The Students Federation of India (SFI) Keralam unit has criticised the circular issued by the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama led by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar asking mahals and madrasas to ensure that women are not present among unrelated men at religious events. The SFI described the directive as “extremely anti-women and out of tune with modern society.”

The joint circular, issued by Samastha president E. Sulaiman Musliar and general secretary Mr. Aboobacker, asked mahal and madrasa committees to ensure that programmes were conducted in accordance with Islamic norms.

“The statement that women should not be seen in public spaces and on stages is extremely anti-women,” SFI State secretary P.S. Sanjeev said in a social media post.

The SFI leader said Muslim women in Keralam had made significant advances, pointing to the appointment of Justice M. Fathima Beevi as India’s first woman judge of the Supreme Court in 1989.

“Even 37 years later, the fact that Samastha has come forward with such a statement shows how uncivilised its sense of the times is,” said Mr. Sanjeev, while urging the organisation to reconsider its position.

“It is 2026. Religious scholars and organisations have a responsibility to act in accordance with the times,” the SFI leader said.