Justice M. Jameel passed away on September 11, on the 10th day of the holy month of Ramadan. Soon after breaking fast, family, friends and colleagues were calling each other to convey the sad news of the death of this outstanding person who had contributed so much to the community.
Justice Jameel was a model of politeness, humility, simplicity, honesty, integrity and deliberation – superior attributes rarely found in people today. He was full of knowledge, yet lived so quietly. He was well versed in the law and had a deep knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence.
Justice Jameel did a great deal for the development of the Muslim community – educationally, culturally and economically. But his yeoman service is not visible in his name for the simple reason that he did it all behind the scenes. The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, Ceylon Baitul Mal, Ilma International School and Amana Investments Limited all enormously benefited from him.
Silence was one of his unique qualities. He talked very little; just a few meaningful sentences constructed with well-chosen words. He was loved by virtually everyone.
He rose to the exalted position of “Justice”, and held many other responsible positions as well. He had the honour of being a member of the Constitutional Council, and he was the Sri Lanka Ambassador in the UAE. His presence illuminated the exalted positions he held, rather than the exalted positions illuminating him.
He got deeply involved in social service, after his retirement. He was president of the Ceylon Baitul Mal, president of the board of governors of the Ilma International School, a member of the Shari’ah Supervisory Council of Amana Investments Limited, as well as holding many other responsible posts in various public organizations. He performed his duties with great patience and the utmost prudence, setting a good example to others in public life and social work.
He was a great scholar. In his last few years, he showed an intense interest in Islamic Shari’ah literature.
Islamic Jurisprudence was his focal point. He never hesitated to get any doubts cleared by respected Ulama.
I fondly recall the way we used to address each other. He was older than me by many years, but he would address me as “Sir”, and I would address him as “Your Lordship”.
Justice Jameel’s passing has left a void which will not be easily filled. A human being par excellence, who served the community in silence and with sincerity, humility, simplicity and deliberation, has left us. Society is deeply indebted to him.
It is my considered opinion that Justice Jameel is a chapter that should be researched in depth.
May Almighty Allah forgive his sins, accept his good deeds and honour him by granting him Jannatul Firdaus, while granting his family patience and solace.
By Ash-Shaikh H. Abdul Nazar
General Secretary, All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama,
President, Centre for Spiritual Solidarity |
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