'Anti-women' remark row: Rival Sunni faction backs Kanthapuram, slams Keralam CM

The controversy over Islamic scholar Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar’s remarks on women has taken a political turn, with Suprabhatam, the mouthpiece of the EK Sunni faction of Samastha Keralam Jamiyyathul Ulama, defending him and launching a broadside against Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan.

The editorial said Satheesan’s response to Kanthapuram’s controversial remarks appeared to have been shaped by an incomplete understanding of Islam, which it compared to the “experience of the blind men and the elephant”.

It accused the chief minister of relying on a narrative “fed to him by some among Muslims themselves” and said he had failed to understand Prophet Muhammad's role in liberating women from a society where they were treated as slaves and baby girls were buried alive.

Also read: When Keralam's warring Sunni factions find common ground in silencing women

Kanthapuram, who heads the AP Sunni faction, had said that bringing women onto public platforms would lead to “great destruction”. Satheesan had criticised the view as an idea belonging to the 19th century.

Remarks spark criticism

Kanthapuram made the remarks at a programme in Thrissur on Thursday night, where he rejected the contention that women were treated as second-class citizens and highlighted efforts to educate women. However, his comments that women should remain within their homes triggered criticism.

While defending Kanthapuram’s right to express his opinion at his religious centre, Suprabhatam said Satheesan was equally entitled to criticise it. The editorial, however, questioned the Chief Minister’s consistency on women’s rights.

It referred to his opposition to the entry of young women into Sabarimala and contrasted that position with his present criticism of Kanthapuram’s remarks. It also attacked his stand on the Munambam Waqf land issue and the PM SHRI scheme.

Editorial targets Satheesan

The editorial then moved beyond the immediate controversy to Satheesan’s political career. It noted that he had been a legislator for nearly 25 years but had never served as a minister, despite the Congress-led UDF being in power for a decade during that period.

It also claimed that younger-generation MLAs had backed Satheesan and that he later played a decisive role in shaping the Congress and the UDF in Keralam. The Left, it said, had attempted to portray him variously as a “liar”, a “Jamaat” supporter and a “Sanghi”.

Also read: Nimisha Priya case: Who is Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musaliyar, the Grand Mufti?

The editorial also recalled Satheesan’s prediction that the UDF would return to power with more than 100 seats.

Chennithala reference

A more subtle political reference came towards the end, when it compared Satheesan with Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala. While noting that Satheesan reads 75 pages a day, it pointed out that he has never written a novel.

Chennithala, who has long been seen as an aspirant for the Chief Minister’s post, has written one titled Niyogam — a word that can mean destiny or calling.

Sunni factions at odds

The backing from the EK Sunni faction is significant as Kanthapuram leads the rival AP Sunni faction, which has differences with the group headed by Samastha president Jifri Muthukoya Thangal.

Meanwhile, Kanthapuram has urged his followers not to allow the controversy to become a source of provocation or division. In a Facebook post, he said vested interests were attempting to divert spiritual discussions into controversy and urged his followers to respond with maturity and restraint.

Also read: CM Satheesan rejects Islamic scholar's 'women should remain confined to homes' remark

He said discussions should remain platforms for examining ideas and gaining knowledge, adding that attempts to undermine the pursuit of knowledge and create discord in society should be approached with caution.

Leaders reject remarks

CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat said religion could not be used to impose a social code contrary to the Constitution.

Palayam Imam Dr VP Suhaib Moulavi also rejected the remarks, citing Quranic verses, Hadith and Islamic history to argue that women could participate in social life and take on important responsibilities.

He referred to Aisha, the Prophet’s wife, and women who held responsibilities during the reign of Caliph Umar to underline that Islam did not impose a blanket restriction on women leaving their homes.

(With agency inputs)