Controversy over Kanthapuram’s remarks is unnecessary, says INL

The Indian National League (INL) has said that the controversy created by some over a circular issued by Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama led by Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliar advising women not to cross limits during Islamic celebrations and avoid indecent intercourse with men in public places and on stages is unnecessary and problematic.

In a statement issued on Sunday (August 30, 2026), INL State General Secretary Kasim Irikkur said Mr Musliar’s remarks were directed at the community he represented. He said that Mr. Musliar as a respected Islamic scholar and the Kanthapuram Samastha had the right and religious responsibility to offer such guidance. It was also their religious duty, Mr Irikkur said.

According to the INL leader, scholars were not trying to push women back centuries, but warned against deviations from moral values ​​under the influence of modern liberal thinking. He said such guidelines apply not only to women but also to men and members of all religious communities.

He said the scholars could have warned the mahal committees in view of cases where a section of people allegedly violated religious norms and behaved inappropriately on public roads and on stages during celebrations associated with the Prophet’s birth anniversary.

“Those who try to portray it as a serious offense and start criticizing it harshly are not showing a broad-minded approach. It is also a rejection of the secular perspective. Kanthapuram Aboobacker Musliar has a constitutional right to express his views and that people are free to accept or reject them based on their understanding,” Irikkur said.

Published – 30 Aug 2026 20:54 IST