- REG NO : R/41/C/08
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Prophet said, “Whoever builds for Allah a mosque, seeking by it Allah’s grace, Allah will build for him a house in paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
As part of the City of Colombo Urban Regeneration Project under the Urban Development Authority, all buildings and housing in and around the Masjidul Jamiah Java Lane were bulldozed and flattened. We are thankful to Almighty Allah, that the authorities spared our mosque from being demolished.
The 150 year old mosque until recently, stood as a lone sentinel in an emptiness which was once a vibrant, thriving community, which consisted of families who lived in this area for generations.
With the Urban Regeneration Project now nearing completion and new high rise housing complexes established, the mosque too will have to undergo structural transformation to accommodate an increase in the number of worshippers, as well as its appearance in keeping with the surroundings.
The Board of Trustees and the Working Committee of the Masjidul Jamiah Java Lane have come up with a proposal to build a new Masjid that will eventually accommodate around 2000 members of the Jamaath, with facilities for congregational prayers for ladies as well.
Apart from all modern conveniences, we also wish to provide a complete Janaza service at the mosque. This is all the more important considering the limited space and facilities available to accommodate a Muslim funeral in the new apartment complex.
Plans have been drawn and we are awaiting formal approval from the authorities for the proposed new Mosque which will have all modern facilities, but with an emphasis on maximum space utilization for congregational prayers.
This is an ambitious project, but we are hopeful with Almighty Allah’s Blessings and Guidance, and your generous and magnanimous support, we will, Insha Allah, have a new Masjid that is architecturally appealing, but still preserving the essence of its 150 year old history and heritage.
May Almighty Allah shower His Choicest Blessings on you and your dear family.
Jazak Allahu Khayran
T. F. Iyne
President
Assalamu Alaikkumb
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Masjidul Jamiah which has a history of more than 150 years was built in 1864 by the pensioners of the disbanded Malay Rifle Regiment. The members at the time realizing the need to have a Masjid to perform their religious activities and a Burial Ground collected funds from their pension and purchased a block of land for the Masjid at Java Lane, Slave Island and a land at the rear portion of the Jawatte Burial ground for the use of their members.
Abdul Bahar, Subadar Adjutant Jumat, Baba Deen Borham, Baba Oonoos Saldin and Ahamat Sabar were the first members of the Board of Trustees in 1874. Since 1874, 58 distinguished members have held the office of Trustees in the Board and their efforts together with the blessing of ALMIGHTY ALLAH have contributed for the present status of the Masjid.
In 1921 the first General Meeting was held and the following members were elected, Mr. T.A. Amath, Mr. J.S. Cassim, Mr. A.D. Hameem, Mr. B. Samahon, Mr. A.N. Saldin, Mr. M. Assan, Mr. H.H. Bahar, Mr. S.M. Johar, Mr. T.S. Sabar, Mr. A. Sappideen, Mr. M.K. Saldsin and Mr. S.A. Yahiya Moulana. Mr. M.K. Saldin was elected as the President of the first Board of Trustees.
Since 2015, we have worked tirelessly to initiate action to commence building operations; despite issues with the relevant authorities connected with the land availability for building. We are confident 2019 will be a major land mark in the History of the Masjid when development will commence to meet the present and future demands of the Community. While the original structure of the Masjid built in 1864 will be preserved, the developed section of the Masjid will consist of modern amenities and the new look Masjid, INSHALL ALLAH, will match the development of the Colombo City under taken by the Government.
We sincerely pray to ALLAH and hope that this development will contribute to maintain the peace and harmony that we have enjoyed in the past with the whole hearted cooperation from all members of our Muslim Community.
May ALLAH bless all distinguished members and their families who have contributed their services for the maintenance of the Masjid and guide the present members holding office and t future office bearers to fulfill the sincere intentions of the donors and maintain the sanctity and dignity of this religious place of worship.
Jazakalla-ul-khairan
Salaam
Kamil Raban
Vice President.
0000306477
Lake View
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