Mishari Rashid responds to an account accusing him of "trafficking in religion": Attracting likes

An account called "Hoda Janat" sparked a wave of interaction on Twitter after it published a tweet criticizing what it called "merchants of religion." It pointed out that they live in excessive luxury and shop in Europe for designer clothes and handbags costing thousands of dollars, despite the fact that, according to the account, they publicly advocate for austerity and reliance on God. Get the latest celebrity ads directly on the Special app, where we show you everything new from international stars.

A video showing Mishary Rashid Al-Afasy sparks reactions

The account, Hoda Janat, attached a tweet with a video clip of Sheikh Mishary Rashid Al-Afasy exiting the airport, dressed in modern clothes and carrying a suitcase. A number of followers interpreted this insinuation as a direct accusation of hypocrisy between his public appearance and personal behavior.

Reply from Al-Afasy

Sheikh Mishary Rashid Al-Afasy's response was swift and clear, beginning with his question: "When did I ever shout in Mecca? I wish I had, for giving sincere advice in Mecca is an honor I have never attained." The most important thing that came in Al-Afasy’s response:

He stressed that he is a Kuwaiti reader and not a "political preacher." He denied allegations that he shouted or raised populist slogans in Mecca. He said that his clothing did not violate the faith or the teachings of the religion. He stressed that clothing does not disgrace religion, and that faith is not measured by brands. He concluded his response with a strong hint: “Our destiny is to be famous and for every dog to dare to bark at us, and every sheep to pretend to bark.” Who's responsible? Does fame mean a loss of privacy?

This controversy has reopened the debate about the lives of celebrities in the religious sphere, and whether it is logical to hold them accountable for their dress and travel, especially when they are on special missions or outside the context of advocacy. Enjoy interesting and useful content with an exclusive podcast that provides you with everything you need to know in just a few minutes via the Special app.

Do we still measure piety by appearance?

Ultimately, this debate raises a profound question: Is it fair to judge people's intentions based solely on their appearance? In the age of images and social media, the line between the personal and the public has become very thin, making any public appearance open to interpretation and possibly attack, especially by those with opinion or media influence.