Published on 04.09.2014 Hijiri date 08.11.1435 Reg. number ACJU/MS/002/2014
Nowadays in the media we more often notice about the activities of IS dominating the headlines. This group previously known as ISIS, proclaims to have established an Islamic rule over some parts of Iraq and Syria which have been captured by them.
The vast majority of Islamic Scholars and Islamic Movements of the world have condemned such a proclamation stating that, it violates the values of Islam. We hear through the media that, the amount of extremism and outright brutal assassinations committed by the group, are increasing day by day. If such stories are deemed to be true, an average Muslim could simply realize that such atrocities do not represent Islam.
Their sincerity and ideology appears to be vague till this day. The news about them appears to be heard constantly only via mainstream media, while neither a direct perception of them, nor any information via their official media outlets are heard of. Apparently, when one views this group, it raises many concerns that whether any hands of Anti-Islamic elements are behind this, in order to ridicule Islam and Muslims.
It is worth to note that during the early days when news about this group was beginning to surface the media, on 06th of July 2014 (during the initial period of the last Ramadan), the President of ACJU, Ash sheikh. M.I.M. Rizwe Mufti had made a statement via the Muslim Service of Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, criticizing their stances. Local scholars have condemned them in many of their sermons, similarly it was decided to release a statement about IS, during the Executive Board meeting of the ACJU that took place on 23rd of August 2014. Also it is significant to remind that the Islamic Scholars and Islamic Bodies of the world are constantly expressing cautions about this group.
Presuming the fore mentioned stories about the group are true, the ACJU vehemently condemns the group that claims itself as IS, and all its activities which misrepresents Islam.
ACJU requests all groups that function in the name of Islam to bear in mind that Islam stimulates esteemed qualities such as kindness, compassion, humanity, and respect and protection of fellow human beings.
Further, ACJU requests the Muslims of Sri Lanka to be cautious about IS, and to refrain from spreading messages about them.
Ash Sheikh M.F.M. Fazil,
Secretary – Media Unit
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama
http://www.acju.lk/press-release/islamic-state/