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AL-ITQĀN
JOURNAL OF ISLAMIC SCIENCES AND COMPARATIVE STUDIES
December 2023
Special Issue. 5
Volume: 8
EDITOR IN-CHIEF
Dr. Wan Mohd Azam Mohd Amin
MANAGING EDITOR
Dr. Masitoh Ahmad
EDITORIAL BOARD
Dr. Syed Arabi Aidid, IIUM.
Dr. Kamaruzaman Yusuff, Universiti Malaya,
Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur.
Dr. Mumtaz Ali, IIUM.
Dr. Noor Amali Mohd Daud, IIUM.
Dr. Adibah Abdul Rahim, IIUM.
Dr. Haslina Ibrahim, IIUM.
Dr. Siti Akmar, Universiti Institut Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam
Dr. Thameem Ushama, IIUM.
Dr. Che Zarrina Saari, Universiti Malaya
Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur
INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
Dr. Muhammad Afifi al-Akiti, Oxford University, UK
Dr. Abdullah M. al-Syarqawi, Cairo University, Egypt.
Dr. Abdul Kabir Hussain Solihu, Kwara State University, Nigeria.
Dr. Anis Ahmad, Riphah International University, Islamabad.
Dr. ASM Shihabuddin, Uttara University, Dhakka, Bangladesh.
Dr. Ibrahim M. Zein, Qatar Foundation, Qatar.
Dr. Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA),
Brunei Darul Salam
© 2017 IIUM Press, International Islamic University Malaysia. All rights reserved.
eISSN:26008432
Correspondence
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Research Management Centre, RMC
International Islamic University Malaysia
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Table of Contents
An Analysis of Hamka’s Selected Historical Works
Hafiz Zakariya
6-19
HAMKA’s Discourse on Sufism in the “Verse of Light”
Abdul Salam Muhamad Shukri
20-38
HAMKA's Approach in Dealing with the Orphans in Tafsir al-Azhar: A
Comparative Study with the Current Issues and Implementations in Malaysia
Raudlotul Firdaus Fatah Yasin
Diki Dermawan
39-64
Hamka on Chastity and Its Importance in Preserving Muslim Identity: An
Analysis Noor Amali Mohd Daud
65-79
Hamka’s Contribution to the Field of Anthropology: Another Perspective on
Hamka’s Work Alexander Stark
Khairul Hisyam Baharuddin
81-95
Hamka on His Concept of Healthy Soul in Muhammadiyah Organization: A
Study Towards the Book Of “Pedoman Hidup Islami Warga Muhammadiyah”
Muhamad Nurrosyid Huda Setiawan
Kholid Karomi
97-108
Role of the National Shūrā Council (NSC) in Establishing Religious Coexistence
in Sri Lanka
MR Fathima Afra
Thameem Ushama
109-130
Al-Faruqi’s Concept of Tawḥīd and Its Relevance to Madani’s Idea in Addressing
the Issue of Racism in Malaysia Ruqayya Azhari
Che Amnah Bahari
131-156
Buddhist’s Kalyāṇamitta and Ṣūfi’s Shaykh-Murid: A Comparative
Exploration of Spiritual Mentorship in Buddhism and Islam
Nur Suriya Mohd Nor
Mohamed Ashath
157-169
Zeenath Kausar’s Views on Women’s Empowerment from an Islamic Perspective
Shehzadi Madiha
Nadzrah Ahmad
171-185
An Insight into Al-Qaraḍāwī’s Approach to Methodology of Daʿwah
Khalid Ishola Bello
187-204
HAMKA’S Concept of Islamic Literature
Muhammad Anwar Ahmad
205-214
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AL-ITQĀN
Vol. No. 8, Special Issue No. 5, December 2023, 109-132
Copyright © IIUM Press
eISSN 2600-8432
Role of the National Shūrā Council (NSC) in establishing
religious coexistence in Sri Lanka
MR Fathima Afra*
Thameem Ushama**
Abstract
Sri Lanka is a multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and multicultural country. The
Buddhists form the ethnic majority group, while Hindus, Muslims, and
Christians are minority groups. The records show that Muslims have a long
history of peaceful coexistence with other ethnic groups in Sri Lanka.
However, after the civil war ended in 2009, hostilities against Muslim
groups increased. Islamic organisations in Sri Lanka are accused of
promoting religious extremism and threatening religious harmony.
Following the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019, Muslim and Islamic
organisations were suspended. In light of these recent events, this research
focuses on the role of the National Shoora Council in fostering religious
coexistence in Sri Lanka and tries to identify the existing challenges. This is
a qualitative study that relies on primary and secondary data. Interviews
were conducted with the National Shūrā Council representatives for
primary data collection.
Keywords: Religious Coexistence, National Shūrā Council, Islamic
Organization, Sri Lanka.
Introduction
The National Shoora Council is an advisory entity consisting of multiple
Muslim organisations and people. Its establishment aims to proactively
tackle the existing difficulties encountered by the Muslim community in
Sri Lanka. Decisions and opinions adopted by the National Shoora
Council (NSC) are the result of a comprehensive process of consultation
and deliberation among its members and pertinent stakeholders. The
National Shoora Council is a collective agreement among various
Muslim organisations, movements, notable individuals, and regional
* M.R Fatima Afra is a lecturer at South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka.
Email. afrarazak@seu.ac.Ik
** Corresponding author and a Professor at the Department of Usul al-Din and
Comparative Religion, AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed
Knowledge and Human Sciences, and ISTAC, International Islamic University
Malaysia. Email: thameem @iium. edu. my
Al-Itqān, Volume 8, Special Issue No 5, December 2023 112
representatives in Sri Lanka. Their actions and decisions are influenced
by the teachings of the Qur'an and the Sunnah while adhering to the
legal framework of Sri Lanka.
