Overview The Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama (SKJU), representing the traditional Sunni scholarly body of Kerala, adopted a landmark resolution at its centenary conference concluded on 8 February 2026 . The resolution unequivocally condemns the theocratic ideology propagated by the Jamaat‑e‑Islami and the so‑called ‘Maududist’ streams, labeling them as extremist threats to the peaceful tradition of Islam. By invoking the legacy of Ahl‑us‑Sunnah wa‑l‑Jama‘ah , the body calls for vigilance against political Islam that seeks to alienate Muslim youth and fragment community cohesion. Key Developments Resolution against theocratic ideology: SKJU denounced the Jamaat‑e‑Islami’s push for a political version of Islam, warning that emotional campaigns masquerading as neutral media aim to create divisions. Identification of ‘Maududist’ threat: The body highlighted the misuse of emotional narratives and political rhetoric by ‘Maududist’ groups to mislead young Muslims, calling this a grave ideological danger. Reaffirmation of orthodox methodology: SKJU reiterated its adherence to one of the four Sunni schools of jurisprudence and the Ash‘ari or Maturidi theological traditions, rejecting un‑Islamic practices that bypass classical scholarly authority. Important Facts Date of adoption: The resolution was passed on 8 February 2026 during the centenary conference of SKJU. Core stance: The body stresses that any deviation from the Madhhab‑based path, including the misuse of concepts like Maqasida al‑Sharia and Fiqh al‑Aqalliyat , is deemed un‑Islamic and must be rejected. UPSC Relevance This development is pertinent to UPSC General Studies Paper II (Governance, Constitution, Polity) and Paper III (Security, Law, and Society). It offers a concrete case study on the interplay between religious institutions and political ideologies, communal harmony, and the state’s role in monitoring extremist narratives. Questions may explore the impact of religious bodies on social cohesion, the legal framework governing hate speech, or comparative analysis of sectarian movements in India. Way Forward Moving ahead, the SKJU’s stance underscores the need for collaborative engagement between state agencies, civil society, and moderate religious institutions to counter radicalisation. Policy recommendations include strengthening community‑level dialogue, monitoring digital platforms for extremist propaganda, and promoting educational curricula that emphasize pluralistic interpretations of Islam aligned with constitutional values.