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Controversial book behind clashes in Kattankudy
By Asif Fuard
The recent Kattankudy clashes which resulted in over 200 houses of Sufi followers being burned down by the mainstream Sunni Muslims was reportedly due to a book published by a Sufi leader which was considered controversial and un-Islamic.

The author of the book M.S.M. Abdullah alias Pailwan had founded the Sufi group - All Ceylon Tharikathul Mufliheen - 35 years ago. The book, written in Tamil published in 1989 was subject to criticism by the Sunni group - All Ceylon Jammiyyathul Ulama - which said the book contained remarks derogatory of Islam.

The Sunni group had distributed handbills in the area condemning the book and the author. Mr. Abdullah had consequently filed a defamation case in the Colombo District Court against the All Ceylon Jammiyyathul Ulama.

After seven years of court battles, the Jammiyyathul Ulama agreed to a settlement on June 11, 1996 to withdraw the "fatwa" (religious decree) and declare the "fatwa" be deemed not to have been given. All Ceylon Tharikathul Mufliheen secretary A.L.M. Kaleel told The Sunday Times damage due to the clashes has been estimated at around Rs. 400 million.

"The Sunni's first destroyed our computer lab which is used by many poor children in the villages. The mob had also stolen valuables in houses and then burnt the houses while the police just watched", he said.

"The Sunni's actions are an insult to the District Court. The mob had entered our mosque and destroyed so many ziharams (tombs) as well," he said. At the moment the leader of the other Sufi group - All Ceylon Spiritual Movement - had fled to India due to the unrest in Kattankudy. Leader of the movement Abdul Rauf is said to be an understudy of the Jammiyyathul Mufliheen leader Abdullah. The clashes had erupted on October 31 when moves were underway to bury the ailing Sufi leader Abdullah in a tomb in a Muslim burial ground, when he dies. The mainstream Sunni's had opposed this and when a bomb had exploded in a mosque injuring several people the clashes had begun. A total of five shrines have been destroyed in Kattankudy.

At the moment several Sunni's in the area are homeless and have left Kattankudy. Deputy Minister A.M. Hisbullah is engaged in an effort to find an amicable settlement.

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