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'@@ -33,33 +33,81 @@ }} -The '''Grand Mosque of Colombo''' is a [[mosque]] located in [[Colombo]], Sri Lanka. +The ''''''Grand Mosque of Colombo'''''' is a [[mosque]] located in [[Colombo]], Sri Lanka. -The mosque has a history that goes back over 1200 years. The earliest European reference to the mosque appears in a description from November 1505 when the commander of a Portuguese expedition anchored in [[Colombo Harbour|Colombo bay]]. In 1520 following an attack on the [[Portuguese Ceylon|Portuguese]] trading post, established earlier by [[Lopo de Brito]], the [[List of Captains of Portuguese Ceylon|Captain of Portuguese Ceylon]], the King [[Bhuvanaikabahu VII of Kotte|Bhuvanaikabahu]] of [[Kingdom of Kotte|Kotte]] burnt the town (Colombo) along with two large mosques. The mosque was however rebuilt on the same site soon after. In the 1820s, the mosque was redesigned and rebuilt by [[Sri Lankan Malays|Malay]] architect, Muhammad Balangkaya, the son of a Malay noble of the Royal House of [[Gowa Regency|Gowa]] (present-day [[Sulawesi]], [[Indonesia]]),<ref>{{cite book|author=B. D. K. Saldin|title=Orang Melayu Sri Lanka Dan Bahasanya|year=1996|publisher=Sridevi Printers Publication|isbn=95-594-1902-1|page=17}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Sarandib: an ethnological study of the Muslims of Sri Lanka|author=Hussein, Asiff|date=2007|page=449|isbn=9789559726227}}</ref> who was exiled to Ceylon in 1790 by the Dutch. The mosque was rebuilt as a two-storey structure, one of the first of its kind.<ref>{{cite book|title=Glimpses for the Past of the Moors of Sri Lanka|author1=Marikar, A. I. L.|author2=Lafir, A.L. M.|author3=Macan Markar, A. H.|publisher=Moors' Islamic Cultural Home|date=1976|page=58}}</ref> In 1826 the [[Governors of British Ceylon|British Governor of Ceylon]], [[Edward Barnes (British Army officer)|Edward Barnes]], visited the mosque and commended the architect on the excellence of his work.<ref>http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lkawgw/cgm.html {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=June 2022}}</ref> In 1827 Sir [[Alexander Johnston (1775–1849)|Alexander Johnston]] discovered an Arabic inscribed tombstone dating to 948AD, which had been moved by the Dutch from the old Muslim cemetery next to the Grand Mosque,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.srilankamuslims.org/cufic-inscription-ceylon/|title=Arabic Stone Inscription Found in Ceylon by Sir Alexander Johnston (949 AD)|date=18 April 2017|publisher=Sri Lanka Museum of Muslims|access-date=6 March 2018}}</ref> which indicates the mosque may be over 1,100 years old and possibly the oldest mosque in Sri Lanka.<ref>http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lkawgw/cgm.html {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=June 2022}}</ref> +The Colombo Grand Mosque, located in Hulftsdorp, Pettah, is a remarkable testament to Sri Lanka's rich Islamic history. With roots dating back over 1200 years, it is the first and largest mosque in Colombo and the second oldest in the country. -In 1897 an additional wing was constructed under the supervision of I. L. M. H. Muhammad Mohideen. The wing was used in 1959 as classrooms for the newly established school, Al-Madrasathul Hameedia.was Constructed by Sultaan Abdul Hamid the Second of the Ottoman Empire In 1921 the name of the school was changed to the Hameedia Boys' English School. The mosque was reconstructed again during 1900s to meet the modern needs of the Muslim community. +'''The creation of the Mosque''' -The mosque contains the shrine of the Malay saint, Bahu-Uddeen Tuan Bagoos Balankaya. +Sri Lanka was known to early Arabs sea farers as Serandib, Saheelan, and where Muslims believe Prophet Adam (A.S.) fell to earth from paradise (Sri Pada) and the European colonial powers as Ceilão and Ceylon. -==Trustees and Treasurers== -===Trustees=== -* 1918–1920: I. L. M. H. Muhammad Mohideen -* 1920–1925: H. N. H. Jalaldeen -* 1925–1940: S. L. Mahmood -* 1940–?: M. Ghouse Mohideen -* 2009–2014: A. M. M. Rauf +The mosque's origins trace back to early Arab and Persian sea traders who brought Islam to Sri Lanka during 622CE in the 7th century. These merchants, seeking textiles, spices, and gems, played a pivotal role in establishing the foundations of the Muslim community on the island. By the 14th century, Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) had become a focal point for trans-oceanic Muslim pilgrimage, shaping a distinctly Indian-centric conception of Islam in Sri Lanka. -===Treasurers=== -* 1918–1933: W.M. Mohamado Usooff -* 1933–1940: W.M.A. Wahid -* 