’It is against ‘Shariat’: Maulana Razvi again sparks row as Mohammed Shami’s daughter celebrates Holi

The Muslim cleric who had triggered a controversy during the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by claiming that cricketer Mohammed Shami committed a sin by not fasting during holy month of Ramzan, has sparked another row.

All India Muslim Jamaat president Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi has called the Holi celebrations of Shami’s daughter as “illegal” and “against Shariat”.

In a video released late on Saturday, Razvi said: “She is a small girl … If she plays Holi without understanding (it), then it is not a crime.”

“If she is sensible and still plays Holi, then it will be considered against Shariat,” he added.

Razvi further said that he had advised Shami to follow the tenets of Islam earlier as well. Despite that, a video was released of his daughter celebrating Holi.

“I have appealed to Shami and his family members … Whatever is not in Shariat, do not let your children do it. Holi is a very big festival for Hindus but Muslims should avoid celebrating Holi. If someone celebrates Holi even after knowing Shariat, it is a crime,” the Muslim cleric commented.

“I congratulate Team India’s captain, all the players, and Mohammad Shami from the bottom of my heart on their success,” he also said.

Controversy over not fasting

Earlier this month, Razvi had said Shami committed a sin by not fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramzan.

On March 6, Shami was seen drinking from a bottle during an ICC Champions Trophy match against Australia. After which Razvi had said: “In the eyes of Shariat, he is a criminal. He should not have done this at all.”

“It is the responsibility of all Muslims to follow the rules of Shariat. Fasting is obligatory in Islam. If a person does not intentionally keep a fast, he is considered a sinner, according to Islamic law,” Razvi had commented.

“Playing cricket is not bad but Mohammed Shami should fulfil his religious responsibilities. I advise Shami to follow the rules of Sharia and be responsible towards his religion,” he had added.