World

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 | 9 years ago | Reply @ashar: Get the ** out of my country. People like you are destroying this society with your b.s.

Bilal | 9 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.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS

SugarDaddy | 9 years ago | Reply "What she has done is wrong." @JOHN SMITH: Not too many Muslims have a name like "John Smith". I suggest you correct that before deciding who is "wrong" or right.

Anon | 9 years ago | Reply I have nothing against her dress, but many people disagree that what she is doing is right and they should not be criticized for voicing their opinion. The people who object to her dress have the right to defend their beliefs. Imagine the outrage in the west if one of their female athletes was required to wear a burqa to perform in a sports. For me the important point is that she should be free to do whatever she wishes. Very important! The Muslim countries should also fight for a different dress code for their female athletes so that the clothing does not offend the majority of the Muslim girls and more females get the opportunity to participate

JOHN SMITH | 9 years ago | Reply What she has done is wrong. A wrong can never be made right, no matter what.

ashar | 9 years ago | Reply @SALEEM: Nobody is asking her to change. she is free to do porn. Islam is a religion that wants a follower woman to live a modest life with regards to everything that includes her dress. If she does not follow it then the criticism is on her duality of character. She should choose one side. No body can go along like this. If the Islamic Ulema do not criticize then this would endorsed that any body who violates the religious norms will not be checked and in this way it will be accepted, which is not possible for those who actually follow the only true religion in letter and spirit. This criticism is to show the world that this cannot be endorsed in Islam. What she does in her life onward in not the business of those who raise their voice against it. It is only to set the record straight.

SALEEM | 9 years ago | Reply She should be fully supported and anyone criticising her are stupid

Replying to X