Sri Lanka Moor Family Genealogy

Muhammad Hajie Marikar - Family #217

Deshamanya Dr MCM Kaleel* (1899 -1994)
From the latter part of the 19th century, for three or four generations, Zone 12 of Colombo, comprising Messenger Street, New Moor Street, Grandpass, Hultsdorf and Barber Street, and their environs had a large Muslim concentration, with an aggregation of Muslim families, many related or inter-related, mostly friendly if nor familiar. It was within this environ that Dr M C M Kaleel made his entry into this world and went on to become a great physician, social worker, politician and leader of the community.
Dr Kaleel lived in a large house at No 6, Messengerr Street, situated near the Hultsdorf Street-Messenger Street intersection, which was then popularly known as "Shalayankada Shandhi".
Historical records and legends reveal that his ancestors were from the descendants of a shipload or Arabs who left their homes in the Middle East, unable to bear the harsh treatment meted out by Umayyad Caliphs. They were said to be Hashimites who landed off the coast of Beruwela at Barberyn in the year 1024 AD. There is also a tradition that in the year 1410 one of Dr Kaleel's ancestors, a theologian, was brought to Mutuwal in a Palanquin when he agreed to be the Khateeb (Imam) of the old Mosque in Mutuwal (palaya palli). The family still possess a copy of a Qur'an handwritten by one of his ancestors, who was famous Calligraphist.
Deshamanya Al-Haj Dr.Mohammad Cassim Mohammad Kaleel was born on February 03rd, 1899 (22nd Friday, Ramadan, Hijri 1316, according to the Arabic calendar)at Hultfsdorp .He had early education at the Hameediya Arabic School followed by Cathedral College Kotahena, and finished his school education at St.Thomas’ College Colombo, passing the Cambridge senior with distinction. Perhaps the crucial turning point of his life came when at the behest of Warden Stone he proceeded to the University of Edinburgh to study medicine. He passed the medical degree and followed it up with post-graduate qualifications in the same field. His professional career as a medical practitioner spanned over six decades. He was the third Ceylon Moor to qualify as a Doctor. (First was Dr Colenda Marikar Muhammad Zubair and the second was Dr S.M Jabir)
Being of a minority community did not keep him away from mainstream national politics. Persons of the calibre of Dr. Kaleel were needed to spearhead the Independence struggle. He was a freedom fighter. Together with compatriots such as Dr. T.B. Jayah, Dr. Kaleel fought for Independence alongside Sinhala and Tamil leaders. He began political career in 1942, by becoming Member of the State Council, ending immediately prior to independence. Subsequently, he was elected to the Colombo Central electorate in 1950 and served as Minister of Labour and Social Services. His second term began in 1960 when he was given the portfolio of Minister of Home Affairs and Rural Development. He was a founder member of the UNP and later functioned as its President till his demise on 19th October 1994.
Mudaliyar A.L. Sinnalebbe Member of Parliament for Madakalapuva in the Eastern Province moved in Parliament in January 1948, the following motion: "That this House is of the opinion that the Royal Standard of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinha depicting a yellow lion passant holding a sword in its right paw on a red background which was removed to England after the convention of 1815 should once again be adopted as the official flag of free Lanka". Dr. M.C.M. Kaleel, the President of the All-Ceylon Muslim League expressed in no uncertain terms that the Muslims would be happy to retain the Lion Flag as the flag of independent Lanka
Being a deeply religious person, which trait he had inherited from his parents, he was deeply involved in Muslim religious and cultural activities. He was a founder member of All Ceylon Muslim League and functioned as its President for 45 years. He was also one of those rare individuals who had the foresight to value the education of Muslim girls, no doubt, believing that the best way to educate the next generation is through the womenfolk. Parallel to this, he spearheaded the Muslim educational movement along with luminaries of his community. He was spiritually and intellectually above most of his contemporaries.
His long and dedicated service to the nation and the party was recognized when President J.R. Jayawardena bestowed him the Deshamanya award. The Government of Sri Lanka issued a Stamp in honour of him on 18th October 2002


1  Muhammad Hajie Marikar (Vidane or Headman at Athikaragoda, Alutgama appointed by the British Government)

    2  Thamby Lebbe Marikar (Athikaragoda, Alutgama)

        3  Colanda Marikar (Soldier Colonda) + Name Not Known

            4  Sithy Fathima (Pathumuthu Mamee) + Marikar Hajiar, predeceased his wife.

                5  Sheriff Marikar Hajiar, was robbed and waylaid by the Caravan riders on his way back from Madinah because the pilgrims from Ceylon overlooke dthe Arab custom of sharing their food with the Caravan riders. Walked back to Madinah and worked his way by earning his fare to Egypt wjhere he joined some merchants in business and saved up to return to Ceylon. Returned to Ceylon after 5 years to find his wife already married. Moved to the Mutwal Jummah Mosque where he spent the rest of his life in a room provided by the Khateeb + Name Not Known (she later married a Malay Sergeant from the Mutwal Police when her husband did not return from his pilgrimage to Makkah and had a son named Shahadbeen).

