After facing backlash for her now-deleted post that fat-shamed Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma, Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed has now stepped into the controversy surrounding fast bowler Mohammed Shami being labeled a ‘criminal’ for not fasting during India’s semifinal match against Australia in the ongoing Champions Trophy.
The controversy erupted when visuals of Mohammed Shami consuming an energy drink during the match went viral on social media. Some users criticized the cricketer for not observing ‘Roza’ (fast) during the holy month of Ramzan. The issue escalated further when Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, called Mohammed Shami a “criminal” for skipping fasting, stating that fasting is a fundamental obligation in Islam. According to him, any healthy individual who does not observe Roza is committing a significant religious offense.
However, Shama Mohamed defended Mohammed Shami, stating that Islam provides exemptions for individuals who are traveling. She emphasized that fasting is not mandatory for those on a journey and highlighted that Mohammed Shami, being part of an international tournament, was well within his religious rights to refrain from fasting. She also pointed out that Islam is a practical and scientific religion that prioritizes individual circumstances, such as physical exertion and dehydration during sports.
Her views were echoed by Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. He clarified that while fasting is an essential part of Islam, the Quran explicitly grants an exemption for travelers and those who are unwell. He stated that Mohammed Shami was on an international tour, making him eligible for this exemption, and asserted that no one has the authority to question his personal religious decisions.
The controversy has sparked a debate on the interpretation of religious obligations in professional sports. While some believe that religious rules should be strictly followed, others argue that athletes must prioritize their physical well-being, especially in high-performance scenarios.
Mohammed Shami, 34, remains focused on India’s Champions Trophy campaign in Dubai, where the team is preparing to face New Zealand in the final on Sunday. Despite the criticism, the pacer has received widespread support from fans and experts who believe that religious practices should be a matter of personal choice and not a subject of public scrutiny.
