Mangaluru Qazi Haji Taha Ahmed Musliyar Passes Away at 78
Renowned Islamic scholar and community leader remembered for decades of religious, educational, and social service across Karnataka and Kerala.
Mangaluru: Prominent Islamic scholar and respected community leader Qazi Haji Taha Ahmed Musliyar passed away on Tuesday morning at a private hospital in Mangaluru. He was 78 years old.
According to family members, Musliyar had been undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness. Despite medical efforts, he passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of religious guidance and community service. News of his death spread quickly across coastal Karnataka and Kerala, prompting an outpouring of grief from religious institutions, educational organizations, and members of the public.
He is survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters, and countless students, followers, and well wishers who regarded him as a mentor and spiritual guide.
Following his demise, arrangements were made to move his body to the historic Zeenath Baksh Mosque in Mangaluru, where initial funeral rites and prayers will be conducted. The body will then be taken to his native district of Kasaragod in Kerala to allow local residents and admirers to pay their final respects.
Family sources confirmed that his burial will take place at Darul Noor in Kashipatna near Moodbidri, where he will be laid to rest.
Musliyar served as the Qazi of Dakshina Kannada district from 2010 until his death. During his tenure, he provided religious leadership to more than 200 Muslim jamaats across Dakshina Kannada and parts of Kerala. He also served as President of Samastha Kasaragod district and played an important role in matters related to Muslim Personal Law, religious guidance, and community dispute resolution.
Widely respected for his balanced leadership, he worked tirelessly to promote education, social awareness, and communal harmony. His contributions earned him admiration across different sections of society.
Several political and community leaders expressed their condolences following his passing. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar described him as a dignified and visionary religious leader who dedicated his life to promoting human values, tolerance, and social harmony.
State Minister U T Khader Fareed and senior Congress leader B K Hariprasad also paid tribute, saying that coastal Karnataka had lost a trusted guide whose absence would be deeply felt for years to come. Religious scholars from various schools of thought described his death as a significant loss to the Muslim community.
Many Muslim organizations, educational institutions, and local associations have called his passing the end of an era. A somber atmosphere continues in several parts of Karnataka and Kerala as preparations are underway for his final rites. Local authorities and volunteers in Kasaragod are assisting with arrangements to ensure the funeral proceedings are conducted smoothly and peacefully.