An announcement by a fitness centre in Kerala’s Palakkad district describing itself as an “Islamic-friendly gym” has triggered a controversy, with the concept drawing criticism and sparking debate on social media, as reported in India Today.
The row began after a gym in Puthunagaram released a promotional video featuring its owner, Nawaz Muthu T, who outlined the facility’s operating model. In the video, Nawaz said the gym would function without loud music and would provide separate workout timings and spaces for men and women.
“We are launching an Islam-friendly gym, and I believe it will be the first of its kind in Kerala. Anyone interested is welcome to contact me and visit the facility,” Nawaz said in the video.
He also clarified that the gym was not a new venture but an existing fitness centre that had been operating for around 15 years and was currently undergoing renovation.
The promotional video, however, drew widespread criticism online, with several social media users questioning the purpose of the initiative and whether the facility was intended exclusively for Muslims.
Following the backlash, the original video was removed. Nawaz subsequently released another video in which he stated that the gym was open to people of all faiths and rejected claims that it was a Muslim-only facility.
“A lot of people say this is a Muslim gym or a gym only for Muslims. I am not saying that. I have never said this is a gym only for Muslims,” he said.
Explaining the concept behind the project, Nawaz said the term “Islamic-friendly” referred to certain operational practices rather than restrictions based on religion.
“When it comes to an Islamic-friendly gym, women and men should not work out together. Women should have a separate time and separate space. Men should have a separate time. There should be no loud music,” he said.
According to Nawaz, many people who strictly adhere to such practices currently avoid gyms because they are uncomfortable with mixed workout environments or facilities that play music.
“A lot of Muslims live according to Islamic principles. They don’t listen to music. There is no gym for them. When you go to a gym, it is not possible to switch off the music. There are women who are uncomfortable working out in mixed spaces. These are people who have not been able to access gyms until now,” he said.
He added that similar concerns existed within his own family and social circle, preventing some individuals from using fitness centres.
“Because I am a Muslim, I know many such people. Even among my relatives, there are people who do not go to gyms. This facility will be useful for them,” he said.
Responding to allegations that the gym was exclusionary, Nawaz reiterated that membership would not be restricted on religious grounds.
“Everyone can come. The only condition is that there will be no open music. Those who want to listen to music can do so through headphones. There is nothing wrong with that,” he said.
Recently, in the alleged Mirzapur gym conversion aka gym jihad racket, Hindu women were targeted through gyms, lured into relationships, blackmailed with compromising material and pressured to convert to Islam. Police stated that more than 50 women were targeted through a network involving gym owners, trainers and associates, with five gyms shut down and multiple accused, including a constable, a maulvi and a bodybuilding champion, currently in jail.
Is the new ‘Islamic-friendly’ gym another route for gym jihad in Kerala? Time will tell.
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