Professor K Ali Kutty Musliyar,General Secretary of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, has died at 81 in private hospital in Perinthalmanna after long illness. News of his death Thursday marks a big loss for Sunni-Shafi Islamic scholars in Kerala,where he was a towering figure.
Musliyar wasn't just a top Islamic scholar but a respected teacher, giving over five decades to religion and academia . His impact stretched beyond Kerala,earning him national and international respect for his knowledge of Islamic law. Thousands of students learned under him, shaping future generations.
Kerala's Chief Minister V D Satheesan offered heartfelt condolences,acknowledging Musliyar's outstanding contributions to public service and religious education. Satheesan highlighted Musliyar's work on the Syllabus Formation Committee of the English and Foreign Languages University and the Islamic Fiqh Council of the Muslim World League . He also noted Musliyar's leadership roles as Chairman of the State Hajj Committee and later as Vice Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, despite not being elected official.
“His brilliance and dedication in public service are highly commendable,” Satheesan remarked,emphasizing Musliyar's early appointments as Mahal Khatib at 16 and Mahal Qazi at 20 . The Chief Minister called Musliyar's passing deep loss for Kerala's religious and scholarly community, underscoring the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
Opposition Leader in Kerala Assembly, Pinarayi Vijayan, also expressed his condolences, describing Musliyar's death as major blow to Kerala's intellectual and religious landscape. Vijayan recognized Musliyar not only as a scholar but as a strong advocate for peace and communal harmony, highlighting his key role in maintaining Kerala's secular traditions.
Besides political leaders,various religious figures,including State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Indian Union Muslim League leader Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, expressed sorrow over Musliyar's passing. His dedication to education and interfaith dialogue left a lasting mark on community.
Musliyar's contributions to Islamic scholarship and education have been widely acknowledged. His work on various committees and councils was pivotal in shaping educational policies and religious practices in the region. His legacy will continue to inspire future scholars and students in their pursuit of knowledge.
As tributes flow in from across the state,the impact of Musliyar's life and work is clear. His commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation among different communities set a benchmark for future leaders. The void left by his departure will be felt deeply in Kerala's religious and educational spheres.
