A fresh controversy has erupted over Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami’s decision not to observe a fast during the ongoing month of Ramzan. The debate has divided Muslim clerics and scholars, with some criticizing his actions while others offer a more lenient perspective based on Islamic principles. Amid the uproar, veteran lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar has extended his support to Shami.
Taking to social media, Akhtar wrote, “Shami saheb, don’t give a damn to those reactionary bigoted idiots who have any problem with your drinking water in a burning afternoon at a cricket field in Dubai. It is none of their business. You are one of the great Indian team that is making us all proud. My best wishes to you and our whole team.”
The controversy began after a video of Shami drinking water during India’s semi-final match against Australia went viral on social media. Following this, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, national president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, criticized Shami, stating that he had committed a sin by not fasting. “In the eyes of Shariat, he is a criminal, he should not have done this at all,” Razvi remarked.
He further advised Shami to adhere to Islamic principles, saying, “It is the responsibility of all Muslims to follow the rules of Shariat. Fasting is obligatory in Islam. If a person does not keep a fast intentionally, he is considered a sinner according to Islamic law.”
Shami is currently in Dubai as part of the Indian squad for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy.
