IUML backs Kanthapuram, draws Samastha flak

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has objected to the  Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] State secretary M.V. Govindan’s criticism of Sunni leader Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar in connection with the latter’s remarks about Muslim men and women intermingling while doing group exercises.

Mr. Govindan had described Mr. Kanthapuram’s statement that intermingling of women and men was against the laws of Islam as archaic. Mr. Kanthapuram, in his reply to Mr. Govindan, reminded him that speaking about religious rules was the business of scholars and that the CPI(M) secretary had no role there.

IUML State secretary P.M.A. Salam, in support to Mr. Kanthapuram, too criticised Mr. Govindan for butting in religious matters. “Religious scholars will advise religious rules to their followers. Why do those who don’t believe in God and religion interfere in such matters?,” he asked.

Mr. Salam said that everyone within a religion need not agree with what a leader say. There may be differences. “But the right of the scholars to express their views should be respected,” he said. Mr. Salam added that he was a politician and he would speak with political intentions and bias.

Unwavering stand

The IUML secretary also praised Mr. Kanthapuram for his unwavering religious stand on different occasions. “Ustad is a religious scholar who responded many times against wrongs. His stand in the last Parliament election was good. He exhibited sharp judgement in opposing wrongdoings at all times,” said Mr. Salam.

Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama State president Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal indirectly warned the IUML that mere support to a religious diktat by a scholar like Mr. Kanthapuram would not be enough. “You should also implement the religious rules in your meetings and platforms,” he said.

Mr. Thangal said that when the Samastha scholars said religious rules, some sections had ridiculed them. Without naming the IUML or Mr. Salam, the Samastha president said: “Now they are supporting Mr. Kanthapuram against their political adversary with a political motive. That is fine. They should respect the religious rules and should implement them in their forums too,” said Mr. Thangal.