Crowdfunding to Help Rebuild Muslim Man’s Burnt Studio in Kerala

Rafeeque questioned some Islamic traditions via whatsapp and his photo studio was burned down.

Rafeeque and his burned down studio. (Photo: TNM)

An online campaign was launched to help Rafeeque Taliparamaba to renovate his burnt studio, which was damaged by anti-social elements for his alleged questioning of Islamic traditions in a WhatsApp group comprising friends and acquaintances.

Rafeeque’s continued adherence to his personal views on Islam has won the hearts of many with online contributions pouring in for the renovation of his burnt studio.

Rafeeque points out that he had not criticised Islam per se. But he does believe that intolerances within the religion have to be questioned.

Equipment worth Rs 10 lakhs was reportedly lost in the fire set by some unknown persons at his studio located at Taliparamba in Kannur district on Sunday.

<p> The studio was my only means of livelihood. So a group of well-wishers launched the campaign to collect money for its renovation. Hopefully, I can soon get back to my normal life.</p>

A few days ago, Rafeeque had allegedly questioned a few Islamic traditions in a WhatsApp group called ‘What is Islam’.

This had subsequently created a huge furore within the group with members supporting as well as condemning him.

A few openly threatened Rafeeque and exhorted others to boycott him.

Rafeeque who is a professional photographer was then threatened and trolled through social media with a few fellow-Muslims even accusing him of having staged the whole show for instant fame as well as to claim insurance.

A Facebook screenshot of a comment by Rafeeque in which he criticises the purdah was also used against him. Rafeeque says that the screenshot reflected just a portion of his actual comment and was used solely to defame him.

In the comment he had reportedly criticised the ideology of viewing the purdah as a symbol of women’s purity.

<p> I shared my thoughts against religious intolerance through some voice messages in the WhatsApp Group. Some people later started sharing a portion of my message in which I criticise the covering of faces with purdah on Facebook</p>

He said that most of his fellow-believers seemed to have turned against him. “I had just shared my concerns. I have nothing against the purdah. It’s just that I don’t understand the need to cover faces.”

Rafeeque added that all conservative beliefs should change with the times and that education was the only solution.

None of the religious organisations he observed have condemned the attack on his studio.