06/08/1941 – 16/05/2018

Hawwakunhi was born on August 6, 1941, in Uppinangadi, Dakshina Kannada district, to Abubakar Mukri and Khadija, both from the Mukri family. Her husband, Muhammad Sufi, hailed from Manjeshwar, and together they settled in Banakal, Chikmagalur district.

Despite the challenges faced by Muslim women in accessing education during those times, Hawwakunhi’s parents encouraged her to pursue her studies. She completed her education up to the 8th grade and excelled not only in academics but also in extracurricular activities. Fluent in Kannada, English, Malayalam, and Urdu, she developed a keen interest in current affairs, politics, and Islamic teachings, often delving into newspapers, literary works, and radio broadcasts from Gulf countries in these languages.

Living most of her life in Banakal, where opportunities for Beary women were limited, Hawwakunhi utilized her time for the betterment of society. She was fond of radio shows from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, focusing on melodious recitations of the Qur’an and programs about Islamic teachings. She possessed extensive knowledge of the Qur’an and Islamic jurisprudence, often assisting Beary women in understanding Hajj and Umrah rituals.

Hawwakunhi’s passion for literature led her to explore Islamic literary works in Urdu and Malayalam initially, before delving into Kannada Islamic literature. She even compiled a handwritten “Urdu-Kannada” dictionary, providing Kannada meanings for Urdu words, showcasing her dedication to language and literature.

Despite Urdu being less common among Uppinangadi locals, Hawwakunhi, with the support of her husband and children, learned the language and immersed herself in Urdu literature. She also learned computer skills at a young age, demonstrating her adaptability to modern technology.

In recognition of her literary contributions and efforts in procuring and distributing Islamic literary works, Shanti Publishing House of Mangalore honored her during its silver jubilee celebration in 2013.

Hawwakunhi’s legacy continues through her children, who have made significant contributions to Islamic literature. Her eldest son, Itbal Sufi, manages the “Sarala Kannada Quran” web portal, while her second son, BS Sharfuddin, has gained international recognition as a translator.

Hawwakunhi departed on May 16, 2018, leaving behind a lasting impact on the literary interests of Barri women and her community, survived by her six sons and three daughters.