On Ramadan, Christian expat gifts mosque to Muslim workers in UAE

New Delhi: A Christian from Kerala is making headlines in the Gulf for having constructed and gifted a mosque to Muslim workers in his establishment. According to a report in Indiatimes, Cherian arrived in UAE in 2003. 15 years later, with a motive to give back to the society, he has gifted a mosque to hundreds of workers on the occasion of Ramadan. Built at a cost of 1.3 million Dirhams in East Ville Real Estate complex in Al Hayl Industrial Area, Mariam, Umm Eisa (Mary, the Mother of Jesus).

“They have to spend at least Dh20 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 was quoted as saying by Gulf News.

Interestingly, when he approached the Awqaf officials, they were pleasantly surprised that a Christian wants to build a mosque for Muslim workers. They offered free electricity, water, and other such facilities for the mosque, but Cherian reportedly denied the offers and instead, paid for the construction through his pocket.

“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 was quoted as saying further.

His gesture is being appreciated at a time when religious conflicts have been causing instability in various parts of the world.