Islam
A monument to spiritual development of Muslims
B. M. Mukthar - Beruwala special corr.
The 'Dharga' at Dharga Town where His Holiness Asseikhu Hassan Ibunu
Uthumanul Mahdoomi (Ral) was enshrined stands as a monument to the
spiritual development of the Muslims especially of the down south.
Consequently devotees in their hundreds pay visits to the shrine of this
great saint who was affectionately known as Alim Sahib Appa (religious
scholar) by the disciples and the devotees.
The annual grand feast is held this week at this Dharga that was
initiated by Alim Sahib Appa two centuries back.
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The
‘Dharga’ at Dharga Town |
Our great saint Alim Sahib Appa was born in Jambugoda, Galle in 1785
(Hijri 1200) to Assrikhu Usman Al Mahdoomiyi and Fathima Siddeekiyya.
Unfortunately mother of this wonderful child, Fathima Siddeekiyya passed
away before he became a child.
This spiritual leader joined a famous Madrasa in Kayalpatnam in South
India to go furtherance in his spiritual studies under his Holiness
Allama Asseikh Abdul Cadir Naina Lebbe Alim one of the best scholars in
South India at that time.
After having conferred Al-Alim to this saint he returned to his
motherland. He toiled very hard to uplift the standard of the Muslim
community not only spiritually but also morally, socially and
economically. On his return to the island he was appointed as the
Katheeb of Fort Mosque in Galle.
His leisure hours were used for meditation, recitals and prayers.
Sometimes he prayed throughout many nights.
He never cared about his physical conditions above all he possessed
the sterling qualities of being a humble, innovative, truthful figure in
the society until he became closer to Almighty Allah.
As he realised his responsibilities to his community he travelled
every nook and corner of the island to serve his fellowmen especially
underprivileged. His miracles had a vigilant power to attract even non
Muslims too towards Islam. Apart from loving Allah he loved Hilr (Alai)
and Mohamed (Sal) than his life.
Hassan (Rali) which is the name given by his parents to this saint
attained "Kilafath" through his Holiness Ahamed Ibunu Abdillah
Ibunusseikhu Ba Fakeeh Ba Alayiyi (Rali) on the instruction of Hilr (Alaihi).
Later Hassan (Rali) was appointed by the latter to organize and guide
the followers of the four major sects (Thareekas) of this island.
Generations of this saint are the direct descendants of Aboobucker
Siddeek (Rali) second Kaleefa of Islam. He attempted throughout his life
to preach and practise what prophet Mohamed (Sal) preached to the human
society, thus he came very closer to Almighty Allah.
As we heard most of the saints enshrined in Sri Lankan soil had
sailed from foreign countries, but Asseikhu Hassan Ibunu Uthumanul
Mahdoomi (Rali) has a pride of place among the Moors of Sri Lanka as
this saint inherited from the Moors society.
He settled in temporarily in so many places of Sri Lanka such as
Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Kandy, Mawanella, Ganetenne, Hingula,
Colombo, Kalutara, Maggona, Beruwala and Dharga Town to serve and guide
the community in the correct path. He was in forefront to solve the
problems and disputes that arose among Muslims and was respected even by
non Muslims too for his simplicity, kindness, generosity, piety and
hospitality.
During the later part of his life he had a miraculous feeling that
his death was approaching very closer and divulged this secret to his
disciples. Similarly he forecast the date and the day of his own son's
death.
"Mashakish Ratheeb" is one of the events initiated by this great
pontiff is being recited on every Friday night at this Dharga even
to-day where hundreds of devotees assembles to grace the occasion.
Eventually Alim Sahib Appa passed away answering the call of almighty
Allah in 1866 at the age of 83. Generations after generations will
remember the services rendered by this great pontiff throughout their
lives.
'Barak Hussain Obama, Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X-Ali Shabbaz'
M. B. M. Mahir
Islam's approach to caste, creed and colour was well exhibited in the
declaration of the Rights of the Muslims in particular and humanity in
general, In the address of Prophet Muhammad at the Mount of Arafat
wherein the Prophet declared he has buried all differences among men
regarding superiority in the form of race, colour and class.
Yet it is an interesting fact in Islamic history that a Negro Black
Muslim Hazrath Bilal (Rali) was appointed the first Muezzin (a caller
for prayer) of Islam and Hazrath Bilal's supremacy was further related
by the Prophet (sal) when once while the Prophet (sal) was having a
stroll in the heavens he heard the footsteps of someone who was
following him. He turned round to see who it was and found Hazrath Bilal
himself. This narration shows the importance of Hazrath Bilal amongst
the 'sahabas' - his friends.
