Community description
Shia Muslims in Sri Lanka are a very small but growing minority – estimated today at fewer than 2,000 people – within a religiously diverse country where Buddhism is dominant, and Muslims make up about 10% of the population. Most Muslims follow the Shafi’i school, while Shias are scattered across cities such as Colombo, Kandy, and especially Valachchenai. Historically, their roots trace back to early migrations of descendants of the Prophet (s), though their identity later became less distinct. In recent decades, Shia awareness has re-emerged through international influences, religious outreach, and students trained abroad.
Today, the community has around six Hussainiyas across Sri Lanka, two small seminaries, and one mosque, and is actively promoting the teachings of the Ahlulbayt (as) despite its limited institutional presence. Whilst maintaining religious activities and education, the community faces challenges such as misconceptions about Shia Islam, limited resources, and the need for more trained scholars and translated materials.
A number of Shia books, such as Sahifa Sajjadiyya and the lives of the Fourteen Infallibles (as) have already been translated, published and distributed. There is a need for a lot more, and this is where we are now seeking your help. Separate fundraising pages shall be created for different books, and when their translation, publication and distribution costs would have been covered, these pages shall be closed gradually.
Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (as) famously said that among the six things which benefit a person after death, one of them is “knowledge he passed on”. Contributing to the production and spreading of these books is indeed a unique sadaqah jariyah opportunity, with the Tamil language not only spoken by Sri Lankan Muslims, but also by millions of others in India, Malaysia and Singapore. May Allah (swt) bless you and always increase your tawfeeq.
About the book
“One Hundred Lessons of Life from the Fourteen Infallibles (peace be upon them)” is a 304 pages book written to present the ethical and spiritual lifestyle of the Fourteen Infallibles (pbut) through one hundred lessons.
This book is a combined work of translation and compilation. For each topic, a hadith from one of the Infallibles (pbut) has been carefully selected, translated, and accompanied by a brief explanation. This is then followed by a story from the lives of the Infallibles (pbut), illustrating the lesson in a practical and relatable way. The ethical and spiritual example of the Ahl al-Bayt (as) indeed has the potential to deeply influence individuals who seek moral and religious guidance, helping to nurture a more spiritually grounded and ethically aware society.
Current status
The editing and layout of the book are complete, and it is ready for publication. The estimated cost for printing 1,000 copies is 435,000 rupees. With the necessary funding, it can be printed, God willing.
About the author
The author is Mr. Muhammad Marzooq of Sri Lanka, who holds a Master’s degree from the Qom seminary in the field of Qur’anic sciences and Hadith. With over 30 years of experience in research, teaching, and religious propagation, he has authored several notable works – including The Myth of Abdullah ibn Saba and A Study of Hadith al-Thaqalayn – and numerous articles in the field of Shi’a studies.
سَمِعتُ أبَا الحَسَنِ الرِّضا عليه السلام يَقولُ : رَحِمَ اللّه ُ عَبدًا أحيا أمرَنا . فَقُلتُ لَهُ : وكَيفَ يُحِيي أمرَكُم ؟ قالَ : يَتَعَلَّمُ عُلومَنا
ويُعَلِّمُهَا النّاسَ ، فَإِنَّ النّاس لَو عَلِموا مَحاسِنَ كَلامِنا لاَتَّبَعونا .
“I heard Abu al-Hasan al-Ridā (peace be upon him) say: May Allah have mercy on a servant who revives our cause. I asked him: And how can one revive your cause?
He (pbuh) replied: By learning our knowledge and teaching it to the people. For if people were to know the beauty of our words, they would surely follow us.”
