Kerala Islamic scholar clarifies remarks on women after backlash
Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar clarifies his earlier remarks on women, denying advocacy for confinement and citing educational initiatives for girls.
Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar has moved to clarify recent comments about women that drew sharp criticism across Kerala. Speaking at a programme in Thrissur on Thursday, he rejected the interpretation that he endorsed restricting women to their homes, stating, "We are not people who say women should be buried."
Mr. Aboobacker insisted that women have not been relegated to a secondary status in society. He pointed to the establishment of exclusive madrasas and schools for girls, along with institutions dedicated to their education and care for orphaned girls, as evidence of ongoing efforts to provide opportunities for women.
The clarification follows days of controversy triggered by his earlier statement suggesting women should remain confined to their homes. The remarks were condemned by various sections, including Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who described the view as outdated and out of step with a progressive Kerala.
The Chief Minister's criticism prompted a sharp rebuttal from organisations affiliated with the Sunni group led by Mr. Aboobacker, with those groups demanding an apology from Mr. Satheesan.