Published May 28, 2026 | 9:33 AM ⚊ Updated May 28, 2026 | 9:33 AM
Abdul Rahim and Fathima.
Synopsis: Abdul Rahim returned home to Kozhikode after 20 years in a Saudi prison, arriving on Eid al-Adha to an emotional welcome from family and villagers. His release was secured through ₹47.87 crore raised by Malayalees worldwide. His mother, Fathima, overwhelmed with joy, prepared his favourite Malabar dishes, marking a day of sacrifice, relief, and answered prayers.
It was 5.30 am when South First reached Nazeer, Abdul Rahim’s elder brother. He and the rest of the family were rushing to prepare for the Eid al-Adha prayers scheduled to begin after 6.30 am at a nearby mosque. And many of them are ready to head to the airport early in the morning.
This year Bakrid celebrations at Zeeyath Manzil are filled with something far beyond festivity- relief and emotion. After nearly 20 years, Abdul Rahim is finally coming home.
Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as a test of faith. On this very day of sacrifice and surrender 77-year-old Fathima is getting her son back- rescued from the shadow of the gallows.
Zeeyath Manzil is now crowded with relatives, well-wishers and television cameras waiting to welcome Abdul Rahim home. His return is no longer just a moment of celebration for Kodampuzha village in Kozhikode district but for countless Keralites who followed his painful journey over the years.
Abdul Rahim arrived at Karipur International Airport at around 7.30 am.
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Abdul Rahim
”Rahim will celebrate ‘Baliperunnal’ with us after 20 years. Umma has been waiting for this day for so long” Nazeer told South First.
Malayalees across the world contributed funds to prevent the execution of Abdul Rahim in Saudi Arabia after he was sentenced in connection with the accidental death of a disabled 15-year-old Saudi boy in his care in 2006.
The Rahim Niyamasahaya Samiti, the legal aid committee formed to help Abdul Rahim, raised ₹47.87 crore through nearly nine lakh donations. Of this, ₹36.27 crore was spent on blood money for the teenager’s family and legal expenses.
Fathima has five other children- three daughters and two sons besides Abdul Rahim.
Fathima’s hearing loss makes conversations difficult and we had to speak a little louder while talking to her. When asked what special dishes she had prepared for Abdul Rahim on Bakrid, she listed a long menu of Malabar delicacies, including biriyani, her son’s favourite.
”Finally, Allah answered my prayers” she said loudly, her voice trembling with emotion.
Two years ago, Fathima visited Abdul Rahim in the Saudi jail. At first, Rahim refused to meet her. He was in deep pain and could not bear to see his mother in such circumstances. Later, he agreed.
Before meeting him, Fathima performed Umrah in Mecca. When mother and son finally met, they hugged each other and cried for a long time- overwhelmed by years of pain, uncertainty and legal hurdles.
Today, the house is filled with emotion and relief. Fathima once again broke down in tears- this time out of happiness as her son finally returned home.
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According to Nazeer, Rahim’s official 20-year prison term ended on 19 May.
Though his release procedures were slightly delayed due to Eid holiday closures in Saudi Arabia, authorities reportedly expedited the final formalities under special provisions for urgent legal matters.
The legal aid committee that coordinated his case confirmed that his exit visa had been approved earlier, while travel arrangements were completed earlier to ensure his return to Kerala.
Rahim departed from Riyadh for Kozhikode on an Air India Express flight at 11.55 pm Saudi time and reached Karipur airport around 7.30 am.
Saudi prison officials escorted him to the airport and completed all formalities, including immigration procedures.
Rahim’s power of attorney holder, Siddique Thuvvur and his family also travelled with him.
Rahim broke down in tears as he reached the airport and whispered a quiet ”thank you” to the people surrounding him- a word that perhaps found its purest meaning in that moment.