The Afro-American community in the United States of America has over
a period of time transcended itself into an important one and emerging
amongst them were prominent leaders who excelled in different forms of
activities and brought fame and name to the Community and country. One
amongst them is Muhammadh Ali (Cassius Clay) who being an Afro-American
was a world famous boxer who chose to work for Islam and Muslims. He has
initiated a lot of projects that benefited the community and Muslims at
large.
In the year 1975 the then New York Mayor, Beame held a party in
honour of Muhammad Ali in Manhattan N. Y. On a visit the writer who was
attached to the Islamic Centre there, had the rare opportunity of
meeting and conversing with Muhammad Ali and was attracted by his
dedication and devotion towards Islam and Muslims world over. While
visiting the Harlem area where mostly Black Muslims lived, the writer
observed the fraternity that is prevalent and equality that is prominent
amongst them. The daily hubbub of their affairs centred around the
theory that "Black is Beautiful" yet, no enmity or hatredness prevailed.
It was relevant that American nationalism reigned supreme in them.
The late Christian leader Dr. Martin Luther King had immense
influence with the Afro-American community, both Black and White felt
the vacuum created by his untimely death.
Another important leader of the Black Muslims must be mentioned here.
Ali Shabbaz popularly known as Malcolm X, who indicated that the X in
his name means that he has exerted all his efforts to be an ex person
who has sacrificed all his comforts and conveniences to serve Islam and
Muslims and become Ali Shabbaz. His service to his community has been
admired and appreciated by all. Yet he fell a victim of beaucracy of the
few and was assassinated. His memory still lingers powerfully amongst
his community. He changed his life for Islam.
Barak Hussain Obama is the beacon light of this Millennium. His
ascension to power has been welcomed by all and sundry. It was a story
of "Black cabin to White House" following in the line of Abraham Lincoln
who rose to presidency from the log cabin.
The Barak in Obama's name means blessing, and indeed it is a blessing
for humanity, that he has been chosen at a time when mankind's efforts
have gone to the lowest ebb and the Arabic word Barak indicated the
importance of a blessed person to lead his country and to guide the
destinies of the world.
The Hussain in Obama's name conveys a strong affliction and
attachment with the Muslim Ummath. Imam Hussain, the grandson of the
Holy Prophet of Islam sacrificed his life for the sake of establishing
Democracy. Imam Hussain's dear followers are still prominent in Iran and
Iraq, not forgetting the entirety of the Muslim world.
The Obama in his name bears testimony to the Kenyan connection where
he was born. His half brother and others living there, follow their
faith in accordance with their system. Leaving Kenya in his early
childhood and a stay of a short period in Indonesia, world's most Muslim
populated country, Obama settled down in the United States of America.
Being a people conscious person he was able to establish closer contacts
with the community and thus became a Senator and thence he never looked
back until he was chosen as the man of the moment and to the highest
position in his country.
Claims have been made of his Palestinian connection Abdul Rahman
Sheikh Abdullah, a local council member of the Beduin tribe claims that
it originated from his 95 year old mother that Obama bears resemblance
of African migrant workers once employed by the sheiks in British
mandate Palestine in the 1930s.
To be continued
Islam as a scientific religion
Male circumcision in Islam and its Medical
significance:
Kalabooshana M. Y. M. Meeadh
In Islam, health and medical care are closely related to certain
practices among men and women. Just as hair is removed from Armpit and
the private parts for health reason, circumcision too is done for the
same health reason in Islam.
It is generally held among Muslims that late Prophet Ibrahim (Alaihissalam)
initiated the practice of circumcision. But, some cave paintings reveal
that the practice of circumcision is at least 5,000 years old. According
to such evidences, the Egyptians were mostly the first to be circumcised
and this custom was practised as a ritual by a large number of people in
Asia, Africa, America and some other countries. In the modern time too,
in certain parts of Africa the medical practice of circumcision is being
performed as a manhood initiation rite, being regarded as a prior
condition for mating and marriage, and only after it is done, he is
accorded the prerogatives of manhood.
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Kerbala stronghold of Revolution Imam
Hussein (Rali-Anhu) Lord of the Martyrs. Date of Birth: 3
Sha’ban - 4 A.H. (626 A.D.), Place of Birth: Holy City of
Madina. Father: Imam Ali (Rali - Anhu), Mother: Fathima
al-Zahra (Rali-Anha), Date of Martyrdom: 10 Muharram, 61
A.H.
