Motorcycles are a cost-effective means of transport, and widely used by the Saraceni as a family vehicle. Many Saraceni use it to get to work, take their children to school, and perform domestic chores on a daily basis. On open roads, the motorcycle is a breeze to operate, but in congested traffic the experience quickly turns challenging, because a motorcycle needs to keep moving to remain stable. The risky maneuvers we see some motorcyclists take seem fool-hardy for a person in a three-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle, but that is because we find it hard to empathize with a motorcyclist’s concerns.


A motorcycle is easy to ride when it is going at a high speed, however as mentioned earlier, it becomes highly unstable when going at slower speeds. The lesser the speed, the harder the balance, and if there is a passenger, it becomes an even bigger challenge. The speed at which normal traffic moves during rush hour, can make a motorcyclist’s ride very unpleasant, especially if they are tired after work, as they have to put extra effort into balance. If a motorcycle has to come to a complete stop, then the weight of the vehicle rests on the rider’s legs, and this can become quite painful when repeated many times. This is why motorcyclists try to keep moving, through traffic taking advantage of any gap between vehicles, so that they can maintain speed and motion.

Therefore, dear Saracen, if you are fortunate enough to own a four wheeled vehicle, where stopping and speeding up is comfortable and kind on your body, empathize with the motorcyclist, who does not have that facility. He travels in the hot sun exposed to the elements, and the noxious fumes emitted by other vehicles such as yours. Being kind to his ways will earn Allah’s kindness for you. If you see a motorcyclist behind you, acknowledge him, and give him room to pass, as you continue at a slower speed. When changing lanes, always consult the side mirrors and make sure you are not cutting off a motorcyclist trying to move forward. Your attention to another’s safety, will ensure Allah’s assistance to your own.

Salmonella is a bacterium that can make you very sick. This bacterium is widely found in fresh farm produce, but is a special concern when it comes to chicken meat. Salmonella naturally occurs in the gastro intestinal track of all birds and when a chicken is slaughtered, the carcass can be contaminated by spillage from the intestines. This has become a big problem in modern times due to factory farming techniques, where a single mistake in processing one bird can contaminate a large number of carcasses, making this a more serious issue for the modern consumer, than those of years past.


Food poisoning caused by Salmonella results in symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloody stools, diarrhea and fever. If left unattended, or medical attention is delayed, the situation can become serious to the point that death from Salmonella poisoning becomes a real possibility. However, if we adopt a few good habits in handling and preparing chicken, we may never have to face the threat of Salmonella poisoning, and still enjoy the benefits of this highly nutritious and convenient food.

Salmonella in chicken is unavoidable, and a global survey has shown that almost 33% of all chicken meat is contaminated with Salmonella at threatening levels. Given that this bacteria spreads easily, consumers are advised to assume that all meat is contaminated. However, this does not mean the meat is unsafe for consumption after it is cooked.More often than not it is improper handling of raw chicken, while its being prepared that causes the damage, allowing Salmonella to contaminate kitchen surfaces and utensils which ultimately leads to an infection. Therefore, here are a few handy tips to keep in mind when handling chicken.

Add chicken to your shopping cart right before going for checkout

Don’t add chicken to your shopping cart early, and let it warm up. Complete your shopping list and pick up the chicken from the freezer as the last item. Make sure the chicken is put in a separate bag for you to take home, and immediately put it in the freezer. This will prevent dormant bacteria from becoming active.

Use a separate chopping board for chicken

Chopping boards have fine grooves in them created by knife cuts, making them impossible to clean properly. No matter how thoroughly you wash your board, those grooves, give Salmonella a place to hide during rinsing. So, keep a separate chopping board just for chicken.

Make sure your knife does not carry contamination to other food items when cutting

When you cut up your chicken, Salmonella can get on the knife, and be transported to other food items. Therefore, cut your chicken after cutting your other ingredients, or keep a separate knife for it. If you do want to reuse your knife, wash it in warm water with soap, and let it rinse for at least 20 seconds.

Wash all utensils and dishes that have come into contact with raw chicken properly

All dishes and utensils that have been in contact with raw chicken should be washed with warm water and soap, and left to rinse for at least 20 seconds. Take your time here. Reuse the items after they have completely dried. This includes your hands as well, so don’t go touching anything else after handling raw chicken, before a proper wash up.

