A prominent religious leader in Kerala, India, has spoken out against men and women exercising together in public. A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, a high-ranking cleric, believes that such activities are harmful to women’s modesty. He specifically criticized a popular workout program called “Multi-Exercise Combination 7,” or MEC 7, which is commonly practiced in northern Kerala. According to Musliyar, women lose their sense of modesty when they participate in physical activity alongside men.
Musliyar argues that these public exercise sessions are not beneficial for communities. He claims that women are unnecessarily “exposing their bodies” while exercising in front of men. This, he believes, goes against his religious teachings and is not morally acceptable. Therefore, he feels strongly that mixing genders during physical activity is wrong. These statements have led to significant discussion about cultural expectations and personal freedoms.
This situation reveals the conflict that can occur between conservative religious views and modern approaches to health and fitness. While MEC 7 has become popular for its health advantages and the fact that it is available to everyone, the cleric’s comments demonstrate that traditional beliefs can sometimes clash with changes in society. Furthermore, the incident raises questions about the power of religious leaders in shaping ideas about public health and social activities. It also touches on the ongoing debate about the balance between religious freedom and evolving social norms.