A wrestler, teacher and artist who sought the eternal truth from the age of ten.
Sheihul Mufliheen, Sulthanul Arifeen M.S.M. Abdullah (Rah) hailed from Nappattimunai, a village in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. Born on 25 July 1925 into an affluent and respected family, he was popularly known as “Pailvaan” — the wrestler. His father, Sinnathamby Hajiar, was a landed proprietor; his mother, Mariam Beevi, a devoted wife and caring mother.
He later settled in neighbouring Maruthamunai, where he lived until his passing on 6 December 2006.
At the age of ten he developed a deep longing to seek the eternal truth of life. He studied the Qur’an, Hadith and a wide range of books, while working as a wrestler, a teacher and in the fine arts with complete commitment. He reached the sublime state of enlightenment at thirty-five.
There is nothing except Allah.
He devoted his life to service by propagating the true meaning of Kalimathuth Thayyiba — “La ilaha illallah” — the basic mantra for peace and tranquillity in this life and the hereafter. He authored nine books and 181 spiritual songs he wrote and composed himself, with English translations for the benefit of non-Tamil readers.