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Bareilly/Chennai – In a significant development stirring political and religious conversations across the country, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, has issued a fatwa against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and popular Tamil actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, commonly known as Vijay. The religious edict accuses him of misrepresenting the Muslim community in his films and disrespecting Islamic traditions during a recent Iftar event.

Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Maulana Razvi condemned the TVK chief for allegedly inviting individuals known for gambling and alcohol consumption to an Iftar party hosted in March. He also criticized Vijay’s filmography, asserting that the actor has depicted Muslims in a negative light, particularly as perpetrators of terrorism, which he described as unacceptable and deeply offensive to the sentiments of the Muslim community.

"He (Vijay) has formed a political party and maintained cordial relations with Muslims. However, he has portrayed Muslims in a negative way—as those who spread terrorism—in his films. Gamblers and liquor consumers were invited to his Iftar party," Razvi said.

🔥 Sunni Muslim Discontent Fuels Religious Backlash

The issuance of the fatwa comes amid growing discontent among sections of Sunni Muslims in Tamil Nadu, who reportedly approached Maulana Razvi seeking a formal religious response to the controversy. According to the cleric, their concern centered around what they described as insulting and inappropriate conduct during a sacred religious event.

“Due to all this, Sunni Muslims of Tamil Nadu are angry with him. They asked for a fatwa. So, in my answer, I have issued a fatwa mentioning that Muslims should not stand with Vijay," the Maulana added.

The statement has sparked a wider debate about the intersection of cinema, politics, and religious sensitivity, especially as Vijay continues to consolidate his political presence through the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, a regional party he founded with aspirations of social justice and inclusive governance.

📜 Vijay’s Legal Challenge to Waqf Act Amid Fatwa Controversy

Coinciding with the fatwa announcement, TVK President Vijay recently moved the Supreme Court, challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. His petition questions the constitutional validity of the amended legislation, which has been met with criticism from various quarters for allegedly centralizing religious administrative control and enabling arbitrary property disputes.

On Wednesday, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices P.V. Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan, began hearing a batch of petitions contesting key provisions of the Act. The court acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and hinted at passing an interim order that would suspend certain controversial sections of the legislation.

“The one thing that is very disturbing is the violence that is taking place. The issue is before the court, and we will decide,” said Chief Justice Khanna, referring to unrest reported in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district linked to the Waqf issue.

Although no interim order was passed during the session, the bench discussed possible provisions for temporary relief, including:

Suspending de-notification of properties declared as Waqf by courts.

Allowing Collectors to continue proceedings on disputes, but without enforcing new provisos.

Ensuring that members of Waqf Boards and Central Waqf Council (except ex officio roles) are Muslims, preserving religious integrity.

Before the court could issue a written directive, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, requested the bench to allow more time for arguments from parties supporting the Act.

⚖️ A Complex Political Landscape for Vijay

The dual developments—one judicial and the other religious—present a complex political landscape for TVK chief Vijay, who is already preparing for a deeper role in Tamil Nadu's politics ahead of upcoming elections.

While his legal activism against the Waqf (Amendment) Act may align him with sections of the Muslim community opposing centralization of religious matters, the fatwa and its implications could erode the support he has cultivated through symbolic gestures like hosting Iftar and wearing a skull cap at community events.

The TVK party, which positions itself as a progressive and secular alternative in Tamil Nadu politics, now faces a challenge in addressing this religious criticism without alienating either its core voter base or the state’s significant Muslim population.

🔍 What’s Next?

In a developing controversy, a Muslim cleric has issued a fatwa against Tamil actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay, who now leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

The fatwa alleges that Vijay is “anti-Muslim” — citing his past actions and public statements as "examples shown against Islam." It further condemns Vijay for allegedly inviting alcoholics and gamblers to an Iftar event, which the cleric labeled as both sinful and prohibited in Islam.

The statement warns Muslims in Tamil Nadu not to trust or include such individuals in religious functions, urging caution about political opportunism disguised as community engagement.

💬 So far, Vijay hasn’t responded to the fatwa. Will this impact his political journey — or is it just another chapter in the heated intersection of religion and politics?

Iftar Controversy: Thalapathy Vijay Faces Fatwa Over Alleged Disrespect to Islam Thalapathy Vijay’s attempt to connect with the Muslim community has led to serious allegations. A fatwa issued by Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, a leading Sunni cleric from Bareilly, states that the actor’s past actions and recent Iftar party insulted Islamic values. The Iftar, hosted by Vijay on March 8 at Chennai’s…

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh – April 17, 2025: A prominent Sunni Muslim organization in Uttar Pradesh has issued a fatwa against Tamil Nadu actor and politician Thalapathy Vijay, accusing him of disrespecting Islamic traditions during a recent Iftar gathering.

