a certain number of times, fasting for certain number of days, praying at night, reading specific chapters of the Qur’an a number of times, etc. Before a student could join a Sheikh, he had to give an oath to obey the Sheikh and maintain a very high level of brotherhood between him and the rest of the students who follow the same Sheikh.
Over the centuries, the Sufi Sheikhs started to form specific organized groups called Turuq Sufiyah based on the methods they used for spiritual education and on the loyal students. These groups, historically, contributed a great deal to the Islamic reform movements and Jihad against invading forces (examples: Al-Mahdiyun in Africa and Al-Murabitun in Andalusia, etc).
Eventually, however, numerous Sufi groups (Turuq) appeared. Today, I would classify contemporary Sufis into two categories:
1. Sufis who join Sufi groups (Turuq) to struggle in the way of purifying their souls while totally observing what is right and what is wrong in Islam, according to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). They like to call their Sufism “As-Sufiyyah Al-Muhaqqaqah” (i.e. the verified Sufism). So, they verify their educational practices in order to pray, fast, remember Allah, etc, all according to the Qur’an and authentic Hadith. For example, they say that they isolate themselves in mosques for weeks following the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) when he used to isolate himself in the cave of Hiraa’ for weeks. They mention Allah together in circles (Halaqat) and they cite relevant narrations about the Companions doing the same thing, etc.
2. Some other Sufis, who join Sufi groups (also called “Turuq Sufiah”), do not care one bit to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Their Sufi groups, for them, are gangs that they join in order to socialize, eat, smoke, and have fun in special festivals they make around the shrines of some famous Sheikhs. They say that they dance and light candles around these graveyards so that these Sheikhs would intercede between them and Allah, so that Allah answers their prayers, etc. These kinds of practices are clearly un-Islamic and clearly jeopardize the Islamic core beliefs in Allah.
The above categorization is quite dramatic, I know. But I just wanted to show the two “farthest” cases in current Sufi groups, between which there is a spectrum of other cases with a mixture of good Islamic practices as well as sinful actions. It is not true that all Sufism is evil (as Wahhabis say, I will explain below), and it is also not true that all Sufism is good because there are things that are clearly on the wrong side that many Sufis do. What counts here is the action itself. If you join a Sufi circle to remember Allah and there is nothing against the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that you do, then it is permissible in shaa’ Allah.
Let us judge the actions not the labels and names.
It is not right to label all Sufism as bid`ah (innovation -in religion), just because “the Companions never called themselves Sufis,” as some people say. Well. The Companions never called themselves faqihs, usulis (theorists in law), mufassirs (exegetes), or muhaddiths (experts in narrations). These are branches of knowledge that appeared after the second century Hijri, and so did Sufism.
Wahhabism
Wahhabism, on the other hand, is an Islamic movement that was named after Imam Muhammad ibn `Abdul-Wahhab of the 19th century. Imam Ibn `Abdul-Wahhab led a reform movement in Arabia in order to retain the pure and original form of Islam and purify it from all the innovations that the Sufis of Arabia were really committing at that time. Imam Ibn `Abdul-Wahhab followed the Hanbali school of thought, especially the opinions of Imam Ibn Taymiyah. The Wahhabi movement (now is generally called the Salafi movement) did contribute to Islam by removing a lot of mischief from the land of Arabia and, eventually, uniting it under the House of Saud (who were students of Imam Ibn `Abdul-Wahhab).
Some people mean by Wahhabism and Salafism extremism and roughness in dealing with people. But this is not necessarily true. Many Salafis are very pious and kind, while many ones are extreme and rough.
Wahhabis prefer to take the most cautious opinions about banning any shape or form of worship that was not literally attributed to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). For example, when Sufis sit in circles and mention the name of Allah as a group or read the Qur’an as a group, Wahhabis judge that these acts are sinful. These kinds of issues are actually areas of difference in opinions among scholars; and Muslims ought to tolerate each others when it comes to these issues. However, other Sufi practices (in some Sufi groups) like mixed dancing, lighting candles at certain shrines, living in the mosque and never having a job or a life, etc, are clearly forbidden.
Finally, let us judge the actions not the labels and names.
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Wuliangguobinjiu / March 27, 2013
The spread of Wahhabism is the biggest problem faced by the west. BTW tell me in the name of religion the former islamic invaders of India killed 1.5 million unarmed folk unwilling to fight in the great partition. Why because your religion is kill the none belivers and you go to heaven. Islam is foreign to SL and asia- badaudin gave you muslims the upper hand in education what have you achieved? still buying and selling.
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Jamal / March 28, 2013
“…I became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the prophet, the scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and his own mission. These, and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every trouble.” Mahatma Ghandi in YOUNG INDIA, 1924
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Iqbal / March 27, 2013
The author needs to check his census figures. Sri Lankan and Indian Tamils in Sri Lanka add up to 15.4% while Muslims (including Malay) add up to 9.7%. Sri Lanka’s population is 20 million, not 21.5 million.
Islam in Sri Lanka has witnessed a recent radicalization. Witness the number of our women who opt for the Arab Habaya and the head scarf but otherwise know little of Muslim history – be it the Umayyads, the Abbasids or Fatemids. Witness the men who now sport the Islamic beard i.e. full beard but shaven upper lip. This is an emphasis on outward appearance.
And yet, with the recent spate of attacks on our community – everyone stays mum.
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humaidhan / March 27, 2013
This article is terrible.distorting information about islam.Get Info from proper sources.
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Hade Sheriff / March 27, 2013
This article has its own agenda to confuse the SriLankan Muslims & non Muslims, there is no sects in Islam as Wahabism & Sufism, these are inventions by anti Islamists to divide the Muslims, we should not get confused by them.
Follow Islam from Quran & Hadis (Authenticated Buhary).
Saudi Arabiya is closely aligned with Mahinda Rajapaksa Buddhist should not fear, Gota & his intelligence squad will monitor, if there are armed Wahabis in the east.
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Safa / March 27, 2013
There are various practices and schools of thought in Islam. All aim to worship and bring one close to the Allmighty. In Sri Lanka the sufi school was predominant due to the influence from the asian subcontinent. Islam spread in the subcontinent due to the activities of renowned Sufis or Saints like Hadhrat Moiuddhin Chisti of Ajmer and Datah Ganj Buksh of Lahore etc. Their shrines are visited by followers even to this day.
Coming into the 20th century there has been much interaction with Saudi Arabia which is the home of Imam Abdul Wahab who preached a more fundamental form of Islam. Fundamental Islam in itself is not problematic but sometimes the actions of its followers who see themselves as a superior class of muslims and who try to impose their views by force has led to the problems mentioned in this article.
In Islam the fundamental belief is the oneness of Allmighty Allah. The worship of anything else whether man, saint or images is strictly forbidden. Yet there are deviations in the form of grave worship, saint worship etc which though not permitted have been practiced as customs and rituals. Some say you should directly relate to the Allmighty whereas others say you need a religous leader, sheik or saint as an intermediary etc.
The above article is one incident that highlights these differences. Another incident occured in Beruwala. On the whole the followers of these different schools of thought get on, and pray in the same mosque on a daily basis. These differences are prevalent in other religons as well. Example in Buddhism is the emergence of sects claiming to be Maitri Buddha. In Christainity there are sects opposing saints etc such as the protestants and catholics. So as a multireligous, multicultural society everyone has the right to practice ones beliefs as long as they do not infringe on the rights of others.
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gamini / March 27, 2013
Safa, first there were Born again Christians who found that God was not answering through the orthodox Church. So they turned to Born again Christian Churches. Then we saw the Born again Buddhists like the BBS who believe that it is not compassion and tolerance that makes a true Buddhist but one who suppress others and destroy other places of worship. Now we find the Born again Muslims who are attempting to cleanse Islam.
On the subject of Hallal I heard this story the other day. Maliban Biscuits had been approached and advised by a group of Mulims that if their product is to be marketed in the Middle East should have the Hallal logo. For which purpose the production process of Biscuits had to be looked in to. So Maliban Company had opened it’s doors for inspection to a set of Muslims and not only the certification was given, a Muslim from Kundasale had started to manufacture biscuits himself under the name and style of ‘Marm Biscuits’ and is in the export trade himself. Not bad eh!
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Native Vedda / March 28, 2013
gamini
Industrial espionage is a big business, the Chinese, Israelis and few others are very good at it.
If that is one way to remove barriers it would certainly help break up monopolies. That is of course if you believe in capitalist solutions to economic problems.
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Nabil / March 29, 2013
Gamini
This is what you heard; again you are being quite liberal with the truth. As a responsible person I would appeal to you to verify the facts before you repeat it on a forum like this.
MAAM biscuits has been in existence for over 10 years in Kandy and it is preposterous to say that MAAM stole ideas from MALIBAN. When machinery manufacturing companies sell their equipment they sell the know-how as well, and experts spend weeks teaching client staff how to bake the biscuits. This can be verified if you speak to a production manager of any company.
Are you making the ridiculous claim that the MD of MALIBAN is so naive that he would open his doors and give away the manufacturing process to an unknown party?
