Did you know that the land where the Akbar Mosque stands today was gifted to a Muslim courtier? This courtier served the King of Kandy. We are standing before one of Kandy’s gems: the Akbar Mosque. It is a place of peace and a testament to the rich history of this city.
Let me tell you more about the Akbar Mosque. Its story is interwoven with the tale of Kandy itself. Construction finished in 1864. A society of Muslims living in the city completed it. The Akbar Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Kandy.
The King of Kandy gifted the land to a Muslim courtier. He was a valued member of the royal court. This act shows the religious tolerance that existed in the region. It highlights the connections between the Kandyan Kingdom and its Muslim citizens. The land originally belonged to the Asgiri Maha Viharaya.
The Akbar Mosque is also known as Meera Makam Masjid. Or even Meera Maqam Masjid. It is one of the largest mosques in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The mosque sits at the corner of Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Mawatha and Gamini Dissanayake Mawatha. This was formerly Hill and Brownrigg Streets.
The mosque is named in memory of Nagore Sahul Hameed Meeran Sahib Wali. He was a mystic Sufi saint and Islamic preacher. His student, Shaik Sayyid Sahabdeen Waliyullah, is buried here.
The Akbar Mosque stands as a symbol of resilience. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Muslim community in Kandy. Despite facing challenges, it remains a vibrant center of worship and community engagement.
The Akbar Mosque opened its doors to the public on 20 September 2017. This was part of Sri Lanka’s first ‘Open Mosque Day’. The Centre for Islamic Studies and the mosque trustees organized the event. It aimed to build bridges with the wider community.
As you leave the Akbar Mosque, take a moment to reflect on its history. Remember the king’s gift. Consider the generations who have prayed within its walls. The Akbar Mosque is more than just a building. It is a living story of faith, community, and the enduring spirit of Kandy.