 The formation of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama nearly a century ago, and the continued operation of it, is based on these values.The need for a body of Islamic scholars in countries where Muslims were a minority was felt very strongly in the early 20th century, since proper guidance was most needed in such places.The establishment of the ACJU was preceded by the setting up of a similar body in South Africa in 1923, and was followed by the setting up of the institution in India, in the year 1926.