At times of religious intolerance, people like this businessman comes as a sigh of relief. Saji Cheriyan who hails from Kayamkulam, a small town located in Kerala landed in UAE with some hundred dirhams in 2003. After 15 years, the man saved enough to build a mosque ahead of Ramzan for hundreds of workers who otherwise had to cover long distances to go to their religious place of worship.

The 49-year-old spent Dh 1.3 million (Rs 2.4 crore) for the mosque building that can easily accommodate 250 worshippers at a time along with enough place for another 700 in the interlocked courtyard. The mosque is situated in the East Ville Real Estate complex in Al Hayl Industrial Area. Cheriyan has made the mosque for workers from various Asian countries during Ramadan.

Saji who has been through several ups and downs in his career and decided to build the mosque after seeing workers take taxis to go to the nearest mosque. The mosque will be named Mariam, Umm Eisa after an Abu Dhabi mosque. Prominent personalities are expected at the inauguration of the mosque. Cheriyan had previously built a church for his parish in Dibba. The man credits his wife Elsy who stood by him through thick and thin for all the inspiration he required. The couple has two sons, Sachin and Elvin.

Gulf News quoted him as saying, "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. 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, water and other facilities."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 16, 2018 03:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).