A fatwa has reportedly been issued by 46 Muslim clerics against Nahid Afrin, a singer from Assam for singing songs against terrorism.
The teen singer, who was one of the runner-ups in a reality show, has reportedly been asked to stop singing in public.
According to the report Assam police are investigating to see whether the fatwa was a reaction to Nahid’s recent performances against terrorism.
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The report suggests that leaflets bearing the fatwa with the names of the clerics were distributed across the Hojai and Nagaon districts of central Assam.
“If anti-Sharia acts like musical nights are held on grounds surrounded by masjids, idgahs, madrassas and graveyards, our future generations will attract the wrath of Allah,” the leaflets read.
Nahid, who hails from Biswanath Chariali, had made her singing debut with a song for Sonakshi Sinha’s ‘Akira’. The young girl is determined to continue singing and has reportedly said that she will never bow down to such warnings. She is now gearing up for her next programme on March 25.
Enough outrage for even national news channels to take notice and Assam’s chief minister to tweet condemning the “fatwa” and assuring the young woman of his government’s commitment to protect her freedom of speech and safety.
We strongly condemn putting restrictions on performance by young talented singer Nahid Afrin by some organisations.
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) March 14, 2017
Freedom of artists are essence of democracy. Spoke to Nahid and reiterated our Govt’s commitment to provide safety and security to artists.
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) March 14, 2017
Even Taslima Nasreen tweeted out, expressing support and solidarity for Afreen.
After getting fatwa from 46 mullahs in Assam,16 yrs old Nahid Afrin said she’ll never bow down and will never leave singing. Bravo girl!
— taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) March 15, 2017
“The music industry supports Nahid Afrin,” says
Anyone who tells a musician not to make music, doesn’t understand anything about spirituality. Shame on the people threatening #NahidAfrin .
— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) March 15, 2017
I believe that protecting her freedom and safety is the responsibility of the Assam Government. #NahidAfrin https://t.co/2AwnAAKC2k
— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) March 15, 2017
On a related note, not too long ago, a Muslim girl from Karnataka for trolled and slammed for singing Hindu devotional songs.
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