07/07/1947 – 18/08/2020

Haji PK Abdul Rahman Musliyar, affectionately known as “Manipal Ustad,” was a towering figure in the religious and educational landscape of Udupi district. Despite his profound scholarship and linguistic prowess, his genius remained largely unrecognized during his lifetime, a fact that underscores the irony of his posthumous acclaim.

Born on July 7, 1947, to the esteemed religious scholar Moosa Musliyar and his wife Khadija, Abdul Rahman Musliyar’s early years were marked by adversity. Raised in Mardala near Kadaba, he faced physical challenges and relied on the support of his mother to navigate the hurdles of his childhood. Despite the constraints of poverty that prevented him from formal schooling, Abdul Rahman displayed a remarkable aptitude for languages, mastering Arabic, English, Urdu, Kannada, Malayalam, Beary, and Tulu.

Determined to pursue religious education, Abdul Rahman ventured to Chavakkad in Kerala, where he became a disciple of Changarankulam Moydunha Musliyar. Subsequently, he continued his studies under the tutelage of Kunhabullah Musliyar at Alampadi Masjid in Kasaragod. Alongside his religious pursuits, Abdul Rahman diligently honed his linguistic skills, immersing himself in books to acquire proficiency in Malayalam and other languages. Remarkably, he ensured that his children received a comprehensive education in Malayalam without ever attending a formal school, a testament to his commitment to their intellectual development.

Following the completion of his religious studies, Abdul Rahman served as an imam at Kokkada Masjid before assuming the role of Imam at Arasinamakki Masjid. However, his transformative impact was most profoundly felt during his tenure as the Khatib at Masjid-e-Manipal in Udupi district. Revered for his inclusive and compassionate demeanor, he endeared himself to all who crossed his path, fostering a spirit of unity and camaraderie within the community.

Notably, Abdul Rahman’s marriage to Fatima, the daughter of Asiya Hazjumma and Haji Moosa Musliyar, further solidified his ties to the religious and scholarly circles of Manjanadi. Following the untimely demise of his father-in-law, Musa Musliyar, Abdul Rahman assumed the mantle of Batte Masjid’s Khateeb. His commitment to advancing both religious and secular knowledge earned him widespread admiration, with former minister BA Mohidin praising his noble endeavors in promoting education and enlightenment in Bajaje.

Abdul Rahman’s contributions extended beyond the confines of religious institutions, as evidenced by his pivotal role as the first Arabic faculty member of the Islamic Education Foundation, established under the leadership of B.J. Moydin Kunjari. His tireless efforts to empower youth through secular education culminated in the establishment of Ansarul Islam, an organization spearheaded by Master BM Sharif and embraced by the enthusiastic students of Bajaj.

Following his tenure as Khatib at Masjid-e-Manipal, Ustad assumed the role of Khatib at Chemnad Juma Masjid in Chandragiri Tata, Kasaragod, where he witnessed significant transformations within the community. Despite the diverse array of groups operating in the area, including Sunni, Jamaat, Mujahid, and Talleeg, Ustad navigated these differences with grace, maintaining steadfast adherence to the principles of Islam. He fostered amicable relationships with all factions, contributing to the establishment of numerous mosques, religious, and social institutions. His tenure as Khatib in Chemnad was marked by dedication and service, earning him the respect of elders and community members alike.

During his time as Khatib at Masjid-e-Manipal, Ustad warmly welcomed foreign students, engaging with them in a manner that resonated with their cultural and linguistic backgrounds. He prioritized education, dedicating himself to learning throughout his life. However, a tragic road accident resulting in a broken leg forced him to relinquish his duties in Manipal.

Undeterred by adversity, Ustad continued his educational pursuits, contributing to the development of Madrasa textbooks for classes one to ten under the auspices of the Karnataka Arabic Education Board, headquartered in Deralkatte. His efforts culminated in the creation of the “Al Bayan” curriculum, simplifying the learning of Arabic through Kannada and English, thereby garnering attention from those interested in Arabic language education.

Residing in Belringe of Kinya village, Ustad’s legacy lives on through his wife, as well as his four sons and three daughters. His passing on August 18, 2020, marked the end of a life dedicated to scholarship, community service, and the pursuit of knowledge, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who knew him.