03-05-2025
Rift in Samastha widens as Sunni unity meet approaches
The rift between the two Sunni factions within the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama appears to be worsening day by day even as attempts are being made to bring about a Sunni unity in the name of Waqf protection.
The allegations levelled by Samastha's veteran leader Umer Faizy Mukkam against the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in connection with Waqf related issues at different places in the State on Friday were the latest in the ongoing face-off between the IUML and the Shajara factions.
Mr. Faizy, during a Waqf meeting held near Farook College, Feroke, said a Muslim political party had been responsible for several instances of Waqf land grab in the State. Party leaders were trying to cover up those land grabs. He mentioned the Taliparamba Waqf land issue as a classic example of the involvement of the Muslim party leaders.
Mr. Faizy said some Muslim political leaders would be hurt when the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama raises those land grabs. 'But the Samastha is not responsible for that,' he said.
Mr. Faizy also questioned the Farook College management's view that the controversial land at Munambam is not Waqf. 'It's a shame on the Farook College management,' he said, reminding them to behave with dignity. 'If it's a mistake, correct it please. Otherwise the people will intervene,' he warned.
Mr. Faizy's comments evoked strong criticism from IUML circles, though the leaders avoided responding.
All eyes on Kochi meet
All eyes are on the Waqaf meet by four Sunni groups being held at Kaloor, Kochi, on Sunday as this meet is feared to widen the differences within the Samastha rather than pacify tempers. The meet has historic significance, and the result may be a milestone in the State's Muslim politics.
The Waqf meet convened jointly by the Dakshin Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, the Samsthana Jamiyyathul Ulama and the AP and EK factions of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama (the two biggest Sunni groups) has kept away IUML State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal, who is also president of the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS).
The exclusion of Mr. Thangal from the Kochi meet has apparently angered a section within the Samastha who support the IUML and institutions like Darul Huda Islamic University and the Coordination of Islamic Colleges (CIC).
It was a meeting in Kochi convened by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar in 1989 that became a turning point in the AP-EK division of the Samastha. The upcoming May 4 Kochi meeting has drawn comparisons to this pivotal event, sparking interest in its potential impact.