                    6  H S M Salahudeen, Khateeb (Mutwal Jumuah Masjid and Maradana Mosque) + Ummu Noor

                        7  Jezuli Salahudeen (Registrar of Muslim Marriages) d:28 Aug 2008 + Ruwaiza

                            8  Isfahani (Aslam) Salahudeen + Rehana

                            8  Hussain Salahudeen + Nazreen

                            8  Fathima Salahudeen + Iqbal

                            8  Ali Sabry Salahudeen + Shamla

                       7  Sadul Malahira Salahudeen

                       7  Firdouse Salahudeen

                       7  Siyouthi Salahudeen

                       7  Kamsun Salahudeen

                       7  Subki Salahudeen

                       7  Subki Salahudeen +Ayshatul Rila Saleh ( D/O  M A C M Saleh)

                        8  Azra Subki Salahudeen + Naaz Saleem ( Family No 13 & 37)

                            9  Adnaan Saleem

                              9  Nadeem Saleem

 

                       7  Izzeth  Salahudeen

 

Obit:

KHATEEB JAZULI SALAHUDEEN (ex Registrar of Muslim Marriges) son of late Khateeb H.S.M. Salahudeen & late Ummu Noor, husband of late Ruwaiza, father of Isfahani (Aslam), Hussain, Fathima & Ali Sabry, father-in-law of Rehana, Nazreen, Iqbal & Shamla, brother of late Sadul Malahira, late Firdouse, Siyouthi, Kamsun, late Subki & late Izzeth. Janaza leaves residence 105, T.B. Jayah Mawatha (Darley Road), Colombo 10 at 10.30 a.m. on 28.08.2008 for Funeral prayers at Maradana Mosque. Burial at Kuppiyawatte Muslim Burial Ground.

 

                5  Sulaiha Umma Marikar Hajiar + Name Not Known (Sulaiha Umma was proposed to be married to an Indian Muslim Trader in the Pettah, by her mother. however, the marriage was averted by Sesmama, her uncle, who took away to Malwana where she was betrothed to a man of his choice)

                5  Khadija Marikar Hajiar + Cassim (businessman) divorced, since he was an extremely jealous husband who hounded his wife with suspicion and where Sesmama assisted her to seek the divorce.

                5  2nd Spouse of Khadija Marikar Hajiar: + Majeed (boatman, who plied between Colombo jetty and the ships that called, taking passengers up and down and on cruises in the harbor. a very genial and considerate man.)

 

            4  (daughter) + Sheikh Ismail (SesmaLebbe Marikar, aka Sesmama)** (Dr MCM Kaleel’s mothers uncle), coffee trade in one of the streets leading to Kayman's Gate, Pettah, known as Kopi Kadey Peli (row of coffee shops). Imported coffee seeds from Aden and Gulf States. (218)

                5  Haniffa Sheikh Ismail
                    6  Dr. Hamza Ismail

                5  Noordeen Sheikh Ismail + Huzaira Abdul Ghaffoor
                    6  Noordeen Mohamed Hussein + Sithy Hadijathul Badriya Haffiel, d/o Fusseiya and Haffiel Ismail
                        7  Ameena Luthfe Hussein + Ismath Ur Rahman, s/o Mahbooba and M S Abdul Rahman
                            8  Sameeha Thur Rahman
                            8  Safiyyah Thur Rahman

 

            4  (daughter) + Sheikh Ismail (SesmaLebbe Marikar, aka Sesmama)**, (Dr MCM Kaleel’s mothers uncle), coffee trade in one of the streets leading to Kayman's Gate, Pettah, known as Kopi Kadey Peli (row of coffee shops). Imported coffee seeds from Aden and Gulf States. (218)

                5  Ayesha Sheikh Ismail

                5  Rahmath Sheikh Ismail

 

            4  Seven other daughters whose names are not known

 

