Samastha Leadership Vacancy Sparks Internal Factional Struggle
The death of General Secretary K. Alikutty Musliar has triggered a power struggle between pro-IUML scholars and the Shajara group. This appointment will decide the future executive direction and political autonomy of Kerala's largest Islamic body.
The End of the Shaikhul Jamia Era
The burial of K. Alikutty Musliar at Tirurkad Juma Masjid on July 26, 2026, marked the conclusion of a decade-long tenure for the leader known as Shaikhul Jamia. While Alikutty Musliar received praise for his spiritual integrity and scholarship, his time in office saw a shift in Samastha-Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama’s power dynamics. Historically, the General Secretary served as the primary executive force, exemplified by Shamsul Ulama E.K. Aboobacker Musliar’s 40-year term and Cherussery Zainudheen Musliar’s 20-year leadership. However, in recent years, administrative authority shifted toward the president, Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, leaving the general secretary role increasingly nominal.
A Fractured Search for Succession
The contest to fill the vacancy highlights a deep rift between two camps within the organization. One side remains aligned with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), while the opposing Shajara group advocates for distancing the religious body from political parties. The Shajara faction is currently promoting Samastha Secretary Umar Faizy Mukkam as the successor. Proponents cite his seniority and command of Islamic jurisprudence, though his vocal opposition to IUML leaders—including his public critique of Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal—makes him a polarizing figure. IUML loyalists have dismissed his candidacy, alleging leanings toward the CPI(M).
The Stakes of the Appointment
The choice of a new leader will determine if Samastha reclaims its traditional executive structure or maintains its current centralized presidential model. Several names are circulating as the deliberation intensifies:
- Shajara Group Preference: Umar Faizy Mukkam is the primary contender for those seeking an assertive, independent voice.
- IUML-Aligned Interests: While not settled on one name, this faction favors figures such as Bahaudheen Nadvi, P.P. Umer Musliar Koyyode, or P.K. Moosakutty Hasrath.
- Neutral or Compromise Candidates: Names like M.T. Abdulla Musliar and Abdussalam Baqavi have surfaced as the organization seeks to balance internal stability with external political relations.
IUML leaders have signaled that the appointment of a critic like Faizy could fundamentally change Samastha’s institutional character, potentially ending decades of cooperation between the religious scholars and the political league.
Source: The Hindu — Home
