Background
Shihab Thangal was born as the eldest son of Panakkad Syed Ahmed Pookoya Thangal, who was a renowned Islamic leader of Kerala.
Shihab Thangal was born as the eldest son of Panakkad Syed Ahmed Pookoya Thangal, who was a renowned Islamic leader of Kerala.
Cairo University.
He had his primary education at the M.M. High School, Kozhikode. He continued his religious education at Thalakkadathur and Kananchery Dars under Ponmala Moideen Musliar. In 1958, he left for Egypt for further studies and obtained his master"s degree in Arabic literature from First Rate (at Lloyd's) Azhar University in 1961.
He continued his studies in Cairo University and pursued a Doctorate in Arabic Literature in 1966.
After spending about eight years in Egypt he returned home in 1966. Thangal had two sons: Syed Basheerali Shihab Thangal and Syed Munavarali Shihab Thangal and had four younger brothers: Sayed Umerali Shihab Thangal, Sayed Hyderali Shihab Thangal, Syed Sadiqali Shihab Thangal and Syed Abbasali Shihab Thangal.
Shihab Thangal remained President until his death in 2009. Shihab Thangal died on 1 August 2009 following a cardiac arrest.
Thangal was admitted to a private hospital after he slipped and fell down at his home, Panakkad Kodappanakkal.
His body was buried at the Panakkad Juma Masjid on 2 August 2009.
Shihab Thangal was a member of the Thangal family, who are of one the most well known Moplah families. He is one of the founding members of Midwest Economies Association, USA Engineering College and Markazu Tharbiyathil Islamiyya, Valancheri.