Shocking reports have emerged from Palakkad indicating that some Islamists who are fitness enthusiasts are planning to open a gymnasium in Puthunagaram. Opening a gym is not shocking in itself, but the fact that those behind the venture say it will function as a Shari’a law-based gymnasium has attracted attention, particularly in a state where the Muslim League has a significant political presence.
According to a social media post by the gym proprietor, the gym has been operating in the area for the past 15 years. He stated that the facility will now be converted into an Islamic-law-based gym under the banner of being “Islam-friendly.”
The post suggests that the first Shari’a-law-based gymnasium is set to come up in Puthunagaram. There will be no music. Women will be required to cover their aurat and awrah — terms that refer to parts of the body that, according to Islamic teachings, must be covered in front of others. The proprietor describes it as the first Islam-friendly gym of its kind. The gym has reportedly been functioning for the past 15 years and is now being converted into an Islam-friendly gym. The owner made these statements on social media.
Proprietor’s social media post:
“This gym will be run according to Islamic rules. There will be no music. Aurat should be covered. Men and women will not be trained together.”
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The owner also stated that the facility would welcome people from all faiths, provided they comply with the gym’s rules and regulations. The post described the initiative as the first “Islam-friendly” gym of its kind in the region.
The gym will be operated according to Islamic laws. There will be no music. Women will be required to wear the hijab. Aurat must be covered. Men and women will not train together and will instead be allotted separate time slots. Followers of non-Muslim faiths are also welcome, provided they abide by the aforementioned rules.
Further information regarding the proprietor is not available. It is also not clear whether the facility will be used solely for physical fitness training. Some years ago, there were reports alleging that outlawed organisations such as PFI and NDF had conducted arms training in gyms.
Since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, women have been increasingly restricted from public spaces. Critics argue that developments such as this reflect a similar social trend. They contend that this latest development shows Islamists tightening their grip in Kerala. While gyms generally have specialised workout attire, critics point out that purdah and hijab would be mandatory in this gym, along with separate schedules for men and women. Although the proprietor has every right to determine how his gym operates, critics see the move as a sign of broader social changes that could have implications for Kerala in the future.
