Munavvar Ali Thangal seeks to play down Kanthapuram circular controversy

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader and Muslim Youth League (MYL) State president Syed Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal on Tuesday (September 1, 2026) sought to play down the controversy over a circular issued by the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama led by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, asking mahals and madrasas to ensure that women were not present at public religious celebrations.

Speaking to reporters in Kozhikode, he said that religious scholars have the freedom to express their views based on their faith. However, whether or how these views create conflict or contradictions depends on the prevailing social environment. The scholar likely spoke out of concern that without religious discipline, society or communities could slip into anarchy or disorder, he added.

Religion (Islam) teaches rules and frameworks aimed at maintaining social and personal discipline. While individuals remain subject to these principles within their faith, it does not mean people lose their fundamental freedoms, he said.

“Islam is a religion that teaches many rules, and believers are expected to abide by them. At the same time, this does not mean that there are restrictions on freedom. Maintaining discipline is part of the religious framework, as I understand it,” he said.

Asked whether the Kanthapuram Samastha leader's remarks meant that women should not venture out or mingle with others, he said women had the freedom to advance and become empowered in all spheres of life.

“There are opportunities for women to work and participate in all sectors. Individuals and organisations are making efforts for their advancement and empowerment,” he said.

He said the views expressed by religious scholars represented their own perspectives and that people were free to accept or reject them in a democratic country.

“There will be people who accept such opinions and there will also be those who do not. In a democratic country, people have the freedom to make their own choices,” he said.

He said he did not intend to turn the issue into a bigger controversy.

“India is a country with many faiths and beliefs. Religious scholars may have a responsibility to inform society about certain matters prescribed by religion. That may have been what the religious scholar (the Musliyar) intended to convey,” he said.

Meanwhile,he said the reorganisation of the MYL State unit was nearing completion.