Aboobacker Musliyar defends stage ban citing religious texts in Malappuram
Chemmad, Malappuram, Aboobacker Musliyar, a cleric and general secretary of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, is sticking to a controversial rule that stops women from sharing public stages with men.
The directive, issued in August 2026, has sparked criticism from political leaders like VD Satheesan.
Still, Musliyar says these decisions come after careful thought and are rooted in religious texts, not outside pressure.
Musliyar insists authority cannot be overruled
Speaking in Malappuram on Saturday, Musliyar made it clear: "We never have an attitude of altering decisions for individuals or for any other party."
He stressed that the Ulama's choices are based on what was necessary in each situation and won't be changed by public backlash.
Despite the criticism, he insists no one can overrule their authority.