Islamists are yet again after Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami for not observing a fast during Ramzan when India played semi-final match against Australia. During the match, which took place during the month of Ramzan, Md Shami was seen drinking water and juice for hydration. However, it soon lead to outpouring of abuses from Islamists with Muslim cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, who labeled him a “criminal” for skipping the fast, being the prominent amongst them.
Cleric Calls Shami a ‘Criminal’ for Not Fasting
Maulana Bareilvi, President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, brazenly targeted Shami, arguing that fasting during Ramzan is a religious obligation, and those who do not observe it are sinners.
He stated, “One of the compulsory duties in Islam is ‘roza’ (fasting). If any healthy man or woman doesn’t observe ‘roza,’ they are committing a major crime. Shami drank water during a match, despite being fit to fast. This sends a wrong message to Muslims and makes him a criminal in the eyes of Islam.”
Lashing out at the Maulana, Shami’s coach, Mohammed Badruddin, came out in support of the fast bowler. He stated that the Indian pacer’s decision should be respected.
“Desh ke aage kuch nahin (Nothing comes before the nation),” he said, urging Islamists to prioritize national pride.
Islamists Abuse Shami and His Family
Following his Instagram post celebrating India’s victory against Australia, Islamists flooded the comment section with hateful messages, accusing him of betraying Islam and prioritizing India over his faith. Some labeled him a “non-Muslim” for not fasting, while others told him to “keep Islam above the nation.”
It is important to note that this is not the first time Mohammed Shami has faced abuse from Islamist radicals. His family, including his young daughter, had been targeted and hounded by Islamist trolls.
A few years back, when Md Shami shared a photo of his daughter, Aira, dressed in a saree and standing next to Hindu items of worship with tilak on her forehead, Islamists attacked her. They accused him of promoting idol worship which is considered shirq (the worst of act) in Islam. The Islamists threatened both Md Shami and his daughter, warning that they would “burn in hell” for engaging in what they deemed un-Islamic practices.
His estranged wife, Hasin Jahan, has also been subjected to severe online abuse for extending her best wishes on the Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan in Ayodhya. In 2020, Jahan filed a complaint with Kolkata police, citing death and rape threats from Islamists who were enraged by her congratulatory message to Hindus.
In her police complaint, Hasin Jahan stated, “I have been continuously harassed and abused after I wished our Hindu brothers and sisters for the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. Some people are threatening my life, even making rape and molestation threats. I am feeling helpless and worried about my daughter’s future.”
The hypocrisy of these Islamists is evident. They cry victimhood when questioned about radicalization but are the first to impose religious dogma on others. If India’s secular fabric is under threat, it is not from other communities but from these Islamists who cannot peacefully coexist with those who challenge their rigid beliefs. It is also ironic that while Islamists in India claim to be oppressed, they are the ones dictating how fellow Muslims should live their lives.