Samastha’s latest moves reflect a cautious balancing act

The executive meeting of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama held in Kozhikode on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) was keenly watched, not for any major decision, but for its possible political implications.

The Samastha is divided due to the political links of some of its leaders and members with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). In this context, organizational decisions can also have political consequences.

The appointment of PP Umer Musliar Koyyode as General Secretary, replacing the late K. Alikutty Musliar, is seen as part of Samastha President Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal’s efforts to maintain a middle ground.

Mr. Thangal did not openly join the IUML. However, those close to him claim that he wants to avoid a clash with the party. The choice of Koyyode Ustad, as Mr. Umer Musliar Koyyode is popularly known, seems to fit this approach.

Koyyode Ustad is considered acceptable to both groups within Samastha. The Suhabi or Nalanda faction gives importance to the IUML and the Panakkad family, while the Shajara faction argues that the Samastha leadership should remain above the party and the Panakkad family. Both groups on social media welcomed the appointment of Koyyode Ustad.

The post of General Secretary has a special significance in the history of Samastha. Koyyode Ustad is only the sixth person to hold this post in the organization’s 100-year history.

The post was held by Shamsul Ulama EK Aboobacker Musliar for about four decades during which Samastha witnessed a vertical split when Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliar and his team left. Cherussery Zainudheen Musliar then served as General Secretary for two decades.

During K. Alikutta Musliar’s ten-year tenure, the balance of power within the Samastha shifted towards the President. The appointment of Koyyode Ustad does not appear to have changed this equation, with Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal continuing to exert significant influence as president.

The meeting also postponed consideration of the Suhab faction’s demand for action against Mukkam Joint Secretary Umar Faizy for his criticism of the UDF and IUML government during the Waqf dispute.

The decision to postpone the matter is seen by some as an attempt to avoid immediate confrontation. At the same time, allowing Mr. Faizy to keep his post without being given a bigger role suggests that management is keeping a cautious distance from him.

Mr. Faizy was once considered a possible candidate for General Secretary due to his active role in organizational and public affairs. The decision to elect Koyyode Ustad instead suggests that the Samastha leadership preferred a candidate who could maintain space between its internal factions and its relationship with the IUML.

Published – 24 Sep 2026 21:51 IST