1937 – 1986

Muhammad Haji of Adyar Kannur, recognized as one of the rare scholars of the Beary community, made significant contributions to the community, among which was P.A. Ahmed Musliyar, also one who known as “Abul Bushra” and “Kumbol Ustad.” Born in 1937 to Ahmad and Aisha in the small village of Pariyakkala (known as Paregala in the Beary language) near Anglamogaru village, Kuttaru pada, Mangalore taluk, Ahmed Musliyar received the endearing name ‘Ammabba’ from his grandmother, Khadijamma.

Growing up in the village, young “Ammabba” occasionally accompanied his father, who worked as a boatman, on fishing trips, as their family faced financial hardships. Despite their impoverished circumstances, his father valued education highly. One day, while attending a lengthy religious lecture (waal) delivered by Muhammad Haji Adyar Kannur Ustad in Pariyakkala, the profound impact of the discourse moved his father deeply. Recognizing the potential for a better life through education, his father decided to enroll twelve-year-old Ammamba under the tutelage of Muhammad Haji Adyar Kannur, entrusting him with the task of shaping his future. Thus, young Ammamba embarked on his educational journey within the gurukula system, attending the school called “Dars.”

He enjoyed his studies immensely. After completing his education under Adyar Kannur, Ammabba continued his studies at Manjeshwar and later enrolled in Kanzul Uloom Dars, which was conducted by Ullal Thangal at the Ullal Dargah Masjid. Under Ullal Thangal’s guidance, Ammabba’s name was changed to “Ahmed,” and he became renowned as “P.A. Ahmed Musliyar.” During his four-year tenure at Ullal, Ahmed Musliyar showed aptitude for learning, engaging in deep discussions and acquiring comprehensive knowledge of his subjects.

In 1963, Ahmed Musliyar pursued higher education at the prestigious Bakhiyathuksalihat Arabic College in Tamil Nadu. Initially unrecognized, his dedication to learning soon garnered him widespread recognition when he achieved the top rank in the first-year final exam. Among his peers at this college was AP Abubakar Musliyar Kanthapuram. Ahmed Musliyar faced challenges in affording study materials and expenses. To overcome these obstacles, he tutored children in neighboring households during his Dars studies and delivered speeches at mosques during Ramadan, utilizing the funds collected for his expenses.

However, as he was preparing to return home, he received news of his father’s passing.

Ahmed Musliyar, hailed as the town’s first graduate scholar, received a warm welcome from the community. A grand procession escorted him from his home to Baitar Masjid, where he was honored.

Ahmad Musliyar initially served as Mudaris for two years in Mangadav, Kannanur district, before assuming the role of Mudaris for seven years in the same district. Subsequently, he relocated to Kumbol near Kumble, where he spent a decade in service. It was during this period that he earned the moniker “Kumbol Ustad.” Operating a sizable classroom with over sixty students, he imparted comprehensive religious education while also stressing the importance of general knowledge. Ahmad Musliyar actively encouraged his students to read newspapers and cultivate extracurricular interests.

A humble and intellectually inclined scholar, Ahmad Musliyar held a passion for both acquiring and disseminating knowledge. His erudition earned him widespread admiration, leading Keralite scholars to elect him as the central mushavar of the South Indian Ulema confederation, known as Samastha Kerala Jamiatul Ulama. This distinction made him the first Kannadiga to hold such a prestigious position. Despite invitations to serve as a professor at renowned educational institutions in Kerala, including Pattikkad Jamia and Kasaragod Jamia Saadia Arabic Colleges, Ahmad Musliyar graciously declined, opting to continue his traditional mosque dars.

Notably, he possessed the courage to speak truthfully in any situation, a quality that earned him respect and reverence among his peers and followers alike.

On the morning of July 4, 1986, P.A. Ahmed Musliar, known for his profound scholarly talent and dedication to nurturing progressive scholars, rose early as usual before the morning azaan to perform Tahajjud. Despite being in good health, he had recently attended an event in Arkana near Mudipu to inaugurate a disciple’s lecture the previous Friday. Typically, he only prayed in congregation, and on this day, he rose for prayer upon hearing the azaan. However, after some time, he was discovered to be sleeping peacefully. It was during this prayer that his soul departed from this world, while he was in the midst of his devotion. Tragically, he passed away before reaching the age of fifty.