Keralam Islamic scholar says women’s public appearances will cause ‘great destruction’
Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar has sparked controversy by stating that women should remain confined to their homes and avoid public platforms. This directive, supported by a circular from the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, has faced criticism from various political leaders.
Why it matters
The statement highlights a significant ongoing debate regarding gender roles, religious interpretation, and women's rights in public life.
Following a controversial circular saying “women should not be present on public platforms”, Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar on Sunday said women should remain confined to their homes.
The Kanthapuram faction of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, the State’s premier council of Sunni-Shafi Islamic scholars, last week said religious celebrations and programmes should remain within prescribed boundaries.
In a recent circular, Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama president E. Sulaiman Musliar and general secretary Mr. Aboobacker directed that women should not share stages with men or appear in public spaces alongside them. The circular drew criticism, with several women political leaders speaking out against it.
Speaking at an Islamic conference in Kochi on Sunday, Mr. Aboobacker said bringing women onto public platforms would lead to “great destruction” and claimed that Islam prescribed purdah for women to prevent this.
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