Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Islamic scholar’s remarks on women’s public appearances draw criticism
An Islamic scholar in Kerala spoke about where women should appear in public.
He said women should stay mainly inside their homes.
He also said women appearing on public stages with men could cause “great destruction.”
He connected this view to the religious practice of purdah.
He said religious scholars in Samastha had taught this position for about 100 years.
A recent Samastha circular also called for religious programmes to follow certain boundaries.
Several women political leaders criticized the circular.
The disagreement is about how religious teachings should guide women’s participation in public life.
Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar said women should remain confined to their homes.
He said women appearing on public platforms would cause “great destruction.”
He cited purdah and the Holy Quran while explaining his position.
A Samastha circular directed that women should not share stages or public spaces with men.
Several women political leaders criticized the circular and the remarks.
- Who
- Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, E Sulaiman Musliyar, Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, and women political leaders.
- What
- A circular and subsequent speech called for restrictions on women’s public appearances and participation on stages with men.
- When
- The circular was issued the previous week; Kanthapuram made the remarks on Sunday, August 30.
- Where
- At an Islamic conference in Kochi, Kerala.
- Why
- Kanthapuram said Islamic teachings and purdah require women to remain at home and prevent the alleged consequences of public appearances.
Critics and women leaders
Kanthapuram and Samastha supporters
Women in public life
Critics and women leaders
Critics, including several women political leaders, objected to the restrictions on women’s public appearances and participation alongside men.
Kanthapuram and Samastha supporters
Kanthapuram said women should remain confined to their homes and should not appear on public platforms.
Religious basis
Critics and women leaders
The criticism challenges the attempt to use the circular and religious interpretation to limit women’s public participation.
Kanthapuram and Samastha supporters
Kanthapuram said purdah was prescribed by Islam and that Samastha scholars had taught these views for about 100 years.
- Speaker
- Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar
- Organisation
- Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama
- Circular’s direction
- Women should not share stages with men or appear in public spaces alongside them.
- Speaker’s claim
- Women’s presence on public platforms would cause “great destruction.”
- Religious reference
- Kanthapuram cited purdah and the Holy Quran.
- Response
- Several women political leaders criticized the circular.
- Location
- Kochi, Kerala