Kamala Surayya masjid: Kerala names mosque after prominent feminist writer

Abdul Rahman converted his house into a mosque He named it after the writer as Kamala Surayya Masjid He has also started a charitable society in the name of the writer

Not many mosques are named after a woman, let alone India. But, Abdul Rahman, an ardent fan of Kamala Surayya Masjid, did not think twice after he decided to convert his house into a Masjid. He named it  ‘Kamala Surayya Masjid’ and the sole intention was to make sure that the name of his favourite writer is always remembered. 

Rahman had met Kamala Surayya aka Madhavikutty, the renowned writer, only once, to pay his last respects when her body was brought to Kollam. However, he states that his relationship with her lasted for over 15 years. "I had contacted her in 1994 to invite her to inaugurate my purdah shop. She did not turn up, but after that, we were in touch often. She always longed for an eternal life, and it is evident in her writings, especially in 'Neermathalam Pootha Kalam," Rahman said. 

He says the writer wanted to enter into politics. "She wanted to launch a political party, and we have even discussed this. "However, I discouraged her stating that she would be isolated from society and even her fellow followers," he said. 

The man even runs a book stall in her name for which he sought permission from Kamala Surayya's son, Deccan Chronicle reports.

Rahman, who hails from Ayathil in Kollam, has also started a charitable society in the name of the writer. He is also running a Quran college in the Masjid which also provides accommodation to as many as 20 students.