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Foreign Tabligh Jamaat members given grace period to leave
The group of 161 foreigners of the ‘Tabligh Jamaat’ movement who have been asked to leave Sri Lanka for violating visa rules will be given a one-week grace period to leave the island, Senior Minister A. H. M. Fowzie told the Daily Mirror.
A meeting with the relevant stakeholders including officials of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs will be held at 2.00pm today to further discuss the issue, he said.
Minister Fowzie has also briefed Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa on the Tabligh Jamaat movement.
“I explained that this movement has helped put the Muslim community on the right track. They encourage Muslims to pray, be honest in their business dealings and to act in accordance with the Quran. I pointed out that they have not come here to create problems but to help the community, and therefore they should be accommodated,” Minister Fowzie said.
“The fact is that they were not aware that it is unlawful to engage in religious preaching while on a visit visa. They should have applied for a visa under the ‘religious’ category. So they will leave within a week and re-apply under this category,” he said.
“Both Secretary Gotabhya Rakapaksa and Minister Basil Rajapaksa agreed that the foreign Tabligh Jamaat members can re-apply for a religious visa,” Fowzie said.
Asked if he would be attending today’s meeting at the Immigration and Emigration Department he said, “As a matter of protocol it is not right for me to go to government departments to meet officials there,” he maintained. (Ayesha Zuhair)
Comments - 53
Comments - Foreign Tabligh Jamaat members given grace period to leave
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Azaam Danube Monday, 23 January 2012 09:17 AM
Please do not act as snakes and do not increase communication violence. This is not such a big problem. What is happening in your country now? Islam is a religion which is accepted from east west and north to south. If you wanted to talk regarding this subject better to arrange some scholars from your country and your religion same time we are ready to prove our shelf in front of the world who are we and what is Islam.
5 13
roshan Greenwich Lo Monday, 23 January 2012 07:28 AM
People should use their sense before writing comments. Thabligh Jamat is doing a very good work in the UK, France, Germany and many European cities. In Srilanka many many thieves and pickpockets have mended their habbits. They Thbaligh jamat people are spending their own money and coming to preach how to live as good muslims and not sponsored by NGOs. Sending house maids and all are irrelevant in this captioned news. kalmunia beruwela and many incidents were happening since the time man was born and not after thabligh.
9 29
Trualf Monday, 23 January 2012 07:29 AM
Better check them weather they are from USA or not? if they are not USA no need to worry... They are not armful to our country, they are nothing other then preachers if they like let them come back with Proper Visa and share there International good Knowledge with LK...
13 9
Dr, Ahmed London Monday, 23 January 2012 07:40 AM
Hon, Fowzie should be appreciated for the move as well as Gotabaya and Basil Rajapakse. Our people wellcome insane and inhumane creatures and no one objected. We always wanted to be in the dark and never willing to mend our ways.
7 7
Mohamed Monday, 23 January 2012 07:41 AM
Well done sir you, you had the guts to raise the voice to notify the authorities. Thabligh Jamat helps to keep the true teachings of islam and maintains continuous peace in their teachings.
9 12
Apsara Monday, 23 January 2012 07:38 AM
Thabligh Jamath is a purely apolitical, peaceful movement engaging the rectification of muslim brothers spiritually and better habits/dealing with non-muslims in the country. Many muslims have became good muslims in religious practice as well as dealing with other non-muslim brothers due to involvement with this work.
Many notable muslim figures also connected with this movement. For eg. our late Niyas Moulavi (Religious Advisor to HE President) also involved with this Jamath activities since his childhood and have visited many parts of the world during his lifetime.
Further, foreign nationals have travelled to Sri Lanka since 1953 on tourist visa on this cause.
Hence, my kind advise for the people those who are commenting - to acquaint themself about this movement and it's noble cause.
Apsara8 19
Michel Monday, 23 January 2012 08:08 AM
Why are these missionaries coming on tourist visa and preaching. Why not they come as missionaries? Actions speak louder than preaching. It is hard to break the law and preach
8 8
Nizar Monday, 23 January 2012 08:16 AM
Sri Lankan Muslims knows which movement is doing what. It is their duty to decide who is allowed & not. So Non Muslim brothers no need of commenting for this as they are not preaching anything to Non Muslims. As far as I know, this is the best movement accepted by Muslims almost all over the world. Putting unnecessary pressure on misunderstanding to this movement, will adversely affect for Muslim community in Sri Lanka & future generations such as increase in use of alcohol , western life style etc. I hope government will understand the truth.
