Sara Ali Khan faces fatwa over Kedarnath visit, Islamic cleric calls it 'haram' under Sharia law

Sara Ali Khan has been vocal about her devotion towards Lord Shiva. After making her debut with a film titled Kedarnath, the actress makes an annual visit to the shrine quietly. Following the release of her latest movie, Udta Teer, the 31-year-old was seen in Kedarnath on October 25. The spiritual trip once again put the spotlight on Sara. According to the latest report, a fatwa has been issued against the Bollywood actress. Reportedly, Uttar Pradesh-based Islamic cleric Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi objected to Sara's Kedarnath visit.

Sara Ali Khan's Kedarnath visit sparks new controversy

According to Bhaskar English, the cleric claimed that Islamic Sharia does not permit Muslims to participate in the religious practices of other faiths. In a statement, the Maulana said, “I want to make it clear that Islamic Sharia does not permit its followers to engage in shirk. This means that no Muslim, whether a man or a woman, is allowed to adopt the religious practices of another faith or worship at a temple."

He reportedly called worshipping at another religion’s place of worship 'impermissible and haram' under Sharia law. The Maulana further demanded that Sara repent before Allah like a 'guilty person'. He reiterated, “I want to make it clear that such acts are not permissible.”

Sara Ali Khan to submit affidavit before visiting Kedarnath

In March this year, Sara was asked to submit an affidavit if she wanted to visit the Kedarnath temple. Badri-Kedar Temple Committee Chairman Hemant Dwivedi said that all non-Hindus would be required to submit the affidavit if they wish to seek blessings at the temples. Dwivedi added that the submission of proof stating that the devotees believe in Hinduism will be required from all non-Hindus. He told the media, "If Sara Ali Khan expresses her devotion towards Sanatan Dharma and submits an affidavit, we will allow her to offer prayers."

Sara Ali Khan on religious beliefs

Amid religious conflicts, Sara told Hindustan Times in a 2025 interview that she believes in being an 'Indian' before anything else. "Whatever my spiritual beliefs may be, at the core of it, there’s a very strong pulse of just being Indian. And to me, being Indian means celebrating all kinds of festivals. We celebrate Eid, we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, we celebrate Christmas, and I feel that empathy isn’t as prevalent as it should be, but festivals allow for it," Sara said.

Talking to Galatta India in 2024, Khan made it clear that her religious beliefs and food choices are to be decided by her, and she would never apologise for that.

Stay updated with the latest and breaking news on Times Now. Get latest India News, World News, Business News, Sports News, Viral News and Education News also explore Entertainment News and Lifestyle Tips.