GUWAHATI: Teen music sensation of Assam Nahid Afrin has been asked to stay away from musical performances by a group of Islamic clerics terming it as anti-Sharia.

Nahid, the first runners up in Indian Idol Junior in 2015 edition was supposed to perform at Hojai in Nagaon district on March 25. However, a group of 46 Islamic clerics, teachers of madrassa and others have issued a statement asking her not to perform.

However, Nahid is confident of continuing her performance. “I’m speechless. I never thought this could ever happen to me. I think my music is God’s gift to me. I will never bow down to it (dictate) and will never leave singing. I want this issue stop here. There are many young singers coming up in the state. I don’t want it to have a negative impact on those youngsters,” said 16 year old Nahid.

A class X student who lives in Biswanath Chariali, Nahid initially, broke down hearing the news. However, she reacted confidently once the entire state put its weight behind her. Several professional Muslim women in Assam have come out in her support, particularly on the social media.

“It’s a matter of regret that some of our brothers have been involved in some anti-Sharia activities. We are very sorry to tell you all people through this notice. Performance of magic shows, music-dance, drama, theatre etc are against the sharia,” said the clerics notice distributed among the public.

Nahid’s father Anowar Ansari said that his daughter has done nothing wrong. “We are hurt at this. Music is her worship and I don’t want it to get hampered,” said Ansari.

After the issue was flashed in news by local news channels, people from all the walks of life have whole-heartedly supported Nahid and condemned the act of the clerics.

“Is music banned in Islam? Why such events are opposed in some areas? The girl was making us proud with her talents. We can’t tolerate this. We are with you Nahid,” said Hafiz Ahmed, president of Char Chapori Sahitya Parishad (CCSP), a literary body.

Fazlul Karim, an office bearer of Assam State Jamiat Ulama said that it was not a ‘Fatwa’ against Nahid Afrin. “These clerics are far superior to Nahid. There are thousands of Nahids in the world. If someone is trying to create a controversy for their gain, the clerics will not shy away from their stand. We whole-heartedly welcome the move,” Karim wrote on his Facebook.

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ABDUL GANI