Try getting into their plant, saying you are from some organization and want to meet the MD and you would realize how well and professionally MALIBAN is run.
So if you imply Muslims are devious, then you are completely off the mark.
The truth is that they do not employ Muslims as a policy. Anyone is free to call their HR manager and verify.
Of course the hypocrisy of all this is that they export biscuits to the Middle East despite not employing Muslims but need Muslims for the Halal certification, because it is critical in those markets. Now that is the truth!
You can spread lies because you are full of racist hatred and you simply don’t have the maturity to check the veracity of what you hear.
I leave the readers of CT to decide for themselves.
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zafar / March 28, 2013
@safa, I quote U “as long as they do not infringe on the rights of others” Unquote – Do you mean to say it is ok for a Muslim to carry on with his/her devinat form of grave worship, saint worship etc.!!! isn’t associating partners with the Almighty Allah is an unpardonable sin?
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ishq bai / March 27, 2013
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Suleyman_Schwartz
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Bishrullah / March 27, 2013
//Schwartz contends that Israel is “historic, sacred land of the Jews … given to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob by the Almighty as their eternal home//
It prove who he is and we also can predict who BBS!
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Husni Jabir / March 27, 2013
This is a biased article. According to the author only 15000 of Sri Lankans are following real Islam and all the others are against them.
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Ashar / March 27, 2013
This article is nothing but truth. These kind of Muslims are called “Munafiqs” who existed in prophet Mohammed period mainly Jews acted as Muslims to create problem then. One thing is absolutely clear: they will crate problems that’s their main objective. Please ignore this article completely. “Jews will be Jews as opportunist till the end of the world”.
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whywhy / March 31, 2013
Nobody is authorized to issue Mumin Munafique certificates
in this world and one should understand, the world that one
lives in is fast becoming a society of all different
cultures that respect each other for a more civilized better
humans and even civilized animals.Munafiques and Mushriks
are another set of weapons of extremes caused by stupid
pseudo Mumin preachers for their own selfish ends.If money
is not spent on them they won’t even exist today.
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Dhaksha / March 27, 2013
Until we have researched into these authors, one should take what has written with a grain of salt.
There are many elements out there either pretending to be experts in Islam, or taking every opportunity to bash a religion they really hate.
However, I would advice the Sri Lankan Muslims to reject any foreign influences in their religion, and do what is best for them according to how generations of Muslims have practiced. Sri Lankan Muslims should adapt their own style of dress, colors, and reject the ones that suit other nations and climates. They should not associate with customs of other nations, and do not be influenced by what is happening in those states.
Stay unique.
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SAMEER / March 27, 2013
PLS BEFORE POINTING FINGERS TO OTHERS AS WAHABI PLS PLS PLS LOOK WHERE U R STANDING.
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Lester / March 27, 2013
This is exactly what I have said on this forum. If the whole world was Muslim, that would not be the end. Sunni Muslims would take up arms against Shia Muslims.
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Dhaksha / March 27, 2013
A load of bull. “If the whole world was Muslim”, again the attempt to fear monger, and attack the Muslims.
This troll still have not explained his claim that the 7.6 percent Muslims will take over the 70 percent Buddhist population in Sri Lanka, and become the majority. His math and his brains are way, way off, like the misinformation he spews.
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Lester / March 27, 2013
Why did Sunni Muslims fight Shia Muslims in Iraq? Why are Sunni Muslims still fighting Shia Muslims in Syria?
My maths is excellent. Perhaps you should finish the problem. 7.6% of 20 million is 1,520,000. If the Muslim population is growing three times as fast as the Sinhalese population, then 6 million Muslims compared to 14 million Sinhalese is not a far off figure. If 15000 Tamils could hold the country hostage for 30 years, we don’t need to imagine what 1 milllion Muslims together with the full support of the Ummah can do.
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Dhaksha / March 28, 2013
Your math seems to be in line with the zionist math. The idiots think being transplanted by the UN where indigenous people lived entitled them to steal lands, demolish homes, control Palestinian water, destroy their orchards (what greed and jealousy). The over 200 UN resolutions say Israel’s math is wrong. Are you taking advantage of ignorant “monkeys” to spread your scare tactics. Only an idiot will think that the 70 percent Sinhalese will be outnumbered by 7.4 percent Muslims.
You have been exposed for what you are. A paid shrill who does the bidding of his masters.
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Lester / March 28, 2013
Only an idiot will think Muslims will remain at 7.4% of the population when the average Muslim family is having 5-6 children. Too bad about Palestinians. Perhaps your brothers should not have attacked Israel in 1967. No point crying <b after losing a war.
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Native Vedda / March 28, 2013
Lester
Why did Tamils and Sinhalese fight given that both share the same DNA?
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muslim / March 27, 2013
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world,inspite of all the
criticism it receives.
Islam can and will stand on its own and will grow from strength to strength,because it has a Mighty Protector, The Almighty Allah.
,People can distort it,rebuff it, do anything against it, even though its followers are weak ,Islam will never be put down,because its Creator is the Mighty Force that props it up.
Why is that with the Jews and the anti Islam forces trying hard to destroy this religion,Islam is still gaining and is the most popular and most talked about religion in the world!!!
Advice to all muslims please do not read articles that are distorted, just pass over.
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gamini / March 27, 2013
Muslim you claim that everyone else is trying to destroy Islam. To destroy something, the entity should be in existence in the first place. If it is not in existence, then there is nothing to destroy, as it is only a figment of imagination.
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muslim / March 28, 2013
gamini
IF ISLAM IS NOT IN EXISTENCE THEN WHAT IS IT,AND HOW IS IT GROWING ALL OVER THE WORLD.SOMETHING HAS TO BE IN EXISTENCE FOR IT TO GROW AND BE KNOWN,IT IS COMMON SENSE.ISLAM WILL NEVER GET DESTROYED,I THINK IT IS BETTER FOR YOU TOO ,TO BE DREAMING.
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Citizen / March 27, 2013
Yes, it grew rapidly with the use of violence, but at the same it is vanishing rapidly. I am sorry to state that they are killing themselves daily. In Iraq alone several thousands of Muslims have converted to Christianity and so in the Western world. One should not forget that Mesopotamia will regain its past glory on various pretexts. Days are numbered for Pakistan to vanish. Kashmir will revert back to Hinduism. Israel will not tolerate its neighbors promoting terrorism. As there number of similarities between Judaism and Hinduism, Hindus all over the world will support Israel in addition to the Western democratic countries. There will be a major change within the next ten years, given the fact that democracy has been a constant failure in majority of the Islamic countries.
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Dhaksha / March 27, 2013
Here is another troll with another load of Lester like Bull. Another Israeli apologists who cannot resist bringing a well known apartheid terror state like Israel into the picture. Israel in notorious for terror groups like:
Irgun
Lehi
Haganah
JDL
Baruch Goldstein who killed 29 Muslim worshippers wounding 124, inside the Ibrahimi Mosque
in 1994.
Let’s not forget Mossad, that goes into other nations using fake passports and killing scientists and activists.
Yet as he refers Israel’s neighbors promoting terrorism, while conveniently forgetting Israel’s own ruthless terrorists.
Islamaphobes usually do not stick to facts, neither are they capable of any decency, as they shamelessly spew the propaganda they have been trained to spew.
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DODU / March 28, 2013
My dear citizen, you can dream anything in your sleep. When you gets up you find there are over 2 Billion muslim in this world at present. It is growin, growing and grooving. Hindus, Jews and BUDHIST are jealous about this. Can’t help. It will grow until the end of the world.
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Citizen / March 30, 2013
Dear DODU & Muslim, Hinduism never believes in conversion. Hinduism is philosophy, science and a way of life. Understanding Hinduism is not that easy. It is very deep like an ocean. Hinduism has tolerated a series of shocks after shocks, created by invasions both both Muslims and the West, who ruled together for about nine hundred years. The Muslim emperors used force and compelled the Hindus to convert into Islam but could not achieve their desired results. Likewise the West too was not able to convert the whole of India. Yet the glory of Hinduism persists. The culture of Hinduism continued to prevail. It was impossible to shake its greatness and root.
Hinduism is characterized by tolerance, humanity, high spiritual and flexibility to humanity because of its non-violent nature. It is not fanaticism. Hinduism never advocates conversion. The combination of all these factors contributed to its survival despite the repeated attacks by the followers of other religions. The grandeur of its philosophy established that it can stand unrivalled.
The beauty of Hinduism is that it grants absolute and complete freedom of belief and worship. Hinduism conceives the whole world as a single family that deifies the One Truth, and therefore it accepts all forms of beliefs and dismisses labels of distinct religions which would imply a division of identity. Hence Hinduism is devoid of the concepts of repostacy, heresy and blasphemy.
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muslim / March 28, 2013
Citizen I think Dodu has given you a good reply.
Yes , You better be dreaming ,because Islam is growing whether you like it or not.
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jiff / March 27, 2013
You know nothing…. This is another misleading article… If you wanna to spread the racism, this is the correct way… go ahead and spread it. This is almost same like the story being told by BBS monk in the public meeting.. “Thum paarak kela gahalai muslim minissu hotelwala kema denne” what a shame..
