Adam’s Peak Mountain Arabic Inscription (13th Century)
An ancient Arabic inscription (Sellipi) has been found in the “Bhagava Lena” in Adam’s Peak Mountain. This inscription is located on the rock wall of the came about 100 feet from the summit of Adam’s Peak. According to archaeologists it is a fragmented Arabic inscription. They have only been able to figure out a few Arabic words which states, “Muhammed may God Bless him… the Father of Mankind”. It has been ascribed to the thirteenth century. [p33, The Muslims of Sri Lanka by Prof. Lorna Deweraja1]
This ancient Muslim inscription has attracted further notice, since it is written by the side of an ancient Sinhala inscription by King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196). According to Dr. Lorna Deveraja, the Royal inscription records his Majesty’s visit to the Peak and granting of several villages for the maintenance of the shrine. The existence of an ancient Sinhala and Muslim inscription side by side is symbolic of the spirit of religious harmony that prevaild and still continues to prevail in Sri Lanka.
Unfortunately we don’t have any photos of this inscription yet. We would if you can help us get photos or a video of this important Arabic inscription please. It is one of the few ancient Islamic Inscriptions found in Sri Lanka so far.
According to historians ancient Muslim traders who visited Sri Lanka began to associate this mountain with Prophet Adam from around 9th century AD. They thought the giant Foot print mark at the summit was the first spot on Earth where Prophet Adam (Peace be upon Him) landed when he was sent out from Paradise.
There are many records of ancient Muslims visiting Sri Lanka and having climbed the Adam’s Peak mountain to get a glimpse of this famous Foot mark. This mountain is mentioned for the very first time by Sulaiman, an Arab trader and explorer who visited Sri Lanka in 850 AD.
Ibn Batuta climbed Adam’s Peak mountain when he visited Sri Lanka in 1344 Ad. He mentions many places near the mountain already associated with Muslims even by that time, including several caves. (e.g. the cave of Kidr).
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Reference:
1. Adam’s Peak: the mountain of the Sacred Foot Print by Prof. W. I. SIRIWEERA
http://archives.dailynews.lk/2012/10/29/fea03.asp
2.