Samastha thwarts IUML’s attempt to control mahals

KOZHIKODE : In a strategic move aimed at countering the influence of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in mahals, the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama has taken a decisive step by asserting direct control over the organization of qatibs, responsible for delivering Friday sermons in mosques. This decision was made during the Samastha mushawara convened in Bengaluru last Sunday.

The Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Qutba (SKJQ), currently operating under the Sunni Mahal Federation (SMF), has been designated as a feeder outfit under direct supervision of Samastha. The qatibs play a crucial role in shaping the opinions and beliefs of the Muslim community due to their direct engagement with the believers.

The move is seen as a response to Samastha’s suspicion that the IUML is attempting to leverage the SMF for its political objectives within the mahals. Notably, key leaders of SMF and SKJQ, such as Abdusamad Pookkoottoor and Nazar Faizi Koodathayi, are known supporters of IUML.

The upcoming meeting of mahals, led by Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, the qazi, scheduled in Kozhikode on February 17, has intensified concerns within Samastha about the potential establishment of a parallel power center by the IUML.

Many district office-bearers of SKJQ had previously expressed their desire to be directly affiliated with Samastha, leading to a formal request from the state working committee of SKJQ on January 23. Although there was opposition from IUML supporters, the majority voted in favor of aligning SKJQ with Samastha.

By ratifying this request, SKJQ is set to become a direct feeder organization for Samastha, akin to other affiliated groups like Sunni Yuvajana Federation (SYS) and Samastha Kerala Sunni Students Federation (SKSSF). The final say on SKJQ’s activities will now rest with Samastha, marking a significant shift in the dynamics within the Muslim community in Kerala.

As this development unfolds, Samastha is gearing up for the 35th anniversary conference of SKSSF in Kozhikode on February 2. The conference is expected to showcase the organization’s strength and unity, following their impactful presence at the 100th-anniversary declaration in Bengaluru on January 28. Key leaders from both Samastha and IUML are set to address the conference, further underscoring the ongoing power struggle in the region.