The Ceylon Muslim Scholarship Fund – RAMAZAN APPEAL 2011 (1432 AH)

The Ceylon Muslim Scholarship Fund

47/2A, Fredrica Road, Colombo 6, Sri Lanka
Tel: 2598949

The Muslims of Sri Lanka suffered heavily during colonial rule under the Portuguese and Dutch for nearly three centuries from 1505. In education they were in a state of regression. In 1796 the British replaced the Dutch, who were more tolerant but the Muslims were far behind in education. Despite the pioneering efforts of the leaders, Siddi Lebbe,
Wappichi Marikar, I.L.M.Abdul Azeez and others, the Muslims were conspicuously unrepresented in holding high positions in the administration and the professions. 

In 1935, Marhoom Dr. A.M.A.Azeez, the first Muslim Civil Servant and eminent educationist, realised that the main reason was that many Muslim students were unable to obtain education at all levels and abandoned higher studies because of their poverty. He was convinced that an attempt to improve the lot of the Muslims in all spheres should give top priority to education. This was amply proved during his tenure as A.G.A. in Kalmunai in the early 1940’s, and the Kalmunai Muslim Educational Society was formed.

Marhoom Azeez was the Architect and Founder of the CMSF and was ably supported by another eminent leader and educationist, Marhoom Dr. T.B.Jayah, who said that he could not think of a more deserving cause for the uplift of the Muslims than the CMSF. They rallied round leading Muslims and philanthropists and founded the CMSF in 1945. Marhoom
Dr. M.C.M.Kaleel was the first President. 

The objective of the CMSF “is to see that no Muslim scholar capable and deserving in any part of the Island is deprived of the education he or she deserves for want of money “.

The CMSF is the pioneering organisation in its field. An unique feature is that the assistance is given as interest free loans which the students must pay back when they are in a position to do so. It gives them a sense of dignity and they are morally obliged to repay in order to benefit others like themselves. This is in the best tradition of Islam with its fine sense of brotherhood.

With the repayments and with annual donations by past scholars by way of gratitude, this ingenious scheme envisaged the CMSF to continue forever as a Revolving Fund. Thus the charity of the donor lasts forever, as donations are recycled over and over again through the CMSF. 

A cherished aim of the founders was to establish Endowment Funds in memory of loved ones at the very inception of the CMSF. This scheme has been very successful. 

Over the last 66 years there has been much interest shown in education by the Muslim community and there are a large number of professionals and others holding high positions today. Thus the Muslims cannot be considered as backward in education now-thanks to the immense contribution made by the founding fathers of the CMSF in other spheres of education as well.

The CMSF has played a significant role for nearly 66 years and is a Landmark in the History of Muslim Education.

The CMSF has completed over 66 years of dedicated service to education. With the generous support of our donors and well-wishers, the CMSF has been able to achieve the farsighted vision of the founders in assisting over 2000 needy Muslim students to pursue higher education. Many held or are holding high positions in Sri Lanka and overseas. Some have received National Honours.

At present the CMSF is assisting a large number of students in Universities, other seats of higher learning and those pursuing professional courses. They are from all parts of Sri Lanka and many affected by the ethnic crisis are among them. Resettlement of internally
displaced people in the Jaffna and Mannar Districts has not been addressed as yet, although some have returned. The facilities in schools have to be greatly improved to cater to the students. Scholars have been assisted not only in Sri Lanka but in foreign countries as well. Some were given assistance for post-graduate studies.

The need for assistance is ever increasing and never ending with the new challenges of the times including the problem of refugee students at all levels of education. The CMSF is now gearing itself towards meeting the present and future challenges in higher education and guide students in their career. Donations are credited to the General Fund, and separate
Endowment Funds are also administered for large donations. This scheme is popular and has become the mainstay of the CMSF.

During this sacred season of Ramazan when Zakath and Sadaqua are in the forefront, the CMSF appeals to the Community to contribute generously to either of the two schemes of the CMSF in order to continue the good work. What is more creditable than educating
deserving youth.

The CMSF was incorporated by Act of Parliament No.19 of 1946 and was recognised as an Approved Charity for tax exemptions in 1952. The Holy Quran speaks of knowledge as the greatest wealth “And whosoever is given knowledge, he indeed is given great wealth” (2:269)

The CMSF Administers an Endowment Fund Scheme on behalf of donors who wish to name them in memory of loved ones or in their own names. This scheme attracts the more affluent in the community, and has already seen encouraging results. The minimum donation is Rs,100,000 /=

Instalments payable within 5 years are also permitted. The Endowment Funds will remain intact and grow in perpetuity, as each year a share of the Funds investment income attributable to each Endowment Fund will be added to the principal sum. 

The monies thus credited would be used to help educate one or more poor students in keeping with the objectives of the CMSF. The unutilised income would augment the Endowment Fund and would form the Capital for the following year. The monies lent to students are repayable and would be added back to the Endowment Fund when repayments are received. Donors may request reasonable conditions in the selection of students subject to the rules of the CMSF.

We now administer two hundred and eighty four Endowment Funds of current value of Rs. 52 million, as at 31-12-2010. Kindly complete the coupon and send it with your donation.

ENDOWMENT FUND SCHEME

I am / we are enclosing herewith a Cheque / Money Order No………………………for Rs…………… as my / our contribution /instalment towards an Endowment in the name of ……………………………………………
…………………………………ENDOWMENT FUND.

Kindly acknowledge receipt.

Name…………………………………………….
Date………………………… Signature
Address……………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………….

DONATIONS QUALIFY FOR TAX RELIEFS
Further details of the Scheme can be obtained from our office.