The All Ceylon Jamiatul Ulama (ACJU) has issued a strong declaration urging the Sri Lankan government to sever all ties with Zionist forces and to prohibit the entry of individuals accused of war crimes and genocide.
The declaration, released on Sunday (17) during the annual general meeting of the ACJU, was signed by its President, Mufti M.I.M. Rizvi, and General Secretary, Ash-Shaykh M. Arkam Nooramit.
Citing the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people since October 2023, the Ulama Council demanded that:
-
The Sri Lankan government immediately end all diplomatic, political, commercial, and cultural relations with the Zionist organization until it ceases its occupation in line with international law.
-
War criminals, perpetrators of genocide, and those complicit in the killing of civilians in Gaza and Palestine be banned from entering Sri Lanka.
-
Sri Lanka continue to advocate at the UN and other global forums for the Palestinian right to self-determination and consistently vote against Zionist impunity by supporting accountability measures.
The ACJU further appealed to Muslim leaders, world States, international Organizations, and global civil society to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and intensify efforts to hold Israel accountable for its crimes.
Full text:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
We, the members of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), gathered at our Annual General Meeting, reaffirm our steadfast commitment to truth, justice, and the safeguarding of human dignity—principles enjoined by the Holy Qur’an, upheld in the Sunnah, exemplified by the Rightly Guided Caliphs (al-Khulafāʾ al-Rāshidūn), and preserved through the interpretations of the generations of Fuqahāʾ within our noble Islamic tradition.
The atrocities committed by the Zionist regime — including indiscriminate bombings, targeted killings, starvation blockades, and forced displacement — are clear violations of both Islamic principles and international human rights law.
Islam teaches that life is sacred:
“Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” (Qur’an 5:32)
Palestine, and specifically Al-Masjid al-Aqsa, is blessed by Allah:
“Glory be to Him Who took His servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed…”
(Qur’an 17:1)
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described the believers as one body:
“The believers are like one body if one part suffers, the whole body responds with fever and sleeplessness.”
(Saḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Saḥīḥ Muslim)
Therefore, defending the people and land of Palestine is a religious obligation upon every Muslim, rooted in the duty to oppose oppression (ẓulm) and uphold justice (ʿadl).
We recall that:
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) guarantees the right to life, liberty, and security for all.
- The Fourth Geneva Convention (1949) prohibits targeting civilians, collective punishment, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.
- Multiple United Nations resolutions affirm the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, sovereignty, and return.
The ongoing siege, massacres, and occupation by the Zionist regime constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law.
Our Demands and Appeals
- To Muslim Leaders and Governments Worldwide:
- Unite and take decisive diplomatic, economic, and political measures against the Zionist regime, including sanctions, legal action, and coordinated humanitarian aid.
- Fulfil the duty of Wilāyah (protective guardianship) by defending the rights of Palestinians in every international forum.
- To the International Community and World Leaders:
- Impose immediate sanctions on the Zionist regime and prosecute its leaders at the International Criminal Court.
- Demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire, ensure full humanitarian access, and lift the blockade on Gaza.
- Protect Al-Aqsa Mosque and all holy sites in Palestine, guaranteeing freedom of worship for all faiths.
- To the Global Civil Society:
- Intensify peaceful advocacy, Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaigns against all complicit entities.
- Educate communities about the reality of the Palestinian struggle, resist misinformation, and oppose Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism.
- To the Government of Sri Lanka:
As Sri Lankans, we recognize that our state has historically supported the cause of Palestine. However since recent past successive governments have also maintained relationship with the Zionist occupation of Palestine.
Therefore, we call upon the Government of Sri Lanka to:
- Immediately suspend all diplomatic, political, trade, and cultural relations with the Zionist entity until it complies with international law and ends its occupation.
- Deny entry into Sri Lanka to any individual directly or indirectly involved in war crimes, genocide, or the killing of civilians in Gaza and other parts of Palestine.
- Consistently advocate for Palestinian self-determination at the UN and other global bodies, and vote in favour of resolutions that hold the Zionist regime accountable.
Our Pledge
We, the ʿUlamāʾ of Sri Lanka, pledge to:
- Educate our communities on the Islamic duty of solidarity with the oppressed.
- Continue Duʿāʾ, advocacy, and humanitarian assistance for Palestine.
- Stand firm and speak the truth, unshaken by fear or intimidation, until justice is served.
Conclusion
- We affirm that the cause of Palestine is a cause of faith, justice, and humanity.
- We remind the world that history will judge those who stood idle in the face of genocide.
May Allah grant victory to the oppressed, unite the Ummah, and protect the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
(This declaration was read out in the presence of more than 500 office bearers of the district and divisional branches at the annual general meeting of the All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ulama, held on 17.08.2025 and was unanimously accepted by the forum.)
Mufti M.I.M. Rizwe
President – ACJU
Ash Shaikh M. Arkam Nooramith
General Secretary – ACJU
2025.08.17
1447.02.22
