Islam was introduced to Sri Lanka centuries ago by Sunni-Sufi Muslims who established a rich spiritual heritage across the island. These early believers built hundreds of mosques, embedding a peaceful and deeply rooted Islamic tradition within the local culture. The historical consensus among traditional communities is that the foundational growth and preservation of Islam in Sri Lanka are directly owed to the efforts of these Sufi Tariqas, whose spiritual legacy shaped the identity of the local Muslim population.

However, approximately 60 years ago, ideologies such as Wahhabism and Ikhwanism began penetrating Sri Lanka through movements like the Tablighi Jamaat, Thowheed Jamaat, and Jamaat-e-Islami. These groups introduced a rigid paradigm that shifted away from traditional consensus, often accusing mainstream Muslims of practicing idolatry and Shirk (polytheism). By positioning themselves as the sole arbiters of true Islam, these movements created deep theological rifts and actively antagonized the long-established traditional community.

These reformist ideologies stand in stark contrast to the classical beliefs of the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah, specifically the Ash'ari and Maturidi schools of creed. 

A primary point of contention is the adoption of Tajsīm (anthropomorphism), which attributes physical dimensions, limbs, and a literal spatial location in the sky to God. 

Additionally, these groups embrace Takfīr (excommunication) by declaring the traditional practice of seeking the intercession of prophets and Awliyā (saints) as polytheistic, thereby reducing the status of these revered figures to ordinary human beings. 

They also promote Anti Taqlīd sentiments, rejecting the traditional adherence to established Mujtahid scholars in favor of personal, unqualified interpretations of the Quran and Hadith.  
Over the decades, the radicalization fueled by these extremist ideologies escalated from theological disputes into overt violence. 

Elements within these movements have been responsible for various aggressive acts, including the desecration and destruction of the shrines of Awliyā. Traditional Sunni scholars who dared to speak out against these deviations were mocked using the term "Hubbu" faced intimidation, kidnapping, torture, and targeted assassinations, disrupting the long-standing peace of the local community.

In response to these growing challenges, traditional Sunni scholars in Sri Lanka have resolved to educate the public on the authentic, mainstream creed of Islam. They are organizing a conference to reaffirm the balanced, non-extremist Aqīdā championed by historic institutions like Al-Azhar University, which represents the vast majority of Muslims worldwide rather than the rigid doctrines popularized by modern reform movements. All who wish to preserve the authentic, peaceful heritage of the faith are invited to join this vital educational initiative.

Preserving Traditional Sunni Islam in Sri Lanka from Wahhabi Extremism