1
Additionally, the National Shura Council (NSC) is an autonomous entity
dedicated to advancing consultation, collaboration, and coordination
among the Muslim populace, both within the Muslim community itself
and in conjunction with other communities in Sri Lanka. Its primary
objective is to serve the interests of Allah. The organisation in question
is a comprehensive and inclusive entity comprising individuals from
many social and cultural origins within the Muslim community in Sri
Lanka. It aims to represent and include the wide range of perspectives,
practices, and ideologies prevalent among its members on a national
scale. The governing body in question will derive its policies and
decisions from the principle of shura, which entails seeking consensus
and striving to achieve the highest feasible level of collective agreement.
The entity in question is an officially established organisation that
operates under a framework of representation and mechanisms for
ensuring responsibility. The entity above aims to leverage the expertise
and specialised abilities of individuals, as well as the collective
capabilities of organised entities, in order to effectively address the
significant problems involved in advocating for and defending the rights,
responsibilities, and obligations of the Muslim community in Sri Lanka.
The entity, as mentioned earlier, aims to leverage the expertise and
specialised abilities of people, as well as the collective capabilities of
organised groups, in order to effectively address the significant obstacles
associated with advocating for and defending the rights, responsibilities,
and obligations of the Muslim community in Sri Lanka.
The NSC is an independent collective entity that promotes
conversation, cooperation, and coordination across all ethnicities in Sri
Lanka. It represents all Muslim groups from all social and cultural
backgrounds, schools of thought, and practices. The Arabic term shūrā
in its name is intentional, as the word means 'mutual consultation' and
refers to the democratic process of exchanging ideas and discussion
before decision-making.
Buddhist national organisations, including Bodu Bala Sena (BBS),
had emerged and begun to organise radical anti-Muslim campaigns, such
as the anti-halal problem, the Muslim female dress code, and attacks on
1
NSC, “About Us-NSC,” n.d., https://nationalshoora.org/about-us/.
113 Role of the National Shurā Council (NSC) – MR. Fathima Afra & Thameem Ushama
religious worship venues. As All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU)
could not stand alone to face BBS's charges and was subjected to
widespread criticism from the Muslim community, it was decided to
establish NSC to represent Muslim interests in Sri Lanka better. Also, it
was believed that religious scholarship alone could not offer the right
approach to prevent further conflicts. Therefore, it is a collaborative
body that represents Muslim scholars, thinkers, civil organisations, and
Islamic revivalist movements in a united front.
Following the formation of the NSC, a subcommittee was formed to
develop a strategic approach to focus on the current situation and
overcome the present challenges, considering the precarious situation of
the Muslim minority community confronted with an increasingly
aggressive and militant Buddhist movement.
The NSC developed the Leadership and Coexistence subcommittee
to find and propose feasible solutions to the local Muslim community's
problems, suffering from a collective leadership dissonance among the
numerous Muslim organisations and groups. First, it questioned the
recent trend of 'purposeful isolation' of the Sri Lankan Muslims, which
had cut the Muslim community off from the rest of the population and
made it vulnerable to suspicions and attacks. The century-long practice
of peaceful coexistence with other religious communities had been
interrupted, mainly due to the arrival and increasing acceptance of
radical ideas imported from other Muslim countries. This, in turn, has
led to Muslims being perceived as hostile and foreign elements in the
social fabric of Sinhalese society.
1
In this challenging context, the propagation of constructive ideas
and methods to re-establish peaceful relations with other religious
communities was a vision shared by many Sinhalese individuals and
organisations who were used to working and acting independently. The
creation of NSC ensured that all local stakeholders in this vision of
peaceful coexistence could collaborate effectively in developing a
comprehensive plan for Sri Lanka's Muslim community. The
subcommittee was founded in 2013 to identify challenges and focus on
critical areas. To illustrate these current efforts, one interviewee stated
that they hold annual workshops to come up with successful coexistence
strategies.
2
1
National Shura Council, “Road Map to Co-Existence” (Colombo -Sri Lanka, 2013).
2
Saiful Islam M.G (President, Subcommittee of co-existence -NSC), in discussion with
the Reseacher, October 15, 2019.
Al-Itqān, Volume 8, Special Issue No 5, December 2023 114
Data Collection
This is a qualitative study that relies on both primary and secondary
data. The author interviewed five individuals from the National Shoora
Council for primary data collection. The secondary sources consulted
are research articles, dissertations, books, newspaper articles, websites,
videos, activity reports, and publications.
The viewpoint of NSC on Bodu Bala Sena (BBS)
BBS is a prominent nationalistic organisation in Sri Lanka. It was
formed after the civil war to maintain the supremacy of the ethnic
Sinhalese Buddhist population by propagating anti-religious and anti-
ethnic ideology. BBS poses a significant threat to interreligious harmony
in Sri Lanka; therefore, the researcher intended to explore NSC's
perspectives on BBS militant ideology. They consider BBS to be
nothing more than a mercenary of wealthy domestic and international
paymasters and thus solely motivated by financial gain. In other words,
when Sinhalese interests are championed over the interests of the wider
Sri Lankan community, the popularity and influence of BBS rise, and
with it, increased financial rewards.
Both the first and fourth interviewees expressed this viewpoint.
According to the first interviewee, this is a post-war phenomenon
financed by certain geopolitical factions and strategic international
players who benefit from polarised communities, inter-communal
tensions, and armed conflicts.
1
According to the second interviewee,
BBS is an extremist organisation that should be declared illegal and
banned. Similarly, the fourth interviewee stated that every type of
religious and communal conflict is, in fact, orchestrated and
instrumentalised to further the interests of some involved parties. He
proved this by quoting a news article dated March 9, 2013, which stated
that the president's younger brother, the second most powerful man in
the country, was a VIP guest at the formal launch of BBS, which is
nothing short of an ethnic-religious fascist movement.
According to the third and fifth interviewees, BBS began targeting
the interests of Sri Lankan Muslims by spreading lies and raising anti-
Islamic and anti-Muslim sentiments among other religious groups,
particularly Buddhists. According to the fifth interviewee, BBS has ties
with Ashin Wirathu, the leader of Myanmar's extremist 969
1
Riza Yahiya (one of the Vice President, NSC), in discussion with the Reseacher, June
19, 2021.
