No one can silence scholars on matters of faith: Kanthapuram

Religious scholars need no one’s permission to speak on matters of faith as long as they are grounded in learning, said All India Jamiyyathul Ulama general secretary Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar here on Saturday (September 12). His remarks were in an apparent response to criticism of his statement about Muslim women’s participation in public spaces.

“No one can take away a religious scholar’s right to speak on religion after studying it, nor does he need anyone’s permission or approval to do so,” he said.

He was inaugurating a meeting held to form a reception committee for the centenary celebrations of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama at Chemmad in the district on Saturday evening.

“Religious scholars have played a major role in the social, cultural, educational and spiritual development of Muslims in Keralam,” he said.

Mr. Kanthapuram said the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama had worked to unite people across social groups and promote self-respect among those at the grassroots.

The establishment of madrasa networks and institutions offering both religious and secular education across Keralam was a major contribution of religious scholars, he said. Attempts to belittle or erase their contribution from history would not succeed, he warned.

Muslims in Keralam had traditionally followed the guidance of religious scholars, he said. The scholars had upheld a tradition of guiding the community towards moderation without creating divisions through emotional interventions.

He said religious scholars had also played a key role in preserving the identity of Muslims in the State. Their study of religious matters and adherence to the traditions of their predecessors gave them the authority to speak on matters of faith, he said.

Samastha president E. Sulaiman Musliyar presided over the meeting. Scholars, including Syed Ali Bafaqi, Ponmala Abdul Qadir Musliyar, Syed Ibrahimul Khaleel Bukhari, Perode Abdurahman Saquafi, Abu Haneefa Faizy Thenala, K.P. Muhammad Musliyar Kombam, Abdurahman Faizy Marayamangalem, Vandur Abdurahman Faizy, Rahmathullah Saqafi Elamaram, and Syed Muneer Ahdal Ahsani, spoke.

Samastha centenary conference will be held at Kooriyad on January 28, 29, and 30, 2027.