A centuries-old discriminatory practice of social ostracisation against three marginalised Muslim groups — Ossan (traditional barbers), Labba (a Muslim family group), and Muaddin (mosque employees) — came to an end following a conciliatory meeting convened by the Kerala Waqf Board.
Published Oct 24, 2024 | 1:18 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 24, 2024 | 9:52 PM
Puthoorppally Juma Masjid. (Creative Commons)
A centuries-old discriminatory practice of social ostracisation against three marginalised Muslim groups — Ossan (traditional barbers), Labba (a Muslim family group), and Muaddin (mosque employees) — came to an end on Wednesday, 23 October, following a conciliatory meeting convened by the Kerala Waqf Board.
The meeting resulted in the decision to grant membership and voting rights to these groups within the Puthoorppally Muslim Jama-Ath in Changanassery in the Kottayam district, rectifying a centuries-old denial of rights.
The Jama-Ath Committee agreed to admit members from these communities residing in Changanassery municipality and the panchayats of Payippad, Thrikkodithanam, Vazhappilly, and Madappilly.
A membership drive will be completed within three months, followed by an election to the committee, according to a statement from the Kerala Waqf Board. The new members will now participate in general body meetings and enjoy the same benefits as other Jama-Ath members.
The Waqf Board had earlier warned the Jama-Ath against discriminatory practices, stating that the exclusion violated both Islamic principles and constitutional provisions.
It also announced legal action against the Mahall (area) Committee for denying basic rights, including marriage registration, burial, and access to Madrasa education, to ostracised members.
The board also issued a circular to all Mahall committees, reaffirming that such excommunication practices are illegal under the Waqf Act and the Constitution.
It is learnt that the intervention of the board came against an incident that happened last July when a 34-year-old Muslim youth from the marginalised Ossan community faced discrimination from the ruling council of the historic Puthoorppally Mosque.
The issue escalated when Aneesh Sali received a notice from the Jama-Ath‘s high authority following his participation in a public gathering. Jama-Ath issued a notice on 3 July, 2023, barring Aneesh Sali from attending future public meetings.
“You attended the public meeting of the Puthoorppally Muslim Jama-Ath on 2 July, 2023 and signed your name and surname on the attendance register at serial number 15. Since the days of your forefathers, they have not participated in these meetings. Your attendance violates the established practice, and it is considered an act of ignorance,” the notice read.
Jama-Ath officials defended the notice, asserting that the exclusion of the Ossan and Labba communities was backed by written agreements from their ancestors.
In a recent Jama-Ath meeting, community leaders highlighted that Aneesh’s involvement violated the customs that had been followed for over a century.
The issuance of the notice triggered protests among Jama-Ath members, shedding light on the longstanding issues of inclusion and discrimination within the community.
However, in response to the controversy, Jama-Ath leaders acknowledged the need for inclusivity and indicated their intention to amend their constitution and initiated efforts in that direction.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman and Dileep V Kumar.)
