Muslim clerics strongly defend Shami after pacer is labelled 'criminal' on TV for not observing roza

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, president of All India Muslim Jamaat, said Shami had committed a sin by not fasting during the ongoing holy month of Ramazan and was a “criminal” and “sinner” according to the Shariat. Fasting is a compulsory religious duty in Islam and a healthy individual like Shami has no valid reason to skip it, the cleric said.

New Delhi: The Indian cricket team’s semi-final victory over Australia Tuesday in the Champions Trophy 2025 has been marred by controversy ever since a photo went viral on social media of bowler Mohammed Shami consuming an energy drink during the match.

Shami’s family and other religious leaders spoke up in the bowler’s defence, citing his professional commitments as an athlete playing for the country.

All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahli told ANI Thursday that while it was compulsory for all Muslims to fast or keep roza during Ramazan, an exception was allowed for those travelling or the sick.

“In the case of Mohammed Shami, he is on a tour so he has the option not to observe the fast. Nobody has the right to raise a finger at him,” he said.

Shami’s relative Mumtaz expressed disappointment over the matter. “He is playing for the country. Many Pakistani players also do not fast during matches, so this is nothing new. It is shameful that such accusations are being made against him,” he told ANI.

Shia cleric Maulana Yasoob Abbas denounced the controversy surrounding the cricketer, calling it a “cheap publicity”.

“Religion does not force compulsion where there is necessity. Shami’s personal choice should not be turned into a public issue,” he reportedly said.

Other religious scholars also came out in support of Shami, arguing that his professional obligations justified his decision.

Maulana Arshad, the imam of Delhi’s Moti Masjid, dismissed the criticism, saying: “Those questioning Shami neither understand Islam nor the Quran. Islam permits a traveller to skip fasting.”

NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar put in a word for Shami.

“While representing the country, if Mohammed Shami feels that his performance might get even slightly affected due to fasting, 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. If you ask any Muslim person today, he/she will say they are proud of Shami,” he told ANI.

Maulana Shahabuddin’s comments sparked a heated debate on social media too, with some supporting his stance and others criticising him for making divisive statements.

Ramazan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds immense religious significance for Muslims worldwide. Observing roza (fast) is one of the five pillars of Islam and symbolises devotion, self-discipline and spiritual reflection. However, Islam provides exemption from fasting to individuals who are travelling or ill. Women who are menstruating, pregnant or breastfeeding are also exempt.

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Not the first attack at Shami

This isn’t the first time that Shami has faced controversy. He was previously targeted with abuse online after India’s loss to Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup.

At that time, captain Virat Kohli had come out in support of Shami, making a statement that remains relevant even today amid the current controversy.

“There’s a good reason why we are playing on the field and not a bunch of spineless people on social media that have no courage to actually speak to any individual in person,” Kohli had said.

Shami has been a pivotal player for India in the ongoing tournament. His impressive form has earned him the second spot in the list of top wicket-takers, grabbing eight wickets in four matches at an average of 19.88.

He is set to step on the field for India Sunday as the team plays against New Zealand for the final of the Champions Trophy 2025.

(Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui)

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