'Illegal': Cleric who slammed cricketer Mohammed Shami over Ramzan fasting now calls his daughter's Holi celebration ‘against Shariat’

NEW DELHI: A cleric who had earlier accused cricketer Mohammed Shami of committing a sin by not fasting during Ramzan has now called the Holi celebrations of his daughter “illegal” and “against Shariat.”

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, stated in a video released late Saturday that if Shami’s daughter played Holi without understanding its significance, it would not be a crime. However, he added, “If she is sensible and still plays Holi, then it will be considered against Shariat.”

Razvi claimed that he had previously advised Shami to follow Islamic tenets, yet a video of his daughter celebrating Holi surfaced.

"I have appealed to Shami and his family members … Whatever is not in Shariat, do not let your children do it. Holi is a major Hindu festival, and Muslims should avoid celebrating it. If someone knowingly celebrates Holi despite understanding Shariat, it is a crime," Razvi said.

Despite his criticism, he also congratulated Team India for their recent ICC Champions Trophy victory, specifically acknowledging Shami's contribution.

Earlier this month, Razvi had criticized Shami for drinking water during an ICC Champions Trophy match against Australia, calling him a “criminal in the eyes of Shariat” for not fasting.

"Fasting is obligatory in Islam. If a person does not intentionally keep a fast, he is considered a sinner, according to Islamic law," Razvi had stated, adding that Shami should observe missed fasts after Ramzan.

He further urged Shami to "be responsible towards his religion and follow Sharia laws."