Despite being commonly overlooked and undervalued, Muslim women have carved out their own niche and asserted their place within society, as highlighted by Shamshad Hussain K.T., a professor at the Tirur regional centre of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, during a recent lecture. Speaking at the Kerala Museum on the topic ‘Tradition and modernity: the multiple roles of Kerala Muslim women,’ Prof. Hussain emphasized the significant contributions of Muslim women throughout history, particularly through their writings in periodicals and other publications. These women, including figures like Haleema Beevi, Ayeesha Mayan, Thankamma Malik, Puthur Amina, and P.N. Fathimakutty, demonstrated a modernist outlook even in the early 20th century, with their works ranging from Mappila songs to poems and novels.
Prof. Hussain noted that these women’s achievements have not been adequately recognized in modern narratives, largely due to language barriers since their works were predominantly penned in ‘Arabi Malayalam.’ This linguistic choice has made their writings less accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, there remains a persistent unwillingness to acknowledge women’s contributions to literature. Nonetheless, these pioneering women have played a vital role in shaping cultural and social discourses, establishing a legacy that deserves greater attention and appreciation.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/muslim-women-have-found-their-rightful-place-in-society/article68772867.ece
Category : Kerala
Tags:
