In a significant intervention, the prominent Islamic scholarly body Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulema has issued a stern condemnation of the intermingling of men and women during public election victory celebrations. The organization, led by Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musaliyar, expressed strong disapproval of such practices, particularly by political groups formed in the name of the Muslim community.
A Strong Stance Against Unacceptable Public Behavior
In a joint statement, Samastha president E Sulaiman Musaliyar and general secretary Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musaliyar declared certain public celebratory behaviors as unacceptable. They specifically cited instances where men and women come together, embrace each other, take to the streets, and engage in conduct they deem not permitted by Islamic teachings. This criticism was directed at celebrations following the poll victories of political parties associated with the Muslim community.
The leadership clarified that their objection is not to celebration itself, but to actions that cross religious boundaries. They emphasized that Islam grants women dignity, respect, and freedom as a fundamental right. The statement argued that any activities ignoring these core principles or disregarding basic human values are objectionable and warrant public protest.
Call for Responsibility and Respect for Religious Symbols
The Samastha leadership issued a clear caution to political organizations, urging them to ensure such practices do not happen again. They called upon community and political leaders to act with a heightened sense of responsibility. A key part of their message was a plea to uphold and respect religious symbols, rituals, and cultural practices.
The statement made a broader point about the intersection of faith and politics. It stressed that political activities should never undermine or distort enduring religious values for the sake of short-term electoral gains. This warning serves as a reminder to parties to navigate communal sensitivities with care.
Criticism Extends Beyond Community-Specific Issues
Interestingly, the Samastha's criticism was not limited to practices within their own community. The statement also took aim at attempts to ridicule or exploit sacred places of other faiths for partisan politics. It specifically mentioned Sabarimala, a Hindu pilgrimage site held in deep reverence, condemning its use for party political gains.
The leaders issued a universal appeal, stating, "All concerned should refrain from using religions and religious symbols for power politics." This remark is seen as an apparent reference to the recent controversy surrounding the ‘Pottiye Kettiye' song, which allegedly mocked religious sentiments. The Samastha's stance highlights a concern for inter-religious harmony and the respectful treatment of all faiths in the public sphere.
This development is particularly notable given the traditional alignment of the A P Sunni faction with the LDF (Left Democratic Front) in Kerala. The statement signals a firm boundary that the religious body expects political allies and community-based parties to respect, regardless of political affiliations.
