Kanthapuram clarifies remarks on women amid criticism

Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar clarified his controversial remarks on women's confinement and burial on Thursday, September 3, 2026. He insisted that his statements advocating such practices were not his own, emphasizing, "We are not the ones who advocate that women be buried or confined." Musliar highlighted that numerous women were receiving education and opportunities under his initiatives.

He affirmed that no one in his organization viewed women as being second-class citizens, stating, "It is not correct to say that women have been given second place." The scholar further explained that exclusive madrasas and schools focused on girls' education had been created, and various institutions aimed at educating women were operational.

Additionally, he noted that orphaned girls were being cared for in these institutions. Musliar's clarification followed criticism from Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who deemed his 19th-century view incompatible with Kerala's progressive society. This prompted strong reactions from Aboobacker's Sunni group, who demanded an apology.