Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar on Thursday (September 3, 2026) clarified his remarks on women, saying, “We are not the ones who advocate that women be buried or confined,” and asserting that several women were being provided education and opportunities.

“It is not correct to say that women have been given second place. We are not people who say women should be buried. Everyone should understand this,” Mr. Aboobacker said while addressing a programme in Thrissur.

He said exclusive madrasas and schools for girls had been established and several institutions were being run for their education. He also said several women were being provided education and opportunities under such institutions and that orphaned girls were being cared for.

His clarification came days after his statement that women should remain confined to their homes, triggering widespread criticism from various sections of society, including from Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who said such a 19th-century view had no place in progressive Keralam.

Amid row over remarks on women, Kanthapuram urges followers not to be ‘provoked' into controversies

Mr. Satheesan’s remarks drew a sharp response from organisations associated with the Sunni group led by Mr. Aboobacker, which also sought an apology from him.