Cleric issues fatwa against Sara Ali Khan over visit to Kedarnath temple

MUMBAI: A religious controversy has erupted over Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan’s visit to the Kedarnath temple in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.

Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, a cleric from Bareilly, has declared the actress’s visit to the temple, her worship and her part in religious rituals impermissible and haram under Sharia. He advised her to repent before Allah.

Speaking to an Indian news agency, Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi, national president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, said he had received several questions about Sara Ali Khan visiting the temple and worshipping there. He said he had therefore stated his position under Sharia.

According to him, it is not permissible under Sharia for a Muslim man or woman to take part in the worship and religious rituals of another faith. He said that if Sara had done this of her own free will, she should seek forgiveness from Allah.