Uttar Pradesh: Team India’s star pace bowler Mohammed Shami has come under criticism from a Muslim cleric for not observing Roza (fasting) during the holy month of Ramadan.

National President of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, expressed his disapproval over Shami’s decision to not keep Roza.

"Islam has declared fasting (Roza) as obligatory, and it is mandatory for all sane and mature men and women. If someone deliberately does not fast, it is considered a grave sin. Similarly, Mohammed Shami did not observe Roza, even though it was his religious duty," said Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi.

Religious obligation emphasised

The cleric further stated that Shami’s decision not to fast makes him guilty in religious terms.

"By not fasting, he has committed a serious offense in the eyes of Sharia. He stands guilty in religious terms and should not have done this. I advise and remind him to strictly follow the obligations of Islam," he added.

Earlier, Mohammed Shami received widespread praise on social media after a video of him drinking water near the boundary went viral. Fans lauded the fast bowler for putting his commitment to the national team above religious observances.  

One user expressed admiration, stating, "HUGE RESPECT: When love for the nation takes precedence over Ramzan celebrations." 

Another echoed similar sentiments, commenting, "National duty comes before religious duty. Shami supremacy."

As of now, Mohammed Shami has not responded to the cleric’s remarks.