Sunni youth leader defends Kanthapuram’s directive on women at religious events
A Sunni youth leader has defended a religious directive that discourages the mixing of men and women at public religious events. The leader argues that this is an internal matter of religious discipline and freedom of expression rather than a societal restriction.
Why it matters
The debate underscores the tension between religious autonomy and secular political intervention in cultural practices.
A senior Sunni youth leader has defended the directive issued by the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama led by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar asking Muslim organisations to prevent women from mixing with men in public spaces during religious celebrations.
Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS) State general secretary Rahmathulla Saqafi Elamaram made the defence in an opinion article published in Siraj newspaper, the mouthpiece of the Sunni group led by Mr. Kanthapuram.
The article argues that the Samastha directive is part of the Islamic code of conduct and is aimed at Muslims who wish to follow religious rules. It says the circular should not be seen as a restriction imposed on society at large.
According to Mr. Saqafi, every religious or ideological movement has the right to maintain its own discipline and customs. He argues that its leaders and followers should have the freedom to review and change their practices without outside interference.
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