-By Correspondent about Muslim Affairs
(Lanka-e-News -22.Jan.2025, 11.30 PM) In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka became one of the few nations to implement mandatory cremation for victims of the virus, disregarding religious traditions and practices. For Muslims, cremation is strictly prohibited under Islamic law, as burial is considered a sacred rite. The decision to enforce this discriminatory policy not only violated the rights of Muslims but also stripped them of their religious dignity. During this period, Ali Sabry, a prominent Muslim leader and then-Minister of Justice, failed to take a principled stand against this injustice, raising questions about his loyalty to his community and its values.
In April 2020, the Sri Lankan government amended health guidelines to mandate cremation for all COVID-19 victims, citing unsubstantiated claims that burials could contaminate groundwater. This decision was taken despite the World Health Organization’s guidelines, which explicitly stated that both burial and cremation were safe options. Over 185 countries permitted burials during the pandemic, leaving Sri Lanka as an outlier that disregarded the religious practices of its minorities.
The Muslim community in Sri Lanka, already marginalized due to years of violence and discrimination, was further alienated by this policy. Families of deceased Muslims were forced to endure the emotional trauma of watching their loved ones cremated against their wishes. To add insult to injury, they were compelled to bear the financial burden of these forced cremations. This calculated cruelty sparked outrage among Muslims and human rights advocates alike. Yet, amidst this storm of protests, Ali Sabry remained notably silent.
As a cabinet minister, Ali Sabry had the power and platform to oppose this policy. He could have resigned in protest, signaling solidarity with the Muslim community and standing firm in defense of their religious rights. Resignation would not only have been a symbolic act but also a powerful statement against the systemic discrimination targeting Muslims. Yet, Sabry chose to remain in his position, prioritizing his political career over the dignity of his people.
Historical precedents show that other politicians have taken courageous stands to defend their communities. For instance, Jabir A. Qadr, a Muslim politician, resigned from his party when houses meant for Muslims were unjustly allocated elsewhere. His bold action forced the government to reverse its decision, ensuring that impoverished Muslims received the housing they deserved. Similarly, Fisheries Minister Festus Pereira resigned in solidarity with the Catholic community, even returning his official vehicle and opting for public transport to demonstrate his commitment.
In stark contrast, Ali Sabry’s inaction reflects a troubling lack of integrity. His decision to remain in the cabinet of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whose administration systematically targeted Muslims, was not only a personal failing but a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the Muslim community.
The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), the premier body of Islamic scholars in Sri Lanka, has a moral and religious obligation to condemn Ali Sabry for his failure to defend the fundamental rights of Muslims. In Islamic jurisprudence, standing with the oppressed is a cornerstone of faith. When a leader fails to uphold this principle, especially in the face of blatant injustice, their actions—or lack thereof—must be scrutinized.
By condemning Ali Sabry as a kafir (one who has turned away from the core tenets of Islam), the ACJU would send a strong message to Muslim leaders who prioritize personal gain over their duty to the community. Such a declaration would serve as a deterrent, ensuring that future leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to justice and solidarity.
However, the ACJU’s condemnation must go beyond mere rhetoric. It must outline actionable steps to hold Sabry accountable, such as calling for his exclusion from Muslim gatherings, denying him a platform within the community, and urging Muslim voters to reject him in future elections. This is not a call for vengeance but a necessary measure to protect the dignity and rights of the Muslim community in Sri Lanka.
Ali Sabry’s failure to act during the forced cremation crisis is emblematic of a broader issue: the complacency of Muslim leaders in the face of systemic discrimination. The forced cremation policy was not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of marginalization that has plagued Sri Lanka’s Muslim community for decades. From the riots targeting Muslim homes and businesses to the vilification of Muslims in the aftermath of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, the government has consistently sought to undermine the community’s rights and identity.
During such critical moments, Muslim leaders have a duty to advocate fiercely for their people. Silence, or worse, complicity, only emboldens those who seek to oppress minorities. By failing to oppose the forced cremation policy, Ali Sabry not only abandoned his own community but also set a dangerous precedent for future leaders. His actions—or lack thereof—signal to the government that Muslim leaders can be silenced or co-opted, further eroding the community’s political and social standing.
The Muslim community in Sri Lanka now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust and solidarity. This begins with holding leaders accountable for their actions. Condemning Ali Sabry as a kafir is not about ostracizing him for the sake of retribution but about reaffirming the values that bind the community together: justice, integrity, and solidarity.
At the same time, the community must invest in nurturing a new generation of leaders who are unafraid to stand up for their rights. These leaders must prioritize the collective well-being of the community over personal ambition, drawing inspiration from figures like Jabir A. Qadr and Festus Pereira. The Muslim community must also forge alliances with other marginalized groups in Sri Lanka, building a united front against systemic oppression.
The forced cremation policy may have been reversed, but the scars it left on the Muslim community remain. The government’s actions during the pandemic were a stark reminder of the discrimination that minorities in Sri Lanka continue to face. In such a climate, leaders like Ali Sabry, who fail to stand with their people, must be held accountable.
The ACJU has a pivotal role to play in this process. By condemning Ali Sabry and calling for his exclusion from the Muslim community, the organization would reaffirm its commitment to justice and accountability. This is not merely about punishing an individual but about upholding the principles that define the Muslim faith and community.
As the Muslim community in Sri Lanka moves forward, it must learn from the failures of its leaders. It must demand better representation, stronger advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the rights and dignity of all its members. Only then can it hope to overcome the challenges it faces and build a future rooted in justice and solidarity.
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by (2025-01-22 20:54:28)
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