‘Nilavilakku’ controversy in Kerala: Samastha clarifies position, says Muslims should avoid religious rituals of other faiths

Amid the controversy over Perambra MLA Fathima Thahiliya lighting a traditional ceremonial lamp (nilavilakku), the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama reiterated that Muslims should avoid participating in religious rituals and customs of other faiths that have no basis in Islam.

A meeting of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama Central Mushawara held recently in Kozhikode discussed the ongoing controversy surrounding the lighting of the ‘nilavilakku’ and arrived at this position. Although Samastha did not mention Ms Thahiliyya by name, the position is believed to have been taken against the backdrop of the recent controversy over her lighting a ‘nilavilakku’ at a private function.

According to Samastha, the lighting of “nilavilakku” has long been practiced by followers of other faiths as a distinct religious ritual in certain contexts.

The meeting noted that if a Muslim engages in such a practice while accepting or endorsing beliefs that are contrary to Islamic teachings, the act could amount to leaving the fold of Islam. However, if one engages in the practice without subscribing to these views and merely imitates the customs of non-Muslims, this act would still be considered forbidden and guilty in Islam.

“Permissible as a light source”

At the same time, Samastha clarified that the use of “nilavilakku” only as a source of light without any religious intention is permissible.

Mushawara also advised that “while maintaining national unity and communal harmony”, people should not take such matters lightly and should be approached with caution.

Published – 05 Jun 2026 15:14 IST