Vishva Hindu Parishad chief Alok Kumar has criticised a reported fatwa against actor Sara Ali Khan following her visit to the Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand.
Speaking in Haridwar, Alok Kumar questioned why concerns about religious intolerance were raised selectively in relation to Hinduism. He said, "Why is religious intolerance questioned only in Hinduism? Issuing a fatwa over a temple visit is extremist."
The remarks came after Uttar Pradesh-based Islamic cleric Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi reportedly issued a fatwa over Sara Ali Khan’s visit to the shrine and her participation in prayers.
What happened at Kedarnath
Sara Ali Khan was seen at the Kedarnath temple on Sunday, October 25. She reportedly stood in the queue for darshan before offering prayers with folded hands.
The actor has visited Kedarnath several times over the past 4 years. Her latest visit triggered controversy after the cleric commented on her worship at the Hindu shrine.
In a video statement, Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi described worship according to another religion as “impermissible and haram under Sharia.” The statement was reported as a fatwa directed at the actor over her temple visit.
The available account does not establish any court action, police case or official administrative order arising from the controversy. It records opposing public statements from the cleric and the VHP chief.
Why the controversy matters
The dispute has drawn attention to the question of whether individuals can visit places of worship outside their own religious tradition. Alok Kumar’s response framed the reported fatwa as an example of religious intolerance and extremism.
For Kedarnath, the controversy follows a public visit by a well-known actor to one of Uttarakhand’s prominent temples. The reported sequence was limited to Sara Ali Khan’s queueing for darshan and offering prayers.
No statement from Sara Ali Khan is included in the available material. The reported fatwa also remains described as a statement by the Uttar Pradesh-based cleric, rather than a court ruling or government decision.
Conclusion
The controversy centres on Sara Ali Khan’s October 25 Kedarnath visit, the reported fatwa issued by Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi and Alok Kumar’s criticism of it as extremist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What did Sara Ali Khan do at Kedarnath?
Sara Ali Khan reportedly stood in the queue for darshan and later offered prayers with folded hands at the Kedarnath temple.
Q. When did Sara Ali Khan visit Kedarnath?
She was spotted at the temple on Sunday, October 25.
Q. Who reportedly issued the fatwa?
The reported fatwa was attributed to Uttar Pradesh-based Islamic cleric Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi.
Q. What did the cleric say about worship according to another religion?
In a video statement, he described it as “impermissible and haram under Sharia.”
Q. What did Alok Kumar say?
Alok Kumar said, "Why is religious intolerance questioned only in Hinduism? Issuing a fatwa over a temple visit is extremist."
Q. Has Sara Ali Khan visited Kedarnath before?
The available material says she has visited Kedarnath several times over the past 4 years.
