TVK Chief Vijay Urged to Be Avoided by Muslim Community: Cleric's Fatwa on Iftar Party Controversy

In a significant development, Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat (AIMJ), issued a fatwa cautioning the Muslim community against supporting TVK Chief Vijay and his Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) party. The cleric's remarks stemmed from the actor's portrayal of Muslims in his films, which Razvi believes has painted an inaccurate and negative image of Islam.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president Vijay

Razvi’s fatwa also comes amid a growing concern over Vijay’s participation in political events and his recent involvement in hosting an Iftar party, which has stirred debates within the Muslim community. In his fatwa, the Maulana stressed that Muslims should distance themselves from any association with TVK leader Vijay, particularly urging them to refrain from supporting the TVK chief’s political agenda.

“After receiving a query from a Muslim in Chennai, I issued this fatwa as a warning to the Muslim community,” said Maulana Razvi. “I advised Muslims not to invite TVK leader Vijay to their Iftar parties or any other programs. His actions and the roles he portrays in films contribute to a harmful portrayal of Muslims, which goes against the values of our community.”

The call for distancing from Vijay has intensified following his recent Iftar party, which some members of the Muslim community viewed as an attempt by the TVK leader to align himself with their religious practices. However, Razvi criticized this gesture, stating that Vijay’s public image was inherently “anti-Muslim” due to his past film roles that have shown Muslims in a negative light.

"His political involvement, including hosting an Iftar party, should not be seen as genuine outreach," Razvi added. "It is important for the Muslim community to recognize the broader implications of supporting someone who has used his platform to perpetuate harmful stereotypes."

The controversy surrounding the TVK leader’s Iftar party and the ongoing discourse about the role of cinema and politics in shaping societal views on Muslims continues to spark discussions. With the cleric's fatwa now in the spotlight, the debate about the relationship between the Muslim community and political figures like TVK chief Vijay is expected to gain further momentum.

As tensions rise, the Muslim community in Tamil Nadu and beyond faces a dilemma on how to navigate their political and cultural engagement with public figures who are seen as perpetuating negative stereotypes about their faith.