Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan on September 2 rejected the views expressed by Kanthapuram A.P. Abubaker Musaliyar, general secretary of the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama (AP faction), on women, saying that the argument that women should be confined to their homes was outdated and belonged to the 19th century, not the 21st century.
Satheesan said arguments that twist Islamic history were not acceptable and that such views were not appropriate for a progressive state. He strongly opposed the contention that women should be confined to their homes and said the position that women sharing public platforms and social life with men would lead to disastrous consequences could not be accepted.
On August 28, Kanthapuram A.P. Abubaker Musaliyar issued a statement saying that young women should not be “exhibited” before strangers. He said violations of religious boundaries were a serious matter and emphasised that Islamic celebrations and rituals should not go beyond prescribed boundaries. These remarks triggered a controversy in Keralam, nationally and in theological circles.
Kanthapuram A.P. Abubaker Musaliyar also said girls should not be associated with non-Islamic rituals and celebrations and that such practices were not permissible.
The Chief Minister said the UDF (Congress-led ruling United Democratic Front) believes that women should be part of the mainstream of social life.
He said Islamic history itself provided examples of women playing prominent roles. The Prophet’s first wife, Khadeeja, was a successful businesswoman, Satheesan said. He cited another wife, Aisha, who participated in the Battle of Camel and was described by him as the supreme commander of the forces. He also referred to Bilqis, the Queen of Sheba, as an example of a woman ruler in Islamic history.
Satheesan also cited an incident involving a woman in the royal court of Caliph Umar. When a proposal was made to reduce the mehar, a woman member of the court opposed it, and Umar endorsed her argument. Satheesan said the incident demonstrated that women held a respectable position in royal courts.
Satheesan’s remarks are in sharp contrast with the positions of some of his ministerial colleagues, particularly those belonging to the Indian Union Muslim League. Leaders of both the UDF and LDF (CPM-led opposition Left Democratic Front) had so far been hesitant to directly condemn Kanthapuram’s remarks.
Satheesan’s statement therefore marks a significant departure from that position.
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Mahila Morcha state president Adv. Navya Haridas told the media in Kozhikode on September 2 that her organisation would organise protests across Keralam against Kanthapuram Musaliyar’s anti-women remarks.
