The Renaissance in the Tradition of Pallidarsu; Contributions of O.K. Zainuddin Kutty Musliyar

The historical transmission of Islamic knowledge in Kerala has been a rich and evolving process, deeply intertwined with the coastal state's unique geographical and cultural landscape. From the early arrival of Islam through the Arabian Sea during the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the religious, philosophical, and cultural tenets of Islam were gradually embedded into the fabric of Kerala’s society. Initially introduced through the exemplary lives of traveling scholars, these teachings found institutional expression through the establishment of masjids, which served as both centers of worship and hubs for disseminating Islamic knowledge.

By the 15th century, the knowledge transmission practices in Kerala underwent significant transformation, most notably through the efforts of Sheikh Zainuddin Makhdoom II in Ponnani. His learning experiences from the scholarly circles of Makkah enriched the local dars system, which then became a hallmark of Islamic education in the Malabar region.

In the 20th century, a profound advancement in this tradition was spearheaded by Odakkal Zainuddin Kutty Musliyar. Born into the esteemed lineage of Makhdoom scholars, O.K. Zainuddin Kutty Musliyar dedicated his life to the preservation and progression of Islamic knowledge transmission. His education at Baqiyyathu Swalihath in Vellur, Tamil Nadu, coupled with his immersion in traditional dars practices, positioned him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of Islamic education in Kerala.

In 1952, Musliyar founded Ihyaussunna, a pioneering 'college-type madrassah' which sought to integrate traditional dars methodology with a systematic collegiate educational framework. This innovative approach not only preserved the rich traditions of Islamic scholarship but also adapted to the contemporary educational demands, fostering advanced studies and comprehensive knowledge development. His vision catalysed the establishment of numerous religious institutions under the guidance of his disciples, earning him the revered title of Ustahdul Asatheed (the teacher of teachers) among subsequent generations of scholars.

The enduring legacy of O.K. Zainuddin Kutty Musliyar's six-decade-long contributions to Islamic knowledge in Kerala holds a central place in the Malabar Muslim Scholastic Circles. A thorough examination of his work and its impact on knowledge production and transmission offers valuable insights and opens new avenues for inquiry in contemporary Muslim academia.