Grand Mufti Kanthapuram Aboobacker sparks controversy over remarks on women

Kanthapuram A. P. Aboobacker Musliyar, the Grand Mufti of India and General Secretary of Samastha Kerala Jam’iyyathul Ulama, has sparked widespread controversy following remarks advocating for the confinement of women to their homes.

Speaking at a conference in Kochi, Musliyar stated that women should avoid the public sphere, claiming that their presence on public platforms could lead to “great destruction.” He defended the practice of purdah, citing interpretations of the Quran, and compared women to gold jewelry that must be kept securely in a box to retain its value and beauty.

The remarks follow a recent circular from his organization directing religious institutions to ensure women do not appear on stages with unrelated men or participate in certain public religious processions.

The comments have drawn sharp condemnation from political leaders and activists. Kerala Labour Minister Bindu Krishna and social activist Shabnam Hashmi criticized the views as regressive and a violation of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees gender equality and freedom of movement. Political figures from both the CPI(M) and BJP have also voiced opposition to the cleric's stance.