Bangladeshi actress Shabnam Faria has urged people to stop criticising others for performing Hajj or Umrah, saying no one has the right to judge another person’s intentions or decide whether their worship will be accepted by Allah.
In a recent Facebook post, the actress called on people to reflect on their own conduct rather than make hurtful comments about others’ religious practices.
“If seeing someone’s Hajj or Umrah photographs makes you want to leave a nasty comment, perhaps you should take a closer look at yourself,” Faria wrote.
She said performing Hajj or Umrah involves more than financial means, adding that intention, divine guidance and Allah’s will also play a role.
“Who are you to decide that someone’s Umrah will not count or that their worship will not be accepted? Are you a judge appointed by Allah?” she asked.
Faria also spoke out against negative comments targeting celebrities who share photographs from their religious journeys.
She noted that acting may be a profession, but it does not give others the right to question an artiste’s religious beliefs or worship.
She cited Muslim stars including Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Hania Aamir, Dur-e-Fishan and Fawad Khan as examples of celebrities who have performed Hajj or Umrah.
Describing herself as someone who does not practise religion extensively, Faria said she nevertheless refrains from judging others.
“I am not a particularly religious person, but at least I do not judge others the way you do,” she wrote.
The actress also questioned whether critics apply the same standards to everyone.
She asked whether people make similar comments on religious posts by relatives of individuals accused of taking bribes, politicians who make false promises, or people who earn interest on bank deposits.
She suggested that some people may be targeting those they personally dislike or envy, using religion as a weapon to express their resentment.
“Do not use religion as a weapon for your personal likes and dislikes,” she wrote.
Faria advised people who cannot share in someone else’s happiness to remain silent, ignore the post or unfollow the person instead of posting hurtful remarks.
“If you cannot be happy for someone sharing a beautiful moment of their life, their joy and their faith, then stay quiet,” she said.
Concluding her post, the actress urged people to focus on improving their own character, behaviour and intentions before passing judgement on another person’s worship.
“Whether someone’s worship is accepted is a matter between them and Allah. The hurtful comments you make about that worship, however, become part of your own record of deeds,” she wrote.
