MUSLIMS OF SRI LANKA – PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

The organized forces or elements are working against the global Muslim community, in general. This is obvious from media reports. Further by virtue of Sri Lanka being isolated by the Western allies, due to many political reasons, the Muslims of Sri lanka, who are not united, are further targeted by the same forces or elements. The elements affecting the Muslims are identified below in orange boxes, at the end of the analysis. The degree of opposition or feeling of hatred varies. Not all categories can be classified under one level but all the categories has some degree of feeling of hatred. To overcome this we, the Muslims, need is Taqwa- fear and consciousness of Allah which will lead to unity and respected leadership both spiritually and socially.

The Sri Lnakans were living in harmony for centuries and still most of them want it that way but few individuals who have a set agenda are trying their best to disrupt the harmony. We have got over the three decade bloody war and in the path of recovery in an unprecedented rate. This was not foreseen and has disappointed few major countries in the world who wants to suppress and like to see Sri lanka suffering.

The communities in Sri lanka viz: Buddhists, Christians, Hindus and Muslims, even though most of them want harmony but few are against the stability of the government and trying to achieve it through harassing the minorities specially the Muslims in Sri lanka. This is due to outside influence on them and for personal materialistic gain.

Whatever the reason may be Muslims are most affected community in Sri lanka today and at the receiving end. 

The hatred wave against Muslims of Sri Lanka is not subsiding. Few irresponsible citizens of the country have demonstrated and have taken part in incidents which promotes hatred. It is still being continued. The way it is planned, programmed and executed, the common Muslims are forced to think and almost convinced that it is the work of the majority community Buddhists aided and abetted by the Government. Is this a correct conclusion or are the Muslims taken for a ride by some international force who is utilizing the Muslim community in Sri Lanka to create chaos in the country? In either way, the Muslims are affected and being pressurized. 

To arrive at a reasonable conclusion, which is instigating the unpleasant incidents, we need to list the incidents, determine the causes and arrive at more appropriate conclusions.

Following are some of the recent recorded incidents against the Muslim community, after the defeat of LTTE. 

 2012 
•    Dambulla Masjid attack 
BACKGROUND FOR THE INCIDENT
The whole country was aware, through media, of the planned mob attack on the Dambulla Masjid, on Friday, on 20th April 2012 In spite of the Police presence, a mob led by Inamaluwa Sumangala Thero, the chief Incumbent, Rangiri Rajamaha Vihare, attacked the Masjid preventing the worshippers from performing the Friday Jummah prayers. This is complete violation of peaceful living and regard or respect to the State Security Forces

Jan – Dec 2013
•    Maharagama Masjid
•    Dehiwela Masjid
•    Closure of Bhairawa outlet in Kadawatte
•    Protest in Kulliyapitiya
•    Incident at Embilipitiya
•    The Law College scene
•    Kalutara Hospital incident
•    Closure of Burgher Joint in Colombo
•    Protest in Ratnapura
•    Attack on Fashion Bug

2014
•    Attack on Masjid in Grandpass
•    Closure order of Kadawatte Masjid

Inferences resulting from above upheavals:
  
1.    Muslims felt that their freedom and security were under threat, especially after the defeat of LTTE , due to unhealthy rumor ‘Next is Muslims’
2.    LTTE war is over but its causes have not yet been fully addressed. 
3.    Foreign organizations on behalf of Western allies, operating in the country may be working toward a regime change at any cost. 
4.    Politicians could take advantage of any communal unrest for their own gains. 
5.    Present generation has never tasted peaceful living with other communities like the older generations.. 
6.    Awakening religious feelings may give rise to extremism
7.    Proper understanding of all religions, especially Islam is lacking – tolerance, peace and harmony. Most Muslims try to follow the appearance as prescribed but not the deeds as commanded.
8.    Need for more interfaith dialogue. 
9.    International wave of Islamaphobia is a barrier to religious harmony. 
10.    Utilizing our draw backs like: Show off by Muslims, Masjids located in Sinhala dominant neighborhoods, Adopting Saudi life style in the Eastern region, Over blowing of Halaal concept.

Now we will analyze and look for the reasons behind the above inferences and deduce possible solutions, both short term and long term. 