Cook chicken well before consuming

Last but certainly not least, cook your chicken well. Many food safety organizations recommend cooking your chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 75 C, where the heat is high enough that bacteria cannot survive. However, it is easy to undercook chicken, especially if it came out of the freezer. So always cut up the piece and make sure, no blood or raw meat is visible in the center before serving.

Modern techniques make many things safer, but sometimes, they also introduce risks that were never there before. Taking simple measures, and ensure our food is nothing but barakath, for us and our offspring.

May Allah keep you healthy and strong!

Assalamu alaikum, ya nesan!

M.C. Siddhi Lebbe is a beloved national hero, and father to the Saracen. The esteemed reader can enjoy a summarized biography of the man in our post titled "181st birth anniversary of our national hero, M.C. Siddi Lebbe" by Fazli Sameer; while this post will discuss his message, which is as relevant today as it was all those years ago. Much of Siddhi Lebbe’s thoughts and advice are documented in the Muslim Nesan (مسليم نشن), his weekly publication and the inspiration for the Serendib Nesan. Ibn Serendib highly recommends giving the Muslim Nesan a read, if a copy is accessible.


The importance of education is probably the most prominent subject in Siddhi Lebbe’s message. He stressed the need to educate the Saracen, and backed up his call by founding numerous schools, of which, Zahira College is the most prominent. An educated population is not only financially stable, but resilient to outside interference. Education is essential in understanding the complex world we live in, and in responding to the numerous challenges that we face. In the information age, the biggest threat to our community is misguidance. Leading people astray is such a destructive tool that it is the Shaithan’s favorite and therefore creating a community that can act intelligently is of utmost importance.

The importance of education is probably the most prominent subject ...

The lack of penmanship, and media publications within our community is a large void, something Siddhi Lebbe tried to fill with the publication of the “Muslim Nesan”. The Saraceni have firsthand experience on how mainstream media in this country, pervasively neglected our side of the story, and proceeded to add insult to injury during the aftermath of April’s tragedy. The Saraceni were unable to counter them, and the mis-informers took the opportunity to highjack our voice. Therefore, in a world where public opinion is governed by media, the Saraceni should invest in this area, so our community can stand up for itself. Media is an important tool to keep our people educated and informed of current affairs, so they are better prepared for any eventuality.

The Saraceni have firsthand experience on how mainstream media in this country, pervasively neglected our side of the story ...

Siddhi Lebbe urged the Saracen to hold on to their culture, and as a part of that learn and use Arabic more frequently. Our culture is the safety net for our people, born and unborn. It is a pillar of our identity, which is key to our survival in this country. More than a century ago, Siddhi Lebbe saw a threat to the Arabic language, and how people will try to oppose it, by virtue that the Saracen do not speak it. That threat has been realized today, as the some have called for the removal of all Arabic signage. At present this is implemented only for street names, but their call is general, and in time it will extend to even private usage of the Arabic language if we continue the way we are. If the Arabic language is demonized in this way, the Al-Quran will be the next target, and that will be catastrophic to our religion.

... Siddhi Lebbe saw a threat to the Arabic language, and how people will try to oppose it, by virtue that the Saracen do not speak it. 

Through middle-eastern employment, it is a fact, that more none Muslims know Arabic than the Saraceni, and this is indeed a sad statistic. Therefore, let us strive to learn this language, because it is a beautiful one, and has many commercial and international benefits. Our supporters are primarily in the Arabic speaking world, and even today it is they that have sent a powerful message, calling for our safety. Events in that part of the world directly, and indirectly affect the Saraceni, and therefore the ability to communicate with the middle east, and understand information from that region is very important. Learning Arabic has never been as easy as it is today, and therefor let us take advantage of it.

Events in that part of the world [middle east] directly, and indirectly affect the Saraceni, and therefore the ability to communicate with the middle east, and understand information from that region is very important. 

During Siddhi Lebbe’s time, there was no representation of our people in the Legislative Council of Ceylon, and Siddhi Lebbe agitated quite forcefully for politicians to come forward, because he felt the disadvantages very clearly. Without representation in the ruling bodies of the country, we are cattle waiting for slaughter. Even today, those that oppose us target our representatives, and we are in a precarious situation of having our community’s leaders expelled from the decision-making process. Therefore, we must secure what Siddhi Lebbe fought to achieve, and stand by our leaders, as they stand up for our rights. Politics and internal disputes can be attended to later.

Without representation in the ruling bodies of the country, we are cattle waiting for slaughter.

