“Holi is a Crime for Muslims”: Cleric Razvi Targets Cricketer Mohammed Shami Again For His Daughter Playing Holi

Cleric Razvi Targets Mohammed Shami: Razvi stated that he had previously advised Shami to adhere to Islamic teachings.

A Muslim cleric who had earlier criticised Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami for not fasting during Ramzan has now termed his daughter’s Holi celebrations as “illegal” and “against Shariat”.

In a video released late on Saturday, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, expressed disapproval of Shami’s daughter participating in the festival. While acknowledging that she is a small child who may not understand the significance of Holi, Razvi said, “If she plays Holi without understanding (it), then it is not a crime. However, if she is sensible and still plays Holi, then it will be considered against Shariat.”

Razvi further stated that he had previously advised Shami to adhere to Islamic teachings. Despite his guidance, a video emerged showing Shami’s daughter celebrating Holi.

“I have appealed to Shami and his family members… Whatever is not in Shariat, do not let your children do it. Holi is a very big festival for Hindus but Muslims should avoid celebrating it. If someone celebrates Holi even after knowing Shariat, it is a crime,” Razvi asserted.

Cleric Razvi Targets Mohammed Shami

This is not the first time Razvi has criticised Shami. Earlier this month, he condemned the cricketer for not keeping fasts during Ramzan, calling it a “sin.” In his latest statement, Razvi advised Shami and others who could not fast during Ramzan to make up for it later.

The cleric’s remarks sparked a strong reaction from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla condemned Razvi’s statement, emphasising that India is governed by its Constitution, not religious laws.

“This country runs on the Constitution, not Shariat,” Poonawalla posted on X. He highlighted that many Muslims work in professions involving colours, such as painters and dyers, and questioned if they too were deemed “anti-Islam” by the cleric.

Poonawalla also criticised the silence of Opposition parties, including the Congress, suggesting their reluctance to comment was driven by “vote bank concerns.”

“Sadly, the so-called pseudo-liberals and secularists like Congress have no courage to call out this bigotry… they only chant ‘Hindu terror’ but not a word on such bigotry,” he remarked.

This latest controversy follows Razvi’s earlier comments on Shami’s actions during an ICC Champions Trophy match against Australia, where the cricketer was seen drinking water during play. Razvi had claimed that in Shariat’s view, Shami was “a criminal” for failing to fast, advising him to prioritise his religious obligations.

The ongoing remarks have reignited debates on personal freedoms, religious interpretations, and the role of public figures in balancing faith and professional responsibilities.

Also Read: “Shami a criminal, will have to answer God,” Jamaat President’s criticism of Shami for not keeping Roza stokes controversy

COMMENTS