In Kerala, the tradition of Shariah Colleges was initiated by O.K. Zainuddin Kutty Musliyar, who established the Ihyau Sunnah Arabic College at Othukkungal near Kottakkal in 1952. Later, in 1963, the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama founded Jami‘a Al-Nooriya Arabic College in Faizabad, Perinthalmanna, which became the largest center for higher Islamic learning in Kerala.
Over time, secular education was introduced in Shariah colleges through distance education programs. These institutions gradually evolved into Da’wa colleges, marking a significant shift in their educational approach.
Saadiyya Arabic College, founded by M.A. Abdul Qadir Musliyar in 1971, was a pioneering institution that integrated both religious and secular education. Musliyar also established an English-medium school to promote modern education among Muslims. Graduates who completed their Islamic studies at Saadiyya were awarded the degree of “Sa’di". This model of combining religious and secular education within a single institution was later adopted by other ulama in different regions.
The establishment of Markaz al-Saqafat al-Sunniyya in 1979 marked a significant turning point in Islamic education in Kerala. Founded by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar at Karanthur, Calicut, the Markaz grew into a comprehensive institution offering education from the Madrasa level to higher learning. Over time, Markaz expanded its reach, establishing affiliated institutions in different parts of the world. The graduates, known as Saqafis, spread far and wide, engaging in religious and educational missions both in India and abroad.
In 1989, Darul Huda Islamic Academy introduced a reformed education system under the visionary leadership of M.M. Basheer Musliyar. This system integrated religious education with modern methodologies, aiming to produce well-rounded individuals proficient in both Islamic and contemporary knowledge. Graduates of this program, known as Hudawis, pursued diverse professions while maintaining an Islamic ethos in their workplaces. Over time, the institution evolved into the Darul Huda Islamic University.
The Coordination of Islamic Colleges (CIC), established in 2000 under the leadership of Hakim Musliyar, introduced a new vision for Islamic education, following the model of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama. CIC offers specialized degrees, with "Wafi" awarded to male students and "Wafiyya" to female students. It has affiliated institutions across Kerala, strengthening the landscape of Islamic education.
Markaz further expanded its vision with the creation of Knowledge City at Kaithapoyil, Calicut. This integrated township which was started in 2009, and spans approximately 300 acres, blends essential components such as education, culture, health, agriculture, entrepreneurship etc., and has been established with the objective of fostering a holistic cultural and educational ecosystem. Dr. Abdul Hakim Azhari, son of Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, serves as its director.
