The Indian National League (INL) has said the controversy being created by some over the circular issued by the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama led by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar advising women not to cross limits during Islamic celebrations and to avoid interacting with men in an undignified manner in public places and on stages is unnecessary and objectionable.In a statement issued on Sunday (August 30, 2026), INL State general secretary Kasim Irikkur said the remarks made by Mr. Musliar were intended for the community he represented. He said Mr. Musliar, as an acknowledged Islamic scholar, and Kanthapuram Samastha had the right and religious responsibility to offer such guidance. It was also their religious obligation, Mr. Irikkur said.According to the INL leader, the scholars were not seeking to push women back by centuries, but were cautioning against deviations from moral values under the influence of modern liberal thinking. He said such guidance was applicable not only to women but also to men and members of all religious communities.He said the scholars might have issued the caution to mahal committees in view of instances of a section of people allegedly violating religious norms and behaving inappropriately in public roads and on stages during celebrations connected with the Prophet’s birth anniversary.“Those who seek to portray it as a grave offence and launch sharp criticism against it are not displaying a broad-minded approach. It is also a rejection of the secular perspective. Kanthapuram Aboobacker Musliar has a constitutional right to express his views and that people are free to accept or reject them based on their understanding,” Mr. Irikkur said. Published - August 30, 2026 08:54 pm IST