DEBATES ON MALABARI SCRIPT AND RASM AL-‘UTHMĀNĪ AMONG ULAMĀS OF KERALA

Abstract

The debate over the Malabari script in Kerala reflects the region's
linguistic, cultural, and religious complexities, especially among the
Muslim community. The Malabari script, an Arabic script adapted for
the Malayalam language, holds historical significance for spreading
Islamic education and literature in Kerala. This script symbolizes the
unique cultural and religious identity of Malabar Muslims, linking
them to the broader Islamic world while maintaining regional
distinctiveness. The debate centers on preserving this cultural heritage
versus assimilating into broader linguistic trends, especially
concerning religious education. The conflict between traditional
religious education and modern educational needs is evident in the
shift from Malabari to Rasm Al-‘Uthmānī script, driven by
movements like the Samastha AP Faction after 1989. From 1980 to
2000, significant religious debates took place between the
Sunnimovements in Kerala, focusing on texts like "Īḍāḥ alMufīdfīʿIlm al­Tajwīd" by KV Abdurrahman Musliyar. Musliyar's
work emphasized the authenticity of the Rasm Al-‘Uthmānī Quran
over the Malabari Quran. Prominent scholars like Najeeb Moulavi
and NM Abdurrahman Musliyar played key roles in this discourse,
each advocating for their respective scripts' authenticity and
educational value. The debate extended to the Lakshadweep Islands,
where the introduction of Naskhīi texts faced resistance, leading to
significant political and social tensions. The Malabari script and
Rasm Al-‘Uthmānī debate highlights the challenges of balancing
1 Writer with a keen interest in Islamic art and manuscript cultures including South Asian
Muslim history tradition with modernity in religious education and cultural
preservation.