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The issue has caused a divide among Muslim clerics and scholars, with some condemning Shami’s actions, while others have offered a more lenient interpretation based on Islamic principles
Indian pacer Mohammed Shami Shami played a pivotal role in India’s victory over Australia in semifinal on March 5, claiming three wickets for 48 runs. (Image: X)
Controversy arose after Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami was seen drinking an energy drink during India’s semi-final match against Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025.
The timing of the match, which took place during Ramzan, sparked criticism from some sections of the Muslim community. Despite the Indian team’s victory, the semi-final win was overshadowed by this controversy.
The issue has caused a divide among Muslim clerics and scholars, with some condemning Shami’s actions, while others have offered a more lenient interpretation based on Islamic principles.
On Thursday, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, the national president of the All India Muslim Jamaat (AIMJ), publicly criticised the cricketer, stating that Shami had sinned by not fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramzan.
“In the eyes of Shariat, he is a criminal, he should not have done this at all,” the Barelvi cleric stated.
‘Issue between Allah and Shami’
However, Muslim cleric Maulana Qari Ishaq Gora defended Shami’s actions, saying that Islam permits breaking the fast under certain circumstances, such as for professional athletes. He clarified that as long as the reason for not fasting is legitimate and falls within the guidelines of Shariat, it is not sinful.
“The key is that the reason must fall within the guidelines of Shariat,” Gora explained. “This issue is between Allah and Shami. There is no need for anyone to act as a judge in this matter.”
#WATCH | Saharanpur, UP | On Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi’s statement on cricketer Mohammed Shami, Patron of Jamiat Dawat Ul Muslimeen and Deobandi ulema, Maulana Qari Ishaq Gora says, “…It is a rubbish and bogus statement. People have their own situations. If a person is… pic.twitter.com/UfSLOAqSig— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2025
Khadim of Ajmer Dargah, Syed Afshan Chishti, also came to Shami’s defence. He criticised Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi’s statements, calling them baseless and attention-seeking.
“Mohammad Shami is playing for our country and is a pride of India,” Chishti said. “While the entire nation is praying for the Indian team’s success in the Champions Trophy, people like Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi are making baseless statements just to gain cheap publicity.”
Ajmer, Rajasthan: Khadim of Ajmer Dargah Syed Afshan Chishti on Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi’s statement regarding Mohammed Shami not observing Roza says, “Mohammad Shami is playing for our country and is a pride of India. While the entire nation is praying for the Indian… pic.twitter.com/K3b4YlNIzI— IANS (@ians_india) March 6, 2025
The debate extended beyond religious figures, with Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati, President of Parmarth Niketan, offering a perspective on balancing religious observance with national service.
Saraswati suggested that athletes who cannot fast due to their professional commitments should not be judged harshly.
“To contribute to the nation’s progress, to sacrifice your time and effort for the betterment of the country, is no less than worship. We must respect these efforts, just as we respect those who observe religious rituals,” he stated.
(With inputs from agencies)
