A BRIEF HISTORY OF
MAIMOONA LADIES ARABIC COLLEGE – KALMUNAI
In 2018, a group of community members from Kalmunai undertook a visit to Buhari Masjid in Beruwala, Kalutara District. Following their visit and their attendance at the shrines of respected Islamic scholars and religious personalities in and around Beruwala, they returned to Kalmunai with a renewed vision and firm determination to establish a free Arabic educational institution for women in the community. Their primary objective was to provide women with an opportunity to receive Islamic and Arabic education based on the principles and teachings of Ahlus Sunnath Wal Jama’ah.
With this vision in mind, the group initiated discussions on establishing a Ladies’ Arabic College in Kalmunai and resolved to seek the participation and support of other community members who shared the same aspirations. Accordingly, the inaugural meeting to establish the Administrative Board was held on 29 March 2018, after the Isha prayer, at the Iqbal Community Centre. This meeting was preceded by a Dua at the sacred site associated with Shahul Hameed (Badusha) Nayagam at the Kalmunai Beach Mosque Nahoor Andaga Dargah Shareef. A total of seventeen members participated in this historic meeting.
At the meeting, the office bearers of the institution were appointed as follows: N.M. Nouzath as President; Maulavi A.L. Naser (Manbai) as Vice President; A.L. Fasmin as Secretary; M.Y.M.Y. Imran as Assistant Secretary; S.M. Lafeer as Treasurer; and M.S.M. Raheem as Auditor.
Following a recommendation that the institution should be named after one of the respected wives of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the name “Maimoona Ladies Arabic College” was unanimously approved.
Subsequently, a community gathering was held on 1 July 2018, after the Isha prayer, at the Iqbal Community Centre. The purpose of the gathering was to obtain the cooperation, guidance and support of the Ahlus Sunnath Wal Jama’ah Ulama Council, local mosques and other community organizations for the commencement and development of the College.
The formal educational activities of the College commenced on 1 August 2018 with an initial intake of eleven female students from the Greenfield area. The inaugural programme was conducted in the presence of respected Islamic scholars, religious leaders and community representatives. The opening ceremony was held at Muhyiddin Mosque, where distinguished Ulama and invited guests extended their blessings and encouragement to the newly established institution.
As the College progressed in its educational mission, the need for suitable and permanent premises became increasingly evident. Particular attention was given to ensuring the welfare and safety of the students, as well as providing appropriate sanitation, classroom facilities and a conducive learning environment. Consequently, continuous efforts were made to identify a suitable permanent location and to develop the infrastructure required for the long-term sustainability of the College.
A significant milestone in this regard was achieved through the generous contribution of Mr. Z.M. Subarullah, who donated a valuable parcel of land situated on Madhavan Road for the permanent establishment of Maimoona Ladies Arabic College. This generous contribution laid a strong foundation for the future development and expansion of the institution and remains a noteworthy act of community service.
Over the years, several distinguished Islamic scholars and religious personalities, including respected scholars from Malaysia, South India and other regions, have visited the College. Their valuable guidance, advice and encouragement have greatly inspired the students and contributed to the academic, religious and institutional development of the College. Their visits have also enhanced the recognition and reputation of the institution within the community and beyond. The administration of Maimoona Ladies Arabic College remains sincerely grateful to all scholars, philanthropists, well-wishers and community members who have extended their support and cooperation throughout this journey.
To date, approximately 76 students have been admitted to the College. Among them, the first batch of eight students successfully completed their studies and graduated as Maimoona Aalimahs on 19 August 2022. This achievement marked a significant milestone in the history of the College and represented the successful realization of the vision with which the institution was founded.
In addition to its educational activities, the Maimoona Social Service Development Association was officially registered as a voluntary social service organization at the Kalmunai Divisional Secretariat on 24 September 2019. The Association has undertaken a range of programmes aimed at supporting students and contributing to the social and educational development of the wider community. These initiatives include leadership development programmes, educational seminars, career guidance programmes, G.C.E. Advanced Level subject-selection guidance, vocational guidance and awareness programmes on the prevention of drug abuse, among other community-oriented activities.
The College currently functions under the leadership of Maulavi A.L. Naser (Manbai) as Principal and Maulavi P.M.A. Jalil (Baqavi) as Head of the academic and teaching section. With the continued support of philanthropists, religious scholars, parents, well-wishers and the wider community, the College remains committed to providing free Islamic and Arabic education to women and to promoting religious knowledge, moral values and social responsibility based on the principles of Ahlus Sunnath Wal Jama’ah.
The graduation of the first batch of eight Aalimahs on 19 August 2022 remains one of the most significant achievements in the history of Maimoona Ladies Arabic College. It stands as a testament to the vision, dedication and collective efforts of the founders, administrators, teachers, students, parents, donors and supporters who have contributed to the development of the institution from its humble beginnings.
From its inception in 2018, Maimoona Ladies Arabic College has continued to grow as an institution dedicated to the advancement of Islamic and Arabic education for women. Its journey reflects the power of community cooperation, sincere commitment and service to education and religion.
May Almighty Allah bless Maimoona Ladies Arabic College with continued growth, success and prosperity, and enable the institution to make an enduring contribution to Islamic education, women’s education and the social and moral development of the community. Aameen.
