Maulana Sajid Rashidi Sparks Fresh Controversy Over Derogatory Remarks on Women and Their Freedom
India-based Islamic cleric Maulana Sajid Rashidi has triggered another controversy following a series of derogatory remarks about women's intelligence, decision-making abilities and personal freedom. During a recent podcast discussion, Rashidi made insulting generalisations about women belonging to both Hindu and Muslim communities, questioning their ability to make independent choices in relationships, careers and other aspects of life.
During the discussion, Rashidi stated, “Ladki chahe Hindu ki ho ya Musalman ki, ladkiyon ki akal ghutno mein hoti hai,” suggesting that women, regardless of their religious background, lack intelligence. His remarks attracted attention because of their openly dismissive attitude towards women's ability to think independently and make personal decisions.
Remarks on Women's Relationship Choices
Rashidi made these comments while discussing the growing attraction of some Muslim women towards Hindu men and the reasons behind their relationship preferences. The conversation examined why certain Muslim college students might choose Hindu partners over Muslim men.
According to Rashidi, Muslim men frequently discuss Islam, religious responsibilities and restrictions with women, whereas Hindu men may not necessarily introduce similar religious expectations into their relationships. He also referred to restrictions within Islamic traditions concerning unmarried men and women meeting privately, suggesting that some Muslim women prefer relationships without such limitations.
He subsequently questioned women's judgment in choosing partners, claiming that they could be influenced by material attractions such as expensive restaurant meals, fashionable clothes, mobile phones and other gifts. His comments portrayed women as easily manipulated rather than recognising their right to make independent relationship decisions.
Questions Raised Over Women's Employment and Career Choices
Rashidi also extended his criticism to women's participation in professional life. He questioned the motivations behind women pursuing employment, promotions and career advancement, alleging that some women make inappropriate compromises to obtain attractive salaries and professional opportunities.
Such remarks undermine women's professional independence by suggesting that their career decisions are primarily influenced by material incentives or personal relationships. Women's participation in the workforce is an important aspect of economic independence, and questioning their professional integrity through broad generalisations reinforces outdated gender stereotypes.
Controversial Claims About Sexual Violence
Perhaps the most disturbing part of the podcast was Rashidi's claim that rape cannot occur without a woman's consent and that a lone man cannot commit rape. These statements effectively shift responsibility for sexual violence towards victims and misrepresent the fundamental issue of consent.
Rape is a serious criminal offence, and the responsibility lies with the perpetrator, not the victim. Under Indian law, consent must be freely and voluntarily given, and the absence of physical resistance does not establish consent. Such statements risk trivialising sexual violence and discouraging victims from speaking about their experiences.
Previous Controversies Involving Maulana Sajid Rashidi
This is not the first time Rashidi has faced criticism for his public statements. In July 2025, he attracted widespread condemnation after making objectionable comments about Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav. Referring to a photograph of Yadav wearing a saree, he made an inappropriate remark about her appearance and criticised her for entering a mosque without covering her head. His comments triggered protests and a police complaint, following which Lucknow Police registered a case against him under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
In February 2023, Rashidi sparked another controversy over his remarks concerning the historic Somnath Temple. He claimed that Mahmud of Ghazni had not destroyed the temple but had instead stopped alleged immoral activities taking place there. The Somnath Trust objected to his statements and filed a police complaint. Following the backlash, Rashidi apologised to the Trust.
He also attracted criticism in August 2020, shortly after the foundation-laying ceremony for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Rashidi questioned the construction of the temple at the site and suggested that it could eventually be demolished to build a mosque in its place.
During the Gyanvapi mosque controversy in May 2022, he dismissed the religious significance of a structure resembling a Shivling discovered within the complex, describing it as an old fountain instead.
His statements about women have also generated controversy in recent years. In July 2026, he reportedly blamed delayed marriages for increasing rape cases and advocated early marriage as a means of protecting women. In August 2026, he argued that women would not remain safe in India without the implementation of Islamic laws.
Women's Rights, Constitutional Values and Public Accountability
Rashidi's repeated statements have brought renewed attention to the importance of protecting women's dignity, independence and equal rights. His comments reflect a deeply patriarchal outlook in which women's personal choices, professional ambitions and individual freedoms are subjected to criticism and scrutiny.
Certain traditional interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence also contain gender distinctions concerning inheritance, testimony and family responsibilities. However, religious interpretations are diverse, and they should not be treated as justification for denying women equal dignity or freedom. Similarly, the experiences of women in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan demonstrate the consequences of restrictive policies, although their political and legal systems differ considerably.
India's constitutional framework guarantees equality before the law, prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and protects individual freedoms. These principles apply equally to women regardless of their religion or cultural background.
Public figures and religious leaders have a responsibility to exercise care when addressing sensitive subjects, particularly sexual violence and women's rights. Religious freedom and freedom of expression are important democratic protections, but they do not make derogatory generalisations or the promotion of harmful attitudes immune from public scrutiny.
Ultimately, women must have the freedom to choose their partners, pursue careers, participate in public life and make decisions about their futures without being subjected to humiliation or intimidation. Respect for women's autonomy and dignity should remain central to India's democratic and constitutional values.
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