In a display of how Islamic fundamentalists treat women, a Kerala-based Islamic cleric has stirred controversy by condemning a 55-year-old widow for taking a trip to Manali and enjoying the snow. The cleric’s remarks have ignited a debate over women’s freedom, the role of Islam in dictating personal choices.
On December 11, 2024, Nabeesumma, a widow from Kerala, embarked on a trip to Manali with her daughter, Jifna. In a country where women today hold the highest offices, from the President to key ministerial roles, Nabeesumma’s simple act of travel should not have raised eyebrows. Like millions of other Indians, she shared her joy on social media, posting a video of herself playing in the snow with her daughter. Addressing her friends, she joyfully remarked:
“My friends, Hajara, Shafiya, Naseema, Sakkeena, you all are sitting at home… What a fun here! I am here with my darling daughter; come on, enjoy this.”
The video quickly went viral, receiving warm responses from many. However, not everyone was pleased.
The Cleric’s Outrage: A Voice from the Past
Enter Ibrahim Sakhafi, a senior Islamic cleric, whose regressive mindset came to the forefront when he publicly denounced the widow’s actions. In a speech, he lashed out at her, stating:
“A grandma who lost her husband twenty-five years back should have spent her time in a corner of her home and recited the dikhr and swalaath (Islamic prayers). Instead, she has gone to some other state for playing in the ice. She is keeping on throwing the ice… This is the problem.”
Sakhafi’s statement reflects an outdated, anti-women mindset that insists on controlling women’s lives, even dictating how a widow should grieve decades after losing her husband. His remarks mirror the ideology of hardline religious groups worldwide that restrict women’s mobility and independence.
Daughter’s Response:
Refusing to stay silent, Nabeesumma’s daughter, Jifna, directly confronted the cleric’s comments, asking:
“Doesn’t a widow have the right to go around? Mom is unable to move around in society. She cannot even visit the place of a relative when he or she dies. Everyone is talking about Usthad’s statement. It gives the impression that Mom committed a grave crime. Now, she has lost the entire joy she got from the Manali trip.”
ഉമ്മയുടെ കണ്ണീരിന് നിങ്ങൾ സമാധാനം പറഞ്ഞേതീരൂ;
വിമർശിച്ച മതനേതാവിന് മറുപടിയുമായി നഫീസുമ്മയുടെ മകൾ#janamonline #JanamTv #BREAKING #islam pic.twitter.com/BaaYKKCI54— Janam TV (@tvjanam) February 20, 2025
The cleric’s reaction to a simple pleasure trip underscores how deep-rooted the problem of women’s suppression remains in certain sections of society.
This controversy is not just about one widow’s vacation. It is about the ongoing battle between progress and oppression. While India celebrates women’s empowerment, with women excelling in politics, business, and public life, religious hardliners continue to issue edicts to confine women to their homes.
Sakhafi’s remarks serve as a reminder of the challenges ahead. This is not merely a case of one woman being shamed; it is a reflection of the rigid structures that seek to limit the agency of women in the name of religion.
The statement by Islamic Moulvi serves as a stark reminder to pseudo-secularists and those who turn a blind eye to the spread of Islamic fundamentalism. His words echo the oppressive ideology of the Taliban.
Bharat stands at the forefront of women’s empowerment, with women holding the highest offices—our Rashtrapati, Finance Minister, and even the Chief Minister of Delhi. Previously women led in various top roles as foreign and defence ministers, shaping the nation’s future. Yet, the Muslim clergy refuses to acknowledge this progress, clinging to regressive ideologies that deny women their basic freedoms. This backward mindset was once again exposed by ‘senior’ Muslim cleric Ibrahim Sakhafi, who outrageously denounced a Muslim widow for daring to take a simple pleasure trip—an act he deemed unacceptable for a woman.
