The ancestors of Siddi Lebbe were Arabs who settled in coastal Tamil Nadu and later penetrated into the Kandyan District. His father, Muhammad Lebbe Siddi Lebbe, was one of the first Ceylonese Proctors and was also the Head Moorman in 1833. Muhammad Cassim was also known as Siddi Lebbe.
Early life
Siddi Lebbe had an older brother named Muhammad Lebbe, an Arabic-educated Alim, under whose care he learnt to read Qur'an and study Tamil and English. Later he was admitted to the 'General Schooling' and educated in English.
Establishments and services
In 1884, he pioneered the first Anglo-Mohammedan school at Colombo with the assistance of Orabi Pasha and Wapichie Marikkar.
In 1882, he introduced a madrasa called 'Madrasatul Zahira' in maradana, colombo. later in 1892 the 'madrasatul zahira 'became a school under the name of Zahira College.
His wide scheme of educating the Muslim community resulted in the establishment of Zahira College, patronised by the cream of the community due to the munificence of Wapchi Marikar. He also established many Tamil and Arabic Schools in many parts of the Central Province, some of which he himself managed and financed. In Kandy, he founded a Girls' School where his sister was the Head-Teacher. He studied the Arabic language to perfection and read many significant works of Islamic scholars and thereby excelled in religious knowledge surpassing that of the local Ulema of the time. The educational movement in Colombo, which he began with Wapchi Marikar, constantly required his presence in Colombo and thus he was compelled to live in Colombo paying occasional visits to his hometown in Kandy.
Journals and Works
Muslim Friend, Muslim Nesan in English and Tamil, in order to educate his fellow Muslim community members.
Torch of Wishdom He also published a monthly journal called the "torch of Wisdom". He clamored to teach the Muslims their religion through these two journals where he urged the community to study the Arabic language.
Gjana Theepan in 1892
Assan Beyudaya Kadhai Novel.
He also wrote and published Hidayathul Cassimiya.
Tuhuwathul Nahwa
Shurut As Salat, Arabic Study Book Part I & II
History of the Turkish and Greek War
History of the Moors of Ceylon
He used the medium of newspaper articles, books, and speeches to induce the Muslim community to make an attempt to uplift themselves from the backward condition they were in. Though numerous were his friends and admirers he did have his share of opponents too, who were not convinced of his understanding of the interpretation and philosophical understanding of Islam.
Legacy
Lebbe who was the father of Muslim education in Ceylon, a dynamic social worker and one who sacrificed everything he possessed to uplift the Muslim community culturally. Lebbe's writings, we are able even to this date, to have a glimpse of his character and capacity, his pious spirit and his penetrating intellect. Due to the inspiring life and work of the Lebbe as one of the greatest sons of Lanka, Central Government named him among the National Heroes.
