Keralam Islamic scholar says women’s public appearances will cause ‘great destruction’
In a recent circular, Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama president E. Sulaiman Musliar and general secretary Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar directed that women should not share stages with men or appear in public spaces alongside them
Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, a prominent Islamic scholar from the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, has stated that women's public appearances could lead to "great destruction". The Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, Kerala's leading council of Sunni-Shafi Islamic scholars, recently released a circular prohibiting women from sharing stages with men or appearing in public spaces with them.
This decision has sparked controversy, with women political leaders condemning the circular. At an Islamic conference in Kochi, Mr. Aboobacker argued that Islam mandates purdah for women to prevent the negative consequences of their public exposure. He cited the Quran's directive for women to remain confined within their homes and not engage in public appearances.
Mr. Aboobacker asserted that this practice has been taught by knowledgeable religious scholars, particularly leaders of Samastha, for the past 100 years. He emphasized that the continued presence of honour and dignity among women in the country can be attributed to this longstanding teaching by religious scholars. Despite objections from other organizations and Samastha leaders, Mr. Aboobacker stated that religious scholars have an obligation to speak on the matter and will continue to do so, regardless of any challenges.
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