1.    Muslims felt that their freedom and security were under threat, especially after the defeat of LTTE , due to unhealthy rumor ‘Next is Muslims’

The rumor that started immediately after LTTE loosing the three decade war was that ‘the next will be Muslims’. Hence a growing suspicion among Muslims that there is a deliberate move to create chaos and enmity between Muslims and Buddhists, even though both Muslims and Buddhists have lived in harmony for ages. Hence it is very possible that these were initiated by the remnants of LTTE sympathizers, and carried out by those culprits under the false banner of majority community. This required many obviously provocative actions from Muslims too. Unfortunately the mischief makers utilized some of the new habits of Muslims like increase in black Aba’ayas among Muslim women, men in white robes with long beard and streets constructed resembling Saudi style and connecting these to rebellious group Al-Qaeda or Wahabis. This new culture is available in plenty and undue publicity is being given spoiling the minds of the majority community. These elements have set up websites and have taken full control of the Print Media too. With this mind set, provocative mails and posters were circulated through internet. Many vindictive incidents were promoted through less educated Buddhists with financial aid from these mischief makers. This is exactly the way the MOSAD manipulates their agenda. The recent incidents and the behavior of BBS is a clear indication that an invisible force is carrying out a well thought agenda to create chaos in the country. Alhamdulillah muslims will never fall into the trap and hope even the Buddhists will realize it.

Solutions

Sri Lankans should be vigilant and to be on the lookout for any suspicious behavior of any individuals or organizations. If found to bring it to the knowledge of the public and if possible to those in authority. 
Muslims to be encouraged to be involved in public service so that they will learn the modus operandi of these type of activities. We continue to publicize the good works performed by Muslims for the welfare of general public.

2.    LTTE war is over but the cause of the war have not yet been fully understood and addressed 

This requires some background to understand the why the tail end of the war is LTTE. When Sinhala language was introduced in the mid fifties, the minority Tamils was not in favour and initiated a movement against it. This was a great opportunity for those Catholics/ Christians, who failed to overthrow the Buddhist government in the early sixties, to join hands to work toward their agenda, getting foreign help but changing the course of the war to its original agenda of establishing a Catholic/Christian Government. This was very evident when LTTE assassinated many Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim leaders in a systemic manner. There were hardly any Christian was murdered. This created a vacuum in the leadership of Buddhist community but as the war took longer period than originally envisaged, a new southern family emerged as savior of Buddhism. Hence remnants of lost LTTE still alive and working in close connection with those who wants achieve their lost cause. This again reinforces the assumption that the remnants of failed LTTE is at work still.
It is very obvious in the international arena. The Tamil Diaspora is well organized and has major impact on Foreign Governments like USA, Canada, Norway. Britain, Germany, France Etc.

Solutions

The Sri Lankan expatriates, who are interested in peace and harmony in their motherland, should start exposing the hidden agenda of the LTTE remnants in both locally and abroad. Under the pretext of Human Rights the sympathizers of LTTE are rekindling the feelings and emotions of other nations and this should be nipped in the bud by exposing the reality and happiness of Tamils in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan expatriates should promote and portray the unprecedented progress made in the country after the three decade bloody war.

3.    Foreign organizations operating in the country may be working toward a regime change at any cost.

Well established foreign organizations have their offices both in Colombo and outstations especially in North and East. They operate under the umbrella of providing aid to distressed people. Most of the International organizations are apparently involved in superficial projects which look beneficial to the masses but their hidden agenda is possibly to create chaos in the country. These organizations are in fact mouthpieces of certain governments and lay the ground work required to achieve what they want. Most recently 1,500 Sri Lankans have been offered to be trained in Israel under Agrarian services. An INGO has sued Norway for some outstanding dues. Even the AIPM Co-convener Venerable Dhambara Amila Thera told a news conference recently that the sudden Anti Muslim feeling that was brewing up in the country had hand work of these international organizations.

Solutions

All nefarious activities by INGOs and NGOs should be publicized. Muslims should try to be part of these organizations to understand their hidden agenda so that Muslims are not surprised at consequences. If the Muslims know their plans they can act accordingly.

4.    Politicians could take advantage of any communal unrest for their own gains 

Those who want to get short term benefit in politics will use any reason to grasp the votes from the illiterate, emotional Buddhist villagers by playing the same record played by late SWRD Bandaranayake and JHU. Both obtained power by creating an assurance of protecting the Buddhism. , similar to what is being done presently by the Bodu Bala Sena Organization. This is the first step any one adopt to contest the general election and once they have secured few seats will moderate their policies and join the ruling party, similar to JHU. Even the Government is worried to take stern against the mischief makers of the majority community as it may fire back at the next election. Mr. Mangala Samaraweera is accusing the Government of funding the mischief makers. Hence all politicians irrespective of their party affiliation are utilizing the opportunity to gain support and votes of the majority community at the expense of disunited Muslim community. This was apparent at the last Provincial Elections. Government lost support of the people while the opposition gained.

