Ayin Shah Jahan
April 25 at 3:56 PM ·
I am a Sri Lankan Muslim. I attended a strict Buddhist school. My parents didn't want me to dress differently; I wore the same uniform. I shared the same lunch packet. I took Buddhism as a subject even though I had the option to opt out. I was always present at the school sil ceremonies and actively helping out. I sang wesak bakthi gee. At home we celebrated Wesak by making and decorating our house with colourful lanterns. We always had a Chrismas tree at home and my mum would keep gifts under the tree at night, a tradition I still continue to do with my kids. As an adult I have taken part in singing Christmas carols. I have attended church sermons. My kids attend a multicultral school. They take part in Christmas nativity productions, Deepawali celebrations, Wesak celebrations. 98% of my friends are non muslims. My best friends are all Buddhists/Christians & Hindus.
All this doesn't make me any less of a Muslim. My religion is between me and my God and not for public display.
The face cover (niqab/burka) is not a mandatory requirement by Islam and if this piece of garment is a threat to national security, I, for one would not object if this were to be banned.
Some in my family may not agree but I hope they too will come to understand the greater need of the hour.
We are Sri Lankans and we should go by the Sri Lankan culture. Let's not mix culture and religion.
We are one and we need to stay united to defeat extremisms of all kind!
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