Women should not be exhibited to strangers or into public places; Kanthapuram issues controversial directive

KOZHIKODE: The Kanthapuram faction of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama has issued a controversial directive against exhibiting women in public places during Islamic celebrations. Women should not be brought onto stages or into public places in the presence of strangers, the statement issued by Kanthapuram Aboobacker Musliyar said. It also called for measures to prevent celebrations from crossing limits.

The directive to mahalls and madrassas comes amid criticism over the participation of women in Nabi Day celebrations. The Kanthapuram faction has urged mahalla leaders to remain vigilant to ensure that Islamic celebrations do not cross prescribed limits.

Violations of religious boundaries should be viewed seriously, the statement said. The leadership of mosques, madrassas, other institutions and organisations should take special care to ensure that such programmes are conducted strictly in accordance with Islamic norms.

The leaders also pointed that displaying women on public roads and stages amongst strangers, as well as incorporating non-Islamic customs and forms of celebration into such events, is not appropriate for believers and is not permissible. Everyone has a responsibility to pass on morally upright examples to the next generation, the statement said.