Samastha’s latest moves reflect a cautious balancing approach

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The executive meeting of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama held in Kozhikode on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) was closely watched, not for any major decision, but for its possible political implications.

The Samastha is divided over the political ties of some of its leaders and members with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). In this context, even organisational decisions can have political consequences.

The appointment of P.P. Umer Musliar Koyyode as general secretary, replacing the late K. Alikutty Musliar, is being seen as part of Samastha president Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal’s effort to maintain a middle path.

Mr. Thangal has not openly aligned himself with the IUML. However, people close to him say he is keen to avoid confrontation with the party. The choice of Koyyode Ustad, as Mr. Umer Musliar Koyyode is popularly known, appears to fit that approach.

Koyyode Ustad is considered acceptable to both groups within Samastha. The Suhabi or Nalanda faction gives importance to the IUML and the Panakkad family, while the Shajara faction maintains that Samastha’s leadership should remain above the party and the Panakkad family. Both groups welcomed Koyyode Ustad’s appointment on social media.

The post of general secretary carries particular significance in Samastha’s history. Koyyode Ustad is only the sixth person to hold the post in the organisation’s 100-year history.

The post was held by Shamsul Ulama E.K. Aboobacker Musliar for about four decades, during which Samastha witnessed a vertical split, with Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar and his team walking out. Cherussery Zainudheen Musliar then served as general secretary for two decades.

During K. Alikutty Musliar’s 10-year tenure, the balance of power within the Samastha shifted towards the president. Koyyode Ustad’s appointment does not appear to have changed that equation, with Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal continuing to exercise significant influence as president.

The meeting also deferred consideration of the Suhabi faction’s demand for action against joint secretary Mukkam Umar Faizy over his criticism of the UDF government and the IUML during the Waqf controversy.

The decision to put off the matter is seen by some as an attempt to avoid an immediate confrontation. At the same time, allowing Mr. Faizy to retain his post without giving him a larger role suggests that the leadership is maintaining a cautious distance from him.

Mr. Faizy was once considered a possible candidate for general secretary because of his active role in organisational and public affairs. The decision to choose Koyyode Ustad instead suggests that the Samastha leadership preferred a candidate who could maintain space between its internal factions and its relationship with the IUML.

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