Samastha Mushawara meet in Kerala’s Kozhikode to test ties with IUML

The Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama’s Mushawara meeting on Wednesday will discuss secretary Mukkam Umar Faizy’s criticism of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) government over the Waqf dispute. Its decisions could affect the Sunni organisation’s relationship with the Muslim League.Mr. Faizy, who is also a member of the Kerala Waqf Board, had criticised the UDF government and the IUML at a Waqf meeting organised by the CPI(M) in August. His remarks had upset a section of Sunni leaders, who demanded action against him.The group had planned a Waqf meeting on September 11 in response to the CPI(M) meet. It later called off the meeting after the Samastha gave a written assurance that the issue would be discussed at the September 23 Mushawara.The controversy has brought differences within Samastha over its relationship with the IUML into the open. Many Samastha followers have traditionally supported the IUML, but there are differences over whether the organisation’s interests should take priority over those of the political party.The Mushawara is expected to decide how to respond to Mr. Faizy’s remarks and the demands for action against him. Its approach could also indicate how Samastha plans to manage its relationship with the IUML.The meeting is also likely to select a new general secretary for the scholars’ body. The post has remained vacant since the death of K. Alikutty Musliar on July 23, with M.T. Abdulla Musliar currently holding charge.Koyyode P.P. Umer Musliar, P.K. Moosakutty Hasrath, and Mukkam Umar Faizy are among the names being discussed for the post.The general secretary has traditionally been the main executive authority in the Samastha. E.K. Aboobacker Musliar held the post for about 40 years until his death in 1996. He was followed by Cherussery Zainudheen Musliar, who served until his death in 2016. Alikutty Musliar then held the post for 10 years.The Mushawara is also expected to take a final decision on the dispute with the Coordination of Islamic Colleges (CIC), headed by IUML State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal. Its decision on the CIC could also affect Samastha’s ties with the IUML.Another issue is whether action will be taken against scholars accused of ignoring Samastha’s directions. Abdul Nazar Faizy Koodathai was among those preparing for the September 11 Waqf meeting despite Samastha president Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal asking them not to take steps that could worsen the situation.The meeting was later withdrawn after the Samastha gave a written assurance that Mr. Faizy’s remarks would be discussed at the Mushawara.The meeting will, therefore, address questions of internal discipline, leadership, and the Samastha’s differences with the IUML. The decisions could set the tone for the organisation’s relationship with the Muslim League. Published - September 23, 2026 05:59 am IST