In these sensitive times, especially when the ruling government is trying to create a communal divide in the country, the state of Kerala is leaving no stone unturned to preserve communal harmony. Not only has the state administration fiercely opposed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR), but the people of Kerala too are walking the talk.
The Cheravally Jamaat Masjid in Kayamkulam which is more than a century old, hosted a Hindu wedding on its premises on Sunday, The Times of India reported. The Jamaat committee managed all the expenses for the vegetarian feast that was held for over 4,000 people from across all religions who attended the event.
Sarath Sasi and Anju (Asha) Ashok Kumar tied the knot on the premises of the mosque and the ceremony was officiated by a Hindu priest. The couple later also sought the blessings of the Chief Imam Riyasudeen Faizy.
Kerala CM who has been the face of resistance against the CAA, NRC and NPR hailed the move and said that the wedding was an example of the unity of the people of Kerala. Later, he also congratulated the couple in a tweet.
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) January 19, 2020
Nujumudeen Alummoottil, Secretary of the Cheravally Muslim Jamaat Committee said, “Anju is the first woman to enter the mosque. All religions teach people to love and care for others. Those lessons led to this wedding.”
The bride had lost her father a couple of years ago and the family did not have the resources to conduct the wedding due to which the bride’s mother sought the help of the mosque committee. Anju’s mother, Bindu now works as a cleaner with a private company for a salary of Rs. 7,000 per month and the rent for their home is Rs. 2,500 per month. Nujumudeen said, “She came to my house seeking help for conducting the marriage. She gave a letter, which I presented to the Jamaat committee. We decided to help the family conduct the marriage.”
He added, “When I shared the application with the committee members, all of them came forward to arrange facilities for the wedding. Bindu stays in a rented house with her three children. We decided to conduct the wedding as per Hindu rituals on the mosque premises.”
However, this is the first time that Nujumudeen has helped Bindu and her family. He had also extended help when Anju’s father had died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 49 in the year of 2018. The family started facing financial hardships due to which Anju and her sister Amrita had to give up their studies. Their brother, Anand, however, is pursuing his higher secondary education now.
Anju’s mother is overwhelmed by the love and support she received from the Muslim community. The decision of the Jamaat committee isn’t just a show of support and solidarity, but definitely an example of humanity and oneness – values that cannot be taken away or trampled upon.