115 Role of the National Shurā Council (NSC) – MR. Fathima Afra & Thameem Ushama
organisation. He said, "In 2014, he stated that 969 and I would work
together with Sri Lanka's BBS to protect Buddhists all over the world."
1
Furthermore, according to the fifth interviewee, BBS enjoys the support
of so-called 'traditional Muslims' (i.e., Sufi sects) and local ex-Muslims
2
who have openly left Islam and justified their rejection of Islam.
3
However, NSC asserts that they do not wish to formally respond to
the allegations and wrongful claims propagated by BBS. This would
only add credibility to their movement; however, BBS are merely a
group of mercenaries and does not represent the Sinhalese Buddhist
community. All interviewees agreed with this view. The second and fifth
interviewees agreed that they had discussed all these issues at length in
their meetings. The fourth interviewee added that engaging in a dialogue
with BBS is futile because they only intend to discredit Islam and the
Muslims and hurl their polemics at them. Thus, honest dialogue can only
be done with the proper authorities.
Programs to Foster Religious Coexistence
Following the formation of the Leadership and Coexistence
subcommittee, the NSC started identifying the concerns and
implementing the course of action after deciding to publish its definition
of coexistence. It is worth looking at the subcommittee's coexistence
initiatives to implement its action plan, some of which are currently in
process. When the researcher visited Sri Lanka in 2019, she found they
are honest efforts to promote religious coexistence in Sri Lanka.
Moreover, due to a shortage of funds and the banning of some member
organisations, several NSC members and their relatives have been
detained on suspicion of being involved in the Easter Sunday attack
4
.
1
“Radical Myanmar Monk Joins Hands with Sri Lankan Buddhists | Reuters,” accessed
February 25, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sri-lanka-buddhism-myanmar-
idUSKCN0HO0GD20140929.
2
See https://www.facebook.com/cemsl.org/ for further details.
3
Faleel M.H.M (one of the Vice President, NSC), in discussion with the Reseacher,
July 7, 2021.
4
The Easter Sunday attack, which was the worst terror attack on the 21stof of April
2019, was the subject to a serious question the systematic and well organised religious
measure taken by Muslim leaders. The Easter Sunday attack, which was held in April
2019, considered as the deadliest attack in Sri Lanka since the end of the civil war in
2009. Three-star hotels in the city of Colombo, as well as three prominent churches in
Colombo, Negombo, and Batticaloa, were entirely destroyed in the terrorist attack.
Moreover, more than 250 people were killed and almost 400 more were severely
injured, including many tourists in this horrific terror attack on Easter Sunday
Al-Itqān, Volume 8, Special Issue No 5, December 2023 116
The fourth respondent elaborated, saying: We cannot do anything
right now since we do not have any finances and have a policy of not
accepting funds from outside sources. Right now, we have also not done
anything in particular, and one of the key reasons is that a lack of funds
severely hampers us. Another concern is that several member
organisations used to give a certain amount every month, but that has all
stopped. After the Easter attacks, everything came to a standstill since
we did not know which way it was headed. The Criminal Investigation
Department has asked me to give a statement for more than forty-five
minutes as the president of NSC. They also gathered all the member
organisations' names, phone numbers, and addresses of all the MO
presidents. Moreover, they explained that one of the arrested people had
called the NSC phone.
1
However, the NSC must consider the backlash from this heinous
attack on innocents and be prepared for its potential consequences. They
firmly believe that NSC tactics should change after April 21 in the
interest of all Sri Lankans. The fifth interviewee acknowledged this,
saying: We cannot work like this further; our approaches and priorities
must be changed. In truth, we have already made several mistakes on our
path. So, the NSC decided to meet with several notable ulama and
professionals in this area to gather their perspectives and suggestions on
four critical questions, such as what mistakes we made that caused this
deadly catastrophe. What are the current issues that Muslims face? What
should our priorities be right now? How do you define a strategic plan to
deal with future scenarios?
2
Based on the above, it is evident that NSC has not abandoned its
coexistence initiatives. It is worth mentioning, however, that it is still in
its early stages and yet to develop its full potential. Aside from that,
NSC has not published any written material yet, neither in the form of
newsletters nor annual activity reports to update on its activities. Access
to its official website has also been restricted due to government action.
Nonetheless, several elements have influenced the coexistence of
activities and projects since 2019, notably in the immediate aftermath of
the Easter Sunday attacks. The researcher analysed the actions of the
NSC subcommittee on coexistence through delivered talks and
1
Azoor T.K (President, NSC), in discussion with the Reseacher, June 27, 2021.
2
Faleel S.H.M (one of the Vice President, NSC), in discussion with the Reseacher, July
7, 2021.
117 Role of the National Shurā Council (NSC) – MR. Fathima Afra & Thameem Ushama
presentations. In addition, information was shared by the interviewees,
who described the plan and initiatives of the NSC subcommittee.
The Islamic concept of coexistence
The concept of coexistence is a relatively recent development within the
Muslim community. In preceding eras, Muslims were not confronted
with these challenges above, and Islamic organisations did not prioritise
these matters either. Hence, the NSC sought to establish a
comprehensive understanding of the notion of coexistence between
adherents of Islam and those of other faiths. To this end, they released a
publication titled "Islamic Concept and Basis for Tolerance and
Coexistence" in both Tamil and Sinhala languages. This book
encompassed insights derived from Islamic teachings found in the
Qur'an and Hadith, shedding light on the principles and practices of
coexistence. All member organisations of the NSC back the
endorsement of this initiative, and the contributions of As-sheikh S.H.M
Faleel were crucial in the development of the book's content.
The NSC subcommittee predominantly employs this book as a
means to acquaint and engage the general public and other individuals in
discussions surrounding the book. The second interviewee asserted that
individuals did not embrace this notion, contending that there exists no
such link inside Islam but rather a dichotomy of truth and untrue. The
NSC laid the foundation for religious coexistence initiatives by offering
a particular definition of the notion of coexistence. This definition has
been crucial in facilitating the understanding of contemporary concerns
from the perspective of the Muslim community.
