ACJU ‘strongly opposes’ changes to Muslim Personal Law

The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), a Muslim clerics’ association in Sri Lanka, says it strongly opposes bringing changes in the Muslim Personal Law either due to international pressures or stimulation of any “evil forces” acting against the Muslims.
    
Issuing a statement to the media, the organization said that Muslim Personal Law has been followed by the Muslim community in Sri Lanka for centuries and that it is the duty of every one to protect these laws which has been implemented since a long period until today.

“The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama strongly opposes bringing changes in the Muslim Personal Law either due to international pressures or stimulation of any evil forces acting against the Muslims.”

The ACJU says there is no difference in opinion to bring certain changes according to the present situation within the Shari’ah compliance. 

As a part of this, in 2009, a sub-committee was appointed, under the leadership of former Supreme Court Judge Saleem Marsoof, to propose amendments to the Muslim Personal Law and the final report of the sub-committee is about to be released.

“At this juncture, we wish to clearly state to the Government that due to any international pressures, it is not appropriate to appoint a new committee to bring amendments to the Muslim Personal Law,” the statement said.

To ensure that the amendments to the Muslim Personal Law are in accordance to the Islamic teachings, the Muslim religious scholars, professionals and the Muslim Parliamentarians should be actively engaged in the necessary activities, it said. 

The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama says it has also collaborated with the concerned parties in carrying out the needful.

“Islam is a religion that encourages social reconciliation and coexistence. Islam teaches us to adopt a soft approach while rectifying evils. While taking measures to safeguard the rights, the Muslim community, should stand within the Islamic guidelines.”

“Failing to adhere to the teachings of Islam with regard to speech and displaying of high moral character, we will be guilty of not conveying the correct understanding of Islam to others.” 

“The ACJU strongly condemns such practices and wishes to point out that these types of extreme behaviors might lead the way towards encouraging the extremists’ programs.”

The organization also stressed that the extremist activities of some people should not be taken as an example of the whole community. 

The ACJU urged the Government and all others to work towards the continuity of the unity and coexistence which the communities have been enjoying for many years in Sri Lanka.