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Safa / March 27, 2013
It is good for us to listen to criticism in a positive way and make any changes if neccesary. Islam is not only for us but for the whole of humanity. Unfortunately if we are intolerant and behave in an extreme manner then we will prevent others from seeing the truth in Islam. So it is best to practice moderation and be careful in speaking to others without hurting their feelings.
Contrary to what has been commented, Stephen Suleyman Schwartz (born September 9, 1948) is an American Muslim journalist, columnist, and author. He has been published in a variety of media, including The Wall Street Journal.He is the executive director of the Center for Islamic Pluralism. In August 2011 he was elected as member of Folks Magazine’s Editorial Board. His background is on the traditional political left, and much of his journalism has focused on Marxism, Communism and anarchism, but Schwartz now describes himself as a libertarian.He has been a student of Sufism since the late 1960s and an adherent of the Hanafi school of Islam since 1997.He is a critic of Islamic Fundamentalism, especially the Wahhabi sect of Sunni Islam.
Irfan Al Alawi is executive cirector of the Islamic Heritage Research Foundation, international director of the Centre for Islamic Pluralism and PhD lecturer in Islamic theology and Tasawwuf.
Both are exponents of the Sufi school of thought which comes down from the great sufi mystics such as Imam Gazzali and Sheik Abdul Qadir Jailani. We are not fit to be even the dust on their feet.
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Nabil / March 27, 2013
Senguthuwan,
Everything in the internet is not gospel. Also can you spare us your stupidity? We are tired of your games. If you don’t like us please come out and say so/
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Nabil / March 31, 2013
This guy has escaped from mental assylam. Please do not listen to him.
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Shantha Ranasinghe / April 5, 2013
Nabil
man ! first you tried to tarnish Stephen Suleyman Schwartz as a Jew and therefore spreading lies and there’s no Wahabist extremism in SL. But facts go against that. Even wikileaks mention of Islamic radicalism in the East.
Now when Senguttuvan comes out with the truth about Suleyman Schwartz, that he’s a Muslim and all , all you can say is “Internet is not a gosepel and You are stupid”
It’s more than likely , either
1. You don’t want to admit the truth OR
2. Much like the Islamic fanatic Anvar Manatunga you are cahoots with the Islamic extremists slowly working against the State with the ulterior motive of Islamizing Sri Lanka
So buddy WE ARE WATCHING YOU
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Shiva / March 27, 2013
So the BBS is right after all
Lets see what Sharmini, Forum Fellows, Harim et al have to say now.
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cornucopia / March 27, 2013
What exactly is the BBS right about? Muslim extremists threatening this Buddhist land is their claim right? These internal squabbles among the poor Muslims are what the BBS is trying to save Sri Lanka from? They are actually looking out for the Muslims’ interest? Please.
The fact that the Tharikathul Mufliheen was attacked in really awful ways is a truth. That it was done purely because of their religious beliefs is also true. But the people who did this being called Wahabi is a problem. Wahabi is a term that is used mainly by those who are critiquing Islam and Muslim reformism towards accomplishing their own agenda. The authors having a hidden agenda is clear from one very crucial point in the article. In the Beruweal altercation– another unfortunate incident of intra community fighting among the Muslims, it was actually the so called Wahabis or the Tauheed mosque that was attacked by the Sufi group that was much larger in the area. This is conveniently not stated in the article that is written in a very bogus manner that portrays the sufi as good and the so called Wahabi as bad.
There are many inter communal rivalries among Muslims, and some of it, unfortunately, like this that happened during the height of the conflict in 2006-7, and incidents in Beruwela involved violence. But please be clear that these are also only two incidents involving violence and fighting (and yes, the destruction of the shrine) that the article could find within a space of 6-7 years!!
The BBS in its few months of existence can claim more damage!
If the BBS is going to save us from ourselves maybe we should welcome them. But I fear saving us Muslims is not really on their agenda.
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lionel / March 28, 2013
Beautiful! great analysis, cornucopia !
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zafar / March 28, 2013
Are these Sufi a kind of devil dancers, I am told during Haj pilgrimage a group of Lankan pilgrims instead of reciting “Thalbiya” were shouting Ha Hu Ha Hu, (some thought A R Rahman was leading a concert)other pilgrims were perplexed and when the group leader was questioned about this nonsense, he said not to make any negative comment about this practice, because no pilgrim will join his group next time!!! We find all these sacriligious practices in many parts of the Island, this is absolutely un-Islamic.
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oopla / March 27, 2013
very well articulated. thnaks very much
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Riza / March 27, 2013
The Wahhabi “INVASION” – very dramatic!
The last time I was in SL, I did not see the country teeming with Wahabi.
The authors’ intention questionable.
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Reza / March 27, 2013
Why are we being aplogist, and bending backwards to state facts. Bcos facts are stubborn
Islam Started in Arabia and the Prophet Muhammad and his diciples majority were from Peninsula of arabia so is their anything wrong to say the Main sources of Islam can be learned frommSaudia Arabia
Buddismi is from India and Spread to Our country and the Main Source is Lord Buddha so is it to state this should we be apologetic?
Judaism Originated in Palestine now Isreal and Founde Prophet Moses, Similar to Roman Catholics , Rome and The Pope. Is Irfan Alawi and the gang want us to attribute Islam main source is indo/ Pak and its leaders some Sufi Rahs. They would have forgot our native lingo, bcos we attribute to Rah to sometjing else. So we could argue buddshim should be followed according to Saudi and sharia, Hindus must take their religion from the Pope and Rome.
What a stupid arguement, about sufis Rahs and India and the pristine Islam is avalable with them etc, accept to raise communal tension further and promote racism and fish in trouble waters.
Let us allow all follow their religions from their Original Sources, Places and Leaders. Then The world wont have space for Rabble rousers who will be happy when blood is spilled in ghe Name of religion and the Devil be worshipped.
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The Prophet / March 27, 2013
muslim, get your facts right!!!
According to the CIA factbook: There are close to 1.3-1.8 Billion followers of Islam.
And according to the ISI (International Statistical Institute), there are around 1.4 Billion and it is not fastest growing religion by growth rate it is third (2.13) and by annual increase it is second around 21 million and some say it is even shrinking according to Faith Freedom because in Africa 16,000 Muslims because Christians every day.
Within the Islamic community, without a doubt it is the fastest. That also is due to the fact that followers of Islam breed like rabbit. Which happens to be an instruction given to them from ‘god’.
And for more factual information, http://wikiislam.net/wiki/Fastest_Growing_Religion
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muslim / March 29, 2013
NOT WORTH A COMMENT BECAUSE ALL YOUR FACTS ARE BULLSHIT.
CHANGE YOUR PEN NAME FIRST BECAUSE YOU MAY BE A prophet FROM YOUR
BACKSIDE.
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Senguttuvan / March 27, 2013
Safa – It is the voice of moderation and accommodation that you express that will save the day for our Muslims – now under unprecedented pressure. The belligerent and hateful language used by some Muslims in these pages against others holding a different view only illustrates their sick and convoluted minds. It is clear what is making them speak are Saudi Riyals that they are paid to attack those who comment adversely on the Wahabist Project here. It is these creatures who have brought your community to the danger you are in. If Buddhism has to be saved from the fascism of BBS and their team mates so peaceful Islam from these dangerous elements.
What is wrong in being a Jew. Is the entire Jewish race in the world bad? This logic can come only out of those with a serious mental condition.
Purely because Sufism has a Persian/Iranian origin and comes from the Shiites does not mean it is un-Islamic and should be put to the sword.
Stephen Schwartz does the readership a favour in exposing the Wahabist conspiracy in Sri Lanka. Irfan Al Alawi is a learned Islamic scholar
who fearlessly takes on the madmen of fundamentalist Islam.
Senguttuvan
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DODU / March 28, 2013
We are agains any form of terrorism and communalism. Wahhabism is the birth place of communalism and terrorism in Islam. Birth of Wahhabism is the start of terrorism which was initiated by yahudis and nasaras to make division in Islam. The first terrorist in Islamic history was Abdul WAHABI who was brought up by those enemies of Islam to make division among the then united muslim community. Our unity at that era was a great threat to the western Yahudis and Nasaras of that time. They used this Whab as a tool to make division among ourselves. They influenced him using girls and alcohols hitch is prohibited in Islam and are great sins. To get him to this level they inteprated some verses of Holy Quran the way that will influence Abdul WAHAB? WAHABIS are doing this even now. They 100% succeeded in this. Abdul WAHAB killed millions of innocent Muslims with the help of another terrorist Ibnu Saud who was power hungry. Abdul WAHAB and his terrorist demolished all Islamic monements. They even tried to demolish Our beloved Prohet’s holy Ziyaram. They killed as much as Holy Family members. Whab fulfilled Western intentions up to the letter.
