Introduction
People may be sweet, but our memories of them can be bitter. However, Sayyid Shihab was an incredible exception to this phenomenon.
Respected scholars, dear friends, it is not easy to encapsulate a personality like Panakkad Sayyid Muhammadali Shihab (d. 2009) within the constraints of time and space. His persona, akin to other sagacious souls that have graced this earth, radiated like the sun. Each person tends to sing praises that align with their own perspective and ascribe unique interpretations to him.
Considering the age, reason, and passion of the young friends gathered here, I would like to share certain aspects of his personality that will resonate with your youthful minds. While he was undeniably a great political leader, a spiritual sage, and an exceptional mediator, there are facets of his character that will particularly captivate you.
1. Affable Appearance:
All that glitters is not gold. But Sayyid Shihab is among the notable exceptions. Regardless of the gravity of the situation, he consistently presented himself in the most pleasing manner. His unwavering composure and affable demeanor were unaffected by the challenges that surrounded him. Sayyid Shihab’s ability to maintain his grace and amiability, even in the face of adversity, serves as a testament to his exceptional character.
2. Transforming the Twists of Fate:
When Sayyid Shihab returned from Egypt after his studies, he was confined to his private room in the world of books and magazines. He enjoyed soft music and reading Arabic literature. His only exposure to the public was when he served tea to the visitors who came to meet his father. But when he was forced to take over the leadership of the party after his father’s death, he had to sacrifice his dream of living in a silent world of literature and music. From a solitary bookish and artistic world, he was dragged to the noise and nuisance of public life. But he shone in that as well. True, his academic dream was shattered. But he transformed that twist of fate into an opportunity.
3. Performance is the Real Experience:
Another valuable lesson we learn from Sayyid Shihab’s life is that success is not necessarily tied to prior experience. He remarkably thrived in his political career without the assistance of any formal training or previous background. His ascent to success was akin to a shooting star, embodying the true essence of his name. In contrast, if one remains stagnant, performing in the same manner for twenty years, it can hardly be regarded as experience but rather as a manifestation of complacency and indolence. Sayyid Shihab’s journey serves as a vivid reminder that continuous growth, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new challenges are vital ingredients for achieving true success.
4. Commitment:
Normally, we cry when we lose our power or influence. But Sayyid Shihab cried when he got it. He harbored concerns about the weighty responsibilities and burdens that accompanied his role as the President of his Party, as well as the obligations he had towards the Community. This poignant reaction echoes the sentiments of the Rightly Guided caliphs throughout history, who also exhibited a similar apprehension towards power. Sayyid Shihab’s genuine humility and conscientious approach to leadership stand as a testament to his exceptional character and deep sense of responsibility.
5. Confidence in his decisions:
As a political and community leader, he had to make many critical decisions in his busy life. I’m not saying all were the right ones. In fact, some of them were very damaging for his Party’s electoral success. For example, the stand he took after the Babri Masjid demolition caused the electoral defeat of one of the most charismatic leaders of his party. Despite that, he remained firm in his stand. But as time proved, his was the most apt decision for the future of the community and the nation. He didn’t care if his Party lost, but he wanted harmony and humanity to win. That is why we remember him. He dared to see light ahead when everyone cursed the darkness around them.
6. Extremist in moderation
Sayyid Shihab possessed a profound appreciation for the richness and variety of life. He held a deep respect for diversity and never imposed his own thoughts on others. Viewing life as a cohesive whole, he often expressed the belief that one should embrace all aspects of life but within reasonable limits, with a sense of measure. It is remarkable to consider that a sage of his stature would find time to nurture relationships with pets, cultivate rare plants, and even peruse cricket pages in newspapers. His life philosophy centered around moderation, and he spared no effort in exemplifying it to the fullest extent possible. Sayyid Shihab’s commitment to a balanced and measured approach to life serves as an inspiration for us all.
7. Love for Technology
Sayyid Shihab held a deep affinity for technology. Upon his return from Egypt, he possessed a tape recorder, a novel and unfamiliar device to many around him at the time. In his youth, he even owned a camera and found joy in capturing moments through photography. How many of us, gathered here today, blessed with knowledge in mechanical, electrical, and electronic engineering, would take the initiative to step into the cockpit and engage in conversation with a pilot about the intricacies of flying machines? Sayyid Shihab did. Perhaps he perceived technology as a divine gift and a benevolent means for humanity’s advancement. As early as 1999, he embraced the use of a digital diary to record my contacts during my visits to him, showcasing his willingness to embrace emerging technologies. If he were alive today, I have no doubt that he would eagerly explore the marvels of an iPad, reveling in the exhilaration of technological progress. Sayyid Shihab’s profound appreciation for technology reminds us of its potential to enhance our lives and the importance of embracing its positive aspects.
8. Proverbs in Practice
Proverbs often leave us contemplating their feasibility in practical life. The phrase “Actions speak louder than words” finds its embodiment in the remarkable life of Sayyid Shihab. His youngest son, reflecting on his father’s influence, expressed in a memoir that “He did not advise me with mere words, but rather through the noble actions he exemplified.” In our current era, marked by its relentless pace, Sayyid Shihab stood as a living embodiment of virtues such as patience, serving as a profound and invaluable source of wisdom. His life serves as a testament to the power of actions in conveying profound meaning and leaving a lasting impact on others. Sayyid Shihab’s unwavering commitment to personal virtues serves as an inspiration for us to cultivate and embody similar qualities in our own lives.
9. Cool In Both Victory & Defeat
The invaluable lesson I gleaned from his life pertained not only to how to conduct oneself in times of victory but, more importantly, during periods of defeat.
It was a poignant October afternoon during the sacred month of Ramadan in 2006. Sayyid Shihab sat in the hall, devoid of his shirt, as stringent precautions were taken to keep guests at a distance to prevent any risk of infection. Fresh from a critical operation in the United States, the Sufi Sultan found himself facing one of the gravest crises of his life, besieged by losses on all fronts.
His physical health had reached an unprecedented nadir, depriving him of the ability to fulfill his greatest passion: offering solace and resolution, providing comfort to the distressed and deprived.
Furthermore, tragedy struck as his beloved wife, Sayyida Shareefa, passed away in Kerala while he was undergoing surgery in the United States. Ordinarily, the illustrious daughter of the renowned Kerala leader, Sayyid Abdur Rahman Bafaqi, would accompany her husband on distant journeys. Yet fate, in its unforgiving manner, denied them the opportunity to be together before his return, and he received the news of her demise only upon reaching Kerala.
On the political front, his Party suffered its most crushing defeat in its history. The movement endured an ignominious electoral setback during his absence.
When I questioned him about the wellspring of his confidence amidst these disheartening setbacks in his personal and political life, he kindly corrected me, asserting that he was far from disheartened. He acknowledged that his Party had suffered due to its own actions and pledged to undertake corrective measures to make amends
10. Respect for Talents
Individuals from diverse backgrounds flocked to his residence, seeking an audience with him. Business magnates and the underprivileged, ambitious politicians and spiritual luminaries, poets and writers alongside orators and singers—all found themselves welcomed by his inclusive embrace. He possessed an extraordinary ability to recognize and appreciate the unique talents of each individual. In his discerning eyes, he saw the potential for every talent to be harnessed and directed towards noble endeavors that would uplift and benefit society as a whole. Sayyid Shihab firmly believed in the inherent value and contribution that every individual, regardless of their background or station in life, could bring to the betterment of the community.
Dear Friends. May I suggest you spare some time in life to get to know the Sayyid more closely and make an effort to adopt the excellent morals from his life. It will definitely make you a successful person in life to benefit your loved ones and the community.
His Fame
The popularity of Sayyid Shihab has witnessed a steady rise, and it is poised to continue soaring in the future. His admirers, deeply moved by his remarkable life and teachings, have created numerous fan pages dedicated to him. Across various social networks, several thousands have proudly displayed his photo as their profile picture, symbolizing their admiration and respect. A simple act such as subscribing to a Google search alert for ‘Shihab Thangal’ yields a daily or near-daily stream of alerts featuring new blog posts, videos, and other online content centered around his name and legacy. This widespread and ever-growing presence in the digital realm is a testament to the enduring impact and lasting influence of Sayyid Shihab on the hearts and minds of people across the globe.
My Shihab
Although my family had the privilege of meeting Sayyid Shihab only a few times, the impact of those encounters remains etched in our memories. Perhaps just two or three occasions were graced by his presence, yet their significance was immeasurable. I vividly recall the night he passed away—my father, overwhelmed by sorrow, could not find solace in sleep. In the realm of dreams, both my son and I have been blessed with his ethereal presence, a testament to the profound love and reverence we hold for him. Our experience is mirrored by countless others who cherished him for his exceptional qualities and virtues. It is a testament to the enduring bond forged with Sayyid Shihab, transcending mere physical meetings, and residing deep within the realms of our hearts and souls.
Conclusion
Throughout my life, I have never once felt the need to hang my head in shame due to the words or deeds of Sayyid Shihab. He epitomized the highest virtues of our civilized society in this modern age – harmony, pluralism, democracy, secularism, the empowerment of education for all, and the advancement of women. But above all, he exemplified the embodiment of spiritual values, serving as an extraordinary role model for all. His unwavering dedication to these principles radiated in every aspect of his life, earning my utmost admiration and respect. Sayyid Shihab’s profound influence has left an indelible impression on me, shaping my own perspective and inspiring me to embrace these noble values in my own conduct and interactions with others. His legacy serves as a constant reminder of the transformative power of embodying such virtues and the profound impact it can have on the world around us.
Friends. The Rose wins the respect and love of everyone, even the thorn. Sayyid Shihab spoke and lived far more beautiful than the Rose. Live as you shall never die in the hearts of others. Live like Sayyid Shihab.
Mujeeb Jaihoon’s speech at the Sayyid Shihab Commemorative Seminar, July 25 2012, MEA Engineering College, Perinthalmanna – Kerala
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SYED MUHAMMED ALI SHIHAB THANGAL COMMEMORATIVE
CONFERENCE AND RELIEF INAUGURATION
25-07-2012, WEDNESDAY, 1.30PM,SEMINAR HALL,MAIN BLOCK
PROGRAM CHART
QIRA’ATH:HAFIZ MUNEEB HUSSAIN
WELCOME SPEECH:MUHAMED SAWAD P.K.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS & RELIEF INAUGURATION:SYED MUNAVVAR ALI SHIHAB THANGAL
CHIEF GUEST: MUJEEB JAIHOON (MYSTIC POET)
RELIEF REPORT: MOHAMED RASHID P.
FELICITATIONS: HAJI K MAAMMAD FAIZY
NALAKATH SOOOPI
P. ABDUL HAMEED
Dr. AH ABDUL RAUF (PRICIPAL)
COMMEMORATIVE SPEECH: C.P. SAIDALAVI (CHIEF JOURNALIST, CHANDRIKA DAILY)
VOTE OF THANKS: MUNEER P.V.
