Irrfan Khan’s comment regarding the fasting during Ramzan and Muharram festivities has stirred up the Muslim community. He raised questions about the different Muslim rituals.
“Rather than fasting during Ramzan, people should self-introspect. Animals are being slaughtered on the name of qurbaani during Muharram. We Muslims have made a mockery of Muharram. It is meant for mourning and what do we do? Take out (tajiya) processions.”
He even had the guts to criticise the Muslims for not speaking against terrorism.
After his controversial comments Irrfan tweeted in his defense stating that “Clerics don’t scare me. Thank God I don’t live in a country governed by religious contractors.”
Irrfan’s Views
The Pan Singh Tomar actor questions the present moral and religious values of his community. He blatantly states that the rituals and festivals of today have become a mockery.
“We have forgotten the real meaning of rituals. We have made them a tamasha (mockery). Qurbani means sacrificing something close to your heart and sharing it with others.”
He questions that how can sacrificing a life earn anyone goodwill. Khan was also critical of the Muharram festivities. He states that it is an occasion of mourning instead of taking out elaborate processions.
“It is very important to understand the meaning of rituals and festivals or they will be misused”
Reaction of the Clerics
Moments after his comments hit the news, the clerics from his hometown Jaipur reacted against his comments. They lashed out at him advising him to concentrate on his own work and to refrain himself from commenting about 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.”
Sher Qazi Khalid Usmani, Jaipur’s Shaher Qazi or Chief Jurist said- “He should keep his mouth shut as he has no knowledge about the religion.”
Irrfan Khan’s views and comments regarding his religion also raises thoughts in us. We also question ourselves that are we also losing our morals and values? Is religion becoming just another day of sophisticated celebration for us?