The NSC subcommittee primarily uses this book to introduce and
discuss the book with the general public and others. The second
interviewee stated, "People did not accept this and said there is nothing
like this relationship in Islam, only true and untrue."
1
The NSC laid the
foundation for endeavours promoting religious coexistence by offering a
particular definition of the idea. This definition serves as a framework
for understanding contemporary matters through the lens of the Muslim
perspective.
Furthermore, the National Unity Council (NSC) disseminated
publications in the Sinhala language on specific occasions to promote
the notion of unity and highlight the contributions of Muslims to both
1
Saiful Islam M.G (President, Subcommittee of co-existence -NSC), in discussion with
the Reseacher, June 20, 2021.
Al-Itqān, Volume 8, Special Issue No 5, December 2023 118
the Buddhist community and the nation as a whole. Notable examples of
these publications include "Contributions of Muslims of Sri Lanka to
Independence", "Let us Love and Enrich the Motherland", and "Labor
Day from a Humanitarian Perspective". The leaflets provided below
articulate the perspective of the Muslim population residing in the
region, elucidating their aspirations for a harmonious and cohesive Sri
Lankan society.
The curriculum of Arabic madrasahs
During the subsequent phase, the National Shoora Council (NSC) panel
released a publication pertaining to the regional Arabic madrasahs.
These educational institutions play a vital role in imparting an inclusive
and tolerant message of Islam by providing instruction and guidance to
young Muslims in matters pertaining to their faith. It is imperative to
provide comprehensive training to young Muslim students, as they
possess a malleable mindset and can significantly contribute to the
broader societal framework. The second interviewee stated, "It does not
matter how much we talk about coexistence; we need to make changes in
the Arabic colleges since they would guide the Muslim community and
the nation once they graduate from the madrasahs."
The work titled "Islamic Procedures in a Pluralistic Society –
Documents for the Syllabus of Arabic Colleges" provides a significant
contribution to the given environment. The purpose of this book is to
guide the development of curriculum and syllabi for Arabic institutions
in Sri Lanka, with the aim of cultivating proficient and knowledgeable
scholars capable of effectively guiding their community.
1
Nevertheless,
the successful execution of such a comprehensive and enduring strategy
necessitates substantial backing from the relevant governing bodies.
The effort to reform the madrasah system was launched by the NSC
prior to the Easter Sunday attacks. However, in the aftermath of this
tragic event, there was a noticeable increase in anti-Muslim sentiments,
predominantly targeting these Arabic colleges that were intended to
impart teachings on Islamic extremism. There is a growing demand
within the Buddhist community to shut down Arabic madrasahs
completely. Fortunately, with the support provided by the Department of
Muslim Cultural Affairs, several Islamic organisations have taken steps
to address this matter and mitigate the implementation of such drastic
measures. However, the madrasahs must enhance their endeavours in
1
NSC, “NSC-Coexistence Final Report,” 2015.
119 Role of the National Shurā Council (NSC) – MR. Fathima Afra & Thameem Ushama
order to foster inter-religious tolerance and social integration, aligning
with the objective of the NSC and its Muslim ulama.
Capacity Buildings of Resource Persons
The responsibility for organising events that have a significant and
enduring impact in Sri Lanka lies with community leaders and
accomplished individuals who possess recognition and acceptance
within the wider community. In order to effectively safeguard and
advocate for the interests of the Muslim community at the local level,
ulama and other religious leaders must possess a comprehensive
understanding of the religious teachings and values upheld by various
ethnic communities. This knowledge serves as a crucial tool in bridging
the existing divide between these communities. In contemporary society,
it is imperative for individuals who identify as Muslims to actively
engage with diverse cultures, effectively communicate in their
languages, and have a comprehensive understanding of their
perspectives.
Consequently, the NSC provides important training to its members,
equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively
assume their new responsibilities within Sri Lankan society. The training
modules have been developed based on the Train-The-Trainer
Workshops (TOT) conducted by the Walpola Rahula Institute.
1
Typically, a cohort of four representatives is chosen from each religious
community to assume leadership roles in the sessions. Moreover, all
members of the NSC are strongly encouraged to engage in these
initiatives, which encompass comprehensive multi-religious education
training and collaborative group activities. The primary objective of
these programs is to foster an environment conducive to cultivating
respectful interactions among individuals of diverse faiths while also
facilitating the exchange of religious knowledge. An illustration of this
can be seen in the inclusion of all three aspects within the "Dialogue for
Social Healing" training program. The program aims to cultivate the
cognitive and affective capacities of individuals in order to foster
religious coexistence and harmony within the context of Sri Lanka.
A number of individuals who actively strive to promote religious
tolerance for the purpose of fostering harmonious coexistence on a
national level have emerged. These individuals who have received
specialised training have a significant and enduring influence on the
1
NSC, “NSC-Coexistence Final Report,” 2016.
Al-Itqān, Volume 8, Special Issue No 5, December 2023 120
perceptions of local Muslims and Islam, among other religious
communities in Sri Lanka. They are able to foster social cohesion via the
implementation of this approach effectively.
Awareness programs for the Muslim society
When the members of the Muslim community possess a comprehensive
understanding of the broader community and the nation's imperative for
social harmony and peaceful coexistence, they can engage in
cooperative efforts and partnerships to facilitate inter-communal
activities and engage in substantive dialogues with individuals of
different religious beliefs. The Subcommittee for Peaceful Coexistence
under the NSC orchestrated public programs and seminars with the aim
of providing educational opportunities to the Muslim community
regarding this significant matter. The organisation known as the World
Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) facilitated the organisation of a
public program focused on promoting peaceful coexistence, as well as a
seminar dedicated to fostering interfaith discussion.
1
These types of
activities are coordinated in various geographical areas throughout the
nation, with the support of collaborating member organisations.
