Articles

Draconian Blasphemy laws  – An Islamic Perspective by Asiff Hussein There has perhaps been no modern-day law that has irked so many, and particularly human rights activists, as the harsh penalties inflicted for blasphemy in certain Muslim countries like Pakistan. The harshness of these rulings which do not give the …

Freedom of Marital Choice in the Light of the Qur’an and Ahadith and its Relevance to Muslim Civil Laws    – Asiff Hussein  This paper deals with a much disputed aspect of Islamic civil law, namely, the position of the wilayat (marriage guardianship) and the legal capacity of Muslim women to …

The jewellers of Nilavala by ASIFF HUSSEIN There could hardly be imagined a more beautiful sight than a Kandyan lady wearing her embroidered bodice covered with a sari of old Indian brocade, bare-footed, and covered with delicate tinkling chains and pendants, rings and bracelets, of which profusion one feels that …

Female Circumcision An Islamic practice that brings untold benefits to women By Asiff Hussein Much has been written about female circumcision of late, with many writers confusing this Islamic practice with FGM (Female Genital Mutilation). However this is far from the truth. Female circumcision as prescribed in Islam involves removing …

Islam – a Mercy to all Creatures Big and Small By Asiff Hussein This article explores the concept of animal rights in Islam. Islam as we know is not just a religion but a way of life that governs all aspects of life based on rights and obligations. Rights in …

Hastening Armageddon      Why the Unholy Alliance between Fundamentalist American Evangelists and Jewish Zionists poses a threat to World Peace By Asiff Hussein Little do we realize that events unfolding in the West today are bound to have serious implications for the Muslim world and indeed the world at large. …

The mat-weavers of Henavala by ASIFF HUSSEIN There was a time when the famous Dumbara mats were much talked about and sought after by the cultured circles of Sri Lankan society not very long ago.This however no longer appears to be the case today at a time when the love …

Perpetuating an old craft by ASIFF HUSSEIN Drums never fail to liven up things. Be it the rhythmic beats of the wandering minstrel or the loud bangs of the school hevisi band, the drum speaks the language of life. The art of drum-making however survives in only a few localities …

The cotton-weavers of Talagune   by ASIFF HUSSEIN Little is it known that the weaving of traditional homemade cottons once widely prevalent in the Kandyan country today survives as a cottage industry in only one solitary village, namely, Talagune in the Uda Dumbara division of the Kandy district. Around eight …

The lac-workers of Hapuvida by ASIFF HUSSEIN Lac work is certainly one of the most beautiful forms of art known to man. Be it flag poles or spear handles, candle holders or jewellery boxes, little round tables or large wall clocks, items worked in lac exude a beauty unmatched by …