            4  Cassim Lebbe Marikar + Yousoof Sulaiha (d/o Omerdeen ‘Appa’) (218)

                5  Cassim Lebbe Marikar Thaha + Izzathul Suada (366,377)

                    6  Mazeeya Thaha

                    6  Jiffry Thaha + Zuhurifa

                    6  Muhsin Thaha d:May 23 2014, buried at Maligawatte Muslim Burial Grounds, Colombo 10 + Name Not Known (366,377)

                    6  Zahir Thaha

 

                5  Muhammad Cassim Muhammad Kaleel*, Dr b:3-Feb-1899, d:1994 + Noor Rahmaniya Marikar-Bawa, d:May-15-2002 (62)

 

Daily News Obituary – Thursday May 16 2002

KALEEL ­ HAJIANI NOOR RAHMANIYA,   daughter of late Al-Haj & Mrs Sulaiman Marikar Bawa, dearly beloved wife of late Desamanya Dr M.C.M. Kaleel, loving mother of Dr M. Nawaz, Dr M. Fahmy, late Sithy Huzaifa, Fathima Hanoum, Sithy Niloufer, Ummu Zulaiha, Einul Azeema, Mohamed Aslam, Rizwi Suhada and Mohamed Shiraz, mother-in-law of Ummu Naima, Ereefa, late Muhsin, late Jouffer Sadique, Fayesz Mansoor, late Dr Munsif Meeran Tracey, Dr Faizer Buhary, Ashok and Deena, expired. Janaza leaves residence at 10 a.m. today for interment at Maligawatte Muslim Burial Ground.   21, 18th Lane, Colpetty, Colombo 3.

 

                6 M. Nawaz Kaleel, Dr + Ummu Neuma        

                6 M. Fahmy Kaleel, Dr + Ereefa Marzuk

                    7 Muhammad Nawaz Kaleel       

                    7 Muhammad Hejaz Kaleel

                    7 Muhammad Hisham Kaleel

                    7 Ayesha Sameeha Kaleel

                    7 Faizul Hassen kaleel

                6  Sithy Huzaifa Kaleel + Muhsin MJM, CCS           

                    7 Aynul Kareema Muhsin + Shumsul Hussain     

                    7 Fathima Rahima Muhsin + Afgeralli

       7  Imtiaz Hussain Muhsin + Haseena Shafeek (46,30)

                          8  Fathima Muhsin 1984 + Mohamed Sa'ad Ghouse (20,30,60,70,90a,93)

          9  Asma Ghouse

          9  Luqman Ghouse
          9  Harun Ghouse

         9  Zainab Ghouse
         9  Dawud Ghouse
6  Ayesha Muhsin 1985 + Mohamed Ali

6  Abdullah Muhsin 1987

6  Ibrahim Muhsin 1990
6  Aaminah Muhsin 1995

6  Ahmed Muhsin 1996
6  Rukaiyah Muhsin, 2000

                      7 Noor Zulaikha Muhsin + Abdul Rasool  

                6 Fathima Hanoon Kaleel + Jouffer Sadiq MH (#108,173,175)

                    7  Noor Shifa Ja'afer Sadiq + Muhammad Fasil Munsif (173)

                            8  Azhar Faseel, Dr MBBS, Sydney Australia

                            8  Zahara Faseel

                    7 Noor Shifa Sadiq + Muhammad Fasil   

                    7 Ayeshathul Hafsa Sadiq + Nishtar A.M.M.

                        8 Shaharwan Nishtar + Sinan Hafeel

                        8 Sakeena Nishtar+ Altaf Jabir

                        8 Omar Nishtar

                    7 Omer Maqbul Sadiq

                    7 Fathima Sara Sadiq + Dr.Rizvi Salih

                    7 Mosadiq Ali Sadiq      

                6 Sithy Niloufer Kaleel + Fayesz Mansoor
                    7  Nasreen Mansoor + ShahJehan Marikar-Bawa (62) UK d:Apr 2023
                        8  Laila Mansoor

                    7 Muhammad Ikram Mansoor + Nazneen

                    7 Sithy Fahima Mansoor + Riswan

                    7 Muhammad Reza Mansoor

............6 Ummu Zulaikha Kaleel + Munsir Meeran, Dr. (108,173,175)

..........…..7 Muhammad Careem Meeran    

..........…..7 Marina Aida Meeran    

...........6 Einul Azeema Kaleel + Ashok

...........6 Muhammad Aslam Kaleel + Ayesha          

.........…..7 Reza Kaleel   

.........…..7 Shireen Kaleel

...........6 Rizvi Suada Kaleel + Faizer M. Buhary. M., Dr.       

