Kanthapuram clarifies remarks on women amid criticism

All India Jamiyyathul Ulama general secretary Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar has urged his followers to maintain restraint amid protests over his recent remarks on women’s participation in religious celebrations in public places. His call came after BJP workers in Palakkad burned his effigy. His remarks had triggered protests, with critics describing them as anti-woman. The protests also saw attempts by some to turn the issue into a source of division.

Mr. Aboobacker urged Sunni activists not to fall for provocation and called for a measured response. He said discussions should be used to examine ideas and learn, and warned against attempts to turn spiritual discussions into disputes and division.

He also urged his followers to remain vigilant against efforts to undermine the pursuit of knowledge and create divisions in society. He called for maturity and restraint in dealing with the situation. Mr. Aboobacker said the tradition of Sunni believers was to respond to evil with goodness, and urged his followers not to deviate from their core objectives. He called on them to move forward with discipline.