Samastha leaders support Kanthapuram’s view of reforming influence in the Sunni schism

Two prominent spokespersons of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, led by president Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, welcomed remarks by its Kanthapuram rival AP Aboobacker Musliar, in which he attributed the decades-old split in the Sunni organization to the influence of Islamic reformist groups.

At a meeting held at Kozhikode City Hall on Thursday (June 25), Mr. Kanthapuram referred to the 1989 Samastha split, when he and his followers broke away from the Sunni body then headed by the late EK Aboobacker Musliyar. He said the split was caused by the intervention of reformist groups, often referred to as the Mujahideen.

These remarks were publicly endorsed by Abdul Hameed Faizy Ambalakadava and Mustafa Mundupara, both well-known voices within the Samastha and long-time critics of Mr. Kanthapuram. In social media posts, they linked his statement to the current situation within the Samastha, arguing that reformist influence continues to affect Sunni unity.

“In my experience in Samastha affiliates for nearly four decades, reformist groups have effectively exploited divisions. Even today, interference by certain elements remains a major obstacle to reunification,” Mr. Faizy said.

Mr Mundupara said the current situation reinforced the view that outside intervention contributed to the original split. “Whenever efforts are made to strengthen Samastha, destructive forces try to destabilize it. This remains a major problem even today,” he said.

Both referred to Mr. Kanthapuram as “Ustad”, a term of respect, despite their long-standing public criticism of him. Mr Faizy had previously made strong allegations against him, including describing him as a Zionist agent and working against national interests.

Both have also expressed support for ongoing efforts aimed at Sunni reunification between the two factions, a move that has sparked debate in parts of Samastha. Mr. Faizy is associated with a factional group often referred to as the “Shajara” wing.

Meanwhile, the Kanthapuram faction has been largely silent on the development, with some members suggesting that his earlier decision to secede was justified.

State Secretary General Sunni Yuvajana Sangham Rahmathullah Saqafi said that Sunni unity should not be promoted in a way that deepens internal divisions.

“We should not allow divisions among Sunnis to create space for reformist groups. If both sides recognize common challenges and work towards common goals, that in itself will be the strongest form of unity,” he said.

Published – 27 Jun 2026 21:22 IST