Sayed Muhammed Ali Shihab Thangal

Born in the Hadhrami-origin Thangal Pukkoya family of Panakkad. Shihab Thangal also functioned as the president of the Kerala state committee of the Indian Union Muslim League (1975 - 2009).

According to historian Roland Miller, "wisely and sensitively, he led Muslims through the landmines of state politics for over three decades. He also led the way into cordial relationships with members of other religious communities".

Early life and education

Sayed Muhammad Ali Shihab Thangal was born as the eldest son of P. M. S. A. Ali Shihab Ba Alawi, of the Puthiya Maliyekkal family of Panakkad, on 4 May 1936. His siblings were Umerali Shihab Ba Alawi, Hyderali Shihab Ba Alawi, Sadiq Ali Shihab Ba Alawi, Abbasali Shihab Ba Alawi.

Shihab Thangal had his primary education at Panakkad and at M. M. High School, Kozhikode (matriculation). He also had his initial Islamic education at the traditional 'dars' at Tirur and Kananchery.

Higher education in Egypt

In 1958, Shihab Thangal left for Egypt for further studies and obtained his master's degree in Arabic Literature from Al-Azhar University in 1961. He continued his studies in Cairo University and pursued a Doctorate in Arabic Literature and Philosophy in 1966.

Shihab Thangal was well versed in English and French. He was also known for his enthusiasm for Sufi-poetry. On return to Kerala, the thangal married Sharifa Fatima Beevi, daughter of Sayed Ba Faqih Thangal.