Kanthapuram invites women outfit's wrath

KOZHIKODE: Sunni cleric Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musaliyar's statement that gender equality is un-Islamic and women are fit only to deliver children hit a controversy with prominent women's outfit activists and writers coming up strongly against it.

Addressing a public meet here the All India Sunnial Jamiyathul Ulema leader also said this world is controlled by men. Women can't withstand a major crisis and they even lacked courage to perform major surgeries including open heart procedures.

Launching a scathing attack Muslim women' outfit NISA said women will not allow him to talk freely if he made any more comments on them and their independence.

Talking at a debate on gender equality NISA President V P Suhra said ''what we need is the Islam that is not against women as proclaimed by Prophet Mohammed, she said adding Muslim women are not scared of his political strength and followers.

Referring to allegation that children have been subject to abuse at madrasas, Kanthapuram had said those who raise the allegation should bring evidence for it.

Eminent writer and activist Prof M N Karassery said Kanthapuram is sincere man who does not know how to convey an offensive idea tactfully.

Talking at the function he said many others who shared his views kept mum avoiding a controversy.

Retracting his statement later, Kanthapuram had said his words had been distorted.

Islam is a religion that respects the role of women, he said adding there are women who deliver series like angels in education, health care and in the running of families.

But unlike men women had certain limitations, he said she needed to be given special protection and consideration.