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Support pours in for Muslim gymnast criticised for 'revealing' costume

Fans flood social media with support for Hadi; laud her for the medals she won for Malaysia

Urooj Jawed June 20, 2015

Fans flood social media in support of Hadi, thanking her for the medals she won for her country. PHOTO: FACEBOOK

Farah Ann Abdul Hadi sparked controversy when she wore what some in the Muslim community considered a 'revealing' costume at the Southeast Asia games, where she was successful in winning six medals for her country.

Cleric Harussani Zakaria in a statement to a local paper said “Gymnastics is not for Muslim women. It is clear that exposing one’s aurat and the shape of one’s body is forbidden in Islam.”

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

Regardless of the hurtful comments by the Muslim community over her leotard which revealed her "aurat", Hadi, 21, had fans from all over the world supporting her.

Read: Muslim gymnast criticised for 'revealing' costume as she wins double-gold

Twitter and Facebook went viral with overwhelming comments for the Malaysian athlete from fans calling themselves "FARAHnatics."

The list of supporters also included Khairy Jamaluddin, Malaysia's youth and sports minister.

In gymnastics Farah wowed the judges and brought home gold. In her deeds only the Almighty judges her. Not you. Leave our athletes alone.
— Khairy Jamaluddin 🇲🇾🌺 (@Khairykj) June 12, 2015

It further grew with the international restaurant joint Nando's praising Hadi on Twitter.

Dear SEA Games athletes, #WeSoProudOfYou #hatersgonnahate #loversgonnalove #valentinobonjovibong #farahann #teamMY pic.twitter.com/r8jEZ2xHag
— Nando's Malaysia (@NandosMY) June 19, 2015

The supporters offered a more insightful and different approach to the matter compared to the extremists.
https://twitter.com/KPRAO3/status/609350309601656833

Empty cans makes the most noise.
- Farah Ann

Gold for Malaysia. Respect. #FARAHANN
— RABBITMAC (@hollarabbitmac) June 13, 2015

https://twitter.com/HalinaZaini/status/609308669465923585

A fan page, Farah Ann Abdul Hadi For Malaysia was created on Facebook where supporters came together to congratulate the gymnast and share pictures and videos of her stunts.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

Overwhelmed with the support, young Hadi came out to thank her fans, stating "I love you all. Thank you again for all the support and words of encouragement. It means so much to me."

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

COMMENTS (7)

Noman Ansari | 8 years ago | Reply @ashar: Get the ** out of my country. People like you are destroying this society with your b.s.

Bilal | 8 years ago | Reply @ashar: Islamic ulema? Criticizing? Please. All they do is post ridiculous statements and fatwas nowadays. Ita high time they were thrown out of check. For your duakity, either stick with the jhilafat system that islam suggested or live on your own. Tgere was never such a thing as an islamic ulema leading the muslim ummah. Today. The islam that we see is co trolled much bt opportunists. The islam that was crsated had freedomnd only requested equality. So mr ashar, do check your own duality before criticizing a gymnast who won her country medals at an iternational stage.