Kanthapuram Urges Calm Amid ’ Anti-Women’ Remarks Controversy: Cleric Warns Against Divisive Narratives
Kanthapuram alleged that such "evil intentions" were aimed at undermining the pursuit of knowledge and creating divisions in society.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Muslim cleric Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, facing criticism over his “anti-women” remarks, on Friday urged his followers not to get provoked or allow “spiritual and religious discussions” to be turned into controversies aimed at creating division in society.
In a Facebook post, the veteran Sunni scholar said discussions should serve as a healthy platform to objectively examine ideas and gain new knowledge.
“We must clearly recognize the vested interests of those who deliberately try to divert such spiritual discussions to spark controversies and divisive narratives.”
Kanthapuram alleged that such "evil intentions" were aimed at undermining the pursuit of knowledge and creating divisions in society. He urged his followers to stay vigilant and respond to provocations with maturity and wisdom rather than emotionally.
"The tradition of Sunni believers has always been to confront all evils only with goodness."
The Facebook post came shortly after his clarification over alleged anti-women remarks, stating that he was not among those who advocated barring or confining women, highlighting instead the educational opportunities provided to them. It is not correct to say that women have been given second place. We are not people who believe women should be pushed back. Everyone should understand this, he said while addressing a meeting in Thrissur on Thursday.
He added that madrasas and schools exclusively for girls had been established and that several institutions were being run to provide education to women. These institutions also offer opportunities and support to orphaned girls.
Kanthapuram sparked controversy with remarks suggesting women should stay at home and avoid public platforms, warning their presence could lead to “great destruction.” He justified his stance by citing purdah and comparing women to gold ornaments that need to be kept locked away. These comments came after a circular from the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama (Kanthapuram faction) prohibited women from sharing stages with men or appearing in public during religious events.
At 94, Kanthapuram is the Grand Mufti of India, heading the Sunni‑Sufi group Markazu Saqafathi Sunniyya and serving as General Secretary for both the All India Sunni Jamiyyathul Ulama and the Kanthapuram faction of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama.