Bhopal: Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has been served a legal notice for wearing a 200-year-old emerald pendant withAyat-ul-Kursi, verses from the holy Quran, on her Diwali look.
The notice was sent on November 11 by Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Abbas Hafeez.
Hafeez has expressed his discontent on how the sacred text was being showcased and has requested that Kareena issues a public apology, removes the photographs and videos from social media and assures that the text will be shown respectfully.
200-Year-Old Pendant From Bhopal Royal Family
Kareena faced backlash after posting pictures of herself in a beige kaftan by Punit Balana along with a matching turban and traditional jewellery.
The look includes a beautiful 30 carat emerald pendant withAyat-ul-Kursi – the 255th verse of Surah Al Baqarah from the Quran.
Rhea Kapoor, Kareena’s stylist said that the emerald had been a 200-year old heirloom from the Begums of Bhopal. Rhea also revealed that the jewellery came from Kareena’s husband Saif Ali Khan.
The pendant comes from Saif’s father’s mother Sajida Sultan. She was the daughter of the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal, Hamidullah Khan.
Why Is The Congress Leader Upset?
In the legal notice Abbas clarified that he was not upset with Kareena’s outfit, personal choice or jewellery, but that he was upset by the way the pendant was being shown.
Hafeez explained that the fashion and the way the pendant was being showcased in the images did not show the pendant the respect it deserved.
The notice also explains how some Islamic scholars have reservations about using verses from the Quran as jewellery. The notice explains that the sacred texts should be protected and assured that they are not being used in ways that could bring them disrespect. However, there can be varying opinions on how religions view the matter.
Hafeez also explained that the way the pendant was being presented has caused offence and concern to members of the Muslim community and those with historic and cultural ties to the former princely state of Bhopal.
Request For Public Apology And Removal Of Posts
Hafeez has requested that Kareena and Rhea Kapoor remove any photos, videos and posts referencing the pendant from their social media.
He has also requested that Kareena issues a public apology and assures that the sacred text will be shown with respect and not in a way that could cause offence.
Hafeez has clarified that he issued this notice on a personal level, not on behalf of the Congress party.
As of now there has been no response from Kareena Kapoor Khan or Rhea Kapoor.