Malappuram (Keralam) | Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, who had courted controversy over his remarks against the public appearance of women, has said the decrees of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama cannot be altered for any individual or political party.
Last month, Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama president E Sulaiman Musliyar and general secretary Kanthapuram directed in a circular that women should not share stages with men or appear in public spaces alongside them.
The circular drew criticism, with several political leaders including Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan speaking out against it.
Speaking at an event in Chemmad here on Saturday, Kanthapuram said that Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama is the supreme Islamic body guiding and controlling Sunnis and their activities, and that it would continue its work till the Day of Judgement.
"Therefore, reminding you all that everyone should keep this in mind and pray to sustain it. If that grand organisation did not exist here, none of the faithful would have existed here. It is because that organisation existed that numerous Sunnis remain here today," he said.
He said the organisation did not function to satisfy the likes or preferences of individuals or political parties, but took decisions after assessing what was necessary in each situation.
"It does not function to satisfy the likes or preferences of certain other people. Rather, we act by evaluating what is necessary in each given situation. In that pursuit, all of you have stood with the Ulama until now," he said.
Kanthapuram said it was impossible for anyone to disrupt or overrule the Ulama.
"We never have an attitude of altering decisions for individuals or for any other party. We deliberate extensively, give deep thought, examine scriptures, and that is how we deliver a ruling here—how Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama delivers a ruling," he said.
