1935 – 2019

K.M. Shah Musliyar, born in 1935 to Al Haj K. Abdullah Musliar and Asia Bibi in Kumbol, Kumble, Kasaragod district, had humble beginnings. His father, Abdullah Musliyar, migrated from Kumbol to Athur in pursuit of employment and settled there. Despite the societal norms of the time, which restricted the education of Muslim women, Shah Musliyar displayed a deep interest in women’s education. In a notable departure from convention, he ensured that his daughters received education up to the SSLC level, a testament to his commitment to gender equality and education.

Shah Musliyar’s own education began in a government school, where he received primary education with the support and encouragement of Aliyar Ibrahim Haji, a well-known figure in Athur. He also received religious instruction from his father and later pursued religious studies under renowned scholars in Payyakki, Talaparumbu, and other locations in Kasaragod district. At a time when many religious scholars focused solely on religious education, Shah Musliyar stood out for his holistic approach, embracing both secular and religious learning. Dr. KM Shah Musliyar was a multifaceted scholar renowned for his exceptional memory and keen interest in medical science. In addition to his religious education, he pursued training in homeopathic medicine, earning a diploma and becoming a licensed medical practitioner. Proficient in Kannada, he effectively communicated Islamic knowledge in the language, becoming one of the pioneering ulama to do so. His contributions to Kannada literature included writing articles and founding publications such as the newspaper “Satyavani” in 1982 and the monthly magazine “Saralpatha” in 1983, which he led until 1990. He later launched the magazine “Alamul Huda,” which he edited for seven years. His editorial work extended to the annual issue “Hasnaat,” published by the South Karnataka Sunni Center, for which he served as editor for many years.

Known as “Aranthod Ustad,” Dr. Shah Musliyar served as a Khatib and Mudaris for an impressive 37 years in the Aranthodu locality near Sulya. Beyond his religious roles, he held leadership positions in various religious and social organizations, breaking stereotypes about Muslims’ engagement solely with mosques and madrasas. Notably, he served as the president of a cooperative society in 1966.

Dr. Shah Musliyar’s Arabic handwriting was admired for its elegance. Despite teaching thousands of students, his thirst for knowledge remained unquenched, and he continued his studies even in his later years.

He passed away on May 29, 2019, leaving behind his wife Halima, one son, and six daughters. He was laid to rest at Gandipuri in Kemmara.