Similarly, in response to the current situation in Sri Lanka, the NSC
initiated a program including trustees, school principals, and
professionals from the Muslim country to reach out to the other local
communities. The goal of this program is to guide the Muslim public in
their interactions with residents from other faiths and their role in the
village community.
The NSC subcommittee has undertaken extensive travel throughout
the country in order to accomplish its goal and enhance public
knowledge. It has involved visiting numerous villages and districts,
including Kandy, Gampola, Nuwara Eliya, Batticaloa, Ampara, Galle,
and Trincomalee. The individuals in question have engaged in meetings
with various stakeholders, including mosque committee members,
trustees, ulama, school principals, and other members of the public. The
purpose of these discussions has been to address the matter of religious
coexistence, specifically focusing on the Islamic practice of fostering
robust and trustworthy relationships with communities of different
faiths. The agenda has encompassed the identification of appropriate
approaches, the anticipation of potential obstacles, and the formulation
of strategies to surmount these challenges.
1
NSC.2016
121 Role of the National Shurā Council (NSC) – MR. Fathima Afra & Thameem Ushama
The purpose of these kinds of activities is best summarised in the
following words: "Normally, everyday people connect with business
communities, three-wheel drivers, youth, children, public transportation,
hospitals, and many more. Moreover, problems are bound to arise from
these situations." Often, it takes only one act of blunder committed out
of ignorance or carelessness to jeopardise the welfare of the entire
community. For this reason, all Muslims must work together to keep
others in check and teach them how to act wisely when interacting with
other communities, especially Buddhists.
1
In addition, NSC has
organised other activities, such as Friday sermons on the concept of
peaceful coexistence in Islam, as suggested by one of the interviewees
who felt that mosques should contribute to educating their community
and offer practical moral instruction to their congregation.
Students at university report many problems when interacting with
students from other communities, as most have not been exposed to such
a mixed environment before. In its efforts to educate Muslim students
correctly to instil and maintain social harmony, NSC arranged
workshops for high school and college students. Further, it organises
guidance programs for university students, encouraging them to
approach and engage with other community students. Every NSC
member organisation implements these programs in accordance with
NSC guidelines.
One interviewee explained that 90 per cent of students from the
Muslim community study in Muslim schools, and their first interactions
with the Buddhist community happen at university. Hence, they
encounter numerous challenges like culture, language, and perspectives.
Therefore, it is necessary to guide them in developing amicable
relationships with Buddhists and other faiths, as this will lead to other
stages of community interactions. I recently met a final-year university
student. He told me that I was looking for you to thank you because
when I first came here, I did not know anything or anyone from the
Buddhist community or the Sinhala language. However, now I am one
of the best interactors among my batchmates with Buddhist students,' he
continued. I learned this guidance from your programs, and I owe you
1
S.H.M.Faleel- Official, “Co-existence and Islam in Tamil by Ashsheikh
S.H.M.Faleel(Naleemi),2017, You Tube Video, 26:16.
https://youtu.be/Wqs2vF3WIVk.
Al-Itqān, Volume 8, Special Issue No 5, December 2023 122
gratitude.
1
Thus, the coexistence subcommittee of the NSC seeks to raise
awareness and educate Muslim community members from all sectors to
develop bridges to religious coexistence in every way feasible.
Meeting with religious leaders
Religious leaders hold a crucial position within each community,
necessitating the cultivation of constructive associations with Buddhist
clergy, Hindu priests, Christian fathers, and Muslim ulama. In order to
cultivate inter-communal connections, the NSC arranged a series of
cordial discussions with religious leaders and facilitated collaborative
initiatives.
The second respondent commented, "We have organised a two-day
trip with the support of Muslim aid to bring young monks and young
ulama together. This was a good and effective program that we carried
out in order to build excellent bonds beyond religion and culture. They
travel, dine, converse, and exchange friendly sentiments."
2
Furthermore, many influential Buddhist monks who hold positions
as university scholars, chancellors, and the like came together with their
Muslim counterparts and discussed the development of community
harmony. One of the interviewees shared that Ven Prof.
Kumburugamuwe Vajira Thero, chancellor of Sabragamuwa University
in Sri Lanka, is one of the significant Buddhist monks with whom the
NSC discusses religious coexistence in the nation. In addition, we met
with Hindu priests. Furthermore, the NSC collaborated with forums
comprised of inter-leaders in order to achieve religious unity. In this
context, the Interreligious Dialog Forum has membership and a solid
relationship with the Interreligious Women Forum, including Muslim
Ulama.
The NSC endeavours to cultivate significant connections with
Buddhist monks and other religious leaders, as well as engage in
religious forums. Through these efforts, the organisation aims to bridge
the gap between different religious communities and facilitate the
introduction of Islam to other communities. The ultimate goal is to
promote understanding and empathy, replacing fear and ignorance as
guiding principles.
1
Saiful Islam M.G (President, Subcommittee of co-existence -NSC), in discussion with
the Reseacher, June 20, 2021
2
Saiful Islam M.G (President, Subcommittee of co-existence -NSC), in discussion with
the Reseacher, October 15, 2019.
123 Role of the National Shurā Council (NSC) – MR. Fathima Afra & Thameem Ushama
Program for Key Opinion Leaders (KOL)
Key Opinion Leaders (KOL) are individuals and groups who can
influence their community through their stated opinions, talks, and
lectures. They include journalists, military, health officials, government
personnel, and public figures. On this basis, the NSC Subcommittee for
Peaceful Coexistence organised individual and group meetings with key
opinion leaders such as the well-known journalist Victor Ivon and Br.
Charles Thomas, the Founder and Director of Daham Pahana Charitable
Trust, supports religious dialogue among the Buddhist community. The
second respondent explained: We had formed a friendship with Brother
Charles Thomas over three years; it did not happen in a single day. He
has had a significant impact on the Buddhist community and other
communities. We bring him to visit the locations attacked through this
relationship, including Chilaw, Nikaweratiya, Kuliyapitiya, Hettipola,
Bingiriya, Kobeigane, and Wariyapola. We also went to their residence.
