Lucknow, Mar 6 (UNI) All India Muslim Jamaat (AIMJ) President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi on Thursday sparked controversy by criticising India cricketer Mohammed Shami for drinking water during a match while fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.
Maulana Shahabuddin stated, "Roza is compulsory. A healthy person not observing it is a big crime. Shami drank water during a match, sending a wrong message. He will have to answer to God."
Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahli countered, "The Quran allows travellers and the unwell to skip Roza. Shami is travelling, so it is his choice. No one should question him."
Maulana Khalid also stated that fasting is a personal matter between an individual and God, and no religious leader has the authority to interfere. He added that Shami was fulfilling his national duty, which Islam permits, and accused Maulana Razvi of creating unnecessary controversy.
Shami’s cousin, Dr Mumtaz from Amroha, said it was unfair to target the cricketer when many Pakistani players also choose not to fast while playing. He urged Shami to ignore the controversy and prepare for the March 9 final match.
His childhood coach, Badaruddin Siddiqui, defended Shami, asserting that representing the nation takes precedence over personal matters. He appealed to the public to stand by the India team and not let such debates distract from the game.
NCP-SCP MLA Rohit Pawar emphasised that Shami’s commitment to the team was paramount, and bringing religion into sports was unnecessary. He praised the cricketer’s contributions, stating that every Muslim would feel proud of him.
Maulana Razvi’s comments have drawn widespread criticism, with many urging respect for personal choices and focus on the upcoming matches.
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