Bareilly, June 5: A private gym in Kerala has sparked controversy for adopting ‘Islam-friendly’ guidelines. Critics label it a ‘Sharia gym,’ while supporters argue that the initiative prioritizes women’s safety, dignity, and cultural beliefs. Various religious and political organizations have responded differently to this issue.
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, the national president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, commented on the controversy, stating that Islam places the utmost importance on women’s safety, respect, and dignity. He urged critics of the Kerala gym to understand that the core objective of Islamic teachings is to provide a safe environment for women, where their honor and modesty are not compromised.
Razvi noted that both men and women frequent gyms today, but mixed-gender facilities often lead to various incidents and disputes. He believes that separate arrangements for men and women, managed by individuals of the same gender, could prevent such issues.
He suggested that women’s gyms should be operated by women, with men prohibited from entering. Similarly, men’s gyms should be run by men, limiting women’s access. According to him, if such transparent arrangements are maintained, disputes will not arise. He claimed that the gym in Kerala has adopted this model.
Amid the ongoing controversy, Maulana Ifrahim Hussain, the Shahi Mufti of Uttar Pradesh, has also supported the concept of an ‘Islam-friendly’ gym. He emphasized the need to verify facts before forming opinions on any controversy. He stated that it should be assessed whether the rules established by the gym comply with constitutional and legal frameworks. If all arrangements are legal and constitutional, there should be no grounds for dispute.
He added that Indian culture also emphasizes the respect, safety, and consideration of women’s opinions. Likewise, Islam places significant importance on women’s honor and safety. Therefore, if an institution establishes rules with these values in mind, they should be understood in a social context rather than solely through a religious lens.
On the other hand, spokesperson for the Samajwadi Party, Fakhrul Hasan Chand, presented a different perspective on the entire controversy. He pointed out that there are several pressing issues in the country that require serious discussion. He claimed that topics like NEET exam paper leaks, inflation, unemployment, and rising fuel prices dominate public concern.
Fakhrul Hasan Chand accused the Bharatiya Janata Party and its affiliated organizations of diverting public attention from critical issues by turning minor disputes into national debates. He stated that while discussions on gym operations and regulations can occur, significant economic and social issues should not be overlooked.
He reiterated that the Samajwadi Party will continue to hold the government and ruling party accountable on major topics such as inflation, employment, education, and economic challenges, ensuring that the public remains focused on these fundamental issues.
Recently, a promotional video from the gym in Palakkad district of Kerala described itself as ‘Islam-friendly,’ claiming that loud music will not be played and that separate workout times will be designated for men and women.
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