Severe violence erupted in the Naththandiya areas [like] Kotramulla and
Thummodera. Fauzul Amir, forty-five [years old], was slain by mobs in
this incident. After that, only during one of his programs at Colombo's
Sugathadasa Stadium, a multi-purpose stadium, he presented the
children of the mob's victims, explaining the country's condition and
emphasising the importance of social harmony in preventing such
unpayable losses. More than three thousand Sinhalese, including army
commanders, officers and professionals, it was a powerful message to
the country.
1
Similarly, a number of programs and iftar gatherings have been
arranged for divisional secretariat offices, nurses, army officials, and
various other individuals. These diverse assemblies delve into the
essential aspects of mutual existence, discourse, and endeavours aimed
at fostering pluralism throughout society.
Meeting with national organisations
Numerous national-level organisations in Sri Lanka endeavour to foster
national cohesion and cultivate an atmosphere of religious inclusivity.
Government agencies have established certain organisations, whereas
others are categorised as non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Nevertheless, a primary objective of these organisations is to foster unity
1
Saiful Islam M.G (President, Subcommittee of co-existence -NSC), in discussion with
the Reseacher, October 15, 2019.
Al-Itqān, Volume 8, Special Issue No 5, December 2023 124
and conciliation among many religious and ethnic groups within Sri
Lanka. The NSC fosters strong partnerships with these groups and
organises events to execute initiatives within this framework effectively.
"As the NSC is not an implementing agency, we assist the competent
authorities and organisations in implementing initiatives that benefit all
communities in Sri Lanka. 'Most of the time, they include our thoughts
and comments into their efforts to promote religious harmony," stated
the second interviewee.
The NSC has hosted several meetings to discuss the issue of
peacebuilding and establishing unity and harmony in Sri Lanka, for
instance, with Punarudaya, National Intellectuals Organization,
Religions for Responsible Governance (RRG), Puravasi Balaya, Office
for National Unity and Reconciliation, Centre for Peace Building and
Reconciliation (CPBR), National Peoples Movement (NPM), and Kandy
District Interreligious Committee.
The Kandy District Interreligious Committee, with the support of
the National Peace Council of Sri Lanka, prepared a citizens'
commission report that included details about discovering the truth about
the ethnic violence that occurred in March 2018 against the Muslim
community in Digana, Theldeniya area, and citizens commission
information on public consultation to prevent ethnic conflict in Sri
Lanka in the future that occurred on the March 13 two thousand
eighteen.
In essence, the primary objective of the NSC is to cultivate and
sustain positive intercommunity relations by coordinating and
advocating for various initiatives and endeavours. The NSC
demonstrates a consistent willingness to engage in collaborative efforts
with various communities, with the aim of organising joint initiatives,
providing assistance to impactful programs, and exploring innovative
strategies to promote religious coexistence within the context of Sri
Lanka. The endeavours undertaken by the NSC subcommittee to foster
religious harmony in Sri Lanka are organised and implemented in the
following manner. The interviews conducted indicate that the NSC does
not function as an organisation focused on activities or implementation.
Instead, its main responsibility is to provide support to the relevant
authorities and guide them in developing strategies and initiatives aimed
at promoting harmonious relations, particularly between the Muslim and
Buddhist communities in Sri Lanka. The NSC examined its mission in
order to identify specific areas of significance. The researchers identified
the origins of social discord, along with the major concerns, and
125 Role of the National Shurā Council (NSC) – MR. Fathima Afra & Thameem Ushama
subsequently provided suggestions to the constituent organisations, as
well as other responsible entities overseeing the Muslim community,
drawing from their findings. Coexistence is not a priority on most
member organisations' agendas, which suggests that most Islamic
organisations prioritise religious affairs, education, and reformations
over coexistence-related activities and concepts. Most organisations
emphasise activities rather than strategic solutions, and they are limited
to specific (traditional) activities and programs without considering other
aspects such as strategy and effectiveness or trying out new approaches.
Also, they tend to work without a clear plan and target, which means
that they lack a long-term or short-term strategic plan or project on
coexistence or annual target, in addition to poor coordination with other
Islamic organisations, which means that certain events are duplicated.
Further, most organisations operate in relatively similar and limited
fields, such as providing dry goods, disaster relief, school equipment
assistance, eye treatment camps, blood donation campaigns, etc. They
also seldom focus on disaster prevention or collaborate on the national
level.
1
As a result, the NSC subcommittee issues the instructions below to
member organisations (MO) and individuals. Their motto is to be
proactive rather than reactive, which means that rather than reacting to a
bad situation, they prefer to take the necessary steps to prevent it from
occurring or contain it. Therefore, MOs should commit 10 per cent of
their attention to community coexistence and develop and implement
initiatives in accordance with guidelines. Further, at least 20 per cent of
their activities should concentrate in Tamil areas, as most programs
involve the Buddhist communities and are conducted in Sinhala. Micro-
level actions are more significant and influential than macro-level
actions and require minimal financial support, unlike big projects that
need much funding and might prove ineffective. Every single individual
and organisation have a role to play in this matter, as coexistence is the
shared responsibility of all Sri Lankans. After all, nobody wants to
witness another period of conflict and communal violence.
2
Since its establishment in 2013, the NSC subcommittee has
undertaken and overseen numerous operations. Based on the accounts
1
Saiful Islam M.G (President, Subcommittee of co-existence -NSC), in discussion with
the Reseacher, October 15, 2019 & June 20, 2021.
2
Saiful Islam M.G (President, Subcommittee of co-existence -NSC), in discussion with
the Reseacher, October 15, 2019.
