Image Source: OnManorama
A controversy has erupted in Kerala after a prominent Muslim clerics’ organisation criticised Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MLA Fathima Thahiliya for lighting a traditional ceremonial lamp at a public event, with the incident triggering fresh debate over religious conservatism, women’s leadership and cultural practices in the state.
As reported in The Indian Express, Fathima Thahiliya, who recently became the IUML’s first woman MLA after winning from the Perambra Assembly constituency, came under criticism after she lit a traditional nilavilakku during the inauguration of a local restaurant.
The criticism came from Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, a leading Sunni Muslim clerics’ organisation traditionally regarded as being aligned with the IUML.
Following a meeting of its supreme council, Samastha reportedly stated that lighting a traditional lamp was a religious practice associated with non-Muslims and claimed that Muslims performing such acts amounted to imitating the religious traditions of other faiths.
The organisation reportedly maintained that Islam strictly prohibits followers from performing rituals or traditions associated with other religions. While it clarified that it was not issuing a formal religious ruling directed at any individual, it argued that such acts should not be accepted or promoted and described them as religiously impermissible.
Prominent Samastha leader Abdul Hameed Faizy Ambalakkad, in a social media post, reportedly described the lamp-lighting ceremony as “un-Islamic” and asserted that Muslims were prohibited from participating in traditions associated with other faiths.
The remarks have attracted attention because Thahiliya has been viewed as a reform-oriented voice within the IUML and has advocated greater participation and representation for women within the party.
Her candidature in the recent Assembly election had itself faced opposition from conservative sections within the Muslim community, including members associated with Haritha, the women’s wing of the Muslim Students Federation (MSF), the student organisation linked to the IUML.
Political observers noted that Thahiliya’s rise within the party was closely linked to the growing visibility of Haritha, which expanded its presence across college campuses and brought greater attention to women’s issues within the organisation.
The MLA had previously figured in internal controversies after women leaders associated with Haritha raised allegations of harassment against senior MSF office-bearers. The episode eventually led to organisational tensions and her resignation from the post of MSF national vice-president.
This is what happens when Congress comes to power in Kerala. Its ally Muslim League issues fatwas that run contrary to the fundamental values of our nation.
In India, people across communities – Hindus, Christians, everyone light lamps as a symbol of life and enlightenment. But… pic.twitter.com/M2Ld4VHtVx
— Anoop Antony Joseph (@AnoopKaippalli) June 6, 2026
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