Samastha leaders endorse Kanthapuram’s view on reformist influence in Sunni split

Two prominent spokespersons of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, led by president Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, have welcomed the remarks by its rival leader Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, in which he attributed the decades-old split in the Sunni organisation to the influence of Islamic reformist groups.

At a meeting held at the Kozhikode municipal town hall on Thursday (June 25), Mr. Kanthapuram referred to the 1989 split in the Samastha, when he and his followers broke away from the Sunni body then led by the late E.K. Aboobacker Musliyar. He said the division was caused by the intervention of reformist groups, often referred to as Mujahids.

The remarks were publicly endorsed by Abdul Hameed Faizy Ambalakadavu and Mustafa Mundupara, both known voices within the Samastha and long-time critics of Mr. Kanthapuram. In social media posts, they linked his statement to the current situation within the Samastha, alleging that reformist influence continues to affect Sunni unity.

“From my experience in Samastha’s affiliated organisations for nearly four decades, reformist groups have effectively used the split. Even today, interference by certain elements remains the main obstacle to reunification,” Mr. Faizy said.

Mr. Mundupara said the present situation reinforced the view that external intervention had contributed to the original divide. “Whenever efforts are made to strengthen Samastha, disruptive forces attempt to destabilise it. This remains the core issue even today,” he said.

Both referred to Mr. Kanthapuram as “Ustad”, a term of respect, despite their long-standing public criticism of him. Mr. Faizy had earlier made strong allegations against him, including describing him as a Zionist agent and working against national interests.

The two also expressed support for ongoing efforts aimed at Sunni reunification between the two factions, a move that has sparked debate within sections of the Samastha. Mr. Faizy is associated with a factional grouping often referred to as the “Shajara” wing.

Meanwhile, the Kanthapuram faction has largely remained silent on the developments, with some members suggesting that his earlier decision to break away was justified.

Sunni Yuvajana Sangham State general secretary Rahmathullah Saqafi said Sunni unity should not be pursued in a way that deepened internal divisions.

“We should not allow divisions among Sunnis to create space for reformist groups. If both sides recognise common challenges and work towards shared goals, that itself would be the strongest form of unity,” he said.