Solutions

Muslims must be united and show solidarity with majority community irrespective of political affiliations. Knowing the way the politicians behave Muslims must realize the importance of unity and interact and show love and tolerance towards them. Should volunteer and be part of all national activities. 
5.    Present generation has never tasted peaceful living with other communities like the older generations.

It is very unfortunate that the present generation never lived in peace. We lost the feeling for each other and living in harmony after introduction of Sinhala as official language and Buddhism as the state religion. Most members of the minority communities migrated to the west after communal riots and subsequent war for separatism. This feeling escalated after Tamil Diaspora well settled in foreign countries and consolidating their resources to help the war by LTTE. Most of the present generation had their education in separate schools and had no opportunity to interact with peers of other communalities. 

Solutions

Government should reconsider area schools and not on ethnicity. All leading schools should open to all communities.  Prominent religious leaders and those in authority should be promoting peaceful living while practicing their religion. English has to be re-introduced as being promoted by the People’s Unity Forum led by Dr. Nath Amarakone

6.    Awakening religious feelings may give rise to extremism 

It is normal that with time all religion wants to propagate. Propagation cannot be done without understanding and learning of the fundamentals of the religion. This takes the followers to the initial teaching and could rise to extremism. In the case of Islam, most Muslims who were living following the old traditional Islam went to Middle East seeking employment and were exposed to fundamental Islam as preached by Prophet Mohamed Salaahu Alaihiwasallam. When these people returned back to Sri Lanka they were engaged in propagating the Islam which they learned in the Middle East and this was on the rise after eighties during the time when Tamils were in war with Sinhalese in Sri Lanka. This change in culture was not noticed, as the Sri Lankans were busy with problem of the war. Same goes to both Hinduism and Buddhism more so in Buddhism as most of the Hindus who migrated to western countries are adopting Christianity for convenience and converting their village folks to Christianity. One of the foremost mandate of BBS is to preserve and promote Buddhism in Sri Lanka as per the statement given by Ven.Kirama Wimalajothi Thera in an interview with Sunday Times and published on Sunday the 3rd Feb 2013. Now that the LTTE is defeated their eyes are on Muslims who are giving up the old cultural and traditional religion and following the Islam as mentioned in Quran and Hadeeth, to rekindle the war. BBS openly accuses Wahabism and Thauheed which should not bother Muslims as all Muslims believe in Oneness of Allah and teaching of Prophet Muhammed SAWS.

Solutions

Muslims should interact and not isolate. Segregation gives rise to inquisitiveness and animosity. Live by proper Islam and not by culture introduced by sects. Promote peace and harmony among all. 

7.    Proper understanding of all religion especially Islam is lacking 

Islam is not only a misunderstood religion among Non-Muslims but it is more so among Muslims. They take it for granted is that as a Muslim it is sufficient to follow the five principals and believe in six beliefs. This is just the bare minimum to be a believer- Muslim. The most important is to live by Islam. The Muslims are supposed to follow the Prophet in all respect not only the physical appearance but his way of life. Peaceful living, respecting each other’s right, showing mercy and helping others, greeting each other whether we know him or not, honest dealings are some of the basic requirements of Islamic way of life. But how many practice these essential gradients. Following this golden way of life was the main reason for the spread of Islam in the early days as opposed to growing hatred today.
All religion promote harmony and living in peace. This is not taught today but isolation.
The Friday sermon delivered on 28th December 2012 at Katugastota Masjid is recalled here for information. This should be the theme for all religious groups.

