Kerala Muslim League MLA's Lamp-Lighting Sparks Row; Social Media Mocks ‘100% Literacy’
Kerala Muslim League MLA's Lamp-Lighting Sparks Row; Social Media Mocks ‘100% Literacy’ Published By, Last Updated: June 09, 2026, 13:18 IST The act was criticised
Kerala Muslim League MLA's Lamp-Lighting Sparks Row; Social Media Mocks ‘100% Literacy’ Published By, Last Updated: June 09, 2026, 13:18 IST The act was criticised by the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, one of Kerala's leading Sunni-Shafi organisations of Islamic scholars. Kerala MLA's Lamp-Lighting Sparks Row; Muslim Cleric Body Objects A political and religious debate has emerged in Kerala after Perambra MLA Fathima Thahliya lit a traditional nilavilakku (lamp) during the inauguration of a restaurant in Kozhikode district. Thahliya, the first woman legislator from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), performed the ceremony at an event in her constituency recently. The incident quickly drew attention and reignited discussions over whether Muslims, especially public representatives, should participate in practices traditionally associated with other religions. The controversy has generated reactions from religious organisations as well as social media users. Muslim cleric group objects The act was criticised by the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, one of Kerala’s leading Sunni-Shafi organisations of Islamic scholars. Following discussions on the issue, the Samastha Central Mushawara issued a statement saying Muslims should avoid taking part in ceremonies and practices that are not rooted in Islamic teachings and are traditionally observed by followers of other religions. The organisation noted that lighting a nilavilakku has historically been practised by non-Muslims as a distinct religious ceremony. At the same time, it urged Muslims to maintain communal harmony while exercising caution regarding such practices.
Samastha leader Abdul Hameed Faizy Ambalakkadavu later reiterated the organisation’s stand through a Facebook post. He said Islam encourages friendship, tolerance and cordial relations with followers of other faiths. “Islamic laws are precise, clear and explicit. Islam strictly instructs believers to show friendship and tolerance towards followers of other faiths. The companions of the Prophet would instruct their families that when a goat was slaughtered and cooked, the first portion should be given to a Jewish neighbour," he said, according to PTI. However, he added that Islam prohibits adopting religious rituals followed by other faiths. Referring to the ruling issued by the Central Mushawara, Faizy said the issue had been examined thoroughly and a clear position had been communicated. According to the statement, if a Muslim performs such a practice while accepting beliefs associated with it that are contrary to Islam, it would amount to leaving the fold of Islam. The statement further said that if the act is performed without accepting those beliefs but merely as an imitation of non-Muslims, it remains prohibited and sinful. At the same time, the organisation clarified that using a nilavilakku purely as a source of light is permissible. It also appealed to the public to discuss such issues carefully and preserve social harmony and communal unity. Social media users defend MLA The criticism from Samastha triggered strong reactions on social media.
Many users argued that lighting a lamp should not be considered contrary to Islamic teachings. On X, people took a dig at the critics mocking Kerala’s “100% literacy" jibe. Another user said, “Don’t think any other state is as regressive as Kerala in this matter. Zero Jobs but 100% religious bigotry by Islamists." Don’t think any other state is as regressive as Kerala in this matter.Zero Jobs but 100% religious bigotry by Islamists.— VarunReddy2002 (@reddy2002_varun) June 6, 2026 One Facebook user wrote that lighting an inaugural lamp was not forbidden and pointed out that similar lamps could be found in many Indian mosques. He added that Muslims should be proud that a Muslim woman had attended the function. Another user, Omair Alam, questioned how lamp-lighting had become anti-Islamic. Several others also argued that the ritual should not be treated as a taboo because lamps are commonly seen in many mosques and dargahs. Who is Fathima Thahliya? Fathima Thahliya made history by becoming the first woman elected to the Kerala Assembly on an IUML ticket. A lawyer by profession, she began her political career through the Muslim Students Federation (MSF) at Kozhikode Law College. She later became a prominent leader of Haritha, the women’s wing of the MSF. She has previously served as national vice-president of the MSF and currently holds a position in the Youth League.
Apart from being an MLA, she also represents the Kuttichira ward in the Kozhikode Corporation as a councillor. Her victory in Perambra was considered a major political upset. Contesting in a constituency regarded as a Left stronghold, she defeated senior CPM leader and former minister T P Ramakrishnan by 5,087 votes. The result ended the CPM’s dominance in Perambra, where Ramakrishnan had won the previous two Assembly elections and secured a margin of more than 22,000 votes in the last polls. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More Location: Kerala, India, India First Published: June 09, 2026, 13:18 IST News india Kerala Muslim League MLA's Lamp-Lighting Sparks Row; Social Media Mocks ‘100% Literacy’ Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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