As many as 46 Muslim clerics from Assam issued a ‘fatwa’ against teenage singer Nahid Afrin banning her from singing on stage citing Sharia laws. Pamphlets bearing the names of the 46 organisations/individuals were found in different parts of Assam such as Lanka, Hojai areas where Nahid was supposed to take part in a musical show on March 25.
“Magic, dance, drama, theatre etc. are against Sharia laws. Events like musical shows are against the Sharia law and future generations will be corrupted,” the pamphlet read.
Nahid Afrin, the 16-year-old singer who rose to fame by participating in the famous reality TV show Indian Idol Junior, said that she will fight and will not bog down to the diktat. Talking to the media, the singer said that she is not afraid of the threat and will continue to pursue her dream of making it big in the music industry.
“Was shocked and broken from inside at first, but many Muslim singers gave me inspiration to not quit music, will never do so,” Afrin said.
“My singing is gift of God. I believe it must be properly utilised, not doing so is ignoring God,” she said when asked about the fatwa issued against her.
Following reports of threat against the young singer, Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal called up Nahid assuring her of all help. Sonowal told Nahid that she will be provided proper security cover. Other prominent persons of the state too have come out in support of Nahid.
Meanwhile, Assam Police said they were investigating whether the fatwa was a reaction to Nahid recently performing songs against terrorism, including the banned terror group Islamic State.
