Kerala's Palakkad hosts first 'Islamic-friendly gym'; owner Nawaz invites even non-Muslims to be members; netizens flag possibility of 'gym jihad'
The video quickly attracted criticism on social media. "A new way to start "Gym Jihad". No sane Hindu should go there," one of the users said.
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An announcement by a fitness centre in Puthunagaram, a town in Kerala's Palakkad district, describing itself as an "Islamic-friendly gym," has triggered widespread debate and mixed reactions online. The controversy began after the gym released a promotional video featuring its owner, Nawaz Muthu T, who explained that the facility would operate without loud music and provide separate workout spaces and timings for men and women. He also stated that male and female trainers would be assigned separately. (Islamic gym Kerala)
In the video, Nawaz said the renovated facility "aimed to cater to individuals who prefer fitness environments aligned with Islamic values". He described it as potentially the first gym of its kind in Kerala and invited interested people to visit and learn more about the concept. He claimed that the gym was not a new business but an existing fitness centre that had been operating for around 15 years and was undergoing refurbishment. (Islamic gym Kerala)
WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS AN "ISLAM FRIENDLY" GYM LISTEN TO THE ONWER WHO OWNS A "SHARIA COMPLIANT" SPACE IN PALAKKAD, KERALA
— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) June 4, 2026
Owner says he follows Sharia rules: separate timings for men women, same gender trainers, no loud filmy music. Claims it doesn't mean "Muslim only". It's a… pic.twitter.com/KX1aDdGWjk
The video quickly attracted criticism on social media, with many users questioning whether the gym was intended exclusively for Muslims. "A new way to start 'Gym Jihad'. No sane Hindu should go there," one of the users said.
"Now that IUML is literally ruling the State, you will find more such Muslim-friendly public places to come up," another user said. No loud filmy music, but I guess they will play azaan inside the gym," the user added. (Islamic gym Kerala)
Responding to the criticism, Nawaz blatantly said he had never described the facility as a Muslim-only gym. According to him, the term "Islamic-friendly" referred to features such as gender-segregated workout spaces and timings, the absence of loud music, and an environment that would be comfortable for people who follow such practices. (Islamic gym Kerala)
Nawaz claimed that many individuals, particularly among observant Muslims, avoid gyms because they are uncomfortable with mixed-gender workout settings or music played in fitness centres. He said the facility was designed to address these concerns and make fitness more accessible to such groups. Drawing from his own experience, he noted that some of his relatives and family members had stayed away from gyms for similar reasons.
Emphasising that the gym would remain inclusive, Nawaz reiterated that membership would not be restricted based on religion.