Sayed Muhammadali Shihab Thangal is one of the prominent personalities who greatly influenced Kerala Muslims. Born May 4, 1936 to PMSA Pookoya Thangal and Ayisha Cherukunji Beevi, Thangal is a descendant of the Shihabuddin clan of Hadarmawth in Yemen who came to Kerala in 1181 to propagate the message of Islam. The Shihabuddin clan traces its origins to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Thangal studied at Panakkad DMRT school and Kozhikode MM high school; he passed out from school in 1953. Then he pursued Islamic studies in Dars (a traditional center for studying Islam) under the guidance of Ponmala Moideen Musliyar.
Fascinated by the grandeur of Arabic linguistics and literature, Thangal joined the renowned Al Azhar University in Egypt in 1958 for higher study. After leaving Al Azhar, he continued his study at Cairo University. He returned to Kerala after 8 years of study in Egypt.
Thangal married Sharifa Fathima Beevi, daughter of Sayed Abdul Rahman Bafaki Thangal, in 1966. When she died in 2006, Thangal married TP Ayisha Beevi in 2007. He has three daughters and two sons – including Munwarali and Basheerali. The siblings of Thangal include Umerali, Hyderali, Swadikali and Abbasali.
Thangal was nominated Ernad area Muslim League president while he was involved with literary activities. In 1975 at the age of 39 he was elected Kerala state Muslim League president. At that time Muslim League was at a crossroads following a major split in the party. League split again in the wake of Babri masjid demolition.
In the chaotic political situation post-Babri tragedy, new outfits came into existence purportedly as saviors of Muslim community. It was a time when League suffered heavy setback in Assembly elections. But thanks to Thangal’s leadership with determination and poise, Muslim League could easily recover from defeat.
His inspirational leadership and guidance has immensely helped the Muslim community to make great strides in the field of education. Thangal was a source of consolation for many people irrespective of their religious affiliations; his words of wisdom and solace helped them to get rid of distress in their life. People from different walks of life were regular visitors to Thangal’s house.
Thangal’s moderate stand on many volatile communal issues has contributed greatly to restore confidence and trust among different communities. His call for maintaining peace and communal harmony in the wake of Babri demolition was widely lauded by all.
Thangal was committed to the principles of universal brotherhood. He was a symbol of love, affection, optimism and determination. His exemplary life with adherence to the principles of Islam made him an iconic figure among the Muslims in Kerala and beyond. He held the position of Qazi of over 400 mahallus (a large neighborhood consisting of many Muslim families). He was a patron, founder, or advisory board member of various religious, cultural and social organizations.
Thangal passed away on August 1, 2009 by leaving behind a great legacy of tolerance, restraint and communal harmony.