Osama the Freat terrorist of our time was also a Whabi, who was created by the American to fight anti American forces in Afganistan. He and his WAHABIS are killing millions of innocent Muslims in all parts of the world. If anyone is trying to paint WAHABIS as innocent, then he too is a terrorist. Read the history of Abdul WAHAB, Ibnu Saud and Wahhabism and whow Wahhabism folorished then you will realize that they are the real terrorist and communalism. This Wahhabism is trying to spoil our younger generation in Sri Lanka. They tried to use ACJU and it is full of WAHABIS. What BBs said is correct. They tried to controll the muslim community. almighty Allah thought in other way. He used BBS, another communal, fanatic organization to destroy WAHABI dominated ACJU.
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Citizen / March 30, 2013
Dear DODU, when you have alleged that millions of Muslims were killed, how does Wahhabism become an Islamic faith within the purview of the concept of ‘religion’? How about millions of Zoroastrians being killed in Iran as a result of Muslim invasion. That is why I always maintain that any religion which which gives rise to the birth of terrorism, will eventually disappear of its own. It is utterly rubbish to call Islam is growing, and growing. If any faith has focussed on love and compassion, people will like to follow it. It is not only Wahhabism, but also BBS will eventually disappear or their promoters will have to bear the consequences of sin.
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AYMAN / March 27, 2013
“WAHABISM EXPOSED!”
Sheikh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al Wahhab
Hidaayah Islamic Foundation [ Sri Lanka ]
In the first half of the twelfth century (Hijra) the Islamic World had reached its extreme decline, degradation and utter fall. The atmosphere was very gloomy and darkness had covered all its regions. Moral degradation and corruption was rampant everywhere. As for religion it was decadent as everything else. The pure and austere monotheism (TAWHEED) of the Prophet (sal) had become corrupted with the burgeoning growth of superstition and mysticism. The mosques stood empty, unfrequented and even deserted. The ignorant multitude decked out in amulets, charms and rosaries listened to and blindly followed squalid faqeers and ecstatic dervishes. These men urged them to perform pilgrimages to the tombs of Saints and seek their intercession with Allah. As for the moral precepts ordained by the Qur’an they too were ignored as well as defied. Even the consumption of intoxicants and opium were well nigh universal. In all certainty the life had been bulldozed out of Islam, leaving behind naught but a dry husk of meaningless ritual and degrading superstition.
The period of the Pious Predecessors being already passed, innovations and superstitions cropped up and vastly mushroomed. The people went back to their old practices of idolatry. They started paying homage to shrines and graves, so much so that they even directed their devotional prayers and supplications towards the graves to the exclusion of Allah. They gave precedence to the philosophical views and taqleed (blind following) over the Sunnah. They divested Allah of His essential attributes by making false interpretations on the Qur’anic texts.
But, all praises to Allah, no generation, persistently beset with innovations and abominable Shirk was ever devoid of sincere reformers who revived the faith to its pristine purity. In such darkest hour, a voice came crying out of the vast Arabian desert, the cradle of Islam, calling the faithful back to the true path, the one and only way – the Qur’an and the Sunnah. That was the great Mujaddid and puritan reformer, the celebrated Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, who kindled a fire, which spread and engulfed the remotest corners of the Muslim World, purging Islam of its decadence and reviving the fervor of days gone by. The morning of reformation had dawned and the great re-awakening of the Islamic world had begun.
This peaceful, religious, revivalist movement of the Sheikh was obnoxious to the Turks and others for more reasons than one. They tried to crush this movement by force. They even killed some of the leaders, but could not destroy the movement outright. The movement lived on and is now growing all over the world. Everywhere in the Muslim world we are witnessing, the raising of the banner of Tawheed and the revival of the Call to the Qur’an and Sunnah.
All around the Muslim world, we see some Muslims, individually and collectively proclaiming the Call to Tawheed and the return to the Qur’an and Sunnah in the face of opposition by the ‘Saint-worshippers’, `Grave-worshippers`, `the Sufis’ and the ‘Tariqat followers’. These deviant groups all purport or make the false claim to be Ahl us Sunnah wal Jam’aah and label the true callers to The Sunnah as `Wahhabis’
In view of the ignoble and false propaganda mounted against the reformatory movement of Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abd al Wahhab and the derogatory use of the word `Wahhabi’ for the movement ant its followers, we will Insha Allah in the course of this booklet, give a short account of the important events of his life and salient features of his creed and of his works.
HIS LIFE STORY
Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abd al Wahhab ibn Sulaiman ibn Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Rashid al Tamimi was born in the year 1115 A.H.(1703 C.E.) in ‘Ayina to the north of Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the reign of Abdulla ibn Muhammad ibn Hamd ibn Muammar. He excelled over his contemporaries in intelligence and physique and was able to commit the Quran to memory by the time he was ten years old. His father found him capable of leading the congregational prayers and decided to get him married that year.
He studied the Hanbali Jurisprudence, Tafsir and Hadith from his learned father. During his childhood itself, he directed his full attention to the books on Tafsir, Hadith and Aqidah and particularly to the writings of Sheik al Islam Ibn Taimiya and Ibn al Qayyim and made a deep study of them.
He left his native town to perform the Hajj and then proceeded to Madinah. At that time Sheikh Abdullah bin Ibrahim ibn Saif belonging to the progeny of Saif Najdi was chief of the scholars of Madinah. Sheikh Muhammad acquired a good deal of knowledge from him and came to be loved and held in high esteem by his teacher. His strong stand on Thawheed and his deep concern over false beliefs and evil deeds brought about a strong bond between the Sheikh and his teacher. He was so impressed by his student that Sheikh Abdullah granted him permission of narrating well-known hadiths of two of the authorities. Firstly on the authority of Ibn Muflih reporting from Sheikh Ibn Taiymiyyah and reaching up to Imam Ahmad. Secondly on the authority of Abd al Rahman bin Rajab, reporting from Ibn al Qayyim who narrated it from his teacher Sheikh ibn Taiymiyya reaching up to Imam Ahmad. Sheikh Abdullah also authorized him to narrate all the traditions reported by Sheikh Abd al Baqi Hanbali, the chief among the great teachers of his time. He also authorised him to narrate the traditions of the Sahih of Bukhari and the traditions of the Sahih of Muslim and commentaries of both, the Sunan of Tirmidhi, Nasa’ai, Abu Dawud, Ibn Maajah, the Muwatta of Imam Malik and the Musnad of Imam Ahmad.
During this time he came to know and benefited from the knowledge of other scholars such as Ali Afendi Daghastanee, Ismaeel Ajluni and others. Then he moved on to Nejd, Basra and Syria for the purpose of acquiring further knowledge. He stayed for a long time in Basra, where he pursued his studies under a number of renowned scholars, among whom Sheikh Muhammad Majmui was most prominent. During this time he compiled and published many valuable books on the topic of innovations, superstitions and the supplication to the dead ones in the graves. He supported his treatises with manifest evidence from the Quran.
The adherents of falsehood defamed, tortured and turned him out of Basra. They also persecuted his teacher Sheikh Majmui. He left for the town of Zubair in the scorching heat of the summer and was almost dying of thirst, when Allah sent to him a man called Abu Hamidan. He found the Sheikh to be a man of learning and righteousness. So he mounted him on his animal and took him to Zubair. Sheikh Muhammad thought of going to Syria to quench his thirst for more knowledge, but soon fell short of provision and was compelled to return to Nejd. He arrived at Ahsa and stayed with the Sheikh Abdullah ibn Abd al Latiff Shafi’i and studied under him.
UN-ISLAMIC PRACTICES OF THAT TIME.
Sheikh Muhammad then went to Harimala, a village of Nejd because his father had transferred there and stayed with him. He devoted himself fully to the learning of Tafsir and Hadith, particularly the works of Skeikh ibn Taiymiyyah and Sheikh ibn Qayyim. This immensely increased his knowledge and insight and infused in his heart a spirit of determination and steadfastness. With his deep insight he could visualize all the un-Islamic notions and corrupt practices prevailing in Nejd and the countries he had visited. Even in Madinah, he saw people invoking the Prophet (sal) and making supplication to him. He decided to disseminate the True message of Islam throughout the Arabian Peninsula.
The Sheikh found that Nejd was infested with corrupt beliefs and religious practices repugnant to the fundamentals of the True Religion. There were a number of graves in the Nejd area which were attributed to some of the Companions of the Prophet (sal). People visited these graves and invoked them for help in their hour of need. In Jubila they visited the grave of Zaid ibn Khattab and seeking relief for their needs. In Manfuha, people sought mediatiothrouga male palm-tree believing that a spinster, who pays a visit to it, soon gets married.
In Dariya there was a cave which people frequented. Similarly there was grave of Dirar ibn al Azwar in the valley of Ghabira. It was the same story as in Basra and Zubair where people worship idols of the pre-Islamic period. A similar sad state of affairs prevailed in Iraq, Syria Egypt and Yemen.
He compared all these practices in the light of the Quran and the practices of the Prophet (sal) and his Companions and found them far removed from and inconsistent with the religion and spirit of Islam. This was the sorry state of affairs not only with the people of Nejd but of other places as well, in the Muslim world.
