ACJU/NGS/2021/289
18.12.2021
On this day, the World Arabic Language Day, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama acknowledges the contribution of our forefathers to the humanity and our nation through Islam and the Arabic language.
The Arabic language is a pillar of Islam and muslims around the world since the the Quran was reveled in the Arabic language (Indeed we have sent down a Quran in Arabic language, that you may understand: Quran , Yusuf : 2) and has contributed to the cultural and religious diversity of Sri Lanka and communities around the world.
Arabic language has played a vital role in promoting knowledge, the dissemination of sciences and philosophies to the world. It has enabled a dialogue of cultures between communities around the globe.
Arabic language in Sri Lanka has been part of ancient Ceylon since the Arab traders’ interaction with our beautiful island, according to our history, it is over a thousand years.
In eighteen hundreds, teaching Arabic in Sri Lanka was started at Madrasa level for Islamic religious studies in the southern coast of Sri Lanka based on the governing of Mappilai Lebbe Alim. (Rahmathulahi Alaihi)
One of the oldest departments of the University of Peradeniya is the department of Arabic & Islamic Civilization. It was established as a department in the Faculty of Oriental Studies in 1945. Islamic Civilization was introduced as a subject in the department of Arabic in 1969. And, It was followed by many other national universities and the Arabic language included in the national curriculum too.
The World Arabic Language Day is commemorated every year on 18 December since 2012. The date coincides with the day in 1973 that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted Arabic as the sixth official language of the Organization.
Let us value and commemorate our language, religious and cultural diversity as global citizens and contribute to the humanity.
Ash-Shaikh M. Arkam Nooramith
General Secretary
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama
