Christian businessman from India gifts mosque to Muslim workers in UAE


Dubai, May 17 (PTI): A wealthy Christian businessman from India has gifted a USD 3 lakh mosque to hundreds of Muslim workers ahead of Ramzan in the UAE, a media report said on Wednesday.

Saji Cheriyan, 49, who hails from Kerala’s Kayamkulam, built the mosque for Muslim workers living in a worker accommodation that he rented out to 53 companies in Fujairah, Gulf News reported.

He will name the mosque as Mariam, Umm Eisa.

Cheriyan said he decided to build the mosque after he saw workers taking taxis to go to the nearest mosque.

“They have to spend at least 20 dirhams to go to Fujairah city or another industrial area to attend the Juma prayer in a mosque. So, I thought it will make them happy if I build a mosque here next to their accommodation,” he said.

The businessman, who had landed in the UAE in 2003 with just a few hundred dirhams, is gifting the 1.3 million dirham mosque to hundreds of workers this Ramzan, the report said.

The mosque in the East Ville Real Estate complex in Al Hayl Industrial Area can accommodate 250 worshippers at a time, it said.

Facilities for another 700 to pray in the interlocked courtyard of the mosque, which will be shaded by the time it opens, have also been arranged, it said.

The construction began over a year ago. Now the mosque is all set to open with the full support of Awqaf in Fujairah.

“The Awqaf officials were surprised and happy when they got to know I am a Christian who wishes to build a mosque. They have offered me all the support and were ready to offer free electricity and water and other facilities,” Cheriyan said.

However, all that he has accepted from Awqaf are the carpet and sound system for the mosque.

“When word spread about my mosque, many other people also offered cash donations, construction materials like sand and paint. But I have politely refused all those offers as I would like to pay from my pocket for this mosque,” he said.

He said he has opted for the name Mariam, Umm Eisa (Mary, the Mother of Jesus) for the mosque after an Abu Dhabi mosque was renamed so in 2017.

Cheriyan, an Orthodox Christian by birth, had previously built a church for his parish in Dibba and also keeps the doors of a multipurpose hall in the East Ville Complex for various other groups of Christian believers to pray.

“I have grown up seeing communities living together in utmost harmony. We celebrate all religions’ festivals and I don’t judge or treat people based on religion, caste, colour or nationality. The UAE is another example of communal harmony and tolerance,” he added.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Aubb, Kuwait

    Fri, May 18 2018

    India could be a better place, if we Indians learn a lesson or two from Bro.Shajy.

    You made all Indians proud!!!

    God bless!!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Godwin, Mangaluru

    Fri, May 18 2018

    Good job sir..well done....humanity come first then religion.....

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr Mohan Prabhu, LL.D, QC, Mangalore (Kankanady)/Ottawa, Canada

    Fri, May 18 2018

    One word says it all: MAGNANIMUS.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • ALWYN MAXIM, SHARJAH

    Fri, May 18 2018

    May God Bless you with good health and prosperity.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mangalore

    Fri, May 18 2018

    Can any other community Reciprocate ...

    DisAgree [3] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Indian, Mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Mr Dev...
    Grow up, visit ciuntries see, how people live,work and live with them..you will understand once people leave their motherland for work, religion does not matter, nor does politics. Everyone lives in peace unlike some people who are still like a frog in the well...world has so much to provide. One life. Live let live and let live in peace . So much of hatred will only hamper you. No one else. Keep :) God bless.

    Mr Cheriyan. Kudos to you. No words to thank you enough. May the Almighty bless you and yours...

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Fri, May 18 2018

    Indian....People staying in harmony due to strict law prevails in that country.
    If try to play wicked things...will deport back to respective countries.
    India is free country...you can do whatever you want..no restrictions.
    While comparing population of emirates..is one of of state in India.
    Let population raise in emirates...just see can they able to manage..!!

    DisAgree [4] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Indian, mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2018

    What else can we expect from people but hatred in the name of politics and religion. For ones people become a human being first..we are here to live for maybe max 100 years..no one will carry religion or party where you are dead. Some jokers sit n play with the country and all others follow suit.. we have become a laughing stock internationally ...High time we grow up...learn to appreciate good things. Live in peace and let live.. our freedom fighters would have definitely committed mass suicide seeing today's condition in India...!! I pity our next generations..what are we instilling in their minds ...hatred in the name of religion/party????

    Mr Saji Cheriyan...kudos to you....!!! As for others who are commenting otherwise let us feed the hungry and clothe the poor that's the least we can do to our fellow human beings rather than unnecessarily wasting time on politics and religious rifts...

    DisAgree [2] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • A. S. Mathew, U.S.

    Thu, May 17 2018

    In UAE, expatriates from 200 nations are living in peace and harmony, all the religious people have perfect freedom to worship. The rulers of UAE give free land for other religious people to have their places of worship, and they officially open the Church doors.

    This is a great gift given to the people of UAE for their highly notable religious tolerance, especially towards the Christians by a Christian. Hearty Congratulations.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • JOSEPH PINTO, MANGALORE/BAHRAIN

    Thu, May 17 2018

    MALACHI 3:10 SAYS Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the ... "See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you. IT IS WRITTEN ONLY ONE PLACE TO TEST THE LORD...

    DisAgree [5] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan, Mangalur

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Well done.. We should respect every religion and its culture & sentiments. I know in some religion most of people will not respect other religion sentiments and they are making funny comments about other religion. We are coming to earth to live a temporary life maximum life of 80-100 years. Respect others as you respect yourself. Help those who are in need. Forgive those who hurt you and live a wonderful life in this world.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Everywhere in the world fighting is going for religion purposes only...!!
    Where is the question of respect comes

    DisAgree [14] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jude, Belmannu

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Respect comes when we treat all equal same not like upper cast lower cast in some religion.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jl, India

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Good gesture.

    Indian Christians instead on helping ungrateful who take benefits and cry conversion should instead of something different in abroad countries and hence earn goodwill and support

    DisAgree [3] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prashanth, Pune

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Modi will also soon built Kasai Khana... to increase Beef export.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Divya, Bondel

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Karma pays back.. He'll reward for it !

    DisAgree [3] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Thu, May 17 2018

    if like these karma pays back...everybody would have become wise person.
    at last god himself his master to judge who is right..who is not..and what the actual behind it..behind good work..

    DisAgree [19] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Rodrigues, Bengaluru/Katapadi

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Great gesture and may God bless him abundantly

    DisAgree [2] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Don, Mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Perhaps now could we expect a Muslim businessman to build a church for the 2 million Christians of Saudi Arabia who have NO place of worship.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Fri, May 18 2018

    @Don mangalore,thats a big number to build a church in SA.It doesnt depend on builder but on ..you know .When ultra religious minded Govt changes his mind then everything is possible.I must honestly admit the building a Mosque by a christian to muslim is not everybodys thoughts and broadmind.Respect I must say and congratulate him for his present to other religion.Otherside slowly even in SA changes are taking place.who knows oneday dream of christians to attend a prayer in public or church may come true.Never say ,never.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • neil, uk

    Thu, May 17 2018

    God Bless man....
    Now build a temple for Hindus in your MOTHERLAND for Hindus.

    Communities have lived in harmoniously in India for thousands of years.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Deepak, mangaluru

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Mirchi........

    DisAgree [3] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jude, Belmannu

    Fri, May 18 2018

    Mirchi pakoda with chai u mean

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Narendra Kumar, Mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2018

    @ neil, uk
    Lived is past tense my dear from uk.
    Come here and live here today what your Hindu RSS agenda party preaching throughout.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • John Tauro, M'luru / Kwt

    Thu, May 17 2018

    That too had also been done by a generous soul. One Mr. Ronald Colaco based in Bangalore had done renovation works of a few temples.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rahil, Mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2018

    you will be rewarded Insha Allah.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • santhu BIRUVE, Mumbai/Udupi

    Thu, May 17 2018

    I always believe and say Christians are peace loving and Kind hearted people. Lets love with peace and respect to each other !

    DisAgree [6] Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse

  • Haneef, Mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Hey pandu! He came from intolerant country and living peacefully in tolerant country.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • AHMED, MANGALORE

    Thu, May 17 2018

    In Muslims believe, who ever buit mosque in cause of obtaining god's pleasure,
    almighty will build home in paradise for him, well done sir

    DisAgree [8] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Thu, May 17 2018

    instead why not businessman people built home for poor people..as monsoon is near. latter on we see home in paradise as we together go.up and discuss ..yugas..doosra kaam nahin hogha..

    DisAgree [34] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • JD, Karkala

    Thu, May 17 2018

    @ Devkumar...
    come on dont worry ... we together will build houses for poor.. :)
    come let us have some Pakoda with Chai .. ... :)

    DisAgree [5] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Thu, May 17 2018

    karkala yet to develop...we can go remote inside to gadiyar hotel in bailoor for having tasty biscute ambude and chai..

    DisAgree Agree [2] Report Abuse

  • Jude, Belmannu

    Thu, May 17 2018

    You can ask this to gujju india business man richest person of india. how many home he build for poor.for my advice to you.why you wasting money on Internet and phone instead of that you can use that money to help poor.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lewis, udupi

    Fri, May 18 2018

    He has done something, and you have done nothing other than pulling his legs. He has help the Labor people in saving some money which they use for Taxi. There are people who work for only 500 Dhirams and imagine spending 20 Dhirams from that how would you feel? After all its a Mosque he didn't build a PUB or Dance bar.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Report Abuse

  • Arthur Ronald Dsouza, BELMAN/ABU DHABI

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Mr. Devkumar, try to apriciate good work done by some body this will give peace and heath .Do not live with poision in our mind and it may lead to cancer .so called mind cancer. MAY GOOD GOD give some peace..

    DisAgree [3] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Thu, May 17 2018

    If he had constructed syrian orthodox church for his people..there is no problem. Come to India there are many ways to do humanitarian work...will inform to you by all.

    DisAgree [15] Agree [10] Report Abuse

  • Harold D'cunha, Mangalore, India.

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Arthur Ronald Dsouza, BELMAN/ABU DHABI
    Never feed milk to the poison snake. it will only vomit poison.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [12] Report Abuse

  • Praveen, Mangalore/UAE

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Dev,
    U can tell this to Modi, instead of Building statutes and putting money in Ganga he can also build houses to poor

    DisAgree [3] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Maxim, New York

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Donald Trump want to build a mosque for Muslim in Iran and Jerusalem. Pls Support Donald Trump.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [4] Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Parveen...Project of constructing toilets almost finished 90%.
    Same way constructing of homes for poor..slum dwellers will complete by 2024.
    Electricity already reached to all homes..89.5%..
    bullet train run between mlore to blore by 2030..too much work is there..due to mountain terrain.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [1] Report Abuse

  • rhea, mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2018

    tell this same thing to your modi who is spending money on statues

    DisAgree [3] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Fri, May 18 2018

    @Devkumar mangalore,NewDelhi,instead of pulling on others work,do yourself something from your side..Did you ever di something to others in your life?When not ,start now ,there are many needy in NewDelhi too.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Charan, mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2018

    WOW! One really good news after many disgusting news. May god bless you Cheriyan!

    DisAgree [4] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ruben Pinto, Mangalore/Australia

    Thu, May 17 2018

    I had no choice but to bow my head and pray to this wonderful human.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rakesh, Delhi

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Gud job. Hope hav learned lesson now after looting all money thinking all rc ll vote to dongi congi

    DisAgree [25] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Adil, kundapura

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Mankind is alive....hats off to you sir.may almighty bless you and your family with good health with wealth and happiness.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [53] Reply Report Abuse

  • mangaluru mohammed, Mangaluru

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Masha allah..

    DisAgree [7] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • Andrew L D Cunha, Mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Felt good with this news! (after continuous day night scary political news )

    DisAgree [8] Agree [65] Reply Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Thu, May 17 2018

    syrian refugees already entered european countries by trawler...a mark of brotherhood.

    DisAgree [28] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jude, Belmannu

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Why u taking tention about them.just think about doklam China pakistan every day our soldiers dieing.first remove your dust from your eye.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Thu, May 17 2018

    jude..don't much bother about border issues. Can I say how many people from your community are serving in army/navy/airforce..???

    DisAgree [15] Agree [5] Report Abuse

  • Anand Kumar, Mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Hey Devkumar! Good question. I googled "christians in Indian armed forces". You would be surprised by the answer. Just do it and see!!!!!😲

    DisAgree [5] Agree [10] Report Abuse

  • Jude, Belmannu

    Fri, May 18 2018

    When we have CHADDI army why should I bother.my brother.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Report Abuse

  • vijay, uae

    Thu, May 17 2018

    good man. god bless u abundantly.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [54] Reply Report Abuse

  • roy pinto, mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2018

    MODIJI WILL ALSO SOON BUILT .............. ????

