Shia Board says that fatwa on Sania Mirza uncalled for

10 September, 2005

The All-India Shia Muslim Personal Law Board strongly condemned the comments of some Muslim leaders on the choice of Indian tennis star Sania Mirza's on court dress. The board even went on to praise Sania Mirza for her achievements and asked leaders not to meddle with the sports arena.

"The fatwa issued against Sania by a section of Muslim clerics is unnecessary and uncalled for. It is not for them to issue guidelines on what players should wear during matches", said the chairman of the board Mirza Mohammad Athar.

Athar lauded Sania Mirza for bringing pride to the community and the country by becoming the first Indian to reach the fourth round of the US Open. He went on to say that Sania Mirza had become a role model for the Muslim community and the country.

Athar urged Muslim leaders to encourage Sania Mirza to achieve even greater heights and bring pride to the community and the nation. "They should not demoralise her by issuing fatwas on her dresses", he added.