Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan created controversy after criticising some Islamic practices that hurt religious sentiments.
According to India Today, the actor was in Jaipur for the promotion of his upcoming film Madaari when he criticised the practice of Ramzan and Muharram, a month of mourning observed largely by the Shiite community.
According to Indian Express Irrfan said, “Slaughtering of ‘Bakra’ does not mean Qurbani, the traditional style of sacrifice by Muslims.”
“The meaning of Qurbani is to sacrifice something which is close to you instead of any goat or sheep which you just buy to sacrifice. Before sacrificing we should share a bond with that thing otherwise just killing of an animal will not serve the purpose. Nowadays we have lost the relevance behind such religious activities and perform these rituals without knowing the meaning behind them,” Irrfan told Deccan Herald.
He further stated that”Rather than fasting during Ramzan, people should self-introspect. Animals are being slaughtered in the name of qurbaani during Muharram. We, Muslims, have made a mockery of Muharram. It is meant for mourning and what do we do? Take out (tajiya) processions,” he said.
The actor also went on to pinpoint the issue of terrorism and asked Muslims to take up the issue with the higher authorities.
“Why Muslims are silent on the issue of terrorism? People should also question the politicians over this issue,” he said.
In response to the criticism, Jaipur’s Muslim Cleric Maulana Abdul Wahid Khatri, State Secretary of Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Hind, asked the actor to focus on his career instead of the religious affairs of Muslims.
“It would be better if he concentrates on his film career and not make random statements about our religion. He is doing this just for the publicity of his upcoming movie,” said Maulana Khatri.
Sher Qazi Khalid Usmani, Jaipur’s Shaher Qazi (chief jurist) said, “He should keep his mouth shut as he has no knowledge about the religion.”
After all Religion is Opium of the People.
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