KOZHIKODE: Stung by severe criticism from Muslim religious outfits, Muslim Educational Society (MES) president Dr P A Fazal Ghafoor, on Thursday, clarified that MES was not against purdah, but against Muslim women using Niqaab, a face-covering attire.
“The MES is not against using purdah. But we oppose the use of face-covering attire by Muslim women. However, certain quarters have misinterpreted this view and launched criticism against us in the social media. Hence, we would like to clarify that the MES is not against using purdah, but we oppose Niqaab,” Ghafoor told reporters at a press conference here.
Stating that the MES gave importance to Samastha’s letter in that regard, Ghafoor, however, said progressive outfits were against covering faces. “There are diverse opinions as far as dressing is concerned. While progressive organisations oppose face-covering purdahs, religious bodies like Samastha may have a different opinion. And, they have the freedom to do that.”
Ghafoor also expressed concern that the promotion of certain religious activities, including ‘Niqaab’ by certain quarters, might scuttle the progress of Muslim women in the higher education sector. MES state secretary N M Mujeeb Rahman and district president C T Zakkir Hussain also participated in the meet.