KOZHIKODE: Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulema, Kerala’s largest Muslim religious body, wants the extreme kind of preachers barring Muslims participating in the festivals of other communities discouraged and exposed. "Muslims followed the tradition of sharing the joy of neighbours or friends during Onam and Vishu, irrespective of whether they are believers or not," said its general secretary Prof K. Ali Kutty Musliyar. "That should be continued and promoted." Known as "EK faction" after its split in 1989, the organisation controls the majority of mosques and madrasas in the state.
His remarks came in an interview with Muslim Youth League leader P.K. Firoz on Darshana TV. He dismissed the argument that India is Darul-Kufr (land of unbelief), and real Muslims should migrate to Darul-Islam (literally the abode of peace or the territory of Islam). "The preaching like Muslims should not appoint non-Muslims as private secretaries are utterly absurd and dangerous," he said. "Konthu Nair was the trusted assistant of Mamburam Thangal. Thangal used to fix the date for Kaliyatta Ulsavam in Malappuram. All activities promoting religious harmony should be upheld."
The Musliyar was of the opinion that women could teach in madrassas. Further, he went on record saying that transgender community has recognition in Islam. "Transgenders have their space in the religion, and they have the right over property," he asserted. Regarding anti-minority stance of the NDA regime, the scholar said there would be no compromise on religious issues and the government should take initiative for talks if a difference of opinion arises.
