The controversy stemmed from a circular issued by the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama led by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, asking mahals and madrasas to ensure that women were not present at public religious celebrations The controversy stemmed from a circular issued by the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama led by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, asking mahals and madrasas to ensure that women were not present at public religious celebrations