Al-Itqān, Volume 8, Special Issue No 5, December 2023 126
provided by the interviewees, it is evident that the NSC ceased these
endeavours after the occurrence of the Easter Sunday assaults. Due to its
encompassing nature as an umbrella organisation comprising numerous
entities and persons, the organisation had limitations in its ability to
prevent certain member organisations from being subjected to
governmental bans and individuals from being apprehended under
suspicion of their involvement in the assaults. The NSC members were
also tasked with addressing multiple inquiries in order to verify that
none of them had affiliations with extremist organisations, as claimed by
individuals with anti-Muslim and anti-Islamic sentiments.
Nevertheless, the NSC successfully persisted in coordinating
various events at both community and national levels. Notably, they
recently conducted COVID-19 awareness workshops in partnership with
esteemed medical practitioners and public health authorities.
Nevertheless, a number of NSC projects were unable to come to fruition
as a result of inadequate support and financial limitations.
One of the NSC's notable accomplishments was the development of
a curriculum for Sri Lankan Arabic colleges or madrasahs, intending to
integrate those Islamic educational institutions with the national
syllabus, which includes new methodologies and practical approaches.
Unfortunately, without the cooperation of the relevant authorities, these
efforts did not come to fruition and fell short of their implementation.
Therefore, the researcher strongly recommends reviewing and
reconsidering this suggested curriculum for implementation, even with
some minor changes, based on discussions with the Department of
Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs and All Ceylon Jamiyyathul
Ulama (ACJU), the leading Islamic organisation in Sri Lanka. In the
meantime, anti-Muslim agitation continues, and Buddhist extremists still
call for the abolition of madrasah education.
To raise more awareness, the NSC coexistence subcommittee
continues to organise public events and seminars to improve religious
harmony among the Muslim population, annual events, Friday sermons,
and student talks to encourage the younger generation to step outside
their comfort zone and engage with other religious communities. NSC
specifically targets university undergraduates because most of them
come from Muslim schools, have no knowledge of other religions,
especially Buddhism, and have never interacted with non-Muslims.
Concerning the village communities, NSC has organised outreach and
awareness programs in mosques in collaboration with trustees, school
principals, and ulamas. Furthermore, NSC has maintained continuous
127 Role of the National Shurā Council (NSC) – MR. Fathima Afra & Thameem Ushama
and improved contact with numerous civic organisations and public
figures, such as social activists, journalists, writers, and TV
personalities, to deliver their message to the broader public.
Notably, NSC has a strong relationship with the journalist Victor
Ivon and Br Charles Thomas from the Buddhist community. Similarly,
they have maintained intense contact with the recently deceased Sri
Lankan musician Sunil Perera, whose songs exposed the lies
surrounding the BBS propaganda of wanda pethi (infertility drugs) in his
songs. These and similar initiatives have elicited positive responses from
other communities as well.
Furthermore, NSC maintains strong contacts with other
organisations engaged in interreligious dialogue and supports them in
whatever manner possible to promote religious harmony among the
different religious and ethnic communities in Sri Lanka. For the past five
years, NSC has been a guiding and supporting umbrella organisation,
allowing them to analyse the situation and assume a broader viewpoint
on specific issues. It has used its experience to make valuable
recommendations to member organisations and the authorities. This kind
of critical review is a significant step in identifying existing challenges
and proposing adequate solutions in the form of new projects and ideas.
As a collective body, the NSC concentrates on encouraging the
change of social dynamics and behaviours in society in cooperation with
the authorities. However, one NSC representative among the
interviewees mentioned that the NSC required financial support and
funding to implement its coexistence plan. Although NSC has a strong
team of professionals, academics, and religious experts on board, its
operations are often limited to their initial stage. Thus, front workers
often volunteer, and guests must cover travel expenses. Also, religious
coexistence initiatives need to be better coordinated and more action-
oriented.
Strategic plan of the NSC subcommittee
As soon as NSC realised the significance of coexistence initiatives in the
context of Sri Lankan society, it created a strategic plan to realise them.
Following discussions with relevant professionals and scholars, a
strategic plan to achieve social unity and religious harmony was
developed titled "A Road Map to Coexistence." This plan identified the
critical areas on which this committee would concentrate its efforts in
Sri Lanka: religion, society, media, art, law, economy, education,
politics, information and research, and international relations.
Al-Itqān, Volume 8, Special Issue No 5, December 2023 128
Regarding this situation on the ground, the first interviewee stated
that this plan is a general conceptual overview, while certain events may
occur that are influenced by other geopolitical and economic factors.
According to the second interviewee, however, the local Muslim
organisations do not consider social coexistence and religious tolerance
as priority issues. It can be concluded that NSC's overall vision and plan
do not change, but its approaches and methods may, in response to the
changing situation.
1
According to the interviewees' explanations regarding the general
strategy, they acknowledged that the NSC subcommittee for coexistence
created the plan as an initial first step yet failed to realise it due to a lack
of support and funding. Also, they had to modify their initial plan to
accommodate changes on the ground. The second interviewee argued
that NSC could not gain public support without the support of ACJU,
which rejected the proposed national framework.
2
According to the fourth respondent, the coexistence campaigns were
interrupted by the Easter Sunday attacks and thus beyond its control.
3
However, despite all these challenges detailed above, NSC remains loyal
to its plan to firmly establish the principle of religious tolerance and
peaceful coexistence in the fabric of Sri Lankan society, yet the
realisation of this plan has no assigned time limit, and its mechanism is
always open to review, considering the changing circumstances.
Challenges
Coexistence issues are prevalent in societies across various countries,
however, with variations influenced by factors such as the country's
stability, resource availability, and exposure to external influences. Sri
Lanka, like many other countries, has a diverse range of religious and
ethnic groups, making it a typical example rather than an exceptional
case. However, the Muslim minority population may have distinct
obstacles that differ from those faced by other communities. As a
religious minority community, it encounters numerous challenges in
fostering coexistence with the Buddhist majority populace. Hence, the
1
Riza Yahiya (one of the Vice President, NSC), in discussion with the Reseacher, June
19, 2021.
2
Saiful Islam M.G (President, Subcommittee of co-existence -NSC), in discussion with
the Reseacher, June 20, 2021.
