ABOUT BIA COLLEGE
Al Bahajthul Ibraheemiyyah Arabic (BIA) College is a world renowned Islamic Educational Institution of the Fassiyathul Shazuliya Order located in the historic and UNESCO heritage listed Fort of Galle in Sri Lanka. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious institution of this type in Sri Lanka.
Our History
The BIA College was established in 1892 A.D. (Hijri 1310). Muslim scholars come from various parts of Sri Lanka and overseas to study at the BIA College. The contribution of the College towards the advancement of Islamic Studies in Sri Lanka over a long period of time is significant and is unparalleled.
The BIA College started in the Galle Fort Zavia premises at Small Cross Street and remained there for 34 years. In 1928, it was relocated to the present premises at Church Street. The present premises was purchased and donated to the College by the family of O.L.M Macan Markar in 1927. Over the past 131 years or so BIA College has produced over five hundred scholars in the field of Islamic Studies. These scholars after their graduation have been able to successfully serve Sri Lanka and Islam as ‘Ulemas’, ‘Katheebs’, ‘Arabic Orators’, ‘Principals of Arabic Colleges’, ‘Khaleefas’, Lecturers, etc.
About Our Founder
The BIA College was founded by Marhooma Aamina Umma Macan Markar, wife of Marhoom O.L.M Macan Markar. Aamina Umma was a jewel of a lady who conducted herself with grace and dignity. She was also a devoted wife and a loving mother who gave her children a sound religious foundation. In addition, she was a leader of the Muslim community and was at the forefront of charitable activities to help the poor and the needy.
When Marhooma Aamina Umma realised the need at that time for an institution of higher Islamic learning to cater for the needs of the Muslim scholars of the day, she spent her time, energy and wealth first, to establish BIA College and then to mature it to a formidable centre of Islamic learning in Sri Lanka. She was far sighted and far ahead of her time to come up with an initiative of this nature.
On-going Contribution of the O L M Macan Markar Family
The BIA College is a legacy of its founder Marhooma Aamina Umma Macan Markar. Following Aamina Umma’s demise, members of successive generations of the O L M Macan Markar Family have become Trustees and have taken over the responsibility for the administration and management of this prestigious College.
The members of the O L M Macan Markar family are committed to continue to uphold the best traditions and good intentions of the founder. The current generation of Trustees, with the support of other family members, see it as their responsibility to ensure that the College continues to thrive as their ancestors wished.
The College is funded by income generated from assets bestowed to the College by members of the previous generations of the family and financial contributions made by members of the current generation. This funding is used to cover the costs associated with the day-to-day operations of the College, provision of free education, board and lodging for its students, welfare of the students and staff and maintenance of the College and student accommodation buildings.