MALAPPURAM: For a sizeable number of Salafis in Kerala who claim to follow the ‘real trail’ of Prophet Muhammad, Madrasah Darul Hadith in Dammaj, Yemen, a key centre for hardcore religious learning, remains a dream destination. The hardline Salafi Muslims, who reject the moderate groups as incomplete and lacking real understanding of the religion, are still aspiring to migrate to Dammaj with a solo intention to lead a ‘dedicated religious’ life.
Nearly three years ago, at least 10 people from Nilambur, Malappuram, had reportedly flown to Darul Hadith to study and practice the ‘true ways’ of Islamic life. Many are dreaming to follow in their footsteps. “As far as I know, we should go and live the real of life of the Prophet. The centre teaches how the Prophet led his life. We have to be goat tenders, travel camelback and lead the life of a farmer,” said Muhammed Babu, a construction worker who dreams to visit Dammaj.
Introduced allegedly by Subair Mankada, an Islamic preacher who forsook the moderate Mujahid group to form his own sect at Athikad in Nilambur, this hardline Islamic life has its own supporters and opponents.
As per the self-proclaimed true Salafism, one must completely abandon music, should not take photography, never go to co-education schools, never sit at the classes handled by female teachers and never live in an environment in which girls freely roam.
“This is the only reason why they left the group. This form of Islam is extreme and against the teachings of the Prophet. The official Mujahid group cannot back Dammaj salafism,” said Aysha Cherumuku, a female orator with the moderate Salafi group. It is learnt that the hard core team, running away from the official group, had held lengthy classes to children, instilling in them their beliefs.
The children had complained of the mental agony and trauma they went through after attending the class.