Moeen Ali targeted on Twitter for making a sketch of Viv Richards

England all-rounder Moeen Ali had a great time in the 3rd Test against South Africa, especially in the fourth innings of the match. He became the first England spinner to take a hat-trick in a Test match since 1938. His match-winning spell helped England take a 2-1 lead in the 4-match Test series. However, after such a great game, the all-rounder was the latest victim of the social media trolls.

Moeen made a sketch of the legendary West Indian cricketer Sir Viv Richards and asked the people on social media to bid for his painting. However, his noble cause was not appreciated by many who stated that it is against Islam to paint. Meanwhile, the painting will be auctioned by Cricket United, a cricket charity awareness campaign that financially supports the Professional Cricketers’ Association.

Against the traditions of Islam

The 30-year old posted a picture of himself with the sketch and invited bids for his painting on social media with a message saying, “Please do support @Cricket United and bid on my drawing of Sir Viv to support @PCA @Chance2Shine @LordsTaverners”. It was a lovely gesture from the English cricketer, but many people on Twitter were of the opinion that his act was against the traditions of the religion.

Here is the sketch he made

Please do support @CricketUnited and bid on my drawing of Sir Viv to support @PCA @Chance2Shine @LordsTaverners https://t.co/EB2pbSjufX pic.twitter.com/apaQ80PAoG

— Moeen Ali (@MoeenAli) July 26, 2017

Some of the replies from religion experts on Twitter

Thanks Mo! This is a great effort and everyone can get bidding now!! https://t.co/JNNuQbsPYy

— Cricket United (@CricketUnited) July 26, 2017

Bro painting is not allowed in Islam. U can try something else to raise funds. Ur intentions r clean but avoid haraam ways 4 noble causes

— mohammad umair (@umairdotansari) July 31, 2017

dont u know brother, to draw such paintings/drawings is NOT allowed in Islam? as per my little knowledge.

— EngrMuhammad Zeeshan (@engr_zeeshi) July 26, 2017

Acrding to Hadis-“Every image maker will be in the Fire.”it is offensive and they will be told, ‘Give life to that which you have created.’”

— MD HUSN UMMAN (@MDHUSNUMMAN) August 3, 2017

Pls read Quran n sahi hadith…instead blindly following Fuzulay amal ,be a follower of sahabas/salaf

— Amjad (@Amjadpen) August 3, 2017

pic.twitter.com/Yf8U10m8C3

— EngrMuhammad Zeeshan (@engr_zeeshi) August 2, 2017

Moeen Ali’s astounding career so far

The 30-year-old has represented England in 40 Tests so far since making his debut in 2014. He has scored 2090 runs with 5 hundreds and picked up 116 wickets in the longer format of the game. He has also played 58 ODIs and 22 T20Is and has scored 1194 and 202 runs respectively. The left-handed batsman is a vital member of the side across all formats of the game.

England will be taking on the Proteas in the 4th Test match at the Old Trafford, Manchester on Friday. Ali will certainly be warming up to take the field in the final Test match, as he is the highest wicket-taker of the series with 18 wickets in his bag.