Malappuram: The Kanthapuram faction of Samasta (Samasta Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama) has come out with strict guidelines for mahal committees, madrassas, and various feeder organizations regarding the participation of women in Islamic celebrations and public events. Samasta demanded through a circular and a statement that young women should not be brought onto public roads, stages, or amidst strange men.
This new move comes in the wake of widespread criticism, both within and outside the organization, over the participation of women and girls in recently held Onam and Milad-un-Nabi celebrations.
Samasta Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama President E. Sulaiman Musliyar and General Secretary Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar stated that religious ceremonies and celebrations crossing Islamic boundaries should be viewed very seriously. Samasta has issued a circular regarding this under the title, “Islamic celebrations must not cross limits; mahal leadership must remain vigilant.”
Samasta has urged the leadership of mahal office-bearers, mosques, madrassas, other institutions, and feeder organizations to exercise special vigilance to ensure that all programs are conducted strictly in accordance with Islamic norms.
The Samasta leadership clarified that exhibiting women in public places or on stages amidst strange men is unbecoming of believers and is not religiously permissible. Additionally, instructions have been given to avoid incorporating other un-Islamic rituals and celebratory practices into religious ceremonies.
The statement also emphasizes that all programs organized at the mahal level and otherwise must be conducted strictly maintaining religious values and discipline. All mahal office-bearers and believers are obligated to pass on moral and appropriate role models to the coming generations.
