1915 — 1999

A scholar who bridged spirituality, language, and healing.

Teacher, writer, lexicographer, and physician. From Edappally to the world of letters, P.B.K.Moulavi (P B Kunhamu Moulavi) left a legacy of knowledge that continues to inspire generations.

P B Kunhamu Moulavi

P B Kunhamu Moulavi

Afzalul Ulama

Scholar & Teacher

Dedicated his life to educating generations in language and ethics.

Lexicography

Pioneered dictionaries bridging Arabic, Malayalam, and English.

Physician

RMP in Ayurveda & Unani, healing the community with compassion.

Visionary

A leader in social and cultural organizations in Edappally.

The Life of a Scholar

A journey of dedication from Edappally to the zenith of knowledge.

P B Kunhamu Moulavi (1915-1999), Afzalul Ulama, was a revered teacher, scholar, poet, writer, lexicographer, and physician in Kerala. Born to Janab P K Bava Sahib (Palakkaparambil) and K A Pathu Sahiba in Edappally, his life was a testament to the pursuit of knowledge.

Receiving appreciation from Indira Gandhi
Receiving appreciation from Indira Gandhi

His work bridged spirituality, literature, social consciousness, and medicine. As an RMP (Ayurveda) physician, he blended the healing arts with spiritual wisdom, offering comfort to the ailing. His contributions to the literary world, particularly in lexicography and translation, unlocked new avenues of understanding for students and scholars alike.

Deep Roots in Edappally

He served as the Convener of the Edappally Juma Masjid Committee and President of Al Madrasathul Adabiyya Committee, playing a pivotal role in the region's cultural fabric. He was also the Vice President of Kochi City League, Vice President of Akhila Kerala Unani Hakim Federation and Managing Editor of Unani Times.

Timeline of Excellence

1915

Born in Edappally

Born to Janab P K Bava Sahib & K A Pathu Sahiba.

Legacy

Afzalul Ulama

Attained high scholarship in Islamic studies.

Career

Teaching & Writing

Served as a teacher while authoring dictionaries and poems.

Service

Juma Masjid Committee

Served as Convener of Edappally Juma Masjid Committee.

1999

Passed Away

Left behind a rich legacy of literature and healing.

Literary Contributions

Dictionaries, Interpretations, and Poetry that define a legacy.

Al Faraid Arabic Malayalam Dictionary
Dictionary

Al Faraid Arabic Malayalam Dictionary

A pioneering work that bridged Arabic and Malayalam languages.

Qamousu Thullab
Dictionary

Qamousu Thullab

Comprehensive Arabic-Malayalam-English dictionary for students.

Nabikeerthanageetham
Poetry

Nabikeerthanageetham

The hymn of praise for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) (Adiyil Abda'u Bismillah...)

PBK Moulavi Writing
Poetry

Baba Farid Moulid

In Baba Farid Moulid, Hazrat Baba Farid, one of the most revered Sufi saints and Poets in the Indian subcontinent is remembered and celebrated.

Fawaidul Mufradath by P.B.K. Moulavi
Medical

Favaidul Mufradath

P B K Moulavi's 'Fawaidul Mufradath', a treatise on medical science.

Urdu Basha Sahayi by P.B.K. Moulavi
Language

Urdu Basha Sahayi

A guide to mastering the Urdu language.

Eulogy P B Kunhamu Moulavi
Eulogy

Janab K P Aboobaker Moulavi

P B K Moulavi's Eulogy on Janab K P Aboobaker Moulavi

PBK Moulavi Opinion
Appreciation

Aboobaker Moulavi's Opinion

Janb K P Aboobaker Moulavi's opinion about P B K Moulavi's book (Year 1950)

P.B.K. Moulavi Avatharika
Appreciation

K K Kocho Sahib's Preface

Janab K K Kocho Sahib's Preface to P B K Moulavi's Book

Vishwa Vijnana Kosham by P B K Moulavi
Article

Vishwa Vijnana Kosham

The first encyclopedia in Malayalam ("Vishwa Vijnana Kosham") has an article on the Arabic language written by P B K Maulavi Sahib.

Interpretation

Ibn Seereen Swapna Shasthram

A scholarly interpretation of dreams usage.

Manuscript

History of Edappally Juma Masjid

Moulavi's writings on Edappally Juma Masjid's history are often quoted by many.

Eulogy

Eulogies

Dr Zakir Hussain (Former President of India) Sayyid Abdul Rahman Bafaqi Thangal (Great Leader of the Kerala Muslim Community )

Awards & Recognitions

Kerala Sahitya Akademi

Grant awarded for the pioneering "Al Faraid" Arabic-Malayalam Dictionary. P B K Moulavi was a recipient of the Central Cultural Department's lifetime pension and fellowship.

Unani Ratnam

Honored for his lifelong contributions to Ayurveda and Unani medicine.

National Appreciation

Recognized by leaders like Indira Gandhi and famous poet G Sankara Kurup.

A Friendship in Letters

P B Kunhamu Moulavi shared a profound mutual admiration with the celebrated poet Changampuzha Krishna Pillai. Both hailing from Edappally, their bond transcended boundaries, united by their love for literature and humanity.

A Friendship in Community Service

There was an unbreakable bond between two stalwarts of Edappally - Late Janab V P Marakkar Sahib and P B K Moulavi. A lawyer, labour leader, and former INTUC State President, Marakkar Sahib shared an enduring friendship with Moulavi, rooted in mutual respect and admiration.

Their camaraderie extended beyond personal spheres, playing out in service to the community. When Moulavi received the prestigious 'Unani Radnam' award, Marakkar Sahib orchestrated a grand reception at Edappally Toll Junction, celebrating this achievement with the people of Edappally.

Notably, their collaboration in community service was also evident in their roles at Edappally Juma Masjid Committee, where Moulavi served as Convener and Marakkar Sahib as President. This synergy reflected their shared vision for community welfare.

Community & Culture

Media and Press

The hymn of praise for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

YouTube

The hymn of praise for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

"Adiyil Abda'u Bismillah... A popular rendition of his poetic work."

Watch Video
The hymn of praise for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

YouTube

The hymn of praise for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Lyrical Version

"Adiyil Abda'u Bismillah... A popular rendition of his poetic work."

Watch Video

Reference Book

Featured in Kerala Muslim History Directory

"Documented contribution by Dr. C K Karim, acknowledging Moulavi's impact on Kerala's cultural landscape."

Madhyamam

“Hakim P B K Moulavi...”

"An insightful article by Dr. C K Karim exploring the dual role of the scholar as a physician and a writer.

After interviewing P B K Moulavi at his residence, renowned historian Dr. C K Karim wrote a feature article in Madhyamam daily, titled 'Hakim P B K Moulavi: The Lone Ranger of the Scholarly Realm'."

"മാനുഷരെല്ലാം ഒന്നെന്നും മാറ്റവിലാസം വന്നെന്നും
മാന്യൻ ഭക്തനൊരാളൊന്നും....."

From "Nabikeerthanageetham" (ആദിയിൽ അബ്ദഉ ബിസ്മില്ലാ)

Widely recited and available in multiple renditions on YouTube.

Appreciated By

His scholarly contributions and social vision earned him respect from leaders and literary giants across the spectrum.

  • 1
    Indira Gandhi (Former PM of India)
  • 2
    G Sankara Kurup (Jnanpith Winner)
  • 3
    A P Aboobaker Moulavi
  • 4
    C H Muhammad Koya