Sri Lanka blasts: Mosques refuse to bury bombers

The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), the apex body of Sri Lankan Muslims, said on Thursday that mosques will not bury the bombers.

Additionally, Muslims have also been asked to avoid Friday prayers, while the women have been asked to avoid wearing a burqa.

In a statement, the ACJU said, “We advise that in the prevailing situation, our sisters should not hinder the security forces in their efforts to maintain national security by wearing the face cover (niqab).”

Whereas, Minister for Muslim Religious Affairs Abdul Haleem Mohammed Hashim called on Muslims to not attend Friday prayers.

In a letter, he said, “As a sign of solitary with the Catholic community and a show of protest against the barbaric act of the ruthless terrorists, I appeal to my Muslim brothers to avoid gathering for congregational prayers (on Friday) and to pray at home instead, for peace and security of our motherland.”

“We stand with Christian brothers and sisters during their time of grief,” the letter said.

In addition, the US embassy in Sri Lanka issued an advisory asking Americans to avoid specific areas over the weekend, starting Friday through Sunday, based on the Sri Lankan government’s warning over more attacks.