Samastha’s power equation hinges on choice of new general secretary

An intense lobbying has begun for the post of general secretary of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, the largest organisation of traditional Islamic scholars in Kerala, following the death of K. Alikutty Musliar.Alikutty Musliar, who served as Samastha general secretary for 10 years, was laid to rest at the Tirurkad Juma Masjid cemetery on Friday (July 26, 2026) morning. His death has opened a contest between two influential groups within the organisation: one aligned with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the other known as the Shajara group, which views the IUML as just another political party.Both factions have been praising Alikutty Musliar for his scholarship, organisational ability, integrity, spiritual qualities, and ability to maintain cordial relations with supporters and opponents alike.However, unlike his predecessors, Alikutty Musliar was not seen as the dominant authority in running the organisation. During his tenure, decision-making in Samastha became more centred around its president, Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, who remained at the forefront of the organisation’s affairs. Critics within the organisation described the general secretary’s role as largely nominal.Traditionally, the general secretary has been the key executive authority of Samastha. Shamsul Ulama E.K. Aboobacker Musliar, after whom the present Samastha is often identified, served as general secretary for 40 years until his death in 1996. He was succeeded by Cherussery Zainudheen Musliar, known as Zainul Ulama, who led the organisation as general secretary for two decades until his death in 2016.Alikutty Musliar succeeded Zainudheen Musliar and held the post for 10 years, but was not seen as exercising the same level of authority. He was known by the honorific title Shaikhul Jamia.Samastha secretary Umar Faizy Mukkam is being projected by the Shajara group as a possible successor. His supporters point to his seniority, knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, and assertive approach as his strengths.However, Umar Faizy is considered an anti-IUML voice within Samastha. He had publicly questioned the suitability of IUML State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal to become a Kazi. IUML supporters oppose his candidature and often accuse him of being sympathetic to the CPI(M).Though the IUML-backed faction has not proposed a specific candidate, its leaders have warned that Umar Faizy becoming general secretary could alter the character of Samastha.The names of M.T. Abdulla Musliar and Abdussalam Baqavi are also being discussed. The IUML supporters are said to favour names like Bahaudheen Nadvi, P.P. Umer Musliar Koyyode and P.K. Moosakutty Hasrath for the post. Published - July 26, 2026 11:42 pm IST