1940–1957: W.M. Abdul Jabbar -* 1958–?: A.J.M. Ariff +According to historical records, two individuals from the royal family of Yemen arrived in Sri Lanka in 640 CE, one of them landed in Manthottam in Mannar and the other in Beruwela marking the initial spread of Islam on the island. -==References== -{{reflist}} +The faith continued to grow with the arrival of preacher Khalid Ibn Abu Bakaya from Baghdad in 797 CE 181 AH, sent by the Caliph Harun al-Rashid (Abu Ja'far Harun Ibn Muhammad al-Mahdi) as an envoy. who reigned in Hijri 169 CE766 – 24 March 809 during the regime of Abbasids. Khalid Ibn Abu Bakaya established the mosque in Pettah, along with a burial ground and a center for learning, laying the foundation for a vibrant Muslim community in Colombo. When he passed away, he was buried at the mosque, and this site is now the location of the present-day Colombo Grand Mosque. -==External links== -*{{Official website|http://www.colombograndmosque.com}} +The mosque's history is further evidenced by an ancient tombstone dating back to 948CE inscription was discovered in 1787 by Dutch officials from a burial ground beside a mosque in Pettah. In 1827, Sir Alexander Johnston, who served as Chief Justice of Ceylon, found the inscribed tombstone dated 948 AD among relics that were moved from the old Muslim burial ground. The finding was submitted by the British to the Royal Asiatic Society of London for verification. It transpired that it was the tombstone of Khalid Ibn Abu Bakaya. This artifact, is now displayed at the Colombo Museum, provides the earliest proven record of the mosque's existence, confirming its long and storied history. -{{Mosques in Sri Lanka}} +The street adjoining Grand Mosque was earlier known as “first Mosque Lane” in reference to the Grand Mosque now renamed Rifai Thangal Lane. -[[Category:Mosques in Colombo]] +'''The Portuguese era 1505-1658 and the Mosque''' + +The arrival of the Portuguese in 1505 to the Island and their subsequent invasion marked the beginning of a turbulent time in the history of Sri Lanka, and there was the other mosque in Masjid Abrar in Maradana (Beruwela.) which is the oldest mosque in Sri Lanka. In an illustration of the Portuguese Fort built in 1518, reproduced by Mr. R.L. Brohier in his “Historical Series” – No. 1 as part of the flyleaf, the Colombo Grand Mosque is clearly shown along with the inscription ‘….…a flotilla of eight Portuguese vessels anchored in the Bay (Colombo Port) on 15th November 1505, the Commander of the expedition saw, beyond a rummage of masts and spars of smaller shipping and off the shore marred by a crescent of sand, clusters of huts hidden by foliage, some cadjan go downs and two lime-washed Mosques.’ + +The arrival of the Portuguese in 1505 marked a dark chapter for Sri Lanka's Islamic heritage. The new colonial rulers sought to undermine the Muslim trading network and established a fort in Colombo, displacing the mosque and the surrounding Muslim community. Despite efforts to eradicate Islam, the mosque was rebuilt several times, reflecting the resilience of the Muslim community. + +Throughout its history, the mosque has weathered various challenges and changes. The Portuguese colonization of Sri Lanka in the 16th century brought about significant disruptions. The Portuguese, who were fiercely Catholic, targeted the Sinhalese and Muslim community and it’s mosque, destroying the original structure in 1520. However, the mosque was rebuilt soon after, and over time, the Portuguese came to recognize the strategic benefits of cooperating with the Muslim community. + +Father S.G. Perera has recorded that, "The population of the town was largely Muslim and there was a Mosque together with a Muslim cemetery and a Court of Justice to settle disputes according to Muslim Law." + +'''The Dutch era 1685-1798 and the Indonesian influence +''' +The Dutch took over from the Portuguese in 1685 and continued their policy of restricting the rights and freedoms of the Muslim community. The Dutch enacted laws that limited the mosque's activities and the rights of Muslims to practice their faith openly. Despite these challenges, the mosque and the Muslim community endured, maintaining their faith and traditions through centuries of colonial rule. + +In 1790, the Dutch colonial government exiled 176 people from 23 families, including the royal family, from the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia to Sri Lanka. Among them was the King of Gowa, Raja Gosman of Oesman, and his Malay minister, Hooloo Balang Kaya. Hooloo Balang Kaya, a wealthy and influential member of the royal family, settled in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where