Islamonweb

Samastha Kerala Jam‘iyyathul Ulama has completed a hundred years of uninterrupted service, evolving with changing times while remaining rooted in the preservation of classical Islamic knowledge and traditions. Over the decades, the organisation has established a wide network of educational institutions and welfare initiatives, playing a vital role in shaping the religious, cultural, and social landscape of Kerala. Alongside its scholarly mission, Samastha has consistently taken firm positions against communal ideologies and dominance-based power structures, strengthening a value-based Islamic movement that coexists peacefully within India’s constitutional secular framework.

The centenary journey reached its landmark conclusion at Varakkal Mullakkoya Thangal Nagar in Kuniya, Kasaragod, where the international concluding public conference witnessed an extraordinary public response. The venue was filled with lakhs of devotees, reflecting the deep-rooted public trust in the movement. The large-scale participation was further energised by the extensive rally led by Samastha President Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukkoya Thangal, which passed through three states ahead of the concluding programme.

Addressing the gathering while presiding over the public meeting, Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukkoya Thangal called for internal reconciliation and collective unity within the Sunni fold. He stated that discussions held at the Central Mushawara in Kuniya had focused on the need for organisations and individuals who had moved away from Samastha to rejoin the parent body. He urged those who have distanced themselves temporarily to initiate dialogue and resolve differences, noting that Samastha represents a broad collective legacy and attempts to undermine it only weaken the community as a whole. Stressing the importance of cohesion, he said that collective discipline and unity must guide the movement forward.

Outlining the post-centenary roadmap, the President announced a comprehensive five-year action plan. He noted that Samastha’s national education mission would be strengthened further and that its social interventions would continue with a strong emphasis on harmony, tolerance, and fraternity within the nation. He firmly rejected the use of violence in the name of Islam, reminding the audience that Islamic teachings emphasise compassion even in the face of hostility. He also reaffirmed that Samastha would continue to engage actively in matters related to religious guidance and public faith concerns.

The concluding public session was inaugurated by Professor Dr. Salama Gumaa Ali Dawood, Rector of Al-Azhar University, Cairo, who underlined the global spiritual connections and scholarly heritage shared by Samastha. The opening supplication was led by Sayyid Kunhikoya Thangal Kumbol, setting a solemn tone for the proceedings. Samastha Secretary M.T. Abdulla Musliyar welcomed the delegates, after which Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal delivered the keynote address. The centenary message was presented by General Secretary Professor K. Alikutty Musliyar, while the thematic resolution was introduced by Treasurer Koyyode P.P. Umar Musliyar.

During the centenary gathering, Samastha reiterated its foundational vision while unveiling several future-oriented initiatives. These included the expansion of educational projects at national and international levels, the establishment of an international rehabilitation centre, and the commissioning of 10,313 da‘ees to undertake community-oriented service.

The conference stage reflected the wide reach of Samastha’s influence, bringing together leading religious scholars and public figures from India and abroad to speak on the organisation’s role in spiritual guidance, education, and social reform. The Samastha Centenary Award was conferred upon M.A. Yusuff Ali, Chairman of the LuLu International Group, acknowledging his global contributions. The Kuniya Group of Institutions was also honoured for its vision and support, with Yusuff Haji receiving the memento on behalf of Chairman and Founder Ibrahim Ahmedali Haji Kuniya.

International delegates who attended the programme included Sayyid Aliyul Hashmi from the UAE, Hamad Sami Hussain Rashid Al Dosari from Bahrain, and Ahmed Abdul Wahid Jassim Hassan Kharatha. The event also saw participation from leaders across the political spectrum, reflecting Samastha’s engagement within India’s pluralistic public sphere. Among those present were Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Kerala Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan, and Deputy Opposition Leader P.K. Kunhalikutty. Other dignitaries included Dr. P. Mohamed Ali of Galfar, Bengaluru MLA N.A. Haris, and E.T. Mohammed Basheer MP.

The closing session featured reflections by P.M. Abdussalam Baqavi Vadakkekad, Abdul Hameed Faizi Ambalakkadavu, and Abdussamad Pookkottur, who spoke on the responsibilities inherited from a century of service. The centenary celebrations formally began on February 4 with the hoisting of 100 flags at Kuniya and marked the conclusion of a series of programmes, including the Global Expo that commenced on January 30. A large representative camp involving 33,313 delegates concluded on Saturday afternoon following several days of thematic seminars and discussions focused on contemporary challenges.

The centenary events concluded with a final collective prayer led by Fakhrudheen Thangal. Vice President M.K. Moideenkutty Musliyar Kottumala was also present, and Secretary Umar Faizi Mukkam delivered the vote of thanks, symbolically closing one century of Samastha’s journey while opening the path to the next phase of its mission.

Source : Suprabhaatham Online