Sri Lanka, Islam in
Overview
Islam in Sri Lanka is represented predominantly by the Moors, a community that practices Sunni Islam following the Shafi’i school of law. Sri Lankan Muslims comprise approximately 1.2 million individuals out of a total population of around 15 million. The community is predominantly urban and boasts a rich history of migration, conversion, and cultural evolution.
Historical Context
Migration and Conversion
The origins of Sri Lankan Muslims date back to the 7th century, coinciding with the advent of Islam. Their ancestry is linked to the migration and conversion of various groups over the centuries, blending various cultural and ethnic backgrounds into a distinctive community.
Colonial Isolation
For about three centuries during Portuguese and British colonial rule, Sri Lankan Muslims found themselves isolated from the broader Muslim world, including the Indian subcontinent. This period was characterized by limited external influence and a focus on community resilience and local Islamic practice.
Revival Movements
Sufi Influence
The 19th century witnessed a significant revival in Islamic observance and education in Sri Lanka, largely driven by Sufi orders. These orders facilitated a resurgence in piety, adherence to scriptural norms, and ritualistic activities, cementing Islamic values within the community.
Political and Social Integration
Participation in Nationalist Movements
Sri Lankan Muslims were an active part of the nationalist movement that preceded Sri Lanka’s independence in 1947. Their involvement ensured their inclusion in subsequent governments, thus playing a vital role in the nation’s political landscape.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: الإسلام في سريلانكا
- Turkish: Sri Lanka’da İslam
Key Takeaways and Conclusion
- Historical Legacy: The Muslim presence in Sri Lanka dates back to the early days of Islam, influenced by a combination of migration and conversion.
- Colonial Era: The community developed in relative isolation during Portuguese and British occupation, focusing on internal growth and cohesiveness.
- Religious Revival: The 19th century saw a revitalization of Islamic practices driven by Sufism.
- Political Influence: Active participation in nationalist movements secured the community’s integration into post-independence Sri Lankan governance.
Understanding the historical and social dynamics of Islam in Sri Lanka offers valuable insights into the adaptive and resilient nature of Muslim communities in diverse socio-political landscapes.
Further Reading
- “Islamic Revival in Sri Lanka: The Saga of Muhammad Raheem Bawa Muhiyaddeen” by M. Aslam Khan
- “The Muslims of Sri Lanka: One Thousand Years of Ethnic Harmony, 900-1915” by Lorna Srimathie Dewaraja
- “Muslim Identity and Social Change in Sri Lanka” edited by Dennis B. McGilvray
Exploring these texts will provide a deeper understanding of the evolution and current state of the Muslim community in Sri Lanka, highlighting historical trajectories and modern-day challenges.
