Samastha seeks revocation of Asgar Ali Faizy’s expulsion from Arabic college

Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama seeks reinstatement of expelled scholar, sparking power struggle with IUML leadership.

The Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, the largest body of traditional Islamic scholars in the State, has sought revocation of Asgar Ali Faizy’s expulsion from Jamia Nooriyya Arabic College, Pattikkad.

A meeting of the 40-member Mushawara, the topmost decision-making body of the Samastha, held in Kozhikode on Tuesday took the decision against the management of the Jamia Nooriyya Arabic College, the Samastha’s flagship institution.

Mr. Faizy, a veteran scholar and senior Mushawara member, was expelled from Jamia Nooriyya in March reportedly in retaliation for his veiled criticism against Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal.

Although Jamia Nooriyya functions under the Samastha, the college is being managed by IUML leaders.

The Mushawara decided to demand the reinstatement of Mr. Faizy at Jamia Nooriyya, with Bahaudheen Nadvi submitting a dissenting note. Mr. Nadvi is known to align with the IUML on key issues where the party and the Samastha have differing views.

The Mushawara formed a panel to meet Mr. Thangal and urge him to implement a nine-point charter related to the Coordination of Islamic Colleges (CIC).

The Samastha had made the charter as part of finding a solution to an impasse it had with the CIC several months ago. But it was not implemented.