12 15
Nizarizar Monday, 23 January 2012 08:17 AM
Sri Lankan Muslims knows which movement is doing what. It is their duty to decide who is allowed & not. So Non Muslim brothers no need of commenting for this as they are not preaching anything to Non Muslims. As far as I know, this is the best movement accepted by Muslims almost all over the world. Putting unnecessary pressure on misunderstanding to this movement, will adversely affect for Muslim community in Sri Lanka & future generations such as increase in use of alcohol etc. I hope government will understand the truth.
5 8
Kapilavastu Monday, 23 January 2012 08:23 AM
How can anyone preach any religion, Islam or otherwise, if they knowingly and deliberately violate the laws of a country.
8 8
xlntgson Monday, 23 January 2012 08:25 AM
Tablig is against arms rebellion, preaching preaching preaching, nothing else; a talk shop- that too for praying Muslims, lest they may leave prayers (!)
7 4
mohamed.zahim Monday, 23 January 2012 08:17 AM
Peace be upon to all,
Dear Friends de silva/ Lisa sir/madam your comments are out of the subject, but, is a good subject which should be discussed to get a clear picture on what is Islam and what happens in other nations.lot of above comments are due to unawareness please refer Mfzansr, i think you all can get a simple idea about what Thabliq jamat and what they preach and to whom.
Thank you9 15
Shifaan Fuard Monday, 23 January 2012 08:34 AM
Before comment pl. Understand who are Tabligh Jamaat’ poeple and what there are really doing whan there are here
5 9
Ralph Anthony Monday, 23 January 2012 09:17 AM
It is better if you first start preaching in your own own country, the Arab world which is in turmoil, where the average killings a day exceeds 60. Why not visit them? The are ones that need spiritual guidance.
The Government should be extra careful in offering Visas to people of this nature13 7
a slaughtered cattle Monday, 23 January 2012 07:34 AM
yes never give them a chance...the more you give more of us will die.
40 13
moonnajama Monday, 23 January 2012 09:24 AM
Stupid do you know who the Taliban are? Even Your shelf you do not know who the Buddhist are? Go back to India and learn again the philosophy of Buddhism. And remember it is not a Religion that’s why your people when they come out from mother Lanka they are going to the church or following other religions.
4 16
Mohd. Monday, 23 January 2012 09:47 AM
I personally command Min. Fowzi for the explanation given to SL Authority on this regards. On the other side, why we; Muslim should follow the religion by creating divisions???
5 7
Minister Monday, 23 January 2012 09:38 AM
I think their services are more than required in the Middle East where many of our Sri Lankan house maids have been harassed, raped, nailed and murdered. If they do so, we really appreciate their services to the needy. Please go to these countries and teach them on humanity.
8 12
mohan Monday, 23 January 2012 09:48 AM
it interference in Emigration department activities, Visa rule was violated and it been cancelled, if minister can grant grace period that's system should be available for everyone.
3 7
Kadira Monday, 23 January 2012 09:51 AM
Ela Fowzie!! Finally some true service from a puplic dependant snr.minister!
6 14
RF Monday, 23 January 2012 01:34 PM
Please do not come out with this type of idiotic comments....
1 2
Hamzah Rahmath Tuesday, 24 January 2012 08:35 AM
Good Afternoon Everyone,Once a complaint filed to Indian CBI that Tabligh Jamath are spreading extremism and motivating Muslims towards political activities, so CBI decided to Spy the situation and sent an undercover team to Delhi Markez (center) the place anyone can go and stay, So they went through day by day activities of TablighIs in the center; finally,They are tired of finding for why these people were accused.
Because they never talk and involved in worldly Affairs as One of the CBI agent said, "Day and night these people are discussing about the matters related to above the sky (Heaven) and under the earth (after Death) , nothing in between, (No worldly affairs) this movement is such a miraculous and they spend their own money and time to Motivate namely Muslims to becme a Practising Muslim's". If anyone have any doubt about Tabligh Movement should go and spend some time with them, Then come and comment here... Thanks, Hamzah Rahmathullah.0 5
mahen Thursday, 26 January 2012 05:09 AM
i was in australia and newzealand last year. we stayed in mosques and not in hotels . we ate well all provided by the muslims of those countries as guests of Allah. we also toured the countries. the famous cricketing venues like melbourne,brisbane,adelaide, sydney . also the opera house. we toured the sydney harbour bridge. the roames the beaches of gold cost. visited the luxary apartments in the sea side owned by oscar winning stars. we visited the volcanes in new zealand. we wnt to the worlds end and waded in the beach. we visited the blue mountains. we travelled on sky riders from mountain to mountain in newzealand. we sailed in the catamarans in the river in brisbane. all at absolutely no cost what soever. it was the local citizens who took us all over although we resisted .so is this not tourism . didn`t we stay in mosques. didn`t we have our spiritual exercises. we experience the world best alhamdulillah due to the effort of the tabligh.
