Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami is at the heart of a controversy following the comments of Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamat, accusing him of not keeping Roza (fast) during Ramadan. The cleric further called Shami a “criminal” in Shariat (Islamic law), which has set off a nationwide debate in political and religious circles.
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi’s Remarks on Shami
Md Shami is a criminal for not observing fast during Ramzan and choosing to play for his country over his faith… He has sent the wrong message to the Muslim community.
– President of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi pic.twitter.com/aNF1u9GE50
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) March 6, 2025
“In Pakistan, or any Muslim country, fasting means the entire country stops what it is doing, just as on Friday. If any healthy man or woman skips fasting…he or she is apparently committing a crime in the eyes of Shariat and will have to answer on the Day of Judgment,” Bareili said.
The cleric added that Shami was able to play cricket and should have fasted instead of taking a glass of water in front of millions of viewers.
Shami’s Brother Defends Him
Mohammed Zaid, Shami’s cousin, dismissed the Maulana’s comments and labelled them as publicity means. He explained to Times Now that under Islam, a traveling individual is permitted to miss fasting.
“It wasn’t a big issue. Shami bhai was playing in Dubai. According to Islamic teachings, fasting can be skipped if a long journey is involved. The Maulana just made this statement for TRP.”
Zaid further defended his brother’s commitment to the nation, saying, “We are people who are ready to sacrifice for the country.”
Backlash Against the Cleric’s Comments
Controversy was stirred following India’s victory against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal, where Shami performed admirably with 3/48. Many celebrities came out to condemn the cleric’s remarks, saying religion should not mix with professional sports.
“In case he feels fasting may affect his performance, he is entitled to place game first. He is a proud Indian who has won matches for the country,” said Rohit Pawar, NCP-SP leader.
Further, Shia cleric Maulana Yassob Abbas criticized the statement, calling it “an attention-seeking stunt.”
“Religion is no compulsion. Several people do not fast, so why single out Shami?”
The Further Debate: Religion Vs. Professional Commitment
Shami emerges in yet another larger discussion encompassing the struggles between religious duties and professional commitments of cricketers who must remain in the best physical condition. For some camp followers, personal belief should take precedence; for others, sports performance in an international arena must thrive in all circumstances.
That said, in the meanwhile, the debate goes on, while Shami remains focused on his game and lets his performance onward speak for itself.
