Outrage Over Farah Ann Abdul Hadi’s Leotard: Women “Must Prioritize The Islamic Codes In Sports Attire” [Video]
Malaysian gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi took home gold medals from the 2015 Southeast Asian Games in the women’s floor exercise and women’s team events, but it seems the Muslim community can only focus on her leotard. Criticized for exposing her “aurat,” or her genital area, her criticizers feel she should cover up better, slamming Farah on social media for wearing a traditional gymnast’s leotard.
In addition to her two gold medals, Farah Ann Abdul Hadi also brought home silver in the female individual events, plus three bronze medals — quite an achievement for any athlete. As required by the regulations of gymnasts, Farah Ann wore a traditional leotard during her medal-winning performances that exposed the parts of her body necessary for judges to assess her performance correctly.
Gold-winning Muslim gymnast criticised for wearing this 'revealing' leotard http://t.co/lGBTrdej5b pic.twitter.com/egfeXqR8Ao
— The Independent (@Independent) June 17, 2015
But despite her stellar performance, senior officials in Malaysia think Abdul Hadi should quit sports altogether. “Gymnastics is not for Muslim women. It is clear that exposing one’s aurat and the shape of one’s body is haram [forbidden in Islam],” stated Senior Islamic cleric Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria, according to the Examiner.
“If Muslim women want to participate in gymnastics, they have to find outfits which cover the ‘aurat’ and this, in turn, might not be suitable for the sport,” the Islamic cleric continued, implying that Farah Ann should compete in clothing other than her leotard.
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, Farah Ann Abdul Hadi fired back at her detractors, posting on Facebook, “Empty cans make the most noise.”
According to News.com.au, Federal MP Jamil Khir Baharom announced he’ll assign a task force to review “Islamic compliance for clothing used for sports and other fields” following complaints on social media. Facebook users slammed Farah Ann Abdul Hadi for allowing her “aurat” to be seen through her purple leotard.
The politician, who runs the Malasian Islamic Affairs office, told parliament that it was the responsibility of all Muslims, Abdul Hadi included, to cover their “aurat,” reports News.com.au. He indicated this rule shouldn’t just apply to females like Farah, but to all Muslims, regardless of gender.
Men weren’t the only one questioning whether Farah Ann Abdul Hadi should wear a leotard. Head of the female wing of the National Muslim Youth Association in Malaysia, Roszida Kamaruddin, told the media that “women should not be stopped from sports, but they must prioritize the Islamic codes in sports attire.”
[Image from YouTube]
