A fitness centre in Kerala’s Palakkad district has triggered an online debate after announcing itself as an “Islam-friendly gym,” with separate workout timings for men and women and no loud music inside the facility.
The controversy began after a promotional video from a gym in Puthunagaram went viral on social media. In the video, gym owner Nawaz Muthu T introduced the facility as what he claimed could be Kerala’s first “Islam-friendly gym.”
“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,” Nawaz said in the video.
According to Nawaz, the gym has been operating for nearly 15 years and is currently being renovated before reopening with a new model.
What Makes the Gym ‘Islam-Friendly’?
In the promotional clip, Nawaz explained that the gym would follow certain practices aimed at people who prefer conservative religious values.
He said there would be no loud music inside the gym, and men and women would have separate workout timings and spaces. Trainers would also be separated by gender.
“When it comes to an Islamic-friendly gym, women and men should not work out together. Women should have a separate time and separate space. Men should have a separate time. There should be no loud music,” Nawaz explained.
He said many people avoid gyms because they are uncomfortable with mixed-gender spaces or loud music.
“A lot of Muslims live according to Islamic principles. They don’t listen to music. There is no gym for them. These are people who have not been able to access gyms until now,” he said.
Nawaz added that even some of his relatives stayed away from fitness centres for similar reasons.
Row on Social Media
The announcement quickly attracted criticism online, with many social media users questioning whether religion-based spaces were necessary and asking if the gym would only be for Muslims.
Some users criticised the idea, saying such initiatives could increase social divisions.
One user wrote, “What is the need to create a religion-based division everywhere?” Another commented, “Being 100 percent literate means going back by 1,000 years.”
However, some users supported the concept, saying separate workout spaces could encourage more women to join gyms.
“It is not at all a bad idea to have separate gyms for both genders,” one social media user wrote, while another said people should be free to choose spaces that match their beliefs and comfort.
Owner Clarifies Gym Is Open to Everyone
Following the backlash, Nawaz removed the original video and released another clarification, saying the gym is not meant only for Muslims.
“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 said.
He stressed that the term “Islam-friendly” refers to the gym’s operating style and not membership restrictions.
“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,” Nawaz said.