3
Azoor T.K (President, NSC), in discussion with the Reseacher, June 27, 2021.
129 Role of the National Shurā Council (NSC) – MR. Fathima Afra & Thameem Ushama
accomplishment of developing coexistence using a singular technique is
a formidable undertaking.
The second interviewee participating in this study explained that Sri
Lanka is a postcolonial country that continues to suffer from inter- and
intra-communal problems, many of which are the legacy of the imperial
power.
1
This study elucidates the issues by drawing upon the insights
provided by the interviewees, who offer their perspectives derived from
their substantial expertise and comprehensive perspectives. The primary
obstacle to achieving coexistence inside the nation is the presence of
political issues. Various local and global variables contribute to the
emergence of additional challenges, resulting in societal disorder and an
ongoing state of conflict among different interests.
It is recommended that Sri Lanka establish a centralised institution
that effectively addresses the concerns and grievances of all
communities inside the nation, encompassing many dimensions such as
religion, ethnicity, and culture. One drawback of coexistence is the
absence of a comprehensive national system. Moreover, the government
possesses exclusive jurisdiction at both the national and subnational
levels, necessitating government collaboration and endorsement for the
implementation of any formulated strategy. Therefore, a separate entity
at the national level must take on the responsibility of facilitating this
coordinated assistance.
Public media is widely recognised as a highly effective method for
the dissemination of information. The communication of messages to the
public presents a significant difficulty due to the biased portrayal of
Muslims and Islam by the national media, as well as the limited
influence of the Muslim minority in the public arena. Furthermore, it is
important to note that a financial foundation underpins every initiative or
program. Insufficient financial resources provide a substantial hindrance
to the successful implementation of initiatives across a broad range.
Occasionally, a project is initiated but remains unfinished as a result of
insufficient financial resources. The present scenario pertains to the
NSC, an organisation that does not receive any external funding and
instead relies solely on private donations from generous individuals and
a limited number of local non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Moreover, the current global pandemic has had a significant economic
influence on ongoing endeavours.
1
Riza Yahiya (one of the Vice President, NSC), in discussion with the Reseacher, June
19, 2021.
Al-Itqān, Volume 8, Special Issue No 5, December 2023 130
One additional obstacle is the significant impact of insufficient
community support on coexistence initiatives. Active participation from
all individuals is necessary for the successful completion of the majority
of NSC projects. Nevertheless, the NSC has significant challenges in
establishing collaborations with a wide range of groups and individuals
within society, primarily due to their self-centred and limited
viewpoints, with only a handful of altruistic supporters being the
exception. In 2019, the researcher conducted a visit to Sri Lanka with the
purpose of gaining insight into the coexistence efforts undertaken by
local Muslim organisations. During this visit, it became evident to the
researcher that the plan and initiatives implemented by the NSC
subcommittee exhibited the most potential for success. It was primarily
attributed to the committee's comprehensive approach and consistent
efforts. However, it is important to note that the NSC subcommittee
faced setbacks following the Easter attacks. A similar observation was
made by the fourth respondent, who said: We can not do anything right
now since we do not have any finances and have a policy of not
accepting funds from outside sources. Right now, we have also not done
anything in particular, and one of the key reasons is that a lack of funds
severely hampers us. Another concern is that several member
organisations used to give a certain amount every month, but that has all
stopped. After the Easter attacks, everything came to a standstill since
we did not know which way it was headed. The Criminal Investigation
Department invited me to give a statement for more than forty-five
minutes as the president of NSC. They also gathered the names of all the
member organisations and the names, phone numbers, and addresses of
all the MO presidents. Moreover, they explained that one of the arrested
people had called the NSC's phone.
1
Based on the available evidence, it is apparent that the NSC has not
forsaken or relinquished its coexistence initiatives. It is important to
note, however, that there are limitations to what can be accomplished
within a limited timeframe.
Conclusion
The NSC actively endeavours to promote religious coexistence among
diverse ethnic groups, with a specific focus on enhancing links with the
Buddhist community. This has been achieved through the establishment
of a distinct division and the implementation of several initiatives and
1
Azoor T.K (President, NSC), in discussion with the Reseacher, June 27, 2021.
131 Role of the National Shurā Council (NSC) – MR. Fathima Afra & Thameem Ushama
programs. Nevertheless, numerous obstacles persist that hinder its
achievement. Moreover, the strategic capacity of the system is
constrained by the resources currently at its disposal, necessitating
methodological and organisational adaptations in order to foster broader
collaboration across all levels of the nation.
In summary, the NSC has diligently endeavoured to foster religious
coexistence in Sri Lanka, dedicating resources and using their
accumulated knowledge and skills continuously. Despite employing all
of its available resources, it has not yet attained its objective. The NSC
should enhance its cognitive capabilities, acquire supplementary assets,
and establish novel strategies to address its deficiencies, leverage its
advantages, and effectively counter both internal and external
challenges. This will enable the entity to actively participate in the
process of societal change and facilitate the empowerment of all
communities in Sri Lanka to embrace religious and ethnic diversity,
thereby effectively addressing sectarian violence and conflict.
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AL-ITQĀN
December 2023
Special Issue. 5
Volume: 8
EDITOR IN-CHIEF
Dr. Wan Mohd Azam Mohd Amin
MANAGING EDITOR
Dr. M asitoh Ahmad
EDITORIAL BOARD
Dr. Syed Arabi Aidid, IIUM.
Dr. Kamaruzaman Yusuff, Universiti Malaya,
Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur.
Dr. M umtaz Ali, IIUM.
Dr. Noor Amali M ohd Daud, IIUM .
Dr. Adibah Abdul Rahim, IIUM .
Dr. Haslina Ibrahim, IIUM .
Dr. Siti Akmar, Universiti Institut Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam
Dr. Thameem Ushama, IIUM .
Dr. Che Zarrina Saari, Universiti M alaya
Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur
JOURNAL OF ISLAMIC SCIENCES AND COMPARATIVE STUDIES
