Kerala: A row erupted after Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar’s remarks on women’s public role, triggering a wider debate with reactions from prominent figures, including Kerala chief minister VD Satheesan.
While many, including the chief minister, slammed the remarks as regressive, several others, including members of Kanthapuram’s rival Samastha faction, defended his right to preach religious doctrine. Scholars pointed out that the right to propagate one’s religion is guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
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Kerala chief minister had rejected Kanthapuram’s remark saying neither his government nor his party would stand by it. He also contested the scholar’s remark stating it is a misinterpretation of Islam itself. He cited Prophet’s first wife Khadijah as a major businesswoman, Aisha’s role at the Battle of the Camel, and Queen Bilqis.
Kanthapuram had said that when women enter the public sphere, it will cause great ruin, emphasising that they should mostly remain inside their homes.
