News Desk – A 94-year-old Muslim cleric from Kerala, Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar, also known as Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, has played a key role in stopping the execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen.
Who is Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar?
He is widely referred to as the ‘Grand Mufti of India’, although this title is not officially recognized by the government.
He is the 10th person to hold this title within India’s Sunni Muslim community.
Born in Kozhikode, Kerala, he is a respected Islamic scholar and is active in various national and international religious councils.
He frequently travels to the Gulf and Southeast Asia for sermons and religious events.
He also heads the Markaz Knowledge City project, which includes educational and cultural institutions.
His Role in Nimisha Priya’s Case
Nimisha Priya, a 37-year-old Indian nurse, was sentenced to death in Yemen for the murder of her Yemeni business partner in 2017.
Since India has no formal diplomatic ties with the Houthi rebels, who control large parts of Yemen including Sana’a, the situation became complicated.
What Did He Do?
He spoke to religious authorities in Yemen and explained the concept of clemency or forgiveness in exchange for “blood money” (monetary compensation to the victim’s family).
He said, “Islam allows the family of a murder victim to forgive the accused in return for compensation.”
After his request, the execution has been officially postponed, which gives more time for ongoing discussions with the victim’s family.
He informed the Indian government and the Prime Minister’s Office about the development.
Musliyar stepped in and reached out to religious scholars in Yemen to find a solution based on Islamic law.
What’s Next?
Negotiations are still going on with the victim’s family regarding the amount to be paid as blood money.
Nimisha’s mother is currently in Yemen, trying to speak with the family and help save her daughter.
A Sensitive Case
This case has drawn national attention because of the lack of diplomatic channels in Yemen and the serious nature of the crime.
The efforts of Musliyar have opened a possible path to save Nimisha Priya, with religion and diplomacy coming together during a difficult time.
