Historic Colombo Grand Masjid — Attraction in Colombo

The Colombo Grand Mosque was the first mosque built in Colombo by Scholar Khalid Ibn Baqaya who came to Sri Lanka in Hijri 181 as an envoy of Khalifa Al Rasheed who was reigning in Hijri 169 during the regime of Abbasids.

The Arabian trade relationship with Sri Lanka was in existence even before the birth of Prophet Muhammed (Sal). Islamic Da’wa commenced on Monday, 27th September in 622 A.D. by Hijjrath to Madeena. As a result, the birth of Islam was spread to all parts of the world including Sri Lanka, as per the booklet named ‘Ajaa’ ibul Hind’. Two persons belonging to a royal family in Yeman had come to Sri Lanka in Hijri 18 640 A.D., one of them had arrived in Manthottam and the other in Beruwela, as per news appeared in a publication named ‘Shenar’ written by Vansendea.

Khalifa Haroon Al Rasheed had a good knowledge of Sri Lankan Muslims with regard to their education and religious activities and sent Khalid Ibn Baqaya to Sri Lanka in Hijri 181- 797 A.D.. He was responsible for building the first Mosque in Colombo and also started to organize educational programs there and named it “Colombo Grand Mosque” and by the side, there was a Muslim burial ground.

Abu Baqaya of Egypt who came here as a tourist during the regime of 1st Buwanegabahu, died in Hijri 344- 955 A.D.. His remains was buried at this mosque’s burial ground. His name, country and year of death is mentioned in the ‘Meesans’ (Stone) that are laid to identify the buried persons. These Meesans is at the Colombo Museum.

The Mosque is shown in an illustration of the first Portuguese Fort of Colombo which was built in 1518 This illustration has been reproduced by Mr. R.L. Brohier in his "Historical Series" - No 1, and appears on the front of the book. The existence of Mosques in Ceylon, during this period, appears from a description found on this illustration in Colombo. It is said that when "a flotilla of eight Portuguese vessels anchored in the Bay (Colombo) on November 15, 1505, the Commander of the expedition saw, beyond a rummage of masts and spars of smaller shipping and off the shore marred by a crescent of sand, clusters of huts hidden by foliage, some cadjan godowns and two lime-washed Mosques."

The Mosque was redesigned and built by a Malay Architect Muhammad Balangkaya son of Mr Hooloo Balankaya with the support of several of his rich Moor associates, Minister to the Raja of Goa who migrated to Sri Lanka in 1723. Mr Muhammad Balangkaya was a pious Muslim and took a great interest in the local Moor community and married a Moor lady and through this marriage had six sons and three daughters.

As the mosque at that time was small and inadequate for congregational prayers, and, he redesigned the Mosque and expanded the space. This is the present Colombo Grand Mosque and was the first of its kind in Colombo, and all of Ceylon at that time. An additional wing to the Mosque was later constructed by Mr. I.L.M.H. Muhammad Mohideen in 1897, when he managed the affairs of the Mosque. This wing was used as part of the Mosque in addition to it also being used as classrooms for the Hameedia Boys' English School in 1959 was originally known as "kanjee maduwam" on account of it being used as the place for the distribution of "kanji" (rice porridge) during the breaking of the...

The Grand Mosque Colombo, also known as the Masjid-ul-Jamiya, is one of the oldest and most significant Islamic places of worship in Sri Lanka. Located in the bustling Pettah area of Colombo, the mosque holds a prominent place in the country’s Islamic heritage and serves as a hub for the Muslim community.

The mosque dates back over 200 years, with its origins tracing to the early 19th century during the colonial period. It was built to cater to the spiritual needs of the growing Muslim population in Colombo, particularly traders and merchants who settled in the Pettah area, which was a key commercial hub. Over the years, the mosque has undergone several renovations and expansions, blending traditional Islamic architecture with modern design elements.

The Grand Mosque features a striking façade with domes, minarets, and intricate calligraphy, reflecting its Islamic heritage. Inside, the prayer hall is spacious and serene, accommodating thousands of worshippers, particularly during special occasions like Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. The mosque's management also ensures that it serves as a center for religious education and community welfare, providing facilities such as Quranic classes and charitable activities.

Its strategic location in Pettah makes the mosque not only a spiritual center but also a landmark for visitors exploring Colombo’s multicultural and historic neighborhoods. The mosque is surrounded by vibrant markets, adding to its cultural significance and showcasing the coexistence of diverse communities in Sri Lanka.

The Grand Mosque Colombo stands as a symbol of unity, history, and devotion, playing a vital role in preserving the Islamic identity and fostering interfaith harmony in the city. Its architectural beauty and historical importance make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Colombo’s rich...

Known as the first mosque to be built in Colombo and tracing a rich heritage.

The Colombo Grand Mosque, situated in Hulftsdorp, is known as the first mosque to be built in Colombo. The history of the mosque can be linked to the Arab traders who engaged with the Orient and European ports in the Mediterranean between the first and sixteenth centuries. It was redesigned by a Malay architect in the early 19th century, expanding the space available for congregational prayers. A new wing built in 1897 houses the Hameedia Boys’ English School. A landmark of the mosque is a canon installed in 1897 which used to be fired to indicate the start of Eid festivals and times related to fasting...