Ajmer Shrine custodians protest film stars

FAZAL-UR-REHMAN

KARACHI: Bollywood stars have come under fire by the Head of the Ajmer shrine in India, for using the holy place of worship to appeal for immoral subjects such as box office figures and ratings.

Zainul Abedin Ali Khan, who leads the organisation in charge of the Ajmer shrine in Rajasthan, spoke to reporters where he was quoted as saying, “Many film stars come here with a CD or DVD of their work and offer it while praying for the success of the film or serial, whatever it is which is absolutely against the Islamic law.”

He said that they are using the holy shrine for commercial needs and diminishing the moral value in the young.

"Singing, dancing, pictures, videos and obscenity are prohibited in Islam. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti has also advised people to stay busy in the prayers for Allah. However, this ideology is not being followed at present in the shrine and prayers are being sought for success of movies and TV soap operas," he said in his statement.

"It is a matter of worry that Islamic scholars and experts of Sharia laws are silent over the issue. The Islamic leaders should express their opinions regarding this freely so that this unholy practice at the shrine could be stopped."

"The movie producers and directors should refrain from such acts that hurt religious sentiments," he said.

He also maintained that shooting of films is prohibited at the shrine for the very reason that it might hurt holiness of this place.

"It has been seen often that movie stars and professionals try to draw the shrine into controversy by their acts. Singer and music director Himesh Reshammiya entering the shrine wearing a burka (veil) despite being a man and actress Katrina Kaif offering prayers wearing “indecent” cloths are just some of the examples."

While no actors were named specifically, a few years ago Katrina Kaif faced a backlash for shooting at the shrine wearing a skirt and showing off her legs.

Other celebrities have also reportedly followed suit, with Kareena Kapoor visiting several years ago to offer prayers for the success of her film “Fida”.

Earlier this year, Abhishek Bachchan also visited the shrine to reportedly pray for the success of his film “Players.”

The shrine of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddhin Chishti, who died in Ajmer in the 13th century, is one of south Asia’s most important pilgrimage sites attracting millions of devotees annually, including many heads of state from Muslim countries.