‘Nilavilakku’ row in Kerala: Samastha clarifies position, says Muslims should avoid religious rituals of other faiths

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Amid the controversy over Perambra MLA Fathima Thahiliya lighting a traditional ceremonial lamp (nilavilakku), the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama has reiterated that Muslims should avoid participating in religious rituals and customs of other faiths that have no basis in Islam.

The Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama Central Mushawara meeting, held in Kozhikode recently, discussed the ongoing controversy surrounding the lighting of the ‘nilavilakku’ and arrived at this position. Although Samastha did not mention Ms. Thahiliya by name, it is understood that the position was adopted in the backdrop of the recent controversy over her lighting a ‘nilavilakku’ at a private function.

According to Samastha, lighting the ‘nilavilakku’ has long been practised by followers of other faiths as a distinct religious ritual in certain contexts.

The meeting noted that if a Muslim participates in such a practice while accepting or endorsing the beliefs that are contrary to Islamic teachings, the act could amount to leaving the fold of Islam. However, if a person participates in the practice without subscribing to those beliefs and merely imitates the customs of non-Muslims, the act would still be considered prohibited and blameworthy in Islam.

At the same time, Samastha clarified that using a ‘nilavilakku’ solely as a source of light, without any religious intention, is permissible.

The Mushawara also advised that “while preserving the national unity and communal harmony”, people should not treat such matters lightly and these must be approached with caution.