Irrfan Khan criticises Islamic practises, Muslim clerics respond

Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan has landed himself in the midst of controversy after his criticism of some Islamic practices hurt religious sentiments.

According to India Today, the actor was in Jaipur for the promotion of his upcoming film Madaari when he criticised the practice of Ramazan and Muharram, a month of mourning observed largely by the Shiite community.

"Rather than fasting during Ramazan, people should self-introspect. Animals are being slaughtered [in] the name of qurbaani during Muharram. We, Muslims, have made a mockery of Muharram. It is meant for mourning and what [do] we do? Take out (tajiya) processions," he said.

Irrfan probably didn't understand that the practive of qurbaani -- the sacrifice of animals -- occurs on Eid ul Azha, and not Muharram.

The actor added that 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,” Khan was quoted by Deccan Herald.

The actor also went on to pinpoint the issue of terrorism and asked Muslims to take up the issue with the higher authorities.

"Why Muslims are silent against the issue of terrorism? People should also question the politicians over this issue," he said.

In response to the criticism, Jaipur's Muslim cleric Maulana Abdul Wahid Khatri, state secretary of Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Hind, asked the actor to focus on his career instead of the religious affairs of Muslims.

"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," said Maulana Khatri.

Sher Qazi Khalid Usmani, Jaipur's Shaher Qazi (chief jurist) said, "He should keep his mouth shut as he has no knowledge about the religion."