Won't change decrees for anyone: Kerala cleric amid women's public appearance row

Cleric Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar has said the decrees of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama cannot be changed for any individual or political party, amid continuing controversy over a recent circular on the public appearance of women.

Last month, Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama president E Sulaiman Musliyar and general secretary Kanthapuram said in a circular that women should not share stages with men or appear in public spaces alongside them. The circular drew criticism from several political leaders, including VD Satheesan.

Speaking at an event in Chemmad in Malappuram on Saturday, Kanthapuram said Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama was the supreme Islamic body guiding and controlling Sunnis and their activities, and that it would continue its work till the Day of Judgment.

"Therefore, reminding you all that everyone should keep this in mind and pray to sustain it. If that grand organisation did not exist here, none of the faithful would have existed here. It is because that organisation existed that numerous Sunnis remain here today," he said.

He said the organisation did not act to satisfy the likes or preferences of individuals or political parties, but took decisions after assessing what was necessary in each situation.

"It does not function to satisfy the likes or preferences of certain other people. Rather, we act by evaluating what is necessary in each given situation. In that pursuit, all of you have stood with the Ulama until now," he said.

Kanthapuram also said it was impossible for anyone to disrupt or overrule the Ulama.

"We never have an attitude of altering decisions for individuals or for any other party. We deliberate extensively, give deep thought, examine scriptures, and that is how we deliver a ruling here-how Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama delivers a ruling," he said, reiterating that the body would not change its decisions for any person or political party.