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Islam

A monument to spiritual development of Muslims

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.

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'

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:

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.

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.
 


 

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. 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
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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