Finally, Ibn Serendib would like to draw his reader’s attention to Siddhi Lebbe’s most pervasive message, which is the message of unity and togetherness. We are but a few and our community is but small. We need each and everyone we have, in order to stand shoulder to shoulder with the other communities in this nation. If we scatter, our strength will be lost, and along with that so will our freedoms and our rights, and we will leave our future generations vulnerable to untold exploitations. Therefore, let us resolve to get closer to one another, understand each other and ultimately support ourselves. The phrase “Api wenuwen api” is something that has worked for other communities, and there is no reason why it shouldn’t work for us.

May Allah grant our noble hero Janath-ul-Firdous, and grant the Saraceni prosperity!

By Fazli Sameer

This day marks the 181st birth anniversary of M.C.Siddi Lebbe; national hero, son of Ceylon, and father of the modern Muslim community. He is what every Muslim aspires to be; well groomed, educated, religious, charitable and restless with patriotism to his people. His vision and foresight from more than a century ago shaped our community and helped us rise from despair, making us resilient in the face of change and ultimately, a prominent minority in our country.


Muhammad Cassim Siddi Lebbe was born on June 11th, 1938, in Kandy. The ancestors of Siddi Lebbe were Arabs who had migrated to the Kandyan kingdom. His father, Muhammad Lebbe Siddi Lebbe, was one of the first Ceylonese Proctors and also the Head Moorman in 1833. Muhammad Cassim was also known as Siddi Lebbe just like his father. Siddi Lebbe had an older brother, who was an Arabic educated Aalim, under whose care he learnt to read the Quran and studied Tamil and English.

After his preliminary education at Quran School, Kandy, Muhammad Cassim (M.C.) Siddi Lebbe continued his studies and qualified as a Proctor of the District Court in 1862. Two years later he became a Proctor of the Supreme Court and practiced as a Notary Public. He married the sister-in-law of Casie Lebbe Marikar Muhammad Yousoof, grandson of O.L.M. Shekhadi Marikar, whose ancestors hailed from Konya, in Central Turkey.

Muslim Nesan, circa 1882

He studied the Arabic language to perfection and read many significant works of Islamic scholars and thereby excelled in religious knowledge, surpassing some of the local Ulema of the time. He started a Muslim journal called the “Muslim Nesan”, in English and Tamil, in order to educate his fellow Muslim community members. 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.

Siddi Lebbe also wrote and published “Hidayathul Cassimiya”, “TuhuwathulNahwa” (key to grammar), “Shurut As Salat” (observance of Prayer), and the Arabic Study Book Part I & II. His Tamil works were “Tamil Primer”, a novel of Hassen Bey, “History of the Turkish and Greek War”, and “History of the Moors of Ceylon”, Gnana Teepan(1892), Assembly “Udaya Kathai” which was a Tamil novel (1885), Abu Navas, and Asrarul A’lam.

His wide scheme of educating the Muslim community resulted in the establishment of many Tamil and Arabic Schools in many parts of the Central Province including Kandy, Gampola, Polgahawela, Kurunegala, some of which he managed and financed by himself. Helped by the munificence of A.M. Wappachi Marikar, he founded Madrasathul Zahira which became the present day Zahira College, in Colombo in 1892. He also established a girl’s school at his residence in Kandy where his sister was the head-teacher.

M.C. Siddi Lebbe's house in Kandy, now a boutique hotel called the "The Secret Kandy"

M.C. Siddi Lebbe passed away on the 5th of February, 1898. During his life 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. And for his service to our community and the independence movement, he was named a national hero, when Sri Lanka gained its independence in 1948.

May Allah grant him Janath-ul-Fridous, and bless us with more men of his caliber!

Lane laws are now being strictly enforced in our cities. The police say, that anyone caught violating these laws will face fines, so it’s a pretty serious affair. Given that no one really cared about these laws until now, here is a refresher of some of the laws you should keep in mind while driving from now on. This is not a comprehensive list of lane laws, but Ibn Serendib believes it maybe just enough to help you through the day.


Broken Lane Line – You can cross this line to overtake a vehicle in front of you, and you can cross it to turn into a street on the opposite side of the road.

Solid Lane Line – You CANNOT cross this line to overtake a vehicle in front of you, but you can cross it to turn into a street on the opposite side of the road.

