Controversy Erupts Over DYFI’s “Pork Challenge” Fundraiser

A controversy has arisen over the Democratic Youth Federation of India’s (DYFI) “pork challenge,” aimed at raising funds for housing victims of the landslide in Wayanad. The DYFI, the youth wing of the CPM, has held two events selling pork—one in Kasaragod on August 10 and another in Kothamangalam, Ernakulam district, on August 18.

The challenge has faced criticism from some Muslim leaders. Nasar Faizi Koodathai, Kerala state secretary of the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham, accused the DYFI of promoting blasphemy by using a food item prohibited for many Muslims, who are among the landslide victims. Koodathai labeled the challenge as a “gross humiliation” and argued that it was unnecessary given the availability of permissible foods.

Islamic scholar Ziyaudheen Faizy, while retracting his initial critique, questioned the appropriateness of holding any “haram challenge” for charity. He raised concerns about whether it is suitable to organize fundraisers involving prohibited activities.

In defense of the DYFI, former minister and CPM-backed Independent MLA K.T. Jaleel argued that criticism should also extend to donations from interest-based sources, which are considered haram in Islam. He emphasized that the DYFI has the right to conduct such events and that other faiths accept contributions from sources deemed prohibited in Islam.

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