Mohammed Shami has addressed the controversy surrounding his having an energy drink during a cricket match during Ramzan. Ramzan is a holy month for Muslims, who fast for the entire month from sunrise to sunset.<\/p>\n
The top pacer spoke about it during an interview with News24. According to him, players often face extreme conditions, with matches played in temperatures of 42\u201345 degrees. In such situations, health and performance must come first because they represent the nation.<\/p>\n
Also Read | \u2018If someone has a problem, tell me\u2019: Mohammed Shami plays down retirement talks<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cBut, this provision exists in our (Islamic) law. If you are representing your country or travelling, an exception is allowed. People should understand that. Look at what the person is doing. I understand that you may see me as a role model, but it\u2019s also important to understand what I\u2019m representing,\u201d Shami said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe law also permits exceptions. You may either offer a penalty or complete the missed fasts later, even after Ramzan,\u201d he further said.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd, I did that. Everyone does that. But, some people want to hog the limelight,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Is Shami correct about religious exceptions?<\/p>\n Yes, Mohammed Shami<\/a> is correct about it. Muslims are allowed to the \u201cforbidden\u201d (Haraam) things under certain circumstances, like Darurah (necessity).<\/p>\n \u201cEverything that is forbidden becomes permissible in the case of necessity,\u201d says IslamQA, a widely-trusted resource for Islamic knowledge.<\/p>\n \u201cNecessity means cases in which a person will be harmed if he does not take the haraam option,\u201d it further says.<\/p>\n Also Read | Shami tears apart Pakistan over Inzamam\u2019s ball tampering allegations<\/a><\/p>\n One may argue thatShami could have fallen ill from dehydration if he had fasted under such hostile weather conditions.<\/p>\n Shami is also right about compensating missed fasts. The preferred method is qada. One can make up the same number of days before the next Ramzan.<\/p>\n Islam<\/a> also allows Muslims to skip fasts due to \u201cstrenuous work which individuals cannot forsake\u201d, according to Dar Al-Ifta.<\/p>\n If someone is permanently unable to fast, fidya allows feeding one poor person per missed fast. If someone deliberately breaks a fast without a reason, it is called kaffarah. Then, they have to fast for 60 days continuously or feed 60 poor people.<\/p>\n What was the controversy?<\/p>\n The incident happened during the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia in Dubai on March 5. Mohammed Shami was seen drinking an energy drink during the holy month of Ramzan.<\/p>\n This sparked controversy and debate on religious obligations for Muslim sportspersons. Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, national president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, criticised Shami.<\/p>\n