‘Women entering public sphere will cause destruction’: Keralam Muslim cleric’s remarks spark row

A 95-year-old Muslim cleric in Kerala has sparked controversy after suggesting that women's participation in public life would "lead to destruction". Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musaliyar, the general secretary of the AP faction of the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, made the remarks during an Islamic conference in Kochi on Sunday.

According to Musaliyar, Islam mandated the concept of "purdah", which requires women to remain confined to their homes and avoid public exposure. He defended his stance, stating that his organization has been studying Islam for over a century and thus has the authority to speak on behalf of the Muslim community. The cleric also expressed disdain for those who question his authority.

Musaliyar's comments were made in response to a circular issued by the AP faction of Samastha, which sought to limit Muslim women's involvement in public events. The circular argued that displaying women among unrelated men on public stages was inappropriate and not permissible. The circular aimed to prevent Muslim women from participating in public celebrations alongside men at events such as Milad-e-Sharif.

Kerala's Women and Child Welfare Minister Bindhu Krishna strongly condemned Musaliyar's remarks, emphasizing that the Constitution guarantees equal rights for women and upholds gender equality. She highlighted that women have fought their way into the mainstream despite facing a dark age.

Congress leader and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala also distanced himself from Musaliyar's views, stating that he did not support restricting women's presence in public spaces. Kerala's Local Self-Government Minister KM Shaji declined to comment on the matter.