Imagine yourself standing right in front of Meera Maccam Jummah Masjid, its striking green façade bathed in the warm glow of the Sri Lankan sun. This grand mosque, one of the oldest and largest in Kandy, is not just a place of worship, it’s a vibrant tapestry woven with centuries of history and cultural exchange.
Let’s step back in time, to a period when Kandy was a bustling centre of the Kandyan Kingdom. The land where the Meera Maccam Jummah Masjid stands today was once owned by the Asgiriya Maha Viharaya, a renowned Buddhist monastery. However, the Kandyan King Kirti Sri Rajasingha, known for his tolerant nature, granted this land to one of his Muslim courtiers. The king, despite his Hindu background, was a devout Buddhist. But he understood the vital role that Muslim traders played in the commercial life of his kingdom. He saw the integration of different faiths as a sign of strength and prosperity.
The mosque we see today, however, was constructed during the British colonial period, specifically between 1855 and 1864. It’s fascinating to note that this grand mosque, unlike many of its kind, has no main minaret. Instead, it features a distinctive rectangular design and once sported a vibrant red and white façade. However, after a recent restoration, it now stands proudly as Kandy’s “Green Mosque,” a testament to its enduring beauty and resilience.
The Meera Maccam Jummah Masjid is named in honour of a revered Sufi saint, Nagore Sahul Hameed Meeran Sahib Wali, a mystic preacher who traveled far and wide spreading the message of Islam. Interestingly, his student, Sayyid Sahabdeen Waliullah, found his final resting place within the mosque’s walls. This makes the mosque a “Dharga,” a sacred site for pilgrimage, where devotees seek blessings and solace.
Sadly, the Meera Maccam Jummah Masjid has borne witness to episodes of anti-Muslim violence in recent years. Yet, this grand mosque stands strong, radiating a message of peace and inclusivity. It continues to be a beacon for its community and a symbol of Kandy’s rich cultural heritage.