‘What's The Evidence': Muslim Leader Joins Zumba Row, Questions Drug Prevention Claims
Muslim leaders in Kerala, including Rahmathullah Saquafi Elamaram, object to Zumba in schools, questioning its drug prevention efficacy and suggesting it may promote drug use.
After some Muslim outfits objected to the decision of the Kerala education department to introduce Zumba in schools as part of its anti-drug campaign, another Muslim Leader, Rahmathullah Saquafi Elamaram, raised concerns over the promotion of Zumba in schools.
While questioning the drug prevention claims, Rahmathullah said, 'What evidence is there that dancing reduces drug use?"
One of the primary concerns revolving around the row is whether Zumba is sufficient to prevent drug use. Studies have shown that people who engage in energetic activities like dancing are more likely to use drugs for energy. This raises questions about the efficacy of Zumba as a solution to the drug problem.
Another point of contention is whether everyone should be forced to participate in sports and exercise without considering their physical and mental condition. Sometimes this approach can lead to exhaustion and even death.
It has also been pointed out that schools already offer a range of physical activities, including running, jumping, and karate, making Zumba unnecessary. Since the critics are some religious and community leaders, many are trying to divert the discussion to the 19th century and Talibanism, and to communalise the issue.
This comes after the Kerala education department introduced Zumba in schools as part of its anti-drug campaign, and some Muslim outfits have objected to the decision. The move is facing backlash as some religious groups objected to girls and boys 'intermingling" and 'dancing together wearing minimal clothes".
Many schools in the state have begun offering Zumba training from this academic year. Zumba is a fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance.
A report in India Today said that the general secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, TK Ashraf, has expressed his disapproval of the program in a Facebook post, saying, 'Cannot accept this, and my son will not participate in this"
However, Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty defended the move and also shared a video on Facebook showing the participation of Muslim students in a Zumba session.'Let the children play, laugh, have fun, and grow up healthy," Sivankutty said.
First Published:
June 30, 2025, 11:14 IST
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