Sunni youth leader defends Kanthapuram’s directive on women at religious events

A senior Sunni youth leader has defended a directive issued by the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, led by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, which asks Muslim organizations to prevent women from mixing with men in public spaces during religious events. The Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS) State general secretary, Rahmathulla Saqafi Elamaram, made the defense in an opinion piece published in Siraj newspaper, a mouthpiece of the Sunni group.

The article argues that the Samastha directive aligns with Islamic teachings and aims to help Muslims who wish to adhere to religious rules. It maintains that the directive should not be viewed as a societal restriction, but rather as an internal matter for religious organizations to manage. The writer asserts that every religious or ideological movement has the right to uphold its own discipline and customs, and that leaders and followers should have the freedom to review and modify their practices without external influence.

He ties this freedom to democracy, emphasizing that diverse beliefs and practices contribute to the emergence of various religious and ideological movements. The article contends that activities involving young men and women, such as singing and dancing during religious celebrations, may shift the focus towards entertainment and materialism.

It also asserts that Islam has its own perspective on relations between men and women, prescribing conduct to protect family life and maintain social boundaries. The writer responds to criticism from CPI(M) leaders P.K. Sreemathy and K.K. Shailaja, questioning their interference in the issue and asserting that Muslims have the right to decide how their religious events should be conducted.

The article rejects accusations that Mr. Kanthapuram's stance is anti-woman, highlighting the educational institutions run by the leader and stating that his organization has educated and supported numerous girls. It also criticizes the author's perception of certain Communist positions on gender and family. The piece concludes by opposing what it labels as a form of "progress" that overlooks traditional family and social values, advocating instead for the preservation of humane values rooted in Islamic teachings.