Published Sep 04, 2026 | 5:45 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 04, 2026 | 5:45 PM
Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar
Synopsis: However, he said it was equally important to recognise the motives of those who deliberately attempt to divert spiritual discussions towards controversy and communal polarisation. Such forces, he said, sought to obstruct the pursuit of knowledge and create divisions within society and therefore needed to be approached with utmost caution.
A day after issuing a clarification over his controversial remarks concerning women, prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, popularly known as Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliar, has made a fresh appeal for restraint and maturity. In a social media post, he cautioned his followers against attempts to turn spiritual discussions into controversy and sectarian division.
In his latest message, Kanthapuram said debates should serve as healthy spaces for the impartial examination of ideas and for gaining new knowledge.
However, he said it was equally important to recognise the motives of those who deliberately attempt to divert spiritual discussions towards controversy and communal polarisation.
Such forces, he said, sought to obstruct the pursuit of knowledge and create divisions within society and therefore needed to be approached with utmost caution.
Calling upon activists not to fall prey to provocation, Kanthapuram said responses in such situations should be guided by maturity and wisdom rather than emotion.
He said the traditional approach of Sunni believers had been to respond to evil with goodness and urged followers to remain disciplined and restrained without losing sight of their fundamental objectives.
The social media post came a day after Kanthapuram addressed the controversy surrounding his earlier comments on women.
Also Read: ‘Misinterpretation of Islam’: Keralam CM Satheesan rejects Kanthapuram’s remarks on women
Speaking at a programme in Thrissur on Thursday, 3 September, he rejected allegations that his views relegated women to a secondary position.
“We are not the ones who advocate that women be buried or confined,” he said, maintaining that considerable efforts were being made to provide women with education and opportunities.
Kanthapuram said it was incorrect to claim that women had been accorded a second-class status.
He pointed to the establishment of exclusive madrasas and educational institutions for girls and said several institutions were functioning to ensure their education and advancement.
He also referred to initiatives aimed at providing care and educational opportunities to orphaned girls.
His clarification followed widespread criticism over an earlier statement in which he said that women should remain confined to their homes. The remarks triggered strong reactions from different sections of society and the political spectrum.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
