Sunni Youth Leader Defends Samastha Directive on Gender Mixing at Religious Events

A senior leader of the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS) has publicly defended a recent directive issued by the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, which calls on Muslim organisations to prevent men and women from mixing in public spaces during religious celebrations.

In an opinion piece published in the newspaper Siraj, SYS State general secretary Rahmathulla Saqafi Elamaram argued that the directive is rooted in Islamic codes of conduct and is intended for Muslims who choose to follow religious rules. He maintained that the circular should not be interpreted as an imposition on society at large.

Mr. Saqafi asserted that every religious or ideological movement has the right to maintain its own discipline and customs. He contended that leaders and followers should have the freedom to review and alter their practices without external interference, linking this autonomy to democratic principles. He argued that attempts by outsiders to reshape the internal practices of such groups amount to an infringement on freedom of opinion and expression.

The article further stated that Islamic celebrations carry a spiritual purpose, and that activities involving young men and women singing and dancing together could shift the focus towards entertainment and material enjoyment. Mr. Saqafi also explained that Islam prescribes specific rules of conduct regarding interactions between men and women to protect family life and maintain social boundaries.

Responding to criticism from CPI(M) leaders P.K. Sreemathy and K.K. Shailaja, the writer questioned their intervention, asserting that Muslims have the right to decide how their religious celebrations are conducted. He also rejected the charge that the directive is anti-woman, pointing to the educational institutions run by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, which he said have provided education and support to tens of thousands of girls.

The article concluded by criticising certain Communist positions on gender and family, and rejecting a form of "progress" that ignores traditional family and social values. It argued instead for preserving what it described as the humane values of Islamic teachings.