An Appreciation: Islamic Intellectual, Leader and Visionary A.L.M. Ibrahim Moulavi

N.U. Abdul Razzak Udayar

Mother Sri Lanka in general and Islamic Society of this beloved nation in particular have irreparably lost a renowned lecturer, a great orator, a zealous patriot and above all a devout Islamic leader, A.L.M. Ibrahim of Uyanwatta, Mawanella as he peacefully breathed his last in Colombo on 29^th March

He hails from a reputed family in Uyanwatta, four miles away from the city of Mawanella and was born in 1937 and had his schooling at Nooraniya Muslim Maha Vidyalaya in his hamlet, Uyanwatta. Then, he joined the Ghafooriya Arabic College of Maharagama for his Higher Studies in 1948. Young Ibrahim a brilliant learner and a genius completed his Al Aalim Education in 9 years and got the degree for Islamic Studies in Arabic. Then, Ghafooriya proudly appointed him as a lecturer as he came off with flying colours in the final examination. Having completed two years of service at Ghafooriya, he was recruited in 1959 as a teacher of Arabic under government service. In 1963 he completed his Trained Teacher’s Certificate at Attalachenai Teacher’s Training College and dedicated himself to serve the nation as an Is Arabic and Islamic Teacher. Young Ibrahim, a first-class graduate of the University of Peradeniya commenced his mission of lecturing for the undergraduates of University Peradeniya and University of Kelaniya in 1973.He taught Islamic Civilization at these seats of Higher Learning. After completing over 15 years of great service at the university he took wings to Saudi Arabia in 1987 to complete his Higer Education.

Undoubtedly, his biggest achievement was becoming the leader (Ameer) of Sri Lanka Jamathe Islami Movement in 1987.

As the leader of this organization, he worked tirelessly to make his contributions to get the Tabheemul Quran translated into the Sinhala language. This effort along with the contributions of other Islamic scholars paved the way for getting the Al Quran and the Thabseer to be converted into Sinhala. The greatest service that has rendered educationally is the establishment of several Arabic Colleges including Islahiyya Colleges for both males and females and Convent of Aysha Siddeeka Ladies College in Mawanella. His master planning and influence with Arabic countries paid an important role in forming several Islamic educational institutions that produce Higher Learners in Islamic and Arabic Studies in this island.

Today a good number of Aalims are produced in the Sinhala Medium due to his dedication for the promotion of Islamic religion. He has really built bridges of  Rapport and Ethnicity with other communities with the establishment of Thanveer Academy where learners of Islamic studies and Arabic are taught completely in Sinhala. Hence his name will be permanently etched in the hearts and minds of all peace-loving citizens of this country. His knowledge of Arabic, Tamil, Sinhala and English helped him to write a number of books promoting Islam, Peace, Tolerance and unity in diversity. During his tenure as the Ameer of Jamathe Islami Movement, a Sinhala magazine titled as Prabodhaya and an English publication under the name of Trend were published besides several other publications in Tamil not only to spread the reliogn of Islam and   but also to promote ethnic harmony and good relations among all communities under a unitary Sri Lanka.

His complete belief in Knowledge is power, made himself to be a busy bee along with the other leaders of the Jamathe Islami Movement to open up a bookshop in Maradana under the name of Islamic Book House. His contributions for the promotion of Higer Studies, especially, Islamic and Arabic Studies cannot easily be forgotten as he made the initial steps of having contacts with Islamic universities in the Middle East region. Today a batch of Sri Lanka students annually gets the entry to the Islamic University of Madeena in the KSA because of his contact and the influence. This is true for the Islamic universities in other Gulf countries as well.

As an intellectual, he rendered his yeoman service to draw the syllabi of many Islamic institutions. Interestingly, his commitment as a member of the committee that gave its advice and guidance to well-known philanthropist, late Naleem Hajiar for the establishment of Nalemiya Higher Educational Institution in Beruwala in 1974. He hadn the distinction of designing the first syllabus of this leading Islamic Institution.

He is a simple and humble human being who never got any foreign or local funds as a remuneration. He always stood on his own legs by setting a great example of Islam to the world. May Almighty Allah grant him Jannat-Al-Firdaus for this great Ameer. Our immediate prayers are for his family to recover from this unbearable grief of his irreparable demise.