Picture by H.M. Mansoor Kandy Central Group Corr. |
Circumcision is not a novelty in Islam. It was practised by the
followers of other religions too.
It is quite known to the world that in Southern Italy, a special
holiday is observed on first of January the Feast of Circumcision, a
festival of the Church in honour of circumcision of Eesa (Alaihissalam)
- Jesus Christ. It has been recently known to the public that among the
Christian churches, The Abyssinian Church presently stands alone among
Christian bodies recognising circumcision as a religious rite.
In fact it must be pointed out that circumcision is done either for
initiation or for medical reason. As far as the Jews are concerned, they
perform this practice as an initiation rite on the seventh day after
birth, while Muslims follow this procedure usually any time prior to
puberty.
As far as Islam is concerned, the image of circumcision is considered
to be a metaphor for purity and hygiene while it is recognised as a
sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sal).
In spite of the fact that Jesus Christ or Eesa (Alaihissalam) was
circumcised, St. Paul was opposed to the practice of circumcision.
However, the modern Christian world has accepted circumcision on
medical and hygienic grounds.
Sexual favours in exchange for drugs such as crack in USA have been
correlated with gonorrhoea, syphilis and chancroid.
Condoms give protection against C. trachomatous and N. Gonorrhoea but
only partial protection against herpes simplex virus and human papilloma
virus which can invade stratified squamous epithelium". (Dr. E. Kazim)
Further, the new sexually transmitted diseases cause enteritis or
proctitis in gaymales (the gay syndrome) The enteric bacterial pathogens
are (a) shigella (dysentery type 1, flexneri, boydii, sonnei). (b)
Salmonella. (Cholera suis, typhi, enteritidis which contains about 2,000
serotypes including typhimurium, paraptyphi A. B. C.). Like shigellosis
spread of Salmonella between the male sexual partners is promoted by the
practice of anilingus and of fellatio after anal intercourse (c)
campylobacter fetus, jejuni, coli and laridis.
Lately, a group of similar bacteria designated "Campy lobacter -
like" organisms have been found to cause diarrhoea in male homosexuals.
Campylobacter cinnaedi (Formerly CLO type 1) and (Fenneliae (for merly
CLO type 2) are the most common isolates from patients with gay bowel
syndrome.
Lack of circumcision has been correlated with chancroid, syphilis,
genital herpes, gonorrhoea, penile warts and penile cancer candidal and
non-specific balanitis, HIV infection urinary tract infactions in male
infants.
The incidence of penile cancer in the USA is nearly zero among the
circumcised and 2.2 per 100,000 among uncircumcised.
During the past two decades, only 3 cases of penile cancer have been
reported in men who have circumcised as new borns in USA. Thus, Islamic
system of circumcision is a medical remedy to patients of AIDS.
Courtesy Dr. E. Kazim's research.
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Malaysian Government is
Assisting Sri Lankan Muslim widows and poverty stricken
families from remote villages. Here Malaysian High
Commissioner in Sri Lanka Rosli Ismail, Muslim Association’s
president handing over cheque each fifty thousand rupees.
Picture by Ashraff A. Samad Dehiwela - Mt. Lavania Sp. Corr.
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All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama
organised a public meeting to condemn the Israeli attack on
Gaza at the Abdul Gafoor Hall, Zahira College, Colombo
recently. Here, Western Province Governor Ash Seyed Alavi
Mowlana addressing the gathering. Presidential Advisor A. H.
M. Azwer, Shafeek Rajabdeen MP, President’s Islamic
Religious Affairs, Coordinator Al Haj. Niyas Moulavi and
Palestine Ambassador in Colombo are also in the picture.
Picture by Ruzaik Farook |
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An Islamic lecture was held at the
Marine Grand Reception Hall, Colombo recently. Here, eminent
Islamic scholar Sheik Hisham Kabbani addressing the
gathering. Western Province Governor Ash Seyed Alavi Mowlana,
Kaleefa, Naqshabandiya Sri Lanka Al Haj Izzath Nilar and Ali
El Seyed are also in the picture. Picture by Ruzaik Farook |
Fasiya Jumma Masque, celebrated its
117th Mahakib Thamam Majlis at the Masque recently. Here
Moulavi Hafil H.A. Abdul Quadar Alim (Mahlari) addressing
the gathering. Western province Governor. As Seyed Alavi
Mowlana is also there. Picture - B.M. Mukthar Beruwala Sp.
Corr. |
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