One man's death gave birth to an idea that has grown and developed into a massive organization. Moosakutty, who was working in the Madras Board of Revenue, died following a surgery at the Government General Hospital. This shocked his friends into thinking of forming an Organization of Muslims, helpless in an alien city. The first drive of Moosakutty's friends, led by Mr. Hameed Koya, was, however,
towards setting up a library and reading room to perpetuate the name of the departed soul. Later, they decided to form an outfit which would look after the library and reading room. They formed the Kerala Muslim Samajam on February 28, 1945, under the leadership of Mr. T P Kuttiyammu, Mr. Said Abu Koya Thangal, Mr. P M Abu Rahman and Mr. P Hameed Koya. After a year, the name of the Samjam was turned into Malabar Muslim Association (MMA), as most of the members were from Malabar and Malabar was a part of the erstwhile Madras Presidency. The original aims of the Samajam were: Taking care of 'janaza' (performing the last rites and burying the dead bodies, including the unclaimed ones from jails and hospitals), Helping sick Muslims from Kerala who come here for treatment, Helping the unemployed to find job and aiding students. The MMA still carries out the Original Aims irrespective of its enviable growth and diversification of interests. Muslims from all over Kerala, who were doing business or working in Chennai, became MMA's members. The MMA started the Muslim Association Hostel in 1947 for students and low-income people. The hostel accommodated/accommodates all people Irrespective of Religious, Regional, Linguistic or Caste concerns. At first, the hostel and the association office were in rented buildings. In the early 1960s,In 1947 MMA hostel started in shadhi mahal,triplicane high road, Chennai-600002,The MMA bought a building in Kennet Lane at Egmore and the hostel and office were shifted to it. There is a Juma Masjid in the premises where about 2,000 persons can perform 'Namas'.The MMAhas 8 branches: Pudupet, Adyar, Alandur, George Town, Villivakkam, Choolaipattalam, Washermenpet and Anna Nagar. Alandur branch has a state government-recognized English Medium School.The association has an Islam Study Centre and a Medical Relief Centre. The MMA provides Interest-less Loans too
The MMA became famous among the Muslims of south India due to its Free Hajj Service. It played a major role in introducing Hajj Flights from Chennai (1987-99). Till then, Mumbai handled Hajj service
In the early '70s, when Malayalees were attacked on the basis of the 'sons of the soil' theory, the MMA played an active role in making them feel secure. The steps the MMA took during the difficult times got wide appreciation. It took initiative in organizing the Kerala Welfare Association,which later became the Federation of the Madras Kerala Association. courtesy: http://www.mma4u.org/
