Marriage is a happy occasion in any one’s life. However, it also burns a hole in the pocket too. Lending a helping hand to those who are getting married in their community are the fellow members of the Coimbatore Athar Jamath Community. Recently a cheque of Rs. 75,000 was handed over to the bride-to-be as marriage assistance. The community wishes not to reveal the name of the beneficiary.

“We have about 100 families and around 1,500 members. We work together and support each other in our community. This has been our tradition ever since the community came into being,” A Shanawaz, Secretary of the Coimbatore Athar Jamath, says.

Coimbatore Athar Jamath Community was registered as a society in the year 1902. Since then, it has been providing educational and marriage assistance to those in their community who need it the most. We are told that, so far, about 800 children of this community have been awarded scholarships to pursue their education. Around 40 young women have been given marriage assistance in cash.

There are two schools run by the Coimbatore Athar Jamath community. Both are over 50 years old. One is a primary school while the other is a high school. The community also has two Dargahs in the city. As a part of its future plans, they intend to offer health benefits to their members. Construction work has already begun for a college run by them.

We are told that the Coimbatore Athar Jamath funds its activities from the income raised by leasing out commercial establishments that they own. These commercial spaces are located in prime areas in the city, and they provide regular income.