he took up residence on Moor Street in Pettah. + +One of Hooloo Balang Kaya's sons, Muhammad Balang Kaya, was a renowned architect and a devout Muslim. He married a local Sri Lankan woman and had seven children. In the 1820s Muhammad Balang Kaya redesigned and rebuilt the mosque in Colombo, creating a unique two-story structure. His work was so impressive that in 1826, the British Governor of Ceylon, Lt. Gen. Sir Edward Barnes, visited the mosque and personally commended the architect for his exceptional skill. + +The British era in Ceylon (1798-1948) brought significant changes to the city of Colombo and its Muslim community. By 1804, the Moors, who had previously been exiled by the Portuguese, were welcomed back into the city by the British. The British government established a code of Muslim laws to protect the Moorish population and facilitated their return to Pettah, a prosperous residential area. The Dutch residents were eventually expelled from Pettah, and burials within the city limits were prohibited. + +During this period, the Balang Kaya family, descendants of the exiled King of Gowa and his minister, maintained close ties with the mosque and the community. Saint Baha-Uddeen Tuan Bagoos Krawan Balang Kaya, the youngest son of Muhammad Balang Kaya, was born in 1827 21st Rajab 1243H and became a respected Islamic scholar and the Khalifa of the mosque. Upon his death, he was interred in a shrine within the mosque premises, which has since become a place of reverence for the community. The shrine has a long tomb with two meezangal (headstone and footstone) surrounded by an ornate balustrade. On top of the balustrade behind the headstone is a glided Arabic inscription. + +The history of the Colombo Grand Mosque is closely intertwined with that of the famous Muslim School. In 1897, an additional wing was constructed under the supervision of Trustee I. L. M. H. Muhammad Mohideen. The foundation of the building was laid by Sultan Abdul Hamid II of the Ottoman Empire on 31st August 1900. The construction was funded by Sultan Abdul Hamid II and leading members of the community, including I. L.M.H. Noordeen, O.L.M. Alim Ahamadu Lebbe Marikar, S.L. Naina Marikar, A.L. Abdul Careem, and S.L. Mahmood. In 1921, the school changed its name from Al-Madrasathul Hamidiya to Hamidiya Boys' English School. This building, the next oldest after the Ziyaram, has played a pivotal role in the education of the Muslim community for generations. The mosque underwent significant expansion during the 1900s to meet the rising needs of the Muslim community. Tragically, the original mosque built by Muhammad Balang Kaya and later rebuilt in the 1900s were demolished in 1972 to make way for the new construction. + +The management of the school and its properties was entrusted to N. D. H. Abdul Caffoor in 1917. At that time, the academic staff were proficient in Arabic, Tamil and other subjects with English, Urdu and Persian being among the languages taught. In 1930 S. L. Mahmood, Secretary of the school since its inception had played a crucial role in its development, took over the management of the school from N. D. H. Abdul Caffoor when he was appointed trustee of Colombo Grand Mosque. The Jamiyathul Hamidiya Society established in 1900s, reorganized on 7th November 1937, appointing S. L. Mahmood as the Manager of the school until his passing in 1940. Following S. L. Mahmood’s tenure, S. L. M. Sheriff was appointed as manager of the school by the Society. Noteworthy progress when the Government approval was granted to conduct SSC classes on 9th December 1953. Subsequently students enrolled for this examination for the first time in December 1955 marking a significant milestone in the school’s academic journey. + +The management of the school was handed over to the Colombo Grand Mosque Educational Society on 1st September 1955. Trustee Muhammad Ghouse Mohideen, was appointed as its Manager from August 1957. + +There is no evidence to support the earliest management of the mosque in history. In general, it was held that the management of the mosque was in the hands of a number of individuals at the time, and those individuals were responsible for the onerous task of managing the mosque throughout those years. + +Records show that The Colombo Grand Mosque met on Friday, 17th March 1918 after Jummah Prayers to formalize and democratically elect its Management team amongst its leading congregation members to form Trustee and Management Committee. It was discussed the need to improve financial management, given its state of deterioration. A code of conduct, discipline and methodology have been introduced into the management of the mosque for the first time in its history. A form of the Constitution has been proposed that covers their powers, responsibilities and duties, as well as periodic meetings are provided for in this constitution + +As a first trustee, I.L.M.H. Muhammad Mohideen was unanimously elected at the meeting because he had been in charge of the mosque's affairs for many years and also one of its major donors and supporters. The Management Committee of 16 and the General Committee of 29 members were chosen to form a committee of 45 Members. + +Earliest recorded Trustees +1918–1920: I. L. M. H. Muhammad Mohideen +1920–1925: H. N. H. Jalaldeen +1925–1940: S. L. Mahmood +1940– M. Ghouse Mohideen + +It’s also reported that Imam al-Awliya as-Syed Abdul Qadir Shah al-Hamid Khadir Wali Suhrawardi a 13th generation descendant of the renowned Sufi saint, Muhiyudin Abdul-Qadir al-Jilan has visited Colombo Grand Mosque several times and conducted Jummah here. It is said that this mosque has been home to several other Sufi saints from time to time, who have prayed there. + +Another important religious activity conducted by Colombo Grand Mosque from its early days was the monthly moon sighting done at this mosque to determine the beginning of each Islamic month for religious activities be it Muharram, Sha’baan, Ramadhan, Rabinunil Aakhir, Dhul Hijjah etc and the announcement was made from Colombo Grand Mosque premises to the Community. + +A landmark in the history of the Colombo Grand Mosque is its Cannon (Perangi) installed around 1898 and fired during the month of Ramadhan to announce the beginning of the fast Suhoor and the end of the day’s fast at sunset. The cannon was used to announce the sighting the new crescent during Eid festivals. People awaited the cannon fire including from faraway places to know if the crescent has been sighted. Those days’ electricity and + +loudspeakers weren’t available at the time, so the cannon was the only form of official announcement to the Muslim public. “Bawas” carried the news to other areas by foot reciting baiyths and drum announcing the news. The Cannon has become an institution by itself and stands as a monument today at Colombo Grand Mosque. + +The present replica of the cannon was donated around mid-1920s by A.A. Abdul Rahman, a hardware merchant in Pettah and a member of the management committee of the mosque. It was maintained and handled by the then Imam C. L. M. Abdul Hameed and successors up until about sixty years ago. The Muslim community have always been grateful to all governments of Ceylon for having permitted the firing the Cannon, even during the two World Wars when such activity was prohibited. + +The ancient burial grounds that was present within the premises of the Colombo Grand Mosque for over a millennia, was discontinued in 1830 AD 1245 AH on the orders of the then British government to stop burials within the city of Colombo Pettah. A land in extent of 1.25 acres was purchased in Maradana, for the purpose of building a Mosque and burial of the Mosque congregation members. + +The present day Maradana Shinna Palli is built on this site. Burial was discontinued in Maradana on 21st May 1875. On 12th August 1857 1273 AH an advance of Rs 10,000.00 was paid by Colombo Grand Mosque for a plot of land in Maligawatte for an area of 38A:3R:13P and thereafter burials moved permanently to Maligawatte on 25th + +May 1875. Part of Kettarama Cricket Stadium land belonged to Colombo Grand Mosque which was acquired by the government and from the compensation received in 1950 a plot of land was purchased in Keyzer Street, Pettah which currently houses the “Attar Mahal” building wholly owned by Colombo Grand Mosque. + +The current extension to the Mosque for the fifth time was done in 1972-73 by Trustee Rushdi Uvais and the design was conceptualized by late Architect Ananda Peiris and commissioned in 1976 to its present structure. This design is made in such a way that where ever one sits, he could see the mimber. + +Most importantly, the Saint’s Ziyaram is to be the only section within the new mosque which is the oldest followed by the Hamidiya Hall. The tomb stone of the original builder of the mosque Khalid Ibn Abu Bakaya is on display at the Colombo Museum. + +The Grand Mosque has been a beacon to many generations of the past. It has in its responsibility of having a social and moral conduct that it extends to imbibe and cascade among the Muslims of Sri Lanka. It has strived to inculcate a Spiritual path along with Education, Interfaith coexistence to the community in numerous ways. It upholds its past practices and traditions to befit the Muslim community of Sri Lanka. '