Row over Kanthapuram directive limiting women’s public participation grows as Samastha defends ‘right to preach’
A controversy regarding Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar's directive to limit women's public participation has intensified as rival religious factions debate the boundaries of religious authority. The discussion has expanded to include political figures and questions regarding the freedom to preach religious doctrine.
Why it matters
The debate highlights ongoing tensions between traditional religious interpretations and modern social participation in Kerala, India.
The row over Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar’s remarks on Muslim women has taken a new turn, with his rival Samastha faction defending his right to preach religious doctrine as the debate widens to include religion, public life and political intervention.
Syed Mohammed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, who heads the rival Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama headquartered at Chelari, broke his silence on Wednesday evening (September 2, 2026), saying religious scholars should not be attacked or disparaged for explaining religious teachings to their followers.
Though he did not name Mr. Kanthapuram or Keralam Chief Minister, his remarks came after V.D. Satheesan criticised the scholar and said his position amounted to a misinterpretation of Islam.
Muslim Jamaat condemns Keralam Chief Minister’s remarks on Kanthapuram, seeks apology
K.T. Jaleel backs Kanthapuram, links remarks to IUML woman leaders’ conduct
Munavvar Ali Thangal seeks to play down Kanthapuram circular controversy
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