{"id":3337,"date":"2025-10-17T13:42:52","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T13:42:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/?p=3337"},"modified":"2025-10-18T05:16:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-18T05:16:09","slug":"3337","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/2025\/10\/17\/3337\/","title":{"rendered":"The Return of Weaponized Islamophobia by Thidagu’s comrade Wirathu"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This article examines the transformation of one of Myanmar\u2019s most revered monks, Sitagu Sayadaw<\/strong>, from a respected preacher of royal ethics to a controversial figure aligned with the military. It reflects on how religious nationalism and Islamophobia<\/strong>, once exploited to secure political power, continue to endanger Myanmar\u2019s fragile unity. In connecting past and present, it reminds readers that the Spring Revolution\u2019s true victory<\/strong> depends not only on defeating tyranny, but also on rejecting hatred in all its forms<\/strong>.
This commentary reflects the author\u2019s personal views and aims to promote interfaith understanding and national reconciliation.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under Military Rule: The Fearful Burmese Public and Sitagu Sayadaw\u2019s Controversial Sermons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Living under the reign of terror imposed by the military regime, the people of Myanmar once regarded the sermons of the revered monk Sitagu Sayadaw<\/strong>\u2014notably his discourse on Rajav\u0101da (The Ten Duties of Kings)<\/strong> and his post\u20132007 Saffron Revolution sermons such as \u201cThe Paths Taken by Fools\u201d<\/em>\u2014as traditional teachings worthy of respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the image of Sitagu Sayadaw began to change during the 2010 transition to democracy<\/strong>, when he gradually emerged as a monk sympathetic to and supportive of the military. By the time of the 2021 coup<\/strong>, his alignment with the junta had become unmistakable, leading to a surge of public criticism<\/strong> and disappointment among former followers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another controversial aspect<\/strong> of Sitagu\u2019s preaching is his frequent reference to the idea that Buddhism declined because of the invasions of Islam<\/strong>. In his sermons, he often cited historical examples such as Afghanistan<\/strong>\u2014the land of King Milinda\u2014and Pakistan<\/strong>, home to the ancient Buddhist university of Taxila<\/strong>, once the center for teaching the J\u0101taka Tales<\/em>. He claimed that these Buddhist lands had fallen under Islamic domination, implying a civilizational loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through such remarks, Sitagu portrayed himself as a protector of Buddhism in Myanmar<\/strong>, while at the same time encouraging resentment and suspicion<\/strong> toward non-native or non-Buddhist communities, particularly Muslims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In July 2013<\/strong>, at a meeting of the Interfaith Protection and Preservation Association<\/em> in Yangon\u2019s Insein Township, Sitagu Sayadaw delivered a sermon claiming that ancient Buddhist pagodas near Theingyi Market<\/strong> in downtown Yangon had disappeared and been replaced by Muslim mosques<\/strong>. This sermon, too, fueled sectarian hatred<\/strong> and was seen as part of the growing wave of anti-Muslim nationalism in Myanmar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sitagu Sayadaw\u2019s Moral Decline and His Words That Justified Violence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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