    DisAgree [20] Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sudhakar, Kallianpur

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Don't be coward, if you have the gusts complete the sentence......

    DisAgree [46] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • vishal, MANGALORE

    Thu, May 17 2018

    RAM MANDIR

    DisAgree [5] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sudhakar, Kallianpur

    Thu, May 17 2018

    By replying on behalf of roy, you proved that he didn't have guts!!!

    DisAgree [21] Agree [3] Report Abuse

  • Lewis, udupi

    Fri, May 18 2018

    Its Modi who dont have Guts to build it..

    DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Master, Mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2018

    May be he built toilets to all BJP workers

    DisAgree [4] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ismail Shaikh, Moodbidri

    Thu, May 17 2018

    TEA stalls? or Pakoda stalls?

    DisAgree [3] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sachin, Mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Why bring in politics here. .Shows your mentality
    I pity you

    DisAgree [4] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Why he should build mosque for others. It's duty of UAE government..one of richest country in the world. If any problem arises to go to worship ask assistance from government..they will be helpful.

    DisAgree [105] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • gangu, kavoor

    Thu, May 17 2018

    dev
    nanji karu na bud maraya. nikk help malpere mansas ijjanda kullu mara ya

    DisAgree [8] Agree [70] Reply Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Thu, May 17 2018

    gift of ondannodu kalla dallia congress - 40% still lives under poverty in india.

    DisAgree [22] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Allan Dcosta, Kinnigoli / AbuDhabi

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Oh Really.... people like you will only have hatred and poison in the minds... enough of bakwaas of people like you commenting from recent times. we live in harmony here with all religions, we have Hindu friends and Muslim friends who are together. you need to learn about that. do not try to spread hatred.
    if he had built a temple would you have said the same.........

    DisAgree [6] Agree [53] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohandas, Shirva

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Why you are shouting for Ram mandir? It's duty of fake Modi government.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [52] Reply Report Abuse

  • Aman, Doha qatar

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Dude this is the problems in india. you guys are keep on dig like this. none of them appreciate his ability.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sudhakar, Kallianpur

    Thu, May 17 2018

    In India most of the temples are renovated / constructed by citizens, not by Govt. Why you are going and worshiping there?

    DisAgree [6] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Thu, May 17 2018

    what will happen to mosque when expatriates return to there homeland..??
    percentage of emirati people are less..for which they use.latter..

    DisAgree [15] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lewis, udupi

    Fri, May 18 2018

    Devkumar
    1 ask your Modi Stop fooling people and let him Build Ram Mandir as promised from long long long long years ago.... Instead he mite fool you again saying i will build Ram Mandir in UAE. and you guys will shout Modi.. Modi.. Modi..

    DisAgree [2] Agree [3] Report Abuse

  • vishal, MANGALORE

    Thu, May 17 2018

    BJP IS PLAYING POLITICS
    REGARDING RAM MANDIR

    CAN YOU GIVE A REPLY

    DisAgree [5] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • JD, Karkala

    Thu, May 17 2018

    @ Devkumar
    Any how but why you are worried.. let him build.. mosque, temple , church... what ever..
    dont worry man.... come we will go and have Pakoda and tea :)

    DisAgree [2] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • JD, Karkala

    Thu, May 17 2018

    @ Devkumar
    Any how but why you are worried.. let him build.. mosque, temple , church... what ever..
    dont worry man.... come we will go and have Pakoda and tea :)

    DisAgree [4] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bennaje, Mumbai

    Thu, May 17 2018

    None of your business Dev. You can bury your nose in a pot of s*** because you can never see good nor you will appreciate what is right. That is the kind of birth you have taken and I pity you.

    Though I am a Hindu, I appreciate what this gentleman has done. May God bless him. I have lived 10 years in UAE and I felt very much at home. You can practice your religion with no fear.

    Grow up man and don't remain in the "well".

    DisAgree [4] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • rhea, mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2018

    imbeg yepala nanji...

    DisAgree [3] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • rhea, mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2018

    Mr.devkumar..jealousy evrytime is not good for health. he built a mosque in his earnings...that is known as "Humanity " and "harmony"..
    the sheikhs had also permitted lands for temples dont forget...UAE is moving towards progress....
    i bet this wud never happen in India..

    DisAgree [5] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse


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