Samastha Mushawara met in Kerala’s Kozhikode to test relations with the IUML

A meeting of the Mushawara Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama on Wednesday will discuss Minister Mukkam Umar Faizy’s criticism of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) government over the Waqf dispute. Her decision could affect the Sunni organization’s relationship with the Muslim League.

Mr. Faizy, who is also a member of the Kerala Waqf board, criticized the UDF government and the IUML at a Waqf meeting organized by the CPI(M) in August. His remarks upset a section of Sunni leaders who demanded action against him.

The group has planned a Waqf meeting on September 11 in response to the CPI(M) meeting. She later called off the meeting after the Samastha assured in writing that the matter would be discussed at the September 23 Mushawara.

The controversy brought about differences within Samastha over its relationship with the IUML. Many followers of Samastha have traditionally supported the IUML, but there are differences on whether the interests of the organization should take precedence over those of a political party.

Mushawara is expected to decide how to respond to Mr Faizy’s remarks and demands for action against him. His approach could also indicate how Samastha plans to manage its relationship with IUML.

The meeting is also likely to select a new Secretary General for the Corps of Scholars. The post has remained vacant since the death of K. Alikutta Musliar on July 23, with MT Abdulla Musliar currently in charge.

Koyyode PP Umer Musliar, PK Moosakutty Hasrath and Mukkam Umar Faizy are among the names discussed for this post.

The General Secretary was traditionally the main executive authority in the Samastha. EK 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.

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. Her decision on CIC could also affect Samastha’s ties with IUML.

Another question is whether action will be taken against scholars accused of ignoring the Samastha guidelines. Abdul Nazar Faizy Koodathai was among those preparing for the Waqf meeting on September 11, despite Samastha president Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal asking them not to take steps that could worsen the situation.

The meeting was later called off after the Samastha assured in writing that Mr. Faizy’s remarks would be discussed at the Mushawara.

The meeting will therefore deal with issues of internal discipline, leadership and differences between Samastha and IUML. The decision could set the tone for the organization’s relationship with the Muslim League.

Published – 23 Sep 2026 05:59 IST