Thiruvananthapuram – The Kerala government’s decision to introduce Zumba classes in schools as part of an anti-drug and stress-relief initiative has been strongly opposed by several Muslim organizations and scholars, who have raised serious concerns about the moral and religious implications of such practices, reported the Hindustan Times.
The initiative, launched under the directive of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, aims to offer students a physical outlet to relieve stress and keep them away from substance abuse. However, members of the Muslim community argue that Zumba—a dance-based workout involving rhythmic music, body movements, and mixed-gender participation—clashes with Islamic teachings on modesty, morality, and gender separation.
Abdussamad Pookkottur, state secretary of the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), stated that the Zumba program is “against moral values” and not suitable for an academic setting. He emphasized that while physical fitness is encouraged in Islam, it should be achieved through morally permissible means.
TK Ashraf, general secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, said he enrolled his son in school to receive quality education, not to learn a culture where boys and girls, dressed in revealing outfits, dance together. “As a teacher, I will not conduct such sessions. My child will not take part in it either. I am ready to face any consequences,” he said, asserting that cultural and religious values must not be compromised in the name of progress.
Nassar Faizy Koodathai, a scholar and leader of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, also spoke out, stating that Zumba requires clothing and movement inappropriate in the presence of the opposite gender, especially among young students. He warned against what he called the “imposition of vulgarity” and the violation of students’ personal freedoms. He added that Islam promotes decency and discourages open dancing and music that may arouse inappropriate feelings or lead to moral decline.
Muslim scholars argue that Islam lays great emphasis on haya (modesty) and discourages ikhtilat (free mixing between unrelated males and females). While Islam does not oppose physical activity, it sets boundaries to protect personal and communal dignity. Zumba, according to many scholars, is modeled after Western cultural entertainment trends that conflict with Islamic values and should not be forced upon children in public schools.
The Muslim Students Federation (MSF), the student wing of the Indian Union Muslim League, also criticized the state’s move, questioning whether any formal consultations were held with parents, teachers, or students. “Has the General Education Department conducted any studies to assess the impact of this on student morality and cultural sentiments?” asked MSF State President P K Navas.
In response, Kerala’s Higher Education Minister R Bindhu defended the move, saying, “It is 2025. We are no longer in the 19th century or medieval period. We must think in accordance with the times.” The education department maintains that Zumba is part of a wider strategy under the “With Childhood and Youth” anti-drug campaign and is designed to support students’ mental and physical health.
Muslim leaders continue to demand that the state respect religious sensitivities and offer culturally appropriate fitness alternatives that align with the ethical and moral framework of all communities, especially in public institutions.
