New Delhi, Oct. 30: Spiritual leader Swami Chidanand Saraswati has criticised a fatwa issued against Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan for visiting Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand and offering prayers. He said people following a positive path and working for the welfare of society should be appreciated rather than targeted.
The spiritual head of Parmarth Niketan Ashram expressed his views while speaking to reporters in Haridwar on Friday. His remarks came after Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, national president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, declared the actress’s temple visit impermissible under Sharia law.
Sara Ali Khan Kedarnath Visit Sparks Fatwa Controversy
Swami Chidanand Saraswati said he did not support issuing fatwas against individuals for following what they considered a virtuous path.
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“I believe ‘fatwas’ should not be issued against anyone. If a person has committed a sin, one can understand the concern. But issuing a ‘fatwa’ against someone who is following a path of virtue is difficult to understand,” he said.
He added that people who perform good deeds, help others and contribute to society should be appreciated.
Swami Jitendranand Saraswati Also Comments
Swami Jitendranand Saraswati, general secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti, said the matter concerned Muslim religious leaders. He also questioned why participation in Hindu cultural celebrations should be restricted based on gender.
Referring to the Madras High Court’s observations on entry into Agamic temples, he said visitors should respect the religious traditions and demonstrate faith when entering such places.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had ruled on restrictions concerning non-Hindus entering Agamic temples, including requirements relating to religious reverence.
Muslim Cleric Defends Fatwa Against Actress
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi defended the fatwa, stating that Sara Ali Khan’s visit to Kedarnath and participation in worship were impermissible under his interpretation of Sharia.
He said that if the actress had performed the rituals as an act of worship, she should repent through Tauba. He described the alleged act as haram and najayaz under Islamic religious principles.
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Sara Ali Khan is the daughter of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan and his former wife Amrita Singh.
The controversy has triggered debate over religious freedom, personal faith and the responses of religious leaders to interfaith visits to places of worship.
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