‘We can’t indulge in idol worship’: Actor Nushrratt Bharuccha’s Mahakal temple visit sparks row; fatwa issued by Muslim leader

BHOPAL: A spiritual visit by Bollywood actor Nushrratt Bharuccha to the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain triggered controversy after the national president of the All India Muslim Jamat, Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, issued a fatwa objecting to her participation in Hindu rituals.

On Tuesday, Bharuccha, known for her roles in Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Pyaar Ka Punchnama and Dream Girl, spoke about visiting the world-famous Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga for the second time, participating in the Bhasma Aarti and receiving blessings. Videos and photos of the visit spread on social media, showing her in prayer and receiving a temple chadar at the deity's sanctum, moments she described as "beautiful" and "deeply meaningful".



"This is my second visit to the temple; I really liked the way special arrangements are made and attention given to smallest details for all the pilgrims. There are so many people who have come to seek blessings of Mahakal just before New Year; and now I also plan to come here every year," she said in the video shared online. Bharuccha also wrote "Jai Mahakal", in an Instagram story.

Within hours, Razvi issued a fatwa stating that the actress's participation in Hindu rituals contravened Sharia and described it as a grave sin (Gunah-e-Azeem) for a practising Muslim.

When asked about the validity of his statement, Razvi told TOI visiting places of worship across religions was not inherently objectionable, but added, "as a Muslim, we can't indulge in idol worship or participate in the rituals of other religions." He referred to visuals of Bharuccha wearing a tika, taking part in Bhasma Aarti and offering jal, and said these crossed a doctrinal boundary in his interpretation of Islamic law. "I don't have any legal authority to take action… I can only guide and advise that she must do tauba (repent) and read Kalma to atone for her gunah," he said.

The fatwa, issued as a religious opinion and not through any court or legal mechanism, sparked debate on social media, with Razvi receiving hate comments. Asked if such orthodox statements might further divide communities, he said, "Hate comments don't bother me. But, I have always shirked orthodoxy and have been very vocal against Hindu killings in Bangladesh, Kashmir as well as Pakistan, but here, I'm only guiding as a religious leader. If Nushrratt is a good Muslim, she will pay heed; else she can simply ignore my fatwa."

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