‘Islam ke usoolon ke khilaf..’: Nushrratt Bharucha SLAMMED by Muslim cleric for visiting Mahakaleshwar temple

On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, actress Nushrratt Bharuccha visited the Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, to mark the occasion of Putrada Ekadashi. This visit, which took place just days before the New Year 2026, was her second pilgrimage to the sacred temple dedicated to Lord Mahakal. For many, this is a significant spiritual journey, with devotees from all walks of life seeking blessings and strength from the divine.

During her visit, Nushrratt participated in the temple’s famous Bhasma Aarti, a ritual performed with great reverence and devotion at the crack of dawn. As part of the ceremony, she was presented with a stole by the temple priests, a gesture of respect for her participation in the sacred practices. However, the actress’s visit to the temple stirred controversy after being criticized by Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, a prominent Muslim cleric and the National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat. In a video that surfaced online, Barelvi voiced his disapproval of Nushrratt’s actions, pointing out that, as a Muslim, she was not permitted to engage in Hindu rituals.

Barelvi stated, ‘Nushrratt Bharuccha went to the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, offered prayers, poured water, and observed the religious traditions there. Islam does not permit all these acts. Sharia issues a ruling that Nushrratt Bharuccha should repent, recite istighfar, and recite the kalma. She has acted against the principles of Islam. Therefore, she has come under the jurisdiction of Sharia and is guilty of a serious major sin. It is necessary for her to repent.’ These words, shared in a video by IANS, ignited a debate surrounding religious practices and personal freedoms.

According to Barelvi, participating in these temple rituals, such as offering prayers, pouring water, and following the customs of the temple, was considered a violation of the tenets of Islam. He argued that such acts were a “grave sin” in the eyes of Sharia law, calling for Nushrratt to seek forgiveness.

The controversy raised important questions about religious tolerance, with some supporting Nushrratt’s right to freely practice her spiritual beliefs, while others backed Barelvi’s stance, emphasizing the importance of adhering to religious teachings.