The following are the point form of the Sermon:
•    The origin of Human was well explained as per the Quran. Allah created Adam Alaihsallam from clay of various constituents and from him Hawa and all human beings are from same parents.
•    Unity is the base for  all human beings and should be maintained at all the time
•    Harmony among all human beings is very essential for peaceful living. Unless we have peace we cannot worship the Creator
•    Muslims to hold on to Quran and Sunnah and not to be divided.
•    In Sri Lanka there are many Muslims who have severed connections with each other even among brothers and sisters and this is not acceptable at all. He recalled the related Hadeeths. Unity begins at home.
•    Some don’t pray in adjoining Masjid which do not belong to their group creating division and this should be eradicated completely so that Muslims live in harmony and in unity.
•    The unity is not only among Muslims but around the neighborhood and village, town and country
•    Some people even do not respond to Salaam and he recalled the Hadeeth of giving Salaams to known as well as unknown again it is live and greet each other so that hatred doesn’t prevail
•    He didn’t advocate celebrating Mowlood but if such functions take place in the village or in the surrounding be part of it for the sake of unity and do not oppose creating divisions.
•    Do not be part of divisions and sects be a Muslim and be united. Our major issue is we follow our emotions and not Islam.
•    Interact with all people, irrespective of Muslims and Non Muslims, to build a healthy society.
•    Live justly and give priority to others requirements. Living to satisfy others we please Allah and it should be followed.
•    People look down upon each other resulting animosity and humiliation and this should be completely eradicated for living in harmony. He recalled the Hadeeth condemning being proud.
•    Pride and showing off is another drawback we have and should be avoided all together. This type of behavior kindles animosity among others. Humbleness is the key to success.
•    Learn to forgive one another this will remove any hatred will result in harmonious living
•    In Sri lanka we are Minority and we should respect others and learn to live together by gaining others respect. This was the basis of spreading Islam and not by sword. It is the character and attitude of Sahabaas which won the hearts of non Muslims resulting in accepting Islam
•    We must be part of the society, take part in the community events, invite the non-Muslim neighbours for your events and vice versa. It is mandatory to be part of social events but within the fold of islam.
•    We should contribute to the well being of others irrespective of religion, race or creed

Finally he insisted in following the way of life as instructed by our beloved Prophet Muhammed Salaahu Alaihiwaslaam which will provide peace and harmony.

Solutions

Live by Islam as pointed out by the Imam. This is achieved through TAQWA, fear of Allah and to please Allah in all the dealings. Conduct workshops to remind each other of proper living as practiced by the Prophet Mohamed Sallahu Alaihiwasllam and the Sahabis and never get provoked at the unwarranted accusations and remarks

8.    Not sufficient interfaith dialogue

For a country of many ethnic groups interfaith dialogue is very essential to promote harmony and understanding. Even though we have many organizations devoting it’s time to promote culture and unity but the time spent on Interfaith is not sufficient. The Media is not allocating sufficient space to promote and explain various religions. Schools based on denomination are not helping the situation on the contrary it is widening the gap.

Solutions

Increase the interfaith dialogues. Increase Radio and Television programs explaining the true Islam, specially in Sinhala Language. Have many discussions and social events. Muslim philanthropists must spend some portion of their wealth on public facilities like hospitals, bus shelters, children playgrounds, and community halls and sports stadia.

9.    The International wave  on  Islamaphobia

Keeping in line with the famous Hadeeth that Islam will spread to large number and that Muslims will be attacked as if a plate of food being eaten by hungry wolves. This is exactly what is happening to the Ummah, we are growing day by day but still we cannot stand against any of the attacks. There is an organized attack on Islam in the form setting one against other, under the pretext of war on terror Muslims being attacked, under sanctions millions of children are made to die and Muslims are harassed in all parts of the world in oe way or other. Hence it is the global order to fight the Muslims in any form possible and is commonly known as Islamaphbia. The world economy is controlled by few industries like Drugs, Pornography, Films, Alcohol, Media, Banks dealing in interest, Insurance, Fashion, Casinos, Gambling, Prostitution Etc and Islam is against all these in principle. Hence the war is on Islam and not with modern Muslims.
Solutions
Muslims must learn their religion properly and live by Islam. The earlier Muslims spread Islam through their behavior and action. Deeds should follow the teachings not only the appearance, 

10.    Utilizing our draw backs of Muslims like: lack of political leadership, Lack of spiritual leadership, Show off by Muslims, Masjids located in Sinhala neighborhood, Adopting Saudi life style in the East, Over blowing of Halaal concept, to destabilize the Muslim Community.

Political Leadership

Muslims are experts in blaming others for their shortcomings and draw backs. All the politicians want to lead the community but they lack the ability and sincerity. In theory having a party to represent Muslims was a good phenomenon keeping in line with other communal parties but after late Mr. Ashroff it has failed due to his sudden demise as he didn’t pave the way for a suitable successor. This may not be feasible now and communalism has taken deep root in many. As the Muslim members belonging to political parties are more loyal to the party than the community and none of the Muslim politicians ever issued a statement condemning the treacherous act carried out by few members of the majority community.

