Kanthapuram A. P. Aboobacker Musliyar – Life and Legacy
Posted on July 18, 2025
Introduction
Kanthapuram A. P. Aboobacker Musliyar is a leading Islamic scholar from Kerala, India, known for his profound influence on Sunni Muslim thought, Islamic education, and interfaith dialogue. As a spiritual leader, educationist, and founder of several institutions, he has played a central role in shaping religious discourse among Muslims in South India and abroad.
Early Life and Background
Full Name: Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad (popularly known as Kanthapuram A. P. Aboobacker Musliyar)
Born: March 22, 1939
Birthplace: Kanthapuram village, Kozhikode, Kerala
School of Thought: Sunni Shafi’i, Sufi orientation
Kanthapuram began his Islamic studies locally before attending Baqiyat-us-Salihat, Vellore, and later continued studies across the subcontinent and abroad.
Religious Leadership and Institutions
He is a central figure in the EK faction of Kerala Sunnis and is revered for upholding traditional Shafi’i-Sufi teachings.
Major Institutions Founded
Jamia Markaz (Markazu Ssaqafathi Ssunniyya) – Leading Islamic university founded in 1978
Markaz Knowledge City – A modern educational and community hub near Kozhikode
Sunni Mahallu Federation – Maintains traditional practices in mosques
All India Sunni Jamiyyathul Ulama – National-level religious body for traditional Sunni scholars
Teachings and Religious Orientation
Kanthapuram advocates:
Sufi spirituality rooted in love and purification
Shafi’i jurisprudence as followed by traditional Kerala Muslims
Unity of the Muslim Ummah while staying rooted in orthodoxy
He opposes Wahhabi, Salafi, and Jamaat-e-Islami interpretations, viewing them as foreign to India’s spiritual traditions.
Influence and Reach
Kanthapuram’s influence spans local and international communities:
Represents the mainstream EK faction in Kerala
Connected with scholars from the Middle East, Malaysia, and Egypt
Supports religious diplomacy and education worldwide
He has also spoken on Muslim rights and education in India, without entering direct electoral politics.
Controversies and Criticism
Critics have challenged some of his views on gender roles and organizational authority. However, his following remains vast, and his reputation as a scholar and institution-builder is widely acknowledged.
Legacy and Continuing Work
Thousands of scholars have graduated from his institutions. He continues to guide the Sunni Muslim community through:
Large-scale religious conferences and education drives
Social welfare and health services
Digital Islamic resources and global outreach programs
Conclusion
Kanthapuram A. P. Aboobacker Musliyar is a pivotal figure in Indian Islam, whose legacy is cemented through educational reform, spiritual leadership, and advocacy for traditional Sunni values. His commitment to both religious heritage and social development continues to shape Muslim communities in India and around the world.
