‘Haram for one, halal for another’: Jaleel questions IUML’s divided stance on lighting the lamp

A public event attended by Industries Minister PK Kunhalikutty and Local Self-Government Minister KM Shaji along with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday (July 9, 2026) revived the Indian Union Muslim League’s (IUML) long-running debate over the lighting of the traditional ceremonial lamp. When Mr. Shaji lit the ‘nilavilakku’, Mr. Kunhalikutty refused.

The conflicting positions were criticized by former Muslim Youth League leader KT Jaleel, who questioned how two leaders of the same party and faith could have different approaches to the practice.

“Both Mr. Kunhalikutty and Mr. Shaji follow the same faith. But the lamp is haram for one and halal for the other. How is this possible?” he asked.

At the function, Mr Kunhalikutty was seen handing over the hand lamp to other dignitaries on the stage, including BJP leader V Muraleedharan and BJP Corporation Mayor VV Rajesh, without lighting the lamp himself. However, Mr. Shaji attended the ceremony, sparking a renewed debate about the IUML’s evolving stance on the practice.

A controversial issue

The lighting of the ceremonial lamp remained a contentious issue within the IUML. While one section considers the practice to be rooted in Hindu religious tradition and therefore inconsistent with the Islamic faith, others argue that it is a cultural custom in a pluralistic society with no religious implications.

The controversy resurfaced recently after Fathima Thahiliya, the first woman MLA of IUML, lit a lamp at a public function. Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, the largest organization of traditional Sunni Muslim clerics in Kerala, criticized the act saying it was against Islamic teachings. However, several Muslim leaders defended the practice, arguing that it was more of a ceremonial act than a religious one.

Wider shift

Mr. Shaji’s decision to light the lamp in the presence of Mr. Kunhalikutty is seen in political circles as part of a wider shift among a section of IUML leaders to project a more secular and inclusive public image.

The problem exposed a generation gap within the party. In 2015, the then education minister PK Abdu Rabb refused to light the ceremonial lamp, saying it was the party’s position that IUML ministers should not do so. ET senior leader Mohammed Basheer also supported this view.

However, leaders like MK Muneer and Mr. Shaji argued that the IUML had no official stand on the matter and that the decision should be left to individuals.

Dr. Jaleel also cited former Samastha president Syed Imbichikoy Thangal Azhari’s view that lighting a lamp is permissible for Muslims as long as it was not done as an act of worship. “I take the same view and light the lamp at public events,” he said.

Published – 11 July 2026 20:30 IST