Kerala ministers slam Muslim cleric’s ‘confine women to homes’ remark

Kerala government officials have sharply criticized remarks by a prominent Sunni Muslim cleric that women should remain confined to their homes, calling the statement regressive and contrary to constitutional values.

Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar, 95, who serves as general secretary of the AP faction of the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, made the controversial comments during a public event on Sunday. He claimed that women's entry into public spaces would lead to societal destruction and cited Islamic principles, including the concept of purdah, as justification. His remarks followed the release of a circular by the same religious body that discouraged the participation of Muslim women in public events, particularly during celebrations like Milad-e-Sharif.

Kerala's Minister for Women and Child Development, Bindhu Krishna, rejected Musliyar’s statements, affirming that the Constitution guarantees equal rights for women. "Women in our society have equal rights under the Constitution. We are a country that upholds gender equality," she said. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala also opposed the idea, stating, "I do not conform to the idea of restricting women in the public sphere."

Other political leaders, including Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader PK Sreemathy, questioned whether such views could deny women their constitutional rights. "Is a woman not a citizen of India?" Sreemathy asked, emphasizing that all citizens, regardless of gender, are entitled to constitutional protections.

The Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama has defended its stance, asserting its authority to interpret Islamic teachings and calling for continued adherence to traditional norms regarding women’s roles. Musliyar reiterated that the organization, which has studied Islam for over a century, has the right to issue such guidance.

The remarks have sparked a broader debate in Kerala about religious conservatism, women's rights, and the intersection of faith and constitutional principles. While some political leaders have condemned the statements, others, such as Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader KM Shaji, declined to comment, reflecting the sensitivity of the issue within the state's diverse political and religious landscape.

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