Indian cricket star Mohammad Shami has expressed his views on chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Allahu Akbar,’ addressing the statements related to his religion on social media.
Shami, known for his bold performances on the cricket field, stated in an interview with a news channel that he has no issues with chanting either ‘Jai Shri Ram’ or ‘Allahu Akbar’ as it doesn’t make any difference to him.
Shami’s statement holds significance due to the past linking of his on-field mistakes or performance issues to his religion.
Equal rights
When asked about the plight of Muslims and the communal atmosphere, Shami remarked,
“As far as the question of Hindus and Muslims is concerned, both have equal rights. If there were any issues or problems here, we wouldn’t be here. Or if a non-Muslim faces trouble, he can’t stay there. It’s straightforward. But some things are being created on social media. Chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ are being heard. Riots are happening. Those people want this. And nothing else.”
I have to say, ‘Allahu Akbar,’ I will say it a thousand times
Mohammad Shami addressed the chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Allahu Akbar,’ saying,
“In every religion, there will be 5–10 people who don’t like the person in front. I have no objection to that thing. Like the Sajda (prayer) issue. If your Ram temple is being built, what problem do I have with chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’? Say it a thousand times. If I have to say ‘Allahu Akbar,’ I will say it a thousand times. What difference does it make? Nothing goes from it to anyone, and nothing comes to anyone. But brother, who plays the game can play it.”
On being questioned about being targeted on social media, Shami responded,
“What difference does it make? Firstly, I don’t even see what is being said. Say what you have to say. It doesn’t matter to me.”
Mohammad Shami’s outspoken remarks follow his outstanding performance in the World Cup 2023, where he took 24 wickets in just seven matches. However, the focus often shifted from his wickets to his every action, such as when he knelt on his knees on the ground after taking a wicket during a match. The incident led to speculation, especially in Pakistan, that he was about to perform Sajda (prayer), but he refrained due to fear.
I proudly say that I am a Muslim
Shami boldly addressed the controversy on Agenda AajTak’s platform, stating that if he wants to perform Sajda, who will stop him? He stated,
“I will do it if I have to. What’s the problem? I am a Muslim. I proudly say that I am a Muslim. I am Indian. I proudly say that I am Indian. If I have to get permission from someone to perform Sajda, then why would I stay here? It’s straight talk. People raised many objections; I also saw on Instagram and Twitter that I wanted to perform Sajda, but I didn’t.”
In his recent statement, Shami emphasizes that he won’t stop people of any other religion, and, in turn, no one from another religion will stop him either.