In a recent video address, All India Muslim Jamaat president Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi strongly disapproved of cricketer Mohammad Shami’s daughter celebrating Holi, terming the celebrations as “illegal” and “against Shariat.” The cleric had earlier criticized Shami for not fasting during Ramadan. According to him, though it is not a crime if young children enjoy such celebrations without knowing their significance, those who know and indulge in them are going against Islamic law.
Razvi once again advised Shami to follow the teachings of Islam. However, a video emerged in which Shami’s daughter was seen celebrating Holi with great enthusiasm, and Razvi had to speak out again. “I appeal to Shami and his family not to let their children participate in things that are not in line with Shariat. Holi is an important festival for Hindus, but Muslims must not participate in such festivities,” he said.
The cleric also used the occasion to congratulate the Indian cricket team on their recent victory in the ICC Champions Trophy, wishing the captain, players, and in particular Mohammad Shami, his congratulations on their victory.
Last month, Razvi had criticized Shami for not fasting during Ramadan, calling it a sin. In his recent message, he asked those who cannot fast to do so after the holy month. He stressed the need to follow Shariat, especially in the wake of a recent incident where Shami was spotted drinking during a match against Australia. Razvi said, “In the eyes of Shariat, he is a criminal. He should not have done this at all.”
The cleric justified the belief that fasting is mandatory in Islam and claimed that to miss it voluntarily makes a person a sinner in the Islamic law. “Playing cricket isn’t wrong, but Mohammad Shami needs to abide by religious obligations. I suggest he remain true to Shariat and take responsibility towards religion,” Razvi said.