.........…..7 Muhammad Rumi Feizal

.........…..7 Muhammad Akram Feizal       

...........6 Muhammad Shiraz Kaleel + Deena Zaheed  (30, 40, 73 80, 90)

   …….........7 Sabry Kaleel

 …………....7 Adhil Kaleel

 ……………..7 Shukri Kaleel    

 

 ..……5  Muhammad Cassim Muhammad Mousuf + Noor Mazahira Hanifa (88)

……………6 Faiz Mousuff + Fareeka

…………………7 Yasmin Faiz + Anura Nimaladasa         

………………………8 Yaseen Anura

………………………8 Sarah Anura

………………………8 Akmal Anura

…………………7 Reza Faiz + Ramzani Abbas

………………………8 Raiza Reza

………………………8 Raizul Reza

………………………8 Razia Reza

…………….6 Khadija Mousuff + Sha Firdhouse Mihlar d:Aug 2017, USA (18)

…………………7 Shizana Mihlar + Refai Deen

………………………8 Farha Refai

………………………8 Shezard Refai

………………………8 Mersha Refai

…………………7 Shaul Mihlar + Zaiboon Hassen

………………………8 Tariq Mihlar

………………………8 Khalid Mihlar

……………6 Zaif Mousuff + Suzanne

…………………7 Seda Mousuff + (Name not known)

………………………8 (Son)

………………………8 (Son)

…………………7 Natasha Mousuff

……………6 Ziaf Mousuff + Mansoora Sadoon

…………………7 Azad Ziaf

…………………7 Saadiha Ziaf + Hisham Jalleel

…………………7 Sakeena Ziaf

……………6 Zareena Mousuff + Zubair Hassen

…………………7 Aqif Hassen + Shazmina Nizamdeen

………………………8 Hannah Maryam Hassen

..................8  Umar Bin Aqif Hassen

…………………7 Zaqir Hassen + Farha Refai

..................8  Ibrahim Bin Zaqir Hassen

……………6 Aishathul Jennifer Mousuff + Jameel Hakeem

…………………7 Ifaz Bin Jameed + Johanna

..................8  Raya Tahani Jameel

…………………7 Zafi Bin Jameel

…………………7 Fazi Bin Jameel

 

…………5  Sithy Zahira Cassim (died in infancy)

 

From the latter part of the 19th century, for three or four generations, Zone 12 of Colombo, comprising Messenger Street, New Moor Street, Grandpass, Hultsdorf and Barber Street, and their environs had a large Muslim concentration, with an aggregation of Muslim families, many related or inter-related, mostly friendly if nor familiar. It was within this environ hat Dr M C M Kaleel was born, on Feb 3,1899 (Friday 22 Ramadan 1316 H), a great physician, social worker, politician and leader of the community.

Dr Kaleel lived in a large house at No 6, Messengerr Street, situated near the Hultsdorf Street-Messenger Street intersection, which was then popularly known as "Shalayankada Shandhi".

Historical records and legends reveal that his ancestors were from the descendants of a shipload or Arabs who left their homes in the Middle East, unable to bear the harsh treatment meted out by Umayyad Caliphs. They were said to be Hashimites who landed off the coast of Beruwela at Barberyn in the year 1024 AD. There is also a tradition that in the year 1410 one of Dr Kaleel's ancestors, a theologian, was brought to Mutuwal in a Palanquin when he agreed to be the Khateeb (Imam) of the ols Mosque in Mutuwal (palaya palli). The family still possess a copy of a Qur'an handwritten by one of his ancestors, who was  famous Calligraphist.

Dr Kaleel had his first schooling at Hameeda School at New Moor Street. Prior to that he was taught to recite the Qur'an in Arabic at home. Hameedia School was adjacent to the Grand Mosque and managed by its founder, I L M H Noordeen Hajiar. Kaleel learned in Arabic and Arabic-Tamil medium and not in English. It was only when the family moved to live in Mutuwal in December 1909, at the age of ten, that Kaleel was initiated into English education. He started his English education at at a small school run by the Baptist Mission on Elie House Road run by Rev Silva. Later on he attended St Thomas' College run by Warden Stone.

Kaleel's father, Cassim Lebbe Marikar, was, both, a businessman and a Moulavi (Islamic teacher), having qualified at the Bakiathus Salihath Madrasa, in Vellore, South India. The Muslims of the area, including the two officiating Katheebs of the Colombo Grand Mosque, had requested Cassim Lebbe Marikar to accept the position of Khatheeb of the Mosque. He accepted the position on an Honorary capacity and was carried to the Mosque on a Palanquin similar to how his ancestor was feted in 1410.