CALL FOR REVIVAL OF PURE MONOTHEISM
The Sheikh found that the people had abandoned their faith, and the more he studied their deviations, the firmer he grew in his conviction and determination that Muslims should inevitably change themselves and tread the path of the Pious Predecessors. The hadiths of Prophet (Sal) say as follows:
`You must necessarily tread the path of those who lived before you’.
`The last hour shall not come, until some of the people of my Ummah begin to worship idols.’
`Islam was born a stranger and shall return as a stranger in similar manner.’
Sheikh Muhammad had by now resolved to publicly declare unto his people that they had gone astray from the right path.
He started with his call to the people in the town of Harimala, and made it clear to them, that he called them only unto Allah. He reminded the people that everything should be for Allah alone and that they should give up their wrong beliefs and practices. This naturally led to a dispute and struggle with the people and even with his father, who had been led away by the false sayings of the deviated followers.
The Sheikh continued to pursue his cause undeterred by making speeches, writing as well as practically guiding the people. Eventually a good majority of his people accepted his views. His father and brother Sulaiman too were convinced after prolonged discussions. In the year 1153 A.H. his father Abd al Wahhab passed away.
After the death of his father the people openly accepted the call of the Sheikh and forsook their false notions. They responded to the call for a return to the Sunnah of the Prophet (sal) both in words and deeds.
During this time his town was dominated by two tribes both claiming leadership but none able to take full control and maintain justice. These tribes were in the practice of keeping slaves and indulged in every mischief and sin. When the Sheikh thought of admonishing them, they got wind of it and set upon him but were prevented by the timely action of some good people.
The Sheikh left Harimala for his native town Aiyna, where his forefathers once lived and ruled. Here he met one Uthman bin Hamd bin Muammar, to whom he explained his reformist movement based on the Quran and Sunnah. He explained the significance of Thawheed and how much the beliefs and actions of the people differed from the true path. He told Uthman that if he would uphold the cause of Allah and his word, he would soon come to the leadership in Nejd and crowned with eternal bliss.
Uthman responded readily to the Sheikh’s call. Here again the Sheikh urged the people to return to the worship of Allah only (Thawheed) and a strict adherence to the Sunnah of the Prophet (sal). The Sheikh managed to cut down trees that were being worshipped in the area. He succeeded with the help of Uthman, in bringing down the dome over the grave of Zaid ibn al Khattab. He also carried out the prescribed punishment for adultery on a woman who had confessed to it.
The Sheikh and his message came to be widely known, and his reputation spread far and wide and it also reached Sulaiman bin Muhammad bin Urai’ir, the Governor of Ahsa and the children of Khalid. This impudent and ignorant man sent a letter to Uthman bin Muammir saying, “this man who is with you is saying this and did that, and when you receive this letter slay him, if not we shall withhold your kharaj (revenue} which is with us in Ahsa.” This was a tricky situation for Uthman. To oppose Urair was too much for him. Fearing this threat and weak in his faith ibn Muammar ordered the Sheikh to be banished from his town.
The Sheikh left the town on foot escorted by a horseman through the desert in the scorching sun, with only the thought of Allah, until he reached Dariya as the guest of Abd al rahman bin Suwailim. Through ibn Suwailim most of the prominent people of Dariya came to know of the Sheikh. They visited him in secret and he explained to them the real meaning and the significance of Thawheed. Among those who visited the Sheikh were the two brothers of Prince Muhammad bin Saud. These two brothers after much discussion and tutoring by the Sheikh were enlightened. They explained to their brother prince Muhammad that Sheikh Muhammad was staying with Ibn Suwailim and that he was a blessing from Allah sent to them. They urged the prince to meet the Sheikh.
PRINCE MUHAMMED BIN SAUD ACCEPTS THE SHEIKH
Prince Muhammad accepted the suggestion and met the Sheikh. He invited the Prince to Thawheed saying that it was the message, with which all the Messengers were sent by Allah. He also drew the attention of the Prince to the polytheistic practices and notions prevalent among the people of the Nejd. He wished that the Prince should assume leadership of the Muslims. The prince acceded to the wish of the Sheikh and offered him all help and assistance to carry out his task. He also promised to adhere to the Sunnah of the Prophet (sal) to command the good and to prohibit the evil.
After the Sheikh had settled at Dariya, people began to throng to him from all sides even claiming kinship and accepting his Call. In the meantime Uthman ibn Muammar who exiled the Sheikh from his town came to know of Prince Muhammad’s acceptance of Sheikh Muhammad and his message. Now Uthman very much regretted what he had done to the Sheikh.
Uthman ibn Muammar, accompanied by a large delegation came to Dariya and called on the Sheikh to tender their apologies. They requested the Sheikh to come back with them. He replied that it depended entirely on the wish of Prince Muhammad. Prince Muhammad refused to accede to their request and Uthman and his followers went back disappointed.
SHEIKH GAINS A FOLLOWING
Now people came in large numbers to the Sheikh, seeking pure knowledge without the adulteration of fables and falsehood. He explained to them the real meaning of “La ilaaha illallah” and its significance. He stressed the importance of the negation of all false deities and the affirmation of Allah and his attributes.
The Sheikh communicated with people of other cities and invited them to accept his call and join his movement in order to eradicate Shirk and all its abominable practices.
Some accepted while others rejected and some even ridiculed him and accused him of sorcery. He continued with his mission undeterred. The opponents exerted their utmost to rally their forces to destroy this nascent movement by any or all means. Sheikh Muhammad and the Prince had no alternative but to resort to the sword to defend this movement. This war went on for many years and village after village fell to the new alliance. Some opponents voluntarily began to accept them when they realized the true nature of the movement.
All the efforts by the misguided group to rally their forces to destroy this nascent movement by any means miserably failed. After the conquest of Riyadh in 1187 A.H. the Sheikh entrusted the governing of the people to Prince Abdul Aziz bin Muhammad bin Saud and devoted his time to worship, learning and teaching. Prince Muhammad and his son Abd al Aziz always consulted him before they undertook anything and he gave his ruling. After an arduous struggle and having reached his goal he passed away in Dhul Qa’dah of 1206.
BOOKS WRITTEN BY SHEIKH MUHAMMAD
The Sheikh was the author of a number of books, prominent among them being the celebrated KITAB AL TAWHID, which needs no introduction. The other books are Kashf al Shubuhat, Thalabat al Usul, Mukhtasar al-Sal-Nabawiyyah, Mukhthasar al-Insaaf, the Sharh al-Kabir fi’l Fiqh, the Nasihat al-Muslimin bi-ahadite Khatam al-Nabiyyin, Kitab al-Kabair, Ahadith al-Fitn and several other treatises and most of them were pertaining to the topic of Tawheed.
It is mentioned in the work Unwan al-Majid that the Sheikh had many pupils amongst whom were his sons who later became eminent scholars. His four sons Hussain, Abdullah, Ali and Ibrahim established schools close to their homes and taught the young students from Dariya and other places. The fifth son had not studied under him and had died in his youth.
Some for the students who benefited from his knowledge and rose to the position of Qadis and Muftis are as follows:
Sheikh Abd al Aziz bin Abdullah al Hussein al Nasim who was a Judge in the territory of Al Washm.
Sheikh Said bin Hijji who became Judge of Hauta of Bani Tamim,
Sheikh abd al Rahman bin Nami, who became Judge of Aiyna
Ahsa, Shaikh Ahmad bin Rashid al-Uraini the Qadi of Sudair.
The most notable student was Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim bin Abdul Latiff bin Abdul Rahman bin Hassan who was the grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia.
A SUMMARY OF THE STRUGGLE OF SHEIKH MUHAMMED
Due to the Sheikh’s strong views on Tawhid he was a controversial figure throughout his life and after his death to this day. We will reproduce here some of his communications and excerpts of treatises he had written for the benefit of the readers. Here is what he wrote to al-Suwaidi one of the scholars of Iraq in reply to his letter:
“From Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab to his brother in faith Abd al-Rahman ibn Abdalla- Peace be upon you and also the Mercy and the Blessings of Allah. To continue: I am pleased to receive your letter. May Allah make you one of the leaders of the pious people and also one of the missionaries calling people to the Religion of the Chief of the Messengers. I would like to inform you that I am by the Grace of Allah a follower of the Pure Religion and not a Mubtadi(Innovator). My Creed and Religion with which I obey Allah is the same Madhab as that of the Ahl al-Sunnah wal Jama’ah and as that held by the leaders of the Muslims such as the four celebrated leaders of law and their followers till the day of resurrection.
However, I have laid emphasis on faithfulness and sincerity in following the Religion of Allah. I have asked the people not to invoke the living and the dead from among the saintly and pious people seeking help. I have also advised them to avoid committing acts of SHIRK (associating other objects in the worship of Allah) while offering devotion to Allah in such matters like slaughtering for sacrifice, making vows, trusting in anyone or in Sujood (Prostration) and such other matters which are exclusively reserved for Allah alone. None is to be taken as a partner unto Allah may he be an angel or a prophet commissioned by him. It is he alone that all the messengers from the first to the last were ordered to obey and worship. This is the Madhab followed by the Ahl al Sunnah wal Jama’ah.
