During the promotions of his upcoming film Madaari in Jaipur, Irrfan Khan made controversial comments on Ramadan and Muharram.
He said in an interview with a leading newspaper, “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 sacrificing we should share a bond with that thing otherwise just killing of an animal will not serve the purpose. Nowadays we have lost the relevance behind such religious activities and perform these rituals without knowing the meaning behind them.”
Additionally, according to a report in a tabloid he said, “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 we do? Take out (tajiya) processions.”
Irrfan’s comments have created quite the backlash, especially among Muslim clerics who have slammed his remarks.
Reports in another leading daily suggest that 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 chief jurist also added that Irrfan Khan should “keep his mouth shut” as he has no knowledge about the religion.