The fatwa was issued by Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilly, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat and Chief Mufti of Chashme Darul Ifta, in response to a public inquiry. The religious decree claims that Vijay has a history of portraying anti-Muslim sentiments and criticized his recent outreach to the Muslim community as politically motivated.

“Vijay Thalapathy is using Muslim sentiments to gain political advantage, despite his past actions and films showing Islam in a negative light,” said Maulana Razvi.

The controversy stems from an Iftar party hosted by Vijay on March 8 at the YMCA grounds in Chennai, where he appeared wearing a skull cap, participated in evening prayers, and shared a meal with attendees. The event was organized by his political party, TVK (Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam).

However, several Sunni Muslim leaders have expressed outrage, alleging that the event included individuals who were not observing the fast, and that it was disrespectful to Islamic customs.

The Tamil Nadu Sunnat Jamath filed a complaint on March 11 with the Chennai Police Commissioner, stating that the Iftar gathering was mismanaged and featured individuals they labeled as “drunkards and rowdies.”

“Muslims were insulted at the Iftar programme. Many attendees were not fasting and had no connection with the religious practice,” said Syed Kous, treasurer of Sunnat Jamath. “We are not seeking publicity. We demand legal action to prevent such incidents in the future.”

Maulana Razvi also cited Vijay’s 2022 film ‘Beast’, claiming it portrayed Muslims in a negative light, linking them to terrorism and extremism. He warned the Muslim community in Tamil Nadu against associating with Vijay and urged them to avoid including him in any religious activities.

“Inviting alcoholics and gamblers to Iftar is sinful,” he stated. “Muslims should keep their distance from him.”

TVK President Vijay Faces Fatwa from Sunni Muslim Body Over Controversial Actions

TVK chief Vijay has come under intense scrutiny from the Muslim community following a recent event that has sparked controversy across Tamil Nadu. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader hosted an Iftar party that has been described by some religious scholars as deeply disrespectful and politically motivated. In a statement released by Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, a prominent Islamic scholar and president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, a fatwa was issued against TVK chief Vijay accusing him of organizing an Iftar party that included individuals who were not observing Roza and were allegedly intoxicated or involved in gambling. The cleric's remarks triggered a wider debate about the intentions behind the event and the role of film stars transitioning into politics using religion as a political tool.

Tamil actor and Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) president Thalapathy Vijay has found himself at the center of controversy after a fatwa was issued against him by the All India Muslim Jamat (AIMJ). The fatwa, announced by AIMJ president Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, advises the Muslim community not to support the actor-turned-politician due to alleged disrespect towards Islamic values and the community.

According to Maulana Razvi, Vijay has previously portrayed Muslims negatively in several of his films, including titles like Kaththi and Beast, where he is accused of associating the community with terrorism. “He has formed a political party and is trying to win over Muslims. But in his films, he showed Muslims as those who spread violence,” Razvi said while addressing the media.

The controversy escalated after Vijay hosted an Iftar party, which is typically a spiritual and community-centered event during the holy month of Ramadan. Maulana Razvi alleged that individuals who were gamblers and alcohol consumers were among the attendees, which he claimed deeply offended Sunni Muslims in Tamil Nadu. “This is not how an Iftar should be conducted. It was disrespectful,” he stated.

Razvi added that the fatwa came in response to appeals from members of the Sunni Muslim community in Tamil Nadu who were upset by Vijay's actions. “As a religious leader, I was asked for guidance, and I issued a fatwa advising Muslims not to support him,” he said, emphasizing that this advisory is rooted in both religious and social concerns.

The timing of the fatwa is notable, as it follows previous reports that Vijay and his party TVK sought Y-category security from the central government due to perceived threats from the Muslim community. Political rivals alleged that the actor feared backlash over his film portrayals and public events.

VCK (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi) spokesperson Vanniarasu pointed to Vijay’s films as the source of the tension. “In Kaththi and Beast, Muslims were shown in a negative light. That portrayal has caused deep resentment,” he said, suggesting that this may have prompted the request for additional security.

However, TVK and its ally, the Tamil Nadu Muslim League, have strongly denied any wrongdoing. They claim the controversy is politically motivated, with accusations designed to drive a wedge between Vijay and Muslim voters. The parties accused the ruling DMK and its allies of orchestrating a campaign to damage Vijay’s image among minority communities ahead of future elections.

As the issue continues to unfold, the fatwa has sparked widespread debate in Tamil Nadu’s political and social circles. Vijay, a hugely popular figure in the Tamil film industry, has been steadily building his political base. However, incidents like this highlight the challenges he faces in navigating sensitive communal dynamics while transitioning from cinema to full-fledged politics.

Vijay and TVK have not yet issued an official statement in response to the fatwa. Political analysts suggest the party may adopt a cautious approach, focusing on damage control while emphasizing its commitment to inclusive politics.