Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, president of All India Muslim Jamaat, called Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami a ‘criminal’ for not fasting during Ramadan. This comment has created controversy. In fact, during Ramadan, the 34-year-old player was seen drinking energy drinks during the semi-final match against Australia at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The Maulana made this statement after watching the video.
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi said, “Mohammad Shami has committed a sin by not fasting. He should not do this. He is a criminal in the eyes of Shariat. Shami will have to answer to God.” Maulana Shahabuddin further said, ‘Fasting is the duty of every Muslim… If a healthy woman or man does not fast, he will be a big criminal.’
Right-arm fast bowler Mohammed Shami’s cousin Mumtaz came out in support of her brother and said that he is playing for the country. Coming out in support of her brother Shami, Mumtaz called those who are accusing the cricketer of not fasting shameful. Mohammed Shami’s cousin Mumtaz, while talking to the media, said, ‘He is playing for the country. There are many Pakistani players who have not kept fast and are playing matches, so this is nothing new. It is very shameful that such things are being said about him. We will tell Mohammed Shami not to pay attention to these things and prepare for the match to be held on March 9.’
However, many people did not like this comment of Maulana. Shia cleric Maulana Yasoob Abbas criticized the Maulana and claimed that this statement was given for cheap popularity. Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board said that since Shami is playing, he has the option of not fasting.
Shia cleric Maulana Yasoob Abbas said, “The statement made by the Bareilly maulana is only for cheap popularity, while his aim is to target Mohammad Shami. Where there is compulsion, there is no religion. Where there is religion, there is no compulsion. Every Muslim knows that after becoming an adult, he has to keep fast and if a person does not keep fast, then it is his personal failure and has nothing to do with the community or religion. There are many people who do not keep fast during Ramadan. Why did he not say anything about them? He said, “It is wrong to bring fasting and Ramadan into controversy.”
