Draft:Shujayi Moithu Musliyar

Shujayi Moithu Musliyar was a prominent figure in traditional Islam, dedicating his life to social reform and contributing significantly to Arabi-Malayalam literature. His multifaceted roles as a religious scholar, poet, Sufi, polyglot, historian, educator, and orator marked him as a key influencer in the 19th-century Kerala Ulama activism.

Family Background
Born in 1861 AD (1278 AH) in Andathod, near Ponnani in the Malabar region, Shujayi Moithu Musliyar was the son of distinguished religious scholar Kulangara Veetil Abdul Kadir. He passed away in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 1919, leaving behind two children, Abdulla Kutti Musliyar and Muhammed Musliyar, who later served as a teacher at Kayamkulam Hasaniyya College. His sister was also a scholar.

Education
His initial religious education was received from his father, and he continued his academic journey in Eramangalam, Veliyankod, and Ponnani. Shujayi Moithu Musliyar showcased creative talents during his time in Ponnani, engaging in pursuits such as reading, exploring renowned scholars, and maintaining connections with them. To finance his education, he ventured into the perfume business. Proficient in languages such as Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, Tamil, and Malayalam, Shujayi Moithu Musliyar served as a teacher in Andathod, Veliyankod, and Ponnani. He played a vital role in reforming the Arabi Malayalam script, elevating its academic significance.

Socio-Political Career
Beyond academia, he demonstrated social responsibility by allocating a portion of his land to a Harijan family. Actively involved in Islamic teaching, leadership, and propagation, he contributed to the anti-colonial movement through impactful writings rather than direct involvement in the forefront.

Shujayi Moithu Musliyar incorporated Urdu, alongside Arabic and Arabi Malayalam, in resisting British colonialism. His Hindustani language learning book, "Gurusthani" (1891), held substantial significance, becoming part of Dars syllabi. His writings offered practical solutions to contemporary issues faced by the Muslim community in Malabar. Notably, he courageously opposed the exploitation of spirituality within religion, exemplified by his stance in the "Kondotty-Ponnani Kaitharkam.