MUMBAI: Famous Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan landed himself in hot water on Thursday after questioning the Muslim practices of sacrifice on Eid-ul-Azha and fasting during Ramazan.
In an interview, the actor said, “The meaning of qurbani is to sacrifice something which is close to you instead of any goat or sheep which you just buy to sacrifice. Before sacrifice, we should share a bond with the thing otherwise just killing an animal will not serve the purpose,” he said.
The “Piku” actor also felt that nowadays people performed these religious activities and rituals without knowing the meaning behind them, according to the Decan Herald.
He also talked about the practice of fasting in Islam. “Rather than fasting during Ramazan, people should self-introspect… We Muslims have also made a mockery of Muharram. It is meant for mourning and what we do? Take out (tajiya) processions.”
He also criticized Muslims for not speaking against terrorism. “Why are Muslims silent on the issue of terrorism. People should also question politicians over this issue,” he said.
Reacting to the actor’s comments, Muslim clerics slammed Irrfan and asked him to concentrate on his film career and not get involved in religious issues.
Maulana Abdul Wahid Khatri, state secretary of Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Hind said, “It would be better if he concentrates on his film career and not make random statements about our religion. He is doing this just for the publicity of his upcoming movie.”
On the other hand, Sher Qazi Khalid Usmani, Jaipur’s Shaher Qazi (chief jurist), told India Today, “He should keep his mouth shut as he has no knowledge about the religion.”
Currently, Khan is busy promotinf his upcoming film ‘Madari’ in Jaipur.
