Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has criticised remarks by Sunni Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar suggesting that women should remain within their homes.
Speaking to reporters after the state Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Satheesan said the view was not compatible with Kerala’s progressive outlook and stressed that women should have an active role in society.
“We have absolutely no agreement with that statement. It is not a position that suits progressive Keralam. We cannot agree with it in any manner,” Satheesan said.
The Chief Minister added that women should not be expected to stay confined to their homes. He said they should have the freedom to participate in different areas of public life and contribute to society.
“They should participate in all spheres of life and play a central role in society. That is our progressive position, without any doubt,” he said.
What did Kanthapuram say?
The controversy began after Kanthapuram made the remarks while speaking at an Islamic conference in Kochi on Sunday. He reportedly argued that bringing women onto public platforms could result in “great destruction” and referred to purdah as a measure prescribed for women in Islam.
Satheesan strongly disagreed with this interpretation and said such a view did not reflect the broader history of Islam.
Satheesan points to women in Islamic history
The Kerala Chief Minister cited several examples from Islamic history to support his argument that women have played important roles outside the home.
He referred to Khadija, the first wife of Prophet Muhammad, describing her as a successful businesswoman. He also mentioned Aisha and her role in the Battle of the Camel.
Satheesan further pointed to Queen Bilqis, whom he described as an example of a woman who ruled a kingdom.
“There was a woman who conducted business, a woman who played the role of a military leader and a woman who was a queen. All these examples are there in Islamic history,” he said.
He also recalled an incident from the period of the Caliphs in which a woman challenged a decision concerning mahr. According to Satheesan, the ruler accepted that her argument was correct.
The Chief Minister said these historical examples showed that women had a recognised place in public and political life.
“These examples show that women had a place even in the royal court. Therefore, we cannot agree with such a position in any manner,” Satheesan said.