0 1
dilbar Thursday, 26 January 2012 08:12 AM
hey christo don`t make unwanted comments. all the problems arose because of the christian missionaries as they have upto now converted 1000`s of buddhists to chrianity. these missions go door to door irrespective of which house they visit too. i respect jesus as one of my holy prophets but these guys cause a lot of havoc in sri lanka. it`s best if each community minds their own communal business. the work of tabligh is a training for the rectification of an individual and not to convert people from other religions. our muslims are trained to become a model in social etiquette, character and monetary dealings etc.
0 1
Hamzah Rahmath Monday, 30 January 2012 08:54 AM
The sad part of this story is most of our own Muslims brothers/sisters does'nt know rightly about Tabligh movement, i hope they must spend some time from the bottomline to know why this work? What is the real intention? what are the benefits gain? what are the effort we should do and How our community changed bcz of this work!
0 1
Hamzah Rahmath Monday, 30 January 2012 09:04 AM
The sad part of this story is most of our own Muslims brothers/sisters does'nt know rightly about Tabligh movement, i hope they must spend some time from the bottomline to know why this work? What is the real intention? what are the benefits gain? what are the effort we should do and How our community changed bcz of this work!
0 0
Shalgia Shamil Tuesday, 23 October 2012 07:26 AM
I am from Castle Hill,NSW,Australia.my brother is also active member in Tableigh jamath.
0 1
sandman Monday, 23 January 2012 06:13 AM
Very simple de Silva, just stop the Housemaids from going there to get these kind of treatment. As long as the BRAVE MALES in our country are willing to send their female folk to get this kind of treatment, then it is of no consequence to ask others to LOOK INTO these problems. Your solution is like CUTTING OFF YOUR NOSE JUST BECAUSE OF A COMMON COLD. Be frank and dont let bias and prejudice cloud your comments.
29 88
Miracle of Asia Monday, 23 January 2012 05:04 AM
Practice what you preach is the message to our Tabligh Jamaath.
12 43
Saleem Monday, 23 January 2012 04:56 AM
It is a good move by Fouzi to have explained to authorities about the Thabligh Jama'th, in order to eradicate whatever wrong feeling.
29 64
Mohamed Monday, 23 January 2012 04:57 AM
Once you die, you will get the great gift for this. Its nearing on the skye
32 34
Aristotle Monday, 23 January 2012 05:17 AM
Ha the twist!
10 18
kobian Monday, 23 January 2012 05:31 AM
Chase them out they are discriminating our country's muslims.
74 44
freehi Monday, 23 January 2012 05:24 AM
Ok this is acceptable.
8 22
Out you go Monday, 23 January 2012 05:35 AM
Finally i think this is Fouzie's maiden true service to the country
26 36
AMG Monday, 23 January 2012 05:38 AM
a good lesson !
14 17
de silva Monday, 23 January 2012 05:32 AM
Minister Fowzer should ask tablig members to look at the ill treatent meted out to housemaids - starved, raped, made pregnant, maimed, driving nails in to the body, pushing out of tall buildings, stop such inhuman treatment. They are paid a pittance although the arabs wallow in oil wealth. These women are v irtual salves, a modern form of slavery. Why are the human rights champions of the west silent?
49 80
MAYU Monday, 23 January 2012 05:34 AM
Chase them out of mother lanka.
78 41
maruyaka Monday, 23 January 2012 06:00 AM
Lets try solving our problems first, havent you learnt anything throught our history!!!
30 19
Tharik Monday, 23 January 2012 05:54 AM
Why should we have Foreigners preaching to us, after all aren't they from countries that are noted for drugs or promoting terrorism.
Aren't SL Muslims better muslims than the muslims in some foreign countries. If any, it should be we, who should do the preaching.
Also, recent incidents like Beruwela, Kalmunai etc. were because of Foreign Islamic influence.
