History & Scholarly Lineage
Chronicles of a distinguished seat of Islamic knowledge, spiritual leadership, and reform in Kerala
The 1800s Legacy of Podiyad Dars
The traditional Dars system at Alathurpadi Dars—known historically by locals as Podiyad Dars—traces its foundation to the historic Masjid constructed in the early 1800s and formally registered in 1886. Situated in Podiyad (Alathurpadi), Melmuri in the Malappuram district of Kerala, the institution has remained a vibrant epicentre of spiritual enlightenment and higher theological training supported by over 2,000 families in the local Mahallu.
The Dars system in Kerala represents an authentic, unbroken pedagogical lineage dating back centuries, mirroring the classical prophetic method of residential mentoring where seekers of knowledge (Muta’allim / Talib) live, learn, and worship directly alongside venerable scholars (Usthads).
Chronology of Revered Chief Usthads
1. Ali Musliyar
Legendary Islamic jurist, freedom fighter, and spiritual luminary who graced the teaching seat at Alathurpadi Dars, laying a profound foundation of scholarship and resistance against colonial oppression.
2. Aripra Moitheen Haji
Revered classical theologian and teacher whose dedication cemented the institutional residential facilities and community patronage.
3. K.K. Abubackar Hazrat
Master of Arabic grammar, rhetoric, and Hadith sciences who mentored multiple generations of distinguished Kerala scholars.
4. A.P. Muhammad Musliyar Kumaramputhur
Eminent jurisprudent recognized for his profound mastery of Shafi’i legal texts and comparative Fiqh jurisprudence.
5. O.K. Sainuddinkutty Musliyar
Celebrated scholar and teacher whose academic rigor elevated Alathurpadi Dars to a prominent regional seat of higher Islamic studies.
6. K.C. Jamaluddin Musliyar (K.C. Usthad)
Legendary mudarris who nurtured hundreds of students, structured modern Dars syllabi, and set a national benchmark for residential seminary excellence.
7. Dr. C.K. Muhammad Abdurahman Faizy Aripra (2000 – Present)
First Rank Holder of Jamia Nooriyya Arabiyya (1995) and Central Mushawara Member of Samastha Kerala Jam’iyyathul Ulama, leading the institution for over two decades into an era of unprecedented academic ranks and university-level integration.
Key Chronology
| Early 1800s | Construction of the historic Podiyad Juma Masjid. |
| 1886 | Official registration of Alathurpadi Juma Masjid & Dars. |
| 1920s | Leadership under Ali Musliyar during freedom movement era. |
| 2000 | Appointment of Dr. C.K. Abdurahman Faizy as Principal Mudarris. |
| 2001–2026 | 23 State Ranks secured at Jamia Nooriyya Arabiyya. |
| Mahallu Base | Over 2,000 resident families supporting the institution. |
