No one can silence scholars in matters of faith: Kanthapuram

Jamiyyathul Ulama All India General Secretary Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliar addressing a meeting held at Chemmad in Malappuram on Saturday to form a reception committee for the centenary celebrations of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama. | Photo credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN

Religious scholars do not need anyone’s permission to speak on matters of faith as long as they are based on teachings, All India Jamiyyathul Ulama Kanthapuram general secretary AP Aboobacker Musliyar said here on Saturday (September 12). His remarks were an apparent response to criticism of his statements about the participation of Muslim women in the public sphere.

“No one can take away a religious scholar’s right to speak about religion after he has studied it, nor does he need anyone’s permission or approval to do so,” he said.

He was inaugurating a meeting held to form a reception committee for the centenary celebrations of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama at Chemmad in the district on Saturday evening.

“Religious scholars have played a major role in the social, cultural, educational and spiritual development of Muslims in Kerala,” he said.

Mr. Kanthapuram said that the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama worked to unite people across social groups and promote self-respect among the grassroots.

The establishment of madrasa networks and institutions offering both religious and secular education across Keralam was the major contribution of religious scholars, he said. Attempts to downplay or erase their contribution from history would fail, he warned.

Muslims in Kerala have traditionally followed the instructions of religious scholars, he said. Scholars promoted the tradition of guiding the community towards moderation without creating differences through emotional interventions.

He said religious scholars also played a key role in preserving the identity of Muslims in the state. Their study of religious matters and adherence to the traditions of their forefathers gave them the authority to speak on matters of faith, he said.

Samastha President E. Sulaiman Musliyar presided over the meeting. Scholars, including Syed Ali Bafaqi, Ponmala Abdul Qadir Musliyar, Syed Ibrahimul Khaleel Bukhari, Perode Abdurahman Saquafi, Abu Haneefa Faizy Thenala, KP Muhammad Musliyar Kombam, Abdurahman Faizy Marayamangalem, Rahuhmatlam, Salahfiam, Vanlahim Abu, Salahuram Syed Muneer Ahdal Ahsani spoke.

The Samastha Centenary Conference will be held at Kooriyad on 28, 29 and 30 January 2027.

Published – 13 Sep 2026 06:00 IST