Kanthapuram clarifies remarks about women amid criticism

Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliar. File | Photo credit: The Hindu

Kanthapuram Islamic scholar AP Aboobacker Musliar on Thursday (September 3, 2026) clarified his remarks about women, saying, “We are not the ones advocating that women be buried or imprisoned,” and claimed that several women have been given education and opportunities.

“It is not right to say that women have been given second place. We are not people who say that women should be buried. Everyone should understand that,” Mr. Aboobacker said while addressing a program in Thrissur.

He said that exclusive madrasas and schools for girls were established and several institutions were run for their education. He also said that several women were given education and opportunities in these institutions and that orphaned girls were cared for.

His clarification came days after his statement that women should remain confined to their homes drew widespread criticism from various sections of society, including Chief Minister VD Satheesan, who said such a 19th-century view had no place in progressive Kerala.

Amid controversy over remarks about women, Kanthapuram urges followers not to be ‘provoked’ into controversies

Mr Satheesan’s remarks drew a sharp response from organizations linked to the Sunni group led by Mr Aboobacker, who also demanded an apology from him.

Published – 04 Sep 2026 0:31 IST