Fathima Faika is a bruised and battered young mother who has not given up on life and living despite her traumatic marriage — a marriage in which was was allegedly assaulted at every turn. “We would drive from Kandy with my young sons and immediately on our return I had to start cooking. I was not allowed to even change my clothes. The table had to be laid to perfection too. On such a day if I failed to put a new cake of soap in the bathroom, I would be beaten mercilessly. I hate to be beaten because my sons had to sleep without me as I would have to get medical treatment again and again. I remember one day there was a sudden water cut and the clothes were soaking. He threw his hot tea at my face and plunged at me because I had not washed the clothes. If my four year old son spilled rice on the table while eating, he would beat me and shout at me calling me a ’sakkiliya’ who has not brought up my children properly,” recalled Faika in tears.
Despite having had to undergo a seven and a half hour long surgery as a result of her ‘married life’ and having been harassed, abused, beaten, traumatised and thrown to the streets, Fathima Faika has not given up. She strides on….
“There was a time when I was crying and walking down every street in Colombo with photos of my sons in hand. But now I know that I am not alone. I wish to thank The Sunday Leader and everyone who has reached out to me. I have also read the emails that have been going around and the ‘banding together’ to help me.
Among the first to contact Fathima Faika was Azad Sally, former deputy mayor of Colombo and current UPFA candidate. Having contacted the writer, Azad Sally was quick to get through to Faika. “I am wondering why and how all this injustice took place and how much political influence a person in the ‘opposition’ has used. The police have not acted, the immigration have not acted. I have called for a full investigation by the IGP,” said Sally.
Despite having to hand over his nominations at 9.30 a.m. Sally found time amidst all his work to accompany Fathima Faika to the Malaysian High Commission to discuss her case because she believes that her children are in Malaysia. “She is always talking about her children and crying for them day and night. I know it is difficult for a woman to live without her children but it is time that we took her mind off this for the moment, and continue the search,” said Azad Sally who suggests that Faika be employed.
Former sportsman, businessman, rights activist and an authority on Muslim Religious Affairs, Dr. Zurfick Ghouse reaching out to Fathima Faika is now investigating why the police have not acted on the complaints made by Fathima Faika. I have also discussed this matter with DIG K.P.B Pathirana who has assured me that they will look into the matter,” said Dr. Ghouse.
“We must also ask assistance from Allah in this matter for nothing can happen without his assistance,” said Dr. Zurfick Ghouse.
Dr. Mareena Thaha Reffai, Coordinator – Sri Lanka Association for Muslim Women and Girls, Al Muslimath contacting the writer said that she wishes to help Fathima Faika. “It is completely wrong for a husband to beat his wife. Women ought to know how to avoid this kind of situation,” said Dr. Reffai. She also went on to point out that according to Islamic Law the husband has no right to keep the children. “This amounts to kidnapping. The children automatically go to the wife, unless it is proven that she is not a good mother. I am thankful to The Leader for highlighting her case. But we should also suggest places where women in such distress can go to,” said Dr. Reffai.
Fathima Faika and the writer also thank Mohamed Rahamathulla, Ismael Marikar, Mohammed Farouk, Mohammed Haniffa, Muslim Watch and a special word of thanks must also be given to Abdul Aleem Yoosuf for telling us all of the characteristics of a Muslim husband, thereby bringing about a touch of romance to all this turbulence…
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Dr.Reffai
