Sheik Abu Bakr Ahmed’s Call for Women to Stay Home Sparks Political Backlash

Grand Mufti Sheik Abu Bakr Ahmed, one of the most senior Sunni leaders in India, sparked a fresh controversy after declaring that women should confine themselves to their homes. Speaking at the Kerala Muslim Jamath’s "Hubbul Rasool" conference in Kochi, the cleric warned that women entering public spaces would cause "heavy devastation" and suggested that the veil is a protective Islamic measure.

Kerala Labour Minister Bindu Krishna responded on Monday, stating that while free speech is protected, it does not excuse remarks that undermine constitutional guarantees of equality. She reminded that the Constitution treats every citizen the same, and cited the fact that India’s President is a woman as an example of gender parity at the highest level.

Krishna also referred to a recent circular issued by local authorities that had advised women not to appear on public roads with men who were not family members. The directive had already drawn sharp criticism, especially after women participated in rallies marking the Prophet’s Day.

The minister urged religious figures to align their teachings with the nation’s legal framework, emphasizing that devotion to faith should not be used to deny women their constitutional rights.

The episode adds to ongoing debates in India about the balance between religious freedom and gender equality, with civil‑society groups calling for stricter enforcement of constitutional principles.