Muslim Cleric Calls India Pacer Mohammed Shami A ‘Criminal’ For Not Observing Roza

New Delhi: Mohammed Shami has had his fair share of controversies, over religion and his troubled marriage.

Now, the Team India pacer has been labelled “a criminal” by All India Muslim Jamaat president Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi for not observing ‘Roza’ (fasting) during Ramzan.

Shami came under attack after a video of him having an energy drink surfaced during India’s Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia on Tuesday.

“By not keeping ‘Roza’ he (Shami) has committed a crime. He should not do this. In the eyes of Shariat, he is a criminal. He will have to answer God,” Maulana Shahabuddin told ANI.

The maulvi said that anyone who does not keep Roza is a criminal.

“One of the compulsory duties is ‘Roza’… If healthy men or women don’t observe ‘Roza’, they will be a big criminal. A famous cricket personality of India, Mohammed Shami had water or some other beverage during a match,” Maulana Shahabuddin said.

“People were watching him. If he is playing, it means he is healthy. In such a condition, he did not observe ‘Roza’ and even had water… This sends a wrong message among people,” he added.

The maulana’s Bareilvi’s remark came after India’s four-wicket win against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal in Dubai.

Shami played a significant role in India’s victory, bagging 3/48 in 10 overs.

Maulana’s comment criticised

Maulana Shahabuddin’s remarks were widely condemned. Shia cleric Maulana Yasoob Abbas called it a publicity stunt and said that fasting is a personal choice, not a compulsion.

Shami’s coach Mohammed Badruddin defended him, saying that the cricketer was not at fault and had the nation’s support.

He urged all clerics to prioritise the country. “Desh ke aage kuch nahin (Nothing comes before the nation),” Badruddin said.

Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahli, Executive member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, came forward with a balanced explanation to defend Shami.

“It is compulsory for all Muslims to observe Roza, especially in the month of Ramazan. However, Allah has clearly mentioned in the Quran that if a person is on a journey or not well, they have the option not to observe Roza. In the case of Mohammed Shami, he is on a tour, so he has the option not to observe Roza. Nobody has a right to raise a finger on him…”

NCP (Sharad Pawar) leader Rohit Pawar opined that religion should not be brought into sports.

“While representing the country, if Mohammed Shami feels that his performance might get even slightly affected due to fasting and what if something happens, then he will never be able to sleep. He is a hardcore Indian who has made the team win many times. Religion should not be brought up in sports,” said the politician.