Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama restricts women's participation in religious programs

The Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, a prominent Sunni organization in Kerala, has issued a directive restricting the participation of women in certain public religious programs. In a circular led by president E. Sulaiman Musliar and general secretary Kanthapuram A. P. Aboobacker Musliar, the body instructed mahals and madrasas to ensure that women are not present among unrelated men on stages or in public spaces during religious celebrations.

The leadership stated that religious functions should adhere to Islamic norms and avoid “un-Islamic” styles, specifically noting that young women should not be “displayed” before male members on stages or public roads.

The directive has faced significant criticism from social critics and political figures. CPI(M) central committee member P. K. Sreemathy condemned the language used, describing the term “display” as offensive when applied to human beings. Social critic M. N. Karassery also criticized the remarks, arguing that such stances oppose the constitutional values of equality and justice guaranteed in India.

In response, representatives of the organization defended the directive, stating that it serves to remind the faithful to adhere to religious discipline and that individuals have the freedom to live according to their faith.