'Some become Qazis for political gain', slams IUML's Samastha leader Panakkad Thangal

Malappuram: Tensions have flared again between the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama (Samastha) EK group and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) following a temporary ceasefire following the Assembly elections.

The situation escalated when Ummer Faizy Mukkam, Secretary General of Samastha and a pro-CPM leader within the organisation, sharply criticized IUML’s prominent leader Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal.

Faizy accused the Panakkad family of seeking greater influence within the Muslim community by sidelining Samastha, and warned of significant consequences if certain lines were crossed.

Faizy expressed frustration over the recent formation of the Panakkad Qazi Foundation, which was established to unite various Mahallu committees led by Sadiq Ali Thangal.

‘Mahallu’ committees are influential Islamic social organizations based around mosques. Faizy argued that some individuals aspired to become Qazis primarily because of political influence rather than Islamic qualifications, casting doubt on their ability to effectively tackle community problems.

“Some individuals plan to become Qazis purely for political gain. Some have even reached this respected position without having the necessary qualifications. If these issues are not addressed, we will announce further details. Until now we have been silent, but it is high time that this issue is brought to light,” said Faizy.

The disagreement also extended to the Coordination of Islamic Colleges (CIC), with Faizy accusing the Panakkad family of ignoring Samastha’s directives on the matter. “You are crossing the boundaries. You must remember that we have the means to intervene if necessary,” Faizy warned.

In response, Samastha leaders defended Sadique Ali Thangal, claiming that he had completed all necessary formalities to take up his role as Qazi. Abu Samad Pookkottur, a leader within the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Samgam (SYS), warned against divisive comments and emphasized that Qazi’s role in India does not carry the same authority traditionally associated with it in Islamic contexts.

Earlier, Sadiq Ali Thangal had agreed to Samastha’s demand to remove Hakeem Faizy Adrisseri from the post of Secretary General of the Coordination of Islamic Colleges (CIC), an umbrella body that offers Wafi and Wafiya courses that integrate religious and Islamic education . Hakeem Faizy was reinstated to the position in September at Thangal’s discretion.