I have also told the people in clear words that the first and the earliest of people who introduced acts of SHIRK were the Rafidah (Shia extremists) who invoked Ali and others, seeking help for their needs and to rid them of their afflictions.
I hold an office in my town where people listen to me and obey me. This was disliked by some of the chief magnates of the town as what I said was against their traditions. I lead the people in the stipulated prayers and induce them to pay their Zakat and to perform other acts of devotion to Allah. I forbade them to indulge in RIBA, in drinking wine and all other intoxicants. The people opposed these corrupt leaders and rose against them. This is the Thawheed I have been commanded to preach. These mischievous magnates of the town began to ascribe different kinds of fabrications to me. The mischief flared up and they attacked us with all the armies of Satan, the cavalry and the infantry. They allege that I branded all the people as `Kaafirs’ except those who follow me and that I have solemnized their marriages in a wrong and illegal manner. I wonder how a sane man can think of and say such silly things. I however, declare myself free from such calumnies in the presence of Allah. Such talks can only emanate from the mentally deranged. In short whatsoever is mentioned about me- except that I invite them to Thawheed and prohibit them from committing acts of Shirk, is absolutely false.”
MATTERS TO WHICH THE SHEIKH INVITED THE PUBLIC AND WHICH GOT HIM INTO DISPUTE WITH SOME OF THE ULEMAS:
1.Tawhid al-Ubudiya-
He explained to the people that Ibadah is nothing but exclusive obedience to Allah and compliance with His commands. This is a comprehensive term for everything that Allah loves and such words and deeds He is pleased with. The forms of Ibadah (Worship) which are to be offered to Allah alone are many, such as Salat (Prayers), Saum (Fasting), Zakat and Sadaqah, slaughtering of sacrificial animals, tawaf and invocation. He said that anyone who happens to direct any of these acts to anyone other than Allah becomes a Mushriq as Allah the Exalted says:
“ And whoever invokes (or worships) besides Allah any other ilah (god) of whom he has no proof, then his reckoning is only with his Lord. Surely Al-Kafirun (the disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah polytheists, pagans idolaters etc.) will not be successful.” Al Quran 23:117
2. Tawassul –
This means a fervent plea and is of two types: the permitted and the prohibited. The permitted one is by means of faith and righteous deeds and the Glorious Names of Allah and his attributes. The prohibited one is entreaty using the name of the Messenger, pious people and saints. Here is what Allah the Exalted says:
“O you who believe! Be mindful of your duty towards Allah and seek the means of approach and strive in His cause as much as you can so that you may be successful.” Al Quran5:35
3. Journeying to Mosques on Pilgrimage –
He asked the people not to undertake any pilgrimages to mosques other then the three mosques as given in an authentic hadith.
“Do not undertake a journey but to the three mosques – the Sacred Mosque Makkah) my mosque (Madinah) and the further Mosque (Al Aqsa).”
4. Construction over graves, covering and decorating them etc. –
The Sheikh openly declared that to construct buildings over the graves is unlawful. So is to shroud the graves with beautiful coverings and decorating them. It is prohibited to burn candles over the graves or to set up stone inscriptions. He also declared that it is illegal to have custodians and caretakers of shrines. Visiting such places tantamount to idol worship and can lead to other prohibited actions such as kissing them and going round them. He supported his statements with numerous hadiths prohibiting such constructions, visiting them and praying in them. The Shaikh quoted the hadith of Abu ‘l-Hayyaj al-Asadi whom Ali ibn Abi Talib asked:
“Should I not commission you with a duty with which the Messenger of Allah had commissioned me-to leave no statue but to crush it, and no grave raised above the surface of the ground but to level it down?”
5. Unity with respect of the Holy Names and Attributes of Allah-
On this the Sheikh held the views of the Pious Predecessors and the four celebrated teachers of law and others who held the same view, namely the affirmation and recognition of the Names and Attributes of Allah without employing Tamtheel (finding similarity with Allah’s attributes) or Takeef. (e.g. To explain how Allah does some thing).
6. Innovations-
The Sheikh very much disliked and spoke out against innovations (Bida’) especially:
1. The celebration and holding of gatherings on the Prophet’s Birthday.
2. Making Dhikr and salawath before pronouncing the Adhan.
3. Verbally pronouncing the Niyyah (intention) particularly before Takbir Tahrim.
4. Recital of a hadith of Abu Huraira before the Khatib ascends the Minbar. (Pulpit)
The Sheikh also abhorred and condemned the innovated practices of Tariqas (Orders), Tawassuf (Mysticism) and other practices which have no authority or sanction eitfrom the Messenger (sal) or from the Companion(R.A). Several Ulema had compiled works on this subject even before Sheikh Muhammad such as Ibn-Waddah, al-Turthushi and al-Shatibi on these abominable innovated practices and heretical actions.
This is a short biography of the best of reformers and the greatest of Mujahids and a renowned scholar of Islam, whom Allah blessed with deep insight. This reform movement was initiated by Sheikh Muhammad and not by Sheikh Abdul Wahhab. The correct name for this movement should have been “al-Muhammadiya” and not “al Wahhabiya”. In the light of the above facts it is left to the reader to judge whether the Sheikh initiated a new madhab or was reviving the deen of the Prophet (sal), his noble companions and their successors.
Indeed all Praise and thanks be to Allah the Exalted, who has graced us with the favor of preparing this life sketch of the Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. May Allah be merciful to him and Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Muhammad (sal) upon his family, all his noble companions and their successors until the last day.
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AYMAN / March 27, 2013
SUFISM -EXPOSED
FROM THEIR OWN SUFI SHAIKS-SIMPLY DISGUSTING
The book “Al-Ibriz” has been translated by Radke and O’Kane under the name “Pure Gold from the words Sayyidi Abd al-Aziz al-Dabbagh”. This book has been written by Al-Lamati, a student of Ad-Dabagh, who collected the sayings of his teacher Ad-Dabbagh. The Moroccan Sufi Ad-Dabbagh is considered as a great saint by the Shadhilis, Taijanis, Naqshabandis, Brawlis, Deobandis and many other Sufi sects.
The book “Al-Ibriz” is one of the most popular Sufi writing and it is one of the most shameful Sufi books as it tells that the Sufi Shaykh is always with his student, and even when his student has relation with his wife. Also the Sufi Shaykh can describe the limbs of women and others. So below are some shameful quotes from this book, that clearly oppose the Shari’ah of the noble Prophet (saw).
Shameful stories of Ad-Dabbagh witnessing relation of husband and wife and others
P 159 of English translation:
“Another of these is that one night I brought together two of my wives in a single accommodation for the night, with the excuse that one of them was hindered from spending the night in her house. Each of them bedded down for the night in her own separate bedding, and I bedded down for the night by myself in my own separate bedding. And a fourth bed in the room remained unoccupied by anyone during the night. Then my carnal soul called me to have intercourse with one of the two wives, and I had intercourse with her, thinking that the other was asleep. When I’d slept a little, I arose and had intercourse with the other one, thinking that the first one was now asleep. Afterwards when I went to visit the Shaykh – and this I did quite frequently despite the great distance- one day he began to joke with me and at a certain moment he said: “What do you (religious scholars) say about bringing together two wives in one residence and having intercourse with both of them?” I understood he was referring to what I’d done. I asked: “Oh Sayyidi, how did you known about this?” He replied: “Who do you think was sleeping in the fourth bed?”
P 161, it is written:
“Another one is that I was to marry a woman from the Zirara tribe and I didn’t know what she was like. The Shaykh described her to me in a way I (later) found to be true. He told me things about her that only God could know. Then when I’d decided on the wedding night (dukhul), he said to me: “On the wedding night I’ll be with you.” I asked him: “How will I know this, oh Sayyidi?” He replied: “I’ll give you a sign.” When I met my wife and had spoken a few words to her, suddenly her nose began to bleed. I asked her: “What happened to you?” She replied: “You stuck me in the nose.” I said nothing further since I knew our lord, the Imam, had done this. Later when I visited him and mentioned the matter to him, he said: “Yes. And if she hadn’t shed that blood from her nose, she’d have fallen ill. This is because she came from a distant place and it was a cold day. The blood in her had thickened.”
P 169, another student of Ad-Dabbagh tells the so called Karamat of Ad-Dabbagh:
“Then Sayyidi ‘Ali said: ‘Another one is that the Shaykh- Gob be pleased with him- described to me my wife from head to foot, limb by limb, the parts of her that are visible and the parts that are hidden, and his description was exactly as she is, with nothing added and nothing left out –God be pleased with him! Had I myself been charged with giving a description of her, I couldn’t have described her as well as he did- God be pleased with him! By God, had she been standing in front of him, he couldn’t have been more knowledgeable about her.”
P 170: Another so called Karamat:
“Another one is that I was a man who indulged in much amorous play with my wife and I thought up numerous variations of amorous play with her. I mentioned some of this to a close friend among the brethren and he mentioned it to the Shaykh -God be pleased with him- in a manner of someone who reproached me. At that the Shaykh –God be pleased with him- laughed and said: “He has only told you some of the things he does. There’s more than that. In fact, he does such and such, and this thing and the other!” And he told him everything I was wont to do- and this while I was listening. Now there was no person who could have revealed this to anyone, indeed nobody knew about it except God the Sublime.”
