Founder

M.I.A.M. Haneefa (Bahji) Hazrath was born on March 02nd, 1942, in Hemmathagama, Thumpuluwava, in the Kegalle District to Ibrahim Aalim Sahib and Kadeeja Nachiyar. He was born into a family with a strong Islamic faith and was the second son in a family of eleven.

He continued his primary education at Hijragama Al-Azhar College, Hemmathagama. From his young age, he exhibited wisdom, personality, and intellectual abilities.

Under the guidance of his father, he attended the Bahjathul Ibrahimiyya Arabic College located in Kandy and studied Sharee’a education. After completing his Sharee’a studies, he served as the senior Usthaz at the Rabbaniyya Arabic College established by his father, located in Udugampola, Kegalle District.

In 1973 and 1974, he completed teacher training at the Addalaichenai teacher training college and passed out with graduation. He also achieved excellence in the Al-Aalim certificate Examination. He served as an exemplary teacher at Tellangama As-siraj Maha Vidyalaya, Kadugannawa Central College, and Al-Manar National School for 20 years, creating an educational community with thousands of students. Many of his students have made significant contributions to the country and society.

In 1968, he married Rahmath Beevi from Elamaltheniya and had 08 children, all of whom were actively involved in various fields for the welfare of the community.

In 1987, he worked for a year at the Colombo Markaz Madrasathur-Rashadh Arabic College. In 1999, he established the Al-Haqqaniyya Arabic College with 21 students, aiming to develop prominent figures in the community. This college is now one of the largest Arabic college in Sri Lanka.

To promote Islam, he traveled to many countries and created thousands of followers. Haneefa (Bahji) Hazrath also served as a significant member of Sri Lanka’s ‘Thableek’ Islamic work and Shoora Council.

He passed away on June 04, 2020 (Thursday), leaving behind a legacy that continues to live on in the hearts of thousands.