As Shah Rukh Khan shares Ganesh Chaturthi greetings on his social media, it has created a storm in social media. The actor, who wished his fans blessings on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, found himself receiving flak for his Muslim faith as many questioned why he was joining in on the Hindu rituals.
Shah Rukh Khan’s posts on Ganesh Chaturthi messages hoped for blessings from Lord Ganesha as strong reactions came from both Hindu and Muslim communities. From celebratory chants from many Hindu followers, criticising the actor for crossing religious lines came from some Muslims.
Matters came to a head as Shah Rukh Khan shares Ganesh Chaturthi message. Many referred to his earlier statements of not being strictly religious yet being Islamic. That was the catalyst for the criticism of radical groups, accusing him of betraying Islamic principles by participating in idol worship.
Shah Rukh Khan shares Ganesh Chaturthi greetings, badly criticized by Muslim community
Social media was aflame as Shah Rukh Khan shares Ganesh Chaturthi greetings. Comments poured into the section: “This is not allowed in Islam. There is no god but Allah”, among others, even as others asked the actor to apologize to Allah for having “compromised his faith to win fame”. Others wrote:
“Astaghfirullah SRK your eyes are closed when they open then you will realize what were you doing just because of India. You are doing this and I know you also know what is truth so please don’t do this and say sorry to Allah. I hope Allah will forgive you.”
As Shah Rukh Khan shares Ganesh Chaturthi’s post, it shows the challenges of religious diversity that there are in India. Some have defended his right to be proud of both his Muslim identity and his wife’s Hindu traditions. Shah Rukh married Gauri Khan, a Hindu, back in 1991 despite opposition from her family over religious differences. It has often courted publicity for the fact that the two of them meld their faiths together.
As Shah Rukh Khan shares Ganesh Chaturthi’s post, a debate has brought into sharp focus the complex play of faith, tradition, and identity in the lives of public figures, sparking a broader debate on religious tolerance in India.
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