P 174, there is the story of another student:
“And another one is that Sayyidi ‘Abd al-Rahman said: “I set out with the intention of visiting the Shaykh, and when I’d seated myself in front of him, he said to me: ‘What was that you were doing Saturday night?’ I replied: ‘O Sayyidi, what do you mean?’ He said: ‘You had intercourse with your wife, but you sat your infant son on the pillow when he wouldn’t go to sleep and the lamp was on top of the chest! Or didn’t you know that I was there with you.’”
P 159:
“Another of these was that one night I was alone with one of my wives, and she was lying down. I was joking with her and at a certain moment it happened that I directed my gaze at her genitals, intentionally and on purpose. When I returned to the Shaykh on a visit -and between us there was a distance of two halting-stations- he began to joke with me. At a certain point he said: “Oh religious scholars, what do you say about gazing at a wife’s genitals?” I told him what the religious scholars say, and he asked: “Do you do such a thing?” I replied: “No, I don’t”, forgetting what had happened. He said: “Not even on such-and-such a night?” I felt ashamed and remembered what I’d done. The Shaykh got up to leave and said: “Don’t do it again! Direct your gaze toward the Ka’ba- if God is willing!”
P 160:
“Another is that I went to visit him- God be pleased with him- and he sat with me in one of the rooms of his house until it was bedtime. Then he said: “Go to sleep now!” He went downstairs and I took off my clothes and lay down. Suddenly a hand came into the bed with me and tickled my belly. I burst out laughing and he laughed as well- God be pleased with him! He was in the lower part of the house where he spent the night. But I knew he was the one who did this”
P 148:
“Another one is that the Shaykh –God be pleased with him- was eating cloves for an ailment in his chest and a pleasant aroma began to emanate from him, an aroma of cloves. I could smell this quite strongly on him, an aroma of cloves. I could smell this quite strongly on him when I was with him during the day. When he exhaled, an aroma of cloves came forth with his noble breath. Then I began to perceive this same aroma when I was at home during the night. The doors were shut and he was in his house in Ra’s al-Jinan and I live in Bi’r Naqr. The aroma began to waft over us in the room, one whiff after another, and I woke up because of this and informed my wife of it. She loved the Shaykh very dearly and likewise the Shaykh – God be pleased with him- loved her very dearly. Thereafter the matter of the aroma persisted with us for a long time, lasting for several days. Then I said to him – God be pleased with him: “Your aroma is with us at night and we can smell it very clearly. Have you been with us?” He replied: “Yes, I have.” I said to him by way of joking: “Oh Sayyidi, I’ll follow the aroma and catch hold of you.” And he replied with humor: “Then I’ll move to a different corner of the room”. Another time I mentioned the matter of the aroma to him and he replied: “That’s the (mere) sense of smell. But where’s the passion?”
On another occasion he said to me: “I never leave you night or day.” And another time he said: “Demand a reckoning from me before God –He is mighty and glorious- if I don’t watch over you five hundred times in one hour.”
And on time I said to him: “Oh Sayidi, I saw in a dream my body and your body in a single garment.” He replied: “That was a true dream.” He indicated that he never left me night or day.”
P 637 and after, and the shaykh residing in the body of the murid:
Then I said: ’They say the shaykh is with his disciple in the disciple’s body and that he resides there with him’
He replied- God be pleased wit h him: ‘That’s true. And it’s like this with the disciple because if he love is strong, he attracts the shaykh so that he’s as you indicated and the disciple’s body becomes a place where the shaykh resides. And everyone adorns his place of residence.’ Here he’s alluding to the shaykh’s influence on the disciple’s body when he resides in it.
And I heard him say—God be pleased with him: ‘If the disciple loves the shaykh with complete love, the shaykh resides with him in his body. The disciple is like a pregnant woman who carries her child. Sometimes her foetus is entirely healthy and remains in a proper condition until she gives birth. Other times the foetus is lost and nothing comes of it. And other times it falls asleep and then [eventually] wakes up. Its waking up varies. It may wake up after a month, it may wake up after a year, or it may wake up later than that. So this is the disciple’s situation if he’s pregnant with his shaykh. 1) Sometimes his love is pure, complete and uninterrupted, and so the shaykh’s affair appears in his body until God confers illumination on him. 2) Other times his love is interrupted after it had been sincere and the interruption is caused by the appearance of a barrier—we beseech God for protection from this! Then his intention toward the shaykh changes, and the shaykh’s secrets are cut off from the disciple’s body after they’d been shining upon it. 3) Other times his love halts in its progression for a short period or for one of middling length or for a long period. Then the secrets of the shaykh’s body are held back from the disciple’s body. If the love returns, the secrets return.
Comment: Do the Shadhilis Nuh Keller, Aishah Bewley, Abdesammad Clark, or other Sufis like GF Haddad, Bralwis and Deobandis can explain us if they believe that their Sufi Shaykh is present in their bedroom and his aware of their intimate relations? Also do they reject this clear opposition to the Shari’ah of Allah. Also if they can explain if it is legal to describe woman’s limbs and how could the Sufi Shaykh know them?
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cornucopia / March 27, 2013
The article is an example of Sufis bashing the reformists with the so called Wahabi label that will have a lot of international traction. I dont think we should follow the same path and start bashing the sufis. Firstly what you posted here is not representative of the entire gamut of sufism that south asia has long been famous for and gained much from. By doing this you are being no better than the people who posted the article — regardless of their fame and credentials (sorry safa). I find the article’s reference to traditional Muslims and Wahabis really troubling – now I know where the BBS got their language!! I think the BBS is actually teaching the Muslims a very valuable lesson– live and let live, and don’t be judgmental!!!
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gamini / March 28, 2013
Cornucopia and Nas, the myth that Islam is the creation of Allah is no more when in fact man is trying to interpret differently and fervent appeals are made for the Muslims to shed all differences.
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DODU / March 28, 2013
Ayman may try to paint WAHABIS as innocent, peace loving and faithful. But they are true terrorists. You take a look at any muslim country where there is problem, surely there will be WAHABIS involved in it. ABDUL WAHAB and IBNU SAUD are the GREAT TERRORISTS of WAHABISM. WAHABIS are not Muslims they are here to destroy Muslims. Just take an account about the Muslims killed by the WAHABIS. It is surely more than the number killed by any other community.
In other hand Sufis are the peace loving people. They co existed with all other communities in any parts of the world. It they who perched Islam to non Muslims and helped Islam to flourish. Haja najmuddin jisti of India, Abdul quadir jilani of Iraq, Nizamudin Owliya of Delhi are few of them. It is because of Sufis and holy prohet’s family Islam spread to Idonesia, Malaysia, China, India and to the many parts of the world. While Sufis are spreading Islam in peaceful means WAHABIS are killing innocent Muslims using sucked bombers ( which is again Haram in Islam), bombing mosques etc.etc.. This is cleaner as cristal to any human eyes. WAHABISM in Sri Lanka also tried to spread it’s poision, but Muslims in this country are more matured. They do not like BBS or WAHABIS both are same in behavings, dressings etc. etc.
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nas / March 27, 2013
This article is written from a sufi perspective. it may be confuse some people. Islam has many diverse groups. all believe in all basic tenants. there is no much different among these groups.some go into extreme interpretation
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kp / March 27, 2013
Everyone argues over whether or not there was any credence to all this.
I say to ye of feeble mind: “Eight alleged perpetrators were arrested, but were released on bail with no further consequences.” There you go. Police arrested, then let them go. No investigation, no follow up. And we’re confused as to why there are so many problems in Lanka when the law enforcement system is gone to the dogs.
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thenisrhas / March 27, 2013
Assalaamu alaikum (Peace upon you all). I take special exception to Nabil’s remark that “Islam is not open to interpretation.” BALONEY!!! We have 4 mazh-habs giving different rulings on issues of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and there are many other respected, legitimate scholars besides the 4 major imams, who are: Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam ash-Shaf3i and Imam Malik. I am NOT a Sufi, but I do respect the Sufis’ rights to believe as they see fit. There are only two sources of Islam: the Qur’an and the authentic Ahadith of Allah’s Messenger (Sal Allahu 3alaihi wasallam (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)), but as any scholar of Islam who is worth anything will tell you, the verses in the Qur’an are deep in meaning, and the Ahadith have VERY STRICT guidelines as to what is authentic and what is not. Finally, why do people condemn the use of the word “Tawheed”? EVERY Muslim has to believe in Tawheed (The Oneness and Uniqueness of Allah Almighty) in order to be a Muslim.
The BBS is laughing at the Muslim community because of all of this fitna (strife) that is going on in the Muslim community in Sri Lanka and elsewhere in the world. STOP!!! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!
From a non-Sri Lankan Muslim married to a Sri Lankan Muslim.
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Nabil / March 27, 2013
Sorry you misunderstood me. I am referring to the type of interpretation and revision as proposed by the writers. Hope this clarifies
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Lester / March 27, 2013
@ thenisrhas
If you want to know the truth about the Prophet, then read Bukhari.
