Mulliyakkurishi (Malappuram District), KERALA :
Islamic scholar, renowned social worker and senior leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, K.K. Mammunni Maulavi Sahab (may Allah have mercy on him), passed away at his residence in Shantapuram at the age of 82. His death marks the passing of a multifaceted personality who devoted his entire life to the service of knowledge and faith, the promotion of education, social welfare, and support for the deprived and vulnerable sections of society. His life was a journey of knowledge, action, service and selflessness, whose imprint will long be felt across various religious, educational and charitable fields.
In his practical life, he discharged a range of religious and educational responsibilities with great sincerity and dedication. He taught at Kariyad Madrasa, served as Imam of Chavakkad Muthuvattur Mahall, and also served as Principal of Muvattupuzha Madrasatul Banat. However, the scope of his activities was not confined merely to teaching and institutional duties – a large part of his life was spent in building, nurturing and developing educational, religious and charitable institutions that became a source of support for the needy members of society. He had a deep and long-standing association with numerous orphanages and welfare institutions established in Kerala and elsewhere, playing a prominent role in their patronage and development, and helping strengthen them into centres that continue, even today, to serve the weak, the destitute and the deprived. His contributions were also notable in mosque construction, the development of educational institutions, the provision of basic amenities, and various social welfare projects. Thus, his personality was not merely that of a religious scholar or teacher, but that of a quiet servant who devoted his energies to the building and welfare of society.
K.K. Mammunni Maulavi was born in 1944 in Mulliyakkurishi, Malappuram district. His father was Kalakkanthal Mohammed and his mother Kadan Thodi Mariyakutty. He studied at Shantapuram Islamia College from 1955 to 1965, obtaining his FD and B.Sc. degrees. He later channelled the training gained from this education into a practical life devoted to the service of religion and humanity. He is survived by his wife, Khadija, and his children namely Hafsa, Naseema, Sajida, Najmunnisa, Nazira, Mubaraka, Yasir, Abdur Rab and Bilal.
The legacy of his life lies in the prayers of countless people and in the institutions whose construction and development benefited from his labour, sincerity and time. His departure is undoubtedly a void, but his scholarly, religious, educational and charitable services will keep his memory alive in the days to come.
Tahreek-Related Services
Mammunni Maulavi Sahab served for a long period as a member of the Kerala Shura and the All India Representative Council of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind. He was Secretary of the Perinthalmanna Islamic Mission Trust, Assistant Qazi of Shantapuram Mahal, and also served as Principal of the Islamia College at Vadanapally Orphanage.
He played an important role in launching and publishing the children’s magazine Malar Vadi and served as its publisher for a long time.
He also held administrative responsibilities on the committees of numerous institutions, including Shantapuram Islamia College, Vadanapally Orphanage, Pathiripala Mount Sinai, Perumpalav Ansar institutions, and the Azhikode Islamic Educational Complex.
He served as chairman of several institutions, including the Pathiripala Bait-ush-Shariqa al-Khairi Trust, the Perumpalav Ansari Charitable Trust, the Vadanapally Orphanage Committee, Kechery Al-Islah, the Azhikode Islamic Educational Complex, Peringadi Al-Falah, and Thavoor Hira English School.
He also played a significant role in extending the welfare activities of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind beyond Kerala. As Vice-Chairman of the Vision 2026 project, he toured underdeveloped regions of India and played a key role in launching educational and welfare initiatives there.
From 1977, he served for ten years as Zonal Nazim (organiser) of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, during which time the districts of Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Thrissur and Palakkad fell under his charge. This long list is not merely a record of positions and responsibilities, but reflects that a large part of his life was spent in collective and constructive work.
An Active Life
Mammunni Maulavi Sahab is no longer in this world, but the memories of his simple life, tranquil personality and selfless service will remain forever in the hearts of those whose lives he helped, in one way or another, to succeed. The most prominent aspect of his personality was his calm temperament. A faint smile on his face, gentleness in conversation, and simplicity in manner were part of his identity. There was a quiet energy within him that never sought to draw attention to itself, yet it never failed to impress those around him. He was among those whose lives are recognised more by action than by claims.
Mammunni Maulavi Sahab had devoted his life to a greater purpose rather than to personal comfort and ease. After 1965, his working life remained continuously tied to religious, educational and social activities. Alongside his participation in the various works of the Islamic movement, he also played a major role in advancing its educational activities. His association with institutions working for orphans, the needy and the destitute remained strong throughout. His services were also notable in the construction and expansion of mosques and in shaping religious and social life. For him, service was not merely an activity but a way of life. As such, there was no place in his life for self-promotion or display. He did not merely speak of simplicity as a virtue, simplicity was an essential part of his life. Travelling by train and bus, riding a motorcycle from place to place when necessary, and constantly travelling to reach people, were part of his routine, for his priority was never comfort, but the achievement of his purpose.
Mammunni Maulavi Sahab was among those who valued purpose over publicity. He never sought crowds or praise, yet the large number of people who gathered on the final journey of his life reflects how service rendered quietly can still leave a deep impression on people’s hearts. People arrived from different parts of the country for his funeral prayer in Shantapuram. Young children and teachers attended; elderly men and women arrived; and even the sick, despite their frailty, participated in the funeral. Ordinary people from various parts of northern and southern Kerala travelled long distances to reach Shantapuram for one last glimpse of their beloved.
The funeral prayers began around 1:30 in the afternoon and continued without a break until 9:30 at night. T. Arifali, Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, led the final funeral prayer.
Even then, the mosque remained full of people. Large numbers remained near the grave after the prayer as well, reciting tasbeeh, praying, and staying on for a long while, as though everyone wanted a little more time to bid farewell to a life that had touched them at some point.
A significant feature of Mammunni Maulavi Sahab’s life was his connection across generations and social groups. From children to the elderly, from teachers to ordinary workers, and from religious to social circles, many found in him an elder and compassionate guide from whom they sought advice, encouragement and direction. To some he was a teacher, to others a leader, to others a counsellor, and to others simply an elder whose very presence brought comfort. Perhaps this is why the impact of his passing was not confined to his immediate family or associates, but was felt by a much wider circle.
Family’s Sacrifices
Behind every great collective service lie sacrifices that never come to public attention. Mammunni Maulavi Sahab’s life was no exception. His wife spent years enduring his busy life, constant travel, and social and religious responsibilities with patience and fortitude. His children, too, came to see their father not merely as a family member, but as someone fulfilling a broader social responsibility. Those who devote a large part of their lives to collective service are accompanied, in that journey, by the quiet sacrifices of their families. In this sense, a significant part of Mammunni Maulavi Sahab’s legacy also belongs to the sacrifices of his wife, children and family.
The earth has now taken Mammunni Maulavi Sahab into itself, but his simple way of life, constant travel, selfless service, and his manner of instilling hope amid difficult circumstances will remain in the hearts of those who knew him. His life stood as an example that the building of society is not always achieved through grand slogans or prominent positions; sometimes, a quiet, simple and steadfast person can leave an impact across generations. Perhaps the truest description of Mammunni Maulavi Sahab’s life is that he lived less for himself and more for others. Such a life comes to an end physically, but its effects remain among those who found light, encouragement or support in it. May Allah Almighty forgive Mammunni Maulavi Sahab, grant him a place in His mercy, accept his religious, educational and social services, and make the sacrifices offered by his family throughout this long journey a source of reward for them as well.
[The writer is Secretary Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Kerala]
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Markers of Excellence> Personality> Obituary / by Shihab Pookkottur / October 05th, 2026
