What the study found
The study finds that Muslim Nesan, the newspaper founded by M.C. Siddi Lebbe in 1882, served as an important voice for marginalized Muslims in colonial Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). It is described as contributing to intellectual, cultural, religious, and political awakening within the community.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors suggest that the newspaper mattered because it helped reshape Muslim identity and supported community resistance to colonial influence and missionary interference. They conclude that it fostered an embrace of modern knowledge integrated with Islamic values.
What the researchers tested
The study uses a mixed-methods approach, drawing mainly on secondary data. It analyzes extant issues of Muslim Nesan and relevant historical and cultural publications through historical thematic and descriptive analysis.
What worked and what didn't
The newspaper is reported to have functioned as a platform between 1882 and 1889, with 48 published issues. According to the abstract, these issues promoted Muslim upliftment through educational reform, social progress, religious restoration, and resistance against colonial rule and missionary interference.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed limitations of the study. It also focuses on one newspaper and one historical period, so the summary is limited to the evidence and scope described there.
Key points
- Muslim Nesan is presented as a key voice in a Muslim renaissance in colonial Sri Lanka.
- The paper links the newspaper to educational reform, social progress, and religious restoration.
- The study says the newspaper helped encourage resistance to colonial rule and missionary interference.
- The analysis is based mainly on extant issues of Muslim Nesan and related historical and cultural publications.
- The abstract says 48 issues were published between 1882 and 1889.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Muslim Nesan is described as a catalyst for Muslim reform in colonial Ceylon
- Authors:
- M.M.Sabir, Nagoor Gafoordeen
- Institutions:
- University of Colombo, University of Colombo
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-25
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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