Can a gym be religious? If that idea sounds new to you, then Kerala’s “Islam-friendly gym” has a lot to tell about the times we’re living in.
A recent announcement made by a gym owner in Kerala’s Palakkad district has sparked a nationwide debate. The gym, which has been described as an “Islam-friendly gym,” has raised several questions about topics that go far beyond just working out and fitness.
Kerala’s Islam-Friendly Gym
The controversy began when a gym in Puthunagaram released a video online promoting the idea of being friendly to the Islamic faith. The owner of the gym, Nawaz Muthu T, who appeared in the video as well, outlined a set of faith-based guidelines, sparking debates around whether even gyms should be religion-centric.
Nawaz said in the video, “We are launching an Islam-friendly gym, and I believe it will be the first of its kind in Kerala. Anyone interested is welcome to contact me and visit the facility.”
He also clarified that the gym is not a new venture. According to him, the facility has been operating for nearly 15 years and is currently undergoing renovations to accommodate those looking for an environment aligned with Islamic principles.
However, the video quickly fuelled criticism and backlash, as people started raising several questions about the new initiative and whether the gym was meant only for Muslims. Shortly after it gained traction, the promotional video was removed, and a new video was released in which Nawaz explained the idea behind the gym.
He explained, “A lot of people say this is a Muslim gym or a gym only for Muslims. I am not saying that. I have never said this is a gym only for Muslims.”
He further elaborated on his venture by laying out certain guidelines, such as separate workout times and spaces for men and women, and no loud music in the gym.
Adding that people who adhere to the Islamic faith often find loud music or spaces accommodating men and women together uncomfortable, he said, “When it comes to an Islamic-friendly gym, women and men should not work out together. Women should have a separate time and a separate space. Men should have a separate time. There should be no loud music.”
Further, he argued that the initiative was intended to address concerns faced by people, especially women, who follow the Islamic faith, rather than exclude people from other religions.
The owner further added, “A lot of Muslims live according to Islamic principles. They don’t listen to music. There is no gym for them. When you go to a gym, it is not possible to switch off the music. There are women who are uncomfortable working out in mixed spaces. These are people who have not been able to access gyms until now.”
“Because I am a Muslim, I know many such people. Even among my relatives, there are people who do not go to gyms. This facility will be useful for them.”
Nawaz also clarified, “Everyone can come. The only condition is that there will be no open music. Those who want to listen to music can do so through headphones. There is nothing wrong with that.”
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How People Reacted To This
This announcement triggered reactions of all kinds. While many came out in support of the initiative, there were reactions against it as well.
One user wrote on X, “It doesn’t have to be religion-specific nor advertised as one. It is not at all a bad idea to have separate gyms for both genders! I swear there would be more women joining a gym if they knew they wouldn’t have to parade in front of strange men.”
“It’s not like all other gyms are forced to convert into Islam-compliant gyms! You will have perfectly normal, regular gyms where you can go, and let people who believe in this go here. Peace.”
Another user wrote, “This is the business model, I suppose, to attract gym trainees. Most Muslim women refrain from going to the gym because there is no separation for men and women. The state is not doing this.”
The issue also drew political reactions. BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari criticised the initiative in a video posted on X, alleging that the Congress was being influenced by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). Referring to the proposed gym model, he claimed that the Congress had “chosen Sharia over the Constitution” and accused the party of engaging in Muslim appeasement.
He said in the video, “In Kerala, Congress is being remote-controlled by IUML. It is allowing sharia-compliant gyms on IUML’s directions. This clearly shows that the Congress has chosen Sharia over the Constitution.”
He also added, “It is proven clearly that because of Muslim appeasement, the Congress party is now keeping the Constitution on the back burner and believing in Sharia over the Constitution… Because of Muslim appeasement, the Congress party is becoming a threat to the security and safety of Hindus in Kerala.”
What began as a proposal for a gym has now sparked a nationwide discussion. The debate centres on whether commercial spaces should cater to specific religions and whether businesses should reflect religious beliefs.
Some view the initiative as a means of making fitness more accessible for practising Muslims. Others wonder whether religion should influence spaces built for everyone.
Images: Google Images
Sources: The New Indian Express, India Today, The Economic Times
Find the blogger: @shubhangichoudhary_29
This post is tagged under: Islam-friendly gym, Kerala gym controversy, Palakkad gym, Nawaz Muthu T, Islam-friendly gym Kerala, Puthunagaram gym, Kerala news, religion and business, Muslim-friendly gym, fitness news India, Kerala controversy, BJP reaction, Pradeep Bhandari, IUML, religion in public spaces, India news, viral news, social media debate, faith-based businesses, gym controversy India
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