Culture & Heritage

NAMES OF MOOR WOMEN AND THEIR ORIGINS

The names of Moor females like those of Moor males are largely of Arab origin. Popular names for girls include Fātima (the name of the Prophet’s beloved daughter), Āyisha, Hafsa, Khadija and Zaynab (the names of the Prophet’s wives or Ummul Mūminīn ‘Mothers of the Believers’ as they are usually known by the faithful) Asma (The first Caliph Abu Bakr’s …

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The Forgotten Afghans Of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka experienced major waves of immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when throngs of immigrants from India & other British colonies took up residence on the island. Indentured labourers from the erstwhile Madras Presidency & Malabar, who were recruited to work on the central Hill plantations of tea, rubber & coffee, constituted the greatest proportion of this group, followed …

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THE MUSLIM HERITAGE OF EASTERN SRI LANKA

Edited by S.H.M. Jameel and Asiff Hussein   Reviewed by Prof. M. A. Nuhman   The Muslim Heritage of Eastern Sri Lanka edited by S.H.M. Jameel and Asiff Hussein is a pioneering project published by the Muslim Women’s Research and Action Forum (MWRAF). Ideologically MWRAF is close to me. It is not among the conservative women’s organizations that involve themselves …

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BEAUTIFUL WEDDING TRADITIONS FROM ALL OVER THE MUSLIM WORLD

Muslim weddings are joyous occasions as they celebrate the coming together of man and wife which is the very foundation of the family and of human civilization. Muslim marriages are based on the mutual consent of bride and groom in the presence of witnesses. Although the bride is usually given away by her guardian, usually her father or brother, it …

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TEN RICE DISHES OF THE MOORS

The staple fare of the Moors of Sri Lanka is rice which is consumed with a number of curries or side dishes. The traditional Moorish dishes given below figure on special and festive occasions.   BURIYANI   A favourite rice dish which figures prominently in Moorish feasts is the buriyani, a rich and delectable dish that has its origins in Moghul …

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