Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar is arguably the topmost influential Islamic scholar and leader in Kerala. Known to the Muslim world outside as Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, Grand Mufti of India and founder of Jamia Markaz, Karanthur, the 83-year-old Sunni leader is back to normal life after having suffered a major cerebral stroke in October 2022.
Popular among Keralites by the mononym Kanthapuram, the All India Sunni Jamiyyathul Ulama general secretary and Kerala Muslim Jamat president spoke to The Hindu from his Markaz office in Kozhikode about the importance of upholding communal harmony and the secular fabric of the country.
Known for his stentorian voice, Kanthapuram looked frail in his wheelchair as he offered his blessings to an unending stream of visitors. But he was breezy as he spoke in a rather subdued voice. “The secular fabric of the country should stand. Insha Allah, I shall cast my vote at Kanthapuram. And people should vote for those who work for the well-being of India.”
