The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), founded on March 10, 1948, emerged from the tumult of India's partition, initially facing skepticism from political leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru famously referred to the IUML as a 'dead horse,' while IUML leader CH Mohammed Koya countered that it was a 'sleeping lion.' Over the decades, the IUML has transformed into a formidable political entity in Kerala, winning 22 of the 27 seats it contested in the latest assembly elections. The party's foundation was rooted in a rejection of the two-nation theory, and it has since aligned closely with the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, reinforcing its influence among Kerala's Muslim population. The IUML has navigated complex political landscapes, including alliances with both the Congress and the Communist parties, and has maintained a significant electoral presence, especially in the Muslim-majority district of Malappuram. Today, under the leadership of Sayyid Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal, the IUML continues to assert its relevance, engaging in various social initiatives and expanding its political footprint across multiple states in India.