Scholar’s death shocks Lankan expats
RIYADH: The sudden death of Sri Lankan Muslim scholar Al Haj Moulavi Niyas sent shock waves among Sri Lankan expatriates in the Kingdom on Sunday.
Moulavi Niyas, 59, died of a sudden heart attack on Sunday morning in Badulla, 200 km away from Colombo.
N.M. Ameen, chief editor of Navamani, told Arab News from Colombo that Moulavi was en route to Moneragala to attend a religious function on Sunday evening and died in his sleep early Sunday morning in Badulla.
“Father of four boys and two girls, Moulavi Niyas was almost a household name and an orator equally good in Tamil and Sinhala. He was liked by not only Muslims but also by Buddhists, Hindus and Christians for his down-to-earth concepts that humanity knows no religious and ethnic boundaries,” Ameen said.
He started an Arabic college with some 20 students, which was later named Ihsaniya Arabic College in Colombo with more than 200 students.
Moulavi Niyas established a branch of Ihsaniya in his native Talawakelle. He also operated another madrasa at Mikbar Jumma Masjid in Kochchikade, Negombo.
He appeared often on ITN’s “Doramadalawa” program.
Moulavi was also a frequent guest on other radio and television media programs.
He impressed audiences in every ethnic group through his captivating eloquence sprinkled with a sense of humor and hilarious anecdotes that induced introspection.
Moulavi was an honorary member of the All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ulama, the president of the Sri Lanka Muslim Peace Council and head of the Majlisul Ulama, a union that looks after the welfare of Islamic religious scholars in the island.
He was also a qazi (Islamic judge) and religious advisor for many societies, including several mosques in the country.
His funeral took place in Colombo Sunday night in the midst of a large gathering comprising people from all walks of life.
Arab News
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I moan the death of Al Haj Moulavi Niyas. He is a God-fearing decent man who lived according to his conscience and faith. He is a deeply religious man, loved by God and the whole country. He is now at peace with God to be rewarded by God with eternal life in heaven to enjoy God’s eternal love and peace.
I offer my sincere condolence to his beloved family and friends! I am sure God will give them the strength to bear this grief by remembering it is the Will of Allah which we must all respect, and leading a life of holiness and righteousness as Al Haj Moulavi Niyas led.
God is Great!
I was shocked with the news of Maulavi Niys death. In fact, it was a great loss to the Muslim community in Sri Lanka.
we miss niyas moulavi,we sad great person in sl.
We missed Niyas moulavi,Allah granted him paradise,n allah will fill his gap.
He is a legend..