1954 – 2018

Nekkiladi Ustad, born in 1954 as the eighth child of Haji Ahmed Musliyar and Hawwa in Gudinabali, emerged as a prominent figure in the religious and educational landscape of Dakshina Kannada district, particularly in the town of Nekkiladi near Uppinangadi, Puttur taluk.

Coming from a family deeply rooted in religious traditions, Nekkiladi Ustad embarked on a path of religious learning following his primary education in his village. Under the tutelage of the renowned Sufi Marhum Sajipa Ustadara, he underwent seven years of rigorous religious education. Subsequently, he furthered his studies at the prestigious Tajul Ulama in Ullal for five years, culminating in his enrollment in the Seva Karmaranga in 1974, where he attained the Madani degree.

Nekkiladi Ustad, also known as Ismail Madani, became synonymous with the town of Nekkiladi, earning widespread recognition for his pioneering efforts in religious discourse, particularly in the Beary language. At a time when Beary speakers hesitated to identify themselves as such or utilize their native language, Nekkiladi Ustad displayed remarkable courage by delivering religious sermons in Beary, thereby spearheading a cultural and linguistic revolution in the region.

In an era dominated by Malayalam-speaking religious speakers, Nekkiladi Ustad broke new ground by delivering impactful speeches in the Beary language, captivating audiences with his unique style and profound insights. He played a pivotal role in disseminating religious knowledge among the Beary community, utilizing his mastery of the Beary language to connect with his audience on a deeper level.

Nekkiladi Ustad’s influence extended beyond traditional preaching platforms, as he ventured into the realm of modern media by releasing a Beary lecture cassette titled “Floor,” which garnered widespread acclaim and further solidified his reputation as a leading figure in religious discourse.

His pioneering efforts not only elevated the status of the Beary language but also inspired future generations to embrace their cultural and linguistic heritage with pride.

Nekkiladi Ustad’s captivating Beary speeches, infused with wit, humor, and poignant insights, covered a wide array of topics ranging from the complexities of married life and familial responsibilities to profound existential questions about life and death. His unique ability to blend humor with profound wisdom left an indelible mark on his audience, evoking both laughter and tears, and ensuring that his speeches remained etched in the collective memory of the people.

As a devoted disciple of Tajul Ulama, Nekkiladi Ustad earned the distinction of being the first “Madani” of Karnataka, a title of great honor and prestige within the religious community. His attainment of the Madani degree at the inaugural Sanadana conference held in Ullala in 1974 further underscored his scholarly prowess and commitment to religious education. Notably, among the eleven individuals conferred with the Madani degree at the conference, Nekkiladi Ustad stood as the sole representative from Karnataka, a testament to his exceptional scholarship and dedication.

Under the tutelage of renowned Ustads such as Ullal Tanjal, Sajipa Abdullah Ustad, Baitar Ustad, Ahmad Bawa Ustad, and Tazhakkod Ustad, Nekkiladi Ustad honed his skills as a religious scholar and orator, serving as a Khatib and Mudas in various locales including Uppinangadi, Kakkinje, Nekkiladi, Krishnapura, Urumane, and Bondel, among others.

In addition to his role as a distinguished religious scholar and orator, Nekkiladi Ustad actively engaged in organizational activities, demonstrating exemplary leadership and commitment to community service. He served as the Mufti of the Sunni Board of Education for seven years, offering guidance and counsel on matters of religious jurisprudence. Prior to this, he held the position of Mufti for thirty-two madrasas under the auspices of the Arabic Trust under Ullala Syed Madani Dargah for an additional seven years.

Nekkiladi Ustad’s illustrious career in organizational leadership extended to his tenure as President of the Dakshina Kannada Jamiatul Musllimeen for twenty-five years, during which he played a pivotal role in advancing the interests of the Muslim community. He also served as the State Secretary of SYS, President of the Bantwala Taluk Jamiatul Ulama, and as a member of the Rajya Samiti of the SEDC organization. Notably, he held the esteemed position of Vice President of the Karnataka State Jamiatul Mupattiseen until his passing, further cementing his legacy as a respected leader and advocate for social justice and community empowerment.

Nekkiladi Ustad dedicated the majority of his life to serving in various organizations and prioritizing the religious education of the Beary community. Despite the challenges of transportation and communication in his time, he traversed towns and villages to advocate for the establishment of Madrasas, ensuring that Beary children had access to religious learning.

His selfless service and unwavering commitment earned him recognition and accolades from numerous organizations. Notably, he was among the twenty-five individuals honored at the twenty-fifth annual program of Sunnia, representing the sole Sadhaka from Karnataka. Additionally, he was bestowed with honors at the fifteenth annual function of Mani Darul Irshad and received the prestigious 2012 Beary Sahitya Academy Honorary Award, further solidifying his legacy as a revered figure in the community.

Nekkiladi Ustad’s contributions to the Muallim movement in Dakshina Kannada are indelibly etched in history. Known for his amiable nature and affable personality, he endeared himself to people from all walks of life with his warm smile and gentle demeanor. His interactions, whether with the young or old, were characterized by politeness and kindness, leaving a lasting impression on those he encountered.

Renowned as an eminent figure in the Beary speech arena, Nekkiladi Ustad was revered as a hero by the marginalized Jamaats, who entrusted him with their economic security by collecting contributions, including gold, to support his lectures. His tireless dedication to religious service and organizational work spanned over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the community he served.

The passing of Nekkiladi Ustad on May 9, 2018, at the age of 63, marked the end of an era. He is survived by three sons and five daughters, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service and profound impact on the Beary community.