As India sealed its spot in the Champions Trophy final with a thrilling win over Australia, a different kind of drama was unfolding off the pitch. A video of Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami sipping an energy drink during the semifinal match went viral, sparking a heated debate about his decision not to observe the Islamic fast of Roza during Ramadan. The controversy began when Maulana Shahabuddin, the president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, called out Shami for not fasting, labeling him a “culprit” and urging him to seek forgiveness from Allah.
However, not everyone agrees with Maulana Shahabuddin’s stance. Maulana Yasoob Abbas, the general secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, countered that Shami’s decision to not fast was a personal matter and should not be politicized. “Fasting is a matter of personal faith, and it’s not right to create controversy around it,” he said in an interview in Lucknow. Abbas emphasized that while fasting is obligatory in Islam, it’s not compulsory for individuals who are traveling or have health concerns – a provision that could apply to Shami, who is currently on tour.
The debate has also drawn reactions from other Muslim leaders and politicians. BJP leader Mohsin Raza weighed in, saying that the matter is between Shami and Allah, and that no one else has the right to interfere. “He (Shami) is an adult and can take his own decisions,” Raza said. Similarly, Uttar Pradesh BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi tweeted that prayer, worship, and fasting are personal matters, and no one – including mullahs, maulvis, muftis, or ulemas – can dictate what others should do.
Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi, an executive member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, also chimed in, saying that while fasting is mandatory for Muslims during Ramadan, there are exceptions for those who are traveling or unwell. Since Shami is currently on tour, he has the option of not fasting, Farangi explained. As the controversy continues to simmer, one thing is clear: the intersection of sports, faith, and personal choice can be a complex and sensitive topic, and one that requires nuance and understanding.
Reactions on Social Media
The debate has also spilled over onto social media, with many weighing in on the issue. Some have expressed support for Shami’s decision, saying that he should be free to make his own choices about his faith. Others have criticized him for not fasting, arguing that he is a public figure and should set an example for others.
#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
Key Points
* Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami sparked controversy by not observing the Islamic fast of Roza during Ramadan
* Maulana Shahabuddin, president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, called out Shami for not fasting and urged him to seek forgiveness from Allah
* Other Muslim leaders, including Maulana Yasoob Abbas and Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi, have countered that fasting is a personal matter and should not be politicized
* The debate has drawn reactions from politicians, including BJP leaders Mohsin Raza and Rakesh Tripathi
* The issue has also sparked a discussion on social media, with many weighing in on the intersection of sports, faith, and personal choice.
