Muslim Groups Protest School Play That Shows Girl Giving Azaan

The Social Democratic Party of India & Muslim Students Federation said the play ‘insults the Muslim way of life’.

Muslims offering prayers. Image used for representational purpose. A girl calling out ‘Azan’ has sparked controversy in Kerala as giving Azan is the job of male Muezzin.

(Photo: AP/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

Muslim organisations have protested a girl giving azaan during a school play in Kerala’s Memunda Higher Secondary School in Kozhikode. They allege that the play “insults the Muslim way of life,” as calling out the ‘azaan’ is a ritual performed by a male Muezzin, The Times of India reported.

The girl giving the azaan was a part of a play called "Kithab", where a Muslim girl dreams of calling out the azaan like her father, who is a maulvi himself. The play has, as a matter of fact, won the school prizes at the sub-district level, The News Minute reported.

According to TNM, the protests were carried out by Muslim organisations like the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and the Muslim Students Federation (MSF).

The SDPI demanded a withdrawal of the play as well as an apology, while MSF wrote to the District Education Officer.

“While respecting your presentation, the self-respect of a big section of people should also be protected. Have given complaint to DEO and DDE.”

Anseer Panoli, MSF Leader in a Facebook Post

The play is a humorous take on a Muslim household where the girl expresses her desire to call out the azaan. He father, a Muezzin, tells her that this might land her in hell if she dances or acts in a play. He answers all her questions by referring to a big book (Kithab) and locks her up so she would not perform in a play (within the play) again.

However, upon being reminded about his role as a father, the dad lets her call out the azaan. The play ends with the girl calling out azaan and people praying.

(With inputs from The News Minute and The Times of India.)