A circular issued by the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, led by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, has directed mahals and madrasas to ensure that women are not present among unrelated men at religious programmes, as reported in The Hindu.
In a joint statement, Samastha president E. Sulaiman Musliar and general secretary A.P. Aboobacker instructed mahal and madrasa authorities to ensure that programmes conducted under their institutions adhere to Islamic norms.
The circular specifically stated that women should not be present among men on stages or in public spaces during religious celebrations. It also cautioned religious institutions against incorporating customs that are considered non-Islamic into Islamic festivals and ceremonies.
The directive has drawn criticism, particularly on social media, with questions being raised over restrictions on women’s participation in public religious programmes.
CPI(M) central committee member P.K. Sreemathy condemned the circular and demanded that it be withdrawn. She described its language as objectionable and argued that Islam and Prophet Muhammad called for women to be treated with respect and consideration.
However, functionaries of Samastha defended the directive, maintaining that it merely reiterates existing religious norms for its followers.
“As Islamic scholars, they have done their duty. They reminded the faithful not to deviate from their religious path. Everyone has the freedom to live and preach according to their faith,” said Jamal Karulai, Kerala Muslim Jamaat district secretary.
The circular also instructed mahal officials and the leadership of mosques, madrasas and other institutions to ensure that religious programmes maintain what it described as religious values and discipline.
The directive comes amid the growing public nature of Milad-e-Sharif celebrations in parts of Kerala. While such programmes have traditionally been organised through mosques, madrasas and mahal committees, celebrations have increasingly expanded into public spaces, with youth clubs also organising events.
The expansion of these celebrations appears to have prompted concerns within the Samastha leadership over whether such programmes are being conducted in accordance with its interpretation of Islamic norms.
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