Mavazi ya Mwanaspoti Muislamu yazua zogo

A Muslim gymnast has been criticised by religious leaders for wearing a ‘revealing’ leotard during a double-gold victory at the Southeast Asia Games.

Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, 21, represented Malaysia at the competition, where she won six medals, including two golds.

But she was rebuked by leaders and social media trolls for showing her “aurat” – an Islamic word referring to the genitalia and thighs.

Cleric Harussani Zakaria told one local paper: “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).

“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.”

_{Farah Ann Abdul Hadi competes at the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore (AFP)}

He added that Muslim men wear shorts that cover their knees during football, and Muslim women should make similar concessions.

Roszida Kamaruddin, head of the female wing of the National Muslim Youth Association, added: “Women should not be stopped from sports, but they must prioritise the Islamic codes in sports.

“Furthermore, there are many Muslim female athletes who succeed even by covering their aurat.”

But thousands of her fans have defended her on social media, writing messages of support.

Source:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/11683079/Muslim-gymnast-criticised-for-revealing-leotard-as-she-wins-gold.html