Hope Controller of Immigration/Emigration has the guts to stick to his decision.25 67
Christo Monday, 23 January 2012 04:58 AM
The government should be careful of these people. We had 30 years of war and do not want to have a religious war on our hands, please ask these people to preach to their own country men rather than impose their opinions of us. This is Taliban raising it's head in SL.
107 68
Ahamed Monday, 23 January 2012 06:32 AM
Thabligh jamaath has no political, economical or worldly agenda. All it does is to encourage Muslims to become better Muslims and encourages them to spend some of their time, wealth and self to achieve it. It encourages Muslims while leading their day to day life, to focus on their eternal life of the hereafter. It encourages Muslims to believe in God, worship Him and get help from God, to live a simple, humble, honest and be sincere in this short life. It encourages Muslims to be good to all God's creation. It doesn't force Muslims to do anything but encourages Muslims to bring in God's command and the Prophets way into our day to day life. There is no history of violence or political affiliation in this movement.
8 22
a muslim Monday, 23 January 2012 06:25 AM
It would be a good move to have a visa category for such visitors. This will ensure those who come have their bona fides verified before they arrive. This is the decent and dignified method instead of knee jerk reactions. You wouldn't do that to someone visiting your house even if it was someone who you don't agree with. In addition this will keep any perceived trouble makers (if they were to come) in future and everyone will be happy. But for god's sake please dont try to make this into an issue where it divides us Sri Lankans. There are plenty of foreign influences trying their very best already.
4 18
EX-THABLEEGHI Monday, 23 January 2012 06:28 AM
THABLEEGH WAS FOUNDED JUST OVER HUNDRED YEARS AGO. ISLAM IS OVER 1400 YEARS OLD. CAN THEY TELL US THAT THE ISLAM PRACTICED BEFORE WAS NOT ISLAM.JUST ONE QUESTION WHY SHOULD SRI LANKAN THABLEEGHIS GO TO SOUTH AFRICA, AND SOUTH AFRICANS COME HERE. OBVIOUS REASON"""""""""""
THEY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN THEIR COUNTRIES BECAUSE THEY DO NOT PRACTICE WHAT THEY PREACHTHEY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN THEIR COUNTRIES BECAUSE THEY DO NOT PRACTICE WHAT THEY PREACH...')" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px">Reply 19 16
Muslimath Monday, 23 January 2012 06:35 AM
There is Thabliq Jamath here in Sri Lanka who can jolly well preach to Sri Lankan muslims, why we need chaps from overeseas?
9 22
Handipora Monday, 23 January 2012 06:35 AM
You have to be careful when you make comments of this nature. Do not arouse communal feelings among the otherwise saint people. Please for God's sake refrain from making this type of comments.
13 52
KABAB Monday, 23 January 2012 06:48 AM
Tharik, at least you preach what you practice.
8 34
Lisa Monday, 23 January 2012 06:57 AM
@sandman, so basically your admitting housemaids in the middle east are subjected to this cruelty & men should not send them to work overseas as housemaids? i think your phrase suits you, instead of addressing the problem of cruelty to our women you expect them to avoid taking these jobs & starve their families, any job is job mate, do not be disrespect to women or any other job that's seems degrading to you!!!
23 26
de silva Monday, 23 January 2012 06:55 AM
If there is a breach of law of the country. how the hell pawsi can changed it? Let us see guts of defense secretary. These people are dengerous than the LTTE. should kick out as soon as possible
30 18
Mfzansr Monday, 23 January 2012 07:03 AM
Thabliq Jammath is not a movement engage in any kind of violence or preaching of Islam to non Muslims. these people visit the mosques in our villages and towns and stay there for days. their activities will be centered around meeting the Muslims in the perticuler area and good deeds with in the mosque premises. Not only the foreigners engage in these activities, most of them are local Muslim who wishes to practice the good deeds from the teachings of Islam.
It is valid and lawful to send them back to their countries if they came here under the tourist visas. however it should be further understood that this movement is engaged only in peaceful activities within Muslims community.
What should be clearly understood is that this deportation is clearly due to the visa issues,not anything to do with war or any other kind of terrorist activities.8 42
naswaf Monday, 23 January 2012 07:23 AM
it is shame fowzie......u have to talk on this matters but u r reporting this to the news paper with happy and joy.........shame shame....
7 16
srilankan Monday, 23 January 2012 07:19 AM
Thabligh Jama'th and Taliban are 2 DIFFERENT things. They are not the same. pls get your facts correct and don't confuse readers.
24 56
FALCON Monday, 23 January 2012 07:22 AM
why this kolaveri
1 32
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