Fatwa Issued Against Thalapathy Vijay Over Iftar Party Controversy: Religious Sentiment or Political Misstep?

New Delhi – Popular Tamil actor and political newcomer Thalapathy Vijay has found himself at the center of a major religious and political storm following a controversial Iftar party organized as part of his outreach efforts. The incident has led to the All India Muslim Jamat (AIMJ) issuing a fatwa against him—a move that has stirred widespread debate across communities and political circles in Tamil Nadu.

What Is the Controversy About?

The controversy began when Vijay, who recently launched his political party Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), hosted an Iftar party during the holy month of Ramadan. While the gesture was initially perceived as a sign of inclusivity and communal harmony, the event soon drew criticism from various Muslim groups after it was revealed that individuals allegedly associated with gambling and alcohol consumption were invited to the gathering.

In Islam, both gambling and alcohol are considered haram (forbidden). Hosting an Iftar—an event deeply rooted in religious discipline and spiritual purity—with the presence of individuals who openly engage in such activities was seen by many as disrespectful and offensive to Islamic beliefs. This led to widespread backlash, particularly from Sunni Muslim groups in Tamil Nadu.

Who Issued the Fatwa and Why?

The All India Muslim Jamat, a prominent Islamic body, issued the fatwa under the leadership of Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi. In a statement, he urged Muslims to distance themselves from Vijay, accusing the actor of disrespecting Islamic traditions for political gains.

According to the fatwa, the decision was based on three key points:

Negative Portrayal of Muslims in Films: Vijay was accused of depicting Muslims in a negative or stereotypical light in some of his past films, including Kaththi and Beast. These portrayals, the AIMJ claims, have contributed to a growing sense of hurt among the Muslim community.
Un-Islamic Elements at a Religious Event: Inviting individuals who consume alcohol or are linked to gambling to a religious gathering like Iftar was seen as a violation of Islamic ethics and a misrepresentation of the sanctity of the event.
Politicization of Religion: The fatwa also accused Vijay of using Islamic practices for political mileage, implying that the event was less about unity and more about appeasing voters ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Public and Political Reactions

The issue has rapidly gained traction on social media, where hashtags like #IftarNotForAlcoholics have gone viral. While some users supported the fatwa, accusing Vijay of misusing a sacred ritual, many others—especially fans and political supporters—rallied behind him, calling the controversy a politically motivated attack by rival parties.

In response, Vijay’s party TVK and its allies denied all allegations, stating that the Iftar event was meant to promote religious harmony and inclusivity, not offend any faith. TVK also labeled the fatwa as a misguided attempt to divide voters and tarnish Vijay’s clean political image.

Leaders from the Tamil Nadu Muslim League, a party allied with TVK, also criticized the fatwa and emphasized that Vijay has never shown disrespect to any religion and has always maintained secular values.

Vijay’s Transition from Actor to Politician

Vijay, who has been one of the biggest names in Tamil cinema for over two decades, announced his political debut earlier this year. His party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam, aims to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with a focus on youth empowerment, anti-corruption, and social justice.

However, his sudden shift from films to politics means every public move is under a microscope. The Iftar controversy has exposed the fine line celebrities must walk when engaging in religious outreach, especially in a state like Tamil Nadu where identity politics and religious sentiments play a major role in elections.

What Is a Fatwa, Really?

A fatwa is a religious opinion or ruling issued by an Islamic scholar or institution on a matter of Islamic law. While it is not legally binding, it carries moral and religious weight, especially among devout Muslims. In this case, the fatwa does not call for any legal action but urges the Muslim community to avoid supporting Vijay due to his perceived disrespect toward Islamic values.

Conclusion: Religious Sentiment vs. Political Intent

The fatwa against Vijay highlights the sensitive intersection of religion, politics, and public image in India. While the actor-turned-politician may have intended the Iftar party as a gesture of goodwill, the backlash reveals how quickly such actions can be interpreted as tokenism or disrespect if not handled with cultural and religious awareness.

As Tamil Nadu gears up for a heated political season, Vijay’s team will likely need to navigate future outreach efforts more carefully, ensuring that efforts to engage communities do not result in controversy or backlash.

The incident serves as a reminder that in Indian politics, especially for public figures crossing over from entertainment, symbolism must be matched with sensitivity—or risk being seen as opportunism.