15/04/1927 – 05/12/2001

Mammunhi Haji was synonymous with Kumbra, dedicating his life to serving the community, especially orphans. He was a shining example of service, kindness, humility, dedication, and perseverance.

From establishing educational institutions to caring for orphans, he worked tirelessly for the betterment of society, never losing his religious devotion. Born in Udyavara on April 15, 1927, he was the eldest son of Ahmad Kunhi and Hajjumma. Though born in Udyavara, he settled in Sheikhmale from a young age.

After completing SSLC, he joined the Central Government Postal Department but later opted for voluntary retirement to pursue his own business ventures. Alongside textile trading, he ventured into arecanut and rubber plantation. It was during his business ventures in Kumbra and Puttur that he became actively involved in social service.

Mammunhi Haji’s family had a deep connection with the Muhiyuddin Juma masjid, with his grandfather being its founder. Following his grandfather’s footsteps, his father, Ahmed Kunhi, took over leadership at the Sheikh Male Masjid after Muhiyuddin Kumbra Sheikh’s passing. When Ahmed Kunhi passed away, Mammunhi Haji Sheikh assumed the presidency of the masjid. This lineage of leadership, spanning three generations, is a unique occurrence in Dakshina Kannada district.

Mammunhi Haji’s commitment to serving the community, especially orphans and the disadvantaged, was evident in his establishment of the Ansaruddin Yatimkhana in Puttur. Despite his personal achievements and education, he remained humble and dedicated to societal welfare, a testament to his upbringing in a religiously conscious family.

Although he donated for the establishment of Kumbra Markaz of the Karnataka Islamic Center, Mammunhi Haji did not seek recognition for it. Instead, he quietly served as president of the Sheikh Masjid for many years and offered his support as an honorary advisor and patron to various mosques and organizations in his vicinity. His decisions were always well thought out, earning him respect and leadership status in Puttur’s community.

A nut trader by profession, Mammunhi Haji was known not just for his business acumen but also for his philanthropy and dedication to social work. He instinctively founded educational institutions and was always ready to extend a helping hand to those in need, especially those deprived of justice. He would generously support the sick and was known for his obedience and wise friendships. His respect for religious scholars and his commitment to religious duties, such as Hajj and attending the prayers with Jamaat were exemplary.

Mammunhi Haji had a particular concern for the education of girls and demonstrated this by donating land to establish the Kumbra Markazul Huda Women’s College. Additionally, he contributed space to the Karnataka Islamic Centre, another esteemed educational institution in Kumbra.Thirty years ago, he had created a scheme to give a monthly pension of 30 rupees to the economically backward senior citizens of the town, regardless of whether they were Hindus, Muslims or Christians, above the age of 60 years, and brought a smile of satisfaction on the faces of the senior citizens.

On December 5, 2001, during the 21st night of Ramadan, Mammunhi Haji attended the Taraweeh prayers at Sheikh Male Masjid, as he did every year. After the sermon, realizing he forgot money for the musalla, he borrowed 10 rupees from the mosque’s secretary, Sheikhmale Muhammad. Haji insisted on repaying the debt immediately, fearing he might die before dawn and leave the debt unsettled. He returned home after the prayers, had breakfast, and went to sleep in good health. However, shortly after, he passed away unexpectedly, surprising everyone with his sudden departure.

Upon his death, mourners gathered at Sheikh Male Masjid, where he was shrouded in a white cloth and buried in a plot within the mosque’s premises. His final act of honesty and integrity left a lasting impression on those who knew him, and his legacy continues to inspire others to this day.