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gamini / March 27, 2013
What a commotion! Contrary to claims of Religion that God is responsible for man’s existence, see the different interpretations, all man made similar to the beliefs arising again the work of man. If a God did have a hand in any Religion there would have been uniformity and not contradictions as these.
I am afraid that no one has commented on the beautiful ladies in the photograph above as all have been drawn to the Wahabi issue. Why waste film on something unseen just like belief of the unseen and end up killing each other in the name of a Religion? When will man ever grow up?
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Jamal / March 28, 2013
Gamini, yes it is a sad state of affairs. Your concerns are the same as those of us who observe this havoc but are unable to do anything about it.
Differences in this world are an essential and a necessary fact. For instance if all the human beings were to look alike there will be extreme confusion. If everything in the world was white we would not know any other colour! that will be a miserable world. Human beings predominantly, have feelings. We experience happiness sometimes and sadness sometimes. Some people are poor and some people are rich. We know the qualities of charity and we know about miserliness! If all the people were of equal status and were all endowed with wealth, we will not know what poverty is and wont be able to practice charity. Hence good people coexist with evil ones. The virtues of Mercy, Love, Charity and so on extolled by the great religious leaders are because of these various natural differences that exist. They guided us in a spiritual journey on a path avoiding the pitfalls of evil, to elevate ourselves by acts of virtue. They the founders sacrificed a lot themselves for the benefit of their brethren and generally for mankind! Hence on this spiritual path as a follower of any religion, if we are aligned to one of these founders, then we must trust them all the way! We have to follow their teachings without adding or deleting. If we differ and start a different or new set of rules, innovating the teachings of the Master, then in effect we are starting a new religion, a new way of life.
The Prophet of Islam prophesied this to happen in Islam and it is authentically reported that he said the Muslims will be split into 73 sects all of whom will end in Hell except one. On enquiry as to who would be saved, he stated that the saved sect will be those who follow his practices and those of his companions (who followed him to the very letter). Of course everyone of the 73 sects say that they are the saved ones and then the internecine strife ensues. However all is not lost since the pristine guidance is extant in the form of the Holy Book and the authentic Hadeeth. Those that live by the Quran and authentic Sunnah have nothing to fear. This then is nothing to fight for unless in defense under attack. It is a known fact in any society, one can never get 100 percent consensus. Little differences grow to larger ones when the devil drives people motivated with obstinacy pride and arrogance. These evils backed by political power can make what is right wrong! In today’s context a classic example is the BBS. What was the teachings of The Lord Buddha and what are the aims of these thugs who do not care for the noble eight-fold path!
Thus it is not the religions or their founders who should be taken to task but the wicked people themselves. Among the wicked are those who fund the misguided from shores far away as they wish the world to be chaotic for their own wicked ends. The sad thing is only a minority seem to comprehend but they have no means to set things right and remain as onlookers as their world perishes!
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gamini / March 28, 2013
Jamal I agree with you totally. If there was no disparity among humans, where all are equal and virtuous, then it can not be a Human World, but a world of Gods. Imagine if all are honest, virtuous and truthful in society, then there will not be the need for Lawyers, or for a Police force to maintain Law and Order. The disparities are such that the offspring of the same genes differ in appearance, knowledge, ability, health and life span. I do not blame someone in believing in a God for the clockwork precession as to how things work not only in the world but our Human body as well. But when I see why some are made to suffer life long, while the known Vulgar, Corrupt, Murderous are exempt I lose my belief. Instead I live according to my conscience as my Religion, doing what is universally accepted as Good and Right and refrain from doing bad. Generous to the point I can afford, to someone who is less fortunate and kind to all irrespective of Religious differences as I consider all as Humans. I believe without waiting for Providence, we have systems to correct and punish those who violate norms of good living and we all should uphold such principles over friendship and relationship to make all societies Human friendly.
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S. Ahamed / April 1, 2013
Brother Jamal, We believe that life in earth is temporary and after death only we enter permanent life. In the heaven, all will be rich and afford anything. So, are you saying that the life in heaven is going to be confusing and useless?
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Jamal / April 6, 2013
Please read my posting again, carefully, and you decide if that is what I meant!
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Ceylonese / March 28, 2013
Man will grow up at his death bed.
Information is an essential part of our lives. The code that’s in every cell, every piece of DNA and all living things. Even though we’ve made many breakthrough discoveries in science there’s still so much more to be discovered.
Programming of Life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=00vBqYDBW5s
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Shiva / March 27, 2013
I think we need to accept that
Islam (may be) Peaceful BUT Muslims are not
Can those that agree please tell us who is fighting in Iraq (NOW), who are fighting each other in every country that has a conflict.
Either it is Muslims-Muslims or Muslims-Kafir
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Nabil / March 28, 2013
Shiva,
Muslims are fighting to establish democracy. Has it occurred to you that the Ruling Family of Syria has been in power since 1970. How many elections have we had since then and how many governments have come and gone? You should lose you liberty to understand the challenges that Syrians face ousting a ruthless dictator.
If you are a Sinhalese you wont know it. I hope you have Tamil friends who might share with you what it is like to have lost everything, and have no voice in deciding what is good for them.
Your western lackeys whom you ape have been defending and propping up dictators across the Middle East. The Arab Spring is a painful birthing of Democracy and I am sure as we move ahead we will find that all is well with the Muslim.
Please don’t bring your biases to bear on an educated readership. Also note that I am commenting not as Muslim and follower as Islam. What you seem not to appreciate is that the violence is not because of Islam but because there is no civil liberty in those countries.
If you appreciate that, we would have made progress!
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Shiva / March 29, 2013
I suppose there is DEMOCRACY in Saudi and all other MUSLIM countries – oh please give me a break…
Your guys couldnt even pardon Rizana
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Nabil / March 29, 2013
Shiva,
You can have a break and your Kit-Kat for all we care! Saudi Arabia has no democracy because America is protecting them.
Since it is impossible for you to understand, let me spell it out to you. The so called Saudi Camel herders are all falling at the feet of King of the House of Saud and impaling themselves saying they don’t want democracy
Are you happy now?
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Ceylonese / March 28, 2013
The fight is to control and steal the region’s natural resources in the name of a failed system called ‘Democracy’.
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Lester / March 28, 2013
Dear Shiva,
Al-Qaeda is fighting in Iraq to overthrew the Shia government and create a Sunni caliphate with Sharia law.
Al-Qaeda is fighting in Syria to overthrew the Shia government and create a Sunni caliphate with Sharia law.
The joker Nabil is talking about fighting for “democracy” in these countries. He doesn’t mention that hundreds of thousands of Shias and thousands of Christians have left Iraq and Syria to get away from the Sunni terrorists.
Saudi Arabia (which funds global jihad worldwide) is supporting Al-Qaeda with unlimited money. Even though the USA has an alliance with Saudi Arabia, it will not punish Saudi Arabia, because the Saudis have the power to drive oil prices up, creating massive economic chaos in Western countries. That is why, even though 15 of the 19 hijackers who attacked America on September 11th, 2001 were Saudi, the USA went after Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Nabil / March 29, 2013
Lester
To you even women and children are Al Qaeda terrorists. You are happy to have a dictator as long as you can score brownie points. What does it matter if they are Shia or Sunni?
The whole world including American is asking for a ceasefire and the opposition has been recognized by most countries. We have a lone ranger supporting the King Assad.
We need lunatics as well in this forum, if not it would be boring!
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Lester / March 29, 2013
According to you, Assad (Syria) is a dicatorship, but Saudi Arabia is a democracy? That is how Sunni Muslim fanatics like you think. You cannot tolerate a peaceful Shiite nation. Assad has kept peace with Israel for more than 30 years. Assad has never attack his own people until Al Qaeda infiltrated the country. Meanwhile, your Sunni brothers in Saudi have sponsored violent terrorism all across the globe from Afghanistan to Iraq to the USA to England to Spain to Africa to Syria.
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Nabil / March 30, 2013
Lester,
According to you, “Assad (Syria) is a dicatorship, but Saudi Arabia is a democracy?”
The above is what you assume. I haven’t said it. Sorry :(
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Samuel Wijayawardene / April 5, 2013
This is not correct.
I am born buddhist and I see thing different.
There are a larger majority of good muslims. But there also minorities among them that seem to be not peaceful but begotted minded..fantatists..
This is common with Hidus in India too. There are minorities among them that practice their way of hinduism and trying to create religious disharmony.
In the same manner, we also have majority buddhists that would never harm anyone verbally, physically or any other forms. But as seen in the country today, there are also significant numbers that are now on a rise in the country with begotted mind sets.
Have we learnt to practise any forms of calamities as BBS is encouraged to do so – we got to see on the TV screens – when have we had such Monks in the history – except the fact somarama is said to be the killer of SWRD Bandaranayake.
Can any respectful buddhist listen to the speeches of those who lead the BBS ? Buddhism is a great philosophy that would never ever create disharmonies within anyone.. that is the reason why the westeners are today about to respect buddhism than any other religions.
Violence that are on their agenda – i mean of BBS are out of BUDDHISTIC views.
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