Celebrities don't preach but learn, says Faysal

In two video clips circulating online, actor Faysal Quraishi addressed the common critique that celebrities face when they host Ramazan transmissions during the auspicious month.

In one clip, Faysal spoke up on the matter during a local transmission. "I've often seen and read people saying, 'Now, celebrities will teach us Islam.' That is absolutely not my or anyone else's intention. Be it any programme, it is not our aim to school you. In fact, we are here to learn, too," he began.

Touching upon the principles he has picked up over the years, he added, "Believe me, it's my fourth consecutive year hosting a Ramazan transmission, and I've learnt a lot myself. There is so much that I've studied, grasped, realised, and understood that it has helped me shape my daily routine. For example, Surah Rehman has taught me to keep the scale of justice balanced."

Aside from bringing up the topic on television, the 51-year-old actor also replied to a question pertaining to this criticism in a video shared to social media on Tuesday. "Normally, people think we can't do Ramazan transmissions because of our behaviour throughout the year, because they think we preach religion. We are not here to teach religion; there are respected scholars that teach Islam. They tell us what to do," he maintained.

"Alhamdulillah, we are also Muslims. We pray and we fast. I don't think we need to show that off to the world. We also perform our work duties. It's not as if we compromise on our values and then host these shows. That would even make us feel weird," he said.

Faysal added that it is the job of celebrities to act with respect to the audience that follows them. "I feel that we are also learning along the way and we would like the public to do the same," he concluded.

The Farq actor's level-headed response earned him the appreciation of netizens, who flooded the comments section with clapping emojis. "Let the world talk; that's what it does best. You're doing a very good job. Please, keep doing it. Love you, Faysal bhai," a user wrote.

"Allah is giving you the opportunity to sit with these respected scholars and learn the ways of the faith from them. Other than that, only Allah knows who He favours. May He grant us all the ability to do good," prayed another.

"It is upsetting that we judge others and criticise their faith instead of minding our own. You aren't doing anything that should forbid you from taking on Ramazan transmissions. Those who dictate other people's lives are in the wrong," a user echoed.