Al-Haj Nowfel S. Jabir

Al Haj Nowfel S Jabir who passed away on July 1, 2015 was born on July 24, 1938 and is the son of the late Al-Haj S.M. Jabir and the late Haja Salamathul Sauda of China Fort, Beruwala. During his childhood he faced an early tragedy when his mother passed away but this did not have much impact on him, as affection and care were showered on him by his older sisters.

Despite his outstanding social stature, he remained a simple man. He led a life worthy of emulation. He extolled the virtues of simplicity and frugal living.

The spiritual leader of the Shazuliya thareeqa -Ash Sheikh Muhammed Bin Al Fassy Al Mackie Ash-Shadhuli visited Sri Lanka in January this year and Nowfel Jabir also attended the ceremony and made a moving speech which gave a clear indication of his impending death.

He received his primary education at his village school, now known as Al-Humaisara National School, China Fort. Later, he joined Zahira College, Colombo to complete his secondary education. He was in the Zahira College hostel for ten years until 1958. Nowfel Hadjiar used his affluence for social service by contributing to religious, educational, social and cultural activities of the area.

He made an immense contribution to the formation and uplift of science education in China Fort. In literary activities too, he was a source of encouragement to young writers and authors.

The construction and donation of the S.M. Jabir Hadjiar Memorial Hall and auditorium with the support of family members at Al-Humaisara Central College, China Fort in memory of his father .He also contributed to construct the 'Fousiya Prayer Hall' for women students at the Naleem Hadjiar Girls' College, China Fort.He held an important position in the Advisory Council of Jamiyathul Naleemiya Institute of Islamic Studies, Beruwala. Immediately after the end of his school career at Zahira College, Nowfel Jabir got into the gem trade in 1959.

His business activities expanded in the US, Japan and also in Europe. Nowfel Jabir played a key role in the setting up of the State Gem Corporation the following year.

Queen Elizabeth was fascinated by a lustrous Blue Sapphire gemstone when she came to Sri Lanka in 1981 and wanted it for her son, Charles' wedding. President Jayawardena thought it should be gifted to the Queen. The late Nowfel Jabir, his brother, Ansar Jabir, Naleem Hadjiar, Kahawatte Guruge and Nimal Pathirana from Ratnapura jointly, bought it and handed it to President Jayawardena to be gifted to the Queen.

In appreciation of his outstanding contribution to the gem trade in Sri Lanka, he was honoured with the 'Wiswa Prasadhini Srimavo Bandaranayake Award'.

He was an active member in the working committee of the Ceylon Gem Traders' Association from 1988 to 1998. During his tenure as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association and Director of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority in Sri Lanka, he rendered his utmost for the development of this industry.

He was instrumental in organising the annual FACETS gem exhibitions in Sri Lanka. As one of the directors of this annual event, he untiringly worked for its success.

Nowfel Jabir was involved in politics during his young days and was appointed Special Commissioner of the Beruwela Urban Council between 1972 and 1975. He contested the General Election in 1977 as an independent candidate from the Beruwela electorate and polled more than 12000 votes electorate.

During the tenure of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike in 1998, Nowfel Jabir was appointed Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Saudi Arabia.

He brought fame to his alma mater by obtaining colours in sports and literary activities.

In 1975, he founded the Beruwala Football Association and rendered yeoman service. Nowfel Jabir with the support of Naleem Hadjiar were instrumental in holding a seven-day football training camp at the Naleem Hajiar Grounds.

Nowfel Jabir was a multi-faceted personality who never went after positions or titles. However, when social positions came his way, he accepted them with humility to serve the people. He played a pioneering role in the setting up of the Lions Club in Beruwala. He was the founder President from 1972 and 1974.

In 1985, he was the Vice President of the Moors Islamic Cultural Home and he held this post until his demise.

He was Chairman of the Board of Governors of Zahira College, Colombo between 1990 and 1997. During this period, he developed the school.

Nowfal Jabir was honoured with the 'Deshabandhu' title in 1998 by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge. Following this the Beruwala Urban Council named the road opposite his residence after him.

As one of the oldest followers of the Shazuliya Thareeka, he was closely associated with the spiritual leaders of this Order.

B.M. Mukthar - Beruwala Special Correspondent