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Childhood is a time full of many experiences that make us wonder at some point. At the age of 13 I wanted Shihab to meet them in person. The experiences I had when Shihab came to them that day are still cherished memories in my mind.
From a distance, the light that anyone described was being sprinkled on their faces. They were, in my view, not alone, but together, and unique. When he spoke to them, there was a comforting and spiritual feeling like a father’s love. Their presence was not natural; It remained in my mind like a spiritual light
Those few moments from them were the most selfless experiences of my childhood lessons
Shihab Thangal, Panakkad Syed Muhammad Ali Shihab Thangal was not only the spiritual leader of the Muslim community in Kerala, he became the spiritual hero of contemporary Kerala. His life, guidance, justice, faith and social responsibility made him a personality of great influence at various levels of Kerala society
Shihab Thangal hails from the holy lineage of the Syed family of Panakkad. This family comes from the divine lineage of the Holy Prophet. Their family simultaneously provided spiritual leadership to the Muslim community in Kerala and worked as a complete movement in the social, political and educational fields. Mastered in the elementary sciences of Islam, Shihab Thangal received this tradition at a very young age.
Shihab’s passing into public life was not only a reflection of their spiritual expression, but also the light of their individual character. He accepted not only with the feather of spirituality and life philosophy, but they became the essence of social commitment and sacrifice.
Another characteristic with which the Shihabs should distinguish themselves is that they have grown up as symbols of peace. Shihab Thangal strengthened the secular and secular relationship that existed as an undercurrent between many religious communities and social classes in Kerala. He made many applications to prevent religion from turning to violence or superstition.
Apart from his spiritual leadership, Shihab Thangal also had a great impact on Kerala politics. He gave authentic ideas in policy and practice to the political movement Muslim League in Kerala. But not only the nature of his politics, but also his silent service in the social sphere. He combined politics and service with spirituality and worked for the needs of the backward sections of the society such as education and employment.
It was with the sweetness of love that Shihab Thangal carried out all his activities in a planned manner. He adopted a conciliatory approach in solving various problems of contemporary society. He gave utmost importance to inter-faith friendship and co-existence
He reminded that the spiritual progress of a nation requires mutual respect and cooperation among them. He spread this message in various constituencies of Kerala and highlighted the importance of communication and peace in a big way
.Shihab Thangal was always an inspiration for selfless public service. Emphasis in his service activities was to ensure that the middle class and backward classes were adequately protected. He worked continuously in the fields of orphanages, charity work and schools
Shihab Thangal was a great campaigner of social equality and justice in Kerala. Kerala is one of the most culturally diverse states in India. Many religions and communities live here peacefully. But this peaceful coexistence often faces challenges in different situations. Shihab Thangal dreamed up typically painless solutions to respond to these challenges. He advised us to be human beings, transcending the boundaries of religion, caste and language
Humanity was what he was able to convey to all through his vision. Full of spirituality, compassion and tolerance, his spiritual leadership in contemporary Kerala has no parallel. Not just his presence, but their words, campaigns, quiet movement, all felt in Kerala’s tradition of spirituality and the state alike.
Shihab’s death was a great loss to the society of Kerala, but the spiritual, social and political paths he blazed are alive today. His life still remains a calm and powerful image in the minds of all the people of Kerala.
Shihab Thangal is not only the spiritual hero of contemporary Kerala, but he has made Kerala a model of humanity, peace, tolerance and social commitment.
Kind regards
SHAMSUDHEEN CM
THRISSUR