Chief Guest Justice Muhammad Ahsan Marikar and Principal of BIA College, Kaleefathush Shazuli Al Usthaz Muhammed Razook (Bahji), at the opening of the library

Al Bahjathul Ibraheemiyyah Arabic College in Galle, Fort reopened the newly refurbished Sir Mohamed Macan Markar Memorial Library on October 17, 2024. 

The occasion marked a significant milestone for both the College and the Islamic academic community in Sri Lanka. Graced by the Chief Guest Justice Muhammad Ahsan Marikar, Judge of the Court of Appeal of Sri Lanka, the event attracted scholars, students, dignitaries, and family members of the esteemed Macan Markar family. 

The Sir Mohamed Macan Markar Memorial Library was inaugurated on October 24, 1992, by Deshamanaya Alhaj M.A. Bakeer Markar, former Speaker and then Governor of the Southern Province, an uncle of the Chief Guest. The refurbishment has revitalised this critical repository of knowledge, cementing its importance for the Islamic Community in Sri Lanka. 

Beacon of Islamic education 

Founded in 1892 by Marhooma Aamina Umma, wife of OLM Macan Markar, the Al Bahjathul Ibraheemiyyah Arabic College has long been a beacon of Islamic education. Originally located in the Galle Fort Zavia, the College moved to its current premises in 1927, thanks to the generosity of OLM Macan Markar’s four sons, who purchased the site in memory of their mother. The College has thrived under the stewardship of the Macan Markar family, maintaining its tradition of providing free education, for the students. To ensure the institution’s financial stability, Sir Mohamed Macan Markar established a Trust in 1952, allowing the College to continue its mission of offering Islamic education. Over the past 132 years, BIA College has built a reputation for producing knowledgeable and morally upright graduates, known as “Bahjis.” The library plays a crucial role in upholding these high standards by giving students access to rare and historically significant reference materials, many of which are handwritten. The newly refurbished library now boasts an expanded collection of invaluable texts, with many volumes unique to this institution. These include centuries-old manuscripts that form an essential resource for students and scholars alike, ensuring the continued growth of Islamic scholarship. The decision to refurbish the library was driven by the desire to preserve these rare works and make them more accessible for future generations. 

The opening ceremony commenced with prayers at the Galle Fort Jumma Mosque, followed by a procession to the College, led by the Chief Guest, special invitees, and students. Upon arriving at the College,  Justice Muhammad Ahsan Marikar unveiled the plaque and cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially reopen the library, marking the culmination of months of dedicated work. 

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Board of Management, Al Haj Nuski Mohamed, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests, including members of the Macan Markar family, Trustees, Members of the Board of Management. 

He also recognised the presence of Fauzilla Mohideen, the youngest granddaughter of  OLM Macan Markar and the only third generation family member in attendance.

 Nuski Mohamed expressed his deep gratitude to all the family members, donors, and well-wishers whose generous contributions and support made the refurbishment possible. He elaborated on the renovation project, which cost over 4 million rupees. As part of the College’s vision for the future,  Mohamed proposed the digitalisation of the library’s rare volume of books using modern technology. This initiative aims to preserve the library’s invaluable contents and ensure their accessibility to future scholars. In a show of appreciation for the College’s Staff and students, who played a key role in supporting the renovation, the Board of Management agreed to sponsor an educational tour for the students. This gesture by the BOM acknowledged their dedication and hard work throughout the project. The Director of Studies, Moulavi Fazil Bahji, spoke outlining the history of the College and the pivotal role of its visionary founder, Marhooma Aamina Umma Macan Markar. He highlighted the contributions of the Macan Markar family over the past 132 years, emphasising the College’s commitment to providing free education, meals, and accommodation to its students, a testament to its mission of fostering Islamic scholars. Moulavi Fazil Bahji also led a special Fatiha in remembrance of the late family members of  O L M Macan Markar, acknowledging their enduring contribution to the College’s legacy. His remarks underscored the values of compassion, service, and intellectual growth that have defined this great institution. Khaleefathul Khulafa Moulavi Al Haj Mohamed Zuhur Baari, a distinguished guest, and a former student of the BIA College praised the high educational standards upheld by College. He commended the graduates, who have gone on to hold respected positions within Sri Lanka’s Islamic community, as evidence of the College’s commitment to excellence. 

Dedication

The Chief Guest,  Justice Muhammad Ahsan Marikar, lauded the Macan Markar family’s dedication to preserving the College’s legacy. He noted that their efforts in supporting Islamic education and philanthropy would be greatly rewarded by Almighty Allah. Justice Ahsan Marikar Chief Guest emphasised the importance of the Sir Mohamed Macan Markar Memorial Library as a pillar of intellectual growth and a key resource for the BIA College’s students and the broader Islamic community. 

He congratulated the Board of Management for taking steps to refurbish and modernise this  valuable library which consists of a rare collection of books manuscripts and other invaluable Islamic literature. The event also featured cultural and religious performances, including an Islamic song dedicated to the College and the Macan Markar family. This heartfelt song, composed by Al Usthaz Seyyed Safwan Bahji, a lecturer at the College, was performed by Grade 4 students, adding a sense of unity to the occasion.

The Principal of BIA College, Kaleefathush Shazuli Al Usthaz Muhammed Razook (Bahji), delivered the vote of thanks, expressing his gratitude to all the guests, contributors, and participants. He also offered a special dua for the continued success and growth of the College. As the event concluded with the recital of Salawath and Jalalah, it became clear that the reopening of the Sir Mohamed Macan Markar Memorial Library was not merely a ceremony. It was a celebration of a legacy of learning, a reaffirmation of the College’s commitment to knowledge, and a promise of continued excellence for future generations.