TheThangals (also spelledTangals) are a social group[3] among the Muslims ofKerala, south India.[1] The Thangals are often regarded as roughly equivalent to the more generalSayyids orSharifs, or descendants ofMuhammad, of the widerIslamic culture.[2][3] Most members of the community practiceendogamy and rarely marry outside their community.[4][5]
The Thangal families are numerous inKerala, all receive recognition, but some are considered as saints.[2] The Thangal identification brings much 'reverence and attention' in the Kerala Muslim community (which predominantly identifies withShafi'i madhab).[6] Some individuals take advice from the Thangals on crucial matters.[3] A number of thangals in Kerala 'treat' people for illness and to 'ward off evils'.[3]
Shihab, Mashoor, Hirdh, Bafaqi, Jifri, Jamalullayli are some of major Thangal families have many gradations of status on social and economic scale. Influential of the Thangals generally come from prominent business families. They usually exercise their influence through commerce and politics.[2][verification needed]
