The coastal town of Kuniya is witnessing a spectacle unlike any other as the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, India’s premier Islamic scholarly organization, prepares for the grand finale of its centenary celebrations. Described as a "moored ship of faith" ready to set sail into a new century, the event has transformed the landscape into a vast ocean of believers. This gathering is poised to become one of the largest human congregations in the history of Kerala, marking a monumental milestone for an organization that has spent a hundred years championing educational revolution, democratic values, and pluralism.
The four-day International Centenary Conference, themed around the "Purity of Ideology Through Centuries," reaches its zenith today at the sprawling Varakkal Mullakkoya Thangal Nagar. The venue, situated along the Kannur-Mangaluru National Highway, has been meticulously designed to accommodate hundreds of thousands of attendees. The entrance, a magnificent gateway named after the legendary scholar Shamsul Ulama, reflects the elegance of Arabian architecture, while the main stage—shaped like a traditional dhow—stands as a tribute to the scholar, Varakkal Mullakkoya Thangal.
The closing ceremony is a global affair, drawing dignitaries and spiritual leaders from across the world. The session will be officially inaugurated by Professor Dr. Salama Juma Ali Dawood, the Rector of Al-Azhar University, Egypt. Presided over by Samastha President Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukkoya Thangal, the event will feature a keynote address by Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal. A significant highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Samastha Centenary Award to M.A. Yusuff Ali, Chairman of Lulu Group International, recognizing his contributions to the community and society at large.
The guest list reflects the organization’s wide-reaching influence and its commitment to social harmony. Notable attendees include high-ranking officials from the UAE and Bahrain, as well as the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Karnataka, Pinarayi Vijayan and K. Siddaramaiah. Leaders from various political and social spheres, including V.D. Satheesan and P.K. Kunhalikutty, will also join the congregation. These leaders will stand alongside the scholars of Samastha to deliver a message of peace and progress as the organization steps into its second century of service.
As the sun sets on this historic day, the air in Kuniya is filled with the spirit of devotion and the promise of a bright future. For the millions gathered and those watching from afar, this is more than just a conference; it is the dawn of a new era for Samastha. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the organization’s enduring legacy in preserving religious integrity while fostering a culture of coexistence and intellectual growth in a rapidly changing world.