Kozhikode: Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar has once again spoken out against Mec-7 exercise groups, accusing them of promoting practices that conflict with Islamic principles. Speaking at the Izzath Scholarium programme at Kizhisseri in  Malappuram, Kanthapuram expressed concerns about the growing prevalence of such groups in towns and villages.

He criticised Mec-7 for allegedly teaching that it is acceptable for young men and women to gather without restrictions. Kanthapuram specifically highlighted instances where women were engaging in exercises that exposed their bodies, stating that such practices undermine Islamic teachings about modesty and appropriate interactions between genders.

“Strangers and women are mixing freely. Women are exercising by exposing their bodies, destroying the idea that it is ‘haram’ for men and women to look and be seen. This is distancing people from Islam and causing immense damage to societal values,” Kanthapuram said.

He further remarked that in the past, women adhered to Islamic laws requiring conditions for interactions with men, but such practices are now being eroded. He accused Mec-7 of leading young people down a path of ‘haram’ and warned against its influence.

The Kanthapuram faction of the Samastha Mushawara had previously taken a similar stance, declaring that it is impermissible for women to practise in front of men or participate in activities that conflict with religious beliefs. In an earlier press release, the Mushawara had stated that organising songs, campaigns and classes that contradict Islamic values is unacceptable.