Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker | Power beyond the pulpit
The Muslim cleric and scholar based in Keralam has faced criticism over his recent comments that women should remain at home rather than occupy public spaces
Kanthapuram, A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, the Grand Mufti of India, has been a prominent figure in Kerala's Sunni Muslim community for more than five decades. He is popularly known as Kanthapuram and is the founder of Jamia Markaz in Karanthur near Kozhikode, which has become a hub for religious, educational and social activities. At 89, Kanthapuram continues to teach the Hadith, a collection of reports on Prophet Muhammad's teachings and practices.
His influence extends beyond Kerala, as he is known as Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad in the wider Muslim world.
A controversy arose recently when Kanthapuram issued a circular to mahallus, asking them to refrain from displaying women in public during Islamic celebrations. The circular came under criticism, with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and his political ally, CPI(M), condemning the remarks. The controversy was not the only issue related to Kanthapuram's conservative views on women.
His political influence grew after his 1989 split from the Samstha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, leading to a division in Keralam's Sunni Muslim community.
Kanthapuram's organisation, Markaz Knowledge City, faced criticism for housing a claimed sacred relic of Prophet Muhammad. Critics doubted its authenticity, while Kanthapuram's followers regarded it as a sacred object. Despite facing criticism over his conservative views, Kanthapuram has maintained relationships with various political parties and even met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
His reach extends beyond politics, as he has been associated with international initiatives like the Amman Message and A Common Word, promoting Islamic unity and Muslim-Christian understanding. He also intervened in a humanitarian case involving a Kerala nurse facing execution in Yemen. Kanthapuram's influence in Keralam is widely recognized, earning him praise from followers as a scholar, teacher, and institution-builder, while critics view him as a conservative cleric with significant political sway.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
