Samastha general secretary Professor K Ali Kutty Musliyar dies at 81

Malappuram: Professor K Ali Kutty Musliyar, General Secretary of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, died at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna after a prolonged age-related illness, sources said on Thursday. He was 81.

Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama is the premier council of Sunni-Shafi Islamic scholars in Kerala.

A distinguished Islamic scholar, Ali Kutty Musliyar was widely respected in India and abroad for his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he played a key role in the religious and educational spheres, mentoring thousands of students.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan expressed condolences, describing Ali Kutty Musliyar as an accomplished teacher and an eminent scholar whose contributions to public service and religious education would be remembered.

In a statement, the Chief Minister noted that Ali Kutty Musliyar had served on the Syllabus Formation Committee of the English and Foreign Languages University and the Islamic Fiqh Council of the Muslim World League.

He also highlighted the late scholar's tenure as Chairman of the State Hajj Committee, despite not being an elected representative, and later as Vice Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee.

"The brilliance and dedication he displayed in public service are highly commendable," the Chief Minister said, adding that Ali Kutty Musliyar had the rare distinction of being appointed Mahal Khatib at the age of 16 and Mahal Qazi at the age of 20.

Calling his death a significant loss to Kerala's religious and scholarly community, the Chief Minister said Ali Kutty Musliyar had left behind a lasting legacy through his scholarship and service.

Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, Pinarayi Vijayan, also condoled the scholar's death, describing it as a major loss to Kerala's intellectual and religious fraternity.

In his condolence message, Vijayan said Ali Kutty Musliyar stood not only as a religious scholar but also as a strong advocate of peace and communal harmony, playing an important role in upholding Kerala's secular traditions.

State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) supremo Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, and several other political and religious leaders also expressed their condolences.