Worship of football icons un-Islamic, says Samastha; Muneer says football is not only for children but also for adults

KOZHIKODE: Amid the football frenzy, IUML leader MK Muneer said that the passion for football is not only for children but also for adults. This came as a response to the direction of the Muslim outfit Samastha Kerala Jam-Iyyathul Khutba committee to avoid football addiction and that worship of football icons is un-Islamic. "All teams have supporters. Matters of Samastha should be asked of them. One should ensure that nothing bad happens due to overjoy", he said.

"A Muslim has to pray five times a day. However, the World Cup frenzy has affected the prayers of the faithful. There should be restraint in this regard", Samastha Kerala Jam-Iyyathul Khutba committee general secretary Nasar Faizi said. He said that it is unbelievable that even unemployed people are ready to spend money on erecting cutouts.

"Entertainment can be encouraged, but it should not become an addiction. We should worship God, not stars", he added.

The committee has asked the clerics to enlighten the faithful against the football madness during Friday prayer at mosques.

It also wanted the faithful to avoid supporting un-Islamic countries like Portugal, as the European country has a history of invasion and is one of the first invaders in India.