Malappuram: Cherussery Zainudheen Musliyar, a man known for his humility and simplicity among the followers, was an authentic voice among Muslims of Kerala. He was at the helm of Samastha Kerala Jamiyathul Ulama, the largest and most influencing Muslim organisation in the state, for two decades as its general secretary.
He was a noted Islamic scholar with deep knowledge and understanding of Islamic jurisprudence which made him the best choice to head the Fatwa Committee of Mushavara, the supreme council of Samastha.
His talent in interpreting the Islamic laws in accordance with the Indian secular setup was unique among Islamic scholars of the state. He was known by the name Zainul Ulema.
He took a stern stand on Wahabi extremist elements and was central in preventing it spread among Muslim youth and was largely hailed by majority of Sunni Muslims in the state. He was the head of Islamic studies in Darul Huda Islamic University from its inception.
Interestingly, Zainudheen Musliyar also has the credit of sending the largest number of students to JNU for social science research form an Islamic institution in Kerala.