Double Solid Lane Line – You CANNOT cross this line to overtake a vehicle in front of you, and you CANNOT cross this line to turn into a street on the opposite side of the road. YOU CANNOT CROSS THIS LINE FOR ANY REASON.

Solid and Broken Lane Line – You can cross this line to overtake a vehicle, if the broken line is on the same side as your lane. If the solid line is on the same side as your lane you cannot overtake a vehicle in front of you. In the illustration above, vehicles on the right lane can overtake a vehicle, but the vehicles on the left lane cannot overtake a vehicle. Vehicles on both sides can turn into a street on the opposite side of the road, by crossing the line.

Checkered area

Checkered area on the road – You CANNOT drive on this area for any reason. You CANNOT cross this area for any reason

In addition keep the following in mind as well -

Bus Lanes – The bus lane is usually situated on the left side of the road. It is an offence for any vehicle other than an omnibus, in service for public transport to use the bus lane. If you need to turn into a street on the left, keep off the bus lane until you need to turn and cut across.

Keep in between the lane lines – Your vehicle should be between the white lane lines when driving. In case the road is a single carriage way, your vehicle should be between the center line, and the solid white line marking the left side of the lane. DO NOT drive on the lines.

Signal always before changing lanes – If you are on a multilane road, always apply your signal when you are changing lanes. DO NOT change without signaling first!

Do not drive over the solid line on the left side of the lane – If there is a solid white line on the left side of the lane, it marks the end of the road, and beyond that is where the pedestrians walk. DO NOT cross it.

May Allah spare you any inconvenience!

Assalamu alaikum, ya nesan!

Arsi Kanji (كانجي الأرز) is a fixture of the ifthar table. It is nutritious, easily digestible, and releases energy slowly so that it does not spike your blood sugar level. Therefore, it is a shame that this dish almost completely disappears from our menu, the moment Ramadhan is over. Arsi Kanji is a great breakfast dish as much as it is a great break-fast dish, and in this post, Ibn Serendib would like to urge his fellow Saraceni to consider this dish as a staple meal throughout the year.


Arsi Kanji is thought to have originated in China when Xuanyuan Huangdi, third of ancient China's mythological emperors also known as “the Yellow Emperor”, born around 2704 B.C, steamed and then boiled rice, to aid the recovery of sick people. The easily digestible Kanji seemed to give the patients more strength, and aided in curing digestive ailments. Later on, a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine that lived during the Han Dynasty, named Zhang Zhongjing formalized and popularized the Kanji, in his work “Treatise on Colds. Pathogenic and Miscellaneous Diseases.” Ancient Saraceni sea men acquired the recipe from the ports of China, where it may have been served as a fast meal.

...originated in China by Xuanyuan Huangdi, third of ancient China's mythological emperors also known as “the Yellow Emperor”, born around 2704 B.C

The ease of digestibility is key to this dish, as the stomach is sensitive after prolonged periods without food, like when fasting, or just waking up from a good night’s sleep. The slow cooking allows more of the nutrients from rice to escape damage from heat, and is accessible through the liquid of the kanji. Adding vegetables and protein only improves the nutrition of this dish. It is uncomplicated, easy and quick to consume, making it ideal for the morning rush. In addition to all this, it is delicious and refreshing. Therefore, consider giving your children Arsi Kanji before school, it might make all the difference in their performance.

Therefore, consider giving your children Arsi Kanji before school, it might make all the difference in their performance.

Assalamu alaikum, ya nesan!

Wake up early, and start your day in earnest. From East to West this is one thing that is shared by successful people in all spheres of life. Our bodies are designed to maintain a cycle throughout the day, and though our bodies adjust to exceptional situations, maintaining the cycle is when the body performs at its optimum. Part of that cycle is waking up early, and Subahu or Fajr as some call it, should not be just a prayer that we wake up for, it should ideally be the start of the day, as the blessings of this time is mentioned in the hadith -

اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لأُمَّتِي فِي بُكُورِهَا

Sakhr Al-Ghamidi narrated that, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"O Allah, bless my nation in their early mornings (i.e., what they do early in the morning)."

Sunan Ibn Majah, English reference : Vol. 3, Book 12, Hadith 2236, Arabic reference: Book 12, Hadith 2321

Everything about the morning hours are beautiful. The Sun which beats down on us throughout the rest of the day is benevolent at this time, and catching its rays upon your bare skin will ensure that your body generates Vitamin D, which is essential in keeping your body healthy, and more importantly elevating your mood. Vitamin D is not easily absorbed through food, therefore catching the morning Sun shine is an opportunity every Saracen should try to exploit. From sun rise to about 10 a.m. let the rays of the Sun onto your skin for about half an hour. This is sufficient to boost Vitamin D production which will keep you in a good mood for the rest of the day.

