'Islam supports gender equality'; it does not say women should not go out, says Palayam Imam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Palayam Imam Dr V.P. Suhaib Moulavi has rejected the anti-women remarks made by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar. He said Islam does not prohibit women from going out or participating in society and that there is no need to impose unnecessary restrictions on them.

Women should actively participate in society while observing the necessary religious guidelines, Suhaib Moulavi said. He made the remarks during Friday prayers.

He also said the Quran does not endorse any form of gender discrimination. The active presence and participation of women during the time of the Prophet’s companions, the Sahaba, is evidence of this, he said.

According to the Palayam Imam, restrictions on women were introduced by some conservative groups that emerged in later periods. Such groups, he said, imposed unnecessary prohibitions on women.

“As believers, both women and men should participate in public life while following Islamic guidelines,” Suhaib Moulavi said. He stressed that Islam upholds equality between women and men.

Islam does not prescribe gender-based discrimination in employment or other areas of activity, he said. He added that women and men should also be treated equally in terms of wages.

Citing Islamic history, Suhaib Moulavi pointed out that the Prophet’s wife had also participated in a war. He said this was among the examples highlighting the active role of women in the early Islamic period.