Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, who is currently starring in the ongoing popular drama Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha, has received criticism from Muslim netizens after she posted pictures of herself posing in front of a clay Ganesha idol during her vacation in Cambodia. Her followers expressed their opposition to the pictures and even unfollowed her for offending their religious sensibilities.

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The Social Media Backlash

Hania Aamir faced severe social media backlash from Muslim netizens, who labeled her action as disrespectful and inappropriate for a Muslim to pose with an idol of a Hindu god. One user accused her of trying to impress her Indian fans, while another referred to her action as ‘shirk’ (idolatry or polytheism which is a sin in Islam).

Nikkhat Perween, a user, accused Hania Aamir of committing ‘shirk’ during Ramazan and warned her that ‘Allah’ (Islamic God) forgives everything except idolatry. She asked the actress to ‘return to Allah before it is too late’ and stated that Muslims should never commit ‘shirk’ even on ordinary days. She added ‘Shahada’ at the end of her criticism and asked ‘Allah’ to guide Hania Amir towards Islam.

Other netizens wished for Allah to provide the Pakistani star with guidance, and another unfollowed her because of ‘this.’ Meanwhile, someone wanted Allah to direct her and all other Muslim women to wear ‘Hijab.’ A Muslim lambasted Hania Aamir for being a blot in the name of ‘Islam.’ Another viewed that she doesn’t deserve to live in Pakistan while someone told her to have some shame.

Hania Aamir’s religious affiliation was even questioned by one Muslim, who remarked, “Sometimes I doubt that she is a Muslim in name only.”

History of Muslim Harassment of Indian Celebrities

Muslim netizens have a history of harassing Indian celebrities who post anything related to Hinduism or wish the Hindu community on their special occasions. Many, including Sarah Ali Khan, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Mohammad Kaif, and Zaheer Khan, have been repeatedly slandered by radical Muslims for participating in Hindu rituals or wishing Hindus on their festivals.

Hinduism in Cambodia

Hinduism has roots in Cambodia dating back to the Funan Kingdom, which ruled between 100 BC and 500 AD. Hinduism was one of the recognized religions under the Khmer Empire. The Khmers were the descendants of the queen of the Apsaras (heavenly Nymphs) named Mera and a Cambodian king named Kambu, according to local legends.

Kings worshipped Lord Shiva and Vishnu throughout this time. Hinduism was the predominant religion during the Khmer Empire’s rule until Jayavarman VII (reigned 1181–1188). The world’s largest complex of Hindu temples is located in this Southeast Asian country.

The Lord Vishnu temple at Angkor Wat, in the heart of the Khmer Kingdom, is one of the most renowned Hindu sites in the world. The temple’s walls are decorated in magnificent carvings that portray scenes and figures from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, as well as numerous exquisite Apsaras.

India was the first nation to respond and assist in rebuilding the prominent temple after Cambodia had requested the international community to help save Angkor Wat in the year 1980.

Cambodia’s official religion is Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism makes up roughly 97% of Cambodia’s population, with the majority of the minor remainder being comprised of Islam, Christianity, tribal anim