Mon Mar 30 04:55:03 UTC 2026: # Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama President Criticizes Politicization of Religious Forum

The Story:
Syed Mohammed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, the president of Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, has publicly criticized the dragging of the Sunni scholars’ forum into political controversies. His statement comes in response to a senior Samastha leader, Umar Faizy Mukkom, questioning the Indian Union Muslim League’s (IUML) decision to field women candidates in general Assembly seats. Thangal emphasized that political parties should make decisions about candidates based on their own considerations and that personal vilification and hate campaigns should be avoided.

Key Points:

  • Syed Mohammed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal criticized “inappropriate statements” that draw Samastha into political controversies.
  • The criticism was prompted by Umar Faizy Mukkom’s remarks about the IUML fielding women candidates.
  • Fathima Thahiliya is contesting from Perambra in Kozhikode, and Jayanthi Rajan has been fielded from Koothuparamba in Kannur.
  • Thangal stated that political parties should decide on candidates based on their own assessment of advantages and disadvantages.
  • He also emphasized the need to avoid personal vilification and hate campaigns.
  • March 29, 2026 is the publication date of the original article.

Key Takeaways:

  • There is internal disagreement within Samastha regarding the role of the organization in political matters.
  • The IUML’s decision to field women candidates has sparked controversy and exposed differing viewpoints on the intersection of religion and politics.
  • Religious leaders are attempting to maintain a degree of separation between religious doctrine and political strategy.
  • The incident highlights the complex relationship between religious organizations and political parties in India.

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