Muhammad Rizwan’s video praying on New York street triggers heated debate online

While some called it a ‘cheap publicity stunt,’ other users praised his devotion, emphasising freedom of expression

In a recent incident that has sparked a lively debate on social media, Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Rizwan found himself at the centre of attention after a video clip emerged of him praying on a New York street. The clip, shared on Twitter, quickly gained traction, eliciting a wide range of opinions from users across the platform.

While some called it a “cheap publicity stunt” and questioned the necessity of praying on a public street given the availability of mosques and multi-faith rooms, his supporters lauded his devotion, citing Islamic teachings and emphasising freedom of expression.

Sports journalist Farid Khan took to the micro-blogging site on Monday with a clip that captured the moment Rizwan stopped his car to offer his prayers. “Mohammad Rizwan stopped his car and offered namaz on the street in the US,” he wrote.

Mohammad Rizwan stopped his car and offered namaz on the street in US 🇺🇲

Ma Shaa Allah ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2FDpXjEcQv

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) June 6, 2023

To which, a user replied, "I mean New York only has 275 mosques in the city, and Islam clearly emphasises praying in the congregation rather than alone, and numerous hadith speak about the rights of pedestrians and not obstructing public pathways, but hey mashAllah bro.”

I mean New York only has 275 mosques in the city, and Islam clearly emphasises praying in congregation rather than alone, and numerous hadith speak about the rights of pedestrians and not obstructing public pathways, but hey mashAllah bro. https://t.co/ZSZMwnYRaf

— Usman (@UsmanAhmad_iam) June 6, 2023

Others also criticised Rizwan for not utilising the available mosque facilities in New York City. "All these mosques in NY, yet this is the only street corner where Rizwan could stop and get himself filmed while praying!" a user exclaimed, sharing a map of the mosques in the area.

All these mosques in NY, yet this is the only street corner where Rizwan could stop and get himself filmed while praying! 👍🏽 https://t.co/3RQCePCjp2 pic.twitter.com/LQ1wlfGRnd

— 🇵🇰Zeeshan زیشان 🇮🇪 (@Z__AC) June 6, 2023

Another user highlighted the proximity of a nearby mosque. They tweeted, "The mosque is five minutes away from where he is standing but… well, you’re smart.”

The mosque is 5 mins away from where he is standing butt butt butt https://t.co/Z4L4wXghz6

— desi mojito 🇮🇳 (@desimojito) June 6, 2023

The exact place where Rizwan is standing and the distance from here to the nearest and central mosque of Manhattan is of 5 mins. Agay ap sary smjhdar ho. https://t.co/yIvoTZxxqC pic.twitter.com/B7cIi0a3It

— Noman (@censorednoman) June 6, 2023

A debate also emerged on how hypocritical all the people praising Rizwan are because if a non-Muslim prays in Pakistan openly, they wouldn’t be praising it. They tweeted, "Muslims do the trash talking about 'the West' should be thankful that they allow you for this stupidity... Some of the most hypocritical people exist on the earth. Will you tolerate people from other religions practising their faith in your country?"

Muslims do trashtalking about “the West”should be thankful that they allow you for this stupidity.. Will you tolerate people from other religions practicing their faith in your country? Most hypocrite people to exist on the earth.. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ https://t.co/nNTqfWNfUQ

— N ☀️ (@a_nidaaaa) June 6, 2023

In response to these criticisms, Reham Khan pointed out the existence of multi-faith rooms in various locations in the city. She wrote, "There are multi-faith rooms like everywhere. Never have I or my family both in the US or UK ever had to pray on the street."

There are multi faith rooms like everywhere. Never have I or my family both in the US or UK ever had to pray on the street. https://t.co/U2SRq6HIq0

— Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) June 6, 2023

Injecting humour into the conversation, a user quipped, "I'd start praying too midway on the street if I was returning to Pakistan."

I'd start praying too midway on the street if I was returning to Pakistan https://t.co/VRb1hTjSR2

— Zain (@zainnadeemm) June 6, 2023

Defenders of Rizwan's actions argued that he was not causing any inconvenience or disturbance. "The street is empty and it is not causing any problem to anyone. He is offering prayers on the sideway. I am 100% sure he wouldn't have asked it to film it so. So, I don't think why it is a problem for anyone?" tweeted a user.

The street is empty and it is not causing any problem to anyone. He is offering prayers on sideways. I am 100% sure he wouldn't have asked it to film it so. So, I don't think why it is a problem for anyone? https://t.co/CQMTrb5yd8

— Nerdie-Gunner (@Artillery96) June 6, 2023

Others praised the video for highlighting freedom of expression and indirectly addressing gender discrimination in some religious spaces. "The best thing about this video is the freedom of expression whilst I've been denied entrances in the Pakistani mosques because my prayers can get qaza but women in a masjid are a big no-no," a tweet read.

The best thing about this video is the freedom of expression whilst I've been denied entrances in the Pakistani mosques because my prayers can get qaza but women in a masajid are a big no no by the phallus-havers. https://t.co/AFE7I5rD5z

— Cassandra has issues. (@PoltclCassandra) June 6, 2023

A lighter response came from a user who commented, "Love how my boy triggered this lot. Here's another Rizwan," giving a playful nod to a reference from Shah Rukh Khan's movie My Name Is Khan.

love how my boy triggered this lot. here's another Rizwan: https://t.co/7UbuYE4ZVN pic.twitter.com/4jm6Lb3aVo

— Zaeem (@AreyRehneDo) June 6, 2023

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Rizwan joined the Harvard Business School's executive education programme on the Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports (BEMS), becoming the first two cricketers to join the prestigious school. The star duo participated in the programme from May 31 to June 3 at the school's campus in Boston, Massachusetts and are now engaged with various communities in the US till June 13.