Kerala Minister Rebuffs Cleric’s Call to Restrict Women

The controversy erupted after the Kanthapuram faction of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama issued mandates prohibiting women from attending religious functions in the presence of unrelated men. The order further advised against young women appearing on public stages or participating in street processions. Musliyar defended these measures at the Hubbul Rasul Conference in Kochi, claiming that the Quran mandates domestic seclusion for women to preserve their dignity and prevent societal destruction.

Minister Krishna dismissed these arguments, emphasizing that the Indian Constitution guarantees equal rights and personal liberty to all citizens regardless of gender. She stated that such exclusionary rhetoric effectively pushes women back by centuries, declaring that women are fully capable of leadership and public participation. Despite the backlash, Musliyar remains defiant, asserting that he will not alter his interpretation of Islamic doctrine in response to political or public criticism.