06-05-2025
Samastha seeks revocation of Asgar Ali Faizy's expulsion from Arabic college
The Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, the largest body of traditional Islamic scholars in the State, has sought revocation of Asgar Ali Faizy's expulsion from Jamia Nooriyya Arabic College, Pattikkad.
A meeting of the 40-member Mushawara, the topmost decision-making body of the Samastha, held in Kozhikode on Tuesday took the decision against the management of the Jamia Nooriyya Arabic College, the Samastha's flagship institution.
Mr. Faizy, a veteran scholar and senior Mushawara member, was expelled from Jamia Nooriyya in March reportedly in retaliation for his veiled criticism against Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal.
Although Jamia Nooriyya functions under the Samastha, the college is being managed by IUML leaders.
The Mushawara decided to demand the reinstatement of Mr. Faizy at Jamia Nooriyya, with Bahaudheen Nadvi submitting a dissenting note. Mr. Nadvi is known to align with the IUML on key issues where the party and the Samastha have differing views.
The Mushawara formed a panel to meet Mr. Thangal and urge him to implement a nine-point charter related to the Coordination of Islamic Colleges (CIC).
The Samastha had made the charter as part of finding a solution to an impasse it had with the CIC several months ago. But it was not implemented.
The Mushawara decided to demand Mr. Thangal's resignation as head of the CIC if he failed to implement the nine-point charter.
The Mushawara also decided to summon the leaders of the Sunni Mahallu Federation (SMF) to normalise its committee formations under the Samastha's umbrella.
The Mushawara decisions are viewed to have far-reaching consequences, especially in the light of the ongoing tug-of-war between the Samastha and a faction supporting the IUML. All the three decisions will impact the Samastha's relations with the IUML as the party leadership is directly connected with them.
Mr. Thangal holds significant influence over both the CIC and Jamia Nooriyya, putting him directly at the centre of the Samastha's latest decisions and demands. This could lead to a major showdown between the two entities.
The IUML faction within the Samastha appears to be backing Mr. Thangal for a top leadership position, seeking recognition as the supreme leader of the Muslim community. However, the Samastha asserts its authority, believing that no Muslim political leader regardless of their scholarship or social standing is above the Samastha's leadership.
