Gone From Our Sight, but Never From Our Hearts

PANAKKAD SAYYID HAIDER ALI SHIHAB THANGAL
(15 JUNE 1947 - 6 MARCH 2022)

A soothing presence in troubled times. Panakkad Sayyid Hyderali Shihab Thangal was an Indian Muslim religious leader and politician who was the Kerala state president of the Indian Union Muslim League and president of Jamia Nooriya Arabiyya Pattikkad, chancellor of Darul Huda Islamic University, Kerala.

Panakkad Sayyid Hyder Ali Shihab Thangal will be remembered as the leader who diligently steered the Indian Union Muslim League through one of the most trying phases in its chequered history. He was always accessible to the public, often lending a patient ear to whoever approached him with grievances.

When he stepped into public life, his elder brother Sayyid Muhammed Ali Shihab Thangal was immersed in politics. Another brother, Sayyid Umar Ali Shihab Thangal, was overseeing the religious affairs. Hyder Ali Shihab Thangal then assisted Muhammed Ali Shihab Thangal in addressing the grievances of hundreds of people who thronged the courtyard of Kodappanakkal Tharavad.

Sayyidiii, you were our captain to show us the right path or the way for our success. The leader who resolved any crisis with a sweet smile. The man who devoted his entire life listening to and resolving the problems of people. The great personality spent his whole life only doing what is most pleasing to Allah. Even the famous Soofi Saint Chappanagaadi Bappu Musliyar said that we could not reach the level of the soil on which sayyid’s foot was trampled.  Tripanchi Usthad also demanded that the whole masjid  I built should touch the feet of Sayyids.

He took over the reins of the party after the death of Muhammed Ali Shihab Thangal in 2009. The first major crisis he had to tide over was the “fifth minister” issue in the Oommen Chandy cabinet in 2011.  The league demanded the fifth berth in the cabinet, which vitiated the ties between the party and Congress. The issue was sorted out by making Manjalamkuzhi Ali a minister.  As the Vice President of Samastha Kerala Jam- Iyyathul Ulama, Sayyid succeeded in striking a balance between IUML and the religious body. The ties between the mutually complementary organizations have never been smooth in Thangal’s time. Till his last breath, he kept the legacy of Panakkad family intact. He managed to carry out the not so easy task of earning the respect of people from all the sections and political parties, like his brother Muhammed Ali Shihab Thangal and others in the Thangal family. He kept the doors of the house open, offering solace to the struggling. People, especially those in the Malabar region says that Hyder Ali Shihab Thangal never made a decision that broke their expectations of the Thangal’s Family. Likewise, Ali( Ra) said, the hearts of nobles will be the private storage of Light. Ya Sayyidi you were the noblest man in this era. 

The humanitarian, who prioritize others' likes and wishes. He also enjoyed the rare distinction of being the Qazi for about 1000 mahals in the state while also overseeing the identity and alliance politics. Apart from the designation he made, he holds a great space in people’s hearts for his kindness and affection. Thangal was widely hailed as a leader with the utmost compassion and was quite active in charity workers. The softhearted, soft-spoken, the leader always gave high regard to secular values and took initiative to ensure communal harmony amidst tense situations. He was more friendly and polite to his people than a patriotic leader. No matter how much late he arrived at home at the time of fajr prayer he will be at Masjid which shows his religious life was exemplary. They were responsible for the religious environment of the native Muslims. 

Following the footsteps of their late father, he made an extra glance at everything he did. He has been at the forefront of deciding many important decisions regarding Samastha. If in a meeting, he values others’ opinion as well as straightforwardly express his opinion in a very calm manner. He also had a strong attitude towards all the matters and expresses his strong voice towards the community. He is also known for his strict political stances and secular credentials, Hyder Ali Shihab Thangal led the IUML through several crises. He also had very good relationships with the leaders of other political parties. He took a middle path and always batted for communal amity and brotherhood in the state. 

A suave politician, who kept the tradition of the Panakkad family, which is known for promoting communal harmony and striving to keep the Muslim community close to mainstream politics under the UDF umbrella. This great human is an endless loss for not only our community but also this generation who admire and inspire him in all matters. Let the world remember his humble smile and light’s his soul. May Allah give us the blessing to gather together with all Sayyid in Jannah.

Noureen Nayilfor 
Miranda House, University of Delhi