The morning hours are when the air is at its cleanest. If you live in an urban or suburban area, your air is toxic, with carbon monoxide, rubber and tar dust. Therefore, doing your breathing exercises nice and early will allow you to inhale pure clean air from which pollutants have settled out, overnight. Find a quite spot near a window, and sit cross legged with your back straight. Inhale slowly and steadily until your lungs are full, and then exhale just as slowly and steadily. Many of us “modern people” lack enough oxygen in our blood, and this will help counter that to a certain extent.

If you are a desk worker your lack of exercise will catch up with you eventually. You may not have the time to exercise throughout the day, and at the evening times, the roads are dusty and crowded that taking a stroll may be frustrating. In the morning hours though, this is not the case. As you breathe hard during your work out, you are spared the lung full of dust and instead rewarded with refreshing clean air. The pavements are yours to walk around your neighborhood, and hopefully notice things you hadn’t before. In addition, the birds are out as well, to cheer you on in your effort to maintain a healthy life.

Therefore, dear Saracen, Ibn Serendib hopes you will consider waking up early, and make Subahu (or Fajr) the start of your day. Allah keeps practical benefits with prayer, so let us exploit them.

May Allah make you happier, and healthier!

Assalamu alaikum, ya nesan!

There was a time when the sun never set on the British empire. So vast were their holdings that it spanned from the orient to the Americas. But we all know the ways of the Sun, and eventually that Sun did set, and the empire went away. But jolly old Britain is still around, where many who attempted a similar enterprise, fell dramatically when their empire was lost. Many things can be credited for this, but Ibn Serendib feels that the deep appreciation the British have for their culture, history and legacy should get a lion’s share of that credit. It is an admirable trait, and what makes Britain, “Great Britain”.


A casual stroll through the streets of this land reveals how much of history is actually preserved, and in plain view. Historical sites are not relics, but re-purposed and conserved, as the British know all too well, that things without utility, no matter how much they are protected will decay. The collection of historical preservation is not limited to the flattering bits from the glory days, but include representation from the not so flattering times, of starvation, upheaval, and turmoil. For the British, those are the most important bits, because there is nothing preventing those times from returning, and if and when they do, future generations have the benefit of past experience.

... re-purposed and conserved, as the British know all too well, that things without utility, no matter how much they are protected will decay.

Valuing antiquities is not just a government endeavor in this great country, it is built in to the DNA of its people. From the Queen that reigns from her palace that is several centuries old, to the bar-maid that proudly displays the hairpin she inherited from her grandmother, preservation and conservation of this land’s history is truly a private endeavor. Much of the work done is through societies and trusts, by ordinary citizens, and outweigh the governments involvement by miles. This is the key, believes Ibn Serendib, as the ordinary man’s passion is far more effective than any government's planning.

... the ordinary man’s passion is far more effective than any governments planning.

When prosperity comes calling, it is easy to forget our past, our traditions and our history. Many forsake it for the new and the modern. But these people are not the brightest fish in the pond. Time travels in circles, and what goes around comes around, and for those that preserve tokens from their past, while embracing the new, prosperity is perpetual. When Ibn Serendib says the past, it does not necessarily have to be relics. The documents your grandparents left behind, photos and mementos, and stories and advice from your own ancestors, is good place to start.

... or those that preserve tokens from their past, while embracing the new, prosperity is perpetual.

Assalamu alaikum, ya nesan!

Along with the joy and festivities of Eid-ul-Fithr 2019, let us once again reinforce our solidarity with the victims of the attack of 21st April, 2019, who were slain in cold-blood by vicious and cold-hearted people.


As a community that has stood by this country throughout its history, the Sri Lankan Muslims will stand in defiance of those that try to create disharmony and animosity amongst our people as preached by our beloved prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and move forward in achieving peace and prosperity within our blessed island.

Therefore dear Saracen, during the Eid rejoice, and at the same time ask dua' for those that perished in vain for they are truly innocent, and ask Allah to ease the pain of their families and loved ones. Also make dua' that such events do not occur in the future, and that we can move forward as a righteous and united nation.

May Allah keep us all safe!