Fatwas issued against Omar Abdullah, Sara Ali Khan and Mohammad Deepak

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, has issued three separate fatwas over three consecutive days against Jammu-Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan, and a youth from Uttarakhand.

According to a report by Dainik Bhaskar, these fatwas have been issued on the subjects of Omar Abdullah's marriage, Sara Ali Khan's prayers in Kedarnath, and a youth adding the word 'Mohammad' to his name. The Maulana has deemed all three matters as against Shariat and invalid.

Under the first fatwa, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi expressed his opinion regarding the relationship and marriage of Jammu-Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and former journalist Nidhi Razdan. According to the Maulana, the marriage of Omar Abdullah and Nidhi Razdan is completely invalid as per the rules of Shariat. Citing the fundamental principles of Shariat, he stated that the first condition for Nikah is that both the boy and the girl must become followers of Islam by reciting the Kalma. If either of them remains a non-Muslim, the marriage cannot be valid.

The Maulana clarified that while Omar Abdullah is a Muslim, Nidhi Razdan is a non-Muslim; therefore, this relationship is not a marriage but is non-Shari'i. In the Maulana's view, Omar Abdullah should have had Nidhi Razdan properly accept Islam by reciting the Kalma before marrying. Since no religious conversion took place, this Nikah is completely invalid from the perspective of Islam.

In the second fatwa, the Maulana used harsh words regarding Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan's visit to Kedarnath Dham for darshan and prayers. According to the report by Dainik Bhaskar, the Maulana explicitly stated that in the light of Shariat, it is completely invalid and Haram for any Muslim to visit a temple, seek darshan, or perform worship. Citing the concerns of Muslim youths across the country, he stated that Islam does not permit its followers to engage in Shirk, i.e., idol worship or non-Islamic religious rituals.

Sara Ali Khan had gone to the temple and performed prayers for half an hour, which the Maulana termed a direct violation of the rules of Shariat. The Maulana stated in blunt words that following this act, Sara Ali Khan has become a sinner in the eyes of Shariat and a partner in a major sin. He suggested that she should immediately seek forgiveness from the court of Khuda with a sincere heart and perform Tauba.

The third fatwa was issued against Deepak Kumar, a resident of Kotdwar in Uttarakhand. Deepak Kumar had added the word 'Mohammad' before his name. Raising strong objections on this matter as well, the Maulana stated that in Shariat, it is completely Mamnoon, i.e., prohibited, for any non-Muslim to attach 'Mohammad' to their name. The Maulana argued that 'Mohammad' is not just any common word, but the extremely holy, blessed, and dignified name of the Prophet of Islam. The right to bear this name belongs only to those who have faith in Islam and the Quran.

The Maulana further stated that although Deepak had adopted this name out of emotion in support of an elderly Muslim, religious principles cannot be compromised. The Maulana clarified that this name is appropriate only if a person accepts Islam of their own will; otherwise, Deepak should live with his original name and true identity.

Ulema associated with the Markaz of Bareilly are describing these fatwas as the protection of Islamic principles. On the other hand, in social and political circles, this matter is being viewed as direct interference in personal decisions and private freedom. These fatwas, issued against a Chief Minister, a well-known actress, and an ordinary citizen, have sparked new controversy from social media to political corridors.