On Thursday, September 28, 2023, Muslims across Kerala celebrated Nabi Dinam or Milad Un-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. In Kollam district, a remarkable example of religious brotherhood and harmony was witnessed when temple officials gave a warm reception to the Nabi Dinam rally organised by the local Muslim community.
The rally was initiated by the Eroor Elavaramkuzhy Muhiyuddeen Muslim Jamaat in Aanchal, a hamlet known for having a common entrance for both a temple and a mosque. The rally was welcomed by the officials of Sivapuram Sri Mahadevar temple with sweets and music. Temple authorities appealed the whole world to imitate this religious harmony.
The rally then proceeded to the Sri Kurattisheri Amma Bhagavathi temple, where it was greeted by the temple officials with chenda melam, a traditional percussion ensemble.
The temple officials also adorned the rally head and some children with garlands made of currency notes. Officials said that they were happy to receive the rally and that they respected all religions.
The Nabi Dinam rally was led by K Sahalabath Darimi, the chief imam of Mannar Puthenpalli Juma Masjid, Haji Iqbal Kunj, the chairman of Jamaat Council, Rashid Padippuraykkal, the president of Jamaat, Navas NJ, the general secretary of Jamaat, NA Rashid, the vice president of Jamaat, Akbar Alummoottil, the secretary of Jamaat, Khajanji KA Salam Kunnel, the assistant imam Shahir Bakavi, NA Subair and others.
The gesture of religious harmony was appreciated by many people on social media, who shared the video clips of the event. Some also recalled another incident of religious unity in Malappuram district last year, when a young woman named Sheena gifted currency note garlands to the children who attended the Prophet’s Day gathering.
Talking about her gesture, Sheena said that she had recently got a job and was happy to get her first salary. She used her first salary to make the garland out of currency notes.