Solutions

Identify some capable youths and train them to be leaders. Muslim professors and teachers at the universities can identify such individuals. They should read and practice A to Z steps of Islamic leadership qualities and expect reward from Allah and Allah alone not to gain world benefit. Muslims should be in all political parties.

Spiritual Leadership

When it comes to the question of spiritual leadership, ideally it should be the president of ACJU but in reality he has failed due to not taking proper action at the time of need and not directing the community with proper spiritual advice at the time of calamity. Leadership should be independent of any division, sect or group. He was never present at all the crucial dialogues that took place between Muslims and Sinhala theologians organized by Islamic Secretariat.

Solutions

The religious leaders should be exposed to external world too. They must have knowledge based on Quran and Hadeeth and not learned from scholars who are confined to culture and particular sect. Again isolation gives rise to narrow thinking failing the purpose of life. Muslims should be ambassadors to promote Islam to non Muslims by showing how to live amicably.

Show off by Muslims

Even though 70% of the muslim community in Sri lanka are around poverty level,
few new affluent Muslims tend to brag and show off their recently acquired wealth for example, by sporting their  most expensive cars, competing with each other and having lavish lifestyles 

Solutions

Educate the Muslims with proper knowledge. Living for the sake of Allah should be the foundation. Need to promote humbleness, love, mercy and tolerance as taught in Islam.

Building Masjids in areas where Muslims live among other communities
Building Masjids is rewarding but if it causes dissension and animosity among people it should be avoided. Masjids, are required as  part and parcel of Muslim’s need, as the Muslim men have to pray five times a day, unlike other religions. Normally any Masjid built within the Muslim area, it does not create disharmony but if it is located among non-Muslim area we have to expect opposition. Not only in Sri Lanka all over world the Masjids being built and at same time there are groups who wants it destroyed. It is very common Zionist controlled coutries like USA, Canada and England. It is also alarming to note that some mushroom Masjids being built by different sects and this is causing disunity among Muslims. We must recall here a Masjid built in Medina was destroyed by Prophet Muhamed Salaahu Alaihiwasallam as it was intended to create disunity among Muslims.

Solutions

The building of Masjids should be controlled. It should follow certain predetermined criteria such as locality, parking, environment and distance from the closest Masjid. Administration too should be regulated. Calling for prayer and delivering Friday sermons, using loudspeakers in the Masjids, to be minimized. The architecture of the building should be pleasing and the height of the Minaret to be specified.

Middle East Influence in Sri Lanka

Many Sri Lankans including Muslims ventured out to Middle East for employment but Muslims brought back with them their culture thinking it is part of Islam. Unfortunately this has given rise to animosity among the majority community. It is very obvious in the East. The roads are built with palm trees on the island and the shops carry the names in Arabic language. These are all very provocative and do not promote harmony among the majority community.

Solutions

 Good to be affluent but not at the expense of the community. Those who are exposed to Middle Eastern culture should not try to impose such foreign culture to their folks. This upsets the balance in the neighbourhood and among other communities. Learn to keep the affluence within them. 

Halaal Certification

Halaal certification is one of the modes to increase export especially to Muslim countries or even to countries where Muslims are living. Thailand being a Buddhist country has its own Halaal certification Authority to cater for world trade and growing Muslim tourists. It has nothing to do with the notion of forcing non Muslims to consume Halaal products. It is for the Muslims to purchase from non Muslim outlets. This is being blown out of proportion by those who want to create chaos in the country. Recently Canada has passed a law that all Halaal Certified products produced in the country or imported into the country should be authenticated by an approved authority to avoid any imposter or  not genuine certification.

Solution

Muslims will never consume any food items unless it is Halaal.  This is applicable both locally and globally.  The certification was only easing the way to identify any Halaal consumable item. As the issuance of Halaal Certificate is creating disunity and animosity among Sri Lankans, ACJU has suspended the issuance of any Halaal certificate and being carried out by a public organization controlled by the Government.

Conclusion

It seems very obvious that the remnants of defeated LTTE, in conjunction with foreign organizations, using some opportunists from the majority community have initiated the rekindling of racism. Both Buddhists and Muslims should not fall into the trap and continue to live in harmony, as propagated in their respective religion. The Government should take a stern stand in curtailing the irresponsible behavior of few unruly citizens and closely monitor the foreign influence in Sri Lanka, otherwise it will backfire on the government as seen from the last Provincial Elections. The majority community through their temples should promote peaceful living and condemn any hate campaign. ACJU should direct the Imaams to have Friday Sermons addressing the need of the hour, to live in peace with other communities of Sri Lanka.