Kerala church mourns Nasser, the Muslim caretaker who embodied inter-faith harmony

Idukki, Kerala: Nasser was like a beautiful song of communal harmony. That song fell silent unexpectedly the other day when Nasser (60), a servant at St Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Church, Muvattupuzha, passed away on Tuesday night following a heart attack. Yet, the message of unity his life conveyed will not fade. Like the sound of the church bell he rang each day, it will continue to resonate for years to come.

The bond between St Mary’s Church, perched above the Thodupuzha private bus stand and Nasser, a devout Muslim who offered prayers five times a day, spanned three decades. It began when he was running a vegetable shop at the Thodupuzha market. A small chapel stood inside the market, and Nasser began cleaning it daily.

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When the church located above the bus stand was renovated, he started cleaning that space as well. Impressed by his sincerity and dedication, the parish priest and church members gradually entrusted him with small responsibilities. Nasser soon became a regular employee of the church. He grew deeply beloved by the parish, which also ensured that he was paid a salary.

Nasser would arrive at the church at 5 am every day, light the lamps and ring the church bell. That was how each day began. He cleaned the stone lamp, the hall and the cemetery. At 6.15 pm, he would ring the bell again before locking the gate and leaving.

During Christmas and Easter, Nasser took the lead in preparations. From building the crib to assigning people to purchase firecrackers, he was always at the forefront. A few days ago, while cleaning the church premises ahead of the annual feast, Nasser suffered an electric shock and collapsed. He was hospitalised but later passed away. All hospital expenses were borne by the church authorities.

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Led by parish priest Fr Aby Ulahannan, trustee Joy Kattamkottil and secretary K.A. Abraham, believers gathered in large numbers at Nasser’s home and later at the mosque cemetery in Karikkode, where the burial took place. A board paying tribute to him has been placed in front of the church flagstaff.

Nasser is survived by his wife Shahina and children Bima, Badush and Basim.