'Islam-friendly' gym in Kerala faces massive backlash online, owner clarifies

Key points

• An announcement by a fitness centre in Kerala's Palakkad district describing itself as an "Islamic-friendly gym" has sparked a row, with many questioning the concept.
• The controversy began after the gym in Puthunagaram released a promotional video, in which owner Nawaz Muthu T said the facility would operate without loud music and would have separate workout timings and spaces for men and women.
• He also said that trainers would be segregated.
• "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, adding that the gym was not a new venture but an existing fitness centre that has been operating for around 15 years and is currently undergoing renovation.