RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO — President of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama,ACJU, AshSheik Rizvi Mufthi said that his organisation being a non-political body, is dedicated to serve people of all communities in Sri Lanka as well as other nationalities living abroad.” We have helped distressed people in Nepal and India.”
The Mufthi was speaking at an event organized by The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama to host a Media Night at the Rosewood Ceylon Banquet Hall, Dehiwela on Wednesday June 5. It was held under the patronage of President of the ACJU Ash Sheik M.I.M. Rizvi Mufthi.
Addressing media men and women from all parts of Sri Lanka, Mufthi said : “Whatever your field in journalism, Muslim writers should be guided by the principles and policies of their religion. Journalism is a responsible duty and always they have to write correct things to people.He also recalled ACJU services during the last 100 years. He further said the ACJU does not support any political party it meets only the political party leaders.
Media Secretary of the ACJU Ash Sheik Fazil Farook delivered the welcome address.
ACJU presented a documentary on their activities for the last 100 years for the country and the community.
ACJU General Secretary Ash Sheik Arkam Nooramith praised the Media personnel’s services to the country specially community to the community and the nation. He pointed out that those days news were controlled and filtered by the respective editors, but now every citizen is like a journalist busy updating news. “Sometimes that news is true but the updating method is wrong.” Also he remembered some Journalists who sacrificed their lives in the present Israeli-Palestine crisis.
Noorahmith further told journalists : “ Quran maintains and upholds the right to freedom of religion, speech, and expression when done in a decent manner.”
“Freedom of speech and expression is acknowledged in Islamic legal theory and is a component of its incredibly high ethical base.”
“ Most stories have at least two sides. So, the stories should be balanced with context.
• Objectivity is not always possible, and may not always be desirable.
• Impartial reporting builds trust and confidence. A sure sign of professionalism and responsible journalism is the ability to hold ourselves accountable.When we commit errors we must correct them and ourexpressions of regret must be sincere not cynical.
• We listen to the concerns of our audience,” Noorahmith concluded.
Colombo Times chief Editor and Arab News Colombo Correspondent Senior Journalist Mohammed Rasooldeen, Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum President N.M. Ameen, SLBC Head of the Muslim Service Unit Rinoziya.ACJU Treasurer Ash Sheik Dr. A. Azwer Azahim delivered the vote of thanks. Representatives from Print and Electronic Media personnel were also present.
